Montana Congressmen Object to Mine Plans After Public Outcry

Three members of Montana's Congressional delegation are wasting no time reacting to the burst of opposition to the proposed Sheep Creek mine on the headwaters of the Bitterroot River.

An estimated 500 people showed up at a hearing in Hamilton on Monday, complaining about the impacts of the U.S. Critical Materials mine on Sheep Creek. Ravalli County commissioners fired off a letter echoing those concerns.

Now, both Senator Tim Sheehy and Representative Ryan Zinke are responding, saying the Sheep Creek project should be removed from the Department of the Interior's "Fast-41" list.

Sheehy says while he supports "unleashing Montana's resource economy and mining industry", he believes "local voices must be heard loudest when considering public lands policy." Zinke says "bypassing the mechanisms that allow for transparency and accountability is the wrong way" to mine.

Later, Senator Steve Daines spoke out as well, posting a Facebook statement which said the country "must increase critical mineral mining, but in a responsible, locally driven way." He faulted the company for not engaging with the local community and said he "can't support the project" until they do.

New Heritage Center is huge for history buffs

Montana Historical Society Board President Tim Fox says the completion of the new Montana Heritage Center is not only a breakthrough in how Montanans and other visitors can enjoy the state's colorful history. He says it also opens a facility that can be used for meetings, public gatherings, and even weddings.

Fox, Governor Gianforte and others gathered yesterday to cut the ribbon for the new center, which has been years in development and construction.

Fox says the new center is nearly twice as large, adding 70,000 square feet.

"We'll go from about the ability to have 8 to 9% of the artifacts displayed at any point in time to probably twice that. And that's a great deal because there's so much history to be learned and to be enjoyed." -Tim Fox, Montana Historical Society

Fox says Tuesday's event was a "soft opening" as more of the facility comes online in 2026.

"Probably in about January, the archives will open again for researchers and writers," Fox explained on Montana Talks. "We can accommodate them much better than we could before. It's going to be a very secure, safe place. We'll have the ability to showcase many of the artifacts that the state owns that never saw the light of day before."

Sheriff thanks community for help with courthouse threats

Fallon County Sheriff Trenton Harbaugh is thanking the community for its cooperation as authorities dealt with a tense standoff with an armed suspect last week.

In addition to calling resources, officers placed a portion of Baker on pre-evacuation notice and told courthouse employees to shelter in place after the suspect had called a deputy, making demands and threatening to "come down armed to the teeth." Officers were able to make contact and determine his whereabouts, taking him into custody without anyone being hurt. He was armed with a 45-caliber handgun and several magazines of ammunition.

Yellowstone County "bond scam" warnings

The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office is warning people about scammer's continued use of the "bail bonds" scam.

The department posted on Facebook this week, reminding Billings area residents that law enforcement will NEVER call, text, or message asking someone to send bail money, wire funds, or buy gift cards. And they're urging everyone to share that message to keep people from being victimized.

Big money for Blackfeet school

Blackfeet Community College leaders are saying an $8-million gift will be "transformational" to the tribal college in Browning. The gift, which comes from McKenzie Scott, the philanthropist and former wife of Amazon's Jeff Bezos, is the largest the college has ever received.

Playoff tickets are going fast

Remaining tickets are now on sale for the big NAIA playoff game between Montana Tech and the College of Idaho this weekend. The Orediggers made the game after that competitive 31-21 win over Carroll College. Before noon, only season ticket holders and corporate sponsors could purchase tickets, but they're now on sale to the general public.