University of Montana Presidential Candidate Urges Teamwork

The man who could take over leadership at the University of Montana says he's ready to meet the challenges of higher education in the 2020s.

Dr. Jeremiah Shinn visited the Missoula campus this week, meeting with staff, students and university supporters.

He says he recognizes the challenges facing colleges, including the cost of higher education. But he's looking forward to working with UM administrators and faculty to find solutions.

"The University of Montana has a number of students that come here with different experiences and different needs," Shinn observed. "And so understanding what those are fully and being sure that we have designed processes, systems, and a culture intentionally to support them will be will be job number one."

Dr. Shinn first visited the UM campus last year while working as a consultant. He says he's impressed with the school, and believes former President Seth Bodnar left the university on an upward path he wants to continue.

"For me, it's about continuing the amazing trajectory that the university is on. In research, in enrollment, in financial sustainability. And so there will be a lot to learn about what each of those items looks like and exactly what they need, but I'm very pleased with where the university is."

"I think that it's primed for success in the future. And I'm looking forward to helping achieve what we all know is possible." -Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, UM Presidential Finalist

Shinn is currently the interim president at Boise State. The Board of Regents could make a decision within a few days.

FBI steps into machete attack case

Federal authorities are going to take a closer look at that machete attack involving youths in Popular last week, as well as other recent violence in the community.

As we reported last week, an 11-year-old was hurt in the fight, with a 13-year old girl and a 12-year old boy facing possible charges.

Now, The Journal is reporting the FBI is joining the investigation. That would typically be the case with adult crime on a reservation, but the reports from the area indicate the agency is interested in an uptick in violence and is working with Fort Peck Law Enforcement as the investigation continues.

Fire leads to rescue

Another big fire over the weekend in Lewistown say firefighters make a dramatic rescue when a resident was caught inside a burning house.

The rescue happened in the 500 block of North Elm. Lewistown Fire reports the fire and smoke were intense, and at first, firefighters couldn't reach the trapped person. But a second attempt got them to safety, and eventually to the Central Montana Medical Center for treatment.