Bitterroot Addressing Future Water Supply to Handle Growth

Hamilton city officials are looking to the future as they address critical needs for the area’s water and wastewater systems.

The Hamilton City Council will hold a public hearing tonight to discuss a grant application for a new water storage tank. According to city records, the project is necessary to increase system reliability and ensure the city has the capacity to support anticipated growth while maintaining safety standards.

This push for infrastructure follows a recent infusion of federal support. In March, officials announced that $2.5 million in federal funding has been secured specifically for a new Ravalli County Wastewater Treatment Plant. Local commissioners note that while the federal funds are a significant start, the total cost for the new facility could eventually exceed ten million dollars.

     Residents are encouraged to attend tonight's 7 pm hearing at City Hall to provide input on the new storage tank proposal.

Give a burro (or horse) a home this weekend

The Bureau of Land Management and Forever Branded are teaming up to host a wild horse and burro adoption event in Hamilton. Starting Friday, May 8th, approximately 70 animals will be available for adoption at the Matt Bischof Training Facility.

BLM officials say these adoptions are critical for maintaining healthy rangelands and ensuring a sustainable future for the herds. Animals adopted this weekend will also be eligible for the 2026 Missouri Branded Bonanza—a competition designed to help trainers and their new animals build domestic skills.

The event runs Friday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 to 4:00. For more details on adoption requirements, you can visit BLM.gov or contact Matt Bischof at 406-880-2529.

Lawmakers call for Windy Boy's resignation

A veteran Montana lawmaker is being stripped of his committee assignments today as Senate leadership ramps up calls for his resignation.

In a rare bipartisan move, Senate President Matt Regier and Minority Leader Pat Flowers announced the removal of Senator Jonathan Windy Boy from all interim committees. The "Committee on Committees" met this afternoon to appoint replacements for Windy Boy’s seats on the State-Tribal Relations and Finance and Claims committees.

The leadership duo cited a two-decade pattern of "repeated sexual harassment," including what they described as credible allegations of harassing communications to legislative staff and minors.

While leadership has the authority to strip Windy Boy of his responsibilities, they noted they cannot force him out of office, stating that the Senator—quote—"still needs to do the right thing and completely resign."

      Senator Windy Boy has represented the Box Elder area for over twenty years across both the House and Senate.

Governor sets plans for American 250 birthday in Montana

Governor Greg Gianforte is calling on Montanans to "ride together" into America’s next chapter.

Yesterday, the Governor joined the Montana 250 Commission to launch “Two Lights Montana.” It’s a statewide initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Named after the lanterns that signaled Paul Revere’s ride, the program focuses on three pillars: learning history, engaging in local government, and serving the community.

The effort will culminate on October 24th, 2026, with “Montana Makes a Difference Day,” a massive day of volunteerism across the state.

The Governor says he wants this initiative to signal to the rest of the nation that Montana still knows what it means to be an American in the 21st century. To find out how you can get involved, visit the celebration's website.