Montana/Region

Wildfire leads to more evacuations in Montana

HELENA (AP) — A month-old wildfire flared up in western Montana, forcing the evacuation of hundreds more homes and devouring another large chunk of forest as the drought-stricken state struggles with one of its worst wildfire seasons in years.

Grand Teton park to outshine bigger Yellowstone for eclipse

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Its jagged, soaring peaks rise high over northwest Wyoming, but Grand Teton National Park is always in the shadow of its world-renowned neighbor, Yellowstone National Park.

Huge Montana wildlife reserve purchases a 46,000-acre ranch

BILLINGS (AP) — A sprawling central Montana nature reserve has purchased a 46,000-acre (186-square kilometer) ranch bordering a federal refuge as it advances toward its goal of establishing a Connecticut-sized park where bison and other wildlife can roam freely.

Montana News Briefs

Court strikes down 

condemnation of mining claims

North Dakota offers to settle with Dakota Access developer

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — North Dakota regulators offered Monday to settle state allegations that the Texas-based developer of the Dakota Access oil pipeline improperly reported the discovery of American Indian artifacts during construction.

Team creates device to help find, fight mussels

KALISPELL (AP) — The pristine waters of Flathead Lake that have supported local residents’ way of life for centuries are being threatened by invasive species that have devastated lakes and waterways across the country.

150 homes ordered to evacuate amid wildfire

MISSOULA (AP) — Montana authorities ordered residents to evacuate about 150 homes in the western part of the state Sunday because of a lightning-caused wildfire.

Elk romp at a secret Fight Club locale in a Montana meadow

HAMILTON (AP) — Craig Jourdonnais was amazed when he stumbled upon what might be “Fight Club” for young bull elk.

He was hiking in western Montana — he politely declined to be more specific — when he came to an area where a number of trails intersected.

Residents of smoke-choked Seeley Lake advised to evacuate

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HELENA (AP) — The smoke pouring into a small Montana town from a nearby wildfire has gotten so bad that health officials are warning residents to leave the area, or at least find somewhere else to sleep at night when the smoke is at its worst.

Man gets life for killing 2 who stopped to help him on road

BILLINGS (AP) — A judge sentenced a 20-year-old man to life in prison Thursday for killing a couple who stopped to help him alongside a road on Montana’s Crow Indian Reservation.