HELENA – Montana’s first mussel-fouled watercraft of the year was intercepted at the Anaconda watercraft inspection station on March 10.  

The pontoon boat was recently purchased used in North Dakota and was travelling along Interstate 90 west toward Ephrata, Wash. Mussels were found along the hull throughout the lifting strakes as well as the transom and gimbal areas. Inspectors performed a full decontamination on site, and the boat was locked to the trailer. Previous launch information was unknown, but the new owner believed it had not been in the water since last summer. 

All watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected. Watercraft must be drained of all water before transporting. 

Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of aquatic invasive species (AIS) which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. Boaters must stop at all watercraft inspections stations they encounter. 

Learn more at fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440. 

HELENA – Landowners have until March 15 to apply for Unlocking Public Lands (UPL) Program or the Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) Program. These programs are designed to provide public access to state or federal land where access is either limited or doesn’t exist.   

Gallatin County is the proud recipient of a federal grant that will allow our landfill to work with public and private partners to help reduce food waste in our communities. 

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded Gallatin County a $400,000 grant to help expand composting operations at Logan Landfill to include food wastes and biosolids.  

The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District (GSWMD) owns and operates Gallatin County’s landfill. Last year, over 200,000 tons of waste were landfilled in Logan. Based on national averages and a waste audit, it’s estimated that 35,000 to 40,000 tons of this is compostable waste.  

Through this new project, GSWMD will expand their biosolids compost operation to include food waste and produce compost that can be distributed to local agricultural producers.  

The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) operates food banks, food production gardens, Montana’s first and only pay-what-you-can restaurant and food truck, the Warming Center, and public transportation systems in Gallatin County. In its operations, HRDC actively rescues food from grocery stores, farms, and bakeries and feeds the community. Unusable food is either given to animal farmers or composted.  In 2022, HRDC rescued over 730,000 pounds of food.  

This grant will also allow HRDC to expand its food rescue operation to include restaurants and more farms, rescuing an estimated 100,000 additional pounds of food each year.   

“The need for more food in our food banks continues to grow with the high cost of living. It is important now more than ever for us to collect the excess food in our community and distribute it through a meal or our self-choice grocery store,” said Jon Horn, Gallatin Valley Food Bank Operations Manager.  

“This project will allow us to rescue usable food to feed folks in need in our community, compost food and green waste, and create a beneficial product for local residents and farmers, all while diverting the waste from our landfill. This project is a major win for Gallatin County, and we are excited to work with our partners to get this project underway,” said Jim Simon, director of the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District. 

With the grant now in hand, GSWMD is working to develop and build a Covered Aerated Static Pile at Logan Landfill for compositing. They anticipate the site will be ready to start compositing food waste in spring of 2025. 

GSWMD will also be working with HRDC, the Gallatin Conservation District, the Open and Local Coalition, and Prospera Business Network on education, outreach and compost distribution efforts.  

HELENA – Several watercraft inspection stations begin operation in early March to check snowbird boat traffic returning from mussel-positive areas such as Lakes Mead and Havasu. Boat owners coming to Montana must have their vessel inspected for aquatic invasive species (AIS) at a Montana watercraft inspection station prior to launch.

The stations near Dillon, Ravalli and Anaconda will open this weekend. FWP works closely with partners for station operation and cotracts with  the Beaverhead Conservation District for operation of the Dillon station and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for operation of the Ravalli station. Inspections will also be available at the FWP Region 1 office in Kalispell in March to help accommodate requirements for Mac Days.

Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways.

Boat owners should ensure their watercraft, trailers and gear are clean, drained and dry before transporting and need to be aware of Montana’s inspection rules:

• All watercraft coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected prior to launching.

• All watercraft traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin must be inspected prior to launching.

• Anyone transporting watercraft must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter.

• And all boaters are reminded to always clean drain and dry their boat, live wells, anchors, boots and gear when leaving the water.

Troy, MI -  The Men's Division 2 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association is proud to announce this year's West Region Co-Coaches of the Year, David Weaver from Montana State and Yosh Ryujin from Weber State University.

Mr. Weaver led the Bobcats to a 34-3-0 record this year, and the #1 seed in the West Region.  This ranking was high enough to secure Montana State an auto bid to the National Championship for the second year in a row and first time the program history, the top seed in the Region.  Montana State was one of the most dominant teams in all of Division 2, going 27-2 vs. teams ranked in the Top 20 in a region.

Weaver had three players make the All West Region Teams, Jorgen Johnson, Rhys Phelps, and Hayden Klem, all 1st team honors at their positions.  For Weaver this is his third West Region Coach of the Year, and second consecutive year, with last season Mr. Weaver also claiming the Men's Division 2 National Coach of the Year award.

Weber State returns to the Nationals for the first time in over 8 years.  Ruijin's team posted a 22-10-2 record this year and claimed and auto bid to Nationals by finishing #2 in the West Region.  This is the first auto bid for the Wildcats since the regional format was introduced.  WSU went 17-13-0 vs. teams ranked in the Top 20 in a region.

Two players on Mr. Ruijin's team were selected to the All-West Region Teams with Bryon Fobair making the 1st team and Jack Jones being selected to the 2nd team.

Dave and Yosh, along with the other Regional Coaches of the Year, are the finalists for the 2023/2024 Men's Division 2 National Coach of the Year, which will be announced this month.

 A man has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on Interstate 90 in Gallatin County in January.  

On Feb. 27, the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office charged 23-year-old Alexander Norbert Ledoux of Bozeman with Vehicular Homicide While Under the Influence, Fleeing from or Eluding a Peace Officer and 6 counts of Criminal Endangerment.  

Ledoux is charged with killing 22-year-old Laysa Grewell after driving approximately 20 miles in the wrong direction on I-90. Grewell and her fiancé have a 1-year-old child and had recently learned they were expecting a second child. When he crashed into Grewell, LeDoux was travelling approximately 100 MPH with a blood alcohol content of .198. 

Ledoux will make his initial appearance in Gallatin County District Court at 9:30 a.m. on March 28, 2024 before Judge Andrew Breuner. At this hearing, Ledoux will enter a plea to the charges and subsequent hearings will be scheduled.  

Gallatin County Attorney Shannon Foley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Montana Highway Patrol.  

Here are the affidavit of probable cause and information charging Ledoux. Additional court documents can be found in the Clerk of District Court’s Office at the Law and Justice Center in Bozeman. Case number: DC 24-131D. 

BOZEMAN — Steven Swinford, a longtime faculty member and administrator at Montana State University, has been named the university’s new vice president for student success, MSU President Waded Cruzado announced today.

Swinford, who has been serving as interim vice president for student success since July 2023, was selected for the role after a national search. Swinford will assume the permanent position immediately.

“Over the years, Dr. Swinford has displayed an unwavering commitment to our students, and we know they will be in good hands with him at the head of this important part of our university,” Cruzado said.

The MSU vice president for student success provides oversight, management and strategic planning for Student Success’ many services, including Admissions; ASMSU; Campus Recreation; Dean of Students; Disability Services; Financial Aid Services; Leadership Institute; Registrar; Student Engagement; Student Wellness; and Veterans Services. The mission of Student Success is to enhance the learning environment of the university; support students in the attainment of their educational objectives; foster in students a sense of responsibility, self-directedness, community and a positive identity with MSU. The vice president is a member of MSU's senior leadership team and reports to Cruzado.

Swinford has been at MSU since 1996, when he arrived as an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. He was promoted to associate professor in 2002 and later, in 2021, was named vice provost for curriculum, assessment and accreditation.

“I am excited to serve as MSU’s next vice president for student success,” Swinford said. “In Student Success we strive to cultivate a supportive environment for our students, one where they experience transformational growth on their journey to a college degree. I look forward to working with all members of the university community to ensure and celebrate the success of our students.”

Among other awards, Swinford was recognized with an Outstanding Teaching Award in 2009; an Outstanding Faculty Award in 2018; and an Academic Advising Award in 2020. His research focuses on adolescents and emerging adults experiencing intimate violence and substance use issues as they transition to adulthood. Swinford also participates in initiatives aimed at enhancing programs for student retention, persistence and graduation at MSU.

Swinford has a doctorate and a master’s degree, both in sociology from Bowling Green State University, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and history from Marian College.

More information about student success is online at montana.edu/studentsuccess/.

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO - Based on further investigation by Idaho and Montana law enforcement officers, prosecutors now believe that the Megan Stedman homicide occurred in Bozeman, Montana rather than in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney Randy Neal and Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell have worked cooperatively to have the case against Chris Brandon Foiles charged in Montana.

Based on the initial statements made by Mr. Foiles, and Idaho case law which creates a legal presumption that the murder occurred where the body was found, charges of first degree murder were filed in Idaho upon his arrest by Idaho Falls Police on January 12, 2024.

“The discovery of Ms. Stedman’s body and the interview of Mr. Foiles was only the beginning of the investigation,” Neal explained. “A thorough investigation is being conducted cooperatively between detectives from the Idaho Falls Police, Bonneville County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Bozeman Police and the Montana State University Police.”

“Additional video evidence and a recent admission from Mr. Foiles now indicate that the homicide actually occurred earlier and in a different place than he initially stated,” Neal added.

“The Gallatin County Attorney's office filed homicide charges against Foiles on Friday, March 1. Montana law enforcement is working with Idaho authorities to extradite Foiles to Montana.” Cromwell stated. Foiles has been served with a Montana warrant in the amount of $1,000,000.

Neal stated that one charge of destroying evidence in Idaho will likely remain in place, but the remaining Idaho charges will be dismissed.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several draft environmental assessments (EA) related to grant funding for the Future Fisheries and Community Ponds programs. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices .

Fifer Gulch Stream Restoration

FWP is proposing to fund a stream restoration project on Fifer Gulch (near Anaconda) through the Future Fisheries Improvement Program (FFIP). The purpose of this project is to restore and enhance aquatic and riparian conditions in Fifer Gulch. The project would restore connectivity between the channel and adjacent floodplain, resulting in more than 1,000 feet of restored stream and the establishment of 5 acres of wetlands. Fifer Gulch and a nearby spring creek are tributaries to Warm Springs Creek, a prominent native and sport fish stronghold in the Clark Fork. By restoring the area, angling opportunities would increase but natural stream function would be restored and the fishery would benefit.

Comments due March 16.

Flathead Creek Streambank Restoration

FWP is proposing to fund a stream restoration project on Flathead Creek (near Wilsall) through the FFIP. The purpose of this project is to reduce channel erosion, increase riparian vegetation along eroding streambanks, reslope the streambanks as needed, and construct composite‐wood treatments and bankfull benches to restore the site to a naturally functioning system. The benefits are expected to be increased watershed resilience and floodplain function and improved water quality through reduced erosion. Improvement to wild and native fish habitat is expected to result from reduced sediment inputs and increased riparian vegetation and instream habitat complexity.

Comments due March 16.

Grasshopper Creek Mine Tailings Bank Stabilization

FWP is proposing to fund a bank stabilization project on Grasshopper Creek (near Bannack State Park) through the FFIP. This project would re-armor the mine tailings along the streambank, while removing tailings from the opposite side of the stream to allow for stream movement. Failing mine tailings would be addressed to prevent a massive failure. Vegetation would be incorporated within the riprap with the intention to create some shading and reduce water velocities. The goal is to reduce current sediment and waste inputs from the failing tailings pile and to prevent a massive failure event that would release sediment and toxic mine waste. The benefits are to reduce current sediment inputs and improve current fish habitat while protecting the fishery in Grasshopper Creek and the Beaverhead River.

Comments due March 16.

Miller Creek Restoration (Leik)

FWP is proposing to fund a stream restoration project on Miller Creek (near Lolo) through the FFIP. This project would build upon 2 miles of stream restoration in Miller Creek and diversify the channel plan form and realign it away from eroding banks, add grade and elevation controls to increase floodplain connectivity, use large wood/debris matrix structures to increase instream habitat complexity, and employ large scale riparian planting to facilitate recovery of the riparian community. The goals are to reduce sediment delivery to the stream, promote riparian recovery, increase floodplain connectivity, and increase habitat complexity to improve fish habitat.

Comments due March 16.

Nevada Creek Restoration (Phase 7)

FWP is proposing to fund a stream restoration project on Nevada Creek (near Helmville) through the FFIP. This project is phase 7 of the entire project and would continue the restoration completed in upstream phases. Goals are to restore of natural stream and riparian function by reducing sediment loading and improving trout habitat with channel restoration, bank treatments, floodplain connectivity, wetland restoration, and aquatic habitat complexity. The project would incorporate side channel and meander activation, streambank treatments to address eroding banks, and floodplain grading. The goal is to improve instream, riparian, and upland habitat within a working landscape to benefit aquatic species.  

Comments due March 16.

Harry’s Pond Improvement

FWP is proposing to fund a project to enhance angler amenities on Harry’s Pond (near Chinook) through the Community Pond Program. Harry’s Pond was recently constructed by a landowner, who is partnering with FWP to develop a public fishing opportunity in Chinook. This grant funding would be used for basic amenities including temporary latrine rental, pond aeration, parking area development, and walking path development. The goal is to provide better access and a quality angling experience at the project location.

Comments due March 16.

Paulo Reservoir Restoration

FWP is proposing to fund a project to enhance angler amenities on Paulo Reservoir (near Glasgow) through the Community Pond Program. Grant funding would be used to install two fishing docks that will be handicap-accessible, improve the dike for the vault toilet, and purchase compost/seed for restoration of the site. This project will complement other restoration activities that are intended to improve the fish habitat in Paulo Reservoir.

Comments due March 16.