Good morning, Butte.

Tomorrow at 3 p.m., community members will gather at Butte Depot to support Grace Underwood, a Butte High School sophomore battling Ewing Sarcoma in Salt Lake City while receiving radiation and chemotherapy—this benefit will feature live music, games, food, and auctions to help her family with medical bills and travel costs.

Three senior students from Montana Tech presented a capstone project at Techxpo on April 24 that retrofitted turbines on the Silver Lake Pipeline to boost power output from 4 to 350 kilowatts—showing potential to generate nearly $30,000 a month while addressing endangered bull trout concerns at Meyers Dam.

At Montana Tech's Techxpo Design Showcase on April 24th, 2025, seven engineering students presented a plan to convert a diesel Mahindra Roxor to electric power for the Underground Mine Education Center, overcoming technical challenges in both electrical and mechanical systems using a new logic board—further testing will be performed by next year's team.

A sinkhole opened on East Broadway in Uptown Butte earlier this week—county crews quickly filled the opening—and experts say it highlights over 10,000 miles of abandoned mining tunnels beneath the city.

Montana passed Bobby’s Law this week after a 95+3 vote in the legislature following the death of Bobby Dewbre near Columbia Falls.

The law creates a new charge of aggravated vehicular homicide for drivers with blood alcohol levels over .16 and sets penalties of up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $50,000.

A lawsuit filed earlier this year against Butte-Silver Bow County for mishandling a 32-year-old man's body now names deputy coroner Joseph Shagina, Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home, and county coroner Lori Durkin—who was placed on administrative leave in February.

The amended complaint filed on April 3 and moved from Missoula County alleges that the improper handling led to severe emotional distress for the family.

Senate Bill 542 is moving through the legislature and could affect property taxes for homeowners across Montana — while some may get a one-time $400 rebate, reappraisal cycles may continue to raise tax bills.

Mike Jopek, a farmer and former legislator, warned that the new bill may not deliver the needed tax relief for everyday Montanans.

Montana confirmed its first case of Candida auris, a drug-resistant fungal infection that can spread in healthcare settings.

Health officials are tracing contacts and enforcing strict cleaning protocols—steps aimed at protecting patients and preventing further spread.

USPA Tested & Open 2025 Montana State Championship

9:30 AM – 6:00 PM — ADONIS Strength & Fitness — $15 entry for spectators — Watch top lifters compete in both tested and non-tested divisions.

Butte Mineral & Gem Show

9 a.m.-5 p.m. — Butte Civic Center — Adults $3, Children free — Discover stunning minerals and gems while enjoying games and activities for the kids.