A Solution for Seeley Sewer Problems?

The years-long battle to resolve issues with failing septic systems in Seeley Lake appears to be realizing a significant breakthrough.

For years now, community leaders have struggled with the number of aging septic systems causing water quality problems, especially in the legendary lake. It's a situation exaggerated by the increasing amount of development and other public recreational use.

Three years ago, voters shot down a plan that would have paid for further development of a sewage treatment facility, a package costing just under $12 million, leaving a solution out of reach.

But this week, Senator Tim Sheehy is reporting President Trump has signed a $32 million dollar package of funding for public works projects across Montana. That includes $10 million for the Seeley Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant Project.

     🚧 That's probably not enough to pay for the entire project, which has been estimated to cost upwards of $21 million. But it could provide major leverage to get the plans off the ground.

RELATED: Seeley Lake Debates RV Parks

MORE MONTANA HEADLINES

Sentencing coming in triple murder case

A Popular man faces life in prison at his upcoming sentencing, after admitting to the murder of one person in a triple homicide in Eastern Montana last fall.

Federal prosecutors say law enforcement was called to a Billings home last September, where people were using meth, and contacted 74-year-old Michal Ackerma,n who admitted to killing three people at his house in Poplar.

They say Ackerman believed the trio of unnamed victims was using meth and "setting him up." Investigators say he shot one woman, who also had a gun in a bedroom, and then shot a man and woman sleeping in the next room.

The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

     Ackerman will be sentenced in June.

Antique thief headed to prison

A Coeur d'Alene man who was arrested for stealing priceless artifacts from the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center is being ordered to spend 9-months in a federal prison.

71-year-old Roger Hawkes was sentenced yesterday for the 2024 thefts from the Great Falls museum, which included an antique, single-shot black powder pistol that was more than 2-hundred years old, and a knife in a beaded, leather sheath. They were part of a display showing the kinds of weapons used on the iconic expedition.

Federal prosecutors say Hawkes simply hid the items in his sleeves as he left the building. But federal officers figured out he was in town selling items at a collectors' market at the same time, and were able to track him down after he sold the pistol to a gallery.

Billings human trafficking bust

5-people are arrested in Billings by a joint task force for engaging in human trafficking and child sexual abuse.

And Billings Police say more arrests could follow, as they follow up on names and internet addresses for as many as 17 additional suspects.

BPD says the suspects were rounded up on a two-day operation, involving 65-personnel from Billings Police, county, state, and federal law enforcement. No specific names of the additional agencies were announced.

     Detectives also seized meth, phones, cash, and other evidence in what was called Operation Vigilant Specter 6.

Big prices for boat fun in Whitefish

A proposal to implement expensive new fees to boat on one of Montana's most scenic lakes is now in a holding pattern, after the Whitefish City Council didn't have enough members for a quorum at Monday night's city council meeting. 

The increase is only $5, but would raise the price for non-residents to launch at City Beach to $100 for a resident season pass, and $250 for a season pass for "non-residents." Even a single day pass for non-residents would climb to $50. 

     🚤 City leaders have said the increase is needed to cover operating costs for the boat launch, which can be one of the busiest in the region during the height of summer.

Red Ants Pants sets 2026 talent

The lineup for the 15th annual Red Ants Pants Music Festival is out, with the headliners including one of the best instrumentalists and artists in the history of country music. 

Organizers announced Hall of Famer Ricky Skaggs will take the stage in White Sulphur Springs for the festival, set this year from July 23rd through 26th. 

Skaggs was a major figure in the "neo country" movement in the early 80s that brought a swing back to traditional country, and especially bluegrass. Other stars in the lineup include Sara Evans and Brandy Carlisle.

     The festival has raised more than $200,0000 in community grants.