Montana News Headlines: Billings Leader Only Plane Crash Victim

It will take a full investigation to determine what happened aboard a vintage light plane when it crashed yesterday south of Billings, taking the life of one of Montana's longest serving county commissioners.

The 1969 Cessna 172 crashed near Wyman Creek, killing Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostland. Commission Chair Mark Morse confirmed the news, saying Ostland was the only one aboard the plane.

Aaron Flint reports on the tragedy. 

Ostland was one of the longest-serving county commissioners in the state and was currently in his 6th term, first taking office as the District 1 commissioner in 2002. He served as President of the Montana Association of Counties in 2010 and had long been a symbol of the conservative viewpoint of Yellowstone County leaders.

      -He's survived by a wife and five children.

Montana mountain snow still on track

There's no change in the weekend weather outlook, with National Weather Service forecasters still warning of a major turn to cold weather for most of the state. Meteorologist Ryan Leach in Missoula says the Northern Divide, including Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall, and the Flathead, has the best chance of heavy rain and high country snow.

The heavy rain potential is focused on the Flathead and Northwest Montana, with nearly an inch of rain in the "middle of the road" forecast. But even towns as far apart as Missoula and Havre could see half an inch of precipitation, with strong winds along the HiLine.

      🌨️ Southeast Montana will have rain, and some high country snow, but even places like Cooke City aren't expected to receive more than snow showers.

Identity confirmed in Missoula missing woman case

Missoula County authorities are confirming the identity of a woman whose remains were found last month in the Upper Rattlesnake as a missing Missoula woman.

Sheriff Jeremiah Peterson says 42-year-old Nicole Heimer vanished in mid-April, and while her car was found at the trailhead, an extensive search was fruitless

     Nick Chrestenson reports that the case was closed with additional information.

Rate hearing wrapping up?

The Montana Public Service Commission is back in the hearing room today for what is the last scheduled day of the big Northwestern Energy rate increase hearing.

The hearing had been scheduled to end after two weeks, and that's today. Northwestern is hoping to prove its latest rate request is backed up by extensive investments in power capacity and wildfire mitigation.

Montana Friday Fact

Montana is no stranger to June snow, even at the lower elevations. June 6th-10th, 2002, Bozeman reported 15-17" of snow, with 36" falling above Big Sky. The year before, the Great Falls Tribune reported a June 13th snowfall total of 17"! ☃️