News in brief

Nearly 8% of local jail inmates have ICE holds

Twelve inmates, or 7.89% of the Gallatin County jail’s population of 152 inmates, were accused of being in the country illegally, according to county records.

The inmates included:

• Rene Urbano Aguirre-Arguello, accused of attempted murder.
• Nain Natanael Giron Euceda, accused of sexual intercourse without consent, victim 12 or younger.
• Raul Alfredo Macias Esquivel, accused of sexual intercourse without consent.
• Luis E. Quintero Leal, accused of aggravated sexual intercourse without consent.
• Juan Bacenta Ayala, accused of sexual assault.
• Celson Adonay Arias Landaverde, accused of assault with a weapon.
• Axel Caamal, accused of driving without a valid license, stalking, and vandalism.
• Kevin Mohammed Tapia Martinez, accused of stealing property valued more than $5,000; forgery exceeding $5,000 in value; deceptive practices exceeding $5,000 in value.
• Josue Manuel Contreras Pacheco, accused of strangulation of a partner or family member and unlawful restraint.
• David Guadalupe Marcias Arce, accused of felony drug possession, illegal possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without insurance, driving while intoxicated for the second time, and driving with a foreign license that had been revoked or suspended by the State of Montana.
• Roberto Francisco Arcos Aguilar, accused of kidnapping, driving while intoxicated, driving with an open container of an alcoholic beverage, partner/family member assault, witness tampering, obstructing a peace officer or other public servant, resisting arrest, vandalism, two counts of partner/family member assault causing bodily injury, and running a stop sign.
• Oswaldo Ramirez Silva, accused of driving without ever having possessed a driver’s license.

Belgrade News conducted previous counts of inmates with ICE holds:

• Oct. 1, 2025 — 12 defendants, or 8.33% of inmates
• June 18, 2025 — 8.8% of inmates (total inmates unavailable)
• April 16, 2025 — 14 defendants, or 9% of inmates
• Dec. 11, 2024 — 11 defendants, or 6.4% of inmates

Temporary closure of S 288 planned south of Churchill

A temporary closure of a section of Secondary Highway 288, or S 288, also known as Churchill Road, is anticipated to begin the week of June 22 and last for about two weeks, weather and other factors permitting.

The closure will require drivers to use a designated detour near Yellow Dog Creek to allow for a culvert replacement.

“During this time, traffic will be directed to use either Cameron Bridge Road or Norris Road to Jackrabbit Lane,” reads a press release from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT).

The closure is part of the ongoing South of Churchill project led by MDT and partner Bullock Contracting, LLC. The purpose of the project is to reconstruct about 0.7 miles of S 288. This includes improving the roadway alignment and enhancing safety features. A culvert at Yellow Dog Creek also will be replaced.

Improvements include:

• Reconstruction of the roadway
• Horizontal and vertical curve improvements to modify the roadway alignment
• Addition of 4-foot shoulders
• Installation of rumble strips
• Installation of culverts under the roadway to support the new roadway alignment

Construction on this project started in April and is expected to be completed by early fall.

“Please continue using caution when traveling through the project area, follow all posted signage, and be aware of workers near the roadway,” the release reads.

Library slates D&D Party Finder

Residents desiring to enter the world of Dungeons and Dragons together are invited to an event at the Belgrade Public Library and Community Center this Saturday to meet other potential adventurers.

“Whether you’re an experienced player, a longtime Dungeon Master, or someone curious about starting a campaign, join at the Belgrade Community Library us on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Dungeons & Dragons Party Finder,” reads a Monday statement from the library. “This free RPG mixer is designed to help players, Dungeon Masters, and aspiring Dungeon Masters connect, share ideas, and find potential adventuring groups. Players are welcome to simply attend and meet others in the local gaming community.”

The library encourages veteran Dungeon Masters and aspiring DMs to share their interest ahead of time by completing a form at http://bit.ly/4dnvkn1.

“This free event is open to all ages,” the release reads. “Attendees under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.”

Registration open for 3rd annual Live Like D golf touney

Registration is open for a golf tournament held to raise money for a scholarship established in honor of the late Delaney Doherty.

The Live Like D Golf Tournament will be held at Cottonwood Hills in Bozeman on Friday, July 24. Fourteen teams will compete on the Championship Course, nine teams on the Par 3.

The cost is $500 per team for the Championship course, carts included, and $300 per team for Par 3. A social will follow at Dry Hills Distillery with food, drinks, prizes and an auction.

To register, visit https://www.delaneydohertymsf.org/golf-tourney-registration-2026.

MSU Extension invites the plant-curious to Wednesday events

Gallatin County MSU Extension is holding events on Wednesday until late August geared toward helping people find answers to all questions flora.

A certified master gardner will be on hand at the Diagnostic Drop-in to offer gardening advice, including troubleshooting problems, and to answer questions related to trees and weeds. No appointments are needed.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays until Aug. 26, at the extension office, 903 N. Black Avenue, Bozeman. There will be no event on July 15 due to fair week.

Citizen scientists invited to participate in nighthawk surveys

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks is collaborating with Montana Audubon and Tracy Aviary to track common nighthawks this summer to gain more data on these cryptic birds, and they are inviting citizens to help conduct surveys across the state.

The common nighthawk is a Species of Greatest Inventory Need in Montana. Their populations are nationally in decline, but more data is needed to assess conservation needs, according to an FWP press release.

“Now through Aug. 10, citizens can help these agencies by doing passive listening surveys,” the release reads. “Watching a short, online training video is required, and people may choose from many survey routes across the state. Participants need to fill out a volunteer form and waiver. All of the documents and information can be found at montanabirdsurveys.weebly.com/nightjars.”

The common nighthawk is a medium-sized bird with long, pointed wings, a short tail, flat head, large eyes, and short beak. They roost in the daytime, camouflaged by their buffy brown and gray coloring with white and black wing patches. Males have a white throat patch and tail band.

The survey window is 60 minutes before sunset to 90 minutes after sunset on warm, dry evenings. Each route includes 10 stops, each 1 mile apart. Surveyors get out each time with binoculars and record whether they hear calls or dives.

“If you love birds and are conservation-minded, this is a quick and enjoyable activity for you and your friends and family,” the release reads. “The more people who participate, the more data Montana can gather to help these amazing creatures!”