El-Balad highlights important news from Western Montana on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Tree Removal Project in Ravalli County
A vital project is underway in the East Fork area of Ravalli County. This initiative aims to remove hazardous trees near power lines, creating a protective fuel break.
Several organizations are collaborating on this effort. The U.S. Forest Service, Ravalli Electric Co-op, state agencies, and local contractors are involved. Their goal is to enhance safety for hundreds of homes while minimizing the risk of power outages.
This area is ranked as one of Montana’s highest fire danger zones. The partnership seeks to fortify protections against potential wildfires, safeguarding both residents and infrastructure.
Conviction of Cory Spurlock
A Missoula resident, Cory Spurlock, faced serious legal consequences after a jury in Nevada convicted him last month. He was found guilty of multiple charges, including the murders of two individuals and large-scale marijuana trafficking.
Spurlock was responsible for the killing of Jered Stefansky in June 2020 and Will and Yesenia Larsen in November 2020. In addition to the murders, he faced charges related to robbery, stalking, and firearm violations.
International Wrongfully Convicted Day
On Thursday, in honor of International Wrongfully Convicted Day, the Montana Innocence Project organized an event at the Missoula Public Library. The speaker discussed the issue of wrongful imprisonment across the nation.
This non-profit organization is increasingly challenged in its mission. It aims to assist wrongfully convicted individuals in Montana, particularly those housed in private prisons in other states. Accessing clients and providing legal support remains an ongoing struggle.
