MT gas prices continue to inch up

Montana's gas prices are continuing to creep upward week-to-week. But the latest survey of station prices shows prices are still a little lower than they were last year coming out of the Memorial Day weekend. 

Average retail gasoline prices in Montana have risen 1.7 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.76 a gallon during the last survey results at the beginning of this week. This compares with the national average that has fallen 3.6 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.65 a gallon, according to gasoline price website MontanaGasPrices.com. 

Including the change in gas prices in Montana during the past week, prices yesterday were 1.4 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 0.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 15.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 13.4 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.  

"Summer driving season has officially begun with the national average falling far lower than we expected it earlier this year," said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. "Had you asked me back in January if the national average would have been that low on Memorial Day, I would likely have chuckled, but it goes to show anything is possible." 

So far this year the peak price nationwide was in April. 

Springhill shooting stemmed from dispute over rental

(BOZEMAN)- Gallatin County prosecutors say the shooting that left a man hospitalized this week stemmed from a confrontation over a security deposit between the victim and his former landlord. 

Henry Dunn was shot in the head and again in the chest during the altercation Wednesday evening at his trailer on Springhill Road. The Bozeman Daily Chronicle reports Diana Arnold attacked Dunn as the latest episode in a long-running dispute over a $1500 security deposit.

The Chronicle reports in court documents investigators say they found that Arnold broke into the trailer placing newspapers, matches and gas in the house, with an "oily substance" poured on the couch. However, the Gallatin County Sheriff wouldn't speculate as to whether Arnold was going to burn the trailer down. She is being held on charges of attempted arson and burglary in addition to attempted murder and remains in custody. 

Crews start road repair work on West Fork of the Bitterroot

Fire damage leftover from the Saddle Complex fire on Upper Beaver Creek(DARBY)- Some popular roads in the upper reaches of the West Fork will be closed off and on during the next few weeks as Bitterroot National Forest repairs some of the damage left by last year's massive Saddle Complex fire.

The blaze, which started across the Bitterroot Divide in Idaho, scorched more than 30,000 acres late last summer.

Now, crews are starting repairs in the area, work that will include replacement of 14-culverts on Beaver Creek Road. When that work is complete, construction will shift over to Woods Creek Road. Forest managers are recommending mushroom pickers and others trying to access the area or crossing into the Salmon watershed alternate their route depending on which road is closed.

More information from All Points Montana. 

Skalkaho Pass re-opens

(HAMILTON)- The popular Skalkaho Pass near Hamilton is re-opened for the season, giving drivers the chance for deep access into the Sapphire Mountains and the upper reaches of Rock Creek from the west. 

The road, which makes it possible to travel from the Bitterroot across to the mountains southwest of Philipsburg, is a popular route for people accessing recreation areas in the southern Sapphire Range, as well as people who merely drive up to look at Skalkaho Falls. 

Last year's season on the Skalkaho was cut short by the 41 Complex Fire, which forced Bitterroot National Forest to close the upper end of the road for several weeks.

Montana Department of Transportation reports there is still some snow and ice on the upper elevations of the pass.

Billings Police say violent crime increase stems from economy

(BILLINGS)- Billings Police say a 20% increase in violent crime is about what they would expect in a tough economy. 

Police Chief Rich St. John made that assessment Thursday after the release of the department's 2011 Annual Report which breaks down crime trends and stats from last year, based on the latest figures from the FBI.

KTVQ reports the findings show crimes like murder, rape, robbery and assault are up. But St. John says that's about what he would expect given Billings' population and the economic conditions. At the same time, property crimes have actually dropped.