About

Started in 2020, Western Montana News is a hyper-local opinion and news site dedicated to covering the people, culture, and events that shape our region. Our stories and analyses are fueled by a diverse team of local contributors, including a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Army, a leading pro-life advocate, a University of Montana law professor, prominent business leaders, local physicians, parents, and a former Missoula city council member. We strive to offer straightforward viewpoints and highlight community happenings that keep neighbors informed and engaged. Proudly locally owned and independently operated, Western Montana News remains committed to being a trusted source for all things Western Montana.

Publisher

Roy McKenzie

Roy McKenzie

Publisher and Founder

Roy McKenzie is the founder and publisher of Western Montana News, and a longtime Montanan with a passion for spotlighting the people, culture, and stories that define our region. Since launching in 2020, Roy has focused on delivering honest, straightforward coverage and ensuring a diverse range of community voices are heard—from retired military personnel to local physicians, business leaders, educators, and beyond. Under his leadership, Western Montana News remains dedicated to informing and engaging neighbors while staying true to its local roots. You can reach Roy directly at [email protected].

Contact Us

Phone
‪(406) 219-1491‬

Email
[email protected]

Op-Ed Letters
[email protected]

Address
2120 S. Reserve Street #1087
Missoula, Montana 59801

Contributors

At Western Montana News, we’re proud to showcase the insights and expertise of a diverse group of over a dozen local voices who call this region home. Our contributors include a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the U.S. Army, a leading pro-life advocate, a University of Montana law professor, distinguished business leaders, caring local physicians, engaged parents, and even a former Missoula city council member. Individually, they bring unique perspectives shaped by their varied backgrounds and professions; together, they share a collective commitment to informing, inspiring, and strengthening our Western Montana community. Through in-depth reporting, thoughtful analysis, and heartfelt opinion pieces, our contributors illuminate the issues that matter most to our readers—and the place we all call home.

Roy McKenzie is Publisher of Western Montana News. He covered Missoula County's response to the COVID-19 event during 2020 and 2021, the discrepancies found in the 2020 Missoula County General Election, and covers politics in Missoula.
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Lt Col (ret) Darin Gaub, US Army (retired), is a Co-founder of Restore Liberty, an international military strategist, geopolitical analyst, executive leadership coach, and ordained Bible minister. He also serves on the boards of multiple national and state-level volunteer organizations. He can be found on Rumble and Substack.
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Travis "William Skink" Mateer is an artist and citizen journalist documenting the New Normal in Missoula, Montana. Read more of his work at Zoom Chron.
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Steve Rossiter is a 21-year Missoula resident and a retired aviation professional from federal civil service.
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Former V.P./Spokesman for Montanans For Multiple Use. Current Precinct 17 Captain, Ravalli County. Politically active since mid-1980's
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Casey Whalen is an independent journalist and activist aiding his community and shining a light on the cultural Marxism revolution unfolding in America. Whalen is the creator of North Idaho Exposed.
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Robin Sertell is an author, speaker, and pro-life activist who was miraculously saved from three saline infusion abortion attempts before she was born. She currently serves as the Chair of Montanans for Life, a pro-life political advocacy group focusing on creating a culture of life in Montana.
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Missoula Mom has lived and worked in Missoula for over five years. She and her husband have children who previously attended Missoula County Public Schools who are now homeschooled.
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College educated conservative in SW MT.
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Observer and Recorder for Reality as a Whole. Storyteller, Artist, Designer of the Village of Tomorrow. Theresa served as Election Judge many times in Colorado and for the first time in Montana for the 2022 primary. Theresa has been active in politics for 30 years.
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Seth Keshel, MBA, is a former Army Captain of Military Intelligence and Afghanistan veteran. His analytical method of election forecasting and analytics is known worldwide, and he has been commended by President Donald J. Trump for his work in the field.
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Jane Rectenwald is a founding member of the Montana Election Integrity Project and an elected member of the 2006 Missoula Local Government Study Commission.
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Justin Clapper is the Editor in Chief of The Flathead Conservative.
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Chip Bennett is a Red Lodge resident with 38 years of experience as a computer industry professional, with ten years at Digital Equipment Corporation as a Field Service Representative where he held US Government Q-level Department of Energy security clearance. Chip's security clearance allowed him access to Top Secret Restricted Data, Formerly Restricted Data, and National Security Information, as well as Secret Restricted Data, and top secret clearance while in the United States Coast Guard. Chip also has nearly 25 years experience as an independent computer consultant maintaining networks, PCs, and servers.
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Dean Crabb is a Flathead resident and is running for election to the Montana Public Service Commission to represent District 5.
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Dr. Dave Ingram is longtime Kalispell physician married to Ann, a valley nurse practitioner with two grown children, educated in the valley. He has been involved in medical staff leadership, youth sports, and currently is a library board trustee running for House District 7.
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Bret Bailey is a husband, and father of one. He and his wife look forward to continuing to grow their family, and are passionate about protecting liberty in the Flathead Valley.
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Brooke Hudson is a Billings-area mother and student advocate.
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Jesse Ramos is a former member of the Missoula City Council and current Community Engagement Director for the Montana chapter of Americans for Prosperity.
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Rob Natelson is former law professor at the University of Montana and was chairman of Montanans for Better Government. Natelson is the Independence Institute’s Senior Fellow in Constitutional Jurisprudence and heads the Institute’s Article V Information Center.
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Kirk MacKenzie lives in the Flathead and is the founder of Defend Rural America, a national movement to bring focus and resources to preserve America's prosperity, sovereignty, and security. Follow him at DefendRuralAmerica.com
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