Story perspectives

Laurel Residents Demand Answers on Controversial Mental Health Hospital

3/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

More than 200 residents of Laurel, Montana, attended a town hall meeting on March 16, 2026, to seek transparency about a proposed mental health hospital.
The meeting, organized by Laurel Community Advocates for Responsible Development (C.A.R.E.D), had no state officials present despite invitations.
Jennifer Lorenz, a C.A.R.E.D member, criticized Mayor Dave Waggoner and CAO Kurt Markegard for their information management.
The Laurel school district is considering legal options against the facility, while a C.A.R.E.D survey showed unanimous opposition to the annexation and rezoning.
The City Council plans to address the issue in an upcoming work session.

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Story summary

More than 200 residents of Laurel, Montana, attended a town hall meeting on March 16, 2026, to seek transparency about a proposed mental health hospital.
The meeting, organized by Laurel Community Advocates for Responsible Development (C.A.R.E.D), had no state officials present despite invitations.
Jennifer Lorenz, a C.A.R.E.D member, criticized Mayor Dave Waggoner and CAO Kurt Markegard for their information management.
The Laurel school district is considering legal options against the facility, while a C.A.R.E.D survey showed unanimous opposition to the annexation and rezoning.
The City Council plans to address the issue in an upcoming work session.