Thousands of customers in western Montana are without power due to a snow storm, with significant outages reported by Missoula Electric Cooperative and Northwestern Energy, particularly in areas like Darby, Stevensville, and Philipsburg.
Montana Highway Patrol responded to a vehicle crash on Highway 93 south of Missoula, with the incident occurring at mile marker 87. It is currently unknown if there were any reported injuries, and traffic in the area is moving slowly. Further details are pending as authorities continue to investigate the situation.
The Missoula Fire Department responded to a structure fire near the University of Montana Golf Course on Yreka Court, and crews were able to knock down the fire in about an hour. Officials asked people to stay clear from the area to allow the crews to respond.
A University of Montana-owned apartment building in Missoula was heavily damaged by a fire on Monday morning, leading to evacuations and a significant fire and police presence in the area. The fire caused smoke and water damage to surrounding units, and although everyone in the affected unit was accounted for, a dog died in the fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation, and a section of South Avenue East near the UM golf course has reopened to traffic.
Missoula, Montana, has welcomed its fourth commissary kitchen, "Kitchen in the Wild," aimed at supporting local food producers who require commercial kitchen space to expand their operations. Initiated by Kristen Revier, owner of Orange Eyed Owl Wild Snacks, the kitchen is a collaboration with Consumer Direct Care Connect, whose cafe kitchen was underutilized since the pandemic. This partnership, facilitated by the Missoula Economic Partnership, allows Revier and other micropreneurs to scale up their businesses by providing a fully licensed kitchen space for rent at a subsidized cost, fostering growth for small food producers in the community.
Law enforcement is investigating a bomb threat made against a synagogue in Missoula, Montana. The threat included a demand for monetary payment and originated from Pennsylvania. Preliminary assessments indicate no evidence of an explosive device. The Missoula Police Department is working with local, state, and federal officials to trace the origin of the threat and identify those responsible. Similar threats were made against other schools in Montana.
P!NK has announced that she will be bringing her Summer Carnival 2024 tour to Missoula, with a performance at Washington Grizzly Stadium on August 28, 2024. Presale tickets will be available starting on December 7, 2023, with general sales beginning on December 11. VIP packages and exclusive presale opportunities for Citi cardmembers and Verizon customers are also available.
Timothy and Elizabeth Hines have purchased the Pattee Creek Market in Missoula, Montana, with plans to reset and revitalize the business. Their goal is to bring back the market's legacy of serving the community by offering local products, including meat, and creating a better shopping experience. The couple aims to be a destination for fresh seafood, with a deli and specialty items. They also plan to organize the store for easier navigation and are investing in quality and community involvement to stand out in the competitive grocery business in Missoula.
A 27-year-old man from Helena died in a vehicle crash near Missoula, Montana, after his Dodge Durango hit two guardrails and plunged into a river. The driver was found dead downstream, and alcohol and drugs are suspected to be factors in the accident.
COVID-19 levels in Missoula's wastewater have been rapidly increasing, now reaching three times the amount detected in April, according to Missoula Public Health. This concerning trend coincides with the approaching flu season, fall, and winter holidays, when people tend to gather indoors, potentially leading to further transmission of the virus. While Montana is the only state with a "medium" level of new hospital admissions, other counties in the state, such as Butte-Silver Bow, are experiencing high levels of hospitalizations. Missoula residents are encouraged to report positive COVID-19 tests and can find information on COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinics.
Health officials in Missoula, Montana have detected an increase in COVID-19 levels in wastewater samples, indicating a rise in infections. Montana currently has the highest hospital admission rate per capita for COVID-19 in the United States. Wastewater surveillance provides data on the number of infected individuals, including asymptomatic cases. Officials urge people to take precautions, report positive at-home tests, and get tested if experiencing symptoms.
Andrea Davis and Mike Nugent are leading the Missoula mayoral race, with Davis receiving 42% of the votes and Nugent receiving 28%. Jordan Hess, Shawn Knopp, and Brandi Atanasoff did not receive enough votes to advance to the general election. In the Ward 5 primary, Lynn-Wood Fields and Bob Campbell were backed by voters, while Dave Bell was eliminated from contention for the city council seat.
The Catalyst Cafe, a popular breakfast and lunch restaurant in downtown Missoula, will be closing this fall after over three decades of operation. The owners, Denis Keast and Jim O'Byrne, announced the closure on Facebook, citing the end of their lease and the need for a new chapter. Despite attempts to sell the restaurant, no buyers were found. The cafe, known for its long waiting lists and busy outdoor tables, has been a beloved part of the Missoula business community.
A 50-year-old man from Missoula died in a rollover crash on U.S. Highway 12 near Lolo. The driver lost control on a curve, causing the vehicle to go off the road and roll over into Lolo Creek. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Montana Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.