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02/06/2026
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written by Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to [email protected].
Fire Chief Pushes for New Station
The Missoula City Council has greenlit funding for designing a sixth fire station in the city’s west. Fire Chief Lonnie Rash aims to break ground in a year, funded by the 34-mill levy approved in June 2024. This levy also supports 20 firefighters and a mobile support team.
Rash emphasized the importance of community safety, stating, “We basically are going to fulfill the promise we made to the citizens to provide an additional fire station.” A $125,000 contract with 45 Architecture will develop a needs assessment and conceptual design, aided by Rice Fergus Miller. The station aims to reduce response times and house the mobile support team, which currently rents space.
Community input from fire department personnel, city officials, and residents will shape the project. The targeted area, around South Third Street, was identified in a station location study to enhance response times. Construction could begin in a year, lasting 12 to 18 months.
Interview with UM’s First Female Forestry Dean
The University of Montana appointed Libby Metcalf as the first female dean of the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation. Metcalf, who joined in 2010, was formerly the interim dean and senior associate dean. As dean, she oversees six academic departments and research initiatives.
MTFP: What future do you envision for forestry and conservation?
Metcalf: Montana’s environment is crucial to our lives, economy, and experiences. Our focus is understanding these aspects and training future leaders to tackle real-world challenges.
MTFP: Are there specific areas you plan to emphasize under your leadership?
Metcalf: We aim to unify around a shared vision, ensuring our programs meet student needs and research objectives. With investment, we can be a leading institution for environmental challenges.
MTFP: How do you address students’ career concerns amid federal changes?
Metcalf: Our strong ties with agencies and partners offer students valuable research and career opportunities. We constantly adapt to equip students with essential skills and networks.
Public Notice
Missoula County commissioners will consider a $7.9 million tax increment financing reimbursement request from Grant Creek Crossing Missoula LLC for infrastructure supporting a 200-unit apartment development. The TIF request covers roads and utilities, and the district helps fund infrastructure with rising property taxes.
Grant Creek Crossing owns most of the district, apart from a storage property. John Giuliani and Daniel Ermatinger, involved in other local developments, are members of the LLC. The request asks the county to commit TIF funds for infrastructure like road improvements and utility extensions. Development includes the apartment building and future projects. Construction starts this summer, with reimbursement only after sufficient tax revenue is collected.
The proposal will be discussed at the commissioners’ meeting at 2 p.m. in the Sophie Moiese Room, Missoula County Courthouse. Virtual attendance via Microsoft Teams is available.
On Campus
Grizzly football head coach Bobby Hauck has announced his immediate retirement. Hauck, head coach since 2017 and previously from 2003-2009, will be succeeded by wide receivers coach Bobby Kennedy. Hauck cited the evolving nature of college football, including the transfer portal and athlete compensation, as reasons for his decision.
“We’ve had a lot of success here, but I wasn’t going to have them spread my ashes on the practice field because I dropped dead out there,” Hauck said. The changing dynamics, including agent interactions and student-athlete decisions, contributed to Hauck’s fatigue with the role.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
The Missoula City Council has renamed the Northside pedestrian bridge after Bob Oaks, who was instrumental in its creation. Oaks, who passed in 2025, led projects improving the Northside and Westside. The bridge renaming takes effect in July 2027.
“It’s really great to hear from so many neighbors following his passing about how integral Bob was to improving connectivity from the Northside to downtown and to fighting for working-class people in and around the Northside and beyond,” Front Step’s Jana Richter told the council.
Missoula conducted its annual Point in Time Count on Jan. 29, surveying unhoused individuals at local shelters and in unsheltered areas. The count informs policy, but its accuracy is limited, affected by factors like shelter closures and camping ordinances. In 2025, 567 unhoused people were counted, up from 449 in 2024.
The Missoula City Council approved a $224,800 contract for sewer pipeline improvements across the Clark Fork River. The pipeline, exposed to potential damage, requires significant upgrades. Initial funding comes from a state grant, with future grants sought for the $4-5 million project.
Missoula County commissioners approved $90,000 in Community Park and Recreation Grants for six local projects, including ski trail improvements and new park facilities across the county.
The Missoula City Council approved a new unified development code, integrating various regulations to promote diverse housing options. The code supports growth outlined in the Our Missoula 2045 Land Use Plan and removes parking minimums for new developments.
Might be Fun
The Missoula Family YMCA hosts a Sweetheart Dance on Saturday, Feb. 7, for children and their guardians. The semi-formal event at 3000 S. Russell St. includes music, portraits, and raffles. Tickets are available online at $32 per couple in advance, $45 at the door.
Tickets for the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, Feb. 13-22, are on sale. The festival features nearly 140 nonfiction films and in-person screenings at local venues. Details are available online. Streaming options are provided through the virtual festival from Feb. 16-26. Learn more on the festival’s website.
Opening night features “The Bend in the River” at The Wilma on Feb. 13, 7 p.m., with a free screening followed by a live Q&A with director Robb Moss.
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