Indigenous Search Training: Tackling Montana’s Native Missing Crisis

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During July’s search-and-recovery training by Haley Omeasoo, participants learned crucial skills for finding missing individuals, such as how to identify human remains amid challenging conditions. Omeasoo, inspired by her missing friend Ashley Loring Heavyrunner, founded Ohkomi Forensics to aid families affected by the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis. Nationwide, Indigenous people face a higher rate of disappearances and murders, making up 31% of Montana’s missing persons while being only 7% of the population.

Rural and tribal law enforcement often struggles with limited resources and jurisdictional challenges, leading to delays in missing person searches. Consequently, Indigenous communities frequently conduct their own searches. For instance, Arden Pepion’s family recounted their disorganized search efforts before attending Omeasoo’s class. Deana LaMere shared how her search for a missing loved one in the 1980s lacked organization, stating Omeasoo’s training would have been invaluable.

Omeasoo’s training is priced at $25 per participant, subsidized by Blackfeet programs. “We shouldn’t have to start an organization for this,” Omeasoo remarks, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in seeking justice for all missing persons.

Glad You Asked 💬

Montana gardeners often feel overwhelmed by abundant zucchini harvests. Newsroom member Ellis Juhlin suggests contacting local food banks, which welcome fresh produce donations. While homemade foods aren’t typically accepted, fresh veggies are prized for providing diverse options. Debbie Anderson from the Family Service food pantry in Billings highlights the importance of fresh produce donations, which offer clients nutritious choices.

Food banks like the Missoula Food Bank and Helena Food Share collaborate with community gardens through programs like “Grow a Row” to gather produce donations. In 2025, Helena’s program received 65,904 pounds of homegrown produce. Anderson advises that donated produce be pesticide-free and free of insects.

By the Numbers 🔢

A new heat map of Missoula County highlights the “heat island effect,” showing stark temperature differences based on urban features like greenery and shade. Areas with more pavement experience higher temperatures, akin to large cities. Climate Smart Missoula created the map to aid the county in strategic planning for shading and cooling centers, especially as hot days increase.

Missoula’s map is the first of its kind in Montana, though similar studies have been conducted nationwide. The map’s data is crucial for planning future temperature control measures.

Following Up ↩️

A petition requiring voter approval for data centers in Yellowstone County missed its signature deadline, as ruled by the county attorney. Signature gatherers were given an extended deadline following new information from Quantica Infrastructure. Brian Miller, representing petitioners, filed a preliminary injunction to challenge the county’s decision, arguing the validity of the signature deadline.

Quantica plans to build a 5,000-acre data center in rural Yellowstone County. As the court deliberates, stakeholders await the decision’s impact on the project’s future.

Say What? 🤔

The Patriot Games in Geneva, Ohio, feature high school athletes from each state vying for $250,000 in scholarships. Montana’s representatives, Meadow Mahlmeister of Billings and Grey Pommerville of Belgrade, share their excitement to compete. Mahlmeister, soon attending the University of Milwaukee for soccer, says winning could support her living expenses during college.

Highlights ☀️

Other news this week —

• New data challenges the belief that dogs increase safety in bear country. Learn more from Nick Mott.

• A proposed pipeline in eastern Montana faces opposition. Ellis Juhlin explains the implications for the “Keystone Light” project.

• Most-read story: Tom Lutey’s coverage of the turbulent U.S. Senate race.

On Our Radar

Nick — Bozeman’s Sweet Pea Festival promises fun, with highlights such as the Main Street parade and tater pigs.

Matt — For quick cookies, try mixing blended oats, honey, peanut butter, chia seeds, and oats. The result is a hit with kids.

Zeke — Avocados with salt, pepper, and oil make a refreshing summer treat. However, tensions in Mexico may affect availability.

Stephanie — Stay cool with a lemonade pie that tastes like summer.

Mara — At a mental health reporting conference in Bozeman, Megan Torgerson’s documentary podcast Reframing Rural stood out. Highly recommended listening.

Ellis — For indoor dog activities during smoky weather, these DIY enrichment ideas are great. Even my border collie mix approves.

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Lowdown is edited by Nick Ehli, with additional copy editing by Mara Silvers.