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12/05/2025
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written by Katie Fairbanks. Submit Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
Missoula County Seeks More Information on Gravel Mine Proposal
Missoula County is delaying a permit for a proposed gravel pit near Bonner pending additional details from the developer. County commissioners requested information not usually needed for permit applications after residents urged emergency zoning to stop the project.
The 66-acre site at 14815 Highway 200 E., near the Blackfoot River, is unzoned, allowing multiple uses pending state approval. Environmental consultant Mike Bader, on behalf of residents, expressed concerns about noise, smell, water quality, and potential impacts on wildlife and public health. Commissioner Dave Strohmaier cited resident concerns and the commission’s own questions in the information request. Commissioner Josh Slotnick emphasized the need for project details to consider interim zoning.
RCI Properties Inc. describes the project as “opencut, sand and gravel operations” with portable equipment. The company did not comment on the county’s letter. Commissioners asked for details on material extraction location, project size, mitigation plans, traffic impact, and community outreach by Dec. 29. The county permit is needed for the state Department of Environmental Quality’s final decision. The Montana DEQ has not received a permit application but held pre-application meetings with the developer earlier this year.
The Blackfoot River Community group, which requested emergency zoning, called the commissioners’ letter “a meaningful step forward,” and their petition had over 3,200 signatures. The group plans a community meeting on Dec. 8 at the KettleHouse Taproom in Bonner.
Missoula Health Officials Alert to Measles Exposure
Missoula Public Health warns of a measles exposure after an infected individual visited on Nov. 22. Montana has recorded 34 cases since April, the first since 1990. No cases are reported in Missoula County this year. Gallatin County recorded the latest two cases in late November, according to Montana State Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Measles can linger airborne for two hours. Visitors to TJ Maxx (11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.), Scheels (12-3:30 p.m.), and Old Chicago (1-4 p.m.) on Nov. 22 should watch for symptoms, including fever and rash, until Dec. 14. Symptomatic individuals should contact healthcare providers in advance.
Vaccination is the best prevention. Those without records should consult schools, doctors, health departments, or state registries. Missoula Public Health offers the MMR vaccine on a sliding scale at 301 W. Alder St., with walk-in or appointment options. More info is available online.
Missoula Parks Seeks Input on New Midtown Park
Missoula Parks and Recreation invites public input on a planned 1.3-acre park at Ernest Avenue and Schilling Street, part of the Midtown Commons near Southgate Mall. The park will feature nature, play, recreation, and social areas. Following a design workshop on Nov. 19, residents can view the presentation online and complete a survey open until Dec. 15.
Midtown Commons includes the park, housing, and commercial development. The city chose Miramonte Companies to develop the 13.5-acre site. Using $5.9 million in tax increment financing, the city acquired the land to stimulate area redevelopment.
Missoula Updates: Key Developments
Missoula City Council Delays Decision on Ogren Park Turf – Council debates natural vs. artificial turf for Ogren Park, with Big Sky Professional Baseball proposing artificial options, prompting environmental and health concerns. Discussion continues next week.
County Backs Wye Infrastructure Plan – Missoula County supports a new infrastructure plan for the Wye, addressing deficiencies and guiding future development. Final vote set for Jan. 8. More details are available on the Wye Infrastructure Plan page.
Influenza-Related Death Reported – The first flu-related death for the 2025-2026 season occurred in Missoula. Health officials encourage vaccinations and preventive measures. Further information can be reviewed on the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services site.
Missoula Acquires Clark Fork River Property – The city acquired 182 acres along the Clark Fork River, including its poplar farm for wastewater treatment, saving $30,000 annually in lease payments. A potential trail could be developed on an old railroad segment.
Missoula Animal Shelter Holds Open House – An open house and adoption event at Missoula Animal Services celebrates its remodel, offering tours, food, games, and prize draws from 1-4 p.m. Donations are welcome online.
Might be Fun
Enjoy Saturday’s Holidays on Higgins in downtown Missoula. Free photos with Santa at the library (11 a.m.-3 p.m.), wagon rides at the art museum (noon-3 p.m.), and festive activities at various businesses from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Higgins Avenue will feature stationary floats, burn barrels, carolers, and a market from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Event details are available online.
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