Stay informed with the free Missoula This Week newsletter, covering Missoula city government, school meetings, business updates, and entertainment events.
1/03/2025
“Missoula This Week” is reported and written By Katie Fairbanks. Send your Missoula news and tips to kfairbanks@montanafreepress.org.
Online school counseling program boosts rural professionals
The University of Montana has made its school counseling program entirely online to grow the number of licensed school counselors in rural areas. This shift allows students to pursue education without relocating, according to a UM announcement. The first online cohort increased from seven to fifteen students.
“That’s what made it possible for me — the fact that it went online,” said Francine Stiffarm, a master’s student employed at Dodson Public Schools. Many neighboring schools also lack licensed counselors, with nearly 24% of Montana schools missing licensed school counselors, per the 2023 Montana Critical Quality Educator Report.
UM’s VAST program connects counseling students with 22 rural districts, helping address this shortage. The online program aims to spread licensed professionals across the state, as many graduates previously remained clustered in Bozeman and Missoula.
Kristen Murray, a UM counseling professor, secured a $3 million grant to fund eight Montana-based counselors annually in rural schools over five years. This initiative aims to retain professionals in communities where they’ve already established roots.
Montana licensure rules allow students enrolled in a counseling program to obtain provisional licenses, enabling them to work before graduating. UM reports a 100% job placement rate within 18 months post-graduation for its counseling graduates.
Public Notice
The Missoula City Council will hold a public meeting on Monday to discuss sidewalk assessment program changes, allowing more residents to defer costs due to economic challenges. This follows a paused project in the Franklin to the Fort neighborhood. Current rules require homeowners to share costs for adjacent sidewalk installations. Upcoming proposals suggest changes to payment deferral eligibility based on assessment costs and income levels.
The discussion also includes a proposal to remove rules preventing infill projects from later qualifying for cost-sharing with the city. The council meeting starts at 6 p.m. at City Council Chambers. Attendance online via Microsoft Teams is available through the agenda link.
By the Numbers
Missoula Montana Airport welcomed over a million travelers by Dec. 20, marking a new annual record, according to Airport Director Brian Ellestad. This milestone reflects a 10% increase from 2023’s record-breaking year.
Ellestad anticipates another record year in 2025 and highlights new seasonal services by Sun Country Airlines and Frontier Airlines. A recent grant could extend service to Chicago year-round, enhancing flight options at the airport.
Phase two of the airport’s expansion project, including additional jet bridges and an expanded baggage claim, will open in the spring. These upgrades aim to optimize terminal operations and improve airline scheduling flexibility.
5 Things to Know in Missoula
Missoula County commissioners adjusted the daily rate credit for incarceration to $138, reflecting increased costs. State law allows inmates to apply this rate toward fines. This change won’t affect county reimbursements from the Montana Department of Corrections. Legislative action may address these reimbursement rates.
A new trustee position is open on the Missoula County Public Schools Board. Applicants must live within specific districts and be registered voters. Applications are due by Jan. 22, with interviews on Jan. 28. Detailed information is available on the school district’s website.
Missoula County’s rural grant program is accepting applications for community projects. Projects can receive “micro-grants” or “impact grants” based on scope and completion timelines. The first round of micro-grant applications is due Jan. 31, while impact grant applications are due Feb. 28. Visit the county website for application details.
Free screenings of “The Invisible Shield” documentary series by Missoula Public Health are available at the Roxy Theater. Screenings begin Jan. 9, followed by showings on Feb. 13, March 13, and April 10. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets via the Roxy’s website.
The Missoula Downtown Foundation is receiving applications for Downtown Arts & Culture Impact Grants. The grants support artistic projects that align with city planning goals. Submit proposals by February, with details on the foundation’s website. The foundation allocated $15,000 for up to three projects in 2025.
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