The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners
100 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago -The Missoula County commissioners host the "The Agenda" podcast, which aims to help county residents better understand how local government works and how it affects their lives. In each episode, the commissioners sit down with fellow staff, elected officials and community partners to discuss public sector projects and trending topics.
The Communications Division at Missoula County produces "The Agenda" with support from Missoula Community Access Television (MCAT). If you have something you’d like to add to the conversation, email [email protected].
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Episodes
Ecology and Extension: The Other Kind of Weeds and Grass (and Gardening, Land Management, Invasive Species)
April 24, 2024 17:00 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBRivers are thawing, the call of the western meadowlark is floating through air, and other signs of spring are emerging in Missoula County. Maybe you’re inspired to pick up some plants for your patio, start an herb garden or even raise some livestock on your property. But where do you begin? The Missoula County Department of Ecology and Extension can help you with all of this and more. From their new headquarters at the G.W. Marks Exploration Center, down to the Lolo Mosquito District and up...
The Spirit of the Snake: A Brief History of the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area
April 11, 2024 19:00 - 42 minutes - 29.1 MBThe Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, located minutes from downtown Missoula, is part of the Lolo National Forest. Many know the Rattlesnake as Missoula’s backyard, offering ample outdoor recreation opportunities and access to the adjoining wilderness area. But did you know that in the 1930s there were homes, mines, a school and telephone lines scattered through the forest? This week, the commissioners were joined by Andy Kulla, the former Recreation Area and Wilderness Manager for the ...
Remarkable opportunities: A conversation with Mayor Andrea Davis
March 28, 2024 17:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBAndrea Davis was elected as the 52nd Mayor of the City of Missoula in Nov. 2023 and in her first few months of office she has been addressing the hot topics of housing, homelessness, public meetings and other issues. This week the Missoula County Commissioners caught up with Mayor Davis to discuss what has surprised her since taking office, how the city and county governments collaborate for their constituents and so much more. Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast...
From the Ashes: How the Office of Emergency Management Responds to Disasters Near and Far
March 20, 2024 16:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBWhen disasters like wildfires, floods and hazardous waste spills strike, Missoula County is ready to respond, thanks to the work of the Office of Emergency Management and the Western Montana Incident Management Team. On this week's podcast, the commissioners sit down with Deputy Disaster and Emergency Services Coordinators Nick Holloway and Ken Parks to talk about their recent deployment to help with recovery efforts in wildfire-ravaged Lahaina, Maui. They also discuss the importance of be...
Just Response: Advocating for survivors, children and families
February 28, 2024 18:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBDomestic violence, also often referred to as intimate partner violence, can be difficult to address and has lasting effects on individuals, families and communities. Missoula County’s Just Response program, made up of mental and medical health professionals, law enforcement, advocacy groups, child protection and criminal justice organizations, works to respond to DV cases and increase overall community safety. The commissioners recently sat down with Erin Shreder, Just Response coordinator...
What's Going On With All These Bridges?
February 08, 2024 20:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MBThe Agenda's foray into transportation issues continues this week with Shane Stack, director of Missoula County Public Works, and Erik Dickson, county engineer. With the recent closure of Maclay Bridge in Target Range, residents have a lot of questions about how we got here. The commissioners, Shane and Erik tackle those questions and much more in this episode. Be sure to follow this project on Missoula County Voice for more updates and information. This episode has a lot of acronyms and e...
Reserve Street: The Sequel
January 24, 2024 17:00 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBThis week the Missoula County Commissioners continue their discussion with transportation planner Aaron Wilson. They discuss the concept of 15 minute cities and how creating diverse, accessible transportation choices can reduce traffic congestion. Aaron also gives updates on the safety studies and plans for accommodating growth in areas like Brooks Street in Missoula and Highway 200 in East Missoula. Don’t miss part two of this series on planning, traffic and transportation! Thank you to M...
The Infamous Reserve Street
January 10, 2024 23:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBIn the latest episode of The Agenda, we answer common questions about everyone's favorite street in Missoula (bonus points if you listen while stuck in traffic on Reserve!) Aaron Wilson, transportation planning manager from the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization, joined the county commissioners this week to answer questions like: Is Reserve Street really home to the most dangerous intersections in Missoula? Can infrastructure changes actually decrease traffic? In this episode, th...
Looking Back on 2023 with the Missoula County Commissioners
December 26, 2023 19:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBThis week the commissioners reviewed memorable projects from 2023, including those that address homelessness, affordable housing, recreation opportunities and much more. Tune in for a conversation that covers everything from property taxes to new parking lots to wildfire prep. Do you have something you'd like the commissioners to discuss in 2024? Email [email protected]! Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!
Let's Not Wreck the Holidays
December 13, 2023 16:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBThe holiday season means more travel and celebration, but it also means an increased risk of impaired driving. Do you have a plan for a sober ride home? This week the commissioners spoke with Justice of the Peace Landee Holloway and Health Specialist Steve Schmidt about recent impaired driving trends in Missoula County and what resources are available to residents. Substance Abuse Treatment Resources Drive Safe Missoula R.O.A.D Court No Joke Theatre Thank you to Missoula's Community Me...
A Taxing Problem: How Stagnant Policies Burden Residents
November 15, 2023 16:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MBTax bills have landed in mailboxes and many residents are frustrated, confused and concerned. Why are property taxes so high? How did we get here? The commissioners discuss the topic of the tax system in Montana and what potential solutions could look like in this week’s episode of The Agenda. Related links: What Do My Taxes Pay For? View your tax bill online The Re-Appraisal Process Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!
Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen: A True Jack of All Trades
November 01, 2023 19:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBDid you know the Missoula County Sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer, as well as the coroner, and oversees the office responsible for serving civil paperwork? Did you also know that Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen was on the 1995 Montana Grizzlies national championship football team? This week, the commissioners spoke with Sheriff Petersen about everything from jury summons to predictions for the Cat-Griz game and how his department is addressing the need for increased deputy patrol in r...
Bills, Bills, Bills: How the Auditor Protects Taxpayer Dollars
October 18, 2023 18:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBLocal government is a large, busy organization. Who makes sure all payments the County makes are to the right vendors and are for legitimate county expenses? This week, the commissioners talked with Missoula County Auditor Dave Wall about safeguarding taxpayer dollars, fraud detection and the importance of internal financial controls. Related links: County claims list County policies Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!
Welcome to The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners
October 04, 2023 19:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBNew name, same great local government podcast. We’ve rebranded to The Agenda! With 67 episodes and more than 7,000 downloads since it launched in 2021, the commissioners' podcast was due for a refresh. If you’re already subscribed, there’s no change to how you listen. This week, Commissioners Slotnick and Strohmaier sat down with Missoula County Housing Specialist Garrick Harmel to talk about what local government can do to reduce displacement while incentivizing the construction of affor...
Myth Busters Volume 2: Government Spending, Taxing and the Budget
August 22, 2023 21:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB“County government is funded mostly by taxpayer money.” “If Missoula County didn’t spend any more money next year, taxes would stop going up.” Have you heard this before? Are these statements true or false? This week the commissioners spoke with Chris Lounsbury, chief administrative officer for Missoula County, about budgeting, taxing and government spending. Tune in to this week’s episode for some myth-busting with a side of tax policy. Related links: FY 2024 Budget Page Commissioner's...
Outdoor Education & Recreation: The Future of Marshall Mountain Park
August 10, 2023 15:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBMarshall Mountain, located between East Missoula and Bonner, has been a haven for locals to enjoy the outdoors since the early 20th century. Now, there’s an opportunity to secure the base area of the former ski hill and surrounding areas for public ownership. But this potential park has a lot of moving parts: three different pieces of land with separate private owners, two governments, two public processes for open space bond funding, management considerations and more. This week, the commi...
Western Montana Fair: Where Community Happens
July 28, 2023 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBThe Western Montana Fair is more than just rides and fried food. The Missoula County Fairgrounds is one of the few public gathering places that unites people from all backgrounds every summer. This week, the commissioners spoke to Jerry Marks, the county extension agent, and Billie Ayers, events and operations manager at the fairgrounds, about the history of this hallmark event and what’s in store for the 2023 Western Montana Fair. Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podc...
Life on the Lake: Supporting Local Efforts in Seeley
July 12, 2023 18:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBSeeley Lake is an unincorporated town with a population of about 1,600 in the northern part of Missoula County. Located between the Mission and Swan mountain ranges and dotted with narrow, glacial lakes, the Seeley area is synonymous with recreation and beautiful landscapes. Thousands of people visit Seeley Lake each summer, but what’s it like to be a year-round resident, or own a business there? This week, the commissioners sat down with Claire Muller, director of the Seeley Lake Community...
Recreating Responsibly: Tips for a Fun and Safe River Season
June 27, 2023 20:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBWhether you're a seasoned floater or you've never sat in an inner tube, the River Ambassadors are here to help! Each summer, these friendly faces help recreators of all kinds navigate access points along the Clark Fork, Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers. Now in its third summer, the river ambassador program is the result of collaboration between Missoula County, City of Missoula, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Clark Fork Coalition. Tune in to hear more about this successful progra...
Collaboration and Representation: Creating a More Equitable Local Government
June 15, 2023 19:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBOne of Missoula County's major initiatives is to address systemic issues of inequity in our community. But what does that really mean, and what does it look like? This week, the commissioners sat down with Elisha Buchholz (equity coordinator at Missoula County), Rozlyn Haley (justice, equity, diversity and inclusion fellow at Missoula County) and Rajiem Seabrook (director of equity and impact at Empower Montana) for an update on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) efforts. Rel...
What If Taxing Tourists Could Lower Your Property Tax Bill?
May 22, 2023 19:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBProperty taxes are defined by multiple sets of rules, calculations and inaccessible words like "mill" and "levy." How much is a mill worth, and what's the limit on how many mills local government can collect? Who determines how much your house is worth? What if there was a way visitors could pay for the services they use when they visit our community that would lower your property taxes at the same time? In this episode, Commissioner Slotnick breaks down the taxing system, how it relates to...
Introducing the County Lands Inventory Project
April 20, 2023 17:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBIn late 2021, the Missoula County commissioners asked the newly formed Department of Lands and Economic Development to inventory and assess the utility of all 260+ county-owned properties. Emily Brock, director of that department, joined the commissioners this week to debut the inventory mapping tool, explain how the parcels are assessed based on six factors, talk about next steps and how the assessment will be used to make decisions. Follow along with the interactive mapping tool and submi...
“Dispatchers Save Seconds, Seconds Save Lives”
April 05, 2023 15:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MBWhat happens when you call 9-1-1? Why does the person on the other line ask so many questions? April 9-15 is Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, an opportunity to recognize and thank the 9-1-1 dispatchers who work around the clock every day as the first point of emergency response. This week, Commissioner Strohmaier and a special guest host sat down with Sherri Odlin, 9-1-1 manager, and Adriane Beck, director of the Office of Emergency Management, to talk about what it’s like dispatchin...
Do You Have a Permit for That?
March 21, 2023 19:00 - 17 minutes - 12.3 MBWith warmer weather on the way (eventually), some residents may be planning home improvement projects. Did you know that you need a permit to re-roof your home? Or that some projects require a sanitation review from the Missoula City-County Health Department? The permitting process may seem daunting, but county staff are here to help ensure your next project is compliant and safe. Commissioner Slotnick sat down with Rita Hagler from the Building Division of Public Works, and Nick Zanetos fr...
Toxins, Heavy Metals and Bad Water: Cleanup of the Smurfit-Stone Mill Site
March 07, 2023 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBThe site of the former Smurfit-Stone pulp mill, located west of Missoula near Frenchtown, spans 3,200 acres. The mill operated from 1957 to 2010, creating paper products from logging industry scraps and used 15 million gallons of water per day to operate. At its height, the mill was processing 1,900 tons of bleached paper products each day. What remains now are 900 acres of unlined wastewater treatment ponds, 193 acres of sludge and garbage dumps and 100 acres of industrial buildings. Given...
Taking the Pulse of Missoula County’s Economy
February 28, 2023 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBEvery day we’re inundated with economic forecasts related to inflation, layoffs, remote work and unemployment. But what is happening here in Missoula County? Does it reflect national trends? How does a desirable place like ours foster more jobs without sacrificing the values that make it so desirable in the first place? This week, the commissioners spoke with Grant Kier, director of the Missoula Economic Partnership. Kier spoke to local employment rates, how to balance growth, quality of l...
Connecting Communities: The Big Year for the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority
February 07, 2023 22:00 - 31 minutes - 21.7 MBThis week, commissioner Strohmaier gives an update on the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority. The rail authority is a division of state government that encompasses 19 counties in Montana that are working to bring back passenger train service in the southern part of the state. 2023 is a major year for this effort: the U.S. Department of Transportation is studying which inactive rail lines could be restored. The North Coast Hiawatha stretched from Chicago to Seattle and passed through Missoula...
It's Easy Being Green: How to Take Advantage of New Clean Energy Incentives
January 24, 2023 18:00 - 22 minutes - 15.2 MBA slew of new tax credits, rebates and incentives encouraging investment in energy efficiency are now in effect. What does this mean for renters, homeowners and small business owners in Missoula County? This week the commissioners sat down with Caroline Bean and Andrew Valainis from the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability to talk about Missoula County’s sustainable energy goals and how these new incentives help residents and businesses of all types. Links mentioned in th...
A Constantly Shifting Crime: Addressing Human Trafficking
January 10, 2023 18:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MBThe Missoula Human Trafficking Task Force is a vast network that spans law enforcement at all levels, nonprofit organizations, schools, hospitals and others. Together these groups work to educate the public, expose traffickers and support victims in healing. This week, the commissioners sat down with Ryan Prather of the Missoula County Sheriff's Office to learn about this complex issue. Prather oversees Sheriff's Office detectives who specialize in criminal investigations, including child ...
Tackling Challenges Together: City and County Year in Review with Mayor Hess
December 19, 2022 16:00 - 18 minutes - 13 MBAs 2022 comes to an end, the Missoula County commissioners sat down with Missoula City Mayor Jordan Hess to discuss lessons learned and what they’re looking forward to in 2023. They reflect on notable collaborations from this year and how a strong partnership between municipal governments enables solutions for our community. Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support! Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!
Proactive Planning: How Zoning Enables Efficiency & Sustainable Growth
December 13, 2022 22:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBThis summer, Missoula County overhauled and updated its zoning code for the first time in nearly 50 years. But why does zoning matter and what kind of development does the new code enable? This week, the commissioners spoke with Andrew Hagemeier, senior planner in the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability, to answer some of these questions. Andrew also gives some history about the origins of the current housing crisis and how the new zoning code* incentivizes housing option...
Not Just a Bill: Missoula County & The Montana State Legislature
November 29, 2022 21:00 - 15 minutes - 10.6 MBOn Jan. 2, 2023, the 68th regular session of the Montana state Legislature will convene in Helena. All 50 state senators and 100 representatives will meet for 90 days to draft, propose and review bills, which could become new state laws. Missoula County is a general powers government, which means that county government only has authority that is explicitly granted by state laws. Because of this, the legislative session is a major event and new laws can greatly affect how local government ...
But A Moment in Time: Reflecting on Gratitude
November 23, 2022 18:00 - 24 minutes - 16.5 MBThis week, Commissioners Vero, Slotnick and Strohmaier immersed themselves in the spirit of the holiday season by talking about gratitude. They share some of their favorite adages and how they stay grounded through the pressure of productivity. Thank you to Missoula's Community Media Resource for podcast recording support!
Talking Taxes
November 14, 2022 18:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBAutumn is property tax season in Missoula County. Property owners typically receive their tax bills in the mail in early November, which can generate a lot of questions like “what are these specials funds and districts paying for?” and “who can I call with questions about my bill?” Missoula County Clerk & Recorder Tyler Gernant joined the commissioners this week to answer these questions and debunk some myths. They also discussed the difference between countywide and county only taxes, pr...
Calibrating Success: How the County Attorney's Office Effectively Redirects Defendants
November 02, 2022 15:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MBIn 2019, the Missoula County Attorney’s Office debuted a program called Calibrate, with the goal of moving people out of the criminal legal system and addressing the root cause of why they found themselves involved with it in the first place. Calibrate is a prosecution-led pretrial diversion program, meaning eligible candidates meet individualized milestones, like community service or counseling, in place of awaiting trial and court proceedings. To date, diversion coordinator Ray Reiser has ...
From Survival Mode to Stability: Helping People Move Forward at the Temporary Safe Outdoor Space
October 24, 2022 21:00 - 13 minutes - 9.46 MBIn late 2020, Missoula’s Temporary Safe Outdoor Space (TSOS) began offering people experiencing homelessness a safe space during the pandemic. While United Way of Missoula County, Hope Rescue Mission and Missoula County government set up the space in response to COVID-19, it quickly became a model of how a service-rich environment with a collaborative community built on relationships can help reduce homelessness. The success of the TSOS exemplifies the importance and need for a safe and sec...
Evaluating Missoula's Criminal Legal System
October 18, 2022 19:00 - 22 minutes - 15.7 MBIn 2015, Missoula County began taking critical steps to address issues like overcrowding at the Missoula Detention Facility and over-incarceration. Chelsea Wittmann, the Safety & Justice Challenge coordinator at the Community Justice Department, is uniquely equipped to discuss these issues. Chelsea started as a detention officer at the jail, then worked for the County Attorney’s Office before landing in her current position. This week, the commissioners talked with Chelsea about how the Cou...
Mobile Support Team: Responding, Listening & Stabilizing
October 13, 2022 17:00 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MBFor decades, communities have relied on emergency services like law enforcement and first responders to handle people experiencing a crisis. Often these interactions led to a revolving door between a jail and emergency rooms, which left service providers, taxpayers and individuals without effective resolutions. The Mobile Support Team in Missoula was created in 2020 as a new approach to both divert people from hospitals and detention facilities while setting them on a path to stability by ad...
Myth Busters Volume 1: Covenants, Housing & Taxes
September 12, 2022 22:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBIn this week's episode, Juanita and Josh bust some myths around what the County is (or is not) doing. Topics include: Legal enforcement of covenants and HOAs Property taxes and the re-appraisal process Services for people experiencing homelessness Regulations, permits and affordable housing Larchmont Golf Course Have you heard something through the grapevine about the County? Submit your myth online https://missoulacountyvoice.com/myth-busters and we’ll answer it on-air! Thank you ...
It Takes a Village (and Taxes): How Thoughtful Budgeting Keeps Our Community Running
August 31, 2022 18:00 - 23 minutes - 16.2 MBBudget season is underway at Missoula County, and the commissioners have spent countless hours delving into what funding will be needed to keep up with current services and programs. They’ve also reviewed dozens of budget requests from departments that would enhance these services or pay for new initiatives. They’ve already declined to fund $2.4 million of those requests, and now they’re hoping the community will chime in on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2023. In this episode, the co...
Bugs & Weeds: How a County Agency Found Common Ground with an Insectarium
August 24, 2022 18:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBJerry Marks has worked in the Missoula County Extension Office for more than 50 years, and he knows a thing or two about collaboration. Years ago, he extended an offer to the Missoula Butterfly House & Insectarium when he heard they were outgrowing their downtown location, and the offer was generous: a coveted spot in the middle of Missoula to create a unique science and discovery center. In this week's episode, the commissioners talk with Jerry and Glenn about the Rocky Mountain Gardens & ...
The Bears Are Calling: How the County and City Are Becoming Bear Smart
August 09, 2022 20:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBJamie Jonkel, a bear manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, has nearly 30 years of experience working with black bears, grizzly bears and mountain lions. His phone rings off the hook each day with reports of bears in both Missoula County and the city. In this week's episode, the commissioners sit down with Jamie to discuss what other areas in Montana are doing to address the bear issue and how Missoula is taking steps to become a safer place for both animals and people. Jamie gives i...
Growing Pains: How the County Tackles Zoning, Climate Concerns and Recreation Management
August 02, 2022 20:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBCharged with overseeing growth and community development in a county with more than 117,000 residents spread across 1.6 million acres, the Office of Lands and Communities is responsible for a lot of moving parts. In this episode, the commissioners sit down with Chet Crowser, head of the Office of Lands and Communities. This newly reorganized office helps our community address environmental issues, implement zoning policies, manage trails and parks, oversee grants that fund important program...
Coping with smoke: Tips for staying healthy during smoky summers
July 14, 2022 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBWith wildfire seasons starting earlier and lasting longer over the past few decades, Missoula County residents need to learn how to protect themselves from prolonged smoke exposure. In this episode, the commissioners speak with Air Quality Specialist Sarah Coefield and Climate Action Program Manager Caroline Bean to learn more about the history of wildfire smoke, populations that are most at risk in smoke, and what practical steps people can take to limit the impacts of wildfire smoke on ...
Preparing for wildfire: Which areas are at risk and how to protect your home
June 15, 2022 20:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBWildfire has been a natural phenomenon in Missoula County forever; however, with climate change and a growing population leading to more houses in fire-prone areas, our community needs to prepare itself in the event of a fire. In this episode, the commissioners speak with Max Rebholz, the Office of Emergency Management’s wildfire preparedness coordinator, to learn which areas of Missoula County have the potential to be impacted by wildfire, how people can prepare their homes ahead of wild...
History as it happens: Documenting the COVID-19 pandemic in Missoula County
June 02, 2022 21:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBSince 2020, Missoula County – along with the rest of the world – has been living through a major historical event. There has not been another pandemic like COVID-19 since the 1918 flu, but this time around, we have the technology to document this piece of history while it happens. In this episode, the commissioners talk with Leif Fredrickson, adjunct assistant professor and Director of the Public History Program at the University of Montana, about a project the County and University joint...
The inner workings of local government: Providing services, finding funding and tackling issues
May 25, 2022 15:00 - 40 minutes - 27.5 MBCounties in Montana are diverse, ranging from urban ones such as Yellowstone (pop. 160,000) to rural ones like Petroleum (pop. 490), and each county has its own unique needs and issues. In this episode, Missoula County commissioners talk to Dan Clark, director of the MSU Local Government Center, to learn more about the inner workings of local government. They discuss how counties are funded and the struggles that arise with property taxes being one of the only revenue sources. They ponder ...
The Reserve Street Bridge encampment: Cleaning up before springtime floods
May 17, 2022 17:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBThe encampment under the Reserve Street Bridge has been a topic of concern for both residents and County officials, especially with spring runoff on the horizon having the potential to wash garbage and other waste downstream. Last week, Missoula County Public Works crews and equipment assisted with trash removal under the Reserve Street Bridge after Commission Chair Juanita Vero declared a state of emergency to enable the County to join community volunteers to remove trash that’s accumul...
The Reserve Street Bridge encampment: Cleaning up before springtime runoff
May 17, 2022 17:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MBThe encampment under the Reserve Street Bridge has been a topic of concern for both residents and County officials, especially with spring runoff on the horizon having the potential to wash garbage and other waste downstream. Last week, Missoula County Public Works crews and equipment assisted with trash removal under the Reserve Street Bridge after Commission Chair Juanita Vero declared a state of emergency to enable the County to join community volunteers to remove trash that’s accumul...
Flooding: What does the spring forecast look like for Missoula County?
April 26, 2022 22:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBSpring is here in Missoula County, and as the mountain snow begins to melt and rainy days start to drizzle in, people may wonder what’s in the forecast for Missoula County’s flood season and how the Office of Emergency Management prepares for it. OEM Director Adriane Beck shares lessons learned from past flood events, how her team assesses the river to know what to expect and what they do to help neighborhoods in flood-prone areas anticipate the season. The weather forecast is unpredictabl...