For the first three-quarters of 2024 over 250,000 drug dosage units were seized in the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area in Montana down from the same period in 2023. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigations says the top threats are methamphetamine and fentanyl and now a rise in cocaine is being seen. Virtually 100% of the meth and fentanyl comes from Mexico all of it cartel-related.
Today commemorates the birthday of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Junior and this year it coincides with President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. King’s actual birthday is January 15th but the federal holiday always falls on the third Monday of January. Postal service domestic ground air and international shipping will be closed today as will the banks.
Montana-based conservation groups The Alliance For the Wild Rockies and Council on Fish and Wildlife have sued Yellowstone National Park over its 2024 bison plan after the state of Montana also sued the park for the same thing. Under the new bison plan Yellowstone has established a population goal of 3,500 to 6,000 animals after calving with an average population of around 5,000 a year.
Affinity Living Communities is looking to build a 170-unit apartment complex for people only age 55 and over in Missoula. The Spokane-base company has built over two dozen apartment complexes for seniors across multiple states in the western U.S. According to U.S. Census Bureau data Montana is the oldest state west of the Mississippi River. Amenities would include an indoor pool fitness area lobby lounge theater library game room bistro crafts area and a billiards and card room.
The Montana House Fish Wildlife and Parks Committee will consider two bills Tuesday that would regulate wolf hunting. House Bill 222 would authorize an unlimited quota until the wolf population is at or below 600. House Bill 176 would institute an unlimited statewide quota when the total population equals or exceeds 450 wolves.
Data acquired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows Montana has the fifth-highest fall-related death rate for the elderly in an average January with 45 fall deaths out of 1,483 total deaths. This accounts for 3.03% of all deaths in the state. South Dakota is the most dangerous state for the elderly who are most at risk of fatal falls in January.
A Texas-based oil company will start a new drilling project in Northeast Montana that could bring quite a few jobs to the state. Gas World reports Helix Exploration purchased a processing plant near Rudyard which is on Highway 2 between Shelby and Havre. It believes the structure could produce the highest amount of helium in Montana. Surrounding towns could see a rise in population and potential business opportunities too if Helix succeeds.
January is National Blood Donor Month and the American Red Cross of Montana is asking everyone to give during one of the most difficult times of the year as seasonal illnesses keep many regular donors from giving blood as readily through the winter. Until January 26th anyone who donates blood through the Red Cross will be entered into a drawing to win a trip to the upcoming Super Bowl in New Orleans.
A study by Montana State University scientists created the first global estimates of water stored in plants and how long it takes water to flow through them. The process for the water to return to the atmosphere ranges from five days in croplands to 18 days in evergreen forests. The global average for water to re-enter the atmosphere is 8.1 days while water in lakes is expected to take 17 years.
Kalispell Public Schools plans to put a high school levy on the May ballot while addressing a roughly $2.8 to $2.9 million budget deficit by reducing teaching positions. Staff are being informally notified now if they are getting laid off to lessen anxiety and give them time to find new jobs. Formal layoff notifications reassignments and involuntary transfers will be issued in May after school elections.
