🌱 Drunk Driver Shoves Woman Out Of Moving Car + Rise In 911 Calls

Hello, everybody. It's Thursday in Missoula and I'm back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in our community today. Today you'll find news about...

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A morning shower in spots. High: 74 Low: 42.
• Friday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 79 Low: 45.

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Here are the top three stories in Missoula today:

1. A drunk driver shoved a woman out of a moving car in Missoula. The young female, whose name has not been released, was taken to St. Patrick's Hospital by her neighbor for head injuries, where she told police that she went out drinking with her boyfriend, Jacob Young. The 25-year-old man became angry when they left the bar early, screaming in her face until he unlocked the car doors and shoved her out of the moving car. Young was arrested and is facing charges including felony criminal endangerment, partner or family member assault, driving under the influence, fleeing from or eluding a peace officer, and reckless driving, with a bond set at $25,000 after his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court on May 9. (Newstalkkgvo)
2. The Missoula Fire Department (MFD) has reported steady growth in calls for emergency response and the Mobile Support Team since the start of the year. The Mobile Support Team helps redirect people with low-risk behavioral health problems from jail and hospital emergency departments. According to the MFD, 1,003 total emergency calls and 156 mobile support calls with 48.86 average minutes per call were reported in April. (Montana Right Now)
3. Missoula project leaders and community members discussed the Downtown Safety, Access, and Mobility project "Downtown SAM" during a recent town hall meeting. The project looks to improve Higgins Avenue safety, restore Front and Main streets to two-way traffic, and create connections to the riverfront parks. The grant application process is ongoing and, if approved, construction may begin in 2026, with a maximum grant amount of $25 million that is not sourced from tax dollars. (NBC Montana)

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Today and tomorrow in Missoula:

Thursday, May 11

• Jazz-Esque Thursday At The Old Post Pub (7:00 PM)
• The Mojo Hands Rockin Blues At Evaro Bar (9:00 PM)

Friday, May 12

• Birdwatching Club At Greenough Park (9:00 AM)
• Food Truck Festival At Ogren Park At Allegiance Field (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Need a gift for Mother's Day? Missoula Wine Merchants is offering three different grab-and-go mocktail kits. You can taste the mocktails at the tasting room on May 11. Each kit makes at least 14 drinks with a recipe card included. (Missoula Wine Merchants via Instagram)
• Have you signed up for Missoula Marathon's Tony Banovich 5K? On Jun. 24, runners of all levels will run through the city, taking in the natural scenery and stunning views. (Missoula Marathon via Instagram)
• On May 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Missoula Art Museum will offer a free family workshop with artist Bev Beck Glueckert. Families can partake in the free artmaking workshop focused on creating bridges, spans, and surrounding landscapes with collage materials. (Missoula Art Museum via Instagram)
• According to recent data, the state of Montana had the sixth-highest rate of U.S. teen driver fatalities in 2022. Bumper.com reports that “young drivers are statistically more likely than other age groups to be involved in fatal accidents.” (Bumper.com)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you soon.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.