🌱 Gov. Gianforte Promotes Housing Reform + I-90 Victim Identified

Hello all. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Missoula Patch newsletter — here to explain everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Snow and rain, up to 1". High: 45 Low: 31.

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Here are the top three stories in Missoula today:

1. On Wednesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte was joined by community leaders and advocates in Missoula to promote housing reform in Montana. At the event, Gianforte toured a new high-density housing project and spoke about the state’s housing crisis. The governor also called on the legislature to send HB 825 and other pro-housing reforms to his desk, urging local and county governments to prioritize zoning reform. (NBC Montana)
2. Authorities have identified the man whose body was found along Interstate 90 near Missoula earlier this month as 61-year-old Ian C. Throndsen. Identified by Missoula County Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen, Throndsen's body was found on Mar. 12, 2023, along I-90 near mile marker 109. The cause of death is still under investigation. (KPAX News)
3. Missoula's Frugals drive-in located on Brooks Avenue reopened Monday following the late-night gas explosion in early October. The Missoula Fire Department had determined the blast was likely caused by a failed gas fitting. The resulting explosion was so strong that the roof was lifted off the building. (Newstalkkgvo)

Today in Missoula:

• Shane Clouse Live At Conflux At Conflux Taphouse (6:00 PM)
• Jazz-esque Thursday At The Old Post (7:00 PM)
• Fort Missoula Ponds Migration Watch At 2801 40th Ave (9:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Try your luck with the "Meet Me In Missoula" weekend prize package. Dated May 5-7, the prize package includes a two-night stay at a Missoula Hotel, two tickets to Roald Dahl’s "Matilda the Musical" by Missoula Community Theatre, and two tickets to Garden City Brewfest. Those interested can enter to win via Destination Missoula by Apr. 20 at the link. (Destination Missoula via Instagram)
• Missoula Police is requesting assistance in locating 40-year-old Keesha Downen. Downen is 5'1 and weighs approximately 105 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes and was last seen in February in the Missoula area. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Missoula Police Department at 406-552-6300 or the emergency hotline at 911. (City of Missoula Police Department via Facebook)
• Interested in learning more about your ancestors? The Missoula Public Library card is giving cardholders free access to Ancestry and Heritage Quest. For more information, head over to the link. (Missoula Public Library via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! 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.