🌱 Man Crashes Into Multiple Missoula Cars + Caras Park Restoration

Hey, hello! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Missoula Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A snow shower in the morning. High: 53 Low: 34.
• Friday: Cloudy with a shower. High: 51 Low: 27.

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Here are the top three stories in Missoula today:

1. On Apr. 18, 21-year-old Demar Pugh made his first court appearance after being charged with four counts of felony criminal endangerment, DUI first offense, and failure to give notice by quickest means of an accident. Pugh's bond was set at $250,000 at the Missoula Justice Court for allegedly crashing into multiple cars on multiple busy Missoula streets on Apr. 14. (KYSS-FM)
2. For the last two years, a portion of Caras Park has been used to stage construction equipment for the renovation of Bear Tracks Bridge. The City of Missoula plans to restore that portion of Caras Park using money from an agreement with NorthWestern Energy and the Montana Department of Transportation. The city has awarded the $101,000 contract to Advanced Lawn Care for the restoration. (KPAX News)
3. On Apr. 18, Missoula Mayor Jordan Hess hosted a special debriefing with Missoula Police Department Chief Mike Colyer and Missoula County Public Schools Superintendent Russ Lodge. The officials detailed the events, timeline, and actions during the Apr. 5 Hellgate High School lockdown to the Missoula media. (Newstalkkgvo)

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Today and tomorrow in Missoula:

Thursday, April 20

• Fourth Annual 420 Block Party + Dispensary Tour Of Missoula At Caras Park (2:00 PM)
• Jazz-esque Thursday At The Old Post Pub (7:00 PM)

Friday, April 21

• Solid Sound Karaoke At Westside Lanes (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• There are thousands of dying poplars near Missoula's wastewater treatment plant just south of Mullan Road. The sewage-fed poplars are to be replaced with alfalfa. (Subscription: Missoulian)
• On the night of Apr. 18, the Missoula County Planning Board signed off on zoning regulations for cannabis growers and shops. A hearing will be on May 4 in front of the Missoula County Commission. (NBC Montana)
• The American Lung Association released its 24th annual “state of the air” report on Apr. 19. According to the report, Montana's air quality ranked unhealthy for particle pollution. Missoula's air quality worsened since last year, ranking No. 15 in most polluted for short-term particle pollution and No. 51 in most polluted for year-round particles. (NBC Montana)

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Alrighty, you're all good 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.