🌱 Missoula Co. Establishes Impact Fees + Students Organize Parade

Good morning, Missoula! I'm Amy Mayo and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Like many of you, the Patch staff is taking some time off for Memorial Day, so you won’t see this newsletter in your inbox for a few days. We’ll be back soon, but in the meantime, here’s what’s happening in and around town this weekend.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 72 Low: 54.
• Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 71 Low: 50.

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Here are the top three stories in Missoula today:

1. Missoula County commissioners approved a resolution establishing impact fees, which are one-time payments for growth-related infrastructure, such as water, wastewater, and transportation. The fees will be collected when building permits are issued and are expected to be implemented by the end of the year. Public opinion on the topic was mixed, with some residents expressing concerns about increased home costs, while others support the fees as long as they are reasonable. (NBC Montana)
2. The Missoula County Commission has requested the U.S. Forest Service to provide a 60-day public comment period for future proposals regarding Holland Lake Lodge. They also asked for adherence to state and local regulations for any future development at the site. Concerns about public engagement and regulatory review of proposed changes at the lodge have been raised. The lodge's expansion plans, including a new restaurant, lodge, and cabin buildings, have faced opposition and legal challenges from environmental groups and local attorneys. The Forest Service previously rejected the expansion proposal but the company behind it, POWDR, has indicated it will submit another proposal. (Missoulian)
3. Students at Hellgate Elementary School in Missoula organized a parade to show appreciation for local law enforcement. The parade, organized by teacher Kate Singleterry, aimed to thank those with challenging and often thankless jobs. The event included participation from various law enforcement agencies, such as the Missoula police, Montana Highway Patrol, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. The parade was well-received by both the students and the law enforcement personnel involved, highlighting the importance of expressing gratitude and appreciation to community helpers. (KPAX News)

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Today and tomorrow in Missoula:

Saturday, May 27

• Saturday Kids' Activity: Wacky Wildflowers At Montana Natural History Center (1:00 PM)
• Getting Unburied And Moving Forward (Virtual) Hosted By KEF Consulting (6:30 PM)

Sunday, May 28

• Sunday Funday Board Games At Cranky Sam Public House (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The annual Montana Professional Firefighters Convention took place with notable guest speakers, productive committee work, and the re-election of Joel Gaertig to the Montana State Firefighters Association at-large position. The convention was hosted by the Bozeman Firefighters IAFF Local 613, the Central Valley Firefighters, and the Livingston Professional Firefighters. (Missoula Firefighters IAFF 271 via Instagram)
• Boone & Crockett's collection of old hunting photos offers a glimpse into a different time, requiring extensive research and curation to capture details like rifles, scopes, hairstyles, and the absence of camouflage. The gallery primarily features images sourced from the extensive historic record book entries of Boone and Crockett. (Boone and Crockett Club via Facebook)
• Mark your calendars for Thursday, Jun. 1 at 5:30 p.m. as the 22nd annual Downtown ToNight event begins in Caras Park, featuring live music by MONEYPENNY. For more information about Downtown ToNight, click here. (Missoula Downtown via Instagram)

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That's it for today! See you all soon for your next update.

— Amy Mayo

About me: Amy Mayo is a writer, visual artist, and political scientist, living in the NC Research Triangle. She graduated from the University of North Carolina Asheville with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and has worked in a variety of fields outside of copywriting including policy advocacy, the healthcare industry and pharmaceuticals, and education. She hopes one day to live up to the stringent expectations of her cat, Morty.