🌱 Missoula Considers Decommissioning Dam + MCPS Superintendent Search

Hey, Missoula. I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 45 Low: 17.
• Friday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 46 Low: 11.

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Here are the top three stories today in Missoula:

1. The City of Missoula is considering decommissioning McKinley Lake Dam, which is one of ten dams the city is looking to decommission or rehabilitate. Logan McInnis, Missoula Deputy Public Works director for utilities, said, "McKinley is one that really stands out as it needs to go. It's not serving a purpose. It's creating environmental issues with this erosion. It's expensive to maintain and inspect and so, you know, it's pretty clear that we want to decommission it." (NBC Montana)
2. On Mar. 14, the Missoula County School Board of Trustees unanimously voted for Micah Hill as their choice for the new Missoula County Public Schools Superintendent. MCPS Public Information Officer Tyler Christensen said the board will now offer the position to Hill, enter into contract negotiations, and finally vote whether to approve the contract once it is complete. If the contract is approved, Hill would replace the current interim superintendent Russ Lodge. (Newstalkkgvo)
3. The City of Missoula has agreed to provide fentanyl test strips to help prevent overdoses due to the rising amount of fentanyl in Missoula. According to the Montana Department of Justice, there was nine times more fentanyl seized in Montana in 2021 in comparison to 2021. And in the first half of 2022, that number almost doubled. (Missoulian)

Today and tomorrow in Missoula:

Thursday, March 16

• The Backcountry Hunters & Anglers North American Rendezvous At Missoula County Fairgrounds (2:00 PM)
• Pint Night At Imagination Brewing (4:30 PM)

Friday, March 17

• St. Patrick's Day Party At Cranky Sam Public House (4:00 PM)
• Saint Patrick's Day Celebration - Live Music With Imagine Ireland At Imagination Brewing (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Saturday, Mar. 18, seven bands will perform at the ZACC Show Room for the Missoula Rock Lotto! (Missoulian)
• Online house hunting is great, but it's important to see the homes in person too! Check out the upcoming open houses in the Missoula area, including a four-bedroom on Joy Drive on Sunday, Mar. 19. (Missoula Patch)
• There are long-stay shelter pets who need a best friend! See the adorable adoptable pets at the Humane Society of Western Montana. (The Humane Society of Western Montana via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you soon for your next update.

— 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.