Governor Greg Gianforte joined Montana Department of Environmental Quality and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials for a tour of the Columbia Falls Aluminum Company plant this week. The visit focused on the ongoing remediation efforts at the Columbia Falls Superfund site, where officials provided updates on the cleanup process.

Local Government Actions

In related local news, the Columbia Falls City Council passed an emergency ordinance addressing increased bear activity within city limits. The measure was adopted to manage safety concerns as wildlife presence has risen in residential areas.

Meanwhile, the Kalispell City Council approved a new policy allowing block parties on residential streets. In Polson, officials marked the groundbreaking for new pickleball courts, expanding recreational infrastructure in the community.

Regional Developments

PacifiCorp is currently seeking buyers for the Bigfork Hydroelectric Dam, signaling potential changes in regional energy asset ownership. Separately, a proposed water management plan for the St. Mary and Milk River systems includes the installation of inflatable dams on St. Mary and lower St. Mary lakes.

In Whitefish, a new solar project is now powering homes and helping to offset peak electricity demand. Additionally, officials released a new guide for paddlers navigating the Whitefish River.

Education and Community

Flathead Valley Community College has offered a presidential position to an administrator from a Florida community college. In Columbia Falls, advocates are pushing for support of a bond measure to remodel Columbia Falls High School.

Glacier National Park officials discussed implementing parking time limits at Logan Pass as the summer season concluded. The annual Ribeye Raffle also set a new record during its recent event.

Courts and Safety

Montana justices upheld a murder conviction related to a deadly 2022 home invasion in Martin City. In Kalispell, police officers opened fire during a weekend arrest operation. A plane also crash-landed at the Polson airport earlier this week.

A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist a victim of a grizzly bear mauling. Tensions were reported at a recent Mineral County Commissioners meeting, though specific details regarding the dispute were not provided in the initial reports.