![Missoula Current](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/06/attachment-mc-sq-logo-profile.jpg?w=300&q=75)
Missoula Current
![Missoula Current](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/06/attachment-mc-sq-logo-profile.jpg?w=300&q=75)
![EPA agrees to quarterly groundwater sampling at Smurfit](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2019/01/smurfit9.jpg?w=980&q=75)
EPA agrees to quarterly groundwater sampling at Smurfit
For those concerned about the Smurfit Stone mill site, sampling in 2024 should provide a better picture of the extent of contamination, thanks to a promise from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
![Missoula, Hamilton receive state funding for affordable housing](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/08/creekside-apts.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Missoula, Hamilton receive state funding for affordable housing
Homeword will receive $1.5 million in HOME funding to continue rehabilitating the Creekside Apartments. The complex includes 14 buildings containing 161 living units and currently houses around 300 individuals.
![Viewpoint: When it comes to forests, who gets the mic?](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/12/attachment-Michael-Hoyt-Photo.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Viewpoint: When it comes to forests, who gets the mic?
Michael Hoyt writes, "When it comes to protecting public lands in general and forests in particular, many accept the false dichotomy that environmentalists are the bad guys and government agencies, like the Forest Service, are the good guys. Other interested parties seldom receive a hearing."
![State: Number of Montanans working, job growth set records](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/12/attachment-Housing-construction.jpg?w=980&q=75)
State: Number of Montanans working, job growth set records
Montana's rate of unemployment ended November at 3% while the state's total labor force reached a new record, the governor's office said Tuesday.
![Harmon’s Histories: Twas quite the Christmas in Missoula … in 1923](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/12/attachment-Clipping-Walrus-Bag-The-Missoula-Sentinel-Dec.-19-1923.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Harmon’s Histories: Twas quite the Christmas in Missoula … in 1923
The Missoula Boys and Girls Glee Clubs readied for their performances, the fire chief made his annual plea to be careful with candles near the holiday tree, 200 sacks of mail arrived at the train depot, and the Missoula Male Chorus planned performances for the Poor Farm. It was Christmastime in Missoula – 100 years ago.
![Viewpoint: Trump is making a list and checking it twice](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/12/attachment-Trump1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Viewpoint: Trump is making a list and checking it twice
Evan Barrett writes, "In a new Trump world, the powers of the federal government will be used to either punish you or reward you depending on whether you’re on the “naughty" or "nice” list."
![Viewpoint: While state sleeps, local governments lead climate fight](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/09/attachment-Climate-Strike-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Viewpoint: While state sleeps, local governments lead climate fight
Jordan Hess and Dave Strohmaier write, "We come home from Dubai inspired by local climate action around the world, with renewed and strengthened resolve to do our part locally to solve this global challenge."
![County nominates Slotnick to governor’s property tax task force](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2019/06/Josh-Slotnick.jpg?w=980&q=75)
County nominates Slotnick to governor’s property tax task force
In hopes of joining other Montana counties in a growing push to reform the state's tax system, Missoula County this week named one of its own to sit on the governor's task force.
![UM study finds decline in mammal diversity with urbanization](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/12/attachment-Chris-Hansen-wildlife.jpg?w=980&q=75)
UM study finds decline in mammal diversity with urbanization
The findings revealed that as cities get more crowded, there are fewer types of mammals around. Larger animals, in particular, are less common in urban areas.
![Viewpoint: Sen. Daines should listen to Montanans on WSAs](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/12/attachment-wilderness.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Viewpoint: Sen. Daines should listen to Montanans on WSAs
Beth Covitt writes, "While he likes to talk about the importance of locally driven solutions, Senator Daines has disregarded locals’ hard work around public lands protections, preferring to listen to a small sliver of special interest groups."