![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)
![Obituary: Frances “Frankie” Ann Flaherty](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/10/attachment-2023-10-02-Francis-Frankie-Flaherty1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Obituary: Frances “Frankie” Ann Flaherty
The world lost a beautiful soul on September 16, 2023 when Frances "Frankie" Ann Flaherty passed away.
![County approves bond funding for New Meadows park, trail](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/10/attachment-development-park.jpg?w=980&q=75)
County approves bond funding for New Meadows park, trail
The New Meadows trail system will serve as a one-half mile loop in a new 8-acre park off Mullan Road.
![County approves wider bear-buffer zone, requires bear-resistant bins](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2020/07/Bears-capture.jpg?w=980&q=75)
County approves wider bear-buffer zone, requires bear-resistant bins
Changes to Missoula County's solid waste regulations will widen the bear buffer zone around the city limits and phase in the requirement of bear-resistant trash bins over the next three years.
![Voices: Gwen Jones keeps Missoula City Council on task](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/10/attachment-Gwen-Jones-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Voices: Gwen Jones keeps Missoula City Council on task
Jim Wheelis writes, "We’re lucky to have her on the city council and fortunate that she wants another term. I’m lucky to have her as a neighbor. Someone like Gwen makes city government and neighborhoods work right."
![Tester, Daines vote to keep government open; Zinke, Rosendale opposed](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/09/attachment-Rosendale.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Tester, Daines vote to keep government open; Zinke, Rosendale opposed
Montana Reps. Matt Rosendale and Ryan Zinke were among a monitory of House Republicans to vote against a stopgap spending measure that kept the government open.
![Second half lifts Griz over Idaho State in soggy homecoming](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/10/attachment-Clifton-McDowell-celebrates-the-touchdown-run.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Second half lifts Griz over Idaho State in soggy homecoming
Montana football bounced back on Homecoming and defeated an explosive Idaho State team 28-20 to improve to 4-1 on the season and 1-1 in Big Sky play.
![It was a music-filled summer in Missoula](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/09/attachment-music-19.jpg?w=980&q=75)
It was a music-filled summer in Missoula
The 2023 outdoor concert season began May 13 with Bret Young and closed on Sept. 22 with Goose. In between, there were nearly 40 outdoor concerts between the Kettlehouse and Big Sky amphitheaters.
![Griz sweep rivalry match with MSU for first time in seven years](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2023/09/attachment-griz-volleyball.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Griz sweep rivalry match with MSU for first time in seven years
It took 31 years for Montana to break the all-time volleyball attendance record, setting a new high in a 3-1 win over Montana State last season. They wouldn't have to wait long to break it again.
![Push to mine new minerals raises talk of fewer regulations](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2022/06/Bitterroot-Forest.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Push to mine new minerals raises talk of fewer regulations
New technology requires minerals seldom used before, some of which can be found in Montana’s mine waste. But some appear eager to change Montana’s regulations that would oversee new mine development.
![Viewpoint: Challenge to massive clearcut in wildlife corridor](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/05/prescribed-burning.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Viewpoint: Challenge to massive clearcut in wildlife corridor
Mike Garrity writes, "One might think after losing a number of lawsuits in a row for blatant violations of the law the Forest Service might think twice about going forward with illegal logging, burning, and road-building projects."