Russ Thomas
Head scratching: Summer heat of 2021 off to a record-setting start
For some in northwest Montana, it’s our fourth straight day of triple digits. Missoula has reached at least 99 for the third straight day. Comparisons to the historically hot summer of 2007 are already being drawn.
Heatwave could jumpstart Montana fire season; triple-digit temperatures moving in
A large percentage of western Montana already is in abnormally dry to drought conditions and the intense and prolonged heatwave expected in the coming days has the Northern Rockies Coordination Center concerned as wildfire season nears.
Missoula County elections center ready to roll as final votes come in
The Missoula County Elections Office is providing a shuttle that will run between McCormick Park and the Elections Center every 15 minutes beginning at 5 a.m. Tuesday and are encouraging to use the shuttle to alleviate congestion at the Elections Center.
Community Medical Center in Missoula launches $13.5M ER expansion
Community Medical Center on Wednesday announced a $13.5 million expansion and remodel of its existing Emergency Room. Population growth and shifting demographics are driving the updates.
Missoula Valley Winter Market finds new digs at Southgate Mall
The Missoula Valley Winter Market has found a new home the old Lucky's Market at Southgate Mall after spending its first six years at the Missoula Senior Center in downtown Missoula. It's set to open in November.
California wildfires pour smoke into western Montana; air quality takes a hit
As smoke from massive California wildfires continues to invade western Montana, air quality continues to take a hit. It'll be another 24 to 48 hours of smoky air conditions before air quality begins to improve later in the week.
Missoula hospitals prepare for influx as coronavirus cases climb
The staff at Missoula's two main hospitals said they are more prepared than ever to handle an influx of patients as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.
Coronavirus to change how Northern Region of USFS manages wildfires
The U.S. Forest Service is making changes to the way it approaches and handles wildland forest fires in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those changes begin at the initial onset of a fire.
Missoula biological firm helping battle COVID-19 with media needed for tests
Community Medical Center in Missoula reached out to Rocky Mountain Biologicals early last week in search of a media to transport the swabs they use to test patients for COVID-19.
University of Montana coordinating with health department as spring break nears
The University of Montana is less than a week away from Spring Break, and with the spread of coronavirus around the country the University is getting the word out on best practices to those who are traveling.