Missoula County Sets Hearing on Feral Horses

After receiving hundreds of comments, with comments still coming in over the weekend, Missoula County commissioners say they're ready to take a closer look at options for dealing with the feral horse herd that's ignited a fierce debate in the fast-growing Miller Creek neighborhood.

Commissioners are now scheduled to open a public hearing at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, to discuss the future of horses, which have become a frequent sight as they've expanded their grazing across the neighborhood south of Missoula.

While the horses have been part of the landscape for over a century, recent population growth and a vehicle collision last September have intensified concerns about safety, property damage, and livestock disease. But many people are welcoming the horses, saying they should be allowed to run free.

Because state law is unclear on who has jurisdiction over abandoned horses on private land, the county convened a multi-agency task force to evaluate management options.

The June 11 meeting will take place in person at the Sophie Moiese Room in the County Courthouse Annex, with a virtual attendance option also available. The hearing will remain open for public comment for at least 30 days.       

     The county hasn't published any specific recommendations yet, although we're expecting to see more info in advance of the hearing.

Authorities monitor flood threat

Monday was another wet one across parts of the state, continuing the dousing many areas received over the weekend.

Locations along the Divide had seen anywhere from 3 to 4 inches of rain by Monday morning. 1 to 3 inches of rain had fallen in some areas of the Mission, Flathead, and Swan valleys. Great Falls had received an entire month's worth of rain by Sunday evening.

Authorities are continuing to track the flooding potential, especially in Cascade County, and along the Rocky Mountain Front, where streams and rivers are running high with a combination of rain and snowmelt.

     ☔️ Forecasters say rain should ease Tuesday, especially West of the Divide. After a break on Wednesday, more rain is possible on Thursday.

Officer-involved shooting being investigated in the Flathead

An assault report involving a weapon drew Flathead County sheriff’s deputies to the Emery Bay area of the Hungry Horse Reservoir.

The response quickly escalated into an officer-involved shooting. The suspect was killed in the encounter, while no deputies sustained injuries.

Per standard protocol, the Kalispell Police Department has stepped in to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting.

Authorities state that no further details are currently available, but additional updates will be released as the investigation unfolds.