Welcome to Missoula County Weekly . You’re receiving this because you signed up to receive e - notifications at missoulacounty . us . Missoula County Weekly will keep you informed and up to date on public meetings , county projects and more .       
   If you’re viewing this on the homepage of the Missoula County website and would like to receive the e - notifications ,
   sign up for them
    , and choose “Weekly Newsletter” as one of your preferences . If there’s something you’d like to know more about ,
   please contact us .
   Candidate filing now open for 2024 primary election
   The Elections Office is now accepting candidate filings for countywide offices up for election in the June primary . To appear on the November general election ballot , candidates must file to run and receive the most votes in their respective party’s primary . The deadline to submit filings and the associated fee is 5 p . m . Monday , March 11 .
   In countywide elections , the Clerk of District Court and Commissioner for District 3 will be on the ballot . These candidates must file with the county Elections Office , not the Secretary of State ( candidates running for District Court judge or legislative seats
   do file with the SOS
    ) . While county commissioners are elected at - large and represent the entire county , they must reside within their respective district for at least two years before the general election .
   The current list of openings is listed
   online
    . Elections Office staff will update this list as candidates file . To file for an open position , qualified candidates must complete the Declaration for Nomination and Oath of Candidacy form available online at
   missoula . co/candidatefiling
    . Forms must be returned to the Elections Center at 140 N . Russell St . or emailed to
   [email protected]
    . The form may also be picked up or completed in person at the Elections Center .
   Historical Museum to host former Forest Service archaeologist for free public event
   The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula will host “Six Hundred Generations: Exploring the Indigenous Archaeology of Montana , ” with Carl M . Davis at 2 p . m . , Saturday , Jan . 20 . The presentation is free and open to the public .
   This event will take participants on a journey through time , climate , landscapes , technologies and cultures , beginning with the First Americans who followed mammoths to North America about 15 , 000 years ago . The conversation focuses on representative archaeological sites in Montana — villages , animal kill sites , stone quarries , rock art and battlefields — spanning 13 , 500 years , culminating with cultural landscapes and preservation issues that continue to be highly important to Indian peoples today .  
   Click here for more information .
   Temporary Safe Outdoor Space marks one year at new location
   As temperatures plunge , many Missoula County residents experiencing homelessness have a warm place to stay thanks to the Temporary Safe Outdoor Space . A partnership between Missoula County , Hope Rescue Mission , and United Way of Missoula County , with financial support from the City of Missoula , the TSOS has served roughly 300 people since it opened in 2020 .
   The current site opened a year ago and is equipped with 30 hard - sided , heated shelters designed to withstand below - zero weather . Having safe , warm shelter is crucial for helping residents move forward with their lives and work toward securing permanent housing .
   Initially set up in response to the pandemic , the TSOS has become a model for how to successfully offer people experiencing homelessness a safe space to live while connecting them to appropriate , sustainable housing resources and providing a reliable location for case managers and service providers to reach clients .
   Learn more about the TSOS , including how it ' s funded , at
   missoula . co/tsos
    .
   Missoula County seeks applicants for 2024 rural grant projects
   Missoula County has opened the second round of Impact Grants and is continuing to accept Micro Grant applications to support community - driven projects that enhance the quality of life in rural areas of Missoula County . Individuals , nonprofit organizations , citizen groups , community councils , schools and special districts are encouraged to learn more and apply online . 2023 winners included the Potomac School District , which purchased a walk - in cooler , the Seeley Lake Lions Club , which hired lifeguards for the Double Arrow swimming pool , the Bonner - Milltown History Center , which transcribed oral history for archival preservation , and others .
   The Rural Grant Program was initiated by the Missoula County Commissioners in 2023 and includes two unique funding opportunities: Micro Grants , with awards between $100 to $500 , and Impact Grants , with awards from $500 to $4 , 000 . The awards are designed to support community projects within the county but outside Missoula city limits .
   Learn more and find application requirements .
   Missoula County Extension Office seeks volunteers for Master Gardener Program
   The Missoula County Extension Office is seeking residents to participate in the
   Master Gardener programin 2024 . The Master Gardener program trains volunteers to assist extension agents in providing research - based horticulture education to the public .
   The Master Gardener program is divided into two levels: foundation and advanced . Individuals accepted into the Master Gardener Extension program agree to volunteer a minimum of 50 hours within a year following the completion of training in exchange for 42 hours of horticultural training by Extension and local area professionals . Training for certification as a Master Gardener Extension Volunteer will be offered through the Montana State University Cooperative Extension office in Missoula beginning February 2024 .
   Activities in a volunteer program may include environmental gardening and composting demonstrations , plant clinics , newsletters , news articles , installation of our new demonstration gardens , civic or garden club presentations , children’s programs , and information booths at fairs and festivals . Enrollment costs $250 , which includes a Master Gardener textbook , one - year membership in the Montana Master Gardener Association and all other class materials .
   Classes will be held every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p . m . Feb . 27 through April 24 at the G . W . Marks Exploration Center located at 1075 South Ave W . Class topics include landscape design , turf management , organic gardening , basic entomology , weed identification and management , diseases and insect pests of ornamental plants and vegetables , and integrated pest management .   
   Contact MSU Extension Horticulturalist Sarah Holden at 406 - 544 - 6582 or
   [email protected]for more information .
   Request for proposal: Missoula Public Library café
   The Missoula Public Library Board of Trustees seeks proposals for the operation of a coffee shop or café in the main library branch at 455 E . Main Street . The Missoula Public Library is known internationally for its innovative approach to promoting collaboration , engagement and accessibility with a building that highlights our unique landscape and Missoula’s cultural heritage .  
   The facility also houses Families First Learning Lab , MCAT , spectrUM Discovery Area and the UM Living Lab , a partnership based on the Scandinaviankulturhusetconcept of integrated community services and lifelong learning . In 2022 , Missoula Public Library was named “best new library of the year” by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions . Approximately 30 , 000 to 35 , 000 people visit the library each month , including tourists , individuals and groups that host events in the library’s meeting rooms . Click here to read the full RFP . Proposals will be accepted until Jan . 31 , 2024 .
   Mythbuster: ‘The County and City refuse to make changes to Reserve Street to address traffic and safety concerns’ 
   This is false .
   The County and City recognize that Reserve Street needs improving . While they do not have direct jurisdictional authority over the street , the two local governments , through the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization , work closely with the Montana Department of Transportation on possible improvements to Reserve Street .
   The MPO will start a study soon to see how Reserve Street could be improved . This will include analyzing crashes and developing a Safety Action Plan to address issues . The study will consider how the community wants Reserve Street to function as a framework for the types of safety improvements the County and City develop . Learn more about the MPO in the newest podcast episode , featured below!
   New podcast episode |
   The Infamous Reserve Street
   In the latest episode of The Agenda , we answer common questions about everyone ' s favorite street in Missoula ( bonus points if you listen while stuck in traffic on Reserve! )
   Aaron Wilson , transportation planning manager from the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization , joined the county commissioners this week to answer questions like: Is Reserve Street really home to the most dangerous intersections in Missoula? Can infrastructure changes actually decrease traffic?
   In this episode , they discuss the evolution of Reserve Street , problems with pedestrian safety , and the role of the Missoula Metropolitan Planning Organization ( MPO ) in coordinating transportation efforts across jurisdictions . Don’t miss part one of this two - part series on planning , traffic and transportation .  
   Click here to listenor find it wherever you get your podcasts under "The Agenda with the Missoula County Commissioners" .
   Department Spotlight:
   Commissioners’ Office
    
   The Missoula County Commissioners ' Office staff keep the Commissioners ' Office running smoothly and efficiently . They answer phone calls to the Missoula County switchboard as well as calls and emails to the commissioners ' office directly . They organize the commissioners ' calendars , manage the administrative and public meeting agendas , take meeting minutes and file or send meeting documents to the appropriate place . They manage the commissioners ' office journals , route mail and help with other administrative duties . The Commissioners ' Office staff take on nearly anything thrown their way and handle each obstacle with kindness and grace .
   To contact the Commissioners ' Office , you can call 406 - 258 - 4877 or email
   [email protected]
    . To find a commissioners ' administrative or public meeting agenda , visit
   http://missoula . co/bccmeetings
    . And if you ' re confused and just know you need to contact the County about something , you can call the County ' s main number at 406 - 721 - 5700 . The Commissioners ' Office staff are happy to help!
   Missoula County seeks applicants for advisory boards , community councils
   Are you looking for ways to get involved in your community? Are you passionate about open lands and parks , or want to have a say in planning the 2024 Western Montana Fair?
   The Missoula County commissioners are seeking engaged community members to
   apply for open positionson Missoula County advisory boards and committees . These boards and committees provide information and guidance to the Missoula Board of County Commissioners regarding important decisions like elections , zoning , and more . The commissioners appoint board members following review of applications .
   The following boards have vacancies*:
   Aquatic Invasive Species District
   : one two - year term that expires Dec . 31 , 2025 and two alternate positions .
   Big Flat Irrigation District:one three - year term that expires May 31 , 2026 .
   East Missoula Rural Fire District
   : Remainder of one term that expires May 31 , 2024 .
   Evaro/Finley - O’Keefe Community Council:three three - year terms , one expiring May 31 , 2024 , and two expiring May 31 , 2026 .
   Fair Event Committee
   : remainder of one three - year term that expires Sept . 30 , 2024 .
   Missoula Irrigation District
   : two terms that expire May 31 , 2026 .
   Open Lands Citizen Advisory Committee
   : Two alternate positions .
   Planning and Zoning Commission
   : remainder of one three - year term that expires Dec . 31 , 2024 .
   Seeley Lake Community Council:remainder of one three - year term expiring May 31 , 2025 , and one three - year alternate term expiring May 31 , 2024 .
   Weed Control Board
   : one two - year term that expires Dec . 31 , 2025 and two alternate positions .
   West Valley Community Council:remainder of two three - year terms expiring May 31 , 2025 , and May 31 , 2026 .
   Zoning Board of Adjustment
   : three alternate member two - year terms running through Dec . 31 , 2023 , and Dec . 31 , 2024 .
   *Please note: Several of these openings are to fill the remainder of vacant terms or for terms that have been vacant for a while , so the term length and expiration dates may not match .
   Engage with us on
   Missoula County Voice
   !
        
   Don’t miss these opportunities to get involved with county government:
   Let us know your thoughts or questions on updates to the Missoula County Floodplain Regulationsbefore Feb . 22
   Follow the Wye Infrastructure Plan projectand stay up to date on how Missoula County could address infrastructure deficiencies in the Wye area , such as roads , water , wastewater , broadband and more
   Receive a $500 rebate toward a new water heater
    
   Looking for a job with great benefits? Missoula County is hiring!
      
   Benefits include health , dental and vision insurance; paid parental leave and vacation , sick and holiday leave; free and confidential counseling services through an Employee Assistance Program; and enrollment in the Public Employees’ Retirement System . The following departments are hiring:        
   9 - 1 - 1 Dispatch 
   Animal Control
   Detention Center
   Financial Services
   Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
   Lands and Communities
   Missoula Public Health
   Partnership Health Center
   Public Works
   Technology
   Treasurer ' s Office
   See the full list
    
   job openingsat Missoula County and apply today!  
   Have you ever wondered , ‘hey , what is local government doing about…?’
   Check out “What is Missoula County doing about…?”to see what county government is doing to address the most pressing issues facing residents . Topics include affordable housing , homelessness , public infrastructure and more .  
   Missoula County in the News:
   ‘Imperfect progress’: City , county embrace JEDI challenges
    , Missoulian
   Mobile crisis response team helping Missoula students find help
    , Montana Free Press
   Missoula seeks women workers to take infrastructure jobs
    , Missoulian
   Selected Events this Week
   Cultivate and Cook Savory Super Foods
    
   6 to 7 p . m . , Thursday , Jan . 18 , GW Marks Exploration Center ( Honeyberry Kitchen )
   Frenchtown Book Club
   5:45 p . m . , Thursday , Jan . 18 , Frenchtown Branch Library ( 17620 Frenchtown Frontage Rd )
   Six Hundred Generations: Exploring the Indigenous Archaeology of Montana
    
   2 p . m . , Saturday , Jan . 20 , Historical Museum at Fort Missoula
   Big Sky Reptile Expo
    
   10 a . m . to 5 p . m . , Saturday , Jan . 20 , through Sunday , Jan . 21 , Missoula County Fairgrounds ( Commercial Building )
   Find more events this week on the 
   County’s Event Calendar
   !  
   What are the commissioners up to?
   Below is a summary of recent public meetings , where the commissioners . . .
   Approved a grant agreement with Five Valleys Land Trust related to the Jette Farm/Grass Valley open space bond project . Jette Farm is a 122 - acre donated conservation easement in the Grass Valley area near Frenchtown . The County will spend $34 , 000 of 2006 open space bond funds for the transaction costs related to this acquisition .
   Approved an amendment to the contract agreement with Jackson Contractor Group to construct the new grandstands at the Fairgrounds . Funding for the $5 . 1 million contract amendment came from private fundraising , revenue from events , and other sources . Missoula Concrete , owned by the Bauer family , donated approximately $750 , 000 in concrete risers for the new grandstands . Groundbreaking will begin this spring and the new Clouse Bauer Arena is scheduled to be completed in July .
   Read more here .
   Accepted the $71 , 683 Building Resilient Infrastructure in Communities federal grant award . This  will pay to bury a section of powerline near Rock Creek that is currently at high risk for wildfire damage .
   Read more here .
   Adopted a resolution of intent to amend the Missoula County floodplain hazard management regulations . These regulations earn a high rating from the National Flood Insurance Program , meaning residents and homeowners in Missoula County are offered lower rates for flood insurance . Missoula County floodplain regulations are rated at a class seven , which equates to up to a 15% reduction in flood insurance premiums . The County will host public review sessions of the updated regulations virtually from
   6 to 7:30 p . m . , Tuesday , Jan . 23
    , and
   9 to 10:30 a . m . , Wednesday , Jan . 31
    , for interested residents .  A final resolution will be presented at the 2 p . m . , Feb . 22 public meeting . See floodplain maps , links to virtual meetings and submit public comment at
   missoulacountyvoice . com
    .
   Keep up with the commissioners yourself by
   attending a public meeting . The commissioners’ meetings for the upcoming week are listed below ,
   with links to agendas and Microsoft Teams links: 
   Tuesday , Jan . 16
   • 10 a . m . :
   Commissioners
   ’ Administrative Meeting
   • 11 a . m . :
   County Attorneys Update
   • 6 p . m . :
   Planning Board Meeting
    
   Wednesday , Jan . 17
   • 9 a . m . :
   Auditor’s Update
   • 10 a . m . :
   Chief Officers Update
   • 1 p . m . :
   Health Department Update
   • 6 p . m . :
   Board of Adjustment Meeting
    
   Thursday , Jan . 18
   • 8 a . m . :
   Chief Administrative Officer Update
   • 9 a . m . :
   Sherrif’s Office Update
   • 1:30 p . m . :
   Parks and Trails Advisory Board
   • 10 a . m . :
   Commissioners Administrative Meeting
    
   Monday , Jan . 22
    .
   • 8:30 a . m . :
   Public Works Update
   • 9:30 a . m . :
   Lands and Communities Update
   Please note that agendas for department and administrative meetings are published two business days before the meeting , and public meeting agendas are published the Friday before the meeting . Administrative and public meeting video recordings are available on the
   Missoula County YouTube page
    , and MCAT plays the public meetings live on Spectrum Channel 190 .
   Email
   [email protected]or call 406 - 258 - 4877 if you have any questions or comments on an upcoming meeting .  
   

Press release information :

Direct link to press release: Click here .

Keywords and search queries from search engines related to the press release :
Tags:
Missoula . Missoula . County . Montana . Weekly . Candidate . filing . countywide . elections . rural .
Scandinaviankulturhusetconcept . missoulacountyvoice . Councilremainder . Regulationsbefore . Horticulturalist . candidatefiling . internationally . missoulacounty . representative . archaeological .
https://thepressreleaseengine.com/Missoula+County+Weekly+|+Jan++16+22++Candidate+filing+for+countywide+elections+open++rural+grants+available++TSOS+celebrates+anniversary+-lnid2024-5427-1686782
Missoula ; Missoula ; County ; Montana ; Weekly ; Candidate ; filing ; countywide ; elections ; rural ;
Scandinaviankulturhusetconcept ; missoulacountyvoice ; Councilremainder ; Regulationsbefore ; Horticulturalist ; candidatefiling ; internationally ; missoulacounty ; representative ; archaeological ;
rural elections countywide filing Candidate Weekly Montana County Missoula Missoula
archaeological representative missoulacounty internationally candidatefiling Horticulturalist Regulationsbefore Councilremainder missoulacountyvoice Scandinaviankulturhusetconcept