Missoula County Gets New Flood Maps

For the first time in 50 years, FEMA is updating the Missoula County floodplain maps, bringing the zones up to date with current flood risks from rivers such as the Clark Fork and the Lower Bitterroot.

   🌊  It's a step that is designed to keep people safe, but may also be costly for some homeowners who now find themselves needing flood insurance.

The maps were redrawn in a cooperative effort with the Montana DNRC and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, coming 7 years after record floods swept through the Missoula Valley.

Those floods revealed many cases where the older maps didn't reflect the river channel changes over the decades. Some properties may now be in a floodplain, while others might now be outside those zones.

Missoula County has launched online tools to help property owners understand how the floodplain maps have changed. The preliminary maps are now featured on the County's Property Information System, and staff recorded a video tutorial on how to access and interpret the maps. Property owners can also contact the Missoula County Floodplain Administration Program at 406-258-4657 or email floodplain@missoulacounty.us for personalized support.

PSC fight erupts in the removal of the panel president

PSC Commissioner Brad Molnar calls his removal as President of the utility panel a "sham", saying it won't change his efforts to represent the people of Montana.

Molnar was ousted on a 3-2 vote yesterday, the latest development in a power struggle that's been going on for months over accusations of his interactions with staff and following policy.

When he accused the other commissioners of only working a few hours a week and not moving to Helena for the job, he clashed again with Commissioner Jennifer Fielder. Fielder said his statement wasn't accurate and was just "fodder for the press." But Molnar stood his ground, saying he has continually worked "3 to 5 days a week" at the PSC office.

      Commissioners will meet next week to pick a new president.

RELATED: Molnar Calls Out Proposed NW Energy Rate Hike

Plea agreement signed in Great Falls gun store investigation

A Great Falls businessman will pay a quarter of a million dollars in restitution to settle a tax fraud case with the IRS. The accusations against Tommy Michale Van Hoose spurred controversy, with former Montana Congressman Matt Rosendale expressing outrage over the investigation.

Now, Van Hoose is accepting a plea deal to pay 2-hundred 50-thousand dollars in restitution in the case where he was accused of not paying taxes on more than a million dollars from his gun store.

Legal battles continue over Libby asbestos

More legal developments in the ongoing fight over claims with asbestos contamination in Libby. In Portland on Tuesday, a three-judge panel heard arguments in Burlington Northern Santa Fe's appeal of a pair of wrongful death suits from people who died from mesothelioma.

And the Western News reports the CARD Clinic, which had to close this year after losing a case filed against it by BNSF, is facing a new suit filed against clinic leaders by the operations insurance carrier over claims made in obtaining malpractice insurance. The paper reports that General Star Indemnity is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, which also owns the railroad.

Will SNAP benefits arrive in November?

The ongoing government shutdown is bringing new worries to some of the most vulnerable populations, with state officials warning SNAP food benefits might not be coming in November.

The status of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program became a big question mark yesterday, with the USDA telling states not to issue SNAP assistance this coming month.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services shared the warning on its website, warning SNAP clients they "may not receive SNAP benefits for November, even if you're authorized to receive them."

There are also rumblings that other programs, like WIC, are also in trouble.

      Food banks and pantries are just processing the news, but cutting off SNAP is expected to have a major impact on demand for food.

Great Falls expects to sell community building

The City of Great Falls is moving forward with a plan to sell off the old Community Recreation Center. City leaders say recreation services are now being offered in the Scheels Aim High Big Sky Recreation Center.

The city plans to offer an on-site property walk-through and a pre-bid meeting for the center next Tuesday morning at 10 am, and anyone interested in the site is welcome to attend.

There's a current tenant in the building, but the city says they're aware of a possible sale, and there would have to be a public hearing to approve a sale before it happens.