AGP Executive Report

Wildfire readiness: Missoula and Montana officials moved to tighter fire rules as conditions worsen, with Stage II restrictions starting Friday Aug. 7 on city conservation lands and open spaces, banning campfires and limiting smoking, off-road vehicle use, and torch work. Public health: Qdoba joined Chipotle in removing jalapeños after a Salmonella Javiana outbreak linked to peppers from Mexico spread to 27 states, including Montana. Education accountability: Lame Deer elementary and middle schools face possible loss of state accreditation unless math, reading, and language arts test scores improve by February 2029. Medicaid shake-up: New federal Medicaid expansion rules adopted July 1 could lead to about 31,000 Montanans losing coverage, as paperwork and frequent redeterminations strain local help. Immigration detention fight: Lawyers say a Worden man detained by Border Patrol is being illegally held in Cascade County, with a class-action hearing set for Aug. 18. Sports & culture: Montana soccer’s Lucie Rokos earned preseason All-Big Sky honors, while Montana State’s Pete Sterbick says the offense is clearer entering fall camp.

Local Government Finance: Fergus County is dealing with property tax account chaos after turnover in the Treasurer’s office left cities, fire districts, and school districts waiting on money they need to budget and pay bills. Montana History: Showdown Montana is launching a community effort to preserve its 90-year story with an official anniversary book, “90 Years & Still Going Downhill,” collecting skier and lodge memories through Sept. 30. Public Safety: A 14-year-old near Greycliff used a lasso to save a man swept into the Yellowstone River, earning statewide recognition. Crime & Courts: Yellowstone County’s sheriff’s report lists 15 arrests from July 27 to Aug. 2, including assault with a weapon and drug-related charges. Wildlife & Federal Land: American Prairie and Western Watersheds are taking bison grazing disputes into federal court after BLM revoked permits in Phillips County. Ballot Fight: Yellowstone County says a data center initiative missed its signature deadline under a 2025 state law, while petitioners argue they’re still pursuing options.

Data Centers in Great Falls: The Great Falls Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free September luncheon forum on data centers, with NorthWestern Energy set to discuss local energy impacts and what a facility would look like in the area. Housing Affordability: A new analysis says the typical Montana home now costs about 8.7 years of median household income, raising worries about whether future buyers can stay in-state. Wildfire Smoke & Heat: Western Montana is seeing improving air quality for now, but thicker smoke is expected to return later this week, with warmer temperatures and rising fire danger. Food Safety Recall: Walmart is recalling Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter (6.7 oz jars, lot LB028ACP04, exp. Jan. 28, 2027) in 19 states including Montana due to possible Salmonella contamination. Local Government Pay: Kalispell city council approved its first mayor/council pay raise in 30 years, updating salaries based on current market conditions. Wildlife & Community: FWP warns berry failures are driving more bear conflicts near homes, urging residents to secure attractants.

Miles City Motorsports: Despite triple-digit heat, hundreds packed the Eastern Montana Fairgrounds for the return of the Miles City Bump ’n Run, with eight races, paint-trading action, and proceeds from a 50/50 raffle benefiting the Dave Kepford family. Class A Baseball: The Miles City Mavericks’ Cinderella run ended in the Montana Class A American Legion state championship, falling to Belgrade after winning four straight games to reach the title game. Weather & Power: A lightning strike knocked out power to about 37 Montana-Dakota Utilities customers in Miles City Wednesday; crews restored service within an hour. MontanaFair Prep: MontanaFair is back Aug. 7–15, and organizers are reminding attendees to check the prohibited items list before heading to MetraPark. Wildlife Law Fight: Montana wildlife advocates are suing over a rollback to the Endangered Species Act’s “harm” definition, arguing it weakens protections for species and habitat. Community Calendar: Local events run Aug. 4–6, including library storytime, Rotary meetings, and multiple community support and conservation gatherings.

Wildfire Response: The Helena U.S. Forest Service Air Tanker Base is ramping up for Montana’s fire season, with fast reload capability and heavy retardant use already topping last year’s pace. Public Safety & Courts: A Paradise Valley woman accused in a fatal truck attack on her ex faces a new criminal contempt charge tied to alleged violations of a no-contact order. Air Quality: Smoke is still driving unhealthy conditions across parts of western Montana, forcing at least one Flathead youth football camp to cancel and prompting ongoing DEQ alerts. Local Roads: Dawson County crews are upgrading the Hollecker Lake approach to Highway 16 with an asphalt transition to fix pothole-heavy access. Wildlife & Health: FWP added fishing restrictions on the Bitterroot drainage to protect fish during warm-water conditions, while bear specialists warn failed berry crops are pushing more bears toward people. State Lands: After a six-year delay and a court fight, DNRC rejected American Prairie’s request to graze bison on state land in Phillips County.

Wildfire Response: Eastern Washington fires near Spokane have forced evacuations of about 60,000 people and destroyed at least 600 homes and other structures, with officials warning conditions may stay dangerous for days. Aerial Safety: Firefighters say unauthorized drones are disrupting operations, with dozens of drone incursions reported over active mitigation work—officials stress no footage is worth grounding aircraft. Montana Weather: Helena and much of Montana are set for a cooler, smoky start after a cold front, with highs mostly in the 60s to low 70s Monday and a gradual warm-up later in the week. Health Care in Rural Montana: Montanans on Medicaid are voicing fears of federal health cuts, especially as rural access to care remains thin. Wildlife Conflict: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports rising bear conflicts as berry crops fail, pushing bears toward trash and backyard livestock. Outdoor Recreation: Low water on Lake Sakakawea is shrinking access, with some boat ramps submerged and more likely to be needed next year.

Wildfire Crisis in the Inland Northwest: Eastern Washington fires around Spokane have forced evacuations of about 60,000 people and destroyed at least 600 homes and other structures, with officials warning residents are “not out of danger” as dry weather and strong winds keep fire risk high. Montana Weather Watch: A cold front is bringing a sharp cooldown to north-central Montana Monday, with gusty winds and lingering smoke impacts, while fire danger remains a concern in parts of the state. Local Hero Story: A 14-year-old Montana teen used a rodeo lasso to save a man drowning in the Yellowstone River near Greycliff, sprinting into chest-deep water and pulling the victim to shore before first responders arrived. Community & Service: A Miles City leadership program is returning this fall to train residents as local advocates, aiming to boost board service and volunteer involvement. Sports Spotlight: The U.S. women’s national team plays the U.S. Elite in the International Cup softball tournament Sunday night in Oklahoma City, with live updates and streaming on ESPN.

Wildfire & Heat Emergency: Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency as a “particularly dangerous situation” red-flag warning hit eastern Washington and parts of Montana, with strong winds and extreme heat fueling fast-moving fires and prompting burn bans. Local Sports & Community: Frenchtown’s Hank Smith committed to the University of Montana, giving the Grizzlies their first in-state pledge since 2023. College Soccer Showcase: Glacier Park College Showcase returns for a third year in Columbia Falls, aiming to bring high-level women’s soccer to the Flathead Valley and inspire local players. Art & Culture: Marmot Art Space hosts Spokane-raised painter Jeff Olson’s “The Long Run,” and Red Lodge held its first Renaissance Faire with more than 100 vendors and performers. Montana Outdoors: A Belgrade Bandits win sets up the Class A state tournament championship game Sunday against Miles City. Climate Watch: A new look at Arctic permafrost warns that thawing ground could release major carbon stores, with major impacts still not fully built into planning.

Heat & Fire Danger: A cold front is set to cool Montana and Wyoming on Sunday and Monday, but Red Flag Warnings linger through Sunday evening as gusty winds and dry conditions keep wildfire risk high. Local Weather: Billings and Butte both expect haze and gusty, cooler conditions Sunday, with more relief Monday. Wildfire Update: Crews reported an initial knockdown and extended mop-up on a roughly 20-acre vegetation fire on I-90 near Livingston, with no extra resources requested. Skillet Fire: In the Flathead, an evacuation order was issued for the Good Creek/Alder Creek area as the Skillet Fire threatens life safety; the fire is at 1,318 acres and 0% contained. Fishing Closures: Record heat is warming rivers, and wildlife officials are restricting fishing hours and stretches to protect trout. Road Safety: A 33-year-old Wise River man died in a July 18 single-vehicle crash near Galen; separate Montana Highway Patrol reports also list fatal crashes involving a deer collision near Manhattan and a motorcycle crash near Lincoln. Community & Culture: Montana First Nation celebrated the Killarney Lake Solar Farm grand opening, and the Montana Pitmaster Classic is set to bring the state barbecue championship to Bozeman in late August. Sports Spotlight: Runners competed in a “Last Man Standing” endurance race near Clancy, with the final prize tied to outlasting everyone else.

Drought Relief: Gov. Greg Gianforte says USDA designated five Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas due to drought—Dawson, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan and Wibaux—plus contiguous counties eligible for assistance. Heat & Fire Danger: Billings health experts are urging caution as extreme heat drives heat-related hospitalizations, while wildfire activity is increasing statewide with multiple large fires and elevated conditions. Local Governance: A Broadview data center fight is escalating as a resident-backed initiative heads to court and new counter-claims target both the county and Broadview’s government over public outreach and potential impacts to water and quality of life. Housing & Tourism: A University of Montana report says Flathead County short-term rentals generated $207 million in 2025, fueling debate over visitor lodging and housing pressure. Community & Events: Helena hosts table tennis tournaments this weekend, and a Fergus County fundraiser—Cancer Color Celebration—aims to support Montana cancer survivors. Montana Economy: BBER plans an Aug. 5 update in Butte on how AI and data centers are reshaping Montana’s economy.

Extreme Heat & Fire Weather: Montana and Wyoming are heading into another dangerous weekend with Extreme Heat Warnings, Heat Advisories, and Red Flag Warnings as highs push toward 110 and winds dry things out. Local Housing: Bozeman’s Stadium View apartments told residents they must temporarily relocate by Aug. 12 for roof and siding repairs tied to original construction issues. Public Safety: A 1,000-acre Skillet Fire near Olney prompted evacuation warnings for nearby roads, with Red Flag conditions expected Saturday into Sunday. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order covering Montana and 16 other states to reduce blackout risk during the heat wave. Education Expansion: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine is growing in Great Falls with a new law school, more programs, and plans for additional campus space. Wildlife Management: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released a new wolf estimate near 700 and is taking feedback on proposed hunting quota changes. Drought Relief: USDA designated five eastern Montana counties as primary natural disaster areas, making farm operators eligible for emergency drought loans.

Access to Justice: The Montana Justice Foundation awarded $2.34M+ in grants statewide, including $40,000 to Domestic and Sexual Violence Services in Red Lodge to expand civil legal help for low-income survivors in southeast Montana. Public Safety & Wildlife: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking Mission Valley residents to report invasive American bullfrogs, warning they can prey on and outcompete native frogs and harm local wildlife. Outdoor Hazards: An AP report details a Montana man impaled by a trekking pole on Granite Peak who hiked about 10 miles to safety instead of waiting for a helicopter rescue. Weather Watch: NOAA forecasts a possible northern lights display Thursday night with a Kp index of 4, with parts of Montana among the lower-probability viewing areas. Community Calendar: Polson’s Community Block Party is set for Aug. 20 with free family activities, local vendors, and first responders.

Wildfire & Heat Watch: Montana is bracing for a dangerous first weekend of August, with fire weather watches across much of central and western Montana, an extreme heat watch for central and eastern areas, and strong winds possible near East Glacier—conditions that can quickly turn new or existing fires into fast-moving problems. Drought Update: State officials say recent moisture improved drought statewide, but hot weather could flip conditions again fast, with lingering concerns in southeast, southwest and south central Montana. Smoke Relief: The state is expanding “clean air centers” across Western Montana—set up in libraries and community sites—to help residents, especially those with health risks, get filtered air during smoky stretches. Local Government: A Prairie County recall petition targets Commissioner Todd Devlin over alleged misconduct and conflicts with zoning/permit rules. Helena Housing: East Helena’s Rose Hills neighborhood is entering final financing planning, with a proposed bond up to $17.5 million to cover off-site infrastructure for the mixed-income development. Agriculture: Heat and smoke are already affecting local produce, with farmers reporting crops like bok choy and lettuce bolting and slowing growth. Community Events: The Western Montana Fair returns July 31–Aug. 8 in Missoula with free daily admission and local music. Sports: Big Sky Little League’s All-Stars earned a spot in the Mountain Region tournament after a 7–3 win, chasing a run similar to Montana’s 2011 team.

Labor Market Snapshot: New data show Montana’s unemployment at 3.3% in June, tying for 11th-lowest nationwide, while neighboring states vary widely—Wyoming 3.2%, Idaho 3.7%, and Washington 5.2%. Medicaid Update: Montana’s Medicaid Expansion community engagement rules kicked in July 1, requiring many 19–64 members to complete and document 80 hours of qualifying activities monthly to keep coverage. Public Safety—Fire Restrictions: Richland County is now under Stage 1 fire restrictions, and Montana FWP is matching the limits at multiple access sites and WMAs. Health Care Fraud Crackdown: Montana’s auditor says it helped stop more than $5 million in unsupported payouts tied to an Obamacare fraud scheme targeting Native communities, adding to $40 million already halted. Child Advocacy Grants: Attorney General Knudsen announced nearly $150,000 in grants for Children’s Advocacy Centers, including funding for the Fort Peck Tribes Red Bird Woman Center. Courts & Access: A UM law graduate, Ericka Camposan, earned admission to practice in every Montana tribal court within a year. Wildlife Conflict: FWP reports a rise in grizzly conflicts in the Flathead Valley, driven by bears seeking human food when berries are scarce. Human Interest: A Billings-area hiker impaled himself on a trekking pole on Granite Peak, then hiked out about 10 miles for help.

Public Safety & Accountability: Billings City Council voted 6-5 to dissolve its Citizens Police Advisory Committee, ending a 2021 effort meant to connect residents with police leadership on recruitment, diversity, crime prevention and data—leaving some residents asking how their concerns will be heard going forward. Wildfire & Health: Smoke and critical fire weather are back in Montana’s forecast, with gusty winds and low humidity raising the risk of rapid fire spread, while unhealthy air conditions continue to affect travel and daily life around the Helena-Lewis and Clark area. Montana Politics & Federal Property: Sen. Steve Daines says behind-the-scenes work for nearly two years helped set up the transfer path for the Bozeman Federal Building, tied to the Babcock Post Office’s future. Agriculture & Research: Montana State University opened the Combined State Labs building, bringing together wool, veterinary diagnostic, and analytical testing services to support the state’s agricultural sector. Law Enforcement & Drugs: Montana’s AG says fentanyl seizures and overdoses have dropped, while meth and cocaine trends are rising, as federal and local partners keep targeting trafficking. Sports (Montana): Montana football begins fall camp with a new head coach, while Montana State’s Bobcats celebrated their national title with a White House visit.

Driver Services: Montana AG Austin Knudsen says the MVD is extending fee waivers for some renewal and replacement driver licenses and ID cards through September, tied to adding the new black eagle-in-flight citizenship marker. County Politics: Yellowstone County commissioners tabled a signature-gathering regulation after public pushback, with legal staff saying parts need clarification. Public Safety & Weather: Montana remains under hot, smoky conditions from wildfire smoke, with isolated dry thunderstorms possible and elevated fire-weather risk as a cold front approaches. Wildlife & Water: PFAS “forever chemicals” were detected in the Flathead Lake watershed, prompting calls for more testing across Montana. Community & Agriculture: Montana Farmers Union opened registration for its 111th annual convention in Bozeman (Oct. 15–18). Sports: Dillon hosts the Montana/Alberta American Legion Class A tournament starting today, with the championship set for Sunday.