Small tornado touches down near Glasgow

The National Weather Service in Glasgow has confirmed that a small tornado touched down Wednesday night southeast of Glasgow near the town of Whatley. The tornado is estimated to have touched down at 9:17 PM, and was on the ground for less than five minutes. The damage path from the tornado was narrow, only 50 yards, and the track of the tornado was less than a mile. The tornado was rated EF-0 - the lowest level - with an estimated peak wind speed of 80 miles per hour. In its brief time on the ground, the tornado damaged several buildings. A roof was lifted completely off a metal barn, and a nearby house had siding damage. Another home had minor roof damage, and a roof was lifted of a car port. There were no reports of injuries.
KRTV-TV CBS 3 Great Falls

Attorney General Tim Fox signs letter in support of Safeguarding America’s First Responders Act of 2020

Attorney General Tim Fox signed a letter addressed to several people in Washington DC in support of Safeguarding America’s First Responders (SAFR) act of 2020. The letter, addressed to Speaker Pelosi, Majority Leader McConnell, Minority Leader McCarthy, Minority Leader Schumer, Chairman Nadler and Ranking Member Jordan, urges Congress to pass the SAFR Act. “The program requires evidence linking deaths caused by an infectious disease to work-related activity,” The letter reads. “In many cases, the origin of an infection can be easily identified, but determining where and when someone contracts COVID-19 in the midst of a global pandemic presents a unique challenge. Inevitable human contact while off duty and delayed manifestation of the disease present problems a family of a public safety officer who dies of COVID-19 should not have to overcome.”
KTMF-TV ABC/FOX 23 Missoula

’Every Reason to Fail’: Miss Montana’s story dedicated to veterans, smokejumpers and first responders

One year after her incredible journey across the globe, Miss Montana’s story is No. 1 on an Amazon best-seller book list. Angela Marshall met up with the man, who put pen to paper to tell the historic warbird’s story. “She may be grounded today due to the coronavirus,” said ABC FOX Montana Evening Anchor Angela Marshall, as she points to the grounded Miss Montana at the Museum of Mountain Flying in Missoula. “But when in flight, Miss Montana carried dozens of men and women, each with their own story to tell. For the first time in history, Miss Montana’s story is written down for you and I to read.” “But this was one stop on an incredible journey that had every reason to fail,” said Bryan Douglass, who is the author of ‘Every Reason to Fail.’ “And that to me really captured the whole sentiment of the story.” And that’s how this warbird’s story got a title.
KHQ-TV NBC 6 Spokane

Fire destroys downtown Roundup restaurant

VIDEO: A Wednesday morning fire destroyed the Vintage Cafe in Roundup and injured one firefighter, said Roundup Fire Chief Keith Salthe Wednesday afternoon. Around 9:30 a.m., Salthe said there were reports of smoke coming from in between the buildings around 229 Main St. Firefighters from Roundup, Hawk Creek, Dean Creek, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation all responded. Roundup sent all of its 20 volunteer firefighters, Salthe said. Five hours after the fire ignited, firefighters were forced to knock down the building with an excavator to ensure the fire didn't spread to neighboring structures, Salthe said. “I think we would have lost the whole block if we wouldn’t have," Salthe said. Salthe said there was fire damage done to the building to the Vintage Cafe's left and damage to the wall of the one to its right.
KTVQ-TV CBS 2 Billings

Follow-Up: Tensions high over Whitefish Fire Service Area separation proposal

VIDEO: Tensions were high Tuesday night as Whitefish Fire Service Area board members opened discussion on a proposed split from the Whitefish Fire Department. A large number of Whitefish residents voiced concerns Tuesday night about a possible split in fire service, which they believe could lead to slower emergency response times and homeowner insurance rate increases. In partnership, the Whitefish Fire Department covers the rural district service area which amounts to 40 percent of their fire calls on a yearly basis. A five-year agreement between Whitefish Fire and the rural district expires in June of 2021. The rural fire district proposes the split in fire service to combat rate increases brought forward by the city of Whitefish. A new five-year agreement proposed by the city of Whitefish would see an immediate $20,000 increase to the first semi-annual payment in the new contract, followed by a 2.25 percent increase for each of the subsequent semi-annual payments,
KPAX-TV CBS/CW+ 8 Missoula

Fire Station 4 in Great Falls remains closed after issues were discovered during repair work

Since repair work at Fire Station 4 began in January of this year, several issues have been discovered. According to Great Falls Fire Rescue, the contractor discovered that lateral lines needed to be replaced in addition to the main sewer lines. Black mold was also discovered in the department kitchen, along with extensive water damage, and the station’s bathrooms were found to be in a similar situation. Mold remediation and large scale remodeling was needed in these areas to meet current code requirements. The City will rebit the additional items to contain costs due to the additional issues discovered during the maintenance work. Station 4 is remaining closed until further notice due to the issues as well. The crew from Station 4 will continue to respond from Station 1.
KTMF-TV ABC/FOX 23 Missoula

Darby firefighters prepare for flooding

Rain showers are pumping excess water into the Bitterroot River near Darby. The south area of the valley has seen some flooding and Darby firefighters are preparing for more. As the river swells it can get messy for homeowners who live near the river. It's just starting to get some flooding, said Lenny Beiler. On Wednesday, Beiler and a number of firefighters and volunteers were filling hundreds of sandbags to stave off flooding near the river. Rain was coming down hard in spurts, and with all that rain, the threat of flooding increases. "I think anybody living on the river is going to be affected," said Beiler. He said on Tuesday night crews prepared about 100 bags. Students who are off from school are also volunteering. "We're trying to get ahead," said Beiler, "and filling up extra." He said the department has sand stockpiled.
KECI-TV NBC 13 Missoula