Alex Mitchell, Missoulian Journalist Profile

Articles

Public meeting scheduled for Tuesday for proposed grid connectivity project

Nov 8, 2024 | milescitystar.com | Alex Mitchell

A proposed transmission project aiming to meet growing energy needs nationwide would cut through Custer County, with the Department of Energy (DOE) seeking public input on the proposed route Tuesday. The North Plains Connector Project could be one of the first to bridge the western electric grid, which includes most of Montana and other western states, with the grid of the Dakotas and other eastern states.
Inmates with intermittent hot water at State Prison

Apr 25, 2024 | sidneyherald.com | Alex Mitchell

Two boilers at the end of their lifespan failed in the Montana State Prison at the end of March, affecting 170 inmates in a low-security unit at the Deer Lodge facility. Since the failure, it’s taken weeks for the 30-years-old boilers to be replaced. New boilers are expected to arrive this week for installation, Montana Department of Corrections Communications Officer Carolynn Stocker said in an email to the Daily Montanan.
Inmates with intermittent hot water at State Prison

Apr 22, 2024 | dailymontanan.com | Alex Mitchell

Two boilers at the end of their lifespan failed in the Montana State Prison at the end of March, affecting 170 inmates in a low-security unit at the Deer Lodge facility. Since the failure, it’s taken weeks for the 30-years-old boilers to be replaced. New boilers are expected to arrive this week for installation, Montana Department of Corrections Communications Officer Carolynn Stocker said in an email to the Daily Montanan.
Groundwater levels decrease in Ravalli County

Apr 19, 2024 | ravallirepublic.com | Alex Mitchell

The outlook for the Bitterroot Valley's aquifer is mixed as groundwater levels decrease following three years of below average precipitation. There were roughly 16,000 wells total in Ravalli County in 2000. In 2023, there were 25,375 wells, representing a nearly 60% increase that aligns with outward development in Ravalli County that relies on new areas of the Bitterroot aquifer.
Group asks county for greater clarity in septic regs, alleging misinformation

Apr 15, 2024 | ravallirepublic.com | Alex Mitchell

A stakeholder interest group recently presented its first phase of revisions to county wastewater regulations emphasizing clearer communications on what it takes to achieve and maintain compliance with septic systems. The revisions center on bedroom definitions, differing compliance consequences and reasonable and achievable compliance.
The neighbor next door: MT military bases pollute drinking water with dangerous levels of forever chemicals

Apr 12, 2024 | ravallirepublic.com | Alex Mitchell

HELENA — Left of the entrance and across the road from Fort Harrison, Pam Mavrolas, 73, had largely gotten used to her military neighbor. That was in spite of the trumpet sounds of “reveille” in the morning, “taps” in the evening, and the shouts of training exercises in between that often took place in front of her house, one of four former officers' quarters turned into private homes. She would often call up the colonel and request the troops practice somewhere else when things got too loud.
City of Hamilton outlines zoning actions

Apr 5, 2024 | ravallirepublic.com | Alex Mitchell

Building on common themes generated by the public last year, the City of Hamilton has drafted 10 zoning actions that could shape the future of the city’s neighborhoods. The zoning actions center on themes of preserving naturally affordable housing, expanding opportunities for home occupation, focusing higher-intensity development along key transportation corridors, and emphasizing the need for higher-density residential growth, among others.
Ravalli County receives $1M grant for Ricketts Road improvements

Apr 5, 2024 | ravallirepublic.com | Alex Mitchell

United States Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke presented a million dollar check to the Ravalli County Commissioners Thursday for long-needed updates to Ricketts Road. The road, along the western side of the Bitterroot River in Hamilton, hasn’t been resurfaced in 25 years. The road represents one of the few alternative travel routes from U.S. Highway 93 for local residents, commerce and emergency vehicles.
Boeing’s mess will probably interfere with your summer travel — these airlines are most impacted | Flipboard

Apr 2, 2024 | flipboard.com | Alex Mitchell

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has expanded its U.S. network, and will offer increased capacity to the region with the …
Mining exploration company reports 'significant discovery' of gallium in Sheep Creek, something reported last year

Mar 27, 2024 | ravallirepublic.com | Alex Mitchell

Mining exploration company U.S. Critical Materials Corp. announced a “significant discovery” of the critical mineral gallium in the Sheep Creek mining exploration area in a press release last week. However, the finding was initially reported by the company almost a year ago. The corporation described gallium as essential to national security efforts. Currently, the U.S. is 100% dependent on imported gallium.