Developer Backs Out of Bonner Data Center

Just days before Missoula County commissioners hold a public hearing on a plan to impose tighter, temporary zoning controls on data centers, the developer of a center at the focus of the controversy is pulling out of the project.

Property owner Mike Heisey announced yesterday that he has withdrawn his signature from the project's special exception application, effectively ending the proposal for the site at the former mill.

READ MORE: Will Missoula County Pause the Data Center Debate?

The project had faced significant community pushback, with residents citing concerns over the facility’s 24-hour noise levels, potential impacts on local water resources, and the strain it would place on energy infrastructure. Following the withdrawal, Missoula County officials are now considering implementing interim zoning to place a temporary pause on new data center developments while they draft updated regulations to better protect public health and natural resources.

Dennis Bragg photo

Better Montana budget forecast for Montana

Montana’s state budget is looking healthier than anticipated. According to a new report from the Legislative Fiscal Division, general fund revenues grew by over 4% in fiscal year 2025, defying earlier predictions of a decline.

While officials warn that economic pressures remain, including rising costs for healthcare and state facilities, the state is heading into the 2027 legislative session on firmer financial footing.

     💰 Lawmakers attribute the growth to a robust economy driven largely by the high-end real estate market and tourism.

However, debate is already heating up, as some legislators are calling for an immediate restoration of Medicaid provider rates, arguing that the stronger revenue proves the state has the capacity to support essential health services.

Flathead River closure

Boaters planning to hit the water on the Flathead River this week need to adjust their schedules. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has announced a temporary closure for a section of the river near the Sportsman’s Bridge on Highway 82.

Crews are scheduled to begin installing steel girders as part of ongoing construction on the bridge. To ensure public safety during this heavy work, the river will be closed to all watercraft, motorized and non-motorized, starting this Wednesday, July 8, at 7 a.m.

The closure affects a stretch spanning twenty feet upstream and 500 feet downstream of the bridge and will remain in effect through 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 9.

While the river itself will be impassable at that specific location, officials note that the Sportsman’s Bridge Fishing Access Site will remain open for those heading downstream toward Flathead Lake.

      Boaters are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly.

Montana racks up more insurance savings

Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown is touting major savings for state residents.

According to a release from his office today, Commissioner Brown successfully blocked more than $18 million in unjustified insurance rate hikes over the past fiscal year. These efforts directly benefited over 127,000 Montana policyholders.

The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance says his team reviewed nearly 4,000 rate filings between July 2025 and June 2026. Commissioner Brown noted that while his agency cannot stop justified increases necessary for market stability, they remain committed to cracking down on those that fail to meet statutory requirements.

Since taking office 18 months ago, the agency reports total savings for Montanans have exceeded $24 million.