Montana News Roundup: Marathon Means Millions for MT Economy

We've been reporting on Montana's tourism spending being "up" last year, but it's not just traditional camping, boating, hiking, and fishing that're driving the visitor economy.

Missoula Marathon Race Director Trisha Drobeck says the weekend-long event coming later this month means millions for not only the Garden City, but the rest of the state, as many runners bring their families and turn the race into a vacation.

"Last year it was about a $4-million economic boost to the community in three days," Drobeck explains. "So not only do we get a lot from the vendors locally for all of our infrastructure, but out-of-town folks are coming in, dropping some coin on retail, hotels, and food."

"We just love seeing all those folks from out of town" - Missoula Marathon Race Director Trish Drobeck

READ MORE: The Fun of Being a Missoula Marathon Volunteer

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Additionally, Drobeck says many of the out-of-state runners will spend vacation time visiting spots like Glacier, Yellowstone, and other areas before and after the marathon.

She believes the Marathon is also helping to boost the sport of running for athletes statewide, many of whom wouldn't be able to travel to a major marathon elsewhere.

Chase, then a big crash in Great Falls

Great Falls authorities are reporting are no serious injuries after a chase last night that ended inside the city when the fleeing suspect hit another car.

Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter says the chase began on Highway 89 when deputies spotted a stolen car.

GFPD Captain Doug Otto says the people in the car suffered minor injuries and were treated and released, while the suspect was also injured. The investigation continues.

Elderly Montana woman is safe after abduction

Police are continuing to investigate the abduction of a 76-year-old woman from a Billings living facility. But they say the good news she's been located safely out of state.

BPD sounded the alert Monday when they received reports that Donna Prescott's whereabouts were unknown. They asked for the public's help, but also believed she'd been taken in a "non-custodial abduction" by a couple who had taken her to Rapid City.

What you need to know about new car seat rules in Montana

Parents should become familiar with the new laws covering the use of car seats for kids after Governor Gianforte signed a new bill into law.

And that familiarity is more about keeping kids safe than keeping from getting a ticket.

     In the past, Montana only had a general law requiring children smaller than 60 pounds and younger than 6 to be riding in an approved seat.

House Bill 586 changes that by adding more age-related specifics.

Infants 2 and young have to be in rear-facing seats, the same as 2 to 4, but allowing for a forward seat with an "internal harness". The new rules also increase the age up to 8 for children who will need a forward-facing seat or a booster seat.

     👧🏻 If you'd like to know more, check with your local police or sheriff's office.

Western Montana is heading back to some heat for the weekend.

National Weather Service meteorologists in Missoula say temperatures will hit 90 again by Saturday, and climb into the low 90s Sunday, and even the mid-90s again earlier next week.

     It will stay comfortable east of the Divide, though, with the outlook for temperatures in the 80s. 

Montana Throwback Thursday

 It was on June 5th, 1872, that Congress establishes the Flathead Indian Reservation for the Salish, Pend d'Oreille and Kootenai Tribes, opening the Bitterroot Valley to homesteading. But it would also lead to the heartbreaking displacement for the Salish people.