Myth Busters!

This is TRUE!

Tossing medications in the trash isn't safe — it can pose serious risks for public health, people, pets and the environment. Here's how to dispose of them the right way: dd

• Check the label. Some medications include specific disposal instructions. Always follow them if provided.
• Use a MedSafe drop box. These secure medication disposal drop boxes are often found at local pharmacies.
• No access to a drop box? If absolutely necessary, mix your meds with something gross — like used coffee grounds or kitty litter. Do not crush tablets or capsules. Place the mixture in a sealed bag and dispose of it in the trash. This helps keep curious kids, pets and others from getting into them.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is Saturday, April 26! Drop off your medications from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Missoula County Courthouse (west side). Several local pharmacies will also participate.

This is FALSE.

The Missoula Airport (MSO) is not owned by Missoula County. Instead, it is owned and operated by the Missoula County Airport Authority (MCAA)—an independent entity formed in 1977 to manage airport operations and long-term planning.

The MCAA oversees MSO's daily operations, maintenance, expansion and long-term planning for the airport. The Missoula County Commissioners appoints a seven-member board to govern the MCAA. MSO is self-sustaining—no local tax dollars fund its operations, maintenance, administration or promotion.

This is TRUE...but not exactly.

A voter is placed on the Inactive Voter Registration List for one of two reasons:

1. They did not vote in the last federal election and did not respond to two confirmation mailings from the county election office.
2. A mail ballot sent to them was returned as undeliverable, and they did not respond to a confirmation mailing from the county election office.

If you land on the Inactive list, you can still vote—but you need to update your registration or vote in an upcoming election to return to Active status.

Go to myvoterpagemt.com to check if your address and other info is current.

This is false. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage. Most policies explicitly exclude flooding, whether from heavy rain or overflowing rivers and creeks. If you want protection, you need a separate flood insurance policy, typically from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer. Without it, you’re on the hook for repairs, replacements and damages. NFIP provides coverage to property owners, renters and businesses, which helps them recover faster when floodwaters recede. Check your coverage and stay prepared.

This is

Elections happen every year, not just during even years. In fact, Montana’s election schedule is more varied than you might think! Here’s the breakdown of the different types of elections and when they are:

Federal & State Elections (Even Years)

In even-numbered years, you’ll vote for high-profile races such as: U.S. President, Congress, Governor, State Legislators, other statewide positions, such as the Secretary of State and Attorney General. Even years also bring ballot measures and local county races. In Montana, Primary Election Day is held in June and General Election Day is held in November.

Local & Special District Elections (Odd Years)

While big statewide and federal elections happen in even years, odd-numbered years are when the action hits close to home. These include: Municipal Elections, like Mayoral races, City Council and Municipal Court Judges. School Board Elections happen each May, regardless of the year. In Missoula, the May election in odd years often focuses on bond measures, levies and special district elections (like Community Councils).

Special Elections (Any Year!)

Special elections can happen any time—even in the middle of a calendar year. If a vacancy occurs, such as when someone resigns from office or dies, a special election will take place. Occasionally, an emergency measure, like funding or property taxes, could call for a special election in a local government or district.

So, whether you’re voting for a new president or library mill levy, elections in Montana and Missoula County happen year-round. Don’t sit out the odd years. Every election is an opportunity to shape our community. Your local government is counting on your vote! Stay engaged, and remember, your vote matters no matter the year.

This is

Building a berm or any structure along a riverbank can cause serious environmental damage, increase flooding risks for neighbors and even violate local, state or federal laws.

Rivers are dynamic systems, and altering their flow can lead to unintended consequences like erosion, habitat destruction and worsened flooding downstream.

Before making any changes, always check with local authorities (like the county floodplain office or environmental agencies) to ensure compliance with regulations.

Protecting your property doesn't need to come at the cost of damaging the river or your community.

This is

The Missoula County Attorney's office represents Missoula County government, including it's departments, boards and officials, in legal matters. It does not serve as legal counsel for private residents or businesses.

The County Attorney's office is tasked with prosecuting criminal cases, providing legal guidance to county entities and handling certain civil matters such as child protection cases or involuntary commitments. However, it cannot provide personal legal advice or representation to individuals.

If you need legal advice, you should contact a private attorney or seek assistance through legal aid organizations, such as the Montana Legal Services Association or State Bar of Montana's Lawyer Referral Program.

This is

It’s the law. No excuses—dog licensing has been legally required since 1896, and Missoula City-County residents voted to enforce it. Failing to license your dog could result in a citation, so staying compliant isn’t just smart—it’s legally required.

Dog licensing is essential for you, your pet and your community. If your dog gets lost, a license tag on their collar is the fastest and easiest way to get them back home. Unlike microchips, which require a special scanner, a license tag is visible to anyone who finds your pet—no technology needed.

Licensing requires proof of rabies vaccination, protecting your pet and the community from this deadly disease. Without a license, there’s no easy way for others to know your dog is safe. By licensing your pet, you’re helping to create a healthier and safer environment for everyone.

Licensing fees are a crucial source of funding for Missoula Animal Control, helping to shelter, feed and find homes for lost and abandoned animals. Thanks to these funds, 94% of dogs that enter the shelter are reunited with their owners or adopted into loving homes.

Licensing fees are affordable and depend on factors like your dog’s age, whether they’re spayed or neutered, and if you’re a senior citizen. For example:

• Spayed/Neutered Dog: $20 for 1 year, $50 for 3 years        

• Unaltered Dog: $35 for 1 year, $95 for 3 years                

• Senior Discount (65+): Reduced rates available

Get your dog licensed today! Learn more and license online at Missoula.co/doglicense

This is

Emergency alerts from local agencies are not as easily pushed to cell phones as Amber Alerts.

Ambert Alerts and similar notifications are part of a federally managed system designed to disseminate critical information to the public quickly and widely.

Local alerts often require individuals to opt-in to receive them, as they are sent through different systems that aren’t automatically tied to your phone.

This is where Smart911 comes in. Smart911 is a free and secure service that allows residents to create a safety profile with important information about their household.

This profile can include details such as medical conditions, family members and pets, which can help first responders during emergencies.

Signing up for Smart911 ensures you can receive localized emergency alerts about natural disasters, evacuations and other critical events directly to your phone or email.

By opting in through Smart 911, you enable local agencies to notify you quickly when emergencies happen in your area.

Don’t wait for an emergency! To learn more or sign up, visit missoulacounty.us/smart911