The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sending more than $28 million to Montana to help identify and replace lead pipes in drinking water infrastructure.

The funding comes from a $15 billion allocation in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for nationwide lead pipe removal. Funds are administered by the state.

The extent of lead pipes in Montana is not yet known, but the EPA estimates they are present in less than two tenths of a percent of the state’s drinking water infrastructure.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is working to complete a full inventory of lead service lines in Montana by October and soliciting project proposals from communities.

Separately, during the state’s last legislative session Montana lawmakers set aside millions of dollars to remove lead from school drinking water supplies.

A Montana shed hunter escaped a harrowing bear attack thanks to quick thinking and good marksmanship. According to a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) press release, a man was shed hunting on private property near Wolf Creek, Montana, on April 25 when he encountered a grizzly. 

“The man was walking along a ridge covered with low trees and brush with his two dogs at his side and the wind at his back,” explained an FWP spokesperson. “After seeing a fresh grizzly bear track in a snow patch, he continued along his path and a few minutes later, he first saw the bear standing near the top of the ridge about 20 yards away.”

What happened next is the stuff of nightmares. The grizzly sow immediately dropped to all fours and charged. Thankfully, the man, whose identity has not been released, was carrying a handgun for self-defense. He fired five shots off at the bear, grazing it with one bullet and dropping and killing it with another. According to the FWP, the bear charged from 30 feet to 10 feet before it was killed. 

The man was uninjured in the incident. The female grizzly appeared to be in good health and weighed around 300 pounds. It was estimated to be 12 years old. FWP officials reported to the scene of the incident, where they located and captured a lone cub-of the-year. The cub was taken to a licensed wildlife rehab center and will likely be placed at an accredited zoo. Because grizzlies are still considered endangered in the Lower 48, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also investigating the incident. 

Grizzlies bears can grow up to 500 pounds. Today, Montana is home to the largest population of grizzlies in the Continental U.S.—and the state’s grizzly population is spreading into central Montana. Sows with cubs are known to be territorial and aggressive when defending young, which appears to be what spurred the recent incident. 

Read Next: How to Survive a Bear Attack

While grizzly attacks on humans are rare, they do occur. Last fall, Field & Stream reported on a bird hunter who shot and wounded a grizzly while hunting upland birds near Choteau, not far from where the recent attack took place. And in 2021, a grizzly mauled and killed a camper in Ovando. Montana, along with neighboring Wyoming, are petitioning the feds to remove grizzlies in the region from the Endangered Species Act as those populations have surpassed recovery goals.

In case you missed it, the cute town of Manhattan is putting the “F” in fun.

This July, Outta Bounds Golf is set to open for the community to enjoy. It’s similar to a Top Golf experience surrounded by beautiful mountains and a big sky. You will be able to play mini golf, work on your driving distance, all while enjoying food and drinks.

You can see the full article below and also register for the VIP Grand Opening which will take place July 4th, 5th, and 6th.

OUTTA BOUNDS GOLF: ALL YOUR INFO HERE

If you are looking for fun sooner than July, starting May 15th the Manhattan American Legion is hosting their first ever Music Bingo Night.

The fun starts at 7 PM and is going to happen every other Wednesday for the time being, but like the community always does, the more people that show up, the more often this fun event will take place. Hopes of having it every Wednesday are not out of the picture.

You think this is great…just wait until August when we have the Manhattan Potato Festival! Saturday, August 17th, round up the kiddos and get your spots early for the parade and a day full of super fun events put on by local businesses and more.

The town of Manhattan really knows how to have a good time. Follow their local social media pages for events happening every week for folks of all ages.

Nice work Manhattan! Keeping the community active and keeping Montana, Montanan.