MISSOULA – The Missoula Family YMCA Learning Center will be closed for the remainder of the week due to reports of illegal drugs on the premises.
In a press release sent to MTN News, Learning Center interim director Heather Foster says she received a report Tuesday morning that an employee had reasonable suspicion that a fellow coworker was potentially using and possessing illegal drugs.
Foster then contacted the Missoula Police Department. The YMCA was informed Tuesday afternoon that an arrest had been made in the case. The Learning Center is now working with law enforcement, childcare licensing and the local health department, according to the press release.
Missoula Police have confirmed that the employee was in possession of methamphetamine. A Missoula Police K-9 conducted a full search of the building Tuesday evening and determined there are no physical drugs on the premises.
The Learning Center has contacted all families and have arranged free childcare at the YMCA main campus at 3000 South Russell Street. The YMCA has also called in a contractor to evaluate the facilities and is working to ascertain what additional steps, if any, are required before re-opening the center.
"We want to assure the community that the safety of our children, staff, and guests is our top priority and we are doing everything in our power to remedy this situation immediately," Foster said in the press release.
"We are committed to being transparent and forthcoming on this issue, and promise every decision we make will be in the best interest of safety for everyone involved. We are devastated that this could happen at the Y, where our mission is to provide safe and accessible resources to all Missoula families," Foster added.
This is a developing story.
