Good Day
Missoula
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Dale Goodsell claimed a $1 million Montana Millionaire ticket (bought at South Gate Market in Missoula) and proposed to his girlfriend after visiting the lottery office in Helena, while Monica Capps also claimed a winning ticket from Junction Gas in Columbia Falls. KPAX
- ➤ Missoula Public Library's Bookmobile visited AniMeals Tuesday for its 'Reads with Cats' event where visitors read aloud to shelter cats to help socialize them for future adoptions and drop off pet food donations for the Animal Food Bank. KPAX
- ➤ After deep cuts at the U.S. Forest Service last year, local volunteers are stepping in to keep Lolo Forest's campgrounds, toilets and trailheads tidy — their work helps maintain important recreation sites in the Missoula area. Missoulian
- ➤ The Montana Food Bank Network continues delivering food across communities despite winter weather as it uses 17 routes from major cities to rural areas. The agency is interviewing for a CDL-certified driver now and will fill another opening after the new year — reinforcing capacity as holiday spending strains budgets. KPAX
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Missoula on Main hosted Cultures in Concert today to welcome the new year. The event featured The Celtic Dragon Pipe Band, Highland Dancers, Salsa Loca, Quartet Caribe, Gender Wayan & the Brazilian Bateria. Missoulian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Climate Smart Missoula staff looked back at a busy 2025 with solar events, tree plantings, and citizen science campaigns. They are set to hold a free community pruning workshop on Jan. 22 and launch new training and advocacy programs in 2026 — actions to help Missoula adapt to climate change. Missoula Current
- ➤ Preliminary data shows 72 grizzly bear deaths were recorded in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem in 2025 mostly due to humans, and Montana’s Fish & Wildlife dashboard logged 32 of those deaths. Experts say the figures reflect a growing bear population meeting more human activity in the region. Missoula Current
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Paul Smith calls on new Parks & Rec director Marina Yoshioka and the City Council to remove toxic pesticides and synthetic fertilizers from local parks so children can play safely. He urges a move toward pesticide-free management to protect public health and support community well-being. Missoula Current
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KPOP Demon Hunters Dance Party
9 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $5 — Get ready to dance and sing the night away with beats from Big Lou and DJ Pan Dulce.
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Jaenga Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — Tickets from $72 — Experience an unforgettable musical event with Jaenga in Missoula.
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Missoula Writes
9:00 – 10:30 AM — Break Espresso — Free to attend — Engage in focused writing alongside fellow local writers in a supportive atmosphere.
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Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Concert
6:30-7:29 p.m. — Missoula Children's Theatre — Tickets selling fast — Experience the enchanting music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons illuminated by candlelight.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Missoula
Welcome to the Good Day Missoula, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Missoula, Montana community. If you like the Good Day Missoula, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Missoula.
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