Good morning, Missoula.

Missoulians are invited to a free open house at Free Cycles on Saturday, Jan.

10 from 12 — 3 p.m. hosted by MT Plastic Free and Families for a Livable Climate to support preserving the natural grass at Ogren Park and learn about the risks of artificial turf.

Fifty volunteers will sort and pack donated food at the new repacking facility at the Montana Food Bank Network this Saturday, Jan.

10, to support food distribution in the community.

Travelers' Rest State Park in Lolo is hosting a winter storytelling series every Saturday at 11 a.m. until mid-March to share Montana history with mixed perspectives & educational insights that highlight indigenous stories and the legacy of Lewis and Clark, featuring noted storytellers such as John Maclean.

On Monday morning, most Missoula stations charged about $2.75 per gallon, dropping 3.4 cents from last week and 19.2 cents from a month ago.

GasBuddy analysts (who monitor fuel trends) said prices may bottom out before rising seasonally.

Gas prices fell 3.4¢ per gallon to $2.75 yesterday, Jan.

5, in Montana, and were 19.2¢ lower than a month ago and 2¢ below last year’s average. The lowest price was $2.50 and the highest reached $3.09.

UM graduate student Brittany Westlund impresses with her award-winning game and published game poem as she teaches online classes and launches her own Charmlab Studio; she is now working on a video game about a mushroom that restores a struggling forest + fuels creativity.

The Public Service Commission approved a 17% increase to NorthWestern Energy’s residential electric base rates, which will raise bills about 12% starting February 1, 2026 (after earlier contentious rate case disputes over the Yellowstone County Generating Station costs).

The USPS changed its mailing process on Dec.

24 — now postmarking mail when processed rather than at collection — which may delay time-sensitive items like ballots and tax returns. Residents are advised to request a manual postmark to secure the correct mailing date.

FSIS announced that Mountain West Food Group LLC from Heyburn is recalling 2,855 pounds of ground beef that may carry E. coli; Montana shoppers should check their freezers for vacuum-sealed packages labeled FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF with a freeze-by date of Jan.

13 — no illnesses have been reported.

Missoula County and Partnership Health Center parted ways after a May announcement, with all PHC employees now solely serving the independent center; CEO Lara Salazar said patient care remains unchanged + the change is largely legal and administrative.

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.

Jaenga Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — Tickets from $72 — Experience an unforgettable musical event with Jaenga in Missoula.

Missoula Writes

9:00 – 10:30 AM — Break Espresso — Free to attend — Engage in focused writing alongside fellow local writers in a supportive atmosphere.

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.

Daniel Donato Live Performance

8-10 p.m. — Top Hat — Cost info not listed — Enjoy a night of captivating music from Nashville's own guitar-slinger Daniel Donato.