Good morning, Missoula.

The Montana Food Bank Network moved into its new, nearly double-sized headquarters in Missoula this fall where a repacking room funded by a $225,000 grant boosts volunteer capacity.

The extra space will help serve more than 300 partner agencies and meet demand after last year's surge.

Officials in Missoula and the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative are funding emergency shelters to keep residents off the streets during bitter winter nights.

Eight congregations are opening their doors, and both City and County have pledged $10,000 (from the Community Action Fund) to cover on-call staff.

Retired teachers Dale Lackner and Laura Roxbury are rebuilding their 25-year home in Ninemile Valley after a fire on Dec.

9 destroyed their house — neighbors and friends are rallying to help with reconstruction, aiming for a new home by next year.

Arlee Volunteer Fire Department reported a rise in vehicle fires with nine incidents in 2025 compared to three to five a decade ago (residents should keep a safe distance and call 911 in emergencies).

Montana reported a 3.3% unemployment rate in November and a 2.6% rise in core inflation, with Missoula County at 3.1% and Ravalli County at 3.7%, state officials said.

The labor force grew by 2,200+ new workers over the past two months.

New data shows that to qualify as middle class in Montana in 2025, a household must earn between $47,198 and $141,608 with a median income of $70,804.

This range is lower than in states like Massachusetts and California, reflecting Montana’s affordability.

The University of Montana got a $475,000 grant from the Arthur M.

Blank Family Foundation to expand its Youth Voices Project that teaches journalism to high school students in rural and Indigenous communities. The program will add teacher trainings and new credentials — with guidance from an advisory board.

Montana DMV now offers a sleek new black Griz GSA license plate with white lettering and maroon accents that benefits UM student-athletes through the Grizzly Sports Association.

Pick it up at a local DMV to support the team.

The City of Missoula announced that next week, lane closures from the Downtown SAM project will impact traffic on Higgins (between Brooks and Broadway), Front, Main and Orange Streets.

Motorists should exercise caution as workers manage the construction zone.

A 101-year-old local hunter said he follows a long family tradition by hunting elk for their taste and avoids bulls, which he finds tough to eat.

His remarks highlight a cherished local heritage in traditional hunting.

Money Williams eclipsed 30 points in the Big Sky road opener at Idaho as the Montana Grizzlies held off the Idaho Vandals, moving to a 3-0 record.

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.

Missoula Valley Winter Market

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Southgate Mall — Free entry — Explore over 40 local vendors offering fresh produce, unique crafts, and tasty treats at this beloved winter market.