Good morning, Missoula.

Missoula Childcare Advantage School closed in November last year after engineers found a failed roof support that forced daycare providers and families to relocate.

Two providers remain at the facility while the others operate from temporary spaces at local public schools.

New NHTSA data shows Montana ranks 13th for drowsy driving deaths from 2019 to 2023 with 40 fatalities at a rate of 1.70 per 100,000 vehicles – the study also found June to be the deadliest month.

Gas prices remain steady for the second week of 2026 with Montana averaging $2.75 per gallon and most Missoula stations charging about $2.69—below the national average of $2.73, according to Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy.

Missoula’s Hellgate High School teacher Hannah Pepper is set to join 100 international educators on a Fulbright global teacher exchange.

She will complete an online course, attend a February summit in D.C., and travel to Taiwan in April to gain new teaching techniques.

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality is offering discounted radon test kits this month for $5 during Radon Awareness Month, with previously purchased kits remaining valid if undamaged.

Residents are encouraged to test their homes to help reduce lung cancer risks.

Crews are working downtown as part of the Safety, Access, & Mobility project until January 16.

Traffic is affected on Higgins from Brooks & Broadway and near Front, Main, Orange, and Madison, with work also underway at the play space under Beartracks Bridge.

At a Monday meeting, City Club Missoula examined development at the Wye as County officials outlined a phased plan to improve water, sewer and transportation (aimed at spurring industrial and residential growth).

They expect funding from private, local, state and federal sources, with updates coming later this week.

Therapist Meagan Locke explained Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) on Montana This Morning, noting that January’s low light often triggers the winter blues.

Her discussion provides practical advice for residents experiencing seasonal mood changes.

Montana Grizzlies football players Keali’i Ah Yat, Eli Gillman and Brooks Davis will return to Missoula for the 2026 season — Gillman could break the all-time rushing record if he stays healthy.

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.