Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
Good morning, Missoula.
When overnight temperatures drop to 10 degrees or lower, community groups in Missoula activate the Emergency Weather Overflow Project to shelter up to 40 people.
The program runs through March — local faith congregations rotate shifts to ensure warm shelter for families and individuals.
On Jan. 12, 2026, Gov. Gianforte honored ten Montana youth winners of his fourth annual Youth Hunting Story Contest at the State Capitol, celebrating their respectful hunts and awarding prizes from local businesses.
A reward of $15,000 has been offered for tips on the illegal killing of a female grizzly bear that did not pose a threat, with the incident reported near northwest Montana — though the bear was originally from northern Idaho.
Downtown Missoula’s Wilma Theater has announced its 2026 concert lineup, kicking off on Feb.
4 with the Vitamin String Quartet and featuring acts like Big Richard & Della Mae, Atmosphere, and Father John Misty through April. Additional performers will be added as details are updated.
Residents in Broadview are split over plans for a 5,000-acre AI data center that could attract Meta, Google, or Apple and use large amounts of water amid ongoing drought.
Locals favor alternatives (like CubCloudAI’s project with closed-loop water systems) that better match rural water limits while offering jobs.
Missoula schools now spend over $20,000 a month to fingerprint 5,000 volunteers under a new safety law (this replaces the cheaper name-based checks).
The district hired part-time staff to handle the process and keep students safe.
A U.S. District Judge halted a Forest Service clearcutting plan that targeted 40,000 acres in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, protecting vital wildlife corridors near Missoula.
Environmental groups including Alliance for the Wild Rockies & Western Environmental Law Center led the legal challenge.
Missoula's Fire on Ice hockey competition returns on Saturday, Feb.
7 at Glacier Ice Rink at 6 p.m. The friendly event features gameplay between Missoula Structure Firefighters + Wildlanders and includes raffles that raise funds for Fired Up for Kids and the Wildland Firefighter Foundation.
The Montana Griz and Montana State Cats will renew their rivalry on Saturday night in Bozeman for their 311th matchup, with the game set for 7 pm and pregame coverage on the Grizzly Radio Network starting at 6:30 pm—both teams now hold a 9-8 record after recent conference wins.
The Montana and Montana State men's and women's basketball teams will face off tomorrow in the first Brawl of the Wild rivalry games of the 2025–26 season with the women tipping off at 2 p.m. inside Worthington Arena and the men starting at 7 p.m. on The Spot – MTN.
Golfers are playing early at Missoula’s Linda Vista as unseasonably warm weather thaws the green; hundreds have teed off in recent days at the course (walk only) while the driving range remains closed.
Head golf pro Matthew Cooper said play is permitted as long as there is no frost.
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.
Lovestruck Valentines Party
9 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $5 — Dance the night away with your crush as Cupid's favorite DJs spin the perfect love-themed tunes.
Valentine's Day Hot Dog Party
8 PM – 9 PM — Monk's Bar — $10 — Enjoy a lively hot dog party with music and contests while supporting a great cause.
Open Skate at Monk's Bar
6-10 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $10 — Show off your moves at this thrilling open skate event with DJs, beginner hours, ramps, and rails.
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