Good morning, Missoula.

Western Montana students celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. by showcasing art + words that reflected his call for endurance and community unity.

Desperado Sports Tavern in Missoula is recognized by Love Food as serving Montana's best chicken wings with fresh, never frozen meat and a variety of sauces like Sissy and Maui-Wowie.

The cash-only spot offers ATMs for convenience and draws locals seeking quality wings.

The Western Montana Beard and Mustache Competition took place Friday night at Highlander Brewing and featured several categories for beards and mustaches.

DJ Briggs hosted the event while Grizzly Scholarship Association Director Coleson Randall won his category.

Montana residents spent about $1,100 on alcohol in 2024, placing the state in the top 10 for alcohol spending (data from Visual Capitalist).

Montana gas prices have dropped nearly 3 cents per gallon this week, with most Missoula stations now charging about $2.69 compared to the national average of $2.76 today. (A GasBuddy analyst noted prices remain 12 cents lower than last month and 13 cents lower than last year.)

Yesterday, Superior Elementary School administrative assistant Dawn Bauer received the Spirit of Montana Award from Governor Gianforte for her work in school and community service, which includes starting a daycare+rebuilding greenhouses+organizing a shelter for 250 residents after a windstorm.

A federal judge heard arguments on the Gold Butterfly logging project last Thursday in the Bitterroot National Forest after concerns were raised that lowering old-growth tree standards may harm wildlife like elk, pine marten and woodpeckers.

The Forest Service must now decide whether the exemptions alter the forest plan's protections.

Monday night offered a chance to view the Northern Lights over western Montana if skies cleared.

Experts from NOAA, NWS, and NASA advised using slow shutter speeds—high ISO and wide lenses can help capture the display.

Missoula In Motion is hosting the annual Clear the Air Challenge — aimed at reducing local CO2 emissions — which encourages residents to use sustainable transportation.

Participants can log trips by bike, foot, or transit to earn prizes and improve community health.

Local high school boys basketball rankings show the top four teams remain unchanged while four new teams have been added, signaling fresh competition in the sport.

Updated lists reflect ongoing shifts as the season unfolds.

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.