Good Day
Missoula
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Humane Society introduced two-year-old Susie at a recent Take Me Home Tuesday event sponsored by Paul’s Pancake Parlor in Missoula, noting she is affectionate and good with other dogs. Visitors can inquire about adopting her to give her a loving forever home. Newstalk KGVO
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Drivers in Missoula are warned to prepare for rapidly changing winter road conditions as thaw-refreeze cycles create icy patches on mountain roads and embankments — with tow operators advising a 6 to 8 second gap and slower speeds during early morning and nighttime hours. MontanaRightNow
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Montana chapter of Independent Business said NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index fell 0.2 points to 99.3 in January but stayed above its 52-year average. Ronda Wiggers (state director) said small business owners remained hopeful as they called for tax and policy relief. Missoula Current
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Jeff McGowan, a Missoula mountain climber, went missing in the Sleeping Child area southwest of Hamilton on Sunday. Missoulian
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Senator Steve Daines said a new anti dumping duty of over 132% may help bring the Stillwater Mine back online south of Columbus; the mine has been shut for over a year, leaving 800 workers idle plus it competes with Russian palladium dumping that challenges local miners. Newstalk KGVO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Montana announced Tuesday a 3% jump in spring enrollment, rising to 11,123 students from 10,793 last year — officials credited increased high school outreach for sparking more local interest. KPAX
- ➤ The University of Montana named a leading fisheries scientist as its new endowed chair in the Wildlife Biology Program to advance research and education. Missoulian
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Montana's property taxes are below the national average this year, with homeowners paying about $2,693 on a median $375,800 home while vehicle taxes remain high at $329. Governor Gianforte reminded residents to register for the 2026 Homestead Reduced Rate for potential savings. Newstalk KGVO
- ➤ Montana lawmakers urged federal regulators to review the proposed $85B merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern as farmers warn limited UP coverage could raise shipping costs. BNSF now controls over 90% of 3,400 rail miles, so Montana’s rail service stays mostly unchanged. KPAX
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Montana skiers and snowboarders took on a tough run at Jackson Hole’s Corbet’s Couloir on Feb. 13 in the Kings and Queens of Corbet’s competition – among the four Montanans, Quinn Wolferman placed 5th and Erika Vikander ranked 4th as Tristen Lilly and Piper Kunst were crowned King and Queen. Newstalk KGVO
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Parkbreezy & TF Marz Live in Missoula
9 PM — Monk's Bar — Limited presales available — Experience deep grooves and soulful beats in an intimate night of music.
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Big Sky Reptile Expo - Missoula Edition
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Big Sky High School — $10 Adults / $5 Children 5-10 — Explore exotic reptiles and top-tier pet supplies at this exciting one-day expo.
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Coordination and Collaboration in Conservation Conference
Conservation Conference — Feb 23-27 — Holiday Inn Missoula Downtown — $30 — Explore innovative solutions for navigating a changing landscape in wildlife conservation.
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Winter BrewFest
1-6 p.m. — Caras Park — $20 for taster glass — Celebrate the 15th anniversary with over 40 Montana-based brews, local food vendors, and live music.
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Missoula Women's Fair
11 a.m.-4 p.m. — University Center Ballroom — Free entry — Celebrate women and support local nonprofits with shopping, pampering, and entertainment.
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San Holo - Wholesome Riddim Chapter Two
8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Cost not specified — Experience the musical journey of San Holo as he blends personal tales with innovative soundscapes.
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Run For The Luck Of It!
8:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Missoula County Fairgrounds — Registration fee applies — Kick off your St. Patrick's Day with a festive walk or run, complete with a free kids dash and live Celtic music.
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Montana Grizzlies Softball vs. Pacific Tigers
1-5 p.m. — University of Montana Softball Field — Tickets available — Come see the Grizzlies take on the Tigers in an exciting collegiate softball matchup.
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