Good Day
Missoula
Wednesday, March 26th, 2025
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of March.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On March 22nd, Missoula police arrested 63-year-old Kenneth Sjarpe after a welfare check at Mountain America Credit Union found him sleeping in his white GMC with keys in the ignition and an open alcohol container, and after he refused both field sobriety tests and a blood draw—officers charged him with felony DUI while noting his record of seven prior DUI convictions from Minnesota and a pipe with marijuana residue found during the search. Newstalk KGVO
- ➤ A Missoula man was sentenced to 10 years in prison with five years of supervised release on Tuesday after pleading guilty to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl—he was arrested on a parole violation and attempted to flee when officers found drugs and a loaded pistol. KPAX
- ➤ A Missoula woman named Amy Sue Birk was arrested and charged with negligent arson after a fire on March 19 burned down the former HuHot Mongolian restaurant at 3521 Brooks Street, causing $2 to $2.5 million in damage—surveillance footage placed her near the shed where the fire started and no injuries were reported as investigations continue. MontanaRightNow
- ➤ On March 19, a fast fire spread from a shed and burned HuHot completely with damage estimated at $2 to $2.5 million, and police arrested 34-year-old Amy Birk—who admitted to cooking in the shed and falling asleep before the fire grew—on charges of felony negligent arson. Newstalk KGVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, Montana Senators voted on motions to expel and censure Senator Jason Ellsworth over his role in a questionable contract, but neither vote reached the two-thirds majority needed. Lawmakers split along party lines with some urging strict punishment while others favored a lighter measure—and further steps will be taken as investigations continue. Missoula Current
- ➤ On Monday night, Missoula City Council approved rezoning of 81 acres in Linda Vista Subdivision to allow two unit homes and townhomes — they also set a public hearing on April 7 for annexing a property next to the footbridge. The council later reviewed bills moving through the state legislature — with some supported and others opposed. KPAX
- ➤ County officials said the federal funding shake-up leaves local grants in limbo as they track changes and seek nontraditional money for projects in housing and infrastructure. They expect to proceed as normal despite uncertainty—several departments remain without clear answers on future funds. Missoula Current
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Missoula native Josiah Petersen was promoted last month to lead Portland State women's tennis after serving as interim coach since August—he began coaching at Valley Christian in Missoula when he was 20. He will graduate this spring with a psychology degree and aims to guide his team to a top-6 finish in the Big Sky tournament in April. Missoulian
- ➤ The upcoming 4th Annual Heroes 4 Kids Dodgeball Tournament will take place on April 16th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Peak Health & Wellness Center in Lolo — registration is open for teams of six at $300 per team — supporting the Heroes 4 Kids Scholarship Program that helps local children pay for youth sports. Newstalk KGVO
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Dulcé Sloan Stand-Up Comedy Performance
Dulcé Sloan brings her sharp wit and bold humor to The Wilma for an evening of comedy on March 28, 2025.
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Orchard Homes Winter Market
The Orchard Homes Winter Market offers local vendors and a variety of goods for the community every Saturday during its season from January to March.
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Virtual Senior Living Tour
9 AM - 7 PM | The Village Senior Residence | Free entry | Explore exceptional dining and activities in a top-rated senior living community.
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Meggie McDonald Acoustic Show
6-10 p.m. — The Still Room Restaurant, Bar and Casino — Check for cover charge — Enjoy an intimate acoustic solo performance in a cozy venue.
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Champagne Drip Concert
8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Ticket prices vary — Experience innovative electronic music from Los Angeles-based producer Champagne Drip.
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Missoula Valley Winter Market
9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Southgate Mall — Free entry — Explore a variety of local produce, crafts, and festive treats at the tenth anniversary celebration.
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Prune-the-Moon Workshop
2-5 p.m. — Moon-Randolph Homestead — Suggested donation $20-30 — Learn the art of pruning old apple trees in a historic orchard while enjoying hands-on experience and community.
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Connecting to Land Through an Indigenous Lens with Lailani Upham
5:45-8 p.m. — Missoula Public Library — Free entry — Explore Indigenous stories and their connection to the natural world and human experiences.
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Scott Pemberton Concert in Missoula
8 PM - 2 AM — Monk's Bar — Entry fee TBD — Experience the funky guitar wizardry of Scott Pemberton and his electrifying band live.
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TYNAN Live Performance
5-9 p.m. — The Badlander — Ticket info not provided — Experience an evening with TYNAN as he showcases his unique electronic soundscapes.
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