Good morning, Missoula.

Two Men and a Truck in Missoula is launching its Movers for Moms campaign today to collect needed care items for Mountain Home Montana until May 8 while working with local groups to support young moms in need.

The campaign includes a Pottery Painting Event on April 4 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hearts Afire Pottery—registration fees and a portion of event sales will directly benefit the nonprofit.

Bernice’s Bakery in Missoula is getting a new look this spring as it installs a sidewalk and an atrium seating area while preparing for its 47th anniversary in July.

Missoula County will host (Project Community Connect) on April 11, with services offered (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Public Library) to help residents facing housing challenges.

Gas prices in Montana increased by 1.4¢ per gallon last week, setting the average at $3.10 as of Monday, March 31st — GasBuddy.com noted that prices were 2.3¢ higher than a month ago and 45.1¢ lower than a year ago, with the cheapest at $2.91 and the most expensive at $3.39 per gallon.

Average gas prices in Montana have increased 12 out of 13 weeks in early 2025, with today's average at $3.10 per gallon and some Missoula stations showing about $3.14 on Monday (a 1.4 cent rise from last week).

Analysts at GasBuddy expect prices to go up further in mid-to-late April because of ongoing refinery issues on the West Coast.

Missoula County last week signed a letter to support the Bureau of Land Management's plan to buy nearly 18,000 acres along the lower Blackfoot River watershed — a move to keep the land public and protect animal homes.

The county said the plan will join lands so wildlife can move freely and noted talks with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on how to manage the area — a step to keep the land safe and open.

Supporters of HB 850 told a House committee on Friday that certifying community health workers would help meet patient needs in underserved areas + allow Medicaid to reimburse for their services.

Rep. Ed Buttrey and nurse practitioner Margaret Hammersla testified, and no opponents spoke at the hearing.

Montana lawmakers are reviewing the state budget to plan for potential cuts in federal funding that could affect health, education and key services.

Some officials said a special session may be needed if funds drop—steps meant to keep state programs running steady.

Friends of the Children (Western Montana) offers a long-term mentorship program in Missoula to help at-risk youth build self-regulation and avoid substance misuse.

The program provides four hours weekly of trauma-informed support and shows promising outcomes, with over 92% of graduates pursuing college or living wage jobs (a sign of improved community well-being).

Whitefish native Erin Wilde earned Montana’s Big Sky Conference Field Athlete of the Week honor after jumping 5 ft 10 in at the Al Manuel Invitational/Griz-Cat Dual on Saturday.

The junior has won four straight Big Sky championships and now aims for a three-peat at upcoming championships.

The Montana men’s basketball team signed its first transfer commit for the 2025-26 season when Kadyn Betts announced on Sunday he would join the Grizzlies.

He played at Minnesota as a reserve forward and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining—he is 6-foot-8 and weighs 225 pounds—adding depth to the roster.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Missoula Valley Winter Market

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Southgate Mall — Free entry — Explore a vibrant mix of local produce, crafts, and treats at this winter market celebration.

Spring 2025 Master Naturalist Certification Course

10 a.m. — Montana Natural History Center — Registration required — Gain knowledge and skills in naturalist education and conservation.

The Backseat Lovers Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Ticket info TBA — Enjoy an evening with the indie rock sensations from Salt Lake City.