Good morning, Missoula.

M-80 Chicken is moving from its food truck spot at Kettlehouse Myrtle Street Taproom to a permanent location at The Shack on 222 West Main.

The restaurant will open early summer and is hiring staff—continuing its service to local food fans.

Missoula County Public Schools officials urged voters to support three levies on May 6 to prevent cuts in staff and essential programs, with superintendent Micah Hill noting that state funding covers only 80% of the budget (which affects over 9,000 students).

Ballots were mailed as voters must act quickly to ensure schools have enough funds for operations and safety measures.

State wildlife officials confirmed that grizzly bears have been seen roaming the Bitterroot Ecosystem near Nine Mile and North Hills over the past six months; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is finalizing a draft management plan with a final statement expected in 2026 — officials note that staffing cuts add uncertainty to the process.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes plan to use the Milltown water right to boost flows in the upper Clark Fork and Blackfoot rivers to help protect brown trout.

Three meetings on May 19, May 20, and May 22 will discuss the water right plan—one at the Powell County Community Center in Deer Lodge, one at the Ovando Fire Hall, and one at the Drummond Community Hall.

Missoula City Councilor Mike Nugent (Ward 4) said he opposes Councilor Carlino's support to keep the Johnson Street Shelter open because it has delayed plans for redeveloping the Montana Rail Link Park and offering better housing alternatives.

He added that Mayor Davis’ housing sprint will help shelter users move into permanent homes.

The City of Missoula will install a new traffic signal at the Orange and Cregg intersection due to near misses and a recent motorcyclist fatality.

Contractor bids opened today—by this fall, enhancements including longer turn lanes, improved bike signals, and crosswalks will be added at an estimated cost of $550,000 cost-shared with the developer.

The Montana Farmers Union joined a federal court complaint — filed by some Blackfeet Nation members — that challenges tariffs which threaten family farms and local trade rights under Jay's Treaty.

Farmers planting crops now have seen canceled contracts and fewer cross-border trips, and the groups will defend their rights as the case moves forward.

Jim Messina Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Wilma — $49-$95 — Catch Jim Messina live with last-minute tickets available.

Sidewalk Sale

Sidewalk Sale! Cleaning out winter & past season items! Excellent prices $5 $10 & $15 items. Refined Grey 10am-6pm 1008 Burlington Ave. Awesome SALES!

ServSafe Manager Training & Certification Exam

9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Staybridge Suites Missoula — $215 early bird pricing — Become a ServSafe certified food protection manager in just one day with expert-led training and a high pass rate.

Amanda Baker Artist Presentation

4-5 p.m. — Montana Natural History Center — Snacks provided — Explore contemporary printmaking and naturalist illustration with multimedia artist Amanda Baker.

Becky Roberts Artist Presentation

4-5 p.m. — Home ReSource — Free entry — Explore the creative world of assemblage art with California native and Missoula's own Becky Roberts.

Dirtwire Live Performance

7:00-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Ticket prices vary — Experience a whirlwind of sound weaving together Americana, world percussion, and electronic beats.

University of Montana Rodeo

7 p.m. — Missoula County Fairgrounds — Tickets available — Watch the University of Montana Grizzly Rodeo Team compete in the Big Sky Regional Circuit's thrilling finale.

Cirque Italia: Water Circus

7:30 p.m. — Southgate Mall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a whimsical tale of adventure and diversity as a farm boy navigates the vibrant chaos of city life.

Higgins Lot Alternative Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Higgins Lot, 420 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT — Free entry — Discover local wonders at this vibrant weekly market featuring artisans and farmers.

Mother's Day Brunch Buffet 2025

Time TBD — Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern — $20-$32 per person — Celebrate the special women in your life with a delicious brunch buffet featuring breakfast and lunch favorites.

U.S. Open Local Qualifying Tournament

All day — Missoula Country Club — Registration required — Compete to qualify for the prestigious U.S. Open golf championship.