Good morning, Missoula.

This week marks the 110th Be Kind to Animals Week in Missoula — the Humane Society of Western Montana is offering pet adoptions, free vaccines and walk in clinics to help local pet lovers care for animals.

The Montana Red Cross, DNRC, and Missoula Rural Fire District will host a wildfire preparedness event in Bonner at Missoula Rural Fire District Station #4 on Saturday, May 10 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Families can get free smoke alarm installations and sign up for a free home risk assessment — Pedro the Penguin and Smokey Bear will share emergency safety tips.

On Tuesday, voters in Missoula approved a high school general fund levy and an elementary district levy but rejected a high school safety levy—30,435 of 88,908 registered voters cast ballots, showing a 34% turnout.

The high school levy passed with 14,438 in favor and 13,502 opposed, while the safety levy fell short with 12,952 for and 14,911 against.

Missoula voters approved two school funding levies for elementary and high school districts while rejecting a high school safety levy that would have provided extra safety resources—showing community support for local schools.

The election returned three incumbent trustees and had a turnout of 34.23% with 30,435 ballots cast.

John Petroff has been named Assistant Chief of Administration at the Missoula Fire Department and he brings nearly 20 years of fire service experience.

He worked 14 years in Operations and led the Health and Wellness Division from 2021—his new role will guide the department in supporting firefighters and emergency responses.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking for new and gently used life jackets to restock loaner stations across the state—donations are needed as jackets are lost, damaged, or stolen during regular use.

The donation drive runs the week of May 19, and items will be accepted at the FWP Region 2 office on Spurgin Road in Missoula—donors should drop off items during this time.

The Montana Department of Transportation finished rehabilitating 38 bridges between Missoula and Sula using crews that sealed cracks, smoothed surfaces, repaired joints, and repainted markings—although work on the Secondary Highway 531 bridge near Hamilton was postponed due to weather.

The city and county approved budgets for the John Engen Local Government Building, setting a $293,000 operations and maintenance budget and a $247,000 capital improvement budget that they will split equally to preserve the historic facility given free in 2023.

Capital improvements are expected to start next year + the boards plan to consolidate services in the downtown center as part of a long-term redevelopment strategy.

The Montana men's basketball team added transfer guard Brooklyn Hicks from UNLV.

He played in 65 games over two seasons and scored 221 points, and coach Travis DeCuire said he will boost team energy and versatility as the fifth portal player joining the Grizzlies this offseason.

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.

Steel Pulse Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — $47+ — Experience the rhythmic vibes of Steel Pulse with last-minute ticket availability.

Broadway A to Z: Abba to Les Miz

6 PM - 6 PM — University of Montana — View more information on Operabase — A musical journey through iconic Broadway productions from Abba to Les Miserables.

Cradle Of Filth Concert

5:00-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — $31+ — Catch the iconic gothic metal band Cradle Of Filth live in Missoula for a thrilling night of music.

Sound of Music Trail Hike

9:30 a.m. — Lincoln Hills - Mt Jumbo Trailhead — Registration required — Chase golden balsamroot blooms on a scenic moderate hike with great views.

Carpetman

7-9:30 p.m. — The Wilma — $ — Experience the unique sound of Hippie Sabotage, the production duo known for their captivating music.

Higgins Lot Alternative Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Higgins Lot — Free entry — Explore local vendors and enjoy the vibrant community market atmosphere in downtown Missoula.