Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of May.
Good morning, Missoula.
Hikers will see Trail Ambassadors at local trailheads today as they share trail tips and safety information through a volunteer program by Missoula Parks and Recreation — partnering with local agencies.
Interested volunteers can sign up on the Get Involved page.
Sen. Tim Sheehy and his flight instructor safely completed an emergency landing in a Czech-built L-39 after the engine lost power on April 10 near Ennis, and the NTSB + FAA are investigating the crew's decision to land rather than eject.
Pangea Restaurant Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy today in Missoula & Liquid Planet Grounds LLC also filed while four local restaurants closed this year amid ongoing financial challenges.
Fifth-grader Brooke Murphy from Hellgate Elementary won Montana Highway Patrol's 5th annual poster contest on Monday, May 11—earning $750 from Stockman Bank and an ice cream party for her class.
A one-acre fire started on High Country Road near Plains — local fire crews responded with several trucks to assess the situation and advise residents to use extra caution.
Missoula Emergency Services staff will vote on unionizing to secure fair pay and scheduling, a measure driven by concerns including unequal benefits for part-time workers— the vote will take place in various shifts from today through Friday, May 15.
Management emphasized that employees should make informed decisions.
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will join Sam Forstag’s rally on May 22 at 5 p.m. at the Wilma Theater in Missoula to support his campaign for Montana’s 1st Congressional District, with AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson and Montana labor leaders speaking.
Missoula Politics subreddit reopens on Reddit ahead of Tuesday, June 2 primary election to offer locals a forum for political discussion.
Community members are invited to shape content (as noted by user u/fatalexe) to foster local dialogue.
Montana Public Service Commission began a four day hearing yesterday on NorthWestern Energy’s proposed merger with Black Hills Energy — which would form Bright Horizon Energy Corporation to serve 700,000 electric and 1.4 million gas customers.
Critics worry the merger may lead to rate increases linked to data center development.
City officials on Monday praised three housing projects being developed on city-owned land to meet different housing needs in Missoula.
The projects will include Franklin Crossing set to deliver about 190 deed-restricted units, Scott Street slated to provide roughly 70 income-restricted homes (with Midtown Commons boosting tax increment funds).
Missoula residents raised concerns during City Council comments about Midtown Commons, a planned mixed-use development near Bitterroot Trail that aims to offer middle-income housing and public park access.
Officials said planning continues and construction dates remain open (final approval is pending).
Montana Grizzlies softball finished their season in Pocatello last week with 22 wins and head coach Stef Ewing now aims to win the Big Sky Championship next year as nearly the full team returns (only senior Chloe Saxton graduated).
Beast Your Biz 2026
4-7 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — No-host bar — Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and kick off your learning journey with appetizers and networking.
2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale
2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale, with racks starting at $5. The sale is from 10-4 at 1008 Burlington Ave. Missoula.
Trey Anastasio Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — The Wilma — Cost info not available — Experience an evening of exceptional music from renowned composer and guitarist Trey Anastasio.
Missoula Villages Downtown Walking History Tour
1-2:30 p.m. — The Wilma — Free for Village members — Discover untold stories of Missoula's historic district through a unique walking tour.
Bruce Molsky Concert
7-11 p.m. — Longstaff House — Ticket prices TBD — Experience Grammy-nominated Bruce Molsky as he brings traditional sounds to life with fiddle, banjo, and guitar.
Trails, Rivers, and Forests Expo
5-9 p.m. — Trail Head River Sports — Free entry — Celebrate the outdoors with activities and live music at this community-focused expo featuring local non-profits and businesses.
First Friday at the Missoula Art Museum
5-7 p.m. — Missoula Art Museum — Free entry — Enjoy live music by Tom Catmull as part of the First Friday celebration.
Carpentry for Gardeners Workshop
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Northside Community Gardens — Scholarships available — Master the basics of carpentry to build trellises and tomato cages with repurposed materials.
2026 Full Draw Film Tour
7-11 p.m. — The Wilma — $11-$26 — Experience the excitement of bowhunting films and a chance to win premium gear at this thrilling cinematic event.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Missoula.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.