Good morning, Missoula.

Community members, disability advocates and local leaders gathered at Silver Park Tuesday to celebrate inclusion at the ADA picnic organized by Summit Independent Living (SIL).

The event featured adaptive recreation demonstrations and the debut of all-abilities cornhole that made sports more accessible for everyone.

Missoula fire officials advised residents today to secure loose outdoor items, keep flashlights ready, and avoid parking near large trees + power lines as strong winds continue, urging everyone to prepare for possible power outages by signing up for alerts on the Missoula County 9-1-1 website.

Local wildlife experts from Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks and Defenders of Wildlife advise residents to secure food attractants with electric fences — simple to install — to reduce bear conflicts amid a significant rise in local bear encounters.

The cost-share program covers half costs for preventive measures.

Missoula County and partners, including Lolo National Forest and DNRC, are working on the Wildfire Adapted Missoula project to thin fuels and conduct prescribed burns in the Blue Mountain area (820 acres) to boost wildfire resilience.

They are advising homeowners on reducing risks ahead of any severe fires.

After strong winds drove a wildfire in the Crystal Springs area on Tuesday, June 16, the Mineral County Sheriff's Office announced that residents can safely return home — the fire was contained by late evening.

Conservation groups have threatened to sue federal agencies if consultation on the Bitterroot Front Project does not restart within 60 days.

The project spans 138,026 acres in Bitterroot National Forest and involves logging, burning, and road work — details on road placements remain unclear.

Missoula Parks and Recreation completed a river access project along the Clark Fork that improved trails with durable stairs, fencing, and native plantings.

Officials said the work will protect the riverbank and restore habitat while serving as a model for other communities.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks warns that high spring runoff keeps rivers dangerous for water recreation as low snowpack still creates hazards along popular routes.

Visitors are urged to check current conditions, plan their route carefully, and wear a life jacket when on the water.

Senate candidate Alani Bankhead attacked independent candidate Seth Bodnar at the University of Montana campus Monday, saying he should resign as party bylaws require a candidate on the ballot, though she pledged to stay in the race.

The Impact Fee Advisory Board approved $60,000 for a master plan to open the Fort Missoula ponds at the regional park.

The plan will address safety with a Phase 1 trail system on the 89-acre former gravel mine (featuring 27- and 10-acre ponds) before seeking further funding for development.

Partnership Health Center has joined with the city to embed eight clinical therapists in Missoula summer camps; the move will help train camp counselors so kids can get mental health support starting this summer.

Missoula Parks and Rec expects between 300 and 600 campers daily until school resumes.

Rosters for the 79th Montana East-West Shrine Game were released ahead of the game scheduled for Saturday, June 20 at Naranche Stadium in Butte.

The all-star event raises funds for the Shriners Children's hospital (providing care regardless of financial means) in Spokane.

Montana Grizzlies added California cornerback Kian Hendricks to its 2027 recruiting class, making him the 12th overall and fifth out-of-state commit.

Zootown Festival Featuring The Chicks and More

June 18-19 — Missoula County Fairgrounds — VIP packages available — Experience a diverse lineup with top country and folk artists in a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Zootown Festival Featuring The Lumineers and More

7-11 p.m. — Missoula County Fairgrounds — Cost info not provided — Experience genre-defying music from top artists like Rainbow Kitten Surprise and The Head and The Heart.

Miscon - Missoula's Science Fiction Convention

Date and Time TBA — Missoula County Fairgrounds — Cost varies — A 4-day celebration featuring games, panels, and workshops focused on fantasy, science fiction, and pop culture.

Missoula Marathon

Missoula Marathon — 16-week training period leading up to the race — Missoula Montana Airport — Check registration details and prepare for a fantastic marathon experience.

Mid-Year Celebration Gym Leader Challenge Tournament

All day — Retrofix Games — Entry Fee Required — Compete in the vibrant Gym Leader Challenge with fellow Pokémon enthusiasts.

PBL Travel Team Fundraiser at Missoula PaddleHeads

5:30-8:00 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Ticket proceeds support Daly Mansion Preservation Trust — Enjoy baseball while contributing to a great cause.

Missoula PaddleHeads VIP Experience

6:35-10:35 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — VIP packages available — Enjoy an exclusive game day experience with tailgating and player interactions.

Jaden Decker 2026 Tour

7-11 p.m. — The Jack Saloon — Check for ticket prices — Experience the captivating sounds of rising star Jaden Decker live in Lolo, MT.

Missoula Clinic by The Street Dog Coalition

9-11 a.m. — Watershed Navigation Center — Free services — Providing essential veterinary care for pets of people experiencing homelessness in Missoula.

Glacier Range Riders vs. Missoula PaddleHeads Community Night

5:30-9:30 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Ticket revenue supports local charity — Celebrate baseball while giving back to the community.