Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 4th of July.
Good morning, Missoula.
The Fort Missoula Historical Museum hosts its Fourth at the Fort celebration today at 10:00 am—featuring live music, wagon rides, children’s games, food trucks, scavenger hunts and guided tours of preserved historic buildings and exhibits.
Almost a year after a catastrophic failure, crews repaired the St. Mary siphon to restore water for over 700 farms and 18,000 people while work continues on the Milk River Project.
Contractors will shut off water on August 15 (for a 45-day construction period) to complete repairs at nearby Hall’s Coulee.
Local scientists and longtime river watchers reported an early massive neon-green algae bloom along the Clark Fork River on July 2 that makes the water look like a lawn.
Experts said low water flows+ high temperatures and extra nutrients created the perfect conditions for the bloom and may lower oxygen levels that could stress local fish.
Montana’s rivers are showing stress as warm, dry conditions have reduced water levels and fostered algae blooms, with the Blackfoot River recording flows well below normal.
State agencies and the Blackfoot Challenge are urging water users to conserve water and brace for added restrictions as drought conditions are expected to worsen through September — a challenge for local farmers and recreational users.
Crews will begin installing a new traffic signal at Orange Street and Cregg Lane on July 8 to improve safety as increased housing drives more traffic in the area.
The project will add accessible sidewalks and pedestrian crossings while reducing Orange Street lanes at times—detour routes for pedestrians and bikes are provided—ensuring smooth travel during weekday construction from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Helena authorities detained 31-year-old Christopher Martinez after a mistaken identity stop for an expired license plate and he is now facing possible removal while his wife and community members protest what they believe is racial profiling—his attorney has filed a legal challenge and a hearing is set for July 10 at the Russell Smith Federal Court in Missoula. A community fundraiser has raised nearly $5,700 to help the family as Martinez continues his long-standing effort to attain citizenship.
County Commissioner Josh Slotnick will attend a Harvard training program for senior local officials from July 7th to 25th—he earned a scholarship that lowers his cost to $1,000, which Missoula County will pay.
He said he is excited to learn from other government workers about challenges like housing, cost of living, and attracting new business.
After 55 years of renting, All Nations Health Center bought a permanent headquarters at 2105 Bow Street next to its current office.
The new 30,000-square-foot building, formerly the Women's Club, will be remodeled with help from elders—bringing all services under one roof for its patients.
Higgins Lot Alternative Market
9 AM – 1 PM — Higgins Lot, 420 N Higgins Ave — Free entry — Explore local vendors and showcase the best of Missoula's unique offerings every Saturday morning.
Eli Howard & The Greater Good Concert
8 PM - 12 AM — Monk's Bar — $10 adv $12 dos — Experience a high-energy folk-rock performance blending captivating melodies and introspective storytelling.
Cornbread Wallace Live Performance
4-8 p.m. — The Trough — $10 cover — Experience the local sounds of Cornbread Wallace as he blends country, rock, and Americana in a night of engaging music.
Golf Tournament at Missoula Alliance Church
1-5 p.m. — University of Montana Golf Course — $200 per team — Participate in a 9 Hole Scramble with prizes and a silent auction to support local charities.
Missoula PaddleHeads vs. Great Falls Voyagers
5:59-8:59 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Cost Info Unavailable — Cheer on the Missoula PaddleHeads as they take on the Great Falls Voyagers in a thrilling baseball matchup.
Higgins Lot Alternative Market
9 AM – 1 PM — Higgins Lot — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant local market featuring food, crafts, and community spirit every Saturday in Downtown Missoula.
Bitterroot Community Band Performance - Evel Knievel Commemoration
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Bonner Park — Free entry — Celebrate Evel Knievel's legacy with a concert by the Bitterroot Community Band at Bonner Park's bandshell.
Bluegrass Hoedown at Monk’s
7-11:59 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $10 — Kick up your boots and enjoy a lively night of bluegrass music with the electrifying Johnny Campbell Band.
Missoula People's Market
9 AM – 1 PM — Missoula People's Market — Free entry — Explore local art and handcrafted goods in the heart of Downtown Missoula.
ARK Foundation Run for Rare
4-8 p.m. — 3219 Fort Missoula Rd — Registration fees apply — Participate in a 5K run to raise awareness for individuals with rare diseases.
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