Good morning, Missoula.

Rebekah Barsotti disappeared from Mineral County on July 20th, 2021 when she returned to Superior for personal items—her dog Cerberus was found dead six days later and her remains were recovered nearly 11 months afterward while the criminal investigation continues amid concerns over lost evidence.

On July 18, police responded to an assault at the YWCA Secret Seconds store where employee Jane Doe was hit by 42-year-old Tavin Swanson—after Doe told her to leave for harassing customers—and officers later arrested Swanson at a casino; she now faces felony robbery charges with a $10,000 bond and $95.50 in store damages.

Montana environmental groups sent an 8-page letter to Rep. Jared Huffman urging him to block Congressional plans to change permit rules under the National Environmental Policy Act — they warned that easing these requirements could limit public input and undermine protections for our lands. The groups stressed at a recent oversight hearing that any reform must balance faster approvals with lasting environmental safeguards.

Missoula’s Public Safety, Health and Operations Committee held a presentation on wildfire preparedness as a response to the Deer Wildfire, with county officials stressing the need to update evacuation plans, offer free risk assessments, and invest in new software by the end of the month — urging residents to stay informed and flexible in emergencies.

Lawmakers and lobbyists met with Department of Revenue officials on Tuesday to raise concerns about merging the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division with the Cannabis Control Division, a change planned to boost efficiency without immediate layoffs.

Director Brendan Beatty said a combined division job posting will close on Aug. 1 and day-to-day work will remain unchanged—though improvements will come gradually.

City Council candidate Hayden Cook said he will boost wildfire safety for Missoula by expanding education, air quality monitoring, and evacuation plans if elected.

His plan targets areas like Pattee Canyon, Rattlesnake, and Grant Creek—neighborhoods with few exit routes.

Western Montana news includes Treyson Sharp being indicted on federal charges including involuntary manslaughter for the shooting death of 19-year-old Jadie Butterfly on the Blackfeet Reservation, with his arraignment set for Aug.-19 in Great Falls; forecasts now predict Flathead Lake will be about 18-inches below full pool by Labor Day weekend due to above-average precipitation and cooler temperatures. Missoula City Council approved the sale of the 1.9-acre Riverfront Triangle Fox Site to Averill Hospitality, which will add $7-million over the next 10 years to the Affordable Housing Trust fund.

Montana’s Department of Public Health and Human Services proposed Medicaid changes that would require most able-bodied adults to complete 80 hours of work, education or community service and pay monthly premiums—critics say the new rules could drive up costs and force thousands off the program. The public can comment on the proposal until Aug. 18.

Missoula Hellgate standout Evan Pyron announced he will join the Griz as a defensive lineman after earning all-state honors last fall.

The versatile junior had over 200 receiving yards and 44 tackles during a challenging season — he said staying home in Missoula means a lot to him.

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.

Death Cab for Cutie Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotional depth and indie rock power of Death Cab for Cutie in a summer evening highlight.

OPLIAM Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Monk's Bar — Ticket prices vary — Experience a unique fusion of Alter-Native Rock and Native Americana by multi-genre musician OPLIAM.

Sunset Charcuterie Paddle

5-8:30 p.m. — Kona Bridge Fishing Access — Registration required — Enjoy a relaxed evening float with charcuterie amidst stunning river views as the sun sets.

Levi Blom & Friends Concert

8-11 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $12 adv $15 dos — Experience an epic night of rockin' tunes with local music talent.

Higgins Lot Alternative Market

9 AM – 1 PM — Higgins Lot, 420 N Higgins Ave, Missoula, MT — Free entry — Explore local goods and fresh produce every Saturday in the heart of downtown Missoula.

River Baptisms

4-5 p.m. — Maclay Flat Nature Trail — Free — Celebrate new beginnings with a community baptism at the river.

An Evening With Tedeschi Trucks Band

7:00-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience the soul thunderclap of a 12-piece band with a new album launch.

Missoula Downtown Tonight

5-9 p.m. — Caras Park Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy live music and local food trucks amid the vibrant Missoula community atmosphere.