Good morning, Missoula.

Construction has begun on a new 5.4-acre park at Northside near New St. Mary's Cemetery.

The park will have a field, sports court, playground, dog park, water feature — and sidewalk, intersection, and roadway improvements are scheduled through fall and into spring and summer 2027.

An international organization recently ranked Missoula 88th overall and 17th for cities under 500,000, citing strong livability + loveability and a robust economy.

Executive director Barbara Neilan said the friendly community makes the city special and draws repeat visitors.

Local bikers will rally on Saturday, Aug.

15 in Missoula as Tim Montana and friends perform an acoustic benefit for veterans at the Sunrise Saloon and collect school supplies at Young Grizzly before the three-day Legacy Run ends on Sunday, Aug. 16 with an after-party featuring music and food trucks.

Spirit Halloween is now open in Missoula, offering Halloween costumes, decorations & themed displays at 1212 Longstaff near Boyce Lumber.

With early seasonal setup, local fans can shop now to secure the best selection before popular items vanish.

Missoula-based Neptune Aviation is converting an Airbus A319 into the world’s first firefighting aircraft by 2028 to improve wildfire response, carrying 4,500 gallons of retardant over the current 3,000 from its BAe 146 fleet.—The company says the upgrade will offer safer, faster operations amid high wildfire demand.

Montana gas prices dipped 4.7 cents to $4.23 per gallon today, remaining 31.1 cents above last month and placing the state 10th among the nation’s averages (the national price is $3.94).

Montana wildfires remain dangerous as the Sand Creek Fire grows past 15,700 acres, prompting expanded evacuation orders for Elkhorn Hot Springs and Maverick Mountain.

Today, stricter fire restrictions include no campfires + off-road travel in areas including Missoula County.

Forest management professor Beth Dodson and local firm Missoula Defensible Space are using mechanical thinning and logging to reduce wildfire risk during the season in area forests.

Their efforts help first responders work more efficiently if fires occur.

The University of Montana detailed its agreement with Learfield, which owns the multimedia rights to Montana Grizzly athletics.

The contract explains how the university will manage media coverage for its athletic programs.