Good morning, Missoula.

Last week, the Western Montana Fair set new sales records despite Thursday’s nonstop rain—carnival, bar, and vendor revenue all increased even as attendance fell by 3,000 visits.

The Saturday 4-H livestock sale also broke records and officials are considering extending the fair next year over two weekends.

Lincoln County Health Department officials confirmed the first rabies-positive bat of the year and advised anyone potentially exposed to seek treatment immediately.

Flathead County Planning Board approved a preliminary plat for a luxury resort in Lakeside — featuring 359 residential lots and a golf course on 1,700 acres — and Opportunity Resources broke ground in Missoula on affordable, ADA accessible housing converted from a former wood shop.

A Montana woman, Brooke Rose Louise Cardonia, 33, pleaded guilty on August 15th to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and faces a minimum sentence of 10 years to life, a $10 million fine, and at least five years of supervision—her sentencing is set for December 18th.

She was connected to a drug trafficking organization from February 2023 to March 2025 that supplied fentanyl to local contacts.

The Missoula County Attorney’s Office filed 13 new felony complaints this week—a drop from last week—and County Attorney Matt Jennings noted that the cases include violent, property and negligence charges, with a rise in elder abuse cases involving negligent homicide and financial exploitation.

Local residents shared memories that shaped Missoula—recounting the century-old Oxford Bar now up for sale, days of skating on old brick mounds, and record-setting moments like Aber Day Keggers and a Beastie Boys concert that still resonate in the community.

The feature collects these historic moments to show how the past continues to influence the city's identity.

Missoula District Judge John Larson criticized the public defender’s office for leaving defendants without timely legal help as vacancies — including the termination of one lawyer and another being on leave — delayed assigning counsel in over 150 open criminal cases.

Public defender officials said low pay and heavy caseloads have caused staff shortages and that they plan to fill the gaps soon.

Missoula’s Community Medical Center launched the Special Delivery Program on July 30—an initiative that gives new mothers light blue wristbands for six weeks to help track and respond to postpartum complications.

The program is part of a broader effort to reduce maternal mortality and improve care after delivery.

The Montana Grizzlies soccer team beat Southern Utah 3-0 on Thursday at South Campus Stadium—showing improved offense led by senior midfielders Chloe Seelhoff and Maddie Ditta after last season's penalty loss.

Coach Chris Citowicki said the team will continue with its current format as it prepares to face Seattle next and later Baylor.

Alabama Shakes Concert - Night One

7:00-9:30 p.m. — KettleHouse Amphitheater — Ticket info TBA — Experience the electrifying return of Alabama Shakes after an eight-year hiatus.

Missoula PaddleHeads vs. Idaho Falls Chukars

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling minor league baseball matchup in scenic Missoula.

River City Roots Festival

6:00 PM – 10:30 PM — Downtown Missoula Partnership — Various costs — Explore live music, local food, and community spirit at Missoula's cherished festival.

Roots & Revelry Dinner at The Stables

5-8 p.m. — The Stables — $31 to $50 — Celebrate Missoula’s culinary scene with a curated three-course dinner during River City Roots Fest.

Cornbread Wallace Live Performance

4-8 p.m. — The Trough — Check for ticket details — Experience a captivating mix of country, rock, and Americana from local singer-songwriter Cornbread Wallace.

Hickoids Live at Monk's Bar

6-9 p.m. — Monk's Bar — Cover charge applies — Experience the cowpunk legends Hickoids on their Sasquatch Stroll tour through the Western US.

Trivia Tuesday at The Old Post

6:30-9:00 p.m. — The Old Post — Free entry — Gather your sharpest friends for a fun-filled trivia night in Downtown Missoula.

Missoula PaddleHeads vs. Grand Junction Jackalopes

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Ogren Park at Allegiance Field — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Missoula PaddleHeads take on the Grand Junction Jackalopes in a fun night of baseball.

Scavengers Photography Club

6-8 p.m. — Montana Natural History Center — Free entry — Explore photography with fellow enthusiasts in a creative setting.

Leah Grams Johnson Live Performance

7 p.m.-1 a.m. — Draught Works — Check venue for ticket info — Experience the soulful sounds of artist and songwriter Leah Grams Johnson from Northern California.