Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Crews responded Tuesday just before noon to a house fire in Lolo at the 9300 block of Mormon Creek Road – they knocked down the fire, extinguished a small grass fire ignited by the blaze, and investigators began seeking its cause despite no injuries while the family lost their dog. KPAX
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On August 16, Missoula Police responded to a dispute on Bulwer Street when property owner Jane Doe reported a confrontation, and officers arrested Kathleen Wellofman for disorderly conduct and felony drug possession after a search of her coat pocket revealed methamphetamine—an incident stemming from ongoing trespass issues. Newstalk KGVO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Northwestern Energy Group and Black Hills Corp announced a multi-billion dollar, all-stock, tax-free merger—forming a new utility company to serve over 2 million customers in 8 states. Both boards approved the deal and it will be reviewed over the next 12 to 15 months to boost clean energy projects. Newstalk KGVO
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On August 17, fire crews battled four wildfires along Highway 200 near Perma and Paradise with one fire burning over 300 acres and all remaining 0% contained—officials urged residents to avoid the area in steep, rugged terrain near the Flathead Reservation. KPAX
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Missoula City Council unanimously approved a 3.4% tax increase for fiscal year 2026 that adds $2.4 million to the core budget to fund employee raises and help close a long-term deficit — state tax changes should lower many homeowners' bills. Missoulian
- ➤ On Monday, the Missoula City Council approved the FY26 budget with a 3.39% tax increase to cover rising costs while many property owners will pay less thanks to a drop in taxable value. Council members also raised concerns about fee hikes and a needed remittance—issues the city will address as it funds basic services. Missoula Current
- ➤ Tim Miller, a volunteer with Citizens’ Climate Lobby, urged lawmakers to reject federal budget cuts to clean energy tax credits that risk 47 Montana projects and higher energy bills. He called on Congress to fully fund DOE programs like the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy and ARPA-E so that energy remains reliable and affordable. Missoula Current
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Montana and South Dakota State will open the 2029 football season by playing in the Vegas Kickoff Classic in Las Vegas—where the game will be broadcast on ESPN from the Raiders' home field. Fans can look forward to a marquee match that brings national attention to the Grizzlies. Newstalk KGVO
- ➤ Montana’s cornerbacks finished fall camp with new starters and returning players stepping in after the departures of Trevin Gradney and Ronald Jackson—Coach Kim McCloud said seniors Kenzel Lawler and sophomore Kyon Loud led the group in building stronger chemistry for the season. Missoulian
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Scavengers Photography Club
6-8 p.m. — Montana Natural History Center — Free entry — Explore photography with fellow enthusiasts in a creative setting.
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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.
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Payton Howie Concert
3-9 p.m. — Missoula, Montana — Free entry — Experience backwoods bathed vocals and southern swagger from a recently nominated Texas Country vocalist.
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Montana Grizzlies 2025 Football Season Tickets
Sep 3-4 — Washington-Grizzly Stadium — Prices may vary — Cheer on the Grizzlies at every home game this season while supporting a great cause.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you resist, persists.
~ Carl Jung
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