Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of August.
Good morning, Missoula.
Missoula local Hank Green has launched a new productivity app called Focus Friend that disables distracting apps—rewarding users with a cheerful bean that knits sweaters when they stay focused.
The app, developed with Honey B Games and soft-launched this summer, has quickly reached the top of the App Store, surpassing a major A.I. competitor.
On August 14, Missoula Police responded to a 911 call near the 800 block of Crestmont when a suspicious gray Honda with temporary registration drew attention for suspected drug activity—officers found drug paraphernalia, firearms, and ammunition inside the vehicle and arrested both occupants including 46-year-old Kahma Wratislaw, known for drug-related activity.
The Fáilte Irish Festival will be held at Caras Park on September 5 from 2:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and will combine live music, dance, food and family fun with the first home game for Grizzly Football—featuring performances by groups like the Montana Shamrockers to celebrate Irish culture.
Wildfires burned near Snowbowl on August 21 in the Rattlesnake Wilderness north of Missoula where the Jenny Fire and Point Six Fire spread over steep terrain.
Firefighters used helicopters and aircraft to drop water+asked residents to avoid the area.
A federal magistrate judge heard two hours of arguments over a logging project along the West Fork Bitterroot River to see if better checks are needed to protect bull trout and old-growth habitat in Bitterroot National Forest—attorneys from both sides debated issues like temporary road impacts and monitoring requirements before a ruling is expected soon.
Missoula County has raised the fire danger level to high due to continued hot, dry weather—fire officials warn residents to fully extinguish campfires and secure chains to avoid sparks, and open burning remains closed until conditions improve.
Missoula County rolled out a draft letter to the USDA on Thursday urging that the USFS Region 1 office in Missoula be kept amid a consolidation plan that would close regional offices in favor of distant hubs.
Local forestry experts and officials warned that the change could slow local response and hamper forest management after the 115th anniversary of the Big Burn fires.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen warned Montanans on National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day that although fentanyl seizures dropped 81 percent early this year, there were 46 fatal overdoses by June 30.
He said the Montana Department of Justice will keep working with law enforcement to remove the dangerous drug from the streets—focusing on public safety.
The Missoula County Elections Center will mail over 47,000 primary ballots on Wednesday for the mayor’s race and city council wards 2, 3, and 6—voters who do not receive their ballots soon are advised to contact the elections office.
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.
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.
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.
Sentinel JV Football vs. Russell
3-5 p.m. — Sentinel High School — Free entry — The Sentinel JV football team faces off against Russell in a non-conference showdown.
Montana Irish Festival
2:30-9:30 p.m. — Caras Park — Free entry — Celebrate Irish culture with music, entertainment, and community spirit.
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