Good morning, Missoula.

NorthWestern Energy and Friends of the Children are hosting a drive to collect warm clothing for kids in need from Oct.

9 to Oct. 30 at the NorthWestern Energy Customer Service Center (1903 S. Russell Street) in Missoula during regular business hours.

Whole Foods is set to open soon at Midtown Market in the Southgate Triangle while Green Source Local Market will launch near Vera Donuts on the Hip Strip — both developments offer Missoula shoppers a choice between a national chain and a local neighborhood grocery.

The Missoula Economic Partnership (MEP) held its annual meeting yesterday where local leaders reviewed the city’s strong economy and growing labor force that supports investments in affordable housing.

Grant Kier and economist Erick Garcia-Luna (of the Federal Reserve Bank) stressed that local partnerships drive ongoing progress in Missoula.

UM Police warned students today about a social media scam that offers payment for using their image in art projects.

They advise against sending money or sharing banking details and urge anyone contacted to report it to UMPD.

Sentinel High School held its second All School Read event on Friday when students read The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind and attended speakers and activities focused on community and climate.

The event aimed to deepen student engagement through shared literature.

Outdoor enthusiasts gathered outside the Missoula County Courthouse on Oct.

7 to share campfire tales and support protecting roadless areas amid a proposed policy change by the U.S. Forest Service. Advocates argued that repealing the rule would impact Montana's natural beauty and local economy.

Three generations of the Boehmler family earned the Missoula County Land Stewardship Award Monday at their LaVelle Creek ranch in North Hills — a recognition for decades of conservation efforts.

The family works with neighbors and local groups to protect native plants and wildlife.

Montana stargazers can watch the Draconid meteor shower peaking tonight into early morning (Oct.

9) as clear skies and a nearly new moon promise excellent viewing conditions.

Missoula County signed an agreement with the Montana Department of Transportation to ensure plowing for the new South Avenue project, which will include shared-use paths, turn lanes, lighting & safer intersections from Reserve Street west to Clements Road.

Construction will begin next year, with the city portion slated to start in May as part of a multi-year safety initiative.

Residents attended a City Council meeting on Monday to address pesticide use in Missoula; Grow Safe Non-Toxic Missoula brought about 40 community members who reported feeling ill after local applications — city officials are now reviewing practices to reduce exposure risks.