Good morning, Missoula.

KYSSMAS for Kids raised over $130,000 during a 13-hour radiothon Friday evening in Missoula + it continues nearly 30 years of helping local children in need, with organizers preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.

Drum Coffee owners Jenna and John Wicks are stepping down while transferring ownership to three long-time employees as they start a new chapter with their nearly graduated kids.

The South Avenue shop will close and be listed for sale on Jan. 1 while the East Broadway roastery stays open.

Montana creator Jonas Nichols reports that trending local nicknames such as Missoula (Zoo Town) and Helena (Helltown) are gaining popularity on social media as residents add their own creative names to celebrate Montana’s playful heritage.

Montana's Heritage Muzzleloader Hunt begins this Saturday and runs until Sunday, the 21st, giving hunters a chance to use primitive firearms and track deer & elk as early explorers did; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said the one-shot rule challenges participants to rely on skill.

A feature on the Sheridan brothers recounts how they pioneered Missoula's music scene by touring statewide in summer 1924 with a seven member orchestra — billed as the oldest organized dance orchestra in the Northwest.

Their early jazz band laid a foundation despite later tragic losses.

Childcare providers from Cold Springs School vacated the insecure building last month and have now relocated, with two remaining in a safe wing, two moving to Jefferson School, and one expanding at a local church rent-free — Public Schools is inspecting each classroom for structural issues.

University of Montana is expanding its noncredit courses to help job seekers gain skills, as President Seth Bodnar discussed opportunities with Montana This Morning anchor Mark Martin in UM Minute.

An upcoming edition will focus on students earning international scholarships.

The University of Montana will celebrate over 1,030 graduates at its commencement ceremony on Friday, Dec.

12 at the Adams Center starting at 2 p.m. UM President Seth Bodnar said the event will honor the fall class, including an honorary doctorate for alumna Lana Batts and free parking + accessible transportation.

UM grad student Mikaela Balkind launched Women in Wildfire training today to help young women join the wildfire profession (they represent less than 15% of the national workforce) in our local community.

The program aims to empower aspiring professionals with new skills.

Missoula is working to simplify its zoning system as the city council plans a final hearing in December, while Missoula Animal Services celebrated its renovated facility with open house tours Sunday and local tow companies advise drivers to slow down for lights on dangerous icy highways.

The city is planning to annex 93 of the 235 acres at the former Roseburg Forest Products property south of Interstate 90 as early as January to secure funding for needed infrastructure for future development including a planned film campus — aligning with city plans and past redevelopment efforts.

A Missoula-based apartment complex has received $8.5M in federal funds from the Montana Board of Housing to improve affordable housing, and plans for updates are underway.

A portion of the former Roseburg Forest Products property (south of Interstate 90) is set to be annexed into Missoula as early as January to secure funding for infrastructure improvements and support Story House Montana’s film and TV campus plans; the Redevelopment Agency recommended the annexation at meeting last week.

Missoula’s Cultural Heritage and the Clark Fork River – An Ever-Changing Landscape

In this presentation, guests will not only gain natural historical knowledge of the Clark Fork River, but also the innate partnership between cultural and natural heritage landscapes. This presentation will primarily examine the heritage of Missoula’s restricted communities between 1860 and 1940.

Missoula Holiday MADE Fair

9 AM – 5 PM — Adams Center, University of Montana — Entry fee required — Celebrate local arts and crafts at this vibrant holiday fair.

Sip & Sketch: Create a Phenology Wheel

Phenology is the study of change in the natural world – when flowers bloom and go to seed, when birds migrate, when the snow falls, and so much more. Taking a few minutes each day to observe and record these changes can add up to something truly beautiful over time, and there’s no better time than just before the beginning of a new year!

Hellgate Venture Network Holiday Party

5-7 p.m. — Goodworks Ventures — Complimentary beverages — Celebrate the season with great company and festive treats.

Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons

8:30-9:29 p.m. — Missoula Children's Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons.