Good morning, Missoula.

Montana’s unemployment rate held at 3% in September as the state added about 880 workers and Missoula County posted a 2.8% rate despite losing 878 jobs last year — Mayor Andrea Davis toured a construction site on April 3.

The University of Montana held its fall graduation ceremony on Friday, Dec.

12 at the Adams Center as over 1,000 students earned their degrees. Lana Batts (a UM alum with trucking experience) delivered a commencement speech urging policymakers to shape the future of the trucking industry.

City leaders met in Missoula to discuss the risk that chronic wasting disease is spreading among urban deer.

Local experts warned that the fatal disease (CWD) will likely affect local populations soon.

Partnership Health Center on the north end of downtown is expanding its pregnancy care staff to serve more patients.

The center offers a broad range of services and now has the capacity to accept additional patients.

Missoula locals enjoy artisan sandwiches and charcuterie boards at Tagliare Delicatessen, located at 1433 South Higgins and 910 Wyoming Street.

The deli uses imported meats, house-made sauces, and fresh Le Petit Outre bread — its menu features creative names such as the Megadeath.

Snowbowl is open for its 71st season after crews spent over 600 hours grooming runs — riders enjoy lifts running daily at 10 a.m. through Dec.

14, with more snow forecast to open additional terrain.

Montana Grizzlies Soccer head coach Chris Citowicki is leaving UM for a Washington State job and emailed colleagues today to confirm his departure.

He completed 8 years with 79 wins (including several Big Sky titles) and thanked his team for their support in Missoula.

Missoula-based My Montana Roots has launched a new apparel line featuring Griz players Keali’i Ah Yat, Drew Deck and legacy No. 37 Clay Oven as playoff energy builds; the Griz will host South Dakota tomorrow at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

The Montana Grizzlies are set to face South Dakota in the playoffs at home & they carry a 10-game winning streak.

The team aims to secure a sweep and earn a spot in the semifinals.

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!

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.