Good Day
Missoula
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Missoula. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Since a wind storm two weeks ago, Montana Night Riders Snowmobile Club volunteers cleared 65 miles of 120 miles of Mineral County groomed trails, cutting 413 trees with chainsaws & winches to keep winter recreation open for families. Their work supports local businesses by ensuring safe snowmobile access. KPAX
- ➤ A memorial was held in Missoula to honor 24 homeless individuals and remind the community that stronger support is needed — an event that prompted discussions about improving social systems. Missoulian
- ➤ Dale Goodwell won a million-dollar lottery ticket at South Gate Market and then proposed to his girlfriend, who accepted, opening a joyful new chapter for the couple in Missoula + the win highlights a feel-good local moment. MontanaRightNow
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Missoula’s nonprofit Glacier Ice Rink stays busy today as skaters of all ages enjoy public and theme skates despite a warm December. The rink offers ice sports & events like hockey and figure skating, serving as a social hub for families and individuals. KPAX
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The pending federal scholarship tax credit program will offer up to $1,700 in credits to donors for school expenses at public and private schools beginning in January 2027. Advocates say it will expand school choice — critics worry it might shift funds from public schools. Montana Public Radio
- ➤ UM senior Paul Straw (28-year-old Marine veteran) won a full-ride Marshall Scholarship and will study human complex trait genetics at the University of Edinburgh this fall after completing his final interview in San Francisco, making him the fifth such winner at UM. Montana Public Radio
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Environmental groups are urging DEQ to stop issuing wastewater permits until it sets a new plan to limit nutrient pollution that harms water quality; Upper Missouri Waterkeeper said replacing numerical standards with a narrative approach this fall has weakened water protections. Montana Public Radio
- ➤ On Monday, the Missoula-based Vital Ground Foundation and Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative preserved two parcels near I-90 to help wildlife cross safely. The 160-acre Nellie Creek easement and a 50-acre Brock Creek purchase (with a highway underpass) support vital conservation efforts for species like grizzlies. Missoula Current
- ➤ On Monday, two local conservation groups (Vital Ground Foundation and Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative) preserved key parcels near Missoula to create safer crossings for wildlife along I-90. The acquisitions, including a $346,000 Brock Creek project, will support future habitat restoration for species like grizzly bears. KPAX
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Montana received a first-year award of $233.5 million from a new five-year rural health program that will fund rural hospital improvements from 2026 to 2030. The federal release also names Texas, Alaska, California and Oklahoma as top recipients. Missoula Current
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Mountain West Food Group has recalled 2,855 lbs of ground beef for possible E. coli contamination affecting packages sold in Montana + five other states. The product labeled 'Forward Farms' shows a use-by date of Jan. 13, and consumers should return or discard it. KPAX
- ➤ A Missoula County District Court alternate juror nearly died after suffering a heart attack in September when Detective Smith’s chest compressions (with a slight hand adjustment) revived her, an event that highlights the importance of learning CPR. Montana Public Radio
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Montana State clinched a spot in the FCS National Championship, and local football fans remain split over supporting Montana players due to a 120-year rivalry & deep loyalty among Grizzlies supporters. Newstalk KGVO
-
KPOP Demon Hunters Dance Party
9 p.m. — Monk's Bar — $5 — Get ready to dance and sing the night away with beats from Big Lou and DJ Pan Dulce.
-
Jaenga Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — Zootown Arts Community Center — Tickets from $72 — Experience an unforgettable musical event with Jaenga in Missoula.
-
Missoula Writes
9:00 – 10:30 AM — Break Espresso — Free to attend — Engage in focused writing alongside fellow local writers in a supportive atmosphere.
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
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Missoula
Welcome to the Good Day Missoula, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Missoula, Montana community. If you like the Good Day Missoula, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Missoula.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Missoula and across Montana. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Missoula
A free Missoula community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddaymissoula.com/sitemap