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Good morning, Missoula! In today’s edition: Bigfoot Cookies earns holiday kudos, Vincent Paterson master class and book talk, 101-year-old veteran honored, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Sweet accolades roll in: Missoula’s Bigfoot Cookies was recognized by DoorDash’s Top 50 Holiday Dessert Rising Stars list, reflecting strong holiday demand and popularity, and giving the shop fresh visibility and new customers — see why it was recognized.
Canine heroes need support: Working Dogs for Conservation rescues high-profile dogs and trains them to protect wildlife and wild places. The group is seeking donations that can be made through its website — see how to donate.
One man’s enduring legacy: The Montana National Guard honored 101-year-old Missoula veteran Richard Moore, a retired lieutenant colonel who served in three major conflicts, recognizing his service and contributions to national awareness — read the full story.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
A fresh chapter for readers: Last Best Books, Missoula’s newest used bookstore, is offering rare and out-of-print reads. Owner Crystal Koosman focuses on keeping old books circulating and prices them affordably. The shop holds about 10,000 titles, including rare Hemingway and a 1948 Webster’s Dictionary. Read the full story.
Hands-on science fix: When cabin fever hits, spectrUM Discovery Area offers interactive exhibits, tinkering that teaches, and drop-in science fun at the Discovery Bench. It’s kid-approved and adult-curious, a low-pressure way to spark brains without defaulting to yet another screen.
Burrito mood, solved: When you want a make-it-your-way wrap without mystery ingredients, El Diablo keeps it fresh with cilantro-lime rice, tomato-forward salsas, and fillings from grilled fish to slow-cooked pork. Ideal for a quick midweek reset or a low-effort dinner you’ll actually look forward to.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🕺 Vincent Paterson Smooth Criminal Master Class and Icons and Instincts Book Event @ University of Montana | Friday (1/9) at 1:00 AM – Clear your dance card, Vincent Paterson is in town for a chat about Icons and Instincts, open to the public, plus a Smooth Criminal master class for BBB. The mind behind Michael Jackson and Madonna’s moves. Come for the stories, stay for the bragging rights.
🥕 Create Your Own Veggie Rocks! @ Leaf + Quiet | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – Take a break from errands and swing by a one-day Harvest & Craft session to create your own veggie rocks. Equal parts farmers market and art class, zero watering required, perfect for gardens, grandkids, or your desk. Details at clarkforkmarket.com.
🐶 The Street Dog Coalition Clinic @ Watershed Navigation Center | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – Watershed is hosting a pop-up from The Street Dog Coalition with free vet care for pets of neighbors experiencing homelessness. No paperwork Olympics, just kind humans, wagging tails, and real help. Classic Missoula, where we look out for the pack, and the people.
🚗 AARP Smart Driver @ Missoula Chevrolet | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – If you’ve been meaning to brush up on winter slicks, roundabouts, and left turns on Reserve, this AARP Smart Driver course at Missoula Chevrolet is your tune-up. Learn safer habits, refresh the rules, and maybe snag an insurance discount. Fewer white knuckles, more confident cruising.
🐦 Second Saturday Birding @ Greenough Park Pavilion | Saturday (1/10) at 9:30 AM – Nothing beats a Second Saturday stroll through Greenough with a bunch of bird nerds, snacks, and spare binoculars. It is an easy loop, everyone welcome, and if you mix up chickadees and nuthatches, just nod confidently. Occasional bear cameos keep you humble.
🌸 Snow Blossoms @ Painting with a Twist | Saturday (1/10) at 2:00 PM – Missing spring? We’re making our own with a guided Snow Blossoms session, complete with all the materials, your favorite beverage, and zero pressure. Bring a friend, sip something good, and leave with art you won’t hide in the basement. Because winter could use some color.
🎯 Vision Board Event @ Fourth D Fellowship Club | Saturday (1/10) at 2:30 PM – Nothing beats a cozy afternoon with glue sticks, hot cocoa, and shameless optimism. Bring the kids or your inner teenager, and craft a vision board with live music, snacks, and raffle prizes, all in a laid-back, all-ages Missoula hangout. Goals look better in collage.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Missoula locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
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📻 Missoula report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 32°F – Low: 23°F – Precip: 64%
Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 32. West southwest wind 2 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: A chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 23. West wind 5 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
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Tomorrow – High: 36°F – Low: 21°F – Precip: 37%
A chance of snow before 5pm. Cloudy, with a high near 36. West wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. West southwest wind 1 to 6 mph.
This house is wild
Built in 2019, this 4 bed, 2.5 bath modern in Missoula’s Rattlesnake backs to Mount Jumbo. Metal siding and roof, a fenced yard with landscaping, sprinklers, and drip, and an insulated heated double garage keep upkeep low. Ring security covers entries, while radiant floors and ceiling mounted mini splits handle the seasons.
Inside, an open kitchen anchored by a generous island flows to dining and living. Updates include new lighting, a back entry pantry, tiled bath surrounds, and whole home water treatment. Three bedrooms are on the main level, the fourth flexes as an office. Upstairs, the primary suite looks toward Mount Jumbo, and blackout shades dress three bedrooms. Trails and downtown are close.
Take a peek inside →
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