Happy Tuesday, Missoula. In today’s edition: Environmental safeguards under review, figure drawing, butterfly release, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Reimagining games with empathy: UM grad student Brittany Westlund has racked up achievements while studying online, including Media Arts Expo Best in Show, a game poem set for publication, and an encyclopedia article accepted — read the full story.

Environmental safeguards under review: Missoula County has paused the permit for a gravel pit near Bonner over Blackfoot River concerns, seeking details on extraction, mitigation, and an asphalt plant, with responses due Dec. 29 — see what commissioners asked.

How planning shapes neighborhoods: Missoula plans to simplify 80-plus zoning districts with a Unified Development Code aligned with last year’s land use plan, with a City Council hearing on final approval later this month — 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.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Celebrate with chowder, Bierstacheln, and carols
• Family-friendly holiday jazz at The Wilma
• Celebrate ugly sweaters at Missoula Art Museum
• Square dance to live old-time music
• Shop local at Missoula Holiday MADE fair
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

From code to cold: Planning powder days just got easier. Missoula IT pro Eric Tangedahl built OutsideDB, a site that pulls snow and weather data for Montana and Idaho from the National Weather Service, NOAA, and NRCS, including SNOTEL stations, probability maps, and historical trends. It helps skiers plan safely and urges checking avalanche forecasts. Read the full story.

Smarter deicing in Missoula: Missoula County is keeping roads drivable without salting them into a brine bath. Instead of pure salt, crews spread a 1:15 salt-sand mix for traction and occasionally apply magnesium chloride brine (“Mag”) at controlled rates. Materials are stored to prevent runoff, and the Water Quality District monitors applications to protect groundwater. Get all the deicing details.

Bring on the bock: When the temps dip, Bayern Brewing taps its seasonal Doppelbock, dark and smooth, brewed the old-school German way. Prime fuel for long Missoula nights, this cozy classic has been a winter tradition keeping local spirits up since 1987.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🌳 The 38th Annual Tree of Life Ceremony @ Missoula Children’s Theatre | Tuesday (12/9) at 5:30pm – Nothing beats a real Missoula pause to remember our people, then share cocoa, cookies, and stories with folks who get it. At the 38th Tree of Life, expect music, reflection, a communal lighting, and take-home ornaments. Free, meaningful, and it supports Partners In Home Care.

✏️ Figure Drawing @ Missoula Art Museum | Wednesday (12/10) at 2:00pm – MAM’s figure drawing class is free, materials included, and led by Bev Beck Glueckert, with some sessions featuring live models. Geared to 55-plus but welcoming all, it’s an easy tune-up for rusty wrists, quiet focus, and good company, space is limited, so snag a spot.

🏔️ Shining Mountains Chapter Annual Meeting @ The Still Room | Thursday (12/11) at 6:00pm – Skip the boring boardrooms and join the Shining Mountains crew for their annual meeting, awards, and a talk on rewilding the American Prairie from Dr. Daniel Kinka. Come for the open bar and appetizers, stay for smart conservation, real stories, and good people.

🍺 Annual Christmas Steamer @ Draught Works | Friday (12/12) at 3:00pm – Bundle up and swing by Draught Works for the Christmas Steamer, where chowder meets caramelized doppelbock and your vocal cords get a workout. Slurp New England clam chowder, sip winter warmers, catch the Tuba Santas, then belt the 12 Beers of Christmas with the regulars.

🌎 Climate Smart Missoula’s 10 Year Celebration @ Goodworks Ventures | Friday (12/12) at 5:00pm – Warm up your Friday night with a milestone celebration honoring ten years of local climate leadership. Expect awards, laughs, community stories, and the kind of hopeful energy that fuels the next decade of action.

This weekend

🦋 Butterfly Release @ Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium | Saturday (12/13) at 11:00am – Whether you’re chasing a quiet moment or grandkid approval, head to the Butterfly House for the morning release as newly emerged beauties take their first flight. It happens Tuesday through Saturday at 11 am, included with admission, and every visit brings a new little spectacle.

🏺 Holiday Open House @ Clay Studio of Missoula | Saturday (12/13) at 1:00pm – Nothing beats a holiday open house at The Clay Studio of Missoula when the roads are slushy and you need a win. Browse handmade ceramics, meet the artists, and finally retire that chipped mug, your gift list will get shorter, your shelves will get happier.

🎨 Teen Open Studio @ Missoula Art Museum | Saturday (12/13) at 1:00pm – Got teens with creative energy and no desire to paint your kitchen table? MAM’s Teen Open Studio lets them create for free with unlimited supplies, guidance from museum staff and interns, and inspiration from world-class exhibits, every Saturday. Drop-ins welcome, masterpieces and paint-splattered clothes likely.

💃 Swing Dance @ Schreiber Gym | Saturday (12/13) at 8:00pm – Whether you can Lindy like it’s 1940, or you just want an excuse to spin without judgment, Grizzly Stomp is hosting a social swing dance that’s equal parts cardio, community, and pure fun. Expect twirls, laughter, and music that actually swings, no glow sticks required.

🎷 Holiday Swing @ The Wilma | Sunday (12/14) at 6:30pm – UM’s jazz program turns The Wilma into a big band holiday party, all brass, swing, and zero mall-speaker carols. Bring dancing shoes or a dignified head-bob, enjoy a proper cocktail, and bask in festive charts that make Bing feel like background noise.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/10 Trivia Night @ Cranky Sam Public House – 7 pm
• 12/10 Trivia Night @ Draught Works – 7 pm
• 12/10 Swing Dance @ Schreiber Gym – 8 pm
• 12/11 Rylee Mix @ Draught Works – 7 pm
• 12/11 Next Year People @ Zootown Arts Community Center – 7:30 pm
• 12/12 Jampoke and more @ Monk’s Bar – 8 pm
• 12/15 Bluegrass Hollers @ The Old Post – 6 pm
• 12/17 Old Time Jam @ Western Cider – 6 pm

🏠️ This house is wild

Listed by: Jan A Rogers (ERA Lambros Real Estate Missoula)

Set on 11.3 acres in the old Maloney Ranch area, this single-level has an open plan and a living room wall of windows framing the acreage. Updated kitchen and baths, newer appliances, and an easy flow layout dial up the comfort and the daylight.

Three outbuildings add serious utility, headlined by a 1,260 sq ft heated, insulated barn and shop with a 12 ft door, compressor, and power. Asphalt drive, two wells, city septic, and a four car attached garage with a tandem bay. Zoned R215.

Take a peek inside →