Finishing the Transformation of Missoula’s Caras Park

It's an important month in Missoula, where the Downtown Missoula Partnership, Missoula Downtown Foundation, and other groups are completing the final project in a multi-year effort to complete the popular Caras Park on the city's riverfront.

Crews have begun repainting the Caras Park Pavilion, and a contractor will replace the massive fabric covering it. Downtown Missoula Partnership Executive Director Linda McCarthy says the work will benefit locals and visitors alike.

"Caras Park is our city center park. It is a place that attracts about half a million people annually, for all of the activities that happen here."

"It's an important part of our culture because it's where we connect.

This week, Staggs Painting has been repainting the bandstand framework and the supporting structure for the pavilion. Next, Fabricon, a Missoula business that installs canopies around the world, and provided the original in 1997, will install the new cover.

"As a community, it's where we come together and enjoy admission-free events and fun things to do," McCarthy says. "So it's kind of a benefit for all ages and something that's really important from our perspective."

     🌞 It's expected that the project will be completed in time for the first of the season's events.

Montana cracks down on SNAP choices

Montana is following the lead of 22 other states that are shutting the door on people using SNAP benefits to purchase soft drinks, junk food, and candy, focusing instead on "healthy, nutritious foods."

In a statement, Governor Gianforte said he was filing the waiver with the U.S. Department of Agriculture because, quote, "for too long, leaders in Washington have ignored the root causes of chronic disease that affect the lives of Americans across our country."

The waiver introduces categories for restricted items, including a standardized definition of candy and prepared desserts, such as packaged snack cakes, while specifically protecting access to protein bars and fresh baked goods.

The waiver also targets high-sugar beverages exceeding 10 grams of sugar per 8 ounces and energy drinks. By excluding essential items such as milk, 100 percent fruit juice, and medical electrolytes, the framework ensures SNAP continues to support recipient health while focusing on nutrient-dense food options.

Man dies after fighting for his life following an ATV crash

An ATV crash near Lincoln earlier this month is now counted as another fatality, after the injured rider passed away over the weekend.

Montana Highway Patrol says the 43-year-old from Rexford was seriously injured when he swerved to miss a deer in his Polaris Razer as he was driving on the highway. The ATV went over a guardrail and rolled over, and the driver, who wasn't wearing a seat belt, was thrown from the rig.