Good morning, Butte.

Our Lady of the Rockies statue celebrates 40 years with a gala at the Butte Civic Center on Jan.

17, where board president Ron Gallardo will provide an update on plans for a new tram system to access the 90-foot landmark on East Ridge — tickets at the gift shop.

Montana’s minimum wage went up to $10.85 on January 1 from $10.55 last year (among 19 states with high pay) but workers still face steep living costs, which may force them into extra jobs (as rent and bills remain high).

Montana libraries will soon offer free telescope checkouts thanks to the Big Sky, Bigger Dreams program backed by NASA.

The project distributes over 120 tabletop telescopes to public and tribal college libraries over the next two years, building on a successful pilot.

Butte High teams are busy this week with wrestling duals — varsity matches versus Missoula happen today and a JV event is set at Deer Lodge, while the swim invite begins at 10 a.m. at the Butte Family YMCA and basketball and Speech and Debate competitions follow later.

After the holiday break, Butte Central athletes return with multiple events, including the boys and girls basketball games versus the Anaconda Copperheads on January 8 at Memorial Gymnasium and Fred Moody Middle School, and wrestling and swim meets scheduled throughout the week.

Over the weekend, 7,000 Montana State Bobcat fans rallied in Nashville ahead of Monday night’s FCS championship game, and Butte native Mike Paffhausen praised Montana football and announced plans for a documentary on the state’s championship legacy + the region’s longstanding success.

Christine (1983) Screening

7 PM — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — Donation-based entry — Experience the classic horror film 'Christine' on the big screen with fellow movie lovers.

Tuesday Night Open Mic

7 PM – 1 AM — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — No Cover — Enjoy a night of local talent hosted by Aaron Armstrong in a welcoming atmosphere.

Misery Screening

7-10 p.m. — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — Free entry — Experience the suspense of the classic 1990 film Misery on the big screen.

Tuesday Night Open Mic with Aaron Armstrong

7-11 p.m. — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — No cover (cash tips appreciated) — Enjoy an evening of diverse local talent at this open mic night.

Little Shop of Horrors Screening

7 p.m.–1 a.m. — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — Donation Based — Enjoy a free screening of the cult classic musical horror comedy from 1986.

SNöFLINGA Opening Ceremonies

5-9 p.m. — U.S. High Altitude Speed Skating Center — Free ice skate rentals — Celebrate the SNöFLINGA with fun activities for all ages at the skating center.

Outdoor Hockey Showdown

4-7 p.m. — Leonard Field — Free entry — Celebrate Montana Tech's 125 years with thrilling outdoor hockey action on Leonard Field.

Try Hockey!

2-3:30 p.m. — Butte Community Ice Center — Free entry — Experience the thrill of sled and stand-up hockey in a welcoming community setting.