Good morning, Butte.

Butte’s animal shelter is starting the second phase of its renovation with a new ADA compliant ramp, improved offices and an updated cat area—funded by a $40K grant and a $127K donation.

Officials say the work will finish later this summer and phase three, which adds outdoor play yards, will begin in the fall while the food pantry stays on hold until construction is complete.

The Butte Community Market will open Thursday evenings at Clark Park from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting June 26 and running until September 25, offering local artisan gifts, fresh produce, live music and food trucks in a family-friendly setting—each week with a different theme.

Olympus Arms, a Helena company led by Mike Merino, won the US Army's PGS X Tech Competition and plans to build a manufacturing facility in Helena if it receives the final contract—promising high-paying jobs and growth for our area.

The firm teamed with Barrett to develop a next-generation 30mm support rifle that will help it compete for more Army orders.

The FBI is working with the Crow Bureau of Indian Affairs and Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office—offering a $5,000 reward for tips to locate 13-year-old Sa’Wade Birdinground, who has been missing since October 6th from her family’s home in Garryowen.

Montana readers named Perma Red by Debra Magpie-Earling the top-selling fiction book for 2024—set on the Flathead Indian Reservation in 1940s Montana, the story follows a Native American woman on her quest to find her path.

Ramsay School near Butte secured two acres of parkland after county commissioners approved the sale for just over $15,000 to expand classroom and lab space for its 160 students—planning for a new building will start at the June school board meeting to explore hands-on learning opportunities.

Air Force Two, the official plane used by the vice president, landed today at Bert Mooney Airport amid temporary airspace restrictions—local police have not confirmed if the vice president will visit.

The aircraft, marked with United States of America on its fuselage, made a quiet appearance that has caught the attention of local onlookers—officials say more details are pending.

On Monday, lawyer Shiloh Hernandez questioned NorthWestern Energy CEO Brian Bird at a Public Service Commission hearing over the utility's plans to invest in coal-fired power plants and fossil fuels—he raised concerns that Montana ratepayers might face future costs related to wildfire risks and pollution controls as the case continues this week.

Monthly Memory Cafe

Time not specified — Butte-Silver Bow Public Library — Free entry — A supportive gathering for individuals experiencing early-stage memory challenges to foster connections.

The Divide Trail Race

9 AM – 6 PM — Thompson Park — Registration includes bib, medal, and prizes — Experience a thrilling 50 & 25K trail race along the Continental Divide.

Student Ministry Montana Mission Trip

June 19th-25th — Butte Montana — $1500 — Join a meaningful mission trip to serve the community and participate in group activities.

Samvega Concert

10 PM – 1 AM — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — Tickets available — Experience a night of surreal music with Samvega and Doctor Fly featuring visuals by Rainbow Gorilla.

Butte's Uptown Comedy Night

9-11 p.m. — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter with local stand-up comedians in a vibrant setting.

4th of July Pig Roast & Fireworks Show

6-11 p.m. — Old Montana Prison Yard — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with a community pig roast and fireworks in a historic setting.

Butte's Uptown Comedy Night

9-11 p.m. — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy a night filled with laughter at a cozy comedy venue.

Igor & The Red Elvises Afterparty

10 p.m. — Covellite Theatre and Uptown Lounge — $15 - $20 — Celebrate the Montana Folk Festival with a lively night of music from Igor & The Red Elvises!