Born and raised in Missoula, Joel Fowlkes turned years of commercial trucking experience into a hometown business built on reliability and community.

Since launching Maxx Transfer LLC in 2022, Joel has provided dependable residential and commercial hauling services across Western Montana, with his beagle, Dozer, serving as his faithful co-pilot.

From landscaping materials for homeowners to large construction projects, Joel prides himself on honest service and local expertise. Beyond the job site, he's committed to giving back by supporting youth sports and community organizations.

For Joel, Maxx Transfer is about more than moving material—it's about helping build the community he proudly calls home, one load at a time.

Missoula’s vibrant dog-friendly patio scene is perfect for locals who love exploring with their pups.

From the Hip Strip on North Higgins to the Rattlesnake neighborhood, popular spots like Thomas Meagher Bar, Iron Horse Brew Pub, The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ, GILD, and The Patio at Rattlesnake Market welcome leashed dogs on their outdoor patios.

Most patios provide water bowls, but bringing your own ensures your dog stays comfortable.

Missoula’s city ordinance requires leashes under six feet, so be prepared and call ahead if your dog needs extra space.

The outdoor culture here makes spotting a dog by a bar stool almost as common as spotting a local brew — especially after a hike in the Rattlesnake Wilderness.

Wherever you go, Missoula’s patios make dogs (and their people) feel right at home.

A Missoula-area woman named Heather DeBoord fell roughly 50 feet from Heaven Cliff near Bonner on June 27 — landing in the Blackfoot River — and somehow walked away with her life.

This week, she reached out to share something she felt couldn't wait: a heartfelt thank-you to the Missoula Fire Department, the Missoula Rural Fire District, and the staff at Providence St. Patrick Hospital who cared for her.

DeBoord is recovering from serious injuries, but her message is one of gratitude, not grievance. Inside, we share the story of the rescue, her recovery, and why she says she feels like someone was watching over her.

It's a good reminder of just how hard our local first responders work — and how much it means when Missoulians take a moment to say so.

Missoula's coffee scene is one of the best-kept secrets in the Mountain West — and this guide breaks down exactly where to go.

We've rounded up the eight best coffee shops in Missoula right now, from the beloved downtown institutions along N Higgins Ave and N 1st St W to the perfect-5-star Granite Mill Coffee out on MT-200.

Whether you're chasing a specialty pour-over from Black Coffee Roasting Company, a nitro cold brew from Nitro Coffee on S Russell St, or a quick drive-through hit from Good Americano on Reserve, this list has a recommendation for every kind of coffee drinker.

We cover star ratings, what makes each spot worth the stop, and who each shop is best suited for. If you're serious about your morning cup in Missoula, this is the only guide you need.

Early morning shoppers at the Mullan Road Walmart might have crossed paths with a very different scene last Thursday.

At approximately 1:36 AM on June 26, Missoula Police Department officers responded to reports of masked individuals near 3555 Mullan Road, ultimately arresting three young men suspected of attempting to burglarize multiple businesses in the area.

The suspects allegedly tried to break into Maxxed Out Performance and Town and Country Auto Body to steal a crowbar, intending to use it to burglarize a liquor store.

One suspect had been released from Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility just 12 hours earlier, and court documents suggest possible gang involvement.

Somewhere between the frozen foods and the checkout lanes at the Missoula Walmart on Highway 93, something quietly brilliant has been happening.

Cake decorators Zoey Rodriguez and Connor Sutton have spent more than a year filling the bakery case with wildly funny, one-of-a-kind cakes — the kind that make you stop your cart, laugh out loud, and reach for your phone before your wallet.

Their creations have gone viral on Reddit, Tumblr, and TikTok, drawing fans from well beyond Missoula. The catch? They sell out fast — sometimes in under 30 minutes.

Meet the two locals behind the frosting-fueled phenomenon, find out where their ideas come from, and learn how to get your hands on one before someone else does.

A Florida artist named Andrew Glubbey set out to ride a handmade pear-shaped motorcycle all the way from Florida to Seattle — camping along the way and sticking to backroads to keep costs down.

He made it as far as Bonner before his engine called it quits, leaving him and his famous Pear Car stranded just outside Missoula. Rather than sulk, Glubbey hiked up the M, leaned on the kindness of locals, and tracked down a replacement engine to get the build road-worthy again.

He's got over 16,000 Instagram followers watching every twist of the trip. Inside this story: how the Pear Car was built, why Missoula ended up on the itinerary whether it wanted to be or not, and what Glubbey had to say about breaking down in Montana.

In the heart of Missoula, this year's Fourth of July celebration is taking a high-tech turn that has the whole town talking.

After City Council concerns about back-to-back fireworks displays, the Missoula PaddleHeads have partnered with the Mayor's Office to bring something entirely new to Ogren Park: a professional 3D drone show lighting up the sky on Friday, July 3rd. 

Amid growing awareness of how fireworks affect pets, veterans with PTSD, and noise-sensitive residents, this innovative alternative delivers spectacular visuals without the explosive noise. Hundreds of synchronized LED drones will create patriotic formations and animations immediately following the evening game.

The free community celebration at Silver Park continues that night with live music from the Big Sky Mudflaps, while traditional fireworks return Saturday for those craving the classic Fourth of July experience.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast curious about drone entertainment or a family seeking a more mindful way to celebrate America's 250th, this weekend offers something for everyone.

Three Missoula United Soccer Club teams qualified for the USYS National Championships, marking an unprecedented achievement for western Montana youth soccer.

The U13, U15, and U17 teams all earned their berths through strong performances at Montana State Cup and regional qualifying tournaments, showing years of player development and family dedication.

The community has rallied behind fundraising efforts to help offset travel costs for the July national championships, where Missoula teams will compete against the best youth soccer programs from all 55 state associations.

Ravalli County authorities removed over 100 animals from a Corvallis property in one of western Montana largest recent animal neglect investigations.

The multi-day operation involved sheriff deputies, animal control, and rescue volunteers who removed horses, cattle, goats, dogs, cats, and fowl lacking adequate food, water, and shelter. Many animals required immediate veterinary care.

Bitter Root Humane Association and partners across Missoula and Ravalli counties coordinated foster placements and medical treatment. The property owner faces potential neglect and cruelty charges pending investigation completion.

Nearly 4.5 inches of rain over the weekend has triggered severe flooding near Many Glacier in Glacier National Park, forcing reservoir operators to release record water volumes from Lake Sherburne.

The Bureau of Reclamation is releasing 2,000 cubic feet per second—more than three times the typical June-July rate—to prevent the reservoir from overflowing. Swiftcurrent Creek has dramatically overrun its banks, eroding shorelines and keeping the Many Glacier area closed to visitors.

Operators are monitoring conditions around the clock as water levels slowly begin to recede, with inflows marking the highest daily average since 2014.

Montana higher elevations received unexpected snow this week as a cold front dropped temperatures significantly below seasonal averages in late June.

Lookout Pass, Glacier National Park, and the Bitterroot Mountains all saw accumulation while Missoula valley floors experienced cold rain instead. Mount Sentinel peaks showed dusting visible from town.

The brief cold snap affected recreation plans across western Montana but brought welcome moisture to agricultural areas. Forecasters predict a return to seasonably warm temperatures by the weekend.

Q & A

Q: What is the best time to visit Missoula, MT?

A: The best time to visit Missoula is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy.

Q: What are some must-see attractions in Missoula, MT?

A: Some must-see attractions in Missoula include the University of Montana, the Missoula Art Museum, and the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area.

 Q: Is Missoula, MT a family-friendly destination?

A: Yes, Missoula is a great destination for families, with plenty of outdoor activities, family-friendly attractions, and events throughout the year.