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🌱 Patch AM: What Missoula’s record-breaking airport traffic means for future flights

Coming up: Popular songs by Bob Jones on the Missoula Patch calendar

Thursday August 20th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Missoula! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Missoula's record-breaking airport traffic means for future flights
  • See how Missoula's new Rattlesnake trail upgrade changes your next hike
  • What Missoula County's lower fire danger actually changes for you now

Also on today's calendar: Popular songs by Bob Jones.

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Sunshine and hot, with a high of 93 and low of 56 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Friday: Hot with periods of sun, temps: high: 96, low: 61.
  • Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 92 and low of 59 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Missoula airport shatters monthly passenger record amid growth (missoulacurrent.com) — Missoula Montana Airport just set a new all-time monthly passenger record, handling more than 142,000 travelers with planes over 93% full. The expanded $200 million terminal is already proving essential as officials use these strong numbers to lobby airlines for more flights, new routes, and better service that could shape how easily Missoulians and visitors move in and out of the city.
   

2. Trail to former Rattlesnake Reservoir receives major improvements (kpax.com) — Missoula has unveiled major improvements to the trail leading to the former Rattlesnake Reservoir, turning the area into a more accessible, shaded recreation spot tied to long-term ecosystem restoration. After removing the McKinley Lake Dam and reconnecting Rattlesnake Creek to the Clark Fork, the city and partners have opened a smoother, family-friendly trail that highlights how Missoula's water purchase reshaped local recreation and habitat.
   

3. Missoula County lowers fire danger to high, lifts Stage 2 restrictions on state and private land (kpax.com) — Missoula County fire officials have lowered fire danger from very high to high and lifted Stage 2 restrictions on state and private land, though Lolo National Forest remains under Stage 2. Residents should still be extremely cautious with any allowed campfires, as outdoor burning is closed and dry grasses can ignite quickly even after cooler, wetter weather.
   

4. What does it take to live in Missoula? MIT says nearly $50K a year (nbcmontana.com) — If you're trying to make ends meet in Missoula, MIT now estimates a single adult with no kids needs nearly $50,000 a year just to cover basics. Costs jump sharply for parents, especially due to child care, and many common local jobs still fall short of that living‑wage benchmark.
   

5. Superior hosts inaugural Community Resource Day (vp-mi.com) — Mineral County's first Community Resource Day in Superior highlighted several services that regularly connect residents to Missoula for housing help, workforce support, and weekly door-to-door transit for shopping and medical appointments. Human Resource Council staff from Missoula and the Pioneer Council's Missoula-bound vans underscored how closely Mineral County relies on Missoula's jobs, health care, and amenities, even as organizers plan to grow the local event in 2027.
   

📸 Around Missoula

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • This dog is currently sitting in front of 515 Blaine St.
    She was on the corner of Florence and Blaine earlier. I've been trying to get her to come, but she's super skittish. (Nextdoor Grizzly Acres)
  • FOUND: E-bike keys found on LOLO bike trail (on table, under big tree).
    Call and identify the tag; you will be rolling along soon. (Nextdoor Farviews / Pattee Canyon)
  • Admiral Beverage posted a job opening for Driver's Helper in Missoula. Apply here.
  • Sherwin-Williams Company posted a job opening for Customer Service Associate - Automotive Finishes in Missoula. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Missoula here.

Ok Missoula! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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