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🌱 Patch AM: What new rules could shape future data centers in Missoula County?

Happening soon: Broad Comedy on the Missoula Patch calendar

Friday August 28th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good day Missoula! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What new rules could shape future data centers in Missoula County?
  • How a Missoula compost mystery reshaped Soil Cycle's bike-powered future
  • How 400,000 free books are reshaping early reading in Missoula homes

Also on today's calendar: Harlequin Organic Produce Summer Warehouse Sale.

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 84 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Saturday: A stray afternoon t-shower, temps: high: 74, low: 48.
  • Sunday: Some sun, with a high of 69 and low of 39 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Planning underway for Missoula County data center rules (bozemandailychronicle.com) — Missoula County is studying how to regulate future data centers before its one-year moratorium ends next summer, focusing on impacts like water, air quality, noise, and the local economy. A draft study is expected by November, while the City of Missoula separately considers code tweaks limiting where new data centers can go, potentially shaping how large tech facilities develop here.
   

2. Soil Cycle finds another home — and its human-powered roots (thepulp.org) — Soil Cycle, Missoula's human-powered composting nonprofit, has secured a second site at Tower Gardens, letting it return to nearly all bike-based composting after years of odor complaints and reliance on Missoula Compost. The group now processes about 60,000 pounds of local food scraps a year, is fundraising to repair its e-bikes, and plans to expand school programs while keeping most of its work human-powered.
   

3. Highlighting the impact of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library on Montana (fairfieldsuntimes.com) — Families across Missoula County are heavily using Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, with local organizers reporting nearly 400,000 free books mailed to children from birth to age five. United Way of Missoula County and Missoula County Public Schools say about 70% of local kids are enrolled, boosting kindergarten readiness and building a strong culture of reading at home.
   

4. City eyes several $100 million in water, wastewater improvements (missoulacurrent.com) — Missoula officials say the city's water and wastewater systems will need roughly $484 million in upgrades over the next 20 years to keep up with aging pipes and steady population growth. The work ranges from sewer main rehabilitation to treatment plant improvements and river crossings, and a future utility-rate study will help determine how these costs could affect local bills.
   

5. ATF director visits Montana, tours firearms manufacturers across the state (nbcmontana.com) — The director of the ATF made his first trip to Montana, touring firearms manufacturers in Billings, Bozeman, Missoula, and Kalispell to better understand the state's gun industry. His stops included Kalispell's McGowen Precision Barrels, where he saw new barrel-making technology and emphasized cooperation with federal firearms licensees, while state officials highlighted the importance of direct dialogue with regulators.
   

📸 Around Missoula

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Missoula

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Thursday September 24
  • Broad Comedy →
    The Wilma, 131 S Higgins Ave Ste 2-1, Missoula
    7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Missoula Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

    Sunday August 30
  • Philipsburg Summer Market on Broadway at Pocket Park →
    Moon River Ranch, 45 Ln, Clinton
    11:00 am
  • Bonnie Raitt →
    KettleHouse Amphitheater, 605 Cold Smoke Ave, Bonner
    7:00 pm
  • Monday August 31
  • 1st Day of Football Practice
    Bonner 7-8 Bonner School District 14, 9045 MT-200, Missoula, MT 59802, US
  • Travelers' Rest Art Cart →
    Travelers' Rest State Park, 6717 US-12, Lolo
    1:00 pm
  • Football Practice
    Bonner 7-8 Bonner, MT 59823
    3:30 pm
  • Volleyball Practice
    Bonner 7-8 Bonner, MT 59823
    3:30 pm
  • Thursday September 3
  • Valley Christian @ Bonner (Volleyball)
    Bonner Elementary Bonner, MT 59823
    4:00 pm
  • Orchard Homes Farmers Market →
    Orchard Homes Country Life Club, 2537 S 3rd St W, Missoula
    4:30 pm
  • Friday September 4
  • No Football Practice
    Bonner 7-8 Bonner, MT 59823
  • No Volleyball Practice
    Bonner 7-8 Bonner, MT 59823

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Getting Unburied and Moving Forward - a Virtual class (ZOOM) A Class for People with Chronic Disorganization and Hoarding Issues
    >>>> REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. early registration is required - Don't Miss Out (Nextdoor Moose Can Gully)
  • Very sweet black cat with no collar has been hanging out in my yard the past couple days.
    If you are missing her, she's in the 300 block of East Kent. DM me if she might be yours! (Nextdoor University District)
  • HUB International Limited posted a job opening for Account Manager - Transportation Insurance in Missoula. Apply here.
  • PSG Global Solutions posted a job opening for FT-Cashier (Customer Service Desk) 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: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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