Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: Missoula homeowner challenges years of ditch fees without receiving water
Make time for Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Missoula Patch calendar

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:
- Missoula homeowner challenges years of ditch fees without receiving water
- UM issues alert after man tries to enter occupied vehicle near campus
- Former Montana teacher's guilty plea directly affects students tied to Missoula
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Sunday: Showers of rain and snow, with a high of 39 and low of 32 degrees.
- Monday: Mostly sunny and not as cold, temps: high: 47, low: 29.
- Tuesday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 56 and low of 31 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Help Me Ben: Paying For Ditch Fees (fairfieldsuntimes.com) — A Missoula homeowner in Orchard Homes is questioning years of ditch assessment payments after learning the lateral serving her property was shut off due to leaks and development changes. Orchard Homes Ditch Company says fees fund overall system maintenance, not just individual laterals, and urges customers with concerns to contact them directly as the homeowner seeks clarity and possibly a refund.
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2. Vehicle entry attempt prompts UM alert (montanakaimin.com) — An attempted entry into an occupied vehicle near the University of Montana campus prompted a safety alert urging Missoula residents and students to stay vigilant. No one was hurt, but UM Police and the Missoula Police Department are investigating and asking anyone with information to call campus police or 911, while reminding people to lock vehicles and park in well‑lit, busy areas.
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3. Ex-teacher who worked around Montana surrenders license after admitting to child sex crimes (missoulian.com) — A former Montana teacher who previously worked at several schools, including near Missoula, has surrendered his teaching license after pleading guilty to federal child sex crimes. Two of the four identified victims lived in Missoula, and state education officials have now closed their disciplinary case after accepting his license surrender, confirming he hasn't worked at Clinton School since late 2024.
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4. Breast cancer warriors honored at 1st annual Missoula Pink Breakfast (kpax.com) — Missoula residents just launched a new Pink Breakfast tradition, gathering nearly 20 breast cancer survivors at the Butterfly House and Insectarium to share stories of strength and support. Local groups like Missoula-founded Chicks n Chaps and the Silver Lining Foundation highlighted financial and emotional resources, and organizers are still encouraging donations to keep that help flowing.
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5. KPAX Missoula Area Weather: Colder air will bring areas of snow & rain on Sunday (kpax.com) — Missoula is bracing for a sharp cooldown today as a second cold front brings more widespread rain and accumulating mountain snow, with advisories and warnings across western Montana. While higher peaks could see up to two feet of snow and nearby cities like Butte and Great Falls face heavy totals, Missoula residents should expect colder, wetter conditions into Monday before gradual clearing.
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📸 Around Missoula
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Missoula
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness →
Dillard's, 2901 Brooks St, Missoula
10:00 am - FALL INTO CHRISTMAS- A Christmas Craft Faire →
St Mary's Parish, 333 Charlos St, Stevensville
9:00 am
Friday October 16
Saturday October 17
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Moral Law, xfortunex, and No Policy →
Zootown Arts Community Center, 216 W. Main St., Missoula
8:30 pm - INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' DaY POW WOW →
Indigenous Peoples' Day, 123 Carousel Drive, Missoula
1:00 pm - OPEN MIC →
501 North California Street, Missoula
6:00 pm - Nature Writing "Hush Hour(s)" →
Missoula MT
6:00 pm - Navigating the Genderverse Workshop →
Headwaters Foundation, 119 W. Main Street, Missoula
8:30 am - miniNaturalist Pre-K Program →
120 Hickory Street, Missoula
10:00 am - Initiative Insights: Get Informed About What's On Your Ballot →
Zootown Arts Community Center, 216 W Main St, Missoula
6:30 pm - Harlequin Organic Produce Annual Fall Warehouse Sale →
Harlequin Organic Produce Farm, 72664 Heart View Ln, Arlee
3:30 pm - Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics →
Missoula Children's Theatre, 200 N Adams St, Missoula
6:30 pm - Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons →
Missoula Children's Theatre, 200 N Adams St, Missoula
8:30 pm
Sunday October 11
Monday October 12
Tuesday October 13
Friday October 16
Sunday October 25
📣 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!
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
- HE IS UNITED WITH OWNERS!
YAY! Found Lost Dog - Black PIt X. 27th and Strand. West of Reserve. 6:00PM Friday 10/09/2026 He is in our yard, fed and watered. Blue collar, no… (Nextdoor Reserve/37th Ave) - Found a set of keys on the sidewalk on Keith Ave by the University.
The fob is a unique shape and there's also an animal-related keychain attached. Identify shapes to claim, or I can also turn into the campus police… (Nextdoor Riverfront)
- Advantage Solutions posted a job opening for Retail Merchandiser in Missoula. Apply here.
- Michaels posted a job opening for PT early morning stocking/3am&5am shifts 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 do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath?" — A dirty double crosser ! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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