Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What UM’s new president says he’ll change for Missoula students
And on the Missoula Patch calendar - 2026-2027 Hellgate Elementary School District Open House
Greetings Missoula! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- What UM's new president says he'll change for Missoula students
- How River City Roots turned downtown Missoula into a 15,000-strong party
- Why Missoula County is renewing attention on a 30-year-old Seeley Lake murder.
Today's riddle: What did the Buffalo say when his son left? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Sunday: Plenty of sun, with a high of 84 and low of 48 degrees.
- Monday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 86, low: 52. 🌶 Hot!
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 88 and low of 54 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• University of Montana's new president takes the stage for first public address (kpax.com) — Missoula's new University of Montana president, Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, laid out his first public vision for campus, emphasizing student belonging, expanded scholarship support for Montana students, and careful use of AI as a learning tool. He's been meeting with sports teams and arts students and says he's eager to be visible at events as classes begin for fall 2026. 
• River City Roots Festival draws thousands to downtown Missoula for 20th year (kpax.com) — Downtown Missoula just wrapped up the 20th River City Roots Festival, which drew more than 15,000 people for free live music, vendors, and family activities across Aug. 21-22. Locals, new University of Montana students, and longtime festival-goers all described it as a welcoming end-of-summer tradition, with everything from a 4-mile run to frozen treats and art filling the streets.
• NBC MT Today: New wildfire, Bozeman utility rates rise, gusty thunderstorms (nbcmontana.com) — Missoula County investigators are again seeking leads in the decades-old killing of Seeley Lake teacher Clifford Lee Nelson, renewing attention on a local cold case. The broader news roundup also highlights a new wildfire in Lincoln County, a Kalispell business opening, Bozeman utility rate hikes, grizzly bear monitoring plans, and a national conversation on homelessness. It's a quick snapshot of issues affecting communities across Montana.
📸 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!
- 2026-2027 Hellgate Elementary School District Open House
Hellgate Elementary Missoula, MT 59808
5:30 pm - Staff Development Day
Hellgate Elementary Missoula, MT 59808
8:30 am
Monday August 24
Tuesday August 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!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Philipsburg Summer Market on Broadway at Pocket Park →
Moon River Ranch, 45 Ln, Clinton
11:00 am - Travelers' Rest Art Cart →
Travelers' Rest State Park, 6717 US-12, Lolo
1:00 pm - Open House/Move-in Night - Kinder & 6th Only
Target Range Elementary Missoula, MT 59804
5:00 pm - 2026-2027 Hellgate Elementary School District Open House
Hellgate Elementary Missoula, MT 59808
5:30 pm - Open House/Move-in Night - 1st-5th & 7th-8th
Target Range Elementary Missoula, MT 59804
6:00 pm - Staff Development Day
Hellgate Elementary Missoula, MT 59808
8:30 am - Welcome Back - 1st Day of the 26-27 School Year
Bonner 7-8 Bonner, MT 59823 - 1st day of Volleyball practice!
Bonner 7-8 Bonner, MT 59823 - Volleyball Practice
Bonner 7-8 Bonner, MT 59823
3:30 pm - Orchard Homes Farmers Market →
Orchard Homes Country Life Club, 2537 S 3rd St W, Missoula
4:30 pm
Sunday August 23
Monday August 24
Tuesday August 25
Wednesday August 26
Thursday August 27
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
- 3 bedroom, 2.
5 bath, large closets, beautiful home with attached garage for rent. 406-546-6746 (Nextdoor Franklin) - We adopted this kitty about 2 months ago.
He is a 6 year old tabby cat. He hasn't come home the last couple nights and we're worried about him. His name is Milo. He's neutered and loves… (Nextdoor Clements Road)
- Jimmy John's Franchise, LLC posted a job opening for Shift Manager in Training in Missoula. Apply here.
- Michels Corporation posted a job opening for Safety Coordinator - Michels Energy Group, Inc. in Missoula. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Missoula here.
🗞 Nearby News
Lolo
- Butte group dreams of building gondola to the Our Lady of the Rockies statue on East Ridge (kpax.com)
- A pedestrian was hit and killed by a car near Anaconda; other walkers urge caution (kpax.com)
Stevensville
- Find Top Respite Care Jobs in Stevensville, MT (care.com)
- Richard Parker letter: Let science earn public trust (bitterrootstar.com)
- White House shocker (bitterrootstar.com)
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: Bison! (Thank you Judy M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
👉 Help make Patch AM better
- Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
- Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
- List items for sale or services offered
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.