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Good morning and happy Friday. This edition covers Missoula County’s plan to fund upgrades to Lolo’s water and sewer system for new connections. Additionally, a closer look at Missoula’s newest and largest mural will be provided.
Weather Preview ☀️
After rain and snow last weekend, sunny skies return for a perfect fall in Missoula. Friday features mostly sunny conditions with a high near 66, as forecasted by the National Weather Service. Saturday is similar, with a high near 69 and afternoon wind. Sunday cools down with a high of 63. Overnight lows range from mid-to-high 30s.
Missoula’s Murals Brighten Up Cityscape
The expansive mural on the Clark Fork Riverside retirement community grabs attention on the Orange Street bridge. Artists Ernest Doty and AJ Tiam designed it with inspirations from “A River Runs Through It” and Montana’s life dreamscape, incorporating symbols like Indian paintbrush and grizzly bears.
“We wanted to depict something that’s more of what Missoula is about and more nostalgic,” Tiam said. The mural features four scenes between mountain ranges, aiming for completion by Oct. 19, weather permitting. The mural, 113 feet tall, is Missoula’s tallest and covers over 6,000 square feet, though not the largest in Montana. The artists aim to connect with the community by interacting with onlookers during their work.
Jack Hall from Downtown Missoula Partnership noted the mural’s aligned goal with the Missoula Downtown Foundation’s Arts and Culture Impact Grant Program, which funds murals and enhances community vibrancy. Recent murals like “Joy Blooms” and “Camas Dig and Bake” also contribute to this mission, portraying Montana’s cultural and natural heritage.
Meeting Minutes 📝
County Commission
Last week, Missoula County commissioners initiated a special improvement district for $7.3 million in upgrades to Lolo’s water and sewer systems. An EPA grant will cover $1.75 million, and the rest will be paid through the RSID. The plan includes loans from the state’s revolving fund and aims to replace wells to enhance capacity and system reliability. Commissioners unanimously approved the resolution, with construction expected in spring 2027.
Public Notice 🧐
City neighborhood grant program accepting applications
ℹ️ Missoula’s Energize Your Neighborhood Grant funds projects enhancing community life. Applications for up to $6,000 are open, with open houses scheduled for Oct. 16 and 23 to assist applicants.
Missoula Animal Services issues vaccine reminder after bats test positive for rabies
ℹ️ Bats, common rabies carriers in Missoula, prompt vaccination reminders for pets. Unvaccinated pets should get vaccinated promptly, and any bat encounters should be reported to animal services or public health.
Photo Op 📸
Montana State University’s new nursing building in Missoula aims to boost healthcare providers. The facility is part of a $101 million donation from the Joneses to enhance nursing education across Montana.
Business Report 💼
Partnership Health Clinic’s last day in Seeley Lake was Thursday. The federally qualified health center ended services after financial losses but continues telehealth and home visits. The hospital district is seeking a new clinic provider.
Local Lineup 🚶
🪧 Missoula Resists and Indivisible Missoula host a No Kings: Vote Early event on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Caras Park. The event encourages voter participation with speeches, music, and food trucks.
🛠️ Home ReSource celebrates International Repair Day with a “Fixit Clinic” on Saturday. Participants can bring items to repair and learn about sustainability efforts.
🎭 “Lizzie: The Musical” by MissCast Productions will run from Oct. 21 to 25 at the Zootown Arts Community Center, showcasing the tale of Lizzie Borden.
The post Turning blank walls into big art appeared first on Montana Free Press.
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