🌱 Missoula Graduate Taking Off + Missoula Mavericks Baseball Opener

Hello, everybody. Sean Peek here with your Saturday edition of the Missoula Patch newsletter, filled with all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Some sun, then clouds; milder. High: 59 Low: 37.
• Sunday: A p.m. shower in places. High: 67 Low: 41.

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Here are the top three stories in Missoula today:

1. Missoula Hellgate graduate Katharine Berkoff continues to shine in her swimming career after winning the 50-meter backstroke at the TYR Pro Swim Series on Thursday with a time of 27.40, which is the second-fastest time in the world this year. Berkoff is a current North Carolina State swimmer and former Missoula Aquatic Club swimmer who snagged silver last year in the FINA World Championships in Budapest and has already set the American record in the 55-meter backstroke in April 2022. Berkoff continues to add to her accomplishments collegiately and professionally as she has one more year of eligibility at North Carolina State and continues to challenge her own American records. (406mtsports.com)
2. The Missoula Mavericks will be making their home debut Saturday with a doubleheader against the Great Fall Chargers beginning at 1:00 p.m. This year's Mavericks will feature a lot of unfamiliar faces as there are only two returners from last season, and many players will be touching the diamond for the first time on Saturday. One person who has returned is manager Brent Hathaway who has been the manager for 33 years; he will be joined on the coaching staff by Brian Moser and Brenden Hill. The talented and competitive team hopes to start the season on the right foot with back-to-back home games on Saturday and an away game on Sunday. (406mtsports.com)
3. Missoula County Sheriff's Office deputies reported that they have taken 35-year-old Eric Williams into custody on Apr. 11 after Williams allegedly fled from officers while being suspected to be driving under the influence. Deputies responded to a call around 8:00 p.m. reporting a disturbance at Williams' girlfriend's residence where Williams allegedly came home intoxicated and punched a hole in the wall. After a brief chase, deputies took Wiliams into custody. Williams' record shows that he has four prior DUI convictions on his record, and he is currently being charged with felony DUI and fleeing from an officer. (Newstalkkgvo)

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Today and tomorrow in Missoula:

Saturday, April 15

• Spring Wellness Fair — Payne Family Native American Center And The Skaggs Building (9:00 AM)
• The Moon Tarot Readings — Painting With A Twist (7:00 PM)

Sunday, April 16

• Paint With Nancy — 601 Longstaff St. (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This year, the City of Missoula turns 20, and to celebrate, Destination Missoula is putting together a list of 20 amazing things to do in our amazing town. They already have 19 out of the 20 lists, and they need your help in picking the final spot! Submit your favorite thing to do around town, and you'll enter for a chance to win some of your favorite things from Missoula. (Destination Missoula via Instagram)
• Next week, Missoula will be having its annual Downtown Nite Out. Whether you want to bring your family or come alone, there will be plenty of shopping, dining, and drinks to experience. (Missoula Downtown via Instagram)
• The Missoula Food Bank is requesting more volunteers to assist with HAN's drop-in hours at the food bank on Tuesdays. Volunteers will be trained by the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative, which will also be present as our neighbors search for housing! (Missoula Food Bank via Instagram)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday. I'll see you back in your inbox soon with a new update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.