By TOM DIDDEL
Missoula’s Child Care Resources receives 13K in Grant Money
Western Montana’s rural parents have a reason to smile after hearing Child Care Resources received a substantial amount of money from the Steele-Reese Foundation. The 13 thousand dollars in grant money will be used to provide intensive training, improved education, and coaching for child care providers. With studies showing pre-kindergarten attendees have higher social and emotional skills which give them an edge over children who weren’t able to receive similar educational experiences; the money will have a lasting effect on area children. (read more) other links: Steele-Reese Foundation
Arnold Schwarzenegger Visits Western Montana Fire Crew
July has been long and hot in Western Montana and fire crews have been working tirelessly to save natural resources and protect lives and property. Fire camps are generally places where crews are able to grab some rest, food, and maybe a shower after working long hours in the hot smoky conditions. They are not the place you would expect to meet a Hollywood action star; however crews of the West Mullan Fire were greeted by just such a person. Former California governor and actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger met with crew members while doing research on a documentary exploring the correlation between climate change and wildfires and how the two interact with each other. (read more) other links: KPAX
Novel i3 Program puts Kids’ Minds to Work Solving Missoula’s Problems
A Missoula County committee was presented with solutions to a variety of complex problems facing the city. The Novel i3 Program pairs high school aged students with teachers and challenges them to come up with high-tech answers to an array of difficulties every city struggles with. This year’s participants brought designs ranging from a hydro generator to a glass recycler. The Missoula committee plans to give the students more feedback on their projects as they progress. (read more) other links: i3 fund
Evel Knievel Days Celebrates its 12th Anniversary in Butte
Butte Montana, home of the legendary motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel, is making last minute preparations for this year’s 12th annual Evel Knievel Days. The festival kicked off Thursday at noon and will continue through the weekend. Activities include a motor-cross track, the World Famous Wallenda Skywalk (featuring Rick Wallenda), and something known simply as the Wall of Death, all which will certainly excite visitors. The festival is also giving away 600 bicycle helmets to area kids. (read more) other links: Knievel Days
Cash Hyde Story Lives on in new Documentary
For parents with a child diagnosed with cancer the pain and suffering is enormous for everyone. They just want their child to stop hurting and get better. The lengths parents will go through in order to find something to achieve this is being told through a new documentary chronicling Cash Hyde’s struggle with brain cancer and the family’s decision to use medical marijuana. The film, American Drug War 2, made its debut at the Wilma on Thursday. Cash’s father, Mike Hyde, hopes the documentary will help bring light to alternative ways to treat cancer. (read more) other links: American Drug War 2
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Tom Diddel has lived in Missoula on and off for nearly thirty-eight years. He enjoys skiing, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. He holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Montana and is currently working as a Freelance Writer and a Para-Educator.
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