The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘Community Events’ Category

Celebrate Missoula’s Festival of the Dead Activities

Celebrate Missoula's Festival of the Dead Activities this week with Face painting at ZACC, The Festival of the Dead Process followed by the parade, Latin Dance Night at Monk's, and the First Annual Die Local Ba... more

Underdressed or Under Duress? Keep Your Halloween Costume Safe for Work

By CHERY SABOL - Can you imagine how scary Halloween is for human resource directors? It's all fun and games until someone shows up in an X-rated biblical costume or some such thing.... more

3rd Annual Ride for Tanner Rail Jam Nov 9 in Caras Park

FYI - Rail Jam to Benefit the Tanner Olson BMX Park in Downtown Missoula happens on November 9 from 4-10 pm at Caras Park. Be there or Be Square!... more

Wayfinding: Finding Your Way To And Around Missoula

By LINDA MCCARTHY - Ever notice how other communities have beautiful navigational signs that help guide you to your destination? Ever wonder why Missoula doesn’t? ... more

What’s Up This Week in Downtown Missoula

Here's what's happening this week in Downtown Missoula: River Cleanup, River Market and Riverside Shred Fest!... more

Missoula City Cemetery Presents Stories and Stones Historical Tour Oct 27

One of Missoula’s oldest cemeteries presents an afternoon of history coming to life through the stories of individuals from Missoula’s past.... more

Missoula Premier of Sherpas Cinema’s “Into the Mind” Oct 10th

By TRAVIS GOODKIND - Ski movie season is in full swing and Sherpas Cinema's "Into the Mind" is easily the most anticipated ski film of the season.... more

Sigma Phi Epsilon 30-year Reunion Brings Old Friends To Missoula This Weekend

By LINDA MCCARTHY - Brothers in the Sigma Phi Epsilon house at UM were some of my closest friends in college and this weekend they're celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the re-opening of the chapter. ... more

The Devil is in the Detales

By CHERY SABOL - Hopefully, the misspelling in the headline above relieves me of further gaffes and we can move on to talk about the power of proofreading. In fact, let's test your proofing prowess. ... more

Missoula Leaders Engaged at Montana Economic Summit

By LINDA MCCARTHY - The local daily newspaper claimed that Missoula was not well represented at the Montana Economic Summit, held in Butte. In my opinion, nothing could be further from the truth.... more

Missoula’s Old Sawmill District Ready for Investment

By LINDA MCCARTHY - (PHOTO GALLERY) The Old Sawmill District – the former Champion Mill site on the south side of the Clark Fork River – is a great example of progress in Missoula. ... more

Bike Walk Bus Week in Missoula Sept 8-14

F.Y.I. - The 22nd annual celebration of active, sustainable, healthy transportation, Bike Walk Bus Week, launches on Sunday and runs through Saturday, Sept. 8-14.... more

Elite Runners to Participate in the Missoula Mile on Sept. 8

F.Y.I. - The region’s fastest runners will step to the starting line of Run Wild Missoula’s Missoula Mile on Sunday, September 8 during Sunday Streets Missoula. ... more

Downtown Missoula Full of Fabulous Events This Weekend

By LINDA MCCARTHY - The first weekend in September will be extremely business in Downtown Missoula as several events throughout the weekend will draw thousands of folks to the heart of the community.... more

Thank You For Noticing Me

By CHERY SABOL - No matter how technologically advanced we become in matching workers to jobs, when it comes to a job search, a couple of human touches endure.... more

Does This Desk Make Me Look Fat?

By CHERY SABOL - A study by CareerBuilder revealed that almost half of the people surveyed have gained weight at work and 30 percent who have gained weight gained more than 20 pounds.... more

The Kids Are Not Alright

By CHERY SABOL - While older workers may emerge battle-weary from the recession, will the youngest members of the work force come out permanently scarred?... more

Beer Icon Comes to Flathead Lake for Cruise

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - The Montana Brewer's Association holds fundraising cruise on Flathead Lake on Aug 10, featuring best-selling beer book author, Charlie Papazian. ... more

Kidsfest 2013 Slated for July 30 at Caras Park

Hey Kids! Join Missoula Parks and Recreation for Kidsfest 2013, a free summer celebration for Missoula families at Caras Park on Tuesday, July 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. ... more

Volunteering for Fun and Employment

By CHERY SABOL - Stymied in your job search? A new study suggests a powerful way to help yourself find a job is to help your community first. Volunteering increases your likelihood of finding work by 27%.... more

No Fireworks on FWP Land or City Limits of Missoula

UPDATE: Fireworks are illegal on FWP lands and within the city limits of Missoula. The City of Missoula plans vigorous enforcement of the City’s fireworks laws during this holiday week.... more

The 7th Running of the Missoula Marathon – July 14

The 7th Running of the Missoula Marathon to Take Place on July 14. Over 6,500 Participants Expected in the Missoula Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k and Kids Marathon, July 13 – 14; The Marathon and Half Marathon ... more

13th Annual Garden City River Rod Run June 28 & 29

The 13th Annual Garden City River Rod Run, slated for Friday and Saturday, June 28 & 29, will feature over 200 classic and hot rod cars and will attract nearly 3,000 spectators to Downtown Missoula.... more

How to Avoid Fraudulent Job Scams

By CHERY SABOL - Fraudulent job scams on the Internet swindle money or personal information out of people made vulnerable by their unemployment. Here are some things to be wary of:... more

Weekend Fun with Missoula Parks and Recreation

Join Missoula Parks and Recreation this weekend for a Kids’ Fishing Derby, Splash Montana Water Volleyball league and Adult Night, Open Ropes Course and Skateboard Mentors at MOBASH Skatepark.... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of June 17

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Big Sky Film Series at the Top Hat, Comedian Dough Stanhope, The Deadstring Brothers at Stage 112, IRS protest and more!... more

A Return to the Ninemile Schoolhouse…an Heirloom Legacy Continues

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Missoula's Heirloom Foodie is re-opening the Ninemile Schoolhouse and and renting the historic landmark for writers retreats, weddings and more. ... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of June 10

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Old Time Music Night, Acoustic Wednesday, Tom Catmull and the Clerics, Out to Lunch, Downtown ToNight, and More!... more

Summer Jobs for Students in Missoula

By CHERY SABOL - School's out for the summer, and the good news according to the Missoula Job Service: there are jobs available for Missoula students. ... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of June 3

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Josh Farmer, Musician Showcase, Out to Lunch, Three Eared Dog, Downtown Tonight & More!... more

MisCon Brings Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Gaming Fans Together Memorial Day Weekend

Missoula’s science fiction and fantasy convention, MisCon, brings author Jim Butcher; weapons specialist, prop master, and actor Dragon Dronet; and fantasy artist Theresa Mather to Missoula May 24 – 27.... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of May 20

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Tom Catmull, Blitzen Trapper and Sera Cahoone, Chug for Charity, Bill Payne of Little Feat with special guest the Hooligans, and more!... more

Foghorn String Band Coming to Missoula

By MARK VOSBURGH - Hankerin' for some authentic, honest, old time, country, Cajun, Appalachia or Bluegrass String Music? Take in The Foghorn String Band at the Top Hat Lounge on Friday, May 24th at 10 pm.... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of May 13

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: John Floridis Trio, Tom Catmull, Chug for Charity, Vegetable Oil Truck Demonstration, & more.... more

I Am An Egg Snob…

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Until recently I thought my chickens' laying lives were over. Imagine my surprise when I discovered over a dozen eggs hiding behind a pile of outdoor furniture. These yolks are the dar... more

3 Most Important Things for Finding a Job

By JENNIFER LODINE-CHAFFEY - Do you ever wonder what employers are looking for? In my experience at the Missoula Job Service, here are the 3 most important things for finding a job.... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of May 6

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Whipple Tree with Amy Martin & Caroline Keys, Chug for Charity Night, The Trees, Three Earned Dog, and more!... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of April 29

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: International Wildlife Film Festival Galore! with Lunafest, Todd Snider in concert, Book Readings and more!... more

2nd Annual Missoula Craft Beer Week Kicks Off April 28

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - The 2nd Annual Missoula Craft Beer Week - April 28 -Sat.May 4 includes over a dozen different events at bars, breweries, restaurants and other public venues around Missoula. ... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of April 22

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Larry Hirshberg, Community Tap Night, Jenn Adams, The Comedy of Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and more.... more

Local Jobs: What are Employers Looking For?

By JENNIFER LODINE-CHAFFEY - As a local job seeker, do you ever wonder what employers are looking for? Here are some of the most important traits that employers are looking for in potential employees:... more

Run Wild Missoula Encourages Community to Continue to Run and Honor Boston

Run Wild Missoula encourages the community to continue to run and race in honor of those affected by the violence at the Boston Marathon, including at the Superfun(D) 10k, 5k and 1 mile on April 20 in Bonner.... more

Missoula Agencies Encourage Families to Unplug and Play

Let's Move Missoula and Unplug and Play Outside-April 21-28. A week-long series of SCREEN-FREE activities for Children including a free Unplug and Play Outside Festival on Apr 21, from 1-4pm.... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of April 15

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Moscow Monday, Monday Night Movie, Community Tap Night, Open Kyak class at Currents, and more!... more

More than 60 Employers Slated for Western Montana Career Fair on April 25

By CHERYL SABOL - Western Montana's largest Career Fair will be held on Thursday April 25th at the Hilton Garden Inn. Employers...it's not too late to sign up. ... more

21st Annual Garden City BrewFest to Showcase Over 65 Beers

The MDA hosts the 21st Annual Garden City BrewFest on Saturday, May 4 from 12-8pm in Caras Park. Sample over 65 beers and 12 wines. ... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of April 8

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Moscow Monday, Monday Night Movie, Community Tap Night, A Place at the Table, & Exploring Missoula's Urban Islands.... more

Things To Do When You Are Bored at Work That Might Help Your Career

By JENNIFER LODINE-CHAFFEY - Do you ever feel that you have nothing to do at work? Here is a list of things to do that just might help you overcome your boredom and help further your career:... more

The Politics of food, Being an AG-Tivist

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Why HB574 is Important: When it comes to fresh milk and dairy products, I want to be able to support the farmer(s) of my choice and procure the foods that I believe to be healthful for... more

Missoula Parks & Recreation Presents: Run for the Trees and Doggie Dash

F.Y.I. - Missoula Parks and Rec presents Run for the Trees 5k/1 mile Fun Run/Walk on Saturday April 13th and the Doggie Dash 5k/1 Mile Fun Run/Walk & Doggie Expo on May 5th. ... more