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 ‘All Featured’ Category

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

Missoula Job Service Featured Jobs of the Week | May 20

Make It Missoula posts local jobs from the Missoula Job Service. This week's jobs include: An Animal Control Program Supervisor and a Tree Climber and Trimmer.... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 20

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Jessi Schafer of Big Sky High School, Miguel Montero, Bruce Quande, Dan Hodge, The Final Four in the NBA and more!... more

Being Frugal Versus Cheap: There’s a Difference

By ERIN TURNER - I astounded some folks when I paid $80 for a gallon of maple syrup. "What happened to the "Coupon Queen” you ask? My response: there's a difference between being frugal and being cheap.... more

Bob Wire’s Antidote to Neutered Rock

By BOB WIRE - Rock and roll is systematically being neutered. But here are a few new artists who make music with a big swingin’ pair. They are all women and they’re bringing balls back to rock and roll. ... more

Mary Beth Percival: Missoula Painter in the Medium of Watercolor

By MONTE DOLACK - My wife Mary Beth Percival works mainly in watercolor and has always been passionate about the Montana landscape and it’s dramatic big sky. A special exhibition of her work is currently on v... more

This Week’s Missoula News Highlights – Week of May 13

By TOM DIDDEL- A recap of the week’s most talked-about stories in Missoula: Alleged Drunk Driver Kills One Pedestrian and Injures Another, Wildfire Season is Off to an Early Start, MT Supreme Court Denies Be... more

Pork Scallopine Pizziola Is One Of My Favorite Dishes (Video Blog!)

By BOB ZIMORINO - (VIDEO BLOG) Pork Scallopine Pizziola is one of my favorite dishes. It is so, because it includes a freshly made tomato sauce also known as Marinara.... 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

WineGuyMike: Nouveau Chardonnay

WINEGUYMIKE - Chardonnay is one of the most maligned grapes in modern history--yet this classic grape remains one of the best varietals there is for food and cheese pairing. ... more

Legends of Our Own Minds: My 41st High School Mini Reunion

By LIZ MARCHI - I just spent 3 days at the beach with 5 high school girlfriends, some I have known since 1st grade. Geez, is it really all about childhood? I don’t know but it certainly matters.... more

Lack of Significant Financial Resources Stressing FCS Programs

By JIM O'DAY - There are many obstacles to building successful intercollegiate athletics programs at small Division I schools – and, unfortunately, most future decisions may be dictated by limited funding.... more

The Royal Treatment by the Rangitane Tribe of New Zealand

By THOMAS P. GALLAGHER - This week my family and I met Rangitane tribal chief, Wiremu Te Awe Awe, and his wife, Trieste, who introduced us to the marae of the Rangitane Tribe and New Zealand's Māori society. ... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 13

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Former UM Grizzly Basketball coach, Mike Montgomery to speak at Sportsmen of the Year Banquet, Mike Stepovich, John Stockton, Jeff Griffin ... more

Severe Storms Forecast For Western Montana This Afternoon and Evening

By PAUL QUENEAU - The National Weather Service just reiterated that this afternoon and evening may be a very bumpy ride in the Missoula area. Expect 50 mph winds, hail, and lots of rain.... more

Missoula Job Service Featured Jobs of the Week | May 13

Make It Missoula posts local jobs from the Missoula Job Service. This week's jobs include: A Dental Assistant, Licensed Journeyman Electrician and a Network Engineer.... more

Beans, Beans the Frugal Fruit

By ERIN TURNER - I admit I am a canned bean user and lover, but I've discovered they're not that frugal. I was stunned to do the math on the cost of canned versus dried beans.... 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

Rivers Are On The Rise In Western Montana

By JASON SHREDER - The local river users are bursting with joy as the water levels continue to rise. Here are some safety tips that will assure you of a memorable yet safe experience.... more

Mother’s Day Manicotti On the Grill

By PAUL SIDORIAK - Mother's day only happens once a year, so this year, instead of going out to brunch, I decided to do a special Manicotti--on the grill no less! Here's my recipe and instructions.... 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

This Week’s Missoula News Highlights – Week of May 6

By TOM DIDDEL- A recap of the week’s most talked-about stories in Missoula: DOJ announces findings, new faces of Missoula County School Board, Janitor at UM shoots himself in the foot, & more.... more

Don’t Be That Guy

By BOB WIRE - Stomping around onstage in front of a bar full of rowdy music fans is a pleasure that only a few will ever know. But I've hung up my spurs, mostly because of 'THAT GUY'.... more

Montana’s Clark Fork River: A Return to Glory

By BRYCE MCLEAN - As most of you probably already know, they opened up the Clark Fork from Turah to Sharon last week. Just like the rest of Missoula I couldn't wait to fish it...and it didn't disappoint.... more

21st Annual Garden City BrewFest Awards Announced

The 2013 Beer Awards for the 21st annual Garden City BrewFest – held last Saturday in Caras Park – have been announced. 70 beers and 12 wines and the winners are...... more

Volleyball in Palmy

By LINDA MCCARTHY - Here in Palmerston North, New Zealand, I have been fortunate to connect with a group of passionate volleyball players, and I have had more fun playing with them than anything else I've done ... more

Famous Last Words: ‘We Can’t Afford to Market Our Business’

By MARK RIFFEY - Marketing is steady, don't ever stop kind of work. If you don't have a bunch of cash to invest, here are some frugal yet effective ways to market your new business.... more

YMCA Riverbank Run: Fun for the Entire Family

The YMCA's Riverbank Run is this Saturday, May 11 and offers fun for the entire family including a fast 1-Mile, 5K or 10K and Trifecta . ... more

Glacier Plows Make Progress Toward Logan Pass

Plow crews in Glacier National Park are slowly making their way up Going-to-the-Sun Road. As of May 3, the road was open to vehicles as far as Avalanche on the west side and Rising Sun on the east side. ... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 6

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: The recent death of former UM Lady Griz hoopster, Julie Deming, the River Bank Run, New York Yankees, and more!... more

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

FYI: As warm weather leads to dry roads, motorcyclists are taking advantage of the perfect conditions for spring riding. Police encourage all motorists to brush up on the rules of the road.... more

Missoula Job Service Featured Jobs of the Week | May 6

Make It Missoula posts local jobs from the Missoula Job Service. This week's jobs include: An Operations Manger and a Case Manager/Project Coordinator.... more

The Secrets to Growing Healthy Hair Fast and Naturally

By ERIN TURNER - I'm trying to grow my hair out. After much research, I've discovered some tips and recipes that are alternatives to shampooing--oh and I'm saving money too! ... 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

A Dog’s Life: The Indignity of the Vet’s Office

By BOB WIRE - I wish I shared my dog’s optimism about visiting the doctor. I suppose it would help if someone offered me snacks and promised me a stop at the Bark Park... more

On the Grill: Carne Asada with Grilled Veggies and Guacamole

By PAUL SIDORIAK - If you're hungry for an alternative to skirt or flank steak, grill up some carne asada. Paired with grilled veggies and guac, it's a perfect summer meal.... more

This Week’s Missoula News Highlights – Week of April 29

By TOM DIDDEL- A recap of the week’s most talked-about stories in Missoula: UM Budget Cuts, boaters are able to float the Clark Fork through Milltown Dam site, waiting for DOJ findings, & more.... more

Doggie Dash Expo and Fun Run: Sunday, May 5, McCormick Park

Join Missoula Parks & Recreation and Missoula City-County Animal Control for the 2nd annual Missoula celebration for your four-legged buddy on Sunday, May 5, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at McCormick Park.... more

Spartan Race Expected to Bring Big Economic Boost to the Flathead

By JUSTIN FRANZ - Organizers of the 2013 Montana Spartan Race start to build the course for the May 11 event in Bigfork.... more

Breaking The Ice

By DILLON TABISH - There’s less than 10 square miles of glacial ice remaining in Glacier National Park, and it’s expected to disappear completely in under 20 years.... more

21st Annual Garden City BrewFest Among Events to Kick Off Spring in Missoula

The Missoula Downtown Association will host the 21st Annual Garden City BrewFest this Saturday, May 4 from 12-8pm in Caras Park. This annual event draws 6,000 attendees to sample 70 beers and 12 wines. ... more

Backpacking in New Zealand

By LINDA MCCARTHY - Last weekend we went backpacking (or tramping as they call it here in New Zealand). We chose a relatively easy and short hike into the Ruahine Forest and made plans to spend the night at the... more

Mount Jumbo North Zone Re-Opens May 1

FYI - Mount Jumbo’s North Zone, including the 3.8-mile North Loop, re-opens to public use on Wednesday, May 1. The North Zone includes all areas north of Jumbo’s Saddle Road.... more

Big 10 Decision Could Have Major Impact On FCS Schools

By JIM O'DAY - A decision made more than a thousand miles away last weekend could have a major impact on the schools playing at the Football Championship Subdivision – including Montana and Montana State.... more

UM Sports Trivia | April 29

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Andy Baskin, Tori Hunter, Tyrann Matheieu, Jim Valvano, 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

Missoula Job Service Featured Jobs of the Week | April 29

Make It Missoula posts local jobs from the Missoula Job Service. This week's jobs include: An Insurance Account Manger and a Manager/Fund Administrator for a charitable non-profit organization.... more

In Love with a River: Montana’s Bitterroot River

By MATT DEVLIN - (VIDEO) I'm frequently asked which of Montana's rivers is my favorite. My answer: the Bitterroot River--why? Because she's the hardest to catch fish out of. ... more