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

Quality is the Key When Couponing

By ERIN TURNER - Does buying off-brand items always pays off? My answer is usually--you just have to be careful. Quality is the key when couponing.... more

Missoula Job Service Featured Listing: September 10

Every week, Make It Missoula will post featured local job listings from the Missoula Job Service. Today's listing is for a part-time teller at a Missoula community bank.... more

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough for Montana Adventurer Conrad Anker

By DILLON TABISH - For 30 years, Bozeman resident Conrad Anker has explored the world, including Mt. Everest, as one of its most renowned climbers and mountaineers.... more

Missoula Roller Derby: A Commitment On and Off the Track

By KP NICHOLS - For me the commitment, feeling of ownership, camaraderie, and competition all drive me as a skater. It’s a privilege to be a Hellgate Rollergirl.... more

Missoula Story of the Week: Medical Marijuana Activist Sentenced

By TOM DIDDEL - A recap of the past week's most talked-about story in Missoula. This week, it's the sentencing of medical marijuana activist Tom Daubert.... more

Breakfast in the Bitterroot: Memories Cafe

By DONNA HULL - Breakfast and a scenic drive just seem to go together, don’t you think? I’m starting a new series called Breakfast in the Bitterroot.... more

The Missoula Job Service: Helping Local Businesses

By JENNIFER LODINE-CHAFFEY - In addition to helping Missoulians find work, the Missoula Job Service offers services to support local businesses, like Submittable.... more

Missoula Job Service Featured Listing: September 6

Every week, Make It Missoula will post featured local job listings from the Missoula Job Service. Today's listing is for an entry-level Technology Consultant job.... more

On the Grill: Lemongrass Pork Satay with Rice and Grilled Portabella Mushrooms

By PAUL SIDORIAK - Featuring a blended marinade and simple, skewered pork tenderloin, this is an easy and fun dish that everyone will love!... more

Missoula Job Service Featured Listing: September 3

Every week, Make It Missoula will post featured local job listings from the Missoula Job Service. Today's listing is full-time Glass Technician.... more

Photo Gallery: The Big Show is Back in Town

By AUSTIN SMITH - A photo gallery from the Montana Grizzlies' 35-24 triumph over the South Dakota Coyotes in their season opener Saturday afternoon. ... more

Smoke Gets in Your… Well, Everywhere

By BOB WIRE - August in Missoula means forest fire smoke is everywhere. It’s insidious. You can’t escape it. It’s like bluegrass. I even wrote a song about it.... more

Missoula Story of the Week: Bigfoot Killed on Highway 93

By TOM DIDDEL - A recap of the past week's most talked-about story in Missoula. This week, it's a man who was struck and killed on Highway 93 while dressed as Bigfoot.... more

Road Tripping to Helena

By DONNA HULL - Once in a while my feet get itchy for a road trip. That’s how my husband Alan and I found ourselves in Helena earlier this summer.... more

Missoula Job Service Featured Listing: August 30

Every week, Make It Missoula will post featured local job listings from the Missoula Job Service. Today's listing is full-time Assistant Network Administrator.... more

The Year of the Big Blackfoot

By BRYCE MCLEAN - The Blackfoot River has once again risen to the top of many anglers' lists of the greatest trout streams in North America, and it has been sweet.... more

Hank Williams III: A Family Tradition of Defiance, Dissonance

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Hank Williams III never met his iconic grandfather, but their resemblance is beyond uncanny. And he revels in his boozy, rowdy family tradition.... more

Make It Missoula Monday: What’s Happening This Week

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula. This week, it's Hamlet performed outdoors at Shakespeare in the Park, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Hank 3, and more.... more

Missoula Job Service Featured Listing: August 27

Every week, Make It Missoula will post featured local job listings from the Missoula Job Service. Today's listing is a part-time Floor Counselor at a women's fitness center.... more

Every Dog Has Its Bone

By BOB WIRE - My dog, Houdini, is sauntering around the yard with a newfound swagger, due to his rockin' new collar from the Bret Michaels line of dog accessories.... more

Press Release: Highlights from New Belgium Brewing’s Missoula Clips of Faith

New Belgium Brewing’s Missoula Clips of Faith stop raised more than $4,600 for Bike/Walk Alliance for Missoula. Check out the photos and highlights from the event.... more

Missoula Story of the Week: A High-Speed Bike Chase

By TOM DIDDEL - A recap of the past week's most talked-about story in Missoula. This week, it's the valiant action of a Missoula Police Officer during a bike chase.... more

Missoula Job Service Featured Listing: August 23

Every week, Make It Missoula will post featured local job listings from the Missoula Job Service. Today's listing is a GIS Specialist for a GPS mapping company.... more

On the Grill: Salt Slab Grilled Striped Bass and Summer Veggies

By PAUL SIDORIAK - Between the flaky, mild flavor of the fish and the freshness of the local vegetables, this dish captures the taste of summer in a single bite. ... more

The Run of My Life: The Hardrock 100-Mile Endurance Race

By JOHN HART - This July, I ran the 100-mile Hardrock race in Colorado. I often thought about the encouragement the Missoula running community gave me in the effort.... more

Missoula Job Service Featured Listing: August 21

Every week, Make It Missoula will post featured local job listings from the Missoula Job Service. Today's listing is a Medical Biller/Accounts Receivable Representative.... more

Keeping Pace with Summer in the Flathead Valley

By KELLYN BROWN - The other day at the gym my teacher forewarned the class in front of him that the next exercise made a previous student puke from exhaustion. ... more

Missoula’s 7th Annual River City Roots Festival this Week

The 7th Annual Missoula River City Roots Festival features ten bands, the Hellgate Girls Roller Derby, recycled boat race, 4-mile run, children's festival, art show & more.... more

Senator Lee Metcalf: Champion of Conservation, Montana Legend

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Perhaps no U.S. Senator ever was more faithful to sensible, proactive resource management than Montana's Lee Metcalf.... more

Montana Wildernesses: Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 as a habitat for migratory birds and is home to a diversity of wildlife.... more

Save Money with Easy School Night Dinners

By ERIN TURNER - With school starting up soon, I'm getting organized for fall. Making freezable meals in advance saves money and makes life easier on school nights.... more

Make It Missoula Monday: What’s Happening This Week

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula. This week, it's the Hellgate Rollergirls' first bout of the year, River City Roots Fest, MUD garden party, and more.... more

The Economic Impact of Missoula’s Saturday Markets

By JENNIFER LODINE-CHAFFEY - In addition to creating a vibrant community, there are a number of economic benefits to supporting Missoula's farmers' markets.... more

Bob and Marianne’s High School Reunion

By BOB WIRE - I’m getting increasing pressure to attend my 35th high school reunion. I plan to show up in a ruffled tuxedo shirt, sporting Fu Manchu, driving a Pacer.... more

Missoula Story of the Week: Montana Summer Wild Fires

By TOM DIDDEL - A recap of the past week's most talked-about story in Missoula. This week, it's the intense heat inflaming dozens of wildfires all over Western Montana.... more

The Wall That Heals Vietnam Veterans Memorial Visits Missoula

The Wall That Heals, a traveling half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., visits Missoula.... more

Raise Some Hell with Missoula’s Hellgate Rollergirls

By KP NICHOLS - Do you lack excitement in your life? Looking for a good time? Want an exciting night on the town? I have the perfect solution for you: Roller derby. ... more

Press Release: Open Aid Alliance Rockin’ Race for AIDS Awareness

The 2nd Annual Rockin’ Race for AIDS Awareness will take place on Saturday, August 18. The 5k/10k road race features 9 local bands to benefit HIV/AIDS programs.... more

MCT’s Next Step Prep Program: Becoming a Student of the Arts

By LEISA GREENE-NELSON - It takes time and work to become a student of Next Step Prep. The best of the best performers usually have a continued interest in theater.... more

Paul Wheaton on Polyculture

By PAUL WHEATON - A polyculture is a mix of plants all trading their unique goodness with other plants. All plant-eating animals are designed to eat plants from a polyculture.... more

New Belgium Brewery’s Clips of Faith Returns to Missoula

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - This Friday, New Belgium’s fundraising foray into short films, Clips of Faith, is returning to Caras Park in Missoula. ... more

Maiden Missoula Review: Whistling Andy Distillery

By LEAH LEWIS - If you are ready to really wow the guests at your next cocktail party or back yard barbeque, pick up a bottle of Hibiscus Coconut Rum from the Whistling Andy Distillery in Bigfork.... more

UM Sports Trivia

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Former UM Association Athletic Director, Kathy Noble, Assistant Football Coach, Timm Rosenbaugh, and Paytyn Wheeler.... more

Make It Missoula Monday: What’s Happening This Week

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula. This week, it's a Bob Dylan pre-party, Garden City Harvest's Farm Party, Family Night at the ballpark, and more.... more

Detour on South Riverfront Trail Slated for August 17th

F.Y.I. - Due to paving, bicycle and pedestrian commuters should expect a short detour on the south shore Riverfront Trail, just east of Higgins Av., on Friday, August 17.... more

Ruby Jewel Jamboree Featuring John Reischman and the Jaybirds

By LEISA GREENE NELSON - The last concert in the 2012 bluegrass Ruby Jewel Jamboree is Aug. 16, with the Juno award-winning John Reischman and the Jaybirds. ... more

On the Grill: Hasselback Grilled Potatoes

By PAUL SIDORIAK - This is a fancy version of grilled Russet potatoes. Start by making cuts in the potato, then slather it with butter, cheese, and more tasty toppers.... more

Bob Wire’s Top Tips to Beat the Heat

By BOB WIRE - I like it hot, but man, I could use a break. Here are some of my top tips to beat the heat, most of which include beer, cold cuts, and Gold Bond powder. ... more

Cool off at Skalkaho Falls

By DONNA HULL - How many waterfalls are in the Missoula area? I’m sure long-time residents could fill me in. My suggestion as a newcomer—Skalkaho Falls... more

UM Sports Trivia

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: MSU Football coach, Rob Ash, Pat Kennedy, Tate Martell, and Brock Ostweiler.... more