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

The Pulse

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Leaf Collection Services Begin November 5–Weather Permitting

What should residents do to have their leaves ready for pickup?... more

Bergen Named to Payton Award Watch List

Griz football standout Junior Bergen has added to his pile of preseason... more

Tree Debris Drop Sites Opened; Caution Advised in Parks Due to Tree Hazards

To aid in cleanup efforts after Wednesday’s storm, the City has estab... more

Hoot-Owl Restrictions Placed On Additional Rivers in Southwest Montana

A full angling closure and two new hoot-owl restrictions will go into effect on additional sections of the Madison River in southwest Montana.... more

Griz Picked to Repeat as Big Sky Champs

The Montana Grizzlies have been picked to win back-to-back Big Sky titles by the league’s coaches and media in 2024 slotting in at No. 1 in both preseason polls.... more

Boulevard Trees Need Help to Survive Extreme Summer Heat

If hot summer days are leaving you thirsty, chances are your street trees need some water too.... more

Local Law Enforcement Stepping up Seat Belt Enforcement

Montana Law Enforcement increasing patrols in Missoula, MT during Memorial Day Weekend and through the summer. Montanans are strongly encouraged to click it or ticket.... more

Griz Set to Once Again Pitch in and Help Save Lives

The Grizzly football team will once again do its part to help save lives by rallying the UM community to join the National Marrow Donor Program's (NMDP) "Get in the Game" registry,... more

Grizzly Football: GSA Spring Tour Returns in 2024

The Montana Grizzlies are back on the road and coming to a town near you!... more

FWP Reminder: Be Bear Aware When Recreating Outdoors

Remove or secure food attractants and keep a clean campsite As spring weather approaches, we’re all anxious to head outdoors, and bears are leaving their winter dens. This time of year, bears are waking up f... more

NFL Veteran Scott Linehan Joins Grizzly Coaching Staff

Former NFL head coach and 30-plus year coaching veteran Scott Linehan has joined the Montana football coaching staff as an offensive analyst.... more

Understanding Market Dynamics: Investing Wisely in Today’s Business World

This guide is designed to help you decode the complexities of the market, empowering you to make informed investment decisions with confidence.... more

Maxwell Football Club Names Hauck Winner of 2023 Get in the Game Impact Award

By: Montana Sports Information The Maxwell Football Club, one of the most prestigious football honors organizations in the nation, announced Tuesday that Montana head football coach Bobby Hauck ha... more

Get Your Taste Buds Ready, Missoula!

The Downtown Missoula Partnership is hosting the fourth annual Downtown Dine Local Week to shift attention toward supporting food and beverage businesses in Downtown Missoula.... more

Eight Grizzlies Named Academic All-District

Eight Griz players were honored for their excellence in the classroom and on the field named Academic All-District on Tuesday.... more

Personalized Health: Exploring the World of Private Label Supplements‍

Let's delve deeper into the world of private label supplements and the role they play in personalized health.... more

Griz Beat Furman in OT Thriller to Advance to Semis

Friday night's 35-28 overtime win over Furman in the FCS Quarterfinal is the latest addition to the Washington-Grizzly Stadium lore, and Junior Bergen the latest Grizzly hero.... more

Hauck Named the AFCA FCS Region 5 Coach of the Year

After winning his eighth Big Sky Conference championship and becoming the league's all-time winningest coach, Bobby Hauck has been voted Coach of the Year.... more

Winter Wildlife Closures on Mt. Jumbo, Mt. Dean Stone Begin Dec. 1st

Missoula Parks and Recreation reminds hikers and bikers that some City open space areas are closed in the winter months to protect wildlife.... more

September is Bear Aware Month

Being outdoors means being with wildlife. Here's some simple advice for staying safe while exploring the outdoors and in bear country.... more

Postgame Fireworks Show Announced For Sept. 16 Black Out

Griz Football is back in Missoula, and fans' next chance to catch Montana inside Washington-Grizzly Stadium is next Saturday, Sept. 16.... more

New Missoula Murals Highlight Local Artists and Downtown Partnerships

Two new art murals highlight local artists and partnerships and add life and vibrancy to the streets and alleys in Downtown Missoula.... more

Griz Picked Third, Sixth in Preseason Polls

Media members around the league picked Montana to finish third in this year’s title race while coaches picked the Griz to finish sixth, the Big Sky Conference announced in its annual preseason polls.... more

City’s Annual Chip Seal Program Begins July 17

City of Missoula Street Operations & Maintenance Division crews will be applying liquid asphalt and rock chips to city streets July 17 until around Aug. 7.... more

Keep AIS Prevention Protocols in Mind This Fourth of July

As boaters and other water recreationists gear up for the July 4th holiday, they need to follow the rules to prevent aquatic invasive species from affecting Montana’s waters.... more

City Asks Residents to Comply Witn Fireworks Laws

The City of Missoula, along with our partner agencies ask Missoula residents to refrain from the use of fireworks.... more

Montana’s Flint Rasmussen Bids Farewell at PBR Finale

Montana’s own Flint Rasmussen, billed as the greatest rodeo entertainer in history, graced the First Interstate Arena in Billings for the final time Sunday.... more

Welnel Passes No. 37 Tradition to Janacaro

Welnel announced Levi Janacaro, a Missoula native and fellow linebacker, is his choice to be the 17th player in program history to wear No. 37, ... more

GSA Tailgate Moves Inside “The Grizzly Den” For Spring Game

Fans set to attend the annual Grizzly Scholarship Association Spring Football Game on April 7, will now have the chance to experience Washington-Grizzly Stadium's new premium seating zone, The Grizzly Den,... more

City Leaf Collection Starts Again April 3

Since the weather is warming up and most of the snow on leaf piles has melted, crews expect to start picking up leaves on Monday, April 3, weather permitting.... more

Tim Hauck Returns to Montana as a Defensive Analyst

Grizzly Sports Hall of Famer, 13-year NFL vet, and Super Bowl-winning coach Tim Hauck has returned to the University of Montana as a defensive analyst.... more

Mount Jump South Zone Closure Extended

In consultation with state wildlife biologists, Parks and Recreation has extended the Mount Jumbo South Zone winter wildlife closure beyond the scheduled March 15 opening date.... more

6 Things You Should Know About the Missoula Chick-fil-A

Here’s a quick overview of the main points of interest relating to this already popular outlet.... more

Dahlberg Arena Floor to be Named Robin Selvig Court

The banner went up not long after Robin Selvig retired, recognition for 865 wins while coaching the Montana women’s basketball program from 1978-79 to 2015-16. It faces 23 banners on the other side of Dahl... more

Montana to Host SEMO Under the Lights in First Round Playoff Game

Montana will extend its FCS record playoff appearances to 26 this Saturday after earning an at-large bid to the 2022 tournament.... more

Griz Move up in National Rankings at No. 2 in both Polls

After a 3-0 start to the season, the Montana Grizzlies are now the consensus No. 2 team in the nation this week... more

Montana Nearing Record Season Ticket Sales as Kickoff Approaches

With Montana picked to win the Big Sky Conference title and receiving a top-two preseason national ranking, excitement for Griz football is high in Missoula.  ... more

Montana Finalizes 2022 Television Schedule

Television details for the remainder of Montana's 2022 football season have been finalized. Here they are:... more

Celebration of Mayor John Engen Set for Saturday, Aug. 20

The City of Missoula will hold a celebration of life for Mayor John Engen on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field... more

Missoula City Council Seeks Applicants for Mayor

The Missoula City Council is accepting applications to fill the vacancy for the office of Mayor following Mayor John Engen’s death.... more

Missoula Loses Mayor John Engen

Missoula Mayor John Engen died Monday morning, Aug. 15, of pancreatic cancer. He was 57.... more

Missoula Downtown Foundation Brings Shade Structure to Caras Park

Missoula’s recently-renovated Caras Park will get a little cooler, thanks to the Missoula Downtown Foundation and its partnership with Dick Anderson Construction and the City of Missoula Parks & Recreation.... more

Four Montana Legends Earn Place in Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame

Grizzly Athletics proudly announced the Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame incoming class of 2022, and the recipient of the Grizzly Lifetime Honors Award.... more

Several Rivers in Stillwater County Closed to Recreation Due to Multiple Hazzards

Following is a list of sites that are also closed due to flood damage, leaving the sites unsafe:... more

Sheep Return to City Open Space, Some Areas Temporarily Closed to Dogs

The City of Missoula’s wooliest employees are back this summer to help with noxious weed control on City Open Space.... more

Most Lucrative Online Industries for Remote Workers in Missoula

If you are looking to change your profession or are just starting out in your career, it helps to know where the most employment opportunities lie.... more

How Missoula Is Making The Shift Towards Renewable Energy

If the Missoula County Commissioners and City Council have their way, the whole urban area will run on 100% clean electricity by 2030.... more

Sundberg Promoted to Deputy Athletics Director

Longtime University of Montana athletic administrator Greg Sundberg has been promoted to deputy athletics director.... more

Parks and Recreation to Host Free Organic Lawn Care Webinar

Residents are invited to join Parks & Rec for a free Zoom virtual webinar on organic lawn care on Wednesday, April 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. ... more

The Great Resignation Is Making Missoula a Top Relocation Destination

Thanks to The Great Resignation, Missoula is experiencing a surge in popularity as a relocation destination. Here's why:... more

Bulletproof Vests: Everything You Need to Know

In this guide, we’ll talk about everything you need to know regarding bulletproof gear.... more

Seven Griz Return for Pro Day

Seven former Montana football players will return to Washington-Grizzly Stadium on Tuesday, April 5, for the team's annual Pro Day... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Opens to the Public March 23

Mount Jumbo’s South Zone, which includes the Lincoln Hills Trailhead and all points south of the Saddle Road, will reopen to the public at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23.... more

Increased Patrols in Missoula Over St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

Here are some tips to stay safe while celebrating this weekend:... more

Police Warn of Danger and Presence of Fentanyl in Missoula

Be educated about the dangers of Fentanyl and the presence of Fentanyl in our community.... more

Understanding the Law: 4 Reasons to Consult a Lawyer in Case of an Accident

Here are just a few of the reasons why you might want a lawyer helping you out after an accident.... more

Missoula Fire Department Saves Spokane Firefighter’s Life

On Dec. 27 at 1:19 a.m., the Missoula Fire Department was dispatched to a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) incident.... more

Rejected Proposal Exacerbates Senior Housing Proposal in Missoula

It is essential that every effort is made to find affordable housing solutions for Missoula’s seniors.... more

How is the City of Missoula Helping Its Community of Veterans

In Missoula, there are a variety of ways in which the city is trying to help veterans in their daily lives so that they can live peacefully without worry.... more

Important Things To Consider Before Getting Life Insurance

What should you look for when purchasing life insurance? What is Term Life Insurance? What is Permanent Life Insurance? Learn more now: ... more

Managing The Surge In Missoula: How Hospitals Are Handling COVID-19

While the COVID crisis hasn't ended, hospitals are handling the crisis effectively by using various tactics. Here's what Missoula is doing:... more

5 Tech Tips Every Content Creator Should Follow

Are you a contebt provider? Does your content inspire action? Does it inspire readers to click-through onto other parts of your website? Here are some tips to consider: ... more

Missoula Downtown Foundation Raises $650,000 For Caras Park Upgrades

The Missoula Downtown Foundation has raised $650,000 to help jumpstart implementation of the North Riverside Parks & Trails Plan with major improvements to Caras Park.... more

In Missoula, Science Is Showing Residents How To Live In Extreme Times

Montana has seen its fair share of extreme weather and research being done locally is showing residents how to adapt to overcome these events.... more

Public Invited to Marshall Mountain Celebration September 12

Missoula Parks and Recreation invites residents to tour the new Marshall Mountain Park on Sunday, September 12, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.... more

Grizzly Athletics to Open Beer Garden in Washington-Grizzly Stadium

New this season at Washington-Grizzly Stadium, alcohol will be available to purchase at a beer garden located at the south end of the stadium.... more

ESPN+ to Carry Nine Griz Games This Fall, With Streaming Options for Entire Season

Nine of Montana's 11 regular season football games will now be available to watch nationwide via live stream on ESPN+.... more

Make the Right Choice–Celebrate the End of Summer With a Sober Ride

Missoula law enforcement and the Montana Highway Patrol will be watching for impaired driving through the Labor Day weekend.... more

2001 National Champion Griz to Reunite for a Good Cause

Led by former head coach Joe Glenn, the 2001 Griz are set to make their triumphant return to Missoula for a team reunion on Oct. 15 and an on-field celebration.... more

Mount Sentinel to Close Friday Due to Fire Danger

Due to significant fire danger and Stage II fire restrictions, open space on Mount Sentinel will be closed for 24 hours this Friday and Saturday.... more

Dry, Hot Conditions Call For Special Consideration When Living With Wildlife

More than 70 percent of Montana is experiencing severe drought conditions. You can help avoid conflicts with wildlife by following these suggestions:... more

Wildlife Officials, Blackfoot Community Work Together on Fatal Bear Attack Details and Next Steps

Wildlife officials and the local Blackfoot Valley community are working together to wrap up details of the July 6 fatal grizzly bear attack of a camper in Ovando.... more

What is a Work Order?

As a facility manager, you should choose a work order management system that best boosts your organization's cost savings and asset reliability. ... more

Missoula Police Department Tackles Crimes and Injustices in Local Communities

Missoula’s Police Chief has recently presented the first ever annual report for the state’s second-largest police department. Learn more. ... more

Missoula In Search Of Solutions As The Housing Market Tightens And Prices Soar

Buying your dream home in Missoula can be tricky. Nonetheless, there are a few ideas local officials can implement to solve the housing problem.... more

Evaluating The Pros And Cons of COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates

Although the federal government has permitted employers to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for in-house staff, the decision isn’t as easy as you might think. Here are the Pros and Cons:... more

Top Strategies to Grow Your Business Fast

There's no sure-fire recipe for instant success, but you can boost your business's growth with these strategies.... more

Retirement Investing for Beginners

Thinking about saving for retirement can be overwhelming, but the steps below can help you get started.... more

Ground Game, Defense, Lead Griz to Win Over Portland State

Montana closed its abbreviated spring season with a 48-7 win over Portland State.... more

Holsinger Named Next Lady Griz Coach

Brian Holsinger, who has spent 13 seasons in the Pac-12 and has more than two decades of college coaching experience, has been named the next head coach of the Montana women’s basketball program.... more

Creating a New Path: Habitat Receives Unsolicited $100,000 Donation

HFHM was recently gifted a $100,000 check from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.... more

Spring Cleanup: Street Sweeping Starts Tuesday, March 30

Spring is here, and the City of Missoula’s Street Operations & Maintenance Division will begin its street sweeping schedule on Tuesday, March 30. ... more

Be Bear Aware When Recreating Outdoors

Bears are emerging from dens with the onset of spring, and people are reminded to “Be Bear Aware.”... more

Attendance, Kick Times, and Broadcast Details Set For Griz Spring Games

The Montana football team will have a limited number of fans in attendance at its two spring football games, kick times have been confirmed.... more

MDA Commences Planning & Production of Summer Events with Cautious Optimism

The Missoula Downtown Association will plan to host a modified (i.e. limited) version of the beloved Out to Lunch and Downtown ToNight Summer Series events, beginning the first week of June.... more

Want to Trade Forex Like a Pro? Get a Great Broker

Here are the important aspects to look for in choosing good forex brokers for your trades.... more

Don’t Rely on Luck This St. Patrick’s Day–Plan Ahead for a Sober Ride

Law Enforcement will be increasing patrols for the holiday to help keep Missoula roads safe.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Closure Extended to March 22

In consultation with wildlife biologists at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Parks and Recreation has extended the Mt. Jumbo South Zone winter wildlife closure to March 22.... more

Montana’s Namesake Ship, USS Montana, is Launched – Commissioning into the Navy Fleet a Step Closer

The future USS Montana has been launched in Newport News, Virginia.... more

Montana Adds Spring Game vs. Portland State

The Montana Grizzlies have added another opponent to the 2021 modified spring schedule, with Portland State set to visit Washington-Grizzly Stadium in a non-conference matchup on April 17.... more

Levee Maintenance Work to Begin March 1 Intermittent North Riverfront Trail Section Closures

The City’s Storm Water Utility will begin routine vegetation maintenance on two Clark Fork River levees on Monday, March 1, with completion by April 15, weather dependent... more

Avalanche Danger on Mount Jumbo!

Avalanche danger is present on Mount Jumbo, public urged to stay off the mountain.... more

Hunting and Fishing License Year Begins March 1st

The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2021 hunting and fishing licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses.... more

2020 Big Sky Schedule Moved to 2021

The Big Sky Conference announced Wednesday it has approved moving the fall 2020 conference football schedule to the fall of 2021, restoring the slate of games that had previously been canceled.... more

Montana, Montana State Men’s Basketball Series Canceled

This week's two-game Big Sky Conference men's basketball series between Montana and Montana State has been canceled due to a positive COVID-19 test within Montana's program.... more

Downtown Dine Local Week Jan. 25-31 in Downtown Missoula

In an effort to stimulate commerce during a traditionally slow quarter, the Downtown Missoula Partnership will be hosting the first-ever Downtown Dine Local Week.... more

Habitat for Humanity of Missoula wins competitive award in national Habitat Home Design Contest

Habitat for Humanity of Missoula (HfHM) is excited to announce it has won the Best in Affordability award for Habitat for Humanity International’s Home Design Contest.... more

Noteworthy Wins Best Overall in Downtown Holiday Window Decorating Contest

Noteworthy Paper & Press, located at 219 S. 3rd St. W, won Best Overall Window in the 22nd annual Downtown Holiday Window Decorating Contest, coordinated by the Missoula Downtown Association. ... more

Mick Holien, “Voice of the Griz” for a Generation, Remembered as One of “The Good Guys”

Grizzly Athletics plans to pay tribute to Holien in the fall of 2021 when the fans he cared for so much are once again able to pack into Washington-Grizzly Stadium and Dahlberg Arena.... more

Downtown Missoula Gearing up for a Very Illuminating Holiday Season

Whether you safely enjoy the mistletoe, Santa, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or you don’t celebrate at all, Downtown Missoula welcomes you, our holiday season, and the chance to bask in the warmth of the hearth of our h... more

Targeted New Economic District Expected To Improve Infrastructure At Wye West of Missoula

Industrial development is the key to economic growth in any region. However, it involves many processes, including planning and development, procurement, designing, and construction. ... more

Things to think about when choosing a baby car seat

Here's a quick overview of what you should be keeping in mind when you make your decision about purchasing a baby car seat.... more

Leaf Collection Starts Monday, Nov. 2

The City of Missoula will begin fall leaf pickup on Monday, Nov. 2, starting in the neighborhoods north of the Clark Fork River during the first week (Area 1).... more

New Downtown Boulevard Banners Feature Things We Love About Downtown Missoula

For the first time in 22 years, new Downtown Missoula canvas banners will showcase what folks love about Missoula: Caras Park, music, food, shopping, biking, sunshine and Mount Sentinel.... more

How Businesses In Missoula Are Putting Customers First As They Reopen Post C-19

As businesses slowly reopen, they are taking multiple steps to implement strict safety and health policies and ensure the residents of Missoula remain healthy and safe in the post-C-19 period.... more

Griz Picked No. 7 in Preseason Media Poll

By ERIC TABER - The Montana Grizzlies were slotted in at No. 7 in the first, and only, STATS Perform FCS Top 25 media poll of the year, the organization announced Tuesday.... more

Make the Right Choice – Celebrate the End of Summer With a Sober Ride

Local Law Enforcement and the Montana Highway Patrol will be watching for impaired driving through the Labor Day Weekend.... more

FWP Reminder: SUP Users Must Have Life Jacket on Board

The use of stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) has exploded in Montana over the past few years. And while the vessels are fun and easy to use, SUPs have equipment requirements, just like other vessels.... more

Surplus Drawing Licenses and Permits Handled in New Way

Hunters interested in purchasing licenses or permits left over from the special license and permit drawing will find a different process this year.... more

Big Sky Kickoff Moved to July 23-24

The Big Sky Conference's annual Football Kickoff has been moved up to Thurs. July 23-24. All 13 league head coaches and one student-athlete from each football program will participate.... more

Healthcare Industry in Montana Shed Jobs Amid Covid-19

Hospitals across the country, including those in Montana, reduced operations to prepare for an increased load of coronavirus cases.... more

Men’s Basketball Garners Academic Honors From NABC

The Montana men's basketball team was recognized for its academic merit earning the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award for the third time in the past five seasons.... more

Missoula’s Annual Chip Seal Program at Work

Street maintenance crews will be applying oil and chips to city streets as part of the City’s annual Street Maintenance Chip Seal Program, which runs July 20-Aug. 6.... more

MDA to Forego Out to Lunch & Downtown Tonight for 2020

With a focus on community health and safety and compliance, the MDA will cancel the annual Out to Lunch and Downtown ToNight Summer Series for 2020.  ... more

How to Keep Your Lawn Looking Healthy this Summer

As we look forward to spending more time outdoors with our family, it’s nice to have a great looking lawn to add to your outdoor experience. ... more

Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) Performing Arts Camps Cancelled Due to COVID-19

Because of health, safety and travel concerns around COVID-19, MCT has made the difficult decision to cancel all overnight camps for the summer of 2020.... more

28th Annual Garden City Brewfest Cancelled for 2020

With an eye towards community care and safety, the Missoula Downtown Association has made the decision to cancel the 28th annual Garden City BrewFest for now.... more

Orphaned Grizzly Cubs Going to Bearizona Wildlife Park

Working jointly, staff from Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found a home for three grizzly bear cubs that were orphaned last month. ... more