Archive for the ‘Community’ Category

View Marketing as an Investment, Not an Expense

By MARK RIFFEY.When something is viewed as an expense, your instinct is to reduce it to the smallest possible amount. Doing this to your marketing is not unlike choking yourself.... more

UM Sports Trivia

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Chris digs up some trivia on baseball, the Seattle pro sports teams, Blair Kiel of Notre Dame, and other tid-bits--all with ties to Missoula! ... more

Running Buddies Forever: At the Back of the Pack

By PAM GARDINER - A year ago, Carol Drake and Donna Bennett were new runners. Today, they sport a great friendship and matching Back of the Pack tattoos.... more

Make It Missoula Monday: What’s Happening This Week

Trail 103.3 DJs Mike and Rob share what's happening in Missoula this week: Loads of live music, a burlesque show at the Top Hat, Scotch tasting at the Rhino, and more.... more

Frugal Living: The Art of the Garage Sale

By ERIN TURNER - With its distinct neighborhoods and their close proximity to one other, Missoula's a great garage sale town. Here are some tips for hosting a great sale.... more

A Beer with Baucus in Missoula

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - On April 11, Fellow beer blogger, Alan McCormick, and I sat down for a pint with Senator Max Baucus to talk about craft beer and jobs in Montana.... more

A Tax Day Smackdown, Courtesy of Bob Wire & Double Haul

By BOB WIRE - If you, like me, are self-employed, then you know what a pain in the arse taxes can be. It takes a lot of blood, sweat, and Double Haul to get 'em right.... more

The DJ Is Dead! Long Live the DJ!

By AARON TRAYLOR - Now that anyone can DJ on their Mac, it seems there's been a major shift in the way people perceive DJs. It's changed Missoula nightlife, too.... more

Sean Kelly’s Top of the Mic: The Nitty-Gritty

By LEISA GREENE NELSON - For an inexpensive, fun evening of live music at the pub, check out Sean Kelly's Top of the Mic contest every Thursday night at 8:30.... more

Missoula’s Crazy Spring Weather, a Conversation Starter

By JEN SLAYDEN - Missoula, with your fickle seasons, winter inversions, spring snow storms, and river running through it: Thank you for giving us something to talk about!... more

Zen and the Art of Not Fishing At All

By BRYCE MCLEAN - The other day, I was reminded of one of the great traditions of fly fishing: Not fishing at all, but just enjoying the scenery and watching the river flow by.... more

Catch the Run Wild Missoula Bus to Bloomsday

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Run Wild Missoula’s bus to Bloomsday on May 6 is an easy way for runners to get to Spokane for the race and back in one day. And it's fun!... more

Sean Kelly’s Top of the Mic: Band vs. Solo

By LEISA GREENE NELSON - Sean Kelly’s Top of the Mic contest gives a stage to both local bands, like the Hasslers, and solo acts, like slide guitarist Dan Dubuque.... more

UM Sports Trivia

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - The last time the University of Montana’s spring scrimmage was held under the lights on campus was 1959, at that time it was a varsity versus alumni game and when the Griz won they c... more

Make It Missoula Monday: What’s Happening This Week

Just announced: Wilco in Missoula in June! Plus, Trail 103.3 DJs Mike and Rob share what's happening in Missoula this week: I Beer Missoula, Missoula Maulers, and more.... more

Frugal Living: Popcorn, the All-Season, All-Budget Snack

By ERIN TURNER - It may seem like a simple thing, but homemade popcorn (not microwave!) really is a perfect snack for all seasons, all ages, and all budgets.... more

Bob Wire, the KISS Mini Golf Course, and Las Vegas Rock City

By BOB WIRE - KISS by Monster Mini Golf opened up in Las Vegas on March 15. This is not your father’s mini-golf. Unless I'm your father.... more

Missoula Story of the Week: Medical Marijuana Arrests

By TOM DIDDEL - A recap of the past week's most talked-about story in Missoula. This week, it's the federal arrests of several Montana medical marijuana providers.... more

Spring River Buzz: Early Season Kayaking Tips

By JASON SHREDER - Spring is just around the corner and the river community is buzzing with joy, eagerness, and excitement. Here are a few tips to get you geared up.... more

Step Up and Throw Down: The Cold Smoke Freeride 2012

By TRAVIS GOODKIND - On March 24, UMEM and Backcountry Racks & Skis hosted the first annual Cold Smoke Freeride Competition at Lost Trial Powder Mountain.... more

Introducing the West’s Best Nest Osprey Webcam

Make it Missoula, SuzAnne and Sterling Miller of Dunrovin Ranch, and the University of Montana’s Wildlife Biology Program present The West’s Best Nest osprey webcam.... more

Sean Kelly’s Top of the Mic, Featuring Brother Townsend

By LEISA GREEN NELSON - Thursday is Top of the Mic night at Sean Kelly's, a chance local musicians to perform for a crowd. Last week, the standout was Brother Townsend.... more

A Bluegrass Festival, Steve Martin, Possums, Kittens, and Hair Cuts

By MARK VOSBURGH - You can't swing a possum around here without hitting a bluegrass band. 18 bands take the stage on April 14 for the Montana Bluegrass Festival.... more

UM Sports Trivia

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - The events involving the firing of UM Athletic Director Jim O’Day and football coach Robin Pflugrad were gut-wrenching for all UM fans, but now Griz nation will turn its attention to... more

Make It Missoula Monday: What’s Happening This Week

Trail 103.3 FM DJs Mike and Rob share what's happening in Missoula this week: Spring Break Art Camp, David Boone, Telluride Mountain Film Festival, and more.... more

Frugal Living: Learn How to Save at Staples

By ERIN TURNER - I like to shout-out my favorite stores in Missoula that offer some great deals and coupons. This week, learn how to save on supplies at Staples.... more

Making a Living in Music. Or Not.

By BOB WIRE - Could I actually make a decent living in Missoula from just music? Technically, it could be done. Let’s explore the possibilities, shall we?... more

Missoula Story of the Week: University of Montana Athletics

By TOM DIDDEL - A recap of the past week's most talked-about story in Missoula. This week, it's the dismissal of UM football coach Robin Pflugrad and AD Jim O'Day.... more

Photo Gallery: Backcountry Skiing at Downing Mountain Lodge

By TRAVIS GOODKIND - Downing Mountain Lodge near Hamilton has everything for the perfect ski trip: Deep snow, great accommodations, and killer backcountry skiing.... more

Photo Gallery: Donavon Frankenreiter Plays the Wilma

By PATRICK RECORD - Wednesday night, Donavon Frankenreiter played in front of a small, but energized crowd at the Wilma Theater here in Missoula. ... more

Big Louie and the Dinner Crew

By BOB ZIMORINO - Big Louie and his dinner crew were ready for the restaurant doors to open. I thought I was, too. Nothing could have prepared me for what happened next.... more

Multimedia: The Sights of Spring in Missoula

By JEN SLAYDEN - I get a little weary during spring, wanting Mother Nature to hurry up and let the sun shine. While we wait, here are a few early Missoula spring sights.... more

Join Run Wild Missoula’s Tuesday Track Workouts

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Olympian Courtney Babcock coaches Run Wild Missoula's Tuesday Track workouts at Dornblazer Field. All ages and abilities are welcome!... more

Photo Gallery: 2012 Ski & Snowboard Gear Tradeshow Wrap-Up

By TRAVIS GOODKIND - Every year, the ski industry gathers in Denver for the Snowsports Industry of America tradeshow. Check out the gear that'll be on tap in 2012-13!... more

It’s Skwala Season on the Bitterroot River

By BRYCE MCLEAN - It's a special time of year to fish in Montana. When you look through snowflakes to see a 22-inch brown come up for a dry fly, you'll know what I mean.... more

What’s Happening This Week

Trail 103.3 FM DJs Mike and Rob share what's happening in Missoula this week: Scott Hamilton in the Voice of Hope, The Big Lebowski, Donovan Frankenreiter, and more.... more

Frugal Living: Spring Cleaning on a Budget

By ERIN TURNER - Spring cleaning is in full swing at our house! Unwilling to pay $250 for a professional cleaning, I found a frugal way to clean our microfiber furniture.... more

Simple Advice for Acquiring and Retaining Customers

By MARK RIFFEY. Some of the simplest advice I give is the most powerful: "Do at least one thing today to get, or keep, a client."... more

Missoula Story of the Week: Info Needed on Burglaries

By TOM DIDDEL - A recap of the past week's most talked-about story in Missoula. This week, it's the recent burglaries in downtown Missoula that need info from the public.... more

The Dude Abides in Missoula

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - The Second Annual “The Dude Abides: A Celebration of The Big Lebowski,” will be at the Wilma Theater next Friday, March 30, at 7:00 p.m. Abide!... more

Bob Wire and the Suck Ton 3000

By BOB WIRE - I fell for one of the oldest tricks in the sales book: A free vacuum cleaner demo, courtesy of the Suck Ton 3000. Oh, the things I'll do for a clean rug.... more

Maiden Missoula Review: Body Basics

By LEAH LEWIS - You might remember Body Basics when it was in the back of Rockin' Rudy's. Now, it's on the Hip Strip, and their soaps and goodies are as fabulous as ever!... more

Spring Break Fun in Missoula: A Few Unique Alternatives

By AARON TRAYLOR - There’s much more to spring break than hitting the bars on Ryman Street. I've got some ideas that range from yoga classes to giving back to the community.... more

Reuse It, Missoula: A DIY Fabric-Covered Lampshade

By LISA HENSLEY - My niece is graduating to a room of her own, and OF COURSE I had to just butt in with decorating ideas. I made her a repurposed, DIY lampshade.... more

My Life in Phoenix, Post Pineapple

By BOB ZIMORINO - Pineapple, the heroin junkie and tyrannical chef, had met his end. That left me to figure out how to keep the kitchen running without him. ... more

The Healing Power of Passion – and Horses

By SUZANNE MILLER - As I recover from back-to-back surgeries, the images of me with my horses that form in my head are my lifeline back to health and inspiration to heal.... more

Running, Walking, and Connecting at a Conversational Place

By PAM GARDINER - The Run Wild Missoula Back of the Pack is celebrating its one year anniversary. We run, walk, converse, and socialize. Everyone is welcome - join us!... more

Gluten-free with PMD: Just for the Halibut

By P.M. DEVLIN - This week, whip up an easy, gluten-free meal of halibut with roasted garlic rosemary potatoes and an Asian pear green salad. It's good to eat!... more

Big Business in the Other Valley

By ELKE GOVERTSEN - It's not Silicon Valley, but Missoula is a valley of innovation, hard work, and big ideas. It's the Other Valley - you know, the one with no traffic.... more

Frugal Living: Mouthwatering, Homemade Deli Meat

By ERIN TURNER - Last week, I made homemade deli-style sliced meat from an elk roast. Not only was it a Montana-style money saver, it was delicious!... more