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 ‘Neighborhoods’ Category

Essential Tips for Selling Your House Quickly and Effectively

By following the tips outlined below you should be able to successfully navigate the sometimes tumultuous waters of residential real estate sales.... more

4 Home Buying Mistakes to Avoid for a Smooth Process

To help make your home buying experience run smoothly and to minimize costly mistakes, here are some common pitfalls to watch for:... more

Guide to Missoula’s Most Desirable Neighborhoods for Real Estate Investment

Familiarize yourself with Missoula’s most desirable neighborhoods for real estate investment so you can find your perfect match!... more

Missoula Development Officials Optimistic About New Housing Strategy, Report Positive First Results

The Environmental Protection Agency  had recently granted Missoula $1.2 million to clean up several unused properties in the city that they had acquired in recent years.... more

Buyout Of Flood Victims’ Homes Planned, But All Residents Need Flood Protection

Missoula County plans to  apply for a $4 million grant to buy out homeowners whose properties are prone to flooding in the west of the city.... more

Seven ways to get a down payment for your first home

Here are some options for getting a downpayment for your first home. ... more

5 Common HOA Rules You Don’t Know About

Here are a few rules that are common among HOA's across the country.... more

Affordable Housing Area For Missoula On The Way

By CINDY CUMMINGS - Missoula is a great place to live and work, and it’s one of Montana’s favorite cities for a day out too. ... more

Montana Homestead Declaration – Why it’s Important for Homeowners

By ALLISA WINBERG - The state of Montana has a wonderful Homestead Exemption Act that is designed to protect the investment you have made in your home. Here are the details.... more

30+ Things for Kids to Do in Missoula, Montana

By LINDA McCARTHY - I am amazed at how many free and low cost things there are to do with kids in Missoula, Montana. My daughter and I compiled a list of more than 30 Things to Do With Kids in Missoula:... more

City Council Approves 12 New Playgrounds

The City Council unanimously approved the purchase and installation of of new playground equipment for 12 playgrounds throughout Missoula.... more

Parks and Recreation To Recycle Christmas Trees

Missoula Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry Division is inviting citizens to drop off their cut Christmas trees at area parks to be recycled into productive mulch.... 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. ... more

Residential Water Conservation

Conserving water in your home is much easier than you think. By taking just a few simple steps, you can save water and decrease your water bill!... more

This Baby Will Make Three

By CHERY SAYBOL- When Ellen Marceau has her third baby in November, it will be with the confidence of a mother who has already had two very different birthing experiences. ... more

Are you Testing Your Drinking Water?

Arsenic is fairly common in Montana’s groundwater--especially in mountainous areas where well water is affected. Are you testing your drinking water?... more

Missoula Police Emphasize Pedestrian Crossing Safety

The Missoula Police Department will conduct Pedestrian Crossing Emphasis Patrols beginning this week in an effort to enforce pedestrian crossing laws within the city limits. ... more

Preventing Conflicts with Bears

By JOLEEN TADEJ - Already this year, bears have traveled the river corridors – Sun, Marias, Dearborn and Teton – east from the Rocky Mountain Front looking for natural foods.... more

This Fourth of July, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

To crack down on drunk driving this Fourth of July, Missoula law enforcement will be out in full force, aggressively targeting those who put lives in danger. ... more

City Imposes Stage 1 Fire Reststrictions Bans All Fireworks

Fire Danger moved to EXTREME on Monday and Stage 1 fire restrictions have been imposed prohibiting use of fire or open flame, including campfires, smoking and the use of fireworks.... more

Leave Young Wildlife Where You Find Them

By TOM PALMER - Remember this advice if you see newborn wild animals: "If you care, leave them there." Do not move or attempt to feed newborn wildlife.... more

Explore Downtown Missoula by Foot on a Historic Walking Tour

If you’re visiting Missoula and looking to explore the city a bit, the beautiful downtown area offers an array of locations rich in historical significance. The Missoula Downtown Association has a self-guided... more

Missoula Housing Market Continues Steady Recovery

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Low inventory, higher interest rates and a harsh winter have contributed to fewer home sales and a higher median sold price in Missoula this year compared to last year.... more

Testing the Waters–Ensuring the Water You Drink is Healthy

Hard water is the leading water problem in America and, and Missoula and Western Montana are no exception. Here are few things to know about hard water and what to do about it:... more

Hard Water Problems in Missoula

Hard water is the leading water problem in America and, and Missoula and Western Montana are no exception. Here are few things to know about hard water and what to do about it:... more

Wayne and Kathleen Newton Set Up Shop in Lakeside

By JUSTIN FRANZ-Kat’s Korner is one of several new shops and restaurants that have popped up in the small community of Lakeside and Wayne Newton, 72, said it’s no surprise the town is growing.... more

Missoula’s Annual Chip Seal Program Begins

City of Missoula Street Division crews begin applying oil and chips to city streets on Monday, July 28, in the City’s annual Chip Seal Street Maintenance Program. Missoula annually seals the surface of ab... more

Families Invited to play All-Abilities Baseball at McCormick Park

Missoula Parks & Rec is teaming up with the All-Abilities Playground Project to host free baseball games for people with and without disabilities on 7/19 and 8/2.... more

City of Missoula Serious About Fireworks Enforcement

The use of most fireworks in the city of Missoula is illegal, and City leaders are serious about enforcement.... more

Sheep Grazing on City Open Space, Pet Owners Asked to Help Protect Herd

By BECKY GOODRICH-Missoula Parks and Recreation is asking dog owners to watch for sheep grazing on City open space, and leash their pets when hiking near the herd. ... more

Silver Summit: A Playground For Everyone, Makes Fundraising Push for Phase II

By Julie Emnett, Development Director, Child Care Resources It kind of started with a yellow swing. Jenny Montgomery, who is the Owner/Tasting Room Director of Montgomery Distillery, remembers coming to Mi... more

Celebrate Arbor Month with 22nd Annual Run for the Trees April 12

Register for the 22nd annual Run for The Trees on Saturday, April 12, at 9 a.m. 1-mile, 5K or 10K, races with proceeds used to help plant new trees in Missoula parks and schools.... more

City of Missoula Announces 2014 Street Cleaning Program

Spring is here, and the Missoula Street Maintenance Division will begin its street cleaning schedule on Tuesday, April 1 with cleaning take place Mon-Fri in the following zones: ... more

Tuesday’s City News: Avalanche Danger, Potholes, Flooding

City of Missoula employees are removing downtown snow berms, clearing storm drains, filling sandbags, and repairing potholes that are erupting with the temperature change.... more

Heightened Avalanche Danger on Mount Jumbo For Next 48 Hours

Police officers are visiting homes in certain Missoula neighborhoods to let residents know of heightened avalanche danger on Mount Jumbo and Mount Sentinel for at least the next 48 hours. ... more

City of Missoula Responds to Winter Storm

Mayor John Engen has directed City snowplow crews to work at maximum capacity 24 hours a day with a focus on streets designated as Priority throughout the weekend’s winter storm.... more

Rattlesnake And Paxson School Zones Get New Safety Signals

F.Y.I. - Reduced-speed zones around two Missoula elementary schools gained new flashing yellow lights this week. ... more

Citizens Encouraged to Recycle Christmas Trees

Missoula Parks and Recreation’s Urban Forestry Division is inviting citizens to drop off their cut Christmas trees to be recycled into productive mulch. ... more

City’s Urban Forestry Division to Replace 79 Ailing Street Trees

F.Y.I. - Missoula’s urban forest is getting some much-needed attention as City arborists work with residents to replace 79 dead or dying boulevard trees throughout Missoula.... more

Leaf Collection Starts Tuesday Nov 5

The City of Missoula will begin fall leaf pickup on Tuesday, Nov. 5, starting in the downtown District #1. The schedule starts in older neighborhoods with mature trees and the highest volume of leaves. ... 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

Missoula’s Annual Chip Seal Program Begins

F.Y.I. - Missoula City Street Division crews begin applying oil and chips as part of the City’s annual Chip Seal Street Maintenance Program on Monday, July 29.... more

Oh Deer

By BRUCE AUCHLY - It was great to see seven mule deer walk by the front of the house yesterday. Why? Because they passed by the newly fenced vegetable garden in the back of the house.... 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

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

City Unveils Draft Site Plan for Hellgate Park

Citizens are invited to an open house to view the draft Master Plan for Hellgate Park on Tuesday, June 11, at 6:30 p.m., at the Montech Building, 1121 E. Broadway.... more

Mount Jumbo South Zone Re-Opened March 15

F.Y.I. - To protect wintering elk and mule deer, much of Mount Jumbo is closed to recreational use during winter months. The Saddle Road and all points south of the road re-opened to the public on Friday, March... more

City of Missoula Begins Leaf Collection on Nov. 6th

F.Y.I. - The City of Missoula will begin fall leaf pickup on Tuesday, Nov. 6, starting in the downtown Special District #1.... more

Missoula Halloween in the Grant Creek Neighborhood

(PHOTO GALLERY) The Grant Creek Neighborhood of Missoula has some of the best Trick-or-Treaters you'll find anywhere. Check out these costumes!!!... more