Archive for the ‘Housing’ Category
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
Junkpole Fence: Freaky Cheap Chicken/Deer Fence
By PAUL WHEATON - We needed a permanent fence that would keep flighty chickens (layers) in and keep the deer and the wild turkeys out. This fence went up mighty fast and cheap.... 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
Installation of Ybarra’s Public Art Sculpture Underway at Silver Park
Construction of the new public art piece for Silver Park, George Ybarra’s sculpture “Perseverance and Passage,” has begun.... 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
Emergency Notifications: Smart911 is Your Answer
By NICK HOLLOWAY - The Missoula Office of Emergency Management reminds us: May is National Wildfire Awareness month. Is your family’s ready should a wildfire threaten your property?... more
Quest for Land: My Advice for Permies and Homesteaders
Part 3 of 3
By PAUL WHEATON - I want to grow the future of permaculture. Not just with my ideas, but with 20 different artisans in seed and soil. Each permie would have their own vision for what is “best”.... more
Quest for Land: My Advice for Permies and Homesteaders Part 2 of 3
By PAUL WHEATON - When it came to picking a piece of land, I have a powerful bias. I just love Missoula, Montana. Someday I want to be able to say that I grow a lemon tree, outdoors, in Montana.... more
Is Your Family Ready For Wildfire Season?
By NICK HOLLOWAY - The Missoula Office of Emergency Management reminds us: May is National Wildfire Awareness month. Is your family’s ready should a wildfire threaten your property?... more
Downtown Flower Baskets Scheduled To Go Up May 14
By Tom Aldrich for the Missoula Downtown Association Missoula’s beloved Downtown Flower Baskets will be installed this Thursday, May 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. A total of 98 baskets will be moved from Pink ... more
Quest for Land: My Advice for Permies and Homesteaders Part 1 of 3
By PAUL WHEATON -Decades ago I was obsessed with gardening and outgrew my urban lot. I needed more space. Not only for my horticultural endeavors, but I needed to expand into all sorts of animals.... 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
Believe It, Spring is Here
By BRUCE AUCHLY - If your world collapses absent skiing, or snowmobiling, I’ll attend your pity party. That’s because spring is here, and the signs surround us. ... more
Should I Stay or Should I Go: Evacuations in Missoula County
By NICK HOLLOWAY - During an emergency or a disaster, your family may need to evacuate to a safe location. Take the time now to learn what to do to keep your family safe. ... more
National Ground Water Awareness Week March 8-14
National Groundwater Awareness Week is the week of March 8-14 and Kinetico of Montana just wants you to remember a few things about your groundwater and its importance in our lives.... more
“9-1-1 On Steroids” Can Save Your Life
The Missoula County Office of Emergency Management encourages Missoulians to sign up for new life-saving emergency response program.... more
Rocket Mass Heaters: The Absurdly Efficient, Cheap, and Comfortable Way to Heat Your Home
By PAUL WHEATON - So what’s the big deal? Well, Rocket Mass Heaters are one of the most sustainable and affordable heat sources in the world! ... more
The Dark Side of Native Plant Enthusiasm
By PAUL WHEATON - What’s wrong with native plants? The problem has nothing to do with advocating for native plants, but in advocating against all other plants – not just for oneself, but for all people.... more
Did you Just Should on Me?
By PAUL WHEATON - The word “should” is seriously embedded in our culture and habits. And I think it is possible that it may have slightly different meanings for different people. ... more
Infecting Brains with Permaculture 52 Cards at a Time
By PAUL WHEATON - When I give gifts, rather than giving people stuff that they might like, I tend to give them things that I like them to have. Check out this gift idea:... more
Capitalism, Gift Economy, and Prices That Are Too Damn High
By PAUL WHEATON - My feeble understanding of capitalism is that I can work super hard for a year, save up all my money and then live without working for several years.... more
The Benefits of a Water Softener
Hard water can make you spend more on repairs, maintenance and energy. Did you know A water softener can improve your skin, make your clothes and appliances last longer, and soft water heats quicker.... more
City of Missoula Announces: Leaf Collection Starts Tues., Nov. 4
The City of Missoula will begin fall leaf pickup on Tuesday, Nov. 4, starting in the downtown Special District #1. See your neighborhood leaf collection schedule here.... 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
Hops Ranch Soon to Provide Fresh Beer to the Flathead
By TRISTAN SCOTT - What began as a 1-acre research project, sponsored by the Montana Department of Agriculture and two local breweries – has entered its second season and is now producing hops.... 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
Flies Really Bite. Are they Bugging the Cows?
By PAUL WHEATON-Biting flies can sure make life miserable for cattle, horses and even people! Big or small, those insects can inflict painful sores. Here are a few solutions for getting rid of biting flies:... 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
20 Tips for Staying Cool and Saving Money in the Summer
By PAUL WHEATON-It’s hot! So it is perfect timing to talk about how to stay cool on the cheap – both long term and short term. Here are 20 tips on staying cool this summer and saving money too.... more
Vote With Your Fork
By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - One of our very core rights as human beings is challenged in this country on a daily basis. That is the freedom to choose the food(s) that we wish to raise, buy and consume.... more
How to Eat Local & Stay Healthy
By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON -Eating local means contributing to the local economy. A dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy. When businesses are not owned locally, money leaves th... 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
Frugal Foodie: Intentional Leftovers
By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - In times of economic struggles, often people cut their food budget, sacrificing the pleasure and fulfillment of true nourishment. But you don't have to.... more
Keen on Mason Bees
By PAUL WHEATON-And now boys and girls, it is time for Uncle Paul to tell you about the birds and the bees. Or, more accurately, the flowers and the bees. And, even more accurately: Flower sex.... more
Edible Weeds–If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Eat ‘Em!
By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Fields of the pretty yellow flowers in the lawn; are they really so bad? Dandelion leaves, flowers, stems and roots are all edible if you have an organic yard!... 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
Reversing Desertification
By PAUL WHEATON - Man-made desertification impacts climate change more than the burning of all fossil fuels. This includes contributions to greenhouse gasses, and overall warming.... more
Downtown Flower Baskets Scheduled For Hanging May 20
Missoula’s beloved Downtown Flower Baskets are scheduled to go up on Tuesday, May 20 beginning at 5:30 pm. Volunteers will place the baskets created by Pink Grizzly.... more
Passive Annual Heat Storage
By PAUL WHEATON -When heating or cooling a home can a comfortable temperature be obtained year round with far less energy use? Can we get it down to a tenth of the national average?... more
Apple Trees from Seed
By PAUL WHEATON -There is this story going around that if you try and grow apples from seed, then there is only a 1 in 20,000 chance that you’ll have an edible apple. ... more
Saturday’s Right On Track with Missoula Farmers’ Market
Missoula Farmers’ Market opens for its 42nd Season this Saturday, May 10, from 8am to 12:30pm. Returning and new vendors of seasonal fruits and vegetables, preserves, flowers, and more.... 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