UM News for October 26, 2011

University of Montana senior broadcast journalism majors Annemiek Wilson and Stephanie Hansen anchor today's edition of UM News. Dustin Klemann produced and Brad Peers directed the broadcast. UM News airs Thursday mornings at 8:25 a.m. on KPAX-TV in Missoula and KAJ-TV in Kalispell. UM News is a production of the Department of Radio-Television and the School of Journalism at the University of Montana.

Law Changes the Way Montana Serves Alcohol

Many students earn their way through college serving behind the bar and now they must complete a mandatory alcohol server education course. These courses were previously voluntary. One focus of the class teaches servers and bartenders the potential legal implications for over serving. The Montana Department of Revenue offers these classes about two times a month. Patrol Officer Ethan Smith also teaches these courses. He can be reached at the Missoula PoliceDepartment by calling (406) 552.6300.

UM News reporter Tara Oster and photographer Scott Ranf visited one bar making the smooth transition to these new regulations.

"M" Trail Gets Facelift

The "M" has looked over the Missoula Valley since 1908. Now, more than one-hundred years later, the "M" is getting a face lift. Volunteers grabbed their gloves and strapped on their hiking boots to help slow erosion on the mountain trail by building stairs at the switchbacks. They hope the stairs will slow the wear and tear from thousands of hikers making the three-quarter-mile hike each year. By the end of next year, the group hopes to have stairs installed in all eleven switchbacks. UM News reporter Adrienne Ellsworth and photographer Matt DeBray took the trek up the mountain to learn more.

Pumpkins Fly Through The Air At Punkin' Chunkin' Contest

Hundreds of Missoulians got into the Halloween spirit at a pumpkin cannon shooting contest called Punkin' Chunkin' at Ryan Creek Meadows. Once properly loaded, the cannons have enough power to launch a pumpkin almost a mile away.

UM News reporter Emily Foster and photographer Bernie Riggs found out why competitors choose to shoot pumpkins through the air instead of carving them.

UM Students Take Passion for Outdoor Leadership to a New Level

Students in the College of Forestry and Conservation's Wilderness EMT class spend more than 190 hours throughout the semester practicing and learning outdoor rescue skills. The Aerie Backcountry Medicine program partners with the University of Montana and teaches the course. UM News reporter Annemiek Wilson and editor Dizhi Ge found out how one student is taking his education far away from the classroom. Click below to see video.

Shooting Hoops For Sight

The Delta Gamma Fraternity decided to think outside the box for their latest fundraising event. They hosted Anchor Slam, a 3 on 3 basketball tournament in the Schrieber Gym to raise money for Services for Sight. Thanks to team registration fees and jersey sales, Delta Gamma collected close to a thousand dollars for the organization, which provides aid and resources for blind and visually impaired children. Reporter Beth Beechie and photographer Katie Radford hit the court to get the story.

Caras Park Hosted the Second Annual Treasure State Shred Fest

It took seven truck loads of shaved ice, 35 riders, and the ambition to carve Missoula into the freestyle map. Avid snowboarder R.J. Higgins says Shred Fest is a great way to show the Missoula community what freestyle snowboarding is all about. Local sponsors such as Lost Trail and Glacier Ice Rink supported the event. UM News reporter Faith Cronin and photographer Maegan Simmons attended Shred Fest to see what it takes to be a freestyle snowboarder.

UM News for October 19, 2011

University of Montana senior broadcast journalism majors Emily Foster and Annemiek Wilson anchor today's edition of UM News. Beth Beechie produced and Katie Radford directed the broadcast. UM News airs Thursday mornings at 8:25 a.m. on KPAX-TV in Missoula and KAJ-TV in Kalispell. UM News is a production of the Department of Radio-Television and the School of Journalism at the University of Montana.

Milwaukee Trail Opening

Missoula is known for its bike friendly roads. Now the Milwaukee Trail extension connects Missoulians from East Missoula to the campus and downtown. The extension is more than just a new route. Those who came out to take part in the celebration hope that this extension may one day connect the west as well as show people biking is better on the environment. UM News reporter Dustin Klemann and photographer Bernie Riggs went to the event to find out more.

UM Marching Band Seniors Prepare to Leave it all Behind

University of Montana Marching Band seniors spend countless hours learning music and practicing routines throughout their time at UM. UM News reporter Annemiek Wilson and photographer Matt DeBray found out how one senior feels about it all coming to an end. Click below to see video.

Big Sky Brain Project Receives $1.3 Million Grant

The Big Sky Brain Project, a collaboration between the University of Montana's spectrUM Discovery Area and Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience, recently received a $1.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. UM News reporter Emily Foster and photographer Brad Peers found out how the grant will fund a kids' neuroscience learning center called the Brainzone.

Cancer Survivor Lives Strong

Germ cell cancer is the most rare form of testicular cancer. Only five to ten percent of men with testicular cancer have this particular kind of testicular cancer, including bicycle legend Lance Armstrong. Piano Performance major Paul Nonnenmacher found out he had germ cell testicular cancer last year. He was forced to drop out of school for treatment. Now, he's back in his home away from home at the music building playing the instrument he loves. UM News reporter/photographer Adrienne Ellsworth learned how his near-death experience has changed his perspective on life.

Students protest for Occupy Missoula

University of Montana students pepper the Missoula County Court House lawn protesting corporate greed in the nation. They protest whenever they can between classes and work. Students have different reasons for their involvement, but they still show up everyday to take part in Occupy Missoula.
UM News reporter Tara Oster and photographer Maegan Simmons found two students that seem willing to forgo sleep to be a part of the movement.

Alternative Smoking on the University of Montana Campus

The University of Montana's Tobacco Free Policy went into effect this August semester. UM student William Kincaid is one of many students exploring alternative cigarettes. He says he's smoked for 11 years, but no longer on campus. Kincaid admits that he hasn't smoked for the last six days because of the looks people give him. To find out more information about the UM Tobacco Free Plan click here. UM News reporter Faith Cronin and photographer Scott Ranf have the story.

Students gear up for the winter season at the outdoor sale

Outdoor opportunities draw students from all over the country to the University of Montana. Now that colder weather has set in on campus students are taking full advantage of the Outdoor Program and the gear sale to be ready when the snow comes.
UM News reporter Katherine Kettering and photographer Dizhi Ge went to the sale and checked out the wide variety of winter equipment the program offers.

UM News for October 12, 2011

University of Montana senior broadcast journalism majors Dustin Klemann and Emily Foster anchor today's edition of UM News. Adrienne Ellsworth produced and Scott Ranf directed the broadcast. UM News airs Thursday mornings at 8:25 a.m. on KPAX-TV in Missoula and KAJ-TV in Kalispell. UM News is a production of the Department of Radio-Television and the School of Journalism at the University of Montana.

The UM campus served as the stage for a variety of dances performed by UM dance students.

Dance on Location showcased everything from juggling and ballet to hoolah-hooping and expressive theatrics. The audience strolled from location to location enjoying a different style of dance at each stop. The two day event was coordinated by The University of Montana School of Theater and Dance. All of the dances were choreographed and performed by University of Montana students. Dance major, Emily Cohen, says the event is an excellent way for young choreographer like herself to learn new skills. Reporter/photographer Faith Cronin chatted with Cohen to find out how her first Dance on Location twirled out.

University of Montana College Radio Station Competes At Spontaneous Construction

Employees from the University of Montana's college radio station built more than playlists for a contest called Spontaneous Construction, also known as SponCon. Reporter Emily Foster and photographer Bernie Riggs found out how KBGA used 100% recycled building materials from Home Resource to create a sustainable art form.

Student shares coming out story for LGBT awareness

October is the awareness month for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community or LGBT. The University of Montana held a special event on Tuesday in support of National Coming Out Day. The event was put on by the Student Involvement Network and the LAMBDA Alliance for students to share their stories.
Flute performance major Derek Loerzel said his coming out wasn't a horror story, but he hopes everyone can learn something from his experiences.
UM News reporter Tara Oster and photographer Brad Peers talked with Loerzel about his decision to come out. For more information about upcoming diversity events on campus, click here.

Open Mic Night

The University of Montana's UC Game Room is home to a bi-monthly Open Mic Night. Comedians and musicians of all walks of life come to perform in the pool hall to a modest crowd. Brother and sister duo Meggie and Boston McDonald have performed in front of crowds numbering in the thousands, but enjoy coming back to Open Mic Night and the intimacy of the smaller crowd.

University of Montana's Triathlon Club Deals With the Elements

The University of Montana’s Triathlon Team or Tri-Team has already started training for their race season this spring. The team battles Montana’s elements to build a sturdy training base. Tri Team President, Hannah Riedel, says having the team aspect gives the solo sport a unique twist. In the past the Tri-Team has proved a viable competitor on the national scene, and has produced several professional triathletes. The team plans to continue their hard work and show up ready to race come spring. For more click here.

Students and faculty take action to end hate and prejudice

Students and faculty gathered in circles Wednesday night at the University of Montana. They shared experiences and stories of hate and prejudice they've encountered hoping to end hate once and for all.
this event is sponsored by University center diversity programs.UM News reporters Beth Beechie and Dizhi Ge went to the meeting and learned how to always have an open mind and an open heart.

UM Hosts Rack N' Roll Roller Derby in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness

The Hellgate Rollergirls faced off against Kalispell in their last bout of the season. The Rollergirls teamed up with the Tough Enough to Wear Pink campaign for the Rack N' Roll Roller Derby bout. Bumps and bruises are nothing new to these girls who are in it to win it in the fight against breast cancer. UM News reporter Stephanie Hansen and photographer Matt DeBray strapped on their skates and made their way to the University of Montana's Adams Center to find out what this bout was all about.

UM News for October 5, 2011

University of Montana senior broadcast journalism majors Beth Beechie and Adrienne Ellsworth anchor today's edition of UM News. Faith Cronin produced and Dizhi Ge directed the broadcast. UM News airs Thursday mornings at 8:25 a.m. on KPAX-TV in Missoula and KAJ-TV in Kalispell. UM News is a production of the Department of Radio-Television and the School of Journalism at the University of Montana.

New solar panels generate sustainable energy for Todd Building

Four Environmental Studies students worked on a proposal all last semester to get a wind turbine on campus. But they soon discovered a turbine would only save $24.00 per year on energy. With three weeks left in the semester, their plans had to change.

With the help of funding from the KRELF Fund, support from the School of Extended and Lifelong Learning, and various other sustainability groups on campus, ten new solar panels sit on top of the Todd Building on the University of Montana Campus.

These panels could potentially save the Todd Building .8 percent of their total energy costs each month, but the School of Extended and Lifelong Learning plans to add ten additional panels in the coming years.

UM News reporter/photographer Tara Oster took a closer look at the potential savings these panels could give the university. To learn more about ASUM sustainability initiatives, click here.

Osprey Internet Sensation Helps Scientists

Heiko Langner, Director of UM's Enviromental Biogeochemistry lab, set up three different webcams overlooking Osprey nests to help him gauge mercury levels in Montana's rivers. The birds became an internet sensation with the public, receiving hit after hit on their website. While Langner says he didn't realize that there would be so many fans, he is thankful of the community's desire to know more about the birds. UM News reporter Adrienne Ellsworth and photographer Katie Radford discovered just how the birds of prey were aiding in UM's research.

Belegarth Medieval Combat

Players of Belegarth Medieval Combat Society stretch across the nation in this fun and safe sport. Missoula has its own group of players who show up each week to hack and slash their afternoon away. No experience is necessary. As UM News reporter Dustin Klemann and photographer Bernie Riggs found out, it is a great way to get a healthy workout. You can find out more on the sport by visiting by clicking here. Click below to see the story.

Grizzly Runner Back After Attack

Ani Haas ran her first cross country race as a Grizzly last week. It was two months after she fought off a black bear in the Rattlesnake. Haas said her ability to get past the attack was because of her experience with injuries while on the U.S. Ski Team. She said her outlook on life also helped her move on. Click below to see the full story by UM News reporter Beth Beechie and photographer Matt DeBray.

University of Montana Brings Local Food Close to Home

The East side of the Lommasson Center is looking a lot greener this semester. Together with UM's Farm to College Program, Dining Services added a sustainable food garden to campus. A student gardener and volunteers help run the garden. When the produce ripens, it's served fresh the next day for students to enjoy. UM News reporter Annemiek Wilson and photographer Scott Ranf went to the garden to take a closer look.

Students and alums celebrate Greek Week at UM

More than 400 current and former members of the University of Montana's 10 sororities and fraternities celebrated Greek Week. Greek students on campus make up roughly 2.8% of UM's students. UM News reporter Stephanie Hansen and photographer Brad Peers made their way to Greek Row to find out just what Greek life's all about.

University of Montana installs new pool lift

The Grizzly Pool has installed an updated lift that will allow disabled swimmers to enter and exit the pool without assistance. To comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the pool was required to install the lift before the May of this year. The staff is now trained and excited for disabled swimmers to take advantage of this new left. Click below to see the story from UM News reporter Katherine Kettering and photographer Maegan Simmons.