UM Student Helps Special Olympians Stay in Shape

Special Olympics athletes are gearing up to compete with the help of a UM student. Athletes train twice a week at the Missoula YMCA in preparation for the Montana games in March. UM News reporter Annemiek Wilson and photographer Maegan Simmons found out how one UM student is helping special olympians.

Missoula Police Break Down the Process of a DUI

According to data from the Montana Department of Transportation, there were 7,351 injury crashes in the state of Montana in 2009. Of those incidents, 1,319 or 17.9 percent involved alcohol. Two-hundred and two crashes were fatal. of those, 86 or 42.6 percent were alcohol related.
The numbers don't differ too much in Missoula County. In 2009, out of 922 injury crashes, 147 or 15.9 percent were alcohol related. Out of the 13 fatal crashes of that year, 7 or 53.8 percent involved alcohol.

Montana DOT data shows underage drivers are involved in alcohol or drug related crashes in 6.7 percent of all drug or alcohol related crashes. That's compared to 10.5 percent of the entire population of drivers; no matter their age.

As of the 2008 data, the results for fatal crashes was much different. In alcohol related crashes involving an underage driver, 42.4 percent of those were fatal. Montana DOT says the rate for the entire population of drivers, no matter their age is 40.4 percent.

UM News reporter Tara Oster and reporter/photographer Maegan Simmons went on a ride with Missoula Police to see how they work to decrease the number of DUIs and how they ultimately hope to decrease the number of alcohol related car-accident fatalities.

UM News for November 9, 2011

Find out how the University of Montana remembers veterans and gets in the spirit of giving on this week's edition of UM News. Broadcast journalism seniors Katherine Kettering and Emily Foster anchored today's newscast. Annemiek Wilson produced the show and Maegan Simmons directed. 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.

Reaching .08

The average Blood Alcohol Content or B.A.C. reading on DUI arrests in the state of Montana is .16. That’s twice the legal limit. The recent House Bill 106: The Montana 24/7 Sobriety Program Act and Senate Bill 15: The Aggravated DUI law works to reduce the number of drunk drivers in the state and increase punishments for repeat offenders. Under the 24/7 Sobriety Program, repeat offenders must subject themselves to a breathalyzer twice a day. If they test positive for alcohol, they will go to jail. The Aggravated DUI law increases penalties for those caught driving with a B.A.C. of .16 or higher. If convicted, that person could spend up to one year in jail.
But how does a person know if they’ve reached .08? UM News reporter Tara Oster and photographer Maegan Simmons borrowed a breathalyzer, got some quick training from a police officer and did an experiment with two patrons at a local bar.

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.

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.

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.

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.

University of Montana is Preparing Map Makers for a Growing Job Market

The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics says employment opportunities for cartographers will increase 27% by 2018. Students in the UM Geography Department's Advanced Cartography class are gaining the hands on experience necessary to be competitive in the job market. UM News Reporter Annemiek Wilson and Photographer Maeghan Simmons went into the classroom to find out more, (click below to see video).

UM News for September 21, 2011

University of Montana broadcast journalism majors Adrienne Ellsworth and Faith Cronin anchor this week's edition of UM News. Katherine Kettering produced the newscast. Maegan Simmons was the director. (Click below to see this week's newscast.)