UM News for December 7, 2011

Learn how a UM representative helps a local coffee shop trade directly with El Salvador and celebrate with coach Robin Selvig as he prepares to coach his 1000 game on this week's edition of UM News. Broadcast journalism seniors Dustin Klemann and Emily Foster anchored today's newscast. Tara Oster produced the show, and Scott Ranf 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.

Entertainment Management Students Get Hands-On Experience

UM's school of Business Administration started an Entertainment Management certificate program with less than 30 students. Now almost 10 years later, the program has grown to over 330 students and counting.

This semester, the students put together six concerts at Sean Kelly's Brew Pub. The Fall Freeze Fest is the group's grand finale.

The Entertainment Management Program is pushing to become a minor at the University of Montana. UM News Reporter Adrienne Ellsworth and photographer Scott Ranf found out what keeps this program running.

An Increase In Coal Train Traffic Gives Residents A Cause For Concern

Residents aren't the only ones who have staked their claims to their homes. Coal dust has nestled its way into their homes as a permanent, but unwelcome roommate. UM News reporter Stephanie Hansen and photographer Scott Ranf found out how coal is currently affecting students who live near the tracks. Arch Coal contributes 16 percent of America's annual coal, making them the second largest coal producer in the U.S. BNSF and Montana Rail link.  would be shipping the coal. 

Montana landowners fight back against the Mountain Pine Beetle.

Montana land owner, Karole Lee, says it's important that land owners remember that they the stewards of the land. Lee owns five and a half acres in the Clancy area and says she strives to maintain the trees on her property; because healthier trees are less likely to be infested by mountain pine beetles. Lee advises other land owners to keep their trees well watered, as well as to remove the smaller weaker trees to enable the larger healthier ones to grow. UM doctoral student and pine beetle expert, Ryan Bracewell, says it's important that land owners can identify the trees on their land, and how susceptible they are to pine beetle infestation. Reporter and photographer Faith Cronin and photographer Scott Ranf dug a little deeper to find out what methods land owners can rely on to get rid of pine beetle infestations. To learn more about the mountain pine beetle you can watch Part I of this two part story or visit the Forest Service website.

UM Graduate students get hands on with Mountain Pine Beetles

UM Graduate students share research about the Mountain Pine Beetle with local landowners and concerned citizens. Beetle Expert and UM Doctoral Student, Ryan Bracewell, explains the impact the pine beetles have on our ecosystem.  Trip participants met at the Montana Natural History Center and took a bus up to the Lubrecht Experimental Forest owned by the University of Montana.  Photographer Scott Ranf and reporter Faith Cronin rode up with other beetle enthusiasts and experts to learn a little more about the little bug that's causing huge problems.  For more general information about the Mountain Pine Bark Beetle click here. and be sure to stay tuned to part 2 with our developing story.

7th Annual Griz for Kids Toy Drive

Volunteers toughed chilly temperatures to help collect toy and cash donations at the Grizzly football game November 5th. The Griz for Kids Toy Drive offers help to families in Western Montana during the Holiday season. This year they raised nearly $3,000 in cash donation and hundreds of toys. Toy drive coordinator, Sheila Callahan, says the goal is to make sure every child has a present under the tree. Former Griz Center, Chris Orwig, is thrilled the toy drive he started is still ongoing. For more information about receiving or donating to Griz for Kids click here. UM News reporter Faith Cronin and photographer Scott Ranf went down to see how many toys were collected.

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.

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.

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.

UM Students Enjoy Locally Grown Food at Farm to College Feastival

University of Montana students have access to local food every day on campus, but once a year the university steps it up a notch. UM News reporter Tara Oster and photographer Scott Ranf tempt your taste buds at the 2nd annual "Fall Feastival" at UM. (Click below to see the story.)