Jon King

I was delighted this morning when Peter asked everyone to call in with polite recomendations for the city plows and instead of whining, we were treated to tales of heroism, work ethic, and neighborly service. So, if you have a great story of someone helping you out please leave a comment of thanks along with your tale.

The intense snow system that is pummeling Missoula is almost over, but as it leaves a new storm system will move in to take its place. Although the new system should be less aggressive than its predecessor, Missoula Weather Service forecaster Marty Whitmore details why we should still be concerned.

Missoula Rural Firefighters are actively fighting a structure fire at 750 Snow Bowl Road. The public is asked to stay away from the area. The only information we have at this time is that the west side of the residence is engulfed and that firefighters are doing all they can to mitigate the damage.

The Missoula Downtown Association (MDA) is preparing to host its annual Membership Awards Dinner. The banquet will cover the accomplishments of 2011 and honor the 12 individuals it has selected for the coveted Downtown Award. The membership will also ratify new individuals that have been asked to serve on the board and confirm the officers for the coming year. Tickets are $35 per person and sponsor tables are available for groups of 10 and 5 at the cost of $500 and $250 respectively.

Are snow blower owners wimps afraid to get a proper workout? Are snow shovelers crazy? Is everybody getting rid of the snow the wrong way? Let us know what you think and show us your work by uploading your photos and videos.

Congressman Denny Rehberg announced today that he was cosponsoring H.R. 3676. The bill would amend the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by saying that

The snow is going to keep falling and although there is less likelihood of freezing rain on Friday, the thick accumulation of snow isn't going to be fun to drive in either. Warning Coordination Meteorolgist at Weather Service Missoula, Marty Whitmore explains how much snow we can expect by the time the storm runs out.

The Flathead Valley Chapter of the Grizzly Scholarship Association is bringing Coach Robin Pflugrad, Director of Athletics Jim O'Day, and other UM staff members out to Kalispell to celebrate the Montana Football team's class of 2012. The event will run a video showing off the teams signees this year and will offer hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar to those in attendance. The event will be held on Thursday February 2nd at the Kalispell Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center. The social will run from 5:30 to 7:30 P.M. and tickets are $10 per person at the door. For more info contact the Grizzly Scholarship Association at 243-6481.

Earlier this week, it was announced that the State of Montana will work with the Montana University System to bring an ultra-high speed telecommunications network to the State. By working together, the State and University System hope to save $500,000 in annual costs while increasing the bandwith and capacity of the shared "core" at the heart of both networks. This new collaboration is an extension of similar partnerships on networking that go back 20 years. The service is expected to increase communication between the University system, State and Local Government, and private enterprise.

Brazil's "Science Without Borders" project will send 11 Brazilian undergrads to Missoula this spring. The program is designed to help Brazil develop in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through international study. Because of the program's focus, the new students are likely to take classes at Montana Tech, the College of Forestry and Conservation, and the Universty of Montana's highly rated Skaggs School of Pharmacy.