David Erickson

1 week ago | missoulian.com | David Erickson

FRENCHTOWN — Some might say that backcountry mulepacking is somewhat of a lost or slowly-fading art, but not if Jordan Knudsen has anything to say about it. Knudsen, a professional horsepacker and mulepacker, who is also a licensed backcountry guide and saddle maker, learned the craft of properly tying and strapping gear on to the animals from legendary Montana outfitter and master packer Smoke Elser.

1 week ago | missoulian.com | David Erickson

Janna Conklin, a Registered Nurse in the radiation oncology department at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, has been at the hospital for almost three decades, so she's seen it all. She's also a military veteran. "I originally thought I wanted to be a pediatrician, but I went into nursing instead," she said. "I joined the U.S. Army and then they put me in a cancer ward, and I've been in cancer care every since."She said it's the interaction with patients that's the most rewarding part of the job.

2 weeks ago | missoulian.com | David Erickson

Here's some news in the Missoula area:The Downtown Missoula Partnership is hosting Montana's oldest and largest beer festival on Saturday, May 3 in Caras Park. The Garden City Brewfest, which was started in 1992, also coincides with the opening day of the Saturday markets downtown. The Brewfest takes place from noon to 7 p.m. and features food trucks and live music, including DJ Coach Shane, Spruce Alley Sally and Joan Zen.

2 weeks ago | missoulian.com | David Erickson

POLSON — Greg Gardner, who's been cattle ranching in Montana all his life, measures the summer outlook for his pastures based on whether they've gotten enough precipitation by the time the annual World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale is held in the southeastern part of the state. He's fairly worried about drought this year, as he has been for the last few years. Not enough rain for the pastures means higher costs to feed the cattle. "This year does not look good for our dryland," he said.

2 weeks ago | missoulian.com | David Erickson

A multi-lane roundabout is still being considered for the busy intersection of West Broadway, Toole Avenue and California Street in Missoula, but it will be evaluated along with other alternatives. Either way, a plan is underway to improve the intersection using federal pollution control funding. Earlier this month, the Missoula city council unanimously approved hiring WGM Group in Missoula to perform an intersection control evaluation and alternative concept development for the project.