Kevin C Maki, KECI-TV (Missoula, MT) Journalist Profile

Articles

Rocky Mountain Laboratories roots trace back to a tick

1 week ago | nbcmontana.com | Kevin C Maki

HAMILTON, Mont. — From the late 1800's, through the early part of the last century, people on the west side of the Bitterroot Valley lived in fear of a deadly, mysterious illness they called "black measles." We now know it as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. That discovery was the beginning of Rocky Mountain Laboratories, whose research is now global in scope. With tick season now here, NBC Montana visited the lab to learn more about that research and its early days with the tick that started it all.
Young brother sister team launch ice cream truck venture

2 weeks ago | nbcmontana.com | Kevin C Maki

MISSOULA, Mont. — When the school year ends in a few weeks, many Montana youngsters will enter the part-time job market. NBC Montana met a couple siblings in Missoula who are getting a head start. With their parents help, 11-year-old London Keene, and his eight-year-old sister Bryn, have started their own business. Chillin' Treats is a mobile ice cream venture that brings cold treats to neighborhoods throughout Missoula. It's as Americana as it gets.
Hundreds gather in Hamilton for Hands Off demonstration

2 weeks ago | nbcmontana.com | Kevin C Maki

HAMILTON, Mont. — As part of the national Hands Off movement, several hundred protestors gathered in downtown Hamilton Saturday. Hands Off demonstrators across the country are protesting President Trump and Elon Musk, and the policies that have rocked communities across the country. Demonstrators told NBC Montana they are worried about tariffs, cuts to health care, threats to Social Security, the firing and forced retirement of federal workers, and a slew of other issues.
Making friends at the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium

3 weeks ago | matr.net | Kevin C Maki

They are the smallest animals. But they are essential to the health of our planet. We find them under the soil, hidden in plant life, and in the air. They are graceful splashes of color that delight us with their presence,They are the animals you will find at the Missoula Butterfly House and Insectarium.
Fallon's Farm, a sanctuary for "beautiful souls"

1 month ago | nbcmontana.com | Kevin C Maki

ARLEE, Mont. — For their well being and happiness, animals, just like humans, want to feel safe and secure. They like good food, a comfortable place to rest, a chance to have some fun-to kick up their hooves or paws, to bask in the love of their humans. The animals at Fallons Farm near Arlee love the attention that Wendy and Mike Ramos pour on them.
M & M Bar and Cafe, a St. Patrick's Day mainstay in the heart of Butte

1 month ago | nbcmontana.com | Kevin C Maki

When fire destroyed the M&M Bar and Cafe in Butte four years ago, the community was thrilled when its owner decided to rebuild. Today, the iconic establishment is going strong. Its original neon sign is being lit once again to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The M&M Bar and Grill sign rose from the ash
Bitterroot remembers the late Scott Hackett, former fire chief, community leader

2 months ago | nbcmontana.com | Kevin C Maki

VICTOR, Mont. — In small towns, helping your neighbor is an essential act in protecting and maintaining a healthy community. Big and small tasks can leave positive outcomes for years to come. When former Victor Volunteer Rural Fire Chief, EMT, bank loan officer, farmer, rancher, and conservationist, Scott Hackett died just after Christmas, his funeral service at the new Victor Fire Hall he helped build was packed.
Kids, smiles, top priorities for school custodian

2 months ago | nbcmontana.com | Kevin C Maki

RONAN, Mont. — In our schools a custodian, or janitor, cares for a building. But they also ensure that its teachers, staff, and especially its children, are safe and secure. NBC Montana recently spent the day with Sarah as she went about her work. We were there when she began her rounds in the morning. "My first assignment when I get to the school is to walk through the building," said Sarah. " I do an appraisal."She began by picking up coats and gloves near the doorway.
Grace Lutheran women make quilts for disaster victims

2 months ago | nbcmontana.com | Kevin C Maki

HAMILTON, Mont. — From tornadoes in the Midwest, to hurricanes in the south, and devastating wildfires in California, scores of people have lost everything they own this past year. War refugees around the world are suffering. In our local community's, families face hard times for many reasons. For more than 50 years, these women have been making quilts to help ease the suffering. Most of the quilts made at the church are shipped to a Christian organization called the Orphan Grain Train in Nebraska.
Serbian Orthodox celebrate Christmas; icons interpret scripture through color and ink

Jan 12, 2025 | nbcmontana.com | Kevin C Maki

BUTTE, Mont. — Most Christians observe Christmas on December 25th. But most Eastern Orthodox celebrate Christ's birth on January 7th. For parishioners at the Serbian Orthodox Church in Butte it was a joyous week. It replaced the church that was built by Serbian miners in uptown Butte. "There were ten-thousand immigrants that came here to dig in the mines 120 years ago," said Holy Trinity's Father Russell Radoicich.