[2] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
News
cover by Kou Moua
Voices/Letters Missoula Public Library, coal and wolves ...............................................4 The Week in Review Fire, fireworks and Free Cycles ....................................................6 Briefs Endangered species, controversial mural and safety measures ...........................6 Etc. A Fourth of July cautionary tale................................................................................7 News Snowbowl’s much-anticipated expansion gets underway ....................................8 News AniMeals donors pay bill to founder’s other business ..........................................9 Opinion A former New Yorker has your Best of Missoula right here. ..........................10 Opinion Delisting Yellowstone grizzlies should be a point of pride............................11
Arts & Entertainment
Arts Chad Dundas goes to the mat for Champion of the World ...................................14 Music Bob Yost, Steve Kimrock and Fury Things..........................................................15 Music Pushing limits in Pale People’s cabaret punk .....................................................16 Music Six things to know about the International Choral Fest ....................................17 Books Fifty-Six Counties offers a bittersweet tribute ...................................................18 Film Swiss Army Man invents a wild world ..................................................................20 Movie Shorts Independent takes on current films.......................................................22 BrokeAss Gourmet Strawberry-balsamic chicken .......................................................25 Happiest Hour Blodgett Canyon Cellars tasting room ................................................27 8 Days a Week We’re all winners this week..................................................................28 Agenda Tour de Cluck...................................................................................................37 Mountain High Full Draw Film Tour............................................................................38
Exclusives
Street Talk .......................................................................................................................4 News of the Weird ........................................................................................................12 Classifieds....................................................................................................................C-1 The Advice Goddess...................................................................................................C-2 Free Will Astrolog y ....................................................................................................C-4 Crossword Puzzle .......................................................................................................C-8 This Modern World...................................................................................................C-12 PUBLISHER Lynne Foland EDITOR Skylar Browning PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Joe Weston ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Heidi Starrett BOOKKEEPER Kris Lundin DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Christie Magill ARTS EDITOR Erika Fredrickson CALENDAR EDITOR Charley Macorn STAFF REPORTERS Kate Whittle, Alex Sakariassen, Derek Brouwer COPY EDITOR Gaaby Patterson EDITORIAL INTERNS Andrew Graham, Tess Haas ART DIRECTOR Kou Moua GRAPHIC DESIGNER Charles Wybierala CIRCULATION ASSISTANT MANAGER Ryan Springer ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Steven Kirst, Jess Gordon EVENTS & MARKETING COORDINATOR Ariel LaVenture CLASSIFIED SALES REPRESENTATIVE Tami Allen FRONT DESK Lorie Rustvold CONTRIBUTORS Scott Renshaw, Nick Davis, Matthew Frank, Molly Laich, Dan Brooks, Rob Rusignola, Jaime Rogers, Chris La Tray, Sarah Aswell, Migizi Pensoneau, April Youpee-Roll
Mailing address: P.O. Box 8275 Missoula, MT 59807 Street address: 317 S. Orange St. Missoula, MT 59801 Phone number: 406-543-6609 Fax number: 406-543-4367 E-mail address: independent@missoulanews.com
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missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [3]
[voices]
STREET TALK
by Andrew Graham and Tess Haas
Asked June 30 in Caras Park This issue celebrates the 2016 winners of our annual Best of Missoula readers’ poll. What do you think is the single “best” thing about this place? Followup: And what’s the worst? Jared Sellers: The people, for sure. The people make this place awesome. We were walking around all last night and you could just feel the friendly vibes. The vortex: I want to be out in the backcountry and sometimes Missoula can kind of suck you in.
Carla Bissinger: The friendliness of the people and the nature. Not a fan: I miss a really good bar where you can go sit outside and smoke a cigarette without the noise of TVs.
Keith Matthews: I like the downtown now the best, I think they’ve done a really good job revitalizing it. No smoking: The end of the summer when it gets smoky.
Chase Morrison: The small-town feel. Bothered: Probably too many transients.
Jesse Rivera: All the little secret places downtown that you’ve never seen before and get to explore. There are all these little treasures downtown. It’s the little details. Worrying Times: Some of the drugs that are hitting this town. I don’t want to see a place like this go downhill.
[4] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
A vote for community I am one of nearly 10,000 Missoula County residents visiting the Missoula Public Library each week. My fixed income prevents me from buying new books, but at the library I have access to bestselling titles, the classics, as well as novel topics. My reading choices are accessible to me in traditional bound form, audiobook or even downloadable to my computer. It saddens me that for a new book to be added to the library’s collection, another book has to be “retired” because there is not enough shelf space. A new building would alleviate this problem. I’ve loved having access to the educational opportunities Missoula Public Library provides. I’ve learned about art history, becoming a writer and have been able to participate in a local book group. My computer skills have been enhanced with classes on Windows, Android and QuickBooks operating systems. All of these opportunities might be available in different locales around Missoula, but they often have a monetary requirement to attend them. My free library card is all I need to learn. With the new building, I would be able to pass this desire on to my extended family, with the addition of The Children’s Museum, SpectrUM Discovery and MCAT, free and accessible to all. Have you or your kids visited the library or one of its six satellite branches for books and programs? Have you benefited from the Web On Wheels bus to access the internet? Imagine a newer, more current library that offers 21st century services for you and your family. A vote of “yes” for the library bond issue is a vote of yes for our community. Visit YesForMissoulaLibrary.org for more information and how you can support this vital local effort. Kristina Hurley Missoula
Listen to Montanans The Department of Interior has placed a sweeping moratorium on new federal coal leases in the United States. The stated objective of the moratorium is to pause the leasing in order to conduct a programmatic environmental impact statement, or PEIS, of this program. But there are strong suggestions that the true aim of Interior’s move is to simply place a permanent stop to all federal coal production. Even environmental groups, Interior’s usual allies, agree that this is more than a temporary pause as they laud the decision as a means to kill coal jobs. Interior recently completed a series of public listening sessions to collect comments on their PEIS process. They held sessions in a number of coal-producing western states, but they conspicuously avoided Montana, ar-
guably the state most impacted by their decision. Oh, but they did find time to hold a hearing in Seattle—though Washington produces no federal coal and is not impacted by the proposal. Interior’s snub prompted Sen. Daines to hold his own listening session for Montanans, the comments from which will be put on the record with Interior. Hundreds of people turned out for Daines’ hearing on June 21 in Billings, with opposition to Interior’s decision outweighing the supporters by about four to one. There was so much opposition to Interior because the elimination of federal coal leasing in Montana is a really big deal. Montana holds the largest coal reserves in the country, but more than half of that coal is owned by the federal government.
“My free library card is all I need to learn.”
That means there are thousands of jobs in Montana directly dependent on federal coal. Interior’s decision to stop coal leasing will eventually destroy all those jobs—at the mines, on the railroads and in generating facilities. This is going to be an enormous economic hit to the state of Montana. And though it’s centered in southeastern Montana in places like Colstrip, it’ll have a ripple effect that touches every community in the state. Montana’s budget depends a great deal on coal production. Federal coal is especially valuable because half of the royalty revenues collected by Interior are returned to the state, amounting to about $50 million per biennium for the state’s general fund. That revenue is in addition to all the other taxes paid by coal companies on federal production—taxes on property, business equipment, payroll and income. Simply put, our state budget is very dependent on coal production—especially production of federal coal—and undermining that industry will make it more difficult to fund education, law enforcement, infrastructure and other core functions of government. Production of tribally owned coal is also put in jeopardy by Interior’s decision. Already, the Crow have laid off hundreds of workers due to the political attacks that have undermined the industry over the last two years. Interior has claimed that the leasing
moratorium is necessary so they can determine if coal companies are paying their “fair share” for the federal coal they produce. That excuse rings hollow. Recent data indicate that coal producers pay five times as much in federal royalty payments as they make in profit from mining that coal. The real objective of Interior’s leasing moratorium is fairly obvious: put a stop to federal coal mining. When taken together with the plethora of other federal regulations aimed at killing coal, the picture becomes clear. The biggest threat to Montana coal is not soft markets—it’s entirely political. And that’s why we need our political leaders to fight back. Sen. Daines deserves a big thank you from all Montanans for protecting their interests in this matter. It’s a fight we can’t afford to lose. Sen. Duane Ankney Colstrip
Wolf numbers The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission are two different critters. Our FWP presents wildlife management proposals to five, governor-appointed commissioners. Commission meeting minutes regarding wolves, from 2007 through 2015, are available to the public. Get a copy, it’s interesting history. At their July 14, 2011, meeting, the commissioners established a three-wolf quota north of Yellowstone National Park. On July 9, 2015, the commissioners reduced their quota to two wolves. Yellowstone buffer zone wolf quotas were instituted by commissioners at final season setting meetings. They were not proposed by the FWP or sent out for comment. On May 12, 2016, department biologists proposed a six-wolf quota and a Montana trapping quota of seven fisher. Commissioners rejected the department’s proposal and put out two-wolf and zerofisher quotas. Department biologists made no Yellowstone wolf quota proposals before their six-wolf quota that was shot down by a commission majority. Do wolf advocacy groups and their “green decoys” masquerading as sportsmen try to influence Montana politicians? Could Montana hunters and trappers be “sold down the river” to placate national wolf advocacy outfits who couldn’t care less about Montana’s hunting heritage? Are environmental activists seeking more federal control over Montana resources, pouring political action cash into our governor’s reelection campaign? Does wolf predation impact Montana’s ungulate populations? You decide. Edwin Johnson Gardiner
Thank You, Missoula! ĞůĞďƌĂƟ ŶŐ ϲϬ LJĞĂƌƐ ŽĨ ďĂŶŬŝŶŐ ƚŚĂƚ ĂĐƚƵĂůůLJ ŐŝǀĞƐ ďĂĐŬ͘
Missoula Federal Credit Union
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [5]
[news]
WEEK IN REVIEW
VIEWFINDER
by Celia Talbot Tobin
Wednesday, June 29 Georgia jam band Widespread Panic Instagrams a shot of the entire group tubing the Clark Fork before their show at Ogren Park. Their tricked-out tubes include an inflatable cooler with cupholders.
Thursday, June 30 The Observation Fire in the Bitterroot grows to 970 acres. Ravalli County officials alert more than 200 homes in the area to be ready to evacuate at any time.
Friday, July 1 Just before midnight, Free Cycles raises $398,611 during a Crowdrise online fundraiser. The money will go toward a down payment on the nonprofit’s 2-acre property. Fundraising continues through mid-July to “put us in a stronger position to secure the best financing possible.”
Saturday, July 2 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials release an update on the June 29 bear attack that left a mountain biker dead near Glacier National Park. Investigators believe Brad Treat, 38, collided with the bear on the trail. It’s still unknown whether a grizzly or black bear was responsible.
Sunday, July 3 Missoula County sheriff’s deputies arrest Winston Ritter, 34, after an attempted burglary at a home in Target Range. Police say Ritter is armed with an AR-15 rifle. He’s charged with burglary, assault, trespass and obstructing a peace officer.
Monday, July 4 The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula hosts its 40th annual Fourth at the Fort familyfriendly party with craft vendors, food trucks, vintage sawmill demonstrations and ponies. The morning breakfast serves an estimated 4,000 pancakes.
Tuesday, July 5 Missoula County Animal Control reports that so far seven dogs have been found running stray following the Fourth of July fireworks. “The fallout is today and the rest of this week,” says supervisor Jeff Darrah. He encourages owners to contact Animal Control if they’re missing a pet.
From left, fourth graders Heidi Williamson, Natalie Koerner, Alexa McLean, Tyler Brett and Andrew Heffner play with sparklers while waiting for Fourth of July fireworks to begin in Florence Community Park.
Public art
Mural draws criticism This summer, the ZACC is collaborating with DC Engineering to paint a mural on its Spruce Street building. The two worked together to pick out a retro, idyllic scene of a cowboy in a meadow, based on a lithograph by legendary Montana comic artist Stan Lynde, and submitted it to the city’s design review board for approval. Everything seemed set to proceed until a public comment. “We got a comment from a citizen saying there was some kind of controversy with Stan Lynde because of his depiction of Native Americans,” says principal engineer Tom Wolgamot. “The last thing we would want to do is have something divisive painted on our building.” Wolgamot says he and other DC Engineering staff grew up with Lynde’s “Rick O’Shay” comic
[6] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
strip, which starred the eponymous cowboy as a deputy sheriff. Lynde drew the strip from 19581977. It ran in 100 papers at its peak, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Lynde’s work was enormously popular in Montana, and he starred in the University of Montana homecoming parade in 1971. He died in 2013 at the age of 81. At the ZACC, artist Tim Thornton had originally come up with the idea to use the “Rick O’Shay” image, thinking it would be fun and easy for kids to paint during a summer camp. He says he’s only just now finding out that Lynde’s work often depicted American Indians in unflattering stereotypes. In the 1980s, European newspapers commissioned Lynde to write the “Chief Plenty Bucks” comic, later renamed “Chief Sly Fox,” about a conniving tribal chief. The “Chief Sly Fox” strip also features a young woman character,
named “Mini-Skirt,” who wears a skimpy buckskin dress and moccasins. “This [discovery] was long after I’d chosen this artwork, though, for the building,” Thornton says. In the next few weeks, ZACC officials will either figure out how to rework the mural or find an alternative piece of art. The nonprofit already enrolled 14 children in the weeklong mural painting camp, which is set to start Aug. 11. Thornton’s wife, Patricia, is helping teach the camp. She’s optimistic they’ll find a solution. “Whatever image we end up with, it’s going to be fun and we’ll make sure it’s Missoula appropriate and Montana appropriate,” Patricia Thornton says. “We don’t want people being offended by something that is so public.” DC Engineering’s mural proposal is slated to go before the city Design Review Board on July 13. Kate Whittle
[news] Endangered species
Cutting out the middlemen With all the money in politics, it can be hard to know whether politicians still listen to citizens’ voices. Hoping they do, two Montanans became lobbyists-for-a-day as they asked members of Congress to preserve endangered species and the law that protects them. “I moved to Montana a few years after the Endangered Species Act passed (in 1973). I saw few bald eagles then, never heard a wolf howl and found few grizzly tracks,” says Bert Linder, a sportsman who is active in habitat restoration projects in the Missoula area. “Now I see dozens of bald eagles each year, kick wolf scat off the trail when hiking and have a recovering grizzly population just a few miles from my door. My days afield are richer because of the Endangered Species Act.” On June 16, Lindler and Glenn Hockett, president of the Gallatin Wildlife Association, joined 15 activists from nine other states on Capitol Hill to lobby 40 senators and representatives to preserve the ESA. The “fly-in” was sponsored by nine conservation organizations concerned about ever-increasing congressional efforts to weaken the law. Over the past five years, the number of congressional attempts aimed at thwarting ESA protections has increased 600 percent compared to the previous decade, according to Derek Goldman of the Endangered Species Coalition, one of the groups that sponsored the trip. So far this Congress, politicians have introduced more than 100 bills and riders seeking to override various parts of the ESA, pushed mainly by lobbyists from extractive industries, including energy and mining interests. Hockett credits Sen. Jon Tester’s 2011 rider forcing the delisting of the wolf in the Northern Rockies as the starting point for the surge in riders. While Hockett says he agreed with Tester’s action at the time, he’s appalled by the current explosion of anti-ESA legislation. “They’re all attached to must-pass budget bills. This is an attack on the foundation of science,” Hockett says. “[The ESA] passed unanimously in the Senate, almost unanimously in the House and was signed by a Republican president. So how we’ve gotten to where we’re at today—what has happened?” Hockett and Linder didn’t get a chance to ask Tester or Sen. Steve Daines directly about the ESA
in Washington, but did meet with staffers. They also scored a few minutes with Rep. Ryan Zinke when they caught him outside his office before another appointment. Goldman believes even brief encounters with staffers and delegates makes a difference. “I think hearing from constituents who are willing to come to D.C. to talk about these issues, we certainly hope it makes an impression on members of Congress and their decision-making,” he says. Linder agrees, adding the trip was an eye-opening experience. “A Montana boy needs to realize that it’s a swinging door in the halls of Congress—as soon as you swing out, there’s another person swinging in behind you,” he says. “The schedules are very busy and they see a lot of folks with a lot of different interests. But the trip was worthwhile for me.” Laura Lundquist
City hall
Safety upgrades impending If anyone feels the brunt of citizen frustrations with the justice system, it’s Missoula Municipal Court clerks. In extreme cases, such displays can involve launched spittle and a thrown punch. At a minimum, they’re the recipients of verbal intimidation. “People lean over—and you can lean in pretty far,” says longtime clerk Jo McGraw, demonstrating how citizens aggressively plant their elbows on the counter and stick their face in her workspace. Municipal court office manager Tina Reinicke says the office’s current open design doesn’t do much to protect court staff from unhappy citizens. The court deals with misdemeanor offenses, ranging from traffic violations to partner-family member assault and third-time DUI. But as part of an upgrade to sections of Missoula City Hall, the municipal court office is slated to be retrofitted with security glass similar to the police department’s window across the hallway. Reinicke says they’ve been angling for
BY THE NUMBERS Personnel assigned to the Observation Fire, 10 miles southwest of Hamilton in the Bitterroot National Forest, as of July 5. The lightning-caused wildfire has been burning since June 24.
525
more security features for the last five years, and in coming weeks, the project will hopefully be approved by Missoula City Council. “For us at this point it’s more [to protect against], say, spitting and hitting,” she says. Upstairs on the second floor, a $60,000 project will also add security features to the mayor’s office, according to Communications Director Ginny Merriam. City staff suggested the idea after dealing with confrontational visitors. “It can be bizarre, the things that go on when you deal with people in the public who are upset,” Merriam says. The mayor’s office remodel will reconfigure the front reception with a long counter and a swinging half-door, barring people from easily walking into staff cubicles. The design also adds an exit in the back of the office so administrative staff can slip out and escape, in case of emergency, to the city attorney’s offices. Work will begin sometime in August, following completion of the remodeled police academy in the basement. Merriam says it’s not often that visitors get aggressive, but last year a “pretty threatening guy” walked into the mayor’s office late in the day and intimidated staff. Police came and the man left without incident, but it was worrisome nonetheless. “The person didn’t have a gun or anything,” Merriam says, “but it made us realize with the national climate, it seems not thoughtful to say, ‘Well, nothing like that could happen here.’” Kate Whittle
ETC. For almost 20 minutes on Independence Day, South Hills residents averted their gaze from the illegal fireworks shooting off throughout the Missoula Valley toward a more spectacular display: a fully ablaze juniper bush situated between two apartment buildings just off 23rd Street. It looked like an enormous bonfire on the side of the road, almost intentional in a Corona commercial sort of way, except for the dangerously close parked cars and the collection of neighbors frantically using garden hoses to fight the growing flames. Not until a fire engine arrived at about 10:45 p.m. did an onlooker reveal that, in fact, a group at one of the apartment buildings set off a firework that landed smack dab in the middle of the bush. Cautionary tales come almost as cheaply as fireworks during Fourth of July weekend, and this one—which included no injuries—was pretty typical, says fire inspector Charles Talbott. All told, the Missoula Fire Department responded to three blazes on the evening of July 4. “In all three, they were mostly put out by the time we got there,” Talbott says. “I will say that two of the three were juniper bushes that caught on fire. Junipers are fairly notorious for catching on fire easily.” The department brought on an additional five staffers to its normal team of 16, and crews were kept busy through the early morning of July 5. Missoula police also beefed up their presence with additional patrols, responding to 69 calls through the holiday weekend—more than three times as many as in 2015, according to city Communications Director Ginny Merriam. The spike in illicit displays doesn’t come as a surprise to the fire department. Since the annual Southgate Mall fireworks display was canceled at the last minute after the vendor backed out, many locals decided to take holiday festivities into their own hands. “It was definitely busier than other years,” Talbott says. “Not having the big show at the mall—I think people like fireworks, and they would love to see a show like that, and without it there they felt like they needed to do it themselves.” In a dry, hot summer, with county fire danger listed as high, it’s fortunate the abundance of holiday DIY spirit on display only resulted in a few singed shrubs.
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missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [7]
[news]
photo by Alex Sakariassen
Maura Wear, Joe Dillon and Curtis Hammer roll a future Montana Snowbowl chairlift tower into position for welding work. Co-owner Brad Morris aims to have the lift up and running by the 2016-2017 ski season.
Work in progress Snowbowl’s much-anticipated expansion gets underway by Alex Sakariassen
Joe Dillon recalls first hearing about Montana Snowbowl’s ambitious plans for expansion when he was a fifth or sixth grader in Bonner. Now, 15 years later, he stands in a clearing a mile or so away from Snowbowl’s parking lot that’s cluttered with various chairlift components repurposed from Aspen Snowmass, his face streaked with dirt and sweat. “I had a rough estimate of being here probably two and a half to three months,” says Dillon, 25, referring to the welding work he’s doing this summer on the same expansion plan he once dreamed about. “But we’ll see. As construction goes, there’s always a lot of unforeseen obstacles you have to overcome. So far we haven’t had too many. It’s been going pretty smoothly.” After a decade-long back-and-forth, the U.S. Forest Service officially signed off on Snowbowl’s expansion plan in May 2014, paving the way for co-owner Brad Morris and his crew to finally begin surveying lift lines, marking ski runs and securing chairlifts. Work is currently underway to prepare the first of what will ultimately be four new lifts, with this one intended to access the summit of TV Mountain from the southwest. Morris says he hopes to have that lift operational and the runs cut in time for the 2016-2017 ski season. When his expansion plan is fully realized, Snowbowl will boast eight lifts, 80 ski runs and a 2,243-acre footprint—roughly double what the resort has now. “We’re excited,” Morris says. “All of a sudden there’s a lot of work to do.” Morris adds the equipment to cut the runs arrived at Snowbowl in late June, in-
[8] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
cluding a processor that will limb the trees as they’re removed. He hopes to process some of the logs into lumber for use on the buildings for that side of the resort. Once work on the first new lift is complete, Morris intends to move quickly onto the second, which will stretch from the base area to the top of TV Mountain. “We’d like to get that in soon,” he says. “I don’t know, two years maybe, hopefully.” So far, Dillon estimates he’s finished welding plates and gussets to six of the new lift’s 24 towers. It’s hot, suffocating work,
working at the resort, says she doesn’t remember a time in her life when she hadn’t heard about the expansion. The two struggle on a recent Thursday afternoon to move and stack a dozen of the heavy steel plates that will someday soon fix the towers to their concrete footings. “Seeing it all come together, it’s definitely engaging,” Hammer says. “Just being so directly a part of it makes you think about what it’s going to be like when it does open up.” Dillon has a lot of work ahead of him, and he’s on a strict schedule. In October, he
A portion of the Snowbowl expansion plan map released by the U.S. Forest Service shows the chairlift currently under construction, labeled Lift B, along with the next lift on the resort’s to-do list, Lift C.
requiring him to wear jeans, gloves, sleeves, a respirator and a hood in 80 to 90 degree temperatures. For the rest of the preparatory crew—Maura Wear and Curtis Hammer—the job involves considerable painting, scraping and lifting. Hammer moved to Missoula from Maryland last fall and got a job as a Snowbowl liftie before winding up on the project. Wear, who grew up skiing and
has to head to New Caledonia off the coast of Australia for a few months of welding work with a Salt Lake City-based company. But he assures he’ll be back in time to enjoy the fruits of this summer’s hard work alongside the rest of Snowbowl’s dedicated skiers. “I can’t miss out on that,” Dillon says. asakariassen@missoulanews.com
[news]
Fuzzy lines AniMeals donors pay bill to founder’s other business by Derek Brouwer
Karyn Moltzen begins a recent interAsked directly about the overdue “note,” Meals, maintaining that all of the nonprofit’s view by picking up her cellphone from her Moltzen acknowledges it was owed to Work- expenses with Workforce have been used to desk and switching on its audio recorder, force for payroll expenses that had outpaced pay other AniMeals employees. The $61,846 even though the Indy reporter’s tape is al- AniMeals’ ability to collect donations. “Work- amount, she says, instead signifies a payment she made to AniMeals as she tapped her perready running. force couldn’t carry it anymore,” she says. A review of tax records from 2012 to sonal savings to keep the organization afloat. The AniMeals founder, executive director But Gregory Peck, the accountant who and board president explains she is ex- 2015 indicates that AniMeals has made anhausted after a whirlwind week that began nual payments of between $177,000 and signed off on the 2015 tax form, says he bewith her announcing the cat shelter and food $188,000 to Workforce to handle the non- lieves the disclosure represents a compensabank was in danger of closing if it couldn’t profit’s staffing. Moltzen says questions about tion payment to Moltzen, though he adds pay off a $60,000 debt by June 30. Moltzen is the arrangement aren’t new and insists it has that any personal donations made in return also circumspect following a Missoulian arti- been a simple way to streamline administra- would not appear in the filing. AniMeals’ weakening financial position cle published the same week that raised ques- tion for the shelter. She says Workforce, tions about how the nonprofit routes its which touts itself online as an AniMeals sup- is reflected in its tax records, which show net payroll through an employment agency, porter, lost money in the deal by waiving its assets diminished from $95,375 in 2010 to Workforce Inc., that is also owned by Moltzen. usual fees and providing the shelter with less than $18,000 at the end of 2015, even as “I thought it was going to kill me,” she rent-free space at its Rankin Street location. total contributions reached an all-time high. Giles says the negative trend in assays of the article. sets “gives the impression that Instead, more than $175,000— there’s mismanagement of some nearly triple AniMeals’ goal—flowed sort going on.” in from people who donated “in AniMeals revealed its debt on blind faith,” according to Moltzen. June 21, a few days after Moltzen But what donors weren’t told they says she sold her personal vehicle may find surprising: the debt they for $30,000 and deposited the prohelped AniMeals settle was owed to ceeds into AniMeals’ bank account. Moltzen’s for-profit company. Going forward, the nonprofit’s To a national charity evaluator, staff, shelter capacity and public the funneling of AniMeals’ emerhours have been cut by half or gency donations to Workforce is an photo by Cathrine L. Walters more. Moltzen is still figuring out a example of how the mingling of Moltzen’s two organizations has Amid scrutiny of the relationship between AniMeals long-term fundraising scheme but is and her for-profit employment agency, founder Karyn encouraged by how effectively Anibeen ripe for trouble. Moltzen says she’s severing ties between the two. Meals used the internet to raise “Knowing that [the donated money] is going to her own company, that In fact, Moltzen says, she and Workforce were money last month. Midway through the recent campaign, just seems like a conflict of interest,” says the unnamed “primary donor” mentioned in Moltzen says she also decided to sever ties Leonie Giles, a senior program analyst with the public letter. “Nobody made money on it,” Moltzen between Workforce and AniMeals in order to Charity Navigator, an independent watchsays of the arrangement. “There was no per- “un-muddy the waters,” despite it leading to dog group. higher costs for the nonprofit. Only after AniMeals surpassed its sonal inurement.” “AniMeals needs to stand on its own,” Even so, the arrangement presents a fundraising goal did the organization give donors a fuller, if still vague, explanation of constant potential for funds to mix and leaves Moltzen says. “I don’t want to call this a blessits dire straits. Board member Millicent Ho- donors without a “clear path” to research Ani- ing in disguise, because it certainly wasn’t a birk, who is also Workforce’s CFO, penned Meals’ operations other than to take its blessing. But we’ll be healthier.” In other respects, AniMeals, Workforce an open letter indicating the shelter’s trou- founder at her word, the Charity Navigator and Moltzen remain intertwined. Cats roam analyst says. bles were foreseen a year ago. The most recent tax filing from 2015, around the Workforce office, and AniMeals’ “When a primary donor (that paid for a substantial part of our payroll expense) provided to the Indy by Moltzen, reflects this expanded board of directors still includes wasn’t able to continue donating,” she uncertainty. Under “business transactions in- Hobirk and Moltzen’s husband. Then there’s wrote, “our founder emptied her retire- volving interested persons,” AniMeals dis- Moltzen’s ride to work each day: with her car ment account and sold her car to buy us closed a $61,846 transaction with Moltzen as sold, she’s planning to take title of the Anitime.” However, “the note came due and an “independent contractor for labor,” appar- Meals truck. our fundraising efforts were not successful ently as part of a $188,179 total transfer. dbrouwer@missoulanews.com Moltzen denies ever taking a salary from Anienough to cover our expenses.”
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [9]
[opinion]
Smells like town spirit A former New Yorker has your Best of Missoula right here by Dan Brooks
I moved to Missoula from New York City twice: first in 2004, for grad school, and then again in 2009, evidently forever. Both times were like stepping out of a sauna. I had left a place that started out invigorating but became oppressive, such that its absence became a pleasing sensation in itself. Just getting out of New York was a breath of fresh air. My plan was to stay in Missoula for about six months, until I unwound. Seven years later, I have almost stopped experiencing this fair city as the absence of subways, of falafel, of 8 million other people who have mistaken themselves for the most important person in town. I am still enraged by un-signaled turns and rude to people who approach with clipboards on the street, but I’m not really a New Yorker anymore. Still, strangers suspect that I am not from here. They sometimes cite my haircut—Canvas Studios on Madison and Spruce—or my use of the word “soda,” a New York habit I picked up after people made fun of me for using the Iowan “pop.” It seems like most Missoula residents say “soda,” too, but that doesn’t stop them from identifying it as the mark of the outsider. Much as New Yorkers will remark “only in New York” to events that happen everywhere, e.g. a drunk vomiting in his own shoe, Missoulians seem to assume anything strange must come from out of town. It is interesting that John Q. Missoula regards the outside world as synonymous with the unknown, because he is also sure Missoula is the greatest place on Earth. Never have I lived anywhere with such town spirit. Even New Yorkers, who must claim to love the city even as they develop stress baldness and substance abuse, are not as municipally patriotic as Missoulians. Montana is the last best place, a slogan implying not only the superiority of this place but also the deterioration of all others. Missoula is the best place in Montana, so QED.
[10] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
To the person who has lived all over, this confidence can seem offputting at first. Montana is definitely beautiful and strange. Missoula is particularly beautiful and strange within it. But continually insisting that where you live is the best place is like going to a rock concert in the T-shirt of the band performing. Such behavior is particularly annoying when it takes the form
“It might not be the best place. But one of the best things about it is the way we’ve all agreed to act as though it were.”
of smugness toward outsiders, as with the “native” bumper sticker or its more overtly hostile cousin, “Montana is full: go home.” As a person who chose Missoula after trying a lot of different options, I found that sentiment infuriating. Montana is not full. It has a lower population density than North Dakota and every other state except Wyoming and Alaska. More importantly, it is not an achievement to live in the place where you were born. I am all for local pride,
but insofar as it manifests itself as resentment of everywhere else, local pride is stupid. But the longer I live here—and the more inundated Missoula becomes with other people who weren’t born here—the less this attitude feels like parochialism. I have come to think of it as something different and more admirable. Plenty of people love Missoula because they haven’t been anywhere else. But more of us love Missoula as an affirmative choice—one made meaningful by an awareness of what this place is not, and by an appreciation that other places do not commit to themselves the way Missoula has. This issue of the Independent celebrates the Best of Missoula, as chosen by you, the reader. In reality, the Best of Missoula has been selected by an overwhelming number of readers who are not you. Their choices are sometimes baffling, as in the selection of myself as Best Journalist over obviously more valuable reporters like Derek Brouwer and Erika Fredrickson. In these moments, it may be tempting to rue the taste of Missoula generally, this mass of people who are not you and therefore don’t know any better. But such sentiment forgets what is really the best thing about Missoula: our enthusiasm for this town and the other, periodically strange people within it. It might not be the best place. But one of the best things about it is the way we’ve all agreed to act as though it were, in our assessments and in our expectations. I celebrate Missoula, this place I came to get away from it all where I now find everything I need, except falafel. I celebrate you people, who make me crazy in traffic but also make me hopeful and welcome and proud. Perhaps this isn’t really the last best place. But it is good, with good people in it, and getting better every year. Dan Brooks writes about politics, culture and flattery at comatblog.net.
[opinion]
Success story Delisting Yellowstone grizzlies should be a point of pride by Nick Gevock
Montanans should be incredibly proud of bringing back one of our most cherished native wildlife species, the grizzly bear. They should also acknowledge that grizzlies are no longer “endangered.” Four decades ago, grizzlies were struggling, especially in the ecosystem in and around Yellowstone National Park. The estimated population back then was a mere 136 bears. The bears were placed on the Endangered Species List in 1975 in an effort to save the species from blinking out. Today, after extensive work by public-land managers, ranchers, hunters, conservationists, campers and others, an estimated 700 bears live in the greater Yellowstone area. This is a huge conservation success story, and it shows that the law works when it is fully implemented and fully funded. Now the Obama administration has proposed removing grizzlies from federal protection and returning management to state wildlife agencies. The proposal has drawn strong opinions from all sides, with much of the controversy focused on the emotional response to hunting grizzlies, something that might be permitted under state management. As a result, we are losing sight of the bigger and more important picture of grizzly bear conservation. (Editor’s note: last week’s Indy cover story, “Loaded for bear,” covered the topic of grizzly delisting and a proposed hunting season.) It’s necessary to remember that the purpose of the Endangered Species Act is to serve as a safety net for species that teeter on the brink of extinction. The law puts an emphasis on habitat, which is almost always the key factor in any species’ decline, and it includes strong regulatory language to ensure that a species can recover. That said, the kind of recovery that warrants removal from the list is the ultimate goal of a listing. Once a species has recovered, it should be returned to state wildlife management, where it belongs. It is true that such management might well include hunting, but conservationists need to look at the remarkable track record of species that are currently hunted: Nearly every species of wildlife that hunters value has thrived in our country, and with sound scientific management, grizzlies can do the same,
and even grow in both numbers and range. It’s difficult for many non-hunters to understand, but it’s a solution that works in Alaska with brown bears and can work in the Lower 48 as well. In fact, a study of four brown bear populations in Alaska—two populations in national parks that were not hunted and two adjoining populations that are— found that the hunted bears had larger litter sizes and better cub survival. There were other factors, including population density, but the study illustrated that bears can sustain and even thrive with regulated hunting. Research has consistently shown that brown bear management is dependent on protecting adult females, and the
“Nearly every species of wildlife that hunters value has thrived in our country, and with sound scientific management, grizzlies can do the same.” three states managing the Yellowstone grizzly population will do that through season dates that push harvest toward males, as well as total female sub quotas. The successful recovery of the Yellowstone grizzly is evidenced by the fact that the population has been stable for many years. At the same time, grizzlies continue to expand farther out from the park. It’s a sign that the bears are reinhabiting places where they were found historically. That’s essential, because the larger picture of grizzly bear conservation means making these bears not only tolerated in more areas, but welcomed. This is a challenge for many reasons. These larger habitat areas are home to livestock, communities,
roads and other signs of civilization in both mountains and valleys. Yet it’s important that we restore populations in these areas: If grizzly bears expand outward from Yellowstone, they could recolonize the Selway-Bitterroot ecosystem and also connect with relatives in the Northern Continental Divide. Both of these are crucial to long-term, region-wide species recovery. While it won’t be easy to have bears in these places, it is possible. There are models of proactive conservation in Montana that have shown that we can get along with grizzlies. One of the best examples is in the Blackfoot Valley. There, a coalition of diverse interests has instituted a strong carcass-removal and composting program to get dead livestock off the land so bears aren’t attracted to it. They’ve protected chicken coops, beehives and calving yards with electric fencing. And they’ve hired range riders to keep an eye on cattle. The results have reduced grizzly depredations on livestock in that area by an impressive 93 percent. It’s a model that we can and should expand throughout Montana. Mandating safe food storage on public lands and a robust public education campaign that includes managing the way garbage is handled will also help cut down on grizzly encounters. All of these measures require people to make changes. They require funding as well as cooperation. But for a valued native Montana species like the grizzly bear, it’s worth it. And when conservationists, landowners, wildlife managers and other stakeholders work together, success is highly likely. Grizzly bears are big, powerful animals. They represent the ultimate symbol of the wild places that make Montana so remarkable. They also draw millions of tourists to our state every year. With careful management, cooperation and funding, we can restore grizzly bears across Montana and continue to build upon a great conservation success story. Nick Gevock is a contributor to Writers on the Range, the opinion service of High Country News (hcn.org ). He is the conservation director of the Montana Wildlife Federation.
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [11]
[offbeat]
LONGTIME RECURRING THEME PEAKS – In May, an apparently devout woman named Katy Vasquez of Winter Park, Florida, posted a sincerely written entry on Facebook (and told Huffington Post in an interview) that she had just seen a “sign from God”–a cross–as a smudge in her infant’s soiled diaper. “I prayed to God for a sign that everything would be OK,” she gushed to the reporter. “It might not be the prettiest sign, but he put it where he knew I’d see it.” Hence, News of the Weird retires the recurring theme begun in the 1980s with Jesus in a rust stain on an abandoned refrigerator. FINE POINTS OF THE LAW – To their great surprise, Sophie Scafidi and friends, on an outing in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, in June, learned that a man spying on and photographing them through a camera lens hidden in a Gatorade bottle painted black was not violating any law. Although the lens was rigged to the man’s phone, which contained beach photos, including some of children, police informed Scafidi that even surreptitious photography in sleazy circumstances, as long as done on public property, was legal–and that the only law broken in the incident was by the person who snatched the “camera” to show police. In June, a federal appeals court revived Adrian King’s lawsuit against the Huttonsville Correctional Center in West Virginia for emotional distress and invasion of privacy in forcing him into surgery to remove the marbles he had implanted in his penis before going behind bars in 2008. King did not allege that he misses the marbles but only that he had chosen body-modification and that the surgery was against his will, causing pain upon touch (or whenever it gets cold, or rains or snows). Prison officials initially ordered the surgery because it was unclear that the objects were not contraband. WEIRD SCIENCE – Medical Daily, in a May review of recent cases, noted progress in dealing with Cotard’s syndrome–a disorder that leads patients to believe they have no blood or vital body parts, or feel as if they are dead (or may as well be). Studies show one in about 200 psychiatric patients exhibit the symptoms, and one doctor, describing a brain scan of his patient, said brain activity resembled that of a person in a coma or under anesthesia. Cotard’s, also known as walking corpse syndrome, leads patients to thus avoid eating or bathing (asking themselves, why bother?). AWWWWW – The Sacramento (California) Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals put out a call for help in April after stray kittens were found dumped in a yard. Two were still alive but nearly blind with eye infections and needed animal blood for a serum that might save the eyes. The call was “answered” by the rescue dog Jemmie. After Jemmie’s blood “donation” (not a transfusion, since the blood went only to make the serum), vets reported saving one eye of one of the kittens, earning Jemmie a “special” reward. Said vet Sarah Varanini, “There’s nothing in life (Jemmie) likes more than kittens.” RECURRING THEMES – Even though extraordinarily rare, two people recently reported foreign accent syndrome after their brain traumas apparently caused crossing of cranial “wires.” (1) “J.C.,” 50, was described in the journal Cortex as an energetic Italian who, after a brain injury, inexplicably speaks constantly in “emphatic, error-prone French.” (2) Six months ago, Lisa Alamia of Rosenberg, Texas, awoke from surgery inexplicably speaking in a British accent (particularly confusing her family and friends since she previously spoke not so much “English” as “Texan”). Medical experts cited by CBS News reported that fewer than 100 people worldwide have ever been diagnosed with foreign accent syndrome. REDNECK CHRONICLES – At the monthly pro wrestling show in Ringgold, Georgia, in June, Patricia Crowe, 59, apparently having had enough of “bad guy” Paul Lee, reportedly jumped into the ring to rescue “good guy” Iron Mann, whom Lee had “tied up” and been beating with a chair. First, she cut Mann loose with her knife and then pulled a loaded handgun on Lee (and was eventually arrested by sheriff’s deputies). Crowe admitted that Lee’s earlier “mean” banter with ringside patrons had unnerved her, especially when he told Crowe to sit her “toothless self back down.” COMPELLING EXPLANATIONS – (1) A former Malaysian legislator (Mr. S. Manikavasagam), who was charged in June with taking a bribe worth about US$7,300 from a contractor, claimed innocence– that somehow a package of money was thrown into his car as he drove down a city street. (2) A woman in Goldsboro, North Carolina, acquired a freezer from her neighbor several months ago but said she hadn’t looked inside until May, when she discovered parts of a dead body and called authorities. She said the neighbor had discouraged her from opening the freezer because “a church” was using it as a “time capsule.”
MISSOULA NORTH 721-1770
MISSOULA SOUTH 721-0888
HAMILTON 363-3884
STEVENSVILLE 777-4667
POLSON 888-1099
RONAN 676-7800
DRUGS–IS THERE ANYTHING THEY CAN’T DO? – University of Georgia student Benjamin Abele, 22, was finally subdued by four police officers on May 29 after he had run naked down an Athens street and leaped into the gooey, malodorous back end of a garbage truck, wallowing in the slimy liquid that pools under the gunk (hindering arrest), and then attempting to burrow further into the filthiness to somehow “escape.” Two Taser shots had no effect, and he was identified as high on PCP. Thanks this time to Gerald Sacks and to the News of the Weird Board of Editorial Advisors.
[12] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
O
h, you’ve really done it this time, Missoula. You think you’re all cool in your Chacos and your sundresses and your muscle shirts, carrying your tubes and hauling along your Crowlers while riding your longboards to the river, all carefree and laid-back during these sunny summer days. Have you no sense of your actions? No inkling as to how much you’ve impacted? Just look at this. Yes, this right here. It’s our annual Best of Missoula readers’ poll and it is entirely your doing. You researched every category (you know, if research involves things like “ate ice cream” and “got a haircut”). You weighed all your available options (such as testing more than a few different local brews). You voted by the thousands (even during an election year with Donald
Trump a different ballot!) and you chose each and every winner in more than 180 categories. We hope you’re proud of yourselves. Like, actually proud. Because this is no small accomplishment. It takes a lot of time and effort to produce Best of Missoula and, while we certainly played a part in tallying the votes, organizing the ads, writing about the victors and designing the pages, this is all really thanks to you. As a token of our appreciation and an opportunity to mark this community-wide celebration, we’re throwing a party. On Thursday, July 7, there will be live music from Tom Catmull and Reverend Slanky, family-friendly activities and food and drink vendors. It’s completely free to attend, and runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Caras Park. Of course, you’re invited. You deserve it after all of your hard work.
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
[2] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT BEST ACTOR/ACTRESS Jeff Medley During a movie shoot in Livingston last fall, director Mike Gut whispered to Jeff Medley to wrap up the scene. Sunlight was fading, and apparently Medley and childhood crush Margot Kidder had been ad-libbing a little too long. The moment is just one of a number of highlights for Medley from the past year, one in which he’s increasingly tried to climb into bigger film roles. He starred in Timber the Treasure Dog and took on the role of protagonist Lester Smalls in Mike Steinberg’s short Lester Leaps In. But don’t expect to see Medley’s presence on the local stage diminish as a result. From Rocky Horror’s Riff Raff to The Nutcracker’s Drosselmeyer, Medley still thrives on the nerve-wracking experience of performing before a live audience. “When you’re in a sea of ballerinas and you’re the one guy who’s kind of flailing around acting like a nut-job, I love that kind of thing,” he says. “If there were a stage full of people acting like crazy people ... well, I guess it’d still be fun. FINALISTS, BEST ACTOR/ACTRESS 2. Lily Gladstone 3. Reid Reimers Best New Band: Glass Spiders
photo by Amy Donovan
---missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [3]
Best Writer: James Lee Burke
THANKS, MISSOULA , FOR YOUR
SUPPORT
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[4] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
BEST ARTIST Courtney Blazon A set of bookmarks that Courtney Blazon created for Shakespeare & Co. shows a mashup of pop culture and literary themes with odd twists. In one, a blood-smeared Patrick Bateman cheerily follows the Yellow Brick Road, chainsaw in hand. In another, Lolita and Humbert Humbert recline on a beach in Never-never Land. They showcase the kind of hallmarks that have become familiar aspects of Blazon’s work—surreal, whimsical, colorful and just a little bit (or a lot) dark in theme. It’s Blazon’s first year of claiming the Best Artist title after longtime favorite Monte Dolack closed his gallery last summer, and it’s a fitting honor since her paintings and illustrations are already ubiquitous around Missoula. Courtney Blazon: courtneyblazon.blogspot.com FINALISTS, BEST ARTIST 2. Monte Dolack dolack.com 3. Kendahl Jan Jubb kendahljanjubb.com
BEST BAND Lil’ Smokies Summer 2016 has been a busy one so far for these four-time Best of Missoula winners. After
photo courtesy of Frank Veronsky
two back-to-back shows way out in Maryland, these pickers swept through the southwest and out toward the bluegrass homeland of Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri—no doubt leaving a whole lot of tapping toes in their wake. But even as their renown outside Montana grows, the Lil’ Smokies never stay away from home too long, swooping back to the roost for gigs at the Wilma, the Top Hat and this August’s River City Roots Fest. And when they do, Missoula’s always ready to throw them one heck of a homecoming. Lil’ Smokies: thelilsmokies.com FINALISTS, BEST BAND 2. Shakewell reverbnation.com/shakewellmusic 3. Reverend Slanky reverendslanky.com
BEST DANCER Heather Adams The owner of Downtown Dance Collective brought a little bit of Hollywood to Missoula earlier this year. To help raise funds for her dance studio, Heather Adams produced an evening of entertainment worthy of its own TV series. In fact, Dancing with the Missoula Stars was simulcast on MCAT, so even those without a ticket to the sold-out event could
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [5]
watch the likes of actor Jeff Medley, lawyer Paul Ryan and Bernice’s Bakery owner Christine Littig (all Best of Missoula winners, by the way), among others, dance on the Top Hat’s stage. Adams didn’t compete, of course, but our readers still recognize how much she does to promote dance in the community. Heather Adams: ddcmontana.com FINALISTS, BEST DANCER 2. Joy French barebaitdance.org 3. Amy Ragsdale headwatersdance.net
BEST FILMMAKER Andy Smetanka Andy Smetanka has become something of an Alejandro G. Iñárritu (back-to-back Oscar-winning director of The Revenant and Birdman) in this category, winning now four years in a row. One has only to have seen his beautiful silhouette stop motion work in films like And We Were Young or listen to his TEDxUM talk as the University’s first artist-in-residence t o u n d e r s t a n d w h y. A n d y S m e t a n k a : vimeo.com/andysmetanka
Best Actor: Jeff Medley, left, in Timber the Treasure Dog
[6] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
FINALISTS, BEST FILMMAKER 2. Marshall Granger vimeo.com/mgranger 3. Alex & Andrew Smith
BEST GALLERY Dana Gallery Earlier this year, on the verge of his gallery’s 20th anniversary, Dudley Dana recalled what went through his mind before entering the art business. “I had this image that I was on a cliff and there was another cliff across the canyon, and I had the idea of jumping,” he told the Indy. “So we did.” Ever since, Dana hasn’t been afraid to keep taking chances. His downtown gallery attracts esteemed artists from down the block and around the world, and covers a spectrum of styles ranging from traditional landscape paintings to his own abstract photography. It’s why Dana Gallery continues to receive international acclaim and, just as importantly, continued recognition from Indy readers. Dana Gallery: 246 N Higgins Ave • 721-3154 • danagallery.com FINALISTS, BEST ART GALLERY 2. Radius Gallery 114 E Main 541-7070 radiusgallery.com 3. The Brink Gallery Out of business
BEST MOVIE THEATER Roxy Theater The Roxy is a true neighborhood theater. The popcorn, drizzled in real organic butter, is served in metal bowls for a living-room atmosphere.
The screenings include independent documentaries, cult classics, art-house films, unsung gems and locally made projects. Roxy director Mike Steinberg also engages the community, anticipating desires and responding to specific screening requests. The news of Prince’s death, for instance, led to an impromptu screening of Purple Rain. This sort of connection to all of Missoula’s varied tastes earns the Roxy a much-deserved win. Roxy Theater: 718 S Higgins Ave • 728-9380 • theroxytheater.org FINALISTS, BEST MOVIE THEATER 2. Carmike Cinemas 3640 Mullan Rd 541-7469 carmike.com 3. Wilma Theatre 131 S Higgins Ave 728-2521 thewilma.com
BEST MUSEUM Missoula Art Museum New York City has the Met and MOMA, Boston has the MFA and Missoula has MAM. Despite our considerably smaller town, the Missoula Art Museum exhibits a stunning array of high-caliber fine art. It’s a place where talented local and regional artists share walls with renowned traveling shows. It’s where nationally acclaimed photographers like Missoula native Holly Andres come back to share their work. It’s where you can view some of the best Native American art in the world and where you can discover (or rediscover) Montana’s pioneering history in ceramics. And, soon, MAM will be home to a new outdoor art park. Meanwhile, the surprising and exquisite shows the free museum has lined up in the coming months illustrate why Missoula, despite its location and size, has such a cosmopolitan reputation. Missoula Art Museum: 335 N Pattee St • 728-0447 • missoulaartmuseum.org FINALISTS, BEST MUSEUM 2. The Historical Museum at Fort Missoula 3400 Captain Rawn Way 728-3476 fortmissoulamuseum.org 3. Children’s Museum 225 W Front St 541-7529 childrensmuseummissoula.org
BEST MUSICIAN Tom Catmull Whether it’s an acoustic coffee house show or headlining a festival, alt-country musician Tom Catmull treats every show as if it’s special. Given that he’s consistently voted Missoula’s favorite musician, it’s apparent that for his many fans, every show Catmull plays really is
special. Part of Catmull’s appeal has always been his approachable demeanor and good humor. Exhibit A: He promoted a July performance in Livingston by writing on his Facebook page, “Small room. A little wine. An occasional train going by in a windy little town that loves art and whiskey. You’re in, right?” Yes, Tom. Yes, we are. Tom Catmull: tomcatmull.com FINALISTS, BEST MUSICIAN 2.TIE: Travis Yost montanamusicians.com/profile/TravisYost John Floridis johnfloridis.com 3. Caroline Keys
Best Way to Discover Your Inner Unholy Roller Tricia Opstad’s Dance Church is nondenominational. In fact, there’s nothing really religious about the event except that it happens on Sunday mornings and it could be interpreted as a kind of spiritual release. Participants explore tempo, space and body shapes by way of a dance party—and who doesn’t love a dance party? The music selections often include Rostam, Daft Punk, Brian Eno, experimental electronic and piano instrumentals. Opstad does some light facilitating, encouraging people to experiment with ideas outside their usual dance moves, but for the most part, it’s a free-form experience. Dance parties tend to happen late at night, after a few drinks and some lost inhibitions. But when you think about it, that seems so limiting. Letting loose in the morning is a totally valid way to inject energy into your day. The event starts up again in September, costs just $5 and begins at the lazy hour of 11 a.m. That gives you just enough time for breakfast and a cup of joe before getting down with your bad self. It’s as transformative as a Southern tent revival. Except you don’t have to believe a damn thing to have a good time.
BEST NEW BAND Glass Spiders This David Bowie tribute band started as just a fun one-off project featuring several Missoula stalwart musicians, a few backup singers and frontman Nicholas Ryan. The first show packed the VFW, so they did another performance for Halloween in 2015 at the Palace. In January 2016, the real David Bowie died and, according to Glass Spiders bassist Jason McMackin, the group decided to keep going because “Bowie is rad” and because they’d worked so hard on the songs. The
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [7]
[8] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
band’s musicianship is spectacular and precise, and Ryan embodies Bowie’s cool glamour in such an uncanny way, it feels like a true tribute if not a resurrection. FINALISTS, BEST NEW BAND 2. Sasha Bell Band sashabell.bandcamp.com 3. Pale People palepeoplemusic.bandcamp.com
BEST PHOTOGRAPHER Mike Williams If you’ve spent any time at all perusing Instagram, you’re probably sick of the humble-brag “#nofilter.” Great photography is about technical facility, sure, but it’s more about the ability to see and capture an indelible moment. Mike Williams proves once again that he has the vision and the artist’s eye to be voted Missoula’s favorite photographer. Portraits and events are his specialty—and he has no need for hashtags. Mike Williams: 817 S Higgins Ave • 549-4474 • mikewilliamsphotography.com FINALISTS, BEST PHOTOGRAPHER 2. Brian Powers bpowphoto.com 3. Slikati 126 E Broadway St, #11 274-0592 slikati.com
BEST WRITER James Lee Burke The Indy’s early archives are woefully incomplete, so stories of the paper’s first year tend to take on a life of their own. For instance, there’s the tale of who’s responsible for the first published “fuck” in the Independent’s pages. According to James Lee Burke’s daughter Pamela, who now does publicity for her father, the answer tracks back to a certain New York Times best-selling author who owns a modest ranch just outside of Missoula. Pamela says it was roughly 25 years ago when Dad dropped the Fbomb during an interview and the paper proudly ran it, as is. Rest assured, James Lee Burke is still telling it like it is all these years later. His latest novel, The Jealous Kind, is set for release Aug. 30. James Lee Burke: jamesleeburke.com FINALISTS, BEST WRITER 2. Dan Brooks combatblog.net 3. Gwen Florio gwenflorio.net
FASHION & BEAUTY FASHION & BEAUTY BEST COSMETICS TIE: Skin Chic & Smooch Cosmetic Boutique It’s not often there’s a tie for first place in Best of Missoula, but our readers had room in their
makeup bags—and their hearts—for two local skincare experts this year. Smooch Boutique’s convenient downtown location prides itself on expert advice that helps identify which of their quality products might work best for your needs. (We couldn’t help but notice the shea-butterpacked lipgloss and the vanilla-birthday-cakescented body wash.) Smooch has also begun offering Bloom Beauty Boxes, a subscription-based service that sends out a box of samples every couple months and includes coupons to buy the full-sized version of the product. At Skin Chic, you can find out how to apply your potions and creams with their $60 personal makeup lessons. Besides an array of highquality cosmetics for sale, Skin Chic also offers a full set of esthetician services, from facial peels to lash extensions to wedding makeup. Your most special occasions are in good hands at Skin Chic. Skin Chic: 2901 Brooks St., Southgate Mall • 541-8464 • skinchic.com; Smooch Cosmetic Boutique • 125 E. Main • 541-1600 • smoochcosmeticboutique.com FINALISTS, BEST COSMETICS 2. Ulta 275 N Reserve 541-9155 ulta.com 3. Dillard’s 2901 Brooks St.
Southgate Mall 721-3100 dillards.com
BEST DAY SPA BEST FACIALS Sorella’s Day Spa Sorella’s Day Spa offers no less than 13 different types of facials. They even offer a facial for your back! Who could compete with that? Their trained estheticians make your skin glow using algae, seawater pearls, steams, mud, peels, massage, masques, pear and apple pulp, and pumpkin latte puree. When you walk out of there, you’re basically feeling like Jell-O—and we mean that in the best, most relaxing way possible. Sorella’s Day Spa: 207 E Main St • 721-3639 • sorellasdayspa.com FINALISTS, BEST DAY SPA 2. Spa at the Peak 500 Blue Mountain Rd 251-8200 peakmissoulaspa.com 3. TIE: Bella Sauvage 115 W Front St 541-9032 bellasauvage.com Cedar Creek Spa 110 Caras Drive 543-0200 cedarcreekspa.com
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [9]
Best Kids’ Clothing: La Stella Blu
FINALISTS, BEST FACIALS 2. Katie Seidenschwarz, Montana Salon & Day Spa 406 317 SW Higgins 728-7820 3. Skin Chic 2901 Brooks, Southgate Mall 541-8464 skinchic.com
BEST EYEWEAR Uptown Optical Stroll into downtown Missoula’s award-winning eyewear boutique and it’s easy to get caught up just browsing. Uptown Optical’s shelves boast an eye-catching mix of contemporary fashion (Giorgio Armani, Oga, Via Spiga) and a collection of museum-caliber historic pieces (not all for sale). The friendly attention offered to patrons by black house cat Kobe is a nice touch, but the true draw is the customer service provided by owner Mary Shull. Whether it’s a new prescription you’re looking to fill or a favorite pair of frames you’re hoping to salvage, word around the shop is she’ll go the extra mile and then some. Uptown Optical: 111 N Higgins Ave, #107 • 327-9988 • uptownoptical.com FINALISTS, BEST EYEWEAR 2. Rocky Mountain Eye Center 700 W Kent Ave 541-3937 rockymountaineye.com 3. Specticca 319 N Higgins Ave 549-5700 specticca.com
BEST WOMEN’S HAIRCUTS BEST MEN’S HAIRCUTS BEST WAXING Canvas Studios BEST HAIRSTYLIST Andrea Wyman, Canvas Studios It’s safe to say that a lot of selfies are taken on the corner of Madison and Spruce after cus-
[10] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
tomers depart from Canvas Studios. The cozy hair salon provides one-stop shopping for hair care, whether that requires waxing it off or dying it a daring shade of neon pink. Stylist Andrea Wyman will greet you with a hug and then lovingly care for your hair like it was her own. She’s also up on all the latest trends and techniques, whether that’s balayage highlights
Best Case for Reading the Comments In February, Willard Alternative High School raised a stir when the student newspaper released a special issue demanding to “Free the Nipple.” The Willard Wire’s article was accompanied by uncensored photos of topless men and women. The editorial pointed out that society has a double-standard when it comes to the display of men’s and women’s bodies. “Free the Nipple” drew plenty of snickers and lewd comments, but for the most part, it was heartening to see community members rally in support of the student journalists’ carefully thought-out work. Indy commenters praised the Willard students’ “enlightened coverage” and “incredible strength.” Some pointed out that any high school student with internet access has already seen much racier content than the nonsexualized photos in the Wire. Still more called out Missoula County Public Schools for its handling of the whole deal. MCPS staff pulled the copies of the issue and disciplined Principal Jane Bennett, who later resigned her position. “I sense the only disruption caused at any of the schools occurred due to the reaction of prudish administrators. One has to wonder if they read the articles or consulted the Willard students and staff prior to the knee-jerk response,” wrote one commenter. “...Curious decisions indeed! Thanks Willard students and staff for the enlightened coverage of a very relevant topic.”
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [11]
or the ultra-hip shampoo-that’s-not-a-shampoo called New Wash. A bottle of New Wash runs about $40 online, which might seem a little steep, but a trip to Canvas to visit Wyman had one Indy staffer convinced—and there’s even the selfies to prove it. Andrea Wyman, Canvas Studios: 429 Madison St • 9261440 • canvasmissoula.com FINALISTS, BEST WOMEN’S HAIRCUTS 2. Boom Swagger Salon 204 S 3rd St W 830-3192 boomswaggersalon.com 3. Burton’s Classic Hair Co. 3410 S Reserve St 721-8889 burtonshair.com FINALISTS, BEST HAIRSTYLIST 2. Katt Ahlstrom, Canvas Studios 429 Madison St 926-1440 canvasmissoula.com 3. Janae Naab, Tres Chic 1627 South Ave W 542-2442 FINALISTS, BEST MEN’S HAIRCUTS 2. Man Cave 315 N Pattee St 542-2283 mancavemissoula.com
3. The Man Shop 1124 W Central Ave 926-2740 montanamanshops.com FINALISTS, BEST WAXING 2. The Wax Bar 125 W Main St 317-1780 thewaxbarmissoula.com 3. Katie Seidenschwarz, Montana Salon & Day Spa 406 317 SW Higgins Ave 728-7820
BEST KIDS’ CLOTHING La Stella Blu The clothes at La Stella Blu seem far more suitable to royalty than to your tantrum-throwing toddlers and spitting-up babies. Do they really deserve those silky long johns made of bamboo threads, local hats from Paisley Pear, organic fiber T-shirts with the state of Montana stitched on from Dig this Chick and leather shoes from Starry Knight Design? Can they really appreciate the cute giraffe patterns and colorful shoes with interchangeable straps? Maybe not. They are, after all, self-absorbed lunatics. But you love them and you love these clothes. And that’s all that matters. La Stella Blu: 612 S Higgins Ave • 317-1074 • lastellablu.com
FINALISTS, BEST KIDS’ CLOTHING 2. Kid Crossing 1940 Harve Ave 829-8808 kidcrossingstores.com 3. Green Light 301 N Higgins Ave 541-0080 greenlightmt.com
BEST LINGERIE Victoria’s Secret Associates were busy during the Southgate Mall store’s recent grand reopening, racing to cover a sales floor that’s three times as large as the old space. No matter. One associate was downright chipper as she bopped around some sale bins in search of the perfect bra for one customer she was helping. “Is that Angel or Knockout?” she asked, inspecting a strap on the bra the customer wore into the store. Oh, it was Angel? Cool. That’s the sales associate’s favorite model, too. Victoria’s Secret: 2901 Brooks St, Southgate Mall • 721-1811 • victoriassecret.com FINALISTS, BEST LINGERIE 2. Adam & Eve 1401 W Broadway St 549-4688 adamevemt.com
3. Betty’s Divine 509 S Higgins Ave 721-4777 bettysdivine.com
BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING BEST MEN’S CLOTHING Betty’s Divine In early 2015, Betty’s Divine took a big step toward becoming a longtime fixture on the Hip Strip by purchasing the building at 523 Higgins Avenue. Now that it’s settled into the new digs, Betty’s has kept up what has made it a regular finalist in these categories. Dudes can show off their steez (that’s style with ease, of course) with the array of casual classics in the men’s section, from fedoras to flannel shirts. Ladies will find well-made basic garments and eye-catching trendy pieces. Betty’s also expanded the back section of the store into Divine Trash, a curated vintage shop full of everything that stands the test of time. Leather fringe never dies, baby. Betty’s Divine: 509 S Higgins Ave • 721-4777 • bettysdivine.com FINALISTS, BEST MEN’S CLOTHING 2. Dillard’s 2901 Brooks St, Southgate Mall 721-3100 dillards.com
From Dr. Anthony and the rest of the team at Lambert Family Chiropractic, we’d like to say thank you for helping us be one of the Best Chiropractors of Missoula for the past nine years. We are celebrating by offering $10 adjustments July 6th and 7th. Call 541-WELL to schedule your visit. For current clients. 406.541.WELL • lambertfc.com [12] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
Best Hairstylist: Andrea Wyman
3. The Trail Head 221 E Front St 543-6966 trailheadmontana.net FINALISTS, BEST WOMEN’S CLOTHING 2. Dillard’s 2901 Brooks St, Southgate Mall 721-3100 dillards.com 3. Cloth & Crown 329 N Higgins Ave 542-2626 clothandcrown.com
BEST SHOE STORE Hide & Sole We don’t often shop for shoes, but when we do there’s only one place we ever go. We’re not The Most Interesting Man in the World, but we know a good store, run by good local people, offering good deals, when we see one. When our trusty old boots finally bit the dust last winter, it was the helpful and generous sales staff at Hide & Sole that turned us on to their popular Blundstone brand. We now have a favorite pair of shoes from what has long been Indy readers’ favorite Missoula shoe store. Hide & Sole: 236 N Higgins Ave. • 543-1128 • hideandsole.com FINALISTS, BEST SHOE STORE 2. Dillard’s 2901 Brooks St, Southgate Mall 721-3100 dillards.com 3. Runner’s Edge 304 N Higgins Ave 728-9297 runnersedgemt.com
BEST TATTOOS Blaque Owl Tattoo Since they first took the title in 2012, Blaque Owl has refused to give it back. The down-
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
town tattoo parlor boasts the perfect combination of fine art and rock ‘n roll. So if you made the horrible mistake of having the Chinese symbol for “chaos” tattooed on your shoulder when you were 17, they have the artistry to cover it with something amazing and the atmosphere to reassure you you’re still a badass. Blaque Owl Tattoo: 307 N Higgins Ave • 543-0688 • blaqueowltattoo.com FINALISTS, BEST TATTOOS 2. Painless Steel 1701 S 5th St W 728-1191 painlesssteeltattoo.com 3. American Made 234 W Front St 721-3830 missoulatattoos.com
BEST THRIFT STORE Secret Seconds At the front of the store, life-sized silhouettes of local domestic violence victims serve as a weighty reminder of why Secret Seconds is more than a thrift shop. The shorter of the two silhouettes remembers Tambi Weinberger, a 17-year-old Hellgate High School student who was beaten unconscious by her boyfriend, who then didn’t call 911 for nearly 11 hours. Sure, the YWCA’s two Secret Seconds locations are a reliable source for funky furniture, cute hand-me-downs and ironic knickknacks, but their best treasure is the support they help provide to women fleeing abuse. Secret Seconds: 1136 W Broadway St • 549-1610; 920 Kensington Ave. • 541-3210 FINALISTS, BEST THRIFT STORE 2. Goodwill 2501 S Reserve St 549-6969 3. Bargain Corner 200 S California St 543-4926
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [13]
FOOD & DRINK FOOD & DRINK
Western Montana Clinic CARING FOR YOU SINCE 1922
OB-GYN
DEPARTMENT BEST GYNECOLOGIST Jennifer Mayo, MD
BEST APPETIZERS Top Hat Lounge At many bars, “appetizer” is a fancy way of saying “a heaping mound of carbohydrates that only a high school football team can hope to finish.” For the third straight year, however, readers have spoken in favor of the Top Hat’s tapas-inspired menu, where the emphasis is on watering the mouth as much as filling the belly. Don’t get us wrong: We love turning these small plates into a full meal. In fact, go ahead and bring the team. Their taste buds could use some refinement. Top Hat Lounge: 134 W Front St • 7289865 • tophatlounge.com FINALISTS, BEST APPETIZERS 2. Tamarack Brewing Company 231 W Front St 830-3113 tamarackbrewing.com 3. Plonk 322 N Higgins Ave 926-1791 plonkwine.com
Thanks!
Garden City Medical Arts Building 601 W. Spruce St. • Missoula WesternMontanaClinic.com
Best place for kids’ fun! COME VISIT OUR NEW MUSEUM! carouselformissoula.com Caras Park on the Clark Fork River Open daily 11am to 7:00pm
[14] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
BEST ASIAN FOOD BEST DESSERTS Mustard Seed If you’re looking for an approachable entryway into Asian-influenced cuisine, Mustard Seed is a sure crowd-pleaser. Its dishes span a good portion of the globe, from the Chinese roast pork, with mustard and sesame seeds, to the Thai-inspired green beens with chili and garlic paste, to the gyozas, a savory Japanese potsticker filled with chicken and veggies. And if you want to get fancy with it, Mustard Seed’s motto is “more is more” with its rotating dessert menu. Consider the chocolate cake topped with hazelnut-chocolate pudding, espresso mousse, whipped cream, toasted hazelnuts, chocolate fudge and—if that wasn’t enough—a chocolate-covered espresso bean. Sorry, what were we talking about? Mustard Seed: 2901 Brooks St, Southgate Mall • 7217333 • mustardseedweb.com FINALISTS, BEST ASIAN FOOD 2. Sa Wad Dee 221 W Broadway St 543-9966 sawaddeemissoula.com 3. Iza Asian Restaurant 529 S Higgins Ave 830-3237 izarestaurant.com FINALISTS, BEST DESSERTS 2. Bernice’s Bakery 190 S 3rd St W 728-1358 bernicesbakerymt.com
3. Black Cat Bake Shop 2000 W Broadway St 542-9043 blackcatbakeshop.com
BEST BAKERY Bernice’s Bakery Sometimes it pays to be a regular. Literally. While you could easily nom on anything in the bakery case, Bernice’s recognizes that every customer has a soft spot for something specific. That’s where the loyalty card comes in. Constantly jonesing for a toffee bar? Can’t seem to fit enough Bernice’s cupcakes into your diet? Then get your hands on one of these pink slips of paper and start racking up the punches. Make it to 12 and your 13th favorite item is free. And if you can’t narrow your loyalty choice down, Bernice’s encourages you to get more than one card and “REALLY feel the love.” Bernice’s Bakery: 190 S 3rd St W • 728-1358 • bernicesbakerymt.com FINALISTS, BEST BAKERY 2. Black Cat Bake Shop 2000 W Broadway St 542-9043 blackcatbakeshop.com 3. Le Petit Outre 129 S 4th St W 543-3311 lepetitoutre.com
BEST BARBECUE The Notorious P.I.G. Leave your dainty table manners at the door when stopping by Notorious P.I.G. The St. Louis-style joint slings smoky, savory beef and pork by the slab and half-pound increments, accompanied by such fine accoutrements as a roll of paper towels and cans of Miller High Life. In addition to the food, we’re partial to the Notorious crew’s sassy use of hashtags on social media, including #dontwasteitletmetasteit and #swingingmeat. The Notorious P.I.G.: 247 W Front St • 926-1344 • thenotoriouspigbbq.com FINALISTS, BEST BARBECUE 2. Famous Dave’s 2915 N Reserve St 541-7427 famousdaves.com 3. Burns St. Bistro 1500 Burns St 543-0719 burnsstbistro.com
BEST BARISTA Sammy Rodriques, Liquid Planet If Sammy Rodriques is doing his job well, he says customers shouldn’t know the difference between his lattes and those made by any other Liquid Planet barista. Consistency, he
says, “is the key ingredient to making a good coffee shop.” Rodriques is the Missoula company’s corporate trainer, but readers will also recognize him as the outgoing, attentive manager of the new Liquid Planet Grille across the street from the University of Montana. It’s a gig he earned after six years in the coffee business, starting with a stint at a kiosk in Polson. “Don’t be a tool,” Rodriques tells the corporate coffee slingers he trains. “Be a genuine person with customers.” Consistently, of course. FINALISTS, BEST BARISTA 2. Kendra Bell, Drum Coffee 3. Megan O’Dell, Loose Caboose
BEST BREAKFAST Paul’s Pancake Parlor This authentic diner with a Rastafarian flair has been around since the 1950s, and it’s beloved by locals for good reason. The breakfast menu is big, but the restaurant doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality. The sourdough pancakes are made from a 110-year-old starter and the Swedish pancakes with lingonberry butter are to die for. Just as important, the hash browns are made from scratch, crisped to perfection and greasy as your heart desires. Paul’s Pancake Parlor: 2305 Brooks St • 728-9071 • paulspancake.com
Best Breakfast: Paul’s Pancake Parlor
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [15]
3. Beth Higgins Two Sisters Catering 111 N Higgins Ave 549-3005 twosisterscateringmontana.com
FINALISTS, BEST BREAKFAST 2. Catalyst Cafe 111 N Higgins Ave, #111 542-1337 thecatalystcafe.com 3. The Shack 222 W Main St 549-9903 theshackcafe.com
FINALISTS, BEST BRUNCH 2. Catalyst Cafe 111 N Higgins Ave 542-1337 thecatalystcafe.com 3. Old Post 103 W Spruce St 721-7399 oldpostpub.com
BEST CHEF Walker Hunter & Ryan Smith BEST BRUNCH Burns St. Bistro In 2012 Burns St. Bistro appeared from the ether to rock our worlds with their brunch burgers and their veggie browns. If we wanted to, we could live on their candied bacon alone, but chefs Walker Hunter and Ryan Smith aren’t one-trick candied bacon ponies. This is the first year the duo has taken the Best Chef award, which proves they’re worth more than the magic they make with a pig. Burns St. Bistro: 1500 Burns St • 543-0719 • burnsstbistro.com FINALISTS, BEST CHEF 2. Bob Marshall Biga Pizza 241 W Main St 728-2579 bigapizza.com
Best Barista: Sammy Rodriques
[16] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
BEST BUDGET LUNCH BEST PLACE TO EAT ALONE Five on Black For those in a hurry, Five on Black keeps things simple with a five-step bowl creation process that begins with rice or greens and ends at the toppings bar. Put all those combinations together, though, and this fast-casual Brazilian joint boasts 70,560 ordering options. Our random sample indicates any choice is likely to be a tasty one. So please, venerable Missoula lunch crowd, don’t overthink it. Time is money, and your fellow patrons don’t have much of either to spare. Five on Black: 325 N Higgins Ave • 926-1860; 3850 S Reserve St, #140 • 926-1305 • fiveonblack.com
FINALISTS, BEST BUDGET LUNCH 2. Taco del Sol Multiple locations 327-8929 tacodelsol.com 3. Good Food Store 1600 S 3rd St W 541-3663 goodfoodstore.com FINALISTS, BEST PLACE TO EAT ALONE 2. Taco del Sol Multiple locations 327-8929 tacodelsol.com 3. Good Food Store 1600 S 3rd St W 541-3663 goodfoodstore.com
BEST BURGER Five Guys Burgers & Fries Here’s the No. 1 question you need to ask yourself before a trip to Five Guys: “Which shirt looks best covered with juicy burger drippings?” Whether you’re nibbling a modest “Little” (one patty) or devouring a towering double-patty bacon cheeseburger, it’s always a multiple napkin experience. With 15 toppings to choose from, you’re sure to find something that looks good on your shirt. Five Guys Burgers & Fries: 820 E Broadway St • 830-3262 • fiveguys.com FINALISTS, BEST BURGER 2. Missoula Club 139 W Main St 728-3740 3. Flipper’s Tavern & Casino 125 S 3rd St W 721-4895
BEST CATERER Two Sisters Catering For the second consecutive year the Indy organized a special celebrity chef event in association with the James Beard Foundation. For the second consecutive year, that star-studded lineup featured some of the country’s most talented culinary minds—including “Beat Bobby Flay” winner Bruce Kalman and “Top Chef” contestant Brooke Williamson—and, for the second consecutive year, those illustrious chefs were given a serious run for their money by the local host chef. We’re talking about Beth Higgins, who runs Two Sisters with her sister Susan and who proves year after year—both in this category and in events like the Beard dinner—that she is not only Best of Missoula, but among the best nationwide. Two Sisters Catering: 111 N Higgins Ave • 5493005 • twosisterscateringmontana.com
FINALISTS, BEST CATERER 2. Burns St. Bistro 1500 Burns St 543-0719 burnsstbistro.com 3. Silk Road 515 S Higgins Ave 541-0752 silkroadcatering.com
BEST COFFEE Black Coffee Roasting Company Black Coffee Roasting Co. puts its second consecutive Best of Missoula win on the board in 2016, and for good reason. For the BCRC crew, coffee isn’t just something you sluggishly spoon into a paper filter every morning. It’s a rich, fragrant realm for experimentation. That’s why the shop offers tips on how to maximize their primo blends at home. Aeropress or drip? Fine ground or coarse? Black Coffee isn’t in the business of just slingin’ joe. From the shop counter to your cupboard, it’s all about helping you find the sweet spot that starts your day off right. Black Coffee Roasting Company: 525 E Spruce St • 541-3700 • blackcoffeeroastingco.com FINALISTS, BEST COFFEE 2. Florence Coffee Company Multiple locations 546-3538 florencecoffeeco.com 3. The Loose Caboose Multiple locations 541-1748 loosecaboosemissoula.com
BEST COFFEE HUT Florence Coffee Company For the second year in a row, Florence Coffee Co. takes the crown in one of our most competitive categories. Indy readers take their caffeine fix seriously—and FloCo knows. Just look at the three-windowed hut along Brooks Street and the consistent line of cars cycling through for a dark mocha, heaven latte, matcha green tea, chai or a simple cup of drip. Or check out the steady flow of regulars to the Southwest Higgins location, near Pattee Creek Market, where Indy staffers have been known to stop for an afternoon pick-me-up, aka Florence Coffee’s famous huckleberry smoothie. Florence Coffee Company: Multiple locations • 546-3538 • florencecoffeeco.com FINALISTS, BEST COFFEE HUT 2. The Loose Caboose Multiple locations 541-1748 loosecaboosemissoula.com 3. Liquid Planet Multiple locations 541-4541 liquidplanet.com
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [17]
BEST CONVENIENCE STORE Ole’s Country Store The crisp look of the recently remodeled Russell Street location doesn’t evoke a “country store” feel, but the clerks kept it homey with a friendly greeting as we shopped on a recent morning. Ole’s has all the essentials, including two-and-a-half coolers full of local beer, but what stands out most is just how clean the place is. Seriously, should we leave our shoes at the door? Ole’s: 923 N Orange St • 7212170; 1600 S Russell St • 728-7618 FINALISTS, BEST CONVENIENCE STORE 2. Grizzly Grocery 447 Hill St 721-2679 grizzlygrocery.com 3. Holiday Stationstore 605 S Higgins Ave 721-6911 BEST DELICATESSEN Tagliare Peering into the meat case at Tagliare feels a lot like browsing a candy shop, especially when the Gentile Toscano is on the menu. This rich, decadent salami will make your mouth water over the idea of a packed lunch. Tagliare sources its deli meats from small-scale domestic producers, with an eye to authenticity. The Italian nomenclature may seem daunting to some, but deli clerks delight in cutting through the jargon—and slicing you the perfect cut. Tagliare: 1433 S Higgins Ave • 830-3049
BLACK BEAR NATUROPATHIC Family Care • Nutritional Consultation • IV Therapy Herbal Medicine • Women’s Health • Massage Dr. Christine White & Dr. Nancy Dunne We have same-day appointments for acute issues.
M-F 9-4 • 542-2147
2831 Fort Missoula Road, Ste. 105, Bldg. 2 MontanaNaturalMedicine.com
Thanks for voting us one of the Best Alternative Heath Care Providers!
[18] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
FINALISTS, BEST DELICATESSEN 2. Worden’s Market & Deli 451 N Higgins Ave 549-1293 wordens.com 3. Good Food Store 1600 S 3rd St W 541-3663 goodfoodstore.com BEST DOUGHNUTS Rosauers As the folks behind the bakery counter at Rosauers are quick to point out, they’re the only grocery store in town who make their doughnuts each morning from scratch. You can taste it in the delightfully chewy dough and light, sweet frostings. Friendly staff who have been up much longer than most of us will also help guide you through the selection to fill a box, with each doughnut only setting you back 89 cents. Rosauers: 2350 S Reserve St • 721-5430 • rosauers.com FINALISTS, BEST DOUGHNUTS 2. Krispy Kreme 1025 W Central Ave 926-2810 krispykreme.com
3. Tandem Doughnuts Clark Fork Market and other locations 239-3997 tandemdoughnuts.com
BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Montana Club The word search game on the Montana Club’s kids’ menu offers a little bit of homecooking with words like “osprey,” “glacier,” “bison,” “beargrass” and “mountains.” There’s more of the same feeling on the menu itself, with kid-friendly staples like a 6-ounce sirloin, spaghetti and meatballs, pizza and burgers. The Montana Club wins this category year after year because it understands that in order for Mom and Dad to enjoy a night out, you’ve gotta cater first to the kids. Montana Club: 4561 N Reserve St • 541-8141; 2620 Brooks St • 543-3200 • montanaclub.com FINALISTS, BEST FAMILY-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT 2. Red Robin 2901 Brooks St, Southgate Mall 830-3170 redrobin.com 3. Burns St. Bistro 1500 Burns St. 543-0719 burnsstbistro.com
BEST FRENCH FRIES James Bar That old adage about taking something with a grain of salt? Forget it. Everything you’ve heard about James Bar’s fries is an understatement. These puppies are hand-cut, lightly oiled and seasoned with just the right-sized pinch of sea salt. The biggest problem you’ll have is trying to decide what to dip them in. James Bar gives you four finger-licking choices: classic ketchup, ancho ketchup, mango ketchup or tartar sauce. James Bar: 127 W Alder St • 721-8158 • jamesbarmontana.com FINALISTS, BEST FRENCH FRIES 2. Five Guys Burgers & Fries 820 E Broadway St 830-3262 fiveguys.com 3. Iron Horse 501 N Higgins Ave 728-8866 ironhorsebrewpub.com
BEST ICE CREAM/FROZEN YOGURT Big Dipper Even as Big Dipper expands its reach, with storefronts in Helena and Billings and its scoops featured this summer at Glacier and Yellowstone national parks, the original Hip Strip shack remains Missoula’s special treat. Few sensory delights can match the taste of
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [19]
a double cardamom in a waffle cone. And with the shop’s generous supply of bike racks, dessert is never more than a short ride away. Big Dipper: 631 S Higgins Ave • 543-5722 • bigdippericecream.com FINALISTS, BEST ICE CREAM/ FROZEN YOGURT 2. Sweet Peaks 420 N Higgins Ave, #D 549-0028 sweetpeaksicecream.com 3. Dairy Queen Multiple locations 549-6075 dairyqueen.com
Best Chef: Walker Hunter, pictured here, & Ryan Smith, Burns St. Bistro
[20] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
BEST LIQUOR STORE Grizzly Liquor Earlier this year, a harried Indy staffer stopped by Grizzly Liquor en route to a weekend ski getaway, frantically looking for some booze that wouldn’t break the bank. Thanks to the store’s wide selection and helpful staff, that stop took less than 10 minutes. Months later, this same staffer—again in a rush—walked in the door looking for something fancier and Montana-made. With a few suggestions from behind the counter, the options were quickly winnowed down and the purchase made. In short, Grizzly Liquor is great not only at stocking exactly what the weekend calls for but also
making sure those plans commence smoothly and without delay. Grizzly Liquor: 110 W Spruce St • 549-7723 • grizzlyliquor.com
curved windows lull you into a 1950s magic submarine daydream. Uptown Diner: 120 N Higgins Ave • 542-2449
FINALISTS, BEST LIQUOR STORE 2. Krisco Liquor 1300 S Reserve St 549-7242 kriscoliquor.com 3. Lolo Wine & Liquor 11300 US-93 273-0199 lololiquorstore.com
FINALISTS, BEST MILKSHAKE 2. Big Dipper 631 S Higgins Ave 543-5722 bigdippericecream.com 3. Butterfly Herbs 232 N Higgins Ave 728-8780 butterflyherbs.com
BEST MEXICAN FOOD BEST FOOD CART/TRUCK El Cazador, El Cazador Taco Truck Alfredo and Maria Hernandez started El Cazador in 1995, and they’ve been winning Best of Missoula ever since. “Every year it gets better and better,” Alfredo says. Is he talking about his job as head chef or the food? “Both,” he clarifies. Indeed, the care Alfredo brings to his cooking shines through on menu items like banderillas (beef cooked with tomatoes, onions and peppers, then charcoal broiled). Meanwhile, El Caz’s Taco Truck serves up simple but deliciously fresh latenight fare in Caras Park during festivals and on the corner of Ryman and Front on weekend nights. It’s such a regular piece of downtown that most consider it just an extension of the main restaurant on Front and Higgins. “It’s called the Taco Truck?” asks a regular sitting at the restaurant bar. “We just call it the Caz bus.” El Cazador: 101 S Higgins Ave, #1 • 7283657 • elcazadormissoula.com
BEST NEW RESTAURANT Masala Everyone used to gripe about how for years Missoula didn’t have a full-fledged Indian restaurant. Well, now there are two! The newest addition, Masala, started as a food cart until owner Theo Smith recently moved the operation into a permanent space at Ryman and Main. The changing mix-and-match menu features dishes like saag paneer, garlic scape bhajis and an array of curries made with local ingredients. Desserts are decadent and exotic, like the orange blossom cheesecake. The fact the restaurant has a genuine record player for its background tunes is just another testament to its good taste. Masala: 206 W Main St • 926-6444 • masalamt.com
FINALISTS, BEST MEXICAN FOOD 2. Fiesta en Jalisco 3701 Brooks St, #A 728-1323; 4888 N Reserve St 543-7757 fiestaenjalisco.net 3. Taco del Sol Multiple locations 327-8929 tacodelsol.com FINALISTS, BEST FOOD CART/TRUCK 2. Beastro, Burns St. Bistro 543-0719 burnsstbistro.com 3. Wally & Buck wallyandbuck.com
BEST MILKSHAKE Uptown Diner Uptown Diner’s milkshakes take the prize again this year for their thick and creamy creations served with an extra helping in a cold metal cup. We recommend ordering an Oreo or huckleberry at the counter and letting the retro paraphernalia, sea-green walls and
FINALISTS, BEST NEW RESTAURANT 2. India Grill & Curry House 400 E Broadway St 926-2021 3. TIE: Liquid Planet Grille 1025 Arthur Ave 540-4209 liquidplanet.com/missoula Pie Hole 525 N Higgins Ave 926-2233 pieholemissoula.com
BEST OUTDOOR DINING Iron Horse It’s unusual not to see the tables in front of the Iron Horse crowded with patrons, especially on these sunny summer days. The prime spot makes for some great downtown people watching while you drink—but wait, this place gets better. Cruise through the Iron Horse’s bustling interior and there’s an even more cozy, intimate side patio. And if the night starts getting chilly, pull up close to the fire pit. With digs this quiet and secluded, it’s easy to forget you’re in the heart of downtown. Iron Horse: 501 N Higgins Ave • 542-2559 • ironhorsebrewpub.com FINALISTS, BEST OUTDOOR DINING 2. Finn & Porter at the DoubleTree 100 Madison St 542-4660 finnandporter.com/missoula
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [21]
3. Caffè Dolce 500 Brooks St 830-3055 caffedolcemissoula.com
BEST PIZZA Biga Pizza Whether we’re eating from a sidewalk table or a barstool in front of the wood-fired oven, Biga always offers a dining experience that feels like a slice of the Old World, one where the pies are worthy of white linens. But so, too, are the calzones, especially Joey’s Calzone. This one is stuffed with prosciutto, ricotta cheese and mascarpone—and it’s perfecto for lunch. Biga Pizza: 241 W Main St • 728-2579 • bigapizza.com FINALISTS, BEST PIZZA 2. Bridge Pizza 600 S Higgins Ave 542-0002 bridgepizza.com 3. Pie Hole 525 N Higgins Ave 926-2233 pieholemissoula.com
Everyone Deserves A Smooch
BEST PIZZA DELIVERY Bridge Pizza During a Missoula summer, dinner often comes only once it’s too dark to see your fishing line, your frisbee or the trail—and too dark to play generally comes hand in hand with too tired to cook. But by the time you kick off your Chacos, Bridge Pizza’s friendly delivery drivers can be at your door with a housemade sausage pie in one hand and a box of Greek salad in the other. Bridge Pizza: 600 S Higgins Ave • 542-0002 • bridgepizza.com FINALISTS, BEST PIZZA DELIVERY 2. Domino’s 111 South Ave W 721-7610; 4921 N Reserve St 926-6411 dominos.com 3. Howard’s Pizza 2010 South Ave W 721-2011 howardspizza.com
Smooch Cosmetic Boutique 125 East Main Street - Downtown missoula
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BEST PRODUCE BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD BEST SALAD Good Food Store Good Food Store’s produce aisles hold a bounty of vibrant fruits and veggies just waiting for adventurous chefs. In addition to the usual staples, you might find such seasonal specialties as burdock root, a potato-like tuber found in winter, or some neon-orange habaneros in summer. Suppliers like the Western Montana Growers’ Co-
op ensure that you can choose from the freshest, most local bounty around. If there’s no time to cook and you need to grab a bite on your grocery run, Good Food Store’s salad bar and hot bar are also consistently reliable for vegetarians—or anyone else— looking for a quick, healthy and meat-free lunch or dinner. You’ll find daily specials like spinach lasagna, tomato basil quiche and orange-glazed Brussels sprouts, and the mac and cheese is a constant. It’s fast food that’s nourishing—and that just might inspire your cooking at home, too. Good Food Store: 1600 S 3rd St W • 541-3663 • goodfoodstore.com FINALISTS, BEST PRODUCE 2. Farmers Markets Downtown Missoula (seasonal) 3. Orange Street Food Farm 701 S Orange St 543-3188 orangestreetfoodfarm.com FINALISTS, BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD 2. Masala 206 W Main St 926-6444 3. Five on Black 325 N Higgins Ave 926-1860; 3850 S Reserve St, #140 926-1305 fiveonblack.com FINALISTS, BEST SALAD 2. Romaines 3075 N Reserve St, #N 317-1829 romainessalads.com 3. Biga Pizza 241 W Main St 728-2579 bigapizza.com
BEST RESTAURANT BEST ROMANTIC DINING Pearl Café Walking with your love through the doors of Pearl Café is like entering a provincial, yet refined, wonderland. The lights are dim, the wood beams exposed, the smooth jazz playing. The staff is attentive (and mighty good looking). And the food! Duckling with pomegranate cherry sauce so rich and wonderful, you forget it’s duckling. You’ll have to resist asking for a trough of the truffle shittake chevre flan. The atmosphere is so romantic, even though you get into a conversation about whether writing is a “real career,” you still want to kiss him at the end of the night. Pearl Café: 231 E Front St • 541-0231 • pearlcafe.us FINALISTS, BEST RESTAURANT 2. The Red Bird 111 N Higgins Ave 549-2906 redbirdrestaurant.com
3. Silk Road 515 S Higgins 541-0752 silkroadcatering.com FINALISTS, BEST ROMANTIC DINING 2. The Red Bird 111 N Higgins Ave, #100 549-2906 redbirdrestaurant.com 3. Plonk Wine Bar 322 N Higgins Ave 926-1791 plonkwine.com
BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE BEST RESTAURANT WINE LIST The Red Bird Personal taste may be an ever-changing variable, but nothing can replace good service as part of the restaurant experience. Red Bird’s servers emphasize attentive care and a willingness to put guests at ease, whether it’s in the restaurant proper or at the wine bar. They put the time and thought into helping your table choose the right bottle of wine, as well as assist in suggesting dishes that will satisfy your personal taste any given night. It’s this sort of attention to detail that ensures a visit to Red Bird feels special every time. The Red Bird: 111 N Higgins Ave, #100 • 549-2906 • redbirdrestaurant.com
Best Ice Cream/Frozen Yogurt: Big Dipper
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [23]
FINALISTS, BEST RESTAURANT SERVICE 2. Pearl Cafe 231 E Front St 541-0231 pearlcafe.us 3. Jakers Bar & Grill 3515 Brooks St 721-1312 jakers.com/missoula FINALISTS, BEST RESTAURANT WINE LIST 2. Plonk Wine Bar 322 N Higgins Ave 926-1791 plonkwine.com 3. Caffè Dolce 500 Brooks St 830-3055 caffedolcemissoula.com
BEST RETAIL WINE SELECTION Worden’s Market & Deli Worden’s, which first opened in 1890, has dedicated itself to wine for over a century. The selection isn’t the largest in town, but it’s a thoughtful and eclectic collection hand-picked by the market’s knowledgeable staff. “If it’s on the shelf, we’ve staked our reputation on it,” says owner Tim France. France can make such a claim because Chris Niswanger, aka “The Wine Guy,” has been purchasing the store’s wine for 30 years. Niswanger and Alan
Nielsen, whom France says have an “encyclopedic knowledge” when it comes to the technical aspects of wine, serve as gurus when it comes to choosing the perfect bottle for a swanky party or your last-minute spaghetti dinner. Worden’s Market & Deli: 451 N Higgins Ave • 549-1293 • wordens.com FINALISTS, BEST RETAIL WINE SELECTION 2. Orange Street Food Farm 701 S Orange St 543-3188 orangestreetfoodfarm.com 3. Good Food Store 1600 S 3rd St W 541-3663 goodfoodstore.com
BEST SANDWICH SHOP Doc’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop We visited Doc’s during a recent Friday lunch break and the line was nine people deep, the tables full (with, we were happy to note, at least half the patrons reading the most recent Indy) and a collection of stragglers waiting in the nooks for their to-go orders. When we quickly received our sandwich thanks to the friendly army working the back counters, the turkey was piled high, the tomatoes and lettuce fresh, the bread perfectly soft with a firm crust. All of it signaled why Doc’s won this category yet again—and then, just as we readied
[24] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
to leave, full and grateful and satisfied, we found that last reminder of Doc’s dominance. The cookie, added to every order, gratis. Doc’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop: 214 N Higgins Ave • 542-7414 • docsgourmet.com FINALISTS, BEST SANDWICH SHOP 2. Tagliare 1433 S Higgins Ave 830-3049 3. Dan’s Soup and San Out of business
BEST SEAFOOD Sushi Hana This can be a difficult category for a landlocked state—until you order, say, the Rainbow Roll at Sushi Hana. This six-piece specialty includes unagi (freshwater eel) and cucumber wrapped in rice, then topped with six different pieces of fresh fish, hence the “rainbow” name. It’s a testament to this downtown restaurant’s suppliers and sushi chefs that the Rainbow Roll produces not only a visual treat, but also a culinary one—even though we’re some 475 miles away from an ocean. Sushi Hana: 403 N Higgins Ave • 549-7979 • sushihanamissoula.com FINALISTS, BEST SEAFOOD 2. The Depot 201 Railroad St W
728-7007 depotmissoula.com 3. Finn & Porter at the DoubleTree 100 Madison St 542-4660 finnandporter.com/missoula BEST STEAK The Depot For the carnivorous connoisseur, a well-prepared steak is perched at the top of the food pyramid. The Depot understands the heavy responsibility of putting out a killer steak in Montana, where highway billboards used to exhort visitors with the command, “This is cattle country, so eat beef, goddammit!” Whether you’re tucking into a 22-ounce pile of mouthwatering prime rib or enjoying their house specialty, an 8-ounce tenderloin topped with Alaskan king crab and béarnaise sauce, your steak jones will be slaughtered with Montanasized satisfaction. The Depot: 201 Railroad St W • 728-7007 • depotmissoula.com FINALISTS, BEST STEAK 2. Lolo Creek Steakhouse 6600 Hwy 12 W, Lolo 273-2622 lolocreeksteakhouse.com 3. Pearl Café 231 E Front St 541-0231 pearlcafe.us
Best New Restaurant: Masala
BEST SUPERMARKET BEST RETAIL BEER SELECTION Orange Street Food Farm By now most locals have probably tuned into the wonders of Orange Street’s seemingly endless beer selection and, between aisles 12 and 13, its delightfully quirky endcap of organic and international specialties. But the beauty of getting to know a place like OSFF is in recognizing similarly special nooks throughout the store. Who besides the most savvy curry hound has discovered those convenient and tasty boxes of S&B Golden Curry mix? How many craft beer drinkers have given the bomber-bottle import shelf more than a cursory glance? The appeal of a store like this isn’t just in the customer service and the pricing. It’s the thrill of discovery that can make a mundane chore like grocery shopping feel like an adventure. Orange Street Food Farm: 701 S Orange St • 543-3188 • orangestreetfoodfarm.com FINALISTS, BEST SUPERMARKET 2. Good Food Store 1600 S 3rd St W 541-3663 goodfoodstore.com 3. Missoula Fresh Market 800 W Broadway St 721-6009; 3801 S Reserve St 251-3311 missoulafm.com FINALISTS, BEST RETAIL BEER SELECTION 2. Worden’s Market & Deli 451 N Higgins Ave 549-1293 wordens.com 3. Pattee Creek Market 704 SW Higgins Ave 721-2456
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
BEST TEA Butterfly Herbs Butterfly Herbs is the place of a tea-lover’s dream. The tall shelves look like something out of an ancient herb shop hidden in the thick of Hong Kong. Scrawled on the jars of loose leaf are names like “Dragon Pearl” and “Papaya Mint,” “Mocha Black Raspberry” and “Evening in Missoula.” In the back, a café serves cups or pots of tea to an eclectic crowd of regulars— artists, teachers, nonprofit workers, college kids—as well as newcomers. Meanwhile, the smell of tea spice wafts throughout the retail area, where shoppers can peruse elegant tea paraphernalia, including retro tins and tiny ceramic sets. Butterfly Herbs: 232 N Higgins Ave • 728-8780 • butterflyherbs.com FINALISTS, BEST TEA 2. Lake Missoula Tea Company 136 E Broadway St 529-9477 lakemissoulateacompany.com 3. Liquid Planet Multiple locations 541-4541 liquidplanet.com
BEST WAITER/WAITRESS Cheryl Nickey, Jakers Bar & Grill It’s been a rough year for Jakers Bar & Grill on Brooks Street. A Feb. 24 gas-line fire caused extensive damage to the kitchen and caused this popular Southside establishment to close for renovations until only recently. Longtime customers won’t notice much of a change when they walk into Jakers again, and that includes the friendly sight of venerable waitress Cheryl Nickey. The unflappable and unflinchingly kind server has been with the restaurant for more than a decade and has a knack for never forgetting a face. We intend to put that memory to the test when we finally get to re-
MI S SSO K N Eco-friendly U A LA Cleaners H T "Missoula's Clean Spots"
BEST DRY CLEANER BEST LAUNDROMAT
146 Woodford St. 728-1948
960 E. Broadway 728-1919
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [25]
visit Jakers, and Cheryl, now that it’s thankfully reopened. Cheryl Nickey, Jakers Bar & Grill: 3515 Brooks St • 721-1312 • jakers.com/missoula FINALISTS, BEST WAITER/WAITRESS 2. Matt Japel, Nara 3. Jason McMackin, Burns St. Bistro
BEST WINGS Desperado Sports Tavern It starts with the wings themselves. Unlike some joints, the Despo’s wings aren’t big and steroid-swollen. These wings leave a perfect ratio of crispy skin to juicy meat in each bite. While regulars mostly prefer the buffalo sauce—or the sissy, which can still pack a punch—don’t skip over the hot teriyaki with blue cheese. No matter which flavor wing you choose, rest assured a draft beer served in a chilled glass will prove the perfect accompaniment. Desperado Sports Tavern: 3101 S Russell St • 549-9651 FINALISTS, BEST WINGS 2. Buffalo Wild Wings 2615 Radio Way 829-9464 buffalowildwings.com 3. Native Grill & Wings 4875 N Reserve St 926-3303 nativegrillandwings.com
GOODS & SERVICES GOODS & SERVICES BEST BOOKSTORE (USED BOOKS) The Book Exchange If you feel magic within the walls of used bookstores, you’ll be knocked over by what you find at Missoula’s Book Exchange. The combination of credit on trade, at-cost retail books, Liquid Planet coffee shop and a clean, user-friendly layout offers hours of sheer enchantment for the whole family. And for the true collectors, make sure to check out the display near the front door of rare collectible copies and cherished first editions. The Book Exchange: 2335 Brooks St • 728-6342 • booksmontana.com FINALISTS, BEST BOOKSTORE (USED) 2. Bird’s Nest Books 219 N Higgins Ave 721-1125 3. Green Ribbon Books 829 S Higgins Ave 493-0475 greenribbonbooks.com
BEST BOOKSTORE (NEW BOOKS) Shakespeare & Co. Garth Whitson’s bookstore has a romantic air to it, like a pre-internet, pre-box store time
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machine straight out of Audrey Hepburn’s Funny Girl. Despite last year’s expansion into the adjacent storefront, Shakespeare & Co. continues to be a cozy hideaway for book lovers. The tables of stacked books can either make your heart sing or make you panic—so many incredible books, so little time! And if you are a book addict, this independent bookstore might as well be pure heroin. Whitson has his finger on the pulse of the most cherished new reads—national, regional and local. He also handpicks underground gems, some of which you’d never find without him, even with the whole internet at your fingertips. Shakespeare & Co: 103 S 3rd St W • 549-9010 • shakespeareandco.com FINALISTS, BEST BOOKSTORE (NEW) 2. The Book Exchange 2335 Brooks St 728-6342 booksmontana.com 3. Fact & Fiction 220 N Higgins Ave 721-2881; 5 Campus Dr 243-1234 factandfictionbooks.com
BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR Ninja Mike’s Psst. You. Yes, you. We’re gonna help you out among all these Best of Missoula write-ups. Here’s all you need to know about Ninja Mike’s at the Clark Fork Market: Order “The Works.” Yes, it’s a sausage-egg-and-cheese breakfast sandwich ($6) served on Birdman bread with ingredients sourced from the very vendors surrounding the hard-working ninjas, but let’s stay focused here. When you order The Works, ask to “jazz it up” with caramelized onions ($1) and local arugula (50 cents). That’s all you need to know to forever change your Saturdays. Ninja Mike’s: 552-7931 • facebook.com/ninjamikes/ FINALISTS, BEST FARMERS MARKET VENDOR 2. Mmmm...Waffles Clark Fork Farmers Market 3. Wustner Bros. Honey Clark Fork Farmers Market wustnerbrothers.com
BEST STORAGE UNIT Pak Rat Storage One key to the popularity of Pak Rat Storage is the sheer variety of storage units they offer. From a 3-by-6 cubbyhole to a 20-by-20 personal warehouse, you should be able to find a storage unit that’s just the right size to stash all that stuff that’s been accumulating in your house for years but you can’t bring yourself to get rid of because it might come in handy one day and oh my god you are not a hoarder. They offer two facilities, one off North Reserve, the
other near Blue Mountain Road. With reasonable prices and a full-sized moving truck available, Pak Rat wins this year’s storage wars. Pak Rat Storage: 3655 Old Grant Creek Road; 5145 US-93 • 251-3813 • pakratmontana.com FINALISTS, BEST STORAGE UNIT 2. Cheap Charley’s 6400 Kestrel Ct 721-7277 cheapcharleysministorage.com 3. Clark Fork Storage 3505 Clark Fork Way 541-7919
BEST ADULT STORE Adam & Eve The feather ticklers and bondage kits were to be expected. More enticing during a recent visit to Adam & Eve was the voice of a British man explaining the three chambers of the penis. We quickly learned that the disembodied lecturer was actually a voiceover for a video outlining the physiological principles underlying the Hydromax pump. The device looks like it was imported from a science lab and is billed by the soft-spoken British salesvoice as a kind of “bodybuilding for your penis.” Speaking of a workout, Adam & Eve even sells a bed frame that will have you and your partner literally rocking each other to sleep. Adam & Eve: 1401 W Broadway St • 549-4688 • adamevemt.com
Best Bookstore (New): Shakespeare & Co.
photo by Amy Donovan
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [27]
FINALISTS, BEST ADULT STORE 2. Fantasy For Adults 2611 Brooks St 542-1801 fantasyforadultsonly.com 3. Midnight Dreams 2700 Paxson St, #C1 542-6227 midnightdreamslingerie.com
BEST ANTIQUES Montana Antique Mall The Montana Antique Mall can be overwhelming, boasting four floors full of carefully curated furniture, clothing, jewelry and more. It’s easy for a couple hours to fly by while looking through cases full of classic jewelry. If you look hard enough, with the right amount of nerd focus, you might find that rare antique Royal typewriter with the extra wide carriage for newsprint. Montana Antique Mall: 331 Railroad St • 721-5366 • montanaantiquemall.com FINALISTS, BEST ANTIQUES 2. Circle Square Second Hand Store 519 N Higgins Ave 549-3512 2ndhand.com 3. Find 1515 Wyoming St 240-1561 findmissoula.biz
BEST AUTO REPAIR Kent Brothers “Getting Missoulians back out, in their Outbacks.” That motto from Kent Bros. pretty much sums up why the Hip Strip repair shop has such a loyal following. These mechanics get Missoula because they are Missoula, from the neighborly greetings to the ongoing support for a variety of local nonprofits. They know their customers have places to be, fish to catch, mountains to hike, and those customers have returned the favor with another Best of Missoula nod. Whether it’s a new oil pan or just a little WD-40 for a stubborn hood latch, Kent Bros. will make short work of getting that Subaru—Outback or otherwise—adventure-ready again. Kent Bros. Automotive: 127 S 4th St W • 728-1747 • kentbrothersautomotive.com FINALISTS, BEST AUTO REPAIR 2. Master Technician, Inc. 128 S 5th St W 327-0014 yotaservice.com 3. Scott’s EQ 3004 Brooks St 543-3548 scottseqauto.com
BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION Missoula Federal Credit Union This local financial institution started in the
[28] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
1950s as a cooperative for local policemen, but today it is without question a credit union for all of Missoula, while also serving customers in Lake and Ravalli counties. Unlike big banks, credit unions are not-for-profit organizations whose purpose is to benefit their members. That’s why MFCU is run by a volunteer board of directors and that’s why profits are returned to members, not stockholders, through higher dividends on savings and competitive loan rates. Missoula Federal Credit Union: Multiple locations • 523-3300 • missoulafcu.org FINALISTS, BEST BANK/CREDIT UNION 2. First Security Bank Multiple locations 728-3115 fsbmsla.com 3. First Interstate Bank Multiple locations 523-4200 firstinterstatebank.com
BEST CAR WASH Happy Days Happy Days has consistently won this category, maybe because its two locations on Brooks Street are perfect for dirty cars coming home from the Bitterroots, or maybe because Tuesdays are Ladies’ Day and ladies get a free latte with their purchase. Both locations feature tun-
nel washes, vacuums and window washer fluids. Happy Days also features a self-service dog wash at the more southernly location, so you can toss your smelly or misbehaving pooch on a metal countertop and hose it down. Voila, a clean dog was spared the humiliation of a bandana from the pet salon. Happy Days: 2500 Brooks St • 728-5527; 3831 Brooks St • 728-7009 FINALISTS, BEST CAR WASH 2. Splash 2050 Cooper St 721-3743 3. TIE: Rods-N-Dogs 4620 Expressway 541-9274 Dazzlers 2610 Radio Way 728-6262
BEST MUSIC & VINYL BEST STORE FOR GIFTS BEST JEWELRY Rockin Rudy’s Some people are naturals at giving clever, thoughtful, quirky gifts. For the rest of us, there’s Rockin Rudy’s, where they’ve already gone to all the work of stocking up on fun and useful finds. Their expansive jewelry section features a Brink’s truck full of
baubles and bangles at Rockin Rudy’s, which features a Brink’s truck full of choices in their cavernous jewelry department. From classy and understated to acid-trip chic and ethnic overkill, Rudy’s is sure to have the perfect item to fit your needs. Rockin Rudy’s: 237 Blaine St • 542-0077 • rockinrudys.com FINALISTS, BEST MUSIC & VINYL 2. Ear Candy 624 S Higgins Ave 542-5029 earcandymusic.biz 3. Hastings 2501 Brooks St 542-1077 gohastings.com FINALISTS, BEST STORE FOR GIFTS 2. Green Light 301 N Higgins Ave 541-0080 greenlightmt.com 3. Butterfly Herbs 232 N Higgins Ave 728-8780 butterflyherbs.com FINALISTS, BEST JEWELRY 2. Studio Pandora 211 N Higgins Ave, #102 549-5100 studiopandora.com 3. Adair Jewelers 1325 S Reserve St 721-4025 adairjewelers.com
Best Public Service You Didn’t Know Existed The late astronomer Carl Sagan once said, “Books permit us to voyage through time, to tap the wisdom of our ancestors.” He was making a pitch for the importance of libraries, but he could have said the same about the stars. In a way, our universe is the biggest book of all, one few of us take the time to read. But thanks to a partnership with the Western Montana Astronomical Association, the Missoula Public Library offers a program that would surely make Sagan proud. Patrons can check out an Orion StarBlast 4.5” telescope, free of charge. The telescope can be used for up to a week and comes with plenty of instructions and tips for novices. The library added a second telescope last year, due to the program’s popularity, but reference desk librarians say there’s still plenty of open reservation spots through the rest of the summer. All we need is a clear night sky.
BEST GENERAL CONTRACTOR Rocky Mountain Remodel Michael Kane and Jason Olenic, owners and operators of Rocky Mountain Remodel, are a hands-on crew. Kane says his favorite part of the remodel process is to help owners pick out their design and then get to work on the project. Besides residential properties, Rocky Mountain has also been on-site for some prominent commercial work, like La Stella Blu and Clyde Coffee on the Hip Strip, and the Lambert chiropractor office nearby on Third. As far as home renovation goes, Kane says the company is game for everything from a bathtub installation to removing a roof and adding a second story. His advice for avoiding the stress of a major home remodel is simple. “Move out,” he says, and laughs. “I think it’s just more enjoyable for everyone that way.” Rocky Mountain Remodel: 2404983 • rockymountainmodels.com FINALISTS, BEST GENERAL CONTRACTOR 2. Straightedge Construction 531-7261 straightedgebuilt.com 3. TIE: Hoyt Homes 1021 Mount Ave 728-5642 hoythomes.com Edgell Building 316 Expressway 721-1826 edgellhomes.com
BEST DRY CLEANER BEST LAUNDROMAT Green Hanger If an article of our clothing says “Dry Clean Only,” we can guarantee one thing: it is dirty. They should sell all Dry Clean Only clothes in one store so we can easily avoid that store. But for those who do buy their wardrobe at places other than yard sales and thrift shops, it’s worth it to protect your investment by taking any dry cleanables to the Green Hanger, a longtime Missoula favorite. The cleaner’s environmentally friendly methods help protect the valley’s aquifer, and Indy readers find their service second to none. Green Hanger: 960 E Broadway St • 728-1919; 146 Woodford St • 728-1948 • greenhangermissoula.com FINALISTS, BEST DRY CLEANER 2. Missoula Textile 111 E Spruce St 543-5171; 1201 Burlington Ave 543-7798 missoulatextiles.com 3. Fresh Natural Cleaners 1132 SW Higgins Ave, #220 542-8100 freshnaturalcleaners.com
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [29]
FINALISTS, BEST LAUNDROMAT 2. Sparkle Laundry 812 S Higgins Ave 721-5146 3. Grimebusters 1202 W Kent Ave 721-3429 grimebusters.org BEST FLORIST Bitterroot Flower Shop Hey, are you that guy who grabs a garish arrangement of cut flowers from the grocery store on the way home from work, expecting that offhanded gesture to wield some kind of motivational and/or apologetic magic on your partner? Okay, sometimes it works. But when you really want to show someone you care, go to Bitterroot Flower Shop, where you know the staff will put together an arrangement that says exactly what you want to say. They offer fun gifts like the Growler for Two, or they will work with you to make a custom floral statement that blows away anything offered by a store that also sells frozen hamburger patties. Bitterroot Flower Shop: 811 S Higgins Ave • 542-0309 • bitterrootflowershop.com FINALISTS, BEST FLORIST 2. Garden City Floral 2510 Spurgin Rd 543-6627 gardencityfloral.com
3. Habitat Floral 211 N Higgins Ave, #101 543-0967 habitatfloralstudio.com
BEST FURNITURE STORE Wagner’s Home Furnishings When Bill Wagner scraped together $1,500 and opened Wagner’s Home Furnishings in 1953, he probably had no idea his store would thrive for generations, becoming a Missoula institution. It’s always been a family affair, with dozens of Bill’s relatives and descendants working at the business over the years. Their low-pressure, friendly sales staff also includes a lot of non-Wagner folk who like nothing better than to hook you up with the finest furniture available. They’re quite knowledgeable in home design, and that’s how they help you make your home, as they say, “the nicest place you ever go.” Wagner’s Home Furnishings: 916 SW Higgins Ave • 728-3214 • wagnershomefurnishings.com FINALISTS, BEST FURNITURE STORE 2. The Living Room 2610 S Reserve St 721-1340 thelivingroomfurniture.com 3. Conlin’s Furniture 1600 North Ave W 721-2141 conlins.com
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Best Farmers Market Vendor: Ninja MIke’s
photo by Amy Donovan
BEST GARDEN CENTER Caras Nursery The outdoor lot at Caras Nursery & Landscape, with its rows of edible starter plants and saplings, feels less like a typical store and more like a sanctuary—maybe even a kind of Eden. Employee Zac Johnson describes the place as “overwhelming” in all its lushness. “People love working here,” he says. “And I think people really love coming here.” The nursery has been on Third Street since 1896 and longtime owner Bill Caras has continued to provide a diverse selection of plants and garden accessories. For example, we found a Zombie Farm Terrarium in which you can grow Blood Grass and Brain Plant. Caras Nursery: 2727 S 3rd St W • 543-3333 • carasnursery.com FINALISTS, BEST GARDEN CENTER 2. Pink Grizzly 1400 Wyoming St 728-3370 3. Marchie’s Nursery 1845 S 3rd St W 542-2544 marchiesnursery.com BEST GREEN BUSINESS Home ReSource Earlier this year, Home ReSource managed to close a deal to purchase its Wyoming Street digs. Customers might not notice much in the way of change at first, says education program manager Jeremy Drake, but change is indeed coming.
He’s not just talking site improvements like new fencing and an improved drop-off area. Home ReSource plans to really drive home the message of reuse throughout the store, from interpretive signage to creative ways to market items that might otherwise wind up in the landfill. As a truly green business, Drake says, Home ReSource is bent not only on making shopping easier for customers, but on reducing its own waste stream in the process. Home ReSource: 1515 Wyoming St • 541-8300 • homeresource.org FINALISTS, BEST GREEN BUSINESS 2. Green Light 301 N Higgins Ave 541-0080 greenlightmt.com 3. Romaines 3075 N Reserve St 317-1829 romainessalads.com BEST HARDWARE STORE Ace Hardware Ace started in Chicago in the 1920s and, according to the company website, the chain owes its success to the American public’s “unwavering need for tools and hardware–even in the most unsettling economic times.” That need remains today, and as a one-stop shop for all things nuts, bolts and tools, Ace has Missoula’s back. The free popcorn also helps. Ace Hardware: 2301
Brooks St • 728-3030; 905 E Broadway St • 7219690 • montanaace.com FINALISTS, BEST HARDWARE STORE 2. Lowe’s Home Improvement 3100 N Reserve St 329-1800 lowes.com 3. Home ReSource 1515 Wyoming St 541-8300 homeresource.org BEST HEAD SHOP Piece of Mind It may be a confusing time for proponents of the state’s medical marijuana program and those advocating for outright legalization of cannabis, what with the legal and political processes bogarting both issues. But at least local tokers have a clear choice when it comes to where to score the best, um, tobacco accessories. Piece of Mind stocks sick work from local glassmakers, as well as the latest in vape products, bubblers, recyclers and more. Chill here until the suits in Helena and D.C. get hip to progress. Piece of Mind: 123 W Main St • 830-3206 • pieceofmind.net FINALISTS, BEST HEAD SHOP 2. Mellow Mood 630 S Higgins Ave 728-0777 mellowmood.com
3. Atmosphere Smoke Shop 115 W Main St 728-4420 atmomt.com BEST HOBBY/CRAFT SHOP Treasure Chest The wire shopping baskets inside this Missoula mainstay are stamped with “Handy Folding Pail Co., Inc” on the leather cloth liner, a made-in-America relic that’s long out of business. But Treasure Chest is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and showing no signs of relinquishing its Best of Missoula winning streak. Whether it’s an HO gauge model train engine, a miniature peppermint-motif dollhouse table or a $599 drone, this eclectic, family-owned shop is doing its part to keep America’s hobbies alive. Treasure Chest: 1612 Benton Ave • 549-7992 • treasurechest hobbies.com FINALISTS, BEST HOBBY/CRAFT SHOP 2. Michael’s 2850 N Reserve St 542-0128 michaels.com 3. Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft 1900 Brooks St 543-5244 joann.com
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[32] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [33]
BEST HOME ACCESSORIES Cost Plus World Market As many thoughtful apartment-dwellers know, the first key to creating an inviting home while on a budget is to add lots of soft, inviting lighting. Cost Plus World Market has an array of charming fixtures, like Edison-style string lights and a wooden teardrop-shaped table lamp. Next, toss some brightly patterned pillows and paisley-print throw blankets on the couch for that bohemian vibe. While you’re at it, grab a new teapot and some ornately printed Moroccan tea glasses. Then, invite your friends over for a pot of tea and let them be amazed at your innate interior design skill. Cost Plus World Market: 3025 Paxson St • 542-6669 • worldmarket.com FINALISTS, BEST HOME ACCESSORIES 2. House Design Studio Out of business 3. Real Deals 2150 South Ave W 830-3059 realdeals.net/missoula
BEST LAWYER Paul Ryan Paul Ryan’s name has come up in connection to some pretty highly publicized court proceedings over the past few years. And Ryan would be the first to admit that can put him in a pretty tough position, especially given he’s a Missoula
Best New Retail Store: H&M
[34] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
photo by Amy Donovan
native. Part of offering top-notch legal representation, he says, is striking a balance between work and play—mountain biking, coaching his daughter’s fast-pitch softball team, visiting his fiancee in Las Vegas. The other part is recognizing that every single client is the most important. “People come here with a problem and they want it solved,” Ryan says. “We try to make them the priority.” Sometimes that means taking on a big fight, something Ryan’s reputation shows he’s more than willing to do. Paul Ryan: 218 E Front St, #210 • 542-2233 • paulryanlaw.com FINALISTS, BEST LAWYER 2. Matt Lowy 147 W Main St 926-6500 lowylawfirm.com 3. Marty Judnich 2419 Mullan Rd, #B 721-3354 judnichlaw.com BEST LODGING DoubleTree Hotel First-time visitors to Missoula can get a quick primer in everything the Garden City is all about just by stopping at the DoubleTree. Guests are treated to a warm cookie upon arrival, because food is an essential part of Missoula hospitality. And once a guest is checked into one of the rooms that oversee the Clark Fork, they can take in a view of the river’s rippling waters and
perhaps spy an angler or two, because those are also quintessential Missoula activities. Finally, at the end of the night, a guest can sleep peacefully on one of the comfiest mattresses around, because one needs a good night’s rest before tackling everything else Missoula has to offer. DoubleTree Hotel: 100 Madison St • 728-3100 • doubletree.com FINALISTS, BEST LODGING 2. C’mon Inn 2775 Expo Parkway 543-4600 cmoninn.com/missoula 3. Holiday Inn - Downtown 200 S Pattee St 721-8550 holidayinn.com
BEST MOTORCYCLE/ATV DEALER Grizzly Harley-Davidson Imagine knocking this whopper off your bucket list: renting a Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic and riding up the twisting, climbing hairpins of the Beartooth Highway, 68 miles of the most breathtaking scenery in the West. Pipe dream? Hardly. It’s as close as Grizzly Harley-Davidson, where they sell and rent all kinds of hogs to help you see Montana on two wheels. They’re also Missoula’s favorite when it comes to ATVs, utility vehicles and snowmobiles, with a full line of Arctic Cat
offerings. Check out their cavernous showroom out near the airport, and in no time you’ll be picturing yourself as an easy rider. Grizzly Harley-Davidson: 5106 E Harrier Dr • 721-2154 • grizzlyhd.com FINALISTS, BEST MOTORCYCLE/ATV DEALER 2. Maverick Motorsports 4950 N Reserve St 549-4260 mavmotorsports.com 3. Five Valley Honda Yamaha 5900 Hwy 93 S 251-5900 fivevalleyhondayamaha.com
BEST NEW RETAIL STORE H&M H&M opened its 22,000-square-foot Southgate Mall location in 2015, becoming the global fashion giant’s first-ever Montana store. The Swedish chain offers trendy, high-fashion pieces, but at a budget that even the most cash-strapped University of Montana student can afford. H&M: 2901 Brooks St, Southgate Mall • 855-466-7467 • hm.com/us FINALISTS, BEST NEW RETAIL STORE 2. Missoula Wine Merchants 311 N Higgins Ave 926-1911 missoulawine.com
3. Sora & Company 318 Central Ave 205-4461 sora-company.com BEST NEW-CAR DEALER Karl Tyler Chevrolet “Cadillac, Cadillac, long and dark, shiny and black…” Springsteen’s tribute to the classic American king of the automobile, “Cadillac Ranch,” still holds up. Whether you’re in the market for a long and dark Escalade, a muscular ELR coupe or a versatile XTR crossover, Karl Tyler is the local choice for a Cadillac. And for a Chevrolet. And for a Buick. For 40 years, Tyler and his staff have been selling, buying, maintaining and repairing all manner of GM vehicles from the tiny Chevy Spark to the Silverado pickups. Check out their showroom at Expressway and Reserve under the watchful eyes of dozens of trophy mounts looking down from the walls. It’s a truly Montana way to buy a car. Karl Tyler Chevrolet: 3663 N Reserve St • 721-2438 • gmofmontana.com FINALISTS, BEST NEW-CAR DEALER 2. Lithia Auto Center 5001 Grizzly Ct 721-5000 lithia.com 3. Flanagan Motors 1776 Stephens Ave 721-9223 flanaganmotors.com
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BEST USED-CAR DEALER Eide Motors What sorts of cars are on the lot at Eide Motors? “The kind that sell,” owner Mark Eide says. Eide, who opened the lot 16 years ago, pins his success to one basic principle: “You can sell nice cars and make friends,” he says, “or you can sell bad cars and make enemies.” Eide employees scrub and recondition every vehicle before parking it on the lot, so buyers can rest assured the spare tire will be in the trunk the first time they need it. “If I were going to buy a used car, I’d buy it here,” Eide says, before asking another salesman to hand the Indy’s staffer a referral card. Eide Motors: 3010 S Reserve St • 721-2323 • eidemt.com FINALISTS, BEST USED-CAR DEALER 2. Karl Tyler Chevrolet 3663 N Reserve St 721-2438 gmofmontana.com 3. Flanagan Motors 1776 Stephens Ave 721-1381 flanaganmotors.com
BEST PAWN SHOP Liquid Assets This June, Kevin Pfau celebrated the 22nd anniversary of opening Liquid Assets and, in turn, it’s his 20th anniversary winning Best of Missoula.
Moving out of downtown and into East Missoula didn’t hurt his trade any, he says, as his local fan base still knows where to find him for good deals on firearms, custom knives, musical instruments, electronics and whatever else may be on sale. Liquid Assets: 615 Highton St, East Missoula • 542-6606 • liquidassetsmissoula.com
541-4453 alpinecanine.com 3. Pruyn Veterinary Hospital 2501 S Russell St 829-8150 pruynvet.com
FINALISTS, BEST PAWN SHOP 2. 1st Interstate Pawn 3110 S Reserve St 721-7296 3. Riverside Pawn 1300 Clark Fork Dr 728-7296 riversidepawninc.com
BEST PET SUPPLIES GoFetch! Despite closing one of its two locations this spring, Go Fetch! remains a destination for dog owners looking for the perfect food for their pooch. Staff love to talk about the ins and outs of dog nutrition and have a specialty selection in stock. Home food delivery is free, but head to the store for dog biscuits and bagels baked in the owners’ home ovens. Fido’s nails getting long? Walk-in trims are only $6, in addition to a full-service grooming operation. GoFetch!: 3275 N Reserve St, #G • 728-2275 • gofetchdog.com
BEST PET CARE/BOARDING Quick Paws Quick Paws Pet Care goes the extra mile for your fur baby. A delightful animal-loving staff will send the car to take your pooch for a day hike while you’re at work or entertain that puppy at their full-service doggy daycare. They can also groom with ease that obnoxious terrier mix who won’t let anyone near his paws. Quick Paws: 1720 S 3rd St W • 721-1943 • quickpaws.net FINALISTS, BEST PET CARE/BOARDING 2. Alpine Canine 3275 N Reserve St, #D
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FINALISTS, BEST PET SUPPLIES 2. PetSmart 2850 N Reserve St 549-9188 petsmart.com 3. Petco 3662 Brooks St 251-1362 petco.com
BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY Garden City Property Management Sometimes real estate transactions can seem like a Chinese finger trap. From within the charming craftsman-style home near the corner of Madison and East Spruce streets, the friendly folks at Garden City Property Management do their best to help you get through the ins and outs of the rental process. Whether you’re seeking an affordable studio apartment or a large commercial space, GCPM’s five licensed property managers and licensed broker oversee a wide variety of properties and work nonstop to make owners and tenants happy. They’ve been around for 30 years, and things like a free Costco membership for new renters set them apart. Garden City Property Management: 422 Madison St • 549-6106 • gcpm-mt.com FINALISTS, BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY 2. Grizzly Property Management 2205 South Ave 542-2060 grizzlypm.com 3. TIE: ADEA 2527 S 3rd St W 728-2332 adeapm.com
Gatewest 2100 Stephens Ave, #110 728-7333 gatewestrentals.com
BEST RANCH SUPPLY STORE Murdoch’s Ranch & Home In a state where denim is acceptable attire anywhere from the barn to the bar to the state legislature, why wouldn’t the ranching mecca with the back wall full of Wranglers win Best Ranch Supply Store year in and year out? On a recent trip we picked up grass seed, a camp stove and a pair of original Cowboy-cut jeans so stiff we were suddenly walking like we’d been riding trail our entire lives. Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply: 2801 W Broadway St • 549-2355 • murdochs.com FINALISTS, BEST RANCH SUPPLY STORE 2. Mountain West Co-Op/Cenex 4570 N Reserve St 543-8383 cenexmt.com 3. Axmen 7655 Hwy 10 W 728-7020 axmen.com Best Used-Car Dealer: Eide Motors
photo by Amy Donovan
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BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT TIE: Anne Jablonski & Mindy Palmer Among all gazillion Best of Missoula categories, this race might be the Ali/Frazier, the Fallon/Colbert, the Microsoft/Apple, the … you get the idea. For years, Berkshire Hathaway’s Mindy Palmer ruled this category with a dogged work ethic and distinctive style; she won every year from 2006 to 2013. Then, in 2014, Portico’s Anne Jablonski jumped up to grab the title with a reputation built on glowing referrals—and she held onto the crown again last year. Now, Jablonski and Palmer find themselves sharing the title. This can clearly only mean one thing. No, not a Clinton/Warren ticket. It means Indy readers have two great choices when it comes to picking a local real estate agent. Anne Jablonski: 445 W Alder St • 546-5816 • movemontana.com; Mindy Palmer: 1020 South Ave W • 2396696 • mindypalmer.com FINALISTS, BEST REAL ESTATE AGENT 2. Liz Dye, Portico Real Estate 445 W Alder St 531-4508 homemissoula.com 3. Shannon Hilliard 148 South Ave W 239-8350 shannonhilliard.com
BEST STORE FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS Morgenroth Music Owner and company President Gary Bowman attributes Morgenroth’s popularity to the store’s family-friendly vibe. Among Morgenroth’s most sought-after services is its band and orchestra rental program. Curious students are encouraged to demo the instruments they feel most drawn to, and the shop keeps in touch with school music directors around the state to give kids a leg up in the selection process. “This is the next best thing to a toy when you’re 10 years old,” Bowman says. In other words, Morgenroth is big on planting musical seeds around town—and making sure those seeds have the resources to keep growing well after high school. Morgenroth Music: 1105 W Sussex Ave • 5490013 • montanamusic.com FINALISTS, BEST STORE FOR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS 2. Electronic Sound & Percussion 819 S Higgins Ave 728-1117 espmusic.com 3. Outlaw Music 724 Burlington Ave 541-7533 outlawmusicguitarshop.com
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BEST TOY STORE Imagination Station If you bring a child into Imagination Station, you might walk back out in an hour—if you’re lucky. The wooden train set is irresistible to most kids and the boxes of squishy toys, bowl of polished rocks and bin of inflated balls encourage pawing and oohing and, “Oh, Mom! Oh, Dad! Can I have this?!” One whole corner of the store is dedicated to art supplies and crafts. The window displays offer a revolving showcase of new items, like balance bikes and kitchen sets and all the fun toys your child— or you—has been coveting for so long. You give in. You always do. Imagination Station: 227 N Higgins Ave • 926-3325 • facebook.com/missoulaimaginationstation FINALISTS, BEST TOY STORE 2. Rockin Rudy’s 237 Blaine St 542-0077 rockinrudys.com 3. Target 2420 N Reserve St 543-4000 target.com
BEST VETERINARY CLINIC/HOSPITAL Missoula Veterinary Clinic We love our pets, even when they lick us
full on the mouth after eating a fish head at the lake (I’m looking at no dog in particular). From hamsters to horses, the skilled vets at Missoula Veterinary Clinic have been treating our animals for 45 years. DVMs Andrew Cross, Scott Bovard, Jessica Hanson, Becky Kerscher and Katie McDougall stand at the ready to provide expert care, whether it’s soft-tissue surgery, internal medicine, dental health, nutrition or behavioral treatment (for example, training your dog to not eat fish heads). Missoula Veterinary Clinic: 3701 Old US 93 • 251-2400 • missoulavetclinic.com FINALISTS, BEST VETERINARY CLINIC/ HOSPITAL 2. Pruyn Veterinary Hospital 2501 S Russell St 829-8150 pruynvet.com 3. TIE: Alpine 500 S 5th St W 829-8150 alpinevetcare.com Four Paws Veterinary Clinic 2625 Connery Way 542-3838
HEALTH & WELLNESS HEALTH & WELLNESS BEST ALTERNATIVE HEALTHCARE PROVIDER Erika Krumbeck, Montana Whole Health On her Whole Health blog, Dr. Erika Krumbeck explores infertility, pediatrics, postpartum depression, vaccinations and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, among other issues. “There’s no magic bullet in a pill,” reads one post, which shows exactly the kind of even-keel skepticism she’s become known for. Krumbeck embraces holistic ideas while also being in tune with Western medicine. She spends time working on people like they’re a puzzle, especially focusing on kids with chronic illnesses. In a country where conventional medicine often feels formulaic, Krumbeck’s practical but whole-picture approach is something Missoula can get behind. Erika Krumbeck, Montana Whole Health: 714 Kensington Ave • 552-1717 • mtwholehealth.com FINALISTS, BEST ALTERNATIVE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER 2. Christine White, Black Bear Naturopathic Clinic 2831 Fort Missoula Rd, #105 542-2147 blackbearnaturopaths.com 3. Krista Brayko, Omni Natural Health 3817 Stephens Ave S, #2 926-2290 omninaturalhealthclinic.com
BEST CHIROPRACTOR Ivan Van Eerden Upset alert! Long-running winner Anthony Lambert drops to second place this year, while Ivan Van Eerden takes the crown. What to make of his leap to the top? According to one client, it’s pretty simple: “The man has a gift.” In the U.S., chiropractors make up the largest alternative medical profession, with reported benefits including relief from neck and back pain, stress, bursitis, arthritis, joint discomfort and a number of other ailments. This year, Van Eerden stands above the crowded field. Ivan Van Eerden: 225 Hickory St • 541-6400 FINALISTS, BEST CHIROPRACTOR 2. Anthony Lambert, Lambert Family Chiropractic 1290 S 3rd St W 541-9355 missoulachiropractic.com 3. Linda Matz, Matz Family Chiropractic 1519 S Reserve St 549-2006 matzfamilychiropractic.com
BEST DENTIST Ike Heaphy We’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating:
Dentists aren’t bad folks. We’re talking to you, bud. Yes, the one who hasn’t visited a dentist office since Mom scheduled you for a checkup a dozen or more years ago. It’s time, and Ike Heaphy is the guy to call. His gentle touch and considerate staff are perfectly equipped to handle even the most apprehensive patient. Trust us. We were one once. Ike Heaphy: 712 Kensington Ave • 543-8347 • ikeheaphydds.com FINALISTS, BEST DENTIST 2. Thomas Farago 1547 S Higgins Ave, #C 549-6081 3. Lynden Heitz 1547 S Higgins Ave 549-6081
Best Way to Occupy Public Lands Earlier this year, a group of rather extreme individuals made the absurd decision to hold a 41-day armed sleepover at a national wildlife refuge in Oregon. We probably don’t need to rehash the details, but long story short, their lengthy stay didn’t end all that well. So here’s some advice: If it’s a good time on public lands you’re thirsting for, keep it low-key. One local option that’s a bit out of the ordinary is to rent one of the two “Sioux-style” tipis at Beavertail Hill State Park, about 26 miles east of Missoula on I-90. These 18-foot canvas shelters can sleep six to eight people and go for $30 per night for Montana residents ($42 for nonresidents). The site also includes a picnic table and a fire grill in case you catch some trout in nearby Beavertail Pond. Just be sure to limit the length of your trip to something less than a month and a half, and maybe leave the guns at home, huh? BEST DOCTOR/HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEST HEALTH CLINIC Eric Ravitz Blue Mountain Clinic A visit with Dr. Eric Ravitz goes above and beyond the usual patient-doctor relationship, says Trinda Rieck, advancement director at Blue Mountain Clinic. People are so fond of Ravitz that he sometimes gets Father’s Day cards from patients who look up to him. “And that speaks volumes to the kind of care he provides,” Rieck says. “He’s very much on the level with his patients.” Ravitz maintains a kind and attentive demeanor despite the staggering patient load BMC sees every year. Last year, about 10,000 patients relied on BMC for its family practice and reproductive health services, and the clinic also saw an uptick in patients taking advantage of the state’s new expanded access to Medicaid. As BMC prepares to celebrate its 40th anniversary, Rieck says they look forward to continuing to serve the community with
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [39]
Best Chiropractor: Ivan Van Eerden
compassion and joy. Eric Ravitz, Blue Mountain Clinic: 610 N California St • 7211646 • bluemountainclinic.org FINALISTS, BEST DOCTOR/ HEALTHCARE PROVIDER 2. Lar Autio, Western Montana Clinic 500 W Broadway 721-5600 westernmontanaclinic.com 3. Heather Maddox, Western Montana Clinic 500 W Broadway 721-5600 westernmontanaclinic.com FINALISTS, BEST HEALTH CLINIC 2. Western Montana Clinic 500 W Broadway 721-5600 westernmontanaclinic.com 3. Partnership Health Center: 401 Railroad St W 258-4789 co.missoula.mt.us/phc
BEST GYNECOLOGIST Jennifer Mayo, Western Montana Clinic It’s only been three years that we’ve had the category of Best Gynecologist, and Dr. Jennifer Mayo has taken Best of Missoula each time. Her office staff boasts about her kindness, as do her patients. In a text sent to seven of an Indy staffer’s closest girlfriends asking if any of them went to Dr. Mayo, four sent back texts saying they did and they loved her. The exclamation points were excessive. In a conversation later, one of them went into great detail about how much she trusted
[40] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
photo by Amy Donovan
Mayo. All doctors are skilled, she admitted, but Mayo makes an effort to get to know you and treat you from personal knowledge. She followed that up by saying, “It’s too bad she’s my doctor, because I really want to hang out with her.” Jennifer Mayo, Western Montana Clinic: 2835 Fort Missoula Rd, #200 • 721-5600 • westernmontanaclinic.com FINALISTS, BEST GYNECOLOGIST 2. Janice Givier, Western Montana Clinic 2835 Fort Missoula Rd, #200 721-5600 westernmontanaclinic.com 3. Timothy Burke, Western Montana Clinic 2835 Fort Missoula Rd, #305 721-5600 westernmontanaclinic.com
BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST Farrah Lachina, Therapeutic Massage Therapy For award-winning massage therapist Farrah Lachina, communication is key, and it starts when a client first walks in the door. Is stressreduction the goal? Is there chronic pain to be managed? The answers to such questions inform her approach, and verbal contact remains crucial even as she begins to work those tired muscles. “It’s a learning process throughout their treatment,” she says, “whether they’re seeing me just on a wellness basis maybe monthly or maybe we’re working through an injury and I’m seeing them weekly.” Lachina chalks up her ability to maintain that communication to her down-to-earth personality. “I’m easy to talk to,” she adds, and clearly Best of Missoula voters agree. Farrah Lachina,
FINALISTS, BEST OPTOMETRIST 2. Daniel Larsen, Rocky Mountain Eye Center 700 W Kent Ave 541-3937 rockymountaineye.com 3. Michael Simons, Montana Eye Care 726 Kensington Ave 549-9413 mymontanaeyecare.com
Therapeutic Massage Therapy: 1048 B u r l i n g t o n Av e , # 10 0 • 39 6 - 138 5 • farrahlachina.amtamembers.com FINALISTS, BEST MASSAGE THERAPIST 2. Sarah Velin, Matz Family Chiropractic 1519 S Reserve St 549-2006 matzfamilychiropractic.com 3. Danielle Maxwell, MaxWellness Massage 1620 Regent St 531-3588 maxwellnessmassage.com
BEST OPTOMETRIST Jeffrey Lebsock, Costco Once again, Jeffrey Lebsock has been voted the guy with his finger on the pulse of Missoula’s eyeballs. As we age, our eyes begin to change shape, looking more like footballs than soccer balls. So the glasses? They’re coming, Hawkeye. You can stave off the inevitable by moving through a series of increasingly strong cheaters from the department store, or take the plunge and put your vision into the hands of the man at Costco. Don’t worry, you don’t have to buy your new glasses by the case. Jeffrey Lebsock, Costco: 3220 N Reserve St • 7287371 • costco.com/optical.html Best Yoga Instructor: Kendra Potter
photo by Amy Donovan
BEST PERSONAL TRAINER Laura Bender Laura Bender’s Main Street studio doesn’t feel much like a traditional gym. Visitors and clients are instead greeted by votive candles, soft guitar music and a rambunctious Jack Russell terrier, Bertie. There’s a reason for this, explains Bender. “Originally, everything was based on the weight room, that’s what this profession was built on,” she says of when she first started in 1989. “But now the world has changed, and so has my practice. I’m a mind-body fitness trainer.” Whether that’s through weight lifting, yoga, meditation or whatever else moves you, Bender is there to advise on how to treat your body well. The 58-year-old practices what she preaches, too. She usually gets up at 5 a.m. to work out before she spends a full day training her clients. Laura Bender, Bodies by Bender: 113 W Main St • 546-7716 • bodiesbybender.com
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FINALISTS, BEST PERSONAL TRAINER 2. Rhea Black, Momentum Athletic Training 214 1⁄2 E Main St 541-7474 momentumat.com 3. TIE: Rachel Plumage, Title Boxing Club 1200 West Kent Ave 926-1770 titleboxingclub.com Bonnie Bell, The Sweat Shop 225 N Higgins Ave, Ste B 360-9707 thesweatshopstudio.com
BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST John Fiore, Sapphire Physical Therapy John Fiore has built a solid reputation in Missoula’s long-distance running and cycling communities, including as a cofounder of Ratpod—a one-day, 126-mile bike race that benefits Camp Mak-A-Dream and is now in its 15th year. Fiore’s intimate knowledge of injuries associated with these challenging sports makes him a valued physical therapist—even for those of us who will never, ever, ever run 50- or 100-mile races. His company, Sapphire Physical Therapy, uses cutting-edge practices like dry needling and running analysis video technology. And Fiore’s easy and social demeanor makes any pain that much
more bearable. John Fiore, Sapphire Physical Therapy: 1705 Bow St • 549-5283 • sapphirept.com FINALISTS, BEST PHYSICAL THERAPIST 2. Megan Sproull, Axis Physical Therapy 301 E Broadway St 542-3333 axispt.org 3. Edie Smith, Missoula Physical Therapy Center 1805 Bancroft St, #3 543-4890 missoulapt.com
3. Brian Baty, Inner Harmony Yoga 214 E Main St 581-4093 yogainmissoula.com
NIGHTLIFE NIGHTLIFE
BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR Kendra Potter Kendra Potter is the kind of yogi who offers ahimsa practice on nonviolence in honor of National Gun Safety Day and puts together deep midwinter restore workshops that promise to leave you soft “in places you didn’t know you held tension (hello, ear lobe!)”. With classes offered at three different studios in town and private in-home lessons available, there’s no reason to miss out.
BEST DISTILLERY Montgomery Distillery The morning of Sept. 29 was a special day for local whiskey aficionados. That’s when Missoulians lined up outside the doors of Montgomery Distillery to get their hands on the Early Release Rye. The 2-year-old, 100percent rye liquor made its mark as the Garden City’s first legal, aged whiskey to be sold since before Prohibition. For many locals, it was love at first sight. The Early Release ran out before Christmas, leaving whiskey lovers bereft until Montgomery’s Sudden Wisdom, a 3-year-old rye, came on the scene in February. Love may be fickle, but here’s hoping Montgomery’s whiskey is now here to stay. Montgomery Distillery: 129 W Front St • 926-1725 • montgomerydistillery.com
FINALISTS, BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR 2. Laura Bender, Bodies by Bender 113 W Main St 546-7716 bodiesbybender.com
FINALISTS, BEST DISTILLERY 2. Montana Distillery 631 Woody St 541-1889 flatheadvodka.com
[42] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
3. Rattlesnake Creek Distillers 128 W Alder St 239-5050 rattlesnakedistillers.com BEST BAR BEST HAPPY HOUR BEST PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC Top Hat Lounge Earlier this year, during the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, the Top Hat hosted a solo show by alt-country queen Lydia Loveless as part of the screening for her documentary, Who is Lydia Loveless? People sat at tables on the dance floor in the intimate setting, while others hovered round the bar sipping drinks. A few weeks later, the Lil’ Smokies and Grant Farm stirred the room up into a frothy dance party of progressive bluegrass. That’s the thing about the Top Hat—you can catch solid gold shows of the soft or heavy, sweet or salty variety, almost any day of the week. Recent acts have included Brooklyn funk band Turkuaz, old-school psychedelic rockers Brian Jonestown Massacre and beloved locals The Caroline Keys Band. The venue shows no sign of letting up with a future lineup featuring acts like Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Fruit Bats and Steep Canyon Rangers. Owner Nick Checota’s major remodel of the former blues venue has paid off in more ways than one. Its repeat win as Best Bar means it continues to woo the drinking crowd even when
there’s no live music, serving as a favorite watering hole for college students, professionals and everyone in between. In addition, the bar wins Best Happy Hour—an upset from Jakers’ previous wins. The Top Hat’s happy hour runs from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily and offers specials like $2.50 craft beers, $3 well drinks and food specials such as $6 flatbreads. But it’s the weekly Grateful Deadand Phish-themed happy hours where DJs spin classic music for fans that gives the Top Hat’s happy hours extra allure. Top Hat Lounge: 134 W Front St • 728-9865 • tophatlounge.com FINALISTS, BEST BAR 2. The Rhinoceros 158 Ryman St 721-6061 3. TIE: Charlie B’s 428 N Higgins Ave 549-3589 James Bar 127 W Alder St 721-8158 jamesbarmontana.com FINALISTS, BEST HAPPY HOUR 2. Jakers Bar & Grill 3515 Brooks St 721-1312 jakers.com/missoula 3. Mustard Seed 2901 Brooks St, Southgate Mall 542-7333 mustardseed.com FINALISTS, BEST PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC 2. The Wilma 131 S Higgins Ave 728-2521 thewilma.com 3. Union Club 208 E Main St 728-7980
BEST BAR FOOD James Bar Don’t drink on an empty stomach. That’s probably one of the first rules most folks learned back in college. And it’s why starting a night at a place like James Bar is the perfect call. No microwaved dive-bar taquitos here. Just endless plates of gourmet sliders complete with hot pepper cheese and a quail egg. Big night? Move up the menu for some seriously heavy eats, like the bison meatloaf even Mom would tip her hat to. Of course the real treat would be that James Bar chocolate chip cookie baked in a cast iron skillet. Did someone say drinking? Forget it. After a meal like this, it’s nap time. James Bar: 127 W Alder St • 721-8158 • jamesbarmontana.com FINALISTS, BEST BAR FOOD 2. Top Hat Lounge 134 W Front St 728-9865 tophatlounge.com
3. Dinosaur Cafe @ Charlie B’s 428 N Higgins Ave 721-3808
Best Bathroom Remodel Feruqi’s is already legendary for its Flaming Lamborghini, an adventurous cocktail that many locals consider a necessity upon their 21st birthday. But now, it’s becoming a well-known rest stop on the bar scene after the recent completion of a spiffy new bathroom remodel last summer. “People come in here just to use the bathroom now,” says co-owner Matt Wiles. Feruqi’s, which marks its 19th anniversary this year, used to have singlestall bathrooms, the condition of which is better left unwritten. Wiles says those stalls weren’t cutting it, so they closed off those commodes and built new ones off a hall on the other side of the bar. The new restrooms feature three stalls, steel doors, sleek stainless steel fixtures and classy scented hand soaps, like coconutmango. Wiles and his family did the welding and painting themselves, he says. “Every time I walk in, it puts a smile on my face,” Wiles says.
BEST BAR FOR A STIFF POUR Al’s & Vic’s This venerable watering hole pours stiff drinks to ease whatever’s on your mind, but don’t plan on slumping over those worries at the bar in silence. Al’s & Vic’s can get festive on weekend nights, blending well-dressed law students with well-liquored bachelor parties, all to the sounds of a jukebox playing one of the widest variety of tunes in Missoula. Al’s & Vic’s: 119 W Alder St • 728-4804 • alsandvics.com
UPTOWN OPTICAL
FINALISTS, BEST BAR FOR A STIFF POUR 2. Charlie B’s 428 N Higgins Ave 549-3589 3. The Rhinoceros 158 Ryman St 721-6061
BEST BAR TO HOOK UP Stockman’s Bar The bar was empty as the sun set on a recent Monday night, save for a couple Indy staffers and a friend as we sat under a string of shotgun-shell holiday lights. A party of seven came in through the back door—or as they like to say at Stock’s, “the rear”—and got right to prodding the bartender for a round of shots. “Last
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Best Distillery: Montgomery Distillery
time I took Rumplemintz, I projectile-puked everywhere,” one of them announced. They left just as quickly, replaced at the bar by a handsome visitor from Georgia who sidled up to try out some lines. “I’m a park ranger,” he said, stretching out a hand. “Where’s your permit?” In fairness, it lands better with the accent. Stockman’s; 125 W Front St • 549-9668 • missoulastockmans.com FINALISTS, BEST BAR TO HOOK UP 2. Bodega 221 Ryman St 549-0435 3. The Badlander 208 Ryman St 549-0235 thebadlander.com
BEST BARTENDER BEST MARGARITA Kelsey Larson, Jakers Bar & Grill Here’s a nice way to kill two birds with one stone. Head into this popular Southside bar and grill—now reopened after a kitchen fire earlier in the year—and take a seat at the bar. Introduce yourself to bar manager Kelsey Larson and ask for the uber-popular Cadillac Margarita (1800 Reposado gold tequila, triple sec and sweet-n-sour on the rocks with a side shot of Grand Marnier) or the underrated Cactus Pear (Patron tequila, Patron citronage, roses lime and Cheri’s Organic Prickly Pear Cactus Syrup). Sit back, relax, maybe indulge in one of the kitchen’s complimentary scones, and enjoy, because in one sitting you’ve managed to experience two of Missoula’s best. Kelsey Larson, Jakers Bar & Grill: 3515 Brooks St • 721-1312 • jakers.com/missoula
[44] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
photo by Amy Donovan
FINALISTS, BEST BARTENDER 2. Ann Hancock, The Rhinoceros 158 Ryman St 721-6061 3. Adam Vizzo, James Bar 127 W Alder St 721-8158 jamesbarmontana.com FINALISTS, BEST MARGARITA 2. TIE: El Cazador 101 S Higgins Ave, #1 728-3657 elcazadormissoula.com James Bar 127 W Alder St 721-8158 jamesbarmontana.com 3. Plonk 322 N Higgins Ave 926-1791 plonkwine.com
BEST BEER SELECTION The Rhinoceros The Rhino has long been an advocate for Montana’s prolific craft beer scene, dedicating prime real estate among its 50 tap handles to some of the best in local brews. But sometimes craft fans want a bit of a challenge, and for the past couple years The Rhino has been happy to oblige. Every May the bar plays host to Missoula Craft Beer Week’s annual blind beer taste test, a weeklong affair during which patrons are challenged to identify a flight of Montana-made suds. It’s not just a test of the palate, it’s also a testament to how far The Rhino will go to make its award-winning beer
selection a true experience. The Rhinoceros: 158 Ryman St • 721-6061 FINALISTS, BEST BEER SELECTION 2. Dram Shop 229 E Front St 540-4303 dramshopmt.com 3. Tamarack Brewing Company 231 W Front St 830-3113 tamarackbrewing.com
BEST BLOODY MARY Tamarack Brewing Company We’ve all seen it—the Facebook photo of a monster Bloody Mary that’s garnished with a Golden Corral buffet’s worth of food. An entire bunch of celery, a whole fried chicken, a pizza … who does that? It’s a cocktail, not a stunt. But if you are the type of person who likes their Bloody to be a meal in itself, Tamarack gives you the opportunity to load ’er up without looking like you’re depriving a Third World country of its groceries. Tamarack’s Bloody Mary Bar is a do-it-yourself approach that supplies you with quality essentials—a tall glass containing some Absolut vodka— and leaves the rest up to you. Start with their signature tomato juice mix, then add whatever you think it takes to beat back that jackhammering hangover. No pizzas here. Local
Best Late-Night Munchies: Pie Hole
photo by Amy Donovan
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veggies, peppers, cheese and, yes, bacon. Mr. and Mrs. T never saw anything like this. Tamarack Brewing Company: 231 W Front St • 830-3113 • tamarackbrewing.com FINALISTS, BEST BLOODY MARY 2. Last Run Inn, Montana Snowbowl 1700 Snow Bowl Rd 549-9777 montanasnowbowl.com 3. Montgomery Distillery 129 W Front St 926-1725 montgomerydistillery.com
BEST BREWERY BEST BREW Cold Smoke Scotch Ale, Kettlehouse Brewing Kettlehouse co-owner Tim O’Leary has built something of a craft beer empire on the Cold Smoke brand. Locals may give equal consideration to Eddy Out Pale Ale or the awardwinning Double Haul IPA when hitting the river, but only Kettlehouse’s dark, smoky Scotch ale has a street named after it. Cold Smoke Avenue in Bonner is O’Leary’s road to the future, leading straight up to the door of a facility that will eventually put Cold Smoke and its compatriots within reach of anyone in the state. Not a bad legacy for a single tasty brew. Cold Smoke Scotch Ale, Kettle-
house Brewing Company: 313 N 1st St; 602 Myrtle St • 728-1660 • kettlehouse.com FINALISTS, BEST BREW 2. Summer Honey, Big Sky Brewing Co. 3. Double Haul IPA, Kettlehouse Brewing Company FINALISTS, BEST BREWERY 2. Draught Works 915 Toole Ave 541-1592 draughtworksbrewery.com 3. Bayern Brewing 1507 Montana St 721-1482 bayernbrewery.com
BEST CASINO Flipper’s Tavern & Casino If there’s such a thing as a neighborhood casino, Flip’s is it. For 30 years, the Hip Strip’s bar, grill and casino has been a local hangout as cozy as the leatherback chairs in front of its 19 poker, keno and other gambling machines. On a recent afternoon, one man had the area to himself, humming along to the classic rock tunes overhead. He was entranced, and he seemed right at home. Flipper’s Tavern & Casino: 125 S 3rd St W • 721-4895
[46] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
FINALISTS, BEST CASINO 2. Silver Slipper 4055 US-93 251-5402 thesilverslipperlounge.com 3. Lucky Lil’s Multiple locations 728-5903
BEST COCKTAIL SELECTION Plonk Wine Bar Bartenders at Plonk seem to take great pride in the cocktails they serve. You can order a regular gin and tonic and you’ll get a good drink, but choose something off the specialty menu and you’ve turned your night into an experience. These cocktails are just complex and conceptual enough to feel like a luxury. The “g.f.c.,” made of ginger vodka, basil, ginger simple and fresh lemon and lime is Plonk’s most popular cocktail. But the cherry sour (made with bourbon, muddled orange and cherries) and the Kick in the Pisco (made with habanero maple syrup) are quintessential summer drinks that beat the hell out of your average saccharine cocktail. Plonk Wine Bar: 322 N Higgins Ave • 926-1791 • plonkwine.com FINALISTS, BEST COCKTAIL SELECTION 2. Montgomery Distillery 129 W Front St
926-1725 montgomerydistillery.com 3. Iron Horse Bar and Grill 501 N Higgins Ave 728-8866 ironhorsebrewpub.com
BEST KARAOKE BAR Bowl Dog Lounge, Westside Lanes Singing karaoke is a lot like bowling with gutter guards. Even the most hapless performers are bound to hit a couple right notes, while the best vocalists still have a stage upon which to shine. In short, everyone has a good time. At the Bowl Dog Lounge, the good times roll every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights, and every other Saturday. Just be sure to get your name on the singers list early—the bar tends to fill up. Bowl Dog Lounge, Westside Lanes: 1615 Wyoming St • 721-5263 • missoulabowling.com FINALISTS, BEST KARAOKE BAR 2. The Badlander 208 Ryman 549-0235 thebadlander.com 3. VFW 245 W Main St 728-7749
Best Sports Bar: Press Box
BEST LATE-NIGHT MUNCHIES Pie Hole After a long night bar-hopping downtown, the hot slices served up by Pie Hole are exactly what the doctor ordered. (If the doctor was self-described king of partying Andrew W.K., anyway.) The Boise-based chain opened last summer on the northernmost block of Higgins, proving to be a popular late-night stop for merrymaking locals. Cheese, pepperoni, roasted red pepper and potato bacon are always available by the slice, plus tempting rotating specials. We also appreciate that the restaurant keeps phone chargers available at each table, so you can plug your phone in and call somebody for a ride on those nights when it’s too chilly to walk home. Pie Hole: 525 N Higgins Ave • 926-2233 • pieholemissoula.com FINALISTS, BEST LATE-NIGHT MUNCHIES 2. The Oxford Saloon & Cafe 337 N Higgins Ave 549-0117 the-oxford.com 3. Masala 206 W Main St 926-6444 masalamt.com
BEST POOL TABLE BEST PLACE TO DANCE Union Club There are probably a lot of reasons the Union Club consistently wins Missoula’s Best Place to Dance. It could be because of regular visits from country swing masters like the Idle Ranch Hands or Tom Catmull. Or it could be because the Union Club is quintessential, nononsense Missoula, boiled down and liquored up. Here you’ll find young and old, cowgirls
photo by Amy Donovan
and cowboys, researchers and smokejumpers, barflies and hipsters, all dancing to whoever’s playing—or, sometimes, knocking balls around on the two centrally located, cinematically lighted pool tables. The regulars know it’s always free pool on Sundays. And if you want to make your drink a double during all this revelry, ask for whiskey “in a bucket.” Union Club: 208 E Main St • 728-7980 FINALISTS, BEST PLACE TO DANCE 2. TIE: The Badlander 208 Ryman St 549-0235 thebadlander.com Sunrise Saloon 1805 Regent St 728-1559 sunrisesaloonandcasino.com 3. Top Hat Lounge 134 W Front St 728-9865 tophatlounge.com FINALISTS, BEST POOL TABLE 2. Al’s & Vic’s 119 W Alder St 728-4804 alsandvics.com 3. Flipper’s Tavern & Casino 125 S 3rd St W 721-4895
BEST SPORTS BAR Press Box Remember that time in January when Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw two Hail Marys in one drive to send the NFC divisional playoff game into overtime? And
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when the overtime coin toss failed to flip, and when the Arizona Cardinals answered on the first play with a 75-yard pass of their own? The madness had all of us at the Press Box jumping and screaming, no matter our football allegiances—except for the Cheeseheads, that is. They were fighting back tears. Press Box: 835 E Broadway St • 721-1212 • pressboxsportsbar.com nths
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FINALISTS, BEST SPORTS BAR 2. Desperado Sports Tavern 3101 S Russell St 549-9651 3. Red’s Bar 217 Ryman St 728-9881 redsbar.net
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BEST ATHLETE Mike Foote It was always going to take an incredible athlete to knock the assembly line of Griz football stars from the top of this category. Well, Mike Foote is about as badass as it gets. Last fall, Foote and fellow ultramarathoner Mike Wolfe left Missoula and started running north through the Rattlesnake. Four weeks later, they arrived in Banff, Alberta. The Crown Traverse, as their expedition was called, covered 600 miles, climbed 165,000 feet in elevation, crossed 13 mountain ranges and an international border—and, as Foote noted in a dispatch for his sponsor, The North Face, intersected “only 3 paved roads along the way.” Following his other record-breaking finishes at the world’s premier long-distance courses, we’d say Foote’s done plenty to earn this title. FINALISTS, BEST ATHLETE 2. TIE: Megan Fisher Tyrone Holmes 3. Trisha Drobeck
BEST JOURNALIST Dan Brooks Dan Brooks prefers we start with an important clarification. He might be a competent columnist—that’s humble coming from the 2015 Association of Alternative Newsmedia’s national columnist of the year—but he’s quick to point out he’s no regular journalist. In fact, Dan often cites the dogged reporting of others in his weekly Indy column before trying to make some sense of our region’s often ridiculous political scene. It’s Dan’s ability to bring some context and humor to important issues like UM’s ongoing troubles and characters like Commander Zinke that endear him to Indy readers. And while the title “Best Journalist” may give Dan some pause, he’s still thankful.
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“At least Jordan Johnson didn’t win,” he says. Dan Brooks, Missoula Independent • missoulanews.com and combatblog.net FINALISTS, BEST JOURNALIST 2. Erika Fredrickson, Missoula Independent missoulanews.com 3. Kate Whittle, Missoula Independent missoulanews.com
BEST METEOROLOGIST Mark Heyka Mark Heyka isn’t just the chief meteorologist at KECI. He’s long been one of Missoula’s most recognizable local celebrities. Even Hank Green, local resident and internet star, confessed to Heyka on a 2013 episode of Green’s “Sci Show Talk Show,” that he and his friends get giddy over a Heyka sighting on the street. The weatherman loves the weather and it shows in his genuine enthusiasm on the screen. He has also been a major supporter of community events and often a chosen emcee, like when he hosted the Wilma’s Sound of Music sing-a-long. “I was a weird kid,” he told Green on the show. “I wished for tornados while listening to The Sound of Music.” In our world, weird is often good, and Heyka continues to be a beloved personality. Mark Heyka, KECI: nbcmontana.com/keci Finalists, Best Meteorologist 2. Erin Yost KPAX kpax.com 3. Russ Thomas KPAX kpax.com
BEST TV PERSONALITY Jill Valley BEST NEWSCAST KPAX Although John Engen is officially the mayor of Missoula, this is Jill Valley’s town. For as long as we can remember she’s been the granite boulder in the stream of the KPAX news desk while others have flowed around her over the years. She’s everyone’s best friend, and in many ways, Missoula’s soul. She overcame breast cancer a few years ago in a very public battle that featured an appearance—chemo bald and looking fabulous—in front of a stadium full of roaring fans during halftime at a Griz game. Valley is surrounded these days by a tightknit band of cohorts in the KPAX newsroom, sharing screen time with affable sports guy Derek Buerkle, broadcast vet Dennis Bragg and the one-two punch of meteorologist Erin Yost and her ever-witty weekend forecaster Russ Thomas. Jill Valley, KPAX: kpax.com
FINALISTS, BEST TV PERSONALITY 2. Heidi Meili KECI nbcmontana.com/keci 3. Mark Heyka KECI nbcmontana.com/keci FINALISTS, BEST TV NEWSCAST 2. KECI nbcmontana.com/keci 3. ABC FOX abcfoxmontana.com
Best Athlete: Mike Foote
photo courtesy of Steven Gnam and The North Face
BEST POLITICIAN Mayor John Engen It’s been a challenging year for Missoula’s genial leader. The city’s fight to take over Mountain Water Co. ran into an unexpected twist when the owner, Carlyle Group, sold it to Liberty Utilities without permission from the state Public Service Commission. The city has also been under fire for its handling of a proposal to demolish the Missoula Mercantile building. But at press conferences and meetings, Mayor Engen has handled the twists and turns—and off-the-wall public commenters—with his usual good-natured aplomb. We expect that whatever the rest of the year brings, Engen will continue to respond with grace and a dedication to the Garden City.
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FINALISTS, BEST POLITICIAN 2. Rep. Ellie Hill Smith 3. Adam Hertz Former city councilman and current candidate for Montana House District 96 BEST RADIO PERSONALITY BEST RADIO STATION Craig Johnson, The Trail 103.3 Craig Johnson, host of “Morning Trail” on The Trail 103.3, snatches the Best Radio Personality title this year from two-time winner Aaron Traylor. Johnson shares his self-deprecating, friendly personality every weekday from 6 to 10 a.m. When he says, for instance, that after 40 years he just might be getting the hang of this whole DJing thing, it has a way of making you feel like you can survive your workday. Make no mistake, though, he introduces The Trail 103.3’s killer playlists with knowledge and ease. From Aretha Franklin to Grace Potter and every delicious new Radiohead track in between, The Trail can be counted on to play the best music in Missoula. And, of course, no radio station in the Garden City would be a winner without a Grateful Dead
Best Journalist: Dan Brooks
[50] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
hour (every Sunday night at 10.) Craig Johnson, The Trail 103.3: 721-6800 • trail1033.com FINALISTS, BEST RADIO PERSONALITY 2. Alanya, The Trail 103.3 721-6800 trail1033.com 3. Peter Christian, KGVO 721-1290 newstalkkgvo.com FINALISTS, BEST RADIO STATION 2. KBGA 89.9 243-6758 kbga.org 3. Mountain 102.5 728-4381 mountain1025.com
BEST UNIVERSITY OF MONTANA PROFESSOR Garry Kerr, Anthropology Anthropology professor Garry Kerr has returned to the throne in 2016, after a two-
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
Best Radio Personality: Craig Johnson, The Trail 103.3
year hiatus from our list. His secret? Well, he’s not sure, but he does note that he’s one of few Missoulians who can claim to own elephant poop with seeds from the baobab trees still stuck inside. It’s a souvenir from several trips to Tanzania, where Kerr has led students on missions to reforest the headwaters of a local village, on the recommendation of Dr. Jane Goodall. His students say he cares deeply about teaching and turns potentially boring lectures into amusing, compelling stories, which in turn converts Anthro 101 from a boring gen-ed into a don’t-miss lecture series. FINALISTS, BEST UM PROFESSOR 2. Samir Bitar Arabic Languages 3. Udo Fluck Office of International Programs BEST WEBSITE missoulaevents.net Go to missoulaevents.net and you’ll have the scoop on every big summer concert, festival, benefit, fishing derby, poker tournament, art class, theater production, farmers market, book reading and open mic your heart desires. Creators Molly Bradford and Colin Hickey make finding events easy by colorcoding categories and allowing users to submit their event online. The entrepreneurs have kept the website user-friendly even as they expand their not-at-all-evil empire to communities beyond Missoula.
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
Best Way to Rid Your Child of that Frozen Song Since 2012, KBGA DJs Tu Madre and Moonshine have been broadcasting music for kids and families that isn’t your typical “Daniel Tiger” or “Hampsterdance” fare. The show, “Gang of Fun,” mines obscure and forgotten gems, like Johnny Cash’s 1975 children’s album, as well as artists like Pete Seeger, Malvina Reynolds, The Beatles and Bruce Haack, all of whom appeal to kids and adults alike. Tu Madre and Moonshine, aka Julie Tompkins and Jasmine Raymond, have an ear for weird and wild songs little peanuts find irresistible, and they even add the occasional lullaby: Suzanne Vega’s version of “Stay Awake” from Disney’s Mary Poppins soundtrack showed up on a recent playlist. The DJs’ own tastes stem from traditional folk, glam and punk. “I never wanted to listen to mainstream children’s music because it was so corny and boring,” Tompkins says. The show, which airs each Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., is an alternative to the kind of dumbing down that seems to start in childhood with “Barney” and end in adulthood with Jason Aldean. It also offers kids some variety during those years when “Let It Go” pushes your sanity to the brink.
Thanks, Misssoula, for the 10-year winning streak during my guiding tenure. It was a fun run! Though I haven't guided for 2 years now, I'm still committed to introducing and advancing the skills of men, women and kiddo fly fishers for years to come. I very much appreciate your recognition over the years! –Stacy J. Werner
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FINALISTS, BEST WEBSITE 2. Missoula Independent missoulanews.com 3. 96.3 The Blaze 963theBlaze.com
SPORTS & RECREATION SPORTS & RECREATION BEST BIKE SHOP Bike Doctor A bike garage is an odd place to display wall art, but co-owner Eric Cline has hung one hell of a conversation piece inside his repair shop. The large painting is a comic-book style story about a post-apocalyptic world in which Palestinian freedom fighters wield guns and bicycles and everything else seems to be on fire. Sipping from a beer on a recent summer afternoon, Cline describes the shop in a similar spirit: It’s bike repair by the people, for the people. You might want to check your carbon-fiber helmet at the door. Bike Doctor: 1101 Toole Ave • 721-5357 • bikedoctormissoula.com FINALISTS, BEST BIKE SHOP 2. Hellgate Cyclery 316 N Higgins Ave 549-8785 hellgatecyclery.com 3. Bicycle Hangar 1801 Brooks St; 140 N Higgins Ave 728-9537 bicycle-hangar.com
BEST BOWLING ALLEY Westside Lanes Right now, Westside Lanes doesn’t have a lot of competition in this category. In fact, it’s the last bowling alley standing in Missoula. But that’s not the only reason it’s a winning place. Russell Cook, for instance, has worked at the alley for 32 years and says he loves it there. “I wouldn’t have stayed here this long if I didn’t like it,” he says. Cook attributes Westside’s success to a good snack bar, top-of-theline machines, well-maintained lanes and a popular karaoke bar, The Bowl Dog Lounge. It’s an established joint that’s stood the test of time—a favorite for dates, high school hangouts, birthday parties and wild company Christmas gatherings, which we at the Indy may or may not know about firsthand. Westside Lanes: 1615 Wyoming St • 721-5263 • missoulabowling.com FINALIST, BEST BOWLING ALLEY 2. Five Valleys Bowling Center Out of business
BEST FISHING GUIDE Joe Sowerby The first time Joe Sowerby fished the Smith River—at age 18—he remembers saying
[52] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
he’d work for free if it meant going down the Smith again. Now Sowerby is 23 years into his career as a professional Montana fly-fishing guide, and his company, Montana Flyfishing Connection, leads trips on most of the state’s premier rivers, including the Missouri and the South Fork of the Flathead. Through those years, he’s never lost sight of what makes fishing so appealing. “People can take themselves way too seriously in this sport,” Sowerby says, and he encourages his clients to go the other way, to have fun and take in the wonder of their surroundings. It was, after all, a river that once convinced this first-time Best of Missoula winner to swear off paychecks. “Although I’ve changed my mind about the value of my time,” he says, “I still have the same emotional tie to the Smith.” Joe Sowerby, Montana Flyfishing Connection: 3702868 • montanaflyfishingconnection.com FINALISTS, BEST FISHING GUIDE 2. Stacy Jennings, Stacy Jennings’ Fly-fishing School 926 E Broadway St 370-4027 kingfisherflyshop.com/FlyFishing-School 3. Drew Miller, Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop 215 W Front St 721-8996 grizzlyhackle.com
BEST FLY-FISHING SHOP Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop Most of us Missoula anglers are pretty fairweather folk, waiting until that first warm day or first big hatch to break out our gear for the season. Not so with the Grizzly Hackle crew. Want to talk passion and dedication? Outfitting manager Rick Marcum posted a bold write-up to the shop’s blog this January on how to get your fly-fishing kicks in the dead of a western Montana winter. What to wear, where to cast, what flies to use—this is the kind of info patrons expect at the height of summer. For a shop to answer those questions at a time when minds are more trained on shoveling the driveway shows how dedicated Grizzly Hackle is to getting you on the river. Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop: 215 W Front St • 7218996 • grizzlyhackle.com FINALISTS, BEST FLY-FISHING SHOP 2. Kingfisher Fly Shop 926 E Broadway St 721-6141 kingfisherflyshop.com 3. Missoulian Angler Fly Shop 802 S Higgins Ave 728-7766 missoulianangler.com
Grizzly Property Management, Inc. 2205 South Ave. West 542-2060
Thanks, Missoula! Since 1995, where tenants and landlords call home.
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modeled and expanded Blue Mountain site, to help us fend off the Dad bod and stay in tip-top shape. In addition to state-of-the-art equipment, indoor tennis courts and basketball court, a lap pool and tons of classes, the Peak is also home to some of the best trainers in the region. They’re the ones you need to meet right after filling out paperwork with a membership representative. Peak Health & Wellness Center: 5000 Blue Mountain Rd • 251-3344; 150 E Spruce St • 317-1960 • peakmissoula.com
BEST GOLF COURSE University Golf Course Nothing says community golf better than having Griz pawprints on the pin flags or being able to chat with University of Montana students at the pro shop. Nine holes won’t set you back any more than lunch at The Iron Griz, so don’t worry about hitting the ball into the water hazard on the third hole. University Golf Course: 515 South Ave E • 728-8629 • umt.edu/golf FINALISTS, BEST GOLF COURSE 2. Larchmont Golf Course 3200 Fort Missoula Rd 721-4416 larchmontgolfcourse.com 3. Canyon River Golf Club 1268 Bandmann Trail 721-0222 canyonrivergolfclub.com
BEST HEALTH CLUB Peak Health & Wellness Center Missoula residents tend to pride themselves on not needing much to stay in top shape. Lace up the old sneakers, roll up the ripped jeans and jog 30-some-odd miles through the hills before breakfast and call it good, right? Sure. For some. But the vast majority of us need the inviting confines of the Peak’s two spacious facilities, including the newly re-
FINALISTS, BEST HEALTH CLUB 2. TIE: The Women’s Club 2105 Bow St 728-4410 thewomensclub.com The Source 255 S Russell St 541-3114 thesourcemissoula.com 3. Missoula Family YMCA 3000 S Russell St 721-9622 ymcamissoula.org
Best Fishing Guide: Joe Sowerby
[54] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
BEST PLACE FOR PADDLE SPORTS GEAR Strongwater Surf Shop Co-owner Kevin Brown—better known around town as KB—is fond of proclaiming Strongwater
the “first surf shop in the mountains in the world.” It’s a catchy way to sum up Strongwater’s pioneering spirit. Since 2008, the shop has given locals a crash course in all kinds of river-bound pursuits: whitewater kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and river surfing. KB now considers that last sport to be Strongwater’s strongest ongoing contribution to the wide world of water. In fact, he says, the shop has orders for its custom boards coming in from all across the globe. He attributes Strongwater’s reputation to the fact that their work isn’t just a business. “This is our lifestyle,” he says. Strongwater: 614 S Higgins Ave • 7212437 • strongwatermtnsurf.com
don’t think we really have anything to add, but we will note that Edge of the World is known for supporting snowboard events around town and up at Snowbowl and has been süber boofing (provided that means winning) this category for years. Edge of the World: 618 S Higgins Ave • 721-7774 • edgeoworld. com/zoo
FINALISTS, BEST PLACE FOR PADDLE SPORTS GEAR 2. The Trail Head 221 E Front St 543-6966 trailheadmontana.net 3. LB Snow 802 W Spruce St 493-7073 lb-snow.com
BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE BEST STORE FOR GUNS Bob Ward & Sons Assistant manager Dean Wollan sums up his store’s philosophy pretty succinctly. “Our customers are our guests,” he says. Customer service is just one of the reasons Indy readers find Bob Ward & Sons to be the best in the sporting goods business. That extends to its spacious gun section, where Wollan says attention to each customer’s needs is paramount. For example, he says, an associate is not going to recommend a $3,000 assault rifle to a gopher hunter. Although, we figure that depends on your gopher problem. (Cue Bill Murray.) Bob Ward & Sons: 3015 Paxson St • 728-3220 • bobwards.com
BEST PLACE TO GET A SNOWBOARD Edge of the World All snowboards at this local shop have süber boof max potential. It says so on the sales tag, right below the price and size dimensions. We
FINALIST, BEST PLACE TO GET A SNOWBOARD 2. Bob Ward & Sons 3015 Paxson St 728-3220 bobwards.com
Best Place for Paddle Sports Gear: Strongwater Surf Shop
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [55]
[56] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
FINALISTS, BEST SPORTING GOODS STORE 2. REI 3275 N Reserve St 541-1938 rei.com 3. The Trail Head 221 E Front St 543-6966 trailheadmontana.net FINALISTS, BEST STORE FOR GUNS 2. Axmen Firearms 5175 Hwy 93 S 251-3399 axmenfirearms.com 3. Cabela’s 3650 Brooks St 203-5400 cabelas.com
Best Way to Fight Climate Change You’d have to be living inside Trump campaign HQ to consider climate change a hoax. Drought, wildfires, disappearing glaciers—the evidence is pretty compelling here in the West. Fortunately those with a mind to do something about it have an option that happens to involve cycling and hiking. The Montana-based Climate Ride has been around since 2008 providing grants to nonprofits working on climate, conservation and transportation issues. In 2015 alone, Climate Ride supplied $875,011 to 125 groups across the country. Climate Ride also scheduled 10 events for supporters of its cause in 2016, including two five-day hikes in Glacier National Park (July 13-17 and Aug. 3-7) and a six-day charitable bike ride (July 510). So if you’re not planning to vote for America’s angriest pumpkin this fall, consider getting outside for the climate cause.
BEST STORE FOR MOUNTAINEERING GEAR The Trail Head When you’re camping and hiking in a state whose name literally means “mountain,” you’d better have your kit together. In Missoula that means a visit to The Trail Head, where you can find state-of-the-art gear and expert advice for your outdoor adventure. The Trail Head: 221 E Front St • 543-6966 • trailheadmontana.net FINALISTS, BEST STORE FOR MOUNTAINEERING GEAR 2. REI 3275 N Reserve St 541-1938 rei.com
3. Bob Ward & Sons 3015 Paxson St 728-3220 bobwards.com
BEST STORE FOR SKIS Gull Ski & Snowboard Skiers and boarders who have been around the mountain a few times know there’s nothing worse than squirrely gear. A loose binding or ill-fitting boot can seriously take the “gnar” out of a gnarly day. That’s exactly why Gull’s shop employs some talented mechanics—the kind that spent some time around bigger, busier slopes like those in Sun Valley or Denver. From affordable tune jobs to custom bootliner molding, Gull knows that selling the gear is only half the job. Gull Ski & Snowboard: 2601 W Broadway St • 549-5613 • gullski.com FINALISTS, BEST STORE FOR SKIS 2. Bob Ward & Sons 3015 Paxson St 728-3220 bobwards.com 3. The Trail Head 221 E Front St 543-6966 trailheadmontana.net
UNIQUELY MISSOULA UNIQUELY MISSOULA BEST CHURCH CHOIR St. Francis Xavier St. Francis Xavier Parish boasts the tallest church in Missoula County, and it seems fitting the congregation also has a choir that hits the high notes. Best of Missoula readers first sang St. Francis Xavier’s praises back in 2011, and this latest win is its third in six years, each under the direction of Gina Lapka. If moving the spirit were a competitive sport, we might call this run a dynasty. St. Francis Xavier: 420 W Pine • 542-0321 • sfxmissoula.com FINALISTS, BEST CHURCH CHOIR 2. Holy Spirit 130 S 6th St. E 542-2167 holyspiritmissoula.org 3. University Congregational 405 University Ave 543-6952 uccofmissoula.org
BEST FESTIVAL River City Roots Festival Singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell will share the Grand Ol’ Opry stage this August with Vince Gill and other Nashville legends. Then, as it turns out, he’ll come play in Missoula for the River City Roots Festival. The three-day event wins this category because it has everything: microbrews, face-painting, art, races
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [57]
and music—making it a family-friendly and college-friendly atmosphere with a musical lineup that almost always includes a strong headliner, like Crowell. Jeff Austin, Sol Driven and Lil’ Smokies sweeten the deal and the open-air, downtown location is the cherry on top. It’s exactly where people want to be in the depths of August, when winter still seems like a faraway dream. FINALISTS, BEST FESTIVAL 2. Garden City BrewFest 3. International Choral Festival
Best Festival: River City Roots Festival
[58] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
BEST LEADER OF THE REVOLUTION Representative Ellie Hill Smith A lot has happened in the 10 years since Ellie Hill Smith won her first award for Best Activist (since changed to Leader of the Revolution). She’s served three terms in the state House, had her first child and been named one of TIME magazine’s 40 under 40. But Smith is quick to steer any conversation about her leadership roles back to the revolution itself. Missoula has a new Poverello Center. The legislature voted to expand Medicaid. While she acknowledges she played a key role in these socioeconomic advancements over the past decade, Hill Smith gives herself only a fraction of the credit. “My journey has been sort of with the people of Missoula,” she says, “if that doesn’t sound too corny.” And victories at the
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [59]
[60] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
Best Nonprofit Organization: Missoula Food Bank
local and state levels have only left her more energized and confident going into the next 10 years. “Our work’s not done,” Hill Smith says. FINALISTS, BEST LEADER OF THE REVOLUTION 2. Kia Liszak Zootown Arts Community Center 3. Betsy Mulligan-Dague Jeannette Rankin Peace Center
Best New Holiday Hopefully we can all agree at this point that Columbus wasn’t history’s most admirable soul. The Missoula City Council certainly seemed to agree last fall when reviewing a proposal to strip the 15th century explorer of his spot on the calendar. The resolution, sponsored by Councilman Patrick Weasel Head, instead declared the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples Day. Mayor John Engen said the change was long overdue and the council chambers echoed with the sounds of a traditional Blackfeet song before the body voted 11-0 in favor of the proposal. News traveled fast, and several weeks later a Blackfeet member in Browning told an Indy staffer in passing that Missoula’s acknowledgment of tribal peoples was very much appreciated.
BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION Missoula Food Bank Last year, Missoula Food Bank fed one in six people in the county—meaning at some point your neighbor, friend, classmate or family member might have relied on the nonprofit to get through a tough time. Besides the regular operations at its Third Street location, the Missoula Food Bank also provides kids’ meal programs
photo by Cathrine L. Walters
in summer, Thanksgiving turkey distributions and weekend “EmPower Pack” meals for schoolchildren. And now, the food bank is seeking community support for its biggest project yet: an expansive new facility on Catlin, which will allow it to grow its programs and serve its clients with dignity. Missoula Food Bank: 219 S 3rd St W • 549-0543 • missoulafoodbank.org FINALISTS, BEST NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION 2. YWCA 1130 W Broadway St 543-6691 www.ywcaofmissoula.org 3. TIE: Watson Children’s Shelter 4978 Buckhouse Ln 549-0058 watsonchildrensshelter.org AniMeals 1700 Rankin St 721-4710 animeals.com
BEST PLACE FOR KIDS’ FUN A Carousel for Missoula & Dragon Hollow For kids, Dragon Hollow is a magical place of hideouts and slides and tiny people. The name alone has the allure of a good fairy tale and its proximity to A Carousel for Missoula makes it supremely fantastical. For parents, Dragon Hollow is a contained area where their kids can learn to socialize on their own (for the most part) and where the misters, which spray on particularly hot days, can almost feel like ocean spray during an exotic beach vacation. A Carousel for Missoula & Dragon Hollow: 101 Carousel Drive • 549-8382 • carouselformissoula.com FINALISTS, BEST PLACE FOR KIDS’ FUN 2. Children’s Museum 225 W Front St 541-7529 childrensmuseummissoula.org
missoulanews.com • Best of Missoula 2016 [61]
photo by Sarah Daisy Lindmark
Best Place for People-Watching, Best Place to Take Out-of-Towners: Caras Park Events
30th Birthday Saturday, July 23rd Parking lot party with Giveaways and music by Mudslide Charley!
3. TIE: The Hub 5055 Expressway 541-4200 thehubmissoula.com Splash Montana 3001 Bancroft St 542-9283 Splash-Montana.com
Best Category We Forgot
In case you hadn’t already figured it out, this whole Best of Missoula thing is entirely up to you. Not only do your votes determine who wins, but you actually get to decide the categories, too. Honest. Case in point: At the end of our alreadylong online ballot, the Indy asks voters to BEST PLACE FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING 125 S. 3rd St. West • 721-4895 list the Best Category We Forgot. And BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS 8am-2am • Seven Days A Week even though you’ve already developed Caras Park Events Just off the Hip Strip carpal tunnel from the 180-plus cateCaras Park is the place to be. It can take care gories, you fill this out—and we take the of you and 9,000 of your closest friends at a suggestions into consideration for the folBernie rally. It can give you a delightful afterlowing year. It’s worked like a charm in noon at one of a hundred brewfests or a years past (hence new 2016 categories lovely evening lounging on the grass listening like Best Distillery and Best General Conto the symphony. It’s a venue that can adapt tractor), and our latest round shows that to the personality of the event it holds. And if you still have good recommendations. you and your children happen to be walking We can certainly get behind Best First Friacross the grounds late at night, you may day Spread, Best Customer Service, Best come upon a “tattoo artist,” holding a handConcert, Best Place to Get Pierced and made gun to the arm of some poor chap Best Moment of the Year. Perhaps Best while his girlfriend lights the way with the Ass and Best Oral Sex won’t make our flashlight on her phone, which makes it a stelballot, but Best Pie is a pretty tasty idea. lar place for people watching. Overall, we received more than 200 suggestions for next year’s ballot, including FINALISTS, BEST 1957 PLACE FOR The Morgenroth Music Center has been making music across Montana since by offering our Best Best of Missoula Voter. And while we PEOPLE-WATCHING customers high-quality, reasonably priced instruments to meet their needs. Today, our passion don’t see that last one making the cut, we 2. Farmers markets only intensifies as we have grown to provide the greatest selections of instruments, music, and appreciate your enthusiasm, Samantha 3. Southgate Mall accessories in the state, and a friendly staff of professionals to assist you. Trail, and everyone else who took the time to help us make the 2017 Best of FINALISTS, BEST PLACE TO TAKE Missoula issue even better. OUT-OF-TOWNERS 2. Mount Sentinel, The “M” Sentinel and Mount Jumbo glimmering in 3. Farmers Markets the distance. But four-legged friends are more likely to be excited about the 41 miles of trails criss-crossing through 4,900 acres BEST PLACE TO WALK DOGS of open meadows and forested mountainBlue Mountain Rain or shine, snow or hail, local dogs can side. At Blue Mountain, there’s always be found walking their owners around the something exciting and new for our best extensive trail network at Blue Mountain friends to sniff. Recreation Area. The view from the trailhead also offers humans a sweeping vista of the FINALISTS, BEST PLACE TO WALK DOGS 1105 W. Sussex Missoula • 549-0013 • montanamusic.com Missoula Valley, and on a clear day it’s easy 2. Riverfront Trails Mon-Fri 9:30am to 6:00pm Sat 9:30am to 5:30pm to see the shiny peaks of Ch-paa-qn, Mount 3. Jacob’s Island Bark Park
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[62] Missoula Independent • Best of Missoula 2016
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missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [13]
[arts]
The Finisher Chad Dundas talks wrestling history, razzle-dazzle and writing Champion of the World by Erika Fredrickson
I
vantageous for me. But I had to do a lot of specific research. I spent a lot of time at the library reading old newspaper accounts on wrestling. I tried to read some old medical manuals and I tried to read some old military manuals. I also looked at old menus to see what kind of food people would realistically be ordering on trains and in various restaurants and diners and stuff like that and, because of that, ended up writing a little bit more about food than I anticipated.
n his debut novel, Champion of the World, author Chad Dundas imagines a cast of characters living at the turn of the 20th century when sports and, in particular, professional wrestling was experiencing major changes. Dundas has a sturdy grasp of the intense lives athletes lead having spent time as a sports reporter for the Missoulian and then moving on to write for national outlets like ESPN, NBC Sports, The Sporting News, Bleacher Report and The Associated Press. He also graduated from the University of Montana’s creative writing program with an MFA in fiction, and he’s had short pieces published in Beloit Fiction Journal and Thuglit, among others. Champion of the World exists at the intersection of sports history and imagination. (Full disclosure: As a longtime member of Dundas’ writing group, I was a reader for almost all drafts of this book.) The story follows former lightweight champion Pepper Van Dean and his card-shark wife, Moira, in an unraveling universe of carnivals, bootleggers, gangsters and fixed fights. For the book’s release this week, I spoke with Dundas about the real-life world of wrestling that inspired his story.
What was happening in the world of wrestling at the time this book takes place? Chad Dundas: I don’t think a lot of people necessarily know that professional wrestling … was a legitimate sport and a very hard-nosed legitimate sport, full of savagery and brutality. It had been a popular spectator sport in the late 19th century and early 20th century but [after that] you start to see the rise of modern athletic culture … And there’s a sense, even back then, that audiences were becoming less and less interested in watching a four-hour wrestling match. So, somebody figured out they could make more money in professional wrestling by faking it than doing the real thing. And that’s one thing that drew me to this time period. I feel like that transition is super fascinating and couldn’t have been easy for a lot of the athletes. These were guys who had spent their entire lives trying to be the toughest guys around and all of a sudden that didn’t really matter anymore. So the world had changed around them and I think a lot of them reacted in different ways. Who were the real-life champions at the time and are they in the book? CD: Frank Gotch was a real person who kind of looms over this book like a ghost. He had been an enormous star in the early 1900s, had a very short professional career but had been on the level of someone like Babe Ruth or Jack Dempsey or Ty Cobb. He was arguably the last star of legitimate professional wrestling and in fact there are a lot of questions
What were some of the train meals? CD: One character orders boiled imperial squab or something like that. Creamed celery. A bunch of weird stuff that we don’t eat today.
photo by Amy Donovan
Chad Dundas’ new book, Champion of the World, follows the story of a wrestler at the turn of the 20th century.
about how legitimate his fights were and if he had been faking them for a while—nobody really knows for sure. Pepper Van Dean is an unusual name. Did it come from something in particular? CD: Not really. His name was Pepper Valentine in the first draft of the book and you guys didn’t like that very much. And so I changed it. Honestly I think I stole the last name from a different thing I was working on. That’s part of the process, honestly. What’s your philosophy on naming characters? CD: It was different for this book for sure because of that duality in wrestling between fact and fiction and because a lot of people use fake names. It’s kind of a unique cultural art form because, especially now, everyone knows it’s fake but all of the people who do it have to pretend like it’s real. I tried to play with that in a couple of different ways and certainly the names people have is one of them. Pepper Van Dean is not Pepper Van Dean’s real name, as we find out in the book. So naming characters in this book was different and frankly a lot more fun because I felt like I could put a lot more razzle-dazzle on people’s names. A blurb on the book jacket from author Philipp Meyer compares Champion of the World to Cormac McCarthy “but with compelling female characters.”
[14] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
I’ve always known you to write compelling women. Thoughts? CD: The women in this book face their own challenges and have their own life problems that run alongside of their wrestler husbands. You also have Garfield Taft, who is an African-American wrestler living, like everyone else in the book, in the early 1900s. I could see a reaction to the book being, “What does this author know about the African-American experience in the 1900s?” And the answer to that question is obviously only what you can read about in books and nothing else, because I’m just a boring 38-yearold white guy who lives in modern times. The decision to take on Garfield Taft as a character was one that I didn’t necessarily take lightly, but again, you just try to make everyone a fully rounded human being. He’s defined as much by being an athlete, having a complicated relationship with his wife and having made mistakes in his past that he can’t quite shake … as by his experience as a black guy. And with the female characters in the book, it’s the same thing. You had to do historical research. What was the most challenging part of that? CD: Unbeknownst to me I’d been researching the book for a long time just because I was kind of fascinated with the spectacle of professional wrestling as a little kid … So as I sat down to write the book I had already read a lot about it, which turned out to be ad-
What about the bootleggers? CD: Yeah, I did some research into bootlegging specifically in Montana. That book, Honky-Tonk Town: Havre’s Bootleggin Days, which I mention in a historical note—it’s terrific. Yeah, bootlegging is probably the thing I knew least about. I’m sure I probably didn’t nail all of the details. I just tried to make everything feel right and believable in the world of this book. How does the writing you’ve done for newspapers and sports websites feed into your fiction style? CD: I think on the sentence level and with sheer economy of language and clarity I probably learned more from daily journalism than any English class. I think that being a sports writer affects my fiction in other ways, too. It has given me access to and perspective on athletes, which is something maybe a lot of other fiction writers don’t have. Their lives are so steeped in stakes and winning and losing, triumph, struggle—just being kind of desperate a lot of the time … And fiction writing, to me, feels more like an art whereas journalistic writing feels more like a craft. I mean that as a compliment to journalism. What are some of your favorite books of all time? CD: The Sisters Brothers by Patrick De Witt is a historical fiction book that was super fun to read and [helped me] get my mind around the idea of historical fiction not being stodgy or boring or musty. I’ve also taken inspiration from Michael Chabon, who won the Pulitzer Prize for The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. He’s not confined by stuffy, literary conventions. And I think when you sit down to write a book about professional wrestling in the 1920s I feel like you have to have that attitude—just be like, I’m essentially writing this book for myself and if anybody else ever reads it, that’s just gravy. Chad Dundas reads from Champion of the World at Shakespeare & Co Tue., July 12, at 7 PM. efredrickson@missoulanews.com
[music]
Off the hook Bob Yost’s road to mayhem and mescaline Bob Yost’s “Mayhem on Mescaline” reminds me of the trucking anthem “Six Days on the Road,” except instead of an 18-wheeler it’s a 1960s VW Bus. Instead of “trucker speed” the driver is dropping psychedelics. And instead of classic country riffs it’s dirty blues-rock with the zany undercurrent of a Frank Zappa tune. Yost is a drummer and singer who I saw perform in February at Rock Lotto, where musicians are randomly shuffled into makeshift bands for a one-nightonly performance. This year’s theme, Led Zeppelin, meant hearing plenty of well-worn covers like “Kashmir” and “Whole Lotta Love.” But some bands threw
in a few originals, and Yost’s “Mayhem on Mescaline” was probably the most memorable. The song almost fits with Led Zeppelin—the era seems right— but it’s so much more off-thehook. And Yost is fun to watch; he’s the father of local musician and producer Travis Yost whose personality is similarly irreverent and brazen. To wit, Yost’s untitled three-song EP, available on Bandcamp, features “Mayhem on Mescaline,” “Masturbators” and “Ya, I Lie.” The songs are in the same delightfully bizarre vein as the Butthole Surfers with attitude just as unapologetic and devilish. (Erika Fredrickson)
Steve Kimock, Last Danger of Frost It’s a bit of a cliché, but music is everywhere. I pick out beats from the sounds of everyday life—a leaf rattling in the wind, an impact sprinkler tapping out a nice percussion, my dog steadily licking himself in my dark bedroom at 2:30 a.m. On his new album, Last Danger of Frost, psychedelic warrior Steve Kimock also finds music in odd places, but his ear seeks melody and texture more than rhythm. Known for his long career in Grateful Dead-related bands and his epic improvisational jams, the guitarist hasn’t just taken a left turn here, he’s ejected himself from the vehicle. He spent endless hours in his 100-year-old barn coaxing sounds out of resonator, fretless acoustic and slide guitars, and manipulating and stacking them to create sonic tapestries, employing the same device of repetition and thematic
exploration as Philip Glass. Oddball tunings, weird time signatures (12/8, anyone?) and the droning rhythms give much of the material a real Eastern sound. “Surely This Day” is a little more traditional, with its finger-picked guitar shouldering some tender slide work. Other songs veer way off into the woo-woosphere, conjuring whale cries, submarine pings or even distant sleigh bells. “Music Tells a Story, Part 4” fades up into a dissonant rumble that sounds like an approaching train pulling carloads of butterflies. Lock the door at 4:20, clamp on the headphones and let Kimock take you on a trippy ride. (Ednor Therriault) Steve Kimock plays the Top Hat Wed., July 13, along with Jerry Joseph. Doors at 7 PM, show at 8. $25–$30.
Fury Things, Bahia Fury Things—not to be confused with “furry” things (don’t google it)—is a hard-pop cum indie rock group from Minneapolis whose sound strikes me somewhere between Detroit’s Protomartyr and Dublin’s My Bloody Valentine. Or any big British group from the late ’80s with those washy layers of guitar. Based on their last full LP, VHS, Fury Things seem mostly to be pursuing pretty standard rock conventions versus a full-blown shoegaze deal, but there’s some solid exploratory diversity on this recording that the band should continue unearthing. Their newest EP, Bahia, features one studio track, two live recordings and three remixes. It offers a pretty diverse set of tunes, three with live drums, the other two with keyboards, electronic percussion and interesting riffs.
The band’s rock songs all have what I think is a thoroughly Minnesotan competence, a well-rehearsed tightness and well-recordedness that all shine through. Frankly, Fury Things has honed what it’s doing and has been recognized by the likes of Husker Du’s Bob Mould for it. Unfortunately, there are literally hundreds of bands that sound like this and to me there’s something wanting in its conservatism. More risk needs to be taken. The nostalgia and tone-mining tendencies of indie rock can be the enemies of memorable riffs and great, stand-the-test-of-time songs. ( Josh Vanek) Fury Things play the Palace Sat., July 9, along with Lunch Duchess, Magpies and Thee Captain. Doors at 9 PM, show at 10. $5.
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [15]
[music]
Lines disappear Pushing limits in Pale People’s cabaret punk by Sarah Aswell
photo courtesy of Pale People
Pale People includes, from left, a lamp, Mack Gilcrest, Brian Tremper and Kurt Skrivseth.
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[16] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
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Mack Gilcrest sits at his keyboard onstage at the ZACC Below looking a little lost. “This song is about the world’s greatest Tetris player,” he says. Moments before, he’d looked forgettable and a bit nerdy in white sneakers, jeans and a Big Brother and the Holding Company T-shirt, but when he starts playing, his eyes go wild and his hands go wild. He’s a crazed performer possessed by his song. Behind him, music surges from Kurt Skrivseth on guitar and Brian Tremper on drums. Beside him, a table-top lamp—the band’s signature prop—trembles and threatens to topple as he strikes the keys. “The blocks are falling, features crawling,” Gilcrest sings dramatically. “Whole lines disappear from sight/ It means more to you than life.” Welcome to a Pale People show. An easy way to describe it is just to say it’s weird. But probably the best description comes from Gilcrest who calls it “Broadway punk”—demented musical theater fused with rock. Formed just over a year ago by three University of Montana music students, Pale People is not a typical Missoula band. Or a typical anything. Each of their songs is a living, breathing story written in sharp and moving lyrics, exploring dark thoughts and dark topics, from the narrative of someone trapped in a serial killer’s dungeon to a song for Dr. Frankenstein. “Most of the songs are about people who are marginalized, lonely and suffering from obsessions and psychoses,” Gilcrest says. “They are ambassadors of fringe-living, who are failing to navigate the world in the right way,” Skrivseth adds. “They are people fading out beyond the boundaries.” The band members consider themselves “pale people,” too. Influenced by the punk cabaret band Dresden Dolls and musical theater composer Steven Sondheim, Gilcrest started taking piano lessons at 6 or 7 years old but switched to drums. “Eventually, I started getting back into piano because it’s hard to write songs on a drum set,” he says.
The result is a piano style that often looks like Gilcrest is beating the keys like drums. Skrivseth also identifies as an outsider. The bass player, who graduated with a music degree in May, suffered a spinal cord injury at birth that affected all of his limbs except his left arm and hand. His creative solutions for playing bass and guitar are responsible for his distinct sound. In some situations, he tapes a pick onto his fingers. In others, he “attacks” the strings by striking them with his thumb or hand. Then there’s Tremper, a technical drummer influenced by jazz and hardcore. He says struggling with depression often made him feel isolated and misunderstood. “I don’t have any circumstances that make me feel the way I feel,” Tremper says. “Kurt has a disability. Mack is messed up. But I’m a normal dude who feels sad all the time but has no reason to.” As a band, Pale People has an underdog quality to them. Despite finishing second in Missoula’s Top of the Mic competition earlier this year, they have had difficulty getting gigs. They’ve gone so far as to deliver handwritten notes to venues asking for dates and, failing that, tried to book under a fake band name. “A lot of people just want to get drunk and dance,” Tremper says. “They don’t want to get drunk and get sad and think about something uncomfortable.” But once Pale People do book a show, once they have an audience before them, the magic is there. The little lamp clicks on, the music starts and you feel privileged to listen. Of course you want to hear a song about the world’s greatest Tetris player. Of course you want to hear about how Dr. Frankenstein really felt. Of course you want to get sad and be a little uncomfortable. Some nights aren’t for dancing. Some nights are for exploring a world beyond the usual boundaries. Pale People opens for Scuber Mountain at the Badlander Sun., July 10, at 9:30 PM. Free. arts@missoulanews.com
[music]
Singing frenzy Six things to know for the International Choral Fest by Erika Fredrickson
The International Choral Festival is a big deal. It only happens every three years, but when it does, volunteers put in thousands of hours, local businesses set up sponsorships and host families (there are 90 this year) prepare their homes for international guests. In its 10th year, the four-day festival ( July 13–July 16) showcases performances from 10 choirs, which hail from as far away as Hong Kong and Estonia to as close as Seattle and Iowa. In anticipation of this festival, here are six things you need to know to help navigate the international waters.
the past, the city’s high school choirs have banded together for one-off performances during the festival. The Bella Armonia Youth Choir, featuring sixth to 10th graders, will be a permanent fixture for the festival. “They are our choir,” Brinkman says. Tradition! It’s smart to keep some things the same when it comes to a beloved institution like the choral festival. On Thursday evening and Friday, listeners will be treated to concerts in more formal settings like the Dennison Theatre and St. Anthony’s Parish where the acoustics are near perfect and the choirs can really show off their technical prowess.
One word: Cuba For several years, the choral festival organizers have been hearing about Cantores de Cienfuegos. The Cuban choir, which Rocking the boat has been performing since 1962, And, then again, it’s also was accepted to the festival two pretty smart to shake things up. years ago, but they didn’t have the This year, Brinkman decided to money to come. Still, they were create a Missoula-style way to optimistic. “Every time Americans enjoy the music. The Choir Crawl were down there and would hear is a little bit like a pub crawl and them sing, [the choir] would ana little like a First Friday art walk. nounce from stage, ‘We are going Starting at 1:30 p.m. on Thursto Missoula, Montana!’” says the day, choirs rotate between Fact & festival Executive Director Anne Fiction, Red Bird Wine Bar, Marie Brinkman. “As a result, people would come back to the U.S. photo courtesy of International Choral Festival Plonk, the Missoula Public Liand call my office—from Hawaii, Canada’s Kokopelli perform at the brary and the Dana Gallery, where they perform for 15 minTexas, California, Maryland—all 2013 festival. utes each. It’s a family-friendly wanting to know if they can help get them here.” Through local and state fundraising, and laid-back alternative to the formal shows and the choir will be able to come, which means you get a chance to walk around downtown and grab a to see what all the fuss is about. (Note: Cantores de drink while getting an aural treat. (Button required Cienfuegos has not yet funded its entire trip, so expect to attend.) additional fundraising.) Finale If the International Choral Festival is a musical Free-for-all Wednesday A button to attend the choral festival is $20, but if sport, the final concert at the Adams Center on Satyou’re looking for a free sneak peek, you’re in luck. On urday night is the equivalent of the Olympics’ closthe opening day, July 13, the choral festival takes over ing ceremony. Participating choirs parade onto the Out to Lunch at Caras Park where nine choirs perform stage carrying their national flags. The Mendohlssen for 10 minutes each. It’s a surprise taste for out-to- Club opens the program and then each group perlunchers, but it’s also a gathering spot for choral fest fa- forms a song before joining together on the basketnatics who take the event as seriously as a professional ball court, along with local choirs, to sing as one. “I sporting event. After lunch, choirs head over to the JC figured out it’s like three continents and 500 Penny court in the Southgate Mall. In the evening, start- voices,” Brinkman says. “And in that space, you reing at 6:30 p.m., the youth choirs sing for free at the ally do just get the sense of the world, instead of Bonner Park band shell, including Estonia’s Grammy just you.” The International Choral Festival runs Wed., Award-winning Girls’ Choir of Ellerhein. July 13–Sat., July 16. Visit choralfestival.org for full schedule. Youth debut Speaking of youth choirs, this year marks the debut of Missoula’s first hometown choral group. In efredrickson@missoulanews.com
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [17]
[books]
Miles wide Fifty-Six Counties offers a bittersweet tribute by Chris La Tray
Thanks, Missoula! Winner New Books
103 S. 3rd St. W. • (406) 549-9010 [18] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
Rowland clearly loves his native state (he was born I’ve always been fascinated by the number 56, at least as it relates to the number of counties in my na- in Bozeman, yet spent the better part of 30 years living tive state of Montana. In high school, in the 1980s, a elsewhere), but this book isn’t a breathless account of friend of mine and I had a game to see who could Montana’s unrelenting awesomeness. He plunges a find the most obscure county number on a Montana dagger into the heart of the myth of our self-reliance license plate. Passing some rusted-out hooptie, we and details a lifelong history of allowing rich folks from might exclaim, “Look, it’s a 23!” (That’s Musselshell all over to come in, prop us up, plunder our resources County.) Or, if one of us had been out and about, we and then retreat with all the real money. He reports on our tendency to drink too might report back, “I was on much, to treat our Native Higgins earlier and saw a frigAmerican neighbors poorly gin’ 47!” (That’s Meagher and to be somewhat narrowCounty.) And we would eyed in our views toward anylaugh uproariously. I assure one we don’t recognize. He you, it was fun at the time. takes to task his hometown of Given Montana’s size, 56 Bozeman–which Rowland isn’t that large a number to says is among his top five faencompass all of its geogravorite cities in the world–for phy. Each number represents its snobbery. And my uppity a community—often farhome, Missoula? This passage, flung, most very small—of acimmediately following his tual people. Who are they praise of the city and how he and how the hell do they live has many friends here, made way out there? Billings aume smirk, even if I don’t disthor Russell Rowland (High agree with it for an instant: and Inside, In Open Spaces) “But I also find it very decided to find out. After a hard to visit Missoula, mostly Kickstarter campaign to fund because I never feel like I’m the trip, 5,000 miles on the in the club. You especially road, two years of research feel it as a writer. Which is and writing and hundreds of Fifty-Six Counties: ironic, because Missoula writinterviews, here comes his A Montana Journey ers seem to complain more new book, Fifty-Six Counties: Russell Rowland than any others in the West A Montana Journey. paperback, Bangtail Press about being snubbed by the Two things I appreciate 376 pages, $22.95 literary elite in the East. But immediately: One, Rowland doesn’t divide the chapters into 56 neat little sec- if you are a Montana writer who didn’t study at U of tions for each county, as one might expect. Instead, M or don’t live in Missoula now, forget it. They don’t it’s divided into 10 chapters, with counties roughly show up at your readings. They don’t invite you to grouped together based on the resources that ex- their gatherings when you’re at the book festival. It plain their existence—titles like “Copper,” “Trees” would be amusing if it didn’t hurt so much.” The day after I finished this book I got in my car, and “Fuel.” That makes browsing for information about a specific county a challenge, particularly inspired, and went on a 10-hour solo drive that took since the book doesn’t contain an index. But this me through parts of Missoula, Sanders, Flathead and highlights the second thing I enjoy, and my favorite: Lake counties. I loved every vista and every field full This book is fantastic for browsing. It’s part travel of rotting metal and tumbledown buildings. I find narrative, certainly, but it isn’t linear by any means. connection to Rowland’s work through these mixed The interested reader can pick it up and jump in at feelings. Fifty-Six Counties is a love letter to this Last any point. There’s bound to be something com- Best Place—all that is magnificent and beautiful, and pelling, whether it’s a tidbit of Montana history, a all that is dark and depressing, too. I may roll my eyes compelling interview or an essay-like section from at some of the hyperbole that surrounds living here, Rowland addressing a particular issue important to but I consider myself incredibly fortunate to continue him. Some readers may even prefer to approach the to make it my home. Fifty-Six Counties gives me anbook in this random fashion, because cover to other 400 pages of reasons to feel so lucky. cover, Fifty-Six Counties can read a little dense with information. arts@missoulanews.com
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [19]
[film]
these are the good old days.
Friend ship Swiss Army Man invents a wild world by Molly Laich
LODGING starting at $ 99* We’ve got options for every budget. Plus, get discounted rates on activities when you stay with us. Visit SKIWHITEFISH.COM for more lodging options and deals. *Taxes and fees not included. Other restrictions may apply.
LEARN TO BIKE DOWNHILL Just $99 gets you a 2-hour downhill mountain bike rental, protective gear including a full-face helmet, a Bad Rock Zone lift ticket and a 2-hour downhill mountain bike lesson. Reser vations are recommended. To sign up call Village Rentals at 406-862-1995 or stop by the shop. More lesson options are also available.
SKIWHITEFISH.COM | 877-SKI-FISH Partially Located on National Forest Lands Photo © Noah Couser
[20] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
Steampunk earplugs.
At this point in 2016, it’s a head-to-head battle for weirdest movie of the year between the dystopian social experiment featured in The Lobster and this week’s picture, Swiss Army Man, about a man and a corpse who find solace together in the lonely wilderness. This is a good sign for filmgoers with taste; it gives me hope that Hollywood may be waking up from its usual superhero, manufactured-sentiment torpor. Swiss Army Man stars Paul Dano as a misanthropic loner named Hank, who’s been stranded on an island in the South Pacific for however long it took him to grow that straggly beard. He’s got a noose around his neck and he’s about to take the plunge when a body washes up to shore, providing a brief distraction from the grief. Right away the story has us pondering questions about what makes life worth living. Before the body came along, Hank was a man all out of options. To me, suicide only seems like a valid choice when you’ve got nothing left to discover, and when on earth would that ever happen? Daniel Radcliffe plays the corpse, whose name turns out to be Manny. At first the body is just dead, but soon it begins to take on a series of special powers. For example, Manny’s farts turn his body into a raft that Hank can ride like a Jet Ski. After a convenient blackout, Hank finds that he and Manny have been propelled off the island into a forested area that looks a lot like the California coast. Civilization can’t be too far off from there, and Hank and Manny set out to find it together. This is the first feature film from writers and directors Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. Their previous work includes the music video for “Turn Down for What,” an inventive short film wherein everyone’s
genitals become so infected with the beat that they break through walls. It’s a preoccupation that persists here: As Hank attempts to help Manny try to remember his old life, his naïve erection acts like a compass that slowly leads them out of the forest. Of course corpses can’t talk or get erections or shoot pellets out of their mouths at gun-like speeds in order to kill raccoons and then cook them over an open flame by setting a fire with their farts, but that’s what movies are for. They show us things we can’t even begin to imagine in real life. I have to admit that some of the inconsistencies in the film’s world bug me. My tastes are hopelessly American, which means I want structure and rules. If Hank is just insane, that’s fine. If everything is real, that’s fine too—just don’t give me some murky in-between. But this is a small quibble, because the science of Manny is not at all the point. What matters is the relationship between the two of them. In Hank, we have a 20-something who’s crippled by shyness and insecurity, whereas Manny is utterly unselfconscious and looks at the world with admirable wonder and innocence. Both Dano and Radcliffe are acting their hearts out, and their chemistry is more than inspiring. Both characters have everything to learn from each other, and it’s delightful to watch their friendship unfold in such inventive ways. Swiss Army Man is a funny and strange adventure, unlike anything we’ve seen in cinema before. The way it repurposes John William’s iconic Jurassic Park score is worth the price of admission alone. Swiss Army Man opens Fri., July 8, at the Roxy. arts@missoualnews.com
August 13, 2016 r Registe Online
Sat. Sa at. Sept 24 at 24, 4, 2016
CdaGranFondo.com CdaGranFondo Fondo.com
RIDE AROUND LAKE COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO
15
37
47
84
108
FAMILLY FAMILY FONDO
PICCOLO FONDO
CENTRO FONDO
MEDIO FONDO
GRAN FONDO
outdoor microbrew festival 20 local breweries • live music by The RUB and Strange Brew
2pm - 8pm at McEuen Park Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Go o to ItsMyTrail.org to purchase tickets
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [21]
[film] Liam Hemsworth. Showing at Carmike 12 and Pharaohplex.
OPENING THIS WEEK KUNG FU PANDA 2 The rotund Po returns to kick butt and eat snacks. Kung Fu Panda 2 stars Jack Black, Gary Oldman and Angelina Jolie. Playing at the Carmike 12 Thu., July 7, at 10 AM.
THE LEGEND OF TARZAN From the director of the good “Harry Potter” movies, everyone’s favorite suspiciously beardless jungle hero swings into action, hoping we all forget about 2012s John Carter. Starring Alexander Skarsgård, Samuel L. Jackson and Margot Robbie. Showing at the Carmike 12 and the Pharoplex.
MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES Two slacker brothers need dates for their sister’s wedding. Instead of doing the honest thing and faking an explosive breakup with their respective Canadian girlfriends, they find dates who are crazier than they are. Starring Zac Efron, Aubrey Plaza and Anna Kendrick. Playing at the Carmike 12.
NOW YOU SEE ME 2 The sequel to 2013s box office has gotten mixed reviews. Starring Woody Harrelson and Morgan Freeman. If you’re going to bomb you ought to have a cast like that on your side. Showing at the Carmike 12 and Pharaohplex.
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO Studio Ghibli's classic animation about living dust, giant friendly monsters and the world's most unhygienic bus will make you cry forever. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Playing at the Roxy. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S VACATION The Griswold family hits the road in their first adventure, not knowing they’d replace their children every couple of years. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo and Randy Quaid. Playing at the Roxy. THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS The creator of the “Minions” series lets us in on what our pets do while we’re at work. If they’re anything like humans, I imagine they probably scroll through Facebook and think about writing a novel while worrying about student loan debt. The Secret Life of Pets stars Louis C.K., Kevin Hart and Dana Carvey. Playing at the Carmike 12. SING STREET It’s a tale as old as time. A young Irish lad pretends to be a rock star so a girl will talk to him. Starring Ferdia Walsh-Peelo and Lucy Boynton. Playing at the Roxy. SWISS ARMY MAN It’s like Castaway but instead of Tom Hanks it’s Paul Dano, and instead of Wilson the volleyball, it’s
THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR In the third installment of The Purge series, police sergeant Leo Barnes has become head of security for U.S. Senator Charlene Roan, who’s running for U.S. president on a platform to eliminate the sadistic 12-hour annual tradition of legal murder. Rated R. Showing at the Carmike 12. I am never eating baked goods again. The Secret Life of Pets opens at Carmike 12 and Pharaohplex. a dead Harry Potter. Starring Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe. Playing at the Roxy. (See Film.)
NOW PLAYING THE BFG Roald Dahl’s classic story about the Big Friendly Giant, an outcast who refuses to eat children, comes to life in the hands of director Steven Spielberg. Starring the voices of Rebecca Hall, Mark Rylance and Bill Hader. Rated PG. Showing at the Carmike 12 and the Pharoplex. CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE Dwayne Johnson teams up with Kevin Hart to prevent worldwide chaos. Rated PG-13. Showing at the Carmike 12 and Pharaohplex.
FINDING DORY When Finding Nemo came out, my kid was 2. Now he’s 15 and he won’t go see Finding Dory with me. Join the beloved cast once more for an adventure with Dory, voiced by Ellen DeGeneres, as she tries to find her family. Rated PG. Showing at the Carmike 12 and Pharaohplex. FREE STATE OF JONES Matthew McConaughey’s shirt is probably not required in this story about a Confederate deserter who leads a group of farmers and slaves against the Confederacy. Rated R. Showing at the Pharaohplex and Carmike 12. INDEPENDENCE DAY: RESURGENCE Because right now the world needs more movies about the potential for total annihilation. And
THE SHALLOWS The Upper Eastside sharks of “Gossip Girl” don’t compare with the real thing when Blake Lively comes face-to-face with a great white shark on a secluded surfing beach. Rated PG-13. Showing at the Carmike 12. Capsule reviews by Gaaby Patterson, Charley Macorn and Erika Fredrickson. Planning your outing to the cinema? Visit the arts section of missoulanews.com to find upto-date movie times for theaters in the area. You can also contact theaters to spare yourself any grief and/or parking lot profanities. Theater phone numbers: Carmike 12 at 541-7469; The Roxy at 728-9380; Wilma at 728-2521; Pharaohplex in Hamilton at 961-FILM; Showboat in Polson and Entertainer in Ronan at 883-5603.
For tickets, visit the MSO Hub in downtown Missoula, call 543-3300 or go to
MissoulaOsprey.com. Saturday, July 9
vs. Great Falls Voyagers
WOODSY OWL BOBBLEHEAD Give a hoot, don’t pollute! For the ninth year in a row, the fire prevention bobblehead series continues and the first 750 fans through the gates get a FREE Woodsy Owl Bobblehead! Sponsored by Montana Fire Prevention
Gates 6; Game time 7:05
[22] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
Sunday, July 10
vs. Great Falls Voyagers
SENIOR SUNDAY 2-for-1 tickets for anyone 55+ with ID sponsored by Grizzly Peak Retirement & The Hawk Classic Country
KIDS’ DAY
Monday, July 11
vs. Great Falls Voyagers
FAMILY NIGHT
Family Night: 4 General Admission tickets, hot dogs, chips, sodas & one game program for just $30 ($64 value), with donation of non-perishable food items at the stadium box office. All food donations benefit the Montana Food Bank Network.
The game is centered on kids’ promotions, music & activities. Following the game, all fans can run the bases & play catch on the field. Sponsored by Star FM
Sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield & Cherry Creek Radio
Gates 4:30; Game time 5:05
Gates 6; Game time 7:05
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [23]
[24] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
[dish]
CONGRAT ULATIONS TO OUR Strawberry-balsamic chicken legs by Gabi Moskowitz The really beautiful thing about this recipe—besides how inexpensive it is, how few ingredients it requires and how breathtakingly gorgeous it looks when you plate it with a little kale salad and some fresh strawberries—is how impressed people are when you put it in front of them. You get to use fancy words like “reduction” and “macerated” when you describe how you made it, leaving your dining companion to “ooh” and “ahh” and think sexy thoughts about you (unless, of course, you don’t want them to, in which case they’ll just think about how smart and competent you are). A few pointers: First, this is a great way to use up strawberries that are a day or two away from being too mushy to eat. Just slice ’em up and let them cook down into sweet, syrupy deliciousness. And speaking of which, if you want to skip adding the sugar when you make the sauce, that’s just fine. The sauce will be a little bit more tart, but the sweetness from the balsamic and the strawberries will still keep it in the right ballpark. Second, don’t use expensive balsamic vinegar for this one. Since you’re cooking it down, the nuances that make the pricey kind worth it will cook away, so there’s really no point. Finally, if you want use chicken breasts instead of thighs, go right ahead. Personally, I prefer the deeper flavor, higher level of juiciness and lower price of the leg-thigh cut. Ingredients extra virgin olive oil (for the pan) 1 ⁄2 cup balsamic vinegar (see note above)
BROKEASS GOURMET 16 oz. strawberries, rinsed, stems removed and sliced 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or white sugar or honey) salt and black pepper 2 whole chicken legs, bones and skin intact Directions Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Use the olive oil to lightly grease a baking dish big enough to accommodate 2 chicken legs (an 8-inch one should be fine). Set aside. In a medium pot, combine the balsamic vinegar, strawberries, brown sugar, a pinch each of salt and pepper and 1⁄2 cup water. Heat over medium-high heat until it begins to boil lightly. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the strawberries break down and the sauce becomes a syrupy reduction (make sure to watch carefully—it can burn easily). Remove sauce from heat and set aside. Use a paper towel to dry the chicken legs completely. Season the chicken legs on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the thighs, rounded side up, in the prepared pan and brush all over with the strawberry-balsamic sauce, reserving at least half. Roast the chicken for 25 minutes, brushing with more sauce every 7-8 minutes (at least 3 times). The outside of the chicken should be dark brown and glamorous, and the inside tender and juicy. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve.
Best of Missoula and Montana Newspaper Association
WINNERS! Alex Sakariassen: Best Enterprise Journalism, Montana Newspaper Association – Third Place Dan Brooks: Best Column Writing, Montana Newspaper Association – Second Place; Best Journalist, Best of Missoula – First Place Pumpernickel Stewart: Best Front Page, Montana Newspaper Association – First Place Robin Carleton: Best Lifestyles Photo, Montana Newspaper Association – Second Place Erika Fredrickson: Best Journalist, Best of Missoula – Second Place Kate Whittle: Best Journalist, Best of Missoula – Third Place Missoulanews.com: Best Website, Best of Missoula – Second Place Feast: Best Newspaper Special Section, Montana Newspaper Association – First Place Fresh Facts: Best Newspaper Special Section, Montana Newspaper Association – Second Place Explorer: Best Niche Publication, Montana Newspaper Association – Third Place Best Combination Print and Online Ad: Montana Newspaper Association – Second Place
A refreshing and fun concoction of iced black tea, sweet condensed milk, a touch of cardamom, blueberry syrup and fresh lemon. A perfect drink for that hot July Missoula day. $1.00 of every Thai Berry Tea sold goes directly to CASA, advocating for neglected children in Missoula County.
Best Ad to Sell or Promote Merchandise: Montana Newspaper Association – Second Place; Montana Newspaper Association – Third Place Best Image-Building Ad: Montana Newspaper Association – Second Place Best Newspaper Promotional Ad: Montana Newspaper Association – Second Place
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [25]
[dish] Asahi 1901 Stephens Ave 829-8989 • asahimissoula.com Exquisite Chinese and Japanese cuisine. Try our new Menu! Order online for pickup or express dine in. Pleasant prices. Fresh ingredients. Artistic presentation. Voted top 3 People’s Choice two years in a row. Open Tue-Sun: 11am-10pm. $-$$$
Sushi Lunch Combo 12-piece sushi
with Miso soup
and green salad is just $8.00 before 3pm
Bernice’s Bakery 190 South 3rd West • 728-1358 Bernice's Bakery is a Missoula Landmark. 36 years of baking goodness. Open 6a8p Bernice's offers an incredible selections of breakfast pastries, treats, cakes, and a fine, fresh lunch daily. If you've never been in you're mission' out. And if you haven't been in lately you really should make it a point to stop by. July is a great month for slow walks along the Clark Fork while you sip Bernice's iced-coffee, newly added espresso, or a refreshing Arnold Palmer and nibble on a coconut macron. Picnic? Bernice's is your stop. We can load you up with all you need and off you go! Bernice's made from scratch for your pleasure. See you soon. xoxo bernice. Open 6a-8p seven days a week. bernicesbakerymt.com $-$$
406-829-8989 1901 Stephens Ave Order online at asahimissoula.com. Delicious dining or carryout. Chinese & Japanese menus.
THANKS FOR YOUR BEST OF MISSOULA VOTES!
Biga Pizza 241 W. Main Street • 728-2579 Biga Pizza offers a modern, downtown dining environment combined with traditional brick oven pizza, calzones, salads, sandwiches, specials and desserts. All dough is made using a “biga” (pronounced bee-ga) which is a time-honored Italian method of bread making. Biga Pizza uses local products, the freshest produce as well as artisan meats and cheeses. Featuring seasonal menus. Lunch and dinner, Mon-Sat. Beer & Wine available. $-$$
COME DINE WITH US. LUNCH & DINNER VEGETARIAN & GLUTEN-FREE NO PROBLEM
JULY COFFEE SPECIAL
Colombia Supreme
COOL
COFFEE ICE CREAMS
Italian Roast $10.95/lb. Try it iced!
BUTTERFLY HERBS Coffees, Teas & the Unusual
232 N. HIGGINS AVE • DOWNTOWN
ALL DAY
MONDAY & THURSDAY SATURDAY NIGHT
IN OUR COFFEE BAR
BUTTERFLY HERBS 232 N. HIGGINS AVE • DOWNTOWN
CONGRATS TO MATT J, BEST OF MISSOULA FINALIST!
SUSHI SPECIALS Not available for To-Go orders
[26] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
Black Coffee Roasting Co. 525 E. Spruce • 541-3700 Black Coffee Roasting Company is located in the heart of Missoula. Our roastery is open M-F 6:30-5:30, Sat. 7:30- 4, Sun. 8-3. In addition to fresh roasted coffee beans we offer a full service espresso bar, drip coffee, pour-overs and more. The suspension of coffee beans in water is our specialty. $ Bridge Pizza 600 S Higgins Ave. • 542-0002 bridgepizza.com A popular local eatery on Missoula’s Hip Strip. Featuring handcrafted artisan brick oven pizza, pasta, sandwiches, soups, & salads made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Missoula’s place for pizza by the slice. A unique selection of regional microbrews and gourmet sodas. Dine-in, drive-thru, & delivery. Open everyday 11am - 10:30pm. $-$$ Burns Street Bistro 1500 Burns St. • 543-0719 burnsstbistro.com We cook the freshest local ingredients as a matter of pride. Our relationship with local farmers, ranchers and other businesses allows us to bring quality, scratch cooking and fresh-brewed Black Coffee Roasting Co. coffee and espresso to Missoula’s Historic Westside neighborhood. Handmade breads & pastries, soups, salads & sandwiches change with the seasons, but our commitment to delicious food does not. Mon-Fri 7am - 2pm. Sat/Sun Brunch 9am - 2pm. Dinners on Fri & Sat nights 5 - 9 PM. $-$$ Butterfly Herbs 232 N. Higgins • 728-8780 Celebrating 44 years of great coffees and teas. Truly the “essence of Missoula.” Offering fresh coffees, teas (Evening in Missoula), bulk spices and botanicals, fine toiletries &
gifts. Our cafe features homemade soups, fresh salads, and coffee ice cream specialties. In the heart of historic downtown, we are Missoula’s first and favorite Espresso Bar. Open 7 Days. $ Doc’s Gourmet Sandwiches 214 N. Higgins Ave. 542-7414 Doc’s is an extremely popular gathering spot for diners who appreciate the great ambiance, personal service and generous sandwiches made with the freshest ingredients. Whether you’re heading out for a power lunch, meeting friends or family or just grabbing a quick takeout, Doc’s is always an excellent choice. Delivery in the greater Missoula area. We also offer custom catering!...everything from gourmet appetizers to all of our menu items. $-$$ El Cazador 101 S. Higgins Ave. 728-3657 Missoula Independent readers’ choice for Best Mexican Restaurant. Come taste Alfredo’s original recipes for authentic Mexican food where we cook with love. From seafood to carne asada, enjoy dinner or stop by for our daily lunch specials. We are a locally owned Mexican family restaurant, and we want to make your visit with us one to remember. Open daily for lunch and dinner. $-$$ Good Food Store 1600 S. 3rd West 541-FOOD The GFS Deli features made-to-order sandwiches, Fire Deck pizza & calzones, rice & noodle wok bowls, an award-winning salad bar, an olive & antipasto bar and a self-serve hot bar offering a variety of housemade breakfast, lunch and dinner entrées. A seasonally-changing selection of deli salads and rotisserie-roasted chickens are also available. Locally-roasted coffee/espresso drinks and an extensive fresh juice and smoothie menu complement bakery goods from the GFS ovens and Missoula’s favorite bakeries. Indoor and patio seating. Open every day 7am-10pm $-$$ Grizzly Liquor 110 W Spruce St. 549-7723 grizzlyliquor.com Voted Missoula’s Best Liquor Store! Largest selection of spirits in the Northwest, including all Montana micro-distilleries. Your headquarters for unique spirits and wines! Free customer parking. Open Monday-Saturday 9-7:30. $-$$$ Hob Nob on Higgins 531 S. Higgins 541-4622 hobnobonhiggins.com Come visit our friendly staff & experience Missoula’s best little breakfast & lunch spot. All our food is made from scratch, we feature homemade corn beef hash, sourdough pancakes, sandwiches, salads, espresso & desserts. MC/V $-$$ Iron Horse Brew Pub 501 N. Higgins 728-8866 ironhorsebrewpub.com We’re the perfect place for lunch, appetizers, or dinner. Enjoy nightly specials, our fantastic beverage selection and friendly, attentive service. Stop by & stay awhile! No matter what you are looking for, we’ll give you something to smile about. $$-$$$
$…Under $5 $–$$…$5–$15 $$–$$$…$15 and over
[dish] Iza 529 S. Higgins • 830-3237 izarestaurant.com Local Asian cuisine feature SE Asian, Japanese, Korean and Indian dishes. Gluten Free and Vegetarian no problem. Full Beer, Wine, Sake and Tea menu. We have scratch made bubble teas. Come in for lunch, dinner, drinks or just a pot of awesome tea. Open Mon-Fri: Lunch 11:30-3pm, Happy Hour 3-6pm, Dinner M-Sat 3pm-close. $-$$ Liquid Planet 223 N. Higgins • 541-4541 Whether it's coffee or cocoa, water, beer or wine, or even a tea pot, French press or mobile mug, Liquid Planet offers the best beverage offerings this side of Neptune. Missoula's largest espresso and beverage bar, along with fresh and delicious breakfast and lunch options from breakfast burritos and pastries to paninis and soups. Peruse our global selection of 1,000 wines, 400 beers and sodas, 150 teas, 30 locally roasted coffees, and a myriad of super cool beverage accessories and gifts. Find us on facebook at /BestofBeverage. Open daily 7:30am to 9pm. Liquid Planet Grille 540 Daly • 540-4209 (corner of Arthur & Daly across from the U of M) MisSOULa's BEST new restaurant of 2015, the Liquid Planet Grille, offers the same unique Liquid Planet espresso and beverage bar you've come to expect, with breakfast served all day long! Sit outside and try the stuffed french toast or our handmade granola or a delicious Montana Melt, accompanied with MisSOULa's best fries and wings, with over 20 salts, seasonings and sauces! Open 7am-8pm daily. Find us on Facebook at /LiquidPlanetGrille. $-$$ Missoula Senior Center 705 S. Higgins Ave. (on the hip strip) 543-7154 • themissoulaseniorcenter.org Did you know the Missoula Senior Center serves delicious hearty lunches every weekday for only $4 for those on the Nutrition Program, $5 for U of M Students with a valid student ID and $6 for all others. Children under 10 eat free. Join us from 11:30 - 12:30 M-F for delicious food and great conversation. $ The Mustard Seed Asian Cafe Southgate Mall 542-7333 Contemporary Asian fusion cuisine. Original recipes and fresh ingredients combine the best of Japanese, Chinese, Polynesian, and Southeast Asian influences. Full menu available at the bar. Award winning desserts made fresh daily , local and regional micro brews, fine wines & signature cocktails. Vegetarian and Gluten free menu available. Takeout & delivery. $$-$$$ Korean Bar-B-Que & Sushi 3075 N. Reserve 327-0731 We invite you to visit our contemporary KoreanJapanese restaurant and enjoy it’s warm atmosphere. Full Sushi Bar. Korean bar-b-que at your table. Beer and Wine. $$-$$$ Orange Street Food Farm 701 S. Orange St. 543-3188 orangestreetfoodfarm.com Experience The Farm today!!! Voted number one Supermarket & Retail Beer Selection. Fried chicken, fresh meat, great produce, vegan, gluten
free, all natural, a HUGE beer and wine selection, and ROCKIN’ music. What deal will you find today? $-$$$ Pearl Cafe 231 E. Front St. 541-0231 • pearlcafe.us Country French meets the Northwest. Idaho Trout with Alaskan King Crab, Duckling with Pomegranate Cherry Sauce, Angus Beef, Fresh Seafood Specials Daily. House Made Charcuterie, Sourdough Bread & Delectable Desserts. Extensive wine list; 18 wines by the glass and local beers on draft. Reservations recommended for the intimate dining areas. Visit our website Pearlcafe.us to check out our nightly specials, make reservations, or buy gift certificates. Open Mon-Sat at 5:00. $$-$$$ Pita Pit 130 N Higgins 541-7482 pitapitusa.com Fresh Thinking Healthy Eating. Enjoy a pita rolled just for you. Hot meat and cool fresh veggies topped with your favorite sauce. Try our Chicken Caesar, Gyro, Philly Steak, Breakfast Pita, or Vegetarian Falafel to name just a few. For your convenience we are open until 3am 7 nights a week. Call if you need us to deliver! $-$$ The Starving Artist Cafe & Art Gallery 3020 S. Reserve St., Ste A 541-7472 • missoulastarvingartist.com Local, high quality pastries and desserts from Missoula bakeries. Top of the line coffee blends from Hunter Bay Coffee, and specialty, hand crafted beverages. Monthly events, featured artists, and open mic night every Wednesday. The Starving Artist Cafe & Art Gallery is sure to please your palette! $
Blodgett Canyon Cellars tasting room
HAPPIEST HOUR What it is: A wine tasting room in downtown Hamilton that blends refinement with the feel of a classic Western bar.
off the paint. This summer, however, patrons can also opt to drink on Hamilton’s only rooftop deck. The deck, according to Broughton, is the result of a strong relationship with the building’s owner. “He actually built it for us, basically,” Broughton says.
The backstory: Blodgett Canyon Cellars began as an experiment in co-owner photo by Derek Brouwer Kevin Broughton’s baseWhat you’re drinking: Blodgett’s ment. Broughton is a microbiologist by training and says the winery is “just the classic chardonnay has a light, crisp flavor that works story of the hobby spun out of control.” Blod- well in the sun. Broughton’s personal choice gett has been selling its bottles for several for the new deck, he admits, is his sangria. years but in 2015 opened a tasting room, Where to find it: 111 West Main St. in which Broughton says has transformed its business model. The grapes are grown and downtown Hamilton. The tasting room is fermented in eastern Washington, then open Tue.-Sat. from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fri.Sat. from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. blended, aged and bottled onsite. —Derek Brouwer Why you’re here: The tasting room is reHappiest Hour celebrates western Monmodeled from the former Ponderosa Bar. There’s an immense mural over the dimly lit bar tana watering holes. To recommend a bar, back that was brought to life after Broughton bartender or beverage for Happiest Hour, says his crews scraped quarter-inch of nicotine email editor@missoulanews.com.
Sushi Hana 403 N. Higgins 549-7979 SushiMissoula.com Montana’s Original Sushi Bar. We Offer the Best Sushi and Japanese Cuisine in Town. Casual atmosphere. Plenty of options for non-sushi eaters including daily special items you won’t find anywhere else. $1 Specials Mon & Wed. Lunch Mon–Sat; Dinner Daily. Sake, Beer, & Wine. Visit SushiMissoula.com for full menu. $$-$$$ Taco Sano Two Locations: 115 1/2 S. 4th Street West 1515 Fairview Ave inside City Life 541-7570 • tacosano.net Home of Missoula’s Best BREAKFAST BURRITO. 99 cent TOTS every Tuesday. Once you find us you’ll keep coming back. Breakfast Burritos served all day, Quesadillas, Burritos and Tacos. Let us dress up your food with our unique selection of toppings, salsas, and sauces. Open 10am-9pm 7 days a week. WE DELIVER. $-$$ Westside Lanes 1615 Wyoming 721-5263 Visit us for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner served 8 AM to 9 PM. Try our homemade soups, pizzas, and specials. We serve 100% Angus beef and use fryer oil with zero trans fats, so visit us any time for great food and good fun. $-$$
$…Under $5 $–$$…$5–$15 $$–$$$…$15 and over
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [27]
FRI | 10PM | TOP HAT Blitzen Trapper grace the stage of the Top Hat Fri., July 8. Door at 9 PM, show at 10. $18.
SAT | 6PM | BITTER ROOT BREWING Hawthorne Roots bring their catchy melodies to Bitter Root Brewing Sat., July 9. 6 PM. Free.
[28] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
SUN | 3 PM | FAIRGROUNDS Bluesman Charlie Parr plays Missoula County Fairgrounds as part of the Montana Festival of the Horse Sun., July 10, at 3 PM. Visit mthorsefestival.com for more info.
SAT | 10 PM | TOP HAT Jameson & the Sordid Seeds deliver a fresh batch of rock and reggae to the Top Hat Sat., July 9. Door at 9:30 PM, show at 10. Free.
MON | 12 AM | LOLO HOT SPRINGS Troyboi closes out Pirate Party Montana. July 8-10. piratepartymt.com for tickets.
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [29]
Thursday
,
All caught up on “Game of Thrones”? Why don’t you go live it at Hell’s Gate 2016 for four days of feasting, camping, and combat. Visit sentinelskeep.org for more info and registration. Spend the weekend volunteering on the North fork of Fish Creek doing light trail maintenance and invasive plant removal with the Great Burn Study Group. Message ofinnwood@ gmail.com for more info and to sign up. Missoula Public Library hosts family movies every Thursday through June and July at 2 PM. Free.
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Spend a couple of hours at the Fort Missoula Native Plant Garden. As you weed, mulch and build, you’ll learn about native plants and how to create your own garden at home. 4–6 PM Thurs. through Aug. 4. Free and open to the public.
nightlife Community outreach and green transportation are the subjects for an
Find out the Best of Missoula winners and celebrate what makes the Garden City great at the party hosted by the Missoula Independent at Downtown Tonight. Tom Catmull and Reverend Slanky provide the tunes. Caras Park. 5-8:30 PM. Free. Five Valleys Land Trust kicks off Open Land Month with free food and music by The Whizpops, plus a slew of great activities for all ages at the Line Ranch, Whitaker Dr. in the South Hills. 5:308:30 PM.
Making God Laugh depicts one family as they move through 30 years worth of holidays. Oy! See operahousetheatre.com for showtimes. $20 for adults, $10 for kids. Hammocks: They’re not just for sailors and sitcom dads anymore. REI Missoula offers a class of the basics of hammocking. 7-8:30 PM. Free. Cathy Clark teaches country dance steps at the Sunrise Saloon every Wednesday and Thursday at 7 PM. $5 per lesson, payable in cash.
Folk band Ovando bring their lo-fi sound to Draught Works. 915 Toole Ave. 6-8 PM. Free.
Unleash your cogent understanding of the trivium at Brooks and Browns Big Brains Trivia Night. Get cash toward your bar tab for first place, plus specials on beer. 200 S. Pattee St. in the Holiday Inn Downtown. 7:30–10 PM.
Feed your astronomy jones with UM’s Summer Planetarium Series. Every other Thu. through Aug. 18, two 50min. shows per night, 6:30 PM and 8 PM. Payne Family Native American Center Stargazing Room. $6/$4 for kids 12 and under.
Benefit party for an upcoming production of Abby Rosebrock’s Dido of Idaho. Music by Ryan Bundy, a silent auction and Miss Mom Missoula pageant. Dress in your fancy duds. Le Petite Outre. 129 S 4th W. 7:3011:30 PM
Friday The Missoula Marathon returns with a full marathon, half marathon, 5K and kids’ marathon. $10–$125, register at missoulamarathon.org. Butte, America is the setting for the Montana Folk Festival. For info visit montanafolkfestival.com. (See Spotlight.) Come learn about our equine friends at the Montana Festival of the Horse. For example, they aren’t just tall dogs. Missoula County Fairgrounds. 1 PM. Runs through July 10. Check mthorsefestival.com for details and tickets. Music by TopHouse lynchpins a fundraiser for the Bitterroot Humane Association. MineShaft Pasties. Hamilton 4–8 PM.
nightlife Avast! The 8th annual Pirate Party makes dock in Lolo Hot Springs for a weekend of music and piracy. Visit piratepartymt.com for full lineup and tickets.
harsh truths of prescription drug abuse. 5:30 PM. Runs through Aug. 6.
Emotion in Motion, an art exhibition by Kelly Loder, has its grand opening at Zootown Arts Community Center. 5:30 PM. Runs through August 5. If there was booze waiting for me at the end, I’d probably do a lot more running. The Missoula Marathon Beer Run is a 3mile casual route that ends in beer and food at Caras Park. 6 PM. Free. Montana musician Charla Bauman provides the tunes at the Montana Distillery. 6 PM - 8 PM. Free. Enjoy some local wine and local music at Ten Spoon vineyard. Tasting 4–9 PM. Folk duo Britchy play at 6 PM. Bring an instrument or just kick back and enjoy the tunes at the Irish Music Session every Friday at the Union Club from 6–9 PM. No cover. The Keep welcomes the live music of Chris Bianco to their outdoor terrace. 7–10 PM. Free.
Eyepatch wearing, accordion playing, accented troubadour French Accent (aka Kevin Bennet) headlines an uproarious standup comedy showcase at the Press Box. 835 E Broadway. 8-10 PM. $5 Groovz dance studio is hosting an outdoor movie night to raise funds for a new floor. Watch the family movie classic The Sandlot under the stars in Claudia Driscoll Park in Hamilton. 8 PM. $5 per person or $15 for a family. Wyoming’s Stoic, Washington’s East Sherman and local bands deadbeats and Shramana lynchpin a night of all ages punk and metal at ZACC. Show starts at 8 PM. $5. Slightly less addictive than crack, Magic: the Gathering’s new set Eternal Masters reprints some of the rarest cards from the game’s long history. Muse Comics hosts a booster draft. 8:30 PM. $33.
Opera House Theatre’s summer season features the Vaudeville Variety Show. See operahousetheatre.com for showtimes. $20 for adults, $10 for kids.
I guess working as a secretary for a secret agent wasn’t creatively fulfilling. Rhythm and blues band Moneypenny keep the dance floor shaking at the Union Club. 208 E. Main. 9 PM. Free.
Artist Michael Haykin will be on hand to talk about his work, inspiration, and why he loves winter so much. Radius Gallery. 5 PM. Free.
World-Wide Cinema presents free foreign films the 2nd Friday of the month. This month’s film is the Italian Wondrous Boccaccio. Missoula Public Library. 7 PM. Free.
Blistered Earth bill themselves at the ultimate tribute to thrash metal superstars Metallica. I feel the best tribute would be to pretend St. Anger never happened. Rustic Hut, Lolo 9 PM.
The Zootown Arts Community Center opens Bitter Pill: Montana Lives Affected by Rx Abuse. This collection featuring pieces from over 30 artists explore the
Texas’s own Mas Sugihara joins local musicians to take the Missoula Winery on a tour of the saxophone. Visit missoulawinery.com for more info. 7:30 PM. $5.
Zootown favorites, The Country Boogie Boys, who are definitely not a thrash metal band, play the Eagles. 9 PM. Free
Unnecessary Farce attempts to follow two cops, three crooks through eight doors at the Philipsburg Opera House Theatre. See operahousetheatre.com for showtimes. $20/ $10 for kids.
[30] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
open conversation about climate change and what we can do about it. Imagine Nation Brewing. 5 PM to 7 PM
Spotlight A high school boyfriend once gave me his self-produced rap mixtape called “4 You,� an unsurprisingly awful, 10track ode to Jay Z. The “album� didn’t give me new insight into my feelings or the world at large. It did prevent me from ever dating another amateur rapper or buying a car with a CD player. If you’re looking for a hip-hop experience that will bring enlightenment, rapper JacMov JayT will be playing this year’s Montana Folk Festival in Butte. Hailing from Tacoma, Wash., the 31year- old JayT Morehead is an experienced solo artist and a member of the Soldiers of Fortune Montana Folk Festival in Butte. rap group. The West Coast-influenced MC, Montana's Native Peoples and their inwho is part African-American, part Natifluence on the Heritage of Montana.� WHO: JacMov JayT JacMov JayT’s latest release WHAT: Montana Folk Festival Jac and the Beanstalk, (not a children's singalong record) includes WHEN: Sat., July 9., at 5 PM songs like “Out here Grindin’� feaWHERE: Uptown Butte turing Novacain and “Yo Chick� featuring J. Stalin and Kane. HOW MUCH : Free Admission., The Montana Folk Festival was suggested donation of $20 born out of the National Folk Festiper person./ $25 per family val, which Butte hosted from 2008 to 2010. For three days the historic MORE INFO: mining town becomes a multiculmontanafolkfestival.com tural hub consistently attended by over 100,000 people. The festival tive-American, aligns perfectly with this has always been diverse—if you expect year's mouthful-of-a-festival theme, “Naa lot of banjo, you’ll be thrilled to know tive Voices: The Varied Expressions of
native voice
GREEN IS STILL THE NEW BLACK K
there’s folk music from as far away as Africa to help mix things up. JacMov is an edgier addition to the lineup—one that will help bring one more dimension to a constantly evolving musical experience.
—Tess Haas
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Reuse More. Waste Less. 1515 Wyoming St | www.homeresource.org missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [31]
Christmas in July ends 40% off all of Christmas ends Dozens of Sales July July 25th 25th Prizes & Gifts from the Jeannette Rankin Peace Center
519 S Higgins | M-S 10-6, Su 12-4
Hands~on Health for Body Mind & Soul
H Shana’s
Heart of Healing SHANA DIETERLE, PT•CST~D
Diplomate of the Upledger Institute International
Saturday The Missoula Marathon returns with a full marathon, half marathon, 5K and kids’ marathon. $10–$125, register at missoulamarathon.org.
host yoga every Saturday morning at Imagine Nation Brewing. Class and a beer for $8. All money goes to Free Cycles.
Butte, America is the setting for the Montana Folk Festival. For info visit montanafolkfestival.com. (See Spotlight.)
If you’re keen on quinoa or just curious about couscous come join the monthly vegan potluck at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. 12 PM. Free, but bring a vegan dish.
Missoula’s Farmer’s Market offers produce, flowers, plants and more. Several food and drink vendors are on hand to provide shopping sustenance and there’s usually live music. Every Saturday through October, 8 AM– 12:30 PM. Located at the XXXXs at the north end of Higgins Ave. Missoula’s Clark Fork Market features vendors offering local produce and meats as well as locally made products, hot coffee and prepared foods. Music starts at 10:30 under the Higgins Bridge. 8 AM–1 PM every Saturday through October. I beg your pardon, I never promised you a Rose Show. But there just happens to be one at Southgate Mall. 10 AM to 5 PM. Stop by and smell the roses.
CranioSacral Therapy ~ Energy Balancing
Children’s author Kelly Potter signs copies of her new book The Garden of Smiles at Fact & Fiction. 10:30 AM.
406•396•5788 ~ ShanasHeartOfHealing.com
The Yoga Spot and the Sweat Shop
Travis Yost provides the soundtrack to a summer wine tasting at Ten Spoon Vineyard. Tasting 4–9 PM. Music at 6 PM. (See Music.)
nightlife And here I thought pirates and musicians were bitter enemies. Bridge the gap as Pirate Party Montana continues at Lolo Hot Springs. Visit pirate partymt.com for more info.
Making God Laugh depicts one family as they move through 30 years worth of holidays. Oy! See www.operahousetheatre.com for showtimes. $20 for adults, $10 for kids. Bozeman Rockers The Hawthorne Roots stop in Hamilton to bring their catchy melodies and silvery vocals to the Bitter Root Brewing. 6 PM. The Cold Hard Cash Show rides into town on a Tennessee Stud to play the
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Montana Festival of the Horse. 6 PM. $10. The Loose String Band provides a bluegrass score to an evening of drinking beer at Draught Works Brewery. 6–7 PM. Free.
Unnecessary Farce attempts to follow two cops, three crooks through eight doors at the Philipsburg Opera House Theatre. See operahousetheatre.com for show times. $20/ $10 for kids. DJ Kris Moon completely disrespects the adverb with their Absolutely Dance Party at the Badlander, which gets rolling at 9 PM, with fancy drink specials to boot. No cover. Twin Cities’ rock mainstays Fury Things join Lunch Duchess, Magpies and Thee Captain for a night of music. Door at 9 PM. Show at 10 PM. $5. 18plus.(See Music.) Check out the dang fine country-rock of local favorites The Country Boogie Boys at the Eagles. 9 PM. Free. Mosey on down to the Sunrise Saloon for Nasville 406. 9:30 PM. Free. Whitefish powerhouse Jameson & the Sordid Seeds deliver a fresh batch of rock and reggae to the Top Hat. Door at 9:30 PM. Show at 10 PM. Free.
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[32] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [33]
Spotlight
vonday, vonday
Over 150 Antique, Handmade & Gift Booths! Outdoor Barn Dance Friday with Shane Clouse! Live i Music * Food & Treats * 3 barns + Outside! ri. July 15th 5-10pm 10pm . July 16th 10am-4pm 4pm Missoula Fairground 5 entry covers both days, and under free , A portion of the
ee goes to Summit for Parkinso
In the Marvel Comics’ universe, Uatu is the name of the omniscient being who lives on the moon,
WHAT: VonCommon Vondays WHEN: Mon., July 11, at 8 PM WHERE: The Roxy, 718 S Higgins Ave MORE INFO: theroxytheater.org
keeping an eye on Earth. A member of a group of aliens know as the Watchers, Uatu is sworn to watch,
but never to interfere in the four-color soap opera playing before him. He also looks like Billy Corrigan for some reason. But, invariably, Uatu chooses to forgo his sacred oath of noninterference and muddles himself in the superheroic events happening in his surroundings. VonCommon Art Studios, a local artist collective, hosts VonCommon Vondays, a curated collection of work by local, regional and national artists as well as films about art, artists and movements. Now you could go to this inaugural event, enjoy all the art and not do anything. Or, like Uatu the Watcher, you could get involved. Isn't that what art is supposed to be about?
—Charley Macorn
Sunday The Missoula Marathon returns with a full marathon, half marathon, 5K and kids’ marathon. $10–$125, register at missoula marathon.org. Butte, America is the setting for the Montana Folk Festival, a three-day celebration of some of the best music from artists all over the country. Workshops, ethnic food and one of Montana’s most historic cities provide for an excellent summer experience. Oh, and it’s free. For info visit montanafolkfestival.com. (See Spotlight.) The Montana Festival of the Horse continues. Visit mthorsefestival.com for more info and tickets. Need to work off a few Independence Day hotdogs? Come tone and tighten with dance and a Barre class at Athleta in Southgate Mall. 9:30 AM. Free. Tour de Cluck is a celebration of our local farms, urban gardens, and hen houses — by bike! Ride starts at the Missoula Community Co-op and loops the valley, culminating at the Peas Farm for live music and a dip in the river! 10 AM 4:30 PM. (See Agenda.)
nightlife Remember kids, scurvy is no joke. Pirate Party Montana continues at Lolo Hot Springs. Visit piratepartymt.com for more info and tickets.
[34] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
Opera House Theatre’s summer season features the Vaudeville Variety Show. See operahousetheatre.com for showtimes. $20 for adults, $10 for kids. Jeannette Rankin Peace Center welcomes Chris Siegler to its monthly potluck, where he will discuss his work organizing a processing plant in Sierra Leone. All Welcome. 5:30-7 PM. The Ed Norton Big Band is taking a break from annoying the Ralph Kramden Philharmonic Orchestra to bring their repertoire of swing era favorites and moderns classics. Missoula Winery. 6–8 PM. $9. Bluesman Charlie Parr brings his fretless openback banjo to Missoula County Fairgrounds as part of the Montana Festival of the Horse. 3 PM. Visit mthorsefestival.com for more info. Are you savvy on Shakespeare? Conversant on Conrad? How about familiar with Faulkner? Put your knowledge to the test at Literary Trivia at Zootown Brew. Turn your English degree into prizes! 6:30 PM. Free. Sundays are shaken, not stirred, at the Badlander’s Jazz Martini Night, with $5 martinis all evening, live jazz and local DJs keepin’ it classy. Music starts at 8 PM. Free.
Monday
Tuesday
Gov. Steve Bullock will be on hand to speak about issues vital to Missoula and Montana at large. Doubletree Hotel. 11:30 AM1:30 PM.
Author Scott Graham signs copies of his new book Yellowstone Standoff, a mystery about an archaeologist fighting rogue bears in a national park. Timely, huh? Fact & Fiction. 11:30 AM to 1 PM.
Sip a fancy soda for a cause at Moscow Monday at the Montgomery Distillery, 129 W. Front St. A dollar from every drink sold is donated to a cause. Family-friendly, noon–8 PM.
Butte author David Abrams will be on hand for the North Valley Public Library’s book club discussion of his book Fobbit. Call 777-5061 for more info.
WordPlay! offers opportunity for community creativity. Word games, poetry, free writing and expansion at the Warehouse Mall at The Base. Open to all ages and abilities every Mon. at 4 PM.
Jean Matthews Tuesdays at Twelve is a summer concert series, named after its founder, on the lawn of the Ravalli County Museum. Today’s music features Zeppo Blues. Noon to 1:30 PM. Free.
nightlife
nightlife
Prepare a couple songs and bring your talent to Open Mic Night at Imagine Nation Brewing. Sign up when you get there. Every Mon. from 6-8 PM.
Play a round of disc golf in a local park. Missoula Parks and Rec and Garden City Flyers set up a course in a local park each Tuesday. This week’s folf adventure is at Pineview Park, 5 PM. Free.
Funky jazz band Coffee Can Stash is joined by Anna Millburn and Alex Lee for a night of wine and music. Red Bird. 7–10 PM. Free.
Join the Montana Dirt Girls every Tuesday for an all-women hike or bike somewhere in the area. Find locations at facebook.com/Montana DirtGirls. 6 PM.
The Real Lounge hosts an evening of music with Wormwood, Krillhead, Snailmate, Mr. Soap and Pale People. 8 PM. (See Music.) VonCommon Art Studios kicks off their inaugural series of short films by local media artists at the Roxy Theater. Visit theroxytheater.com for more info. 8 PM. (See Spotlight.)
Enjoy yoga outdoors with Missoula Parks and Rc. Skilled instructors teach yoga basics to all ages and abilities every Tuesday evening at a local park. This week, head to Silver Park for your down dog. 6-7 PM. Get those thumbs limbered up! The Official MPL Gamers Club meets to play Wii and Xbox 360 in
the YA dept. at the Missoula Public Library. Ages 13–19, 6:30 PM. Chad Dundas reads from and signs copies of Champion of the World, his new historical fiction work about pro wrestling in the 1920s. Shakespeare & Co., 7 PM. (See Arts.) Learn the two-step and more at Country Dance Lessons at the Hamilton Senior Center, Tuesdays from 7–9 PM. $5. Bring a partner. Call 381-1392 for more info.
Zeppo Blues plays the Ravalli County Museum for a concert series Tue., July 12, from noon to 1:30 PM.
I ate some bad salmon and now I have chickenella. Open Mic comedy at Stage 112. Sign-up at 7:30 PM. Show at 8 PM. Free.
is triskaidekaphobia? Answer in tomorrow’s Nightlife.
Show off your big brain at Quizzoula trivia night, every Tuesday at the VFW, 245 W. Main St. Current events, picture round and more. 8:30 PM. Free. Our trivia question for this week: What
Mike Avery hosts the Music Showcase every Tuesday, featuring some of Missoula’s finest musical talent. At the Badlander, 9 PM to 1 AM. To sign up, email michael.avery@live.com.
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [35]
Wednesday The 10th International Choral Festival returns to Missoula, with four days of vocal groups from all over the world. Event kicks off today at 11 AM with Out to Lunch. Admission button gets you into all events. $20 at choralfestival.org (See Music.) Stop by and watch or paint with Bobbe Almer in the E3 Convergence Gallery. Bring your project, ask questions, or just hang out. 229 W. Main St., 10 AM–1 PM. Free. Out to Lunch features live music in the riverfront setting of Caras Park every Wednesday through August. Enjoy a variety of food and drink from more than 20 vendors. This week’s music by the International Choral Festival. 11 AM–2 PM. Free. Check out a special preview of the 2016 Choral Festival at Southgate Mall featuring choirs from all over. 2:30–4 PM. Free. (See Music.)
nightlife Swing by the Kettlehouse Northside for Chicks n Chaps, a fundraiser for local people impacted by cancer. 5 PM – 8 PM. Bonner Park welcomes the youth choirs from
around the world as part of the International Choral Festival. 6:30–9 PM. Free. (See Msuic.) Win big bucks off your bar tab and/or free pitchers by answering trivia questions at Brains on Broadway Trivia Night at the Broadway Sports Bar and Grill, 1609 W. Broadway Ave. 7 PM. Trivia answer: the fear of the no. 13. Cathy Clark teaches country dance steps at the Sunrise Saloon every Wednesday and Thursday at 7 PM. $5 per lesson, payable in cash. I’m writing a hip-hop song about a hobo who is falsely accused of stealing diapers. It’s a real bum bum bum wrap rap rap. The Roxy Theater hosts Missoula’s Homegrown Comedy Showcase/Open Mic. 7:30pm. Free with concession purchase. Get up onstage at VFW’s open mic, with a different host each week. Half-price whiskey might help loosen up those nerves. 8 PM. Free. Steve Kimock has turned the tables on his American rock style to create free-flowing songs using electronics and experimental guitar textures. Check him out at the Top Hat with Missoula favorite Jerry Joseph. Doors at 7 PM, show at 8. $30/$25 advance at tophatlounge.com. (See Music.)
Thursday PUBLIC MEETING Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Draft Legislation For National Bison Range Restoration
The 10th International Choral Festival returns to Missoula, with four days of vocal groups from all over the world. Admission button gets you into all events. $20 at choralfestival.org (See Music.) Missoula Public Library hosts family movies every Thursday through June and July at 2 PM. Free.
nightlife The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes invite the public to a meeting on the Tribes’ draft legislation titled “National Bison Range Transfer and Restoration Act of 2016.” The draft legislation would: restore the National Bison Range to federal trust ownership for the Tribes; require continued bison and wildlife conservation; and require continued public access. At the meeting, Tribal attorneys will present and explain the draft legislation. After the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to: • Speak with Tribal Natural Resources Department and legal staff • Ask questions • Submit public comments Time and DATE:
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Location:
Johnny Arlee and Victor Charlo Theatre, 58138 Highway 93, Pablo, Montana (located on the Salish Kootenai College campus on the Flathead Indian Reservation)
The Tribes have invited representatives of Senator Jon Tester, Senator Steve Daines, and Congressman Ryan Zinke to attend the meeting. The Tribes’ draft legislation, along with frequently asked questions and public comment forms, can be found on the Tribes’ Bison Range Working Group website at: bisonrangeworkinggroup.org. Public comments are accepted through this website. The public comment period has been extended to July 15, 2016 at noon MDT. At that point, comments will be reviewed and evaluated for any proposed revisions to the draft legislation. The Tribes will post a summary of the comments, along with responses to questions, to the working group website.
[36] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
Downtown ToNight features live music, family activities, food and drink vendors and a beer garden. Every Thursday at Caras Park. 5:308:30 PM. Check missouladowntown.com for details and musical lineup. Free to attend. With a name like that, you just know they aren’t talking about North Dakota. Great States provide the tunes at Draught Works. 6–8 PM. Free.
The Full Draw Film Tour stops by the Wilma for a series of films about bowhunting. Door at 6 PM. Show at 7 PM $13/$8 for kiddos. (See Agenda.) The rewards and challenges of bicycle touring in Baja are featured in a presentation by Nicholas Carman and Lael Wilcox. Free Cycles Missoula, 7–9 PM. Free. RSVP by emailing bpetersen@adventurecycling.org or call Beth at 721-1776. Unleash your cogent understanding of the trivium at Brooks and Browns Big Brains Trivia Night. Get cash toward your bar tab for first place, plus specials on beer. 200 S. Pattee St. in the Holiday Inn Downtown. 7:30–10 PM. Hand me my glowsticks, Mama wants to jiggle. Dead Hipster Dance Party is tonight at the Badlander, 208 Ryman St., with $1 well drinks from 9 PM to midnight. 21-plus. Local rockers Pale People host a residency at the Palace where they invite a rotating cast of musical and artistic characters to join them onstage. Doors at 9 PM, show at 10. No cover. (See Music.) Polson’s Off in the Woods play the Top Hat for a night of smooth sax and funky bass. 10 PM. 21plus. Free.
We want to know about your event! Submit to calendar@missoulanews.com at least two weeks in advance of the event to guarantee publication. Don’t forget to include the date, time, venue and cost. Or snail mail to Cal-eesi, Mother of Calendars c/o the Independent, 317 S. Orange St., Missoula, MT 59801. You can also submit online. Just find the “submit an event” link under the Spotlight on the right corner at missoulanews.com.
THURSDAY JULY 7
Agenda It’s apropos for our Best of Missoula issue that we should be highlighting Missoula’s very first Tour de Cluck. This latest Free Cycles fundraiser is eccentric in the perfect local way. To begin with, it’s a self-led bike tour. We are a city in love with riding our bikes (except for a certain Indy staffer who wrecked her bike this weekend and whose hands and right shoulder now look like ground beef.) Secondly, it’s in celebration of Missoula’s community-supported agriculture and urban hen houses. Because we’re a city that really has community-supported agriculture and urban hen houses. You can’t shake a stick without hitting a chicken coop around here. Last, it is a fundraiser in support of Free Cycles, Missoula’s beloved local bike nonprofit (and if they’re not around, how will I ever fix my rear fender and now-wonky seat?). Things kickoff this Sunday at the Missoula Community Food Co-op where you can register, enjoy live music and grab your maps for the tour. —Gaaby Patterson
Painful inflammation and stiffness of the joints can interfere with everyday tasks, but those living with arthritis can find support at Summit Independent. The Arthritis Support Group holds meetings every first Thursday of the month, from noon-1 PM. Community outreach and green transportation are the subjects for an open conversation about climate change, and what we can do about it. Imagine Nation Brewing Co. 5 PM to 7 PM Yoga Behind Bars’ Jess Pearl Frank explores teaching yoga through a trauma-informed lens. $35 pre-reg, $40 day of workshop. For more info visit mokshaaerialstudio.com
SATURDAY JULY 9
Find out how the Garden City grows at the weekly Missoula City Council meeting, where you can no doubt expect ranting public commenters, PowerPoint presentations and subtle wit from Mayor Engen. Missoula council chambers, 140 W. Pine St. Meetings are the first four Mondays of every month at 7 PM, except for holidays.
TUESDAY JULY 12 Shootin’ the Bull Toastmasters help you improve your public speaking skills with weekly meetings at ALPS in the Florence Building noon–1 PM. Free and open to the public. Visit shootinthebull.info for details.
If you’re keen on quinoa or just curious about couscous come join the monthly vegan potluck at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. 12 PM. Free, but bring a vegan dish.
It’s Mule-Tastic Tuesday, which means Montana Distillery will donate $1 from every cocktail sold to a local nonprofit organization. 12–8 PM.
SUNDAY JULY 10
Nonviolent Communication Practice Group facilitated by Patrick Marsolek every Wednesday at Jeannette Rankin Peace Center. 12 noon-1 PM. Email info@patrickmarsolek.com or 406-443-3439 for more information.
The monthly LGBTQ Spirituality Group meets every month to discuss queer perspectives on spirituality at the Western Montana Community Center. 3-4 PM. Jeannette Rankin Peace Center welcomes Chris Siegler to its monthly potluck, where he will discuss his work organizing a processing plant in Sierra Leone. All Welcome. 5:30-7 PM. Tour de Cluck begins at 10 a.m. at the Food Co-op, with a short loop, a 15- and 30mile loop to choose from. $16 for students and baristas and $26 for professionals. Kids under 8 ride free. If you have a garden, chicken coop or farm you’d like to show off, or you’d like to volunteer to help, call Karen at 406-240-9608.
about issues vital to Missoula and Montana at large. Doubletree Hotel. 11:30 AM-1:30 PM.
MONDAY JULY 11 Governor Steve Bullock will be on hand to speak
WEDNESDAY JULY 13
Swing by the Kettlehouse Northside for Chicks n Chaps, a fundraiser for local people impacted by cancer. 5 PM – 8 PM. NAMI Family Support is a group for adult relatives, friends and caregivers of people with mental illness. 7–8:30 PM. St Paul’s Church.
AGENDA is dedicated to upcoming events embodying activism, outreach and public participation. Send your who/what/when/where and why to AGENDA, c/o the Independent, 317 S. Orange, Missoula, MT 59801. You can also email entries to calendar@missoulanews.com or send a fax to (406) 543-4367. AGENDA’s deadline for editorial consideration is 10 days prior to the issue in which you’d like your information to be included. When possible, please include appropriate photos/artwork.
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [37]
MOUNTAIN HIGH
T
he most conclusive evidence for the nonexistence of Sasquatch is no one in my extensive family of hunters has ever killed one with a bow and arrow. You may think there are some pretty major gaps in my logic here. There are several things, you might say, living or otherwise, that exist that clearly no one in my family could have ever brought down with an arrow. People exist, for example. And to my knowledge the closest anyone in my family has ever come to playing the most dangerous game is when Uncle Walter had a breakdown, cut his hair to look like Joel McCrea, and started to call himself Baron Zaroff. But it is the illusive Skunk Ape that my father refutes simply because after all these years stalking any number of animals
across the verdant mountains of Montana, he's never brought down a Bigfoot. My dad takes bowhunting very seriously. If the Full Draw Film Tour, now in its sixth year, is any indication, so do a lot of people. A traveling short film festival all about bowhunting, archery and the people that love it makes a stop in the Garden City, promising at least some excitement, fletching and who knows? Maybe even a Sasquatch. –Charley Macorn The Full Draw Film tour screens at the Wilma Thu., July 14. Doors at 6 PM, show at 7. $13/$8 kids. Visit thewilma.com for tickets.
OUR SPECIAL NONPROFIT GUESTS: July 9 vs. Great Falls Voyagers United States of Hope
July 22 vs. Ogden Raptors Make-A-Wish Montana
July 10 vs. Great Falls Voyagers Stevensville Clothes Closet
July 23 vs. Ogden Raptors Darby Schools
July 11 vs. Great Falls Voyagers Missoula Prospects & Movin on in Montana
July 25 vs. Idaho Falls Chukars Teen Workreation
To get your organization signed up for Community Corner, send a written request on your organization’s letterhead to: Missoula Osprey c/o Community Corner MSO Hub 140 N. Higgins, Missoula 59802 or call 543-3300
Sponsored by
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FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS…
SUNDAY JULY 10
All caught up on Game of Thrones? Why don’t you go live it at Hell’s Gate 2016 for four days of feasting, camping, and combat. Visit sentinelskeep.org for more info and registration.
The Missoula Marathon returns with a full marathon, half marathon, 5K and kids’ marathon. $10–$125, register at missoulamarathon.org.
Feed your astronomy jones with UM’s Summer Planetarium Series. Every other Thu. through Aug. 18, two 50-min. shows per night, 6:30 PM and 8 PM. Payne Family Native American Center Stargazing Room. $6/$4 for kids 12 and under.
FOR CHOOSING WAGNER’S AS THE BEST FURNITURE STORE!
FRIDAY JULY 8 Come learn about our equine friends at the Montana Festival of the Horse. For example, they aren’t just tall dogs. Missoula County Fairgrounds. 1 PM. Runs through July 10. Check mthorsefestival.com for details and tickets.
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[38] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
If there was booze waiting for me at the end, I’d probably do a lot more running. The Missoula Marathon Beer Run is a 3 mile causal route that ends in beer and food at Caras Park. 6 PM. Free. Visit missouladowntown.com for more info.
SATURDAY JULY 9 The Missoula Marathon returns with a full marathon, half marathon, 5K and kids’ marathon. $10–$125, register at missoulamarathon.org.
TUESDAY JULY 12 Play a round of disc golf in a local park. Missoula Parks and Rec and Garden City Flyers set up a course in a local park each Tuesday. This week’s folf adventure is at Fort Missoula, 5 PM. Free. Join the Montana Dirt Girls every Tuesday for an all-women hike or bike somewhere in the area. Find locations at facebook.com/MontanaDirtGirls. 6 PM. Enjoy yoga outdoors with Missoula Parks and Rc. Skilled instructors teach yoga basics to all ages and abilities every Tuesday evening at a local park. This week, head to Bonner Park for your down dog. 6-7 PM.
THURSDAY JULY 14 The rewards & challenges of bicycle touring in Baja are featured in a presentation by Nicholas Carman and Lael Wilcox. Free Cycles Missoula, 7–9 PM. Free. RSVP by emailing bpetersen@adventurecycling.org or call Beth at 721-1776.
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [39]
M I S S O U L A
Independent
www.missoulanews.com
July 7–July 14, 2016
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD ADD/ADHD relief... Naturally! Reiki • CranioSacral Therapy • Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Your Energy Fix. James V. Fix, RMT, EFT, CST. 406-210-9805, 415 N. Higgins Ave #19 • Missoula, MT 59802. yourenergyfix.com Basset Rescue of Montana. Senior bassets needing homes. 406-207-0765. Please like us on Facebook... facebook.com/ bassethoundrescue TOOLE LAW OFFICES Specializing in: -Workers Compensation -Social Security Disability -Wills & Trusts 728-4682 howardtoolelaw@ yahoo.com
TO GIVE AWAY FREE SAMPLES of Emu Oil. Learn more about the many
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3rd Annual Montana Greek Festival Friday, July 15th 5pm-10pm Saturday, July 16th 11am-10pm
P L AC E YOUR AD: Deadline: Monday at Noon
Walk it.
301 S. 6th W. Missoula Helios, traditional live Greek band will be playing both Friday and Saturday. • FREE Admission • Greek Food, Tavern & Market • Beer and Wine • Traditional Greek Dance Lessons • Kids Activities facebook.com/MontanaGreekFestival
317 S. Orange
( :
Talk it. 543-6609 x115
Send it. Post it. classified@missoulanews.com
Hosted by Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Fletch Law, PLLC
PET OF THE WEEK
Steve M. Fletcher Attorney at Law
Zoey wants to know if your dad is man enough? Even though Father’s Day has come and gone, HSWM is celebrating Adopt-a-Cat Month and $10 cat adoption fees all month! Zoey has a great personality profile, has lived with a dog, enjoys laser pointers and attention. Check out the Humane Society of Western Montana, a great animal shelter and pet resource. Become a Facebook friend or check out www.myHSWM.org!
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“Hate has caused a lot of problems in this world, but it has not solved one yet” – Maya Angelou
ADVICE GODDESS
COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
By Amy Alkon
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UNZIPPING YOUR GENES I’m increasingly frustrated by your views that women are attracted to men with status or wealth and don’t care much about men’s looks. Personally, I’m not attracted by men’s status or wealth, and I’m very aroused by gorgeous naked men–as are many women. Granted, women thousands of years ago were forced to rely on men for security, but there’s been something called “evolution.” Women don’t need men to survive anymore. Consequently, women are experiencing a discovery of their real libido, which is greatly stimulated by the vision of beautiful male bodies. –Modern Woman If women truly prioritized men’s looks like you say, Victoria’s Secret would be raking in the bucks with a companion chain of sexy undies stores for men. However, Victor’s Secret, if any, remains pretty simple: “Turn ‘em inside out and you can wear ‘em another day.” You are right; “there’s been something called ‘evolution.’” Unfortunately, psychological change takes a little longer than you think–which is to say you’re only off by maybe a few million years. As evolutionary psychologists Leda Cosmides and John Tooby explain, we’re living in modern times with a “stone age mind.” By this, they mean that the genes right now driving our psychology and behavior were molded by (and are still largely adapted for) mating and survival problems in the hunter-gatherer environment millions of years ago. We do continue to evolve. For example, over the 10,000 years since humans started dairy farming, some of us eventually developed the physiology to digest lactose (the sugar in cow’s milk)–allowing us to drink milkshakes without gassing it up under the covers and asphyxiating the dog. But changes in our psychological architecture–like the complex cognitive adaptations behind our mating behavior–don’t happen anywhere near that fast. So, no, your genes didn’t just go “Whoa, look, women’s lib!” and then make you start catcalling construction workers. Of course, we ladies will take a nice view if we can get it, but other things come first. Anthropologist Robert Trivers explains that what women evolved to prioritize in a partner comes out of the greater amount of “parental investment” required from us. Because a man could just walk away after sex (in the days before there was a state to come after him for child support) and because the features men find hot reflect fertility and health, male sexuality evolved to be primarily looks-driven. For a woman, however, a single romp in the bushes with
some loinclothed Hunky McHunkerson could have left her with a kid to feed – long before baby food was sold in stores in cute little jars. So, the women whose children survived to pass on their genes to us were those who vetted men for the ability and willingness to “provide.” There was no “wealth” in ancestral times–no National Bank of the Stone Age. However, evolutionary psychologists believe a modern man’s high earnings act as a cue for what women evolved to go for in a man–high status, meaning high social standing and the ability to bring home the wildebeest steaks for Mommy and the twins. You, however, claim that a man’s status does nothing for you. Now, studies reveal how most people are, not individual differences, so you may be right. However, cognitive neuroscientist Michael Gazzaniga explains that 98 percent of our brain’s activity is unconscious–including some of our decision-making–but we invent reasons for our choices afterward (typically those that make us seem rational, consistent, and admirable). And research keeps reflecting that women subconsciously prioritize status. In a study by evolutionary psychologist Michael Dunn, women found the exact same man hotter when he was driving a Bentley than when he was driving a Ford Fiesta. Men? They found a woman equally attractive in either car, and frankly, a woman who’s hot can probably get dates while “driving” a donkey with bumper stickers on the back. Next, there’s your claim that you and other women are “very aroused” by “gorgeous naked men.” Um, sorry, but that’s not what the vagina monitor says. Sex researcher Meredith Chivers hooked some ladies up to a machine that measures arousal through blood flow in their ladyparts. Though the women were aroused by footage of sex acts, she also showed them footage of a hot dude exercising naked. The vaginal response: “Yeah, whatevs.” And finally, for the perfect example of how sex differences play out, if a man flashes a woman on the street, it’s “You pervert! I’m calling the cops.” If a woman does it to a man, it’s probably one of the best days he’s had in forever: “Wow...it’s not even my birthday! How ‘bout some yoga poses? Downward-facing dog? Shoulder stand?...Wait. Where are you going? Come back! I think you dropped an earring.”
Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol.com. www.advicegoddess.com
[C2] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
Car Load Tuesdays!! Get every one you can fit in your Car or Truck in the Hot Springs for $20.00. Thats right $20.00 a Car Load! Don’t forget we have a Full Restaurant & Bar! Cabin & RV site Reservations at #406273-2294. See you at Lolo Hot Springs! “The major theme of the 1996
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Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is The Environmental Protection Agencies’ (EPA) consumer awareness / right-to-know Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). This rule requires all community water systems (CWS) to provide drinking water quality reports to their customers. The following CWSs are required to give public notice and a way of obtaining a copy of the CCR. We have made copies of these systems’ CCRs available. To obtain a copy of
A positive path for spiritual living 546 South Ave. W. • (406) 728-0187 Sundays 11 am • unityofmissoula.org
your CCR report, write to: Crisp Water Technologies, Inc, P.O. Box 2525, Missoula, MT 598062525.” 2727 W Central Duplexes - 829, Amity HOA 3710, Big Pines Trailer Ct. 450, Birchwood Duplexes 2537, Bitterroot Pines - 2128, Blue Mountain Tr. Ct. - 381, Branco Court - 4568, Buena Vista - 378, Carol’s Court - 451, Circle J Tr. Ct. - 452, Cougar Meadows - 4345, Country Side Court - 376, Daly Estates HOA 4517, ECO - 870, Forest Lounge & Apts. - 840, Frenchtown Valley View - 404, Futura Park - 374, Glessners Tr. Ct. - 405, Goodan/Keil -2393, Greenland Mobile Home Park - 372, Greenwood Trailer Court - 449, Harvey’s Mobile Home Park - 453, Hawthorn Springs - 4516, High Quality H2O “Catrina” - 2540, Hollywood - 454, Juniper Ct. 3527, Magnolia Estates - 4021,
Meadowbrook Park - 4530, Milltown WUA Inc. - 3088, Missoula Village West - 3012, Mobile City Trailer Ct. - 646, Montana Trailer Court - 3215, North Davis Duplexes - 2121, Outpost RV LLC 836, Ponderosa M H P - 2131, River Acres Inc. - 369, Riverwalk & Dinos Estates - 4506, Sawtooth Villa - 3284, Sorrel Springs HOA - 518, Spring Meadows 3630, Sunset Pines - 2538, Travois Village Mobile Pk - 3909, Trestle Creek I & II - 4423, Valley Grove - 490, Valley West Lolo 444, Wards Cove WUA - 3277, Westana Mobile Manor - 634, Whitewater Park Assoc. - 1865, Bitterroot Gateway - 443, Hamilton Mobile Village - 1079.
Excellent client communication skills and service required. Duties include: greeting and handling intake for new clients, format documents into final form, proofread, copy, scan, process mail; prepare mailings and court filings; schedule client appointments and court events. Full job listing online at lcstaffing.com Job ID #28030
Nelson Personnel is in search for a professional, friendly individual to fill FULL-TIME a RECEPTIONIST/ADMIN ASST. position. $10-12/hr. Call Us at 543-6033
NEED A JOB? Let NELSON PERSONNEL help in your job search! Fill out an application and schedule an interview. Call Us at 543-6033
Pet Adoption The Humane Society of Western Montana staff consists of 18 dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate employees. We care for over
Young Pug Owner in Training will walk, play with, and hug your pug while you are at work, for free. 406-7281052, (sorry, not a text phone!)
MISSOULA FRIENDS MEETING - QUAKERS Sunday 11:00 a.m. We Seek That of God in Everyone 1861 South 12th St. 549-6276 Childcare Provided
EMPLOYMENT GENERAL Auto Body Detailer Wellestablished auto body shop is looking for an upbeat, hardworking, reliable individual to detail cars, keep shop clean, and drive customers around. Must have valid MT Driver’ s License with a clean driving record. Wage $10/hour. Must be able lift 50-75# when needed. Hours are M-F 8: 30-5: 30, 1 hour lunch. - Full job listing online at lcstaffing.com Job ID# 27833 COMMERCIAL DRIVERS NEEDED! NELSON PERSONNEL is looking to fill positions for Class B drivers ASAP. $14/hour, Full-time. Call Us at 543-6033 RESOURCE IS HOME HIRING! Home ReSource
seeks a Reuse Specialist to help reduce waste and build a vibrant and sustainable local economy at our retail store. To apply visit: homeresource.org. KAMP IMPLEMENT, farm equipment, truck dealership, has immediate F/T opening for an EXPERIENCED PARTS COUNTER PERSON. Pay DOE. Benefits. Parts/ computer experience required. Belgrade 406-388-4295 Legal Secretary Legal Secretary/Office Manager- Montana’s number one eviction company seeking a full-time Legal Secretary/Office Manager to perform a variety of legal, and administrative duties; prefer legal background. Position will be required to handle strict confidential client and firm data in a professional and ethical manner.
SHIFT SUPERVISOR (4) FT Positions supporting persons with disabilities in a residential setting. $9.80 -$10.30/hr. Position open until filled. Must Have: Valid driver license, No history of neglect, abuse or exploitation. Applications available at OPPORTUNITY RESOURCES, INC., 2821 S. Russell, Missoula, MT. 59801 or online at www.orimt.org. Extensive background checks will be completed. NO RESUMES. EEO/AA-M/F/disability/ protected veteran status.
NELSON PERSONNEL is looking to fill a PRODUCTION SUPPORT position for a manufacturing company. $11.00/hr. Full-Time. Call Us at 543-6033
EMPLOYMENT 1300 animals at the shelter each year, maintain an adoption rate of 98%+. Pet Adoption & Welfare Specialists are responsible for ensuring the pets and people we serve receive exceptional and enriching care. The duties include daily pet care (enriching, cleaning, feeding, monitoring and medicating), matchmaking and adoptions, performing pet intake interviews and exams, placing special needs pets and above all, practicing the humane treatment of all animals. Full job description at Missoula Job Service. employmissoula.com Job # 10213195 Production Support Contribute to running the business by ensuring quality and on time delivery when preparing prefinished siding, including: loading of automated machines, painting of boards by hand, and bundling and packaging of units for shipment. Contribute to improving the business by continually contributing and implementing ideas to improve the worksite or processes at all times. This includes creating a positive culture of continuous improvement by learning and applying lean principles, exhibiting honesty at all times, and respecting other people at all times. Full job listing online at lcstaffing.com Job ID# 27159 Room Attendant Immediate need for both full-time and part-time ROOM ATTENDANTS at a Missoula hotel. We are looking for individuals who will pay strong attention to detail, who can provide an exceptional quality of service in order to give our guests a memorable experience. MUST be dependable, and MUST must be available weekends and holidays! Responsible for cleaning every area in the guest rooms, tubs, toilets, sinks, changing linens, dusting and vacuuming. There are both fulltime and part time positions, days of the week vary, Pay starts at $8.25 per hour. Full job de-
scription at Missoula Job Service. employmissoula.com Job # 10214195 School Bus Drivers Help give some kids the lift they need while doing a community service! We are now hiring and training for fall. $250 signing bonus after 90 working days! We offer rewarding part-time work to people who enjoy working with kids. We offer you employment that fits well with many schedules. Not only will you earn extra money, you’ll learn skills that are usable for years to come! Full job description at Missoula Job Service. employmissoula.com Job # 10213268 Tire Technician Local tire shop needs to hire a full-time TIRE TECHNICIAN as soon as possible! Must have valid driver’s license and be able to pass a drug screening test! Must be able to physically do the job and keep up in a fast-paced environment. Experience is preferred, but not required! Will change and repair light truck and passenger tires, and change and repair truck tires. Work is full time, and scheduled between the store hours of Monday-Friday 7:30am - 6:00pm, Saturday’s 8:00am 1:00pm. Wage is $11.00 per hour or more depending on experience. Full job description at Missoula Job Service. employmissoula.com Job #10213466 Trader/Broker Assistant Ideal candidate will work in a fast-paced, changing and growing open office environment with a strong work ethic. Duties include: assisting domestic trader(s) with prospects and customers, maintaining orders, arranging and tracking shipments, building and maintaining relationships with new and existing logistics companies, customers and prospects, customer support and maintaining transaction paperwork and supplier audits. Must be confident, extremely de-
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MARKETPLACE tail oriented and possess strong written, oral, organizational skills. Must prioritize and be flexible and innovative in problem solving. 2+ years related business experience. Proficiency in MS Office- Outlook, Excel, and Word. Excellent compensation and benefits package. – Full job listing online at lcstaffing.com Job ID# 27755
tion rate, average match length, volunteer rematch rate, and customer satisfaction. Full job description at Missoula Job Service. employmissoula.com Job # 10214179
Travel Agent Travel agents do much more than help members plan exceptional getaways. They are critical in helping deliver our tradition of trust through unparalleled service and value. As a rapidly growing and financially stable company we are recruiting a creative, dynamic and motivated Travel Agent to drive big ideas and enhance services for our members. This is an immediate part-time opportunity for a sales-minded individual to join an exclusive team of Travel Agents in our booming Missoula, MT Branch office. Full job listing online at lcstaffing.com Job ID# 27636
Examining Land Surveyor Missoula County is seeking a regular, full-time EXAMINING LAND SURVEYOR. Requires two years of college level or technical education in survey, engineering or a closely related field. Requires five years of progressively responsible experience in the field of surveying. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. This position will perform professional level survey work and manages the subdivision and certificate of survey review process. Serves as part of the management team for the Public Works Department. Work is full-time and pay is $25.43/hr. Full job description at Missoula Job Service. employmissoula.com Job # 10212932
WORK OUTSIDE! NELSON PERSONNEL is looking to fill a Maintenance position for a property management company. $10/hr. Full-time. Call Us at 543-6033
HOME RESOURCE IS HIRING! Home ReSource seeks a Work Programs Coordinator who is committed to social justice and community sustainability. For more information or
to apply visit: homeresource.org. Male Residential Counselor Summit Preparatory School,a non-profit, therapeutic boarding school for teens located in Kalispell on 500 acres, seeks FT Male Residential Counselor as direct care staff for boys team. Provides leadership and program support for team and community. Leads psychosocial teaching groups, clubs and other activities. Supervises students with attention to safety and program expectations. Bachelor’s degree/outdoor rec. experience req’d. Salary DOE. Health insurance. Send resume/cover letter to Lainsworth@summitprepschool.org. www.summitprepschool.org. Software Tester Logistic Systems, Inc. (LogiSYS) is seeking a Software Tester to join our company. A software tester actively uses company software to ensure that every function of the software works as designed. Testers search for results regarding performance, reliability, bugs and any other failures. Detailed metrics are recorded and monitored to track the progress and outcomes of the testing process. Testing status is communicated either verbally or in writing. Testers help
PROFESSIONAL Big Brothers Big Sisters Essential to the BBBS brand, the primary function of this position is to provide match support to ensure child safety, positive impacts for youth, constructive and satisfying relationships between children and volunteers, and a strong sense of affiliation with BBBS on the part of volunteers. 30/hrs a week, employer paid health insurance, 10 paid holidays, vacation. Performance Measures: The successful incumbent will produce positive outcomes in the following areas: match closure rate, match reten-
NOW RECRUITING FOR
LEGAL SECRETARY/ OFFICE MANAGER TRAVEL AGENT PRODUCTION SUPPORT TOOL ROOM MACHINIST AUTO BODY DETAILER RN/LPN INSURANCE MEMBER SPECIALIST View these positions and more or apply online. www.lcstaffing.com 406-542-3377
Let us help in YOUR job search!
AUCTIONS KB FARMING FARM EQUIPMENT “LIVE AUCTION” Thurs., July 14, 10 a.m. 14 mi. NE of Conrad, MT Large line of excellent farm equipment. View @ ShobeAuction.com or MBAuction.com 406-538-5125
CLOTHING Kid Crossing offers exceptional value on nearly new children’s clothing and equipment. Providing eco-friendly clothing exchange since 2001. Reduce • Reuse • Recycle • Buy Local! 1521 South Russell St. • 406829-8808 • www.kidcrossingstores.com
MISC. GOODS Authentic Timber Framed Barns. Residential-Commercial-Store-
fronts. Design-Build since 1990. Authentic Handcrafted, Pegged Frames Installed, Starting at $18/SF. Traditional Turnkey Barns From $40/SF. Built to Last for Generations. 406-581-3014 or email brett@bitterroot group.com www.bitterroottimberframes.com
MUSIC Turn off your PC & turn on your life! Guitar, banjo, mandolin, and bass lessons. Rentals available. Bennett’s Music Studio 721-0190 BennettsMusicStudio.com
Turn off your PC & turn on your life.
Bennett’s Music Studio
Guitar, banjo,mandolin and bass lessons. Rentals available.
bennettsmusicstudio.com 721-0190
Now in Missoula Durable Goods Montana
Gear & Apparel
120 West Broadway, Ste. B • 406-830-8975 • www.DurableGoodsMontana.com
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ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE The Missoula Independent, Montana’s premier weekly publication of people, politics and culture, is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our advertising sales team. Customer service experience and strong organizational skills are required. Sales experience is preferred, but we’re happy to train someone who brings a great attitude and lots of enthusiasm. We offer a competitive comp and benefits package, as well as a fun, dynamic work environment.
Micro-distillery spirits from around the world
Send resume and salary history to: LFoland@Missoulanews.com or Lynne Foland, P.O. Box 8275 Missoula, MT 59807
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [C3]
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT
By Rob Brezsny
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LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “You can only go halfway into the darkest forest,” says a Chinese proverb. “Then you are coming out the other side.” You will soon reach that midpoint, Leo. You may not recognize how far you have already come, so it’s a good thing I’m here to give you a heads-up. Keep the faith! Now here’s another clue: As you have wandered through the dark forest, you’ve been learning practical lessons that will come in handy during the phase of your journey that will begin after your birthday.
2831 Fort Missoula Road, Ste. 105, Bldg. 2
CANCER (June 21-July 22): As I gaze into my crystal ball and invoke a vision of your near future, I find you communing with elemental energies that are almost beyond your power to control. But I’m not worried, because I also see that the spirit of fun is keeping you safe and protected. Your playful strength is fully unfurled, ensuring that love always trumps chaos. This is a dream come true: You have a joyous confidence as you explore and experiment with the Great Unknown, trusting in your fluidic intuition to guide you
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GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Normally I’m skeptical about miraculous elixirs and sudden cures and stupendous breakthroughs. I avoid fantasizing about a “silver bullet” that can simply and rapidly repair an entrenched problem. But I’m setting aside my caution as I evaluate your prospects for the coming months. While I don’t believe that a sweeping transformation is guaranteed, I suspect it’s far more likely than usual. I suggest you open your mind to it.
Family Care • IV Therapy • Hormone Evaluation
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the book A Survival Guide to the Stress of Organizational Change, the authors tell you how to raise your stress levels. Assume that others are responsible for lowering your stress levels, they say. Resolve not to change anything about yourself. Hold on to everything in your life that’s expendable. Fear the future. Get embroiled in trivial battles. Try to win new games as you play by old rules. Luckily, the authors also offer suggestions on how to reduce your stress. Get good sleep, they advise. Exercise regularly. Don’t drink too much caffeine. Feel lots of gratitude. Clearly define a few strong personal goals, and let go of lesser wishes. Practice forgiveness and optimism. Talk to yourself with kindness. Got all that, Taurus? It’s an excellent place to start as you formulate your strategy for the second half of 2016.
INSTRUCTION
BLACK BEAR NATUROPATHIC
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Events in the coming week may trick your mind and tweak your heart. They might mess with your messiah complex and wreak havoc on your habits. But I bet they will also energize your muses and add melodic magic to your mysteries. They will slow you down in such a way as to speed up your evolution, and spin you in circles with such lyrical grace that you may become delightfully clear-headed. Will you howl and moan? Probably, but more likely out of poignant joy, not from angst and anguish. Might you be knocked off course? Perhaps, but by a good influence, not a bad one.
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LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): After years of painstaking research, the psychic surgeons at the Beauty and Truth Lab have finally perfected the art and science of Zodiac Makeovers. Using a patented technique known as Mythic Gene Engineering, they are able to transplant the planets of your horoscope into different signs and astrological houses from the ones you were born with. Let’s say your natal Jupiter suffers from an uncongenial aspect with your Moon. The psychic surgeons cut and splice according to your specifications, enabling you to be re-coded with the destiny you desire. Unfortunately, the cost of this pioneering technology is still prohibitive for most people. But here’s the good news, Libra: In the coming months, you will have an unprecedented power to reconfigure your life’s path using other, less expensive, purely natural means.
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SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In high school I was a good athlete with a promising future as a baseball player. But my aspirations were aborted in sophomore year when the coach banished me from the team. My haircut and wardrobe were too weird, he said. I may have been a skillful shortstop, but my edgy politics made him nervous and mad. At the time I was devastated by his expulsion. Playing baseball was my passion. But in retrospect I was grateful. The coach effectively ended my career as a jock, steering me toward my true callings: poetry and music and astrology. I invite you to identify a comparable twist in your own destiny, Scorpio. What unexpected blessings came your way through a seeming adversary? The time is ripe to lift those blessings to the next level. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Do you remember that turning point when you came to a fork in the road of your destiny at a moment when your personal power wasn’t strong? And do you recall how you couldn’t muster the potency to make the most courageous choice, but instead headed in the direction that seemed easier? Well, here’s some intriguing news: Your journey has delivered you, via a convoluted route, to a place not too far from that original fork in the road. It’s possible you could return there and revisit the options – which are now more mature and meaningful – with greater authority. Trust your exuberance.
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CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I love writing horoscopes for you. Your interest in my insights spurs my creativity and makes me smarter. As I search for the inspiration you need next, I have to continually reinvent my approach to finding the truth. The theories I had about your destiny last month may not be applicable this month. My devotion to following your ever-shifting story keeps me enjoyably off-balance, propelling me free of habit and predictability. I’m grateful for your influence on me! Now I suggest that you compose a few thank-you notes similar to the one I’ve written here. Address them to the people in your life who move you and feed you and transform you the best. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): After an Illinois man’s wife whacked him in the neck with a hatchet, he didn’t hold a grudge. Just the opposite. Speaking from a hospital room while recovering from his life-threatening wound, Thomas Deas testified that he still loved his attacker, and hoped they could reconcile. Is this admirable or pathetic? I’ll go with pathetic. Forgiving one’s allies and loved ones for their mistakes is wise, but allowing and enabling their maliciousness and abuse should be taboo. Keep that standard in mind during the coming weeks, Aquarius. People close to you may engage in behavior that lacks full integrity. Be compassionate but tough-minded in your response.
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PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Can water run uphill? Not usually. But there’s an eccentric magic circulating in your vicinity, and it could generate phenomena that are comparable to water running uphill. I wouldn’t be surprised, either, to see the equivalent of stars coming out in the daytime. Or a mountain moving out of your way. Or the trees whispering an oracle exactly when you need it. Be alert for anomalous blessings, Pisces. They may be so different from what you think is possible that they could be hard to recognize.
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Go to RealAstrology.com to check out Rob Brezsny’s EXPANDED WEEKLY AUDIO HOROSCOPES and DAILY TEXT MESSAGE HOROSCOPES.
[C4] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
BODY MIND SPIRIT Affordable, quality addiction counseling in a confidential, comfortable atmosphere. Stepping Stones Counseling, PLLC. Shari Rigg, LAC • 406926-1453 • shari@steppingstonesmissoula.com. Skype sessions available. ANIYSA Middle Eastern Dance Classes and Supplies. Call 2730368. www.aniysa.com Certified Reiki Master
H Shana’s Heart of Healing CranioSacral Therapy 406•396•5788
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VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): My devoted contingent of private detectives, intelligence agents, and psychic sleuths is constantly wandering the globe, gathering data for me to use in creating your horoscopes. In recent days, they have reported that many of you Virgos are seeking expansive visions and mulling long-term decisions. Your tribe seems unusually relaxed about the future, and is eager to be emancipated from shrunken possibilities. Crucial in this wonderful development has been an inclination to stop obsessing on small details and avoid being distracted by transitory concerns. Hallelujah! Keep up the good work. Think BIG! BIGGER! BIGGEST!
Banjo, Guitar & Mandolin Rentals Available With Lessons. Bennett’s Music Studio 721-0190 BennettsMusicStudio.com
ShanasHeartOfHealing.com
BodyTalk
406.542.2147 MontanaNaturalMedicine.com
Real Changes in Your Health Joel Lankford, CBP 406-529-2190 balancedhealth.me
Certified Reiki master. Excellent references. Evening and weekend appointments available. Kind, compassionate and restorative energy support. Reiki has been shown to reduce anxiety, stress, depression, anger & PTSD. Find out what Reiki can do for you. Home studio, no parking hassles. Call Jill, 406-370-9547 Need to make a change in your diet but don’t know where to start? We can help. Helmer Family Chiropractic 406-830-3333.
Located at 436 S. 3rd W., Missoula. Find us on facebook. Sound Healing General Store 10% off storewide. Energy Work & Vibration Sound Therapy. Call Robin 406-317-2773. 127 N. Higgins (next to Hot House Yoga). Tue-Fri 2ish - 5ish Stop by Meadowsweet Herbs and learn more about our fabulous Chinese Herbalist and all our spa treatments: Accupuncture, Massage, Reiki, Aromatouch, and more!
PUBLIC NOTICES FT Harrison Contract Bid Submission. Fort Harrison Billeting Fund Advisory Council is accepting bid submissions to run our front desk reservation program. Duties include: running ‘Front Desk Anywhere’ software; greeting guests; managing reservations; issuing keys; and general office work. To receive a copy of the billeting RFP bid submission process email Mr. Chris Herskind at christopher.r.herskind. mil@mail.mil. IN THE JUSTICE COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA IN AND FOR THE COUNTY OF MISSOULA BEFORE KAREN A. ORZECH, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Case No.: CV-2016-1100 SUMMONS FOR POSSESSION BY PUBLICATION CARAS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, Plaintiff, v. CALEB CRUSE, et al., Defendant. TO: Caleb Cruse 1400 D. Sunset Pines Missoula, MT 59802 YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer a Complaint filed in Justice Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer upon Plaintiff’s attorney, Thomas C. Orr, Thomas C. Orr Law Offices, P.O. Box 8096, Missoula, Montana 59807, within ten (10) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in the case of your failure to appear or answer, relief sought by Plaintiff will be taken against you as requested. A $30.00 filing fee must accompany Defendant’s answer. DATED this 20th day of June, 2016. By: /s/ Karen A. Orzech MONTANA FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT Probate No. DP-16-80 Dept. 4 Judge Townsend NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE ES-
TATE OF GLENN R. SCHMIDT. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must be either mailed to JACOB W. SCHMIDT, the personal representative . Return receipt requested, at P.O. Box 2414 Aspen, CO 81612 or filed with the Clerk of the above Court Dated (date of earliest publication). /s/ Jacob W.Schmidt, P.O. 2414 Aspen, CO 81612 MONTANA FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, MISSOULA COUNTY Department No. 2 Cause No. DP-16-96 NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RITA C. SHARBONO, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said estate are required to present their claim within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Jason C. Harby, return receipt requested, at St. Peter Law Offices, P.C., 2620 Radio Way, P.O. Box 17255, Missoula, MT 59808, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 23rd day of June, 2016 ST. PETER LAW OFFICES, P.C. /s/ /Jason C. Harby I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true, accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. DATED this 23rd day of June,
MNAXLP 2016. /s/ Dean Sharbono, Personal Representative MONTANA FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, MISSOULA COUNTY Department No. 3 Cause No. DG-1639 ORDER IN THE MATTER OF THE GUARDIANSHIP AND CONSERVATORSHIP OF L.P., a Minor. UPON Request for Hearing; IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that: Hearing is set for Thursday the 28th of July, 2016, at 8:45 a.m. DATED this 4th day of May, 2016. /s/ John W. Larson, District Judge MONTANA FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, MISSOULA COUNTY DEPT. NO. 4 PROBATE NO. DP-16110 NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BONNIE EDITH GRAHAM, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claim within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to ALTA MARINA GRAHAM, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Worden Thane P.C., P.O. Box 4747, Missoula, MT 59806, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 20th day of June, 2016. /s/ Alta Marina Graham c/o Worden Thane P.C. P.O. Box 4747, Missoula, Montana 598064747 WORDEN THANE P.C. Attorneys for Personal Representative By: /s/ Gail M. Haviland, Esq.
MONTANA FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, MISSOULA COUNTY Dept. No. 4 Cause No. DP-16-87 Hon. Karen S. Townsend Presiding. NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN RE THE ESTATE OF ILIENE E. SHREVE, Deceased. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said Deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Wanda Ellen Shreve Braae, the Personal Representative, Return Receipt Requested, c/o Skjelset & Geer, PLLP, PO Box 4102, Missoula, Montana 59806 or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 13 day of June, 2016. /s/ Wanda Braae, Personal Representative SKJELSET & GEER, P.L.L.P. By: /s/ Suzanne Geer Attorneys for the Estate STATE OF MONTANA ):ss. County of Missoula) I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. Signed this 13 day of June, 2016. /s/ Wanda Braae, Personal Representative Subscribed and sworn to before me this 13 day of June, 2016. /s/ Suzanne Geer Notary Public for the State of Montana Residing at Stevensville, Montana My Commission Expires October 2, 2016 MONTANA FOURTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, MISSOULA COUNTY Probate No. DP-16-100 Dept. No. 4 NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID CUTTS LOGAN, Deceased. NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must be mailed to Bruce M. Reid, Personal Representative, c/o SOL & WOLFE LAW FIRM, PLLP at 101 East Broadway, Ste. 300, Missoula, Montana 59802, return receipt requested, or filed with the clerk of the above Court at the Missoula County Courthouse, 200 West Broadway, Missoula, Montana 59802. DATED this 25th day of May, 2016. /s/ Bruce M. Reid, Personal Representative /s/ Michael Sol, Attorney for Personal Representative Montana Fourth Judicial District Court, Missoula County, Cause No. DV 2011-923, Robert James Wilkes v. State of Montana, Hon. Ed. McLean presiding. Please take notice the Montana Innocence Project (MTIP) seeks to contact S.W., date of birth 12/19/1982, recently known to be a resident of Helena, MT, Missoula, MT, and Casper, WY. MTIP seeks S.W.’s consent for the release of her confidential medical records in relation to the abovementioned case. Please contact MTIP at 406-2436698, or MTIP Legal Director Larry D. Mansch at larry@mtinnocenceproject.org, with any information about how to reach S.W. NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by BENJAMIN P. HURSH, as successor Trustee, of the public sale of the real property hereinafter described pursuant to the
“Small Tract Financing Act of Montana” (Section 71-1-301, et seq., MCA). The following information is provided: THE NAME OF THE GRANTOR, ORIGINAL TRUSTEE, THE BENEFICIARY IN THE DEED OF TRUST, ANY SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO THE BENEFICIARY OR GRANTOR, ANY SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE, AND THE PRESENT RECORD OWNER IS/ARE: Grantor: John T. Giblin, III (“Grantor”) Original Trustee: Western Title & Escrow Successor Trustee: Benjamin P. Hursh, an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Montana (the “Trustee”) Beneficiary: First Interstate Bank (the “Beneficiary”) Present Record Owner: John T. Giblin, III THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPERTY COVERED BY THE DEED OF TRUST IS: The real property and its appurtenances in Missoula County, Montana, more particularly described as follows: Tract 4-1-A of Certificate of Survey No. 5752, located in the S1/2NE1/4 and the N1/2SE1/4 of Section 18, Township 15 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Missoula County, Montana. RECORDING DATA: The following instruments and documents have been recorded in the Clerk and Recorder’s Office in Missoula County, Montana. Deed of Trust dated April 29, 2011, and recorded April 29, 2011, in Book 876 of Micro Records at Page 1281, under Document No. 201107066 records of Missoula County, Montana; and Substitution of Trustee dated April 19, 2016, and recorded April 22, 2016, under Document No. 201606048, Book 960, Page 276, records of
Missoula County, Montana. THE DEFAULT FOR WHICH THE FORECLOSURE IS MADE IS: Nonpayment of monthly installments of $1,267.00 due under the Promissory Note dated April 29, 2011, as extended, which is secured by the Deed of Trust. The borrower is due for the February, 2016 payment and for each subsequent monthly payment. THE SUMS OWING ON THE OBLIGATION SECURED BY THE DEED OF TRUST AS OF May 9, 2016, ARE: Principal: $96,916.16 Interest: Interest continues to accrue at a rate of 7.5000% per annum. As of May 9, 2016 the interest balance is $2,998.13 and interest accrues at the rate of $19.9142 per day. Escrow: $239.24 Late fees: $375.00 The Beneficiary anticipates and intends to disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the real property, and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts or taxes are paid by the Grantor or successor in interest to the Grantor. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligation secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of the sale include the Trustee’s and attorney’s fees, and costs and expenses of sale. THE TRUSTEE, AT THE DIRECTION OF THE BENEFICIARY, HEREBY ELECTS TO SELL THE PROPERTY TO SATISFY THE AFORESAID OBLIGATIONS. THE DATE, TIME, PLACE AND TERMS OF SALE ARE: Date: September 22, 2016 Time: 1:00 p.m., Mountain Standard Time or Mountain Daylight Time, whichever is in effect. Place: Crowley Fleck PLLP, 305 S.
BODY, MIND & SPIRIT Struggling with DRUGS or ALCOHOL? Addicted to PILLS? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment. 800-9786674 Susan Teitelman: Herbalist. Certified Holistic Nutritionist. FoodFarmacistMT@gmail.com TheFoodFarmacist.com 406-
210-1261 Want a new better body? Reclaim the one you were born with! FREE evaluation & assessment for new and former patients when you mention this offer. Call Helmer Family Chiropractic for more information. 406-8303333. Located at 436 S. 3rd W., Missoula. Find us on facebook.
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PUBLIC NOTICES Fourth St., Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59807-7099 Terms: This sale is a public sale and any person, including the Beneficiary, and excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid in cash. The conveyance will be made by Trustee’s Deed. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. Dated this 9th day of May, 2016. /s/ Benjamin P. Hursh BENJAMIN P. HURSH Trustee STATE OF MONTANA ) : ss. County of Missoula) This instrument was acknowledged before me on 9th May, 2016, by Benjamin P. Hursh, as Trustee. /s/ Dawn L. Hanninen Notary Public for the State of Montana Residing at Missoula, Montana My commission expires: February 14, 2020 File No.: 34-156-081 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Reference is hereby made to that certain trust
indenture/deed of trust (“Deed of Trust”) dated 10/14/11, recorded as Instrument No. 201118230 B: 884 P: 1257, mortgage records of MISSOULA County, Montana in which Douglas A Freas and Andrea L Freas, husband and wife was Grantor, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. was Beneficiary and Alliance Title & Escrow Corp. was Trustee. First American Title Insurance Company has succeeded Alliance Title & Escrow Corp. as Successor Trustee. The Deed of Trust encumbers real property (“Property”) located in MISSOULA County, Montana, more particularly described as follows: Lot 4 in Block 12 of West View, a platted subdivision in Missoula County, Montana, according to the official plat of record in Book 10 of Plats at Page 1. Beneficiary has declared the Grantor in default of the terms of the Deed of Trust and the promissory note (“Note”) secured by the Deed of Trust because of Grantor’s failure timely to pay all monthly install-
MNAXLP ments of principal, interest and, if applicable, escrow reserves for taxes and/or insurance as required by the Note and Deed of Trust. According to the Beneficiary, the obligation evidenced by the Note (“Loan”) is now due for the 12/01/15 installment payment and all monthly installment payments due thereafter. As of April 26, 2016, the amount necessary to fully satisfy the Loan was $176,552.93. This amount includes the outstanding principal balance of $173,598.16, plus accrued interest, accrued late charges, accrued escrow installments for insurance and/or taxes (if any) and advances for the protection of beneficiary’s security interest (if any). Because of the defaults stated above, Beneficiary has elected to sell the Property to satisfy the Loan and has instructed Successor Trustee to commence sale proceedings. Successor Trustee will sell the Property at public auction on the front steps of the Missoula County
Courthouse, 200 West Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802, City of Missoula on September 2, 2016 at 11:00 AM, Mountain Time. The sale is a public sale and any person, including Beneficiary and excepting only Successor Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding at the sale location in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier’s checks). The conveyance will be made by trustee’s deed without any representation or warranty, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis. Grantor, successor in interest to Grantor or any other person having an interest in the Property may, at any time prior to the trustee’s sale, pay to Beneficiary the entire amount then due on the Loan (including foreclosure costs and expenses actually incurred and trustee’s and attorney’s fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be
due had no default occurred. Tender of these sums shall effect a cure of the defaults stated above (if all non-monetary defaults are also cured) and shall result in Trustee’s termination of the foreclosure and cancellation of the foreclosure sale. The trustee’s rules of auction may be accessed at www.northwesttrustee.com and are incorporated by the reference. You may also access sale status at www.Northwesttrustee.com or USA-Foreclosure.com. Freas, Douglas A. and Andrea L. (TS# 7023.116195) 1002.286787-File No. NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Reference is hereby made to that certain trust indenture/deed of trust (“Deed of Trust”) dated 05/17/04, recorded as Instrument No. 200413948 Book 732 Page 1241, mortgage records of MISSOULA County, Montana in which Lori Hanebuth, a married woman as her separate estate was Grantor, Montana
Mortgage Company, a Montana Corporation was Beneficiary and Insured Titles, LLC was Trustee. First American Title Insurance Company has succeeded Insured Titles, LLC as Successor Trustee. The Deed of Trust encumbers real property (“Property”) located in MISSOULA County, Montana, more particularly described as follows: Tract 4 of Certificate of Survey No. 5200, a tract of land located in the Southeast onequarter of Section 20, Township 15 North, Range 21 West, Principal Meridian, Montana Missoula County, Montana. By written instrument recorded as Instrument No. 201304679, beneficial interest in the Deed of Trust was assigned to U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, successor in interest to Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Trustee for GSMPS Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-RP3. Beneficiary has declared the Grantor in default of the terms of the Deed of Trust and the promissory note
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[C6] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
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(“Note”) secured by the Deed of Trust because of Grantor’s failure timely to pay all monthly installments of principal, interest and, if applicable, escrow reserves for taxes and/or insurance as required by the Note and Deed of Trust. According to the Beneficiary, the obligation evidenced by the Note (“Loan”) is now due for the 03/01/15 installment payment and all monthly installment payments due thereafter. As of May 2, 2016, the amount necessary to fully satisfy the Loan was $194,900.52. This amount includes the outstanding principal balance of $180,898.17, plus accrued interest, accrued late charges, accrued escrow installments for insurance and/or taxes (if any) and advances for the protection of beneficiary’s security interest (if any). Because of the defaults stated above, Beneficiary has elected to sell the Property to satisfy the Loan and has instructed Successor Trustee to commence sale proceedings. Suc-
PUBLIC NOTICES cessor Trustee will sell the Property at public auction Missoula County Courthouse, 200 West Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802, On the Front Steps, City of Missoula on September 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM, Mountain Time. The sale is a public sale and any person, including Beneficiary and excepting only Successor Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding at the sale location in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier’s checks). The conveyance will be made by trustee’s deed without any representation or warranty, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis. Grantor, successor in interest to Grantor or any other person having an interest in the Property may, at any time prior to the trustee’s sale, pay to Beneficiary the entire amount then due on the Loan (including foreclosure costs and expenses actually incurred and trustee’s and attorney’s fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred. Tender of these sums shall effect a cure of the defaults stated above (if all non-monetary defaults are also cured) and shall result in Trustee’s termination of the foreclosure and cancellation of the foreclosure sale. The trustee’s rules of auction may be accessed at www.northwesttrustee.com and are incorporated by the reference. You may also access sale status at www.Northwesttrustee.com or USA-Foreclosure.com. HANEBUTH, LORI (TS# 7023.114234) 1002.284908-File No. NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Reference is hereby made to that certain trust indenture/deed of trust (“Deed of Trust”) dated 06/18/08, recorded as Instrument No. 200814959 B: 821 P: 1138, mortgage records of MISSOULA County, Montana in which Lester J. Silverthorne was Grantor, Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., solely as nominee for Golf Savings Bank, its successors and assigns was Beneficiary and Insured Titles was Trustee. First American Title Insurance Company has succeeded Insured Titles as Successor Trustee. The Deed of Trust encumbers real property (“Property”) located in MISSOULA County, Montana, more particularly described as follows: Lot 3 and 4 in Block 90 of School Addition, a platted subdivision in the City of Missoula, Missoula County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof. By written instrument recorded as Instrument No. 201312931 B:915 P: 697, beneficial interest in the Deed of Trust was assigned to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.. Beneficiary has declared the Grantor in default of the terms of the Deed of Trust and the promissory note (“Note”) secured by the Deed of Trust because of
Grantor’s failure timely to pay all monthly installments of principal, interest and, if applicable, escrow reserves for taxes and/or insurance as required by the Note and Deed of Trust. According to the Beneficiary, the obligation evidenced by the Note (“Loan”) is now due for the 12/01/15 installment payment and all monthly installment payments due thereafter. As of April 13, 2016, the amount necessary to fully satisfy the Loan was $142,544.95. This amount includes the outstanding principal balance of $136,845.89, plus accrued interest, accrued late charges, accrued escrow installments for insurance and/or taxes (if any) and advances for the protection of beneficiary’s security interest (if any). Because of the defaults stated above, Beneficiary has elected to sell the Property to satisfy the Loan and has instructed Successor Trustee to commence sale proceedings. Successor Trustee will sell the Property at public auction on the front steps of the Missoula County Courthouse, 200 West Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802, City of Missoula on August 26, 2016 at 11:00 AM, Mountain Time. The sale is a public sale and any person, including Beneficiary and excepting only Successor Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding at the sale location in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier’s checks). The conveyance will be made by trustee’s deed without any representation or warranty, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis. Grantor, successor in interest to Grantor or any other person having an interest in the Property may, at any time prior to the trustee’s sale, pay to Beneficiary the entire amount then due on the Loan (including foreclosure costs and expenses actually incurred and trustee’s and attorney’s fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred. Tender of these sums shall effect a cure of the defaults stated above (if all non-monetary defaults are also cured) and shall result in Trustee’s termination of the foreclosure and cancellation of the foreclosure sale. The trustee’s rules of auction may be accessed at www.northwesttrustee.com and are incorporated by the reference. You may also access sale status at www.Northwesttrustee.com or USA-Foreclosure.com. Silverthorne, Lester J. (TS# 7023.116152) 1002.286633-File No. NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TO BE SOLD FOR CASH AT TRUSTEE’S SALE on August 15, 2016, at 11:00 AM at the Main Door of the Missoula County Courthouse located at 200 West Broadway in Missoula, MT 59802, the following described real property situated in Missoula County,
MNAXLP Montana: LOT 14 IN BLOCK 2 OF BEN HUGHES ADDITION, A PLATTED SUBDIVISION IN MISSOULA COUNTY, MONTANA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL RECORDED PLAT THEREOF STACY K BUCKINGHAM, as Grantor, conveyed said real property to First American Title Company, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Option One Mortgage Corporation, a California Corporation, as Beneficiary, by Deed of Trust on May 5, 2004, and recorded on May 11, 2004 as Book 731, Page 1555 under Document No. 200412694. Modification agreement recorded August 26, 2013 in Book 918, Page 689 under Document no. 201317123. The beneficial interest is currently held by U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, successor in interest to Wachovia Bank, N.A., as Trustee for Chase Funding Loan Acquisition Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2004-OPT1. First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., is the Successor Trustee pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Missoula County, Montana. The beneficiary has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust by failing to make the monthly payments due in the amount of $550.30, beginning November 1, 2015, and each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and interest due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. The total amount due on this obligation as of March 31, 2016 is $170,212.08 principal, interest at the rate of 2.15000% totaling $1,829.76, late charges in the amount of $924.56, escrow advances of $746.97, suspense balance of $-350.00 and other fees and expenses advanced of $147.00, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other costs and fees that may be advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee’s fees and attorney’s fees, costs and expenses of the sale and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected, and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier’s checks). The conveyance
will be made by Trustee’s Deed without any representation or warranty, including warranty of Title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmental or health hazards. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The grantor, successor in interest to the grantor or any other person having an interest in the property, at any time prior to the trustee’s sale, may pay to the beneficiary or the successor in interest to the beneficiary the entire amount then due under the deed of trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney’s fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and thereby cure the default. The scheduled Trustee’s Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 15 days for any reason, and in the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the trustee for up to 120 days by public proclamation at least every 30 days. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: April 5, 2016 /s/ Kaitlin Ann Gotch Assistant Secretary, First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. Successor Trustee Title Financial Specialty Services PO Box 339 Blackfoot ID 83221 STATE OF Idaho)) ss. County of Bingham) On this 5 day of April, 2016 before me, a notary public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Kaitlin Ann Gotch, know to me to be the Assistant Secretary of First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., Successor Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same. /s/ Dalia Martinez Notary Public Bingham County, Idaho Commission expires: 2/18/2020 J P Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. vs BUCKINGHAM 101101 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TO BE SOLD FOR CASH AT TRUSTEE’S SALE on August 24, 2016, at 11:00 AM at the Main Door of the Missoula County Courthouse located at 200 West Broadway in Missoula, MT 59802, the following described real property situated in Missoula County, Montana: LOT 47 OF MALONEY RANCH PHASE VI, A PLATTED SUBDIVISION IN MISSOULA COUNTY, MONTANA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. CHAD M BAUER, as Grantor, conveyed said real property to Insured Titles, LLC, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Community Bank- Missoula, Inc., as Benefici-
ary, by Deed of Trust on October 15, 2007, and recorded on October 15, 2007 as Book 807 Page 612 under Document No. 200727252. The beneficial interest is currently held by Nationstar Mortgage LLC. First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., is the Successor Trustee pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Missoula County, Montana. The beneficiary has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust by failing to make the monthly payments due in the amount of $1,388.38, beginning August 1, 2014, and each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and interest due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. The total amount due on this obligation as of April 29, 2016 is $298,328.28 principal, interest at the rate of 4.62500% totaling $25,204.46, late charges in the amount of $208.26, escrow advances of $13,530.97, and other fees and expenses advanced of $7,041.59, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other costs and fees that may be advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee’s fees and attorney’s fees, costs and expenses of the sale and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected, and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding in cash or
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE The following described personal property will be sold at public auction to the highest bidder for cash or certified funds. Proceeds from the public sale for said personal property shall be applied to the debt owed to Rent-a-Space in the amounts listed below (plus as yet undetermined amounts to conduct the sale): Space/Amount/Property Desc: 3140/Dustin Stevens/$288/golf clubs 6210/Regina Leistiko/$450/chair SALE LOCATION: Gardner’s Auction Service, 4810 Highway 93 S, Missoula, MT www.gardnersauction.com SALE DATE/TIME: Wednesday, July 13, 2016 @ 5:30 PM (check website for details) TERMS: Public sale to the highest bidder. Sold “AS IS”, “WHERE IS”. Cash or certified funds.
cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier’s checks). The conveyance will be made by Trustee’s Deed without any representation or warranty, including warranty of Title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmental or health hazards. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The grantor, successor in interest to the grantor or any other person having an interest in the property, at any time prior to the trustee’s sale, may pay to the beneficiary or the successor in interest to the beneficiary the entire amount then due under the deed of trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney’s fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and thereby cure the default. The scheduled Trustee’s Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 15 days for any reason, and in the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the trustee for up to 120 days by public proclamation at least every 30 days. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: April 14, 2016 /s/ Dalia Martinez Assistant Secretary, First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. Successor Trustee Title Financial Specialty Services PO Box 339 Blackfoot ID 83221 STATE OF Idaho)) ss. County of Bingham) On this 14 day of April, 2016, before me, a notary public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Dalia Martinez, know to me to be the Assistant Secretary of First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., Successor Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to
CLARK FORK STORAGE will auction to the highest bidder abandoned storage units owing delinquent storage rent for the following unit(s): 26, 223, 237 Units can contain furniture, cloths, chairs, Toys, kitchen supplies, tools, sports equipment, books, beds, other misc household goods, vehicles & trailers. These units may be viewed starting 7/18/2016 by appt only by calling 541-7919. Written sealed bids may be submitted to storage offices at 3505 Clark Fork Way, Missoula, MT 59808 prior to at 7/21/2016 at 4:00 P.M. Buyer’s bid will be for entire contents of each unit offered in the sale. Only cash or money orders will be accepted for payment. Units are reserved subject to redemption by owner prior to sale, All Sales final.
me that he executed the same. /s/ Amy Gough Notary Public Bingham County, Idaho Commission expires: 6-9-2021 Nationstar Mortgage LLC vs BAUER 101086 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TO BE SOLD FOR CASH AT TRUSTEE’S SALE on August 25, 2016, at 11:00 AM at the Main Door of the Missoula County Courthouse located at 200 West Broadway in Missoula, MT 59802, the following described real property situated in Missoula County, Montana: LOT 9 IN BLOCK 1 OF WEBBER ADDITION, A PLATTED SUBDIVISION IN MISSOULA COUNTY, MONTANA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL RECORDED PLAT THEREOF EUGENE KARL SCHAFER and JANET LINDQUIST SCHAFER, as Grantors, conveyed said real property to First American Title Co., as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Equity Direct Mortgage Corp., A California Corporation, as Beneficiary, by Deed of Trust on May 8, 1998, and recorded on May 13, 1998 as Book 541 Page 296 Document No. 9812132. The beneficial interest is currently held by HSBC Bank USA, National Association as Trustee for Structured Asset Securities Corporation, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-SC1. First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., is the Successor Trustee pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Missoula County, Montana. The beneficiary has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust by failing to make the monthly payments due in the amount of $945.00, beginning November 1, 2015, and BITTERROOT MINI STORAGE 6415 Mormon Creek Rd., Lolo, MT 59847 Will auction to the highest bidder abandoned storage units owing delinquent storage rent for the following units: 26, 31, 74, 97, 111 & 119, 108, 120, 114 & 115.. Units may contain misc. household goods, furniture, toys, clothes, tools and other misc. items. We will hold a live auction starting at 1:00 p.m. on July 27th, 2016. Payment will be due immediately at acknowledgment of winning bid. Buyers bid will be for entire contents of each unit offered in the sale. Only cash or money orders will be accepted for payment. Unit must be emptied by buyer at least 10 business days from day of sale. Units are reserved subject to redemption by owner prior to sale. All sales are final. Please contact Grizzly Property Management, Inc. at (406) 542-2060 or rentals@grizzlypm.com with any questions.
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [C7]
JONESIN’ C r o s s w o r d s “You’re Getting Sleepy...�–relax with a nice puzzle.
by Matt Jones
ACROSS 1 Overlooked, as faults 8 Drink in 14 Take for granted 15 More Bohemian 16 *"Do the Right Thing" actress 17 *Singer/percussionist who collaborated with Prince on "Purple Rain" 18 "Ew, not that ..." 19 French 101 pronoun 20 This pirate ship 21 Commingle 22 They're taken on stage 24 Like pulp fiction 26 Mata ___ (World War I spy) 27 Boost 29 Friend-o 30 Actress Kirsten 31 "Hello" singer 33 Carved pole emblem 35 *"Full Frontal" host 38 ___ umlaut 39 Small towns 41 Silicon Valley "competitive intelligence" company with a bird logo 44 Exercise count 46 Wise advisors 48 Brand that ran "short shorts" ads 49 Bankrupt company in 2001 news 51 LPGA star ___ Pak 52 Abbr. after a lawyer's name 53 He was "The Greatest" 54 Clothe, with "up" 56 Triple ___ (orange liqueur) 57 *Arsenio Hall's rapper alter ego with the song "Owwww!" 59 *Two-time Grammy winner for Best Comedy Album 61 Buddies, in Bogota 62 Not just by itself, as on fastfood menus 63 Fixed up Last week’s solution
64 Land attached to a manor house
DOWN 1 Cone-bearing evergreen 2 Bitter salad green 3 Internet enthusiasts, in 1990s slang 4 "Gangnam Style" performer 5 Car company with a four-ring logo 6 Sense of intangibility? 7 Gets ready to drive 8 Reacted with pleasure 9 "Uncle Remus" character ___ Rabbit 10 HPV, for one 11 J.R. Ewing, e.g. 12 Shows again 13 Portmanteau in 2016 news 17 Brangelina's kid 23 Kind of trunk 25 Danger in the grass 26 Shoulder-to-elbow bone 28 "I'm hunting wabbits" speaker 30 Fix up, as code 32 Word between dog and dog 34 Bar accumulation 36 Wardrobe extension? 37 Fancy ways to leave 40 "You betcha I will!" 41 Like a small garage 42 Message on a dirty vehicle 43 Like mercury at room temperature 45 Cover in the kitchen 47 Hammer mate, on old flags 49 "Family Ties" mother 50 Not even me 53 R&B singer with the fivealbum project "Stadium" 55 "Where America's Day Begins" island 58 International aid grp. 60 "___ Mine" (George Harrison autobiography) Š2016 Jonesin’ Crosswords
PUBLIC NOTICES each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied on the principal and interest due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. The total amount due on this obligation as of April 29, 2016 is $79,863.64 principal, interest at the rate of 10.00000% totaling $4,605.83, late charges in the amount of $425.25, escrow advances of $496.74, and other fees and expenses advanced of $2,409.84, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other costs and fees that may be advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee’s fees and attorney’s fees, costs and expenses of the sale and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected, and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier’s checks). The conveyance will be made by Trustee’s Deed without any representation or warranty, including warranty of Title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmental or health hazards. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The grantor, successor in interest to the grantor or any other person having an interest in the property, at any time prior to the trustee’s sale, may pay to the beneficiary or the successor in interest to the beneficiary the entire amount then due under the deed of trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney’s fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and thereby cure the default. The scheduled Trustee’s Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 15 days for any reason, and in the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the trustee for up to 120 days by public proclamation at least every 30 days. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: April 14, 2016 /s/ Dalia Martinez Assistant Secretary, First American Title Company of
[C8] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
Montana, Inc. Successor Trustee Title Financial Specialty Services PO Box 339 Blackfoot ID 83221 STATE OF Idaho)) ss. County of Bingham) On this 14 day of April, 2016, before me, a notary public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Dalia Martinez, know to me to be the Assistant Secretary of First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., Successor Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same. /s/ Amy Gough Notary Public Bingham County, Idaho Commission expires: 6-9-2021 Nationstar Mortgage LLC vs SCHAFER 101179 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TO BE SOLD FOR CASH AT TRUSTEE’S SALE on August 9, 2016, at 11:00 AM at the Main Door of the Missoula County Courthouse located at 200 West Broadway in Missoula, MT 59802, the following described real property situated in Missoula County, Montana: LOT 1 AND THE NORTH 37 FEET OF LOT 2 OF WOHL HOME TRACTS, A PLATTED SUBDIVISION IN MISSOULA COUNTY, MONTANA, ACCORDING TO THE OFFICIAL RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. CHRIS JOHNSON and DARLA JOHNSON, as Grantors, conveyed said real property to Insured Titles LLC, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS�), as designated nominee for Mountain West Bank, N.A., as Beneficiary, by Deed of Trust dated on October 4, 2006, and recorded on October 10, 2006 as Book 784, Page 1488, Document No. 200626239. The beneficial interest is currently held by Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae�). First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., is the Successor Trustee pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Missoula County, Montana. The beneficiary has declared a default in the terms of said Deed of Trust by failing to make the monthly payments due in the amount of $1,161.34 beginning August 1, 2015, and each month subsequent, which monthly installments would have been applied
MNAXLP on the principal and interest due on said obligation and other charges against the property or loan. The total amount due on this obligation as of February 9, 2016 is $292,042.89 principal, interest at the rate of 2.00000% totaling $4,329.32, escrow advances of $1,405.80, suspense balance of $-228.40 and other fees and expenses advanced of $257.00, plus accruing interest, late charges, and other costs and fees that may be advanced. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disburse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligations secured by the Deed of Trust. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee’s fees and attorney’s fees, costs and expenses of the sale and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected, and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid immediately upon the close of bidding in cash or cash equivalents (valid money orders, certified checks or cashier’s checks). The conveyance will be made by Trustee’s Deed without any representation or warranty, including warranty of Title, express or implied, as the sale is made strictly on an as-is, where-is basis, without limitation, the sale is being made subject to all existing conditions, if any, of lead paint, mold or other environmental or health hazards. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The grantor, successor in interest to the grantor or any other person having an interest in the property, at any time prior to the trustee’s sale, may pay to the beneficiary or the successor in interest to the beneficiary the entire amount then due under the deed of trust and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney’s fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and thereby cure the de-
fault. The scheduled Trustee’s Sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to 15 days for any reason, and in the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the trustee for up to 120 days by public proclamation at least every 30 days. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. Dated: April 4, 2016 /s/ Kaitlin Ann Gotch Assistant Secretary, First American Title Company of Montana, Inc. Successor Trustee Title Financial Specialty Services PO Box 339 Blackfoot ID 83221
STATE OF Idaho)) ss. County of Bingham) On this 4 day of April, 2016 before me, a notary public in and for said County and State, personally appeared Kailtin Ann Gotch know to me to be the Assistant Secretary of First American Title Company of Montana, Inc., Successor Trustee, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the foregoing instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same. /s/ Dalia Martinez Notary Public Bingham County, Idaho Commission expires: 02/18/2020 Seterus vs JOHNSON, CHRIS 100999
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RENTALS APARTMENTS 1 bed, 1 bath, $575, walk to Downtown & U of M, coin op laundry, carport & off street parking, W/S/G paid. NO PETS, NO SMOKING. Gatewest 728-7333 1 bed, 1 bath, $625, Pullman, W/D hookups, off street parking, large deck, W/S/G paid. NO PETS, NO SMOKING. Gatewest 728-7333
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal and State Fair Housing Acts, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, marital status, age, and/or creed or intention to make any such preferences, limitations, or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, and pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination in housing call HUD at toll-free at 1-800-8777353 or Montana Fair Housing toll-free at 1-800-929-2611
REAL ESTATE 1024 Stephens Ave. #1. 2 bed/1 bath, central location, coin-ops, cat? $725. Grizzly Property Management 5422060 1315 E. Broadway #4. 2 bed/1.5 bath, near University, coin-ops, storage, pet? $850. Grizzly Property Management 542-2060
SMOKING. Gatewest 728-7333 237 ½ E. Front St. “G”. Studio/1 bath, downtown, coin-ops. $600. Grizzly Property Management 542-2060 303 E. Spruce St. #1. 1 bed/1 bath, downtown, coin-ops on site, cat? $600. Grizzly Property Management 542-2060
1502 Ernest Ave. #3. 1 bed/1 bath, central location, W/D hookups, $600. Grizzly Property Management 542-2060
432 Washington St. 1 bed/1 bath, downtown, coin-ops. $750. Grizzly Property Management 542-2060
2 bed, 1 bath, $750, near The Good Food Store, DW, coin op laundry & off street parking, H/W/S/G paid. NO PETS, NO
509 S. 5th St. East #5. 2 bed/1 bath, 3 blocks to campus, coinops on site. $750. Grizzly Property Management 542-2060
FIDELITY
706 Longstaff #3. 1 bed/1 bath, Slant Streets, W/D hookups, storage. $625. Grizzly Property Management 542-2060
MANAGEMENT SERVICES, INC. 7000 Uncle Robert Ln #7
251-4707
Garden City Property Management. Voted Best Property Management Company in Missoula for the past 8 years. 406-5496106 www.gcpm-mt.com
MOBILE Lolo RV Park. Spaces available to rent. W/S/G/Electric included. $460/month. 273-6034 Lolo, nice park. Lot for single wide 16x80. Water, sewer and garbage paid. No dogs. $280/mo. 406-273-6034
DUPLEXES 3909 Buckley Pl. 2 bed/1 bath, central location, W/D hookups, single garage. $775. Grizzly Property Management 542-2060 612 Gerald Ave. 1 bed/1 bath, triplex close to UM, hardwood floors, shared yard. $650. Grizzly Property Management 542-2060
HOUSES Garden City Property Manage-
ment. Voted Best Property Management Company in Missoula for the past 8 years. 406-5496106 www.gcpm-mt.com
COMMERCIAL 1535 Liberty Lane. Centrally located professional office space in energy-efficient building on the river. Rochelle Glasgow, Ink Realty Group. 728-8270 glasgow@montana.com 210 South 3rd West. Lease space available by the Hip Strip near Bernice’s Bakery. Shannon Hilliard, Ink Realty . 239-8350 shannonhilliard5@ gmail.com
fidelityproperty.com
No Initial Application Fee Residential Rentals Professional Office & Retail Leasing Since 1971
www.gatewestrentals.com
GardenCity Property Management 422 Madison • 549-6106 For available rentals: www.gcpm-mt.com
10955 Cedar Ridge. Loft bedroom, 1 bath on 20+ acres with deck, studio & sauna. $299,900. Shannon Hilliard, Ink Realty Group. 239-8350 shannonhilliard5@gmail.com
Fidelity Management Services, Inc. • 7000 Uncle Robert Lane #7, Missoula • 406-251-4707. Visit our website at fidelityproperty.com. Serving Missoula area residential properties since 1981.
1428 Cooper. Modern 3 bed, 2.5 bath with radiant heat, metal roof & fenced backyard. $289,900. Shannon Hilliard, Ink Realty Group 239-8350 shannonhilliard5@gmail.com
ROOMMATES ALL AREAS ROOM MATES.COM. Lonely? Bored? Broke? Find the perfect roommate to complement your personality and lifestyle at Roommates.com!
408 Oak Street. Remodeled 1 bed, 1 bath with wood floors in River Front Park neighborhood. $206,888. Pat McCormick, Properties 2000. 240-7653 pat@properties2000.com 4611 North Avenue West. 3 bed, 2 bath on almost 1/2 acre near the river. $409,900. Shannon Hilliard, Ink Realty Group. 239-8350 shannonhilliard5 @gmail.com
119 N. Johnson #2 1 Bed/1 Bath $625/month
Visit our website at
tenance, energy-efficient home with over 2000 square feet! $260,000 KD 406-2045227 porticorealestate.com
4 Bdr, 4 Bath Wye area home 2.3 acres. $469,000. BHHSMT Properties. For more info call Mindy Palmer @ 239-6696, or visit www.mindypalmer.com
100 S. Curtis, #8 2 Bed/1 Bath Duplex $895/month
Uncle Robert Lane 2 Bed Apt. $760/month
HOMES FOR SALE
Earn CE credits through our Continuing Education Courses for Property Management & Real Estate Licensees westernmontana.narpm.org
5 Bdr, 2.5 Bath Lower Rattlesnake home. $525,000. BHHSMT Properties. For more info call Mindy Palmer @ 2396696, or visit www.mindypalmer.com 5 Bdr, 2.5 Bath University District home. $625,000. BHHS Montana Properties. For more info call Mindy Palmer @ 239-6696, or visit www.mindypalmer.com Energy Efficient! 520 Luella Lane. Centrally located 2 story home near bike trails and the Good Food Store! Low main-
Grizzly Property Management, Inc.
More than 35 years of Sales & Marketing experience. JAY GETZ, Prudential Montana Real Estate. (406) 214-4016 • j a y. g e t z @ p r u m t . c o m • www.JayGetzMissoula.com Natural Housebuilders, Inc. Building comfortable energy efficient craftsman homes with radiant floor heat. 406369-0940 OR 406-6426863. Facebook/Natural House builders,inc. Solar Active House. www.faswall.com. www.naturalhousebuilder.net Trail Street 2144 Trail Street. Beautiful upgraded home in an awesome location with immaculate landscaping! A Must See! $280,000 KD 240-5227 porticorealestate.com Wonderful Target Range home 2020 Sundance Ln 59804, 4+ bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 2 car garage, shop, fenced yard, updated windows & appliances, u/g sprinklers, near river access $378,000 (406) 531-3753
CONDOS 2 Bdr, 1.5 Bath, Lewis & Clark condo. $146,000. BHHSMT Properties. For more info call Mindy Palmer @ 239-6696, or visit www.mindypalmer.com Burns Street Condo 1400
"Let us tend your den" Since 1995, where tenants and landlords call home.
2205 South Avenue West 542-2060• grizzlypm.com
Finalist
Finalist
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [C9]
REAL ESTATE Burns #16 Located next to Burns Street Bistro, this is a beautiful space to call home. With over 1200 sq ft this home lets you spread out and relax. $158,000 KD 240-5227 or Sarah 3703995 porticorealestate.com Helena Downtown Condos! 3 bedroom 3 bath renovated upscale downtown condo MLS#294732 TEXT E180911 to 51004. 2 bedroom 1 bath SKYVIEW downtown condo MLS#294877 Text E179147 to 51004. Contact Ryan visit ryan.exitrealtyhelena.com or call/text 406.465.3038. #688
Uptown Flats #301. Large 1 bed, 1 bath plus bonus room with all the amenities. $210,000. Anne Jablonski, Portico 546.5816. annierealtor@ gmail.com Uptown Flats #303. 1 bed, 1 bath with all the amenities. $159,710. Anne Jablonski, Portico Real Estate 546-5816 annierealtor@gmail.com
MANUFACTURED 2011 16x80 3 bed 2 bath includes Skirting, A/C. Delivered
and setup within 100 miles of Billings. $39,900 3 left. Call Now! 406-259-4663 4033 Matthew Street. 2 bed, 1 bath mobile home in Westview Park with deck & mountain views. $38,000. Anne Jablonski, Portico Real Estate 546-5816. annierealtor@gmail.com
LAND 156 ACRES, EASY ACCESS. $199,900. Bordered by USFS lands. Prime hunting. 15 minutes to Superior MT. Southern exposure, good mix of trees and meadows. Power nearby. Twite Realty • Mark Twite • 406-880-1956 • NewHomes@ Montana.com • www.marktwite.com 18.6 acre building lot in Sleeman Creek, Lolo. $129,900. BHHSMT Properties. For more info call Mindy Palmer @ 2396696, or visit www.mindypalmer.com 20 acres Granite County $44,900. Wild Horse Road: Gated access, prime hunting area. Timber, views, usable terrain. Twite Realty • Mark Twite • 406-880-1956 • newhomes@montana.com • www.marktwite.com 2598 WHISKEY JACK, HAMILTON MT. $89,500. 20+ acres South of Hamilton. Bordered by USFS lands. Gated community access. Sweet seller terms available with 20% down. Twite Realty • Mark Twite • 406880-1956 • NewHomes@Montana.com • www.marktwite.com 3.52ac $259/month Boulder, MT- 2.12ac $391/month Absarokee, MT21.3ac $203/month Red Lodge, MTMore properties online. Justin Joyner Steel Horse RE www.ownerfinancemt.com 406-539-1420
320 ACRES, GRANITE COUNTY. $172,000. Located about an hour east of Missoula. Bordered by BLM and State lands. Good grazing area. Prime hunting area. Twite Realty • Mark Twite • 406-880-1956 • NewHomes@Montana.com • www.marktwite.com 4.6 acre building lot in the woods with views and privacy. Lolo, Mormon Creek Rd. $99,000. BHHS Montana Properties. For more info call Mindy Palmer @ 239-6696, or visit www.mindypalmer.com 40 ACRES- 2 CREEKSSELLER TERMS. $69,900. 2 perennial streams. Gated legal access. Seller terms w/20% down. Easy year around potential. Off the grid. Great southern exposure. Twite Realty • Mark Twite • 406-880-1956 • NewHomes@Montana.com • www.marktwite.com NHN Old Freight Road, St. Ignatius. Approximately 11 acre building lot with Mission Mountain views. $86,900. Shannon Hilliard, Ink Realty Group 2398350. shannonhilliard5 @gmail.com NHN Roundup Tract #5. Development opportunity. 20.07 acres. $999,000. Anne Jablonski, Portico Real Estate 546-5816. annierealtor@ gmail.com NHN Roundup Tract #7. Great Development opportunity. $1,250,000. Anne Jablonski, Portico Real Estate 546-5816 annierealtor@gmail.com NHN Weber Butte Trail. 60 acre ranch in Corvallis with sweeping Bitterroot views. $800,000. Shannon Hilliard, Ink Realty Group 239-8350. shannonhilliard5 @gmail.com NW Montana Real Estate. Several large acreage parcels. Company owned. Bordered by National Forest. Timber. Water. Tungstenholdings.com. (406)293-3714
COMMERCIAL 3106 West Broadway. 20,000 sq.ft. lot with 6568 sq.ft. building with office, retail & warehouse Rochelle Glasgow Cell:(406) 544-7507space. Zoned M1-2. $810,000. Pat McCormick. 240-7653 pat glasgow@montana.com www.rochelleglasgow.com @properties2000.com
728-8270
Business For Sale Established bulk spices, herbs, teas and gifts. All products, furnishings and equipment must be moved. Turnkey. 406-822-3333
OUT OF TOWN 122 Ranch Creek Road. 3294 sq.ft. home on 37+ acres in Rock Creek. Bordered by Lolo National Forest on 3 sides. $1,400,000.
POLSON: 3-bedroom+office, 2-bath manufactured home in Eagle Nest Park-Seniors only, carport, ramp, deck, amenities 406-883-2119.
[C10] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016
REAL ESTATE
Shannon Hilliard, Ink Realty Group. 239-8350 shannonhilliard5@gmail.com
For more info call Mindy Palmer @ 239-6696, or visit www.mindypalmer.com
1476 Eastside Highway, Corvallis. Lovely 3 bed, 2 bath with barn & greenhouse on 7 fenced acres. $389,900. Shannon Hilliard, Ink Realty Group. 239-8350 shannonhilliard5@gmail.com
3 Bdr, 2.5 Bath, Frenchtown home on .47 acre lot. $350,000. BHHSMT Properties. For more info call Mindy Palmer @ 239-6696, or visit www.mindypalmer.com
3 Bdr, 2 Bath, Lolo home. $255,000. BHHSMT Properties. For more info call Mindy Palmer @ 239-6696, or visit www.mindypalmer.com
4 Bdr, 2 Bath, Florence home on 4.85 acres. $279,000. BHHSMT Properties. For more info call Mindy Palmer @ 239-6696, or visit www.mindypalmer.com
3 Bdr, 2 Bath, Stevensville home. $190,000. BHHSMT Properties.
4 BEDROOM HOME ON
12+ACRES. $349,900. Bring the Horses! Well kept home, 45x60 shop. All irrigated land. Less than an hour to Missoula. 2 story home. Incredible views and plenty of solitude. Twite Realty • Mark Twite • 406-880-1956 • NewHomes@Montana.com • www.marktwite.com
place called Towanda Gardens. $145,000 KD 240-5227 porticorealestate.com Six Mile Huson 17430 Six Mile Road, Huson. Stunning property with beautiful land and views. 3 bed, 1.5 bath early 1900’s well-
farmhouse. Yard features a massive raspberry patch and many fruit trees! $235,000. KD 2405227 porticorealestate.com
IRS? Stop wage & bank levies, liens & audits, unfiled tax returns, payroll issues, & resolve tax debt FAST. Call 844-753-1317
FINANCIAL
EQUITY LOANS ON NONOWNER OCCUPIED MONTANA REAL ESTATE. We also buy Notes & Mortgages. Call
Are you in BIG trouble with the
Hot Springs 205 E Street, Hot Springs. Super-efficient 1 bed, 1bath. $139,000. KD 240-5227 porticorealestate.com
Creative Finance & Investments @ 406-721-1444 or visit www.creative-finance.com $$GET CASH NOW$$ Call 888-822-4594. J.G. Wentworth can give you cash now for your future Structured Settlement and Annuity Payments.
2370 COTTAGE COURT $220,000 2 bed 1 bath Located on a quiet cul-de-sac with upgraded cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops.
Hot Springs 215 Spring Street, Hot Springs. Located in a beautiful mountain valley, Hot Springs is home to a magical
Homes
2144 Trail Street Right on the BikeTrail! ..............................................................................................................$270,000 520 Luella Lane Centrally located and near the Good Food Store.......................................................................$260,000 336 S 3rd St. W Just off the Hip Strip ....................................................................................................................$425,000 4033 Matthew Street Ready For You to Move Right In ...........................................................................................$38,000
Homes With Land 9400 Mormon Creek Rd. True Montana Paradise!...............................................................................................$399,000 205 E Street, Hot Springs Super Insulated & Well Built on 2 Acres...................................................................$139,000
408 Oak Street • $206,888 River Front Park Gem! Remodeled 1 bed, 1 bath with wood floors, lots of natural light & large fenced yard.
Pat McCormick Real Estate Broker Real Estate With Real Experience
pat@properties2000.com 406-240-SOLD (7653)
Matt Rosbarsky 360-9023 512 E. Broadway
Properties2000.com
Townhomes/Condos
The Uptown Flats #301 Large 1 Bed + Bonus Room .......................................................................................$210,000 The Uptown Flats #105 First Floor Unit With Extra Large Exterior Patio...........................................................$161,900 Uptown Flats #303 Third Floor South Facing 1 Bed 1 Bath ...............................................................................$159,710 1401 Cedar St #20 Imagine Yourself Waking Up to Views of Mount Sentinel ....................................................$150,000 Burns St. Commons #10 Affordability, Quality and Beauty-That Sums it Up ...................................................$130,000
Land
NHN Roundup, 20.07 Acres Currently Ag Land, Dev. Potential ............................................................................$999,000 NHN Roundup, 20 Acres With Development Potential......................................................................................$1,250,000 215 Spring Street, Hot Springs Located in a beautiful mountain valley, Hot Springs is home to a magical place called Towanda Gardens................................................................$145,000
Featured:
9400 Mormon Creek True Montana Paradise! Quick access, privacy, gorgeous views, and a spectacular setting in the woods. $399,000
The Uptown Flats#105 Great location offers you a walk downtown to festivals! $161,900
missoulanews.com • July 7–July 14, 2016 [C11]
[C12] Missoula Independent • July 7–July 14, 2016