Erika Fredrickson, co-founder of The Pulp stops by the Trail studio with an exciting announcement.

The Pulp is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit news organization serving Missoula and western Montana. Launched September 2023 by Erika Fredrickson and Matthew Frank, former reporters and editors at the defunct but beloved Missoula Independent, in response to the deepening local journalism crisis in Missoula and across the country. The Pulp’s mission is to produce in-depth journalism that informs and engages the people of Missoula and western Montana and advances transparency, equity, and democracy. Tail1033 is a proud community supporter of this vital organization.

Always FREE to read, support is welcome. Thepulp.org

It’s fair week in Missoula, which means live music, local food, late sunsets… and of course, Trail Live Sessions from the Trail studio! For this episode, we welcomed River City Rhythm Band—a longtime local favorite with deep roots and some serious chemistry.

I’ve known a lot of bands who say they’re collaborative, but these three—Alyssa McQuain, Ty Armourding, and Dan DeLong—really mean it. From sharing pizza at practice to cracking each other up between songs, they’re clearly in this for the joy of making music together. They’ve been playing in various projects for over two decades, and this particular trio has been rocking shows around Western Montana for the past year and a half.

Ahead of their big 9PM set on the fairgrounds stage at the Western Montana Fair, they dropped by the Trail to share stories, talk influences (Mumford & Sons, Blink-182, and Ozzy came up—so you know it’s a ride), and play two stripped-down live tracks that gave us chills in the headphones.

🎶 Songs performed live in-studio:

• “Take Me Home” (Original)
• “Maestro” (Wilder Woods cover)

You can catch River City Rhythm Band on stage tonight—Tuesday, August 5th at 9PM—at the newly revamped Missoula Fairgrounds. It’s an all-ages show, completely free, and we can confirm: these three bring heart, harmony, and a whole lot of fun to the stage.

Thanks to Greenhouse Farmacy for supporting our local music scene and helping make these live sessions possible.

- Tommy

This episode of the Trail Lunchbox welcomes two guests doing critical work to help our community stay healthy and prepared during wildfire season in western Montana. We’re talking all things Wildfire Smoke Ready Week—what it is, why it matters, and how you can take simple, affordable steps to protect yourself, your family, and even your pets when the smoke rolls in.

Joining us in the studio:

🔹 Amy Cilimburg, Executive Director of Climate Smart Missoula
Amy has spent the last decade leading Climate Smart Missoula, working on climate resilience, air quality, and community health. She's a long-time advocate for preparing our neighborhoods for the realities of climate change and helps Missoulians take smart, simple steps to deal with wildfire smoke.

🔹 Carrie Mueller, Air Quality Specialist at Missoula Public Health
Carrie began working on wildfire smoke in 2023 and has quickly become a go-to expert in air quality monitoring, PurpleAir sensors, and making air health information accessible to everyone. She’s focused on helping all Missoula residents—especially vulnerable groups—reduce their smoke exposure.

🌀 What We Cover in This Episode:

✅ What Wildfire Smoke Ready Week is and why we’re now in its fifth year
✅ How smoke affects your body—lungs, heart, immune system, and more
✅ Understanding PM2.5: the microscopic smoke particles that enter your bloodstream
✅ Why pets are just as vulnerable to smoke as we are
✅ Best ways to clean your indoor air—whether you rent, own, or live tiny
✅ What a HEPA air filter is, and how to get one affordably
✅ How to build a DIY box fan/filter at home
✅ The importance of MERV-13 filters for HVAC systems
✅ Tools like Fire.AirNow.gov and MontanaWildfireSmoke.org to check current smoke levels
✅ How and where to find Clean Air Centers in Missoula and the Bitterroot
✅ $100 rebates available now for HEPA filters via Northwestern Energy
✅ How to help your neighbors prepare, especially older adults and vulnerable folks

🌲 Wildfire Smoke Ready Week Events (July 12–19):
Catch the Climate Smart and Public Health teams out in the community all week long!

• Saturday, July 12 & 19 – Missoula Farmers Markets (8AM–12:30PM)
  Visit booths at both markets for air quality resources, indoor air filter demos, and advice on staying healthy inside and out.
• Wednesday, July 16 – Out to Lunch at Caras Park (11AM–2PM)
  Grab lunch and get wildfire smoke resources—plus a chance to enter the raffle to win a HEPA air cleaner!
• Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday (July 15, 16, 18) – Missoula Public Library
  • Tues: 1–4PM
  • Wed: Noon–3PM
  • Fri: 11AM–2PM
    Stop by to talk with the team, grab brochures, and get hands-on info about preparing your home.

Clean Air Centers are now open in Missoula Public Library, Lolo School, Seeley Lake High School, and libraries in Darby, Hamilton, and Stevensville.

We can't stop wildfire smoke from coming—but we can make a plan. Visit MontanaWildfireSmoke.org for everything you need to know about protecting your health this season, from checking air quality reports to cleaning your indoor air affordably.

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🌲 The Trail Listening Post is a podcast series that archives the real-time radio moments that make Missoula, Missoula - live, local, and straight from the airwaves of Trail 103.3, a station as unique as the community we serve.