BOZEMAN – Two Montana State University professors, in cooperation with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, recently updated the Fishes of Montana app used by anglers who want reliable information about Montana fish species.

The updates were made to the 5-year-old app by Christopher Guy and Alexander Zale, both professors in MSU’s Department of Ecology in the College of Letters and Science and leaders of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Montana Cooperative Fishery Research Unit. Guy said changes in the recently released eighth edition of the American Fisheries Society’s publication, “Names of Fishes,” along with other new data collected by MSU and FWP biologists, prompted the update to the Montana app.

“Because the scientific names of fishes change, their distributions change, and some invasive species are knocking on the door that we don’t want in Montana, we want to let people know about all that in the app,” Guy said.

For quick reference, the app includes a comprehensive list of fish species with their common and scientific names, and whether each species is native or introduced, threatened or a game fish. Fishes of Montana also contains a glossary, a map of major drainages in Montana, diagrams of fish anatomy and links to more resources.

“It helps people identify what species they caught so they can then tie that back to the regulations for that water body,” Guy said.

Fishes of Montana does not require cellular coverage or a wireless connection for basic identification. 

Guy said he commonly uses the “Fish/Favorites” section of the app, where he can click on a particular species to discover all kind of tidbits and facts about it, including where it lives in Montana and elsewhere in North America; its preferred diet and habitat; and its growth rate and maximum size.

The app, which is produced by MountainWorks Software, is free to download to Android and iOS devices.

BOZEMAN — Eleven Montana State University students spent the academic year serving on the boards of Gallatin Valley nonprofit organizations as part of the MSU Leadership Institute’s Boardroom Bobcats mentorship program, which is wrapping up its eighth year fostering leadership and community engagement among students. 

For a full academic year, Boardroom Bobcats students serve as non-voting board members for local nonprofits. In addition to attending regular board meetings, the students undertake projects and participate in professional development trainings hosted by the MSU Leadership Institute and aimed at developing lifelong leadership skills. The program offers students experience in the nonprofit sector and opportunities to develop relationships with mentors, promoting a spirit of community engagement and service. 

Participants, along with their major, hometown and the nonprofit they were paired with, are listed below: 

• Jack Evans — Business management/administration; Redmond, Washington; Sacajawea Audubon Society. 
• Ella Horgan — Microbiology, environmental health with a minor in entomology; Minneapolis; Montana Mindfulness Project. 
• Hope McWilliams — Cell biology and neuroscience with a minor in astrobiology; Hayden, Idaho; We are HER. 
• Kelly Nicholson — Environmental studies; Griffin, Georgia; Intermountain Opera.
• Naomi Ohman — Directed interdisciplinary studies: film, journalism, public humanities; Long Lake, Minnesota; Bienvenidos a Gallatin Valley. 
• Jonah Pate — Business management with a minor in entrepreneurship and small business; Kalispell; Warriors and Quiet Waters. 
• Grace Roemig — Mechanical engineering with a minor in China studies; Minnetonka, Minnesota; Bozeman Film Society. 
• Isabela Romero — Clinical mental health counseling; Lima, Peru; Bridgercare. 
• Sarah Salam — Public administration; Tacoma, Washington; Gallatin Watershed Council. 
• Bridger Sellegran — Public administration; Bozeman; Montana Freshwater Partners. 
• Aimee Walsh — Industrial and management systems engineering; Anacortes, Washington; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Big Sky Country. 

The Boardroom Bobcats program debuted in 2016 with support from a $5,000 seed grant from MSU’s Outreach and Engagement Council. For more information about the program, visit www.montana.edu/leadership/boardroombobcats.html.  

MSU students who are interested in serving as a Boardroom Bobcat during the 2023-2024 academic year are encouraged to fill out an application before the deadline on May 5 at 5 p.m. Applications are available at www.montana.edu/leadership. 

School and special district ballots will be mailed to Gallatin County voters on Friday, April 19. Included in those ballots will be Bozeman Elementary and High School District trustee races. 

The uncontested Bozeman High School District trustee race was accidentally included on Bozeman Elementary School District ballots. Elementary District voters do not vote on the school district’s position designated as the high school trustee since that position is elected to represent the rural schools of the high school district. 

All voters in the Bozeman School District will see this high school race on the ballot with filed candidate Sandra Wilson and a write-in line on all ballots, even those in the Bozeman Elementary District, who would not normally vote on this position. Sandra Wilson is the only filed candidate, is running unopposed and will be elected regardless. There are no filed write-in candidates for this election, which means that write-in names will not be tallied this election.  

Elections results can be certified accurately by separating erroneous votes for this race to provide proper totals. 

Over 35,000 ballots had already been printed and prepped for mailing by the time the error was discovered. Therefore, both Gallatin County Elections and the Bozeman School District decided to move forward with the error on the ballot because it was too late to reprint them and ensure that voters receive their ballots in a timely manner. 

This error will not affect the outcome of the election in any way. 

We apologize for any confusion for the voters in the Bozeman School District.  

The May 7 school and special district election is mail-ballot election. Active registered voters who live in districts that are holding elections will receive their ballots this weekend or early next week. Ballots must be returned by 8 PM on Election Day on Tuesday, May 7. 

For more information on this election, visit www.GallatinVotes.com.  

BOZEMAN — From April 20-27, the City of Bozeman is hosting CleanUp Week and welcomes individuals and groups to help pick up litter around Bozeman. This event will be kicked off at the Gallatin Valley Earth Day Festival on April 20 in collaboration with partners across the city. The City of Bozeman has coordinated CleanUp Week locally for 35 years, and each year mobilizes hundreds of volunteers of all ages from community organizations, local businesses, and government agencies. These cleanups not only improve habitat for humans and critters within city limits, but they also directly impact downstream neighbors by helping to keep streams and rivers clean.

Sustainability Program Specialist Ali Chipouras says, “This time of year, everyone starts to see the litter and dog waste that surfaces after snow melt. CleanUp Week is a great opportunity to work together to build community, keep our waterways clean, and give Bozeman a spring cleaning.”

CleanUp kits will be provided and include gloves, vests, yellow bags, and instructions. Interested community members may opt for delivery of kits to their group or organization ahead of CleanUp Week. People can also pick up kits at the Gallatin Valley Earth Day Festival at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Along with the kits, participants of CleanUp Week will be given a choice to pick a location or provided ideas for a clean-up location.  Participants are welcome to clean up any time from April 20 to 27, and City of Bozeman Solid Waste will take care of the yellow bags left behind.

In addition to Bozeman CleanUp Week and the Earth Day Festival on April 20^th, Gallatin Valley Earth Day is hosting events throughout April, including in-person and online speakers, films, workshops, and more. To learn more, visit www.gallatinvalleyearthday.org.

This activity is free and open to the public. Kits will be available for pick-up on April 20 regardless of weather. For more information and to sign up to participate, visit www.bozeman.net/cleanup.

In honor of Earth Day, the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District and 406 Recycling are again teaming up for a free electronic waste (e-waste) recycling event at Logan Landfill.  

The annual event this year will be on Saturday, April 20 from 8 AM to 2:30 PM at Logan Landfill (10585 Two Dog Road). 

Accepted items include cellphones, computers, tablets, batteries, towers, laptops, monitors, printers, TVs, remote controls, scanners, modems, stereo equipment, digital cameras, VCRs, copiers, keyboards, mice, and handheld electronics. Data destruction on all devices is guaranteed. 

People often confuse electronic and electrical waste, which is not accepted through the e-waste program. Common electrical items that will NOT be accepted include blenders, power tools, fans, lamps, hair dryers, curling irons, coffee makers, microwaves, juicers, mixers, toasters and crock pots. 

If you’re not sure if something is considered e-waste, call 406-582-2493 for clarification. 

Logan Landfill accepts e-waste all year during regular business hours for a fee. Current hours are 7 AM – 5 PM Mondays through Fridays, and 7 AM – 4:30 PM on Saturdays. The fee is $27 per ton, with a $5 minimum for up to 400 pounds. The rate for commercial e-waste recycling is $48 per ton.  

More information on e-waste and other year-round recycling options in Bozeman can be found on our website. 

For more information about this event, please call Patty at 406-582-2493 or email patty.howard@gallatin.mt.gov.  

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several draft proposed projects, conservation leases and other items. For more information, including how to submit comments, click on the links provided or visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices.

Westslope Cutthroat Trout and Arctic Grayling Restoration in Winslow Creek, Red Rock River Drainage

FWP proposes to restore and maintain native westslope cutthroat trout (WCT) and Arctic grayling in Winslow Creek. Winslow Creek is a tributary to the Red Rock River in the Centennial Valley in southwest Montana. Historically, WCT, Arctic grayling and mountain whitefish were the only salmonid species in the Centennial Valley. In Winslow Creek, WCT were native and Arctic grayling likely used the stream seasonally. However, introductions of rainbow trout eliminated the conservation population of WCT through hybridization, and barriers to migration have eliminated access to the stream for grayling. Rocky Mountain sculpin Cottus bondi are also present in Winslow Creek. A conservation population is defined as viable assemblage of WCT that have most recently tested genetically as ≥90 percent WCT. Within the conservation population designation, a core population is defined as containing <1 percent introgression from nonnative species.

Comments due April 20.

Peters Private Pond EA

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and westslope cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is 1.5 surface acres and is located in Toole County. The pond is located on a coulee that drains into Fowler Coulee near the town of Ledger, with no known presence of fish existing in the pond. The pond is fed by overland snow melt and drainage from nearby fields. The outflow and overflow flow into another pond approximately 300 yards to the south. That pond is currently permitted. The pond is located 2.9 miles from Fowler Coulee Creek which 10.7 miles until it reaches Pondera Coulee, a tributary to the lower Marias.

Most trout species are not native to Pondera Coulee drainage or the lower Marias River however, risk of escapement is low and associated risks are minimal, given existing presence in drainage. Westslope cutthroat trout are native to Montana, but conservation populations are not present in drainage, presenting no adverse genetic effects with wild fish. Fish could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments or stocking can be stopped to let the fish age out. The project is sponsored by the private landowner and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due April 20.

Rambo Spring Pond License Review

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and westslope cutthroat trout in an unnamed private pond. The pond is approximately one surface acre and is located in Pondera County. The pond is located on a coulee of a tributary to the Dry Fork Marias River near the town of Ledge, with no known presence of fish existing in the pond. The pond is fed by overland snow melt and drainage from nearby fields. There is no established outlet, but there is a slight overflow channel that navigates water into the coulee. The overflow discharge is rare and flows approximately 2.1 miles down the unnamed coulee to the Dry Fork of the Marias, which flows about 7 miles into the Marias River upstream of Tiber Reservoir. Northern redbelly dace have been documented in the lower portion of the Dry Fork of the Marias and is the only documented Montana Species of Special Concern. Most trout species are not native to Dry Fork Marias River, however, risk of escapement is low and associated risks are minimal, given existing presence in drainage. Westslope cutthroat trout are native to Montana, but conservation populations are not present in drainage, presenting no adverse genetic effects with wild fish. Fish could be removed from the pond via chemical treatments, or stocking can be stopped to let the fish age out. The project is sponsored by the private landowner and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due April 20.

Public Comment Hearing on Proposed Repeal of Big Game Management Policy

In the matter of the repeal of ARM 12.9.101 Big Game Management Policy. Public comment hearing will be held on April 19 at 10 a.m. 

Comments due April 22.

Terry Private Pond Application Draft CEA

A landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock rainbow and brook trout. The seasonal runoff fed pond is 1.5 surface acres and located 3.5 miles northwest of Big Sandy. The pond was excavated, and an unscreened overflow serves as the outlet for the pond. Although Big Sandy Creek is in the vicinity of the pond, the risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared rainbow and brook trout are minimal. The project is sponsored by the private landowner, and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable. 

Comments due April 22.

B&C French Habitat Conservation Lease Proposal

FWP proposes to purchase a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 11,612 acres of land owned and operated by the B&C French family. The basic intent of the Conservation Lease Program is to retain substantial blocks of high priority native or restored wildlife habitats while keeping working agricultural lands as working lands. 

Comments due April 23.

Mark French Habitat Conservation Lease Proposal

FWP proposes to purchase a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 308 acres of land owned and operated by Mark French. The basic intent of the Conservation Lease Program is to retain substantial blocks of high priority native or restored wildlife habitats while keeping working agricultural lands as working lands.

Comments due April 23.

Hartman Habitat Conservation Lease Proposal

FWP proposes to purchase a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 1,526 acres of land owned by Hartman Land and Livestock. The basic intent of the Conservation Lease Program is to retain substantial blocks of high priority native or restored wildlife habitats while keeping working agricultural lands as working lands.

Comments due April 23.

Grey Bear and Springdale Bridge Fishing Access Sites Fiber Optic Easement Request by Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc., Draft Checklist EA

Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association, Inc. (TTCA) is proposing to replace existing telecommunications facilities with fiber optic cables in rural Sweet Grass and Park counties. The proposed project will go through Grey Bear and Springdale Bridge fishing access sites along the Yellowstone River and will encumber approximately 0.88 acres across the two sites. The current copper facilities in the area are reaching capacity to serve the area due to growth and aging facilities. These improvements will provide state-of-the-art telecommunications capacity, as well as future growth capabilities. The project is expected to provide improved telecommunications capacity for state and local residents.

Comments due April 25.

Petranek Pond EA Draft

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock rainbow trout and brown trout. FWP is required to review the potential impacts of issuing a Private Fish Pond License. The pond is located on an ephemeral drainage that feeds into Cottonwood Creek. From there Cottonwood Creek flows into Murphy Coulee, Armells Creek, and eventually the Missouri River near Fred Robinson Bridge. The pond has a manmade dam and collects water from a very small drainage upstream. Cottonwood Creek, Murphy Coulee, and Armells Creek do not have Montana State Species of Special Concern present or valuable sportfishing opportunities. Rainbow trout and brown trout would not be able to persist in these streams, so any escapement impacts would be very minimal and short term in duration. During an extreme high flow event there is a slight chance that rainbow trout or brown trout could make it all the way to the Missouri River. There are already other sources of rainbow and brown trout in the Missouri River below Moroney Dam, and any trout escapement from this pond would not be expected to have any additional impacts to the system. The outlet pipe is already screened to prevent escapement.

The project is sponsored by the private landowner and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due April 26.

Arntzen Pond EA

A private landowner is applying for a Private Fish Pond License and proposes to stock brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. FWP is required to review the potential impacts of issuing a Private Fish Pond License. The pond is located on an ephemeral drainage that feeds into Dog Creek. The pond has a manmade dam, and the drainage upstream has two additional small reservoirs. The outlet will be an overflow pipe. Water from the outlet flows approximately half a mile before joining Dog Creek. Dog Creek has a typical prairie fish assemblage with no documented Montana Species of Special Concern or sportfish present.

Risk of escapement is likely. The outlet pipe is very small and could not handle large flow events. It is only slightly lower in elevation than the spillway. It is likely that during high flows trout would escape to Dog Creek, but they would not be able to persist because of poor habitat conditions and dewatering. Impacts would be minimal and short in duration.

The project is sponsored by the private landowner and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term and the license is transferable.

Comments due April 26.

Exterior Surface Treatment Plan for Historic Buildings at Bannack State Park

Bannack State Park was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961 and is a unique historical resource enjoyed by approximately 50,000 visitors each year. While every effort is made to retain the original fabric of the townsite, time, the elements, and use take their toll on the buildings. The approach to the treatment of the historic buildings at Bannack adopted by FWP’s heritage program and park staff that balances the needs of visitors with the protection of this important cultural resource is historic preservation, rather than rehabilitation, restoration, or reconstruction. Preservation is defined by the Secretary of the Interior as “the act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of an historic property. Work, including preliminary measures to protect and stabilize the property, generally focuses upon the ongoing maintenance and repair of historic materials and features rather than extensive replacement and new construction. The limited and sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code-required work to make properties functional is appropriate within a preservation project. However, new exterior additions are not within the scope of this treatment.”

Comments due April 27.

Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area Addition Draft Checklist EA

FWP proposes an approximate 414-acre addition to the Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area (WMA) by fee title acquisition. The WMA is located west of Hysham and is comprised of two separate units. Legal public is secured access to the west unit by way of county roads. Legal public access (without crossing private land) to the east unit can only be achieved via the Yellowstone River. The main objective of this project is to create a contiguous WMA, thereby securing department and public access to the east unit of the WMA.

Comments due May 5.

Extension of Comment Period on Proposed Repeal

In the matter of the repeal of ARM 12.2.306 department liaison. Public comment hearing will be held on May 3 at 9 a.m. 

Comments due May 6.

71 Ranch Prairie Dog Conservation Lease Draft EA Checklist

FWP is seeking public comment for a proposed 10-year Prairie Dog Conservation Lease Agreement in Garfield and Rosebud counties. The proposed lease encompasses 2,975 acres near Ingomar. FWP recognizes prairie dogs as a critical part of the ecosystem while cognizant of the challenges they present to landowners. To advance the conservation of prairie dogs and to help work toward black-footed ferret recovery goals, FWP has developed a voluntary, incentive-based habitat conservation lease. This Prairie Dog Conservation Lease would conserve prairie dog colonies and their habitat while continuing to support traditional agricultural activities, primarily livestock grazing.

Comments due May 7.

Gregg Ranch Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 3,825 acres of land owned by the Gregg Ranch in Garfield County. Conservation leases are incentive-based, voluntary agreements offered by FWP to help conserve priority wildlife habitats on private lands while also supporting working agricultural lands and public hunting and recreation opportunity.  

Comments due May 7.

Swede and Shirley Pfaffinger Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 7,915 acres of land owned by Swede and Shirley Pfaffinger in Treasure and Rosebud counties.  

Comments due May 7.

Denim Fogle Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 7,791 acres of land owned by Denim Fogle in Garfield County.

Comments due May 7.

Tooke Ranch Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 7,091 acres of land owned by the Tooke Ranch in Carter County.  

Comments due May 7.

Barbara and David Maus Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 3,368 acres of land owned by Barbara and David Maus in Wibaux County.

Comments due May 8.

Alisa Maus Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 321 acres of land owned by Alisa Maus in Wibaux County.

Comments due May 8.

Rebecca Heberle Habitat Conservation Lease

FWP is proposing a 40-year habitat conservation lease on 8,507 acres of land owned by Rebecca Heberle in Yellowstone County. 

Comments due May 8.

Hofeldt Private Pond Application Draft CEA

A landowner is applying for a private fish pond license and proposes to stock rainbow trout. The seasonal runoff fed pond is 3.5 surface acres and located 6 miles north of Lloyd. The pond was constructed with an earthen dam and an earthen spillway serves as the outlet for the pond. Although Bean Creek is in the vicinity of the pond, the risks with stocking the pond with hatchery-reared rainbow trout are minimal. The project is sponsored by the private landowner, and the license would be active for a period of 10 years from the year of issuance (2024). The license can be renewed for additional 10-year intervals at the end of each term, and the license is transferable. 

Comments due May 8.

Notice of Public Hearing on Proposed Amendment – Montana Wildlife Habitat Improvement Act

In the matter of the amendment of ARM 12.9.1601, 12.9.1602, 12.9.1603, 12.9.1604, 12.9.1605, and 12.9.1606 pertaining to Montana Wildlife Habitat Improvement Act Termination Date and Eligible Expenditures. Public comment hearing will be held on May 2, 2024 @ 10 am. There is no link for the zoom hearing. Those who want to participate will need to call in. For the phone number and password, click here.

Comments due May 14.

BOZEMAN – Montana State University President Waded Cruzado has appointed Dawn Tarabochia as the university’s new faculty-athletics representative, a role designed to prioritize and support the well-being of MSU student-athletes.

Tarabochia is the head of the Department of Food Systems, Nutrition and Kinesiology in MSU’s College of Education, Health and Human Development. She replaces George Haynes, a professor in the College of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Economics, who will retire after more than three decades as a faculty member and 13 years as the faculty-athletics representative.

“I would like to express our deep thanks to Dr. Haynes for his dedication to supporting our students through his work as a faculty member and his commitment to the role of faculty-athletics representative,” said Cruzado. “I know Dr. Tarabochia will continue to provide excellent support to our Bobcat athletes as she transitions into this role.”

The NCAA requires its member institutions to have faculty-athletics representatives, and in the Big Sky Conference, they are appointed by each institution’s president. Faculty-athletics representatives report to both the conference and the NCAA on matters of student-athlete wellness and academic performance.

Tarabochia, who has been on MSU’s faculty for 17 years, previously chaired the University Athletic Committee – as did Haynes before he became the representative in 2011. The committee liaises between Bobcat Athletics, the MSU president and the Office of Student Success on topics from academic integrity and NCAA compliance to equity and student-athlete welfare. Tarabochia herself was a student-athlete in the Big Sky Conference, competing in track and field and cross country at the University of Idaho.

“I think for me, the biggest part is having a place on the team to be able to support student-athlete well-being. I think that that's really important,” said Tarabochia.

The role dovetails with Tarabochia’s academic and outreach work, which focuses on well-being in older adults with a focus on physical activity. As faculty-athletics representative, she will meet biannually with the other representatives in the Big Sky Conference and interact regularly with her peers from across the NCAA.

She said she is looking forward to having a positive impact on the lives of Bobcat athletes, making sure they know they have a faculty member dedicated to their success both on and off the field, track or court. She said Haynes has proved to be an invaluable mentor as she prepares to take on the new role.

“I am so honored to have been selected for this position,” she said. “I’m learning the ropes from Dr. Haynes, and he has been fantastic. I'm really looking forward to that direct involvement with the athletic department around maintaining student well-being while working toward both academic and athletic success.”

Haynes said serving as faculty-athletics representative has been a highlight of his years at MSU. Also a former collegiate student-athlete – having played basketball for Principia College in Illinois – he conducted undergraduate research on student-athlete wellness and can testify to the power of athletics in young people’s lives.

“I often found myself advocating for student-athletes for a host of reasons,” said Haynes, who attended Bobcat athletic events long before becoming a graduate student at MSU in agricultural economics. “The opportunities to do that made me realize that being faculty-athletics representative was not just an administrative task, but rather a chance to make a difference in the lives of student-athletes and make a meaningful contribution to MSU.”

As he moves into retirement, Haynes said the faculty and staff both in the College of Agriculture and Bobcat Athletics have been outstanding to work with. But the most rewarding thing, he said, was watching the growth of MSU student-athletes as they pursue their goals both in athletics and academics.

“I’ll miss participating in exit interviews about their academic and athletic experience at MSU,” he said. “The exit interviews ended with one question: ‘If you could do it all over again, would you attend MSU?’ And the answer was almost always a resounding ‘yes,’ which, by itself, made being faculty-athletics representative a rewarding experience.”

Bozeman, MT - Americana rising star, Madeline Hawthorne is thrilled to announce her new album Tales From Late Nights & Long Drives due out everywhere on June 12.  The new album was produced by the famed Ryan Hadlock (Zach Bryan, The Lumineers, Vance Joy) and recorded at Bear Creek Studios near Seattle, WA. 

Tales From Late Nights & Long Drives is heralded by last year’s release “Neon Wasteland” and Hawthorne’s newest single “Chasing The Moon,” out on DSPs today. 

“I wrote "Chasing the Moon" about my many late nights driving through Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. The song was born while driving down Highway 191 in Montana from Big Sky to West Yellowstone. I often drive that highway alone, late at night. Sometimes I pull over to get out of my car and look up at the night sky. It’s powerful to stand in the quiet of the night and listen with your heart. I find that many ideas come to me at those times.” 

LISTEN TO “CHASING THE MOON”

Obsessed with music since her childhood on the East Coast, Madeline planted roots in Bozeman, MT during college and never turned back. She honed her talents through countless backup and band gigs before going solo amid the Global Pandemic. Balancing Americana, roots, folk, and rock, she introduced herself on the 2021 LP, Boots, co-produced by Brad Parsons and Tyler Thompson in Pittsburgh. In between, she shared the stage with everyone from Jason Isbell, Lukas Nelson, Josh Turner, and Kip Moore to Sierra Hull, John Craigie, and Nathaniel Rateliff. Plus, she wowed audiences at festivals such as Treefort Music Festival (ID), Americanafest (TN), WinterWonderGrass (CO), Park City Song Summit (UT), Roseberry Music Festival, (ID), and more. Earning acclaim for tracks like 2023’s “Neon Wasteland,” which Relix called “vibrant and buzzing.” Hawthorne has also caught the eye of CMT, who featured her “Neon Wasteland” video on CMT.com, and she has received praise from tastemakers such as No Depression who says, “She’s been crushing rootsy tunes.”
 
ON TOUR
April 12 @ Crescent Ballroom | Phoenix, AZ*
April 13 @ 191 Toole | Tucson, AZ* 
April 14 @ Yucca North | Flagstaff, AZ*
June 15 @ Live Oak Music Festival | San Luis Obispo, CA
June 27 @ Rail on the River | Berthoud, CO
June 28-29 @ Yarmony Music Festival | Bond, CO
July 4 @ High Sierra Music Festival | Quincy, CA
July 7 @ Waterfront Blues Festival | Portland, OR
July 14 @ Under The Big Sky Fest | Whitefish, MT
Aug 10 @ People Fest | Yuba, WI
* w/ The Brothers Comatose 

All tour information and up to date news is available at madelinehawthorne.com.

Embarking on a journey through medical school is a significant milestone that marks the beginning of a challenging yet rewarding path. It’s a transition that demands not only intellectual readiness but also a strong emotional and physical foundation.

Luckily, future doctors like yourself can use this post as a guide in what to expect and how to succeed in the journey through medical school. Read on.

Embracing the Challenge of Going to Medical School
Medical school is notoriously demanding, combining intense coursework, clinical rotations, and the emotional toll of patient care. Expect to be pushed out of your comfort zone regularly. This challenge, however, isn’t without its rewards.

Going to medical school provides you with an opportunity to grow, both personally and professionally.

Understanding the Medical School Academic Curriculum and Requirements
The medical school curriculum is vastly different from undergraduate studies, consisting of two main phases: pre-clinical and clinical. The pre-clinical years focus on foundational medical knowledge and theoretical learning through lectures, labs, and exams. On the other hand, the clinical years allow students to apply this knowledge in real-world settings, rotating through various medical specialties.

That said, familiarize yourself with the curriculum’s structure to manage your expectations and plan your study strategies accordingly. In addition, most medical schools impose general GPA and MCAT score averages – take note of these before applying to your desired medical school and program.

Having a Reliable Study Plan in Medical School
Medical school poses an extreme academic load on its learners. Thus, you need to develop a study plan that incorporates active learning techniques, such as spaced repetition and flashcards, and leverage resources, like online platforms and study groups, to ensure learning success.

Time management is crucial as well; allocate time for review, practice, and self-care to maintain a healthy balance.

Prioritizing Wellness
The intensity of medical school can take a toll on your mental and physical health. So, it’s vital to cultivate resilience and establish a strong support system. It’s also recommended to engage in activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. Moreover, don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed. Remember, your well-being is as important as your academic success.

Readily Engaging with Others in the Medical Community
Join student organizations, attend conferences, and seek mentorship opportunities – all of which are aimed at helping you forge networking opportunities that are valuable in your future medical career. Learning directly from peers and professionals can offer insights and advice that textbooks can’t provide.

Looking Forward to Clinical And Hands-on Learning Experiences
The transition from classroom learning to clinical rotations is a pivotal moment in your medical education. Clinical rotations offer the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to patient care, develop clinical skills, and the like. That said, approach each rotation with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Take initiative, ask questions, and absorb as much as you can from these real-world experiences.

Developing Professionalism and Medical Ethics
Medical school isn’t only about acquiring knowledge and skills but also about developing professionalism and ethical standards. Respect for patients, confidentiality, and integrity are all paramount. These values are essential for building trust with patients and colleagues and for navigating the complexities of medical practice.

Seeking Feedback and Looking Forward to Continuous Learning Opportunities
Feedback is a powerful tool for growth. That said, seek constructive feedback from professors, peers, and mentors regularly. Then, reflect on this feedback and incorporate it into your practice.

Continuously strive to improve, recognizing that the journey to becoming a competent physician is a lifelong process of learning and development.

Identifying Your Niche in Medical School
While medical school provides a broad foundation, it also offers the chance to discover your passion within medicine. So, explore different specialties through rotations, electives, and research projects. Finding your niche will not only enhance your motivation but also guide your career path.

Leveraging the Latest Technology and Resources Available for Success
In today’s digital age, a plethora of resources are available at your fingertips to aid in your medical education. For instance, online platforms, apps, and virtual simulations offer innovative ways to understand complex concepts and hone your skills. Utilizing these tools can complement traditional learning methods and provide a more interactive and engaging study experience.

However, it’s essential to critically assess the quality of these resources and use them judiciously to enhance your learning.

Cultivating Soft Skills
Communication, empathy, teamwork, and leadership – these soft skills play a significant role in effective patient care and collaboration with healthcare professionals. So, actively seek opportunities to develop these skills through volunteer work, leadership roles in student organizations, participation in interprofessional education programs, and so on.

Staying Informed About the Latest Trends in the Healthcare Industry
Medicine is an ever-evolving field, with new research, treatments, and technologies continually emerging. Staying updated on the latest developments is crucial for your future practice and can also enrich your learning experience. To stay informed, follow reputable medical journals, attend seminars and webinars, and engage with the broader medical community through social media and professional networks.

Striking a Balance between Studying and Personal Life
Finding a balance between the rigors of medical school and personal life can be challenging but know that it is critical for your overall well-being and success.

Schedule downtime and engage in non-academic activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Maintaining relationships, pursuing hobbies, and ensuring physical wellness through exercise and proper nutrition can also help mitigate stress and prevent burnout. Remember, prioritizing your well-being is crucial as you go through medical school and eventually into your private practice.

Final Thoughts
Transitioning to medical school is the start of a profound journey toward a rewarding career. It’s a period of intense learning, personal growth, and professional development. By embracing the challenges, leveraging available resources, and maintaining a balanced approach to life andstudy, you can navigate this journey successfully.

Mark and Robyn Jones, right, pose with a group of Montana State University nursing students, MSU nursing college dean Sarah Shannon, left, and MSU President Waded Cruzado, center, during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new nursing facility in Bozeman. MSU photo by Marcus "Doc" Cravens.

BOZEMAN — It started with an email. Mark Jones wrote to Montana State University President Waded Cruzado asking how he and his wife, Robyn, could use their resources in partnership with the university to better the state’s health care system.

Three years later, on Tuesday afternoon, the Joneses, Cruzado and other MSU administrators and partners donned hard hats to ceremonially break ground on a new nursing education building at MSU. The new building will provide faculty and students with state-of-the-art facilities and allow for increased enrollment to help offset Montana’s shortage of health care professionals.

While speaking to a crowd that numbered in the hundreds, Mark Jones acknowledged the nurses in attendance, saying, “Everyone knows it’s the nurses that actually take care of you.”

“You are there at all of the key intersections of our lives,” he added. “You’re there when we’re born. You’re there when we’re sick, at our worst, and you’re there when we make our way out. We are so proud to be associated with helping expand nursing in Montana. It is the nurses that really are the heroes.”

In 2021 Mark and Robyn Jones, co-founders of Goosehead Insurance, made a $101 million philanthropic investment to MSU’s nursing college, now known as the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. Part of that money will fund the construction of the new Bozeman nursing building, which MSU plans to name Jones Hall, and buildings at the nursing college’s four other campuses, in Billings, Great Falls, Kalispell and Missoula.

Designed by the architecture firms Cushing Terrell and CO Architects, the Bozeman building will be two stories, about 28,000-square feet and located at the southeast corner of South 11th Avenue and West Grant Street, where Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony took place.

“The building represents profound educational opportunities for Montana State University students,” Cruzado said. “Within its walls, future health care professionals will be nurtured and empowered. They will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and compassion to excel in their profession. This building will lead to innovation and provide an environment where students are inspired to pursue knowledge and service.”

The new nursing building will feature multiple classrooms, simulation laboratories and a simulation research space, as well as break and study areas for students who often spend many hours of their days on campus. Construction is expected to begin this summer.

“Our students are smart, eager and engaged and very much desire to make a difference in this community and others like it,” said Kimberly Kusak, Bozeman campus director for the nursing college. “This new space will allow us to elevate their learning experiences. It’s therefore impossible to overstate just what this investment from Mark and Robyn Jones will mean to our college, our state and this community. We are thrilled to have this new home. We recognize it as an affirmation of your confidence in our program and in our graduates.”

MSU’s nursing college is the largest producer of registered nurses in Montana, and about 80% of its graduates remain in the state to work after finishing their degrees. The college hosts the state’s sole doctoral nursing program, which just received permission to open a certified nurse-midwifery option in the fall to help meet the college’s mission of providing care to all residents, especially those in rural, frontier and Native communities.

“Our mission is to transform the lives and the health of Montana’s communities, and we seek to do that through cutting-edge education, creation of new knowledge and meaningful service,” said Sarah Shannon, nursing college dean. “We have a simple goal – to improve the health of all Montanans."