Bozeman, MT— Beginning this week, a portion of Sourdough Road immediately south of the Triple Tree Trailhead to the Nash Road intersection will be fully closed.

Work is underway to complete a new water transmission main line along Sourdough Road between Nash Road and Goldenstein Lane. The project begins on Sourdough Road near the Triple Tree trailhead parking lot where the prior Phase 1 project left off and ends with connection to the Sourdough reservoir and flow control station. This project will increase the capacity between the water treatment plant and the reservoir to match the rated capacity of the plant and will also provide critical redundancy between the two.

CK May Excavating is the contractor for this project, and work will include roadway milling, installing a new water transmission main in the roadway, and roadwork associated with the project.

Beginning on or about Tuesday May 17th, Sourdough Road will be closed for approximately 2 weeks immediately south of the Triple Tree Trailhead to Nash Road. Access to the Triple Tree subdivision and the Triple Tree Trailhead will only be from Goldenstein Lane. No access to Nash Road from Sourdough will be available.

The public is advised to use the detour route on South 3rd Rd. Following this work, Sourdough Road will have road closures to thru traffic for the duration of the project. Please watch for changing detours and delays. CK May Excavating will preserve a single lane of traffic through the work site for emergency and local resident traffic only. Completion of the project is expected to be this fall, please watch for flaggers, road closures, changing detours, and expect delays.

For more information please visit: www.bozeman.net. Please see attached detour maps.

Learning a new language can be a challenge, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. But can fun and games lead to efficient language learning?

Absolutely!

When you enjoy the learning process and get excited about it, it increases the activity of neurons in your brain. These neurons produce hormones that increase positivity, motivation, cognitive function, learning abilities, energy, and attention. So, finding a fun way to learn a new language is great for you, but it works! It doesn’t mean you can throw your textbooks away just yet. Fun learning activities to be supplemental to explicit study. The idea is to incorporate enough fun activities into your study schedule so you don’t get bored or disheartened. And many of the ideas below are easy to incorporate into your schedule every day.

Social Media

Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are full of opportunities to connect with native speakers and practice your reading and writing skills. Find groups that match your interests and are using your target language. You will be reading and writing posts before you know it.

Play Online Video Games

Popular games like Minecraft and Call of Duty allow you to connect with users worldwide. Look up some gameplay videos in the target language to see what language is being used. Connect with native speakers through the gaming community and you will be joining their gaming teams quicker than you can say “surrender”!

Try An Online Class

Ever thought of taking German lessons? Or maybe French? Online language platforms like Preply offer fun, interactive classes that allow you to practice with a qualified, experienced tutor. 

Find Friends Online

Language exchange sites are great for connecting and chatting with native speakers. But interactions can be stiff, scripted, or stunted. Nevertheless, there are plenty of platforms for ex-pats or individuals living abroad where you can connect with speakers of your target language. 

Go On a Date!

Are you a single language learner looking to practice speaking skills with other single language learners? First dates are always awkward. So why not make it a little more so by choosing someone primarily because of their mother tongue! Many dating apps allow you to use filters to choose language and location. And you never know. “The One” may speak your target language!

Change the Language Settings on Your Phone   

Given how much time we spend on our phones, this is a great way to force yourself to use the target language. It also requires zero changes to your schedule to achieve. Just make sure you have the time and space to change it back if you get in a muddle!

Spring Road Trips and Sightseeing

If you live in a country that speaks your target language, taking a trip is a fun way to practice. You will be reading road signs and maps and expose yourself to the culture, architecture, and landmarks.

Recipes, Cooking and Ordering Food

If you’re a foodie who loves to cook, then doing so in the target language is great for extra practice. You can find recipes and instructional videos online that you can follow. If you’re more of an eating type foodie, then you could be the one to read and translate the recipes. Or choose one of your favorite target language speaking restaurants.

Have a Laugh…

Learning a new language doesn’t have to mean sitting with a textbook or in front of your computer the whole time. Evidence suggests that this may not be the most effective method anyway. Some formal training and learning for aspects of grammar and vocabulary will always be necessary. If you team it up with some of the suggestions above, not only will you have fun while learning, but you’ll also be learning more effectively. 

If you’re a first-time cannabis consumer, you might find yourself feeling a bit confused and overwhelmed when it comes to cannabis and cannabis consumption. Well, cannabis is an ancient and extremely popular plant. This plant is used recreationally and medically, and there are many benefits associated with cannabis consumption. Some of the most popular benefits include pain relief, anxiety relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and help with sleep disturbances. You will find that there are many ways you can consume cannabis and even more cannabis devices to choose from. But, if you want to begin consuming it, you must understand these consumption methods. In this article, we will be shining the light on some of the most beginner friend consumption methods so stick around!

Edibles

Edibles are food and baked goods that contain cannabis. These are consumed orally and are considered one of the safest and healthiest consumption methods. Edibles are also beginner-friendly because eating requires no skill or practice at all. One thing you must know is that when you consume edibles, there is a waiting period of 60 minutes- 2 hours before the effects start to kick in and you mustn’t consume more edibles during that waiting period because edibles are infamous for the intense and potent high you experience. You can also expect to feel the effects for upward of 12 hours, with some consumers claiming to feel the effects up to 24 hours later. A few of the most popular edible products include brownies, gummies, and cookies.

Cannabis-infused drinks

Cannabis-infused drinks are the new popular kid on the block that is currently one of the dominating markets in the cannabis industry. Again, drinking is something we’ve been doing since birth so this is such an easy way to consume cannabis. Besides being beginner-friendly, cannabis-infused drinks are portable and discreet which is especially helpful for first-timers who don’t want to attract any attention while consuming. If you’d like to try some cannabis-infused drinks, some of the most popular products include ice tea, juice, water, and even alcoholic beverages such as beer and cocktails.

Vape pens

Vape pens are handheld inhalation device that enables you to vape concentrates. These devices are generally disposable and can fit into your pocket which is great for on-the-go consumption. Vape pens are also easy to use and unlike more traditional inhalation methods, you won’t have to worry about combustion because vaping produces a vapor which is considered a healthier option. Vape pens have a mouthpiece, a chamber, and a body that makes the device resemble a pen. These devices also use heating technology that is typically pre-set with this device; however, some devices allow you to choose your heating temperature for a more personalized experience.

Oils

Cannabis oils are also growing in popularity, with CBD oils becoming a hit in the medical marijuana community. Oils are great for topical use or you can consume them orally by cooking with them or placing a few drops in your baking mix for some delicious edible. You can also consume oils directly by placing them in your mouth. This is a convenient, easy, and discreet consumption method and these oils offer a more concentrated form of cannabis that delivers much more potent effects. Oils are also popular for medical use because you get CBD oils that do not induce any psychoactive effects. You can use these oils for pain relief, sleep disturbances, and many more.

Water pipes

Lastly, we have water pipes which are one of the most popular and traditional ways to consume dry cannabis. They come in a variety of sizes and for beginners, but small water pipes are considered a good choice mainly because they are easy to use and require less breath when inhaling. However, if you want a more powerful hit, a bigger water pipe is the way to go. Larger water pipes also have much better airflow because these devices have a longer smoke chamber which works to your advantage by filtering the smoke and reducing throat and lung irritation. Water pipes are great for quick hits and fast-acting effects. You also use much less cannabis per session which enables you to save weed long term.

On Monday, May 16, 2022, Montana Science Center partnered with Montana State University Optics and Photonics Society and the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance for International Day of Light. The day celebrates the role light plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The celebration allows many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrate how science, technology, art and culture can help build the foundation for peaceful societies.

Every year theInternational Day of Light is celebrated on May 16th, marking the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman and is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development.

Bozeman’s International Day of Light features two main events. During the day, Montana Science Center will host students from MSU’s Optics and Photonics Society for hands-on, family friendly activities. These demonstrations of optical phenomena encourage understanding of light science and concepts. MSC will also announce the newest permanent exhibit, Light Lab: A photonic exploration, opening June 2022. The partnership between MSC and the Optics & Photonics Society sparks curiosity in young scientists about light science, encourages development of critical stem skills and showcases STEM pathways to careers in optics and photonics.

In the evening, both groups will partner with the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance for an evening at MSU’s Norm Asbjornson building featuring speakers, demonstrations and networking for adults. Featured speakers, MSU Professors Erik Grumstrup, Sara Mast, and Joseph Shaw, will give short lectures about light in nature, art, climate, and energy. These events are hosted by The Optics and Photonics Society at Montana State University, Montana Science Center, and the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance.

The public is invited to these events, which will be held at the Montana Science Center at 2744 W. Main St. from 10am to 1pm on Monday and from 5pm to 6pm at Montana State University.

Bozeman, MT— On Thursday, May 19, from 8am – 5pm, the City of Bozeman and Gallatin County will host a career fair at City Hall to fill open positions in local government. City of Bozeman jobs are available in Parks & Recreation, Aquatics, Forestry, Streets, Human Resources, and Gallatin County is seeking 911 Dispatchers and Records Clerks. This will be the second of two summer hiring events hosted by the City of Bozeman following the first successful event held on April 13th.

To help address staffing shortages and demonstrate the value of staff, the City of Bozeman raised its minimum wage for non-represented positions and summer short term worker from $15 to $21 an hour effective May 24th 2022 for all included positions. The City of Bozeman is also offering a signing bonus of $1000 for full-time positions and $500 for part-time positions. With this wage increase to $21/ hour, Summer Short Term Workers could earn up to $16,120/ gross over the summer as well as receive training and certifications paid for by the City.

Hiring managers from departments at the City and County will attend Thursday’s Career Fair to meet and greet candidates and answer questions. Interviews will be offered on the spot to those interested in working for the City of Bozeman or Gallatin County.

HELENA – Most of Montana’s 76 Wildlife Management Areas open at noon on May 15. The long winter and heavy snowpack have left a limited area for wildlife to forage. With grizzly bear activity increasing, people visiting WMAs should remain vigilant and practice techniques to avoid surprise encounters.

Bears, elk and shed-antler hunters will be sharing the same space. Most animals see, hear and smell humans long before humans detect the presence of animals. Depending on the distance between the animals and humans, the animals decide whether to stay, defend themselves or flee.

People venturing into the outdoors should “Be Bear Aware” by following these precautionary steps:
• Carry and know how to use bear spray.
• Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.
• Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.
• Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.
• Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is impaired. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.
• Don't approach a bear.

For more information on recreating in Montana’s bear country, visit the FWP Bear Aware website at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/be-bear-aware.  

For more information about WMAs, visit fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/wma/.                                      

Are you a passionate baker whose cookies receive rave reviews from family and friends? Why not put your skills to work and start a cookie business from home?  You could sell your cookies locally, or package them in tins and sell them online.  Here we will offer some tips to help you get a cookie business started.

Startup Costs
First, you need to know what it will cost to get started. If you’re going to run your business from home, your costs will be very low. Assuming that you already have all the equipment you need, you’ll just need to invest in some packaging materials and an inventory of ingredients. That might cost you about $500 or so. You’ll also need to register your business with your state, get any required business licenses and permits required by your state and local governments, and obtain business insurance. All of that will cost between $300 and $500. Finally, you should have a website to help you market and sell your cookies, which could cost about $1,000 if you have it professionally developed. So, in total, starting your business will cost around $2,000 or less. 

How Much Can You Make?
You’ll probably sell your cookies by the dozen, and prices average between $10 and $20. So, let’s say you sell them for $15 a dozen and sell 50 dozen online per week. That’s $39,000 in revenue, and after the cost of ingredients and packaging, you’ll probably keep about 70%, which amounts to $27,300. Not bad for a home-based business!  Over time, you can probably at least double that amount if you begin to get referrals and repeat business. 

Create a Business Plan
Writing a business plan will help you to think through every part of starting and running a business. A business plan is also necessary if you apply for a loan.

Your business plan should include:
• Executive Summary: Brief overview of the entire business plan. Write this after your plan is complete.

Determine Your Business Structure
You need to decide what your company's business entity type will be. Here are the main options:

Finding Customers
You’ll need to start marketing your business to find customers. You’ll probably get local word-of-mouth business from family and friends. You’ll also want to use social media to get some visibility for your business. Post on as many sites as you can including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. You can also do paid ads on those sites and do pay-per-click campaigns on Google. You should also get listed on Google My Business and Yelp. The key is to direct people to your website where they can see your products and place orders. 

Start Selling!
Once you follow the steps, you’re ready to bring in some cash. Once you’ve had some customers your business should start to grow from referrals, as people tell other people how delicious your cookies are. You’re also likely to get repeat business. You might want to change up your cookie products occasionally so that people have new cookies to try. 

You’ve got some knowledge about the business now, so start baking and get your cookie business off the ground!

On Friday, May 13, the Gallatin County Elections Office mailed about 59,000 ballots for the June 7 primary election to active registered absentee voters in Gallatin County. Ballots will begin arriving in mailboxes in the following days.

Two ballots will be included in each envelope. Voters will have a choice to vote for either a Democratic or Republican ballot this upcoming primary election. Voters must choose ONE party ballot to vote and then return just that ballot. Detailed instructions will be provided with ballots.

Sample ballots can be found at the following links: Democratic  or Republican.

Ballots must be returned by 8 PM on Election Day, Tuesday June 7. Ballots postmarked on or before Election Day but received after 8 PM on Election Day cannot be accepted.

Polling places for in-person voting will also be open on Election Day. Those locations include:

• Bridger Canyon Fire Station – 8081 Bridger Canyon Rd.
• Gallatin County Fairgrounds – 901 N. Black Ave. in Bozeman
• Hope Lutheran Church – 5152 W. Graf St. in Bozeman
• Povah Community Center – 10 Geyser St. in West Yellowstone
• Big Sky Water & Sewer District Office – 561 Little Coyote Rd. in Big Sky
• Gallatin Gateway Community Center – 145 Mill St. in Gallatin Gateway
• Belgrade Special Events Center – 220 Spooner Rd. in Belgrade
• River Rock Community Center – 101 River Rock Rd. in Belgrade
• Three Forks High School – 212 E. Neal St. in Three Forks
• Manhattan Christian School – 8000 Churchill Rd. in Churchill
• Manhattan High School – 200 W. Fulton Ave. in Manhattan

Late registration for this election began this week. From now through Election Day, new registrations or updates to voter registration must be made IN PERSON at the Gallatin County Elections Office, located on the second floor of the Gallatin County Courthouse (311 W. Main St., Bozeman).

Check your voter registration status at MyVoterPageMT.com.

For questions or more information, contact the Gallatin County Elections Office at 406-582-3060 or gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov, or visit us online at gallatinvotes.com.

BOZEMAN, MT — Adults 55 and older seeking affordable, independent-style living arrangements can now lease an apartment home at Perennial Park, a new community developed by HRDC and Seattle-based GMD Development, LLC. Located at 1683 TschacheLane, this development includes convenient, co-located supportive services from Community Health Partners including medical, dental, and mental health clinics, as well as a pharmacy. Additional amenity highlights include a schedule of social activities, paths throughout the property lined with benches and tables, community gardens, a library, and a fitness room.

The addition of 96 new units to the Bozeman market provides income-qualified seniors with a much-needed housing solution. Located at 1683 Tschache Lane and served by HRDC’s Streamline, the development provides one- and two-bedroom units with convenient, co-locate supportive services from Community Health Partners, social activities, outdoor common areas, community gardens, a library, and a fitness room. For more information regarding income qualification and the application process, interested parties can visit https://www.perennialparkmt.com/.

Perennial Park was developed with funding assistance from Low Income Housing Tax Credits provided by the Montana Board of Housing and with additional support from the City of Bozeman.

“In addition to the many on-site amenities Perennial Park offers residents easy access to the Community Health Partners clinic, and to numerous retail and services along 19th Avenue”, said Steve Dymoke, GMD Development Partner.

Heather Grenier, HRDC’s President/CEO, is pleased the leasing process is underway. “Seniors in our community have experienced diminishing affordable rental opportunities in our current market. We are grateful to GMD for sharing in our vision to create a high-quality development to serve this critical need. It’s such a relief to see these homes come online and be leased by waiting community members.”

HRDC is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization, Community Development Corporation, and a Certified Housing Development Organization. With experience in project and community development ranging from historic preservation to community housing trusts along a housing continuum spanning from homelessness to homeownership, HRDC has completed a total of over $120 million dollars in housing and public facilities development since the early 90's. HRDC brought the first community housing trust development to the state of Montana and has since developed and/or preserved more than 900 homes that Montanans can afford across Southwest Montana. HRDC’s development activities are supported by housing programming and property management services provided through in-house Property Management.

GMD Development is a private, mission-based developer/owner of affordable housing based in the Pacific Northwest and is committed to a proactive and solutions-oriented approach to the challenging task of creating affordable housing for families and seniors that delivers meaningful outcomes for communities and changes people’s lives. GMD Development targets higher growth markets with the significant disparity between average workforce incomes and affordability.

More information can be found at https://www.perennialparkmt.com/

Interested donors, volunteers, and community members can learn more at https://thehrdc.org/

Seniors can learn about final expense insurance at https://finalexpensedirect.com/