Wednesday, Mar. 13th, 2024

Montana State University to offer summer writing camps for youth

BOZEMAN — Registration is now open for Montana State University’s summer writing camps for youths in grades 3 through 12. The camps will be held in July on MSU’s campus.

The Youth Writing Camp is a five-day camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 8-12 for students entering grades 5 through 12 in fall 2024. This camp offers commuter and resident options. Students in the resident option stay in a residence hall on campus and eat in the dining hall, while commuter students return home each day. The resident price is $800 through May 31 and $850 after that date. The commuter price is $300 through May 31 and $350 after that date.

The Young Writer’s Camp is a four-day camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students entering third and fourth grades in fall 2024. Running Tuesday through Friday, July 9-12, the Young Writer’s Camp only has a commuter option. The price is $250 through May 31 and $275 after May 31.

The camps will have activities such as field trips, writing games and specialized workshops led by local writers. Participants receive guidance and feedback throughout the writing process from licensed educators and will practice writing in multiple genres.

A writing showcase will be held on Friday, July 12, to allow parents to join the campers to celebrate their creativity.

Both camps are presented by the Yellowstone Writing Project and MSU Continuing, Professional and Lifelong Learning. Teachers and junior counselors from the Yellowstone Writing Project, based in MSU’s Department of English in the College of Letters and Science, lead the camp. 

For more information and to register online, please visit ato.montana.edu/ywp/. Continuing, Professional and Lifelong Learning is a program of Academic Technology and Outreach at MSU. ATO works across the university to support and advance its land-grant mission through unique and innovative opportunities for outreach and engagement.

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Field Projects Help Build Trails and Community

HELENA  — Each year, volunteers hit the trail helping to build and maintain the National Trail System on public lands. The Continental Divide Trail Coalition (CDTC) recently announced the opening of public registration for volunteer field projects in several Rocky Mountain states. Non-profit trail organizations like CDTC partner with Federal agencies and other organizations to plan and implement field projects, and effectively expand federal capacity to build and maintain trails. Projects range in length and level of challenge and occur in the states through which the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) traverses: New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. 

“Field-based volunteer stewardship projects are a cornerstone of the work we do, and volunteers are at the heart of these efforts,” said CDTC Executive Director Teresa Martinez (she/her/ella). “While the goal is to maintain the trails, our volunteer stewardship efforts allow us to connect with communities along the CDT. Many of our volunteers are people who live, work, and play in the CDT landscape.” 

In 2023, volunteers with CDTC logged 1,800 hours of CDT maintenance, according to the 2024 CDTC Congressional Report. Each project ranges in length from one to five days and offers something different, from trail maintenance and logging out— clearing sections with downed trees— to trail and bridge construction. CDTC emphasizes that experience with trail work is not required, and their Field Crew Leaders come equipped to lead the projects and teach new skills. 

“It’s very rewarding to watch people gain confidence over the course of each project”, said Haley Gamertsfelder (she/her), CDTC Field Project Coordinator. “Some people come to the project with little or no experience, which allows other participants to mentor new volunteers as well as the project leaders. There’s a real sense of community when we’re on the trail.” 

Aside from sharing a willingness to get their hands dirty, volunteers often have a personal reason to help out on the trail. Some already have a connection to the area, while others are seeking an opportunity to explore somewhere new. The annual project in Yellowstone National Park tends to attract people from a wider audience because of Yellowstone’s infamous attractions, according to Gamertsfelder. By contrast, the one-day projects are more inviting for locals who want to help take care of the trails they use regularly. 

“A common thread among volunteers is their desire to give back. People have these amazing, life-changing experiences on the CDT and other trails, and they want to offer something in return,” shared Gamertsfelder. 

Ambitious volunteers may also choose to give back by adopting their own section of the CDT. The Adopt-a-Trail program allows volunteers to work with CDTC and a local agency to learn the skills to plan their own trail maintenance outings and maintain a specific area. By the end of 2023, CDTC’s 360 registered trail adopters assisted in maintaining over 1,300 miles of trail and logged nearly 6,000 hours of trail work. 

Trail Adopters can be individuals or groups, and some sections are adopted by corporate entities and their staff. Part of enrolling in the program is committing to participating in training to learn about trail work techniques and safety. 

“The Adopt-a-Trail program is unique, because we’re not out on the trail with each adopter. We provide support, resources, and training, but there is a lot of autonomy in the program,” said Gamertsfelder. 

Additional training and workshops through CDTC and Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado are also being offered this year. An in-person crosscut sawyer training and certification workshop will take place from Friday, May 3rd through Sunday, May 5th in Del Norte, Colorado, and a virtual Crew Chef training will take place on Wednesday, March 27. People willing to volunteer in the camp kitchen with utensils rather than out on the trail with tools are encouraged to participate in the workshop.

More information about upcoming field projects, training opportunities, and events is available at continentaldividetrail.org/volunteer or by contacting volunteer@continentaldividetrail.org

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About the Congressional Report

As a connector of landscapes, communities, and cultures, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) provides a setting for community members, decision-makers, conservationists, outdoor enthusiasts, and everyone connected to the lands and waters of the Divide, to come together to discuss how to steward the vital natural, cultural, and historic resources found across its entirety. Link to report: https://issuu.com/cdtc/docs/congressional-report-2024

About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premiere long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging, and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors annually. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection. 

About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote, and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail as a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.

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Tuesday, Mar. 12th, 2024

Montana State University Extension to open new office in Carter County

BOZEMAN – A new Montana State University Extension office will open in Carter County on March 18. Fallon and Carter Counties, located in southeast Montana, are currently served by one Extension office located in Baker.

The new office will result in an additional Extension agent serving the region, according to Larry Brence, MSU Extension eastern region department head. Brence said the new Carter County office will be in Ekalaka.

“We are excited to expand the reach of MSU Extension in southeast Montana,” Brence said. “Residents in Fallon and Carter counties will benefit from having their own local office.”

Montana State University Extension offers education in leadership, agriculture, horticulture, healthy living, estate planning, positive youth development and more. Offices operate in collaboration with counties and reservations.

Extension agents in Fallon and Carter counties will be able to spend more individual time working on educational programming, according to Pam Castleberry, Carter County commissioner. She added that local producers and community members will benefit from the change.

“Fallon and Carter counties will now have their own full-time county Extension agent,” Castleberry said. “We look forward to cooperative programming efforts between both counties.”

Extension is excited about new opportunities to collaborate in local communities, according to Cody Stone, executive director of MSU Extension.

“We welcome opportunities to expand local partnerships and programs to meet the needs of the people and places of Montana,” Stone said. “The new office in Carter County will increase our capacity to fulfill our mission.”

Amanda Williams is currently serving as the Extension agent for both counties. Williams will continue as the Carter County Extension agent effective March 18, with the Fallon County position opening that day. Interested applicants can apply at montana.edu/extension/careers.

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Mussel-fouled boat intercepted at Anaconda inspection station

HELENA – Montana’s first mussel-fouled watercraft of the year was intercepted at the Anaconda watercraft inspection station on March 10.  

The pontoon boat was recently purchased used in North Dakota and was travelling along Interstate 90 west toward Ephrata, Wash. Mussels were found along the hull throughout the lifting strakes as well as the transom and gimbal areas. Inspectors performed a full decontamination on site, and the boat was locked to the trailer. Previous launch information was unknown, but the new owner believed it had not been in the water since last summer. 

All watercraft (motorized and non-motorized) coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected. Watercraft must be drained of all water before transporting. 

Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of aquatic invasive species (AIS) which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. Boaters must stop at all watercraft inspections stations they encounter. 

Learn more at fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440. 

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Application deadline for some landowner programs is March 15

HELENA – Landowners have until March 15 to apply for Unlocking Public Lands (UPL) Program or the Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) Program. These programs are designed to provide public access to state or federal land where access is either limited or doesn’t exist.   

For enrollment in UPL, landowners will receive an income tax credit in the amount of $750 per agreement and up to a maximum of $3,000 in tax credits in exchange for allowing access across the private lands via roads or trails to reach inaccessible public land. Landowners must hold the public land lease and can decide how the public may cross their private property.   

For enrollment in PALA, landowners will be paid, including money for possible infrastructure reimbursements (e.g., gravel, culverts, cattle guards) to facilitate public access to inaccessible public lands. Landowners must hold the public land lease. Payment amounts vary based on a variety of factors, with one landowner possibly holding multiple agreements. The governor-appointed Private Land/Public Wildlife Advisory Committee will review complete applications and make a recommendation to the FWP director.  

More information about these two programs, including enrollment criteria, application forms, and fact sheets describing these FWP public access programs, can be found at: fwp.mt.gov/landowner.  

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Friday, Mar. 8th, 2024

Gallatin County Seeking Election Judges for 2024 Primary, General Elections

The Gallatin County Elections Office is looking for help at the polls this year for the presidential elections! To sign up to be an election judge at the polls visit our website and complete the sign-up form.

Judge duties include assisting voters at the polls and through the voting process.
All judges MUST attend training, which will be approximately three hours long and held Monday-Friday, from April 1 through April 12. Training sessions will take place in the morning or afternoon, with a few offerings after 5 p.m.

The Presidential Primary Election will be held June 4, and the Presidential General Election will be held on November 8.

Help us ensure the state’s elections remain secure, fair, accurate and accessible to all voters!

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Thursday, Mar. 7th, 2024

Gallatin County Receives $400k Grant for Food Diversion Efforts

Gallatin County is the proud recipient of a federal grant that will allow our landfill to work with public and private partners to help reduce food waste in our communities. 

Last month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded Gallatin County a $400,000 grant to help expand composting operations at Logan Landfill to include food wastes and biosolids.  

The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District (GSWMD) owns and operates Gallatin County’s landfill. Last year, over 200,000 tons of waste were landfilled in Logan. Based on national averages and a waste audit, it’s estimated that 35,000 to 40,000 tons of this is compostable waste.  

Through this new project, GSWMD will expand their biosolids compost operation to include food waste and produce compost that can be distributed to local agricultural producers.  

The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) operates food banks, food production gardens, Montana’s first and only pay-what-you-can restaurant and food truck, the Warming Center, and public transportation systems in Gallatin County. In its operations, HRDC actively rescues food from grocery stores, farms, and bakeries and feeds the community. Unusable food is either given to animal farmers or composted.  In 2022, HRDC rescued over 730,000 pounds of food.  

This grant will also allow HRDC to expand its food rescue operation to include restaurants and more farms, rescuing an estimated 100,000 additional pounds of food each year.   

“The need for more food in our food banks continues to grow with the high cost of living. It is important now more than ever for us to collect the excess food in our community and distribute it through a meal or our self-choice grocery store,” said Jon Horn, Gallatin Valley Food Bank Operations Manager.  

“This project will allow us to rescue usable food to feed folks in need in our community, compost food and green waste, and create a beneficial product for local residents and farmers, all while diverting the waste from our landfill. This project is a major win for Gallatin County, and we are excited to work with our partners to get this project underway,” said Jim Simon, director of the Gallatin Solid Waste Management District. 

With the grant now in hand, GSWMD is working to develop and build a Covered Aerated Static Pile at Logan Landfill for compositing. They anticipate the site will be ready to start compositing food waste in spring of 2025. 

GSWMD will also be working with HRDC, the Gallatin Conservation District, the Open and Local Coalition, and Prospera Business Network on education, outreach and compost distribution efforts.  

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FWP gearing up for a new watercraft inspection station season

HELENA – Several watercraft inspection stations begin operation in early March to check snowbird boat traffic returning from mussel-positive areas such as Lakes Mead and Havasu. Boat owners coming to Montana must have their vessel inspected for aquatic invasive species (AIS) at a Montana watercraft inspection station prior to launch.

The stations near Dillon, Ravalli and Anaconda will open this weekend. FWP works closely with partners for station operation and cotracts with  the Beaverhead Conservation District for operation of the Dillon station and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes for operation of the Ravalli station. Inspections will also be available at the FWP Region 1 office in Kalispell in March to help accommodate requirements for Mac Days.

Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways.

Boat owners should ensure their watercraft, trailers and gear are clean, drained and dry before transporting and need to be aware of Montana’s inspection rules:

  • All watercraft coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected prior to launching.

  • All watercraft traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin must be inspected prior to launching.

  • Anyone transporting watercraft must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter.

  • And all boaters are reminded to always clean drain and dry their boat, live wells, anchors, boots and gear when leaving the water.

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Men’s Division 2 announces West Region Co-Coaches of the Year: MSU's David Weaver


Troy, MI
-  The Men's Division 2 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association is proud to announce this year's West Region Co-Coaches of the Year, David Weaver from Montana State and Yosh Ryujin from Weber State University.

Mr. Weaver led the Bobcats to a 34-3-0 record this year, and the #1 seed in the West Region.  This ranking was high enough to secure Montana State an auto bid to the National Championship for the second year in a row and first time the program history, the top seed in the Region.  Montana State was one of the most dominant teams in all of Division 2, going 27-2 vs. teams ranked in the Top 20 in a region.

Weaver had three players make the All West Region Teams, Jorgen Johnson, Rhys Phelps, and Hayden Klem, all 1st team honors at their positions.  For Weaver this is his third West Region Coach of the Year, and second consecutive year, with last season Mr. Weaver also claiming the Men's Division 2 National Coach of the Year award.

Weber State returns to the Nationals for the first time in over 8 years.  Ruijin's team posted a 22-10-2 record this year and claimed and auto bid to Nationals by finishing #2 in the West Region.  This is the first auto bid for the Wildcats since the regional format was introduced.  WSU went 17-13-0 vs. teams ranked in the Top 20 in a region.

Two players on Mr. Ruijin's team were selected to the All-West Region Teams with Bryon Fobair making the 1st team and Jack Jones being selected to the 2nd team.

Dave and Yosh, along with the other Regional Coaches of the Year, are the finalists for the 2023/2024 Men's Division 2 National Coach of the Year, which will be announced this month.

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Wednesday, Mar. 6th, 2024

Suspect Charged in Connection with Fatal I-90 Crash in Gallatin County

 A man has been charged in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on Interstate 90 in Gallatin County in January.  

On Feb. 27, the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office charged 23-year-old Alexander Norbert Ledoux of Bozeman with Vehicular Homicide While Under the Influence, Fleeing from or Eluding a Peace Officer and 6 counts of Criminal Endangerment.  

Ledoux is charged with killing 22-year-old Laysa Grewell after driving approximately 20 miles in the wrong direction on I-90. Grewell and her fiancé have a 1-year-old child and had recently learned they were expecting a second child. When he crashed into Grewell, LeDoux was travelling approximately 100 MPH with a blood alcohol content of .198. 

Ledoux will make his initial appearance in Gallatin County District Court at 9:30 a.m. on March 28, 2024 before Judge Andrew Breuner. At this hearing, Ledoux will enter a plea to the charges and subsequent hearings will be scheduled.  

Gallatin County Attorney Shannon Foley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Montana Highway Patrol.  

Here are the affidavit of probable cause and information charging Ledoux. Additional court documents can be found in the Clerk of District Court’s Office at the Law and Justice Center in Bozeman. Case number: DC 24-131D. 

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News Comments

This is so typical of a sign in, which we should not have to do to check if we or some one in our party got a permit. I have been working or "creating an account" for 30 minutes and just get the same ...

Smith River permit drawing results available

Sunday, Mar. 10, 2024

Why not leave those cheerful, colorful garlands up longer? What’s the rush?

Main Street Closed Jan 2

Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023