BOZEMAN - Curious Creatures, a new, technical mountain bike apparel brand dedicated to empowering outdoor enthusiasts to embrace their true selves while exploring the world on two wheels is thrilled to announce their US launch. 

"With Curious Creatures, we're not just launching a brand; we're launching a community that celebrates authenticity, adventure and the joy of exploration,” says Natasha Woodworth, founder and owner, Curious Creatures. “Our goal is to empower riders to embrace who they are and experience the world in their own unique ways."

Curious Creatures reimagines mountain bike apparel by offering clothes that feel and look like clothes, not costumes, allowing riders to perform their best while staying connected to their own style and the natural world around them. “At Curious Creatures, we are not just another apparel brand; we are a community of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of exploration, self-expression, and respect for the environment,” says Woodworth. “Our mission is to inspire riders to break free from the confines of traditional, overbuilt mountain bike gear and reconnect with the essence of nature and adventure. We encourage our fellow riders to celebrate their quirks and embrace the magic of the unknown.”

Behind Curious Creatures is founder and designer Natasha Woodworth, a true Creature herself who brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to the brand. Woodworth's journey began with a competitive ski racing career in Europe and for the US Ski Team. After finding her calling in design and fashion, Woodworth worked on New York Fashion Week runway shows and designed costumes for pop icon Lady Gaga and alongside Marc Jacobs. However, a deep-seated love for the outdoors and a desire to create functional, stylish apparel led Woodworth to move to Ventura, California and transition her focus to outdoor apparel and Advanced Concept design at Patagonia. After a decade on the coast, Woodworth settled down in Bozeman, Montana to be closer to the mountains and launch Curious Creatures. 

Woodworth’s fifteen years of design experience further honed her creative philosophy, emphasizing sustainability, quality, and product testing rooted in personal experiences. Now, as the founder of Curious Creatures, Woodworth brings her passion for adventure and design to the forefront, infusing each piece with a sense of humor, expression, and fun. "Design is more than aesthetics; it's about creating products that seamlessly merge performance and self-expression. At Curious Creatures, we're committed to pushing the boundaries of mountain bike apparel, ensuring riders feel comfortable, confident, and connected to nature." The first collection is focused on the needs of women with designs and styles crafted with women in mind first. There are also cross-over pieces that cater to men and as the line expands so will the options for all genders. 

The Curious Creatures logo tells the story of the brand's essence - an amalgamation of curiosity, exploration, and a touch of whimsy. Inspired by a transformative bikepacking trip, the logo incorporates elements that symbolize the brand's spirit - the letter "C," to represent the name, playful seeing googly eyes for creatures of the outdoors, the indelible imprint of bike tires, and a subtle nod to the natural world. “The brand’s credence in conscientious design, sustainability and craftsmanship are at the heart of everything we create from the logo and design to the fabric, fit and innovation,” says Woodworth. 

As a design-led company, Curious Creatures works with manufacturers that support innovation in renewable energy and positive treatment of workers. The company has partnered with a local Montana repair shop to ensure there is the ability to repair goods and keep them in use for as long as possible. To learn more about responsibility and ethics, visit https://wearecuriouscreatures.com/pages/responsibility. 

To view the lookbook, visit: https://wearecuriouscreatures.com/blogs/lookbooks/big-sky-look-book 

For more information about Curious Creatures, visit wearecuriouscreatures.com. 

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About Curious Creatures

Curious Creatures is a mountain bike apparel brand born out of Bozeman, Montana, and is founded on the principles of empowerment, exploration, and self-expression. Firmly committed to elevating industry benchmarks, the brand resonates through its emphasis on quality, sustainability, and unadulterated individual expression. For more information, visit wearecuriouscreatures.com.

HELENA – So far this year, FWP and its partners have inspected more than 86,000 watercraft for aquatic invasive species. Of those, 45 were mussel-fouled and more than 400 were found with aquatic weeds.
FWP and partner agencies, which include tribes, counties and conservation districts, operate more than 17 road-side watercraft inspection stations across the state. To find a watercraft inspection station or to learn more, go to fwp.mt.gov/conservation/aquatic-invasive-species or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

In the last few weeks, the following was detected:
• A ski boat recently purchased in Minnesota was intercepted with mussels at the Wibaux watercraft inspection station (operated by Garfield Conservation District). The boat was decontaminated, locked to the trailer and released to its final destination in Pend Oreille, Idaho. Idaho was notified to allow for follow-up.

• The Wibaux station intercepted a wakeboard boat that was recently purchased in Minnesota with mussels in the sea strainer. The boat was decontaminated, locked to the trailer and authorities at Lake Tahoe, its destination, were notified for follow-up.

• The Broadus inspection station (managed by the Powder River Conservation District) intercepted a recently purchased mussel fouled ski boat from Minnesota heading for Big Sky. Staff decontaminated the boat, locked it to the trailer and FWP staff followed up with the owner for a full decontamination.

No Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) has been found in Beaver Lake near Whitefish this season following three comprehensive surveys. Another follow-up survey will be conducted in October.

As the boating season winds down, inspection stations will be closing. The St. Xavier and Sula stations are now closed. Other stations will be closing in the coming weeks.

BOZEMAN – Installation of electric vehicle charging stations on the Montana State University has begun, and officials say they will be ready for use by students, visitors, faculty and staff during the fall semester.

MSU’s first Level 2 EV charging stations were installed this summer on the west side of American Indian Hall and on the south side of Hyalite residence hall. Both are expected to be operational during the fall semester. A third station is slated for installation on the southwest corner of the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse parking lot later this year.

Kristin Blackler, director of MSU’s Office of Sustainability, said students are expected to be the heaviest users of the stations, followed by visitors. Requests from students and their parents for on-campus charging stations started coming in about three years ago and have only increased in number, Blackler said.

“Electric vehicle ownership in the community is increasing. We’re trying to prepare for that,” Blackler said. “I’m very excited to see what we learn, and we expect to use that information to build more of these in the right places around campus.”

Duke Elliott, resource conservation specialist with the Engineering and Utilities division of University Facilities Management, said the stations are dual-port units that can charge two vehicles at once, and they are compatible with most electric vehicles.

Elliott said many variables, including a vehicle’s maximum charge rate and battery capacity, influence how long it takes an electric vehicle battery to charge. Citing information from the U.S. Department of Transportation, he said Level 2 chargers can fully charge a vehicle battery in four to 10 hours, which is considerably faster than Level 1 chargers but slower than “fast” chargers commonly installed along heavy traffic corridors that can do the same job in 20 minutes to an hour.

MSU Parking Services said EV drivers will be able to access the stations on a first-come, first-served basis and will be charged $3 per hour to park, payable at the charging station.

Blackler and Elliott said several offices on campus, including University Facilities Management and Parking Services, participated in planning for the stations for about a year to ensure that access to the chargers is reasonable, equitable and meets people’s needs.

“We serve the public and also are stewards of public trust,” Elliott said. “Our approach with new technology is to move forward cautiously, test and then proceed.”

Blackler said university officials will closely monitor station usage and other factors to determine where to best locate additional chargers in the future. They also will assess whether there is a need to provide chargers for electric bikes.

“We are excited to do this for campus and especially excited to provide this service to the MSU community” Blackler said.

She added, “As a land-grant institution, MSU is committed to being a good steward of the resources we have available to us, and we strive to create a culture on campus that promotes sustainability and energy efficiency and pushes us toward achieving the three main goals in MSU's Sustainability Framework.”

The installation of chargers on campus also will advance MSU’s goal of achieving STARS Platinum by 2035ranking from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education.

The five-paragraph essay stands as a cornerstone in academic writing. This format, while seemingly simple, is instrumental in delivering ideas clearly and efficiently. Its strategic design aids students in presenting their viewpoints methodically and persuasively. Throughout academic spheres, from high school classrooms to university lectures, this format reigns supreme due to its adaptability and clarity. Through this guide, we delve deeper into its anatomy, shedding light on the format's role in shaping compelling academic narratives and offering learners a structured pathway to articulate their insights effectively.

Understanding the Format

Navigating the structure of the five-paragraph essay can be likened to following a reliable blueprint that ensures a cohesive output.

The journey starts with the introduction paragraph, which should unfurl with a gripping Hook, perhaps a thought-provoking query or an astonishing revelation. Subsequently, the background information acts as a bridge, linking the hook to the broader context of the discussion. If weaving this together feels challenging, you can always trust Essaypro the best college essay writing service, to expertly craft your content. This introductory phase then culminates with the thesis statement, offering readers a clear snapshot of your core contention.

The meat of the essay resides in the three body paragraphs. Each of these segments should unfurl with a robust Topic Sentence, laying bare the paragraph's main thrust. Following this, the supporting details - be they factual data, illustrative examples, or pertinent quotes - fortify the central premise.

To ensure a seamless reading experience, employing smooth transitions is key. These bridges, whether they're phrases or sentences, help the reader traverse the landscape of your argument, making the journey intuitive and engaging.

Acting as the final bow, the conclusion paragraph encapsulates the essay's essence. Here, it's paramount to restate the thesis, but with a twist, offering a nuanced take on the initial assertion. A concise summary section acts as a refresher, jogging the reader's memory about the trio of core arguments previously explored. Rounding off the essay, a closing thoughts or reflection section can serve as a beacon, igniting contemplation or inspiring action in the reader, making sure the essay's impact lingers long after the last word.

Choosing a Topic

Initiating your essay journey begins with choosing the right topic. This selection must not only intrigue the writer but also resonate with potential readers. While a passionate topic can invigorate the writing process, it's crucial that the subject can be comfortably addressed within the five-paragraph structure. This ensures that the topic isn't overly expansive, making it cumbersome to discuss adequately, or too specific, which could leave you scrambling for material.

Once the topic is decided, an in-depth research phase becomes crucial. Amassing substantial information at this juncture paves the way for clarity and equips you with the robust data needed for a compelling narrative.

Drafting the Essay

The initial phase of the writing process is drafting. Before penning down your thoughts, it's beneficial to brainstorm and sketch out a plan. Organizing thoughts in this manner ensures a laser-focused and coherent essay.

At the heart of your piece is the thesis; ensure you dedicate time to craft one that's both clear and compelling. For your essay to truly shine, it needs to integrate concrete evidence effortlessly. Whether it's data points, relevant quotations, or poignant anecdotes, they should be rooted in credibility and buttress your main argument effectively. Always ensure that your narrative retains clarity and flows seamlessly, making your propositions easily digestible to the readers.

Editing and Revising

Once the initial draft is penned, it's time for the critical stages of editing and revision. Here, a keen eye for detail can transition your essay from merely good to truly exemplary. Commence with a thorough check for grammatical, punctuation, and spelling anomalies. Such oversights, no matter how minute, can undermine the potency of your narrative.

Move beyond the rudiments to ensure logical continuity and consistency in your arguments. During this refinement phase, external feedback is golden. Sharing your work with peers or mentors might offer a fresh lens, pinpointing areas for improvement. Bear in mind, producing exemplary content often involves revisiting and revising multiple times.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

On the surface, crafting a five-paragraph essay might appear simple. However, many pitfalls await the unwary writer. A frequent blunder is venturing into a topic that's either too expansive or unduly constricted. While the former risks a scattered narrative, the latter could leave you strapped for content.

If there's uncertainty regarding topic choice, best dissertation writing services can be a treasure trove of guidance. Additionally, it's paramount that every segment of your essay serves a clear function, propelling your argument forward. Be wary of redundancy; repeated points can dilute your essay's essence. And while personal insights provide flavor, it's paramount to anchor them with tangible evidence to ensure your essay remains robust and persuasive.

Conclusion

The seemingly humble five-paragraph essay stands as a bedrock for academic scribes. Its organized structure lays out a roadmap for logically and convincingly presenting arguments. Acquiring proficiency in this format empowers writers to articulate ideas effectively, sway their audience, and secure academic victories.

As with any craft, mastery is the offspring of consistent practice. While grasping its nuances is key, the real magic lies in its persistent application. So, view every essay assignment as a golden chance to refine your skills. With unwavering commitment, you won't just ace the five-paragraph essay but will also set the stage for tackling more intricate writing projects down the line.

On September 8, 2023 at 1:47pm Madison County Dispatch received a 911 call from a hunting party where an individual had been attacked by a grizzly bear while tracking a deer.  The caller indicated that one of the individuals in their party was in need of immediate medical treatment near Yellow Mule Trail, outside of Big Sky, MT.  Due to the location, Madison County requested help from Gallatin County.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the Big Sky Section and Heli Team, Montana Fish & Wildlife Law Enforcement Officers, US Forest Service Law Enforcement, Life Flight HelicopterTeam, and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies, responded to the request for aid.  The GCSSAR team members along with law enforcement arrived on scene of the attack then quickly transported the patient to Life Flight Helicopter waiting at a nearby helicopter pad.  The patient ultimately was taken to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind hunters that having a plan for contingencies along with being able to call for aid is crucial in the backcountry.

The Yellow Mule Trails along with all access to Buck Ridge Trail have been closed by USFS Law Enforcement until further notice.  Please check with USFS for updates on the closure.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

What kind of car would be ideal for living in Montana?
Living in Montana offers a unique blend of rugged landscapes, unpredictable weather, and a rich outdoor lifestyle. As such, choosing the right vehicle becomes more than just a mode of transportation; it's a strategic decision that can significantly impact your daily life. From navigating snow-covered roads to exploring off-the-beaten-path trails, finding the ideal car for Montana living requires careful consideration of various factors. In this article, we'll explore the key features to look for in a vehicle that suits the Montana lifestyle.

What factors should be taken into account when you choose a car?
Weather Adaptability: Taming the Elements
Montana's weather can be a rollercoaster ride, from chilly winters to mild summers. An ideal car for Montana residents should be equipped to handle these diverse conditions. Look for features such as advanced climate control, heated seats, and efficient defrost systems to combat icy mornings.

All-Wheel Drive or Four-Wheel Drive: Conquering Unpredictable Terrains
Montana's rugged terrains and snowy roads demand the capabilities of all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). These systems provide better traction on slippery surfaces, making them essential for both daily commutes and weekend getaways to remote areas.

Ground Clearance: Navigating the Rough Roads
From gravel roads to potholes, Montana's infrastructure isn't always smooth sailing. Opt for a vehicle with higher ground clearance to easily tackle uneven surfaces, protecting your car's undercarriage from potential damage.

Fuel Efficiency: Tackling Long Distances
Montana's expansive landscapes mean longer drives between towns. Prioritize fuel-efficient options to save on gas costs during these journeys and contribute to environmentally friendly practices.

Heating and Cooling Systems: Surviving Extreme Temperatures
Montana's temperature extremes demand a car with reliable heating for winter and effective cooling for summer. Invest in a vehicle with advanced climate control systems to ensure year-round comfort.

Cargo Space: Accommodating Adventure Gear
Montana residents love their outdoor activities, from skiing to hiking. A car with ample cargo space can accommodate sports gear, camping equipment, and groceries, making it the perfect companion for your adventures.

Reliability: Weathering the Montana Elements
A dependable vehicle is crucial for navigating Montana's diverse landscapes and changing weather conditions. Prioritize brands and models known for their reliability and robust construction.

Safety Features: Secure Journeys
Montana's often challenging road conditions underscore the importance of safety features. Look for antilock brakes, stability control, and advanced driver-assistance systems to ensure a secure driving experience.

Towing Capability: Hauling Possibilities
Montana's outdoor lifestyle may involve towing trailers, boats, or campers. Choose a car with adequate towing capacity to explore the state's natural beauty to the fullest.

Size and Maneuverability: Balancing Space and Practicality
Finding the right balance between size and maneuverability is essential, especially if you'll be driving through both urban and rural areas. A versatile vehicle can navigate tight city streets and provide the space needed for highway journeys.

While these factors provide a comprehensive guide, remember that personal preferences also play a role in choosing the right car for Montana living. Keep in mind your comfort, style preferences, and any additional features that enhance your driving experience.

Cars fit for Montana
Affording the ideal car for your Montana needs shouldn't break the bank. Opting for smaller vehicles, used options, or lesser-known brands can ease your monthly car payments. Here are some picks that ace both the roads and your budget.

Subaru Impreza: The Montana Favorite
Subaru's popularity in Montana isn't without reason. The compact Impreza is armed with all-wheel drive (AWD), ready for backroads and snowy terrains. It won't drain your wallet either, coming in under $20,000 for a new model. A smart choice for budget-friendly AWD.

Ford Ranger: Affordable Trucking
Trucks don't always spell budget-friendly, but the Ford Ranger is an exception. Starting just under $25,000 new, it's a practical choice for hauling gear in all seasons without feeling like you're navigating a mammoth.

Toyota Prius AWD-e: Savings and Efficiency
Though a new Toyota Prius might touch $25,000, the savings are real at the pump, with an impressive average of 50 mpg. The new AWD model makes conquering Montana's roads a breeze, from town to summit

Honda HR-V: Crossover Charm
Starting at under $22,000 for a new model, the Honda HR-V offers the best of both worlds. With SUV-like resilience and a sporty aesthetic, it's designed to fit your adventurous lifestyle, from car camping to conquering snowy trails.

Hyundai Kona SE: Budget-Friendly SUV
At around $20,000 for the base model, the Hyundai Kona SE combines affordability and high-tech features. This SUV accommodates both style and practicality, perfect for packing in the family, cooler, and camping essentials.

Toyota Tacoma: Built for Adventure
For those on the budget-friendly side, the Toyota Tacoma is a prime choice. The SR model starts above $26,000, catering to Montana's endless weekends with its petite frame and tough performance on dirt roads.

Affordability shouldn't compromise quality, especially when it comes to your Montana adventures. From Subaru's AWD to the practicality of Ford's Ranger, these options promise a blend of performance and cost-effectiveness. Choose wisely, and hit Montana's roads without straining your budget. You can also find a suitable car at online car auctions.

Conclusion
Selecting a car to thrive in Montana requires careful consideration of the state's unique demands. From weather adaptability to safety features, every aspect should contribute to a vehicle that complements your lifestyle. Whether you're embarking on a road trip, exploring hidden trails, or navigating city streets, the right car will not only enhance your journey but also become an integral part of your Montana adventure.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking a current high school student to fill a two-year term on the Future Fisheries citizen review panel.

FWP’s Future Fisheries Improvement Program grants approximately $1 million annually for projects to improve and restore Montana’s wild fish habitats. The 14-member citizen review panel meets twice a year to review proposals and recommend projects to the Fish & Wildlife Commission for funding.

Review panel members are appointed by the governor, or his representative, and must represent a variety of interests including: conservation districts, commercial agriculture, irrigated agriculture, silviculture, fisheries restoration, Montana anglers, members of the Montana House of Representatives and Senate, high school students, mining reclamation, fisheries, and one ex-officio member from the Montana Department of Transportation.

The commitment includes biannual proposal review and meeting attendance in mid-June and mid-December. This is a volunteer position, but travel and per diem is provided.

For more information, contact Michelle McGree at 444-2432 or FWPFFIP@mt.gov, or visit the website svc.mt.gov/gov/boards/ and use the dropdown for the Future Fisheries Review Panel. Applications are located at svc.mt.gov/gov/boards/apply.aspx and the position is open until filled.

BOZEMAN — A program based at Montana State University is providing resources for relatives raising children across the state of Montana.

The Montana Kinship Navigator Program at MSU offers kinship caregivers support, education and access to resources to assist them in raising the child or children in their care. The goal is to help caregivers live happier, healthier lives so that they can, in turn, raise children who know emotional and physical safety, excel in school and social situations and are prepared to take on life challenges successfully.

The program was founded in 2002 under the name Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. It became the Montana Kinship Navigator Program in 2018 after receiving federal funds for its work. The program is housed in MSU Extension and the MSU College of Education, Health and Human Development.

A kinship family is a family that has taken in a child that is not biologically their own, which could happen for a number of reasons, according to Brianna Routh, MSU Extension food and nutrition specialist and assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Food Systems, Nutrition and Kinesiology. Grandparents raising their grandchildren is one example of a common kinship family. Other kinship caregivers could be aunts, uncles or siblings of the child. In addition, someone who is not biologically related, but who has strong social and emotional connections to a child, may provide kinship care in Montana. 

“Anybody beyond a parent who’s caring for a minor is eligible to use the resources this program provides,” she said. “In Montana, even a close family friend can be the caregiver of a child.”

Routh said there are an estimated 9,000 children in kinship care across the state, according to data provided by The Annie E. Casey Foundation. She noted that at any given time, the program is in contact with between 200 and 300 kinship caregivers. She said those figures mean that there are many more caregivers who could use the program’s resources.

“This is a small but mighty program,” Routh said. “It has a lot of potential for making huge impacts.”

Kinship families may face many challenges, said Dan Koltz, assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Community Health. Navigating the legal aspects of custody issues is one of the most common issues he sees kinship families go through in Montana.

“Until you go through a formal adoption process, you don’t have a lot of legal rights as a caregiver,” Koltz said.

Economic challenges are also common for kinship families, he said.

“Kinship caregivers may have to consider whether to put money toward rent and utilities, groceries or new school supplies,” Koltz said. “We’re really seeing high levels of economic challenges, including a growing need for food security.”

Even knowing what resources are out there or what kinship caregivers may themselves need can be difficult, Routh said.

“Often, kinship caregiving is an unexpected, surprising situation,” Routh said. “Kinship caregivers might not have had to use some of these services before, so they may not be familiar with how a certain resource works. It’s hard to know what you don’t know in this situation.”

The Montana Kinship Navigator Program supports kinship families in a variety of ways, including peer support groups in seven Montana communities; case management services; and general information and resources for caregivers about topics such as navigating legal issues, enrolling children in school and options around discipline. The program also provides financial help in some circumstances for needs such as groceries, car repairs and heating bills. It also helps connect children and kinship caregivers with other resources, such as mental health services and legal services. According to their needs, kinship families may access some or all of the services.

Routh said that case management is a more recent addition to the program. Being able to have a case manager connect families with resources related to food, clothing and legal services has the potential to make a significant difference, Routh said.

“When we can take some of that burden off caregivers, we think we’re going to get better outcomes,” she said.

Another recent addition to the Montana Kinship Navigator Program is a comfort case program, where every child is given a comfort case backpack. The pack comes with a stuffed animal, school supplies, a T-shirt, pajamas and more.

“We know that when children are moving from a household to kinship caregiving, they often don’t have a suitcase or backpack of their own,” Koltz said. “We want to provide them a backpack so that they have something that is their own to put their personal belongings in.”

Funding for the Montana Kinship Navigator Program comes from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, which applies for federal funding in cooperation with the program under the Families First Prevention Services Act. The program is also partnering with a similar program in Wyoming to conduct a study of services provided in order to meet the evidence-based standards the allocation requires. Additional funding comes from the Brookdale Foundation, which works to enhance the quality of life of America’s elderly. Additional support is provided by MSU Extension.

The work of the Montana Kinship Navigator Program is important because the children and their kinship families the program serves are the current and next generation of Montanans, Routh said.

“If we don’t support them and care for and care about their well-being, then we’re only hurting ourselves,” Routh said.

“I see the benefits that when a caregiver is healthy, the child they’re caring for is better off because of that,” Koltz said.

Questions about the Montana Kinship Navigator Program may be asked by calling 833-445-3395 or emailing mtknp@montana.edu.