Unsafe river conditions following recent bridge collapse and train derailment

BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has implemented an emergency closure on portions of the Yellowstone River between Reed Point and Columbus following a partial bridge collapse and train derailment on June 24, 2023.

The Yellowstone River is closed to all public access 1 mile upstream and 2.5 miles downstream of the Twin Bridges Road railroad bridge in Stillwater County until further notice.

Debris from the Twin Bridges Road railroad bridge partial collapse and train derailment into the Yellowstone River has rendered this stretch of river unsafe for boating, floating and shoreline use. Clean-up and reconstruction in the area will also create hazardous conditions for the public. Signs informing the public of the closure will be posted at access points.

The closure of this portion of the Yellowstone River will remain in effect until FWP determines the river is safe for passage and human use.

River and access site closures are subject to change based on condition assessments and needs of emergency response agencies, including FWP.

For the full notice of adoption of the emergency rule, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/public-notices/news/2023/jun/0627-yellowstone-river-near-twin-bridges-railroad-bridge-emergency-closure

What fishing access sites are open?

All Yellowstone River fishing access sites are open in the area. For non-motorized boaters and floaters, Indian Fort Fishing Access Site (FAS) is the last public takeout before the closure.

Holmgren FAS, downstream of the closure, is open for boating and floating. Those traveling upstream from Holmgren FAS need to stay cognizant of the closure boundary.

Fishing access sites on the Stillwater River are open to public access, although Swinging Bridge FAS remains closed for construction.

Transforming your living room into an inviting space doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a few simple changes, like decluttering, rearranging furniture, or even considering renting new furniture, you can breathe new life into any space. 

Whether you're looking to create a more contemporary feel or just crave a fresh update, these straightforward strategies will help you effortlessly rejuvenate your living area while reflecting your unique personality and taste. 

So let's explore some effective ways to uplift your living room's ambiance and functionality.

1. Declutter Your Space

Decluttering your space is an essential first step to refresh your living room. Start by evaluating the items in the room and identifying those that are no longer useful or meaningful. 

Let go of the clutter to create a cleaner, more welcoming atmosphere. This process might involve discarding, donating, or repurposing some items; it leads to better organization and helps you appreciate the remaining pieces. 

By focusing on what truly matters and eliminating excess possessions, you'll establish a functional and visually appealing environment that significantly improves your living area's overall feel and appearance.

2. Consider Renting New Furniture

Renting new furniture is a fantastic way to update your living room without a hefty investment. For instance, you can enjoy stylish living room furniture in Harrisburg, or any other city that offers rental services, by swapping outdated or worn items. 

Renting allows you to experiment with trendy designs and stay current with the latest styles, all while maintaining financial flexibility. This approach is ideal if you frequently refresh your living space or wish to explore different aesthetics. 

Ultimately, renting stylish living room furniture keeps your home looking its best and helps achieve the inviting atmosphere you desire.

3. Rearrange Furniture

Rearranging your furniture is a simple yet effective way to refresh your living room. Moving pieces around can create a new layout that opens up the space, improving both its aesthetics and functionality. 

Begin by analyzing the current layout and visualizing different configurations that encourage better traffic flow or more intimate conversations. You may also consider focal points, such as a fireplace or a large window when positioning furniture strategically. 

Changing the furniture arrangement not only provides an instant update but also lets you experience your living room from different perspectives, fostering renewed enjoyment and appreciation for your space.

4. Paint or Wallpaper an Accent Wall

Painting or wallpapering an accent wall is a brilliant way to inject new life into your living room. By focusing on just one wall, you can make a significant visual impact without going overboard or overwhelming the space. 

Start by selecting a color or pattern that complements the existing decor while adding some contrast and interest. The accent wall should draw attention and become a focal point in the room, so choose a suitable location that highlights important areas, like behind a sofa or television. 

This transformation adds depth to your living room and creates engaging visuals for those who enter the space.

5. Update Window Treatments

Updating your window treatments is an often-overlooked method for revitalizing a living room. Replacing heavy, outdated drapes with modern curtains or blinds can significantly change the atmosphere and style of the space.

Consider various options, such as light-filtering shades, sleek roller blinds, or even custom-designed draperies to match your taste. When selecting new window treatments, factor in your need for privacy, temperature control, and natural light preferences.

This can also help you create an energy-efficient home. By carefully making these changes to your windows, you can elevate the overall ambiance of the room while also enhancing its functionality and comfort levels.

6. Install New Lighting Fixtures

Installing new lighting fixtures is an impactful way to refresh the atmosphere and functionality of your living room. Proper lighting can set the mood and even make the space appear larger. 

Consider adding a mix of ambient, task, and accent lights to create a well-balanced illumination plan. For instance, you might install a stylish pendant light for general lighting, place some cozy floor lamps for reading nooks, or use decorative sconces as accent lights on an accent wall. 

By updating your light fixtures thoughtfully, you can greatly improve how your living room looks and feels while ensuring it caters to various needs and activities.

7. Add Pops of Color With Decor Items

Incorporating pops of color through decorative pieces is a cost-effective and easy way to breathe new life into your living room. Items such as throw pillows, cozy blankets, and unique artwork can elevate your room's overall design without requiring significant changes.

Opt for colors that complement your existing decor while adding visual interest through contrasting tones or bold patterns. Don't hesitate to mix and match textures, styles, or materials — just make sure everything works harmoniously together. 

By thoughtfully selecting colorful accents, you'll create an inviting space that captures personal style while effortlessly energizing your living room.

8. Incorporate Greenery With Plants

Integrating greenery into your living room is a natural and visually appealing way to refresh the space. Adding potted plants or succulents throughout the area not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to better indoor air quality. 

Start by choosing low-maintenance plants that are suitable for your room's light conditions and humidity levels. You can opt for tall plants to create striking focal points or smaller potted varieties for shelves and tabletops. 

Consider using creative planters that complement your decor style. By bringing in some greenery, you'll create a lively atmosphere while promoting a calming connection between indoor living and nature.

Now that you've discovered these valuable tips for refreshing and updating your living room, it's time to put them into action. Grab your creative spirit and jump-start the transformation process with confidence. Don't wait any longer; start turning your living space into a stylish and revitalized haven today!

Please be advised law enforcement and first responders are on scene at a multiple vehicle accident south of Big Sky on US Hwy 191 Gallatin Road near Walton Mine Road. Limited traffic is able to pass in either direction at this time. Please avoid the canyon if possible and if travel is necessary, use caution and expect delays. We will provide updates as they become available.

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Shortly after 2 PM on Friday, June 23, Sheriff Dan Springer reports that the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle accident north of West Yellowstone at mile marker 37 on U.S. Highway 191.

The driver, 65-year-old Warren C. Johnson of Punta Gorda, Florida, was transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center and later flown to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Billings. The female passenger, a 61-year-old Anne E. Johnson also Punta Gorda, Florida, was pronounced deceased on scene.

Montana Highway Patrol is conducting the crash investigation and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office coroners are conducting the death investigation.

Sheriff Springer wishes to express our deepest condolences to the Johnson family during this time.

Shortly before 9:00pm Thursday night deputies responded to an assault with a weapon in the Big Sky Town Center. The 33-year-old female victim sustained a non-life-threatening knife wound to her abdomen and was transported to Big Sky Medical Center and later to Bozeman Health Medical Center. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 26-year-old Samantha Furgeson and 52-year-old Justin Ruff for questioning regarding the incident. If you have information on the whereabouts of Ferguson or Roof you are asked to contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office at 406-582-2100.

Montana native with extensive experience in virtually all facets of finance and accounting is also an experienced skier, alpinist, ice climber, bow hunter and horsewoman

BOZEMAN —Peak Ski Company’s Cofounder and Chief Executive Officer, Andy Wirth, announced today that Becca Huyard has been promoted to the position of vice president of finance and accounting. Huyard most recently served Peak as its director of accounting. In April of 2022, the Peak Ski Company was launched, and after a tremendously successful first year in operation, the Company has been advancing and refining its core leadership team as it comes into the 2023-2024 winter season.

“Ms. Huyard’s strong finance and accounting skills coupled with her strategic insights and solid understanding of the consumer markets have made her an invaluable member of the team,” said Andy Wirth, Peak’s cofounder and chief executive officer. “Becca’s outdoor pursuits and the fact that she’s a hardworking and respected member of the team make her an ideal fit for the Peak Ski Company. Bode and I are grateful for her many contributions and thrilled to have her take on this important executive leadership team position here at Peak.”

“It is an amazing opportunity for me to be a part of Peak’s leadership team,” said Becca Huyard, Peak’s vice president of finance and accounting. “Pridefully based right here in my home state of Montana, Peak is a company and brand that immediately resonated with me. My roots here in Montana go back to growing up in Paradise Valley and taking on everything from working with cutting horses to ice climbing and bow hunting to dropping in the great couloirs at Bridger Bowl. Peak’s a perfect fit for me and I’m thrilled to have this opportunity.”

“Becca’s leadership skills and subject matter expertise has been on constant display since she started with us here at Peak. Shortly after her commencing work with us, it’s been her affinity for problem solving and thoughtful, creative and innovative disposition that differentiated her from many leaders in the field of accounting and finance,” commented Wirth.

Huyard will report directly to Wirth and will be responsible for overseeing all facets of financial management and reporting including key aspects of financial planning and analysis. Other responsibilities will include overseeing all aspects of Peak’s accounting including reporting, processes and systems, along with payroll and inventory management.

ABOUT PEAK SKI COMPANY, LLC:
Pridefully based out Montana and originates from the vision of its cofounders, Andy Wirth and Bode Miller. Wirth and Miller launched the Peak Ski Company in April of 2022 having set out to design and build the world’s best, high-performance skis for the core of recreational ski market. Contemporaneously, the cofounders took on the task of establishing the first direct-to-consumer ski company of scale, introducing a contemporary and entirely new way for skiers around the world to purchase skis. After its first year, Peak has established itself as a top-tier leader in the competitive global ski market and has received unprecedented ratings from the most respected and highly influential ski gear review media outlets in North America. The Company is headquartered out of Bozeman, Montana, which includes the Peak Showroom, the company’s offices and the Development Group & Innovation Center, a facility that hosts operations and the experimentation and innovation labs managed by Peak. For more information visit www.peakskis.com.

HELENA – Hunters who will not be able to use their license this season have the opportunity to donate that license. Residents and nonresidents can donate their hunting license to a disabled military veteran or disabled active-duty service member who is working with an organization that uses hunting as part of the rehabilitation process.

The license donor program began in 2013, and each year between 40 and 60 hunters donate their license. Reasons vary, but according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks licensing staff, many hunters donate licenses because of medical or family emergencies, work commitments or issues with outfitters or reservations.

The recipients are disabled veterans who were awarded a purple heart and have a 70 percent or higher disability rating. They must be sponsored by a nonprofit organization that provides hunting as a rehabilitation service to disabled veterans in Montana.

To participate in the program, hunters, potential recipients and nonprofit organizations must complete a form. Forms are available on FWP’s Hunting Licenses & Permits webpage under “Donate License Programs” and can be returned to either an FWP regional office or by mail to FWP’s Licensing Bureau, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620. For more information, contact the FWP licensing office at 406-444-2950.

Firefighting personnel from across Gallatin County recently participated in a training to help them prepare to serve during the upcoming wildland fire season, both locally and across the state.

Firefighters and overhead management from Amsterdam, Big Sky, Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Gateway, and Hyalite fire districts and Gallatin County Emergency Management attended the annual CAT camp, hosted by the Montana DNRC’s County Assist Team (CAT) in Helena June 9-11.

The CAT is an all-hazard incident management team containing members with a variety of backgrounds from across Montana that support local emergency responders when an incident (wildfire, flood, etc.) becomes too complex to manage locally.

The CAT camp gave local firefighters experience training on a large fire being managed by an incident management team.

Firefighters stayed in a simulated fire camp and practiced different tactics including digging fire line, deploying hose lays, performing back burns, mop up, and helicopter water drops, all with live fire training.

The training provided firefighters with skills to help with wildfires in our local area as well as anywhere else in Montana through the states strong mutual aid system.

Firefighters gained experience and knowledge in preparation for the upcoming fire season.

But they aren’t the only ones who can prepare for when wildfires return to Montana – everyone can play a part!

Everyone can help out by preparing homes now to protect them during a wildfire. Clear roofs and gutters of dead leaves, debris and pine needles. Move flammable materials, such as mulch, firewood piles, leaves and needles away from wall exteriors. Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of flammable materials for at least 30 feet from your home. Get more tips at the Gallatin County Emergency Management website.

Practicing fire safety as the summer heats up and dries out is important to preventing wildfires.

With today's globalized, multiculturalized world, it should come as no surprise that Bozeman has numerous languages and cultures being experienced across the region. Over recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on language learning as these skills can prove highly advantageous for individuals possessing them.

Though recognizing and communicating with others can be challenging at times, doing so often opens up a world of opportunities - from career prospects here in Bozeman to traveling to far-flung locations like Japan to experience their distinctive culture.

Language learning is integral to communication and cultural exchange; its benefits range from bridge-building, increased knowledge acquisition, and expanding one's horizons to opening doors to learning something like Japanese. Therefore, it is worth exploring all the potential advantages of learning a foreign language.

Multiple Benefits Can Be Enjoyed

Learning a new language often seems daunting to many people. However, learning a new language offers multiple benefits that could be a game-changer in cross-cultural communication. It has become a lot easier to learn nowadays, especially with the advent of the Internet. We are now able to access private tutors who are native in the language as we can learn Japanese online whenever we want to.

Language learning classes help individuals to understand the language structure, pronunciation, and spelling, making communication in Japan much more comfortable and potentially more enjoyable. Challenging oneself to learn a new language opens a new world of possibilities, and communication becomes more nuanced and culturally sensitive.

Language Can Help Cultural Exchange Thrive

With language comes culture, and cultural exchange is a great way to learn about another country's traditions, customs, and values. Japan is a unique country with a vibrant culture highlighting its ancient traditions and modern influences. Understanding the culture of another country is an essential component of language learning and communication. By partaking in cultural exchange - visiting museums, tasting traditional cuisine, and experiencing the daily life of locals - cultural immersion becomes more thorough, making for better communication and empathy between different cultures.

Individuals Have More Confidence To Communicate With Language Classes

Quality language learning classes equip one with the necessary tools and skills to communicate with ease and conviction, but nothing compares to hands-on practice. Immersing oneself in real-world communication situations is the closest one can get to mastering the language. Spontaneous conversations with locals help to develop confidence, improve fluency, enhance vocabulary, and separate the fear of conversation. By speaking with locals where the language is spoken, the experience drives home and internalizes the learning from language classes, making it easier to use the language in real-life situations.

Individual Benefits Are Possible To Achieve

Language learning courses and cultural exchange can have far-reaching benefits that extend far beyond broadening one's worldview and improving cross-cultural communication. By building empathy and appreciation of different perspectives, learning a second language fosters deeper understanding and appreciation in a world populated by people from diverse backgrounds who work, interact, and coexist together. Furthermore, developing language skills helps enhance cognitive capabilities like problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making - three essential abilities needed to thrive in society. Also, those who become fluent speakers or understand the language could see improved job prospects as they increase their language abilities. With globalization transforming many economies and new countries entering previously unexplored markets, Japanese has become an in-demand language among employers. People who can speak it gain a distinct edge when entering the job market - potentially helping them advance faster than their competition.

Final Thoughts

Language learning classes and cultural exchange are vital to improving cross-cultural communication, promoting learning and empathy, and widening one's worldview. This highlights how language learning classes and cultural exchange build bridges between diverse cultures. The world would be better for individuals, businesses, and nations if more people embraced language learning and cultural exchange.