In the early morning hours of Monday, June 5, 2023, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a robbery at the Plaza Bar in Three Forks, Montana. Reports indicated that a subject entered the bar, sprayed the occupants with bear spray, stole money from behind the bar, and fled the scene in a vehicle. Witnesses described the offender as approximately 5 foot 8 inches with a light build wearing all black clothing. The vehicle was described as a light-colored hatchback SUV or van.

A total of eight people were treated for bear spray exposure. The investigation is ongoing at this time. Community members with information are encouraged to contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 406-582-2121. The establishment is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to a conviction of those responsible.

The term ‘superfood’ has been bandied about for a good few years now. It may well be the case that you are already fully aware of what superfoods actually are and the numerous benefits consuming more superfoods will afford your body.

However, if you have, if you are being honest, absolutely no clue what a superfood is, then you have definitely clicked on the right article.

Here is a beginner’s guide to superfoods.

What Exactly Constitutes a Superfood?

Essentially, for a foodstuff or, in some cases, a drink to be classed as a superfood, it generally needs to be a product that is highly nutritious and contains properties that help boost the overall health of the body, as well as individual organs specifically.

Foods with high contents of iron, protein, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants, and copper would all be good examples of a superfood.

Key Superfoods and Their Benefits

When wanting to introduce a new, healthier level to both your snacks throughout the day and your main meals, then it is important to make yourself aware of the main superfoods which are easily accessible, prepared, and consumed.

Key examples of superfoods and their associated benefits include:

Superfoods & Swallowing

If you are someone who is desperate to start eating healthier and to consume foods that not only serve to positively impact your physical health but also your emotional well-being too, yet periodically or constantly suffer from swallowing problems, then never fear. By far, the best way to try and beat dysphagia is to use a reputable brand of a thickening agent such as SimplyThick mix-in powder, which will allow the consumption of superfoods and, indeed, any other food or drink product to be slower and therefore easier to manage.

The Basic Rules of Superfoods

You may well be familiar with the phrase ‘eating the rainbow’, which directly applies to the types of food you choose to adorn your plate. You would not deliberately strive for an entirely beige-looking plate – often made up of processed food or carbohydrates. Instead, choose foods in different colors to create an edible rainbow on the plate.

Moreover, you should always bear in mind that all plants, food that naturally grows in the ground and is not tampered with prior to eating, are all classed as superfoods. As plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables grow in the ground, you are easily able to create a rainbow plate.

Finally, it is also important to be diverse in the types of superfoods you eat to ensure you are getting all you need in terms of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Even though you will have your favorite superfoods, you should eat as varied a healthy diet as possible.



In today’s culture, people still thought that grilling and barbecuing are the same probably because both have almost the same procedure for cooking meat over a fire.

To compare these concepts, we first understand the definitions. "Grill" can be translated from French as the verb "fry", and in English it is not only a noun denoting a type of thermal equipment but also a verb that denotes the work of cooking food on such equipment. 

In our language, this would sound like "grilling" and the process would be called "grilling". Barbecue also means the type of equipment, the cooking process, and the festive events dedicated to this process.

Both methods guarantee amazingly tasty food but if you compare grilling and barbecuing as ways to heat the product, there are a number of important differences and if you are a real grill chef, this really matters!

The main differences between a barbecue and a grill include:
• The temperature during the preparation of the product.
• Time and method of preparation.
• Using wood chips for smoking.
• Type, size, and weight of products.
• Type of equipment.

Let's look at specific examples.

Grill Features
"High & quick" is a concept that means fast cooking at high temperatures. As a rule, the direct cooking method is used, this is when the product is cooked in direct heat, directly over hot coals. Another type of fuel is also used, such as natural gas.

Temperature: Food is cooked in minutes using high heat, often in excess of 200°C / 400°F, depending on the food being used.
Time: The high temperature of the grill quickly brings the meat to readiness. The average grilling time is 5-20 minutes.
Products: The high temperature and cooking speed make the grill suitable for steaks, chops, racks of lamb, chicken pieces, seafood, fish, burgers, and vegetables.
Chips: Wood chips are rarely used on the Grill. This is due to the fact that at high temperatures, the chips quickly burn out without providing the required amount of smoke. 

In addition, wood at temperatures above 150°C releases harmful carcinogens that remain on the product. However, wood chips are used in a hybrid cooking method called grilling, a process similar to hot smoking.

BBQ Characteristics
"Low & slow" is a slow cooking method at relatively low temperatures using an indirect heating method. The heat source in this case is located either much lower or to the side of the meat or cut off with the help of special accessories. In modern grills, this is a ceramic, cast iron, or steel object that is installed between the grate and a heat source (coal, natural gas). Thus, the product located on the grate will be cooked from the reflected (indirect) heat. During cooking, the grill lid remains closed and the meat is cooked by thermal convection, where ambient heat circulates around the food.

Temperature: BBQ uses moderate temperatures in the range of 80-149°C (190-300°F). Agree, these figures are far from the temperatures of classic grilling!
Products: Barbecue uses large, non-premium cuts of meat such as shoulder, ham, neck, brisket, or ribs. Whole carcasses, such as a piglet, are suitable for this method. Goose, chicken, or turkey are great barbecues. These types of meat can be tough on classic grilling, so they need to cook for a long time. Taking a tough piece of meat and turning it into a tender, juicy culinary masterpiece is the true art of traditional barbecue.
Time: When cooking at low temperatures, the product cooks much longer. Cooking time is from 2 to 24 hours, depending on the weight and size of the product.
Chips: The smoke is the flavor or soul of the barbecue! This is what distinguishes barbecue from other types of cooking. Wood chips or sawdust produce fragrant smoke for a long period of time, always at low temperatures. 

Each type of wood chip for smoking gives its flavor. There are no clear restrictions on the choice of wood chips - this is a matter of taste. The most common raw material in the north of our country is alder, and in the south - fruit trees (cherry, pear, apple).  

Sauces, marinades, and spices. Despite the fact that most sauces are called barbecue, all sauces, spices, and seasonings are used both for barbecue and for grilling.

The bottom line is that grilling and barbecuing are two independent cooking methods. 

Grilling is the most ancient form of cooking a product. It is, in fact, a method of cooking directly on an open fire. Barbecue is a slow and long method of cooking food over an indirect fire. Due to their unique process and controlled temperature by Typhur inspired by cooking science, the product has time to absorb the constituent elements of smoke, sauce, and spices, making the finished dish juicy, tender, and fragrant.

The whole world loves barbecue and grill. Each country has its own characteristics. In the U.S., where barbecue culture is most developed, the gastronomic map is fantastically diverse: Texas favors beef, Kansas loves molasses-sweetened sauce, the Carolinas prefer hickory pork, and Kentucky worships smoked lamb. 

Even within the boundaries of one state, there are many micro-regional styles and the debate about what true barbecue is does not stop to this day - move away from the sacred mantra "Low & slow" and you will meet unrelenting wrath. 

Now it has become clear - "barbecue" and "grill" are not synonyms, it would be more correct to say that barbecue is the art of grilling - its pinnacle. Whichever term is used, one thing is certain - cooking over a fire creates incredibly flavorful and delicious results.

Be aware of changing and dangerous water conditions

HELENA – Escape the summer heat and enjoy a cool adventure over Father’s Day weekend, when everyone in Montana can fish for free.

While anyone can fish without a license on June 17-18, all other fishing rules and regulations are in effect and must be followed.

All would-be anglers are encouraged to be aware of boating and water safety on Montana’s rivers and streams. With recent heavy rains and snow runoff, many of Montana’s rivers and streams are swollen and dangerous.

To view current waterbody restrictions, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures.

Additionally, those with watercraft of any kind must remember to stop at all AIS inspection stations.

For water and boating safety tips, click on the Recreation tab at fwp.mt.gov and choose your activity. 

For more information on AIS, including how to locate your nearest inspection station, visit to www.cleandraindrymt.com

There’s a real art to proposing, and it’s unfortunate that most of us only get one shot to nail it. That means preparation is crucial, and not something you can afford to skip over.

To that end, here are the things you need to keep in mind as you plan a proposal that will echo through the ages.

Choosing the Perfect Moment: Timing Your Proposal

Picking the right time for your marriage proposal can make all the difference. A well-timed question ensures that both you and your girlfriend are in a positive mindset, creating an emotional atmosphere perfect for this life-changing moment. One key aspect to consider is selecting when she'll least expect it, making the event even more memorable.

Focus on significant moments in her life, such as special events or milestones that hold meaning for both of you. For example, plan around important dates like anniversaries or incorporate unforgettable surprises related to her interests. This way, presenting her with a stunning lab-grown diamond engagement ring from VRAI will not only symbolize commitment but also resonate deeply with shared experiences.

Remember that impeccable timing can create an experience filled with romance and intimacy, one that your partner will undoubtedly cherish (and brag about) for years to come!

The Art of Surprise: Creating a Unique and Unpredictable Atmosphere

A key aspect of an unforgettable marriage proposal lies in the element of surprise. Crafting a unique, unexpected ambiance will not only keep your girlfriend on her toes but also heighten the emotional impact when you finally pop the question.

To start with, be mindful of her preferences and expectations. While some may appreciate grand gestures in public settings, others could prefer intimate or private proposals. Strike a balance between incorporating meaningful elements without making it obvious that they're part of your plan. If you’re already familiar with event planning, it should be straightforward.

Consider working with confidantes to set up decoys, such as fake outing plans, to throw off suspicion further. Employ subtle cues like playing "your song" or including symbolic tokens leading up to that crucial moment.

By carefully curating unpredictability into every facet of your epic proposal plan, you'll create an atmosphere where anticipation builds naturally and leaves both you (and any potential witnesses) exhilarated by the outcome.

Location, Location, Location: Scouting Out Breathtaking Venues for Popping the Question

The venue you choose for your marriage proposal can play a significant role in setting the stage for this memorable occasion. Beyond creating an impressive backdrop and atmosphere, it should reflect your relationship's essence and hold emotional significance for both you and her.

Begin by considering locations that represent pivotal points in your love story, such as where you first met, shared unforgettable memories, or celebrated milestones together. Alternatively, opt for more scenic venues like secluded beaches if you travel to California, picturesque parks or enchanting rooftop settings overlooking breathtaking skylines

.Keep practical aspects in mind as well. Ensure the location is easily accessible to avoid unnecessary stress on this big day-traffic jams are hardly romantic! Also think about privacy levels according to her preference, from intimate proposals away from prying eyes to elaborate public reveals with friends and family nearby.

Ultimately, selecting an awe-inspiring venue shows your thoughtful planning efforts and heightens excitement when presenting that precious engagement ring, making it a moment she'll treasure forever.

Personal Touches That Matter: Incorporating Her Interests and Love Story into the Plan

To make your marriage proposal stand out, infuse every aspect of the event with personalized touches that speak directly to her heart. By showing attention to minute details like incorporating her hobbies or your love story highlights, you're creating a truly customized experience that she won't forget anytime soon.

Brainstorm ideas based on her favorite movies, books, or road trip destinations. Add subtlety, including poetry from a beloved author or a sweet serenade inspired by her favorite song, or really anything that evokes warm memories and sparks joy in her. Another simple yet highly effective way is weaving in nostalgia through cherished mementos or inside jokes unique to your relationship's history.

Incorporating these meaningful elements not only communicates just how much you've been paying attention but also helps deepen emotional connection during this monumental occasion. Your thoughtfully planned gestures will undoubtedly result in an absolutely unforgettable proposal.

Enlisting Friends and Family for a Heartfelt Group Effort

While marriage proposals can be intimate, one-on-one experiences, there's often something incredibly special about involving people close to your hearts. Enlist the help of friends and family in executing your epic proposal plan, and it'll not only add an extra element of surprise but also signify how important their presence is moving forward as a couple.

As you involve loved ones, consider the level of participation that best suits her personality. From surprising cameos or recorded messages to full-on flash mobs featuring everyone she adores, choose options that strike the perfect balance between heartfelt moments and overwhelming surprises.

Keep in mind that these valued participants should feel comfortable with their part. After all, this event touches on emotions not just for you two but also those who care deeply about your relationship's success. An overwhelmingly joyous group effort will make your girlfriend feel truly loved during such a monumental decision.

Capturing Memories Forever: Organizing Photography or Video to Cherish the Event

Preserving the emotions and reactions during a marriage proposal is priceless, allowing both you and your girlfriend to look back on this heartfelt moment for years to come. By arranging professional photography or videography services in advance, you can relax knowing that these magical memories will be captured flawlessly.

When choosing a photographer or videographer, consider their style and abilities in capturing candid shots, as genuine emotion makes for the most touching keepsakes. Ensure they're discreet enough not to spoil the surprise but remain ready to seize every vital instant.

Alternatively, enlisting friends or family members with artistic talents can add an intimate touch as well. Regardless of who documents this eventful day, whether you’re hiring professionals or relying on loved ones' skills, making sure it's recorded beautifully means reliving those emotions anytime while also sharing them with future generations as your love story continues.

The Last Word on Epic Proposals

While planning is important, don’t get too bogged down in the details as the day approaches. Listen to your heart, and always think of your girlfriend’s personality and tastes, to make good choices here.

Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts is working hard to bring back The Bite of Bozeman. However, vendor participation is needed for this beloved event to return to Downtown Bozeman. Sweet Pea Festival must receive a substantial number of vendor commitments by July 2, 2023, for The Bite of Bozeman to take place. With enough vendors, The Bite of Bozeman will be held rain or shine on historic Main Street in downtown Bozeman Wednesday, August 2, 2023, from 5:00PM-8:00PM, and will feature local food, live music, and the fun of dining in the middle of Main Street.

What’s different about this year’s planned The Bite of Bozeman? Vendors will be offering small “bites” of their most popular dishes for the price of $5 per bite. The smaller offerings will expedite service, thereby allowing patrons to visit multiple vendors to sample a variety of food from some of Bozeman’s best restaurants. Vendors may also include additional menu offerings at prices they establish. Also new this year, The Bite of Bozeman will include a competition. Each vendor will display a unique QR Code. Patrons can scan the QR Code to cast their vote for “The People’s Choice Best Bite of Bozeman.” Winning vendors will get bragging rights and receive a one-year, quarterly advertisement in Distinctly Montana. The Bite of Bozeman is a free, family-friendly event open to the public.

If you are a food vendor and would like to be part of this iconic event, please apply via the Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts website: https://sweetpeafestival.org/sweetpea-events/.  For more information contact Sweet Pea Festival of Arts at (406) 586-4003. 

ABOUT SWEET PEA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS:

The Sweet Pea Festival is a three-day festival of the arts held in Bozeman, Montana, since 1978. Festival dates are always the first full weekend in August with other events, such as Chalk on the Walk starting off the festivities of Sweet Pea Week.  The Festival includes everything from music, theatre and dance to children’s activities, an Artist Marketplace with artists from Bozeman and around the country, and adult painting workshops. The Sweet Pea Festival is committed to its mission statement of “promoting and cultivating the arts.”

Hundreds of volunteers run and organize this annual event, a testament to the community’s desire for its ongoing success. All monies raised above what is needed to operate the Festival are given back to the community in the form of grants for the arts, art education, and special projects in the Bozeman area.``

HELENA – Going fishing soon? Don’t forget your camera. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wants to feature your fun on the next fishing regulations booklet. Winners will see their work on the front and back cover of the 2024 fishing regulation booklet.

Think beyond the brag board. We’re looking for unique or unusual photos, perhaps a state record fish or a fish never previously seen on the cover. Help FWP show what diverse fish can be found in Montana.

Photo contest:

• Photo must be vertical (portrait) mode, or suitable for tight vertical cropping to fit the available space on the regs cover.
• Photo must be a minimum resolution and size of 6 inches tall at 300 pixels-per-inch.
• FWP will feature your name on the front cover as credit. Please specify how you would like to be credited.
• Please include a short description of the photo, so we can provide some caption information.
• Ownership of the photo is retained by the photographer, who may use his/her image for other purposes.
• Please do not send photos of fish that have been mounted.
• Photo must be taken in Montana.

Art contest

• Kids 12 and younger are invited to submit a colored drawing of a fish that lives in Montana.

Please send in your best photo and drawing today! Email to fwpphotocontest@mt.gov. Deadline is Oct. 15.

Winners will receive their photo on the cover, a subscription to Montana Outdoors Magazine and a Montana Outdoors t-shirt.​

Go fish!

ENNIS – A hunter killed a grizzly bear in self-defense last week in the Madison Range southeast of Ennis.

The person was hunting black bears in a remote parcel of private land in the backcountry on June 5 when he was charged by a grizzly bear. The hunter shot and killed the bear with a pistol and was not injured.

The hunter notified Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks the same day. Officials from FWP, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest conducted a field investigation with help from the landowner and confirmed the bear mortality. The investigation is ongoing.

The bear’s behavior appeared to be defensive in the surprise, close encounter with the hunter. The 15-year-old female grizzly had previously been captured for research purposes in 2013 and had no known history of conflict with people. No cubs were seen with the bear. The bear died outside the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear recovery zone, and inside the demographic monitoring area.

Be bear aware

Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year.

Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so.
• Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.
• Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.

Hunting in places that have or may have grizzly bears—which includes areas of Montana west of Billings—requires special precautions:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Look for bear sign and be cautious around creeks and areas with limited visibility.
• Hunt with a group of people. Making localized noise can alert bears to your presence.
• Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.
• Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game and remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible.
• If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during processing, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards.
• Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Services, and Native American tribes. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

For more information and resources on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear.

Celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed 33 years ago on July 26, 1990.
 
In honor of this historic civil rights law, the City of Bozeman is celebrating this anniversary throughout the month of July!
 
The City is welcoming the disability community to participate in four Community Chats throughout the month. If you are someone who identifies as having a disability, these chats are for you! You will have the opportunity to participate in engaging dialogue with City staff where you can share what it is like living with a disability in Bozeman through your stories and lived experiences. You’ll also have the opportunity to share your thoughts on what inclusivity in Bozeman means to you and provide suggestions on how we as a community can shape Bozeman into a city where we all thrive and feel a sense of belonging.

 
This month-long celebration is a part of a larger Belonging in Bozeman plan. You can learn more about this plan and sign up to participate in a Community Chat at: engage.bozeman.net/belonging.

BOZEMAN — The Science Math Resource Center at Montana State University, a STEM outreach center housed in the Department of Education, is offering free citizen science kits to 10 Montana programs that serve middle school students. Applications are due Friday, June 23, and kits will be sent to successful applicants immediately afterward. Programs are asked to use the materials by Sept. 30 and fill out a short post-program survey.

Each kit includes a video tutorial, instructor's guide and physical materials to complete two citizen science projects from instructions online: one on Alzheimer's disease and another on relationships between the eye and the brain. Programs may keep all the supplies for future use. No prior experience teaching STEM content is necessary.

Citizen science is the practice of people of any age volunteering to contribute data and observations that help professional scientists solve real-world challenges. The activities in the kit are connected to two national online citizen science projects: StallCatchers, which helps accelerate Alzheimer’s research, and Eyewire, which is helping scientists create a detailed map of neurons in the brain.

The kits are supported by the MSU Outreach and Engagement Council as part of its seed grant program to promote engagement with external partners, improve quality of life and benefit the public. MSU student Chloe Moreland, a senior from Snoqualmie, Washington pursuing degrees in cell biology and neuroscience and English, created the kits.

To apply, visit www.montana.edu/smrc/citizenscience.html.