Come check out over 190 artists and non-profits at the first annual Bozeman Spring MADE fair at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse May 6-7, 2022.

The NEW Bozeman Spring MADE fair is fast approaching on May 6-7, just in time for finding the perfect Mother’s Day gift, and we are excited to connect artists with the Gallatin Valley community once again. Shop and discover a curated collection of over 190 local and regional artists. You can expect to see everything from affordable, functional works of art to fine heirloom pieces at the show. Make a day of it with your friends and enjoy strolling the aisles and supporting your local artists. Visit our website for additional details and pre-shop all of the participating artists.

Those interested in a head start on their shopping can purchase a $10 VIP Pass for the Friday Night Preview, valid 7 pm- 9 pm, or an Early Bird $5 Pass valid for 9 am-10 am, an hour before the show opens to the public. Get a solid head start and the best selection with all proceeds going to Hopa Mountain, a local non-profit that invests in rural and tribal citizen leaders who are improving education, ecological health, and economic development. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

The MADE fair is a modern art & handcrafted market featuring local & regional artists and makers. Our events are a curated collection of skilled artisans as well as a handful of non-profits. The MADE fair’s mission is to increase awareness of handmade goods as an alternative to mass-produced items and support local and regional small craft businesses by providing a place to sell their goods. We provide opportunities to artists of all levels—from hobbyists to seasoned professionals. The MADE fairs are presented by handMADE Montana—the recently named Retailer of the Year Award by the Made in Montana program.

Event Details

Date: May 6-7, 2022
FRIDAY: 7pm-9pm : $10 VIP PASS
SATURDAY: 9am-10am $5 EARLY BIRD PASS
10AM-4PM : FREE ENTRY

Location: Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Bozeman, Montana
Cost: Free Entry/Parking*
Please bring a bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.

*VIP passes can be purchased online. There is a limited number available. https://www.tickettailor.com/events/handmademontana/643890

BOZEMAN – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds anglers of new fishing regulations that are in effect for the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted the new regulations last year to help preserve existing brown trout in the two rivers, where populations have declined in some reaches in recent years.

Anglers should consult the complete list of regulations for these and other waterbodies in the current fishing regulations booklets, which can be found at fwp.mt.gov and anywhere fishing licenses are sold.

Some of the regulations for the Big Hole River include:

From Dickie Bridge to the mouth, artificial lures and single-pointed hooks only. No treble or double hooks. Anglers may remove treble or double hooks from the lure and replace them with a single hook, or the shanks may be cut off to leave a single hook. Lures with multiple hook attachments may still be used, but any treble hook must be replaced by a single hook.

From Dickie Bridge to the Bureau of Land Management’s Maiden Rock Boat Launch, brown trout fishing is catch-and-release only, and rainbow trout fishing is catch-and-release only from Dec. 1 to the third Saturday in May.

From the BLM Maiden Rock Boat Launch to Brownes Bridge Fishing Access Site, fishing is open only from April 1 through Sept. 30. Fishing for brown trout in this reach is catch-and-release only.

From Brownes Bridge FAS to the mouth, brown trout fishing is catch-and-release only, and rainbow trout fishing is catch-and-release only from Dec. 1 to the third Saturday in May.

Some of the regulations for the Beaverhead River include:

The same regulations on artificial lures and single-pointed hooks mentioned above apply to the entire Beaverhead River.

In the entire Beaverhead River, rainbow trout harvest is limited to one daily and in possession, and brown trout fishing is catch-and-release only.

From Clark Canyon Dam to Pipe Organ Bridge, fishing is open only from the third Saturday in May through Oct. 31.

For more information, visit fwp.mt.gov/fish/regulations.

Often classified in the “good debt” category, student loans can help young people establish a credit history—when they’re paid responsibly. While there are other ways to boost your credit score safely, student loans allow you to make a significant financial commitment every month.

The Many Ways Student Loans Impact Your Credit

Like other financial products, student loans appear on your credit report. Credit companies use this report to calculate your credit scores, meaning certain actions can affect your credit.

Student Loans are Considered Installment Loans (Like Mortgages)

Whether you get a student loan from the government or a private student loan from SoFi, student loans are considered installment loans. This puts student loans in the same category as car loans or mortgages, which are paid off in a similar way within a set period.

With installment loans, the borrower will pay back the principal amount (or the amount initially borrowed) plus whatever interest is incurred. Once the loan is completely paid off, it closes and can’t be used. This is different from revolving credit, like credit cards, which remain open.

Student Loans Influence Your Debt-to-Credit and Debt-to-Income Ratio

Debt to credit ratio describes your utilized credit compared to what’s still available for you to use. Since student loans aren’t revolving, your debt to credit ratio will remain high until you take out other credit types—for example, a credit card with a $5,000 limit that you don’t use.

If you don’t rack up your $5,000 credit card, you’ll have $5,000 of credit to use versus whatever you used on your student loan. You can typically apply for a credit card with a 650+ credit score.

On the other hand, your debt-to-income ratio describes the debt you owe divided by your income. If you have no income, your debt-to-income ratio will skyrocket. This ratio is a big reason why a lot of Americans can’t apply for credit, even with a high credit score.

If you already have a loan and you’re looking for other forms of credit, your current student loan will affect how much you can borrow and how likely you are to pay your debt back.

Student Loans Can Appear on Credit Reports While in School

Usually, you’ll start paying your student loans after you graduate. However, most bank loans will appear on your credit report, even when you’re in deferment. For this reason, it’s a good idea to start making payments while at school because it keeps your credit in good standing.

Not only that, but you’ll also avoid incurring more interest on your loan. By making a lump sum payment when you graduate, you can reduce the amount of interest you’ll pay overall.

If you qualify for a forbearance or deferment after you graduate, keep in mind that this won’t affect your credit. Since it’s a momentary pause on your loans, you don’t have to pay interest, although it still incurs. If possible, make a lump sum payment after you start making payments.

Student Loans Are Easy to Pay Off With a Payment Plan

If you want to pay off your loan as soon as possible but you’re not sure if you can manage it, stick to the payment plan the lender provided. You’ll need to know how much you’re supposed to pay each month, so you can keep payments down and keep your credit score high.

However, if you can’t afford your minimum monthly payments, ask your lender to extend your payment period. Although you will increase the total interest on your loan, you’ll avoid the negative consequences of having bad credit. You can always change the payment period later.

BOZEMAN — A short documentary about buffalo restoration on Montana tribal lands has been released as part of a grant collaboration between Fort Peck Community College and Montana State University. 

In 2012, a small herd of buffalo from Yellowstone National Park were transferred to the Fort Peck Reservation in northeastern Montana, marking the first time genetically pure buffalo had roamed that region in over 100 years. The approximately 45-minute documentary describes how the transfer took place — from the near extinction of the buffalo to the agreements that brought them to the Fort Peck Reservation. It also highlights how Fort Peck is honoring and upholding the Buffalo Treaty, an agreement between various tribes seeking to celebrate their deep-seated relation to the buffalo and restore herds to the lands they used to roam. 

The film, called “Honoring the Buffalo Treaty at Fort Peck,” is one outcome of a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, “Collaborative Research and Strategic Planning for Fort Peck Inter-Tribal Buffalo Treaty Implementation,” that Fort Peck Community College and MSU recently completed. Roxann Smith, director of the Chanté Project at Fort Peck Community College, was the principal investigator. MSU collaborators were Brianna Routh, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Development and food and family specialist with MSU Extension; Michelle Grocke, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Human Development and health and wellness specialist with MSU Extension; and Elizabeth Bird, project development and grants specialist in the College of Education, Health and Human Development.  

The documentary was crafted from original interviews and other materials by SmokeSignal Studios and colleagues on the Fort Peck reservation, and it was co-funded by the USDA grant and the Fort Peck Community College Chanté Project. It is available at youtube.com/watch?v=UvF_flZTE5Q&t=0s. 

On April 23rd, Cactus Records and Gifts, like thousands of independent shops around the globe, will celebrate Record Store Day, but if you head to downtown Bozeman in search of this audiophile hoedown, you won’t find it; the party has moved a couple of miles west.

Cactus Records and Gifts, a downtown institution for half a century, was forced to move when its iconic space at 29 West Main was put on sale for an asking price roughly equivalent to the total cost of 65,000 Olivia Rodrigo records.

As tourists sighed and locals cried at the news of Cactus’ departure, long-time owner Mike “Bueno” Good and his devoted staff have moved thousands of records, t-shirts, stickers, posters, incense burners, and miscellaneous “weirdo store” paraphernalia to the store’s new home at 2742 West Main, between the Montana Science Center and Rook’s Games, across the street from the Gallatin Valley Mall.

Asked to describe moving the store he has owned for more than 20 years, Bueno quipped, “$@%&*!!, $%#!@* $%#^&@!!!”

In March, after executing the record store equivalent of Hannibal marching elephants over the Alps, the new Cactus doors were unlocked for the shop’s “soft opening,” with MSU students and long-time regulars streaming in to shop used CDs out of unpacked boxes and once again score their vinyl fixes from the reincarnated store-in-progress.

Cactus General Manager Michal Madeline described the move as “… a kick in the complacency. I would never have moved if we didn’t have to, but it’s been amazing to start fresh. Our staff and volunteers proved that an impossible project wasn’t, and our neighbors at the new space have already done so much to make us feel at home.”

Cactus will have its Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, April 23rd, a date which, appropriately enough, coincides with Record Store Day, a worldwide event celebrating independent record stores and their unique cultural contributions. Live in-store performances by local musicians and other surprises will round out a day that features rare recordings, special releases, and re-issued classics by artists including Art Blakey, Cypress Hill, Devo, Alice in Chains, the Everly Brothers, Taylor Swift, experimental rock legends Gong and, literally, hundreds more.  A complete list of the releases can be found at https://recordstoreday.com/SpecialReleases?view=all

Bueno and company are looking forward to welcoming customers to the new Cactus store, while offering the same hospitality, service, and shared love of alternative culture and music that have always defined this local treasure.

“I came in as a new employee when the move was already underway,” Dennis Miller, Jr. reflected, “and it ended up being the craziest, most exciting six weeks. I realized we weren’t just moving records and merchandise, but recreating the Cactus community in the new space.”

You can find out more about Cactus or shop online at www.cactusrecords.net. Or if the idea of calling a business that still has actual humans answering the phone thrills, give them a call at (406) 587-0245. 

Are you an avid traveler and an avid cannabis user? Do you want to find the best way to combine the two? You should know the top 4 travel destinations for cannabis.

Cannabis was incredibly illegal in the past, be it for consumption, possession, or even sale and transport. However, this is not the case in many places around the world anymore, and many of these places have taken advantage of this to improve their tourism sector.

So, picking a foreign destination suitable for cannabis consumers is very important. Traveling for cannabis lovers is now more practical than ever, with the existence of portable vaporizers that you can find here and travel-friendly grinders. Not to mention, some of these destinations have some of the best cannabis activities to participate in while you are there.

That said, consider choosing one of these four destinations for your next cannabis vacation.

Amsterdam

Most of the destinations on this list are countries. However, first up, we have a city with as much to offer in terms of cannabis as a whole country could. Amsterdam is known to cannabis lovers as one of the best places in the world if they’re looking for a unique experience.

In Amsterdam, you can visit cafes. But rather than just being coffee shops, they also offer a variety of different cannabis products. Many restaurants and bars also allow the consumption of cannabis on their premises. However, the consumption of cannabis is still illegal in public spaces. In this case, public spaces literally mean outside.

Chile

Moving on down our list, the next country that we will look at in terms of cannabis travel is Chile. Chile has been rated as the second most popular country in South America regarding cannabis travel, and there is absolutely no surprise why.

South America is known to have its fair share of dealings with marijuana, and Chile is no exception. Although the sale and transport of weed are technically still very much illegal in Chile, it is allowed to be consumed in a private residence. And as the country with the highest per capita use of cannabis, you should be able to come across it fairly easily, too. You just need to know who to ask.

Sri Lanka

Leading up the 3rd place spot on our list, we have the country of Sri Lanka. While in Sri Lanka, the beautiful southern Asian country located by the Indian ocean, you may want to enjoy a relaxing day as a stoner.

It is vital to take note of the laws and regulations surrounding cannabis within the country, these being the fact that you can only buy it medicinally from various herbal shops. However, it is incredibly easy to come by and not as difficult to buy as it is in other countries.

In Sri Lanka, the consumption of cannabis is actually tied to traditional medicines and spiritual celebrations, which make it much more special. You can experience a whole new side of cannabis and learn how the locals in Sri Lanka consume it in their culture.

Nova Scotia, Canada

Last but certainly not least, we have Nova Scotia, Canada. Nova Scotia is a whole province within Canada, and they have a lot to offer when it comes to cannabis and cannabis tourism. They have an incredibly lively and fun cannabis culture for anyone to take advantage of.

It has everything from a wide array of government and privately owned stores, cannabis activities and experiences, and some of the best restaurants for your post-pot snack or munchies meal. This is truly a great place to visit if you are looking for a fun and adventurous cannabis vacation while traveling internationally.

HELENA – Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was detected in a snow goose from Canyon Ferry and a Canada goose near Belgrade last week. HPAI was detected earlier this month in domestic poultry in Judith Basin and Cascade counties. Several more birds from around the state are currently undergoing testing for the virus.

Avian influenza (AI) virus is a naturally occurring virus in birds. AI viruses are classified into two groups, based on the severity of disease they cause in infected poultry. Low pathogenic AI viruses generally cause no clinical illness or only minor symptoms in birds. HPAI viruses are extremely infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds.

Detection of HPAI in Newfoundland and Labrador in eastern Canada was announced in December 2021. Since it was first detected in the eastern United States in January 2022, it has spread to all four bird migration flyways, including the Central and Pacific flyways which include parts of Montana.  This is the first time since 2015 that HPAI has been detected in Montana, when it was identified in a captive gyrfalcon and then shortly afterward in a backyard poultry flock in Judith Basin County.

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers the risk of HPAI spread to humans to be very low, Montanans should take precautions when handling game birds or any sick or dead bird they find. Whenever possible, avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife. Even if a bird is not suspected to have died from a contagious disease, gloves should always be worn if a dead animal must be handled for disposal.

The public is encouraged to report unusual or unexplained cases of sickness and/or death of wild birds by calling their local wildlife biologist or the wildlife lab in Bozeman at 406-577-7880 or 406-577-7882.

Bird hunters and those who maintain bird feeders should follow these simple precautions when processing or handling wild game:
• Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
• Wear disposable latex or rubber gloves while cleaning game or cleaning bird feeders.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning game.
• People and equipment that have been in contact with wild game birds should avoid contact with backyard poultry flocks.
• Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately after handling game or cleaning bird feeders.
• Wash tools and work surfaces used to clean game birds with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach—one part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water.
• Separate raw meat, and anything it touches, from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination.
• Cook game meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
• Wild birds don’t need supplemental feed this time of year. Taking feeders down prevents concentrations of birds that sometimes lead to disease transmission.

For more information on AI in wild birds, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/diseases/avian-influenza, or visit the USGS website at https://www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/avian-influenza-surveillance.

(BOZEMAN, MT)—In a garage at Fifth and Cleveland, one of Bozeman’s most beloved musicians, John Hermanson of folk duo Storyhill, is working with wood.

He’s building his new high-performance “Limber Bows” brand of recurved trekking poles from layers of ash, hickory, ipe, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. One pair at a time.

He patented the unusual shoulder-height, recurved design while hiking in the Cascades, where he discovered that a semicircular limb, when used as a pole, put an extra spring in his step.

“Basically, it’s all about kinetic energy,” says the son of MSU physics chair Dr. John Hermanson, Sr. “The height lifts your posture, while the curves absorb shock and give you a push. As a result, you’re a more limber hiker, and your stamina increases.”

Trekking is only the most obvious application. Limber Bows are also useful on skis, in the yoga studio, for stretching and physical therapy, and for any number of hangs, as Hermanson’s videos at limberbows.com attest.

“As soon as people see them in action,” says Hermanson, “they understand the benefits and opportunities intuitively.”

Available to order at an “heirloom” price point at Schnee’s Boots (June – Aug) and limberbows.com, Hermanson will continue making bows by hand until demand is sufficient to warrant the engineering of a collapsibility component, and, eventually, mass-production. Already his current model has sold to customers in several states.

Cryptocurrencies are becoming more and more popular every day. Many experts believe that they will become even more mainstream in the next few years. If you're curious about the crypto trends to watch in 2022, keep reading! We will discuss some of the most important things you need to know. We'll also provide a few predictions for how the cryptocurrency market will progress over the next few years.

 
1. Bitcoin Prices in the Crypto Market
 
Bitcoin prices have been on a roller coaster ride over the past year, and the crypto market has been volatile. However, several factors could impact crypto prices soon. For one, the coronavirus pandemic has led to an increase in demand for digital assets like bitcoin. More people are investing in bitcoin as a haven asset during economic uncertainty. In addition, major corporations like Square and PayPal have begun to allow customers to purchase and hold bitcoin on their platforms, leading to more mainstream adoption of the digital currency.

 
2. Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
 
Decentralized finance, often called DeFi, is a growing ecosystem of financial protocols built on the Ethereum blockchain. By harnessing the power of smart contracts, DeFi protocols provide a wide range of financial services that were previously only available through centralized institutions. These include everything from lending and borrowing platforms to stablecoins andtokenized BTC.

By deploying immutable code on Ethereum, DeFi protocols can offer these services trustless and permissionless. Users can access these services without going through a go-between and don't have to worry about censorship or KYC/AML compliance. As the DeFi ecosystem grows, it's expected to provide a more accessible, efficient, and fair financial system.

 
3. Blockchain in the Metaverse
 
In a world where digital tokens can be used to purchase everything from land to art, it's no surprise that blockchain is being used to create entire virtual universes. The Metaverse is a term used to describe a shared virtual space where users can interact with each other and create content. Unlike traditional video games, the Metaverse is not limited by the laws of physics, allowing users to experiment with new forms of expression and creativity.

 
Blockchain provides the perfect infrastructure for the Metaverse, as it allows for the creation of secure digital assets that can be bought, sold, or traded on decentralized exchanges. In addition, blockchain can create unique identities for avatars, providing a level of security and privacy not possible in the real world. As the Meta

 
4. Multiplication of Bitcoin ATMs
 
The number of Bitcoin ATMs has exploded in recent years, with more than 8,000 machines now in operation worldwide. It represents a ten-fold increase from just two years ago when only 800 Bitcoin ATMs were in existence. These machines are located in North America, with nearly 6,000 ATMs in the United States and Canada.

Europe is home to the second-largest number of Bitcoin ATMs, with 1,500 machines. Asia currently has the third-highest density of Bitcoin ATMs, although this is likely to change in the coming years as the region continues to experience rapid economic growth. The proliferation of Bitcoin ATMs is a sign of the growing mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrency.

 
5. NFTs
 
Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are a type of cryptocurrency that represents a unique digital asset. NFTs are often used to represent art, music, or other collectibles. One of the most popular applications for NFTs is in the gaming industry, where they are used to represent in-game items.
 
Conclusion
 
The cryptocurrency world is constantly changing and evolving. It's essential to be aware of the latest trends. Some of the trends we'll be watching in 2022 include decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), stablecoins, and Bitcoin. Keep an eye out for these trends.

Bozeman, MT— From April 23-30 the City of Bozeman is sponsoring its annual Bozeman CleanUp Week through partnership with the Solid Waste Division, Neighborhoods and Sustainability Programs. Come rain or shine residents are encouraged to tackle trash and debris from a long winter to beautify Bozeman. CleanUp Week will be kicked off at the Gallatin Valley Earth Day festival on April 23rd in collaboration with partners across the city.

The City of Bozeman has coordinated this event locally for 34 years and successfully mobilizes hundreds of volunteers of all ages from community organizations, local businesses, and government agencies each year. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up online at www.bozeman.net/cleanup!

CleanUp kits will be provided and include gloves, vests, yellow bags, and instructions. Interested community members may opt for delivery of cleanup kits to their group or organization ahead of CleanUp Week, OR groups can pick up kits at the Gallatin Valley Earth Day Festival at the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture on Saturday, April 23 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Along with the CleanUp Kits, participants of CleanUp Week will also be given a choice to pick a location or provided ideas for a clean-up location. Participants are welcome to clean up your area any time from April 23-30 and City of Bozeman Solid Waste will take care of the yellow bags left behind.

Sustainability Program Specialist Ali Chipouras says, “This time of year everyone starts to see the litter and dog waste that surfaces after snow melt. CleanUp Week is a great opportunity to work together to build community, keep our waterways clean, and give Bozeman a spring cleaning.”

In addition to Bozeman CleanUp Week, Gallatin Valley Earth Day is hosting events throughout the month of April including online film screenings, in person and online speakers, a fun run, fix-it clinic, and more. The main events include the Water for Earth speaker series on April 22nd with keynote speakers Dr. Shane Doyle and Todd Wilkinson and the Earth Day Festival on April 23rd. To learn more visit www.gallatinvalleyearthday.org.

Join us in cleaning up Bozeman! This activity is free and open to the public. Kits will be available for pick-up on April 23 regardless of weather. For more information visit www.bozeman.net/cleanup