Predictable listing descriptions. Mediocre social posts. Dull flyers. We're bored of them — and so are your potential buyers. So, it's time to get creative. There are unlimited ways to think outside the box when marketing your home, even when selling traditionally in Bozeman. From promotional videos to postcards to not-so-recognized national holidays, we've rounded up the top three creative tips and tricks for you to attract buyers' attention, no matter the market.

Stick with us to find out how to sell your home quickly with a bit of ingenuity.

1. Short-and-Sweet Promotional Video

Buyers' attention spans are shorter than ever (we've got the likes of TikTok to thank for that). So, a short highlight-style video featuring your home's best parts is a great way to get much-needed eyeballs on your listing.

According to the socially savvy experts at Hootsuite, the ideal video length for each platform is as follows:
Instagram — one minute for feed videos, 15 seconds for stories, and 15 to 60 seconds for reels
TikTok — seven to 15 seconds
Twitter — 44 seconds
YouTube — two minutes
LinkedIn — 30 seconds maximum
Snapchat — seven seconds
Pinterest — six to 15 seconds

Aside from the duration, consider your theme based on the type of home you have and the buyer you want to attract. Sometimes funny, music-based videos work best, whereas aerial overviews and a home tour might be better in your case. Even when you are selling a messy property, video promotions can still attract more engagement and eyeballs to your listing. You can even sell a hoarder house with the right filming and editing. People shop online now more than ever. This includes home buyers! Go where the buyers are and promote your home through short but catchy videos.

2. Send Postcards with Added Value

This one might be a little controversial, considering many people are fed up with the seemingly endless streams of junk mail through their mailboxes. But the trick is to add value. How do you do that, we hear you ask? Well, put yourself in your potential buyer's shoes. If you would throw out the postcard advertising your home, it's likely they will too. Aim to split your postcard — have one side for your property details and the other for extra value.

This value we keep talking about comes in many forms, including:
• A custom crossword puzzle
• A list of upcoming local events 
• A recipe next to a photograph of your kitchen
• A list of must-watch movies next to a picture of your living or theater room

You're bound to survive the bin-tossing mail-sorting process this way. For homeowners that need to sell their houses quickly because they are on a time crunch, these creative marketing efforts can go a long way in attracting the right buyer. Many people need a quick home sale because of a job relocation or job loss. When time is of the essence, it’s vital that you try all creative outlets on the table to find a buyer quickly.

3. Host an Open House on Whacky National Holidays

Companies publish exclusive offers on well-recognized national holidays. So, why not do the same with your property listing but push the boat out and find some oddball celebrations to take advantage of? Whether it's Earth Day, National Origami Day, or National Cheeseburger Day, use the situation to promote your home. You can showcase your garden, point potential buyers toward the local craft store, or advertise the best burger joints near you. The possibilities are endless!

Everywhere, MT – Charitable nonprofit organizations operate in every county and in all Tribal Nations in Montana. They provide essential services, support Montana’s quality of life, and partner with government to uphold the state’s social safety net. Notably, 11.4% of Montanans work for charitable nonprofits as frontline workers, guardians of community well-being, and economic drivers. They bring community-based, people-centered solutions, and lighten the burdens of government, taxpayers, and society as a whole. That is why Montana Nonprofit Association (MNA) is inviting nonprofit professionals from across Montana and beyond to GATHER, it’s 2022 Annual Conference which will take place online, September 21-23, and in-person, in Helena, September 28-29.

While many government entities, private businesses, and some nonprofit organizations had to shut down during the pandemic, the majority of Montana’s 2,200 nonprofit employers remained in service to meet the challenges of the times. Rather than slowing down or shutting down these past two years, Montana’s nonprofits ramped up their services due to high demand, innovated their operations to navigate the economic downturn, and continue to be resilient in the face of a major workforce shortage and housing crisis. This year’s conference, GATHER, is a time for the nonprofit community to pause and take stock, honor the experiences of the last two years, refuel for the road ahead, and appreciate that collective presence has power. Together, nonprofits are a force for the common good in Montana. 

 
This year’s MNA conference is hybrid to offer both online and in-person learning and growth opportunities for not just individuals but the entire team. It is built for nonprofit people by nonprofit people and features nationally acclaimed thought leaders, deep-dive workshops on trending nonprofit topics, a panel discussion with admired Montana nonprofit leaders, a never-before-seen film screening celebrating Montana’s nonprofit sector, and much more. Whether in-person, online, or both, Montana’s nonprofit professionals will GATHER.

 
The event will feature the following virtual keynote speakers:
 
Kishshana Palmer – CEO of an acclaimed development firm focused on helping everyday leaders live well and lead well. Her work centers on equity, social justice, and practical solutions for today’s nonprofits.
 
Laura van Dernoot Lipsky – Widely recognized leader in the field of trauma exposure, founder of The Trauma Steward Institute, and author The Age of Overwhelm, Laura’s work involves assisting communities in the aftermath of tragedies such as fatal storms and mass shootings.
 
Amy Sample Ward – CEO of NTEN, a nonprofit creating a world where missions and movements are more successful through the skillful and equitable use of technology.
 
Afua Bruce – Leading technologist working at the intersection of technology, policy, and society.
 
The MNA Conference is built for those new to work, seasoned leaders, board members, and all those between. For a full conference agenda and to register, visit www.mtnonprofit.org/conference or call 406-449-3717.


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MNA believes Montana’s vitality and livability depend on a thriving nonprofit sector. We are working toward a future where nonprofits have the resources needed to fulfill their missions, are strategically connected with one another and with partners in business and government and are recognized and celebrated for their contributions to the quality of life in Montana’s communities. For more information, contact us or go to mtnonprofit.org.

Gallatin County is teaming up with Express Employment Professionals in Bozeman to host two career fairs highlighting the wonderful career opportunities county government has to offer.

Make a difference in your community working for a well-functioning county government, and receive an excellent benefits package too!

The career fairs will include pizza, snacks, fun swag, on-the-sot tours, and a chance to win Bridger Bowl ski passes!

The fairs will be:

• Wednesday, Sept. 21 at the Gallatin County Courthouse (311 W. Main St. in Bozeman)
• Thursday, Sept. 22 at the Law and Justice Center (615 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman)

Both fairs run from 10 AM to 2 PM each day.

Gallatin County has over 100 job openings in departments ranging from 911 dispatch and the detention center, to the Gallatin Rest Home and Logan Landfill, and many more. All current job postings can be found at this link.

Job seekers who have questions about the upcoming career fairs can call or text Express Employment at 406-587-0388.

Money is tight for a lot of people right now, and if you’re reliant on your car to get to your job and to fulfill other everyday responsibilities, finding ways to save on motoring costs is a must. By taking on board the following tips, you’ll be able to make savings and still benefit from the convenience and freedom that car ownership brings.

Find cheap fuel nearby

As gas prices creep up and the cost of living increases, filling your tank can be a stressful, expensive process. Luckily there are lots of apps like GasBuddy, Waze, and WEX Connect, which can point you towards the cheapest fuel in your area. You could find that by driving a little further to a different gas station than usual, you can save a hefty chunk of change at the pumps.

Take the bus

Public transport is often more affordable for certain journeys than using a car, especially if you’re only traveling short distances. And with new bus routes being added regularly, you might find that there’s a quick and cost-effective way to get where you need to go that doesn’t involve jumping behind the wheel of an automobile.

Carry out preventive maintenance

Carrying out regular maintenance on your car is more frugal than ignoring the need to keep it in good condition until it breaks down altogether. Preventive maintenance means being proactive to keep a car on the road, and you’ll find it’s more affordable to keep it in tip-top condition with smaller payments more frequently, rather than facing big one-off repair bills every few years.

Look for a cheaper car insurance deal

Sites like cheapinsurance.com make it easier than ever to find a good deal on car insurance. You can compare quotes from different providers, see what other perks and add-ons are available at your price point, and make the switch to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year.

Switch to a more efficient vehicle

Gas-guzzling cars are falling out of fashion, and it’s not just to do with fears around climate change and carbon emissions. More than ever, fossil fuel costs are becoming an issue for motorists, so switching from a large, thirsty model to a more frugal, compact alternative is increasingly attractive.

Better yet, if you’ve got the money to spare then buying an electric vehicle rather than one with a combustion engine is a good move.

There are upfront and ongoing costs, of course. But if you don’t ever have to visit a gas station and gawp at the prices, but can instead cheaply recharge your car at home, the long-term savings will be worth it.

Buy a newer car

This ties into a few of the tips we’ve mentioned so far, but if you’re hanging onto an older model vehicle because you think it’s the more economical option, this might be your downfall.

Not only are older models less reliable, they’re also less fuel efficient than their modern equivalents. So any savings you make on the sticker price will be wiped out with repair bills and gas station receipts.

Likewise, you could find that a newer car doesn’t suffer from the same higher insurance costs as an older, less efficient equivalent. It’s not so much about the value of the vehicle, but the type of person who typically drives it, so getting a family-friendly and modern motor makes sense for lots of reasons.

Wrapping up

Little steps towards affordable car ownership can make a big difference, so don’t delay in making changes, because you could end up with more money in your pocket almost immediately.

BOZEMAN – The Bozeman Symphony Orchestra’s thrilling 2022/23 concert season kicks off on September 24 and 25 for Opening Weekend: Beethoven’s 5th Symphony & Andy Akiho. Come celebrate the start of the season with the most iconic four notes in music history during Beethoven’s awe-inspiring Symphony No. 5. Music Director Norman Huynh invites all to attend this unforgettable performance that will be the perfect start to the Bozeman Symphony’s 55th anniversary season.  

‘“Beethoven’s 5th Symphony contains arguably the most famous opening in music history, ‘Da Da Da DUMMM.’ Hearing the symphony in its entirety, the journey from dark to light, can be a transformative experience for the listener. It is a piece of music that will inspire a lifelong curiosity and passion for classical music,”’ says Huynh.  

In addition to Beethoven’s iconic master work, the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra will welcome Grammy-nominated composer Andy Akiho to the stage for his piece, Concerto for Steel Pans and Orchestra. Rarely do you find a steel pan featured with the symphony, but Akiho does it with expert precision and mesmerizing intensity. This performance will mark the Montana premiere of this dynamic and eclectic piece.  

“Andy Akiho is currently one of the world’s most in demand composers. He is a force of nature and has an incredible sense of rhythm and sound. He is equally at home as a performer and on the steel pan as his instrument of choice,” says Huynh. “The sounds created by the steel pan, along with the orchestra, is unique and our community has the opportunity to experience this rare treat.”  

Opening this performance is Jean Sibelius’ Finlandia, a triumphant chorale celebrating Finland’s independence from almost a century of heavy-handed rule by Russia. This hymn-like melody, inspired by folk tunes but invented by Sibelius, sounds quietly in the winds, and eventually becomes an impassioned cry of freedom as Finlandia comes to its triumphal conclusion.  

Join the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Huynh for an unforgettable start to a momentous 55thanniversary season.   

Performances will be held in person on Saturday, September 24 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, September 25 at 2:30 PM, at the Willson Auditorium (404 West Main Street), downtown Bozeman. These performances would not be possible without strong community support and sponsorship. The Symphony wishes to thank Stephen Schachman & Ritva Porter for their season sponsorship, David Ross & Risi for their Bozeman Symphony Orchestra sponsorship, and Kimberlie & Bruce Jodar, Skye Raiser & David Perlin, and Robert & Donna Ritchie for supporting this performance.  

Ticketing: Individual tickets are available for purchase online at bozemansymphony.org or by phone at 406-585-9774. Tickets at the door based on availability. Adult tickets range from $29.00-$79.00.  Student discounted tickets are available.   Please contact the Bozeman Symphony with questions you have regarding performance, ticket sales, venue, seating information, and COVID-19 safety protocols.  

Andy Akiho, steel pan – Andy Akiho is a “trailblazing” (Los Angeles Times) GRAMMY nominated composer whose bold works unravel intricate and unexpected patterns while surpassing preconceived boundaries of classical music. Known as “an increasingly in-demand composer” (The New York Times), Akiho has earned international acclaim for his large-scale works that emphasize the natural theatricality of live performance.

The 2021-2022 season features the NYC premiere of Akiho’s double GRAMMY nominated work Seven Pillars for Sandbox Percussion and the world-premiere of a new commission for Imani Winds. Equally at home writing chamber music and symphonies, Akiho is the Oregon Symphony Orchestra’s 2022-2023 composer-in-residence.

Bear confirmed to have killed livestock

GREAT FALLS – After confirming that a collared grizzly bear killed livestock along the Rocky Mountain Front north of Choteau, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks assisted the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services in euthanizing the bear after obtaining the necessary approval from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS). 

The bear had first been captured and collared in 2021 in a trap set due to cattle depredation. It was unknown at the time if the trapped bear had killed the calf or was scavenging the carcass, so it was collared and released on-site. Later in 2021, the bear was documented to have visited two other livestock conflict sites (one calf and one sheep), confirmed by trail camera and collar data, but it evaded attempts to capture it at that time.

On Sept. 5, landowners reported another sheep had been killed, and FWP and Wildlife Services technicians responded and confirmed the sheep was killed by a bear. Collar data from the bear showed it was present at the kill site at the time of the conflict, and after obtaining USFWS approval to lethally remove the bear, the 4-year-old male bear weighing 386 pounds was shot and killed on Friday afternoon. 

The hide and head from the bear were salvaged and will be used for educational purposes.

Grizzly bears are protected under the Endangered Species Act, and final authority regarding management actions are up to the USFWS.

If you see a bear near your residence or need to report a conflict, please call your local bear specialist at the contact number found at FWP’s website: https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/contact.

For more information on living, working, and recreating in Montana’s bear country, visit the FWP Bear Aware webpage at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear/be-bear-aware.

Due to short staffing, the Gallatin County Clerk of District Court’s Office is temporarily reducing its office hours to enable staff to maintain current caseload.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 19, the office will be open to the public 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday. The office is located on the top floor of the Law and Justice Center at 615 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman.

Duties of the Clerk of District Court’s Office include keeping records for District Court, providing marriage licenses, keeping minutes for court proceedings, filing all actions for every case filed in District Court, and more.

While the office will be closed to the public in the afternoons, staff will be on hand through 5 PM each day.

“Our staff will use that time at the end of the day to get caught up and ensure we are maintaining the caseload in our office,” said Gallatin County Clerk of District Court Sandy Erhardt.

Like many employers across the county, the Clerk of Court’s Office is short staffed. The office has a total of 14 positions, but is currently down four people and will be losing two more employees by the end of the month.

“We are heading toward a crisis situation with low staffing,” Erhardt said.
A drop-box will be outside the office for filing. You may also email documents for filing to GallatinCountyDCFilings@mt.gov.

For emergency situations, please call 406-582-2171 or 406-582-2169.
The reduced public office hours will remain in place until more staff are hired in the office. We will keep the public updated.

For information on job openings within the Clerk of District Court’s Office, and all other county departments, please visit www.governmentjobs.com/careers/gallatinmt.

NORRIS – A daily fishing restriction on the lower Madison River will be lifted Saturday as peak water temperatures have dropped due to cooler weather.  
The hoot owl restriction prohibited fishing each day from 2 p.m. to midnight downstream of Ennis Reservoir. That restriction will no longer be in effect starting Saturday, Sept. 10.  

Restrictions are still in place for other waterbodies. Anglers can find a statewide list of current angling restrictions at fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions. 
Fishing restrictions, such as hoot owl restrictions and full closures, are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when conditions, such as low flows and high water temperatures, combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing.  

All stress to fish during the hottest times of the year is cumulative, and anglers should consider fishing in cooler waters during times of low flows and high water temperatures in rivers. Anglers can help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur:  

• Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted. 
• Land the fish quickly.  
• Wet your hands before handling the fish.  
• Keep the fish in water as much as possible.  
• Remove the hook gently. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier.  
• If the fish is hooked deeply, you may have to cut the line at the fish’s mouth or consider keeping it if regulations allow.  
• Let the fish recover before releasing it.  

DILLON – Fishing restrictions have been lifted on the Ruby River and a section of the Beaverhead River.  

A hoot owl restriction, which prohibits fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight, was in place for the Ruby River from the confluence with the Beaverhead River up to Duncan District Road crossing. That restriction has been lifted.  

A section of the Beaverhead River has also reopened to fishing after a full fishing closure was put in place earlier this month for the entire river. The fishing closure has been lifted from the river’s confluence with the Big Hole River upstream to Pipe Organ Bridge. A full fishing closure remains in effect from Pipe Organ Bridge upstream to the dam at Clark Canyon Reservoir.  

The closure began Sept. 1 to reduce stress for fish while flows from Clark Canyon Dam transitioned from typical irrigation releases of about 300 cubic feet per second (CFS) to the minimum overwinter release of 25 CFS. This flow change occurred several weeks earlier than normal due to severe drought projections. However, water managers extended the transition period to allow more time for fish to adapt. 

Now that the transition is complete and air and water temperatures have cooled in some areas, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has lifted the closure downstream of Pipe Organ Bridge. The closure remains in effect above the bridge due to a high density and susceptibility of spawning fish, low flows, and relatively warm water. 

Fishing restrictions, such as hoot owl restrictions and full closures, are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when conditions, such as low flows and high water temperatures, combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing. Fishing restrictions are also still in place for the Jefferson and Big Hole rivers. Anglers can find a statewide list of current restrictions at fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.  

All stress to fish at this time of year is cumulative, and anglers should consider fishing in cooler waters during times of low flows and high water temperatures in rivers. Anglers can help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish where fishing is allowed, though fish mortality may still occur:  

• Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted. 
• Land the fish quickly.  
• Wet your hands before handling the fish.  
• Keep the fish in water as much as possible.  
• Remove the hook gently. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier.  
• If the fish is hooked deeply, you may have to cut the line at the fish’s mouth or consider keeping it if regulations allow.  
• Let the fish recover before releasing it.  

BOZEMAN — On Sept. 30, residents will begin to see trucks, construction workers and building materials at the Bozeman Public Library. The project, which has been designed by MSR Design and SMA, starts to take shape this fall. Martel Construction has laid out two phases of work and the building is expected to be under construction from Sept. 30 through the fall of 2023.

 
“We’re excited to begin the Library’s renovation project,” says Library Director, Susan Gregory. “We appreciate the public’s understanding that construction in the building will bring some changes regarding which materials and spaces are available from time to time. Our primary goal over the next year will be to keep patrons and visitors safe in the construction zone while we work to build new opportunities to gather and learn.”

 
After a year and a half of talking to the public and working with architects, the Bozeman Public Library Foundation and Martel Construction, the Bozeman Public Library has envisioned innovative spaces that will offer new services, programming and places for social gatherings as well as quiet areas. The renovation is focused on better serving patrons in three key ways:

1 Community: a new hub will be an informal gathering spot to meet (and make) friends, work, or read.

2 Creativity: two new learning labs will greatly expand program possibilities. One is designed for interactive demos such as cooking or art classes; the other is a tech lab with computer equipment, 3D printers, a gaming zone, and a small recording studio.

3 Collaboration: a renovated community room and additional small meeting rooms provide much-needed space for events, community meetings, club gatherings, and more. 
 
In order to get to the finish line on this project, the Bozeman Public Library will be limited in its services, collections available and seating. However, some services will continue and may look different while construction is underway.
 
Key dates and closures for the first phase of construction are as follows: The second floor will be completely closed to the public from Sept. 30 through early January 2023. Holds can be placed on adult non-fiction books, biographies and world language books. The first floor will be closed to the public from Oct. 17th through early February 2023, with the exception of the Children’s Room and the lobby. The library will have some browsing collections in the Large Meeting Room and computer access in the Small Conference Room.

 
“Our thanks go to the many community donors whose generosity made this renewal possible,” Gregory stated.
 
More information on the renovation can be found at https://www.bozemanlibrary.org/about/library-news/the-library-during-renovation.