Thursday, May. 28th, 2026

Regional Pulse Crops Diagnostic Lab at Montana State serves northwestern U.S.

BOZEMAN — A laboratory at Montana State University that provides seed testing for pathogens affecting pulse crop productivity and trade invites growers in Montana and neighboring states to share samples for testing or reach out for diagnosis.

The Regional Pulse Crops Diagnostic Laboratory at MSU, which opened in 2014, is the only laboratory in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to diagnostics of pulses, a family of crops that includes chickpeas, lentils and field peas. The lab offers a range of diagnostic services for growers, from detecting Ascochyta blight and other fungal pathogens to bacterial, viral and nematode diseases. The lab provides services for Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon and Washington, as well as other pulse-growing regions. Its website features sample requirements, available tests, frequently asked questions and more resources. 

Pulse seeds can be tested before and after growing seasons. Testing before planting with the Ascochyta-Plus test identifies healthy seeds and mitigates pathogen-related losses, while post-harvest testing for export purposes can identify nematodes.

Seed-transmitted pathogens can reduce pulse yield and seed quality.

“Planting disease-free seeds is crucial to prevent the introduction of new diseases and to prevent the propagation of existing infestations in fields,” said Erin Gunnink, the lab’s manager.

“Additionally, importing countries have varying acceptable thresholds for seed-transmitted pathogens, requiring exporting countries to test their seed lots to certify that they do not exceed these thresholds or that pathogens are absent.”

Gunnink said the diagnostic test growers often request is Ascochyta-Plus, which targets multiple seedborne diseases. The test provides information on the presence of Ascochyta blight, white mold, gray mold, Anthracnose and Stemphylium leaf blight on seeds. Nematode tests are also frequently used for seed export to other countries such as India and China. 

“We typically receive 400-500 Ascochyta-Plus fungal assays per year to inform growers what their seed-transmitted pathogen concerns may be in the coming year,” Gunnink said. “Our busiest season for these tests is February to March, and delays during this season are much longer than for samples sent to the lab in November or December. The earlier tests are sent, the faster we can turn results around.”

She noted that nematode testing demand varies depending on tariffs in importing countries.
“Some years we’ve received over 600 requests; some years we’ve received two,” she said. “The amount of seed required for testing is listed on our website. We do have the ability to test for pea seedborne mosaic virus and bacterial blight, as well, although these tests are typically rare and usually only needed in pea fields where symptoms for these diseases have been observed.”
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Montana led the nation in 2025 in the production of dry peas, lentils and chickpeas, while neighboring states are also top producers of pulse crops.

For more information, contact the Regional Pulse Crops Diagnostic Laboratory by email at pulsediagnostics@montana.edu, call 406-994-7738 or visit the website at  https://plantsciences.montana.edu/pulsecropdiagnosticlab/.  

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Thursday, May. 21st, 2026

Pine Creek Lodge Announces 2026 Summer Concert Lineup in Paradise Valley - Opening May 28

Another summer of live music beneath the pines is taking shape at Pine Creek Lodge, the iconic outdoor music venue nestled in Montana’s Paradise Valley just south of Livingston.

Known for pairing nationally touring artists with one of the most scenic stages in the American West, Pine Creek Lodge will once again host a wide-ranging lineup of rock, Americana, jam, bluegrass, indie, and roots artists throughout the 2026 season.

This summer’s lineup brings an eclectic mix of nationally touring favorites, cult classics, and rising acts to the Pine Creek stage. Highlights include multi-night runs from Umphrey’s McGee (June 4–6) and moe. (June 26–27), two of the jam scene’s most beloved live bands, along with a four-night Kitchen Dwellers residency in September. Legendary acts such as Steve Earle, Blue Öyster Cult, and The Wallflowers will share the bill with modern fan favorites like Dogs in a Pile, Melvin Seals & JGB, and The Last Revel, while high-energy favorites Pinky & The Floyd, The Red Elvises, and The Fossils return to keep the dance floor moving under the pines.

The schedule also reflects Pine Creek Lodge’s long-standing roots and Americana traditions, featuring artists like North Mississippi Allstars, Larry Keel Experience, Mountain Grass Unit, and The Mother Hips, alongside standout performances from Joe Robinson and local favorites North Fork Crossing and Noise Pollution. The season culminates with the annual Creekside Revival festival over Labor Day weekend, followed by the highly anticipated multi-night Kitchen Dwellers run in September—continuing Pine Creek Lodge’s tradition of hosting unforgettable late-summer gatherings in Paradise Valley.

Check out this summer’s lineup. Tickets are available at pinecreeklodge.com.

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Montana State awarded $10.7 million to expand biomedical research and workforce development


BOZEMAN
— Montana State University has been awarded $10.7 million from the National Institutes of Health to launch a new center aimed at strengthening biomedical research, workforce development and public health across Montana.

The funding will support the creation of the Center for Advanced Molecular Pathogenesis, or CAMP, a program designed to help early-career scientists establish independent research programs while building the infrastructure needed to support discovery and innovation in the state.

The award is part of the NIH Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence, or COBRE, program, which invests in states like Montana to grow research capacity and expand access to biomedical innovation.

Over the next five years, the NIH-funded CAMP will provide mentorship, research support and shared scientific resources to help faculty compete for major federal grants and develop sustainable programs.

“This is an investment in people and in Montana’s future,” said Alison Harmon, vice president for research and economic development at MSU. “By building research capacity here, we’re creating new opportunities for students, strengthening our ability to address health challenges and expanding the state’s role in biomedical discovery.”

CAMP is led by Blake Wiedenheft, the Winifred Asbjornson Plant Sciences Endowed Chair and professor, and Jovanka Voyich, professor and department head, both in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology in the College of Agriculture.  Together with partners across campus, they aim to create an environment where scientists can launch ambitious research programs while training the next generation of researchers.

A key component of the center is the Advanced Biological Imaging and Cell Analysis Core, which will provide access to technologies such as cryo-electron microscopy and advanced imaging, along with technical expertise and training. These shared resources are designed to accelerate discovery while making cutting-edge tools accessible to researchers across the state. In addition, the center will introduce scientists to translational research by providing training, expert guidance and direct engagement with experienced practitioners, helping researchers integrate fundamental findings into real-world health and biotechnology applications.

CAMP will initially support three faculty members as they build research programs focused on infectious disease and pathogenesis, with long-term goals of developing new diagnostics, treatments and prevention strategies. The selected faculty members are Alyssa Evans, assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology; Heather Callaway, assistant professor in the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; and Madison Collins, assistant professor in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences at MSU Billings. 

Their research programs are unified by a focus on how pathogens cause disease, while approaching the problem from complementary angles, Wiedenheft said . One project examines how viruses invade the nervous system and cause neurological disease, another uses structural biology to understand how viral proteins are recognized by the immune system to guide vaccine design, and a third investigates how the human immune system responds to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, such as MRSA.

Together, these efforts span the full arc of pathogenesis — from molecular mechanism to host response — with the shared goal of discovering how biological systems work at their most fundamental level and leveraging that knowledge to create new vaccines and therapeutics.
As these investigators secure independent funding, CAMP will recruit additional researchers, creating a sustained pipeline of scientific talent in the state of Montana.

The center will also provide pilot funding for early-stage projects with the potential to be developed into larger, sustained research programs.  

“Programs like CAMP help ensure that the next generation of scientists can build their careers in Montana,” Wiedenheft said.  “By investing in people and shared scientific infrastructure, we’re creating a foundation for discoveries that improve public health and expand opportunity across the state.”

Co-director Voyich added that the legacy of MSU alum Maurice Hilleman in part inspired the creation of CAMP. Raised on a farm near Miles City, Hilleman studied microbiology at MSU and in his career went on to develop widely used vaccines such as those for measles, mumps and hepatitis A and B. His work is credited with saving millions of lives. 

“That kind of legacy is exactly what inspires the work we’re building at MSU,” Voyich said. “We know that attracting outstanding researchers is what drives innovation and discovery at MSU. CAMP provides MSU an exciting opportunity to recruit exceptional early-career faculty who want to do ambitious, impactful work. It allows us to create the kind of supportive environment where scholars can build successful careers providing the resources they need to pursue big ideas.”

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Wednesday, May. 20th, 2026

The Furniture That Communicates Warmth to Your Guests

There's a particular kind of care that goes into preparing your home for someone you love. You think about what they'll want for breakfast. You clear a drawer. You leave the hall light on. These are quiet expressions of “I'm glad you're here and want you to feel it”.Here’s how furniture communicates that to your guests. 

What Home Actually Gives People

Research in environmental psychology describes home as a place of refuge, acceptance, comfort, and renewal — a psychological sanctuary where people can let their guard down and simply rest. That need doesn't disappear when someone is sleeping under someone else's roof. If anything, it becomes more acute. Being a guest means being slightly out of place, slightly dependent, slightly at the mercy of a space that isn't shaped around you.

The host's job, at its core, is to close that distance and make a person feel that the space, for however long they're in it, has made room for them.

Neuroscience research shows that oxytocin — the hormone associated with calm and social bonding — is released not just by physical comfort, but by warm company. A home that genuinely tends to a guest's physical comfort doesn't just make the visit more pleasant — it deepens the connection between the people in it. Actions speak louder than words, and in this case, the action of implementing the right furniture is key to communicating.

The Gap Between Wanting to Host and Being Ready To

Most people who love hosting think about the table — the food, the drinks, the conversation that stretches past midnight. What gets less attention is what happens when the evening winds down and the guest needs somewhere to actually sleep.

An air mattress on a hardwood floor sends a message, even when nothing is said. So does a pull-out with a bar through the middle. These aren't failures of hospitality in spirit — they're gaps between intention and infrastructure. The host cares. The space just hasn't caught up.

A sofa bed closes that gap in the most practical way, living as a proper sofa, present and composed every day of the year, and converts into a proper sleeping surface when your guests need one. A sofa bed anticipates the needs of your guests with intentionality.

Why the Material Matters More Than You'd Think

Full-grain leather is warm without being heavy, structured without being stiff. The natural oils in the hide make it soft and pliable from the first sit, and it breathes in a way synthetic materials don't, staying comfortable through a long evening of conversation and a full night of sleep. Over time it softens further, developing the kind of worn-in character that makes a piece feel less like furniture and more like part of the house.

Environmental psychologists note that the objects we choose for our homes act as extensions of identity — signals of safety and belonging that say, in effect, you're welcome in this space. A leather sofa bed isn't just a practical solution. It's an intentional one — the kind that communicates, without any words, that the guest's comfort was thought about before they arrived.

The Morning After

There's a particular warmth in the morning after a good night's sleep at someone's home. The guest comes to the kitchen unhurried, without the particular exhaustion that comes from a bad night on a thin mattress.

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Researcher on Indigenous bison stewardship receives Montana State’s 2026 Distinctive Collections Travel and Access Award

BOZEMAN — A researcher on Indigenous bison stewardship has received the Montana State University Library’s Distinctive Collections Travel and Access Award, which he will use to support his research.

Josias Agustin Mendez, a Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University whose work draws on both geography and history, received the $3,000 honorarium. The award, which is being given for the sixth time, will help fund Mendez’s summer travel to Bozeman, where he will use the MSU Archives and Special Collections’ considerable materials related to bison in Montana and the region.

Specifically, the award will support research for the second chapter of Mendez’s dissertation, “Herds on the Range,” which analyzes how members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes responded to the cultural, political and spatial consequences of the establishment of the National Bison Range in 1908 on reservation land.

The award is a collaborative effort between the MSU Ivan Doig Center for the Study of the Lands and Peoples of the North American West, the Archives and Special Collections at MSU and the Friends of MSU Library. It is jointly funded by the Friends of MSU Library and the Doig Center.

The MSU Library offers research and information resources to university students and employees, as well as to Montana citizens and interested scholars. Its Archives and Special Collections contain manuscripts on the West and the Greater Yellowstone region, including collections focused on agricultural history; trout and salmonids; select records of MSU; area-focused books; angling; and more. For more information, see www.lib.montana.edu/archives/.

Named for writer Ivan Doig, MSU’s Doig Center fosters the study of the American West, emphasizing connections across the humanities, arts, social sciences and natural sciences. For more information, see www.montana.edu/doig/.  

Friends of Montana State University Library was founded in 1994 and helps develop the library’s collections, spaces, programs and community presence. For more information, see www.lib.montana.edu/about/friends.

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Bozeman Police Remind Drivers to Plan Ahead for Memorial Day Weekend

 BOZEMAN, Montana (May 20, 2026)— Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer travel for many Montanans, but it’s also the beginning of what safety officials call the “100 Deadliest Days.” This is the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when traffic fatalities typically spike. 

To help prevent impaired driving crashes, the Bozeman Police Department is increasing patrols over the long weekend. In coordination with the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Belgrade Police Department, Montana State University Police Department, the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP), Gallatin County 911 and the Montana Department of Transportation’s Vision Zero initiative, Officers, Deputies and Troopers will be focused on stopping impaired drivers and keeping roads safe for everyone. 

“While this weekend is about honoring and remembering, it also brings heavy traffic on our roads,” said Bozeman Police Patrol Captain Hal Richardson. “If you’re taking advantage of the long weekend, remember to be responsible. Arrange a sober ride so we can all make it home safely.” 

Montana consistently ranks among the states with the highest percentage of traffic deaths caused by impaired driving. Law enforcement is urging everyone to help change that trend by planning ahead.

 “Impaired driving remains one of the most avoidable risks we face,” Richardson said. “Planning your ride before you drink can be the difference between a safe night and a tragedy.” 

Tips for Staying Safe This Weekend:
Designate a Sober Driver: Choose someone in your group who will not be drinking.
Find a Ride: If you’ve been drinking, call a taxi, use a rideshare app, or ask a sober friend for a ride.
Be a Responsible Host: If you’re hosting, make sure your guests have safe ways to get home.
Speak Up: Don’t let friends or loved ones drive impaired. Take their keys and help them get home safely.
Buckle Up: Seatbelts are your best defense against impaired drivers.
Report Dangerous Driving: If you see a suspected impaired driver, keep a safe distance and call 911. 

For more information about Vision Zero, contact Tammy Ross, Montana Department of Transportation, 406-444-9192, or tross@mt.gov.   

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Tuesday, May. 19th, 2026

Bozeman Symphony Welcomes New Board Members


BOZEMAN
– The Bozeman Symphony has appointed six new members to its Board of Directors to serve two-year terms through 2027.

The new Board members are Alysia Andrikopoulos, strategic and community stewardship leader; Page Armstrong, English literature professor; Sharon Eversman, retired biology and botany professor and longtime violinist; Matt McCormick, business vice president; Foster Mobley, executive coach and leadership consultant; and Penelope Pierce, nonprofit consultant.
“I’m extremely pleased to welcome these outstanding new members to the Bozeman Symphony Board of Directors,” said Executive Director Jacob Blaser. “Their leadership, professional expertise, and passion for the arts align perfectly with the Symphony’s strategic vision and continued growth. Their insight and collaboration will help us further our mission of inspiring and connecting our community through live symphonic music.”

Andrikopoulos brings more than 30 years of leadership experience at global organizations, including Apple, Google, Visa, and PayPal, and is also a dedicated student of violin and piano. Armstrong serves as an adjunct professor at Montana State University and previously taught at the University of Toledo’s Jesup Scott Honors College. Eversman taught at Montana State University for nearly 40 years and performed with the Bozeman Symphony as a violinist for 55 years.

McCormick has more than 35 years of experience in senior leadership roles managing multi-billion-dollar nuclear cleanup and operations projects. Mobley is an executive coach, author, professor, and founder of FMG Leading, where he has worked with Fortune 500 CEOs and Olympic coaching staffs. Pierce, former Executive Director of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust, is a nonprofit consultant with extensive experience supporting mission-driven organizations and community initiatives.

The Bozeman Symphony is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission to engage, unite, and uplift the human experience in Montana through music and the arts. Board members serve as ambassadors for the Symphony and play a vital role in supporting its long-term sustainability through leadership, advocacy, philanthropy, and community engagement.

The new Board members join current Board members Paul Bertelli, Tom Bray, Gary Kunis, Nina Jaeger, Mark Juranek, Ken May, Ben Phinney, Liz Richards, Dr. Charles Rinker, Robert Ritchie, and Sara Jayne Steen.

For more information about the Bozeman Symphony and upcoming performances, visit Bozeman Symphony

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The Smarter Way to Move Trailers in Tight Workspaces

Moving trailers in confined work areas can turn a routine task into a slow, awkward process. In busy yards, shops, storage areas, and loading zones, there is often limited room to line up a vehicle, make wide turns, or reposition a trailer safely.

The challenge usually comes down to control. When several trailers, pallets, vehicles, or materials share the same space, teams need a way to move trailers with better visibility, slower handling, and more precise positioning.

The Challenges of Moving Trailers Without the Right Equipment

Many workplaces still rely on pickup trucks, manual repositioning, or improvised methods to move trailers around tight areas. These approaches may work occasionally, but they can create delays, increase the risk of damage, and place extra strain on workers.

Tight spaces leave little room for error. Operators may need several adjustments to line up trailers with loading docks, storage spaces, or service bays. Visibility can also become a concern, especially when workers guide trailers by hand around uneven surfaces, narrow lanes, or crowded work zones.

How a Forklift-Based Trailer Moving Solution Works

One practical way to improve trailer movement in confined areas is by using a trailer mover forklift attachment. This type of equipment connects to a forklift and allows operators to move trailers with greater precision in spaces where larger vehicles may be difficult to maneuver.

Instead of bringing in a separate truck, operators can use existing forklift equipment to relocate trailers around loading areas, storage yards, workshops, or service spaces. Forklifts can often turn in tighter areas and provide more controlled movement at slower speeds.

This setup can reduce unnecessary vehicle traffic inside busy work zones while giving operators better visibility during positioning.

Safety and Efficiency Benefits for Busy Work Areas

In active work environments, trailer movement should be predictable and controlled. A forklift-based setup allows operators to make smaller adjustments with greater accuracy, which is useful around loading docks, narrow lanes, storage rows, and crowded yards.

Better control can also support safer daily operations. Reducing blind spots, limiting repeated movements, and keeping traffic organized can create a more manageable environment for workers and equipment. Many facilities follow established workplace safety guidelines to improve material handling practices and reduce operational risks.

Efficiency improves as well. When trailers can be moved using equipment already available on site, businesses can reduce downtime, avoid unnecessary vehicle use, and keep daily tasks moving more smoothly.

Where This Type of Attachment Makes the Biggest Difference

Trailer moving attachments are especially useful in places where space is limited and equipment movement happens throughout the day. Warehouses may use them to reposition storage trailers near loading areas without bringing in additional vehicles.

Repair shops and maintenance facilities can also benefit from improved maneuverability when moving trailers into service bays or inspection areas. Outdoor storage yards present similar challenges, especially when multiple trailers are parked close together.

Construction suppliers, agricultural operations, distribution centers, and equipment rental facilities can use this type of setup to manage trailer movement in crowded work areas where precision and flexibility matter.

What to Consider Before Using One

Before using trailer-moving equipment with a forklift, the setup should match the demands of the workspace. Forklift capacity is one of the first details to review, since operators need to confirm the equipment can safely handle the trailer weight and towing requirements.

Hitch compatibility is also important. Different trailers may use different connection styles, so the right fit helps create stable, controlled movement.

Surface conditions should be considered as well. Uneven pavement, gravel, wet surfaces, and slopes can affect traction and maneuverability. Clear visibility and proper operator training are also essential when moving trailers in confined spaces.

Practical Tips for Moving Trailers in Limited Space

Efficient trailer movement often starts with a clean, organized work area. Keeping routes clear of unused equipment, pallets, and materials gives operators more room to maneuver and reduces the need for repeated corrections.

Designated staging and parking areas can also improve workflow. A clear layout helps workers understand where trailers should be placed and reduces confusion when several pieces of equipment are operating nearby.

Regular inspections matter too. Checking hitch connections, tires, and attachment points before movement can help prevent issues during repositioning. Businesses can also find broader community business insights that support smarter planning, safer operations, and better use of available space.

A Smarter Approach to Trailer Movement

Moving trailers in tight workspaces does not have to be slow, difficult, or dependent on extra vehicles. With the right equipment setup, businesses can improve control, reduce congestion, and make better use of the space they already have.

For busy shops, yards, warehouses, and service areas, smarter trailer handling can make a meaningful difference in productivity, organization, and daily workflow.

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Monday, May. 18th, 2026

Montana State named one of top design schools in U.S.


BOZEMAN
— Graphic Design USA recently named Montana State University one of the top design schools in the nation. 

MSU received recognition in April for cultivating innovation and critical thinking skills in its students, who leave MSU equipped to make a lasting impact in the graphic design field. MSU is one of 78 universities awarded for championing personal, professional and societal growth in design. Earlier this year, GDUSA also selected three MSU seniors from the College of Arts and Architecture to receive design awards. 

“With more than 60 years of recognizing excellence in American graphic design, GDUSA's acknowledgment carries real significance, and we're proud to be among the universities named as top design schools,” said William Culpepper, assistant professor of graphic design, who spearheads MSU submissions to GDUSA. “That pride deepens knowing three of our graduating seniors earned individual design awards this year, alongside Sasha Maguire's selection as a Student to Watch. Together, these honors affirm that the design work and thinking coming out of MSU's graphic design program, shaped by strong faculty mentorship and an ever-evolving curriculum, is relevant at a national level.” 

MSU’s graphic design degree gives students experience in both digital and hand-printed media, with courses including motion graphics, sustainable design, printmaking and guerilla advertising. Instructors balance illustration art with the principles of business and marketing, connecting coursework to the professional world, said graphic design instructor Grace Washko.  
In Washko’s spring packaging design class, she introduced students to Julia Hammerer, senior art director of global brand partnerships for the brand Crocs, who reviewed their mockup shoe boxes and brand packages. Washko is Crocs’ art director for licensing package design, alongside her teaching role. She said having one foot in the real world and one foot in academia is a leg up for her students breaking into the industry.  

“Graphic design is a massive world, right?” Washko said. “We design things from billboards to light projections to your CatCard. It’s inextricable from the life that we all live. For everyone in MSU’s graphic design department to provide a different lens into that for our students is really, really special.” 

This effort is not lost on students, said Nick Schneider, a junior from Billings studying graphic design with a minor in business entrepreneurship. He receives at least one email a week from professors identifying organizations that need freelance graphic design work or on-campus opportunities, such as MSU’s annual Gold Rush T-shirt design contest in advance of its home-opener football game — Schneider was a finalist last year. 

“The graphic design program is really good about finding local people who need work done,” he said. “They’re helping you do the professional stuff and break into the industry instead of sitting back and letting you figure it out.” 

Culpepper connected Schneider to his current internship for MSU Athletics. Schneider has created more than 140 graphics this semester — spanning several teams’ Instagram accounts and jumbotron displays during games — and he’ll continue working for MSU Athletics through the summer into his senior year. After graduating next year, he hopes to work for a professional athletics team.  

Emma Poole, a senior graphic design major from Rifle, Colorado, said the graphic design program shaped her career goals, sparking her dream to work for an agency that develops brand identities for other organizations. She came to college without any graphic design experience and will leave having completed multiple internships, on-campus design work and a term as a senator for the Associated Students of MSU. On May 1, she finished her most recent internship with Bozeman’s Blue Collar Restaurant Group, where she helped rebrand The Well Juicery’s website and provided art direction for its photoshoots.  

Poole also won a national GDUSA award in 2025 with her smartwatch app for outdoor recreationists. She credits her professors with motivating her to submit work to competitions and reach for “lofty goals.” This support was especially meaningful, she said, as a first-generation student whose immediate family members do not have four-year degrees.  
“I don’t think anything can really prepare you for that culture shock of being on a large university campus for the first time, but my biggest support system has been my parents and my professors,” Poole said.  

Within the School of Art, students also discover the impact of graphic design on the community. 
In March, 20 students designed and auctioned skateboards alongside more than 40 local artists and 30 high school students to raise funds for the Ennis Lions Club Skatepark and Skate Alliance of Montana. Proceeds from the 2026 Deck Show, organized and co-curated by professor Jeffrey Conger and Patrick Hoffman, head of Bozeman High School’s art department, totaled $13,556. 

In 2024, MSU students’ impact expanded statewide. Students instructed by assistant teaching professor Bruce Barnhart designed a 988+1 suicide prevention coin minted by the state of Montana, which is listed among states with high suicide rates in veteran communities, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The state distributed 100 coins to military veterans across Montana to help them start conversations with fellow service members in distress.  

“There are few limits to what design can do at MSU,” said Josh DeWeese, School of Art director. “I’m so proud of our faculty and students who represented our program on a national scale with recognition from GDUSA this year.”

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KettleHouse Amphitheater Announces 2026 Summer Concert Season Along the Blackfoot River


BONNER, MT
– Logjam Presents will launch its biggest concert season to date this month, bringing 37 nights of live music to the stunning banks of the Blackfoot River for its ninth season at Montana’s iconic riverside venue, the KettleHouse Amphitheater, located at 605 Cold Smoke Ave in Bonner, MT. Nestled in one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the country, the Amphitheater is ready to deliver world-class live music under the big Montana sky, kicking off on Monday, May 25, with the explosive Claypool Gold featuring Primus, Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade and The Claypool Lennon Delirium.

With 37 shows scheduled — the busiest season to date — 2026 brings an eclectic mix of genres and must-see artists. This year’s lineup includes several marquee two-night stands, including Lord Huron (June 6–7), Widespread Panic (July 7–8),  LCD Soundsystem (August 12–13), Caamp (August 17–18) and Alison Krauss & Union Station (August 20–21).

Returning for its second year, the Symphony on the River on August 28 will pair the Missoula Symphony Orchestra with the infectious funk and grooves of Lettuce for a one-of-a-kind symphonic collaboration.

Additional highlights include feminist rock icons Liz Phair & Sleater-Kinney, jamtronica pioneers STS9 with Dirtwire, folk troubadour Jesse Welles with Ratboys, metal giants Killswitch Engage with Machine Head, Rivers of Nihil and Judiciary, alt rock mainstay O.A.R. with Gavin DeGraw, pop-country star Maren Morris with Scout Willis, country-rock icons Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge, platinum hitmaker Andy Grammer with Walk Off The Earth, indie-rock favorite Young the Giant with Cold War Kids and many more.

Guest experience enhancements remain a top priority in 2026. The popular 2-Person Premium Boxes deliver comfortable semi-private seating with superior views, cocktail service, dedicated entry and more. 

For added lawn comfort, Crazy Creek rentals will be available throughout the season and can be reserved in advance or on-site.

The west patio will feature the Groove Lounge courtesy of Groove Solventless, where patrons can relax on patio furniture overlooking the river.

Concessions from Top Hat Catering and Worden’s will once again delight fans in addition to an expanded vendor section near the main entrance. Full bars on both sides of the venue will continue to offer KettleHouse beer, liquor, wine, seltzers and plenty of non-alcoholic choices.

Thanks to our partners! Toyota returns as the Official Automotive Partner, and new partners include Montana Knife Company, Tito’s Vodka and White Claw. Expect ticket giveaways all season long with exciting activations and other surprises.

The Groove Shuttle returns, running between downtown Missoula’s Top Hat Restaurant & Bar and the Amphitheater, giving fans a hassle-free ride before and after the show. Limited advance parking passes are also available through individual show pages.

Logjam Presents continues its strong commitment to a safe, welcoming and sustainable concert environment. The venue maintains a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, violence or disrespectful behavior. 

This year brings continued environmental efforts, including ample composting and recycling bins, as well as on-site staff support at key shows to boost diversion rates.

A new line of 2026 KettleHouse Amphitheater merchandise, including hoodies, tees, hats, koozies and more, will be available at the venue and online while supplies last.

“With 37 shows on the calendar, this is the biggest season we’ve ever presented at KettleHouse Amphitheater and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome fans back to the banks of the Blackfoot River,” said Ryan Torres, VP of Marketing at Logjam Presents. “People travel from all over the country to experience shows here and once you do, you understand why. From world-class artists to unforgettable Montana scenery, the KettleHouse Amphitheater offers a live music experience that feels both uniquely local and unlike anywhere else in the country.”

For the full lineup, tickets, policies and more, visit logjampresents.com.

2026 KettleHouse Amphitheater Summer Concert Lineup

MAY

Mon, May 25 – Claypool Gold featuring Primus, Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade & The Claypool Lennon Delirium

JUNE

Sat, Jun 6 – Lord Huron (Night 1) with Fightmaster

Sun, Jun 7 – Lord Huron (Night 2) with Fightmaster

Sat, Jun 13 – The Dead South with Amigo the Devil

Thu, Jun 25 – Dierks Bentley with Mountain Grass Unit & Cole Goodwin

Fri, Jun 26 – Turnpike Troubadours

Sun, Jun 28 – Ziggy Marley with J Boog

JULY

Tue, Jul 7 – Widespread Panic (Night 1)

Wed, Jul 8 – Widespread Panic (Night 2)

Fri, Jul 17 – Tape B x Levity with Effin

Sun, Jul 19 – The Avett Brothers with Shane Smith and the Saints

Thu, Jul 23 – Jordan Davis

Sat, Jul 25 – Maren Morris with Scout Willis

Tue, Jul 28 – Wynonna Judd & Melissa Etheridge

Wed, Jul 29 – Young the Giant with Cold War Kids

Thu, Jul 30 – Josiah Queen Fri, Jul 31 – Andy Grammer with Walk Off The Earth

AUGUST

Sat, Aug 1 – Simple Plan with 3OH!3 & Bowling for Soup

Sun, Aug 9 – Jesse Welles with Ratboys

Mon, Aug 10 – Dirty Heads with Rome

Wed, Aug 12 – LCD Soundsystem (Night 1) with Victoryland

Thu, Aug 13 – LCD Soundsystem (Night 2) with Victoryland

Fri, Aug 14 – STS9 with Dirtwire

Mon, Aug 17 – Caamp (Night 1) with Blind Pilot

Tue, Aug 18 – Caamp (Night 2) with Blind Pilot

Wed, Aug 19 – O.A.R. with Gavin DeGraw

Thu, Aug 20 – Alison Krauss & Union Station (Night 1) feat. Jerry Douglas & Theo Lawrence

Fri, Aug 21 – Alison Krauss & Union Station (Night 2) feat. Jerry Douglas & Theo Lawrence

Sun, Aug 23 – NEEDTOBREATHE with Drew & Ellie Holcomb

Mon, Aug 24 – Goose

Wed, Aug 26 – Mt. Joy

Fri, Aug 28 – Symphony on the River with Lettuce ft. Missoula Symphony Orchestra Sun, Aug 30 – Bonnie Raitt with Jon Cleary

SEPTEMBER

Sat, Sep 12 – Liz Phair & Sleater-Kinney

Fri, Sep 25 – Killswitch Engage with Machine Head, Rivers of Nihil & Judiciary

OCTOBER

Fri, Oct 2 – Big Thief

(and additional dates to be announced)

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