HELENA – The Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet over Zoom at 6 p.m. on Aug. 2 to consider a proposal to postpone the implementation of a commercial use cap on the Madison River.

In 2020, the commission adopted rules regarding recreational use of the Madison River. These rules included a commercial use cap that would limit fishing outfitting and guiding for each outfitter and guide to the number of trips they reported in 2019 or 2020, whichever is higher.

The commercial use cap is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2023. However, commissioners have proposed moving that implementation date until after the commission adopts a method for allocating commercial-use trips to outfitters or a comprehensive river plan and rule package. This will be accomplished via future rule making efforts and commission action, all of which will involve ample public comment.

A commission-appointed work group developed recommendations for allocating commercial use trips and managing non-commercial use on the river. While commissioners did not take any action to implement these recommendations at their June meeting, they did instruct the department to gather public input on the recommendations. This public commenting process will occur later this summer and into the fall with the potential for informational work sessions including commissioners and work group members. Details will be posted on the FWP website when the meetings are scheduled and proposals released for public comment.

Comments on the proposal to delay the implementation of the commercial use cap are due by Aug. 5 and can be submitted online at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/august-2022-meeting, by email to madisonrivercom@mt.gov or presented at the Aug. 2 meeting. They can also be submitted in writing to:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Attn: Charlie Sperry
PO Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701

Instructions for joining the Aug. 2 Zoom meeting will be posted at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission prior to the meeting. For more information on the proposal, visit fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/august-2022-meeting.

July 8, 2022, Bozeman, MT—Sweet Pea Festival of the Arts is seeking volunteers for their 45^th annual Festival August 5-7, 2022. The Festival, held the first full weekend in August in Bozeman’s Lindley Park, requires hundreds of volunteers. Opportunities include festival set up and tear down, manning admissions gates, the temporary box office, and flower show, selling Festival merchandise and assisting with children’s activities. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the set up and tear down of the Festival’s Bite of Bozeman, Wednesday, August 3, 2022.

Each volunteer shift is three hours in duration. Volunteers completing at least one three-hour shift will receive a special volunteer wristband for free admission to the Festival. For more information or to view and sign up for available volunteer openings, please visit the Festival website at https://sweetpeaafestivalofthearts.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/

ABOUT SWEET PEA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS:

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

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

Earlier this year, Bozeman, Montana’s Kitchen Dwellers released their third full-length album Wise River. Since the release, the band has skyrocketed to consistently packed out venues and festival appearances with no signs of slowing down. This past Sunday, July 3 following Billy Strings’ performance at Pier Six Pavillion in the Baltimore Harbor, the grammy-winning flat picker surprised fans by making a guest appearance at the Dwellers’ after-party at the 8x10. Strings joined the Montana based bluegrass outfit for a handful of tunes including a cover of Bob Dylan's “Tombstone Blues” and Bill Monroe’s song “Big Mon.” 

The Dwellers continue their East Coast run today at the Levitt Pavilion in Westport, CT and will tour throughout the summer making stops at iconic venues and festivals along the way. 

The quartet—Shawn Swain [Mandolin], Torrin Daniels [banjo], Joe Funk [upright bass], and Max Davies [acoustic guitar]—twist bluegrass, folk, and rock through a kaleidoscope of homegrown stories, rich mythology, American west wanderlust, and psychedelic hues. 
Among the many natural wonders in Montana, Wise River runs for about 30 miles through the Southwestern region of the state, cutting through the mountains and flowing into the Big Hole River. Beyond being a favorite spot for fly fishermen, it remains etched into the topography of the land itself.  Two hours away in Bozeman, Kitchen Dwellers equally embody the spirit and soul of their home with a sonic palette as expansive as Montana’s vistas. 

Bozeman, MT – On July 7th 2022 at approximately 0050 hours, officers responded to the area of the 4200 block of Brenden Street in response to what was initially reported as a medical call. Upon arrival officers located an individual with significant injuries. Medical personnel attempted lifesaving measures on the individual which were ultimately unsuccessful and the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation by the Bozeman Police Department determined that another individual had come to the residence, confronted the victim and stabbed him repeatedly. The victim later succumbed to his wounds. The Bozeman Police are still working on positively identifying the victim, who is a Hispanic male, approximately 18 years of age. The victim's name and information will be withheld pending notification to family members.

The Bozeman Police Department has arrested Francisco Padilla-Canales and charged him with Deliberate Homicide, Aggravated Burglary, Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence, Aggravated Kidnapping, and Tampering With Witnesses and Informants, all felonies. Padilla-Canales was held without bond at the Gallatin County Detention Center.

Investigation shows this is an isolated incident and there was not, nor is there now, any concern for the safety of the general public. The Bozeman Police Department Detective division are continuing to investigate the incident. We would like to thank the members of the American Medical Response, Bozeman Fire, and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism and their assistance in this incident.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed project to conserve native Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the Mill Creek watershed within the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Mill Creek is the largest tributary to the Yellowstone River in Paradise Valley and originates in Absaroka Mountains. The project would entail removing brook trout using electrofishing to prevent them to spreading to the headwaters.

The project area is a stronghold for a core, conservation population of Yellowstone cutthroat trout at high elevation and at the northernmost extent of its range. Brook trout occupy this small spring creek, and brook trout are a primary threat to headwater populations of Yellowstone cutthroat trout.

A draft environmental assessment is available on the FWP website.

Comments can be emailed to FWPfishcomments@mt.gov or mailed to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Mill Creek Yellowstone cutthroat trout conservation, P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620.

The deadline for public comment is Aug. 5.

BOZEMAN, MT — HRDC is pleased to announce its current enrollment season is underway for the upcoming school year for preschool students ages 3-5. This no-cost Early Childhood Education program (ECE) is funded through a Head Start grant which provides space for 152 children in three dedicated schools located in Bozeman, Belgrade, and Livingston.

Designed to prepare students for kindergarten through a play-based learning approach in a natural environment, 94% of HRDC’s ECE graduates meet or exceed school readiness standards. Each child’s curriculum is individualized within an inclusive learning setting that supports all children, including those with disabilities.

“Our staff is second to none,” said Sara Savage, HRDC’s Associate Director and Director of Early Childhood Education. “The team of educators we have is highly qualified with each teacher holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in childhood education. In addition, our licensed, award-winning schools include hands-on support from classroom aides, nutrition aides, and volunteers from our parent community. Each student’s needs are met from a whole-child perspective which includes developmental screenings and early intervention protocols as necessary.”

Kathy Piatz, HRDC’s Early Childhood Education Program Manager added, “We know children thrive when they have a strong support system inside and outside their home. That’s why we are focused on providing for the healthy development of children and the strengthening of their families through parent education opportunities, family events, and more. We make time to build relationships with our students’ families. The more involvement during the early education years,the better the outcome is for children throughout their entire education journey including the college enrollment stage.”

Annual community-wide demand for placement in HRDC’s ECE program has been historically strong. Family eligibility is income-based and includes households with incomes below 130% of the Federal Poverty Line. However, for those families experiencing homelessness or economic hardship, or who are without stable housing, or who receive Social Security Income or public assistance such as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or SNAP (Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program), eligibility is automatic. This also holds true for children living with foster parents or who are in the care of a family member other than a parent. Approved eligibility spans two years regardless of any change to a household’s situation. For families that exceed the income eligibility threshold, a waitlist is kept should openings become available.

Further augmenting Head Start students’ success is an underlying program tenet which provides family members and other connected community members with opportunities to expand their own knowledge and skillsets. This is offered through various channels including employment opportunities at the schools themselves as well as financial support for staff members to obtain teaching certification and other related degrees. At least a dozen current HRDC Early Childhood Education staff members currently have, or have had children in the program, and many of them have received support to further their own education — a true win for families and the community at large.

Interested applicants can visit https://thehrdc.org/early-childhood-education/ for an online application or call 406-586-9652 for more information. Applications are in English and Spanish,and interpreters are available upon request. To learn more about employment opportunities, visit: https://hrdc.bamboohr.com/jobs/.

For families impacted by Covid and in need of financial support with childcare, HRDC applied for and received an ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021) grant from the City of Bozeman which allows families to access between $200 and $500 per month to help offset childcare costs. The funds can be utilized at any licensed childcare provider and families receive no-cost financial coaching while participating in the assistance. Eligibility for this program is also income-dependent and families with the greatest need are prioritized. Applications for childcare assistance administered by HRDC can be obtained by contacting hdavid@thehrdc.org.

HRDC is a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives aimed at combatting poverty in southwestern Montana. HRDC’s Early Childhood Education program believes every child deserves a head start and provides services in education, health, nutrition, mental  health, and disability support.

Donors, volunteers, and community members can learn more at https://thehrdc.org/

BOZEMAN – Family Promise, the nation’s leading nonprofit addressing family homelessness and early learning is thrilled to announce the gift of a home donated by an anonymous community member. The home will be the 11th transitional housing unit owned or operated by Family Promise. In addition, Family Promise operates three emergency shelter locations and Rising Stars Early Learning Center.

The 2500 square foot “Sunrise Home” will become part of Family Promise’s Stabilization Program, for families that have graduated from emergency shelter. By providing transitional housing, coupled with comprehensive case management, families will be equipped to successfully navigate Bozeman’s unique housing environment.

Families can stay in transitional housing for up to two years. This length of time provides consistency and stability for children, gives families time to create and implement a savings plan, and builds a positive rental history. Families will continually be working towards finding permanent housing during their participation.

According to Family Promise Executive Director Christel Chvilicek, “We are so incredibly grateful that, in this housing market, this person made a legacy gift that will support families and children for years to come. Their donation will not only changes lives but will allow this important work to carry on in our community and perhaps inspire others to make a difference.”

When in transitional housing, families will pay rent based on their income, and is increased every six months. Half of the rent supports the cost of maintenance on the home. The other half is placed in a saving account that is returned to the renter upon graduation. Transitional housing is imperative to Family Promise’s ability to serve families experiencing homelessness and ensure long-term stable housing. When families graduate, the have a rental reference, money for a down payment and first of last months rent.

To learn more about the impact of Family Promise in our community, visit familypromisegv.org or call (406) 582-7388.

BOZEMAN — “Mavericks,” a documentary about Montana’s freestyle skiing legacy from Montana PBS, won the Non-Commercial Television Program of the Year award from the Montana Broadcasters Association in June.

Named on the award were Scott Sterling, director of production at Montana PBS and the film’s producer, director and editor; Kelly Gorham, the film’s producer and writer who also serves as director of visual media in MSU’s University Communications; and Aaron Pruitt, Montana PBS director and general manager and the film’s executive producer.

“I’m humbled to have our film recognized by other industry professionals in addition to the overwhelming response we’ve had from the public,” Gorham said.

“Mavericks” follows the careers of several Montana freestyle skiers, including Missoula’s Olympic gold medal winner Eric Bergoust, Butte’s Bryon Wilson and Whitefish’s Maggie Voisin. Using visuals from international competitions, archival footage and original cinematography, the film captures “the struggles, victories, unsurpassed work ethic and unbreakable spirit of some of the state’s most renowned athletes in a sport where mere seconds determine the outcome of a career,” according to Gorham.

The filmmakers call Montana freestyle skiers the “mavericks” of the sport, with multiple freestyle skiers from throughout the state getting their start on homemade jumps and then going on to impressive careers. Freestyle skiing is a sport comprising aerials, moguls, half-pipe, slopestyle and more, with skiers often performing aerial flips and spins. The film premiered on Montana PBS in January.

The Non-Commercial Television Program of the Year award is one of dozens of "EB Awards" named in memory of Montana broadcast pioneer Ed Craney. The awards are presented annually during the Montana Broadcasters Association convention to recognize excellence in local news, production, promotion and public service. They are sponsored by the Greater Montana Foundation, which Craney established to encourage communication — with an emphasis on electronic media — on issues and trends of importance to Montanans. More information is available at mtbroadcasters.org/awards/ebcraney/.

To learn more about “Mavericks,” and to watch it online, visit montanapbs.org/programs/mavericks/.

If we’re talking about culture, education, or even religion – it’s impossible not to mention some allegory examples and the meaning behind them. But first, let's start with the definition. An allegory is a theme, which is characterized by two meanings. One of them is a literal one, and the second is more hidden and imaginary. It’s also worth noting that there is a minor difference between a symbol and an allegory. A symbol can represent multiple things and various meanings, while a specific allegory is always tied to the same hidden meaning. Now that we know the allegory definition and its main principles, we can dive into some actual examples.

Animal Farm

This might be one of the most popular allegories coming from literature. Many student groups are asked to write about the meaning behind George Orwell’s book and the hidden message. Most essay examples mention how it’s a political statement about the dangers of power, hierarchy, and an inevitable revolution. Perhaps the right way to give an animal farm summary is to present the theme as an allegory of totalitarianism, corruption of social groups, and how injustice always fires back. The book is written in a simple and easy way, with animal characters, which makes it a great choice for college members.

The Snake

Keeping up with the animal pattern, the allegory of a snake is often present in various sources of culture. Some of the most popular examples include The Bible, where snakes are perceived as very cunning and unlawful creatures. This can be seen in the scene where Adam & Eve are tempted to eat the forbidden apple. This is another popular theme that most university members could list straight out of their head. That only shows how deeply this allegory is engraved in our society, despite it being ancient… But not outdated!

The Divine Comedy

A poem by Italian Dante Alighieri might be the top 1 allegory of them all. It’s a summary and synthesis of medieval philosophy and history. The poem showcases a journey of a poet, who goes over different realms – hell and heaven included. It is a complex allegory, with surprising twists about the author himself.

It turns out, Dante Alighieri portrayed himself as the main character, as well as the narrator. Other fun facts include the fact that he wrote the poem in honor of his wife, who died earlier. This Italian masterpiece is a recognized classic among college students and contributed to the further development of European art.

The Prodigal Son

A well-known parable from the Bible is a story of a son who decided to leave his father searching for lust and entertainment. While he certainly found the fun quite fast, the consequences were devastating. The son lost all the money and ended up being extremely poor, just to eventually come back to his father and old home. The father forgave all his sins, and they continued to live together. This biblical story is an allegory of how God always waits for faithful people, even if they have a shady past. It’s a very moving story and definitely the most popular religious text, which suits the allegory definition.

The Drunken Boat

A 100-line poem created by french Arthur Rimbaud, this text is a description of a cargo ship pointlessly wandering, lost at sea. The poem also includes large amounts of symbolism, but the main hidden meaning refers to the image of our world. How the Earth is full of surprises, mystery, and uncertainty. The author also describes his drinking problem, which is described as the ship slowly starting to sink. While the poem might seem like an encouragement to go out and seek the unknown, it actually states that humans find comfort in what they are already used to.

Conclusion

Now that you know the allegory definition and some famous, well-known examples, it’s time to indulge in literature and art in order to find other examples. Some good starting points could be mythology, religious texts, and even contemporary art and movies. No matter which field interests you the most, there is a good chance you will find some other allegories than those mentioned in this essay.

Chicago is definitely worth a visit! With its world-renowned museums, architecture, and food scene, there is something for everyone in the Windy City.

When in doubt, buy yourself a vacation package that includes all the major tourist attractions. You'll save money and time, and you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of. In no particular order, here are our top tips for enjoying all that Chicago has to offer without breaking the bank:

1. Get a CityPASS

If you're planning on doing a lot of sightseeing while in Chicago, then CityPASS is a great way to save some money. The CityPASS gives you access to some of the most popular attractions in the city, including the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium.

2. Visit the free attractions

There are plenty of great things to see and do in Chicago that won't cost you a dime. The Lincoln Park Zoo and the Art Institute of Chicago both offer free admission, and there are plenty of free concerts and festivals to enjoy throughout the year.

3. Dine out during Restaurant Week

Chicago's Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to enjoy some of the city's best cuisine at a fraction of the usual cost. Participating restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at lunch and dinner, and you can often find deals on hotel rooms and other attractions during this time as well.

4. Book a Chicago Limo Service

While it may not be the cheapest option, booking a limo service for your transportation needs is a great way to see the city in style. Many services offer package deals that include attractions and dining, so be sure to shop around for the best deal.

5. Look for accommodation deals

If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can often find great deals on hotels and other accommodations. Many Chicago attractions offer discounts for booking your tickets in advance, so be sure to check for deals before you travel.

6. Look for flight deals

Chicago is a popular destination, so there are often deals to be found on flights to the city. If you're flexible with your travel dates, you can often save money by flying to a nearby airport like O'Hare or Midway.

Try looking up flights on Tuesday mornings as many airlines release their deals then. Also, booking way ahead of time or at the last minute can often lead to savings as well.

7. Walk or bike whenever possible

Chicago is a great city for walking and biking, and you'll often find that it's the quickest way to get around. Plus, you'll get to see more of the city and its attractions if you're not stuck on public transportation.

8. Find Deals on Attractions and Dining

There are plenty of ways to save money on attractions and dining in Chicago. Many attractions offer discounts for AAA members, students, and seniors, so be sure to ask about any deals that may be available. Some of the places that you can visit without breaking the bank include the Museum of Science and Industry, the Navy Pier, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium. You can also find coupons for restaurants and other attractions in the Chicago Tribune and other local publications.

9. Visit the city during the off-season

If you're looking to save money on your Chicago vacation, then consider visiting during the off-season. Many attractions offer discounts during this time, and you'll often find that hotels and other accommodations are much cheaper as well.

10. Travel with a group

Traveling with a group is a great way to save money on your Chicago vacation. Many attractions offer group discounts, and you'll often find that you can get better deals on hotels and transportation when you're traveling with a larger group. Plus, you'll have more fun exploring the city with your friends or family.

These are just a few of our top tips for saving money on your Chicago vacation. Be sure to do your research before you travel, and you'll be sure to find plenty of ways to save. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that Chicago has to offer without breaking the bank.