Bozeman, MT— The City of Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board celebrates Historic Preservation Month in May. As a part of this year’s events, the board is currently accepting nominations for Historic Preservation and Legacy Awards until Friday, April 29, 2022.

This year’s theme [Our]Story is a celebration of Bozeman’s people, places and culture. Throughout the month of May, the City will host lectures, preservation awards, and tours of Bozeman’s history. Award winners will be honored at a ceremony on May 25th at the Emerson Art Center.

Historic Preservation Officer Sarah Rosenberg says, “As Bozeman grows and changes, our stories and the reflection of our community’s history and place are more important than ever before. Change and development is inevitable and we want to celebrate the people and voices that make the commitment to preserve Bozeman’s history, spirit, and sense of place.”

Nominations are open for the 2022 Historic Preservation and Legacy Awards until Friday, April 29. Those interested can nominate buildings and organizations for numerous categories. All details, how to register for the events, and the award nomination can be found on City’s Engage Bozeman website.

On Friday, May 6th, 2022, Bozeman-based recording artist, Adrian Jay (formerly known as The Id of Adrian), will release "I Do", the first single from his long-awaited debut album.

With its simple rhythm and vast choral arrangement, "I Do" is a call back to the hopelessly romantic pop music of the 1950s and 60s.

As lead vocalist, Jay plays the part of the overly confident frontman, proclaiming his undying love for an enchanting young woman. At one point he sings, "I just wanna get on top of this table at this restaurant and tell everybody in the whole room how much I love you."

As guitars strum and pianos pound, a graceful bassline played by local legend, Eddie T, is the glue that holds it all together.

Although the official release date for his upcoming album is still unknown, "I Do" is an assurance that whatever Jay does next will be well worth the wait.

"I Do" will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.

Mark your calendar, because "I Do" by Adrian Jay will be out everywhere on Friday, May 6, 2022.

On 4/22/22 at approximately 4:00 pm a Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a reckless vehicle traveling north on Highway 191. The vehicle came to a stop near the Castle Inn, where the sole male occupant and driver fled on foot. The vehicle was later discovered to be stolen. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Fish Wildlife and Parks and Montana Highway Patrol have saturated the area with K9 teams deployed to aid in locating the male. The Sheriff’s Office has issued telephone notifications at 1745 hrs to residents in the area, encouraging occupants to lock their doors, windows, outside structures and remain inside. Anyone who observes a suspicious person in the area is encouraged to call 911 and avoid contact with the person. The search is an on-going matter, the Sheriff’s Office will update the public as the search develops and thanks the public for its vigilance and support.

Current guidance to the public: The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging continued vigilance by everyone in the area, keep all property and vehicles locked up, limit travel in the area, call 911 if you see anything suspicious. Do not pick up anyone hitchhiking in the area. The male is a Caucasian male approximately six feet tall, was last seen wearing tan pants and a tan shirt. He was last seen south of the Storm Castle Bridge.

UPDATE 23 APRIL 2022 – 0900 HOURS:

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office continued their assistance of Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) in searching the Highway 191 Canyon throughout the night.  The suspect fled from FWP Officers who were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a reckless driver at approximately 4:00 pm yesterday evening at which time the Sheriff’s Office began their assistance.

The last known area of the subject was Karst Stage Loop.  Sheriff’s deputies will continue their assistance searching the canyon throughout today though it is possible he was given a ride out of the area.  The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have information that may aid in identifying the suspect to call 406-582-2100.  A member of the public has likely heard from this individual or seen him and we are asking for your assistance.  The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to encourage canyon residents to be vigilant about locking their homes and vehicles so as not to prevent the theft of their property.  FWP nor the Sheriff’s Office have additional information about the suspect’s history or motives beyond finding a vehicle with keys in it that he stole.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

The suspect is described as Caucasian, approximately 6 feet tall, with reddish facial hair and a slight to medium build.  If the suspect is still in the area, he is likely very cold, and hungry and is seeking shelter and assistance.

*****Update as of 5pm on 4/23/2022****

Throughout the last 24 hours the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office along with Montana Highway Patrol and Fish, Wildlife and Parks have continued to search the area of Karst Stage Loop and throughout the Big Sky region. With the information gained throughout the investigation as well as information gathered from citizens, the involved person appears to no longer be in the area. The presence of law enforcement will remain in the area as the investigation will continue and leads follow up on.

The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging continued vigilance by everyone in the area, keep all property and vehicles locked, do not pick up hitchhikers and call 911 if you see anything suspicious.  The male is a Caucasian male approximately six feet tall, was last seen wearing tan pants and a tan shirt.  The case is an on-going matter jointly worked by Fish Wildlife and Park and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Dan Springer thanks the public for its vigilance, support and numerous calls providing information. Please call 406-582-2100 if you have any additional information regarding this matter.

A composition inspired by a Bridger Range snow cloud this winter has won a Montana State University sophomore music student a place at the SoundSCAPE composition and contemporary music festival in Italy this summer.

Austin Whisler said he was standing by the MSU Duck Pond where the rise and fall of a cloud inspired his musical composition, “I Saw a Cloud.”

Austin Whisler, a sophomore in music education in the School of Music in the College of Arts and Architecture at Montana State University, has won a spot in a music festival in Italy after submitting his musical composition in the SoundSCAPE composition contest. MSU Photo by Adrian Sanchez-Gonzalez

A sophomore from Boulder Creek, California, and student in the Honors College, the composition was something of a freshman effort for Whisler, who took his first music composition class fall semester.

“The piece follows the cloud as I imagined it, descending upon the Bridger ridgeline and into the Gallatin Valley where it becomes a fierce, if short-lived, snowstorm,” Whisler said. He said the melody quickly took form in his mind as a sextet for French horns. A fourth-generation musician, Whisler has played French horn since he was in fifth grade.

“I had a wonderful time writing this piece and workshopping/adapting the work with the help of the French horn studio and ensemble,” he said.

A short time later, Whisler spied a poster in Howard Hall for a composition competition to participate in the soundSCAPE Festival in Bobbio, Italy, in July and decided to submit “I Saw a Cloud.” The submission required the piece of music, a rough-draft of a recording and a brief biography.

Whisler said he thought the entry was a long shot, and quickly forgot about it. But just before spring break he received an email that he was accepted into the festival that runs July 6-16.

“And it’s been a whirlwind ever since,” Whisler said.

Part of the reason that it is hectic is that now Whisler must compose a new piece of music to be performed at the festival, this one a 5- to 7-minute duet for an oboe and a percussion instrument. Whisler said he is working with MSU School of Music faculty, including clarinet and composition professor Greg Young, on the new piece. While at the festival, Whisler will work with music composition faculty from Rice University, the Eastman School of Music and the University of Toronto to refine and prepare the piece for a performance at the festival.

Following the festival, Whisler plans to take off a few more weeks from his summer job as a line cook for Eddie’s Café in Glacier National Park and travel in Europe with his sister.

In addition to composing music, Whisler plays in the Wind Symphony, the MSU Orchestra, the Brass Quintet, the French Horn Ensemble and the Spirit of the West marching band. The low brass and horn ensembles will play Whisler’s original composition, “I Saw a Cloud,” at a concert later this semester.

Whisler said he expects the opportunity to participate in the international festival to be life-changing. But the timing of getting into the festival has also changed his life direction. While he previously was a double major in both music and neuroscience, he has decided to focus on just a music major, with an eventual plan to audition for graduate school in music.

“It’s all about those little moments where something just resonates with you,” Whisler said about the excitement he feels working with composition. “You know it when you get those chills down your spine.”

Young said that Whisler is both talented and an effervescent personality, which has contributed to his early success.

“Austin comes into class with both energy and a smile and seems over-the-top excited to compose music and to share it with his peers,” Young said. “I’m sure this will carry him along way. His mixture of talent, enthusiasm and dedication will surely brighten his future.” 

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.