HELENA –After Hunter Sickerson graduated from MSU-Billings with honors, he knew he wasn't ready to settle down in a typical 8-to-5 job. He worked in the field of archeology, conducting surveys on archeological sites for a private firm until he heard about an opportunity for national service through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks AmeriCorps.

“AmeriCorps is a unique opportunity that can open a person's view of the world in a new way,” Sickerson said.

As a heritage program specialist, Sickerson rerouted trails on Wildhorse Island at Flathead Lake State Park, renovated a native plant garden at Travelers’ Rest State Park, accompanied a paleontology dig at Makoshika State Park and served meals to the community of Pryor at Chief Plenty Coups State Park.

“My favorite part of my service this past year was the friendships that grew out of a group of seeming strangers at first.” Sickerson said. “By the end, it felt like a small family.”

FWP is currently recruiting individuals to serve in 10-month AmeriCorps positions beginning in January. Applicants range in age from 18 to 80 and will serve and connect with the public at state parks, FWP regional offices and outdoor recreation sites across Montana.

Since the program’s inception in 2012, FWP’s AmeriCorps members have taught thousands of school children in outdoor classrooms, developed interpretive trail guides and signs and presented programs to diverse audiences from around the world.

FWP AmeriCorps members:

• Receive a living allowance of $19,538 over 44-week term of service and a $300 housing stipend per month.
• Receive an AmeriCorps education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of service. This award can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training and resources or to repay qualified student loans. Members aged 55 and over may transfer the education award to a child, grandchild or foster child.
• Are eligible for deferment on qualified student loans.
• Receive guaranteed health benefits and childcare assistance if qualified.
• Gain experience and training working in the fields of outdoor recreation, park management, interpretive services, education, community outreach and volunteer management.

“The payoff of the AmeriCorps program is only as good as the effort and dedication you put forth,” Sickerson said. “I’m happy I took the risk and the opportunity to join the FWP AmeriCorps program.”

For more information on the FWP AmeriCorps program, visit fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/employment/americorps or email FWP AmeriCorps development specialist Katie Schlafke at katie.schlafke@mt.gov.

Bozeman, Montana, has emerged as a hidden gem among desirable places to live. This city continues to attract a steady influx of residents seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant community spirit.

Moreover, several neighborhoods in Bozeman stand out for their distinct charm and amenities. If you're looking for a place to call home in Montana, here is why the Bozone should be on your list.

Outdoor Paradise

Bozeman's breathtaking natural surroundings are a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts, with various neighborhoods offering unparalleled access to these wonders. Areas like Bridger Canyon and Southside Bozeman place residents within arm's reach of world-class hiking, skiing, and fishing destinations. 

Bridger Bowl Ski Area, a mere 20-minute drive from Bridger Canyon, beckons winter sports enthusiasts with its pristine slopes. Meanwhile, the Gallatin River, famous for its blue-ribbon trout fishing, flows through Southside Bozeman, offering residents a tranquil escape into nature.

Excellent Educational Opportunities

For families and individuals alike, access to quality education is paramount when choosing a place to settle. Bozeman shines on this front, with top-notch educational institutions dotting its neighborhoods. From well-regarded public schools to the prestigious Montana State University, residents benefit from a wealth of educational opportunities.

The commitment to education extends beyond traditional learning institutions, with a focus on fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation beyond the classroom. Students can enjoy field trips to attractive sites like the Yellowstone National Park and the Lewis & Clark Caverns. 

Community Spirit and Connectivity

The sense of community is a powerful magnet for residents, and certain areas in Bozeman excel in fostering a strong communal spirit. For instance, the Baxter and Story Mill neighborhoods are known for their tight-knit communities and local events. Regular farmers' markets, community festivals, and neighborhood gatherings also contribute to a sense of belonging.

The collaborative spirit extends beyond local events, with residents actively participating in varying initiatives and volunteer opportunities. These neighborhoods provide the ideal setting for those seeking more than just a house but a true community to call home. 

Booming Job Market and Economic Growth

Bozeman's economic landscape has grown significantly, fueled by different industries, including technology, healthcare, and tourism. Neighborhoods like Baxter Meadows and West Winds are strategically located near thriving business districts, offering lucrative career opportunities.

The burgeoning job market, coupled with a lower cost of living compared to most urban centers, has led to an increasing number of professionals and entrepreneurs choosing Bozeman as their home base.

Varied Seasons

Bozeman's appeal exceeds its physical landscape, going to the unique experience of its four seasons. Residents enjoy the crisp air and snowy wonderland of winter, followed by the vibrant blossoms of spring. 

Summer brings long, sunlit days perfect for outdoor activities, while the golden hues of fall paint the city in breathtaking colors. This seasonal diversity adds a dynamic quality to Bozeman's life, favoring individuals who appreciate the changing scenery and the myriad recreational opportunities each period brings.

How a DIY Move Can Lower Your Relocation Cost to Bozeman

The process of moving to a brand-new city typically involves accounting for a myriad of logistics and expenses. A popular approach to reduce this cost burden is by implementing a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) move.

With a DIY move, you actively take the reins on controlling the entire operations involved in the relocation process. This strategy provides you with an opportunity to save money significantly.

However, ensure you do cost calculations for moving before deciding to go the DIY route. The good news is that there are many online tools to help you do these calculations, taking into account factors like distance traveled, weight of your belongings, and different modes of transport.

Delectable Food Scene 

Another compelling reason to relocate to Bozeman is the thriving and diverse culinary landscape. Several neighborhoods in Bozeman boast a wide variety of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants offering mouth-watering cuisine suited to different palates. 

Whether you are a foodie seeking the freshest farm-to-table dishes or someone who likes to experiment with international flavors, there's something for everyone here. The historic Downtown district is dedicated to bringing the community together over good food, echoing Bozeman's overall commitment to community-building coupled with exceptional living standards.

Summer  and winter farmers' markets across town also offer fresh local produce for those who enjoy whipping up their own culinary creations at home.

Conclusion

Bozeman's neighborhoods blend outdoor adventures, community engagement, economic opportunities, educational excellence, and a delectable food scene. For that reason, the city emerges as a prime destination as individuals seek a balance between work, play, and building beneficial relationships.

The two-week Can the Griz competition is in its final days. However, there’s still plenty of time for our community to step up with last minute donations of food or money to help ensure Bobcat fans once again win this time-honored competition that helps restock the shelves at our Gallatin Valley Food Bank just in time for the holidays.

HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank still needs turkeys to meet demand for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Currently the food bank has received just 25% of the total turkeys needed for their annual Thanksgiving Food Box Distribution. Please help us spread the word.

When: ​​Last day to donate for the Can the Griz competition is Friday, Nov. 17th.

Where: ​Convenient donation stations are set up all over town. Details can be found HERE.

If you would like to learn more, please reach out to:

Laura Stonecipher, Programs Manager, Gallatin Valley Food Bank, 406-586-7600 orPenny Johnson, Communications Manager, HRDC, 303-828-8481

HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank provides local support for local families and functions as a critical link between food and the people who need it. The food bank’s mission is to improve food security throughout Southwest Montana. Nutrition is vital for everyone in our community, and we serve anyone who needs help stretching their food budget.

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in Southwest Montana and believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be financially stable. Donors, volunteers, and community members can find out what we have in common at https://thehrdc.org/

BOZEMAN — Montana State University students have an opportunity to propose art that will be viewed by thousands of people in Norm Asbjornson Hall, home of MSU’s engineering and honors colleges.

The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering is soliciting student proposals for art to be displayed on a wall panel 20 feet wide by 10 feet tall on the third floor in the center of the building. Proposals are due by Jan. 19.

“MSU students always amaze us with their creativity and artistic vim. We look forward to receiving this year’s formal proposals,” said Rob Maher, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and coordinator of the competition. “The competition is open to students from any major who have a compelling story to tell through the art wall opportunity.”

According to Maher, the chosen project will be displayed for an anticipated period of three years.

The new art will replace the installation titled "The Human Collective" by MSU alumnus Holden Roberts, who won the inaugural art competition in 2018 before graduating with a degree in studio arts from MSU's College of Arts and Architecture.

Works of art are also displayed elsewhere in the building. The second floor features the work "Of Transparency and Perspective” by the 2021 competition winner, MSU undergraduate Emma Bergman. The first-floor space is awaiting completion of the work “A Blooming Universe” by Aria Dang, who won the competition last February.

The student or team submitting the winning entry will receive funding for the materials and installation, up to about $5,000, Maher said. The winning team will receive an honorarium of $2,500 split among its members. Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of faculty, staff, students and community members.

Two informational sessions will be held for interested students to tour the project space and ask questions. Attending a drop-in session is not mandatory but is encouraged, Maher said. The gatherings will meet on the third-floor central lobby of Norm Asbjornson Hall on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Proposals will be accepted Dec. 1 through Jan. 19. The winning proposal will be announced in early February, and installation of the completed art will occur in May.

For more information and to submit a proposal, visit www.coe.montana.edu/art.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting applications for more than $500,000 in recreation grants. Applications will be accepted for the Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program and the Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program. Applications can be submitted through the online system at funding.mt.gov. Application deadline is Feb.1, 2024.

Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program: This is a state-funded grant program. This program provides project funding with the goal of enhancing and maintaining OHV recreational opportunities for the benefit of OHV enthusiasts in Montana.

• Applications accepted: Nov. 15 – Feb. 1, 2024
• Awards announced: May
• Contracts issued and projects begin: July
• Anticipated funding available for awards: $200,000
• More information: fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/off-highway-vehicle

Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program: A grant program funded through the creation of the OHV Trail Pass. This is the program’s third grant cycle. The program will award funds to non-federal entities for the maintenance of OHV trails on public lands.

• Applications accepted: Nov. 15 – Feb. 1, 2024

• Awards announced: May
• Contracts issued and projects begin: July
• Anticipated funding available for awards: $300,000
• More information: fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/summer-motorized-trail-pass

Training sessions will be offered as needed for prospective applicants of the Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program and Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Programs.

For more information on attending a grant application training session or applying to one of these opportunities, visit: fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs.

For questions about the Summer Motorized Trail Pass Grant Program and the Off-Highway Vehicle Grant Program, contact Seth McArthur at SMcArthur@mt.gov.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is now accepting applications for Shooting Range Improvement Grants. Approximately $300,000 in funding is available. Application deadline is Feb. 1, 2024.

Montana's Shooting Range Grant Program, administered by FWP, provides funding to non-profit shooting clubs, organizations, local governments and school districts to build and improve public shooting ranges throughout the state.

To learn more about the Shooting Range Grant Program and to download this year's grant application, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/grant-programs/shooting-range. 

Online registration is available at funding.mt.gov. For more information, contact Seth McArthur at smcarthur@mt.gov or 406-444-3753.

Completed Shooting Range Grant applications can be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Shooting Range Grant Program, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.

BOZEMAN - The much-anticipated Brawl of the Wild football game will be held at noon Saturday in Missoula’s Washington-Grizzly Stadium. 

Where to watch: 

• Broadcast TV: MTN Stations (KBZK in Bozeman, channel 7.1 over the air). 
• Streaming: ESPN+ (subscription required). 
• Radio: Bobcat Radio Network airing live on KXLB 100.7 FM in Bozeman (list of other stations around Montana).

Can the Griz food drive 

The annual Can the Griz food drive, an off-field competition between MSU and UM to see which school can collect the most donations for its local food bank, is being held through Nov. 18. The friendly battle is now in its 24th year and is hosted by the Office of Student Engagement. For more information, visit canthegriz.org. 

More to read 

• Learn about more activities, including watch parties across the nation from our recent news story and from the MSU Alumni Foundation. 
• Read the recent history of the Cat-Griz football rivalry. 
• MSU football recent news and stories. 
• Find retailers selling Bobcat gear. 
• Brawl of the Wild all-sport series.

BOZEMAN – The Western History Association has announced that a book by Belgrade author and Montana State University assistant teaching professor Michele Corriel has won the national 2023 Joan Paterson Kerr Award for the best illustrated book on the history of the American West.

It’s the latest in a string of honors awarded to “Montana Modernists: Shifting Perceptions of Western Art,” which chronicles the lives and legacies of six mid-20th century artists who were largely responsible for the emergence of modernism in Montana art. Three of them taught at Montana State in Bozeman and one at Eastern Montana College, now MSU Billings.

“There were lots of great artists around, but these were the people that were the anchors,” said Corriel. “From them came more.”

Corriel first heard about the influential modernists during her 18 years as an arts writer in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. She said that in interviews with artists, she would routinely ask about who had influenced them and “the same six names kept coming up.”

The names belonged to eastern Montanans Isabelle Johnson and Bill Stockton, and four others who settled in the Bozeman area after World War II – Jessie Wilber, Frances Senska, Robert DeWeese and Gennie DeWeese. They knew each other and “started a whole sort of zeitgeist in art,” according to Corriel.

“They had survived the Depression, they had survived the war, and there was starting to be a Cold War. The language they had used for their art while they were in art school wasn’t enough,” Corriel said. “For sure, in Montana, the art of (Old West artists) Charlie Russell and Frederick Remington was not going to suffice to tell the stories these artists needed to tell.”

Corriel said she didn’t see anyone else writing about the Montana modernist movement, so she set out to do it and do it right.

“I didn’t want it to be a coffee table book. I wanted it to be a book that was accepted into the canon,” she said.

Motivated to acquire the academic credentials to have her book taken seriously, Corriel enrolled in graduate programs at MSU. While working on her master’s degree in art history, she began researching Robert DeWeese, Senska and Wilber, all of whom had taught in the university’s art department. When she moved on to pursue her doctorate in American studies in the College of Letters and Science, she researched the other three artists more fully. All six ultimately became the subjects of her doctoral dissertation.

“I loved the experience; I loved the classes,” Corriel said. “I met fantastic professors. It got me on the right track and kept me going, and the whole process helped to make the book better.”

After graduating with her Ph.D. in December 2019, Corriel set to work rewriting the dissertation into a book structured around the themes of place, artistic lineage and community.

“Place because they are in Montana,” Corriel explained. “I talked about Isabelle Johnson and Bill Stockton the most in that chapter because they were ranchers and they knew the land – breathed it, lived it, ate it. Their art really, truly reflects place.”

Montana also drew artists with impressive lineages, who had been educated at prestigious institutions in the U.S. and abroad, including Columbia University and the Otis College of Art and Design.

“They were schooled in art and art history. They had degrees from amazing places,” Corriel said.

The final component – community – refers to the nurturing of the Montana modernists and their movement, thanks to the hospitality of the DeWeeses.

“It’s really what held them together,” Corriel said. “In the ’50s and ’60s, their house (in downtown Bozeman) became the center of the art movement. After they moved to Cottonwood Canyon, people would meet there, and they would talk well into the night.”

Though only four of the artists featured in her book were university professors, Corriel said, “All of these artists were teachers. All had the opportunity to teach art to young people in the ’50s, coming home from the war and explaining to them what they were trying to do and be open to the creative processes on both sides. They were always learning from each other – it was a very egalitarian pedagogy.”

The elder artists, in addition to treating their students as artistic equals, also taught them how to become teachers themselves, “and those artists became teachers down the line,” Corriel said. “It’s a legacy that still exists.”

Though the six artists profiled in the book are deceased, interest in them is alive and well, according to Corriel. Earlier this year, she curated a show based on her book at the Yellowstone Art Museum in Billings; next summer, she will do the same at the Holter Museum of Art in Helena.

In addition to the just announced Kerr award, “Montana Modernists” was awarded the Big Sky Award for the overall best book and first prize for art and photography at the 2023 High Plains Book Awards. It also won honors in the 2023 Montana Book Awards contest.

Corriel teaches in MSU’s University Studies program, and she has taught classes on Montana modernism in the School of Art in the College of Arts and Architecture.

“This is a subject that is so near and dear to my heart – I’m very passionate about the subject,” Corriel said. “I’m so honored and humbled by all of the attention this book has been getting.”

And though she is the person who researched and wrote the book, she said it is the artists who deserve the credit.

“They were amazing people who lived remarkable lives, who dedicated themselves to art and created this important art movement,” she said. “What would have happened without them?”

The Montana Master Hunter Program (MHP) is accepting applications for the 2024 program. Deadline is  Nov. 30. Led by One Montana, the MHP is for hunters who want to continue to improve and hone their skills, build relationships with landowners to aid their wildlife management goals, and be an advocate for conservation and wildlife. Classes will be held in Bozeman (March), Missoula (April) and Kalispell (May). To apply or learn more, visit mtmasterhunter.com.

Life requires the presence of water. However, even though water is present in most places on Earth, its quality isn't always assured. Actually, there's a chance that the chemicals, bacteria, and dangerous particles in your tap water are endangering your health. For this reason, a lot of homeowners decide to put in water filters. Water that has been filtered helps to make it safer to drink by removing contaminants. Not everyone, though, has the money to install a water filter right now. Fortunately, you can install and buy a water filtration system for your home with the assistance of water filter financing.

What is water filter financing?

A payment plan referred to as "water filter financing" enables households to pay for the purchase as well as the setting up of a water filter over time. You can pay for the system in manageable installments spaced out over time as an alternative to paying the entire amount at once.

How does water filter financing work?

Water filter financing works very similarly as that of other financing options such as car loans or mortgages. A lender will provide you with a principal amount to pay for your water filter, and you will pay the lender back over time, typically with interest. The terms of your loan agreement will vary depending on the lender's policies and your credit score.

What are some benefits of water filter financing?

The flexibility of financing water filters is one of its key advantages. Financing offers a way for people who cannot afford to pay for their water filtration system all at once to spread out their payments over time. Having the option to select from a range of water filtration systems that may suit your budget, as opposed to settling for a subpar or inadequate filter, is another benefit of financing.

What are some things to consider when choosing a lender?

There are a few considerations to make when selecting a lender to finance your purchase of water filters. First and foremost, be sure to investigate and contrast various lenders to identify the best terms and rates for your financial circumstances. Second, think about the kind of interest rate you want—variable or fixed—and which is best for you. And lastly, make an effort to select a lender who specializes in financing water filters and who can provide counsel and direction all through the financing procedure.

What are some other ways to finance your water filter purchase?

There are other ways to pay for your water filtration system economically besides financing for water filters. These consist of credit cards, home equity loans, and personal loans. Before choosing one of these possibilities, it's critical to do your homework and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Financing for water filters might be a great choice for homeowners who want to buy a water filtration system. Financing offers a way to install a water filter that is appropriate for your home at a reasonable cost and allows you to spread out your payments over time. To guarantee a seamless loan experience, evaluate lenders, pick one you can trust, and carefully go over your lending terms.

What to Consider When Taking Water Filter Financing

Are you thinking about investing in a water filter for your house or place of business, but you just cannot afford the initial outlay? There are financing options available to assist in lowering the cost of this investment. But before you sign the paper, there are a few important things to think about when obtaining a finance plan for a water filter. We'll talk about the crucial considerations in this blog post before obtaining a finance plan for a water filter.

It is crucial to evaluate interest rates and costs when looking into financing options for water filters. A financing option may seem enticing due to its low interest rate, but beware of hidden expenses that might make payments pile up and end up costing more than you had intended. To find out about any additional costs you might have to pay, make sure you read over the terms and conditions of your financing arrangement.

One of the biggest mistakes a borrower can make is not carefully considering the length of the financing term. While a longer term may seem like a good idea because of lower monthly payments, it can result in a higher overall cost due to interest accumulation. Shorter financing terms may result in higher monthly payments, but the overall cost may be lower because of less interest accumulation. Make sure to weigh the pros and cons of each option before selecting a financing term.

Financing options for water filters may have specific eligibility requirements, such as a certain credit score or income level. Before applying for a financing plan, be sure to research the eligibility requirements so you can make an informed decision based on your financial situation.

It is crucial to consider the standing of the business providing the funding plan. Before registering, check out the company's background, customer satisfaction rating, and reviews. Selecting a business with a good reputation is crucial to making sure you don't get taken advantage of.

Since a water filter is an ongoing expense, it's critical to account for potential maintenance and replacement costs in your financing strategy. Prior to committing to a financing plan, make sure you understand the terms of the warranty and the associated costs of servicing your water filter.

In conclusion, selecting a financing plan for a water filter is a major choice that needs to be well thought out in light of a number of variables, such as interest rates, the length of the financing term, eligibility requirements, company reputation, and future maintenance and replacement expenses. We hope that this blog post has given you the knowledge you need to decide how best to pay for your water filter. To be sure you're choosing the best course of action for your financial circumstances, always remember to weigh your options before committing and consult a financial expert.