THREE FORKS – A small portion of the Jefferson River will be closed to all recreation while construction of a new bridge on Meridian Road continues.

The closure will extend from Drouillard Fishing Access Site up to Sappington Bridge Fishing Access Site beginning Tuesday, Aug. 22. The closure will be lifted Saturday, Aug. 26.

For updated information on restrictions and closures of waterbodies and lands managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.

HELENA – Ever get in a traffic jam at a boat ramp? How about arriving at a boat campsite after a long float and discovering trash left behind by the previous campers?

Many of us river recreators, both resident and nonresident, have experienced behaviors we wished we hadn’t. With this in mind, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, along with several conservation partners, created a series of videos demonstrating mindful behaviors while recreating on Montana’s rivers.

Partners for the river recreation videos include the Flathead National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, Flathead Rivers Alliance, the River Management Society and Montana PBS.

These videos are the first step of a larger more inclusive effort to encourage better behavior while recreating on all Montana public lands. The effort is called Montana Mindset.

Montana Mindset messaging will address outdoor recreation ethics and etiquette with the intention of providing a better outdoor experience for everyone. It will also address public safety and environmental impacts on outdoor landscapes.

“With more people appreciating Montana’s outdoor opportunities, we all need to do our part to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone,” said FWP Director Dustin Temple. “Montana Mindset will provide tips and examples of sharing the resource sensibly.”

In addition to encouraging a Montana Mindset while recreating, FWP will share messaging on the “how-tos” of participating in outdoor activities for those who are looking to expand their adventures.

Outdoor recreationists can look for Montana Mindset information throughout the year on the FWP website and social media channels, as well as those of our partners.

The Downtown Bozeman Association and Cancer Support Community Montana along with our gracious Sponsors hosted the 23rd Annual “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show on Sunday, August 20th. The show ran from 9 AM – 2 PM and was located on Main Street between Willson and Rouse Avenues in Downtown Bozeman.
 
Despite the rain, we had over 220 entries this year and awards in 15 categories as well as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in People’s Choice and Best in Show. Without further ado… the 2023 winners are:
 
1st Place by Class:
 
Ford – 1969 Ford Bronco; Doug & Jenny Watson (#2050)
Chevy – 1956 Chevy Bel Air; Barry Farre (#3005)
Mopar – 1969 Plymouth Sports Suburban, Fury III; Mary Anderson (#1003)
GM Product – 1966 Pontiac GTO; Jeff Farve (#3012)
Original/Survivor – 1950 GMC FC152; James Martin (#1079)
Antique (pre-1940’s) – 1914 Willies/Knight/Overland Town Car Convertible; Valerie Otto (#1092)
Street Rod/Custom – 1958 Cadillac Coupe; Jason Clevland (#3045)
Muscle Car & Resto Mod – 1966 Chavy Chevelle SS; Nathan Hammom (#3032)
Best Hot Rod & Rat Rod – 1931 Ford Model A; Brent Mach (#4025)
Truck – 1941 Ford Pick-Up; Jared Kaplan (#1065)
Special Interest – 1955 Beetle Raptor; Wendy Stocte (#3026)
Import – 1964 Porsche 356SC; Dennis Guentzel (#1048)
2000 to Current – 2020 Ford Mustang GT350 Heritage; Marc Lorenz (#1074)
Motorcycle – 1999 Harley Davidson; Ryan Trenton (#3019)
Adventure Vehicle – 1983 Jeep Wagoneer; Matt Miller (#3010)
 
Peoples Choice:
 
              1st Place – 1966 Volkswagen Microbio; Tripp Frandesn (#1044)
              2nd Place – 1957 Chevy Bel Air; Amy Rowan (#2002)
              3rd Place – 1967 Pontiac Grand Prix; Max Martin (#1080)
 
Best in Show:
 
              1st Place – 1983 Jeep Wagoneer; Matt Miller (#3010)
 
For more information about the “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show, please visit www.downtownbozeman.org/carshow or contact Downtown Bozeman Association at 406-586-4008 and Cancer Support Community at 406-582-1600.

Bozeman — Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation will host its annual Warrior Taste Fest fundraiser — an event that will raise over $600,000 to support post-9/11 combat veterans.
 
Warrior Taste Fest, which will take place at Haynes Pavilion at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, plans to host up to 1000 people on Friday, September 8 for tastings of food, beer, and cocktails from over 30 of Montana’s best restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. While guests eat and drink, they can enjoy the work of 12 renowned artists as they quick-finish paintings and sculptures that will be up for bid during the live auction.

Artists Matt McKenna, Whitney Hall, Jennifer Johnson, Rob Akey, Amber Blazina, Todd Connor, David Graham, Joe Kronenberg, Steve Lillegard, Amanda Markel, Greg Scheibel, and Shirle Wempner will all be quick finishing their art for the live auction.
 
“Recent data from the VA indicates that our veterans face a suicide rate 1.5 times higher than the general populace, with suicide being their second leading cause of death. Though combat is behind them, the battles veterans face persist – in some cases for their lifetime,” said Brian Gilman, CEO of Warriors & Quiet Waters. “By attending Warrior Taste Fest, you champion our mission to enable veterans to thrive. Together, we can fortify America with thriving veterans. Your active support goes beyond mere gratitude – it’s essential.”

The event will start at 5:30 p.m. for Early Entry ticket holders to meet the artists, hear live music, and more.  Doors open for General Admission ticket holders at 6 p.m. The live auction and programming will run until 9:45 p.m.
 
Tickets for Warrior Taste Fest are on sale now and more information can be found on Warriors & Quiet Waters’ website, wqwf.org. All proceeds will support post-9/11 combat veterans.
 

BOZEMAN – The Bozeman City Commission voted unanimously on two actions to support 155 units of workforce housing in Bozeman. The Lumberyard project combines 155 units of workforce housing with 285 units of market-rate rentals in a mixed-income project. The workforce units will be restricted for at least 50 years at rents deemed affordable for households making 60% of the area median income (AMI) or $1,420 a month for a two-bedroom unit at today’s AMI.

The Bozeman City Commission voted to provide up to $7.5 million in reimbursement for eligible costs of public infrastructure using tax increment financing (TIF). With TIF, a developer finances all the cost of new public infrastructure that is necessary for a project and is reimbursed with new tax revenue generated by the project. The assistance makes projects feasible that would not be feasible but for TIF assistance – like workforce housing projects.

Bozeman’s City Commission also provided a $1 million grant to the newly created Gallatin Community Housing Impact Fund managed by NeighborWorks Montana (NWMT). The Fund will provide gap financing that makes workforce housing projects feasible throughout Gallatin County. The grant agreement requires that at least $1 million from the Fund must be invested in projects within the Bozeman city limits. NWMT provided a commitment letter to Reuter Walton Development for $2.5 million contingent on closing City and investor dollars into the fund. The gap financing from the Fund, combined with the commitment of TIF funds from the City will make the 155-unit workforce housing project feasible.

Bozeman-based Virga Capital is the developer of The Lumberyard project and is financing the public infrastructure and constructing the market-rate housing. “We are thrilled to be partnering with the City of Bozeman and Reuter Walton Development on delivering desperately needed workforce housing,” said Rob Lateiner, CEO of Virga Capital. “Without the City of Bozeman’s leadership in providing tax increment financing assistance, this project would not be possible.”

Reuter Walton Development is building the 155 units of rent-restricted workforce housing utilizing low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC). “The Gallatin Community Housing Impact Fund is making our 155-unit affordable housing project feasible,” said Nick Walton, founder, and CEO of Reuter Walton Development. “LIHTC is an underutilized source of funds in the Bozeman market because projects are often infeasible due to high construction costs. With the City’s seed investment in the Fund, we can pair federal and local resources to provide essential affordable housing for the Community.”

NeighborWorks Montana is managing the Gallatin Community Housing Impact Fund. Other committed investors in the Fund include First Security Bank, Stockman Bank, Opportunity Bank, American Bank, Bank of Bozeman, and Clearwater Credit Union.

Those seeking more information on the project can reach out to David Fine at dfine@bozeman.net. 

On August 18, 2023, at 10:00 am Gallatin County 911 was contacted regarding an injured trail runner on the Blackmore Mountain Trail. The runner had hyperextended their knee and had limited mobility and loss of feeling in their foot.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section and Heli Team, as well as AMR medical personnel responded to the Blackmore Mountain Trailhead. Search and Rescue volunteers deployed a one wheeled litter up the trail to meet with the injured runner.  Volunteers located the patient about 5 miles up the trail where they assessed their injuries and assisted the runner in getting back to the trailhead.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind backcountry enthusiasts to be prepared when recreating in the backcountry. Having the ability to communicate with rescuers cuts down the amount of time it can take to get medical attention when things go bad.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

BILLINGS, MT  – The 6th annual MINT Film Festival, presented by MT Film Office,  will showcase over 40 films from 8 countries, offering a diverse selection of domestic and international cinematic gems for all film enthusiasts. Festival dates are September 21 - 24, 2023, in Downtown Billings.

Attendees will have the chance to watch films on the big screen at the historic Babcock Theatre and engage in Q&A sessions with filmmakers, actors, and producers, gaining insights into the creative processes behind the films.

Festival Passes are on sale. The VIP Festival Pass provides access to all films, events, parties, and special events. New this year are day passes for Friday and Saturday for those who can't attend the entire festival. Individual tickets go on sale on Sept. 5.

The MINT Film Festival is thrilled to welcome esteemed actor Bill Pullman, who will grace the event with his presence for a special screening of two iconic films – "THE LAST SEDUCTION," directed by John Dahl, and "LOST HIGHWAY," directed by David Lynch. On the evening of Saturday, September 23rd, Bill Pullman will share his perspectives in a Q&A session alongside director John Dahl for "The Last Seduction," followed by his introduction to "Lost Highway." This double-feature presentation is set to be a highlight of the festival.

Opening night, Thursday, September 21st, promises an exclusive North American sneak peek screening of the Made In Montana feature film "TOKYO COWBOY," directed by Marc Marriott. Join the director, producer, cast, and crew for this exciting premiere.

The MINT Film Festival lineup boasts diverse feature narratives and documentaries. Narratives Features include "PUSH PAUSE" from Japan, directed by Ryoma Kosasa; "SCRAP" from the USA, directed by Vivian Kerr, featuring a stellar cast including Anthony Rapp (ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING, RENT, DAZED AND CONFUSED), Lana Parrilla (ONCE UPON A TIME, THE LINCOLN LAWYER), and Khleo Thomas ("Zero" from HOLES); and "THE CRIMINAL" from the USA, directed by Hayden Endicott.

Fans of documentaries can look forward to a stimulating assortment of films, including the Billings-based "RETURN" (pictured), directed by Peter Tolton and produced by Stan Parker, "THE SECRET SONG," directed by Samantha Campbell, and "A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM IN PRISON," directed by Bushra Azzouz.

The festival's narrative short films promise to leave a lasting impression, with titles like "BLUEBIRD" by Sara Crow, "WHO'S ANNIE?" by Sophia Peer, "SAWDUST" by Blake Rice, "THAT'S ENOUGH NOW THANKS" by Aquila Chase-Daniel, and "NORDO" (pictured) by MINT Alumni Kyle Taubken.

International contributions include "SELF SERVICE" from Israel, directed by Keshet Gadish, and "CITY OF LOST SOULS" from Germany, directed by Nikos Mpouyioukas. Other captivating short films include "ORIZURU" from Japan, directed by Masaaki Onaka, and "LACHIE & JOHN" from Australia, directed by Lee McClenaghan.

The documentary short films offer a blend of compelling stories, including "LEO AND CHESTER" by Andrea Wing, "THE WINTERKEEPER" by Laurence Topham and David Levene, and "YOU CAN'T SHRINK LOVE" by Veena Rao. Additional titles include "MIDDLE AMERICA" by Dana Larson, "THE ROAD" by Cale Green, "ANDREW AFTER ANGOLA" by Will LaCalle, "THE DREAM THAT I HAD" by Evelyn Lee, "A PLACE OF PEACE: A CENTURY AT THE RANCH" by Jennifer Moore, and "A TOUGH BREED" by Sara Reardon.

Highlighting Indigenous perspectives, cultures, and stories, the festival presents notable works such as "PADDLE TRIBAL WATERS" by Paul Robert Wolf Wilson and Rush Sturges, "NATIVE BALL: LEGACY OF A TRAILBLAZER" by Jonathan Cipiti and Megan Harrington, "WEAVING A LEGACY: ELLA MAE BLACKBEAR" by Danielle Culp, "MI'KMA'KI: GWITNA'Q (LAND OF THE MI'KMAW: TRAVEL BY CANOE)" by Wendell G. Collier, and "WHO SHE IS" by Jordan Dresser (Northern Arapaho), Sophie Barksdale.

A new thematic block named Call-to-Adventure offers documentary films exploring the natural world through recreation and exploration. Notable selections include "BE HERE NOW | A JOURNEY TO THE GRAND TETON" by Evan M Jenkins, "DRIVING SWEEP" by Gregory Cairns, "MINISTRY OF SURF" by Keith C Reagan, "SENDING" by Carlos Mason, and "TWO WHEEL FREEDOM" by Evan M. Jenkins.

For those seeking late-night thrills, the festival offers a late-night, action-packed selection of short films, including "MATTRESS EXPRESS" (pictured) by Noah Morse, "TOOTH" by Jillian Corsie, "TWENTY-ONE AT THE BELLE SALOON" directed by Scott Seagren, and the Montana-made "A FIRE INSIDE" by Levi Hawkinson.

This year, MINT Film Festival introduces a new category called Cinema Salon, celebrating low-budget films with exceptional production value, storytelling, and creativity. Featured works include the narrative feature "THE CRIMINAL" by Hayden Endicott and the animated short film "NECKTIE CINEMA" by MINT Alumni John Akre.

The festival extends beyond screenings with enriching workshops. Notable sessions include "DOCUMENTARY STORYTELLING," led by acclaimed documentary director and editor Maureen Gosling, and "DIRECTING ACTORS," a collaborative effort led by director John Dahl and actor Bill Pullman.

From September 21st to 24th, the MINT Film Festival promises an immersive celebration of cinema, workshops, parties, and community engagement. Take advantage of this opportunity to experience the magic of movies at the Historic Babcock Theatre.

On August 16, 2023, at 12:35pm Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call that an individual had crashed their mountain bike 5 to 6 miles up the Sourdough Trail. According to the reporting party, the individual had sustained a broken arm and a possible head injury resulting from the bicycle accident.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section and Hyalite Fire Department medical personnel responded to the Sourdough Trailhead. Search and Rescue volunteers deployed several UTV’s up the trail to meet with the mountain biker.  Volunteers located the patient about 6 miles up the trail where they assessed their injuries and packaged the patient.  The bicyclist was transported back to the trailhead and transferred to the awaiting Hyalite Ambulance. Custer Gallatin National Forest Service personnel who were in the area doing trail work also assisted by transporting the bike back to the trailhead for the patient. The patient was ultimately transported to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.

Sheriff Springer would like to commend the individual that called 911 and provided dispatch with the cyclist’s location and extent of the cyclist’s injuries. This type of information can expedite rescue and ensures our crews have all necessary supplies, resulting in a faster and more efficient rescue.

Photos courtesy of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.