BOZEMAN — Montana State University Extension and the Montana Department of Agriculture were recently announced as partners in a $30 million U.S. Department of Agriculture effort to establish a regional center to create opportunities for food producers and increase food security.

Co-led by Colorado State University and Oregon State University, the new Northwest and Rocky Mountain Food Business Center is part of a larger effort nationwide, for which the USDA announced $400 million in funding last September.

“This funding represents a great opportunity to both identify and fill gaps that need attention while leveraging the strengths that exist within Montana’s food supply chains,” said Andy Fjeseth, bureau chief of the state of Montana’s Agricultural Finance, Trade and Development Bureau.

In total, the USDA will establish 12 regional food business centers to serve all areas of the country.

“Montana is lucky to have a robust technical assistance network within this space. I am excited to see how this funding can establish new partnerships and help move our food and ag industries forward,” Fjeseth said.

The Northwest and Rocky Mountain Food Business Center will support farm, ranch and food businesses, as well as broader food supply chain enterprises, through:

• Technical assistance programs, curricula and one-on-one business support.

• Direct investments in projects and professional development for regional food system leaders and innovators.

• Coordination via strategic sharing of resources and coordinated action across the region, and between USDA and regional stakeholders.

“We are incredibly excited for this project to get underway,” said Tommy Bass, MSU Extension livestock environment associate specialist. “Working with the Montana Department of Agriculture, USDA, local food NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and regional land-grant colleagues, I know we can make a significant impact to food supply chains across the region.”

The Northwest and Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center will work with partners to target investments in communities across the region. It will focus on four areas: resilient animal protein supply chains; food entrepreneurs seeking to scale up; farms leveraging opportunities aligned with emerging climate-resilient markets; and right-sized infrastructure and investment.

The center will also serve as the hub for regional small- and mid-tier food and farm business development initiatives, supporting resilience across multiple industry sectors and creating a regional collaborative network. The center will also provide timely and relevant data and analysis for market access and development and serve as a gateway and navigator for USDA programs and funding as well as other third-party funding sources.

More information about the Northwest and Rocky Mountain Food Business Development Center can be found at NWRockyMountainRegionalFoodBusiness.com.

To kick off Montana Noxious Weed Awareness Week, the Gallatin County Weed District announces the opening of nominations for an annual award recognizing area landowners for their work in controlling noxious weeds in our area.

Gallatin County would like to honor landowners and managers who do an exceptional job of controlling noxious weeds. These stewards are not only caring for their own land but are helping to protect the wild lands and local agriculture that make our county such a wonderful place to live.

The Weed District would like to celebrate these individuals or groups who are a vital part of noxious weed management in our county with the Gallatin County Outstanding Noxious Weed Management Award.

Last year’s inaugural award went to employees at Bridger Bowl Ski Area for their contributions to noxious weed management and their dedication to promoting healthy plant communities in Gallatin County.

If you know of a person or a group who has shown exceptional leadership in the management of noxious weeds on private land in Gallatin County, please nominate them for this award. 

Nominations will be reviewed by the Gallatin County Weed Board, who will pick the winner. The Gallatin County Commission and the Weed District will then recognize the winner at a public meeting in September.

To nominate someone, fill out this form or contact the Weed District to get a copy of the form. Nominations are due by July 31.

The Gallatin County Weed District is located at 903 N. Black Ave. in Bozeman. Staff can be reached at 406-582-3265 or weeddistrict@gallatin.mt.gov.

Information about the Outstanding Noxious Weed Management Award can also be found on our website.

More info on Montana Noxious Weed Awareness Week:

Montana Noxious Weed Awareness Week was established in 2021 as a way to highlight the invasive plants in our state that outcompete native grasses and wildflowers and can seriously impair wildlife habitat, agriculture and recreational opportunities.

Noxious Weed Awareness Week is observed the first full week of June. This year it will be celebrated June 4-10.

When it comes to popular spots in the home to update, the bathroom often sits high on the list of priorities. It’s a room that gets plenty of use, and for that reason, wear and tear can show up faster than in other spaces. But just because you want to update the bathroom, doesn’t mean you have the desire or budget to do a full gut job, and the good news is that you don’t have to. Here are four ways to modernize your bathroom in 2023 without having to rip everything out.

A New Shower Screen Can Be Just What Is Needed
Want to update your shower but don't have the budget for a total gut job? Homeowners will be thrilled to find that, by replacing the shower screen, you can create the illusion of a brand-new shower. This is often the best shower part to update since you have so many options available to you. Just be clear on the style you’re going for. For example, do you like clean lines, modern features and a simple design, or are you looking for a shower screen with some uniqueness to it? There is also clear and frosted glass, both of which can work in a modern bathroom.

Another tip is to remove the old caulking between shower tiles, which may be discolored, fading, peeling, cracking or missing, and apply fresh caulking.

Choose a Trending Color Palette
If you want more of an impact than just the shower and vanity, a fresh new color palette will do the trick. You don’t have to choose a trending one, but some are proving stylish for 2023. The good news is that most of these act as neutrals, which means they will work with existing flooring and fixtures.

Some trending bathroom color palettes for 2023 worth looking into include:

Install New Lighting
Finally, take a look at your current light fixture and ask yourself if it works with the bathroom updates. Installing a new light fixture means you can choose an entirely different style and finish, and even pick one that offers more light – as you can never have too much light in a bathroom.

Using all of these tips will help you update your bathroom and transform the space so it matches your vision.

The Bozeman Public Library mobile library zips around the county all summer long. The following stops will include special hands-on learning and play opportunities for kids. For a complete mobile library calendar, please visit bozemanlibrary.org/bookmobile. Note: some of these stops will be accompanied by the library SUV instead of the bookmobile.

• Bethel Church, 12:15-1:45 PM, June 13, 27, July 11, 25, August 8, 22

• Elk Grove, 3:30-4:30 PM, June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25

• Gallatin County Regional Park, 10 AM-12 PM, June 24, July 8, 22, August 19, & 1-3 PM August 5

• Gallatin Valley Mall (inside), 1-3 PM, June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25

• The Lakes @ Valley West, 10 AM-12 PM, June 17, July 1, 15, 29, August 12, 26

• Lunch on the Lawn @ The Emerson, 11:30 AM -1:30 PM, July 12, 26

• Monforton Middle School,11:30 AM- 1 PM, June 20, July 18, August 1, 15, & 9:30-11 AM July 6

• MSU Family Housing @ Paisley Park, 12-1:15 PM, June 16, 30, July 14, 28, August 11, 25

• Quail Run Park, 4:30-5:30 PM, June 20, July 5, 18, August 1, 15

• Valley West Park, 3:30-4:30 PM, June 16, 23, 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28, August 4, 11, 18, 25

• Walton Homestead Park, 11:30 AM - 1 PM, June 23, July 7, 21, August 4, 18

It is natural to worry about developing a life-altering medical issue, especially as you enter your senior years. Even if you look and feel great, you might worry about losing your mobility, struggling with memory, or developing an age-related health condition.

You might be unable to stop the inevitable, but you can take steps to preserve your grace and respect should your health decline. Keep reading to learn how to age with dignity.

Decide How You Want to Age

Rather than worrying about what will happen to you should your health deteriorate, you can decide how you want to age and convey your wishes to your loved ones. Many people avoid the conversation with their loved ones, as it may feel difficult and overwhelming. Yet, it is a discussion worth having to ensure you spend your golden years feeling happy and comfortable.

For example, now might be an ideal time to consider the right facility for senior living in San Jose, CA, and receive 24-hour care that will adapt to your specific needs. It will provide peace of mind that you will enter an assisted living community when necessary to avoid feeling a burden and receive around-the-clock support from a licensed nurse and a trained team of staff.

Ask for Help When Needed

There is no shame in asking for help when needed, and your loved ones might be more than happy to lend a helping hand. As much as you might want to retain your independence for as long as possible, you might need to admit that you need assistance washing, dressing, taking medication, or performing household chores.

As hard as it might be to ask a loved one for help, it will stop hygiene issues, household problems, and health complications from arising. Leaning on others for support will allow you to maintain your dignity, but pretending an issue isn’t happening could destroy it. Don’t allow pride to stand in the way of your quality of life.

Stimulate Your Mind

An active mind is crucial for dignified aging, as it will support your cognitive health, prevent a mental health disorder, and help you maintain an optimistic mindset. Find activities that will bring you joy and force you to use your brain, such as solving complex puzzles, reading books, gardening, or completing a course.

Move Your Body Daily

In addition to helping you to maintain a healthy weight during your senior years, exercise can help your body function, slow down the aging process, strengthen muscles, and lower blood pressure. Look for ways to get your body moving daily, such as stretching every morning, walking outside, gardening, or swimming. However, consult a doctor to create an effective exercise plan to suit your health needs and capabilities.

Growing older doesn’t mean saying goodbye to your dignity, regardless of your health issues. If you care for your mind and body, ask for help, and plan for aging, you could protect your decorum and respect throughout your golden years.

ALDER – Flooding on the Ruby River has inundated Alder Bridge Fishing Access Site, and the site has been closed temporarily for public safety.

Recent rain and snow runoff have raised water levels in many areas. Flooding poses hazards to recreationists, including colder water temperatures, unseen obstacles and reduced access.

Alder Bridge Fishing Access Site will reopen as conditions allow. For updates on restrictions and closures of Montana waterbodies and lands managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.

BOZEMAN — On June 27, the Bozeman City Commission will discuss an ordinance aimed at improving short-term rental compliance by applying several requirements to hosting platforms, such as Airbnb and VRBO. If adopted, this would require platforms to include the city permit number for each listing within the City and, if no city permit number is supplied, the hosting platform must remove the listing within five days.  Platforms would also need to share information on listings with the city, including addresses.

Having an up-to-date list of existing short-term rental listings would allow city staff to more easily bring short-term rentals into compliance with city regulations. This would ensure all owners and operators of short-term rentals are treated fairly, and that all rentals are operating safely. In addition, the ordinance would provide staff with a more accurate picture of the number of short-term rentals operating in the city.

“This ordinance is backed by research we have done into other similar communities. Many of them have seen success after improving compliance in this way,” City Planner Nakeisha Lyon stated.
 
During the Aug. 9, 2022 Commission work session on short-term rentals, Commission directed staff to explore improving short-term rental compliance through this type of ordinance.
 
The last time the Bozeman City Commission passed an ordinance on short-term rentals was in 2017. Ordinance 1974 established a number of regulations, including the need to register, have a fire inspection, and requiring owner occupancy of the short term rental in certain zoning districts.
 
City staff are also in the process of a more in-depth analysis of how the City regulates short-term rentals, which the City Commission will discuss at a future meeting.
 
More information on short-term rentals and the regulations around them can be found at https://www.bozeman.net/departments/community-development/planning/short-term-rentals.
 

THREE FORKS – A small portion of the Jefferson River is closed to all recreation.

The closure extends from Williams’ Bridge Fishing Access Site to the bridge on Meridian Road. High river flows coupled with ongoing repairs to Meridian Bridge have created a hazardous obstruction for people floating on the river.

The closure will remain in effect until further notice. For updated information on restrictions and closures of lands managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and waterbodies, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions. 

On May 30, 2023, at 3:57 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a phone call from a stranded hiker at the Ross Pass Junction. The hiker started their expedition at Fairy Lake and planned on traversing the Bridger Ridge. The hiker encountered deep snow, was not equipped for the conditions, and was becoming hypothermic.  The hiker had a charged cell phone and was able to send rescuers an exact location.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) members responded to the scene utilizing four-wheelers and utility vehicles. The GCSSAR Heli Team was also deployed due to patient conditions and terrain.  Using these resources volunteers were able to successfully transport the hiker down the trail.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind the public this time of year can be challenging to anticipate changing backcountry weather conditions. Packing appropriate clothing and gear for the worst conditions one may encounter is a good practice for staying warm and dry.

Using credit cards responsibly is an essential skill that reaps numerous benefits, especially if you've had difficulties in the past. With the right approach, strategies, and mindset, you can regain control over your finances and avoid falling back into a vicious cycle of debt.

12 Ways to Use Your Credit Cards Responsibly

Building new financial habits isn’t easy, especially if you previously had difficulties with using credit cards responsibly. However, these 12 strategies will help you appropriately use credit.

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
When using credit cards, it's crucial to establish a monthly budget and be disciplined enough to adhere to it. By knowing your limits, you can avoid overspending and accumulating more debt, especially if you have experienced difficulties with managing finances in the past.

2. Limit the Number of Cards
If you've had financial struggles before, consider limiting yourself to just one or two credit cards. This way, you can better monitor your expenses and reduce the risks associated with having multiple accounts with varying interest rates, such as overspending and regularly high payments.

3. Pay Your Balance in Full Each Month
To avoid paying interest on your credit card purchases, aim to settle all outstanding charges before the end of your billing cycle. This approach helps you maintain good credit usage habits while steering clear of growing debt. It also ensures you only spend what you can afford.

4. Consolidate High-Interest Credit Card Debts
If you’re dealing with high-interest debt from multiple sources, using balance transfers or seeking a credit card debt consolidation loan may help reduce the overall cost and ultimately achieve quicker repayment success. After all, interest rates are typically lower for these types of loans.

5. Use the Card for Essential Purchases Only
Try to only use your credit card for essential purchases, like groceries and bills. Avoid impulse buys which can contribute negatively to your overall financial situation. Or, if you’re looking to build credit, only charge low-cost items (i.e., coffee) and pay them off as soon as possible.

6. Utilize Autopay or Set Calendar Reminders for Payment Due Dates
By automating payments or creating calendar reminders when your payments are due, you diminish the chance of incurring late fees resulting from missed deadlines. If you’re forgetful and you have enough funds to pay off your credit card immediately, don’t wait. Pay it off right away.

7. Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Keep a close watch over your accounts via online banking services, apps, or even old-fashioned paper statements so that discrepancies like unauthorized charges are noted promptly. In most cases, your credit card company will refund any unauthorized credit card transactions.

8. Maintain a Low Credit Utilization Rate
A lower utilization rate tells credit card companies that you use your credit card responsibly, so try not to exceed 30% usage at any given time. Additionally, keeping a low utilization rate will positively impact your FICO score, as credit utilization coincidently makes up 30% of it.

9. Keep Track of Spending by Category
Monitor how much is spent on various categories, such as entertainment and essential expenses, in order to gain insights needed for future budget prioritization and adjustments where required. With this strategy, you’ll have an easier time saving for an auto purchase or a home.

10. Do Not Apply for Too Many Cards in a Short Period
A sudden flurry of credit card applications might come across as desperate to creditors, potentially lowering your credit score. Take a measured approach and apply only when you genuinely need new credit. As a rule, you should apply for a new card every 6 months to a year.

11. Seek Professional Advice if Needed
Don't hesitate to reach out to financial experts if you’re experiencing difficulties managing your credit cards. These experts could provide invaluable guidance and create strategies that work best for your needs. You can hire a financial advisor privately or via a bank or another lender. 

12. Reward Yourself for Good Habits
Lastly, once your goals are met, and you’ve stayed consistent, reward yourself with something that may or may not cost money. Doing so will help your brain connect your actions to a positive response, which makes it more likely you’ll manage your finances successfully in the future.

In Conclusion… 

In summary, responsible credit card usage is a skill that goes hand-in-hand with financial independence and stability. By applying the 12 strategies we discussed in this article, you can break free from past mistakes and take charge of your financial future as soon as possible.