City aims to install a new water feature at Story Mill Park this year
 
BOZEMAN — The City of Bozeman and Trust for Public Land are collaborating once again on Story Mill Park. On Tuesday, Jan. 24, Bozeman City Commissioners signed an MOU for the Trust for Public Land to provide $155,000 towards the construction of a new splash pad. The City anticipates providing $350,000 towards construction and aims to break ground on the project in the spring and wrap up by the fall.

 
“The creation of a splash pad has been in the master plan for Story Mill Park for years but was not able to be built due to funding,” Addi Jadin, Park Planning and Development Manager, stated. “We’re excited to be able to partner with the Trust for Public Land again and implement this fun feature of the park.”

 
The splash pad will be built near the restrooms and will include a river scene with sun-bleached trees and reed water sprayers, similar to what residents may see at the edges of Quake Lake, the Madison or the East Gallatin River. Tactile features allow kids to control the water flow of jets and bubblers. A beaver den shade feature is planned for the lawn nearby, and a mural will be mounted on the restroom building to further enhance the scene.

A parking lot is also being built this year on the property as staff expects the splash pad to attract more visitors.
 
"Story Mill Park is the culmination of the ideas and passion of hundreds of Bozeman residents, bringing miles of trails, climbing features, space for outdoor learning, and now a new splash pad close to home for so many," said Dick Dolan, Associate Vice President, Northern Rockies Director for Trust for Public Land. "Trust for Public Land is thrilled to have partnered with the City of Bozeman to bring the community this unique feature and hopes to see it create more opportunities for the next generation to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors."


Those seeking more information on the project can contact Addi Jadin at ajadin@Bozeman.net.

Whether you want a higher salary, more responsibilities, or a new opportunity, there are definite steps that you can take to move up in your chosen profession. With these five tips, you can begin putting yourself on the path toward success and building an exciting future for yourself.

1. Set Clear Goals and Objectives

It is important to have clear, achievable goals that will help guide you along your career path. Start by taking time to assess where you are currently and what kind of progress you would like to make within a certain time frame. Once these goals have been identified, break them down into smaller, achievable objectives and create actionable steps to help you reach them. This plan should be reviewed regularly to evolve with your changing needs and goals.

Mentors can provide support, advice, and guidance as you navigate the unique challenges associated with corporate work. They have experience, knowledge, and insight on how to streamline processes or strategies to advance your career that you may not have access to otherwise. Taking advantage of this rich resource will have positive implications for both your long-term and short-term career goals. Asking peers or trusted supervisors is a great place to start when seeking a potential mentor who can assist you as you continue developing professionally.

Continuous learning is an important part of career advancement, and it's essential to take the time to improve on existing skills or learn new ones. This could be as simple as staying up-to-date with industry trends and technologies, taking a course, or earning a certification. Such investments in personal growth can demonstrate one's commitment and willingness to go the extra mile for success.

 
For example, nursing professionals should consider programs and certifications that offer more advanced roles, such as APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) or FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner). When researching family nurse practitioner programs available online in Montana, it pays to focus on your needs and determine what best suits you in terms of educational requirements, workloads, cost-effectiveness, and duration. Most importantly, target reputable online programs matching your career aspirations.

Taking risks and daring to be different are admirable qualities that can benefit a person's life, although it takes courage to put yourself out there and see what life has to offer beyond your comfort zone. Career advancement often means adapting, working hours outside the norm, or taking on a new role. It may even require traveling for work or relocating, but these adventures could pay off in career growth.

Networking with other professionals in your field is a great way to expand your knowledge base, exchange ideas, and increase job opportunities. Take advantage of social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Twitter to connect with industry leaders who can provide valuable insights into the industry and offer helpful advice on advancing your career. You can also attend professional conferences or join industry associations related to your profession. These organizations often host meetings, workshops, and seminars where members can network with each other and gain valuable information about their field.

 
There are a variety of different ways that you can use to advance your career. From getting a mentor to embracing continuous learning, networking, and setting goals, these tips will help you on your journey toward success.
 
 

BOZEMAN — William Wyckoff, emeritus professor of earth sciences at Montana State University, has been awarded a Lifetime Achievement Honor by the American Association of Geographers, or AAG, for his leading role in research on the historical evolution of interactions among people and places in the American West.

As a professor of cultural geography in MSU’s Department of Earth Sciences in the College of Letters and Science from 1986 until his retirement in 2020, Wyckoff conducted a continually evolving set of research projects focusing on important segments of the American West and its diverse population – work that he continues today.

“It’s been a busy and fun retirement,” said Wyckoff, explaining that he still conducts research and writes books, one of which is slated for publication in the fall. He also stays involved in goings-on in the earth sciences department by serving on its advisory board.

Wyckoff said he didn’t know he had been nominated for the AAG honor until being notified he had won.

“It’s nice to get the honor – it provides encouragement to keep producing and writing books that people will enjoy,” Wyckoff said.

In announcing the award, the AAG stated that Wyckoff was selected because of his innovative research, effective dissemination of new insights to both scholarly and popular audiences, superior teaching in the classroom and in the field, and contributions to building a broader and more diverse set of scholars in geography.

His former colleagues at MSU agree that Wyckoff provided an exceptional educational experience to his students. At one time or another during his years at MSU, he taught nearly all the human geography courses offered in the department and introductory courses in cultural-historical and world regional geography, inspiring many students to pursue a degree in the field.

“I have lost count of the number of students who attributed their decision to major in geography to Bill’s dynamic and engaging lectures in World Regional Geography, a course he taught for over 25 years, and for which he authored one of the leading English-language textbooks,” said geographer Julia Haggerty, associate professor of earth sciences. “He inspired his students to take places seriously — with all of their complexities.”

Cathy Whitlock, MSU Regents professor emerita of earth sciences, credits Wyckoff’s leadership for helping develop the faculty and programs that benefit students in the department today.

“Geography continues to thrive at MSU as a result of the extraordinary new faculty that Bill was instrumental in recruiting,” she wrote in a letter supporting his nomination for the lifetime achievement honor.

Among those faculty were Haggerty and Jamie McEvoy, associate professor of earth sciences, who say Wyckoff supported and guided them as they became established in the department.

“He mentored me through my early days of teaching a large lecture course. He was always happy to answer questions about the course he had taught for decades but also empowered me to make it my own, teach to my strengths and have fun with it,” said McEvoy.

Yves Idzerda, dean of the College of Letters and Science, notes that Wycoff has also worked within MSU’s Ivan Doig Center for the Study of the Lands and Peoples of the North American West, named for the author and novelist whose books celebrated the landscape and people of Montana.  

“It’s amazing how much Bill’s work echoes that of Ivan Doig. His work is so impactful because of how he fosters and supports interdisciplinary scholarship on the American West,” Idzerda said.

In addition to academic texts that are still in use, Wyckoff also wrote books for broader audiences. In some cases, he employed historical photographs and contemporary images taken at the same locales to show changes over time. “How to Read the American West: A Field Guide,” provides visual and textual interpretations of landscape features and explains their significance.

His soon-to-be released book is about the historical and cultural geography of the African American Five Points community in northeast Denver, Colorado, as seen through the images of photographer Burnis McCloud, who recorded tens of thousands of images there between 1938 and 1975. Among the events McCloud documented were visits by Martin Luther King Jr. and jazz great Duke Ellington.

Wyckoff is currently writing a book about the National Old Trails Highway, a road designed in 1915 to traverse the United States from New York to Los Angeles. In the past two years, Wyckoff has driven the entirety of the old highway between downtown Manhattan and L.A., including long stretches that today are nothing more than undeveloped dirt roads.

“It’s a great way to understand how the landscape has changed and what else has changed since the road was laid out,” he said. “Sometimes it’s very little, sometimes an entirely new landscape. I write about landscape change, and there will be lots of photographs.”

Despite tackling such ambitious projects, Wyckoff says retirement has afforded him the luxury of working at a more leisurely pace while staying connected to MSU and watching developments in the earth sciences department, whose graduates forge careers in such fields as geography, geology, GIS and planning, paleontology, snow science and water resources.

“In terms of looking back across my years in the department, one thing I’ve taken great pride in is its growth. There have been so many great hires in the last 10 years,” he said. “Both the geography and geology sides of the department are at their strongest I can remember. It was a fun time for me to retire because the department was doing so well.

“It was thriving, and it is thriving,” he added. “I enjoy seeing that.”

On January 24, 2023, at 11:10 am, the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a call for an injured snowmobiler on the Madison Arm Trail, five miles north of town.  The snowmobile accidentally left the trail and struck a tree.  The patient was complaining of chest and back pain.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue from the West Yellowstone Section and Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District personnel responded to the scene by snowmobile with a specialized rescue sled.  The patient was assessed on scene before being transported off the trail to an awaiting ambulance.  The patient was then transported by ambulance to Madison Memorial Hospital in Rexburg, ID for continued care and evaluation.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to thank the large group of snowmobilers who stopped on the trail and assisted the injured individual with warming blankets and protected the sharp corner of the trail from other snowmobilers potentially crashing into the scene.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

BOZEMAN— Matt Caires, Montana State University’s dean of students, has been named to the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment Advisory Board. Caires is the first person from the state of Montana to serve on the board.  

NABITA is an independent not-for-profit organization that provides education, tools and resources to professionals focused on making schools safer through early behavioral intervention and threat assessment. The organization helps campus behavioral intervention teams determine the best mechanisms for support, intervention, warning/notification and response to concerning student behaviors through consulting, certifications and training. 

"Montana State is on the cutting edge of a lot of the work underway in behavioral health, and I am thrilled to represent Montana and MSU nationally,” Caires said. 

As MSU’s dean of students, Caires oversees and supports various programs including student conduct; fraternity and sorority life; parent and family relations; the MSU Women’s Center; and the Campus Assessment Response Evaluation, or CARE, program. 

The CARE program was created to promote university safety and wellness by addressing behaviors that are disruptive or concerning and may include mental health and/or safety issues.  

In 2011, as part of MSU’s CARE program, Caires helped create MSU’s first behavioral intervention team. Since then, he has been an essential part of upgrading and reshaping MSU’s behavioral intervention and threat assessment models and protocols, including updating ongoing training and resources, said Chris Kearns, MSU vice president of student success. 

"Matt Caires has been a driving force on our campus and a formative influence across the state in the field of behavioral intervention and threat assessment,” said Kearns. “Working with campus partners across all dimensions of the student experience, he has steadily moved the campus from reactive to proactive perspectives.”   

The CARE program comprises staff and support team members from the Office of the Dean of Students, University Police, Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Services, Student Housing, Disability Services and Veterans Services. The program aims to provide swift, coordinated, caring and developmental intervention to campus community members before a crisis. Intervention can vary depending on circumstances but may include meetings with the student and/or parent, a student conduct consultation, or a referral to the counseling center. 

"By nature, universities are large and can become siloed in communication,” Caires said, “But at MSU, with the work of the (behavioral intervention team), our goal is to break down those siloes and help students in need before a crisis can take place.”  

As part of NABITA’s 26-person advisory board, Caires will have the opportunity to write for its weekly newsletter, present a session at the annual conference and/or host a team discussion on behavioral intervention. Caires said he plans to share his experience building a behavioral intervention team at MSU with universities and professionals looking to create or improve their own such team.  

“MSU is doing many of the right things with behavior intervention and threat assessment, and I am excited to share with our peers,” he said. “And I hope this is a two-way street. I am looking forward to bringing what I learn as a member of the national board back to Montana.” 

Do you like music and want to find more good tracks? Do this conveniently by using your smartphone and TOP helpful apps.

Best Apps for Music Lovers
Music has changed dramatically during the last decades. And that has become a tendency because of rapid technological progress. It makes new music genres emerge. And it also makes music available at hand. Many users start to use their smartphones to listen to the music they like. 

That is extremely convenient. But, unfortunately using the Internet for this purpose is not always a safe thing. There are different types of threats, like malware, spyware, and hackers, on the other side of the coin. Still, that is not the reason to refuse amazing music tracks. They can start to be available in a few clicks thanks to the seven best apps that many music lovers may appreciate. There will also be one extra suggestion to make your listening experience safer. Let's cover all the helpful points.

If you want to enjoy good music and find some tracks you have heard before, these apps can help you a lot with that:

1. Shazam
Have you ever appeared in a situation when you are going somewhere and hear a song that you like immensely but don't know the artist and what the song is called? Shazam will help you to solve the issue. This tool is definitely among the TOP apps to find new music. It helps to find an artist and see music specifications. It also enables quick music sharing. The second thing you need to find out what kind of track you are listening to is to turn on the app and allow it to do a search.

2. Google Play Music
This is one of the easiest options to have at hand.  A user can go to any station that meets one's musical interests. All the music stations are classified according to their music types and temperaments. The app offers more than 50,000 different music combinations. Google Play Music is among the most convenient apps.

3. Apple Music
You could skip this option if you have an iPhone. But, Apple music is good in fact. The biggest advantage of this app is that it gives to a user the exact music one likes.  All recommendations will be formed based on the information about how you had rated other artists before.

4. Spotify
This is another extremely convenient app that opens access to an enormous number of good tracks. Spotify also offers premium quality services and has huge libraries. Using this app will take some money, but the price is pretty affordable. Why? Spotify doesn't only have huge libraries but it also promotes new good musicians. 

5. SoundCloud
This is probably one of the largest music libraries that contain tracks from different artists. Some of them are very good but they are not widely known. Even good handmade pieces may appear on this platform. This app allows users to stream tracks directly or make downloads. The app covers all types of music.

6. Bandsintown
This is a bit non-traditional app. It gives information about different music festivals, concerts, and simply engaging music gatherings. The single thing that a user needs to do is to input the title of an artist or performance. The tool will provide a link to buy tickets for yourself and for your friends conveniently online. Get first-hand information about the most interesting music events from this tool. And by the way, it will also recommend other good artists based on your previous search results.

7. Bandcamp
This is probably the best application for upcoming artists and for those who want to find out about them. The app offers the option to see TOP trends and find out more about fresh releases. This app will allow you to find out about all tracks that will become future hits first. 

One More App for Boosted Security
While using different apps, not only for the purpose of listening to good music, security is always an issue during Internet surfing. Different malware, spyware, and similar threats, unfortunately, appear online, maybe even nearby some good tracks to listen to. 

Luckily, there is a good solution to make a smartphone or any other device safer. A VPN tool will shortly make your device untraceable and hidden from hackers. How does it work?

Any device, whether this is a smartphone or computer, has its unique identifier – an IP address. If a hacker finds out about it, a device instantly becomes vulnerable to different attacks. While you are engaged in listening to your favorite or simply extremely good new music, hackers may cause different damages and steal your data. 

A VPN tool can replace your real IP address with another one. It offers a wide range of VPN servers among which a user can choose anyone that suits one best. And VPN is not only a good tool for security. It can also unblock any content access which has been restricted for some reason. For instance, there is much good music in Sweden. But, if some good music content is blocked, Sweden VPN can easily get access to the desired music easily. VeePN can make this search both easily and safely. Yes, many geographical and governmental restrictions may be overcome easily in a few clicks. Simply choose any Sweden VPN server and you will be likely from this country without any censorship applied.  

There is also a pleasant bonus – a free VPN is available also. Many happy customers worldwide have already tried this tool – user review VeePN confirms the point.  Install a tool for security and boosted user experience. Enjoy your favorite and new music without worries. A free VPN is also available.

Final Words
Find your best musician apps among all suggestions listed here. And don’t forget about cyber security while having engaging listening experiences. Use a VPN tool for that purpose. 

You can quickly turn a chilly garage that you don't use into an amazing living space with a little creativity and effort. You may not realize it, but even a small garage has a lot of potential. Also, converting your garage can increase the value of your house. But it is also quick, easy, and reasonably priced to complete.

Don't worry when an improvement is required, the majority of the garage does not always need to be gutted and rebuilt. For numerous reasons, a garage conversion is one of the best options to expand your living space. Although there are countless options, there are still a number of things to take into account. For some of the best garage conversion tips, keep reading.

Boost the Insulation

The first thing to do if you want to convert your garage into a living space is to check the insulation. Most garages don't have proper insulation especially when we talk about garage floor insulation. But if you going to spend some time enjoying your new amazing living space then proper insulation is a must.  

Whether it's winter or summer, a garage with insufficient insulation isn't a good place to hang out. Garage doors and ceilings that are properly insulated will also save energy and money on utility bills.

Plumbing

Depending on how you intend to use the garage space, plumbing may be required. You will require plumbing into your garage if you intend to use it as a separate guest house or even a bedroom. Because you need separate plumbing for the garage space, this is the part of garage conversion that is the most difficult.

However, all plumbing work can be completed flawlessly with the help of a professional plumber. It is best to take care of your plumbing requirements before beginning the garage conversion. The plumber will offer you plumbing suggestions so you can choose wisely.

Improve Your Garage Door

Typically, you'll need to remove your garage door and replace it with a new wall. You could use the opening to install a new exterior door, screen door, or large window to let in more light and air. If your garage slopes, you may need to add a concrete curb where the garage door was to support a new wall.Or you can leave the garage door in place. In most cases, with some basic tools, you can DIY camouflage the garage door. One benefit is that you can sometimes raise the garage door to open up the living space to the outside world. If you chose to go this route, replace your current garage door with an insulated garage door.

Make the Lighting Better

Proper lighting in your garage illuminates your space and helps you make the space more comfortable. Install motion sensor lights, timer lights, and any other type of lighting you can think of to enhance the lighting in your garage. You need stylish, bright lights in your garage if you want to use and enjoy the space. Believe it or not, the right kind of LED light can create real comfort in your new living space.

If possible install some windows. Two to five windows in your garage are recommended. The garage's windows are a good source of natural light for your room. You also need good ventilation when residing in the garage. If this is not possible in your case chose LED lighting to do the work. 

Garage Conversion Permits

Before you begin don't forget to take care of the legal aspects of converting a garage once you've decided it's a good idea for you. It is advisable to follow your local building codes when converting a garage. You will have to apply for a permit. Consult your city's zoning office if you are unsure of where to obtain a permit.

The best method for getting a garage conversion approved will be explained to you by the city zoning office. It is against the law to begin construction without a permit, so refrain from doing so. The majority of garages are not designed for living, so it is advisable to make improvements before moving in.

On January 20, 2023, the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a call for an individual experiencing chest pain and shortness of breath while out snowshoeing on the Riverside Trail inside Yellowstone National Park, one mile east of the Town of West Yellowstone.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue from the West Yellowstone Section, Yellowstone National Park personnel, and Hebgen Basin Fire Department responded to the scene by snowmobile and specialized rescue sled.  The patient was assessed on scene before being transported back to town to an awaiting ambulance.  The patient was then transported by ambulance to the Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center for continued care and evaluation.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the snowshoeing individuals for immediately recognizing the need for medical care.  Traveling with others and a reliable means of communication allowed for an immediate response for assistance.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Bozeman – The UnGala, HRDC’s yearly December fundraiser, has been extended to the end of January. One hundred percent of the money raised is used to support the area’s greatest needs including emergency shelter, affordable housing support, food insecurity, programming for seniors, energy assistance, and more.

Kristin Hamburg, HRDC’s Development Director, conceived of this virtual event several years ago to allow community members to participate at their convenience. “Rather than HRDC spending money each year to host a costly fundraising gala, we invite the community to learn more about our programs from the leisure of their own homes. No fancy dinners to attend, no

need to get dressed up. HRDC’s website serves as the backdrop for this event where folks can visit to learn more about all the ways we are working to build a better community and to ensure no one gets left behind,” Hamburg said.

The continued housing crisis in Bozeman and the surrounding towns in Southwest Montana
coupled with the added financial pressure households are facing due to inflation translates into an increase in the number of people seeking support from HRDC. On a typical day, HRDC assists 10-15 households with housing, hosts 90 people per night at its shelter, provides energy assistance support to10 households, and provides food to 50+ people at its food bank.

Hamburg explained, “Our ability to help people in need is made possible through the generosity
of our community. Neighbors helping neighbors. Those who need help can get it, and those who are able to give help are encouraged to donate during these final days of our UnGala fundraiser if they haven’t already done so.”

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in southwestern 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/