Winter is coming and who doesn’t need a little creative rejuvenation? LIVE AND IN PERSON! Katie Goodman’s beloved and long-running “Improvisation For Life” women’s retreat weekend that has been offered at Chico Hot Springs for 22 years, is back January 28 & 29!

If you’re in need of a creative reboot, gaining some self-confidence, trying something new, or just having fun and making deep connections with other women, this is a terrific retreat for you.

Led by Katie Goodman of Broad Comedy, Camp Equinox, and Spontaneous Combustibles Improv Troupe in Bozeman, this internationally touring women’s creativity retreat uses improvisational theatre games to help women access their inner genius as Goodman likes to say, and to establish a deep sense of trust in themselves.

"I knew the workshop would energize me and give me confidence, but I'm amazed at the strength of the energy and confidence this weekend has inspired,” said Pam, a workshop participant who absolutely loved the experience. “Katie possesses a real knack for putting people at their ease. Her inner peace and strength draw others to her and her humor and intelligence keep them around."

You may know Katie from the award-winning, popular Broad Comedy show, but she is also an internationally touring keynote speaker, self-help author, and a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. She has combined her interests in the spiritual growth process with her skills as an improvisational comedian and teacher to craft a workshop that is truly unique and inspiring.

The participants come for a number of reasons. They may be looking to quiet their inner critic, or perhaps they are craving more spontaneous joy in their everyday life, or they may be going through a life transition and are seeking clarity and coping skills.

As Katie says: “The goal isn’t to keep chaos and change from happening — because it’s all unpredictable. The goal is to practice improvising throughout life so you become flexible and courageous and can handle anything.”

The workshop will use improv games and exercises to enable participants to take fun, creative risks, accept challenges and release themselves from judgment. Katie will guide participants through the practice of being present, giving up the goal, and accepting change with open arms. And all the skills taught in Katie’s workshop are skills that can be applied to our work, our relationships, and our everyday lives.

This retreat, now it its 20th year, is a great place to connect with other like-minded, creative souls through laughter and self-discovery.

One past participant, Maggie K. said, “I was in need of a non-judgmental, accepting environment. I realized how simple and relaxed my life really is but how difficult I make it. Trusting that everything will work out in an improv game can apply to life. Katie is terrific!”

The all-women retreat begins Saturday morning, January 28th at 9:00am and ends at 5:00pm, Sunday, January 29th. Chico Hot Springs is located one hour from Bozeman, Montana. The workshop fee is $345. This includes lunch and a workbook to take home. Prices for accommodations vary from $45 - $200/night. Lunches are provided for workshop participants both Saturday and Sunday. Exceptional cuisine from one of the region’s finest restaurant is available in the Chico Lodge restaurant for breakfast and dinner, as well as other budget options nearby. Other activities available include massage, hiking, horse-back-riding and more. More information on COVID protocols are on the website. Registration always sells out, so sign-up right away by going to the website: http://www.katiegoodmanspeaking.com or call now for details: (406) 522-7623.

On January 3, 2023, at 3:15pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call for a paraglider who was injured on the M Trail.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section along with American Medical Response, Bridger Canyon Fire, and U.S. Forest Service responded to the M Trail. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue deployed a hasty team and two secondary teams up the trail. A team of two Bridger Canyon Fire EMT’s established initial contact with the patient.

Search and Rescue teams loaded the patient onto a one-wheel litter and brought them directly down slope to the trailhead. AMR transported the patient to the next higher level of care for further evaluation.
Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that winter weather can result in an emergency situation quickly. It is important to be prepared for the weather and have a safety plan for an unexpected turn of events.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

BELGRADE - On December 31, 2022, at approximately 7:43pm, personnel from the Belgrade Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Central Valley Fire District responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Jackrabbit Lane, just south of Amsterdam Road. The pedestrian, a 64 year-old female, was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. No other details are available at this time. This matter is under investigation by members of our Criminal Investigations Division. Any persons who may have been a witness to the incident are encouraged to contact the Belgrade Police Department, CID Division, at 406.388.4262.

If you’re looking for general contracting services in Great Falls, Montana and surrounding areas, consider hiring William Widmer Construction.

“Wild Bill” Widmer has been in business since 1999 and he’s done everything from constructing entire homes and cabins to simple home renovations and remodels.

Some of his most popular contracts include bathroom remodeling services, kitchen & basement renovations, and home additions such as a porch or storage shed. He can also do remolding, interior revamps, and more.

In his more than 20 years of experience as a general contractor, Wild Bill Widmer has built over 20 homes, 50 bathroom remodels, and 100 cabins & cottages. He’s installed dozens of beautiful decks and outdoor kitchens. Needless to say, his experience speaks for itself.

Here are a few photos of his recent jobs:

If you’re in Great Falls, Vaughn, Simms, or the surrounding areas and need a general contractor, give William Widmer Construction a call today at 406-899-1189 or visit https://www.wildbillsremodeling.com/. 

On December 26, 2022, at 1:33 pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call that a snowmobiler had sustained a leg injury on Buck Ridge Trail.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) Big Sky Section and Big Sky Fire responded to assist with the call. A GCSSAR team snowmobiled to the patient’s location with the ambulance sled in tow. The patient was assessed and transported to the waiting Big Sky Fire Ambulance who took the patient to the next higher level of care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind winter recreationalist that even a trail ride can result in a medical emergency. Please ride within your capabilities and enjoy the amazing back country in which we get to recreate.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

CHARITY, JUSTICE, BROTHERLY LOVE, AND FIDELITY
 This year Bozeman Elks Lodge #463 celebrated 124 years of service.
 
During the past year, Bozeman Elks Lodge #463 collaborated with community partners, hosted special events, focused on youth, veterans, and improving community life in cities and towns throughout Southwest Montana.
 
Lodge #463 partnered with American Legion Post #14 to place 2500 flags on Veterans’ graves at Sunset Hills Cemetery and proudly walk in the Memorial Day Parade...
 
Recognized a community member as Veteran of the Year for exemplifying the "Can Do Spirit" With Honor, Courage, And Commitment in his personal life and in serving his country.
 
Participated in Music on Main as a friend of Downtown Bozeman to share information with parents about the Elks Hoop Shoot and Elks Drug Awareness Program.
 
Provided online resources and evidence-based strategies to reduce underage drinking, excessive drinking, tobacco use, impaired driving, and illegal drug use on C-CODA’s website (c-coda.org) that is funded by the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant.


Hosted a Flag Retirement Service in partnership with American Legion Post #14, Vietnam Veterans of Southwest Montana, Boy Scouts Troop 649, and Cub Scouts Troop 3649.
 
Honored Veterans with a BBQ and Jazz Music performance on a summer night in July.
 
Held an Elks Hoop Shoot free throw event for youth ages 8-13 in Manhattan, Montana.
 
Participated in National Night Out event that is aimed to bring neighborhoods, businesses, and public safety together to promote a positive presence of public servants in our community. 
 
Partnered with American Legion Post #14 and Vietnam Veterans of Southwest Montana to support the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign that will make a year-round impact in our community through social services assistance, homeless shelters, and disaster relief. 
 
Participated in Wreaths Across America Day at Vietnam War Memorial Wall, Sunset Hills Cemetery in Bozeman, Montana to remember and honor our veterans through the laying of Remembrance Wreaths on the graves of our country’s fallen heroes.
 
Participated and supported Hope & The Holidays as an affiliate member to provide gifts, food and support to families in and around Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley, during the holiday season, and all year long.
 
Presented a $4,000 Check (Beacon Grant) to The Travis W. Atkins Veteran Support Center at Montana State University and a $2,000 Check (Spotlight Grant) to the Greater Gallatin United Way's Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
 

ENNIS – Ennis Fishing Access Site has been closed temporarily due to flooding.  Ice jams on portions of the upper Madison River have caused water, ice and debris to inundate the site, creating unsafe conditions for motorists and pedestrians. Access to the site will be restored as soon as conditions allow.  Valley Garden Fishing Access Site northeast of Ennis is also under a temporary closure due to floods. Seasonal flooding may impact access at other sites throughout the winter. Visit fwp.mt.gov to learn more about temporary closures that may be in effect across the state.

On Monday, December 19, 2022, at 10:54 a.m. the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 call from a snowmobiler on Horse Butte, 7 miles northwest of West Yellowstone. The passenger of a two-up snowmobile had become trapped underneath after the snowmobile flipped upside down. The passenger was reported to possibly have a broken leg.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, Custer Gallatin National Forest Service and Hebgen Basin Fire Department responded to assist with the rescue.

Rescuers were able to lift the snowmobile off the snowmobiler and determine that their leg was not broken. Both riders were escorted back to town safely.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the snowmobiler for quickly realizing the need to call for help thus allowing responders to get to the scene quickly and provide aid.

Bell ringers will not ring in person for their safety as frigid temperatures hit Montana
 
Bozeman – With subzero temperatures predicted to hit throughout Montana starting Thursday, December 22, The Salvation Army will not have its kettles available for in-person donations for the safety of its bell ringers.
 
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to drop below zero on December 22nd and December 23rd. Storefronts in the Bozeman area will not have a physical bell ringer throughout this inclement weather, but The Salvation Army will have Virtual Red Kettles on its website to accept donations in the meantime and plan to return in person on Christmas Eve.

 
““It's been a tough year for Christmas and the Red Kettle campaign, so far, our donations are down, and the need has gone way up,” said Captain Amber Ohl, at The Salvation Army Bozeman. “The funds that are raised now, we use throughout the year to help meet different needs that come our way."
 
We are still looking to raise $24,000 more this holiday season and have a generous donor who will match dollar for dollar up to $10,000. These funds help provide meals, shelter, rental assistance, and more services in the Bozeman community.
 
Christmas Eve will mark the last day of The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. When weather and conditions permit, you can find bell ringers at Rosauers, Town and Country on 19th, Smith’s, Walmart, and other storefronts in the Bozeman area. Donations can still be made online through the Virtual Red Kettle at bozemanredkettle.org.

 
In addition to protecting bell ringers, The Salvation Army will also increase its efforts for individuals and families in need at this time by increasing its feeding support and bed counts. To inquire more about our additional services, please call 855-768-7977.