HELENA – Three juvenile grizzly bears tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus this fall. The three bears, one near Augusta, one near Dupuyer, and another near Kalispell, were observed to be in poor condition and exhibited disorientation and partial blindness, among other neurological issues. They were euthanized due to their sickness and poor condition. These were the first documented cases of HPAI in grizzly bears. A fox and a skunk in Montana also tested positive for HPAI last year, and the virus has been found in raccoons, black bears and even a coyote in other states and countries.   

“We suspect these mammals probably get the virus from consuming infected birds,” said FWP Wildlife Veterinarian Jennifer Ramsey.

Avian influenza (AI) virus is a naturally occurring virus in birds. AI viruses are classified into two groups, based on the severity of disease they cause in infected poultry. Low pathogenic AI viruses generally cause no clinical illness, or only minor symptoms in birds. HPAI viruses are extremely infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds.

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers risk of HPAI spread to humans to be very low, Montanans should take precautions when handling game birds, sick or dead birds and mammals they find. Whenever possible, avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife. Even if an animal is not suspected to have died from a contagious disease, gloves should always be worn if a dead animal must be handled for disposal.

FWP staff would like to know about unusual or unexplained cases of sickness and/or death of wild birds and animals by calling their local wildlife biologist or the wildlife lab in Bozeman at 406-577-7880 or 406-577-7882.

Bozeman, Montana is one of the most beautiful places in the United States. And if you guessed right, Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in “The Bozone”, second to English, of course. There are also plenty of places to meet up for Spanish practice in Bozeman, whether you're a beginner or an advanced speaker.

Here’s a brief list of some of the best places you can meet up with friends or fellow learners to practice Spanish in Bozeman.

Learn Spanish Online With Lingoda 

Of course, the internet is by far the easier way to learn and practice a new language these days, regardless of your location. By taking Spanish lessons with a language learning platform like Lingoda, you can advance your skills from beginner to advanced level as quickly or as gradually as you’d prefer.

Besides being taught by certified, native-level teachers, the platform offers a variety of tools and resources to help students practice and develop their language skills, including flashcards, quizzes, and practice tests

Bozeman Public Library 

Famous for its diverse collection of materials, this library is home to a variety of Spanish-language books and magazines, as well as language-specific DVDs and CDs. There are also multiple events and classes each month that members can use for help in learning Spanish. 

It's a great place to meet up with fellow Spanish learners and native speakers alike so you can polish your language skills.

Gallatin Valley Mall 

Are you looking for a place to practice Spanish in an informal setting? The Gallatin Valley Mall could be just the perfect spot for you. Besides always having people coming and going, the mall has plenty of shops and restaurants where you can meet with friends.

This presents you with numerous opportunities to strike up a conversation in Spanish with someone, whether or not you come together. You can also take a break from shopping or eating and practice your Spanish skills with a native speaker.

Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture

Located at 111 South Grand Avenue, Bozeman, Montana, the Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture is another incredible meeting spot to practice Spanish. The 14,000-square feet establishment hosts a variety of cultural events and workshops throughout the year, as well as Spanish-language films. 

It's a great way to get out of the house and practice your Spanish with friends – and even strangers in a uniquely different environment.

Bozeman Pond Park

For more outdoor fun, Bozeman Pond Park would be the perfect spot. There are plenty of people walking around, and it's a great opportunity to get some fresh air and take some Bozeman selfies while practicing Spanish. You can also take a break and sit on the grass to chat with someone in Spanish.

And whenever you need to change things a little bit, you and your pals can always choose a different public park, like Bogert Park or Lindley Park, which are also quite picnic-friendly.

Try a Local Spanish-Friendly Restaurant

Would you rather have Spanish practice conversations while enjoying a sumptuous, delicious meal? If so, Bozeman has a great selection of restaurants (especially Mexican) that offer just the right atmosphere.

A good example is El Rodeo, which is actually located at the Gallatin Valley Mall. The Mexican restaurant not only serves delicious food but also has friendly staff members that often speak Spanish. It also stands next to a Mexican ice cream shop. 

There are many more great Mexican restaurants you can try, including Albertano's Authentic Méxican Food on 7th Avenue, El Rodeo Taco Truck, Fiesta Mexicana on Wheat Dr, and La Tinga on Baxter Lane. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, try a Latin American restaurant where you can also enjoy a variety of Latin American dishes while striking conversations.

Local Coffee Shops and Restaurants 

Finally, if you're looking for a more intimate setting, consider visiting local coffee shops. A good place to start would be Cafe Internationale just off College St & 10th Ave, which is often frequented by Spanish speakers. 

It's the perfect place to meet up and chat with someone over a cup of coffee while practicing Spanish. Similar alternatives in town include the cozy Wild Joe's, Cafe M, and Cateye Café on Tracy Ave, among others.

No matter where you choose to meet up, Bozeman is full of great places to practice Spanish. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect spot to hone your language skills. 

If you want to create a successful makerspace, but you don’t know where to start, then looking into the equipment you need is a good jumping-off point.

The right tools and machinery are essential for any maker project, so here are some of the key pieces of equipment you should invest in to give users of the space the means to fulfill their most ambitious designs.

Press Brakes

Press brakes can be used to bend sheet metal into various shapes and sizes with accuracy. They offer more control than hand-bending, resulting in less waste material during the fabrication process. This makes them an invaluable tool for creating complex parts quickly and efficiently.

Furthermore, press brakes require minimal setup time, which allows users to move from one job to another quickly.

It’s easy to find a wide selection of press brakes for sale online, and the budget-friendly option is to choose second-hand models, which is a good call for makerspaces that are just getting started and don’t have a huge amount of capital to throw around.

3D Printers

3D printing is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to produce complex shapes with high precision at low cost – even on small production runs or prototypes.

With a 3D printer, users can rapidly prototype designs before committing resources towards producing final products; this saves time by eliminating mistakes that would otherwise occur when making parts manually, or ordering custom items from manufacturing facilities overseas.

Additionally, many 3D printers come equipped with software that automatically prepares models for printing, so all you need is a computer connected via USB cable. This is useful whether you’ve got small, personal projects to complete, or you want to start a small business using what you produce.

Computers With Design Software

Designing projects requires powerful computers that run specialized software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks; these programs allow designers, engineers and artists to create accurate detailed plans while still maintaining creative freedom over their projects’ design elements (such as shape & size).

Having these types of programs on tap gives makerspaces an edge over competitors who may lack access due to budget constraints – plus it ensures users have everything they need at their fingertips without having to leave their workspace.

Woodworking Tools

Woodworking tools such as saws and routers provide precision cuts necessary when fabricating wooden objects like furniture or toys; investing in quality tools will ensure your space has what it needs when working on large-scale projects like building houses out of recycled materials.

Another point to make is that woodworking machines help reduce the amount of time spent cutting and sanding by hand, making jobs that involve them faster and more efficient to complete.

Sewing & Crafting Tools

Sewing is an important skill for makerspaces, and having the right tools can make all the difference when it comes to creating beautiful projects. Invest in a high-quality sewing machine, as well as other accessories such as fabric scissors and measuring tape that will help users craft with precision.

Additionally, snap up crafting tools such as glue guns and hot air guns – these are great for making jewelry or customizing t-shirts! Plus they don’t require any experience or special skills, so anyone can use them safely to create amazing gifts, works of art and more.

Finally, consider investing in digital cutting machines like Cricuts or Silhouettes – these devices are capable of cutting intricate designs out of paper, vinyls or fabrics quickly and accurately. They come with software that allows users to customize their designs before committing them to materials.

With access to these types of machines, your makerspace will thrive, and it can grow as interest in it blossoms locally.

On Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 4:52 p.m. the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a 911 call from a snowmobile group requesting assistance. Two snowmobiles had become hopelessly stuck and the riders were attempting to walk out the Big Sky Trail, 12 miles north of West Yellowstone.

Volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone and Custer Gallatin National Forest Service responded to assist with the search.

Volunteers located the snowmobilers who were cold and tired but in otherwise good health. After freeing one of the stuck snowmobiles, volunteers escorted the pair safely back to West Yellowstone.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the snowmobilers for carrying a reliable means of communication and for recognizing their need for assistance early, allowing volunteers to get to them quickly and safely.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Bozeman is a naturally relaxing space to live and visit. The Rocky Mountains provide an awe-inspiring backdrop to a city that loves to practice wellness and unwind after an honest day’s work.

Likewise, the nearby prairie land provides ample space if you love to mountain bike, hike, or backpack.

Even if you don’t have time to explore Bozeman’s great outdoors, you’ll still find plenty of relaxing activities near the city to suit your itinerary and budget.


Acupuncture/Massage/Spas

Massage and spa treatments are a great way to unwind during your stay in Bozeman. Get away from the bustle of life and book yourself into a massage session with therapists at spa destinations like:

Getting a massage or spa treatment can be a welcome break from a busy itinerary and may be just what you need if you’re “vacationing” at home in Bozeman. Planning your staycation around a spa day can make you feel like you’re stepping into another world, even if you’re staying local. If you’re traveling to Bozeman, spa visits can help you get through long drives and nights spent sleeping on uncomfortable sleeping pads, too.

You may wish to get some acupuncture treatment while visiting Bozeman. Compass Point Acupuncture is a highly rated, women-led business that accepts insurance.

Wellness Centers

Wellness centers provide the perfect retreat if you live a busy lifestyle and just need some time away from it all. While staying at a wellness center, you can expect to be pampered and taken care of during your entire stay. There are plenty of wellness centers in and around Bozeman, meaning you can choose an option that suits your itinerary and budget.

The Bozeman Wellness Center offers guests comprehensive health and wellness services. They have trained chiropractors and nutrition consultants on-site. They also offer applied kinesiology sessions, which make them an ideal fit if you’re recovering from an injury or are looking to improve your overall health and well-being.

Blue Lotus is located in the north end of Bozeman and is a sanctuary for all who love to unwind and find new ways to further their wellness. Blue Lotus offers private sessions, where you can practice Reiki or experience positive shifts in energy during flower essence consultations.

Investing in health and wellness during your vacation can help you practice self-care and leave a lasting impression. You’ll learn plenty from your time at a wellness center in Bozeman and can reap the rewards of a better diet and a calmer mind for years to come.

Spiritual Centers

For many, spirituality and relaxation go hand in hand. In Bozeman, you can practice and explore your spirituality in any way that feels right for you and will find plenty of expert support along the way.

The Bozeman Dharma Center is a hotspot for folks who are interested in the teachings of the Buddha. They regularly host workshops and retreats, too. You can join events that improve your mental well-being and are designed to help you become a better version of yourself.

The Mountain Top Retreat offers Christians a similar retreat in the mountains of Montana. The retreat describes itself as “Christ-centered” and is focused on the idea of grace and exchanged life. You can also take part in activities during your stay, like snowmobiling, fishing, and horseback riding.

Quiet, Natural Getaways

Sometimes you just want to get away from the world and all its noise. If retreating into the wilderness for a few days alone sounds like your perfect staycation or vacation, then Bozeman is the place for you.

You can take advantage of Bozeman's location to find campgrounds near the town. Mallard’s Rest has 13 campsites and is only a short drive from downtown Bozeman. Similarly, Red Cliff Campground is an hour south of Bozeman with meadows and rivers nearby.

If you want something a little less wild, you should pay a visit to the Bozeman Hot Springs. The Bozeman Hot Springs offer a gym and live events as well as a large pool space that is fed by natural hot springs in the area.

Whole Food/Farm-to-table Restaurants and Experiences

Bozeman is renowned for its locally grown food and agriculture. The surrounding prairie land is a fertile food basket that feeds the state and provides whole foods for your kitchen and farm-to-table restaurants.

Red Tractor Pizza uses fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that are sustainably grown. They offer pizzas for any diet, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan!.

Bodhi Farms offers a similar farm-to-table experience. As a guest, you can stay in a glamping tent and eat in an authentic, nordic tent. Their menus change with the seasons, too, so you can be certain that you’re eating food that is sustainably sourced from small-scale farmers.

Conclusion

Bozeman has all the resources you need for a restful vacation. You can unwind in the hot spring during the day and eat locally sourced, farm-to-table produce in the evening. If you need some extra support, consider checking into one of Bozeman’s highly-rated wellness retreats where you’ll be pampered and tended to during your stay.

On January 14, 2023, at 2:57 P.M., Gallatin County Dispatch received a call for a backcountry skier that had fallen at Lick Creek in Hyalite Canyon resulting in a shoulder and leg injury. The skier was with a group of friends when the incident took place. One of the friends skied to a high point to get service and call dispatch while other friends assisted the patient.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) and Hyalite Fire responded to Lick Creek Trail to initiate a rescue. GCSSAR deployed teams of rescuers on skis and snowmobiles. The snowmobile teams made contact with the patient on the forest service road. They conducted an evaluation on the patient before transporting them out on a snowmobile. The patient met with Hyalite Fire units waiting at the trailhead for further evaluation.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the skier and friends for recreating as a group, utilizing available resources, and acting as a team to enable efficient and safe rescue for the patient.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Sage Basin Rescue

On Friday, January 13, 2023 at 6:42 pm, West Yellowstone Police Dispatch Center received a 911 call for two lost snowmobilers recreating in the Sage Basin area, south of Big Sky. The snowmobilers recognized they were lost and requested assistance in getting safely out of the backcountry. The lost parties were confirmed to be uninjured, warm, and with operational snowmobiles. They were asked to stay put while volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue were deployed to assist them.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the West Yellowstone and Big Sky sections deployed into the backcountry from two different trailheads. The lost snowmobilers were located at 9:30 pm and safely led out of the backcountry to Sage Creek Trailhead.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to recognize the snowmobilers for asking for assistance when they determined they were lost and would like to thank the Search and Rescue volunteers for their dedication to this successful mission. The lost snowmobilers in this incident were prepared for an emergency in winter conditions and followed direction until help could arrive.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

PRAY, Montana  – Sage Lodge, an outdoors-focused Montana resort located 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park and managed by Columbia Hospitality, is excited to announce the selection of William Conroy as its new executive chef. The lodge, which opened in 2018 and has a long-standing partnership with Sage Fly Fishing, continues to solidify its reputation as one of the state’s premier lodging properties, ranking in the top one percent in the world in Tripadvisor’s “2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best” awards.

In his new role, Conroy will oversee culinary operations of banquets, events and the property’s onsite restaurants, including The Grill at Sage Lodge and The Fireside Room, to implement the vision for the property.

“I am thrilled to join an amazing team and work at such a prestigious property,” said Conroy. “I look forward to bringing my culinary expertise to Montana, expanding our cuisine offerings and providing guests with a one-of-a-kind dining experience that speaks to the Lodge’s luxurious nature.”

Conroy began his career working as a sous chef at Homestead Inn in Canadensis, Pennsylvania. He honed his culinary skills working in restaurants across the country and became executive chef at both Sorrel River Ranch in Utah and Naples Bay Resort in Florida. Conroy gained extensive experience with culinary operations, overseeing a culinary team and cultivating menus with locally sourced ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.

In his new role as executive chef, Conroy looks forward to highlighting fresh and local ingredients, mentoring his team, and developing culinary event programming at the property. Conroy is from Hopatcong, New Jersey, and received his degree from the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his two dogs, Blue and Temerity.

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 2:08 p.m. the West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a snowmobiler requesting assistance. The snowmobiler reported that one of their party had sustained a shoulder injury after their snowmobile left the trail and struck a tree. The accident was in the area of Junction 17, outside of West Yellowstone.

Volunteers from the Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue West Yellowstone Section, Yellowstone National Park and Hebgen Basin Rural Fire Department responded to assist with the rescue.

Volunteers located the patient and determined that their injuries were considerably more severe than initially suspected. They loaded the patient into a specialized snow ambulance and transported them to a waiting HBFD ambulance crew in West Yellowstone.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to recognize, and thank, the numerous snowmobilers that stopped to assist volunteers in preparing the patient for transport.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.