Gallatin County officials were notified that avian influenza A (H5N1) was detected in a flock of domestic poultry located in rural Gallatin County. 

The site was identified late last week near Manhattan/Belgrade. The Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) has identified a “Surveillance Zone” of ten kilometers around this location, and an investigation is ongoing. This Surveillance Zone includes all of Manhattan and parts of northwest Belgrade.

Click here for the full press release.

If you own outdoor birds, be sure to monitor closely for signs of illness. Report any sudden onset of illness or death of birds to the following: 

• Report dead or sick domestic birds:
  • Your local veterinarian
  • Montana Department of Livestock – 406-444-2976
• Report dead or sick wild birds:
  • Local Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Warden or Regional Office 
  • Gallatin County FWP Office – 406-585-9010
  • State FWP Wildlife Veterinarian – 406-577-7880

Every new or potential crypto investor wants to know if investing is a risk or an opportunity; it is a burning question. You’re right to be wary of cryptocurrency investment; we’d be worried if you weren’t. However, you should know that what you face with investing in crypto depends on you. Therefore, if you will buy XRP, you want to ensure you know the risks involved and how to manage or outrightly avoid them. You also want to know the right patterns to consider, predictions to follow, and the best time to buy.

What Cryptocurrency Investing Entails: Facts and Stats

Cryptocurrency is still a mystery to many, and with the many biased notions flying around, education is vital for new investors. Here are five fun facts and stats about cryptocurrency investing to give you an idea of the concept:
• Ethereum and Bitcoin are not the only digital coins available; more than 11,000 virtual coins are in circulation. While some of them are popular, others are still trying to gain ground. Interestingly, there is a possibility of more digital currencies coming into the cryptocurrency market this year.

• Cryptocurrency is not unlimited; like gold and oil, there is a limit to how much crypto can be mined. That means the availability of Bitcoin and altcoins will come to an end someday. This is most important, especially because of the many environmental challenges of Bitcoin mining.

• Satoshi Nakamoto is not the name of Bitcoin’s founder; no one knows who created the crypto market. That name has always been a pseudonym for the person who created Bitcoin.

• Regardless of bans in countries, they cannot physically ban cryptocurrency. Anyone can own a digital wallet with XRP in it – even those in countries where cryptocurrency is prohibited.

• Cryptocurrency is prohibited in China, yet, ironically, the country controls the largest percentage of the mining network.

Risks in Cryptocurrency Investment and How to Avoid Them

Cryptocurrency investment is not for the weak-minded or people with low shock tolerance. If you want to invest in cryptocurrency, you need an efficient shock absorber. Here are some risks involved in crypto investing and how to avoid or, at least, manage them.

• Digital coins are extremely volatile; their prices go up and drop violently and without warning. Sometimes, Bitcoin price can drop tens of thousands of dollars; it did in 2021, leaving investors in debt for a while. This is not your fault; therefore, the only thing you can do is prepare your mind to do crypto investing long-term. The best thing is to lock your digital wallet and throw away the keys – in a place you can retrieve them, of course.

• Virtual currencies are unregulated by the central bank, government, or legal services. Nevertheless, that’s gradually changing as governmental and financial institutions get interested. To be safe, you want to keep your information secure, trade safely, and avoid crypto deals that appear too good to be true.

• Cryptocurrency operates on secure technology, but it is traded on exchange platforms prone to cyber-attacks and frauds. You will want to research the exchange before signing up and trading with them.

Making the Most of Your Crypto Assets

Despite the risks involved in crypto investments, they also offer ground-breaking opportunities. Here are ways to make the most of your digital assets and wisely use the network for your good.

• Lend your digital assets. You can participate in a lending/borrowing program as a lender; this is where you loan your assets and get paid with interest. The most important factor here is that you’re lending your digital assets to a trusted third-party or doing so on a reputable platform.

• Buy the dip. You can make the most of cryptocurrency price drops by purchasing more assets. After a while, the prices on those assets will go back up, and you’ll get more than you paid for.

• Trade. You can buy or sell cryptocurrency taking advantage of its volatility; that is, buy when you suspect a rise and sell when you suspect a fall.

• Airdrops. In airdrops, you get free cryptocurrency; however, this has the highest risks. Most crypto developers offer free digital coins when they need support for a new coin; you’ll want to be careful. Don’t just jump on any initial coin offering you see; try to do your due diligence.

• Earn Dividends. This doesn’t have the biggest profit, but it provides a steady way to earn with your digital assets.

In conclusion, cryptocurrency investment has risks, no doubt. However, you can maneuver those risks to work in your favor if you invest with your eyes open. Cryptocurrency investment risks can turn into opportunities, depending on how you invest.

BOZEMAN, MT — Earlier this month HRDC officially announced plans for the construction of its new campus on 5.6 acres located on Griffin Drive. The project will consolidate the majority of the nonprofit’s programming into one location. Two main buildings will occupy the land. The first building will house services that address hunger including HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank and Fork & Spoon Restaurant. The second building will be home to a year-round shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Additionally, both buildings will have space for community partners as well as HRDC staff. The new campus was thoughtfully designed in direct response to the growing needs of people living and working in Southwest Montana. Construction of the first building has begun. The second building, which will include the community’s first year-round shelter, will not begin until additional funding is secured.

“Philanthropy will play a significant role in our success,” said Kristin Hamburg, HRDC’s Development Director. “We must raise $15 million through community support to help fund our new campus. As of today, we are pleased to have raised just over $10.8 million, which includes a generous $75,000 donation from our friends at First Interstate Bank. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

“First Interstate Bank’s Commitment to Community runs deep throughout our 14-state footprint,” said Amberly Pahut, First Interstate Director of Community Relations. “We are honored to partner with a Community Action Organization like HRDC in Bozeman to respond to the pressing housing needs in the community and surrounding area. Two of our key funding priorities are hunger and homelessness, and HRDC’s plans for their future addresses both of these priority needs through helping families maintain stability amidst the region’s high cost of living.”

Scott Levandowski, First Interstate Gallatin Valley Market President, added, “At First Interstate, we are committed to supporting the places we call home, and we look to partner with organizations that make our community a better place.” We are proud to continue our long history of supporting HRDC in Bozeman as they work to make a difference.”

Over the past 47 years, HRDC’s commitment to serving Bozeman has expanded across the greater Gallatin Valley and beyond to numerous communities throughout Southwest Montana. HRDC’s wide range of services include housing solutions from emergency shelter to homeownership, food and nutrition support, energy assistance, early childhood education, senior services, financial planning, and more. Annually, HRDC serves over 15,000 individuals as it continues its mission toward building a better community. All are welcome at HRDC, and anyone can join their journey toward their future home.

Interested donors, volunteers, and community members can find more information on HRDC’s website at https://thehrdc.org/our-future-griffin-place/

WHITEHALL – Staff at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park are pleased to reopen the cave for the 2022 season.

Tours will be offered until Sept. 30. Visitors are encouraged to visit the state parks website frequently as tour options, times and availability may change throughout the season. Tour reservations will be taken this summer starting Memorial Day weekend by calling 1-855-922-6768 or by visiting fwp.mt.gov/stateparks.

During the month of May, the upper visitor area will be open and cave tours will be offered five days per week, Wednesday through Sunday. Days of operation may expand starting in June.

The Paradise Tour will be offered throughout May, and the Classic Tour will be added in June. The campground and trails are open now, and the showers, comfort station and water stations will reopen as weather allows.

Paradise Tour

The Paradise Tour includes a view of the largest and most decorative room in the cave — the Paradise Room. This 1-mile tour lasts 90 minutes. It includes 15 stairs between two rooms, but the path is mostly level and partly wheelchair accessible. Because the paradise tour provides better accessibility and easier passage, this tour is highly recommended for anyone with small children, claustrophobia concerns or mobility challenges.

The Paradise Tour will be offered on the half hour from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday until Memorial Day weekend. Starting Memorial Day weekend, reservations can be made, and tour times will change to 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. These times are subject to change, so visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks prior to your visit.

Tickets for the paradise tour are $10 for seniors ages 62 and older, $15 for visitors ages 15 to 61, $10 for kids ages 5 to 14, and free for anyone 4 or younger.

Classic tour

The classic tour features a 2-mile journey through the majority of the developed cave tour route, including the second-largest and longest rooms in the cave. This tour lasts for two hours and includes more than 600 stairs, stooping and tight squeezes. It is not recommended for small children, or visitors with mobility limitations or claustrophobia.

Bats occupy some rooms that are part of the classic tour. Bats can be susceptible to pathogens carried by people. To reduce risks to sensitive bat populations at the park, visitors will be asked to wear facemasks in rooms that contain bats.

The Classic Tour will be offered starting in June on the hour from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. by reservable tickets and as staffing allows.

Tickets for the classic tour are $15 for visitors ages 15 and older, $10 for kids ages 5 to 14, and $5 for anyone 4 or younger.

Planning your visit

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park features one of the most decorative limestone caverns in the Northwest, filled with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helictites. The park also offers camping, trails to hike or bike, a state-of-the-art visitor center, interpretive displays, a gift shop, food and beverage concessions, an amphitheater, and interpretive events during the summer months.

An $8 entrance fee is required for visitors who are not residents of Montana. Residents of the state normally pay the fee with vehicle registration.

As always, visitors are asked to not wear any clothing, shoes or accessories, including glasses and cameras, that have been to another cave or mine in the past two years. This is to protect bat populations at the Caverns. White-nose syndrome, a fungus that kills entire bat colonies, can be transmitted easily and does not come out of clothing or other materials with normal washing methods. While it does not affect humans, it could have significant impacts to the cave ecosystem.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is about 15 miles southeast of Whitehall, along Montana Highway 2. For more information about the park, please visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns or call 406-287-3541.

If you have parents who are still alive as you get older, you will probably want to care for them if you can. They may need help with certain tasks, and you likely feel a responsibility to help them. We’ll talk about some reasons why caring for an aging parent matters.

You Set an Example for Your Kids

Setting an example for your children is one reason you should care for an aging parent if you have the power to do so. You probably hope that when you’re older, your kids can take of you in the same way if you need it.

Kids learn by example. If they see you caring for your aging parents, they should remember that and do the same thing when you’re in your later years.

You should create an aging parent care checklist and show your kids how to do it. That checklist can contain what medications to give your parents, when to take them to doctor appointments, and what days you might stop by to see them and check on them.

You Love Your Parents and Want to Show Them That

Presumably, you also love your parents and want to demonstrate that when they get older. If they have physical or cognitive decline, caring for them is a loving act. Maybe they are still mentally sharp enough to appreciate it, or maybe not, but in either case, you want to prove your love for them.

It’s one thing to say that you love someone, but caring for them when they’re no longer capable of caring for themselves shows them more eloquently than your words ever could. This is a way to bring you and your parents closer together near the end of their lives.

It’s a Long and Time-Tested Tradition

When you care for your aging parents, you’re also taking part in a tradition that has existed for thousands of years. You show respect for that tradition when you do things like cook meals for your parents, clothe them, bathe them, or do anything else they need that’s in your power to do.

When you care for an aging parent, you may feel the weight of previous generations on your shoulders. You know that you’re doing something noble. Just as your parents cared for you when you were a child, now you can do the same thing for them, completing the circle.

You Can Endear Yourself to Them

Maybe you might not have had the greatest relationship with a parent. Perhaps you feel like they didn’t understand you as much as you would have liked. It’s not as though every parent-child relationship is close and loving.

You might still take care of an aging parent if you want them to leave you something. They might have money or property that they need to leave to someone, and if you care for them, they may leave that to you.

Taking care of your aging parents may be more transactional than because of your love for them, but that’s not always a bad thing. If you care for them and they agree to leave you a house or some other inheritance when they pass away, that might help you. You both get something you want and need if love and good feelings alone don’t prompt you to act.

They Can Pass on Their Wisdom

You might decide that you want your older parent to move in with you. That might be the most prudent move if you can’t afford to put them in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Also, you might understand that you can care for them better than strangers could.

If so, you might spend some time with them in their life’s later stages, and they can pass on any accumulated wisdom from their life during that time. Maybe they can show you how to do things now that you never learned as a child.

Often, the older generations have certain skills that the younger generations do not have. If your kids are still living with you, your aging parents might show them how to do things like changing a tire or changing a car’s oil. They can show them how to fix things around the house, or they can simply tell you and your family stories about things that happened to them.

If you think about it, you will likely come up with many more reasons to care for an aging parent.

The Bozeman Symphony is excited to announce that the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra was nominated for two Northwest Emmy awards by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences on April 8, 2022!

The Symphony was nominated in the entertainment and audio categories for our orchestra world premiere of New York City’s rising star composer Anthony Barfield’s Heritage Concerto, featuring the world-renowned euphonium player Demondrae Thurman. These Emmy nominations highlight an important step in the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra’s evolution to represent artistic excellence and innovation from breakout composers to virtuosic guest artists. Music Director Norman Huynh was thrilled to welcome composer Anthony Barfield and guest artist Demondrae Thurman to the Willson Auditorium during its Brahms Symphony No. 2classical series performance in November 2021. More than 2,800 people, in-person and virtually via the livestream performance, enjoyed Anthony Barfield’s riveting Heritage Concerto based on the Ancient Egyptian civilization.

The Bozeman Symphony’s Emmy nominations would not be possible without its exceptional orchestra musicians, Music Director Norman Huynh’s artistic vision and programming to include orchestra world premiere composer Anthony Barfield and virtuosic guest artist Demondrae Thurman, and to its livestream producer Jeremiah Slovarp of Jereco Studios, who prepared the livestream submission to the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

The Gallatin County Commission approved using Open Lands Program money to help fund three projects, including the expansion of Burke Park on Peets Hill, and improvements to the Gallatin County Regional Park and Anderson Dog Park in Bozeman.

On Tuesday, April 26, commissioners voted unanimously to spend $172,900 total on the following projects:

1. Burke Park (Peet’s Hill) expansion and improvement project – City of Bozeman – $100,000
   • To assist with the acquisition of 12 acres at the south end of Peets Hill
2. Gallatin County Regional Park protected “quiet area” – Gallatin County Parks – $40,000
   • Construction of tree-lined, landscaped area at the Regional Park
3. Anderson Dog Park fetch field and trail repair project – Run Dog Run – $32,900
   • Improvements to off-leash dog park and Regional Park, including development of fetch field and trail reconstruction

Commissioners praised the projects as ones that have high value for the public and that have shown extensive collaborative efforts to move forward.

“We think these are awesome community projects that benefit tens of thousands of county residents,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown.

Money for these projects comes from the voter-approved Gallatin County Open Space Levy, which was passed in 2018. This levy provides funding for conservation projects, such as conservation easements for private landowners, as well as “other eligible projects.” Projects in the “other eligible projects” category must be related to land acquisition, capital improvements, and maintenance projects that support the purpose of the Open Space Levy.

For fiscal year 2022, a total of $1.69 million was collected from the levy for conservation projects, while approximately $391,000 was available for “other eligible projects.”

Brown said that the county’s open lands program provides an undeniable community benefit, but that projects like conservation easements on private land don’t provide public access.

“This category of funding gives us a way to support public open space,” Brown said.

Following an application process, the Open Lands Board scored the submitted proposals and recommended these three projects for approval.

“It is exciting to play a role in a process where the county funds projects that will provide a tangible and lasting public benefit,” said Sean O’Callaghan, Gallatin County Open Land Coordinator.

More information on the projects, including applications and scoring, can be found here.

Bozeman, MT— The City of Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board celebrates Historic Preservation Month in May. As a part of this year’s events, the board is currently accepting nominations for Historic Preservation and Legacy Awards until Friday, April 29, 2022.

This year’s theme [Our]Story is a celebration of Bozeman’s people, places and culture. Throughout the month of May, the City will host lectures, preservation awards, and tours of Bozeman’s history. Award winners will be honored at a ceremony on May 25th at the Emerson Art Center.

Historic Preservation Officer Sarah Rosenberg says, “As Bozeman grows and changes, our stories and the reflection of our community’s history and place are more important than ever before. Change and development is inevitable and we want to celebrate the people and voices that make the commitment to preserve Bozeman’s history, spirit, and sense of place.”

Nominations are open for the 2022 Historic Preservation and Legacy Awards until Friday, April 29. Those interested can nominate buildings and organizations for numerous categories. All details, how to register for the events, and the award nomination can be found on City’s Engage Bozeman website.

On Friday, May 6th, 2022, Bozeman-based recording artist, Adrian Jay (formerly known as The Id of Adrian), will release "I Do", the first single from his long-awaited debut album.

With its simple rhythm and vast choral arrangement, "I Do" is a call back to the hopelessly romantic pop music of the 1950s and 60s.

As lead vocalist, Jay plays the part of the overly confident frontman, proclaiming his undying love for an enchanting young woman. At one point he sings, "I just wanna get on top of this table at this restaurant and tell everybody in the whole room how much I love you."

As guitars strum and pianos pound, a graceful bassline played by local legend, Eddie T, is the glue that holds it all together.

Although the official release date for his upcoming album is still unknown, "I Do" is an assurance that whatever Jay does next will be well worth the wait.

"I Do" will be available on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.

Mark your calendar, because "I Do" by Adrian Jay will be out everywhere on Friday, May 6, 2022.

On 4/22/22 at approximately 4:00 pm a Fish, Wildlife and Parks Warden attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a reckless vehicle traveling north on Highway 191. The vehicle came to a stop near the Castle Inn, where the sole male occupant and driver fled on foot. The vehicle was later discovered to be stolen. Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Fish Wildlife and Parks and Montana Highway Patrol have saturated the area with K9 teams deployed to aid in locating the male. The Sheriff’s Office has issued telephone notifications at 1745 hrs to residents in the area, encouraging occupants to lock their doors, windows, outside structures and remain inside. Anyone who observes a suspicious person in the area is encouraged to call 911 and avoid contact with the person. The search is an on-going matter, the Sheriff’s Office will update the public as the search develops and thanks the public for its vigilance and support.

Current guidance to the public: The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging continued vigilance by everyone in the area, keep all property and vehicles locked up, limit travel in the area, call 911 if you see anything suspicious. Do not pick up anyone hitchhiking in the area. The male is a Caucasian male approximately six feet tall, was last seen wearing tan pants and a tan shirt. He was last seen south of the Storm Castle Bridge.

UPDATE 23 APRIL 2022 – 0900 HOURS:

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office continued their assistance of Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) in searching the Highway 191 Canyon throughout the night.  The suspect fled from FWP Officers who were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on a reckless driver at approximately 4:00 pm yesterday evening at which time the Sheriff’s Office began their assistance.

The last known area of the subject was Karst Stage Loop.  Sheriff’s deputies will continue their assistance searching the canyon throughout today though it is possible he was given a ride out of the area.  The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have information that may aid in identifying the suspect to call 406-582-2100.  A member of the public has likely heard from this individual or seen him and we are asking for your assistance.  The Sheriff’s Office is continuing to encourage canyon residents to be vigilant about locking their homes and vehicles so as not to prevent the theft of their property.  FWP nor the Sheriff’s Office have additional information about the suspect’s history or motives beyond finding a vehicle with keys in it that he stole.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:

The suspect is described as Caucasian, approximately 6 feet tall, with reddish facial hair and a slight to medium build.  If the suspect is still in the area, he is likely very cold, and hungry and is seeking shelter and assistance.

*****Update as of 5pm on 4/23/2022****

Throughout the last 24 hours the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office along with Montana Highway Patrol and Fish, Wildlife and Parks have continued to search the area of Karst Stage Loop and throughout the Big Sky region. With the information gained throughout the investigation as well as information gathered from citizens, the involved person appears to no longer be in the area. The presence of law enforcement will remain in the area as the investigation will continue and leads follow up on.

The Sheriff’s Office is encouraging continued vigilance by everyone in the area, keep all property and vehicles locked, do not pick up hitchhikers and call 911 if you see anything suspicious.  The male is a Caucasian male approximately six feet tall, was last seen wearing tan pants and a tan shirt.  The case is an on-going matter jointly worked by Fish Wildlife and Park and the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Dan Springer thanks the public for its vigilance, support and numerous calls providing information. Please call 406-582-2100 if you have any additional information regarding this matter.