BOZEMAN — With $6 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Montana State University will continue to offer services for improving road safety in Montana and rural areas nationwide.

The new four-year grant provides comprehensive funding for the National Center for Rural Road Safety, or Rural Safety Center, which is housed in MSU’s Western Transportation Institute. The funding will enable trainings, technical assistance and resources for local and state governments to reduce deaths and serious injuries, improve collaboration and coordination, and find innovative solutions to the unique transportation issues facing rural areas, according to Jaime Sullivan, the center's director.

"The RSC is a team of national rural road safety specialists serving road managers, emergency responders and others who want to improve safety on rural roads," said Sullivan, who is also a research engineer at WTI. "We designed this center to be a premier resource for them."

Rural roads account for roughly 70% of U.S. lane miles. Though they serve only one-fifth of the U.S population, they are where 46% of roadway deaths happen, according to Sullivan. Travel time for rural first responders is roughly double what it is for calls in urban areas, and local transportation agencies generally manage more miles of road with fewer resources, she added.

Since WTI began managing the RSC in 2014, the center has trained rural transportation practitioners nationwide, created and hosted three national safety summits and a monthly webinar series, developed a digital library of training resources and toolkits, and launched the annual Rural Road Safety Awareness Week in 2020. The center also created the Road Safety Champion Program, a nationally recognized certificate program that trains transportation professionals, first responders and others to improve safety in the design, maintenance and operation of rural roads.

"Agencies are facing unprecedented safety challenges on rural roads,” Sullivan said. “The RSC exists to respond to those challenges and equip real-world practitioners so they can face and overcome them."

"Jaime and her team have done an incredible job to increase safety in rural areas, and we are honored to continue this meaningful work” said David Kack, director of WTI. “With the new team, and working in conjunction with the Federal Highway Administration, we know that the RSC will do even more to promote safety on the nation’s rural roadways.”

WTI, which is part of Montana State University, is one of the nation’s largest transportation institutes focused on rural transportation issues. It has twice been designated as a National University Transportation Center by the federal Transportation Department. WTI has conducted transportation research at local, state and federal levels in 35 states and in 22 countries around the world.

Back by popular demand, Montana Ballet Company (MBC) announces the return
of Winthrop Corey’s original Snow White on Saturday, February 19 and Sunday,
February 20 at the Willson Auditorium.

Snow White was choreographed in 2016 by Winthrop Corey, world-renowned
master choreographer and teacher, and former principal dancer with the Royal
Winnipeg Ballet and National Ballet of Canada. Premiering at the Mobile Ballet to
critical acclaim, Mr. Corey’s Snow White has been performed by numerous ballet
companies across the country, including its Montana Ballet debut in 2017.

This enchanting treat for the entire family will feature Mr. Corey's exquisite
choreography and fine, hand-crafted costumes.

Special highlights of the 2022 performance will include MBC’s Music Director,
Stefan Stern, conducting a live orchestra of esteemed local musicians and MBC's
very own Company Dancer, Frances Cole, dancing the title role of Snow White.

Ms. Cole began training with MBC as a child in 2010. Audiences will recognize her
as the featured dancer in MBC’s REIMAGINES 2020 film, as well as the lead dancer
in MBC’s Nutcracker Arabian divertissement.

For Snow White tickets contact the Montana Ballet Company at 406.582.8702 or
online at www.montanaballet.org. All seating is reserved. Ticket prices range from
$20 - $65.

BOZEMAN — Before researchers can understand the formation of the titanic black holes with masses millions to billions times that of our sun that anchor galaxies, they first must find these cosmic phenomena. To that end, Montana State University postdoctoral researcher and Ford Fellowship awardee Mallory Molina is pioneering a way to look for massive black holes in small galaxies known as dwarf galaxies.

Molina, who works with Amy Reines, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics in MSU’s College of Letters and Science, is the lead author of “A Sample of Massive Black Holes in Dwarf Galaxies Detected via [Fe X] Coronal Line Emission: Active Galactic Nuclei and/or Tidal Disruption Events,” published in The Astrophysical Journal, a publication of the American Astronomical Society, on Dec. 1. Reines is also named as an author.

“Finding massive black holes in dwarf galaxies is important to help us understand how massive black holes form in the first place,” Reines said. “This work gives us an entirely new strategy to find and study these objects.”

Black holes are extremely dense areas of space that can capture even light in their gravitational pull, yet some light is also emitted as the swirling disc of materials being sucked into the black hole bombard gases with enough energy to strip atoms of their electrons.

Black holes are elusive, Molina explained, because researchers are often only able to detect the total light coming from distant galaxies. In smaller galaxies — with the smaller black holes that are of particular interest to those seeking insight into their origin — the accumulation of stars, gases and dust are enough to block the light emitted from a “feeding” black hole. This is especially true if the galaxy is actively forming stars.

Molina illustrates this conundrum using a flashlight in place of the light from a black hole. It would be easy enough to see the beam if the area is dark. But what if someone turns on a spotlight? The flashlight can’t compete with the larger light source.

“Is there a way to cut through star formation and find black holes in these galaxies?” Molina asked.

So Molina is changing the color of the flashlight beam.

The study uses a particular wavelength of light — 6,374 angstroms, to be precise (about a sixth the length of your average yeast cell) — as a marker. The light comes from iron 10, which are atoms of iron that have had been stripped of nine of their electrons and release light in what astronomers call coronal emission lines.

Molina found the iron 10 emission line in the optical observations of two black holes in dwarf galaxies that were initially detected by radio emissions, rather than traditional optical techniques.

“The first one was really important for showing that it existed,” Molina said. “The second one was important for showing this is something you could systematically do with survey data.”

From there, Molina launched a search, scanning the optical data of 46,000 galaxies and searching for iron 10 light. They found the emission line in 81 galaxies where it was attributable to black holes.

“Almost all of the iron 10 emission that I detected was way too bright to be produced by stellar means like supernovae, but it was consistent with material falling onto a black hole,” Molina said.

The dwarf galaxy hosts had many different shapes and tilt angles, but most had one thing in common — they appear blue in the night sky. Redder galaxies have less ongoing star formation, bluer ones are more active and are, thus, brighter, which hinders black hole detection.

“It is hard to find black holes in actively star-forming dwarf galaxies using traditional optical methods,” Molina said. “This iron 10 selection technique is opening up a whole new population of black holes that was previously not accessible to us.”

Using iron 10, astrophysicists can find dimmer black holes within existing optical data and aid in the search for lower-mass dwarf galaxies — and the insights they may bring on galaxy and black hole formation.  

“Most of the galaxies that we found using optical methods are the tip of the iceberg — they’re the most active, the brightest black holes in the biggest dwarf galaxies,” Molina said. “This new detection method is giving a more representative view of the black hole population in dwarf galaxies.”

One of the great benefits of visiting new places is the freedom to explore. But when exploration turns into getting lost, and no one loves being stranded in a strange land, which is when a GPS app comes in handy.

Yet, the real question is, what is a GPS app, and how could it make your lives, particularly your traveling, a piece of cake? Simply put, it's a device to help you map your journey.

Due to this, we will discuss the most crucial factors to consider when selecting a GPS device that best suits your needs, starting with:

Weigh in its physical characteristics

Screen and device size: Automobile GPS displays generally vary from 3.5 to 7 inches diagonally. A device with excellent voice instructions and a screen would do.

Larger maps, more area for travel data (street names, speed, and direction), and larger virtual keyboards may be worth the extra money for you.

Aside from specialized buttons for crucial activities, smaller devices frequently feature unlabeled supplementary buttons.

For example, a massive screen on a tiny gadget might compensate for a smaller model's physical limitations.

Power/battery supply: The 12-volt power port in the automobile is used to power the in-car GPS units. As a result, the number of supply operations determines a GPS device's battery life.

Many GPS devices include a "sleep" mode that saves energy while the GPS isn't being utilized.

A battery lets you plan your trip before getting in the automobile. Some models have a standard AC socket for charging and use at home. Others use a computer's USB port.

Weight: Weight isn't an issue if you don't plan to use your GPS outside of your car. But if you carry the device, the situation changes.

Handheld gadgets weigh from a few ounces to a pound. Saving space and weight sometimes means fewer features or a higher price.

Analyze its features

Usability: Car GPS devices may distract drivers more than guide them! The maps must be readable at a glance, with little content and high-quality images.

For the same reason, the device's touch-screen controls must be labeled and well-organized.

The computer interface is also essential. How easy is it to connect the GPS gadget to your computer? A USB port on a GPS will significantly speed up the download of waypoints and maps.

Accuracy: It's incredible how accurate most GPS devices are. Since businesses and streets change, the information's accuracy is based on its date.

You may reduce the price of a low-end GPS gadget by delivering outdated mapping data. Check whether the merchant gives point-of-interest (POI) updates and normal maps and how much they cost.

Some GPS devices offer internet forums where users may trade mapping data and download data from others.

Consider your driving conditions

Consider your normal driving circumstances, the frequency with which you travel in unknown locations, and the essential qualities to you.

A multi-function GPS gadget might not be necessary if you mostly drive for local errands or commute along the same route, seldom require directions, and only take short trips.

A GPS device will rapidly become vital if you plan to use it regularly and have sophisticated travel plans. In such a case, get the most expensive one you can afford.

Several CD-ROM map collections may supplement GPS systems' mapping capabilities, memory cards preloaded with maps, or the internet.

Meanwhile, the larger GPS vendors/manufacturers will enable you to obtain the most current maps and changes/corrections from the internet.

Identify their extra functions

Turn-by-turn directions: This tells you when to get off or get on a highway. It also includes both where you start and where you end up.

Most current GPS systems feature text-to-speech technology, which allows them to recite street names for you.

For example, instead of advising you to turn left in 500 feet, it tells you to turn left into Elm Street.

Text-to-speech was formerly considered a high-end function, but it is now routinely accessible on low-cost phones.

Road views/lane assistance: Even the best-spoken directions might be confusing while traveling abroad.

The good news is that more GPS systems now offer lane assist, which tells you which lane to be in for upcoming exits and curves.

Similarly, several devices provide real-world road views with actual street signs at problematic intersections.

Summary

Features are added and upgraded as GPS systems become more widespread. Due to growing competition, GPS devices are now cheaper and do more than ever before.

Some high-end features may find their way to low-cost devices. Above all, GPS devices will improve planning routes, especially for traveling.

ENNIS – The Ennis and Valley Garden fishing access sites have been closed temporarily due to flooding. 

Ice jams on portions of the upper Madison River have caused water, ice and debris to flow into the sites, creating unsafe conditions, including the possibility for trees to fall. These sites will be reopened when conditions are safe again. 

The Ennis Fishing Access Site is a half mile southeast of Ennis, and the Valley Garden Fishing Access Site is about two miles northeast of Ennis.  

The results are in!

For the 7th year in a row, we asked our readers to vote for all-things-Bozeman in the Bozeman's Choice Reader Poll. Over 200 choices range from arts & entertainment to chomping & chugging to media & info, it's all voted on here. The top 3 vote-getters are listed here and in a print annual guide available at key locations in the greater Bozeman area.

Did you win? Order Your Award Certificate

Congratulations to all the 2021 winners! If you would like a 2022 certificate:

Click here to order your award certificate »

Bozeman, MONT. – The frigid temperatures that have recently plagued Bozeman and the surrounding area are forecast to continue through the upcoming holiday weekend putting community members who are unhoused at high risk for exposure-related injury.

Brian Guyer, HRDC’s Housing Director, issued the Code Blue warning designation this morning saying, “This is a very necessary, but costly action to take. While our Bozeman Warming Center is not currently funded to be open during daytime hours on Fridays and Saturdays, we are extremely concerned about our guests’ safety and can use all the support the community can provide to help us keep our doors open.”

In 2021, due to the growing need for emergency shelter in our area, HRDC doubled its capacity at both its Bozeman and Livingston shelter locations. “Our guests come from every walk of life. While we don’t necessarily think of it in these terms, one or two major crises can upend the trajectory of someone’s life – whether it’s a loss of income, significant unexpected medical costs or the loss of a loved one –  any combination of major life changes can lead to someone finding themselves unhoused, especially in Southwest Montana amid the affordable housing crisis we are experiencing,” said Jenna Huey, HRDC’s Emergency Shelter Services Manager. Huey continued, “Beyond all else, we believe everyone deserves a warm, safe place to sleep at night and we are committed to keeping our doors open during this period of severe weather so that people can come in out of the cold.”

With seven lives lost in the Bozeman area this past year due to exposure-related causes, HRDC strongly believes that the community not only deserves better but can do better. Amplified community outreach has increased engagement allowing HRDC to expand its seasonal shelter hours. With the lengthy cold streak in place, however, additional community support is needed. Cash donations to the Warming Center can be made online by visiting https://thehrdc.org/donate/or can be submitted by mail to HRDC, c/o The Warming Center, 32 S. Tracy Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715.

Every adult home should have a working home bar. It's a good idea to have something to offer your guests even if you don't drink, and a home bar can add a unique style element to any room. Learn how to make a space that not only has all the tools you need but also makes you want to try new things, whether you're just starting with cocktails and spirits or have been mixing for years. Before you decide where and how to set up your bar to make tequila cocktails, learn about everything you'll need, like bitters, bar tools, must-read cocktail guides, spirits, glassware, mixers, and garnishes. Take a look at these home bar ideas, no matter how much space you have for a single tray or a full wet bar.

Bar Cart

You can't go without a bar cart. Nearly every beautiful room has one. If you have enough space, bar carts are great places to mix cocktails, and they look good enough that people will feel comfortable walking over and making their own. Keep your bar cart clean if it's out. The pantry may even be an excellent place to keep things that aren't used very often.

Console Table

To turn any console table, sideboard, or credenza into a bar, all you need to do is add a tray on top. Glasses, decanters, bitters, bottles, and more should all be on top of the table, with any bar tools that are needed nearby stored in a nearby drawer or vessel; if you need to keep a lot of bartending tools, this is a good choice. It's essential to make room for lamps and other small decor items so that your console can be both functional and beautiful.

Subtle Tray

You can turn any bookcase or bookshelf into a bar like a console table. Organize it by shelf, with spirits on one shelf, glasses on another, etc. The best way to keep your spirits safe is to put them on a tray on top of other furniture. If you don't want your bartending tools to be the room's main point, add art and wall decor around them.

Wet Bar

Wet bars are bars with sinks. Do you have one at home? Then there is no reason not to improve your mixology skills. Keep a bar towel and a small trash can near the faucet if you need to wash glasses or work with fresh ingredients. It would help if you also had all of the other things you need for your bar (keep scrolling for those). This arrangement is sure to make people happy.

Bitters Corner

People add bitters to cocktails in small amounts to make them more attractive. They are made with alcohol that has been flavored with herbs, roots, and spices. Across the country, there has been a resurgence in cocktails. There used to be just one bottle of bitters on the bar. There are bitters for everything, from rhubarb to coffee, at your local liquor store now to get them there too.