MILES CITY – The Lower Yellowstone River Corridor Advisory Committee (LYRC Committee) has made substantial progress since its first meeting in late August. The committee met Nov. 8 in Miles City and is preparing to submit its final recommendations for improving public access along the river.

The LYRC Committee is a citizen group sponsored by Gov. Greg Gianforte and convened by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The group was tasked with exploring new access, recreation and habitat conservation opportunities along the Lower Yellowstone, prioritizing areas where access is most limited.

After dividing into three work groups, LYRC members engaged with local landowners and community members, considered regional impacts and conducted site visits to develop recommendations to FWP. These recommendations include:

• a scoring matrix for evaluating land acquisitions and other opportunities aimed at improving public access and habitat conservation

• overall management approaches that maximize diverse recreational opportunities, prioritizing those where access is most limited

• a list of existing or potential future opportunities for public access and/or habitat conservation

• needed amenities, safety features and economic growth considerations at access points

• strategies for securing long-term funding needs

During the 2021 legislative session, FWP secured $4 million in state spending authority to support this effort.

On Nov. 8, the whole committee approved recommendations crafted by the work groups. The next steps include finalizing and presentation of a report to FWP Director Hank Worsech by January 2022 or earlier. FWP will then determine, with public input, how to move forward on the recommendations.

Angie Grove (pointing to sign), chairperson for the Lower Yellowstone River Advisory Committee, discusses the rich history of the Powder River Depot area east of Miles City with committee members Lance Kalfell and Joel Krautter as the group visits several sites along the lower river corridor in October in search of possible new public access points. The 2020 Montana Legislature appropriated $4 million in funding toward the project, and the volunteer committee was assembled to make recommendations to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to expand access and recreation opportunities along the Lower Yellowstone.

—Steven Young Lee, who has successfully led the internationally recognized creative center dedicated to the ceramic arts for 15 years, will transition to director emeritus and special projects manager—

Helena, Mont. (November 15, 2021) – After 15 years at the helm of the world-renowned Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, Steven Young Lee has announced that he is transitioning from his current leadership role as resident artist director to the newly created role of director emeritus and special projects manager. The Bray, in partnership with Arts Consulting Group, will begin a search for its new executive director this month. 

During his tenure as the organization’s leader and resident artist director, Lee has guided The Bray through a period of exceptional growth and evolution. His achievements include the successful completion in 2021 of a $6 million capital campaign to support a new education and research facility, administrative offices, sales gallery and visiting artist housing; increasing by 60% applications to The Bray’s artist-in-residence program; introducing new community outreach programs, including partnerships with Theaster Gates, Cannupa Hanska Luger, Raven Halfmoon and Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild; increasing direct financial support for residents and visiting artists, with funds raised specifically to support makers of color at the Bray; and overseeing the organization’s rebranding efforts, which were announced this month. He also helped develop a new strategic plan for the organization that includes an increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion at The Bray and in the international ceramics community.

“It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to help guide The Bray these past 15 years, and I’m tremendously proud of all we have accomplished in that time. I also feel more confident than ever about The Bray’s organizational strength, stability, and future as a leading creative center in the international ceramics community,” said Lee. “The time is right for new leadership and ideas, and I am thrilled to support the new executive director, who will lead The Bray in its next phase of growth and vision.”

“Steve's impact during his time leading the Bray is immeasurable. It is felt in every corner of our organization, from his mentorship of fellow artists, to his commitment to increasing diversity, equity and inclusion in the international ceramics community, to his steady hand in navigating our organization through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Sue Tirrell, Board chair. “The Bray is deeply grateful for all Steve has contributed to the tremendous growth and stability that the organization is experiencing now, and we’re thrilled that he will continue to play a key role as The Bray works to foster excellence in the ceramic arts.” 

As director emeritus, Lee will help transition the management and artistic leadership of The Bray to the incoming director, and will continue to help build the organization’s foundation and maintain relationships with key donors. 

Lee will also be the organization’s first special projects manager. In this role, he will continue to cultivate relationships with strategic artistic partners. Working through the education program, Lee will serve as liaison with these partners to help establish innovative programs that further The Bray’s reach into underserved communities to reimagine approaches to ceramic education, design, skill-training and artistic development. 

“I’m excited to continue my work with The Bray around our impactful artist partnerships, including that with Cannupa Hanska Luger and Raven Halfmoon on developing an indigenous earth lodge on campus,” said Lee. 

A renowned artist whose work has been featured by the Smithsonian Museum, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the Portland Art Museum and others, Lee will remain in Helena with his family. In addition to supporting The Bray, he plans to dedicate time to his own studio practice.

About the Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts

The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts, known as The Bray, is a public, nonprofit creative center solely dedicated to the ceramic arts. Founded in 1951 by brickmaker Archie Bray, the mission of The Bray is to enhance commitment to, and investment in, the ceramic arts. Located in Helena, Mont., near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the 26-acre former brickyard serves as a gathering place for emerging and professional ceramic artists. Its programs include an international artist-in-residence program, workshops and community classes, curated exhibitions, an on-site and virtual sales gallery, and a ceramic supply facility that provides “Bray Clay” and technical support to artists from around the world. archiebray.org

Sampling services available in southeastern Montana

MILES CITY – Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was recently detected in a mule deer buck that was euthanized within Baker city limits by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials on Oct. 27.

FWP officials collected the deer after residents reported the buck was acting lethargic and was visibly emaciated and had droopy ears, which are classic symptoms of the disease. 

Earlier this week the initial test came back positive for CWD and the results of the second, confirmation test should be available next week.

“We are awaiting a second test to confirm the positive, but given that the animal was symptomatic and we are in the middle of hunting season, we wanted to get the information out to the public as quickly as possible,” said Baker-area wildlife biologist Melissa Foster.

CWD is a progressive, fatal neurological disease that infects members of the deer family, such as mule and white-tailed deer, elk and moose. Animals may be infected and contagious for a very long time, sometimes two years or longer, before symptoms appear. An animal can appear perfectly healthy and still be infected; that’s why testing is so important.

There is no known transmission of CWD to humans. However, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that hunters harvesting a deer, elk or moose from an area where CWD is known to be present have their animal tested for CWD prior to consuming the meat, and to not consume the meat if the animal tests positive. Remember that dumping carcasses is illegal. Carcasses, including the head and spinal column, should be either left at the place of harvest or disposed of in a class II landfill after butchering and processing to prevent spreading CWD and other diseases.

CWD exists in the wild in several places in the state, including northwest Montana, along the highline, southcentral Montana and southwest Montana. FWP has conducted CWD surveillance and monitoring efforts around the state since 2017, including this year.

CWD has been found in Region 7 previously. This season, southeast Montana’s Hunting Districts 700 and 703 are within the Priority Surveillance Areas for CWD sampling, but hunters harvesting an animal in any area can seek sampling services.

In southeast Montana, hunters can have their deer, elk or moose tested at the regional office in Miles City during normal business hours or at the check station in Hysham, which is being operated on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 9 a.m. to dark throughout the remainder of the hunting season. Hunters are also encouraged to submit their own samples. Information on sample collection, the submission form, and ways to submit their samples can be found on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov under Chronic Wasting Disease Management.

For more information about CWD in Montana including maps where CWD has been found, maps of surveillance areas and information on getting an animal tested, visit fwp.mt.gov/cwd.

BOZEMAN — Montana State University Extension has three new, free publications available about weeds and pests in Montana.

“Narrowleaf Hawksbeard: Identification, Biology and Integrated Management” is a four-page MontGuide, or factsheet, written by Shelley Mills, Jane Mangold and Tim Seipel. The authors note this adaptable and difficult-to-control weed is present in northcentral and northeastern Montana, northwestern North Dakota and in parts of Canada. It can be a problem in reduced and no-till fields, rangeland, land in the Conservation Reserve Program, along roadsides and in other disturbed areas. Narrowleaf hawksbeard can reduce crop yields and forage quality due to competition and low palatability.

“Scotch Broom: Identification, Biology and Integrated Management” is an eight-page MontGuide by Noelle Orloff and Mangold. Scotch broom is a shrub on Montana’s noxious weed list. It can be recognized by its bright yellow flowers, clover-like leaves and green, woody stems. Scotch broom is found in disturbed sites, pastures, roadsides and open woods. Control is difficult once this species becomes established, with repeated treatments often required. Scotch broom currently has limited distribution in Montana, so prevention and early detection are key to its management, the authors say.

“Codling Moth Management in Commercial Apple and Pear Orchards” is a 32-page, full-color booklet which describes the codling moth, an insect pest of apple, pear, quince and walnut. The booklet includes models for monitoring of codling moths and multiple conventional and organic management methods and products for commercial apple and pear growers. The booklet was written by Rebecca Richter, Rachel Leisso, Katrina Mendrey and Zach Miller. Printed copies of the booklet are limited to one per person.

These publications are available for download or in print from store.msuextension.org or by calling the MSU Extension Distribution Center at 406-994-3273.

MSU Extension provides Montana citizens with unbiased, research-based education and information to strengthen the social, economic and environmental well-being of individuals, families and communities. More information is available at msuextension.org/.

On Saturday, November 13th, Montana Science Center will host local professionals in science and technology careers with the Women in STEM event. Montana Science Center supports diversity and equity in STEM Careers through hands-on experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Montana Science Center frequently holds a Women in STEM Series, celebrating international days of recognition for women in STEM careers. Each of these celebrations features interactive activities for families with children of all ages.

MSC’s Women in STEM Series focuses on local women in our community who are students, undergraduate and graduate, at Montana State University, professionals, or retirees. These women are building careers in a STEM field. The Series event also features women who are part of the Science Center’s Women in STEM Advisory Group. The guest presenters at Women in STEM share their field of study through interactive, hands-on activities that relate to their careers. This event’s group includes Montana PBS, a volcanologist, an ecology and conservation biologist and an environmental engineer. “We look forward to partnering with women in STEM careers in our community because it encourages visitors of all ages to consider career paths that they might have not considered before. Additionally, visitors of all ages can see women in non-traditional career paths. Many children are curious about how real world problems are solved by professionals in our community, and the Women in STEM Series invites visitors to learn something new about companies, industries and available careers in our community,” says Executive Director, Abby Turner.

The public is invited to this event, which will be held at the Montana Science Center at 2744 W. Main St. from 10am to 1pm on Saturday. The event is free with admission and included with a family membership. All questions can be directed to Emma Papasian, program coordinator for the Montana Science Center.

Gallatin Valley Mall has been closed the last five years on Thanksgiving; a decision that will be repeated this year after receiving overwhelming support from retailers and customers. The mall will be open 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM on Black Friday, with select retailers opening at 6:00 AM.

Gallatin Valley Mall Assistant Mall Manager, Erin Brester, states: “It has always been our priority to allow for our retailers, both national and local, to determine what works best for their employees and customers concerning Thanksgiving shopping hours. We’re pleased to give this day back to our employees and their families”.

Gallatin Valley Mall’s business hours will continue to be 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sundays. Beginning Monday, November 22, select retailers will open as early as 10AM and close as late as 8PM Monday – Saturday and 6PM Sundays. Individual store hours may vary and can be found at gallatinvalleymall.com, or just call first!

The Bozeman Symphonic Choir will present Elements of Life, a celebration of choral music that highlights faith, music, love, and living, in works by Z. Randall Stroope, Bruckner, Pärt, Whitacre, Bernstein, and Andrea Ramsey. This introspective program features comforting harmonies, like those found in Bernstein's Psalm 23 from his Chichester Psalms as well as Stroope’s Os Justi (The Mouth of the Righteous). This transcendent collection of pieces will be on display in the beautiful acoustic setting of Holy Rosary Church in Bozeman.

When Bozeman Symphonic Choir Conductor Jon Harney set out to program this performance, three over-arching themes emerged: faith, music, and love/living, and thus the title of this program, Elements of Life.

“These themes, that have become even more relevant throughout our pandemic-challenged lives, will be shared in this concert that we hope will leave you inspired and hopeful,” said Harney.

Due to the pandemic, the Bozeman Symphonic Choir last performed at the 2019 December Holiday concert during the Bozeman Symphony’s Music Director Search season when current Music Director Norman Huynh conducted for the first time in Bozeman.

“It's been nearly two years since the Bozeman Symphonic Choir last performed for you, and so we are delighted to bring live choral music to Bozeman audiences again,” said Harney.

Additionally, the choir will join the Bozeman Symphony Orchestra for two performances during the 2021/22 season, including the first Bozeman Symphony Presents series concert, Holiday Spectacular, on December 11th and 12th, and for the final classical series concert of the season, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, on May 21st and 22nd.

Elements of Life performances will be held in person on Friday, November 12th at 7:00 PM and Sunday, November 14th at 3:00 PM, at Holy Rosary Church (220 West Main Street, downtown Bozeman). The Symphony wishes to thank Michael and Sharon Beehler for sponsoring this performance.

Ticketing: All tickets are general admission for $27 and are available for purchase online at bozemansymphony.org or by phone at 406-585-9774. Tickets at the door based on availability. Please contact the Bozeman Symphony at 406-585-9774 or info@bozemansymphony.org with questions you have regarding performance, ticket sales, venue, seating information, and COVID-19 safety protocols.

Jon Harney, Bozeman Symphonic Choir Conductor - Jon Harney is an associate professor of music at MSU where he teaches voice and choir. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in music education from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, where he studied under Weston Noble, and Masters and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in vocal performance from the University of Minnesota where he studied with Clifton Ware. As a tenor soloist, he has sung more than twenty-five principal and supporting roles in opera, operetta, and major works with orchestra and chorus. While active with the University of Minnesota opera theater, he appeared as The Sailor in Dido and Aeneas, Fenton in Falstaff, Nemorino in The Elixir of Love, Don José in Carmen, Ferrando in Cosi fan tutte and Junki in the US premier of Rautavaara's Aleksis Kivi. Other roles in the midwest included Dr. Caius in Falstaff and Basilio in Le Nozze di Figaro with the Pine Mountain Music Festival, Fenton in The Merry Wives of Windsor with Dorian Opera Theatre and Frederick in a touring production of The Pirates of Penzance with the Madison-based Opera for the Young. He earned an honorable mention award in the 1998 Minnesota District Metropolitan Opera Auditions. Performances in Montana have included the roles of Edmondo in Manon Lescaut and Remendado in Carmen with the Intermountain Opera as well as Bach's Magnificat and Handel's Messiah with the Bozeman Symphony, Mozart's Vespers with the Butte Symphony and Mozart's Requiem with the Great Falls Symphony. Full biography, HERE.

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BOZEMAN -- A Montana State University professor’s book on the history and science of wheat has been named to the longlist for a national award.

“Amber Waves: The Extraordinary Biography of Wheat, from Wild Grass to World Megacrop,” written by Catherine Zabinski, has been included in the 2022 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Young Adult Science Book category.

The prize celebrates outstanding science writing and illustration for children and young adults and is meant to encourage the writing and publishing of high-quality science books for all ages. Some criteria finalists had to meet include having the ability to engage young adult readers in all aspects of science; encourage the discussion and understanding of scientific ideas; enable high school readers to view science and technology thoughtfully; and more. Finalists for the 2022 prize will be announced in November. The winners will be announced in January 2022.

The book, Zabinski’s first, was published in September 2020. The professor in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences in MSU’s College of Agriculture said she wrote the book to tell the story of how humans have altered the evolution of wheat for people who don’t necessarily have a science background.

The longlist titles in the 2022 Young Adult Science Book category are: 

• “Amber Waves: The Extraordinary Biography of Wheat, from Wild Grass to World Megacrop,” by Catherine Zabinski. The University of Chicago Press, 2020.
• “Chemistry for Breakfast: The Amazing Science of Everyday Life,” by Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim. Illustrated by Claire Lenkova. Translated by Sarah Pybus. Greystone Books, 2021.
• “Genesis: The Story of How Everything Began,” by Guido Tonelli. Translated by Erica Segre and Simon Carnell. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021.
• “Great Adaptations: Star-Nosed Moles, Electric Eels, and Other Tales of Evolution’s Mysteries Solved,” by Kenneth Catania. Princeton University Press, 2020.
• “How to Make a Vaccine: An Essential Guide for COVID-19 and Beyond,” by John Rhodes. The University of Chicago Press, 2021.
• “The Loneliest Polar Bear: A True Story of Survival and Peril on the Edge of a Warming World,” by Kale Williams. Crown, 2021. 
• “Ms. Adventure: My Wild Explorations in Science, Lava, and Life,” by Jess Phoenix. Timber Press, 2021.
• “Pipe Dreams: The Urgent Global Quest to Transform the Toilet,” by Chelsea Wald. Avid Reader Press, 2021.
• “A Series of Fortunate Events: Chance and the Making of the Planet, Life, and You,” by Sean B. Carroll. Princeton University Press, 2020.