One thing that often gets missed in formal education these days is financial literacy. Many people go their whole lives without ever learning how to manage their money properly and often end up losing out as a result. But the good news is, it’s never too late to learn, and you don’t have to do it all at once to start seeing the positive effects. You can learn a little bit at a time, and these are just a few suggestions to kick start your monetary education.

Learn How to Budget

It’s on every list, and it’s on them all for a reason. Properly understanding why and how to budget is the first fundamental skill you should learn. Knowing where your money is going is key to identifying where you might be overspending - allowing you to nip problems in the bud. Learn about practices like paying yourself first and zero-based budgeting. Decide what is going to work best for you and stick to it. Budgets are also great tools for helping you learn where you can seek out discounts. For example, there may be ways to lower your energy bill that you never realized you were overpaying for, because you never tracked it.

You may want to allocate your spare money to savings or investments at the beginning of the month before you spend it. If you struggle with impulse spending, read up on the methods people have found effective to help. Planning for the future often factors in here as well. Knowing what size housing deposit you need can help dictate how much to put away each month. You could also consider setting aside an emergency fund - turning a surprise bill from a major problem to a mild inconvenience.

Decide If You Need Insurance

Some insurances are essential - home and car insurance being two of the most obvious. Certain policies may even offer added benefits like legal aid or critical illness cover. But there are some circumstances where you may find your life insurance premium to be an unnecessary expense. In this case, it’s possible that the money could be put to better use. If you decide it could, you may choose to use a life settlement company to sell your life insurance for a cash sum. Check out a guide online that lists the top life settlement companies so you can pick the right one. You should also consider the company benefits package provided by your job; if your company offers health insurance, you can save by ensuring you aren’t paying for two policies.

Pay Attention to Interest

Learn how interest works. The interest you pay on your car loan, for example, is likely to be more than the interest you can earn on savings. This is why it often makes sense to pay off debt before starting to build up your savings. You can also consider investing. It’s riskier but often pays bigger dividends faster than savings alone. In today’s economy, understanding the fastest way to save or increase your funds is going to make a world of difference.

Take Professional Advice

Everyone is quick to offer advice when it comes to money; some of it is sound advice, but some might be anecdotal. Just remember that the world is changing quickly, and what worked for our parents and grandparents may not always hold true in the modern day. In some cases, it may be worth hiring a financial advisor to help you make the best decision with your money, especially when it comes to scarier concepts such as investing.

Consider Your Future

Don’t get in the habit of spending all your money each month because you think it’s spare. This feeds back into your budgeting. Those unexpected quarterly bills can put you in a real bind if you aren’t prepared for them. Beyond that, though, you need to plan for your retirement and start contributing to a pension fund now. The future is uncertain and it’s unwise to rely on social safety nets, so consider living a little leaner now as a trade-off for a more secure future.

BOZEMAN — After 50 episodes, the awarding-winning Montana PBS series “Backroads of Montana” will have a new host, John Twiggs, due to the pending retirement of long-time host William Marcus.

Marcus, a fixture for years on Montana Public Radio and former director of the University of Montana Broadcast Media Center, has been the host of “Backroads of Montana” since it premiered in 1991. The popular show recently premiered its 50th episode.

“There are many stories yet to be told, and many places yet to visit on ‘Backroads,’” Marcus said. “The 50th program after 30 years seems like a good point to pause and reflect on what’s next. And for me to step aside. I am immensely proud of the programs we’ve produced and grateful to the talented ‘Backroads’ producers who have made it such a pleasure to be the ‘face’ of the program.”

“Backroads of Montana” and Montana PBS will celebrate Marcus’ time as host during a special pledge event scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1.

Twiggs, currently a “Backroads” producer, will begin hosting the show for episodes to be released in 2022.

“William leaves behind a legacy of excellence,” Twiggs said. “We’re excited to continue that tradition and share more great Montana stories.”

“John Twiggs understands the legacy, impact and potential of the program,” Marcus said. “I look forward to watching.”

“William has been a friend to so many Montana PBS viewers,” said Ray Ekness, director of the UM Broadcast Media Center and a “Backroads of Montana” producer. “He has introduced so many folks to parts of our state that we didn’t know existed.”

Along with Marcus, Twiggs and Ekness, Gus Chambers, Anna Rau and Breanna McCabe produce “Backroads of Montana” for Montana PBS through the University of Montana Broadcast Media Center. Now in its 30th year of production, “Backroads of Montana” is made possible with support from the Greater Montana Foundation, a Big Sky Film Grant and UM. The program has received multiple awards, including being named the Montana Broadcasters Association non-commercial television program of the year numerous times. To view episodes, visit montanapbs.org/backroadsofmontana.

BOZEMAN – The Montana State University Department of Native American Studies has received accreditation from the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium, making it one of the first Indigenous programs at a mainstream institution to receive the designation.

Walter Fleming, chair of the Department of Native American Studies, announced the accreditation at the opening of MSU’s American Indian Hall on Oct. 16. A WINHEC accreditation team visited MSU the week of the building’s grand opening.

Fleming said that WINHEC accreditation, which is valid for five years, signals to potential students, tribal communities and other institutions worldwide that MSU has made Native American students and programs a priority in recruitment and retention.

“And it validates the importance of the work that we have been doing in teaching, community based participatory research and helping our students succeed,” Fleming said.

The international group’s accreditation team praised MSU’s Department of Native American Studies for its support and commitment to “the jewel that is Montana.”

“We commend and acknowledge their dedication to the Native People of Montana, as has been evidenced in their application of Indian Education for All and service to the Elders Council,” the accreditation committee wrote in its report, referring to the state’s Indian Education for All program and the MSU Council of Tribal Elders.

“Further, we thank Montana State University, Bozeman, as it grows in service to the Native People for their continued support of the Native American Studies Department.”

In preparing for the accreditation team’s visit, MSU was asked to file a self-study in which the department identified its focus on developing a model of student well-being.

“And now our actions will be guided by that goal,” Fleming said.

Kristin Ruppel, professor in the Department of Native American Studies, helped organize MSU’s WINHEC accreditation process. She said a team of students, faculty and staff has been working for two years to prepare for the WINHEC accreditation and site visit, which was delayed one year by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ruppel said MSU received provisional WINHEC accreditation in 2009, but that the organization developed new guidelines for accreditation for mainstream institutions such as MSU as opposed to tribal colleges. During that time. Since then, MSU’s Native American enrollment increased by four-fold, from about 200 students to 800.

WINHEC is the accreditation body for Indigenous education initiatives and systems throughout the world that identifies common practices, criteria and principles by which Indigenous people live, according to its website, winhec.org. Fort Peck Community College, a tribal college, is the only other institution in Montana accredited by WINHEC.

“Ultimately, this accreditation allows us to expand our programming into the international arena, with the help of our WINHEC colleagues,” Fleming said.

To learn more about MSU's Department of Native American Studies, go to:
montana.edu/wwwnas.

The automated table solves one of the biggest problems of our time – the prevention of spinal diseases. Height-adjustable tables allow you to periodically change the position of the body, which has a very beneficial effect on your health. Doctors recommend using a height-adjustable table every 20-30 minutes. What do you know about the advantages of automated desks?

Many industries benefit from an automated desk. It guarantees flawless work and a smooth transition from sitting to standing. Its desk top can hold as much equipment as you require. It appears to be a dream workstation, doesn't it?

Is It Worth Getting An Automated Table?

Of course, it is! A constant change of body position from the sitting position not only strengthens the muscles of the back but also increases labor productivity. So, we will show you five main reasons to buy them.

1. High Quality And Increased Requirements For Durability

Manufacturers are concerned about your health and take great care in producing automatically adjustable tables, which often have quality certificates and go through several stages of testing to ensure your safety and service for many years. All models are designed to withstand high levels of stress thanks to a high-strength steel frame and reliable additional fixing.

The desktop of the table is usually covered with special resistance to thermal effects.

2. Takes Care Of Your Health

Regular change of position and minimal physical activity stimulates your brain activity and improves your emotional state. All due to the normalization of blood circulation, the saturation of joints and tissues with active substances, as well as a decrease in the load on the spine.

Long-term work in an upright position helps to burn extra calories and prevents excess weight gain. By staying in motion and constantly changing body position, you not only increase your efficiency by 46% (according to the University of Texas), but also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. But, as with everything, the main thing is to maintain a healthy balance. Use the ideal two-to-one formula (sitting, standing, respectively).

3. Easy To Use

It is very simple to adjust the table’s height from one position to another with one touch. You can make it suitable for any height of the user. The height adjustment range is usually from 700 to 1200 mm

The adjustment is done using the up/down buttons on the display or special remote control. Some models have a built-in memory system that is very easy to use and allows you to select and fix several positions. The movement is practically silent. Often, the sound level corresponds to 45 dB, its speed is about 30 mm/s.

4. Laconic Design

The design of the table is made in a minimalist style. The tabletop of the product and its frames can be painted in different colors, which allows using this table in almost any interior.

5. Compactness And Convenience Are One Of The Main Distinguishing Features Of Each Model

Small table parameters will not hide the space but will allow you to work comfortably by placing a laptop, documents and even a cup of coffee on the tabletop. And so that the wires from the equipment do not get confused at hand, they can often be hidden thanks to the built-in plug.

Automated Desk Types

All height adjustable tables can be divided into three main groups:

Best Automated Table 2021

Here is a list of the best automated desk manufacturers to consider when buying a workstation:

Do you see how powerful and effective automated desks are? Upgrade your workspace with an automated table and change your life for the better!

Author:

Hayley Mann is a technology enthusiast specializing in automation methods of ergonomics devices. Her engineering background helps her to create interesting articles on technical topics, making them understandable for all readers.

HELENA – The hunting of all mountain lions in hunting district 520 will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, Nov. 18. 

The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met.

This hunting districts will re-open for the hunting of all mountain lion for the winter season beginning Dec. 1, 2021.

For more information, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/by-species, to check the current quota status, or call the toll-free number at 1-800-385-7826.

If you’ve ever had your home burglarized, it probably created extreme anxiety and left you with a lot of questions. One of the big questions people tend to have after thieves have targeted them is whether or not they’ll come back.

There are one of two ways homeowners who have been theft victims tend to think.
On the one hand, being the victim of a robber causes them to take action to secure their home, property, and family against something similar happening again. The other end of the spectrum sees homeowners and victims thinking that since it happened once, they won’t be a target anymore.

Unfortunately, that’s not the reality. Whether you’ve already been a crime victim or not, you need to secure your home.

The Statistics
Research shows around one out of every three burglarized properties in the U.S. has been broken into before. It’s often the same person or group of people who comes back unless they’ve been caught. Some studies find once a home is broken into, the chances are significantly greater it will happen again within a month or two.

Why Do Robbers Return?
You may think it seems unwise to return to the scene of the crime, but there are some reasons it’s more common than you might think. First, burglars are used to the layout of a home they’ve already hit.

Thieves can target what they missed the first time. Also, if they return within a month or two, then insurance has likely replaced the items they originally took, so they can steal them again.

A thief, when returning to the scene of their previous crime, already knows how to get in and out. They know what types of security you have in place but also what your weaknesses are. Burglars can generally put in a lot less effort when they go back to a house compared to when they hit it the first time.

There’s similarly a high likelihood of a burglar returning to your home after a failed attempt, depending on certain circumstances. If there’s something that deterred them, like an alarm or a dog, they might not return.

However, if it was something like timing, then they could.

The burglar has already put time into casing your home and learning your schedule and behavior, so they might feel it’s worth it to return and maybe be better prepared the next time around.

What Can You Do?
First, you should learn how burglars think. Some of the things to know include how they tend to case a property to target. The indications that a burglar might see that could show them your house is an easy target include:

• Your home is empty for hours at a time, whether at night or during the day.

• You go away for an extended period of time.

• Doors and windows are often left unlocked.

• There are piles of mail in the mailbox.

•There’s no fence around the backyard.

• Window air-conditioning units are on the first floor.

• The burglar can see valuables through your window.

• There aren’t any nearby neighbors.

• You don’t have a dog.

• Your driveway is empty.

Once you better understand what can make you a target, you can start to put in place specific things to prevent being the victim of a first-time or second-time burglary.

• Get a home security system. One of the best deterrents to criminals is the presence of an alarm system. Just the presence of a sign in your yard or a sticker on your window indicating you have an alarm can be enough to lead a burglar to choose a different home.

• Use a safe so that even if you are targeted, your valuables are protected—especially the ones you can’t replace.

• Install window film that makes it harder to break the glass on windows and doors.

• Use security cameras.

• Put timers on your lights. You want people outside of your home to think someone’s there even when they aren’t. You can use a smart home device to control your lights and other things in your home remotely.

• If your home sustains any type of exterior damage, repair it quickly.

• Keep your lawn well-kept and bushes trimmed. You don’t want thieves to have accessible hiding spots around your home.

• Get a dog if you don’t have one already.

Being the victim of a robbery one time is bad enough, but you want to make sure you’re taking steps to prevent it from happening again.

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/.