A new book that explores an emerging approach to reducing vehicle crashes is co-edited by Montana State University's Nicholas Ward, director of the university’s Center for Health and Safety Culture.

"Traffic Safety Culture: Definition, Foundation and Application" is the first book to deal comprehensively with the values, assumptions and beliefs that influence how drivers and others behave while on the road, according to Ward.  The cultures associated with the groups people belong to — family, friends, school, workplaces and others — are defined by those values, assumptions and beliefs, he said.

"It's a new way of looking at an old problem," said Ward, who has been active in the field for almost three decades. "Traffic safety has traditionally looked at engineering, enforcement and education as a way to make drivers behave safely. Because most crashes are the result of driver behavior, it is imperative to understand how culture influences driver behavior.”

The problem of traffic safety is a big one, and it is expected to grow, according to the book's editors. In their preface, they note that the World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.25 million people are killed annually and 50 million are injured on the world's roads, and that fatalities are expected to grow to 1.9 million by 2030 without increased prevention.

Co-edited by Barry Watson, global road safety expert at the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety in Queensland, Australia, and Katie Fleming-Vogl, researcher at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the book contains chapters written by 22 contributing authors from Australia , Austria and the United States, including Ward and five other MSU researchers. The chapters cover theoretical approaches and practical recommendations as well as case studies.

"We tried to organize the book so that it is accessible both to academic researchers and practitioners," Ward said.
 
Better road infrastructure and enforced regulations can contribute to better road safety, according to Ward, but there's a growing awareness that the influence of people’s cultures on road user behavior is also a significant factor. By better understanding how culture influences road users’ behavior — such as whether to wear a seatbelt or drive after drinking alcohol — public agencies and others can be more effective at fostering safe behaviors, he added.

Besides Ward, the contributing MSU authors are Eric Austin, associate professor in the Department of Political Science; William Schell, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; and Kari Finley, senior research scientist, Kelly Green, research associate and Jay Otto, principal scientist, all three from the Center for Health and Safety Culture. The Center for Health and Safety Culture is housed in MSU's Western Transportation Institute in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering.

"Traffic Safety Culture: Definition, Foundation and Application" is available in hardback and ebook from Emerald Publishing Limited.

With over 200 restaurants and eateries in Bozeman, MT, locals and tourists have many options and bars and restaurants are continuously looking to earn diner’s business. Known as a rapidly growing tech town, even the restaurant industry is incorporating technology and getting creative.

How? A new mobile phone app called SWIG406. Launched in 2018, SWIG406 is a mobile phone app that was created to help Montanans and tourists alike explore Montana and experience the bars and restaurants that make their travelling adventures delicious.

As you travel the state, SWIG406 will show you the closest participating tavern to you. The app is free to download but if you wish to experience a free drink at each location, you can subscribe to the app for just $5 per month. That subscription provides you a free libation at each of the participating taverns across the state.

Some of the early adopters in the Bozeman area include: The Club Tavern & Grill, Rocking R Bar and The Cannery. Each offers a FREE alcoholic beverage once a month, all included in the $5 per month app subscription.

‘We’re excited to partner with SWIG406 and offer this to our regulars and folks traveling through Montana. It’s a fun way for customers to try new drinks on our menu and a new way for us to leverage technology. Patrons must be within 650 feet of the restaurant to redeem their Free Drink and Swig406 has done a great job of making the app easy to use’, says Arkinda Mickelson, The Club Tavern & Grill Restaurant Food and Beverage Manager.

To kick-off the partnership, The Club Tavern & Grill will be giving away free subscriptions to the app in the month of May on social media, in the restaurant and more.

SWIG406 bars and restaurants can also add events and parties, helping travelers make plans to explore Montana. And each time SWIG406 users mark a bar as a favorite, they will be sent notifications when that establishment adds a new event. With the hashtag #LocalDrinksatLocalBars, SWIG406 promotes Montana-crafted beverages and the establishments that serve them.

The Swig406 app can be downloaded on iTunes and Google Play. Learn more at: www.swig406.com

Several watercraft inspection stations in southwest Montana will soon become operative for the 2019 boating season. These stations help boaters meet state laws in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
 
Boaters with either motorized or nonmotorized watercraft must stop at any inspection station they encounter in Montana. In addition, boaters must seek out an inspection prior to launching if they are coming into Montana from out of state, traveling west over the Continental Divide into western Montana, coming off Tiber or Canyon Ferry reservoirs, or launching anywhere within the Flathead Basin with a watercraft that last launched on waters outside of the Basin.

Several decontamination stations at Canyon Ferry Reservoir are scheduled to open in the coming weeks. Their hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.:
    •    Canyon Ferry Bureau of Reclamation Visitor Center and Silos stations open May 11.
    •    Canyon Ferry Hellgate station opens May 18.
    •    Canyon Ferry Goose Bay station opens May 25.
Several other stations in and around the region are currently open or scheduled to open soon:
    •    The Dillon inspection station (Red Rocks Rest Area on northbound I-15, south of Dillon) is currently operating daily from 6:30 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.
    •    The Anaconda inspection station (westbound I-90) is currently operating daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
    •    The Helena Highway 12 inspection station (westbound) opens May 18. Hours of operation will be posted at the web address listed below.
    •    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Helena office inspection station operates weekdays from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
    •    FWP’s Bozeman office operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
If regulations require you to get a watercraft inspection and you will be traveling past a station outside of operating dates and hours, please plan to go to FWP’s Helena or Bozeman offices during the hours listed above, or any other regional FWP office. Boaters are also asked to voluntarily clean, drain and dry their boat and equipment before launching in Montana waters.

For more information on how you can help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Montana, please visit www.CleanDrainDryMT.com.

Starting a small business is not an easy task. There is lots of planning, discussion, critical thinking, and even more planning. The most difficult part about all of it is in the end, it may not work. You might have to start over from zero multiple times before you can ever feel like you’re truly taking off.

                                                                                                                                    Photo Credit pexels.com

Switching to a more positive tone, there are so many benefits to running your own business. For starters, it’s your business. You can be in control of everything from the name to who you hire. You get to be a part of the community. Above all, you can get that amazing sense of accomplishment that your business started from nothing and became something great.

There is no perfect blueprint for starting your own business, but there are certainly lots of different tips and suggestions to get you started.

Concentrate on What Your Business Will Do
“Well...of course,” you might be thinking. Your business has to be doing something, and chances are you already have a good idea of what exactly you want to be doing.

But when you’re providing any service or selling any product, it might be better to think about what your products or services will solve instead of what you will sell.

If you’re opening up an antique store, think about what you’re providing people the opportunity to have a beautiful home, garden or expand their antique toy collection. Don’t just think of yourself as selling items. Try and find a need and service that your town needs and how you will provide for that need.

Venture Online
Have you ever tried to find a business or restaurant by Googling them, only to find out they’re not online or don’t have their hours posted? That’s an easy way for this other place to quickly lose your business and for you to move on.

That’s why you need to get online now. You’ll want to go about making sure people can find you just as easily as they could with any other business. Even if you’re not open yet, make your website and make sure people know when you’re open. Head out to social media and advertise yourself through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. That is free marketing after all.

If you don’t consider yourself a tech person, it might be time to learn. Ask around or see what free courses or classes you could take as well. In this technological age, it hurts to be behind the curve.

Nail Down the Finances
Starting a business is a big risk, not only for your personal life, but also financially. In a recent survey, only 80% of small businesses make it to the second year and about 50% make it five years.

Many small businesses struggle to turn a profit over the first few years and others, plain and simple, just run out of money.

From Day 1, you need to make sure you’re on top of your finances and are prepared for anything that could happen. Plan out every business expense in meticulous detail and review everything until you know it perfectly. If you need help, reach out to a financial expert who can help you plan out your next steps, especially if you’ve taken a loan from the bank.

Become an Active Community Member
As a small business, you are what your name states you are, small. You’re not Walmart, Target or Best Buy. You’re going to be the friendly neighborhood small business.

Part of being that friendly neighborhood small business is becoming involved in your community. How can you do this? Here are some ideas:

• Partner with a local non-profit
• Sponsor a local sports team
• Offer discounts for special events around town
• Talk to everyone who comes into your store

The last one is the most important, as it will help you take the heartbeat of your town. You can find out what other services you could be offering or how you can fill other needs. Not only that, but it can help build connections and friendships that will only bring more and more people to your business. A smile can go a long way!

Game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking information on property that was vandalized at Blacktail Wildlife Management Area.

Sometime between 3:30 p.m. on May 3 and 9:30 a.m. on May 6, the main entrance gate at the WMA was pushed in by a vehicle, bending the gate and breaking the lock box. Vandals also pushed over a large WMA sign at the entrance. Replacing the gate and making other needed repairs could cost about $1,500.

Blacktail WMA is about 30 miles along Blacktail Road, southeast of Dillon. Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation personnel discovered the vandalism when they returned Monday morning to continue work on the bridge near the WMA entrance, then notified FWP.

Those with information that may help solve this vandalism case are asked to contact Dillon warden Kerry Wahl at 406-490-0956 or 1-800-TIP-MONT (847-6668). Callers can remain anonymous.

KGLT fm, Bozeman's Alternative Public Radio Station has just been approved to expand their coverage in Big Sky in August. Their new translator will broadcast from an existing site on Andesite Mountain with a range encompassing Big Sky Resort and the Meadow Village at the same 91.9 frequency as in Bozeman.

KGLT's programming ranges from hip, new indie artists to vintage folk, country, blues, rock - and everything in between. "KGLT's strength lies in its' diversity" says Marketing Director Ron Craighead. "We've never been a 'format' station. With a staff of over 84 live, volunteer DJs bringing their musical passions to the airwaves - and no playlists - there's never a dull moment."

KGLT began broadcasting on the Montana State University Campus in 1968 as KATZ, a low-power station heard only around the MSU campus. In the early 70's, when a group of passionate students pushed for upgrading the signal to reach the broader Bozeman community,  KGLT 91.9fm was born. Since then, KGLT has grown across Southwest Montana with translators in Helena, Livingston, Big Timber, Gardiner-Mammoth and streaming world-wide at KGLT.net.

"We are incredibly excited to be bringing live, free-form community radio to Big Sky with our new translator in August and look forward to being a part of the Big Sky community."

You can learn more online at KGLT.net, or contact Ron Craighead directly at (406) 994-7091, ronc(at)montana.edu.

On Saturday, May 11, the public is invited to join Friends of Hyalite and the Bozeman Ranger District for the annual Hyalite Spring Cleanup Day. Friends of Hyalite, a local non-profit dedicated to stewardship of, access to, and support for year round recreation in Hyalite Canyon, organizes a bi-annual Cleanup in Spring and Fall with help from the Bozeman Ranger District and the City of Bozeman. Over the past decade they have removed more than 10,000 pounds of trash and recyclables from trailheads, parking lots, campsites and along roads. “We encourage anybody who enjoys recreating in Hyalite Canyon to join us on the 11th. Together, we can keep Hyalite enjoyable for all” says Hilary Eisen, president of the Friends of Hyalite board of directors.

Volunteers should meet at the large parking area at the bottom of Hyalite Canyon at 12:00 pm on the 11th. Friends of Hyalite and the Forest Service will supply tools, garbage bags, and gloves but volunteers should be prepared with clothing that will keep them warm and dry during a spring day outside in the mountains. The Clean Up Day will wrap up around 4:00 pm with a volunteer appreciation picnic sponsored by Schnee’s. For more information see http://hyalite.org/what-we-do/clean-up-days.

                                                                                                                   photo credit pexels.com
The medical field industry is growing drastically and the state of Montana is like other states across the country who are in need of new workers. The demand for medicine and the practice of medicine expands every day. Jobs are left unfilled as the industry grows too fast, resulting in at least 50% of jobs being vacant.

Montana has contributed to the overall expansion rate of the healthcare field and will continue to contribute significantly in the future to come. The education available in Montana is abundant as there are over 25 colleges that offer the best healthcare programs. While the Health Works Institute has the highest graduation rate of 96%, Montana State University has the highest acceptance rate.

With changes in healthcare and the increase in healthcare availabilty opens the door for many well-paying positions in the medical field. We often think of physicians and other professional level occupations as the most popular medical positions when, in fact, nurses and support occupations have the highest employment rates.

Entry level positions are often accompanied by academic requirements and aren’t usually as easy to get without previous education or certification. Going through a formal training program should be considered when trying to decide a position in the medical field. Training is usually finished within a year. Consider the appropriate training programs in Montana to receive the specified skills needed for the position you’re wanting to obtain. There are opportunities for healthcare positions in Montana and the best locations to find a career in health medicine include:

Billings, MT
Great Falls, MT
Missoula, MT

Nursing Assistant
The most demanded career in the medical field is the nursing assistant (CNA) as there is a constant need for the patient's needs. Clients in need of basic care require a CNA to assist them. Most CNAs are responsible for the collection and record of a patient's vital signs and assistance with any movement or transferring between their bed. It is also important for a certified nurse assistant to give their patients assistance with hygienic matters and feeding if needed.

Annual median wage: $27,520.
Employment in Montana: 6,100

Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse
Licensed nurses are required to work closely with patients and nursing staff to see patient care plans through. They are similar to CNA in the responsibility to assist patients with bathing, dressing, and feeding and are supervised by a Registered Nurse. The work environment varies from hospitals and nursing homes to hospice and correctional institutions.

Annual median wage:  $42,690
Employment in Montana: 2,470

Dental Assistant
A dental assistant is the most comprehensive in the dental office, responsible for the assistance in delivering the quality of oral health care in the dental office. Interpersonal and communication skills along with technical and hands-on ability are especially important to make a great dental assistant.

Annual median wage: $37,050
Montana employment: 1,340

Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians work closely with pharmacists in hospitals and drug stores to help ensure patients get the specified medication and are knowledgeable about it. As pharmacies grow patient services provided, the role of a pharmacist technician will grow as well.

Annual median wage: $34,290
Montana employment: 1,100

Health Information Technician
Health Information technicians ensure the quality of medical records and specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for research. Most health information technicians work in a hospital environment while some are employed at nursing homes, mental health facilities, and office-based physician practices.

Annual median wage: $38,280
Montana employment: 1,210

Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic
Prehospital care and emergency medical services work in ambulances, helicopters, fire trucks, and hospital emergency rooms to assist patients in medical emergencies. EMTs and Paramedics both provide help to others in the state of emergency and possess the skills to do so. Emergency Medical Technicians are skilled in giving patients oxygen, administering glucose for diabetes and helping with asthma attacks and allergic reactions.  While paramedics are more advanced and have the skills to administer medications and start IVs.

Annual median wage: $33,220
Montana employment: 700

Phlebotomist
The person that is trained to draw blood from a patient for medical testing is called a phlebotomist. The collection of blood is primarily retrieved by performing venipunctures or finger sticks. This position is revolved around blood regardless of work environments or patients.

Annual median wage: $32,730
Montana employment: 350

Physical Therapist
Movement and recovery experts are referred to as physical therapists as they are responsible for the patient’s understanding of how to maintain or prevent a condition through prescribed exercise, hands-on care and patient education. Many physical therapists practice in hospitals but most practice in outpatients clinics, rehabilitation facilities, homes, schools, and educational research centers.

Annual median wage: $46,430
Montana employment: 160