Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host an informational public meeting on a proposal to remove smallmouth bass from Gallatin Valley ponds.
 
The meeting will be held on April 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the River Rock Community Center, 101 River Rock Rd., in Belgrade.
 
FWP proposes using rotenone to remove smallmouth bass, which were illegally introduced to the ponds. Rotenone is a natural substance used to remove fish that are incompatible with the management goals of a fishery or that pose threats to other aquatic resources. Once the bass are removed, FWP would restock the ponds with rainbow trout.

 
FWP is concerned that further illegal introductions from this source will result in smallmouth bass populations in other parts of the Upper Missouri River system. Smallmouth bass would likely cause irreparable harm to wild trout populations, which are economically important to the state.
 
FWP has conducted an environmental assessment for the project, which can be viewed online at http://fwp.mt.gov/news/publicNotices/environmentalAssessments/speciesRemovalAndRelocation/pn_0079.html.
 
Public comments on the project can be submitted online at the above web address or by mail: FWP, c/o Smallmouth Bass Removal, 1400 S. 19th Ave., Bozeman, MT 59718. They can also be emailed to FWPRG3EA@mt.gov.
 
For more information, please contact the FWP’s Region 3 headquarters at 406-994-4042.
 

A 17-year-old male was attacked by a bear south of Ennis on Sunday. He fortunately survived the attack with relatively minor injuries.
 
The teen and his family were visiting their cabin in Wolf Creek, about 30 miles south of Ennis, on the east side of the Madison Valley. He was out looking for shed antlers in the area.
 
According to the teen, he was walking down a hill around 2 p.m. when he heard a “thump” behind him. He turned around to see a bear charging at him. The teen was carrying bear spray, but he was unable to deploy it immediately because of the bear’s rapid approach. The bear pushed him up against a tree and held him there momentarily. When the bear let go, the teen fell over and attempted to crawl between two trees and protect his head and vitals. The bear then pinned him face-down on the ground. The teen, who was wearing a hoodie and a backpack, said he was able to reach over his shoulder and spray the bear with bear spray, and the bear left.

 
The young man began walking out and made radio contact with his family. He was treated for his injuries at Madison Valley Medical Center and later released.
 
FWP was notified of the attack at 3:45 p.m. Based on the teen’s description of the bear’s behavior, the bear was mostly likely a grizzly bear. FWP has notified people who live in the area of the attack. The area has very limited public access and does not get many visitors.
 
The bear’s behavior in this incident appears to be typical of surprise close encounters. FWP will continue to monitor the area, which is well within occupied bear habitat. The investigation is ongoing, but no further management action is being taken at this time.
 
FWP reminds everyone to be cautious when in the field as bears are active during the spring, summer and fall months. Some recommended tips for avoiding negative encounters with bears include:
 
    •    Be prepared and aware of your surroundings.
    •    Carry and know how to use bear spray.
    •    Travel in groups whenever possible.
    •    Stay away from animal carcasses.
    •    Follow U.S. Forest Service food storage regulations.
    •    If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Back away slowly and leave the area.

For more information on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/livingWithWildlife/beBearAware/.

Elk numbers in Yellowstone National Park’s northern herd are fewer compared to last year, however the population remains above the 10-year average and other recent counts. Low calf survival will likely impact the population over the next two years, according to a population survey conducted last month.

The Northern Yellowstone Cooperative Wildlife Working Group conducted its annual late winter classification of the northern Yellowstone elk population on March 17-19, 2019. The survey was conducted from a helicopter by staff from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, which is part of the Working Group. Typically, an annual trend count is conducted by fixed-wing aircraft to count the total number of elk, and a separate helicopter survey is conducted to classify elk by age and sex in order to estimate calf and yearling bull survival and ratios of mature bulls in the population. This year the surveys were combined, and elk were counted and classified by helicopter.

All observed elk were counted across the survey area, and when possible staff also classified elk by age and sex. This survey was conducted consistently with the 2016 classification survey in order to assess population changes over the past three years. Survey conditions were favorable across the region, however winter conditions were severe, and many elk were observed to be in poor condition.

Staff counted 5,800 elk, including 1,361 elk (23.5 percent) inside Yellowstone National Park and 4,149 elk (71.5 percent) north of the park. The total count of 5,800 elk was 23 percent lower than the 7,579 elk observed during the 2018 trend count, and 23 percent lower than the 7,510 total elk counted during the 2016 classification survey, but higher than the 10-year average count of 5,399 elk. The long-term average of observed elk numbers since surveys began in 1976 is 10,634 elk, with a peak high count of 19,045 elk in 1994 and a low count of 3,915 elk observed in 2013.

Of the 5,800 elk counted, staff classified 5,510 elk by age and sex, resulting in ratios of 15.2 calves, 5.2 yearling bulls and 12.6 brow-tined bulls per 100 cows. Calf and yearling bull ratios were lower than recent surveys and long-term averages. Brow-tined bull ratios were higher than recent surveys, but below long-term average. Staff observed 16 percent fewer cows, 46 percent fewer calves and 42 percent fewer yearling bulls as compared to the 2016 classification survey. Brow-tined bull numbers increased by 21.3 percent from 432 observed in 2016 to 524 observed in 2019.

This is the second consecutive year with calf ratios below the threshold of 20 calves per 100 cows considered necessary to maintain a stable population. It is likely that additional winter mortalities will occur into spring, further reducing overall numbers and recruitment. Below-average yearling bull and calf recruitment is likely to result in lower numbers of brow-tined bulls being recruited into the population over the next two years.

 
Though overall elk numbers are down this year as compared to 2018, it is not unusual to observe fluctuations in numbers of elk counted due to survey quality, elk movements and sightability of elk, which vary with conditions. Trends in elk populations are best assessed by considering multiple years of survey data together. The trend for this population has been increasing since 2013; this is the first year since 2013 that elk numbers have fallen from the previous year. The Working Group will continue to monitor trends of the northern Yellowstone elk population and evaluate the relative contribution of various components of mortality, including predation, environmental factors and hunting.

The Working Group was formed in 1974 to cooperatively preserve and protect the long-term integrity of the northern Yellowstone winter range for wildlife species by increasing our scientific knowledge of the species and their habitats, promoting prudent land management activities, and encouraging an interagency approach to answering questions and solving problems. The Working Group is comprised of resource managers and biologists from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks; National Park Service (Yellowstone National Park); U.S. Forest Service (Custer Gallatin National Forest); and U.S. Geological Survey-Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center in Bozeman.

Join Bozeman Business and Professional Women, community leaders, and all those dedicated to economic fairness and gender wage equity at the Bozeman City Commission Meeting on Monday, April 1st, as we commemorate our Equal Pay for Equal Work Resolution in recognition of National Equal Pay Day!  Tuesday, April 2, 2019, is Equal Pay Day, the date that symbolizes how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year.  Women need to work an extra 3 months a year to earn what men earn in 1 year.

What:  Bozeman City Commission MeetingWhen:  Monday, April 1st, 6:00PMWhere:  Bozeman City Commission’s Chambers, 121 N. RouseWhy:  To advance economic fairness for women, families and our community by closing the gender wage gap.

The Equal Pay for Equal Work Resolution (attached) encourages the City Commission to:1) recognize Equal Pay Day each year,2) lead by example by expanding their own wage data collection so as to facilitate analysis of wages by gender to assess whether gender-based compensation disparities (wage gaps) exist within City occupations, as was accomplished by the recent Montana State Employee Pay Equity conducted by the executive branch of the State of Montana,3) and to partner with the community to adopt measures to identify and close the gender wage gap among their work forces.

The Equal Pay for Equal Work Campaign is an important opportunity to increase economic fairness and opportunities in our community.  Following the lead of Montana Governor Bullock, who created a Montana Statewide Task Force on Equal Pay for Equal Work in 2013, BBPW has been working to educate our local community and close the gender wage gap with Equal Pay Day community events like the Equal Pay Day Discount Campaign, where 12 local businesses (attached) will be giving women 20% off select products and services on April 2nd.  While we are aware this will not make a dent in annual pay discrepancies, we are happy the community is pulling together to raise awareness of this important issue.

The mission of the Bozeman BPW Legislative Committee Campaign for Equal

Pay for Equal Work is to strengthen Bozeman’s working families and open better opportunities for women in the workforce by continuing the partnership of the Bozeman City Commission to address gender wage gaps.  We are celebrating the fact that the Commission has adopted the Equal Pay for Equal Work Resolution in order to lead by example and to encourage citizens, businesses, and organizations in our community to adopt measures that work to close the gender wage gap.

For more information about the BBPW Equal Pay for Equal Work Campaign, go to www.bozemanbpw.org  or email legislativecommittee@bozemanbpw.org

The Downtown Bozeman Association and Downtown Retailers along with our gracious community sponsors; ABC/Fox Montana, Bozeman Daily Chronicle, SCS Unlimited, Allegra Printing, Bozeman Magazine and are proud to present the 2019 Bridal Walk on Saturday, April 6th from 11am to 3pm on Main Street in Downtown Bozeman.  Plan your Montana Wedding in the heart of Downtown Bozeman!

We are rolling out the red carpet for brides and their entourage in Downtown Bozeman!  Stop by the Baxter Hotel any time the day of the event and receive a Booklet/Map and a bag of goodies to help you on your way!  CLICK HERE for the 2019 Bridal Walk Booklet/Map.

Then, stroll Main Street and discover nearly 50 participating businesses listed below that can help you with all your wedding needs.  Find everything from dresses, rings, invitations, flowers, gift registries and more.  Participate in the 10th Annual Photography Contest at The Rialto Theatre and partake in wine, cake and hors d’oeuvres tastings along the way. All brides and friends also have the chance to win many in-store giveaways and raffles including a $500 shopping spree to be used at any of the participating businesses.

406 Photo
9Round Fitness
After 5 and Weddings
Alara Jewelry
AshleyCole Boutique
The Baxter
Big Sky Photo Booth
Blend
Bozeman Spirits Distillery
Bozeman Breakout: Escape Room
Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Chef’s Table Food Truck
Classic Limo
Collective by dawn josephine
The Crossroads
ERA Landmark Real Estate
Erotique
The Gem Gallery
Hattie Rex
Head West
Heyday
Indulgence Beauty Bar
Instinct Holistic Medical Spa
Larry Stanley Photography
Liv Lively Salon & Boutique
Marina Kessler Jewelry and The White Room
Meridian Boutique
Montana Gift Corral
Merissa Lambert Photography
Montana Photo Lounge
The Montana Scene
Montana Silversmiths
Moshunal DJ
Mudshine Media
Notarius Photography
Owenhouse Ace Hardware
Plume Bridal
The Pour House
Rainbow Ranch Lodge
Revolvr Menswear
Rialto
Single Six Media
Suelto Boutique
Under Canvas
Vino per Tutti

The Photography Contest is a MUST stop during the Bridal Walk!  All photo entries are taken and submitted by local and regional photographers and will be displayed at The Rialto at 10 West Main St. during the Bridal Walk Event.  Along with the amazing photo entries, each photographer’s contact information (flyers, cards, etc.) and voting ballots will be on-hand for voting and wedding planning needs.  Awards, prizes and acknowledgement will be presented to the winners of the top 3 images.  Help us give these incredible photographers the recognition they deserve while finding the perfect one for your wedding look!

Same-Day Registration will be held at The Baxter Hotel (in the upstairs Ballroom) at 105 West Main Street from 11am to 3pm and maps and booklets can be picked up at any of the participating businesses 2 weeks prior to the event.  Additional event information including vendor registration can be found at www.downtownbozeman.org or by calling 406-586-4008.  This event is FREE of charge and will go on rain or shine.  

Tap into Montana and the Montana Brewer’s Association have teamed up for the 5th Annual Tap into Montana Brew Fest happening April 13th in Livingston. Twenty-nine Montana breweries will gather at Miles Park along the Yellowstone River to serve up samples of their brews to beer lovers from around the state. The celebration of Montana craft beer kicks off with a week of craft beer related events throughout Livingston happening April 7th-13th and culminates with the brew fest taking place from 3-7pm on Saturday the 13th with a VIP hour from 2-3pm.

“This partnership just made sense for us,” said Tap into Montana Co-Founder and Producer, Rachel Anderson. The Montana Brewer’s Association is a statewide association of breweries organized for the purpose of promoting the production and sales of the freshest and highest quality Montana made beers. The MBA currently hosts three Rendezvous Beer Festivals throughout the year. “We couldn’t think of a more natural partner to help us continue to grow this already established event.” A portion of the proceeds from this year’s brew fest will benefit both the MBA and local community organization Montana Matriarch.

“Tap into Montana has proven to be a well-organized, successful event that our brewery members love being part of. We are thrilled to be partnering with them for this year’s brew fest.“ said Matt Leow, Executive Director of the Montana Brewer’s Association.

Breweries attending this year include: 2 Basset Brewery (White Sulphur Springs), Bayern Brewing (Missoula), Beaverhead Brewing Company (Dillon), Bitter Root Brewery (Hamilton), Black Eagle Brewery (Black Eagle), Blackfoot River Brewing (Helena), Bozeman Brewing Co. (Bozeman), Bridger Brewing (Bozeman), Bunkhouse Brewing (Bozeman), Dean’s Zesty Booch (Bozeman), Butte Brewing Co. (Butte), Flathead Lake Brewing Co. (Bigfork), Gally’s Brewing Co. (Harlowton), Kalispell Brewing Co (Kalispell), Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co. (Great Falls), Katabatic Brewing Co. (Livingston), Kettlehouse Brewing Co. (Missoula), Lewis & Clark Brewing Co. (Helena), Lockhorn Hard Cider (Bozeman), Map Brewing (Bozeman), Might Mo Brew Co. (Great Falls), Muddy Creek Brewery (Butte), Neptune’s Brewery (Livingston), Outlaw Brewing (Bozeman), Philipsburg Brewing Company (Philipsburg), Ten Mile Creek Brewery (Helena), Triple Dog Brewing Co. (Havre), Western Cider Co. (Missoula), and White Dog Brewing Company (Bozeman)

Live music performances by Chad Okrusch and Friends with local favorites, The Fossils headlining the stage. Local food will be available for purchase from Zac’s Montana BBQ, Farmgirl Pizzeria, and The Office. New this year will be the Ale-Lympics featuring feats of strength and competitions by brewery industry professionals.

Entrance into the brew fest includes a sampler glass and unlimited samples (no tokens or tickets required). Regular admission tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the gate. VIP tickets are $100 and include entry into the brew fest an hour early as well as entry into the VIP/Brewer’s Dinner event the night before brew fest at the new Neptune’s Taphouse and Eatery with free beer from Neptune’s and Katabatic, a catered dinner and a chance to hang out with brewers from around the state. A limited number of VIP tickets are available. Tickets are on sale now at www.tapintomt.com or can be purchased locally in Livingston at Markouture, Katabatic Brewing, Neptune’s Brewery, and The Office Liquor Store.

WindRider Shuttle will be providing a free shuttle service to the brew fest from several locations around town between 1:30 and 7:30pm. Stops at The Buckhorn, Neptune’s Brewery, and The Office Lounge will run on a loop all afternoon. In addition, special room rates are available for those traveling from out of town at the Yellowstone Pioneer Lodge. YPL will also provide shuttle transportation to and from the brew fest.

Craft Beer Week Events occurring throughout Livingston during the week leading up to the brew fest include:

Special Beer and Food Pairings at The Murray Bar all week long.

Monday, April 8th:
Stein Holding Contest at Katabatic
Beer and Darts at The Office Lounge

Tuesday, April 9th:
Beer Trivia at Office Lounge
Beer Move at Neptune’s Brewery

Wednesday, April 10th
Beer and Cheese Pairing at UnCorked
Beer and Bingo at The Office Lounge
Beer Maven Beer 101 Class at Katabatic Brewing

Thursday, April 11th:
Beer Mile (begins at Neptune’s, ends at Katabatic)
Blind Beer Tasting at the Office Liquor Store
Darts and Beer Cocktails at The Whiskey Creek Saloon

Friday, April 12th:
Creek to Peak Soapbox Pre-Derby Show & Calcutta at The Buckhorn
Tap into Montana VIP & Brewer’s Dinner at Neptune’s Taphouse and Eatery
Live Music from the Dusty Pockets and Firestone Walker Tap Takeover at The Attic

Saturday, April 13th:
3rd Annual Creek to Peak Adult Soapbox Derby at Myers Lane
Feel the Draft at United in Light Draft Horse Sanctuary
Tap into Montana Brew Fest at Miles Park

Sponsors of this year’s event include: Opportunity Bank, Montana Press, Markouture, Golden Entertainment, Neptune’s Brewery, The Office Lounge an Liquor Store, Katabatic Brewing, Livingston Home Outfitters, Montana Brewery Shop, Woods Rose Market, Granite Sports Medicine, Berkshire Hathaway, The Spur Line, Midway Rental, and Yellowstone Pioneer Lodge.

Tap into Montana will be hosting a kick off event at Katabatic Brewing on March 22nd with live music from Shelly Besler Kersbergen.

Applications are now being accepted for a free summer journalism camp for high school students on Montana State University’s campus. The camp will run from July 7-12 and includes lodging and meals on campus. 

The deadline for applications is April 8. Students from any Montana community are invited to apply. Twelve participants will be selected.

The weeklong, residential experience will immerse students in the theory and practice of journalism. Participants will explore relevant issues facing American journalists today and develop skills by covering a variety of news events throughout the Bozeman area. After leaving camp, students will return to their home communities and develop a story that sheds light on a significant aspect of life within their town.

In the application, students will be asked to identify important issues in their communities and recognize how the media covers them. They will also be asked what stories have not been covered and how the community would benefit if the rest of the world knew more about these issues. Students must also submit photographs of important locations in their towns.

For details and a link to the online application, please visit http://ato.montana.edu/ywpjour/.

The camp is hosted by the Yellowstone Writing Project with support from the MacArthur Foundation and the National Writing Project.

We at PrepAway know that it all begins with the decision to move forward in one’s career. By gaining a certification, you are allowing yourself to be exposed to all job prospects that will play a big role in your advancement. You just need to take the necessary steps required in obtaining a well-regarded certification from Oracle company, a world-famous credential vendor. Oracle provides a wide range of certifications based on the particular product: Oracle Database, Middleware, Java, BI, and many more. Oracle certifications have long been in the market, and that’s why they are recommended by various companies and industries.

In this Prepaway Exam Dumps, we will talk about one of the most sought-after Oracle credentials – Java SE certification. Java is a very popular object-oriented programming language. Since Java applications can run on any computer regardless of its architecture, there are many IT professionals who have dedicated their careers to this language. Since the competition in this sector is very high, it is always better to possess professional certification in order to have an advantage.

Oracle Java SE certification

Here are two main ways to attain Oracle Java SE certification:

The first way: Earn Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 7 Programmer certification and then Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 7 Programmer credential. This first option, Oracle Java SE 7 certification path, includes passing of two exams: 1Z0-803 for associate level, and 1Z0-804 for professional level:

     • 1Z0-803: Java SE 7 Programmer I. This exam includes topics such as Java Basics, Java Data Types, Methods and Encapsulation, Inheritance, and many more.

      • 1Z0-804: Java SE 7 Programmer II (retiring Dec 31, 2018). This exam focuses on Assertions and Exceptions, Collections and Generics, Object-Oriented Design Principles, and many more.

PrepAway reminds you that you can pass the professional-level 1Z0-804 exam only after passing 1Z0-803 exam and receiving associate-level certification.

The Second Way: Earn Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer certification and then Oracle Certified Professional, Java SE 8 Programmer credential. This second option, Oracle Java SE 8 certification path, implies sitting for another two tests: 1Z0-808 for associate level, and 1Z0-809 for professional level:

     • 1Z0-808: Java SE 8 Programmer I. This exam is dedicated to Java Basics, Loop Constructs, Handling of Exceptions, Java API Selected classes, and many more.

     • 1Z0-809: Java SE 8 Programmer II. This test includes topics such as Java Class Design (advanced), Functional Interfaces Built in Lambda, Fundamentals of Java I/O, and many more.

As in the first case, you will not be eligible to pass professional-level exam 1Z0-809 without passing 1Z0-808 and getting associate-level Java SE 8 certification.

If you want to learn more about Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer certification, go to the official Oracle website.

To be more specific, we will concentrate on one of the exams required for the mentioned paths, 1Z0-808 exam, which leads to Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer certification. Using this exam as an example, we will look at how the certification process works. So, let’s dive into details of 1Z0-808 test.

1Z0-808 Exam Details
1Z0-808 exam is composed of 77 questions, which must be answered within 150 minutes. Each test-taker should reach or even exceed the passing score of 65%. Dealing with “how-to-do” questions is quite frequent in the exam.

Oracle has been known for its scenario-based questions in many of its certification exams. Going through the exam topics of 1Z0-808 exam will help you prepare for the actual practical-oriented exam. You must be able to respond to tricky questions since the exam consists of numerous faulty questions that will really test your knowledge and skills of the topic. There are no prerequisites for this exam.

To get more details about 1Z0-808 exam, visit the official Oracle website.

Audience
The target audience for this exam includes anyone aspiring to be Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer certification holder. Programmers who are about to begin their career can benefit from passing the exam since this credential will positively impact their resume. Individuals who want to have a programming job can use the exam’s popularity across companies in acquiring jobs and extending career opportunities.

Training Courses
There are different training courses recommended for each test-taker. You can choose an instructor-led training or virtually-delivered online training. PrepAway recommends enrolling in Java SE 8 Fundamentals and Oracle Certified Associate, Java SE 8 Programmer Certification course.

Resources for the Exam Preparation
With the advent of the Internet, more and more online materials have surfaced and helped students and test-takers study any topic they want to. However, the use of books is definitely something that never gets old. OCA Java SE 8 Certification Guide by Mala Gupta has been known for offering the same point of view of the actual exam. Other well-established books that you can absorb ideas from are “A Programmer Guide to Java SE 8 Oracle Certified Associate (OCA)” by Khalid Mughal,” “Oracle Certified Associate Java SE 8 Programmer” I Study Guide: Exam 1Z0-808 eBook by Jeanne Boyarsky, Scott Selikoff and “OCA Java SE 8 Programmer I Study Guide” (Exam 1Z0-808) (Oracle Press) by Edward Finegan, Robert Liguori.

Tips to Pass Oracle 1Z0-808 Exam

Extensive preparation
You should know that any Oracle exam would consume a lot of your time and effort. If you’re not spending time honing your existing skills and acquiring new ones, then you’re probably not preparing that much. Even an experienced professional knows it’s a gamble to arrive in the testing room unprepared. One can’t always be too complacent with what one knows or what one ought to learn. So, here are some tips from PrepAway:

Practice, practice and more practice
There’s never been a more repetitive, yet actually rewarding type of advice than constantly putting what you know to practice. Through rigorous and consistent practice, you’re enabling yourself to gradually master, say, Java tools or environment. Practice performing prepares you for the scenario-based questions you will see on the exam.

Utilize different study materials
Study Java concepts and browse more online or external study materials. You can scan through your exam’s syllabus to choose your topics. You must have a good, in-depth grasp on the respective topics to able to answer the exam questions.

Access sample questions on the Internet from time to time. Remember, mastery of the sample questions will do you a good favor. Also, take advantage of unique practice questions offered by Prep-Away, which are backed by Java certification experts. It is a good option for Java Certification aspirants and soon-to-be Java professionals.

Make use of braindumps
1Z0-808 exam dumps have been proven to be useful for individuals under the Java programming spectrum. Several professionals can attest to how these have contributed to their successful completion of the exam. Exam dumps can be viewed in VCE, ETE or PDF formats. Choose the one that suits you, using the appropriate tool that will open it. For example, to open 1Z0-808 braindumps you will need ETE Exam Simulator developed by Vumingo specialists. Offering a number of options, you can use, it makes your preparation efficient.

Focus on learning not passing
Though aiming for a target score in the exam is a good idea, you must definitely not put a heavy weight on the score result. First, test your strengths and assess your weaknesses. Drop the mentality of passing the exam for the love of numbers and start challenging yourself and exceeding the expectations you and other people have. Cultivate a mindset of learning instead of merely passing and then forgetting everything else after the test. This will help you a lot in practical situations and in acing the performance-based exams.

Conclusion
Anyone interested in Java programming knows that the price of dedicating your time and effort to Oracle exams whether it is 1Z0-808 or any of 1z0-809, 1z0-803, and 1z0-804 exams is a fulfilling achievement. Earning a Java SE 7 or Java SE 7 Programmer certification proves that you have the ability to answer the different and challenging questions found in the exam and in the real world. PrepAway wishes you good luck on your certification path!

On March 14th, 2019, the Children’s Museum of Bozeman became the Montana Science Center and released their new logo. This name change comes as the next phase to develop a center where families in the community come together to learn and play in science and technology. Since 2001, the Montana Science Center, then as the Children’s Museum of Bozeman, has brought hands-on play, learning and collaboration to the greater Bozeman community. In 2016, the Museum opened the STEAMlab, founded by Richard Harjes, which is a high-tech maker space focusing in self-directed high tech learning in coding, robotics, 3D design, mechanical engineering and more. Growth in STEAMlab programs has elevated the ways families interact with the Science Center and drove the Children’s Museum to create more elaborate and extensive exhibits focused in technology and science. The Montana Science Center will continue to offer unique experiences for full family engagement in play, with an increased focus in areas of science, technology, engineering and a more distinct focus on local women in STEM careers.

Since 2016, the Science Center has focused on revitalizing the current exhibits to
represent areas of STEM. These areas of activity focus in topics such as insects, physics, electricity, building, maker-activities and more. Imaginative play still forms a critical role throughout the Science Center as a way to incorporate activities for the youngest visitors.

Additionally, programming has been added to provide learning opportunities for students of all ages, visiting from throughout Southwest Montana. In order to provide access to all families in our community, the Montana Science Center partners with several other service organizations such as Thrive, Youth Dynamics and AWARE to provide free or reduced admission. The Museums for All program allows anyone with an EBT card and ID to gain a reduced admission as well.

The Montana Science Center welcomed several community members to the Center on March 14th, to celebrate Pi Day, and to release the new brand identity, completed by Prime, Inc.

As Executive Director, Abby Turner, stated, “We have seen a significant increase in the focus in STEM activities in our community and schools over the past several years, and we have found a desire from our community of visitors to elevate our exhibits and programs. Therefore, we are very excited to bring even more family collaboration in science and technology to our community.” The staff at the Science Center have worked to expand their programs and offeringsin order to meet the community’s growth.

In addition to the name change, the Science Center is actively looking for a new location. With this new location, they expect to add significant space to their exhibits, classrooms and STEAMlab in order to meet the growing demand for activities in STEM. The location of this new space has not been finalized, but a move will happen within the year. The current location is open Monday - Saturday from 9:30am - 5:00pm. A new website at MontanaScienceCenter.org will be up and running within the month.

Abby Turner can be reached at director@montanasciencecenter.org or at (406) 522-9087.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants announced today its first property in Montana; an adaptive reuse scheduled to open in Bozeman early next year.

Located in the heart of historic downtown Bozeman, the project will turn the National Guard Armory building into a 122-room hotel with a signature restaurant, a whisky and bar centric speakeasy featuring music and live entertainment, and 8,000 square feet of meeting and event space. The new Kimpton will also feature a concert hall designed to attract top musical performances, as well as a rooftop pool and bar where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Bridger Mountain Range.

The hotel’s location will attract a broad spectrum of outdoor enthusiasts, with Yellowstone National Park as well as Big Sky and Bridger Bowl ski resorts at its doorstep. In addition to Bozeman’s premiere outdoor offerings, which extend to incredible biking trails and fishing adventures, the city is also home to a vibrant art and music scene.

“We’ve had our eye on Montana for a long time,” said Mike DeFrino, Chief Executive Officer at Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. “The backdrop of the mountains and its appeal to the adventure seeker is the ideal place to showcase our brand of hospitality. As a leader in adventure travel, we couldn’t ask for a better partner than Off the Beaten Path and hotel developer, Extea Hospitality. It’s also exciting to add another adaptive reuse to our collection. We take pride in preserving the integrity of a historic building while transforming it into a new hotel and restaurant with Kimpton’s signature style.”

The National Guard Armory building was constructed in 1941 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. In keeping true to the building’s history, the design will retain the original Art Deco style created by famed Bozeman architect Fred Willson. Kimpton’s Global Senior Vice President of Design Ave Bradley will spearhead the renovation, in partnership with Venue Architects, MarkZeff Architecture and Interior Design and Studio R Interiors. Other recent Kimpton adaptive reuse projects include the Gray Hotel in Chicago, the Schofield in Cleveland and the De Witt in Amsterdam.

The project bears close affiliation with local adventure travel company Off the Beaten Path as its CEO, Cory Lawrence, is included among the partners of Etxea (“et-she-a”) Hospitality, the development company responsible for the project. Kimpton co-founder and former CEO Tom LaTour is also a partner on the project.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to see this project come to fruition,” said Lawrence. “We’ve been uncompromising in our effort to deliver a property and an experience that authentically reflects the unique character and style of the region. The hotel will bring a new standard of service, experience, and connection to Bozeman for visitors and locals alike.” Added LaTour, “Bozeman is an unbelievable city and deserves a Kimpton boutique hotel, delivering great guest experience in unique Rocky Mountain style.”

Renderings of the project can be found here.

About Etxea Hospitality

Etxea Hospitality LLC is a development firm dedicated to bringing hospitality experiences to unique places that, through their design and operational style, authentically reflect the character and nature of each locale. Based in Bozeman, Montana, the firm is comprised of five principals with vast experience in all facets of development, hotel operations, and adventure travel.

ABOUT KIMPTON HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is the original boutique hotel company, which pioneered the concept of unique, distinctive, design-forward hotels in the United States in 1981. Anchored in one-of-a-kind experiences, Kimpton now operates more than 60 hotels and 80 restaurants, bars and lounges across urban locations, resort destinations and up and coming markets in the United States, Europe, Caribbean and Greater China. Kimpton spaces and experiences center on its guests, offering inspiring design that evokes curiosity to forward-thinking flavors that feed the soul. Every detail is thoughtfully curated and artfully delivered, so that guest experiences remain meaningful, unscripted and ridiculously personal.

Kimpton’s employees, empowered to provide heartfelt service and experiences, have built a highly regarded workplace culture that appears consistently on FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list. 

In January 2015, Kimpton became part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) family of hotel brands. For more information, visit www.KimptonHotels.com.