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Tuesday, Mar. 10th, 2026
Maro Selected for Georgetown University’s Thrive Center Innovation Hub Fellowship
BOZEMAN — Maro is proud to announce that its senior leadership team, along with CEO Kenzie Davis, has been selected as 2026 Fellows of the Innovation Hub at the Thrive Center Georgetown University, a prestigious three-month fellowship designed to help visionary leaders scale impact in child and family mental and developmental health.
Maro exists because most young people wait more than a decade between their first signs of mental health struggle and their first moment of real help. Maro partners with schools and health plans to make sure that gap doesn't exist by delivering mental health screenings that identify students who are struggling early, and connecting them and their families to support before a hard season becomes a lasting crisis. Since its founding, Maro has reached more than 70,000 students nationwide.
Maro is honored to join Georgetown's research fellowship, and to contribute real-world data to the important work of whole-family health. The Innovation Hub Fellowship supports entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders working to transform outcomes for children, families, and communities. Fellows participate in a three-month intensive program that includes dedicated coaching, expert advisors, tailored programming and a vibrant community of peers and sector leaders.
“I’m honored to be part of this incredible cohort of leaders who are reimagining how we support children and families,” said Davis. “Through the Thrive Center Innovation Hub, I look forward to deepening our work at Maro and expanding our impact through new partnerships and evidence-based innovation.”
The Thrive Center, based at Georgetown University, is a national leader in advancing research, practice, and innovation at the intersection of mental health, child development, and community well-being. The Innovation Hub connects promising changemakers with the tools, mentors, and networks necessary to accelerate their ideas from concept to implementation.
For more information about the Thrive Center Innovation Hub, visit https://thrivecenter.georgetown.edu/.
Reach Kenzie Davis at kenzie@meetmaro.com, or visit www.meetmaro.com.
Monday, Mar. 9th, 2026
Portion of Gallatin River to close during Markley Bridge replacement
BIG SKY – A portion of the Gallatin River will close to boating starting next week while crews with the U.S. Forest Service begin work to replace Markley Bridge near Big Sky.
The closure will begin March 9 and could last through May 18. This closure will temporarily restrict boating on the Gallatin River from the Upper Deer Creek boat launch—located just above Markley Bridge—to the Portal Creek boat launch. Boaters will still be able to put in at the Portal Creek boat launch and float downstream.
Wade angling and other walk-in use will continue to be allowed, except in the immediate area of bridge construction.
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the closure during their Feb. 12 meeting.
Wednesday, Mar. 4th, 2026
Give Big Gallatin Valley Welcomes commonFont As New Headline Sponsor
Gallatin County, MT — One Valley Community Foundation announces commonFont as the new Headline Sponsor for Give Big Gallatin Valley, Montana’s largest 24-hour giving initiative. The partnership marks an exciting new chapter as Give Big continues to grow participation, deepen community connection, and strengthen support for nonprofits across Gallatin County.
Now in its 12th year, Give Big Gallatin Valley is a county-wide initiative hosted by One Valley Community Foundation that will bring together hundreds of nonprofits and thousands of donors for 24 hours of generosity, from 6pm April 30 to 6pm May 1. Since 2015, Give Big has raised more than $20.4 million for 489 nonprofits located in or serving Gallatin County.
commonFont is a Bozeman-headquartered consulting and technology firm that helps organizations elevate customer and employee experiences through strategic consulting, technology implementation, and AI-powered solutions. The company supports clients in turning insights into action that strengthens outcomes and human connection.
Since 2021, commonFont has participated as a Give Big business fundraiser, raising $39,500 and encouraging employee generosity through matching gifts. Its expanded role as Headline Sponsor reflects a continued investment in the nonprofits that serve Gallatin County every day.
The company’s name is inspired by a public fountain in an Italian piazza, a shared source of connection and renewal. In many ways, Give Big serves a similar role, providing essential fundraising infrastructure while creating collective momentum for local nonprofits.
“As the host of Give Big Gallatin Valley, One Valley Community Foundation is committed to stewarding this initiative in a way that builds trust, collaboration, and long-term impact,” said Bridget Wilkinson, President & CEO of One Valley Community Foundation. “Welcoming commonFont as our new Headline Sponsor is an exciting opportunity to expand the partnership around Give Big. They bring a strong culture of giving, meaningful support for their employees’ charitable efforts, and a deep connection to this community. Together, we look forward to building on Give Big’s growth and making this year the strongest yet.”
“At commonFont, one of our core values is to ‘Be the Fountain’—to serve generously and uplift others to build stronger human connections. Supporting Give Big Gallatin Valley as Headline Sponsor is an expression of that commitment,” said Abby Schlatter, CEO and Co-Founder of commonFont. “We are honored to partner with One Valley Community Foundation to turn individual acts of generosity into generative, county-wide impact that amplifies the incredible work of our local nonprofits.”
Nonprofits can register for Give Big Gallatin Valley through March 13 at givebiggv.org. This year’s initiative aims to engage 7,000 donors and continue strengthening the culture of generosity across Gallatin County.
About Give Big Gallatin Valley
Give Big Gallatin Valley is a 24-hour annual giving initiative coordinated by One Valley Community Foundation that connects donors with local nonprofits to amplify impact and support community wellbeing. Since 2015, Give Big has raised more than $20.4 million for hundreds of nonprofit causes, fostering a shared tradition of generosity across Gallatin County.
About commonFont
commonFont partners with the world’s most strategic and innovative companies to elevate customer and employee experiences. Through strategic consulting, technology implementation and services, and AI-powered solutions, we help enterprises listen to customers and employees, analyze what’s working (and what isn’t), and transform insights into clear, coordinated action that improves experiences and business outcomes. commonFont is headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, with a second office based in Providence, Rhode Island.
About One Valley Community Foundation
One Valley Community Foundation connects people who care to the causes that matter to ensure all can thrive in Gallatin County. As the county’s community foundation, One Valley supports nonprofits through training, resources, and peer learning opportunities, and helps donors give back through donor advised funds and other accessible charitable tools. The community foundation leads initiatives like Give Big Gallatin Valley and convenes partners to address complex challenges, including collaborative work around housing. Through stewardship, connection, and local insight, One Valley champions a strong and vibrant community today and for generations to come.
How to watch: Bobcat basketball teams kick off conference tournament in Boise
- Live coverage: Live stats will be available on the Bobcat Athletics website, and radio coverage will be available via the Bobcat Sports Radio Network and The Varsity Network.
- Social media: Updates will be posted on Instagram at @MSUbobcatsMBB, @MSUbobcatsWBB and @BigSkyConf.
Tuesday, Mar. 3rd, 2026
Premium Kava Drink By Mitra9—Driven By Accountability And Excellence
Leadership credibility defines how a brand is perceived in a competitive marketplace, and that distinction becomes clear when discussing premium kava drink standards. Mitra9 positions itself at the forefront through disciplined accountability frameworks and an uncompromising commitment to excellence across every operational tier. Executive oversight is structured around measurable objectives, documented governance systems, and clearly articulated corporate priorities that guide long-term advancement. This unwavering dedication to professional rigor strengthens its authority within the premium kava drink landscape, presenting a brand defined by responsibility, institutional strength, and a sustained pursuit of organizational distinction.
Mitra9—Driven By Accountability And Excellence For Premium Kava Drink
Clearly defined corporate accountability hierarchies
Organizational strength within the premium kava drink sector is shaped by clarity in leadership structure and disciplined chains of responsibility. Mitra9 reinforces its standing through clearly defined corporate accountability hierarchies that establish precise authority lines across every level of management.
Each executive role operates within documented parameters supported by structured oversight mechanisms and measurable performance expectations. This deliberate framework ensures that strategic initiatives move forward with alignment, consistency, and institutional control. Decision-making flows through established channels, reducing ambiguity while strengthening operational cohesion throughout the enterprise.

Documented strategic oversight procedures
Sustained leadership in the premium kava drink market is reinforced by systems that prioritize precision and control at every operational stage. Mitra9 strengthens its authority through documented strategic oversight procedures that formalize evaluation, planning, and executive review across the organization.
Clearly codified review cycles, structured approval workflows, and defined supervisory checkpoints ensure that initiatives align with long-term corporate direction. By embedding formal oversight mechanisms into its corporate foundation, the brand solidifies its reputation within the premium kava drink landscape as a brand defined by organized control, deliberate leadership execution, and unwavering dedication to operational excellence.
Precision-based executive decision pathways
Clarity at the executive level defines how authority is maintained within the premium kava drink sector. Mitra9 reinforces its leadership standing through precision-based executive decision pathways that eliminate uncertainty and strengthen strategic alignment across the organization. Clearly mapped approval structures, documented escalation routes, and structured deliberation protocols ensure that every major initiative advances with purpose and accountability.
By embedding exacting decision architecture into its corporate model, the brand elevates its credibility in the premium kava drink landscape, presenting a brand shaped by disciplined judgment, structured authority, and a resolute commitment to operational distinction.
Enterprise-wide transparency initiatives
Institutional credibility within the premium kava drink landscape is strengthened by openness that extends across every operational layer. Mitra9 advances its leadership presence through enterprise-wide transparency initiatives designed to foster clarity, trust, and structured communication throughout the organization. This culture of visibility reduces ambiguity, enhances collaboration, and supports disciplined governance practices across all divisions.
By embedding transparency into its corporate foundation, the brand elevates its standing in the premium kava drink sector as a brand defined by openness, coordinated oversight, and an unwavering dedication to professional excellence.
Structured risk assessment frameworks
Resilient leadership in the premium kava drink sector is reinforced by proactive systems that anticipate challenges before they impact performance. Mitra9 strengthens its organizational foundation through structured risk assessment frameworks that precisely evaluate potential variables with strategic foresight.
Comprehensive review protocols, scenario planning models, and documented mitigation pathways guide executive planning while preserving operational stability. By embedding calculated risk evaluation into its governance architecture, the brand elevates its authority within the premium kava drink landscape, presenting a brand defined by strategic vigilance, structured oversight, and an enduring commitment to excellence.
Leadership performance tracking matrices
Enduring authority within the premium kava drink space is strengthened by executive evaluation systems grounded in measurable criteria. Mitra9 reinforces its leadership position through performance-tracking matrices that assess strategic impact, operational efficiency, and long-term progress across senior management tiers.
Leadership operates with clarity under quantifiable standards that reinforce consistency and institutional focus. By embedding comprehensive evaluation tools into its corporate framework, the brand elevates its standing in the premium kava drink market, positioning the brand as defined by precision, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Integrated compliance monitoring systems
Operational integrity within the premium kava drink industry is reinforced by systems that continuously safeguard standards across every division. Mitra9 strengthens its leadership foundation through integrated compliance monitoring systems designed to maintain alignment with documented policies and corporate objectives.
This synchronized supervision enhances transparency, supports disciplined governance, and reinforces accountability at every organizational tier. By embedding a comprehensive monitoring architecture into its corporate structure, the brand elevates its authority in the premium kava drink landscape, presenting a brand defined by vigilance, structured oversight, and enduring professional excellence.
Vision-centered corporate planning cycles
Long-range credibility in the premium kava drink market is shaped by structured planning anchored in clearly articulated ambitions. Mitra9 advances its leadership stature through vision-centered corporate planning cycles that connect executive foresight with disciplined execution. Strategic roadmaps are developed through coordinated leadership summits, performance forecasting models, and defined milestone frameworks that guide organizational progress across multiple horizons.
By embedding future-oriented planning architecture into its institutional foundation, the brand elevates its authority within the premium kava drink landscape, presenting a brand characterized by deliberate direction, cohesive governance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Internal audit and governance controls
Sustained authority within the premium kava drink landscape is reinforced by disciplined oversight mechanisms that safeguard institutional integrity. Mitra9 strengthens its corporate foundation through rigorous internal audit and governance controls designed to maintain alignment with established standards and strategic objectives.
Structured review committees, documented inspection protocols, and scheduled evaluation cycles create a systematic environment where accountability remains continuous rather than reactive. By embedding robust governance architecture into its enterprise structure, the brand elevates its standing in the premium kava drink sector, presenting a brand defined by vigilant oversight, principled management, and unwavering professional excellence.
Wrapping Up
Sustained distinction in the premium kava drink market is achieved through leadership that prioritizes structure, measurable responsibility, and disciplined corporate governance. Mitra9 exemplifies this approach by embedding accountability into every executive layer while maintaining a steadfast commitment to organizational excellence. Strategic direction is guided by documented oversight systems, integrated evaluation models, and cohesive planning frameworks that reinforce long-term stability. Within the evolving premium kava drink space, the brand stands as a brand defined by principled leadership, structured oversight, and an unwavering dedication to professional distinction, continually setting a higher benchmark for excellence.
About The Author
Palmina Thomson is a senior brand communications strategist and digital growth architect with over two decades of experience leading editorial innovation across specialized consumer industries. Her work spans strategic content governance, search visibility engineering, and compliance-aligned messaging designed to strengthen brand credibility in complex regulatory environments. Recognized for her precision-driven methodology and structured planning expertise, she helps organizations refine positioning, elevate institutional trust, and maintain competitive relevance through disciplined, data-informed content strategies.
Montana State to offer summer writing camps for youth

BOZEMAN — Registration is open for a pair of July summer camps at Montana State University aimed at helping young, budding writers explore their craft.
The camps are for writers entering third through twelfth grades. Campers will participate in field trips, writing games, and workshops with local writers from multiple genres. MSU faculty from the Yellowstone Writing Project, a group of educators and writers in the Department of English, will lead the camps.
Parents of participants will be invited to a final showcase on July 17 to celebrate their campers’ work.
Writers entering fifth through eighth and ninth through twelfth grades can attend the Youth Writing Camp from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 13-17. The price for commuter participants is $350, and the price for campers staying in an on-campus residence hall is $875. An additional fee of $25 will be added for registrations after June 1, 2026.
The Young Writer’s Camp, which will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 14-17, hosts writers entering third and fourth grades. The camp costs $300, with no overnight lodging on campus available. After June 1, the camp’s price increases to $325.
Registration is available at https://ato.montana.edu/ywp/ and will close once the camps are full.
Contact: Justin Gibson, program manager for Academic Technology and Outreach, at 406-994-6633 or justin.gibson3@montana.edu.
Thursday, Feb. 26th, 2026
Belgrade Parks and Recreation Seeks Volunteers for May–September Summer Programs
BELGRADE– Belgrade Parks and Recreation is seeking community volunteers to support its summer programming, which runs May through September in Belgrade parks. Volunteers are needed to help lead one-time activities, organize tournaments, and perform music at weekly events designed to be welcoming and accessible for all ages and experience levels.
Volunteer opportunities include leading or assisting with introductory activities such as volleyball, badminton, tennis, grilling and cooking demonstrations, dance workshops, orienteering, tie-dyeing, birding, phone photography, leatherwork, and candle making. Many of these activities are offered once or on a limited basis throughout the summer, giving volunteers flexible options to participate.
Volunteers are also needed to help organize informal community tournaments, including disc golf, horseshoes, and skateboarding.
In addition, family-friendly musicians and bands are invited to perform during Dancing in the Grass, a weekly Sunday evening concert series held throughout the summer at Lewis & Clark Park. Several performance dates are still available.
Individuals, groups, and organizations interested in volunteering or performing can sign up or receive more information by emailing lbeedy@belgrademt.gov or calling 406-388-4711.
Tuesday, Feb. 24th, 2026
Montana State University Library offers new tool to help libraries with AI use
New license year starts March 1, here’s what you need to know
HELENA – New Year’s Day for many outdoor recreationists in Montana is March 1. This is the day everyone can buy their 2026 hunting and fishing licenses and apply for special draw licenses and permits. It’s also the day when recreationists need to renew their conservation license to support the state lands they use.
This year, hunters and anglers will see quite a few changes that are worth paying close attention to. These changes come from legislation passed by the 2025 Montana Legislature and new regulations adopted by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission.
Licenses for the 2026 license year can be purchased starting Sunday, March 1. If you plan on being in the field on that day, you can buy your license online here.
Hunters and anglers buying their license in person at a local business will see some changes as FWP is transitioning to a License Ambassador program. This change will move all licensing sales to Montana’s online licensing system. This allows FWP to add additional businesses that would like to sell licenses and move away from the old point-of-sale systems that were unreplaceable and outdated.
As always, you can buy and apply for licenses online and at your local FWP office as well. Note that some businesses who used to sell licenses may not anymore. To find a License Ambassador, see the map here.
Deer
Some of the biggest changes hunters will notice are with deer regulations. In December, the Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted several hunting district-specific changes to deer licenses and permits. The commission also made some regulation changes aimed at protecting mule deer numbers and managing hunting pressure. These include:
- Many Mule Deer B Licenses will be valid only on private land. Check your specific hunting district.
- Residents can only hold up to three deer licenses, including their General Deer License. This isdown from up to eight in past years.
Nonresidents continue to be limited to one Deer B License, unless they draw a combo license and then they can hold two.
Like always, make sure to read the regulations prior to buying or applying for any licenses or permits. The regulations for your hunting district may have changed.
Elk
Regulations changes approved by the commission include:
- The quota of the 799-20 Elk License is 325. A second antlerless Elk B License will be available to any holder of an Elk Permit in hunting districts 702, 704, or 705, subject to the same restrictions in time, open areas, and limitations associated with the permit.
- All Region 1 Elk B Licenses will only be valid on private land.
Black bear
The commission also established Black Bear Permits in two bear management units in FWP Region 5, south-central Montana. The deadline to apply for these permits is April 1. Hunters can also accrue bonus points for black bears.
Antelope
- The quota of 900-20 Licenses (archery antelope) is 5,600. Region 3 is no longer in this bundle and was placed in its own pool with 500 licenses.
- The Region 3 Antelope Archery Licenses are 399-20.
Bighorn sheep
Montana has five unlimited bighorn sheep hunting districts. This year those licenses will only be issued through a drawing.
- Hunters applying for any unlimited opportunity will no longer participate in the bonus point program. This keeps hunters from spending their bonus points on an unlimited draw.
Shed hunters
The 2025 Montana Legislature passed a law that implements a Nonresident Shed Hunting License for Montana’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). Additionally, this new law prohibits nonresidents from picking up antlers on WMAs for the first seven days they are open to the public in the spring. Most WMAs open to the public at 12 p.m. on May 15. However, some have different openings dates. Nonresident shed hunters must review the regulations for the WMA they are looking to visit. There are no changes for resident shed hunters.
A Shed Hunting License for nonresidents costs $50.
License and application fees
The 2025 Montana Legislature passed laws adjusting several license fees. The new fees are as follows:
- Nonresident Base Hunting License fee increased from $15 to $50
- Fee for resident and nonresident Crane and Swan License - $10 and $75 respectively.
- Application fees $10 resident, $50 nonresident
- Resident Migratory Bird License increased from $5.50 to $10
- Increased Resident Upland Bird and Sportsman’s Combo License fees:
- Upland bird from $7.50 to $10
- Sportsman without Bear from $62 to $64.50
- Sportsman with Bear from $77 to $79.50
- Increased Nonresident Upland Bird (season and three-day) and resets combination license fees:
- Upland Bird (season) from $110 to $127
- Upland Bird (three-day) from $50 to $60
- Big Game Combo to $1,312
- Elk Combo to $1,112
- Deer Combo to $760
Upland Birds
The 2025 Montana Legislature passed a law that limits nonresident upland game bird hunting seasons. In 2026, nonresidents hunting on public lands and privately owned lands that are a part of a hunting access program begin hunting 10 days later than residents for all species except mountain grouse.



News Comments
Definitely not the quality it used to be. Mint cholate chip just has big chunks of chips stuck together not throughout the nearly mint flavored ice cream. Sorry you’ve lost me
Ownership Changes at Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream Celebrate Montana Heritage and Future Growth
Thursday, Jul. 23, 2026
Why didn’t the Kagy and 3rd project get started when college was out? How is the football game traffic at MSU going to be handled? Timing of this project is awful.
Construction Starts on West Kagy to Babcock Sewer Improvements Project
Monday, Jul. 20, 2026
Why couldn't the fish in the hatchery be raised to a marketable size and then sold to grocery stores and restaurants? The danger is only having the snails pass intact through the fish's digestive ...
Drainpipe cause of New Zealand mudsnails at FWP fish hatchery
Sunday, Apr. 12, 2026
Congratulations to Nephew David and Bridger Brewing. It has been so great seeing your vision become a reality. We'll never forget our visit to Bozeman!
Bridger Brewing Named Large Brewery of the Year at 2026 Montana Beer Awards
Tuesday, Apr. 7, 2026