BOZEMAN— The owners of Bozeman’s The Baxter Hotel are pleased to announce its partnership with the award-winning Noble House Hotels & Resorts (Noble House), a family owned hospitality group known for its approachable luxury hotels in awe-inspiring destinations, and Breakwater, a privately owned hospitality investment and advisory firm, to restore The Baxter Hotel as Bozeman’s preeminent historic boutique hotel.
 
The Baxter Hotel opened in 1929 and served as the town’s premier boutique hotel for nearly 50 years, hosting notable guests including Eleanor Roosevelt and Richard Nixon, before being converted into residential condominium apartments by a former developer in the 1980s. Noble House and Breakwater, in collaboration with the current owners, will restore this community’s beloved Art Deco “crown jewel” to its original purpose—Bozeman’s landmark boutique hotel—honoring its century-long legacy through uncompromising standards and genuine connection to Bozeman and its residents.
 
“For almost a century, people have been walking through these doors asking how they can check in—even over the past 50 years when The Baxter Hotel was no longer operating as a hotel. That’s the kind of magnetism you can’t contrive,” said Amy Horton, General Manager of The Baxter Hotel. “Now, as we reopen in time for our centennial, that question finally has an answer: welcome home.”

The Baxter Hotel has been majority owned since 2004 by the Loseff and Orizotti families from Bozeman and Butte, respectively, and they will continue to retain major ownership in The Baxter going forward.
 
“The opportunity to partner with the Colee family (Noble House) and Breakwater in reestablishing this landmark as our town’s premier boutique hotel is the realization of many years of hard work. It is a dream come true,” said David Loseff, The Baxter Hotel owner.

“I have been extremely impressed by the tremendous sense of stewardship and commitment to local heritage held by Noble House and Breakwater and I am excited about The Baxter Hotel's future,” added Loseff.
 
The restoration is slated to be completed by fall of 2027 and will include 32 guest rooms, a fitness center, a wellness center with cold plunge tub, infrared sauna, recovery room and treatment room, a member’s club and dining area, along with upgrading and activating The Baxter Hotel's grand lobby and its nearly 3,000 square feet of ballroom space for weddings and special events. Local Bozeman firms Intrinsik Architecture, Envi Interior Design Studio, Langlas & Associates, Inc. and other local groups are actively involved in The Baxter Hotel restoration project.

 
Importantly, The Baxter Hotel will remain open and operational throughout the restoration. Current businesses including Ted’s Montana Grill, the Bacchus Pub, and The Baxter Hotel’s grand ballroom weddings and events business will continue to operate uninterrupted while the upper-floor residential condominium units are thoughtfully restored into luxury hotel rooms.

 
“When you visit The Baxter Hotel, there is a palpable history and significance within its walls,” said Jamie Colee, Chief Executive Officer of Noble House Hotels & Resorts. “We’re grateful to work with the longstanding Montana owners and Breakwater, who have a deep appreciation for the storied legacy of this property, to restore this iconic project to its former glory.”

Noble House Hotels & Resorts is a collection of one-of-a-kind luxury destinations, including Michelin Three and Two-Key rated properties, each delivering a singular promise: cultural immersion, unforgettable experiences and genuine connections. The renovation of The Baxter Hotel intends to bring visitors to Bozeman an experience unlike any other, offering “unbuttoned luxury,” services and accommodations that are as richly elegant as they are familiar and comfortable.

“When we were presented with the opportunity to support the restoration of The Baxter Hotel, it was one we couldn’t pass up,” said Matt Brendle, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Breakwater. “We know that The Baxter Hotel has been a longstanding central landmark property in the community for nearly a century, and as we seek to have a lasting, positive impact in the communities in which we operate, we know that The Baxter Hotel will be an incredible addition to our portfolio.”

The Baxter Hotel was originally built in 1929 through the collective funding of Bozeman's founding families. In keeping with that history, members from the Montana community are also investing alongside Noble House, Breakwater and the Loseff and Orizotti families in supporting the rebirth of The Baxter Hotel.

For more information on Noble House Hotels & Resorts and The Baxter Hotel, visit noblehousehotels.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

About The Baxter Hotel
The Baxter Hotel’s story began in 1929 when 250 Bozeman community members came together to create something extraordinary in Montana. The Art Deco landmark quickly became the town's gathering place—where celebrations happened, deals closed, and memories were made. Recognized as “Bozeman’s Crown Jewel,” The Baxter Hotel is now being restored to its original purpose as Bozeman's premier boutique hotel. Learn more at thebaxterhotel.com. 
 
About Breakwater
Breakwater is a community driven, hospitality investment and advisory company founded in 2019 and based in Charleston, South Carolina. Breakwater has invested or advised on hotels across the country including the Michelin keyed Wall Street Hotel in New York and other independent and soft-branded hotel properties. Visit breakwaterco.com to learn more. 
 
About Noble House Hotels & Resorts
The Noble House Hotels & Resorts portfolio is a collection of 30 luxury and upscale hotels, resorts, and experiences across North America—all designed for discerning travelers seeking to escape the daily routine. Noble House can be trusted to unlock the most authentic experiences in the most compelling destinations. This promise is delivered through their carefully curated collection that pairs boutique local charm with consistent high service and comfort standards. All concepts within their collection offer immersive, active adventure experiences that bring out the best of their destinations. Headquartered in Seattle, their family-owned business philosophy creates value for each concept’s community, environment, ownership, staff, and guests. The portfolio includes: over 75 restaurants, bars, and lounges; the Napa Valley Wine Train; a collection of spas, marinas, and private residences throughout the U.S. and Mexico; a range of beachfront resorts from California to Florida; luxury retreats in Jackson Hole, Wyo. and award-winning urban hotels in Seattle and San Francisco. In 2024 and 2025, Noble House was named one of the top 25 hotel brands on T+L’s annual World’s Best list. For more information, visit www.noblehousehotels.com or call 877.NOBLE.TRIP.
 
 
 

The idea of a family adventure is awesome. 

What's not to like about traveling and having fun with your family? Well, you find out when it's time to pack the car. The coolers, the sports gear, the diaper bag, the dog's stuff, that big giant case of 'just in case' things, and in the end, you're playing Tetris to fit everything and everyone in. And it doesn't end here. 

Once you get to your destination, it's a lot of back-and-forth to unpack, and then another game of Tetris when you pack to go home. 

Now, what about doing this, but in 'easy mode'? Is it even possible to do this in an easier way? Do you even know that there's an easier way? 

Well, it is, and believe it or not, it's called a 'wagon'.

Why a Wagon Is Just What You Need

A family outing is the same thing as moving to a small village in a day. If you don't have kids, that sounds overly dramatic, but it's really not. You've got the people, the snacks (oh, so many snacks!), the sports stuff, the picnic blanket, and of course, the dog. And if you want to take it to the next level, now take all that from above and add you holding a toddler into the mix. Unless you've got a couple of spare arms hiding around, it'll be a bit difficult to manage everything.

There's no way you won't forget something, plus you'll probably end up with a stress headache before you even start the car. 

That's why a wagon is precisely what you need. In one single trip from the car, you can load in a toddler, the baby bag, a cooler, and the beach toys. All at once! 

Going to the county fair, heading to the soccer field, going camping, it can do it all. 

In short, it will make your life way easier. 

Tired little legs that whine because they can't walk another step have a ride, and you don't have to take Tylenol because the whining gave you a migraine. There's also room for the dog to lie down once they're tired from the hike. A wagon saves your arms, your back, and if we're being brutally honest, your patience. 

Because family outings surely test it. 

What to Look for When Picking Out a Wagon

If you're ready to buy a wagon, that's great, but don't act on impulse. Do a bit of research first and make sure the wagon you choose is actually good.

Here's what to look for.

Toughness and Durability
You're not buying a wagon to baby it but to drag it through sand, mud, and maybe use it as a temporary snack table/improvised seat.

That means that you can't buy something that will easily rust or have a fabric that'll tear the moment your kid climbs in it with cleats on. Once you find a wagon, run your hand along the frame and see if it feels sturdy.

Also, words like 'powder-coated' or 'aluminum' are good signs that the manufacturer thought about rust, and most people don't think about rust until it's eaten through half the wagon.

Safety First
If you're putting your favorite little people and pets in this thing, you have to make sure it's safe.

High sides are an absolute must because they keep everyone contained. If you have a toddler or a wiggly kid, you'll also want a built-in 5-point harness. If you think that's overkill, it's not because sooner or later, you'll go over a bumpy patch and thank the heavens you have that harness there.

For your dog, it's important that the interior is smooth without any sharp edges, so their claws don't get caught.

The wagon should feel stable overall, and it should be low to the ground.

Capacity and Size
Imagine how your usual departure looks.

Chaotic, right? Figures.

If you have one kid and one dog and you're going on a picnic, a small wagon will do fine. But if you're taking 2 kids, a giant cooler, sports gear, and a diaper bag? You'll need a lot more room, so the trick is to find a sweet spot where there's enough space for everything, but the wagon is still not too bulky or impractical.

Look up Lapp Wagons, or any other similar business that specializes in creating various types of wagons (e.g., kids, work, pony, foldable/collapsable, etc.), and check what they've got.

Ease of Use
If it's a pain to pull, you won't use it, so be careful.

The wheels are everything, and if they're plastic and little, move on. You want big, beefy wheels that make pulling easy. You don't want the wagon to give you a workout, after all. Another thing to think about is where you'll store it when you're not using it.

A wagon that folds down is very practical and easy to store wherever. 

Conclusion

A wagon isn't some kind of magic solution that'll make your kids stop arguing in the backseat, but hey. 

What is? 

Besides, it's not even about what you carry but what you make room for. You have a place for a few extra snacks and the dog without stressing over hauling everything around. The start to your trip gets a little easier, and that's really all you can hope for. 

The rest is up to… Well, who knows? You can't really control it; that's for sure.

But with a wagon, you can at least have SOME control over all that playfulness (chaos).

The Inside Belgrade economic development series continues on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 11:30 AM to 1 PM at the Belgrade Community Library (205 E. Main St.).

Katharine King, the City of Belgrade’s Community & Economic Development Director, will present an overview of the Downtown Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District, including how TIF works and how it is being used to support infrastructure improvements and redevelopment in Belgrade’s downtown area. The session will also include updates from the City’s Planning and Building Divisions on current projects, development trends, and upcoming activity.

The first half hour will be for lunch and networking, and presentations start at noon. Lunch for this session is generously sponsored by Donovan HR Solutions and catered by Bar 3 BBQ.

The event is free and open to the public. Please register in advance to ensure adequate lunch is provided. RSVP here! A written summary will be available following the event for those unable to attend.

White Sulphur Springs  - The 15th Red Ants Pants Music Festival announced its 2026 lineup featuring Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder, Molly Tuttle, Sara Evans, Old 97’s, Shinyribs, Brandy Clark, and many more!

The 15th anniversary lineup includes GRAMMY winning artists and a wealth of rising Americana music stars. Ricky Skaggs is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and is a 15-time GRAMMY winner.

GRAMMY winner Molly Tuttle was the first woman to win the International Bluegrass Music Awards Guitar Player of the Year (2017) and was named the IBMA Female Vocalist of the year in 2023. Multi-platinum Sara Evans earned the Academy of Country Music’s Top Female vocalist award along with multiple distinctions including the American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.

“This year we are celebrating 15 years of bringing people together with the power of music to highlight rural Montana and make a positive difference in the process. Our fans take pride in knowing that long after the final notes ring out in the pasture - they are creating positive ripple effects through the work and mission of the Red Ants Pants Foundation,” said Sarah Calhoun, Red Ants Pants Music Festival producer. “We’re thrilled to share a lineup that includes such an incredible mix of country music legends, artists at the top of their game, and a host of rising stars that you will not want to miss.”

As part of the 15th anniversary celebrations, the festival announced additional music, an extra night of camping, gates opening earlier than ever with free re-entry all weekend, plus a series of bonus features and campground activities for added fan participation. The festival will also be sharing 15 years of mission impact by hosting a panel discussion featuring grantee storytelling, as well as pre-festival workskills mini-workshops. 

Thanks to attendance at the festival, the Red Ants Pants Foundation has delivered more than $210,000 in community grants to more than 100 entities across Montana in support of its mission. 

2026 Red Ants Pants Music Festival Lineup

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Molly Tuttle

Sara Evans

Old 97’s

Shinyribs

Brandy Clark

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country

S.G. Goodman

Ken Pomeroy

Yeison Landero

Rose Betts

Grayson Capps

Thunderstorm Artis

Chris Pierce

Humbird

Olivia Wolf

North Fork Crossing

Tylor & the Train Robbers

Amanda Stewart

Plus 16 Side Stage Performances! Full Side Stage Lineup here.

Also including... Agriculture and Work Skill DemonstrationsLocal Food, Beer, Wine, Art and CraftsKids tent and activitiesBeard and Moustache and Crosscut Saw Competitions 

POSTER ARTWORK CONTEST WINNER

Festival posters feature artwork from festival fans and supporters. The winner of this year’s poster artwork contest is Liz Jones of Bozeman with her gorgeous piece, “First Notes After the Storm.” 

BOZEMAN – The City of Bozeman has launched a new podcast, the “Bozeman Beat,” to talk about important topics happening in the community and meet residents in a different format. Mayor Joey Morrison will host the first two seasons of the podcast, and the podcast will be released monthly.

“Just over half of adults living in the US listen to podcasts,” Mayor Morrison stated. “This is a format that people are increasingly using to learn something new, and we’re interested as a city in providing a space different from the Commission room to share our thoughts and learnings. We hope that residents tune in and let us know the topics they want us to discuss in further depth.”

The first few episodes start with discussions on topics the city is deeply involved in, such as the new Mayor’s term and housing in Bozeman. As the series progresses, Mayor Morrison will sit down with people across the community, talking both about things that the City is involved in and topics outside of City work that nonetheless touch the lives of residents.

The Bozeman Beat show is available for download on all podcast apps. Those with questions, ideas, or feedback can email the show at podcast@bozemanmt.gov.

BOZEMAN — Montana State University has once again earned national recognition for its outstanding community engagement efforts.

MSU is one of 277 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, a classification awarded by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The classification brings national recognition to MSU’s continued efforts to engage with external partners in all aspects of teaching, research and service to benefit all Montanans.

"It is an honor to be recognized for the community engagement work that is a core element of what we do at MSU,” said MSU President Brock Tessman. “The university exists for the benefit of all Montanans, and it is our constant goal to provide our community the support they have always afforded to us.”

MSU has earned the classification for three consecutive applications: 2010, 2020 and 2026.

To earn the classification, MSU submitted an extensive application describing the community engagement work spearheaded by the university. The application highlighted numerous university-community partnerships as examples of community engagement, said Kim Obbink, MSU’s director of Academic Technology and Outreach, who led a team that compiled the materials.

As a land-grant university, MSU has a three-part mission of excellence in teaching, research and outreach, Obbink said. In 2024, MSU invested more than $12 million to support community engagement efforts. Between 2021 and 2024, the MSU Alumni Foundation reported over $175 million in donations supporting community engagement and outreach, including donations to Montana PBS and Gallatin College MSU.

“Institutions seeking this classification must demonstrate growth since the previous classification, not only in the volume and quality of community-engaged partnerships but in the policies and practices that promote community engagement across all areas of the institution,” Obbink said. “MSU earning the classification for the third time shows our proven commitment as a land-grant institution working to positively impact all Montanans.”

Some of the specific university-community partnerships highlighted in the application include:

One Community in Health: a partnership of the nonprofit Smiles Across America and the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing. This interprofessional team of MSU nursing faculty, nursing students and dental hygienists provides screening, preventive treatment, specialty referral, education and case management for American Indian children living on Montana reservations.

MSU Science Day/Night: An annual event designed to increase access to STEM learning for local students and families that is upcoming on Feb. 5. MSU staff facilitated partnerships with local schools and faculty, staff and student presenters to offer a daytime hands-on session for hundreds of elementary school students and an evening session open to the broader community, fostering key campus-community connections.

Shakespeare in the Schools: Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, an outreach program of MSU, and Peak Academy, a local school, partnered with the College of Arts and Architecture to engage and enrich both rural and underserved communities with professional productions of Shakespeare plays and other classics and through educational outreach. The performances inspire creative expression and appreciation of the arts in young audiences.

MSU Snow and Avalanche Workshop: Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center, MSU Dean of Students and the Office of Student Engagement partnered to develop and deliver professional education opportunities for student and non-student recreationalists. The program aligns with MSU research on avalanche forecasting by designing research labs and educational programming to help individuals make informed decisions about risk.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at MSU: The city of Bozeman and OLLI at MSU work collaboratively with city leaders, businesses, community members and MSU faculty to plan and deliver educational opportunities for the growing population of adults age 50 and older in the local community, enabling them to better understand and engage with rapid growth and change in the area.

In addition to community partnerships, the application also included examples of community work that directly engages students, faculty and staff. The Bounty of the Bridgers Campus Food Pantry, which seeks to combat food waste and food insecurity affecting the MSU community, was highlighted as a project engaging students. The annual MSU Law Day, an event that brings the Montana Supreme Court to campus, was selected as an example that engages faculty and staff who help plan and prepare for the event.

Additionally, the application flagged MSU Extension and the Associated Students of MSU as major entities supporting community engagement with the university.

“This recognition from the Carnegie Foundation demonstrates the high caliber of work of our students, faculty and staff and the strong partnerships they cultivate across the state,” said MSU Provost Robert Mokwa. “We are proud of our commitment to growing our community engagement efforts over time as we provide important support and resources to our surrounding communities.”

“Applications in this cycle demonstrated how campuses nationwide are deepening partnerships, leveraging community assets and addressing urgent societal challenges —work your institution has advanced with clarity and distinction,” wrote Cammie Jones-Friedrichs, director of the Carnegie Elective Classification for Community Engagement, in a letter announcing the award.

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching is an independent policy and research center working to improve education throughout the U.S. It is considered one of the nation's most prestigious think tanks on higher education.

According to the Carnegie Foundation, the purpose of community engagement is to partner the knowledge and resources of colleges, universities and the public and private sectors to enrich scholarship, research and creative activity; enhance teaching and learning; prepare educated, engaged citizens; strengthen democratic values and civic responsibility; address critical societal issues; and contribute to the public good.

MSU is one of two Montana higher-education institutions that hold the classification. Additionally, in 2025, MSU received Carnegie’s R1 research designation, indicating a very high level of research activity, and is one of only four institutions to hold that research designation along with a “very high undergraduate” enrollment profile.

To learn more, visit www.carnegiefoundation.org.

HELENA — The Montana Outfitters and Guides Association (MOGA) announced today a new technology pilot designed to support Montana outfitters by modernizing core business operations while preserving the independence, tradition, and local ownership that define the state’s outdoor recreation economy.

Through a partnership with Mallard Bay, an outdoor technology company focused on outfitter and guide operations, participating outfitters will gain access to modern digital booking and business tools tailored specifically for guided outdoor experiences. The pilot is intended to give Montana outfitters a competitive edge in an evolving travel marketplace while keeping control, relationships, and decision-making firmly in local hands.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mallard Bay to bring our members the latest in outfitter technology,” said Will Israel, Executive Director of MOGA. “Montana’s outfitters carry on a proud tradition, and this partnership gives them a modern edge. It’s a win-win that enhances our members’ success and the experiences they offer to the public.”

Supporting a $545 Million Pillar of Montana’s Tourism Economy

According to the University of Montana Institute for Tourism & Recreation Research, nonresident visitors spend more than $545 million annually on outfitters and guides in Montana, making guided outdoor recreation a cornerstone of the state’s tourism economy and a critical driver of rural jobs and local businesses.

Despite its importance, much of the outfitting industry continues to rely on manual systems such as phone calls, mailed checks, handwritten calendars, and word-of-mouth referrals. As consumer expectations shift toward seamless online planning and booking, these traditional systems can limit growth and create unnecessary friction for both outfitters and customers.

“This partnership represents a meaningful step forward for an industry that has long operated offline,” said Logan Meaux, CEO and Co-Founder of Mallard Bay. “It is modern infrastructure for small, rural businesses that keeps ownership and decision-making local.”

Meeting the Moment in the Experience Economy

The pilot launches at a time when demand for outdoor experiences is accelerating.

Millennials and Gen X are expected to inherit approximately $84 trillion by 2045, with as much as $16 trillion transferring in the next decade, according to Visual Capitalist.

Research consistently shows these generations prioritize travel, outdoor recreation, and immersive experiences over material goods.

Travelers increasingly expect transparent, easy online booking, even for remote, guided outdoor trips.

“Montana has a rich outfitting heritage, and we’re excited to support that community through this partnership,” Meaux said. “Mallard Bay’s mission is to conserve rich outdoor traditions by connecting outfitters and sportsmen and women. By working with MOGA, we can empower more guides to expand their client base, operate more efficiently, and ultimately deliver unforgettable outdoor experiences to multiple generations.”

Built to Support Montana Outfitters

The technology is designed to support, not supplant, outfitters.

Outfitters retain ownership of their clients and data

Pricing, availability, and business rules remain under outfitter control

Each business maintains its brand, story, and customer relationships

Beyond improving customer experience, the pilot is expected to strengthen long-term economic resilience in rural communities by lowering barriers for next-generation outfitters, supporting succession planning, and helping Montana businesses remain competitive while staying true to their roots.

“Technology cannot glass a ridge or read a river,” Israel said. “But it can help ensure the business side of outfitting keeps pace with how people plan and book their trips today.”

Montana Leading with Tradition and Innovation

Rather than reacting to outside platforms, Montana outfitters are helping shape a modernization approach grounded in local values, industry leadership, and respect for the traditions that make the state’s outdoor economy unique.

“This is about strengthening what already works in Montana,” Israel said. “We are honoring our heritage while giving outfitters the tools they need to succeed for the next generation.”

MOGA members will be introduced to the platform at the Winter Convention in Butte January 30–February 1, 2026. The pilot will begin in 2026 with a limited group of MOGA members and is expected to expand following the association’s annual convention in late January, with the goal of strengthening Montana’s outfitting economy and serving as a model for other states.

About Mallard Bay

Mallard Bay provides business management tools for guides, outfitters, and lodges nationwide. The platform has supported more than $30 million in bookings over the last two seasons and is used by hundreds of outfitters to manage their operations. Built by a team with firsthand experience in the outfitting industry, Mallard Bay is committed to supporting independent operators and the long-term health of the outdoor recreation economy.

Contest celebrates 50th anniversary of Bannack State Park’s signature event