Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks released a map today indicating the streams in southwest Montana that have tested positive to date for the presence of Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae (PKX). PKX is the parasite associated with the large fish kill in 2016 on the Yellowstone River.

The Big Hole River is the latest Montana waterbody to test positive for the presence of PKX. Other rivers already found to test positive include the Jefferson, Madison, East Gallatin, Gallatin, Yellowstone, Shields (at the Yellowstone), Boulder, Stillwater, and Big Horn. Of these rivers, only on the Yellowstone River has there been a documented disease event associated with PKX. Several Yellowstone tributaries (as noted on the map with white circles) were also tested and the parasite was not detected.

“The presence of the parasite alone doesn’t mean disease,” says FWP Fisheries Chief Eileen Ryce. “However, this map gives us a better handle on the extent of its distribution and reinforces the need to ramp up our fight against aquatic invasive species statewide.”

Recent aquatic invasive species findings in Montana include PKX and invasive mussel larvae in late fall of 2016. Ryce emphasized the need for Montana boaters and other recreationists to always employ the Clean. Drain. Dry. protocol to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

When the Redneck Robotics team from Sun River turned their robot loose in Montana State University’s Shroyer Gym on Friday, it homed in on blue lights lining the playing field’s edge, deftly extended an arm and hit a button, racking up points right away.
 
"That was amazing," said Douglas MacLeod, a volunteer at the event, called the FIRST Tech Challenge. "They pre-programmed all of that."
 
MacLeod, a freshman majoring in computer engineering at MSU’s College of Engineering, which hosted the event, helped tally points as the robots scooped up grapefruit-sized balls and launched them through color-coded hoops.
 
"Endgame! Endgame!" the emcee announced, signaling that the teams had 30 seconds to crane bigger exercise balls into the hoops.
 
"The competitions are fun and exciting," MacLeod said. "You get to show off your computer programming and the hardware that you've made."
 
For MacLeod, volunteering at the event completed a circle that began when he participated in FIRST while a high school student in Belgrade.
 
"I like to build things and make them come to life, and FIRST was my introduction to that," MacLeod said. "It's what really got me into computer programming, which is what I love to do now."
 
MacLeod's story is one that electrical and computer engineering department head Rob Maher hears often. He estimated that hundreds of FIRST alumni have ended up in MSU’s engineering programs.
 
"I think there are a number of them who wouldn't have otherwise realized that this is something that they really love," he said.
 
FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a Manchester, New Hampshire-based non-profit organization designed to inspire young people's interest and participation in science and technology. After months of preparation, students around the world participate in robotics competitions like the one that took place at MSU on Friday and will continue on Saturday.

 
According to Maher, who has volunteered as a FIRST judge since MSU began hosting the event a decade ago, FIRST has helped fill a gap in K-12 education. "Until recently, there really wasn't much awareness of what engineering is about," he said.
 
"If you ask students who are interested in science and math what they want to be when they grow up, they might say 'scientist,'" he said. "Unless they have an engineer in the family, it's kind of a hidden profession."
 
MSU’s FIRST competitions draw teams from across the state, including from rural towns such as Fort Benton, Nashua and Sun River, whose team won a world championship in 2015 at the FIRST Tech Challenge, in which students grades 7-12 compete using complex robots that they have designed and built.
 
Haley Ketteler of Pierre, South Dakota, came to MSU to major in mechanical engineering after participating in FIRST throughout middle and high school. "I didn't even know what an engineer was before FIRST," she said.
 
Maggie Kerr of Helena High School, wearing a red cape emblazoned with her team’s name, "Fusion," plans to study computer science at MSU starting this fall. "I really like the comradery," she said of FIRST. "It’s been a great opportunity to see the (MSU) campus," she added.
 
MSU freshman and computer science major Jordan Pottruff signed up to volunteer at Saturday’s FIRST Lego League event, in which students grades 4-8 build and program animal-themed robots made from Lego kits, and compete by performing "missions" on pool table-sized playing fields. He reflected on the similarity between his computer science studies and his experiences in FIRST Lego League in Great Falls.

 
"You have to program the robot," he said. "You have to tell it how far to go, when to turn, how far to turn. It's basically the same thing that I'm doing now" as a computer science student, he said.
 
For Dorcella Plain Bull, a FIRST coach and 4th grade teacher in Wyola, attending FIRST during the past three years has provided a way for her students to connect with fellow Crow tribal members who are studying engineering at MSU.
 
"They started talking to them about what they need to do to get into the (MSU engineering) program, about what they're doing, about the different types of engineering." The response from her young students was positive, she said. "They were like, 'we can do that too.'"
 
Maher, who advises other judges, tries hard to create a positive atmosphere at the event. "This is a competition, but a lot of what we do is encouragement, to celebrate the effort that the students have put in," he said.
 
"It's very upbeat," he added. "Having bleachers full of parents and friends cheering over a robot competition, as if it were a basketball game, it’s really unique."
 
MacLeod can relate. He remembered when his team came to MSU for FIRST, and his team’s robot was stumbling from a malfunction. A volunteer approached and helped them solve the problem.
 
"I wanted to be that person this year," he said. "I can't do the competition anymore, but I wanted to be right up front and watch the robots, and to help out."

 Montana State University has been ranked No. 1 on a list of the 30 best colleges in the nation for outdoor sports and recreation. MSU was the only institution in Montana to make the list.

The rankings were made by LendEDU, which ranked the colleges based on:

Proximity to excellent off-campus outdoor experiences
Frequent weather suitable for enjoying the outdoors
Notable natural beauty on campus
School-sponsored outdoors activities like clubs, teams and equipment rental programs
Opportunities for academic work in the natural world

“There aren’t many other colleges that are so immersed in fantastic natural surroundings,” LendEDU noted in its accompanying write-up about MSU. “With world-class skiing a mere stone’s throw away and rich farmland all around the campus, MSU has much to offer to nature lovers.”

LendEDU also noted that Bozeman is located just 90 miles north of Yellowstone National Park, while Glacier and Grand Teton national parks are also accessible for backpacking, camping and whitewater activities. In addition, LendEDU wrote that MSU organizes trips for students and offers equipment rentals, and it has a number of student clubs devoted to sports ranging from ultimate Frisbee to alpine skiing.

“Many students with an itch for the outdoors think MSU is an ideal place to study and enjoy nature,” LendEDU concluded.

LendEDU was founded in 2014 as a marketplace for student loans, student loan refinancing, credit cards and personal loans, among other financial products. LendEDU has also created original guides, tools and resources designed to help students and graduates make tough financial decisions. It has been featured or mentioned on a variety of websites, including TechCrunch, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Bloomberg, CBS News, Fox News, Business Insider, Forbes and Huffington Post.

The Montana Heritage Center project, the renovation and expansion of the Montana Historical Society, is included in HB 14, Jobs for Montana, sponsored by Rep. Jim Keane, D-Butte. A hearing is scheduled on this specific project on Friday January 27, 8:30am in Room 317B (the old Law Library).  

This is when we need your strong support!  

If it is possible for you to attend the hearing and testify in support of the project, that would be very important.Two years ago we had nearly 75 folks from across Montana show up to speak in support and it was quite powerful. In addition,  we would appreciate you communicating with your legislator and/or the Long-Range Planning Subcommittee or legislative leadership. Although we would really like your attendance, if you are unable to attend please send a letter or email of support to my attention so that it may be read during the hearing. Include your name and address.    

 
HB 14, Jobs for Montana
Sponsor:  Rep. Jim Keane, D-Butte
Included in bonding program, Montana Heritage Center
Friday January 27, 2017
Room 317B, Capitol
 
Here's a short video about the project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jHJRmv9n7E&feature=youtu.be
 
Here's a link to find your legislator:
http://leg.mt.gov/css/find%20a%20legislator.asp
 
Here's a link to contact your legislator:
http://leg.mt.gov/css/About-the-Legislature/Lawmaking-Process/contact-legislators.asp
 

free youtube downloader

Long-Range Planning Subcommittee:
Rep. MIKE CUFFE (R)-Chair   406 293-1247   Mike.Cuffe@mt.gov
Rep. MIKE HOPKINS (R)         406 531-1775   Mikeformontana@gmail.com
Rep. RAE PEPPERS (D)          406 697-2565   Rep.Rae.Peppers@mt.gov
Sen. JON SESSO (D)             406 490-7405   Sen.Jon.Sesso@mt.gov
Sen. CARY L SMITH (R)--Vice Chair  406 698-9307  Sen.Cary.Smith@mt.gov
Sen. JEFFREY 'JEFF' WELBORN (R)   406 949-6070  jeffwelborn@hotmail.com
General number to leave a message for a legislator  406 444-4800
 
Senate President, Sen. Scott Sales, 406 579-7994  Sen.Scott.Sales@mt.gov
 
Speaker of the House, Austin Knudsen,  406 539-4268  austinforhouse@yahoo.com

Montana Ballet Company (MBC), under the direction of Elizabeth DeFanti, announces the Bozeman premiere of Winthrop Corey’s original Snow White on Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26 at the Willson Auditorium. This production is generously underwritten by: Tim and Mary Barnard, the Gilhousen Family Foundation, the Montana Arts Council’s Public Value Partnership, and the Steinmuller Family Charitable Fund.

Montana Ballet Company is thrilled to welcome Winthrop Corey, world renowned master choreographer and teacher, and former principal dancer with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and National Ballet of Canada. Mr. Corey will collaborate with MBC to produce his original, full length Snow White for the very first time in Bozeman. Snow White has received critical acclaim and has been performed by numerous ballet companies across the country. Mr. Corey’s Snow White is an enchanting treat for the entire family and will feature not only his exquisite choreography, but also his fine, hand crafted costumes.

As a special highlight, joining our own MBC dancers will be guest artist Victoria Barker in the leading role. Bozeman audiences will recognize Ms. Barker who recently danced the coveted role of Clara in MBC’s 33rd Annual Nutcracker. The talented Raul Peinado will perform the role of the Prince.

MBC’s Music Director, Stefan Stern, will lead an outstanding orchestra of esteemed local musicians who will play the beautiful Snow White score.

For Snow White tickets contact the Montana Ballet Company at 406.582.8702 or online at www.montanaballet.org All seating is reserved. Ticket prices range from $15 – $55. There will be a $2.00 service fee added for “day of show” sales.

The Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission on Professional Credentialing has notified four members of the Bozeman Fire Department of their confirmation for the prestigious Fire Officer Designation. The successful members are

Captain Chris Dubay
Captain Matt Norby
Battalion Chief Jason Kolman
Battalion Chief Mark Criner

The Fire Officer Designation is awarded to fire service professionals who have shown competency and knowledge in their education, experience, professional development, technical competencies, contributions to the profession, and community involvement during their career. As of today there are only 372 Fire Officers Designations worldwide and only 12 in the State of Montana of which 9 are members of the Bozeman Fire Department. The awarded members must continue to work to further their knowledge, experience, and involvement over the next three years as the Fire Officer Designation has a three year renewal process that ensures fire service professionals are continue to grow and contribute in their career.

The Center for Public Safety Excellence Commission on Professional Credentialing has also notified Deputy Fire Chief Trisha Wolford of her confirmation for the prestigious Chief Fire Officer Designation. As of today there are only 1,213 Chief Fire Officers Designations worldwide and only 3 in the State of Montana of which 2 are members of the Bozeman Fire Department. Similar to the Fire Officer Designation the Chief Fire Officer Designation requires members to continue to work to further their knowledge, experience, and involvement over the next three years as the Fire Officer Designation has a three year renewal process that ensures fire service professionals are continue to grow and contribute in their career.

Chief Josh Waldo states “I am extremely proud of these members who have worked to show they meet the international standards required to obtain this third party credential which is one of the elite accomplishments for fire service professionals. Third party credentials are an important piece in the validation process of the professional development of these members. It is truly astonishing what the members of the BFD are doing in terms of leading and set the bar in the State”.

All of these members will be recognized Monday night January 23rd at the City Commission meeting and formally recognized by the Center for Public Safety Excellence March 22nd in Anaheim, California at the CPSE annual award banquet. The banquet is held in conjunction with the CPSE Excellence conference.

For additional information you may contact Fire Chief Josh Waldo @ 582-2351 or visit the CPSE website at www.cpse.org

A new planetarium show created at Montana State University aims to bring a dynamic and multidimensional experience of Einstein’s theory of gravity and last year’s discovery of gravitational waves to the public.

The production, “Einstein’s Gravity Playlist,” will be shown three times a day in the Taylor Planetarium at MSU’s Museum of the Rockies from Jan. 14 to Feb. 24, and daily from Feb. 25 to May 26. It will also be offered to planetariums worldwide, with future showings already set for Seattle, Texas and Germany.

Two years in the making, the 23-minute show is a collaboration between MSU’s School of Film and Photography and School of Music in the College of Arts and Architecture, Taylor Planetarium and the eXtreme Gravity Institute. Work began on the show before the announcement of the first detection of gravitational waves in February 2016, a discovery in which the eXtreme Gravity Institute played a crucial role.                                                                             

“The show tells the story of Einstein’s theory of gravity, the story of gravitational waves and the big news related to their discovery,” said Nicolas Yunes, associate professor in the MSU Department of Physics in the College of Letters and Science and co-founder of MSU’s eXtreme Gravity Institute.

The institute was established in 2016 with the goal of deepening Montana’s involvement in extreme gravity research, education and public outreach, Yunes said.

“The show is a perfect example of what the eXtreme Gravity Institute is all about,” he said.

During the show, Yunes said, audiences will see what it looks like when black holes collide and neutron stars merge.

“They’ll also see stars exploding in supernova, an explanation of Einstein’s theory of gravity and the experiments performed to prove that the theory is correct,” he said. “And, they’ll experience the vibrations of space and time accompanied by a really cool soundtrack.”

Yunes said the idea for a planetarium show grew from two outreach events he organized at MSU: “Celebrating Einstein” in 2013 and “Rhythms of the Universe: Words and Worlds in Motion” in 2014. Both events combined science and the arts to capture the attention of the public while demonstrating the artistry and wonder that can be found in science.

“I thought it would be interesting and challenging to create a planetarium show, but I didn’t have the expertise to do so,” he said. “Fortunately, MSU is full of highly talented and enthusiastic collaborators who could join me in this endeavor.”

Theo Lipfert, director of MSU’s School of Film and Photography, directed the film, saying it was a “huge creative and technical challenge.”

“We were making visible a science that can’t be seen,” he said.

Lipfert worked with a team of 15 MSU students, staff and alumni, including graduates of MSU’s Science and Natural History Filmmaking program who work as filmmakers at NASA’s Goddard Space Center.

“We used every tool we could think of to tell this incredible story: 360-degree cinematography, live action, and 3-D animation,” Lipfert said. “The combination of those images with amazing music and sound helped us communicate the beauty of this science.”

Jason Bolte, assistant professor in MSU’s School of Music, worked with Music Technology program graduates Luke Scheeler and Jaimie Hensley to compose and realize the show’s musical soundtrack.

“We wanted the show to appeal to middle- and high-school students,” Bolte said. “So, we tapped two young composers to interpret this story musically. The score combines the actual sounds of gravitational waves with our electronic compositions.”

Eric Loberg, director of the Taylor Planetarium, oversaw the technical production, using his expertise to address the technical challenges of creating a planetarium show.

“Eric has a deep understanding of how to use this technology to put compelling content on the ‘dome,’” Lipfert said.

During the show, Alisa Amador, who plays the role of “Lucia,” a doctoral student in extreme gravitational physics, leads the audience through an exploration of how gravitational waves are formed, how they move through the universe and how scientists, like herself, work to hear them.

The planetarium team developed the script with the goal of breaking down the complicated science, making it more understandable for a wide audience. Yunes said he expects viewers will take away different things from the show.

“Some will get science out of it, some will get a better understanding of what gravitational waves are and how important they are,” he said. “Some will figure out why we do the science that we do and the many benefits that science has to society.”

Production of “Einstein’s Gravity Playlist” was funded by NASA’s Montana Space Grant Consortium, the American Physical Society, the Montana State University Office of the President, Office of the Provost, Office of Research and Development, the College of Letters and Science and the Department of Physics.

For show times and more information about “Einstein’s Gravity Playlist,” go to: https://museumoftherockies.org/taylor-planetarium/current-shows-and-showtimes/

In light of recent events both here in Bozeman and Whitefish, as well as other parts of our state and nation, Mayor Carson Taylor would like to release the following statement:

“The City of Bozeman is a successful and growing community. We thrive, in part, because we welcome all people to live and participate in our community life. We believe that our success is connected to the ability of our diverse population to work together with mutual respect for our differences and appreciation for what we share in common.

The people of Bozeman stand together in opposition to any person or group that attempts to intimidate or otherwise curtail the rights of all to practice their faith and to exercise all of their rights in peace.”

                                                                                                                    Photo KBZK

As a creative urban dweller and bike racing, mountain explorer, Ellie Thompson’s designs are influenced by worlds both natural and modern. Comprised of sterling silver belt buckles, and fine jewelry in multicolor gemstones and precious metals, Thompson’s latest collection, American West, is an organic exploration of the balance between soft and strong, fierce and finessed, wild and precious. A departure from the geometric and linear designs of her urban inspired works, the natural motifs combine with a sense of magical realism to create a complex show of form, space and movement.  Feminine curves play against the edges of sharp, aggressive details. The designs are at once familiar and other worldly.

"The spirit of the American West is fierce and finessed. And the collector who epitomizes this idea, creates a personal style that shows strength and a sense of adventure”, says Thompson.

The Double Bison sterling silver belt buckle made its debut in the 2016 C.M. Russell Museum Exhibit and Auction in Great Falls, Montana. Her Wild Roses sterling silver belt buckle won an award at The Western Design Conference in Jackson, Wyoming and will be featured in the 2017 C.M. Russell Museum Exhibit and Auction.

Thompson has won numerous awards for her innovative use of rare colored gemstones and precious metals. She has earned the prestigious Spectrum Award three times and the American Vision Award twice as well as accolades from World Gold Council and Platinum Guild International.  In 2000, she was awarded First Prize in the American Jewelry Design Council's New Talent Competition, an award that launched her into the national spotlight

Her work is available through selected galleries and stores across the country including Creighton Block in Big Sky, Montana, Atomic 79 in Dillon, Montana, Rare Gallery in Jackson, Wyoming and Eat Gallery in Maysville, Kentucky. The collections can be viewed at www.ellieco.com.