HELENA – The Joint State-Federal Board of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust is seeking proposals for qualified organizations to serve as its next trust manager.

This position is critical to the long-term stewardship of a permanent public trust established under the Canyon Ferry Act, with more than $32 million in assets dedicated to land conservation, habitat restoration, and public access enhancement across Montana.

The Joint State-Federal Board of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust was established by the U.S. Congress in 1998, funded by proceeds from the sale of cabin sites on Canyon Ferry Reservoir that had previously been leased from the federal government. The agencies represented on the Trust are the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.                                                                                                                                

The trust manager will oversee investment management, disbursement administration, and a range of administrative functions. The request for proposals (RFP) period is open through March 2. Proposals must demonstrate strong fiduciary experience, investment expertise, and a commitment to conservation values.

Interested organizations can request the full RFP or submit questions by contacting board member Tom Darrington at tdarrington@blm.gov. For more information on the RFP, visit the trust website.

BIG SKY — Rivian and Big Sky Resort are partnering to redefine electric adventure and mountain operations. Beginning January 16, Rivian will provide a guest shuttle fleet of R1S and R1T vehicles, alongside daily demo drives and après events throughout winter. As the Official Vehicle Partner of Big Sky Resort, Rivian’s presence supports Big Sky’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2030.

"For the last decade, we've been committed to bridging mountain innovation and sustainability at Big Sky—ultimately to enhance experiences for our guests," said Troy Nedved, president and COO of Big Sky Resort. "From state-of-the-art lift systems to solar arrays on team member housing to reclaimed water for snowmaking, each initiative drives energy and resource efficiency to help protect where we work and play.

Big Sky Resort has established itself as a leader in lift technology, operating one of North America's most advanced lift networks. The resort's investment in modern lift infrastructure has increased energy efficiency while dramatically improving the guest experience and mountain access for both winter and summer.

"We believe one of the best ways to understand Rivian is to experience it through a real adventure," said Denise Cherry, VP of Marketing Experiences at Rivian. “Partnering with Big Sky allows us to weave our vehicles into the fabric of the guest experience, showcasing how Rivians enable the ultimate mountain excursion.”

Rivian designs adventure-ready SUVs and trucks built to excel on any terrain. The company’s award-winning vehicles feature specialized Drive Modes that optimize performance at the touch of a button—including Snow Mode, designed to help drivers navigate winter conditions with total confidence.

"This partnership with Rivian aligns perfectly with our brand values and allows us to learn from another industry leader focused on guest experience, innovation, and sustainability," said Nedved. "By bringing Rivian's cutting-edge electric vehicles to our mountain, we're not only reducing emissions but also giving our guests hands-on experience with the future of adventure transportation. It's about showing what's possible when you refuse to compromise between performance and environmental responsibility."

This partnership pioneers how cutting-edge technology and mountain destinations can converge to elevate the guest experience. By embedding Rivian's electric vehicles throughout the resort, the collaboration explores new possibilities for high-performance mobility in alpine environments while transforming how visitors navigate the mountain. Guests visiting Big Sky Resort this winter will have the opportunity to experience Rivian's electric vehicles firsthand while enjoying world-class skiing and mountain hospitality. To learn more about how to experience a Rivian while at Big Sky, please visit bigskyresort.com/partners/rivian.

Flags are far more than mere pieces of fabric; they are profound symbols that encapsulate a nation's history, core values, and identity. The American flag, with its distinctive pattern of stripes and stars, serves as a powerful visual narrative, instantly recognizable globally as a symbol of the United States.

Its design elements were carefully chosen to represent the sacrifices made and the aspirations held by the founders. Each component—the colors, the arrangement, and the number of stars and stripes—tells a story of unity, growth, and enduring principles across centuries of evolution.

Understanding the complexity of this emblem requires appreciating both its symbolic significance and its physical craftsmanship, which dictates how the banner endures over time and across different environments. The history, symbolism, and quality variations found in American flags collectively tell a comprehensive story of nationhood.

The Meaning Behind Colors and Symbols

Every element of the American flag's design is rich with intentional meaning that conveys the nation’s core values. The thirteen alternating red and white stripes represent the original thirteen colonies that united to form the independent nation.

The colors themselves hold symbolic weight: Red signifies hardiness and valor, reminding citizens of the courage required to achieve and maintain freedom. White symbolizes purity and innocence, reflecting the nation's foundational ideals. Blue, reserved for the canton (the field of stars), represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

The fifty white stars, arranged in nine staggered horizontal rows, symbolize the fifty states of the Union. Each star is equal in size and placement, reflecting the constitutional principle of equality among the states, regardless of population or size.

Variations in Materials and Construction

The quality and construction of a flag are determined by its intended use, leading to significant variations in materials. Flags intended for indoor display or ceremonial use, for example, are often made from richly embroidered rayon or silk, prized for their luxurious drape and sharp visual details.

Outdoor flags, conversely, prioritize durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. They are typically made from sturdy synthetic materials like heavyweight nylon or polyester, which are designed to withstand sun exposure (UV resistance), heavy wind, and rain without fading or tearing quickly.

Construction quality is visible in the stitching. High-quality outdoor flags feature reinforced stitching along the fly end (the part most prone to whipping and fraying), often using heavy-duty thread and multiple rows of locking stitches to maximize lifespan against the elements.

Historical Changes in Flag Design

The design of the American flag is a dynamic visual record of the country's expansion and evolution. Since the adoption of the first official flag in 1777, the design has been modified 27 times, with each alteration reflecting the admission of new states into the Union.

The most constant elements have been the colors and the original thirteen stripes. The primary change has always centered on the blue canton and the configuration and number of stars, which are updated to correspond with the current number of states.

The longest-standing iteration is the current 50-star flag, adopted on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state in 1959. These historical changes serve as tangible markers of national growth and unity across more than two centuries.

Indoor vs Outdoor Display Considerations

The environment in which a flag is displayed dictates specific design and material choices to optimize its appearance and longevity. Indoor ceremonial flags typically require a sleeve and a fringe, designed for mounting on a staff with finials and displaying a dignified, static presentation.

Outdoor flags must be built for continuous motion and strain. They are usually finished with a strong header and brass grommets, which securely attach the flag to a flagpole via ropes and snaps, ensuring it can be quickly lowered or raised.

Furthermore, proper outdoor display requires consideration of scale; flags are sized proportionally to the height of the pole they fly on. This tailoring ensures both visual impact and structural integrity, preventing a large flag from being damaged on a pole too small to withstand the tension.

Why Design Still Matters Today

The meticulous design and detail of the flag remain relevant because they provide a universal shorthand for national identity and adherence to protocol. The specific arrangement, known as the "Union," reinforces the idea of strength through collective unity among the states.

Respect for the flag, often codified in flag codes, emphasizes the importance of preserving the design's integrity, ensuring that the symbol continues to convey its intended meaning without degradation. This respect underscores its status as the nation's foremost symbol.

Whether seen flying over a civic building, carried in a parade, or displayed in a classroom, the flag continues to communicate the fundamental principles of the nation—history, unity, and shared values—making its design details essential to its power and legacy.

Livingston will host its first ever Restaurant Week from January 19 through January 25, inviting locals and visitors to celebrate the community’s food scene while supporting neighbors in need. The event brings together restaurants across Park County to feature special dishes and drinks, with a portion of the sales from featured dishes benefiting the Livingston Food Resource Center (LFRC).


Community participation is especially important this year as more Park County households face growing economic strain. Rising food and housing costs, combined with cuts to programs such as SNAP, TEFAP, and Medicaid, have made it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet. 

Restaurant Week offers a simple way to make an impact. Diners can enjoy a featured dish or drink while directly supporting LFRC’s mission of providing food and resources to those in need. Organizers aim to raise $10,000 and establish Restaurant Week as an annual tradition that strengthens community ties, supports local businesses, and helps address food insecurity.

The week begins with a Preview Night on Saturday, January 17 from 5 to 9 pm at 2nd Street Bistro. The Bistro will be matching donations from the sale of French Onion Soup, Moules, Steak au Poivre, and the Bistro Old Fashioned #7 to jump start the week of fundraising.

The official kickoff party follows on Monday, January 19, from 5 to 7 pm at The Murray Bar, bringing together community members, local chefs, and representatives from LFRC to celebrate the start of the week.

From January 19 through January 25, 20 restaurants, bars, and coffee shops throughout Park County will feature special dishes and drinks as part of Restaurant Week.

Restaurant Week concludes on Sunday, January 25 with a Wrap Party from 7 to 9 pm at The Attic. The event is free and honors Livingston’s service industry staff, with music by DJ Prince Carls. Donations collected at the door will support LFRC directly.

Details about each restaurant’s featured dish will be shared throughout the week on Instagram and Facebook at @smallplatehospitality.

Livingston Restaurant Week is produced by Small Plate Hospitality and supported by a grant from Explore Livingston's Tourism Business Improvement District. Sponsors include M Design Group, Chloe Nostrant Photography, Big Sky Eats, Bozeman Magazine, and Livingston’s Ace Hardware.

Community members who want to learn more or get involved can contact hello@smallplatehospitality.com. Donations to the Livingston Food Resource Center can also be made directly online at smallplatehospitality.com/livingstonrestaurantweek.

Many states in the Northeast, Midwest, and Rocky Mountain regions deal with extremely harsh winters. The cold temperatures are one thing, but limited transportation due to snow and ice can exacerbate the season's frustrations. Plus, we experience the shortest days and the longest nights of the year during the winter, affecting our mental health. 

When December arrives in much of the United States, many homeowners begin to dread the weather ahead. Ice dams, snow buildup on roofs, higher heating bills, and cars that won’t start are just a few of the challenges that may lie ahead. 

Dealing with the challenges of winter begins with preparation. Even if you are already in the midst of constant snowfall, you can still take steps to mitigate some of the harshest features of winter. Let’s look at some strategies to prepare yourself and your property for an intense winter season. 

Clean Out Your Gutters

One of the leading causes of water damage in a home is clogged gutters. When rain and meltwater cannot drain from your roof, they can seep into the gaps between shingles, damaging the building's structure. If your gutters are clogged with leaves and debris before snow begins to accumulate, the risk of water damage when the snow melts is even higher. Try to get this done before the coldest months start. Clear away some of the ice and snow if there are a few opportunities throughout the winter. 

Test for Drafts

Drafts in your home indicate insulation gaps, often near windows and doors. These gaps allow cold air in and warm air out, making your heating unit work harder and increasing your energy costs. Before it gets too cold, try to test the windows and doors for drafts around the edges. Holding a candle to see whether the flame flickers or the smoke moves is a simple way to spot a draft. You can also wet your hand and hold it near the edge, or invest in an infrared scanner. If you discover a draft, you can try weather-stripping or buy a door draft stopper. 

Upgrade your Snow Removal Tools

Winters are notorious for being harsh on snow removal tools. Shovels can crack and get rusty after a couple of seasons. Snowblowers may need ongoing maintenance. Depending on your age or physical capabilities, clearing your driveway may be dangerous to your health. Investing in the right snow removal tools can give you the freedom to clear the driveway efficiently and escape the house. A quick-attach tractor snow plow, for example, can be stored in the garage and make quick work of a fully snowed-in driveway. 

Clean Out Filters, Vents, and Ducts

The heating system in your home will work harder for the next few months. You don’t want any obstacles that would strain the machine further to keep the house comfortable. Check whether your furnace needs a filter change, as a buildup of debris reduces the appliance’s efficiency. Do a quick scan of the ducts and vents that distribute heat to check for excessive dust and debris. Vacuuming out these clogged areas could stretch the lifetime of your heating element. 

Get Out of the House

Long winters can cause serious depression, especially if you are stranded at home for long periods. Many people choose to hunker down through these dark months, but that is not a recipe for good mental health. Sometimes, you need to get out of the house and break up the routine. Some ideas for navigating a harsh winter include visiting the library to read, attending a concert, planning a game night, or trying a winter sport like skiing. Instead of hiding from winter, face it head-on by getting out of the house for some adventure. 

Allow a Trickle of Water

Frozen pipes can cause thousands of dollars of damage if they burst. The last thing you want is for a pipe to freeze and burst in a less visible area, where water can spread before you notice it. One way to prevent frozen pipes is to let a trickle of water run in your home. Leaving some faucets to drip slowly helps keep water moving through the pipes, reducing the risk of ice buildup. You should also take steps to insulate exposed pipes, especially if they are in naturally colder areas like a crawlspace or unfinished basement. 

Layer Up

We will end with the most important possession you have: your body. Taking care of your body when the temperatures drop is crucial. The freezing environment can be dangerous, especially if you are not properly clothed. Wearing multiple layers in cold months is one of the most important winter safety strategies. It can mean the difference between getting frostbite or pneumonia and staying healthy. Even if you lose some mobility or look slightly puffier than usual, the extra clothes are worth it if you can prevent dangerous health conditions caused by the elements. 

Conclusion: Preparation Makes Harsh Winters Simpler

We cannot prevent cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, but we can prepare for them. It is crucial to prepare yourself and your home for extreme weather. Whether that means cleaning your gutters, insulating your home, or investing in better snow-removal equipment, you can make the future you much happier by doing the work now. 

Even during these darker months, you can still find joy in the unique beauty that can be experienced in the winter. Don’t forget to leave the house and try something new to prioritize your mental health.