It has been the Gallatin Empire Lions Club's greatest pleasure to provide the Gallatin Valley, the surrounding area, and its visitors with the largest Fourth of July fireworks display in the west. Due to the demands of this project, the Gallatin Empire Lions Club is unable to continue the fireworks show as we move on to other projects. We thank our major donors for their unwavering support over the past 25 years and truly appreciate all the community support. It was a good run!

GOLDEN, Colo. (Jun. 17, 2020) – Today, the Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act 73-25 in a strong show of bipartisan support for public lands. The Great American Outdoors Act will guarantee full funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and fund long-deferred maintenance of our nation’s national forests, trails, and other public lands - and would give the Continental Divide Trail (CDT) a chance to be completed in the coming years.

LWCF funding was used in 2017 to conserve property along New Mexico’s Alamocita Creek to create a public corridor for the CDT. “For more than 50 years, LWCF has been a crucial tool in protecting our public lands and waters,” said Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition. “Full funding of LWCF means more places to play, more protection for parks and trails, and more investment in tourist communities hit hard by COVID-19. Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act into law would be a great victory for public lands, and we’re grateful to the bipartisan group of Senators from CDT states – Senators Heinrich and Udall of New Mexico, Senators Bennet and Gardner of Colorado, and Senators Daines and Tester of Montana – who led the bill to Senate passage.”

Westerners have long called for the need for full, dedicated funding for LWCF and for a solution to a growing backlog of maintenance in national parks and forests. In a 2019 survey of small business owners in towns along the Continental Divide Trail, 98% of them supported full, dedicated funding of LWCF. In March, President Trump made a seemingly abrupt about-face after years of proposing drastic cuts to LWCF to join these calls of support. His endorsement of the Great American Outdoors Act and broad support for the bill among House members makes final passage more likely, but in 2020 it seems there are no guarantees.

“We are thrilled that the Great American Outdoors Act has passed through the Senate, but the work is not yet finished,” said Martinez. “We urge the House champions of this bill, including original cosponsors Representative Xochitl Torres Small of New Mexico and Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho, to push this bill past the finish line as quickly as possible.”

About the Continental Divide Trail
The CDT is one of the world’s premier long-distance trails, stretching 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide. Designated by Congress in 1978, the CDT is the highest, most challenging, and most remote of the 11 National Scenic Trails. It provides recreational opportunities ranging from hiking to horseback riding to hunting for thousands of visitors each year. While 95% of the CDT is located on public land, approximately 150 miles are still in need of protection.

About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition
The CDTC was founded in 2012 by volunteers and recreationists hoping to provide a unified voice for the Trail. Working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal land management agencies, the CDTC is a non-profit partner supporting stewardship of the CDT. The mission of the CDTC is to complete, promote, and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, a world-class national resource. For more information, please visit continentaldividetrail.org.

Bozeman — A woman was bitten by what investigators believe to be a bear while camping last week in Beehive Basin just northwest of Big Sky.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks was notified of the incident on Friday. According to the victim, she and another person were camping on private land near the Beehive Basin trailhead when they were awakened early Thursday morning by a large animal pushing or “falling” on their tent. The two campers kicked and yelled at the animal to scare it away, and it bit one of them on the leg from outside the tent, then left the campsite. The campers did not see the animal.

Fortunately, the victim’s injuries were relatively minor, and she sought prompt medical treatment.  

FWP believes it was a bear that bit the woman, based on her account of the animal’s behavior and the nature of the bite wound. However, no bear tracks have been found near the trailhead to confirm whether it was a grizzly or a black bear, but the bite wound indicated it was from an adult-age bear.

Initial details of the incident indicate the bear’s behavior was likely investigative, not predatory, and that the bite was defensive. The victim reported that their food was stored securely in their vehicle, not in the tent, and that they were wearing clean clothes.

FWP will be monitoring the area closely with other agencies for potentially hazardous bear behavior. FWP has worked with the U.S. Forest Service to add signs warning other recreationists in the area of the recent bear activity. This incident is still under investigation.

FWP reminds recreationists to be cautious and prepared for a bear encounter when recreating in Montana. Some recommended precautions for avoiding negative encounters with bears include:

• Be aware of your surroundings and look for bear sign.
• Carry and know how to use bear spray.
• Stay away from animal carcasses.
• Travel in groups and make noise whenever possible.
• Follow U.S. Forest Service food storage regulations.
• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Back away slowly and leave the area.
• If a bear approaches your tent, make your presence known gradually. If it attempts to enter your tent, fight back.

For more information on staying safe in bear country, visit http://fwp.mt.gov/fishAndWildlife/livingWithWildlife/beBearAware.

The Depot Museum will be open to the public on Wednesday, June 17th. Visitors are welcome Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The exhibits look a little different this year in an effort to keep visitors, volunteers, and staff safe. The vaulted ceilings and spacious atrium provide room for social distancing while enjoying the exhibits. The Depot staff has also implemented safety precautions to limit the spread of covid-19, including a rigorous disinfecting schedule and adapting exhibits for social distancing.  

The Depot’s popular ongoing main exhibit “Rails Across the Rockies: A Century of People and Places” introduces visitors to the rich history of railroading in Montana, and offers a sense of the grandeur of historic travel. The exhibit gives special attention to the Northern Pacific and its central role in the opening of Yellowstone, America’s first national park. Livingston has served as the gateway to Yellowstone since the 1880s, and the accessed through Livingston beginning in the 1880s. In addition to its main exhibit, the museum also presents “The Livingston Depot in History and Architecture,” and “Film in Montana: Moviemaking under the Big Sky,” as well as an annual featured special exhibit. 


Rounding out the main exhibits in 2020 is the traveling exhibit “On Track: The Railroad Photographs of Warren McGee.”  “On Track” presents an intriguing selection of photos taken over a six-decade span from the 1930’s through the 1990’s by Livingston native and prolific railroad photographer, Warren McGee. Additional historic objects will round out the visitor’s experience of McGee’s remarkable career.  Developed by the Montana Historical Society this exhibit is now part of the Livingston Depot Foundation’s permanent museum collection. 

More information is available through the Depot office at (406) 222-2300 or its website, www.livingstondepot.org. 

On Saturday, June 13, The Salvation Army Bozeman will distribute more than 200 home gift boxes to families in need at The Salvation Army Thrift Store at 425 E Babcock St from 10am to 4pm or until supplies run out. The event will be drive-thru, meaning families will not have to exit their cars. 

The home gift boxes include items like cooking oil, shampoo, body wash, cleaning supplies and a various assortment of snacks. The boxes are intended for families with access to a kitchen and shower, but all are welcome. There are no eligibility requirements or restrictions for receiving a box. 

The Salvation Army has partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who helped pack the boxes for the distribution event. 

“The Salvation Army cares deeply about our community, when times are difficult, and year after year,” says Lt. Jenn Larson, pastor and administrator for The Salvation Army Bozeman. “With a few simple household staples, we may be able to help families who are struggling to get by.”  

If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulty during this time and needs assistance, please contact The Salvation Army Bozeman by calling (406) 586-5813 or visiting bozeman.salvationarmy.org. 

Whether you’re tying on a salmon fly or putting a nightcrawler onto a hook, during Father’s Day weekend, everyone in Montana can fish for free.

While this family-oriented opportunity allows anyone to fish without a license on June 20-21, all other fishing rules and regulations are in effect and must be followed. 

FWP encourages all would-be anglers to be aware of boating and water safety on Montana’s rivers and streams, particularly this year as many rivers across the state are still experiencing spring runoff and flood conditions. Additionally, FWP reminds those with watercraft of any kind to remember to stop at all AIS inspection stations.

For water and boating safety tips, click on the Recreation tab at fwp.mt.gov and choose your activity. For specific information on boating safety go to http://fwp.mt.gov/recreation/safety/boating.

For more information on AIS, including to locate your nearest inspection station, go to http://cleandraindry.mt.gov/.

With summer on its way, now’s the time to make changes to your home and get ahead on things so you can enjoy the warmth. Here’s a list of things you can do to get your home ready for summer:

1. Service Air Conditioner: Air conditioners need maintenance just like any other home appliance, so be sure to get it serviced before the heat starts to pick up. Make sure to change the filter and test to see if the air conditioner is working properly. If it is damaged, better to get it fixed now than in the middle of a heatwave.

2. Inspect Your Roof: Winter can cause some damage and minor cracks to your roof, so it’s a good idea to give your roof a quick look and to stay on top of any repairs needed. It’ll save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

3. Prevent Water Damage: The winter thaw can cause a lot of problems and lead to wood rot and other damages. Be sure to inspect vulnerable areas of your house, like the foundations, and do any necessary repairs.

4. Prepare the Grill: The summer’s a great time for some barbecue, so make sure your grill is in working order to make the most of this time. Clean the grill if you haven’t already, and make sure the burners are in good condition if you’re using a gas grill. Cleaning your grill also helps prevent rodent infestations.

5. Check Out Your Irrigation System: The cold months of winter can lead to cracks or bursts in your hoses and sprinklers, so turn them on and see if everything is in working order. If they aren’t functioning correctly, you may have to get your irrigation system fixed.

6. Maintain Your Window Screens: It’s a good idea to wash your window screens every so often, especially before summer. Not only that but be sure to be on the lookout for any damage and to get it replaced if there are holes. Don’t want bugs getting in after all.

7. Get Rid of Still Water: Mosquitos tend to breed and lay eggs on still water, so for a mosquito-free summer, get rid of any sources of still water you can find around your home.

8. Inspect The Attic: Rodents and other bugs love to hide away in attics, so be sure to clean and dust it before summer is fully underway. This also gives you the chance to fix any cracks in the walls rodents might use. If you do have an infestation learn how to tell the difference between a rat vs mouse so you can handle it correctly, or call your local exterminator.

9. Move Your Garbage Cans: Though it’s convenient to step right outside the front door when disposing of garbage in the winter, having your garbage cans so close is a bad idea in the summer. Insects and rodents are attracted to it and might decide to take the short route to the inside of your home. To prevent this, move your garbage cans further away.

10. Trim Your Garden: Trimming your garden not only helps make it look more appealing but also provides less hiding space and means of getting into your house for pests. Learn more about preventing pests this summer at the pest education network.

There you have it. The Top 10 ways to get your home ready for summer so you can have a relaxing time.

He adds, “As I step into the role of Music Director, I am most excited about the potential of what we can accomplish together. I look forward to expanding our collaborative efforts and building lasting partnerships with other arts institutions in town. In the wake of current world events, I believe that the role of the Symphony is to reconnect us with each other, to facilitate healing and forward momentum through the language of music.”

Bozeman Symphony Concertmaster Carrie Krause is thrilled for the future of her fellow musicians and the entire Bozeman Symphony. She said, “Musically, Norman’s well-equipped to inspire and lead our orchestra to a new level of excellence through his musical passion, awareness of style, training at top-level institutions, adaptability, and deep dedication to the art of our craft.”

Carrie adds, “The Bozeman Symphony at large will benefit from Norman's strength of creative programming, community-centered marketing, charisma, approachability, and thoughtfulness in collaborating with musicians, staff, audiences, patrons, and Bozeman's incredibly rich community of arts organizations.”

Norman’s recent conducting engagements include the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Rochester Philharmonic, Orchestra Sinfònica del Vallès, Eugene Symphony, Grant Park Music Festival, and the Princess Galyani Vadhana Youth Orchestra of Bangkok. He has served as a cover conductor for the New York Philharmonic and Los Angeles Philharmonic with John Williams. 

Norman has been at the forefront of moving orchestral music out of the traditional concert hall into venues where an orchestra is not conventionally found. In 2011, he co-founded the Occasional Symphony in Baltimore to celebrate holidays by performing innovative concerts in distinct venues throughout the inner-city. The orchestra performed on Dr. Seuss’ birthday at Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Halloween in a burnt church turned concert venue, and Cinco de Mayo in the basement bar of a Mexican restaurant. As Music Director, Norman commissioned new works by multiple composers to give concert goers the rare experience of being present for a piece of music’s world premiere. 

Norman is a recipient of the 2015 Yale Distinguished Music Educator Award for his work with the Portland (Maine) Symphony Orchestra’s Musical Explorer’s Program. As the Assistant Conductor of the PSO from 2013-2016, Norman visited over sixty schools across the state of Maine and co-founded Symphony & Spirits, a series of events for young professionals, between the ages of 21-39, to make the orchestra more accessible and engaging for a younger audience.

In the next few weeks, The Symphony will announce the schedule and programming for its 2020 - 2021 concert season. For questions regarding next season and tickets, please contact the Bozeman Symphony at 406-585-9774 or info@bozemansymphony.org. Visit bozemansymphony.org for more information about new Music Director Norman Huynh.

College can be intense – after a year full of deadlines and interminable school assignments, you should be spending some quality time doing what you like during summer break. There are many options and ideas you could occupy your mind and day with – these ideas might actually benefit you in the long run. But the most important thing is, you should be able to relax. In this article we will discuss some of the activities that might be of interest to you; however, these activities should only be considered after you have taken enough time to ground yourself and relax after such a tough year. Here are some of the options that we came up with.

Travel!
One of the coolest activities that you can do during summer break is travel! I cannot even tell you how much traveling can change your perspectives, broaden them, and enrich your life overall. I know that this might sound like you need a serious budget, but that myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Traveling can be done on a tight budget if you can divide your expenses right. Here are some tips on how you could travel as a student:

Buy your tickets ahead of time. Do not wait until the last minute to book them. This is important! The more you wait, the more expensive flight prices will get. It is important that you book them at least one month before leaving.

Choose the perfect time to travel. July is probably the worst month to do it. However, late May or early June would be a good option. This is when accommodation is cheaper (not the tourist peak of the year).

As much as you’d like to taste everything new food-wise, you had better stop yourself from doing that. Smells are free, food is expensive.

Book free tours, go on free museum walks, and learn how to ride public transportation.

There are ways in which you can make it work. Please don’t let your finances hold you back from having the best time of your life!

Applying for an internship
Another cool way to spend your summer break is by pursuing an internship. Internships are a great way to help you stay in the right mind-shape during the summer. They will teach you something new and might even help you figure out your career plans. Let’s think of an example. Maybe you are thinking about pursuing either Psychiatry or Psychology and are not sure on how to make that decision. An internship in the Psychiatric/Behavior Unit Department at your local hospital could teach you SO much. After weeks spent in a hospital setting, dealing with patients and being an active observer, you might be able to make up your mind ways easier. As I mentioned, this is just an example, but there are so many other areas this could apply to. Think about your career goals and find questions. Then, apply for internships and learn the answers.

Studying abroad
Studying abroad is the best way to combine education and travel. It could be another option for traveling abroad, especially if you have stricter parents (they might be more willing to pay for study abroad than a random Europe trip). If you decide to do this during the summer, you have to start the application process at your university as soon as you can. Also, you should be able to choose from all the countries that your college has partnerships with, so choose one that stands out to you. Don’t settle for what others might think is right for you. Choose something that you like.

Volunteering
There are so many ways in which you could become a volunteer! In the end, it only depends on your goals. You could stay at home and volunteer for one of your local organizations. This could be an amazing learning experience for you (and maybe a side of your local area that you did not know about).

The other option you have is traveling abroad to volunteer. There are many programs out there that could help you with the process. Just check a website that publishes essays on social issues 
and apply. Some of these organizations might charge serious money; however, they have various discounts for students and even scholarships you could apply for, so don’t give up on your dream! If you want to change the environment and explore new cultures, summer break is the time to do that.

Learning something new
Last but not least, learning a new skill and developing new qualities is definitely something you should be looking into. Maybe you have a strong desire to learn how to cook or maybe you just want to learn how to train dogs. Whatever your passion is, go for it, and learn something new during this summer. This could be the perfect break from your daily (school) routine. 

You could travel, study abroad, get an internship, volunteer, or learn something new to make your summer more fun! Good luck and have fun – now it’s the time!

Robert Everett is a freelancer and world traveler. He volunteers and writes books on various social issues. In his free time, Robert likes mountain climbing, hiking, and reading.

The tragic drowning of a Great Falls man who was swimming in Belt Creek near the Sluice Boxes area on Wednesday is a good reminder for swimmers, boaters, floaters and anglers to use caution in and near the water.

Water levels are higher and swifter in rivers throughout Montana due to spring runoff, and recreationists should be aware of extra risks that come with high flows. These conditions can change rapidly, creating new and hidden hazards for boaters. Water temperatures are also especially cold this time of year, which increases the risk of hypothermia.

Even if you’re on shore, keep water safety and rescue equipment with you, including life jackets, floatation devices and throw ropes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that “every day, about 10 people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.”

Here are some tips to keep you safe when you’re on the water:

• Using the proper size and type of life jacket is crucial for all swimmers to be safe while recreating. To properly fit a life jacket, hold your arms straight up over your head and ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up. Make sure there is no excess room above the openings and that the jacket does not ride up over your chin or face.
• Make sure an adult is constantly watching children swimming or playing in or around the water. Have children playing near water wear life jackets as there may be steep drop-offs you are unaware of.
• Don't consider your children to be “drown-proof” because you enrolled them in swimming class. A child who falls into water unexpectedly may panic and forget learned swimming skills.
• Always swim with a buddy. Never swim alone or unsupervised.
• Know the local weather conditions and forecast before swimming or boating. Strong winds and thunderstorms with lightning strikes are dangerous to swimmers and boaters.
• Don’t use air-filled or foam toys, such as water-wings, noodles, or inner-tubes, in place of life jackets. These are toys and are not designed to keep a swimmer safe. 
• When boating, children under 12 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, but it is recommended that everyone on the boat wears a life jacket.  
• Jumping from cliffs or bridges is dangerous because of shallow water, submerged rocks, trees, or other hazards. Never dive head-first into water.
• Never drink alcohol before or while swimming or boating. Never drink alcohol while supervising children.

Fish & Wildlife Commission to meet June 12

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission will meet June 12 to discuss the Madison River Recreation Management Environmental Assessment. The meeting will be conducted using the video conferencing platform Zoom. Details on how to access the meeting will be posted on fwp.mt.gov closer to the meeting date. The meeting will also be audio streamed online at fwp.mt.gov. The meeting begins at 9 a.m.

Commissioners will decide whether or not to release the EA for public comment.

To read the EA, go to https://bit.ly/2Y3X8pQ.

FWP ensures its meetings are fully accessible to those with special needs. To request arrangements, call FWP at 406-444-3186.

For the full agenda and background on the scheduled topics, go to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov; under “Quick Links” click “Commission.”

FWP's website offers live streamed audio of each Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting.