WASHINGTON, DC —The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources passed the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act out of committee through a voice vote on Wednesday morning. The bill, which would direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to prioritize completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) within ten years of enactment, will now move to the full Senate for consideration. 

The CDT Completion Act has bipartisan support from states along the CDT and is sponsored by Senators Steve Daines (R-MT) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM). During the committee hearing on the bill, Ranking Member Heinrich said of the CDT:

The trail is part of the Triple Crown of hiking and brings visitors from around the world to climb the spine of the North American continent. For the mountain towns along the way, the trail really means economic development. It means good jobs, and it means money in their pockets. The Continental Divide Trail is not just for thru-hikers. For many New Mexicans, the CDT is their local trail, the trail where they walk their dog or spend time with their families. 

Teresa Martinez, Executive Director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition, also celebrated the bill's passage out of committee. 

“Today’s vote is a significant step towards completion of the Continental Divide Trail and a powerful example of bipartisan collaboration. The CDT Completion Act is essential to protecting access to the beloved landscapes along the Continental Divide that connect communities to public lands and to each other," said Martinez. 

The Continental Divide Trail Completion Act passed out of committee alongside several other bills focused on federal public lands. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), Chairman of the Committee, described the bills as “targeted, very community-driven measures” which “address real needs in real places.”

The CDT was designated as a National Scenic Trail in 1978. Nearly fifty years later, 160 miles of the trail are still routed on highways and busy roadways. These “gap areas” are incompatible with the purposes for which the trail was designated and make for an unsafe journey for long-distance hikers and horseback riders seeking a continuous path between Mexico and Canada. Major gap areas remain in all five states through which the CDT passes, with significant gaps in northern New Mexico, northern Colorado, southern Wyoming, and along the Idaho-Montana border.

In addition to creating a continuous, protected border-to-border footpath, completion of the CDT will improve access to public lands for local communities, for whom the CDT often serves as a gateway to hiking, hunting, horseback riding, fishing, camping, and other outdoor recreation activities. 

The CDT Completion Act directs a Trail Completion Team, composed of staff from the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, to relocate these CDT off of gap areas onto safe, protected, enjoyable, and scenic trails. The CDT Completion Act does not directly acquire any lands, and the bill establishes that eminent domain will never be used in the completion of the CDT. Any government spending required to complete the CDT would be subject to congressional appropriations processes. In the House of Representatives, the bill is sponsored by Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO) and Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM)

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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 160 miles are still in need of protection.

About the Continental Divide Trail Coalition

The Continental Divide Trail Coalition is the leading nonprofit partner working to complete, promote, and protect the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Through advocacy, stewardship, and community engagement, CDTC ensures the CDT remains a treasured resource for adventure, conservation, and inspiration. Learn more at cdtcoalition.org.

BOZEMAN — Bozeman City Commission voted to adopt the revised Unified Development Code (UDC) at last night’s City Commission Meeting.  This vote repealed and replaced the entirety of Chapter 38 in the municipal code as well as the associated zoning map. The  UDC changes will become effective on Feb. 1, 2026.

The effort to update the UDC began in the summer of 2022 and included extensive engagement with community groups, neighborhoods, advisory boards, and the interested public at large. The City received record input through public comment, public forums, surveys, and community chats. Throughout summer of 2025, City Commission held a series of work sessions providing direction to staff based on feedback from the community. Public input continued through the work sessions and subsequent hearings before the Community Development Board and City Commission, resulting in refinements to the draft code and map.

“When our community shows up and actively engages, we get better, more sustainable results,” stated Mayor Cunningham. “This updated code helps us prepare for a future we can all be proud of.”

Key changes in the updated UDC include increased diversity of housing options, consolidated zoning districts, strengthened zone edge transitions, updated review processes, and improved document usability.  These updated regulations are the final step in complying with the Montana Land Use Planning Act by the May 2026 deadline. 

“Our staff devoted countless hours to updating this code, from researching and drafting, to leading community engagement sessions,” said Erin George, Community Development Director. “Their hard work, combined with the insight of residents across Bozeman, helped shape a code that reflects both professional expertise and community priorities.”  

For more information on the UDC Update and to view code documents, please visit engage.bozeman.net/udc.

                                                                                                   (Photo by Stella St. Clair on Unsplash)

The countdown has officially begun! Prom and Homecoming are more than just dances, they are landmark events where you take the chance to celebrate milestones, make memories, and, most importantly, step out in a show-stopping look. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, the trends are leaning toward personalization, dramatic fabrics, and silhouettes that perfectly balance classic elegance with contemporary flair.

We've compiled the definitive forecast for the biggest Prom Dress Trends and Homecoming Outfit styles that will be ruling the dance floor next year. Get ready to find the dress that captures your "main character" energy.

The Power of Shine: Sequins, Metallics, and 3D Embellishments
Forget subtle sparkle; 2026 is all about dresses that command attention under the disco lights. We are seeing a major return to glamour, with shimmering elements taking center stage.

This trend manifests in several exciting ways. Full-length gowns fully covered in iridescent sequins will be a top choice for Prom, reflecting light from every angle and ensuring a polished, eye-catching finish. For Homecoming, shorter silhouettes are embracing metallic finishes, with silver, rose gold, and deep bronze fabrics providing a sophisticated glow. Another key detail is the use of 3D embellishments, think intricate, handmade floral appliques or layered fabric details that create texture and depth, adding a high-fashion, custom feel to any dress.

Structure Meets Romance: The Return of the Corset Bodice
The Bridgerton-effect is here to stay, but with a modern, structured twist. Corset bodices are a defining feature for 2026, offering both style and superb functionality.
These designs feature visible boning and lace-up backs, which are not just aesthetically romantic and edgy, but also incredibly flattering. The structure cinches the waist, provides lift, and creates a beautiful, sculpted silhouette that works across various body types. The trend is versatile: you'll see boned bodices paired with traditional tulle Ball Gowns for a modern princess look, and with sleek, satin Trumpet or Mermaid dresses for a sophisticated, sleek finish. This blend of classic structure with modern fabric epitomizes the season's focus on structured elegance.

The New Classics: Fabrics with Architectural Flair
While chiffon and lace will always be staples, 2026 is elevating the look through fabrics that offer cleaner lines and a more structured, architectural feel. This shift is all about creating a polished, intentional look that photographs flawlessly.

Color Palette Forecast: Bold Hues and Soft Pastels
The color story for 2026 is dynamic, offering something for every personality:
For the showstoppers, Bold Shades are paramount. Fiery Red remains the ultimate statement color, symbolizing confidence and high-fashion drama. We also see the continuation of Barbiecore Pink and strong, deep jewel tones like Emerald Green and Royal Blue. For those seeking timeless elegance, Classic Black Gowns revitalized with strategic cut-outs or all-over sequins are proving that black is anything but boring for prom.

Conversely, the romantic contingent will embrace Soft Pastels. Light blue, lilac, baby pink, and soft sage green offer an ethereal, fairytale vibe that is perfect for spring Prom. The key here is not brightness, but a soft, watercolor-inspired hue that looks dreamy and refined.

Tailoring Your Look: The Shorter Hemline for Homecoming
Homecoming traditionally offers a little more fun and flexibility than the formality of Prom, and this is best expressed through hemlength.

Short/Mini Dresses are the undisputed winner for Homecoming. The best styles for 2026 are playful yet polished, featuring details like puff sleeves (a major comeback trend), layered tulle skirts, or structured satin A-lines. Two-piece sets, which pair a crop top with a coordinating skirt, also remain a popular choice, offering a modern flair. No matter the length, the emphasis is on comfortable confidence when wearing a dress that you can easily dance and move in all night long.

Ready to Make Your Selection
The 2026 Prom and Homecoming seasons are an open invitation to embrace confidence and individual style. Whether you are drawn to the dramatic shimmer of a sequined mermaid gown, the structured elegance of a velvet corset dress, or the playful chic of a satin mini, your perfect outfit awaits.

Remember that the best trend is the one that makes you feel incredible. Start your search now to secure your favorite style and step into the spotlight with absolute confidence.

BOZEMAN – The U.S. Department of Commerce announced Monday that Montana State University will be home to a newly established Community Engagement Office for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. The MSU-based office will join Dallas and San Francisco as the largest hubs west of the Mississippi providing trademark and patent services to U.S. innovators.

• A digital learning platform to help middle and high school students explore the college experience to prepare for their futures 
• An innovative wearable medical device to help patients from rural and tribal communities take part in clinical trials 
• Technology related to CRISPR gene-editing, which has applications ranging from vaccine development to the treatment of genetic diseases 
• Tools to detect algal blooms in rivers and other waterways 
• Genetic research to increase yield in durum wheat, which is used for making pasta and other grains 
• Computers designed to function in space and resist cyberattacks, one of which was recently sent to the moon on a NASA mission 

• The Institute for National Security Research and Education, which strengthens national security by delivering technologies, supporting researchers and preparing leaders to safeguard the future of Montana and the United States. 
• MSU's TechLink Center, which is the Department of Defense’s only national partnership intermediary for technology transfer. Since 1999, TechLink has helped companies around the country license DOD inventions to create new products and services, transferring over 1,000 DOD inventions to industry. The center facilitates approximately 60% of all DOD license agreements nationwide.
• MilTech is an authorized National Government Partnership Intermediary that helps bring innovative technology to the U.S. government quickly, reliably and cost-effectively. Established in 2004, MilTech has over 300 active and completed projects with DOD and Department of Homeland Security. 
• In 2025, the DOD named MSU a Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, which will bring the university's cutting-edge facilities and trained researchers together with companies to scale up and rapidly field technologies for use in defense projects. The hub will lead to more connections between MSU and Montana's business and technology communities and DIU funding opportunities. 

Raising sheep and goats on a small scale has become increasingly common in places like the Gallatin Valley and across Montana. Whether for wool, milk, meat, or land management, these animals fit well into the landscape and the lifestyle. But even on smaller operations, livestock management comes with a set of physical and logistical challenges that are easy to underestimate until you're in the middle of them.

Routine tasks like tagging, vaccinating, hoof trimming, and sorting can quickly become time-consuming and physically demanding. Without the right setup, moving or restraining animals safely can lead to frustration, injury, and stress for both animals and handlers. These issues often affect operations that rely on family labor or solo management.

To address these challenges, many small-scale ranchers are using purpose-built handling equipment. The goal is to improve safety, reduce animal stress, and maintain efficient, consistent daily operations.

Understanding the Basics: What Handling Systems Actually Do

At the heart of any livestock operation is the ability to move, examine, and treat animals safely. Handling systems support these tasks by providing a controlled environment that makes it easier to guide animals through necessary procedures. For sheep and goats, this includes everything from health checks and shearing to vaccinations and sorting by weight or age.

A typical setup might include alleyways, gates, pens, and headgates. These components help direct animal flow with minimal resistance. Many systems are modular, allowing ranchers to expand or adjust them based on space, herd size, or season.

Well-designed sheep and goat handling systems reduce stress for both animals and handlers. When movement is smooth and predictable, animals remain calmer, and handlers face less physical strain. Systems made specifically for small livestock also improve precision. Tasks such as weighing or inspecting animals become faster and safer with proper positioning and control.

Designed for the Rancher: Why Equipment Matters for
Small Operations

Large-scale operations often have dedicated labor and infrastructure, but small farms need equipment that works with limited resources. Handling systems designed for sheep and goats are now being made with these needs in mind, offering scaled-down but effective options.

For many smaller ranchers, livestock care is a one- or two-person job. Equipment must be simple to use and manageable without extra help. Features such as lightweight panels, adjustable widths, and quick setup are not just helpful—they are necessary.

Portability also matters. Many small farms rotate animals across pastures or work on leased land. Equipment that can be easily moved and reassembled enables animal care on-site, without permanent structures.

Systems built for smaller herds also reduce animal stress. Designs that follow natural movement patterns lead to quieter handling and better animal cooperation. Over time, this contributes to healthier, easier-to-manage livestock.

Key Features That Improve Daily Workflow

Handling systems aren't just for big seasonal jobs. They make day-to-day care more manageable. From routine checkups to sorting animals by size or age, having the right tools in place saves time and prevents errors.

Adjustability is essential. Systems that can be resized or reconfigured are useful for mixed herds and for growing farms. Modular components let ranchers adapt their setup as needed.

Portability is another key benefit. Lightweight materials and simple transport options make it easier to move equipment between fields or properties. This is especially helpful for ranchers using rotational grazing or working on shared land.

Some systems include scales or sorting gates that streamline handling and improve accuracy. With fewer obstacles and better flow, handlers can complete tasks with less effort.

Experts in low-stress livestock handling highlight that equipment designed around animal behavior improves safety, reduces injuries, and supports overall herd health. Proper design doesn't just improve efficiency — it strengthens the foundation of everyday care.

Built for the West: What Montana Ranchers Should Look For

Montana ranchers face unique environmental pressures. From rugged terrain to long winters, equipment must be suited to a wide range of conditions.

Durability is critical. Materials should resist rust, bending, and weather damage. Galvanized steel and powder-coated finishes are important for outdoor use, especially in areas where snow and spring moisture are part of the annual cycle.

Storage is also a factor. Many small ranches have limited space for off-season equipment. Systems that fold or stack easily are more practical and easier to store.

Terrain presents its own challenges. Handling systems must remain stable on uneven or soft ground. Equipment with adjustable feet or wide bases helps keep animals and handlers safe in less-than-perfect conditions.

Selecting the right tools means fewer breakdowns, smoother workflows, and longer service life. Integrating sustainable livestock practices also includes choosing equipment that works with the land, supports herd health, and matches the demands of small, resilient ranches.

Practical Benefits: What the Right System Offers Long Term

Handling systems provide lasting value when they support consistent, low-risk livestock care. For small ranchers, the benefits often include fewer injuries, less stress, and more productive routines.

Time is a major factor. When systems are well-designed, everyday tasks such as hoof trimming, sorting, and weight checks take less time and cause less disruption. This leads to more efficient use of limited labor.

Safety is another important outcome. Mishandling livestock can result in injuries, even with smaller animals. Good equipment helps prevent these incidents by offering safe, predictable movement and proper restraint.

Calmer animals lead to better results. Stress affects growth, reproduction, and feed efficiency. Systems that promote smooth handling contribute to more consistent performance and lower long-term health costs.

For new producers or those planning to expand, scalable systems offer flexibility. They can start small and grow with the operation, reducing the need for replacements and major overhauls.

When equipment improves safety, efficiency, and animal well-being, it becomes a foundation for better management. Over time, this type of investment supports both people and animals on the farm.

Conclusion

Managing sheep and goats on a small scale requires a careful approach to daily routines, animal health, and safety. While the herds may be small, demand is constant. For many producers, especially those working with limited labor or facilities, the right handling equipment offers essential support.

Modern systems are helping small operations stay organized, protect their animals, and reduce physical strain. They offer lasting benefits through improved workflows, better outcomes, and fewer disruptions.

By choosing tools that reflect the scale and realities of the farm, ranchers create a more manageable and sustainable future — one that respects both the land and the animals in their care.

Most divorces settle, and for good reason. But when negotiations fail, the courtroom becomes the final decision-maker. Taking a divorce to trial protects your rights when an agreement isn’t feasible, yet it introduces risk, cost, and pressure. Knowing the trade-offs helps couples choose the right path. This decision fundamentally shapes what divorce looks like.

Settlement means both parties agree on major issues. You divide property, decide custody, and determine support through negotiation rather than judicial decision. Trial means a judge decides these issues for you. Neither path is inherently better. Settlement works when compromise is possible. Trial becomes necessary when compromise fails. Understanding when each makes sense is crucial

.The emotional and financial stakes of this choice are enormous. Settlement puts control in your hands. Trial puts control in a judge's hands. That difference affects not just outcomes but how you feel about them. A settlement you negotiated, even if imperfect, often feels acceptable. A trial verdict you didn't choose might feel imposed. That psychological difference matters as much as financial impact.

What You Gain: A Judge's Authority

Some issues need a legal ruling when parties fundamentally disagree. Custody disputes where both parents want primary care require a judicial decision. Property divisions that can't be agreed require judicial guidance. Support disputes involving complex income situations might need expert analysis and judicial ruling. In those situations, a trial provides the authoritative decision that a settlement can't provide when parties are deadlocked.

A judge brings legal expertise and neutrality to decisions. They've seen custody cases before and understand what courts generally consider best for children. They understand property division law and can apply it consistently. They apply judicial authority that pressures both parties to accept outcomes they might otherwise contest. That authority can actually resolve disputes that negotiation extends indefinitely.

Trial also creates a record. Judicial decisions are documented, appealable, and enforceable through the court system. If your ex violates a court order, you have legal recourse. Enforceability matters significantly for complex arrangements or situations where one party has a history of not following agreements. Sometimes, judicial authority is the only way to guarantee compliance.

What You Risk: Cost, Time, and Unpredictability

Trials require extensive preparation and emotional endurance. Attorneys need to gather evidence, prepare witnesses, and build arguments. You might need expert witnesses for complex issues. Discovery can take months. Pre-trial motions and scheduling consume time. By the time trial actually happens, months or years have passed. Those delays extend uncertainty about your future.

Cost escalates dramatically in trial preparation. Expert witnesses charge substantial fees. Attorneys bill for extensive research and argument preparation. Court fees and filing costs add up. A trial that lasts days costs exponentially more than settlement negotiation taking weeks. For many people, the cost alone makes trial untenable financially.

Unpredictability is the biggest risk. You think you have a strong case, but a judge might view evidence differently. Witnesses perform differently than expected. Judges have biases and perspectives you can't predict perfectly. Settlement lets you control outcomes. Trial means accepting whatever a judge decides, even if you disagree with the decision. That unpredictability creates anxiety that extends throughout the trial process.

How Attorneys Help Weigh the Decision

Your attorney can assess case strength honestly. They've seen similar cases and understand how courts typically rule on comparable issues. They can predict what a judge might decide based on judicial patterns in your jurisdiction. That professional assessment helps you understand whether trial is actually likely to improve your situation or whether settlement, though imperfect, is actually your better option.

Legal strategy becomes personal strategy in trial decisions. Your attorney can outline trial costs, predict timeline, and estimate outcomes. They help you understand what you're likely to gain versus what you're risking. They explain how judges view custody, property, and support issues. That education helps you make informed decisions rather than emotional ones.

Attorneys also help identify settlement opportunities. Sometimes parties think they're deadlocked when creative solutions actually exist. An attorney experienced in divorce negotiation can often find middle ground that parties arguing directly can't find. That negotiation skill sometimes prevents trials that could have been avoided.

Conclusion

Courtroom decisions shape futures. Choose the path with eyes wide open about costs, timeline, and what you might actually gain or lose. Settlement offers control and certainty. Trial offers judicial authority but introduces unpredictability and expense. Neither is universally better. Your specific situation determines which makes sense.

Most people who go to trial feel they had no choice. They tried settling, disagreement persisted, and trial became necessary. Those people usually accept trial outcomes better because they understand why trial happened. People who choose trial as strategy when settlement was actually possible often regret the choice later. Understanding the difference between a necessary trial and a chosen trial matters enormously.

BOZEMAN –Bozeman Public Library is encouraging readers 12 years old and up to join in a reading challenge as the new year kicks off. The Ultimate Book Nerd (UBN) Challenge will start Jan. 2 and asks participants to read one book in each of the 50 categories – that’s 50 books in 52 weeks. Winners will receive a prize: a high-quality book bag with the words, “Ultimate Book Nerd.” 

“If you’ve been told your nose is always buried in a book, or your headphones are always tuned into an audiobook, you might be the perfect fit to take on this challenge,” says Becky Kasten, Assistant Library Director at Bozeman Public Library.

“We launched this program to encourage people to challenge themselves to a year of reading and learning, and we’re excited to see who takes us up on it.”

The categories will be listed in a log sheet and vary widely. Readers can interpret categories differently, and the main requirement is that they be 50 different books.

While participants are going through the challenge, the Library will also host quarterly “Meetings of the Nerds” on the second Thursday of March, June, September, and December 2026. These meetings will be a chance to talk with fellow participants about books they have been reading and categories they have yet to finish.

This tough and stimulating program originated in Boise Public Library and is the first time Bozeman is attempting the challenge.

Those seeking more information on this program can stop by the Library or call 406-582-2400.

The Ellen Theatre is thrilled to welcome back legendary comedian Paula Poundstone for one night only on Friday, January 9 at 8:00 PM. Known for her brilliant observational humor and uncanny ability to turn any moment into a laugh-out-loud exchange, Poundstone brings her unmistakable wit to the stage for a performance that promises to be as spontaneous as it is side-splitting. All seats are $57.75.

Poundstone—star of multiple HBO specials including Cats, Cops and Stuff, and Paula Poundstone Goes to Harvard—has long been considered one of the most influential comedic voices of her generation. She is a beloved regular on NPR’s hit comedy news quiz, Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! and reaches audiences worldwide as host of the weekly comedy podcast Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone.

In addition to her onstage career, Poundstone is an acclaimed author. Her book, The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness, was a semifinalist for the prestigious Thurber Prize for American Humor. The audiobook version earned a nomination for the AUDIE Award’s Audiobook of the Year, cementing her reputation as a powerhouse across multiple mediums.

Poundstone has broken barriers throughout her career: she was the first female comic to perform standup at the White House Correspondents Dinner, and her HBO special Cats, Cops and Stuff became the first comedy special by a woman to win the Cable ACE Award for Best Comedy Special. Her work is frequently cited in documentaries, books, and compendiums chronicling the most impactful comedians of our time.

“No two shows I do are the same,” Poundstone has said of her famously improvised sets. “My shows, when they’re good—and I like to think they often are—are like a cocktail party… You tell a story, meet some new people, spill a drink, mock the person who spilled it. No one applauds when I leave a party, though. I think they high five.”

Audiences at The Ellen know to expect the unexpected. In previous sold-out appearances, Poundstone effortlessly spun entire segments from who happened to be sitting in the front row of the Ellen Theatre—a couple of bear trackers once fueled 30 minutes of hilarity, and another Ellen show, a Life Coach got an extremely funny roast. As always, those who prefer not to become part of the act are gently advised to choose their seats accordingly.

Beer and wine will be available in the lobby beginning at 7 PM, with the evening’s improvisational fireworks launching at 8 PM.

Given Poundstone’s history of sell-out shows, early ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.
Tickets are available now at www.theellentheatre.org or by calling The Ellen Theatre box office at 406-585-5885.

Paula Poundstone Friday, January 9 at 8 PM
All Seats: $57.75
The Ellen Theatre – Bozeman, MT

Join us for an unforgettable night of sharp wit, spontaneous comedy, and the inimitable Paula Poundstone.