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

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

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

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

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

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

2026 Red Ants Pants Music Festival Lineup

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Molly Tuttle

Sara Evans

Old 97’s

Shinyribs

Brandy Clark

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country

S.G. Goodman

Ken Pomeroy

Yeison Landero

Rose Betts

Grayson Capps

Thunderstorm Artis

Chris Pierce

Humbird

Olivia Wolf

North Fork Crossing

Tylor & the Train Robbers

Amanda Stewart

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

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

POSTER ARTWORK CONTEST WINNER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To learn more, visit www.carnegiefoundation.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meeting the Moment in the Experience Economy

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

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

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

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

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

Built to Support Montana Outfitters

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

Outfitters retain ownership of their clients and data

Pricing, availability, and business rules remain under outfitter control

Each business maintains its brand, story, and customer relationships

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

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

Montana Leading with Tradition and Innovation

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

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

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

About Mallard Bay

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

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

Community connection has always been built on familiarity, trust, and shared values. Today, those same principles guide how small business creators and service providers form meaningful relationships online. The shift from physical streets to social feeds does not remove personal connection. Instead, it reshapes how stories are shared and conversations begin, and trust is earned at scale.

A strong online presence reflects the same authenticity people expect offline. When communication feels human, consistent, and relevant, audiences respond with attention and loyalty. Building digital connections is not about chasing visibility alone. It is about translating real-world presence into engaging content that resonates across screens while staying grounded in genuine interaction.

Translating Local Presence Into Feed Ready Identity

A recognizable presence offline often carries personality history and trust. Moving that presence into social feeds requires thoughtful translation rather than imitation. Visual tone, voice, and message clarity help audiences feel familiarity even without face to face interaction. Identity consistency allows people to recognize and connect quickly.

Within this process, many creators align content planning with a TikTok likes growth strategy that supports early interaction while preserving authenticity. When identity is clear, engagement tools work as reinforcement rather than replacement. The goal is to extend existing trust into new spaces through relatable content and steady communication.

Foundations of Authentic Digital Connection for Community Focused Brands

Digital connection grows strongest when built on familiar values and clear intent. These foundations support trust across platforms.

• Clear brand voice reflecting real values and everyday language

• Consistent visual style supporting recognition and memory recall

• Honest storytelling grounded in real interactions and shared moments

• Reliable posting rhythm encouraging audience return and familiarity

• Thoughtful responses showing attention and respect toward viewers

Content That Mirrors Real World Conversations

People engage with content that feels like a natural conversation. Short messages, simple visuals, and clear intent help mirror offline interactions. When content speaks plainly, audiences feel included rather than marketed to. This approach builds comfort and encourages response.

By focusing on everyday questions, common challenges, and shared wins, creators reduce distance. Content becomes approachable and relevant. Over time, this conversational tone strengthens digital relationships and supports steady engagement growth.

Choosing Platforms That Support Meaningful Interaction

Not every platform serves the same purpose. Selecting channels that encourage dialogue rather than passive viewing improves connection quality.

• Platform features that support comments, replies, and quick interaction

• Audience demographics aligning with brand values and message tone

• Content formats matching storytelling style and communication goals

• Interaction tools enabling direct feedback and discussion

• Posting flexibility allowing timely responses and updates

Visual Storytelling That Feels Familiar and Trustworthy

Visuals shape first impressions. Familiar settings, simple framing, and consistent colors help the content feel grounded. When visuals reflect real environments, audiences sense authenticity. This familiarity reduces skepticism and increases watch time.

Visual storytelling does not require complexity. Clear shots, natural movement, and honest presentation communicate confidence. Over time, this visual consistency becomes a recognizable signal of trust and reliability.

Engagement Signals That Strengthen Community Bonds

Engagement is more than numbers. It reflects how audiences feel about content and connection. Monitoring the right signals helps improve relationships.

• Comment quality reveals trust and genuine interest

• Repeat viewers indicating familiarity and ongoing relevance

• Shares reflecting perceived value and personal connection

• Direct messages showing deeper audience involvement

• Response timing influencing ongoing conversation flow

Building Two-Way Communication Through Consistent Interaction

Connection strengthens when audiences feel heard. Responding to remarks, acknowledging comments, and inviting dialogue turn viewers into members. This interplay mirrors offline conversations wherein listening subjects as many as speaking.

Consistency matters more than volume. Regular, thoughtful replies build expectation and trust. Over time, this two-way communication forms a loyal community that supports growth organically.


Content Planning Systems That Support Sustainable Connection

A strong connection requires structure. Planning systems reduce stress and improve message clarity over time.

• Content calendars aligning themes with audience interests

• Message review steps ensuring clarity and relevance

• Idea tracking methods supporting consistency and variation

• Time management practices balancing creation and interaction

• Performance reflection routines guiding steady improvement

Story Anchors That Connect Offline Values With Online Audiences

Strong connections begin with clear story anchors that reflect everyday values. These anchors help translate familiar interactions into engaging online narratives. By focusing on shared moments, simple routines, and relatable challenges, creators make content feel grounded. Audiences recognize these signals and feel invited rather than targeted.

Story anchors guide content direction and reduce uncertainty. They act as reference points that maintain consistency across posts. When creators return to these anchors regularly connection deepens, and trust remains stable. This approach supports engagement that feels natural and sustainable rather than forced.

Relationship Maintenance Practices for Long-Term Digital Connection

Sustaining connection requires ongoing attention and care. Relationship maintenance systems help preserve trust as audiences grow.

• Regular audience check-ins, encouraging feedback and open dialogue

• Content refresh practices, keeping messaging relevant and familiar

• Appreciation signals recognizing loyal followers and active participants

• Consistent tone usage reinforcing reliability and warmth

• Listening habits guiding respectful and responsive communication

These additions strengthen the overall framework by focusing on continuity and care. Together, they help transform initial engagement into lasting digital relationships built on trust and shared understanding.

Maintaining Authenticity While Scaling Reach

Growth introduces new challenges. As reach expands, maintaining authenticity becomes essential. Audiences value honesty and consistency even as numbers increase. Scaling should amplify the voice, not dilute it.

Creators who stay grounded in their original purpose maintain credibility. Clear boundaries, consistent tone, and audience respect preserve connection. This balance allows growth without losing trust.

Connected Growth Through Community-Centered Strategy

Strong digital connection reflects real-world values adapted for modern platforms. When creators prioritize clarity, conversation, and consistency, audiences respond with loyalty. Structured planning, visual familiarity, and ethical interaction support long-term growth.

By aligning authentic content with supportive tools such as a thoughtful TikTok likes growth strategy creators can extend community presence into the main feed without losing personal connection. The solution lies in building systems that honor trust, encourage dialogue, and grow relationships steadily.

Above the Noise

I want to speak directly to the citizens of Gallatin County. We are witnessing a dangerous trend in public activity. Yesterday, a Sheriff’s Office Captain pulled over a vehicle in his issued, unmarked police vehicle. He wore his issued Sheriff’s Office vest with clear and unobstructed markings that said SHERIFF. He pulled the driver over for reckless driving, and the contact went without incident. However, shortly thereafter, there were social media posts stating ICE had pulled someone over while describing this Captain’s vehicle and the time of the traffic stop. This is not the first time we have seen reports that are false and misleading.

These reports are an attempt to create fear and chaos within our community, and they are patently false. Our local Law Enforcement Officers are well-trained; they conduct themselves with professionalism, and they are dedicated to preserving the quality of life here in Gallatin County. If agitators or obstructionists attempt to interfere with lawful law enforcement operations, there will be criminal consequences for those doing so. Vigilantism is not an acceptable form of intervention and won’t be tolerated in this community.

I have no doubt the media and social media will be directing your attention to the Missouri River Drug Task Force (MRDTF). The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office has commanded MRDTF since the early 1990’s. The mission of the Missouri River Drug Task Force is to provide a collaborative federal, state and local law enforcement effort to identify, target, and address those involved in drug trafficking, manufacturing, and violence. Their sole focus is to identify those criminals distributing and manufacturing large quantities of illegal drugs. These cases can take months to build as they track down those selling high quantities of drugs and distributing them here in Gallatin County and surrounding areas. We will continue using every resource available to identify, locate, and arrest these individuals. We will continue to make sure our community members are protected from this scourge of the population. If we have cartel members, gang members, local residents, legal residents, illegal residents or anyone else selling, stealing property, and/or committing acts of violence, we will use the resources available to arrest them and remove them from our neighborhoods.

This should not be controversial, and to believe otherwise is irrational and damaging to our community. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is committed to a high level of professionalism when carrying out our investigations, and our local, state, and federal partners are expected to conduct themselves with the same level of professionalism in our community. This is why we engage in agreements to define the framework of their actions while they are working here. Partnering in this way ensures an avenue of communication with their supervisors and agency heads if their behaviors aren’t aligned with our expectations. All my deputies are aware of my expectation that they will “Engage non-standard actions immediately”. This means we will step in and engage if we see anyone acting in a manner not appropriate to the profession. Your Sheriff’s Office and I, as your Sheriff, will continue to do the Right thing, at the Right time, for the Right reasons.

Paradise Valley, Mont. — Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation (MOLF) has awarded a $3,000 grant to support an elk hazing program in Paradise Valley, helping ranchers and wildlife managers reduce the risk of brucellosis transmission by keeping cattle and elk separated during the calving season.

The effort supports ranchers who participate in the Paradise Valley Working Lands Group and work closely with Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) on a range of wildlife and predator-related issues. While these ranchers are generally supportive of overwintering large elk herds on their properties, they have asked for assistance during the brucellosis transmission risk period to ensure cattle and elk remain physically separated.

The traditional approach involves hiring skilled horseback riders — known as elk hazers — who are on call to move elk away from areas where commingling with cattle may occur. While FWP covers the majority of the program’s costs and provides insurance coverage for hazers, the agency is limited by the allowable wage rate. This, combined with the uncertain work load (minimal in some years, heavy in others) can make it difficult to retain hazers available to work in sometimes harsh conditions.

MOLF’s contribution provides stipends of $1,500 per hazer, helping ensure qualified, local riders remain available from March through May — a period when brucellosis transmission risk is highest. The stipend provides hazers, who must be hired in advance, a guaranteed income level before the winter's hazing requirements are known.

“With consistent support from Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, elk hazing has become one of our most effective tools for keeping elk and cattle separated and reducing the risk of brucellosis—especially during the critical calving period into May,” said Druska Kinkie, a Paradise Valley rancher. “That time of year can be challenging due to weather, green-up, and predator activity, but this support makes it possible to move elk successfully while continuing to coexist with large herds.”Michael Yarnall, Livingston-area wildlife biologist for FWP, emphasized the importance of retaining skilled hazers who understand both the land and the animals.

“Effective elk hazing requires experience, judgment, and local knowledge,” Yarnall said. “Our hazers need to know when to move elk — and when not to. MOLF’s support helps us keep qualified hazers in place, reduces brucellosis transmission risk to benefit both wildlife and the ranching community.”

Mitch King, executive director of Montana's Outdoor Legacy Foundation, said the grant reflects MOLF’s commitment to practical, collaborative conservation.

“This is a great example of how modest investments can make a real difference,” King said. “By helping retain experienced local hazers, we’re supporting ranchers, reducing disease risk, and strengthening a partnership that has proven successful year after year.”

MOLF has supported the Paradise Valley elk hazing program at the $3,000 annual level for several years, receiving consistent positive feedback from both ranchers and FWP for its effectiveness and cooperative approach.