A local woman was mauled by a grizzly bear on a private ranch in the Tom Miner area north of Gardiner early Saturday.

The female victim and two companions were near the carcass of a domestic cow when the incident occurred.

When the bear made contact, the victim laid on her stomach to protect her vital organs. She was bitten on her legs and back.

Her companions used bear spray to scare off the bear and stop the attack.
The victim is being treated for her injuries.

This is the second mauling in southwest Montana in a little over a week. On Monday, Sept. 5, an archery hunter was mauled by a grizzly in the south end of the Gravelly Range.

While these incidents were relatively far from each other, both involved bears feeding on carcasses. In both cases, bear spray played an important role.

These events should serve as a stark reminder that Montana is bear country. Hunters and others working and playing in bear country should be especially alert for grizzlies, carry bear spray, and know how to use it.
 

Windhorse Equine Learning is pleased to announce their 1st Annual Art Raffle to support youth programs. Four fine equine paintings have been donated to the cause by talented regional artists; Edd Enders, Ann Justin, Mary Roberson, and Steven Roebuck.

Windhorse Equine Learning serves youth ages 8-17 in Montana’s Gallatin and Park Counties as the only nonprofit organization in our community to offer equine-assisted learning (EAL) programs to able-bodied and at-risk youth. EAL is a relatively new modality which facilitates learning and personal growth through experiential interactions with horses. By teaching horsemanship, leadership, partnership, responsibility, communication, empathy and other skills, we strive to build confidence and self-esteem, reduce anxiety and stress, and give our students tools to navigate the challenges they face at school, among their peers, and in their family relationships. Funds are needed to provide scholarships so that every child with financial need can benefit from Windhorse programs.

The paintings in Windhorse’s 1st Annual Art Raffle will be exhibited locally; raffle tickets are available at eight regional businesses and can be purchased online. Buyers need not be present to win, and the painting can be mailed to the winner. Tickets are $40 and the odds of winning are great with only 150 tickets being sold. The winner chooses their favorite painting and the remaining three pieces will be auctioned off on November 9 at the Equine & Wine Lady’s Night at Four Corners Saddlery & Boutique. The drawing is at 7:00 pm, followed by live auction for remaining art at 7:30 pm.

See the artwork at: The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company, 111 East Main Street in Bozeman through October 6 then at Four Corners Saddlery & Boutique, 81770 Gallatin Rd, through November 9.  Raffle tickets also available (cash and checks only) at Montana Cup, Spur Line, and the Livingston Art & Culture Center in Livingston and in Bozeman at Head West, Bridger Animal Nutrition (North 7th location), The Great Rocky Mountain Toy Company, Rosauer’s, and Four Corners Saddlery & Boutique. Learn more or buy raffle tickets online at: windhorseequinelearning.org/1st-annual-art-raffle/

 Thank for helping raise funds for programs that change kids' lives. Learn more about Windhorse at https://windhorseequinelearning.org/about-us/

An archery hunter survived a grizzly bear attack in the southern Gravelly Mountains Monday morning.
 
The incident occurred when two archery hunters surprised a grizzly feeding on a carcass. The hunters yelled at the bear which immediately attacked. Both hunters had bear spray, one deployed it while the other did not. The bear went after the hunter who did not use his bear spray.
 
The hunter with bear spray deployed his can on the bear as it mauled his partner. The bear then retreated. The attacked hunter sustained non-life-threatening injuries to his head, shoulder, arms and thigh. He was treated at the Madison Valley Medical Center in Ennis.
 
Grizzly bears are common in the Gravelly Mountains, which are part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
                                                                 painting by Sept 2017 Cover Artist Casey Norris
Archery hunters should take every possible precaution when hunting in bear country. Bear country means anywhere in the western half of the state. All hunters should:
 
·         carry bear spray AND be ready to use it at a second’s notice;
·         hunt with a partner, leave detailed plans with someone and check-in periodically;
    •    pay attention to fresh bear sign. Look for bear tracks, scat, and concentrations of natural foods;
    •    use caution when hunting areas that have evidence of bear activity or areas with scavenging birds such as magpies, ravens, or crows;
    •    get harvested big game out of the woods quickly;
    •    upon returning to a site where harvested game is left unattended, study the site at a distance for any movement or changes and signal your approach by making plenty of noise;
    •    never attempt to frighten or haze a bear from a carcass;
    •    contact FWP if a bear has consumed a carcass or covered it with debris rendering it unsalvageable.
 
Most grizzly bears will typically leave an area if they sense human presence. Hunters who observe a grizzly bear or suspect a bear is nearby should leave the area.
 
If you encounter a grizzly, stay calm, don't run, and assess the situation by trying to determine if the bear is actually aware of you. Is it, for instance, threatening or fleeing? Always keep the bear in sight as you back away, and leave the area.
 
For more on bears, visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov; then click Be Bear Aware. Bear resistant products are described on the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee's website at www.igbconline.org.  A “How to Hunt Safely in Grizzly Country” brochure is also available at FWP regional offices.

People are asking about how the dry conditions and fire danger will affect hunting seasons.  FWP is not recommending that the Fish and Wildlife Commission close hunting seasons.  “Because of widely variable conditions and different types of hunting scenarios across the state, that is a decision rightly left to an individual landowner, a block management cooperator, or a land manager.  If a private landowner or a land management agency such as the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management makes the decision to restrict or postpone hunting or other activity on their property, that is a decision we respect and accept,” said FWP Director Martha Williams.

Williams continued, “It is critical to be careful, and be safe.  Hunters have to take personal responsibility to prevent wildfires and keep themselves and the property and lives of others safe.  In conditions like these, hunters should only drive on pavement or gravel roads.” Due to fire danger, currently more than 80 block management areas (BMAs) are restricted or closed at the request of landowners.

FWP asks hunters to be safe by following these fire safety precautions:
·         Park your vehicle on bare ground or ground completely void of vegetation.
·         Drive only on paved and well graveled roads.
·         After you leave an area, wait for few minutes to make sure that a fire has not started where your vehicle was parked.
·         Bring along a fire extinguisher or water-filled weed sprayer, shovel or axe.
·         Camp only in designated camping areas.
·         Smoke only inside buildings or vehicles.
·         Check on any fire restrictions in place in the area where you are hunting.
·         Consider limiting activity until fire danger lessens.

MORE INFO:
The most current list of closed BMAs can be found on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/hunting/hunterAccess/blockman/.  Those who do not have access to the internet can check in with their FWP regional office.  Closure signs are also posted onsite at BMAs.

For FWP lands, hunters and recreationists should check updates on fire-related restrictions and closures at state parks, fishing access sites or other FWP properties online at fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions.

In Montana, fire restrictions are often coordinated with land management agencies and the counties. Typically, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks follows the lead of the county where its land is located.  However, fire restrictions can vary from county to county depending on local conditions. A good online resource is https://firerestrictions.us/.  You can search for Montana and find the latest restrictions, by county. To go directly to the Montana page, click https://firerestrictions.us/mt/.

Being knowledgeable about current restrictions and fire safe behavior will help us all prevent more wildfires. Below are resources for more information on fires and restrictions:
Inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/27  is a multiagency website that serves as a clearing house for active fire information across the country. It’s easy to search for Montana and see most of the active fires burning in the state.  Each fire has its own web page with current information, such as area closure maps, fire activity and any evacuation notices.

Be aware that in many instances fire managers will close the area around the fire to ensure public and fire fighter safety. These local closures could include areas people might want to hunt or camp, so checking in here is a good step in making sure you have the latest information.

Another great resource is the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s interactive wildland fire map: gis.dnrc.mt.gov/apps/firemap. This interactive mapping tool shows all of the fires burning in the state and gives the user an idea of recent fire activity. Users can select different layers to view various information and for those folks concerned about specific locations, the base layer provide a high-resolution map or aerials of Montana.

Starting today, Aug 31, 2017, Bozeman-area residents and visitors will be able to order much of their favorite food from local restaurants and have it delivered by UberEATS seven days a week. At launch, UberEATS is offering delivery of full menus from more than 20 favorite Bozeman-area restaurants.

"We're partnering with a bunch of great Bozeman restaurants so customers can get the food they love quickly and conveniently, no matter what they like best," said Kiran Vinta, UberEATS general manager. "UberEATS offers an easy and reliable way for anyone to get their favorite food–no matter what they’re doing, where they are, or what time it is."

The free, standalone UberEATS app is available for both iOS and Android. Notable restaurants participating in Bozeman include Garage, Stuffed Crepes & Waffles, La Parilla and Biankini’s among others. Food prices are set by the restaurants themselves and Uber will add a booking fee of $5.99. Just like with Uber's rides business, customers will always see prices upfront so they know what they'll be paying before they order.

This is UberEATS’ second foray into Montana. UberEATS launched in Missoula on Monday. The UberEATS Bozeman service area will include downtown and the Montana State University Campus.

UberEATS is now offered in 115 cities in 28 countries across the globe, and the number of customers using the platform is growing rapidly. Many restaurant partners have indicated the service has led to a uptick in their level of business, as it gives them access to new customers. A video released by UberEATS last year includes testimony from restaurant owners in Los Angeles and Chicago about the positive effects of using the UberEATS platform.

UberEATS offers food delivery though an app separate from Uber's rideshare service because requesting a ride and ordering a meal are two different experiences. The similarity, however, is that Uber makes both effortless. The same technology company that brought people rides at the touch of a button is now doing the same for food.

UberEATS also offers new economic opportunity for delivery partners in Bozeman. Those interested in delivering meals via UberEATS can visit the delivery partner page at www.uber.com/deliver.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ properties in Park County have moved to Stage 1 fire restrictions. This includes Fishing Access Sites, State Parks, and Wildlife Management areas.
 
Also, effective Saturday, Bannack State Park (Beaverhead County) and Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park (Jefferson County) will no longer be exempted from all Stage I fire restrictions (these Parks previously had exemptions to allow for fires within established rings or grills).
 
FWP follows the counties in entering fire restrictions.
 
Following are the list of restrictions under Stage I:
 
In those areas mentioned above, the following acts are prohibited until further notice:
    1    Building maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire. (Note exemptions below)
    2    Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
Exemptions:
    1    Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.
    2    Persons using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off.
    3    Persons conducting activities in those designated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.
    4    Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
    5    All land within a city boundary is exempted.
Individuals may be fined up to $5,000 or imprisoned up to 6 months for violating the noted fire restrictions.
 
Also, an exemption does not absolve an individual or organization from liability or responsibility for any fire started by the exempted activity.
 
For updates on restrictions and closures around the state, go to: http://fwp.mt.gov/news/restrictions/droughtDetails.html.

The Big Sky Community Organization investigated a report of a dead, partially consumed elk next to the Uplands Trail located off Grey Drake Road southeast of the Big Sky Town Center Tuesday morning.
 
The Organization confirmed the report and the Uplands Trail has been closed. The Ralph’s Pass Trail has been closed at its halfway point as well.
 
The Hummocks Trail will remain open.
 
The area will be monitored and when the carcass has been consumed, the trail will be reopened.
 
FWP does not have confirmation as to how the elk died or what is currently feeding on it.
 
This is a proactive closure to ensure human safety due to possible bear presence.  
 
Please contact the Big Sky Community Organization at 406-993-2112 for more information.

The Gallatin Valley YMCA is honored to be the recipient of a $100,000 capital campaign contribution from First Interstate Bank Foundation.  Throughout the construction of the new Gallatin Valley YMCA, located at the corner of Baxter and Love Lane, First Interstate Bank has been a terrific partner as a lender and now the Foundation as a large capital contributor.

Andrea Stevenson, CEO of the Gallatin Valley YMCA, said, “The new Gallatin Valley YMCA is built only with the help of our community. Businesses like First Interstate Bank Foundation ensure that the new Y can offer a community center offering people of all ages, races, religions and demographics the opportunity to participate in programs that help build a healthy mind, spirit and body.  Since the Y receives no national funding from Y-USA or government entities for construction, the donation from First Interstate Bank Foundation is critical in helping reach the $6 million dollar first phase funding goal. Currently $5 million has been raised towards the $6 million-dollar goal. The gift from First Interstate Bank Foundation definitely helps us move closer to completing funding for the first phase of the new Gallatin Valley YMCA.”

“We have employees all across our First Interstate footprint that are somehow involved with the Y, whether that be using their facilities and programs or participating on their local boards,” said Scott Levandowski, President of First Interstate Bank in Bozeman.  “It is an integral part of not only our communities’ health and wellbeing, but that of our own employees.  With that being said, I can’t think of an organization that provides the programs or services that the YMCA provides to every age and ability. We are proud to serve as a community sponsor in this very worthy endeavor.”

Presentation of the check took place at the new Gallatin Valley YMCA on Tuesday, August 29th at 10am. Several First Interstate Bank leaders as well as the First Interstate Bank Foundation will be attendance along with several of the young students who they YMCA serves with summer camp programs and athletic leagues.

For more information on the Gallatin Valley or how you can support its community efforts, please visit www.gallatinvalleyymca.org or call 406-994-9622.

Calling anyone who needs an engineer: Montana State University engineering students are here to help.
 
Each year, groups of seniors from MSU’s College of Engineering work to design, analyze, fabricate and troubleshoot creations that they then display during the college’s biannual Engineering Design Fair, which will be held this year in December in the Strand Union Building.
 
The Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering are currently looking for companies, citizens and MSU faculty interested in sponsoring these projects, which represent a culmination of the knowledge the up-and-coming engineers have learned in their chosen fields.

“Sponsors have an opportunity to address their engineering design challenges while helping to train the next generation of engineers,” said Robb Larson, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering.
 
Sponsors pay for supplies used in the project and are involved in decision-making, including budgets, Larson said.
 
Past projects have included a variety of robotic vehicles and research devices, implements to aid in ranching, mechanisms to help those with physical disabilities, custom laboratory equipment for undergraduate labs and sustainable energy devices.
 
“Projects can involve a range of topics including mechanisms, thermal systems, fluids, structures, building systems, instrumentation and control, engineering trade studies and advanced modeling, or combinations of several issues,” Larson said.
 
Because the college’s enrollment has grown, Larson said, there is more opportunity for sponsored projects than in the past - and more need for sponsors.
 
“This is a great opportunity for MSU researchers who may have need for specially designed equipment for their labs,” Larson said. “We’ve had students design for researchers in engineering, physics, the biological sciences and agriculture.”
 
“Also, lots of MSU faculty have used the senior design course to design and build instructional laboratory equipment,” he said. “Students and faculty both can get an excellent outcome from those connections.”
 
Larson, who teaches the two-semester capstone sequence with David Miller, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering, said MSU’s engineering capstone teams have won national student design competitions in a variety of areas and generated innovative ideas and solutions for sponsors in many disciplines.

Under the guidance of a faculty adviser, student teams work with the sponsor on project details and specifications. The students perform research, consider alternatives, perform a thorough engineering analysis, create accurate computer models, produce detailed engineering drawings of the preferred design and collect results in a formal design report. Finally, the students create and test a functional prototype and deliver it to the sponsor.

Companies, MSU faculty members or individuals interested in more information about sponsoring a mechanical engineering project should contact Larson at 406-994-6420 or rlarson@me.montana.edu; or David Miller, 406-994-6285, dmiller@me.montana.edu. For those interested in sponsoring projects with students in computer and electrical engineering, contact Todd Kaiser, 406-994-7276 or tjkaiser@montana.edu.