Friday, Nov. 7th, 2025

Tim & Mary Barnard Aquatics Center Renovation at Eagle Mount Building Bridges to The Future


BOZEMAN – Eagle Mount Bozeman is replacing its pool roof to ensure a safe, accessible space for adaptive participants who swim at Eagle Mount. Following the closure of other indoor pools in the valley, Eagle Mount recognized the need to have the pool assessed. After several years of close observation, it was determined that the roof needed to be replaced and the difficult decision was made to close our pool in December 2024. On September 8, 2025, removal and replacement of the existing roof began.

“Eagle Mount’s pool unites our community through adaptive aquatics,” said Adaptive Aquatics Director, Maggie Lowry. “Since our aquatics center first opened in 2008, we’ve served more than 295 participants annually, ranging in ages from zero to ninety-eight.”

Eagle Mount extends heartfelt gratitude to The Springs for providing pool access during construction, allowing our aquatics programs to continue without interruption. “This partnership ensures our participants can still experience the benefits of adaptive aquatics,” said Bruce Anderson, Director of Programs. “The roof replacement does not affect our other programs, which remain fully operational, serving the greater Gallatin Valley as always.”

Following the pool’s closure, a dedicated group of community leaders and supporters rallied to raise funding vital for this project. Many thanks to all supporters, special gratitude to Tim and Mary Barnard making possible the start of the pool renovation.

“We deeply appreciate the support of our campaign leaders and supporters. Tim and Mary Barnard’s transformative $2 million investment has ignited this essential renovation,” said Kevin Sylvester, Executive Director. “Together with the unwavering commitment of our community leaders and donors, their generosity ensures Eagle Mount’s pool continues to be a space for inclusion, healing, and connection for years to come.”

The Pool repair and updated facilities aligned with broader Eagle Mount campus needs, laying a strong foundation for a renewed facility that will serve generations to come. Currently, Eagle Mount anticipates an opening date of early summer 2026.

Eagle Mount invites the broader community, in early 2026, to join us in the Bridge to Our Future Campaign. “Eagle Mount relies upon year end support to offer all programming every year – this year is no different,” said Executive Director, Kevin Sylvester. “If the pool renovation or campus improvements speak to your interests, please let us know – and we are grateful for your continued support to realize Eagle Mount’s mission.”

Eagle Mount Bozeman is committed to provide quality adaptive recreation and sport opportunities for people with disabilities and young people impacted by cancer, and to provide support for families of participants, so that “they shall mount up with wings as eagles.”

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Thursday, Nov. 6th, 2025

Best Places to Travel in the USA for TikTok Influencers


For TikTok influencers, travel isn’t just about exploring - it’s about finding visually captivating locations that inspire creativity and engagement. The United States is filled with diverse destinations that provide the perfect backdrop for viral videos, whether you’re into fashion, lifestyle, comedy, or cinematic travel content. Here are some of the best places in the USA every TikTok influencer should have on their radar. Travelling is the best way to get more organic TikTok followers;

Los Angeles, California – The Creator Capital
Los Angeles remains the ultimate playground for influencers. From the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory to Venice Beach and Melrose Avenue, nearly every corner offers picture-perfect content opportunities. TikTok influencers can film stylish outfit transitions in front of the colorful murals or create aesthetic café vlogs in spots like Alfred Coffee or The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker. Plus, with countless creator houses and networking events, LA is the best place to meet other influencers and collaborate.

New York City, New York – Urban Energy at Its Best
New York City provides the perfect mix of energy, diversity, and cinematic views. The Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and Central Park are classic filming spots, but the real charm lies in hidden gems like DUMBO, SoHo streets, and the High Line. For lifestyle creators, trendy brunch spots in Manhattan and rooftop bars in Brooklyn are goldmines for day-in-the-life or outfit inspiration videos. The city’s vibrant culture ensures endless ideas for engaging, relatable TikTok content.

Miami, Florida – Beach Vibes and Aesthetic Skies
Miami’s tropical vibes and neon nightlife make it ideal for lifestyle, travel, and fashion influencers. The pastel Art Deco buildings of South Beach, the murals of Wynwood Walls, and the oceanfront sunsets are visually irresistible. TikTok creators can shoot luxury travel vlogs, fitness content, or poolside fashion clips. The city’s upbeat atmosphere, palm-lined streets, and clear blue waters make it a must for anyone curating an aesthetic and colorful feed.

Sedona, Arizona – For Nature and Wellness Creators
For influencers leaning toward wellness, nature, or spiritual content, Sedona is a hidden treasure. Its red rock landscapes and energy vortexes create an otherworldly backdrop for meditation, hiking, and self-growth videos. Sunrise shots at Cathedral Rock or slow-motion transitions among the red cliffs are guaranteed to capture attention. The peaceful energy of Sedona contrasts beautifully with the busy city vibe, offering a more mindful travel narrative.

Las Vegas, Nevada – Lights, Luxury, and Lifestyle
Las Vegas isn’t just for nightlife; it’s an entertainment paradise. From luxury hotels like The Venetian and Caesars Palace to the Bellagio Fountains and Neon Museum, every frame shines with glamor. TikTok influencers can shoot travel diaries, comedy sketches, or bold fashion transitions. With its extravagant events and themed venues, Vegas gives creators a chance to showcase personality, humor, and creativity all in one place.

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Monday, Nov. 3rd, 2025

Maintaining Rural Driveways in Montana: DIY Grading Tips for Homeowners

Why Grading Matters in Montana

Gravel driveways around Bozeman take a beating every year. Spring thaw, summer dust, and deep winter cold can turn a short stretch of road into a small adventure. Many rural homeowners handle the upkeep themselves because it is part of the rhythm of owning land in Montana.

With the right equipment, the work gets a lot easier. A durable tractor grader blade smooths rough patches, rebuilds the crown, and keeps drainage working as it should. Whether you are maintaining a half-mile ranch road or a long gravel lane, a few grading basics can save time, reduce wear on your vehicle, and keep the drive looking cared for.

Know Your Driveway: Materials, Slope, and Trouble Spots

Before you fire up the tractor, study the surface. Every driveway has quirks, like soft shoulders after rain, shallow dips that collect water, or thin spots where clay starts to show. Walk the route after a storm, and you will see where runoff cuts channels and where tires carve ruts.

Pay close attention to the crown, the gentle rise in the middle that lets water drain toward the edges. Aim for a steady crown that is high enough to shed water without pushing vehicles toward the ditch. Mix matters too. Larger aggregate builds structure, and fines knit the surface together. If the blend leans too far either way, the surface either washes out or turns dusty and loose.

A short inspection now prevents hours of correction later. Once you know the weak spots, you can plan passes that put material where it counts.

Safety & Prep

Good grading starts before the first pass. Look over the tractor and attachments, tighten pins, check hydraulic lines, and confirm that the blade sits level. An uneven setup can undo the work in a single run.

Dress for footing and visibility. Wear boots with traction, gloves, and eye protection. If your driveway winds through trees or slopes toward a ditch, clear your line of sight before moving equipment. Slow speeds and small adjustments are safer and more effective than a few aggressive cuts.

Timing matters just as much. Bone-dry gravel scatters and refuses to reshape. Saturated ground turns to muck that never compacts. The sweet spot is slightly damp, firm enough to hold shape yet soft enough for the blade to bite.

Tools for the Job (and When to Upgrade)

The right tools turn a long, jolting afternoon into a few efficient passes. Most rural homeowners rely on a compact or utility tractor with a rear attachment for reshaping gravel. A tractor grader blade angles, tilts, and reverses, which lets you pull material from the edges, shave high spots, and rebuild the crown in one setup. For regular maintenance, it offers a good mix of control and simplicity.

If your driveway sits on a steep grade or funnels runoff, a box blade or land plane adds stability. Both carry more material and level broad stretches without tossing gravel into the ditch. For quick touch-ups, a shovel, a steel rake, and some patience still do the job.

Keep the blade sharp and clean between uses, and experiment with angle and tilt. Perfect is not the goal. A surface that drains and feels solid under your tires is.

Step-by-Step: How to Grade a Gravel Driveway

Start with the rough spots. Set the blade light to shave high spots and pull loose gravel toward the center. Go slow and overlap each pass so the surface blends instead of stacking ridges. Skip deep cuts. They chew into the base and leave waves that keep coming back.

Once the middle holds enough material, shape the crown. A gradual slope of about a quarter inch of rise per foot of width guides rain toward the edges without pushing vehicles sideways. Feather the edges by lifting the blade slightly as you move outward. This keeps gravel out of the ditch and maintains a clean shoulder where water can escape.

After reshaping, drive the length of the road and feel for soft spots or washboards. If anything seems uneven, make another light pass rather than a deep cut. Finish with a slow run down the center to blend everything together. The drive should feel firm underfoot and shed water to both sides.

Drainage Is Everything

Even the best grading fails if water lingers on the surface. Every rut and washout begins with poor drainage, so give this part of the job time and attention. Keep a steady crown down the center and make sure the edges fall gently into ditches or grassy swales. If the crown flattens, water will sit in the tire paths, soften the base, and create mud pockets that return after every storm.

Clearing ditches and culverts is part of the same task. Remove debris that blocks flow and check that outflow points stay open beyond the road’s edge. A light grading pass along the shoulders restores the transition from crown to ditch without building berms that trap runoff. Low-profile edging, like timber, steel strip, or stone set just below grade, keeps gravel contained without creating berms that dam water, and these practical ways to border a gravel driveway help preserve the crown while leaving clear paths for runoff.

Attention to drainage pays off quickly. A well-shaped surface dries faster, stands up better to traffic, and breaks the cycle of patching the same ruts each season.

Seasonal Strategies for Montana

Montana’s seasons give driveways a workout, so adjust your routine to match conditions.

Winter: Keep a thin, packed layer of snow on top of the gravel instead of scraping bare. That buffer protects the base from plow damage and makes spring recovery easier. If you use a blade, set it just high enough to leave that cushion.

Mud season: When frost leaves the ground, the surface softens. Hold off until it firms up a little. Working wet gravel deepens the mess. Once it is slightly tacky, use light passes to reshape the crown and fill holes with material pulled from higher spots.

Summer: Dust control takes the lead. A touch of moisture helps gravel compact. Spread fresh fines and drive over them when the surface is slightly damp so the top layer locks up.

A steady seasonal rhythm keeps small problems from turning into weekend-long repairs.

DIY vs. Call a Pro

Grading a driveway is not complicated, but it does take judgment. Routine touch-ups like smoothing ruts, reshaping the crown, and clearing ditches fit into a homeowner’s weekend. If you have a compact tractor and some time, keeping up with small fixes prevents larger problems.

The work changes when the base begins to fail. Deep potholes that return, sections that hold water no matter how you grade them, or areas that sink after heavy rain point to a deeper issue. When the gravel layer mixes with subsoil or drainage stops working, the job calls for heavier equipment and experience.

Use clear cues to decide. Look at the scope, safety, the tools you have, and how quickly damage is spreading. For outdoor projects, choosing when to handle repairs yourself or call a pro often comes down to risk, the need for specialized machinery, and whether the fix affects drainage or the driveway base.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few small missteps can undo hours of grading. Working when the surface is too dry or too wet is at the top of the list. Dry gravel scatters without reshaping. Saturated soil turns to soup that never compacts. Aim for that in-between moisture, firm yet slightly pliable under the blade.

Overgrading is a common mistake. Cut too deep and you peel off the compacted base that gives the drive its backbone. Keep the blade light, shave the highs, and blend material in thin layers. Big bites trigger erosion, leaving you to chase new low spots.

Watch the crown and edges. Flattening the center or building berms along the sides both interfere with drainage. When you add new gravel, mix coarse and fine so the top layer locks together.

Quick Checklist & Next Steps

A short checklist keeps the work efficient and helps spot trouble before it grows:

• Walk the driveway after heavy rain to see where water stands or cuts channels.

• Check the crown and make sure the center still slopes toward the edges.

• Clear ditches and culverts so runoff can move freely.

• Tighten bolts and pins on the grader blade before each use.

• Work in light passes instead of deep cuts to protect the base.

• Add gravel selectively, more near low spots, less where the crown holds firm.

• Avoid grading when soaked or dusty to prevent loose surfaces and rutting.

A little consistency goes a long way. Regular attention keeps the drive smoother, improves drainage, and extends the life of the gravel. When the surface feels solid underfoot and dries quickly after storms, your grading rhythm is in a good place.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Solid

Gravel driveways will always show a little wear, which is part of living where weather shifts fast and seasons leave a mark. Steady habits and a light touch with the blade turn upkeep into routine maintenance rather than major repair. Over time, the surface holds its shape through freeze, thaw, and summer heat, and the drive feels right every time you pull in.

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Saturday, Nov. 1st, 2025

Building the Base for Bozeman’s Next 90 Years: Bridger Ski Foundation


BOZEMAN
— After 90 years without a permanent home, the Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) is breaking new ground—literally. The nonprofit is launching Building the Base, a $3 million campaign to establish its first-ever headquarters: a community hub that will serve as the center for training, youth development, and year-round outdoor engagement in the Gallatin Valley.

“This is a defining moment for Bridger Ski Foundation and for Bozeman,” said Evan Weiss, Executive Director of BSF. “For nearly a century, this organization has thrived on grit, volunteerism, and community support. Building the Base will transform how we serve the next 90 years of skiers, families, and community members—ensuring that skiing in the valley remains accessible, connected, and deeply local. Our new headquarters will also be a hub for winter ski culture and community wellbeing, where people of all ages can gather, connect, and experience the joy and benefits of skiing.”

Founded in 1936 by local skiers racing on the hills around town, BSF has grown into a cornerstone of Bozeman’s outdoor culture. Each year, the organization engages more than 1,000 youth and adults in programs that build confidence, resilience, and lifelong connection to the outdoors. BSF also grooms 90 kilometers of free public trails—creating more than 100,000 days of skiing, walking, hiking, and biking annually. For many residents, these trails and programs are more than recreation—they’re a lifeline, supporting youth mental health, preventing isolation, and strengthening community bonds.

The new headquarters will transform how BSF serves the community. Purpose-built spaces for staff, coaches, and athletes will enhance collaboration and training, while flexible program areas will host youth development, mental health, and wellness initiatives. The facility will also expand partnerships with schools, community organizations, and outdoor-focused groups—creating a central hub where people of all ages can connect with the outdoors and with one another.

The public phase of the Building the Base campaign launches November 1 at the annual BSF Ski Swap at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. BSF invites everyone who values the trails, mountains, and shared ski culture of the Gallatin Valley to contribute and help bring this long-awaited home to life.

Learn more and give at bridgerskifoundation.org/about/thebase.

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Friday, Oct. 31st, 2025

FWP game wardens seek information on bull elk killed south of Boulder

BOULDER – Game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking information related to a bull elk that was found dead and unclaimed on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The bull was found on private land about 7 miles south of Boulder along Lower Valley Road. It’s unclear whether the elk was shot at and killed at that location, or if it was initially shot and wounded on another adjacent property.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Boulder game warden Jacie Vonada at 406-502-8581 or visit tipmont.mt.gov. Informants may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

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General season opens with above-average hunter participation and success rates at most game check stations in southwestern Montana

BOZEMAN – Montana’s general hunting season for deer and elk kicked off on Saturday with seasonably mild weather and high hunter participation in many areas of southwestern Montana.

Wildlife biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks use check stations to collect data on hunter participation and success, as well as the species, sex and age class of the animals harvested. This supplements data collected through hunter harvest phone surveys each year. Hunters are required to stop at game check stations they encounter, regardless of whether they harvested an animal.

Over opening weekend on Oct. 25 and 26, biologists operated six check game check stations in Region 3, including Alder, Cameron, Canyon Ferry, Divide, Gallatin and Silver City. They met with 2,480 hunters, who collectively harvested 148 elk, 40 mule deer and 10 white-tailed deer, among other species.

Hunter numbers were at or above average for opening weekend at the Cameron, Divide, Gallatin and Silver City check stations. Hunter numbers were below average at the Alder and Canyon Ferry check stations. Hunter numbers ranged from 253 hunters at the Gallatin check station to 586 hunters in Cameron.

Hunter success rates were at or above average for opening weekend at the Canyon Ferry, Divide, Gallatin and Silver City check stations. Hunter success rates were below but near average at Alder and Cameron. Success rates ranged from 6 percent in Silver City to 13.4 percent in Divide.

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How Education Shapes the Next Generation of Startup Founders

Startup culture often feels like a wild west of ideas - coffee-fueled nights, big dreams, and pitch decks that promise to change the world. But behind every successful startup founder lies something less flashy and far more powerful: education. Whether through business school, online courses, or mentorship programs, learning lays the foundation for innovation.

Studyfy's 2025 research found that 74% of founders attribute their first big idea to something they learned during their studies. This proves that education isn't just about grades - it's about learning how to solve problems creatively and confidently. The importance of studying entrepreneurship goes beyond starting a company; it's about understanding people, systems, and risk-taking at every level.

Let's dive into how modern education systems are shaping tomorrow's startup leaders - and why learning still matters in a world obsessed with disruption.

The Role of Academic Environments in Fostering Innovation
University campuses are often the first test grounds for entrepreneurial minds. From hackathons to student innovation labs, academic spaces give dreamers a safe place to fail, learn, and try again.

According to Studyfy's "Future of Founders" report, 63% of student-led startups began as class projects. This statistic highlights the relevance of studying entrepreneurship - classrooms provide structure, mentors, and access to technology that can turn a rough idea into a prototype.

Education systems, when designed right, don't just teach theory - they give students the courage to test bold ideas in a low-risk environment.

Skills Learned Through Education That Empower Founders
Entrepreneurs need a blend of creative and analytical skills. Studyfy's survey revealed that students who pursued startup education programs were 46% more likely to successfully launch a business within two years of graduation.
Here are the top skills that founders say made the biggest difference:

1. Critical thinking - spotting opportunities others miss.
2. Financial literacy - knowing how to manage investor capital.
3. Communication - pitching ideas that resonate with investors and teams.
4. Adaptability - pivoting fast when ideas fail.
5. Leadership - inspiring others to take risks with you.

These traits are nurtured in academic settings long before the first business plan is ever written. The classroom becomes a rehearsal space for real-world innovation - and that's something you can't fake in a garage startup.

The Academic Writing Advantage: Essay Services Online
Starting a company means writing nonstop - business proposals, investor summaries, and market reports. Many future founders don't realize that their college essays are early training for this. Academic writing teaches structure, logic, and clarity - all essential for persuasive communication in business.

That's where tools like write my homework and online academic support can make a big difference. Students juggling entrepreneurial projects often use writing platforms to refine their reports and stay on top of coursework.

Studyfy's 2025 research revealed that 58% of students who used academic writing help said it improved their ability to communicate professionally in the business world. Services like homework assignment help also encourage better organization - something every startup founder desperately needs.

As Daniel Walker, a Studyfy education expert specializing in essay services online, explains, "When students learn to express complex ideas clearly, they're already preparing to pitch to investors. Academic structure builds persuasive power - and persuasion builds businesses."

Here's what Studyfy's data shows about how writing support influences entrepreneurial success:

In other words, mastering written communication early helps founders think more clearly - and that's the secret behind great leadership.

Education as a Catalyst for Entrepreneurial Networking
Let's face it - networking in college can be more valuable than the degree itself. Studyfy's research shows that 72% of founders met at least one future business partner during their academic years. The people you meet in class could become your first investors, co-founders, or customers.

Education gives aspiring entrepreneurs access to:

● Startup incubators that connect students with investors.
● Alumni networks offering mentorship and funding advice.
● Entrepreneurship conferences that bring together like-minded innovators.

The startup education business thrives because connections fuel progress. Universities don't just hand out diplomas - they create ecosystems where ideas collide and collaborations form.

Global Education and Cross-Cultural Startup Thinking
The globalisation of higher education has turned classrooms into mini versions of the world economy. Students now share projects with peers from five different countries, blending perspectives and building global awareness.

Studyfy's 2024 "Startup Without Borders" report found that 67% of international founders credit studying abroad with expanding their entrepreneurial mindset. This cross-cultural learning shapes how they design, market, and scale their products globally.

For example:

Asian founders often emphasize efficiency and community impact.
European founders focus on sustainability and ethics.
American founders prioritize scalability and investor appeal.

This mix of mindsets drives innovation worldwide and proves why entrepreneurship is important to the economy - it encourages global collaboration and problem-solving that no single market could achieve alone.

Challenges in Turning Education Into Entrepreneurship
Of course, it's not all success stories. Turning a business idea into reality takes funding, resilience, and timing. Studyfy's data shows that 49% of startups fail in the first two years, often due to lack of financial planning or mentorship.
The biggest obstacles include:

Limited funding opportunities - many struggle with education startup funding or early-stage capital.
Fear of failure - academic perfectionism can discourage risk-taking.
Time management - balancing school and business drains energy fast.

Studyfy's survey of 500 student founders revealed that those who used resources like mentorship programs or homework assignment help were 31% more likely to stay motivated and complete their business goals. Education gives structure - but founders still need persistence to make that structure work.

Conclusion: Education as the Startup Launchpad
Education isn't just about learning facts - it's about developing the mindset to take risks, adapt, and lead. The importance of studying entrepreneurship lies in the way it connects creativity with discipline. Whether through theory, teamwork, or tools like essay services online and homework assignment help, students are learning how to think like founders before they ever launch a company.

Studyfy's ongoing research shows that education will continue to shape the next generation of startup leaders - those who see every problem as a potential business and every challenge as a lesson in disguise.

The next big idea? It might just start in a classroom, right after a student finishes their last piece of homework help.

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Thursday, Oct. 30th, 2025

Enchanting Crankie Fest returns November 7 & 8 & 14, 15 & 16


Picture a group of people clustered around a television. Now picture that television devolving back into the original moving picture show: an ancient storytelling device called a crankie. Consisting of an illustrated scroll in a box that tells a story, they are called crankies because the scroll is cranked across the opening of the box. An utterly captivating and unique storytelling experience, Crankie Fest is a comforting antidote to our fast-paced digital lives. It encourages viewers to downshift and experience the simple awe and delight of an intimate live performance. 

At Crankie Fest, artists from Southwest Montana will perform original, handmade crankies accompanied by puppetry, live music, and sound effects. Inspired by the theme Into the Forest, adventurous and tender tales of exploration and discovery among the trees will be told using a variety of artistic mediums and styles.  

“I hope everyone can slow down and look more closely to appreciate the world around them...” says participating crankie artist Angela Yonke. “… the power of imagination is limitless.” 

This relatively unknown art form is quickly “cranking” up in Bozeman as Random Acts of Silliness presents its Third Annual Crankie Fest. Shows will take place at the Belgrade Community Library on November 8th and at the Beall Park Recreation Center on November 14th, 15th and 16th. Admission to these delightful performances is free and open to all, but seats are extremely limited. Reservations are required and can be made at: https://www.randomactsofsilliness.com/2025-crankie-fest . Crankie Fest is created in partnership with Bozeman Parks and Recreation and supported by Grizzly Creek Films and Foundant Technologies.

For more information, visit https://www.randomactsofsilliness.com/2025-crankie-fest 

• Who: Crankie Fest presented by Random Acts of Silliness
•  What: A live show of original crankies accompanied by music, puppetry and sound effects.
•  When: Saturday, November 8th in Belgrade and Friday through Sunday, November 14th through 16th in Bozeman.
•  Where: Belgrade Community Library in Belgrade and Beall Park Recreation Center in Bozeman 

About Random Acts of Silliness
Random Acts of Silliness is an arts organization inspiring laughter and play in the Gallatin Valley. We build community by sparking whimsy and creativity in the young—and young at heart—through original and engaging art installations, theater productions, and random acts of silliness. 

Photos of previous Crankie Fests by Doug Loneman.

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Wednesday, Oct. 29th, 2025

Bozeman Public Library Starts Children’s Room Renovation Project

 
BOZEMAN – Bozeman Public Library is seeking public input in preparation for renovating its beloved Children’s Room, which is showing its age after 19 years of enthusiastic use by children and their families. Bozeman Public Library, Minnesota architecture firm MSR Design, and Bozeman architecture design firm SMA are partnering on the project.

The architects and Library Youth Services department will be hosting a series of public input sessions from Nov. 4 through 8 at the Library to shape the Children’s Room renovation project.

People of all ages are encouraged to contribute their dreams for the space. A full listing of public events can be found below and at engage.bozeman.net/children. For those who cannot attend events, the Library will also be collecting input via an online survey, which will become available in the coming weeks on the Engage website.  



“The Children’s Room is a beloved space within our community,” Bozeman Public Library’s Youth Services Department Head Ellie Newell stated. “Over 130,000 people visited this room in the past year, and that heavy use shows. We hope all can join us in envisioning what this new space should look like. It’s your library, and we want everyone to feel welcome in the space.” 

The Children's Room has not been renovated since the Library was built in 2006. The recent Library renovation didn't include the Children's Room due to financial constraints. The initial concept design work is being funded through the Library’s City-County interlocal agreement with Gallatin County. The Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation is seeking donations to fund the final design and construction work, which is estimated to cost around $1 million. 

“Every child who walks through the Library’s doors deserves a space that sparks curiosity and creativity,” said Janay Johnson, Executive Director of the Bozeman Library Friends and Foundation. “Thanks to the generosity of our community, we can invest in our children and reimagine a Children’s Room that will inspire and welcome them for years to come.” 

Goals of the project include increasing sightlines and safety, making the space more accessible (including spaces for neurodivergent patrons), expanding storage and staff workspaces, creating intentional play and makerspace areas, and bringing tools like a washer/dryer, dishwasher, and utility sink to staff areas. The Children’s Room will not expand beyond its existing footprint. 

Staff currently anticipate the project design being completed by mid-2026, with renovation potentially occurring later in 2026 or early 2027. Families will still be able to access children’s books and spaces throughout the project, with the Community Room serving as a children’s space when the Children’s Room finally undergoes construction. Those interested in learning more and providing input can visitengage.bozeman.net/children.

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Wardens seeking information on unlawfully killed bull elk

BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are seeking information on an unlawfully killed six-by-six bull elk left to waste on private property south of Musselshell. The incident occurred on private land off Hawk Creek Road.  

The elk was likely poached during the night of Oct. 25 or early morning Oct. 26. The entire carcass was left to waste.  

Anyone with possible information about this incident is asked to visit tipmont.mt.gov or contact Warden Diego O’Brien at 406-428-8700 to provide details. Callers may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. 

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