BOZEMAN – An angler killed a grizzly bear in self-defense this week in the Tom Miner Basin.

The encounter happened on Aug. 30 on private land along Tom Miner Creek. Two anglers were walking through dense vegetation when they were charged by a grizzly bear. One of the anglers shot and killed the bear. No people were injured.

The bear’s behavior was likely defensive in the surprise, close encounter. The bear was an adult male grizzly. This incident is still under investigation.

Be bear aware

Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year.

This time of year is when bears are active for longer periods as they consume more food in preparation for hibernation. This period overlaps with hunting season and other fall recreation activities.

Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Make noise to alert bears to your presence and travel in groups.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so.
• Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.
• Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.

People who hunt in places that have or may have grizzly bears—which includes areas of Montana west of Billings—should take special precautions:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Look for bear sign and be cautious around creeks and areas with limited visibility.
• Hunt with a group of people. Making localized noise can alert bears to your presence.
• Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.
• Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game and remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible.
• If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during processing, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards.
• Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Services, and Native American tribes. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

For more information and resources on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware.

On August 31^st, 2023, at 9:36 pm, Gallatin County Dispatch received a 911 call from two hikers near Baldy Mountain in the Bridger Range. According to the caller, they had started at Fairy Lake early in the day, and one of the hikers had become extremely exhausted and both hikers were out of food and water. The party was unable to hike down, and with darkness setting in they requested search and rescue.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the Valley Section, as well as a helicopter from Billings Clinic MedFlight responded to the request. A hasty team hiked in from the M Trailhead and was able to access the party on foot where they assessed the patient and treated them for exhaustion and cold exposure. A second ground team used side by sides from Bridger Bowl, then hiked South to bring additional gear to the patient. The ground team was ultimately able to locate a landing zone for Billings MedFlight near the hikers. The patient was then assessed by a flight nurse, however due to weather, Billings MedFlight was unable to transport the patient. The party was assisted down the mountain by GCSSAR personnel throughout the night, but ultimately at daylight, they were flown off the mountain with the GCSSAR Heli Team.

Sheriff Springer would like to remind back country enthusiasts that even a day hike can go wrong quickly. Having enough gear to spend the night if necessary, as well as appropriate gear for the conditions and a way to communicate can greatly increase your chances when things go bad. Sheriff Springer would also like to thank the Valley Section, Heli Team, Comms Team, and Billings MedFlight for their exceptional work on a long and difficult rescue.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

All are encouraged to give input by joining or hosting a Community Chat from Sept. 11-17
 
BOZEMAN —The City of Bozeman is gathering input to develop draft goals and recommendations for the Belonging in Bozeman Equity & Inclusion Plan. All are invited to host a Community Chat with friends, colleagues, neighbors, and housemates on a topic reflected in the plan’s eight vision statements. These topics include Housing, Transportation, Health & Wellbeing, Education, Childcare & Youth Programming, Economic Security, Community Safety & Civic Health, and Community Resiliency.

 
These conversations unite residents from across our region to share their thoughts, insights, and experiences about what we can do together to make our community a place where everyone can thrive.
 
Community Engagement Coordinator Dani Hess says, “The purpose of these Community Chats is really to build community, spark conversation, and allow residents to engage in this plan in a way that is convenient for them.”
 
Input from hosts and participants will ensure that the goals and recommendations of the plan are aligned with the lived experiences and expertise of community members themselves.
 
Those who would like to host a conversation should register by Sept. 8 to host a Community Chat during the week of Sept. 11-17. Registered hosts will receive a Community Chat Toolkit with tips and guidance on hosting an informed and productive conversation. Community Chats can take place across the Gallatin Valley in spaces that are accessible and comfortable for hosts and participants – this can include dinner tables, park pavilions, workplaces, and other public or private gathering places.

 
Register to host a Community Chat by Sept. 8 at bit.ly/CC23-reg and learn more about the Belonging in Bozeman Plan at engage.bozeman.net/belonging.

BOZEMAN —The Bozeman Police Department is proud to sponsor the fifteenth session of the popular Citizens’ Police Academy. This free class will meet every Thursday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. over the course of eight weeks. The academy starts Sept. 14, 2023, and will run through Nov. 2, 2023.

“Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a police officer with the Bozeman Police Department? Do you often question why the Bozeman Police Officers do what they do or wonder what challenges the community faces? We aim to answer these questions and more at our Citizens’ Police Academy and encourage all to apply quickly as this event fills up fast,” Officer Scott Vongehr stated.

One of the main objectives of the Citizens’ Police Academy is to have fun while fostering stronger communication between the citizens of Bozeman and the police department. It is also to enhance citizen understanding and awareness of the role of the Bozeman Police Department.  

This will be a hands-on training with an emphasis on student involvement. Classes about the department and criminal justice system will be offered to the students so there can be a better understanding of the services the Bozeman Police Department provides to the community.  Students will learn about the different divisions, such as patrol, detective, and support services. 

Those interested in attending or those with questions can contact Community Resource Officer Scott Vongehr at svongehr@bozeman.net or at 582-2969. Applications can be found online at https://www.bozeman.net/departments/police/community-involvement/citizens-police-academy.

BIG SKY, MT  — The eagle(s) have landed.  

Following a 37-day journey from Olten, Switzerland, both of the Lone Peak Tram cabins have arrived safely in Big Sky. The cabins were greeted in traditional Big Sky fashion with a local bull moose temporarily stopping traffic as they made their way to their final destination.  

The 6,615-pound cabins arrived by boat in Port Hueneme, California, before being loaded on a truck for delivery to Big Sky.  

The cabins will travel up to 300 feet off the ground when installed on the haul ropes, and each include 12 seats and a glass floor panel for viewing during the summer.  

Montana Law Enforcement planning increased patrols in the Bozeman area over the holiday weekend.  Residents encouraged to plan for a sober ride home.

·         Local law enforcement and the Montana Highway Patrol are increasing their presence and patrols during the Labor Day weekend
·         Montana has the highest share of alcohol-related traffic deaths in the U.S. at 45%. In 2021, 63% of all fatalities were the result of impaired driving
·         To ensure the safety of communities across Montana, law enforcement encourages residents to make a plan to get a sober ride home before they start drinking and celebrating during the Labor Day weekend
·         Labor Day marks the end of the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period where most traffic fatalities occur in Montana and nationwide
 
BOZEMAN – As Labor Day weekend approaches, Bozeman area law enforcement agencies and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) are encouraging Montanans to plan a sober ride home before they celebrate. Labor Day weekend is the final three days of the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period where most traffic fatalities occur. MHP will be increasing patrols across the state and making DUI arrests to ensure every Montanan gets home safely this holiday weekend. MHP and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) are committed to reducing fatalities and severe injuries on Montana’s roadways.

According to MDT, if drivers have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, they could receive a DUI charge and other serious consequences, including having their driver’s license revoked, being required to take mandatory classes, and receiving possible jail time, as well as up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees.

 
We want everyone to enjoy the holiday weekend, so make sure you plan for a sober ride home.  Labor Day weekend is full of travel and end-of-summer get-togethers. To make sure we’re all able to have fun safely, start your weekend by making a plan. Whether you’re hanging by the river or going to a BBQ, always use a sober ride.

 
MHP is on high alert during the holiday weekend because of Montana’s sobering statistics:
·         Montana has the highest fatality rates in the nation for the number of deaths caused by impaired drivers per vehicle mile traveled
·         The state has the highest share of alcohol-related traffic deaths at 45% (2021)
·         63% of all traffic fatalities in Montana are the result of impaired driving (2021)
·         1,268 people were killed in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver from 2012-2021
 
By designating a sober driver or using a rideshare or taxi service, you’re making our community safer. Make sure you celebrate responsibly as you gather with friends and family for the end of summer. Together we can keep our community safe.
 
Montana Department of Transportation — Vision Zero
This is a Vision Zero message from the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement and educational campaigns are strategies to reach Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For more information about Vision Zero, contact Janet Kenny, Montana Department of Transportation, at 406-444-7417 or jakenny@mt.gov.   

Symphony Presents Series, family programming, and "Current Commotion" – an experimental music series that allows the Bozeman Symphony to be on the cutting edge of the industry. The Bozeman Symphony also presents community outreach performances

BOZEMAN – Peak Ski Company revealed its expanded and enhanced 2023/2024 line of six all-mountain skis today, all of which have received critical acclaim by some of the most respected gear guide publications in the industry. Based on customer feedback, Peak’s 2023/24 skis are available in more lengths and all include Peak’s proprietary Keyhole Technology™. An innovative design feature, Keyhole Technology™ is a unique below-the-surface cutaway that is central to Peak skis’ unique performance.

“Ultimately, Bode’s and my goal was to develop high performance skis for literally all ability levels and, relative to that goal, we’ve really been encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response from our customers,” said Andy Wirth, co-founder and CEO of Peak Ski Company. “Additionally, we understand that the soon-to-be published reviews from the industry’s leading media outlets see it the same way, which is all quite gratifying, but we’re truly just getting started.”

“Using my 25 years of experience as a professional ski racer, Andy, the Peak team and I set out on a mission to develop skis that advance the sport by changing the way people ski. Our intense focus on performance and precision coupled with are several innovative design features, including Keyhole Technology™ makes skiing fundamentally easier and allows skiers to quickly gain confidence on their skis,” said Bode Miller, co-founder and chief innovation officer of Peak Ski Company. “This year’s lineup builds on the success from that mission.”

The 2023/2024 models include:

Peak 88 by Bode: 30% off-trail, 70% on-trail. A go-to tool for groomer skiers, but arcs fall line turns off-trail too. Available in 160, 168, 176, 184 cm.


Peak 98 by Bode: 50% off-trail, 50% on-trail. An all-mountain quiver killer that is versatile on- and off-trail, in powder, crud, chalk, or corn, it’s nimble and floaty enough for all but the deepest of resort days. Available in 160 (new), 168, 178, 184, 190 (new) cm. 



Peak 104 by Bode: 70% off-trail, 30% on-trail. An East Coast powder ski and an all-mountain ski out West with a surf-like feel. It can rip corduroy but performs at its best off-trail. Available in 160 (new), 168, 178, 184, 190 (new) cm.



Peak 110 by Bode: 80% off-trail, 20% on-trail. A powder ski designed for the deepest days but allows skiers to rip turns in-bounds, too. Available in 168 (new), 178, 188 cm.

Peak 98 by Dav and Peak 104 by Dav
With the addition of Chris Davenport to the Peak Ski Company executive leadership team, the original Peak 98SCs and Peak 104SCs have transitioned to the Peak 98 by Dav and Peak 104 by Dav. The rebranding reflects the true “ski everything everywhere” character of these adventure skis epitomized by Dav. They share the same rocker profile as the 98 and 104 by Bode, but are lighter weight and perfect for inbound hikes, the backcountry, or smaller skiers looking for a softer flex.

Keyhole Technology™
All Peak Skis feature Keyhole Technology, a unique oval cutaway in the top layer of aluminum-titanium alloy that allows skiers an easier turn initiation and the ability to alter turn shapes at will. Peak is the first company to offer skis that are perfectly balanced for every user in all lengths, with proper flex and accessible power built into each ski.

Peak Ski Company launched in spring 2022 by co-founders Bode Miller and Andy Wirth and is the first, at-scale, direct-to-consumer ski company in the United States. All 2023/2024 models of Peak Skis are available to reserve now for $1,090. Learn more and purchase at www.peakskis.com.

About Peak Ski Company, LLC 
Proudly born of the mountains of Southwestern Montana and from the vision of its co-founders, Andy Wirth and Bode Miller, Peak Ski Company is rooted in innovation. A direct-to-consumer, high performance ski and brand platform, Peak Ski Company’s 2022/23 line of six skis have already been declared among the best skis available on the market based on the ingenuity and experience of the product design and development team led by legendary alpine ski racer, Bode Miller. Learn more at www.peakskis.com.

The Bozeman Fall MADE fair kicks off the holiday shopping early, and we are looking forward to connecting artists with the Gallatin Valley community again! Explore the curated collection of over 195 local and regional artists. You'll find everything from affordable, functional artwork to fine heirloom pieces at the show. Make a day of it with your friends! Grab a coffee and some yummy food from the outdoor vendors and enjoy strolling the aisles and supporting your local artists. 

Visit our website for additional details and pre-shop the amazing participating artists.

Support a good cause and get a head start on your holiday shopping at the Bozeman Fall MADE fair! Purchase a Friday Night $10 VIP Pass, valid 5 pm- 8 pm, or an Early Bird $5 Pass, valid from 9 am-10 am, an hour before the show opens. Get a solid head start shopping and check out the best selection. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit Random Acts of Silliness, a theater and visual arts organization inspiring laughter and play in the Gallatin Valley. They build community by sparking whimsy and creativity in the young - and young at heart - through quirky and engaging art installations, theater productions, and random acts of silliness.  Their work weaves together playfulness, magic, surprise, and rich storytelling. They value and support artists, sustainability, and equal access to the arts. 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

In 2022, handMADE Montana raised over $18,000 for local non-profits from the proceeds of the VIP and Early Bird passes at the Bozeman, Missoula, and Helena MADE fairs.

We will again invite wholesale buyers from around the state to connect with our unique and talented artisans. Over half of our curated collection of artists can do wholesale and offer their unique products for retail spaces. We encourage buyers to discover new makers and fan favorites and tell their stories in their shops this holiday season. Buyers are encouraged to shop during Friday 5 pm-8 pm during VIP hours when the aisles aren’t as busy, and they can have a proper meet and greet with the artists! 

The MADE fair is a modern art & handcrafted market featuring local & regional artists and makers. Our events are a curated collection of skilled artisans and a handful of non-profits. The MADE fair’s mission is to increase awareness of handmade goods as an alternative to mass-produced items and to support local and regional small craft businesses by providing a place to sell their goods. We provide opportunities to artists of all levels—from hobbyists to seasoned professionals. 

HandMADE Montana presents the MADE fairs.

Event Details

Date:  October 6-7

FRIDAY: 5 pm-8 pm : $10 VIP PASS

SATURDAY: 9 am-10 am $5 EARLY BIRD PASS

10 am -4 pm: FREE ENTRY

Location: Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, Bozeman, Montana 

Cost: Free Entry/Parking*

Please bring a non-perishable food item to help support the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.

*VIP passes can be purchased online. There is a limited number available.tickettailor.com/events/handmademontana/867588

The Main Street to the Mountains trail system is welcoming improved recreation options with a ribbon-cutting event on August 25. The new quarter-mile Homestead Connector Trail provides an additional north-south looped access for public use and encourages users to recreate only on dedicated trails, reinforcing no trespassing restrictions around the historic homestead to support the preservation of the site. This addition connects into the 6.1 miles of trails within the Bozeman Health-owned lands known locally as Highland Glen for the thousands of trail users who enjoy public access to this privately owned property each year.

“The Highland Glen trail system is a community gem,” notes GVLT CEO Chet Work. “Even though it is right in town, the natural feeling of the glen transports users into a true outdoor recreation experience. The Homestead Connector Trail is yet another connection to make the trails more user-friendly and convenient for the most amount of people. We’re grateful for the support and partnership of Bozeman Health in expanding these trails for our community.”

“Walking outside, especially on beautiful green trails, can improve both mental and physical health.  Exercising and recreating outside is known to decrease risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as strengthen bones and muscles; time outside helps to reduce stress and benefits mental and emotional health as well,” said Dr. Kathryn Bertany, Bozeman Health CEO. “Bozeman Health is grateful to our community partners who help us to provide accessible outdoor spaces for physical activity for all.”

“Highland Glen is beloved by many in our community, so to see this new quarter-mile path open up is truly exciting,” Bozeman Deputy Mayor Cunningham stated. “This additional segment adds variety to the trail use options for walkers, runners and snowshoers, while allowing them to enjoy more of this beautiful property. I've run this trail segment many times, and it's a blast.”

This new connector trail will offer walkers, runners, hikers, and bikers a new way to loop from the southern to the northern end of the property without backtracking and creates a more direct path to the Glen’s eastern trails from the Haggerty entrance. It also provides dedicated, maintained trail access for users that have desired a shorter route to the eastern trails. Some users have been trespassing through the homestead in order to reach the rim trail. Bozeman Health is grateful to GVLT for coming up with this innovative approach to maintain and increase the recreation experience while also reducing unauthorized use around the homestead’s historic structures and fences.

Ten years of partnership are also being celebrated today. Bozeman Health generously partnered with GVLT and the City of Bozeman in 2013 to allow for public access on their 450-acre property. With the help of volunteers, GVLT designed and constructed the 4.5 miles of trails that exist today and connect in with the larger Main Street to the Mountains trail system. The Bridger Ski Foundation grooms the trails in Highland Glen in the winter. The trails provide a welcome natural respite from the bustling Bozeman core. While the single-track trails are great for bike rides, trail runs and quiet walks, the community is encouraged to respect the existing agricultural use on the property and extensive wildlife by leashing their dogs, cleaning up dog waste, and being courteous to other users.

The Homestead Connector Trail cost approximately $9,000 to create. Funding for this project was provided by GVLT through a grant from Athletic Brewing.

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About Gallatin Valley Land Trust

Gallatin Valley Land Trust connects people, communities, and open lands through conservation of working farms and ranches, healthy rivers, and wildlife habitat, and the creation of trails in the Montana headwaters of the Missouri and Upper Yellowstone Rivers. For more information, visit www.gvlt.org.

About Bozeman Health

Bozeman Health is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving an eight-county region in Southwest Montana. As a nonprofit organization, governed by a volunteer community board of directors, we are the largest private employer in Gallatin County, with more than 2,400 employees, including 250 medical providers representing 40 clinical specialties. It is our privilege to deliver expert, compassionate health and wellness services across the care continuum, designed to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the communities we serve. Learn more about Bozeman Health at BozemanHealth.org.