BIG SKY – Fortunately, three archery hunters are uninjured after two recent encounters with grizzly bears in the Taylor Fork south of Big Sky.

The first encounter involved two hunters on Sept. 29. They were hunting in the vicinity of a known elk carcass when they saw a grizzly bear. To make their presence known, the hunters yelled at the bear. The bear reportedly came toward the hunters, and they each fired once with handguns. Both the bear and the hunters left the site without further incident.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff learned of the encounter on Oct. 1, and after interviewing the hunters, determined it was unlikely the bear was injured.

On Oct. 3, a lone hunter reportedly encountered a grizzly bear at close range. The bear charged, and the hunter deployed bear spray, which stopped the charge. The hunter left the area and reported the incident to FWP.

Be bear aware

Fall hunting seasons overlap with when bears are actively preparing for hibernation. Some areas with dense concentrations of grizzly bears are very accessible to hunters, especially during the archery season. Bears will continue to be active during other hunting seasons this fall.

Montana is bear country. Avoiding conflicts with bears is far better than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help hunters avoid negative bear encounters:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Watch for and be extra cautious around bear sign, creeks and areas with limited visibility.
• Most attacks happen in surprise, close encounters.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Hunt with a group of people. This can help you make localized noise to alert bears to your presence, and it may also increase your chances of survival in the event of a bear attack.• 
• 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 quickly.
• If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground, if possible, and at least 100 yards from the gut pile. Leave it in an open area where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards.
• Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. Make noise while approaching the meat. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.

To learn more about how to be safe in bear country, click here.

BOZEMAN – Bozeman Police Department now has a better way to track crime in the city: a comprehensive dashboard with three different tabs that showcase recent crimes, calls for service, and traffic incidents.

“This dashboard is part of a larger effort we have been undertaking as a department to increase transparency and build trust through data and storytelling,” Bozeman Police Chief Jim Veltkamp stated. “This dashboard really expands what a resident can do and how they can explore stats. They can filter by time or type of crime and get a better understanding of what crime looks like in their neighborhood or the city as a whole.”

The Calls for Service dashboard has been rebranded for improved readability. The Crime dashboard is new and tracks offenses, or illegal actions that can result in a case or citation. The Traffic dashboard is also new and was created in response to a common topic officers hear when engaging with community members.

“We collect a lot of great information in our databases as a city, and now that information is at your fingertips,” Veltkamp explained. “Major metropolitan areas have similar dashboards like this, and we’re the first city in Montana to offer a dashboard this comprehensive. We’re proud to offer this tool to our residents.”

To view the Crime Dashboard, visit www.bozemanpolice.com.

HELENA – Pheasant season opens on Saturday, Oct. 11, and FWP is busy with a second round of pheasant releases at several sites across the state.  

This fall, Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks will release nearly 18,000 birds on wildlife management areas, fishing access sites, and some school trust lands around the state. FWP released birds at several sites prior to the youth pheasant and waterfowl weekend. This week, FWP will release almost 2,000 pheasants at sites across the state.

This is the fourth year of the annual pheasant release program. In 2022, the Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the release of up to 50,000 pheasants annually on FWP WMAs through 2026. In 2021, the Legislature authorized spending up to $1 million each year for the program.  

The purpose of the pheasant release program is to give new hunters an opportunity to experience hunting success, encouraging their future participation in conservation around the state. In Montana, like other states, fish and wildlife conservation is funded primarily through license dollars. Hunting and fishing are an active way to support wildlife management, habitat protection and conservation efforts. 

To see a map of the release sites, go to fwp.mt.gov/hunt/roosters-for-recruitment. For more information on hunting pheasants and other upland game birds, go to fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations/upland-game-bird. To read the upland game bird forecast, click here. As hunters head into the field, they should keep bear safety in mind and remember the potential for fire danger.   

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has wrapped up September’s Bear Aware Month, but the need to be vigilant in bear country persists this fall.

Grizzly bear activity in September was high in many places in the state. This is normal this time of year as bear activity increases as they look to put on weight for the winter hibernation. This coincides with increased human activity as hunters take to the field.

Wildlife managers don’t expect to see activity slow as fall persists. Fall hunting also picks up with waterfowl season opening Oct. 4 and pheasant and antelope rifle seasons Oct. 11. With more hunters in the field, it’s important to remember to be bear aware.

For hunters specifically, the FWP website is a great resource for how to be safe in bear country.

Be bear aware

Montana is bear country. People should be prepared to encounter grizzly or black bears. Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help avoid negative bear encounters:

• Pack meat out as soon as possible.
• Avoid cutting up carcasses at dusk or night. If you kill an animal at dusk, be prepared to cut up the carcass in the dark by carrying strong headlamps. Be extra vigilant and watch for bears.
• Properly hang meat until you can retrieve your downed game.
• If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully. Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.
• Drag gut piles into open areas, if possible, and at least 100 yards from your carcass as soon as possible.
• If a bear has claimed your animal, do not attempt to haze or frighten the bear away. Report any lost game to FWP.
• Bird hunters should be extra careful while walking in and along areas of brush, especially along waterways. Grizzly bears use thick cover for day beds. Walk with the wind, carry bear spray and keep a close eye on hunting dogs. If there is abundant fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider bird hunting somewhere else.

You love the idea of tending to a lush garden. Fresh soil. Green leaves. Giving your crops tender loving care every day. But who has the time for that anymore? Meetings at work take over. The house and kids need attention. Before you know it, your plants are drooping and you’re too tired to care for them.

Gardening used to be an all-day thing. But it’s hard to find that luxury when the pace of life is fast. Still, that love for growing plants never goes away. You just need smarter ways to make it fit your schedule.

With a few clever tools and habits, your garden can stay alive even if you’re time-strapped. Here are seven convenient gardening solutions to make your plants thrive even when life is full.

1. Raised Garden Beds

Raised beds are a game-changer if you’re a busy bee. They give you control over your soil and layout. They even make drainage so much easier. You can build raised garden beds just once. Then, you can skip the endless bending and weeding that traditional gardens demand.

Use raised beds to get ahead of late spring gardening. Top them with fresh soil and compost. That way, when the season hits, you can plant quickly. Prepping ahead means skipping the last-minute scramble.

2. Soil Delivery Straight to Your Door

Finding time to lug heavy soil bags from the store isn’t fun. It’s messy. If you’re not used to carrying heavy things, it’s tiring. You might even end up with a sore back.

But dirt delivery services can save the day. You can order high-quality soil blends right to your driveway. It’s faster, cleaner, and might even be cheaper if you buy in bulk. When time is tight, convenience like this keeps your garden running smoothly.

Remember to choose nutrient-rich mixes that suit your plants. Vegetable gardens thrive on compost-heavy soil. Meanwhile, flower beds like lighter blends.

3. Drip Irrigation Systems for Watering

Watering sounds simple until you realize how often you need to do it. Busy days with no free time result in dry soil. 

A drip irrigation system helps out with that. It delivers water straight to plants’ roots. Slow and steady. No wasted water. No dried-out leaves. Once you set it up, you can leave it alone to do the job. You only need to check on it occasionally.

Most kits are easy to set up. You can connect them to a timer. That way, your garden stays hydrated even when you forget. It’s like having a watering assistant for busy gardeners.

5. Self-Watering Planters

Self-watering planters store extra water in a hidden reservoir. They let plants drink up that moisture when they need it. This setup saves you from constant watering runs. It’s also perfect for anyone who forgets to water their plants. And let’s be honest. That’s all of us.

Use these planters for anything from herbs to leafy greens to flowers. Most models are sleek enough to fit indoors, too. Just remember to check the water level at least once a week. Top it off when needed. Your plants will stay happy and hydrated with minimal effort from you.

6. Vertical Gardening

Instead of spreading plants across your yard, grow them vertically. Trellises are a visually stunning way to showcase your plants. Wall planters are also a terrific option. They’re especially great for balcony gardens and smaller yards.

Vertical gardening makes the most of your space. That means fewer weeds to pull. Less soil to maintain. Plants are easier to reach for watering and harvesting. 

For busy gardeners, that’s a huge win. You spend less time chasing vines across the yard. No bending and stretching. Just more time actually enjoying your garden. 

7. Portable Gardens

Not every garden has to stay put. Portable gardens are moveable setups that let you shift your plants wherever they’ll do best. They’re gardens you “build” in rolling planters or containers. You can lift and relocate them at any given time.

They’re great for small spaces and renters. It’s also convenient for anyone whose yard gets different amounts of sun throughout the day.

For busy gardeners, this saves time on trial and error. It reduces the risk of plants struggling or dying if they’re not in a good spot. With lightweight containers, you can adjust your garden in seconds. You’ll spend less time worrying about where everything should go.

8. Garden Task Apps for Tracking

Many people think gardening is all instinct. But the myth of the green thumb is exactly that. A myth. Gardening is learned. It takes practice. Sometimes, you’ll even need a little help.

Garden task apps are a great way to keep track of everything you need to do for your plants. They remind you when to water. When the colder season hits, they tell you when to prune. Some can also track what’s thriving and what’s struggling. That way, you can learn from every season. It’s a terrific way to help busy and beginner gardeners stay on top of tending their garden.

Conclusion

Your garden doesn’t have to steal your entire weekend. You just need the right help. That’s something you can get from drip irrigation kits. Beautiful raised beds or vertical plants. Even handy apps on your phone.

 The tips above are proof that convenience and garden care can go hand in hand. Start small. Pick one or two ideas first. Then, see how much easier gardening feels. When tending your plants feels simple, you get to focus on the joy of gardening, not the time-consuming work it sometimes demands.

At one point in time, barns were the standard addition to any home, but as technology advanced, paired with things like industrialization, urbanization, mechanization, transportation, education, and the whole economy, barns stopped being useful, at least in their primary function. 

But instead of tearing them down and getting rid of them, lots of communities across the U.S. are giving new life to barns. They found a way to turn them into valuable spaces. Those spaces today support culture, recreation, and local economies.

In Bozeman – especially those near Main Street and the Gallatin Valley farmlands – barns aren't just relics of the past, but rather opportunities (if they're planned right). 

A good and smart investment can adapt old barns into functional, modern community assets without losing their rustic charm.

1. Event Spaces

One of the most popular ways to reuse barns is to turn them into event spaces. 

Weddings, festivals, and town events are a perfect fit for renovated barns. The high ceilings and open areas make them effective spaces for any group size.

Most companies and families are doing these conversions because they offer both cultural benefits and economic gain. Barn weddings, for example, have emerged as a top trend, fusing rural charm with modern comforts, especially so at renovated spaces just outside Downtown Bozeman and near Bridger Canyon.

• Cultural benefit: Sustains rural identity.
• Economic benefit: Rental fees support local businesses.
• Community benefit: Offers shared space for celebrations.

2. Markets & Food Hubs

In Bozeman, where high value is set on local goods and artisan items (e.g., Bogert Farmers’ Market), barns are the perfect platform for seasonal markets. 

Far beyond the food, these facilities have a tendency to incorporate handmade crafts, music, and activities that provide a sense of community.

Barns repurposed in this way encourage sustainability and strengthen the local economy by keeping food dollars in the community.

3. Creativity Workshops & Studios

Artists, woodworkers, and other craftspeople need space. Barns often provide the square footage they otherwise can't get. The combination of sunlight, open space, and country atmosphere makes barns attractive as studios.

In order to fit this role, barns (usually) must be reinforced. In some states, builders choose high-tech support solutions such as metal trusses pole barn systems, simply because they provide the structural support required for workshops, galleries, or other multi-purpose use. But beyond just being ‘required’, sometimes reinforcements are mandated by the state whenever such renovations/repurposing take place.

Louisiana, Montana, and other states with strong agricultural histories are excellent examples of how reviving old barns with reliable framing keeps them running and safe for the next generations.

4. Educational Centers & Museums

Barns are especially suited for telling stories of local history. By converting them into museums or interpretive centers, towns hold on to their agricultural history while providing educational resources for all ages. 

Bozeman already showcases this approach with places such as the Museum of the Rockies.

5. Recreational (Community) Areas

Barns can easily be transformed into recreational areas (both for the community and as tourist attractions). 

We’re talking gyms and fitness centers, rock climbing clubs, etc.; barns can really be used for a variety of sports and health programs. Their spacious interiors are especially well-suited to having basketball courts installed, yoga centers, or even indoor children's play areas.

Such communities are enriched by having usable, all-year-round recreational spaces. This not only enhances one's health but also promotes more solid social bonds.

How Much Do They Cost?

Turning old barns into community assets is only possible if you want to invest. The good side is that it's much cheaper than building new facilities. The costs vary depending on the condition of the barn and how many upgrades are required.


Looking at the initial costs, they may seem high, but ROI (return on investment) can come in many forms, from cultural value to tourism or rental income.

Conclusion

Barns are more than a saving part of agricultural history. And especially today, considering the numerous options available to us. Agrarian life is still there, but hardly at the same scale as it was before. So, of course, designers designed and tinkered with turning these beautiful but functional buildings into something else that we can use today – and voila! We got venues, markets, studios, museums, recreational spaces, and much, much more.

By taking buildings that aren't very much used today and by looking at what a town, a community needs today, we can merge the two into something new and exciting. 

As former Mayor Cundy Andrus often emphasized – we're not only solving pressing issues, but we're also saving a town's heritage at the same time.

Gallatin County, MT – The Montana Clean Indoor Air Act was passed in 2005, and this year Montana has taken another important step to protect community health with the passage of Senate Bill 390 (SB 390). SB 390 expands the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act to include e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. This legislation closes a critical gap in the 20-year-old law, ensuring that residents and workers across the state are safeguarded from harmful exposure to e-cigarette aerosol in indoor public spaces and workplaces.

Signed by Governor Greg Gianforte on May 8, 2025, SB 390 took effect immediately. The bill amends Title 50, Chapter 40, Section 103 of the Montana Code Annotated by
revising the definition of “smoking” to explicitly include the use of an “electronic
smoking device.” The law defines electronic smoking devices to include e-cigarettes,
vape pens, and dab rigs that deliver nicotine or other substances for human
consumption.

E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless water vapor; it contains ultrafine particles, volatile organic compounds, flavorants, cancer-causing chemicals, heavy metals, and nicotine.

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers
(ASHRAE) has concluded that e-cigarettes emit harmful chemicals into the air and
should be regulated in the same manner as conventional tobacco smoking.

“This expansion of the Clean Indoor Air Act ensures that everyone in Gallatin County— and across Montana—has the right to breathe clean air at work, in restaurants, and in other public spaces,” says Cherie Murbach, Tobacco Education Specialist at the Gallatin City-County Health Department. “It also helps protect our youth. By reducing the visibility and social acceptance of vaping in public places, we can counteract the troubling rise of e-cigarette use among teens and young adults.”

According to the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Report, in 2023, 20% of Gallatin
County high school students and 9% of Gallatin County middle school students reported the use of an electronic vaping product, or e-cigarette. Studies show that
comprehensive smokefree laws, including those covering e-cigarettes, can significantly reduce youth initiation and use. Between 2017 and 2019, youth e-cigarette use decreased in states with inclusive smokefree policies, while increasing in states without such protection.

The Clean Indoor Air Act now prohibits smoking or vaping nicotine, marijuana, or any other substance in workplaces or enclosed public spaces throughout Montana. The Act affirms the fundamental right of all Montanans to breathe clean air, establishing that public health takes precedence over the desire to smoke or vape.

The law also requires the posting of clear signage in all enclosed public places. Signs
must be displayed prominently at every public entrance, stating that smoking and
vaping are prohibited inside.

To report a possible violation of the Clean Indoor Air Act or to obtain free signage, visit tobaccofree.mt.gov or call the Gallatin City-County Health Department at (406) 582-3100.

HELENA -- Montana is famous around the world for its rivers and lakes, and it turns out that angling in the Big Sky state has a sizable economic impact.

Gloria Zimmer with Bozeman’s Mayor Terry Cunningham

BOZEMAN – Bozeman’s Mayor Terry Cunningham is posthumously recognizing local resident Ralph Zimmer with the City’s highest honor, a key to the city. Zimmer served the city, county, and state in citizen leadership roles in the area of bike and pedestrian safety.

“Ralph was a tireless advocate for safety throughout his more than 40 years of service,” says Mayor Cunningham. “He embodied the concepts of citizen service, gracious leadership, public engagement and practical problem-solving throughout his volunteer service to the City of Bozeman. I will never forget his contributions and how he pushed the City towards improving safety for all.”

Zimmer grew up in Colorado and earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Traffic Engineering from Purdue University. He worked at the Federal Highway Administration and Montana State University before retiring early due to an eye disease that caused him to go blind in 1999.

His disability did not stop his passion for safety. Zimmer chaired the Bozeman Area Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Committee, a group created by interlocal agreement between the Bozeman School District, Gallatin County and the City of Bozeman in 1976. Zimmer was an early joiner, starting his service in 1977. He continued on the board until it was consolidated into the Transportation Board in 2021.

Zimmer also spent time on the Galla10 Alliance for Pathways, a group that advocates for multimodal facilities throughout the Gallatin Valley. He was also a member of the Bozeman Transportation Coordinator Committee for over four decades and was a member of the Triangle Planning Coordinating Committee.

In addition to his board service, he spent decades testifying at City Commission, County Commission, State Transportation Commission, and State Legislature Committees, advocating for bike and pedestrian safety.

Zimmer was well-known in traffic safety circles and earned recognition throughout his life. He was the first ever recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Transportation Safety Information Professionals. He also received the James L. Pline Award from the Intermountain Section of the Institute of Transportation Engineers. He was recognized by MSU’s College of Engineering with a Distinguished Faculty Award in 2019.

“The Key to the City is the highest award the City of Bozeman can bestow upon a citizen. We are grateful for Ralph Zimmer’s passionate advocacy for safer streets, sidewalks, and pathways,” says Cunningham.