BOZEMAN — Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship awarded $10,000 to students who pitched their business ideas during the annual Big Idea Challenge. 

During the Nov. 8 contest, 12 finalists — a mix of individuals and small teams — presented their business ideas to a crowded room and participated in a Q&A with a panel of five judges that included Jake Jabs, an MSU alum, founder and CEO of American Furniture Warehouse and benefactor of the business college that bears his name. 

“Tonight featured new, innovative ideas that made sense,” Jabs told the crowd. “I like that you’re addressing current issues.” 

The student entrepreneurs were split into four categories — health and life science, social and climate impact, consumer products and services, and a general category. 

The finalists were selected from a pool of 49 applicants. Judges selected three finalists in each category to present at the event, which was held in Jabs Hall on the MSU campus. The competition was open to all MSU students and Gallatin College MSU students, regardless of major. 

The pitch competition helps students dial in their ideas and build their entrepreneurship skills while introducing them to a network of potential investors. 

Trevor Huffmaster, executive director of MSU’s Blackstone Launchpad, which hosted the event, said this year’s contest had the most applicants and was the best attended in its six-year history. 

“This has been one of the strongest groups yet, and we are really excited,” he said. 

After the contestants made their pitches, the judges deliberated while participants and attendees mingled over snacks and beverages. 

“You have no idea how close these were,” said Jackie Brookshire, who judged the event and is the president of American Furniture Warehouse. “It was really tough. There were a lot of close calls.” 

The other three judges were Ann Peterson, program director for the Montana Innovation Project; Kristen Beveridge, executive-level product design leader; and Mark Kozubal, co-founder and former CSO of Nature’s Fynd. 

Winners of each category took home a check for $1,250. Second place finishers earned $750, and $500 was awarded for third place. 

The winners for each category are listed below: 

General Category: 

• FirstPlace: Zest Eco-Ropes — Kenzie ONeil and Nicole Matuszynski take recycled climbing ropes and turn them into belts and other items. 
• Second Place: Artimis — Jesse Cook uses artificial intelligence to help businesses innovate and save money. 
• Third Place: 1-Up Jewelry — Matthew Manning purchases old jewelry and refurbishes or alters it before selling it on commission at local businesses. 

Health and Life Science: 

• First Place: Flexsense — Lexia Dauenhauer and Kaylan Wait designed a device to help people rehab their knees. 
• Second Place: Get Home Safe Project — Andrew McClure and Jack Preedy are developing safety stations and a rapid test for fentanyl and date rape drugs. 
• Third Place: H-Brace — Michael Schwarz is developing a brace to help rock climbers recover from a common finger injury. 

Social and Climate Impact: 

• First Place: English Para Todos — Kass Thompson offers affordable and accessible English classes for adults in the Gallatin Valley. 
• Second Place: Niitsitapi Campground — Taylee RidesAtTheDoor is developing a campground and a community center for people to learn Native traditions. 
• Third Place: EcoFill — Melia Swirsky designed sustainable stations that allow consumers to refill bottles of household items, like laundry detergent and shampoo, at grocery stores. 

Consumer Products and Services: 

• First Place: Montana Bachelorette Adventures — Kirsten Hansen operates a luxury trip planning service targeted to bachelorette parties. 
• Second Place: Pack-Right — Hayden Rowland works with adventure travel companies to help guests find the proper gear. 
• Third Place: Xove — Kaidan Staskowski is developing a dating app platform that performs background checks and ID verifications. 

The MSU Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship offers four undergraduate options of study — accounting, finance, management and marketing — as well as five minors — accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship and small business management, finance and international business. The college also offers a master of professional accountancy degree, a master of science in innovation and management, and certificates in business and entrepreneurship. 

MSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad helps MSU students succeed in entrepreneurship and in their careers. Open to students and recent alumni in all majors, the campus-based LaunchPad provides mentoring, opportunities for participants to grow their networks and resources to help their businesses succeed. For more information, visit: montana.edu/launchpad/. 

THREE FORKS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comments on a draft environmental assessment for a proposed land acquisition at Missouri Headwaters State Park.

FWP has proposed to acquire 30 acres in fee title for permanent inclusion into the park. The Montana State Parks Foundation would purchase the property using funds provided by a grant from Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation and the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust, then donate the property to FWP.

The acquisition would permanently secure and protect cultural, open space, and recreational resources on the property, which partially bisects the park. The property consists of a residential home and several historical outbuildings, as well as mixed riparian areas and other habitat. The property is currently owned by the Hart family.

The draft environmental assessment can be viewed online at bit.ly/3G9Ltfu.

The public comment period will run for 14 days and will close at 5 p.m. on Nov. 30. Comments can be sent by email to lschroeer@mt.gov or by mail to FWP’s Region 3 office: 1400 South, 19^th Ave., Bozeman, MT 59718.

Missouri Headwaters State Park is about 5 miles northeast of Three Forks on Trident Road. For more information about the park, please visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/missouri-headwaters or call 406-285-3610.

Rising home prices coupled with inflated costs per square foot have significantly impacted the real estate market across the United States over the past five years. According to a recent report by BuilderPad.com, home buyers can now afford much less house for their money compared to just a half-decade ago.

The analysis looked at the median listing price per square foot data from 2018 to 2023 to determine how much less house a typical $500,000 budget can afford in each state. The results show that some states have been hit especially hard by the shrinking housing market.


Montana saw the biggest decrease as housing affordability dropped by over 50%. Here the median price per square foot doubled from $161 to $323 within five years. New York, Maine, Tennessee, and New Hampshire rounded out the top 5 states with the highest percentage of square feet lost over the 5-year period.


While the causes are complex, limited housing inventory, historically low mortgage rates, and an influx of out-of-state buyers migrating to certain regions =- all these factors have contributed to the leap in prices per square foot.

Today buyers have to settle for much smaller homes, forego extra space, and manage expectations compared to what their budgets could afford just a few years ago.

The data highlights how significantly and rapidly home prices can change.

While the housing market may eventually stabilize, the inflated prices per square foot have certainly made homeownership less attainable for many Americans in the short-term. Even a high budget of $500,000 no longer buys nearly as much house as it once did.

WISDOM – Game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking information on a wolverine that was shot illegally this month in southwestern Montana.

Wardens received a report on Nov. 10 of a wolverine carcass found on U.S. Forest Service Road 7377 near Schultz Saddle and the Continental Divide, northwest of Wisdom. A game warden located the carcass and confirmed the animal had been shot, skinned and abandoned.

Wolverine harvest is not legal currently in Montana.

Anyone with possible information about the illegal harvest is encouraged to visit https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/tipmont to provide details or call the FWP violation reporting hot line at 1-800-TIP-MONT. Informants may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

The tradition continues with the Bozeman Symphony’s annual Holiday Spectacular December 15 to 17. This concert includes favorite festive classics like Sleigh Ride, the Christmas Carol Sing-Along, and more. The performance features guest vocalist Jimmie Herrod, an “America’s Got Talent” finalist, and the Bozeman Symphonic Choir. Bring the whole family to this must-attend holiday concert celebrating the spirit and joy of the season. 

“Holiday Spectacular enters its third year of building a new tradition, and by popular demand, we have added a fourth performance,” says Music Director Norman Huynh. “Each year, we aim to make this concert more ‘spectacular’ with gorgeous decorations, dazzling lighting, and of course, music that will bring you joy and uplift your spirit to ring in the holiday season.” 

Performances will be held on Friday, Dec. 15, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 16, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2:30 p.m., at the Willson Auditorium, located at 404 West Main Street in downtown Bozeman. These performances would not be possible without strong community support and sponsorship. Bozeman Symphony wishes to recognize sponsors Cal & Tricia DeSouza, Paul & Jillian Bertelli, Delaney & Co., Donald B. Gimbel, Sheehy Family Foundation, and Zsa-Zsa’s. 

Individual tickets are available for purchase at https://www.bozemansymphony.org/holidayspectacular.html or by phone at 406-585-9774. Tickets at the door are based on availability. Adult tickets start as low as $30 and discounted student tickets are available. 

BOZEMAN – Microbes and bacteria and biofilms – oh my! Though most of us go about our daily business without thinking much of the invisible lifeforms that exist all around us, Montana State University assistant professor Chelsea Heveran is looking for ways to use them to meet sustainability challenges in the building industry.

The journal Matter recently published a paper by Heveran, who teaches in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. She is the lead author of “Make engineered living materials carry their weight,” which she calls a “perspective piece” exploring the concept of incorporating engineered living materials, or ELMs, into building materials to significantly reduce carbon emissions and environmental costs during manufacture of things like concrete and cement.

“We want to use the functionalities of living cells to help make building materials more sustainable,” Heveran said. The article states that manufacturing the materials used in structures accounts for more than 25% of global carbon emissions, and that one way to reduce the impact is to replace some of their traditional components with materials made by, or including, microbes. Already, one Colorado company is manufacturing light-duty cinder blocks with a mineral formed from photosynthetic algae through a method requiring far less carbon than traditional processes, Heveran said.

So far, though, engineers have not figured out how to keep cells alive for the long term in structures capable of bearing heavy loads. Heveran’s paper suggests that engineers could learn much by studying how living bone functions.

“Bones, which both maintain living cells for decades and support structural loads, often provide mechanical function for an entire lifetime without undergoing mechanical failure. Such a long service life is almost unheard of in engineered devices such as vehicles and machines,” Heveran said. “Bone is able to maintain excellent material properties for much longer than most engineering materials because of the coordinated repair and replacement activities performed by resident bone cells.”

Could engineers design ELMs to function similarly?

“We could get closer to meeting the sustainability potential of engineered living building materials if we can surmount the twin challenges of keeping cells alive longer and generating materials to be stronger,” Heveran said. “Right now, the stiffest engineered living materials that we have can only be used for relatively low-load applications.”

Heveran says that cells used in bone-inspired engineered living materials do not need to be bone cells – common soil microbes that are associated with biomineral production in nature, such as calcite and vaterite, could perform the desirable functions in engineered living materials. Instead, bone can serve as an inspiration for how vascular-like networks can help keep cells alive in rigid materials for a long time so that they can perform desirable functions, like sensing and repairing cracks.

Heveran isn’t the only professor on campus working to further ELM technology – she named several researchers in MSU’s Center for Biofilm Engineering involved in team-based ELM projects. Robin Gerlach, Adrienne Phillips, Erika Espinosa-Ortiz, Recep Avci, Matthew Fields and others are actively working on federally funded engineered living materials projects.

“By many measures, Montana State University is leading the way in the engineered living materials domain,” she said.

As part of the annual Montana Biofilm Meeting in July, MSU hosted the first-ever ELM conference attended by 140 people from universities, private companies and MSU researchers, including students.

“It was very exciting to get everybody together this summer to have conversations that let us resolve scie

HELENA –After Hunter Sickerson graduated from MSU-Billings with honors, he knew he wasn't ready to settle down in a typical 8-to-5 job. He worked in the field of archeology, conducting surveys on archeological sites for a private firm until he heard about an opportunity for national service through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks AmeriCorps.

“AmeriCorps is a unique opportunity that can open a person's view of the world in a new way,” Sickerson said.

As a heritage program specialist, Sickerson rerouted trails on Wildhorse Island at Flathead Lake State Park, renovated a native plant garden at Travelers’ Rest State Park, accompanied a paleontology dig at Makoshika State Park and served meals to the community of Pryor at Chief Plenty Coups State Park.

“My favorite part of my service this past year was the friendships that grew out of a group of seeming strangers at first.” Sickerson said. “By the end, it felt like a small family.”

FWP is currently recruiting individuals to serve in 10-month AmeriCorps positions beginning in January. Applicants range in age from 18 to 80 and will serve and connect with the public at state parks, FWP regional offices and outdoor recreation sites across Montana.

Since the program’s inception in 2012, FWP’s AmeriCorps members have taught thousands of school children in outdoor classrooms, developed interpretive trail guides and signs and presented programs to diverse audiences from around the world.

FWP AmeriCorps members:

• Receive a living allowance of $19,538 over 44-week term of service and a $300 housing stipend per month.
• Receive an AmeriCorps education award of $7,395 upon successful completion of service. This award can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, for educational training and resources or to repay qualified student loans. Members aged 55 and over may transfer the education award to a child, grandchild or foster child.
• Are eligible for deferment on qualified student loans.
• Receive guaranteed health benefits and childcare assistance if qualified.
• Gain experience and training working in the fields of outdoor recreation, park management, interpretive services, education, community outreach and volunteer management.

“The payoff of the AmeriCorps program is only as good as the effort and dedication you put forth,” Sickerson said. “I’m happy I took the risk and the opportunity to join the FWP AmeriCorps program.”

For more information on the FWP AmeriCorps program, visit fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/employment/americorps or email FWP AmeriCorps development specialist Katie Schlafke at katie.schlafke@mt.gov.

Bozeman, Montana, has emerged as a hidden gem among desirable places to live. This city continues to attract a steady influx of residents seeking a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and a vibrant community spirit.

Moreover, several neighborhoods in Bozeman stand out for their distinct charm and amenities. If you're looking for a place to call home in Montana, here is why the Bozone should be on your list.

Outdoor Paradise

Bozeman's breathtaking natural surroundings are a major draw for outdoor enthusiasts, with various neighborhoods offering unparalleled access to these wonders. Areas like Bridger Canyon and Southside Bozeman place residents within arm's reach of world-class hiking, skiing, and fishing destinations. 

Bridger Bowl Ski Area, a mere 20-minute drive from Bridger Canyon, beckons winter sports enthusiasts with its pristine slopes. Meanwhile, the Gallatin River, famous for its blue-ribbon trout fishing, flows through Southside Bozeman, offering residents a tranquil escape into nature.

Excellent Educational Opportunities

For families and individuals alike, access to quality education is paramount when choosing a place to settle. Bozeman shines on this front, with top-notch educational institutions dotting its neighborhoods. From well-regarded public schools to the prestigious Montana State University, residents benefit from a wealth of educational opportunities.

The commitment to education extends beyond traditional learning institutions, with a focus on fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation beyond the classroom. Students can enjoy field trips to attractive sites like the Yellowstone National Park and the Lewis & Clark Caverns. 

Community Spirit and Connectivity

The sense of community is a powerful magnet for residents, and certain areas in Bozeman excel in fostering a strong communal spirit. For instance, the Baxter and Story Mill neighborhoods are known for their tight-knit communities and local events. Regular farmers' markets, community festivals, and neighborhood gatherings also contribute to a sense of belonging.

The collaborative spirit extends beyond local events, with residents actively participating in varying initiatives and volunteer opportunities. These neighborhoods provide the ideal setting for those seeking more than just a house but a true community to call home. 

Booming Job Market and Economic Growth

Bozeman's economic landscape has grown significantly, fueled by different industries, including technology, healthcare, and tourism. Neighborhoods like Baxter Meadows and West Winds are strategically located near thriving business districts, offering lucrative career opportunities.

The burgeoning job market, coupled with a lower cost of living compared to most urban centers, has led to an increasing number of professionals and entrepreneurs choosing Bozeman as their home base.

Varied Seasons

Bozeman's appeal exceeds its physical landscape, going to the unique experience of its four seasons. Residents enjoy the crisp air and snowy wonderland of winter, followed by the vibrant blossoms of spring. 

Summer brings long, sunlit days perfect for outdoor activities, while the golden hues of fall paint the city in breathtaking colors. This seasonal diversity adds a dynamic quality to Bozeman's life, favoring individuals who appreciate the changing scenery and the myriad recreational opportunities each period brings.

How a DIY Move Can Lower Your Relocation Cost to Bozeman

The process of moving to a brand-new city typically involves accounting for a myriad of logistics and expenses. A popular approach to reduce this cost burden is by implementing a DIY (Do-It-Yourself) move.

With a DIY move, you actively take the reins on controlling the entire operations involved in the relocation process. This strategy provides you with an opportunity to save money significantly.

However, ensure you do cost calculations for moving before deciding to go the DIY route. The good news is that there are many online tools to help you do these calculations, taking into account factors like distance traveled, weight of your belongings, and different modes of transport.

Delectable Food Scene 

Another compelling reason to relocate to Bozeman is the thriving and diverse culinary landscape. Several neighborhoods in Bozeman boast a wide variety of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants offering mouth-watering cuisine suited to different palates. 

Whether you are a foodie seeking the freshest farm-to-table dishes or someone who likes to experiment with international flavors, there's something for everyone here. The historic Downtown district is dedicated to bringing the community together over good food, echoing Bozeman's overall commitment to community-building coupled with exceptional living standards.

Summer  and winter farmers' markets across town also offer fresh local produce for those who enjoy whipping up their own culinary creations at home.

Conclusion

Bozeman's neighborhoods blend outdoor adventures, community engagement, economic opportunities, educational excellence, and a delectable food scene. For that reason, the city emerges as a prime destination as individuals seek a balance between work, play, and building beneficial relationships.

The two-week Can the Griz competition is in its final days. However, there’s still plenty of time for our community to step up with last minute donations of food or money to help ensure Bobcat fans once again win this time-honored competition that helps restock the shelves at our Gallatin Valley Food Bank just in time for the holidays.

HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank still needs turkeys to meet demand for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Currently the food bank has received just 25% of the total turkeys needed for their annual Thanksgiving Food Box Distribution. Please help us spread the word.

When: ​​Last day to donate for the Can the Griz competition is Friday, Nov. 17th.

Where: ​Convenient donation stations are set up all over town. Details can be found HERE.

If you would like to learn more, please reach out to:

Laura Stonecipher, Programs Manager, Gallatin Valley Food Bank, 406-586-7600 orPenny Johnson, Communications Manager, HRDC, 303-828-8481

HRDC’s Gallatin Valley Food Bank provides local support for local families and functions as a critical link between food and the people who need it. The food bank’s mission is to improve food security throughout Southwest Montana. Nutrition is vital for everyone in our community, and we serve anyone who needs help stretching their food budget.

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in Southwest Montana and believes everyone deserves the opportunity to be financially stable. Donors, volunteers, and community members can find out what we have in common at https://thehrdc.org/

BOZEMAN — Montana State University students have an opportunity to propose art that will be viewed by thousands of people in Norm Asbjornson Hall, home of MSU’s engineering and honors colleges.

The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering is soliciting student proposals for art to be displayed on a wall panel 20 feet wide by 10 feet tall on the third floor in the center of the building. Proposals are due by Jan. 19.

“MSU students always amaze us with their creativity and artistic vim. We look forward to receiving this year’s formal proposals,” said Rob Maher, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and coordinator of the competition. “The competition is open to students from any major who have a compelling story to tell through the art wall opportunity.”

According to Maher, the chosen project will be displayed for an anticipated period of three years.

The new art will replace the installation titled "The Human Collective" by MSU alumnus Holden Roberts, who won the inaugural art competition in 2018 before graduating with a degree in studio arts from MSU's College of Arts and Architecture.

Works of art are also displayed elsewhere in the building. The second floor features the work "Of Transparency and Perspective” by the 2021 competition winner, MSU undergraduate Emma Bergman. The first-floor space is awaiting completion of the work “A Blooming Universe” by Aria Dang, who won the competition last February.

The student or team submitting the winning entry will receive funding for the materials and installation, up to about $5,000, Maher said. The winning team will receive an honorarium of $2,500 split among its members. Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of faculty, staff, students and community members.

Two informational sessions will be held for interested students to tour the project space and ask questions. Attending a drop-in session is not mandatory but is encouraged, Maher said. The gatherings will meet on the third-floor central lobby of Norm Asbjornson Hall on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 1, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Proposals will be accepted Dec. 1 through Jan. 19. The winning proposal will be announced in early February, and installation of the completed art will occur in May.

For more information and to submit a proposal, visit www.coe.montana.edu/art.