Harmful algal bloom confirmed at Elk Grove Pond – Closure issued A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) is present at the Elk Grove Pond in the Elk Grove Subdivision south of Four Corners. This pond is now under a closure advisory.

Do not fish, swim, or recreate in the water until further notice. Keep all pets and livestock away from the water. Advisory signs are posted in the area warning the public that toxic algae have been identified in the water and toxins are present.

HABs are caused by blue-green algae that are native to Montana’s freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Not all varieties of blue-green algae are harmful, but some can produce dangerous toxins. Ingestion or prolonged contact with the algal bloom may result in illness, with impacts such as muscle twitching, staggering, convulsions, paralysis, and death.

Children and pets are more likely to ingest HAB infested water. Toxin exposure can occur in humans from recreational activities where water might be ingested such as swimming, windsurfing, jet skiing, and waterskiing.

Children and pets are more likely to ingest HAB infested water because they spend most of their time wading in the shallow waters where algae can accumulate, and they have less control over how much water they ingest. Animals and livestock that drink large amounts of contaminated water, and pets that collect scum on their fur and then ingest it by licking, are at high risk of toxin exposure.

Blue-green algal blooms often look like pea soup, grass clippings or green latex paint. The algae are usually suspended in the water or appear as floating mats. Suspect a HAB? When in doubt, stay out. Do not drink, swallow, or swim in water that shows signs of a HAB and be sure to keep kids, pets, and livestock out too.

If you suspect a HAB-related illness in a person or animal call Poison Control 1-800-222-1222 and seek medical attention. Report a suspected HAB at www.hab.mt.gov or call 1-888- 849-2938. You may also report a suspected HAB by calling the Gallatin City-County Health Department Environmental Health at 406-582-3120. The Gallatin City-County Health Department has resources for water quality on their website, www.healthygallatin.org.

HABs can look like green latex paint, pea soup, or grass clippings. A HAB is present at the Elk Grove Pond south of Four Corners.

HELENA – Recent cooler temperatures will allow hoot-owl fishing restrictions to be lifted on Silver Bow Creek, and the lower Bitterroot, Clark Fork, Beaverhead, East Gallatin, Gallatin, Ruby and Smith rivers, effective immediately. Part of the closure on the Madison River upstream of Hebgen Reservoir will change to hoot-owl restrictions. Water temperatures have met the criteria to lift fishing restrictions and FWP expects the temperatures to remain cool. 

The rivers where fishing restrictions will be lifted or changed are in Regions 2, 3 and 4: 

• Silver Bow Creek – in its entirety 

• Bitterroot River – from Veterans Bridge at Hamilton to the confluence with the Clark Fork River (upper river restriction remains) 

• Clark Fork River – from the Clark Fork's origin at the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek to the mouth of the Blackfoot River 

• Beaverhead River – from Highway 41 near East Bench Road and Beaverhead Rock to its confluence with the Big Hole River 

• East Gallatin River – from Penwell Bridge Road to the confluence with the Gallatin River 

• Gallatin River – from Amsterdam Road to the confluence with the Missouri River 

• Madison River – from downstream most Yellowstone National Park (YNP) boundary to Hebgen Reservoir will switch from a full closure to hoot-owl restrictions. The short sections that exit YNP near Baker’s Hole campground will remain closed to align with the existing National Park Service closure on the Madison River. 

• Ruby River – from Duncan District Road to confluence with the Beaverhead River  

• Smith River – from the confluence of the North and South forks to Eden Bridge 

The restrictions had been in effect for the rivers since early- to mid-July due to warm water temperatures. Hoot-owl restrictions are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when low flows and high water temperatures combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing. 

Anglers can reduce stress on fish at all times of the year by getting fish to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water, and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river. 

Along with monitoring stream temperatures, FWP also monitors stream flows, and in some streams, holds instream flow water rights. FWP’s water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, click here. 

For a list of current drought-related fishing restrictions and closures, click here. 

HELENA – Upland game bird season opens Monday, Sept. 1, and archery season opens Sept. 6, coinciding with the kickoff of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Bear Aware Month.

Upland game bird hunters and archery hunters are often hunting in areas where grizzly bears are active and looking for food, like creek bottoms with chokecherries or mountain areas where summer berries are still lingering. Bear activity begins to increase in September as they look to put on weight in advance of winter hibernation.

Grizzly bears can be found anywhere in the western two-thirds of Montana, and their distribution is denser and more widespread than in previous years. Some areas with dense concentrations of grizzly bears are very accessible to hunters. Keep these precautions in mind when hunting in grizzly country:

Carry and know how to use bear spray. Keep it within easy reach and be prepared to use it immediately.

Stay alert, especially when hearing or visibility is limited. Watch for environmental indicators of recent bear activity. If there is abundant fresh sign of grizzly bears in the area, consider hunting elsewhere. Let other hunters know when bears and/or fresh sign are observed.

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.

Travel and hunt in groups whenever possible. This can help you make casual noise to alert bears to your presence, and it may also increase your chances survival in the event of a bear attack.
Follow all food storage regulations. Contact the applicable land management agency (i.e. U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, etc.) to learn what food storage rules apply where you’re hunting.

Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.
Carry the equipment you need to process a carcass and get it out of the field as quickly as possible.
If you harvest an animal, remove it from the field as quickly as possible.
For more tips on staying safe in bear country, visit FWP’s Bear Aware web page.

For hunting forecast information, visit fwp.mt.gov/hunt/seasons/forecasts

Free permit required for sage grouse hunting

Beginning this year, a free supplemental sage grouse hunting permit is required for harvesting sage grouse. These permits can be acquired online or at any FWP office or license provider.

At its June 19 meet, the Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the sage grouse permit requirement. The permit will help biologists to better estimate sage grouse harvest.

 Click here to view the 2025 Hunting Regulations.

Enrolling in the WIC (Women, Infant, Children) program can help with a critical time in pregnancy and early childhood. The WIC program is designed to support the health and well-being through monthly benefits for nutritious food, breastfeeding support, health screenings and referrals, nutrition education, and helping to support vulnerable populations including migrants, homeless, and those in transitional housing. Early enrollment ensures timely access to these important benefits.

The Gallatin WIC offices offer flexible hours. The WIC program uses materials that match people’s culture and language, making it easier to understand and trust. By meeting women where they are—physically and emotionally—WIC can serve as a lifeline during a vulnerable time, promoting healthier pregnancies and stronger starts for children. Gallatin WIC has three locations in Gallatin County.

• Gallatin City-County Health
Department
400 E Babcock St, Bozeman, MT
• Heck/Quaw Building
91 W Southview Ave, Entrance 8,
Belgrade, MT
• West Yellowstone
By appointment only

Women and children who have Medicaid, HMK Plus, SNAP, TANF, Best Beginnings Traditional Scholarship, Free or ReducedPrice Lunch (non-community eligibility provision), and FDPIR are income eligible.


If you do not currently have these plans, you may still qualify using the income eligibility guidelines table, or you can check your eligibility and apply online! Visit our website, www.healthygallatin.org/family-health/wic

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf , from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
2. fax:
(202) 690-7442; or
3. email:
program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

BOZEMAN – August 22, 2025 – After three remarkable decades of shaping the sound and soul of local radio, beloved broadcaster Michelle Wolfe is stepping away from the mic at Townsquare Media Bozeman’s “The MOOSE” 94.7 FM, leaving behind an impressive legacy.

A cornerstone of The MOOSE since its early days, Wolfe’s distinctive voice, eclectic musical taste, and deep-rooted connection to the community helped turn the station into one of the most unique and celebrated local broadcasters in the country. Her tenure earned numerous accolades, including multiple local and national awards and the industry honor: induction into the FMQB AAA Music Directors Hall of Fame.

“Michelle is not just a radio host—she’s the heart of The MOOSE,” said Director of Content, Derek Wolf. “Her departure marks the end of an era, and while we’re sad to see her go, we’re endlessly grateful for the decades of talent, leadership, and heart she brought to The MOOSE and our community.”

Beyond the studio, Wolfe has been a tireless advocate for local nonprofits, community causes, and regional fundraising efforts. Whether emceeing charity events, promoting local music and arts, or rolling up her sleeves to support environmental and educational organizations, Wolfe’s dedication to public service has made a lasting impact across the Gallatin Valley and beyond.

Wolfe said, “Radio is about connection, community, and creating something real. I’m incredibly proud of what we built at TheMOOSE, and I’ll forever be grateful to our listeners, colleagues, and this community.”

While Wolfe has not yet announced what’s next, she plans to take some time to reflect and explore new opportunities and projects.

The MOOSE will be honoring Michelle’s extraordinary career in Bozeman with a special on-air tribute, featuring memorable moments, guest messages, and a retrospective of her contributions to the station and community.  

Details will be shared on mooseradio.com and across social media in the coming days. Her last day on-air will be Friday, August 29th.  

Townsquare Media Bozeman didn’t have to look far for Michelle’s replacement as a familiar voice to MOOSE listeners will take over the Morning and Programming duties to make sure that the legendary MOOSE lives on for years to come.

About Townsquare Media, Inc.

Townsquare is a community-focused digital and broadcast media and digital marketing solutions company principally focused outside the top 50 markets in the U.S. Townsquare Ignite, our robust digital advertising division, specializes in helping businesses of all sizes connect with their target audience through data-driven, results based strategies, by utilizing a) our proprietary digital programmatic advertising technology stack with an in-house demand and data management platform and b) our owned and operated portfolio of more than 400 local news and entertainment websites and mobile apps along with a network of leading national music and entertainment brands, collecting valuable first party data. Townsquare Interactive, our subscription digital marketing services business, partners with SMBs to help manage their digital presence by providing a SAAS business management platform, website design, creation and hosting, search engine optimization and other digital services. And through our portfolio of local radio stations strategically situated outside the Top 50 markets in the United States, we provide effective advertising solutions for our clients and relevant local content for our audiences. For more information, please visit www.townsquaremedia.com, www.townsquareinteractive.com, and www.townsquareignite.com.

• An American portrait: Part one, 1607-1877.
• Themes in philosophy. 
• Economics of Montana agriculture. 
• The Italian Renaissance: Culture, arts and sciences. 
• Trees and forests. 
• Authentic communication in contemporary times. 
• Prizing literature: Nobel Prize winners and their works. 
• Photography: The art of seeing creatively. 
• The endocrine system and YOU: Part two. 
• Contested history: The story of church-state separation. 

Getting a residence or citizenship via investment is a big step in life that needs careful planning and a full grasp of the application procedure. The perks, including being able to move across the world more easily and finding new opportunities, are quite appealing. However, the processes to get there may be hard and scary without the correct help. A systematic, step-by-step plan may turn this trip from a difficult one into a pleasant and enjoyable one. The famous greece golden visa program is a great example of a clear procedure. This article will use its structure to explain the main steps of a normal application, from the first due diligence to the final issuing of the residency card. By knowing what to expect at each stage, potential investors may fill out their application with confidence and a clear plan for success.

The First Phase of Due Diligence and Consultation

The first and most important step is to undertake a full preliminary due diligence study and talk to someone before any papers are signed or money is invested. In this first step, a team of professionals looks at the applicant's past to find any possible problems that might make the process harder. A trustworthy company will do a thorough background check to make sure the candidate doesn't have a criminal past and can prove where their money comes from. This proactive strategy helps avoid delays in the future and provides the applicant piece of mind. A session also helps figure out the best investment path for the applicant based on their financial objectives and personal situation at the same time.

Getting the Money Ready and Making Sure the Investment Is Safe

The next step after the first meeting is to make sure the qualifying investment is safe. For schemes like the Greek Golden Visa, this may include buying real estate, giving money to an investment fund, or moving money from one account to another. At this point, you need to work closely with lawyers, real estate brokers, and banks in the host country. The investor will need to get a local tax number and create a bank account to make the deal happen. any money must come from a source that can be verified, and any paperwork relating to the money, like a property title deed or a fund subscription agreement, must be very carefully produced.

Sending in the Application and Following the Law

The application is ready to be sent to the right government agency after all the paperwork and the investment are in order. A local lawyer handles this for the investor in many countries, including Greece. When the applicant submits their application, they will get an acknowledgment receipt, which is frequently a temporary residency permit. This paper lets the person apply for a visa stay in the nation while their application is being processed. This stage represents the formal start of the government's evaluation and is a big step forward in the process.

Making and Keeping Biometric Appointments

Once the application has been provisionally granted, all candidates must go to a biometric appointment in the host nation. This process includes taking fingerprints, a digital picture, and a sample signature for the residency card. This trip to the host nation is an important part of the procedure and is usually the only time you need to go in person for the whole application. The government utilizes this biometric data to make a unique and secure resident card, which is the official evidence of lawful residency.

Giving out the Residence Card and Final Approval

After the biometric appointment, the final residency cards are made and given out. The investor and their family members can typically have the legal team pick up these cards for them. The card's issuance means that the application procedure is officially over. The residency card is a strong document that lets the bearer dwell in the host nation. If the holder is a member of the Schengen Area, they can also travel freely across the area. This is a time to celebrate since the hope of a new life has come true.

Getting a New Residence Permit and Making Long-Term Plans

A residency by investment permit is normally good for a set amount of time, usually five years, and can be renewed as long as the investment that qualifies stays in place. The procedure of renewing is usually easier and only needs fresh paperwork and an application. This time is very important for investors who want to become citizens in the long run since they need to fulfill any residency or language requirements. To make sure that the route to long-term residency is smooth and continuous, you need to know exactly how the renewal procedure works from the start.

The process of applying for a residence or citizenship by investment program is a trip that is hard but possible with the correct help. The whole process, from the first due diligence to the final issuing of the residency card, is meant to make sure that both the investor and the host nation have a good and safe experience. Knowing how something works makes it less mysterious and lets you plan and act with greater confidence. When every stage is properly thought out and carried out, the end goal—whether it's a method to have a second house, more freedom to travel around the world, or even the chance to get greece citizenship by investment —is very close.

On August 26th, 2025 at 12:25pm the Hyalite Fire District was dispatched for a report of a wildland fire in the area of 9400 Nash Road. Hyalite Fire responded and arrived on scene to find an approximately one acre wildland fire burning in grass and mixed brush. The fire was threatening several structures including primary residences.

Given the threat to structures Hyalite Fire requested mutual aid from several neighboring fire agencies. The fire was brought under control at 2:00pm and had burned two acres. No injuries were reported although one landowner was treated for possible smoke inhalation but not transported to the hospital.

No structures were damaged as a result of the fire although several fences were damaged. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. The Hyalite Fire District was assisted by the City of Bozeman Fire Department, Fort Ellis Fire Service Area, Gallatin Gateway Fire District, Central Valley Fire District, Gallatin County Emergency Management, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and American Medical Response. 

In all six brush wildland engines, five water tenders, two incident command vehicles, one structure fire engine, five sheriff deputies, and one ambulance responded. The Hyalite Fire District thanks our mutual partners for helping with this incident. As a reminder to the public please use caution during wildfire season and report any fire as early as possible.