The Gallatin County Attorney’s Office is holding a coroner’s inquest into an officer-involved shooting in Bozeman in April. 

The inquest will review the circumstances surrounding the death of 39-year-old Michael Rogel, who died in an officer-involved shooting with the Bozeman Police Department on Greenmore Court in Bozeman on April 3, 2023. 

The inquest will be held on Monday, Oct. 30 starting at 9 AM in courtroom 201 at the Law and Justice Center, located at 615 S. 16thAve. in Bozeman. It is anticipated the hearing will take the full day. 

A coroner’s inquest is a formal inquiry into the causes and circumstances surrounding the death of a person caused by a peace officer. After hearing all the evidence, jurors will then render a verdict, which must be a majority vote, that will determine: 

• who the deceased person is 
• when, where and how the deceased died 
• if the deceased died by criminal means 
• if it was criminal means then who committed the act, if known 

Park County Coroner Al Jenkins will preside over the inquest. Nine random jurors will be selected to listen to testimony and see evidence presented by the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office.  

Witnesses will include involved officers, other eyewitnesses, a pathologist, and investigator from the Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation. 

When two people get together in a sweet bond called marriage, there's bound to be some issues as they age and hormones get lazy. And because no one is alike, both you and your partner's uniqueness will cause a little problem here and there. There are many all-too-common marriage issues, sometimes petty, but some are quite a ton, especially in later life. Resolving them can be trickier than you think!

Common Marriage Issues in Later Life and Ways to Solve Them

Communication Blues
Many couples are pretty sure that they completely know each other inside out after years of marriage. But since life is a continuous journey, people change and evolve, whether for the better or worse. The remedy? Keep talking. Share your thoughts and feelings, even how simple the topic may be. Even if it's only about a new recipe you tried or the new flower bed you prepared in the garden. Engage in discussing evolving interests and rekindle your connection.

So, continue to be interested in each other, hobbies and all. It's like discovering a whole new world within your home. So, keep the conversation flowing.

Financial Fights
Most of the time, money matters can lead to epic showdowns of financial issues. But with a little determination, you can sit down and discuss your finances openly and honestly. Share and discuss your financial goals, budgets, and other priorities. You can even throw in a little date night with a budget-friendly twist to avoid more money problems.

But if your financial quarrels can't be resolved, filing for divorce might be your last resort to live peacefully. If you're from the Lone Star State, you can ask experts how to file for a divorce in Texas. Otherwise, you may ask for the services of divorce attorneys in your state. 

While it's not really a straightforward path, divorce proceedings can be your final option. Keep in mind, though, that there are many, if not too complicated, requirements to meet. So when the going gets too rough to get along, it's best to ask for legal advisers to weigh out your options. 

Empty Nest Syndrome
When the kids have grown and fly the coop, you might feel like your home turned into a ghost town. Some couples find it hard to adjust from too hectic days with the kids to doing nothing. Life together becomes dull and rough, especially when you both start bickering for no reason. The solution? Rekindle your hobbies. Remember that both of you have pursued different interests before you got cooped up with family life. So it's time to get up and feel competitive again. You can also plan a surprise weekend getaway or just binge-watch your favorite shows together. Actually, you can both get busy with each other if you want boredom to go away. There are romantic walks in autumn, destination getaways during summer, and perfect icy hikes in winter. It's high time you indulge and enjoy your newfound freedom!

Health Hiccups
As the years roll on, there are health issues that might disturb your long years together. The maintenance, doctor times, and costs might stretch and stress both of you. It's why you hear of couples calling it quits because of health-related problems. 

These can be tough times, but it's best to support each other. It may get more burdensome, but at least you continue to inspire each other to hold on because it will all pass.

Support each other by eating healthy foods, exercising together, scheduling regular check-ups, and attending to each other. 

And, since laughter is the best medicine, remember to share a good chuckle every time.

Boredom Busters
Routine and boredom can be your marriage's killer. You get bored because of so many things that sometimes, you're not even sure what. It's just that you need more energy to listen to your spouse nagging. 

Might as well spice things up! Why not try new things together? Sign up for dance or art classes, a cooking adventure, or go on that bucket list trip you've always dreamed of. Adventure is your greatest ally to fight Mrs. or Mr. Boredom!

Memory Mishaps
It just started out as forgetting when was your first date, then boom! Dear beloved refuses to eat or starts the "invisible you" episodes. But forgetfulness is part of getting "the age," so it's best to clear up some misunderstandings. 

Experts found that forgetting where you placed your keys, passwords, or names of former classmates are not signs of dementia. They're actually considered normal as people age.

So relax, just accept that there are so many things you may not remember anymore. Just say sorry and move on. Keep things lighthearted. You can joke a lot about it, actually. Then, help each other out when forgetfulness strikes. 

Bottom Line

Every marriage is quite different for every couple. Experiences also vary, especially as the husband and wife get older. Physical, emotional, and habitual concerns get complicated as aging sets in.It may be a handful, but taking it one loving step at a time is best. Just be with each other, do things together, and experience together. It's where you may find patience and mindfulness go hand in hand to help your aging feelings.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a draft plan and environmental impact statement to guide the agency’s recommendations for the long-term management and conservation of wolves across the state.

The draft 2023 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan (2023 Wolf Plan) incorporates updates in wolf-related research, more than 20 years of management experience, evolution in conflict management, new laws, social perspectives, and public input.

The new draft plan builds on a foundation of FWP wolf management: monitoring populations, tracking harvest, effective conflict management, and flexibility to integrate evolutions in science.

“The 2003 Wolf Plan guided our successful management for two decades. And under that management, wolves have become well established in Montana,” said FWP Director Dustin Temple. “This new plan relies on the best available science and reflects current Montana law and all the public input we’ve heard over the years regarding wolf management in Montana. I encourage folks to comment.”

The draft 2023 Wolf Plan shifts a key counting metric from the number of breeding pairs to the number of wolves representing at least 15 breeding pairs. The draft 2023 plan establishes that 450 wolves would ensure 15 breeding pairs. Population estimates will continue to be determined by the peer-reviewed Integrated Patch Occupancy Modeling method, or iPOM. The draft 2023 plan also describes the current depredation prevention and response program.

In the past 20 years, the public has had opportunities to comment on various components of wolf management as it was considered by the Montana Legislature, the Fish and Wildlife Commission, and FWP. Given this and the current direction within statute for wolf management in the state, FWP is not convening a citizen advisory group for wolf management at this time.

FWP is seeking public comment for 60 days on both the draft 2023 Wolf Plan and DEIS. The deadline for comments is Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. To view the draft 2023 Wolf Plan and comment, click here.

FWP is also seeking public comment on the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS). This document analyzes the environmental impacts of the proposed plans. To view the associated DEIS, click here.

Comments on the plan and DEIS will be collected online and can also be sent by mail to 2023 Montana Wolf Management Plan DEIS, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wildlife Division, 1420 East Sixth Avenue Helena, MT 59620, or by email to FWPWolfPlanEIS@mt.gov.

Public meetings to answer questions about the draft 2023 Wolf Plan will be scheduled prior to the close of the public comment period and announced soon on the FWP website.

On October 19, 2023, at 6:47pm, Gallatin County 911 received a call for a hang-gliding accident near the Rockhaven Camp and Retreat Center in the Gallatin Canyon. It was later discovered the incident was actually a BASE jumping accident and the patient had suffered a possible neck injury. The BASE jumper had fallen along the cliff face after deploying their parachute and landed on top of a steep rocky incline. 

The Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue Valley Section and Heli Team, American Medical Response (AMR), Gallatin Gateway Fire Department, and Billings Clinic MedFlight all responded to the area. Valley members with an alpine endorsement deployed to the patient where they used low angle technical rope rescue techniques to get them to the awaiting ground crews.  Once down, ground crews transported the patient via one wheeled litter to the staging area. Ultimately the patient was flown by air ambulance to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center for further evaluation.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to thank the bystanders who recognized the emergency and called dispatch to activate the Search and Rescue call. This event happened in an area without cell service and without someone promptly leaving to call 911, the initiation of a rescue could have been significantly delayed.

Photo courtesy of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

BHS Hawks Theatre Company presents the classic musical comedy The Music Man by Meredith Willson, with live orchestra. All five shows at the Bozeman High School auditorium November 2, 3, 4, 5th. 

The Music Man: the classic American musical comedy which gave us hits like Seventy-Six Trombones, Ya Got Trouble, Marion the Librarian and Sha Poopie!  This charming tale follows the exploits of Harold Hill, a clever con man who meets his match in a small-town librarian. First produced in 1957 the show became a hit on Broadway, winning five Tonys including Best Musical.  Written by Meredith Willson, the play has been produced all over the world for over 60 years.

“The Music Man... presents a moment of joy in a world that is, now more than ever, darkened by violence. By the time the curtain falls, the audience members are filled with positive energy, joy, and excitement.” - Amelie Julicher, The Harvard Crimson

“The Music Man” is about the healing nature of the arts. Harold teaches discordant neighbors to live in harmony — quite literally — by transforming the town’s bickering school board into a barbershop quartet. Even bad art, our River City residents learn, can be restorative.” – Katherine Rampell, The Washington Post

Under the direction of Valarie Andrews with orchestral direction by Michael Certalic, and vocal direction by Jacob Malczyk.

This play is for all ages. Box office opens an hour before show, doors open thirty minutes before curtain. All general seating.

Ticket prices $8 (Student) $15 (General Public)
November 2^nd 7pm, 3^rd 7pm, 4^th 1pm and 7pm
with closing matinee, the 5^th 1pm.

Tickets can be purchased onlinehttps://bsd7.revtrak.net/music/#/list and at the box office.

For more info, please call the Hawks Theatre Co. line at 406.522.4855

BOZEMAN – A Montana State University research team has published a study that may contribute to management and restoration strategies for whitebark pine, a species that is experiencing significant decline and was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act almost a year ago.

Danielle Ulrich, assistant professor in the Department of Ecology in MSU’s College of Letters and Science, is the lead author on a recently published paper in the journal Forest Ecology and Management. The paper describes work Ulrich’s team has done to compare juvenile whitebark and limber pine trees, identifying physiological traits that may influence the species’ respective abilities to resist environmental stress.

Whitebark pine is native to subalpine and timberline zones in western Canada and the U.S., including Montana and Wyoming. It lives on bright, sunny, windy mountaintops and grows in rocky, poor-quality soil. Like limber pine, whitebark is a keystone and foundation species, meaning that it forms the habitat for other species by providing protection and shelter, stabilizing soil, maintaining and shading snowpack, and influencing streamflow throughout the growing season. Both trees’ seeds are a significant source of food for grizzly bears and Clark’s nutcracker birds.

Whitebark pine has declined significantly since the 1990s, Ulrich said, due to white pine blister rust fungus, bark beetles, fire suppression efforts that have allowed the rise of competing conifers, and climate change, including drought. According to a study published in 2018, 51% of all whitebark pine trees in the U.S. have died. The potential ecological implications of whitebark decline are myriad, including slope erosion and early season snowpack loss leading to reduced summer streamflows.

In 2020, Ulrich’s group set out to describe the physiological traits of both pine species by studying rust-resistant juveniles under controlled conditions in the MSU greenhouse.

“This is one of the first studies to compare the physiology of these two species in this way,” Ulrich said. “More broad-scale studies have noted their ecological similarities but have not described and compared their physiologies, which tell us how they live in the places they do. This work is filling that gap to help us better understand how these species respond to their environments, especially under changing climates. This study sets a foundation for future and ongoing work.”

The MSU team analyzed a multitude of the trees’ traits, including the size of their stomata, which are responsible for taking in carbon dioxide for photosynthesis and moving water from the roots to the leaves; their allocation of biomass above or below ground, which determines whether they are better at finding water at the root level or acquiring sunlight for photosynthesis; the timing of their budburst, which sets the duration of each tree’s growing season; and other characteristics that determine a plant’s heat and cold tolerance, light absorption and ability to withstand drought.

In the plant world, “generalist” species possess traits that make them both grow well and resist stress so they can grow in a wider variety of habitats, while “specialists” tend to specialize in either growing well or resisting stress, living in in a smaller variety of habitats. Ulrich’s study found that limber pine is more of a generalist, while whitebark pine is more of a specialist, resisting stress by growing more slowly and conservatively to endure tough times.

Ulrich said that may explain why limber pine lives in a wider range of conditions. For example, it is found at elevations ranging from lower treeline all the way up to upper treeline — 2,800 to 12,500 feet. Whitebark pine grows exclusively in higher elevation areas — 5,200 to 11,800 feet. Such differences could be exploited during forest restoration and replanting efforts by identifying planting locations where these species will be successful, Ulrich said.

Currently, the same juveniles used in the physiological study are being subjected to different stresses in the greenhouse.

“My students and I have exposed both species to stressors, including drought and high temperature,” she said. “We want to know how these species will fare under warmer, drier conditions. Will those physiological responses differ between the two species? Will limber pine fare better under climate change than whitebark pine?”

Ulrich said graduate students in her lab are working on a number of related projects. They include a study to determine whether data from the just-published physiology paper also apply to wild trees in the field; an examination of whether measuring trees’ non-structural carbohydrate levels can help predict how likely they are to succumb to drought; and a comparison with another high-elevation species, the Great Basin bristlecone pine, which isn’t found in Montana but faces similar threats as the trees in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

“Plants, vegetation, forests are incredibly valuable for ecosystem services. They form the backbone of many ecosystems, especially at high elevations” Ulrich said. “High-elevation pine research will continue in my lab – we have lots of irons in the fire right now.”

On Friday, Oct. 20, ballots for the 2023 municipal election on Nov. 7 in Gallatin County will be mailed to active registered voters in municipalities that are holding elections.  

This election is a mail ballot election meaning there will be no polling places open on Election Day. 

Elections are taking place in Bozeman, Belgrade, Manhattan, West Yellowstone, and the Central Valley Fire District. 

In total, about 48,500 ballots will be mailed to active registered voters. Ballots should start arriving this weekend or early next week. Sample ballots can be found here. 

As with all mail ballot elections, there is always an option to vote in-person at the Gallatin County Elections office, located in the Gallatin County Courthouse at 311 W. Main St., room 210 in Bozeman. 

Ballots must be received at the Gallatin County Elections office or a designated place of deposit by 8 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 7. Ballots may be returned by mail or in-person. If you’re mailing your ballot, mail it no later than Monday, Oct. 30 to ensure it arrives at our office in time. Ballots postmarked on or before Election Day but received after Election Day cannot be accepted.  

Places of deposit for this election are: 

• Gallatin County Elections Office – 311 W. Main St., room 210 in Bozeman 
• Belgrade City Hall – 91 E. Central Ave. 
• Manhattan Town Hall – 207 S. 6th St.  
• West Yellowstone Town Hall – 440 Yellowstone Ave.  

Voters in any municipality can drop their ballots off at those locations. All locations are open during regular business hours Monday through Friday until Nov. 6, and then from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day on Nov. 7.  

Voter Registration 

Gallatin County is currently in the late registration period for the Nov. 7 election. To register to vote or update your registration (like if you’ve moved or changed your name since the last election), you must appear in-person at the Gallatin County Elections office.  

You can do so now through Election Day. Please note there is one short registration closure from noon on Monday, Nov. 6 until 7 AM on Election Day. It is then available from 7 AM to 8 PM on Election Day.  

You can check your registration status at www.MyVoterPageMT.com.  

If you have questions, please contact our office at gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-582-3060. For more information, you can also visit www.GallatinVotes.com.  

BOZEMAN — A new e-book describing Montana State University researchers’ long-term study of Weddell seals in Antarctica has been published and is available for free download via Apple Books, direct download and a PC-friendly digital edition on the Weddell Seal Science website.

Jay Rotella, professor in the Department of Ecology in MSU’s College of Letters and Science, has been conducting research on the Weddell seal populations for the past two decades. He and Professor Emeritus Robert Garrott have been conducting the project at MSU since 2002. He is the principal investigator for a phase of the research funded last year by a $1.4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study environmental influences on the seal populations, as well as the role immigrant seals play in the local population. The Weddell seal study is one of the longest-running marine mammal studies.

Over the past 50 years of the study, Rotella estimates that about 28,000 seals have been tagged and tracked. This has allowed researchers to understand the life cycles of Weddell seals, and by monitoring the seals, the researchers can determine the conditions of the Antarctic ecosystem itself.

Rotella said a big part of every research grant is sharing new knowledge with the public. He, Garrott and others on their research team, who were accustomed to posting blogs and podcasts from the field, came up with the idea of creating a multimedia e-book that could combine the best elements of both.

“It’s a living document that we can use and update with fresh videos and add chapters as the project goes forward,” Rotella said. “Having a living book that is fun, interactive and scientifically informative is the idea.”

The e-book, “Weddell Seals; Science, Life History and Population Dynamics,” contains information about the history of science and exploration in Antarctica, Antarctic geology and the project itself. Included are videos from the Weddell Seal Science YouTube channel, photographs from the study, diagrams of Antarctica and audio recordings of Weddell seals.

“As you go along doing these long-term studies, you can really learn some amazing things. What readers will find most important, I suspect, is going to be up to the individual,” said Rotella.

He plans to add more chapters as the team’s research progresses.

“We now have the book available in 50 countries through Apple Books. Anyone anywhere that has internet can download it for free.”

“Weddell Seals; Science, Life History and Population Dynamics” can be viewed via Apple Books, direct download and a PC-friendly digital edition on the Weddell Seal Science website. To access more information about Weddell seal science, visit the research website at montana.edu/weddellseals.

HELENA – Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was first detected in wild birds and domestic poultry in Montana in spring 2022. While HPAI cases in wild birds did decline over the summer, there are detections of new cases in parts of the U.S., including Montana again this fall. HPAI viruses are extremely infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is continuing to monitor the situation by testing wild birds that display symptoms consistent with HPAI infection. Some waterfowl species carry and transmit the virus without developing symptoms. Other wild bird species are highly susceptible and are likely to die from infection.  In Montana, various duck species are most likely to carry the virus without symptoms, while geese and raptors have been the most common wild birds to die from the virus. The virus is also highly fatal to domestic poultry, including chickens, ducks and turkeys.

Human infections with bird flu viruses are rare but can occur, usually after close contact with infected birds. The current risk to the general public from bird flu viruses is low; however, it is important to remember that risk depends on exposure, and people with more exposure might have a greater risk of infection. Although the CDC considers risk of HPAI spread to humans to be very low, Montanans should take precautions when handling harvested game birds or any sick or dead bird they find. Whenever possible, avoid contact with sick or dead wildlife. Even if a bird is not suspected to have died from a contagious disease, gloves should always be worn if a dead animal must be handled for disposal.

Raptors are susceptible to HPAI and are typically exposed via eating infected birds. The general recommendation for falconers is to avoid hunting and/or feeding wild birds, particularly waterfowl, during the outbreak. Enhanced biosecurity practices with enhanced cleaning and limiting contact with wild birds or birds from other facilities is also warranted. Sick falcons should be promptly reported to a veterinarian and be quarantined from other birds in the facility.

Bird hunters should follow these simple precautions when processing or handling wild game:

• Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
• Wear disposable latex or rubber gloves while cleaning game or cleaning bird feeders.
• Clean game birds outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while cleaning game.
• Avoid contact between people, equipment and materials that have been in contact with wild birds and backyard poultry flocks to avoid bringing the virus back to your flock.
• Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately after handling game or cleaning bird feeders.
• Wash tools and work surfaces used to clean game birds with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach—one part chlorine bleach to 10 parts water.
• Separate raw meat, and anything it touches, from cooked or ready-to-eat foods to avoid contamination.
• Cook game meat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Poultry owners should maintain separation between wild birds and domestic poultry. Bird feeders should not be kept near poultry and should be cleaned regularly with a 10 percent bleach solution.  Disposable gloves should be worn when cleaning bird feeders.

For more information on AI in wild birds, visit fwp.mt.gov/conservation/diseases/avian-influenza, or visit the USGS website at www.usgs.gov/centers/nwhc/science/avian-influenza-surveillance.

The Gallatin County Motor Vehicle Department’s Belgrade office will temporarily close for the day on Friday, Oct. 20.  

The Belgrade office is getting new furniture and doing some reconfiguring of the space to improve the experience for both customers and staff in that space. It will reopen for its regular temporary hours (7:30 AM to 2:30 PM) on Monday, Oct. 23. 

To accommodate during the closure, our Bozeman Motor Vehicle Office, located at the Gallatin County Courthouse in downtown Bozeman, will be open Oct. 20 from 8 AM to 5 PM 

There is also online titling and registration services available for dealership purchases to save customers a trip to either office. Those services can be found on our website. 

We appreciate the public’s patience during this temporary closure.