The Montana Cannabis Coalition (MCC) has officially launched as a statewide, member-driven trade association committed to uniting Montana’s diverse cannabis industry. Formed by licensed operators and allied businesses, MCC offers a transparent and collaborative platform focused on education, advocacy, and strategic communication to support responsible growth and sustainable policies, and offers a voting membership, allied sponsor membership, and a community support membership. Aiming to educate and cultivate a unified cannabis community.

With 26 voting members representing approximately 40 brands, employing more than 1,000 people statewide, and accounting for over 100 million in annual retail sales, MCC brings together a significant portion of Montana’s cannabis industry under one unified voice.

While Montana’s cannabis industry has benefited from the efforts of various groups over the years, MCC presents a fresh, inclusive model where members directly shape the organization’s direction. Representing cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries, and service providers statewide, MCC works to protect local businesses and advance policies that benefit communities, consumers, and the economy.

“Our industry’s continued evolution demands unity and cooperation,” said Mariah Bond, MCC Executive Director. “MCC brings together stakeholders to address real-world challenges with integrity in a solutions-oriented approach.”

Montana’s cannabis industry is stronger when its voices come together. Licensed operators and industry partners who share this vision are encouraged to join MCC and help shape the future of cannabis in the state.

For more information or to join, visit 406MCC.org. Or contact the Executive Director of the MCC, Mariah Bond mtccoalition@gmail.com. 

BOZEMAN — Montana State University alumnus James Corwin’s art is zipping across Montana highways and flipping through thousands of readers’ hands across the nation this summer.  

Corwin, who graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in studio arts from the College of Arts and Architecture, designed a new Montana license plate released in August. His artwork also appeared on the cover of The Saturday Evening Post, a 204-year-old, nationally distributed magazine known for depicting American culture.  

“It’s so exciting being able to wake up every day and be immersed in this atmosphere of creating beautiful art and bringing people into that experience by sharing it with them,” he said. 

James Corwin, a Montana State University alumnus, graduated with a bachelor's degree in studio arts in 2014. Submitted photo.

Based in Missoula, Corwin creates hyper-realistic paintings of wildlife, including Montana-inspired wolves, bears and bison. He also owns an art gallery displaying his work and that of local artists in Hamilton. It opened in 2021 to accommodate Corwin’s growing studio, business team and art classes.  

On Aug. 4, Montana released Corwin’s new license plate, commissioned by the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation in January. Proceeds from purchasing the plate will fund the foundation’s wilderness stewardship, trail maintenance and youth programs in the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness areas.  

Corwin’s plate design features Trapper Peak in the Bitterroot Mountains, towering above golden cottonwood trees and a family of elk. He began with an image in his mind and a reference photo he created by compiling images in Photoshop. He said he paints for several hours each day until a piece portrays a “magical spark that feels alive,” often while listening to podcasts or chatting with his business team through his headset. Corwin creates more than 20 original paintings each year and fulfills more than 100 prints per month across the U.S. and internationally for his existing pieces.  

One of the most special orders he received this year was for the July and August edition of The Saturday Evening Post, which is distributed to at least 350,000 subscribers. Three of his pieces have been used for cover art since 2022, and the latest depicts a crane dancing in a grassy marsh during sunset. 

The painting "Moon Dancer II," created by wildlife artist James Corwin, was selected for the July and August edition of the national magazine The Saturday Evening Post. Submitted photo.

Historically, the magazine’s covers were considered its most defining feature due to iconic artists like Norman Rockwell, according to The Saturday Post. The American illustrator created more than 300 covers for the magazine inspired by life in the U.S., from a family installing a new television set to a young couple sitting in a diner after prom.  

“It’s such a privilege and a gift to be included among history’s great artists,” Corwin said. “It probably wouldn't have been possible without MSU’s encouragement to do painting full time.” 

Corwin, who is from Kalispell, enrolled at MSU during his sophomore year after transferring from Marietta College in Ohio. He initially pursued a degree in art education but decided to graduate with a bachelor’s in studio arts after receiving encouragement from his advisers. Corwin’s art was gaining traction at local markets in the Flathead Valley, and he began to think pursuing painting as a career was not only realistic, but it was also bound to lead to something special.  

“It was clear to me that James was well on his way to becoming a successful artist and a business owner,” said Dean Adams, dean of the College of Arts and Architecture who taught Corwin’s professional practices course. “He was already exploring a career in art and exemplified the entrepreneurial mindset common in many of our students. I appreciate his current business model for selling his own work while also supporting other artists.” 

Painting landscapes came naturally to Corwin during his undergraduate years, he said. He often explored Montana’s outdoor classroom by painting plein air — painting a subject while in nature — and spent hours in the School of Art’s studios in Haynes Hall. There, he discovered the fundamentals of form and shape by taking courses across all mediums, such as sculpture, ceramics, printmaking and drawing.  

He said his intermediate drawing course felt as though it was art academy class in Florence, Italy, with its tight-knit group of artists bending over their charcoals and observing nature, inanimate objects and human subjects. After class ended in the afternoons, Corwin often painted his friends while they posed on chairs in front of his canvas, which shaped his understanding of anatomy for his current wildlife paintings.  

“It was a wonderful experience to have that freedom to explore myself artistically and see what I was — no pun intended — drawn to, which was ultimately painting,” he said. 

Josh DeWeese, School of Art director and professor of ceramics who taught Corwin’s intermediate drawing class, said exploration is at the core of the School of Art. Students try several mediums outside their comfort zones during their first years in the program, ultimately finding an art form that they are passionate about and can turn into a career.  

DeWeese said he is impressed with Corwin’s ability to pursue a career he loves with entrepreneurial savvy, which MSU recognized with an alumni award in 2023.  

“Our most significant role as educators is for people to find the thing they’re most passionate about,” DeWeese said. “Becoming a professional is important, but trying to discover more about yourself is the most important.” 

Image Source: Pexels

Planning a pop-up event in a popular hotspot like Bozeman can be highly rewarding—and you’ll have a built-in audience eager to attend. But whether you’re planning a concert, holiday market, or art show, you’ll need the funds to make it happen. Finding financing options isn’t always easy or a given, and you’ll need to pay for permits and space, plus unexpected costs are inevitable.

Don’t worry, though. We have you covered. Read on to find practical tips that can help you fund your pop-up event!

Determine Your Budget

Prior to planning any event, you need a budget. After all, you don’t want to be blindsided by unintended costs or scope creep, both of which can drain your accounts. Whether you’re planning a family-focused event or a big concert, consider what you’ll need to cover to make your event happen.

For instance, you’ll need permission from the city of Bozeman to host an event, which may require a permit and, in some cases, insurance. You’ll need to market your event with printed flyers or posters. Even if you use social media to post high-quality photos promoting your event, you may want to opt for paid ads, too, to enhance visibility and reach your target audience. For larger events with expensive equipment that needs to stay on-site, you may need security, as well. Map out all of these costs ahead of time to figure out what you can afford—and how much help you’ll need.

Find Event Sponsors

Your event may be an appealing way to partner with local businesses. If they contribute money or materials, you could offer some free promotion for their business in exchange. Approach local businesses that seem like a good match with a proposal for partnership opportunities. If you’re hosting a community recognition event, for instance, a nearby restaurant may want to contribute food or funds.

Share your anticipated attendance numbers and present your ideas for marketing. Share how a sponsorship could benefit the sponsor. Maybe you’ll include their logo on marketing materials or press releases, for example. You may be able to score free decor from a flower shop, free drinks from a local brewery, or hiking gear from a local outdoor shop eager to promote their inventory.

Look into Short-Term Financing

You may need to acquire permits right away to host your event in Bozeman. And you’ll need to invest in insurance if your event involves food and alcohol. Private lending services can equip you with money quickly to help cover these urgent costs. Just be sure you’re clear on a loan’s terms, such as the interest rate and repayment period. You’ll want to project what repayment amounts will look like down the road, especially if you’re hoping to host other events.

Alternatively, crowdfunding platforms can hook you up with money quickly, as well. You’ll be able to tap into community interest and offer discounts on merchandise or other perks to earn contributions. Better yet, if you’re hosting a live performance, you can offer a backstage pass to individuals who donate the most.

Plan an Amazing Event

Don’t let funding fears keep you from planning an excellent event in Bozeman. Create a budget first, and then explore funding options. You may be able to secure funding from local businesses. Or it may make more sense to look into crowdfunding or a private lender. When you’re proactive about seeking funding, you’ll help control costs and elevate your event!

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are present on Hebgen Reservoir in the Rainbow Point Campground area. Routine monitoring of Hebgen has confirmed the presence of anatoxin-a which poses a risk to people, pets, and livestock.

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, wind surfing, jet skiing, and water skiing. 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.

Advisory signs are at public access points in the Rainbow Point Campground area warning the public that toxic algae has been identified in the water in these areas. At this time there are no other identified blooms affecting other areas of the reservoir. NorthWestern Energy is monitoring the blooms and will provide updates if additional restrictions are implemented for public safety.

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 HABrelated 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

Multiple agencies are responding to a wildfire burning in a remote area about 20 miles south of Big Sky. 

The West Fork Fire was reported shortly before 6:30 PM on Tuesday, Aug. 19 and produced a large smoke column visible from Big Sky and West Yellowstone. The fire is located in the South Madison Range, just north of the Beaver Creek Forest Service cabin on the Custer Gallatin National Forest. As of 7:30 PM, it was estimated at approximately 50 acres. The cause remains unknown. 

At this time, the fire does not pose a threat to Big Sky. 

A Red Flag warning remains in effect through 10 PM on Wednesday. Weather will include hot temperatures, breezy winds and low humidities. 

Please stay out of the Taylor Fork and Beaver Creek areas until further notice. While no official Forest Service closures are in place at this time, the public is strongly encouraged to avoid the area. 

Agencies assisting on the fire include the U.S. Forest Service, Big Sky Fire Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Gallatin County Emergency Management, Hebgen Basin Fire District, and West Yellowstone Police Department. 

BOZEMAN – August 18^th, 2025 – Spark R&D, the leader in splitboard binding innovation, and ATK Bindings, the Italian ski mountaineering powerhouse, have teamed up to release a brand-new tech toe designed specifically for the needs of the hardboot splitboarder.

The Spark x ATK Tech Toes bring together decades of engineering experience from both the splitboard and ski touring worlds to make: a lightweight tech toe that balances performance, durability and ease of use in the backcountry. This collaboration offers a precision machined product that can be installed right out of the box and directly into the standard hole patterns of a factory splitboard.

“Collaborating with the excellent team at Spark on this project has been exciting and rewarding, the kind of mechanical challenge we love to take on. It gave us the opportunity to apply our expertise in a new context and be part of meaningful innovation in the snow industry.” – Davide Indulti, CEO of ATK Sports.

Built at the ATK Factory in Italy with Ergal 7075 aluminum and ATK's signature monolink technology, the new tech toe offers an easy entry system that seamlessly integrates with Spark R&D's dual height wire system. The design offers smoother entry, better retention, and integrated crampon mounts for the D Rex ST Pro Crampons, ideal for demanding ascents and remote missions.

“Hardbooting has a growing and dedicated following. They deserve the best tech toes the industry has to offer. To me, the leader in that sector is hands down ATK. At every turn, their team worked hard to improve the function and durability of the toe’s design specific to the needs of splitboard hardbooters.” – Will Ritter, Owner/Engineer of Spark R&D.

The Spark x ATK Tech Toe will be available as a stand-alone product and as a key component in Spark R&D’s 2025/26 splitboard binding and accessories line.

About Spark R&D:
Based in Bozeman, Montana, Spark R&D has been a global leader in splitboard binding design and manufacturing since 2006. Rider-owned and operated, Spark is known for its in-house production, innovation, and dedication to the backcountry community.

About ATK Bindings:
Founded in Italy, ATK Bindings is a world-renowned brand in backcountry skiing, known for precision, lightweight design, and uncompromising performance. Trusted by elite athletes and everyday backcountry skiers alike, ATK continues to raise the bar in touring and freeriding equipment.

BOZEMAN – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is beginning a project to protect and expand a recently discovered population of native westslope cutthroat trout in Elk Creek, a tributary to the Madison River in southwestern Montana.

Westslope cutthroat trout in Elk Creek are isolated to a small headwater section, and most of the stream is occupied by nonnative brook trout, which outcompete native fish for resources. Elk Creek and the Madison River are part of the upper Missouri River basin, where populations of nonhybridized westslope cutthroat trout are estimated to remain in less than 6 percent of their historically occupied habitat.

The project aims to expand the distribution of westslope cutthroat trout by about 8 miles and serve as an additional source of aboriginal trout for future introductions.

“This project will help ensure the survival and continued genetic diversity of native westslope cutthroat trout in this Madison River tributary,” said Jenna Sirmon, FWP’s lead fisheries staff member on the Elk Creek efforts.

“We also recognize the value of nonnative species to anglers, and FWP will continue to manage most tributaries in the Missouri headwaters for nonnative fish for recreation opportunities,” said Mike Duncan, FWP’s fisheries program manager in southwestern Montana.

FWP fisheries staff are scheduled to begin removing brook trout from the project area in Elk Creek the week of Aug. 25. This year’s phase of the project is expected to last about a week. An additional treatment phase of the project will happen in 2026, and subsequent stream sampling will help ensure the project’s success.

Brook trout will be removed from the project area using a plant-derived fish toxicant called rotenone. Rotenone is routinely used in fisheries management to remove fish species that are incompatible with management goals, and it breaks down quickly in the aquatic environment. Crews will collect westslope cutthroat trout from the project area before rotenone application and return them to the streams when the project is complete. To ensure there are no negative effects to downstream organisms outside of the project area, treated waters will be detoxified through duration of the project.  

FWP published an environmental assessment for this project in early 2025 and solicited public comments. Comments received were supportive of the project.

The Downtown Bozeman Association and Cancer Support Community Montana along with our gracious Sponsors present the 25th Annual “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show on Sunday, August 17th. The show will run from 9 AM – 2 PM and is located on Main Street between Willson and Rouse Avenues in Downtown Bozeman.

A huge thanks to our 2025 “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show Sponsors!

Classic Car – Bozeman Health, DP Conversions, The Sapphire Motel, State Farm, Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Systems, CISCRP, L&L Site Services, Kenyon Noble, Cloud 9 Cycles, GVARG, Napa Auto Parts, AAA, Back Nine Golf, Bozeman Lodge
Checkered Flag – Rocking R Bar, Bridger Mountain Ford Club, Little Stinkers, Clean Bookkeeping
Pit Crew – Les Schwab Bozeman, CarQuest Belgrade, Big Sky Build, Personalize It, KBZK, SCS Wraps, Allegra Bozeman

We had over 280 entries this year and awards in 15 categories as well as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in People’s Choice and a Best in Show. Without further ado… the 2025 winners are:

1st Place by Class:

Ford – 1966 Shelby GT350; Lyle Cigler (#3044)
Chevy – 1962 Chevy Impala SS; Wayne & Laurie Bauer (#4077)
Mopar – 1969 Plymouth GTX; Bud Walsh (3041)
GM Product – 1956 Chevy Nomad; Gordon Golldehon (#1033)
Original/Survivor – 1940 Ford Deluxe Station Wagon; Ren & Renee Ferguson (#1030)
Antique (pre-1940’s) – 1930 Ford Model A Coupe w/ Rumble; Mark Killip (#1045)
Street Rod/Custom – 1942 Chevy Panel; Gary Thompson (#4078)
Muscle Car & Resto Mod – 1966 Ford GT40; Jeff Brandner (#1012)
Hot Rod & Rat Rod – 1948 Ford F-3; George & Gail McWilliams (#5047)
Truck – 1968 Dodge W100 Power Wagon; Lance Clampitt (#1015)
Special Interest – 1981 DeLorean DMC-12; Curt Porteus (#4067)
Import – 1956 VW Beetle Cabriolet ; Jason Weiler (#3028)
2000 to Current – 2020 Ford GT350; Marc Lorenz (#4076)
Motorcycle – 2001 Harley Davidson; Bret Berglund (#3005)
Adventure Vehicle – 1958 Mercedes 220S; David Watters (#4089)

People Choice:

1st Place – 1969 Chevy Camino; Jamie Lyon (#1054)
2nd Place – 1950 GMC FC152; James Martin (#1059)
3rd Place – 1970 Ford Bronco; Knox Semenza (#5029)




Best in Show:

1st Place – 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS; Lee Kimmet (#1046)

The winner of the 50/50 Raffle was ticket number #535264. More information can be found on www.cancersupportmontana.org.

For more information about the A “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show, please visit www.downtownbozeman.org/carshow or contact Downtown Bozeman Association at 406-586-4008 and Cancer Support Community at 406-582-1600.