HELENA – Hoot-owl restrictions take effect Thursday at 2 p.m. on sections of the Ruby, Jefferson, Big Hole, Beaverhead and Smith rivers. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. These restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve.  

These new restrictions are as follows:

Ruby River – lower stretch, from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Duncan District Road

Jefferson River – entire river, from the confluence of the Big Hole and Beaverhead rivers to the Missouri River

Big Hole River –

• from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence with the North Fork of the Big Hole River (Section 1)
• from Tony Schoonen FAS to the confluence with the Beaverhead River (Section 5)

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

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

To check for other restrictions, click here. 

FWP's drought policy provides for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout.  

These restrictions are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when water temperatures warm. Restricting angling to only cool morning hours can help reduce catch-and-release mortality.  

Catch-and-release anglers can reduce stress on fish by getting them to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river.   

As the summer warms, Montana offers many other angling options with better conditions for fish, including larger lakes or reservoirs, or higher elevation lakes and streams. 

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. 

Road Closure Announcement

Schnee and Wild Sheep Foundation is hosting Ram Rendezvous IV.

North Black Ave closed on Friday, July 11 from 4:00-8:00pm from Main St to Mendenhall St.

You know that your business needs professional help, but there are so many consulting services out there that it's challenging to choose the right one. If you choose the wrong one, you could waste time, money, and energy.This blog will show you how to pick the right consulting services for your needs based on your business, goals, and problems.

1. Identify Your Business Needs

Consider the problem that you want to address or the goal that you want to accomplish. You should look for areas in which your team is having difficulties or factors that are preventing them from progressing. Give an honest account of the abilities or resources that you do not possess. Make a list of the assistance that you require.When you are aware of what you require, it is easier to locate the appropriate specialist. You could specialize in technology, business, or people if you are a consultant.

2. Define Your Budget and Timeline

Estimate the amount of money that you are willing to spend. Consider for a moment what it is that you would like to receive in return. To say that having more money means having a better job is not necessarily accurate.The same goes for your schedule. Important needs may result in higher costs or restrict the activities you are able to engage in. Some tasks can take several weeks or even months to complete. So that they can better plan, provide the experts with specific due dates.

3. Check the Consultant’s Track Record

Find out what kinds of clients they've worked with before. Browse reports, case studies, or stories of people who have done well. It's a positive sign if they've helped companies like yours before.If you need to, ask for recommendations. Their past work can often tell you a lot about how well they understand your business.

4. Assess Their Approach and Communication Style

Before you hire, talk to the expert. Watch how they describe things. A good one talks in a way that makes sense, not just using fancy words.Also, pay attention to how they listen. What kind of questions do they ask? Are they interested in your plans? The whole process goes more smoothly when people talk clearly and honestly.

5. Evaluate Customization and Flexibility

See if they change their business plan for you. One-size-fits-all doesn't work very often. Good experts help you in a way that fits your needs.Check to see how they deal with change, too. If your plans change, they should too. Even if things don't go as planned, the work still holds significance if it allows for changes.

6. Ask for Proposals or Trial Engagements

Ask for a short trial or plan before you sign anything important. Let them show you how they'd resolve the problem. This lets you know how they work and what skills they have.After a trial, you can decide if they work for you or not. Going forward, you'll feel better if they do well on the test. Taking small steps helps you make smart decisions.

Lead to Better Results

Getting the right support can help you reach your goals faster and with less guesswork, whether they're for better operations, smarter teamwork, or tech solutions that work. Take your time to make sure that the expertise offered fits your needs. Don't make a decision right away.

A professional sharepoint consulting team can help you get better results when you're working on document management or working together as a team. The right expert has the skills you need and also sees things the way you do.

Road Closure Announcement

Music on Main
Thursday, July 10th

Main Street will be closed between Black Ave to Rouse Ave for  Music on Main! The closure will be from 6:00pm to about 9:00pm.

Bozeman Ave will be closed from Main St to Mendenhall St and Main St to Babcock St from 1pm to 9pm.

Businesses in the tourism industry often have ups and downs. Busy times, changing travel trends, and more competition can make it challenging to stay steady. It can be challenging to handle the business side of things, even if you really love service. This blog will show how a business coach may improve tourism.

1. Improves Strategic Planning

Tourism needs a solid plan to continue expanding throughout each season. Make a plan for how to achieve your objectives, such as increasing the number of bookings or improving the ratings you receive online, with the assistance of a guide. You will learn how to deal with trends, hectic times, and progress over the long term under their guidance.Receiving assistance from a third party makes judgments appear to be less hurried. You can view the wider picture while still keeping up with the tasks that you have to undertake daily.

2. Strengthens Marketing and Branding

Visitors are drawn to unique sites. To increase the number of potential customers who notice you, a coach can assist you in effectively communicating your message. They examine your advertisements, website, and deals to ensure that everything is consistent with one another.You acquire the skills necessary to communicate with the appropriate individuals, such as families, explorers, and those traveling alone, to maintain your presence in their minds. People are more likely to trust you and return over and over again if your branding is clear.

3. Enhances Customer Experience

When guests are satisfied with their stay, they tell others about it. A coach advises on how to improve service at every stage, from the first reservation to the final check-out. When seemingly minor changes are made, such as making check-ins run more easily or employing better guides, major grins are guaranteed to appear.The coach is responsible for identifying areas of uncertainty or deficiencies among the guests. Regardless of the nature of the patch, it will make things better and encourage people to return or tell their friends about it.

4. Helps Manage Staff Effectively

People are what make tourism work. As a guide, front desk worker, or driver, a coach can help you lead your team better. You learn how to make decisions, resolve problems, and keep everyone happy.The team works better when there are clear rules. Everyone knows what to do and feels part of something bigger than their time.

5. Increases Profitability

You want more people, but you also want to make more money. Sellers who overcharge or undercharge can lead to financial losses. You also learn better ways to group or sell more.Your earnings go up as you resolve small problems and give more value. Occasionally, it's not about doing more work but taking smarter moves.

6. Supports Resilience and Innovation

Weather, trends, or world problems can have a big effect on tourism rapidly. A coach helps you keep going and get back on your feet. You learn how to deal with stress, change your plans, or be brave enough to try new things.You train your mind to change and grow. There's always something new to look forward to, even when things slow down.

Help Tourism Businesses Grow, Adapt, and Succeed

Businesses in the tourism industry do well when they are flexible, focused on customers, and well-run. A good coach helps you see the big picture, act with confidence, and improve in the most important areas.Get help from an experienced business coach Melbourne branch to find new ways to do things, become more resilient, and take your tourism business to the next level.

BOZEMAN — Montana State University is a key player in a major, multi-year grant that has helped train more than 450 nurses across six western states.

The Montana Office for Rural Health and Area Health Education Center (MORH/AHEC), which is housed in the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing at MSU, received the grant in 2021. The Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, awarded $3.87 million to support training programs in Montana, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming.

Montana State University is leading the regional effort, bringing together the six western states to address shared challenges in nursing education and workforce development. Now entering its final year, Montana leaders are reflecting on the importance and the impacts of the grant, titled the “Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention: Clinical Faculty and Preceptor Academy.”

The program provides formal training for nursing preceptors and clinical faculty committed to developing future nurses, said Sara Schmidt, a graduate grant assistant with MORH/AHEC and nurse of 25 years.

Preceptors are registered nurses whom nursing students learn from during their clinical training. Often, nurses are selected as preceptors because of outstanding job performance and are expected to shoulder the responsibility of teaching students with no additional guidance or compensation, Schmidt said. The program aims to mitigate burnout by better preparing individuals who take on these added responsibilities.

“The challenge is that nurses are not necessarily trained on how to educate,” said Schmidt, who helped develop the preceptor trainings and has been a preceptor herself. “So how do we better equip people? Sometimes, it’s just giving people helpful information and resources, so they feel more comfortable and empowered.”

Making sure there are enough well-trained nursing preceptors is critical for nursing schools everywhere. Schmidt said that despite having qualified applicants, surveys from the six states in the program show that more than 65% of nursing schools have reduced their enrollments since 2020 due to shortages of faculty, preceptors and budget constraints.

“We have a situation where we have workforce shortages for nursing, and at the same time, nationally, schools can’t accept all of the really amazing applicants that are coming through because we don’t have enough faculty to support them,” Schmidt said.

That’s why MORH/AHEC has helped create and facilitate virtual courses that any level of preceptor can enroll in and receive a small stipend.

There are three course formats preceptors can choose from. All of them are virtual and span different lengths of time. One offering created by Montana leaders is asynchronous, so nurses can complete it at their own pace. That is key for nurses in rural areas, who often cannot break away during work hours or drive several hours to a physical classroom, Schmidt said. Each participant also receives a book called “Mastering Precepting” that they can keep for future reference.

The trainings have been attended by more than 450 nurses with a wide range of experience, from those who have been preceptors for decades to nurses who are just starting out. Several instructors at MSU have completed the program, Schmidt said.
One of them is Amanda Lucas, a nurse with 27 years of experience and a clinical instructor with the MSU Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing campus in Great Falls. In addition to teaching, she runs a palliative oncology clinical practice, putting her in the unique position of being both a teacher and a preceptor.

Lucas said when she learned of the course in an email announcement, she realized it had been “forever” since she’d received formal training for teaching. It felt like a good idea to brush up on her skills, and she enrolled in the course offered in spring 2025.
The course was self-directed and involved watching online lectures, posting reflections on readings, and reading the reflections of her peers. About 30 people were in her group. On average, the time commitment was about two hours per week for eight weeks, Lucas said. She received a stipend of $300 for finishing the course.

Her most significant takeaway was learning how to give feedback to students. One challenge of precepting is tailoring teaching to individual students who have different learning styles, levels of interest and background knowledge. That’s why working with students to figure out how they best learn is so important, she said.

The course taught her the value of taking time at the beginning or end of each day to discuss with students how the shift went. The goal is to help students reflect and assess their own performance, Lucas said. She’s also now more comfortable addressing conflict or safety issues.

“Even though I’ve had many years of experience being a preceptor, there was still so much new information that was offered in this class,” Lucas said. “It is very worthwhile for anyone, no matter the level of preceptor they are.”

Tabitha Normandeau, a registered nurse at a critical access hospital on the Flathead Reservation and current doctor of nursing practice student at MSU, also completed the course. She said it should be adopted in every hospital for nurses to learn how to be a good preceptor.

“Serving as a preceptor enhanced my leadership skills, deepened my understanding of the subject and cultivated meaningful professional relationships. However, balancing teaching with regular job duties can be stressful,” Normandeau said. “As preceptors, we must adapt to different learning styles and skill levels, often without formal training in education.”

That’s why this instruction is important, said Kaki Mendius, a nurse at Logan Health and director of the MSU Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing campus in Kalispell. Mendius was tapped this year to instruct the asynchronous online training created by MORH/AHEC. She joins the grant team with the goal of strengthening health care across all six states in the program, which face similar barriers related to rural isolation and nursing shortages.

In her instruction, Mendius will help preceptors teach students to think like a nurse and foster professionalism.

“We need more nurses and nurse practitioners to fill the nursing shortage and increase health care access in rural states,” Mendius said. “Preceptors and nurses help grow the nursing workforce, and we are dedicated to support these preceptors and increase the number of nurses that provide safe, evidence-based, patient-centered care.”

As the grant enters its final year, Schmidt and her team are working to summarize its impacts and develop sustainable program continuation. While researching how the program impacts student and preceptor outcomes will take some time – the research proposal must first receive Institutional Review Board approval – she said she knows, anecdotally, that the work is making a difference.

Many participants indicated that the course helped them advocate within their organizations to improve the experience for both preceptors and preceptees, Schmidt said. Additionally, one nurse wanted to participate in the course but was anxious about using technology. She received one-on-one support to get comfortable with the virtual format and is now considering going back to school.

“They had steered away from some opportunities, because they weren’t sure if they could manage the technological components of some of the online offerings,” Schmidt said. “But this course actually opened a door for future learning because it got them over that hurdle.”

People can find more information about the grant program at https://www.hrsa.gov/grants/find-funding/HRSA-22-170 and the offered courses at https://healthinfo.montana.edu/cfpa/index.html.

Whether it's a birthday or a family get-together loaded with food, music, and laughing, backyard parties provide delight. On the other hand, starting from nothing takes time and can easily feel taxing. This is why choosing simple party hire saves effort yet still produces a polished and enjoyable arrangement. This article will share tips to help you plan your next backyard party using easy party hire services.

1. Start with a Simple Plan

Start with a basic idea covering the kind of celebration, the time of day, and the guest count before searching for hire things. Whether formal or informal, indoor or outdoor, this will direct your needs. Once that's obvious, enumerate the basics, like tables, chairs, tents, lighting, and even a dance floor. Planning keeps things running effortlessly and keeps you from rushing and missing something important.

2. Choose the Right Furniture

Always remember that the correct furniture lets guests unwind, enjoy their food, and easily fit the mood. Whether you choose small tables for a laid-back ambiance or long tables for shared meals, the arrangement defines the complete experience. From space-saving folding chairs to comfortable lounge furniture and theme-matching designs, hiring an event planner makes it simple to decide what best fits.

3. Pick Lighting That Sets the Mood

At night, when the sun goes down, good lighting can change the whole mood of a party. If the celebration runs into the evening, porch lights by themselves won't be sufficient. Plus, a warm and inviting space can be created with string lights, lanterns, and hired outdoor lights from party hire stores. In addition to making the space seem great, soft lighting calms and comforts individuals.

4. Use a Marquee or Tent for Shade

Having a marquee or party tent helps everyone remain comfortable by keeping visitors dry during unexpected showers and providing cover from too much sunlight. Many tents come in various sizes and are easy to set up; side coverings or clear panels let in light while covering the area. Even a modest tent gives the arrangement a nice look, therefore enhancing the planned look of everything.

5. Don’t Forget the Music Setup

Renting a sound system is wise since music creates the mood and keeps the party active without a DJ. There's no need for costly equipment since many hire firms offer basic speakers that link to a phone or playlist. Ensuring the sound covers the area without disturbing surrounding homes is most important. A solid music arrangement keeps visitors calm and facilitates the continuation of fun far into the evening.

6. Keep Food and Drinks Simple but Handy

Having rentals available makes it easier, so you don't have to set up all the food and drinks by yourself. Serving tables, food warmers, and drink stations help to keep things orderly and within reach. Plan the area for a cookout such that people may roam about, unwind, and enjoy without feeling packed. Hiring coolers or a caterer capable of working with the rental goods allows you to enjoy the celebration as well.

7. Add Fun Extras Without Extra Stress

Keep in mind that small details often turn a good party into something truly fun and unforgettable. Extras like lawn games, photo booths, or even a popcorn machine add charm without needing much setup. Take note that these options give guests more to enjoy and help keep kids busy with simple, fun activities. Since most are easy to rent and return, there’s no need to buy gear you’ll rarely use.

Turn Your Backyard Into a Party Spot With Simple Hire Solutions

Using basic party hire solutions that take care of the setup without much effort helps you to control backyard events. Start with a well-defined plan, select appropriate tables, chairs, or tents, then add some personal touches, such as signage or lighting, to complement the atmosphere. Whether it's a birthday or a laid-back picnic, your garden can rapidly become the ideal venue for any kind of party.

The Commission meetings regarding the Unified Development Code Update is being hosted as a Special Meeting outside of normal Commission meeting hours. This meeting will be on July 14 at 1 p.m. in the Commission Room at City Hall (121 N Rouse Ave) and will focus on zoning districts and uses. As usual, you can attend in person or view the meeting online/participate remotely at https://www.bozeman.net/departments/city-commission/meeting-videos.

As a reminder, “Mass and Scale of Buildings” topic was covered at the City Commission meeting on June 24 and will cover the UDC’s relation to “Natural Resources” at the August 19th City Commission meeting. 

Organic cotton blanket covers are soft, let air through, and are good for your skin. But just like anything else made of natural cloth, they need to be cared for properly to stay fresh and last a long time. If you don't take care of them, they can start to fade, get overly wrinkled, or feel scratchy over time. This article will share some easy tips to help your organic cotton quilt covers stay soft, clean, and looking like new.

1. Wash in Cold or Warm Water, Not Hot

Using hot water to clean something deeply might sound like a good idea, but it can hurt organic cotton by making it shrink or lose its color quickly. Hot water works better, but use cold or lukewarm water to keep the cloth safe and still get the job done. Plus, using a little detergent and a gentle cold wash are usually all you need to keep a quilt cover looking clean and fresh, unless it has big stains.

2. Use a Mild and Natural Detergent

Strong chemical cleansers can be too harsh on organic cotton, making it less soft or making it wear out faster. Using a gentle, plant-based detergent that doesn't have chlorine, colors, or strong scents is better. You don't need fabric softeners either, because organic cotton gets softer with each wash and dry. Don’t forget that choosing gentle products will help the cloth stay soft and last longer.

3. Turn the Quilt Cover Inside Out Before Washing

Before washing, turning the quilt cover inside out protects the outside from fading and rubbing against each other. Simply doing this makes the cloth smoother, stops lint from building up, and keeps the color for longer. Also, it makes it less likely that the sections that show the most will wear out early. With this kind of consistent care, the cover stays clean and fresh after each wash.

4. Choose a Gentle Cycle on Your Washer

Organic cotton is soft and lets air through readily, so it doesn't need to be washed roughly. For best results, use a gentle or delicate cycle to go slower and be easier on the cloth. This helps keep things from getting too wrinkled or damaged. In addition, select an "eco" or "hand wash" setting on your laundry.

5. Skip the Dryer When You Can

Tumble dryers can be hard on organic cotton, especially when the heat is too high, since it can cause the fabric to shrink or become weaker. If you dry your organic cotton quilt outside, don't leave it in direct sunlight for too long because that can cause the color to fade over time. When you use a dryer, keep the heat low and take the cover out while it's still a little damp to avoid damage.

6. Store in a Cool and Dry Place

To protect the fabric, keep your quilt cover in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat after you wash and dry it. Do not use plastic containers since they can hold moisture, which can lead to mildew over time. Use cotton storage bags or plain linen drawers that let air pass through them instead. If you store your quilt cover correctly, it will stay clean, soft, and ready to use again.

7. Iron on Low Heat if Needed

Natural materials like organic cotton have wrinkles, but they're easy to deal with. Iron the quilt cover on low heat while it is still a little damp to help get rid of creases faster. Don't press down too hard or leave the iron in one area for too long. Look at the care label first to make sure that ironing the fabric is safe.

Gentle Care Keeps Organic Cotton Quilt Covers Fresh

Taking care of organic cotton quilt covers is simple if you keep to the basics, like washing them with mild detergent, using cold or warm water, and air-drying them when possible. Don't use strong chemicals or high heat on the cloth because they can wear it out faster. These important little things will keep your quilt covers soft, fresh, and looking like new for many comfortable evenings to come.

Making a reservation for a boarding kennel for your dog is a huge deal. You want to make sure your pet is secure, comfortable, and well cared for whether you're going away for a weekend or a long vacation. That's why making plans ahead of time makes things easier for you and your pet. Before you choose a kennel, this article will share some simple yet important things that you need to keep in mind.

1. Visit the Kennel Before Booking

Always remember to check out the kennel before you book to make sure it's clean and not too crowded. Pay attention to how the staff interacts with the dogs and evaluate if the critters look happy and relaxed. Some dog boarding kennels feature separate rooms for pets, while others use cages or shared spaces. Don’t forget to make sure to ask about the space your pet will have for comfort and safety.

2. Know the Vaccination Rules

To keep all the dogs in their care safe, most trustworthy kennels ask for updated immunization records. This shows that they care about health and follow the safety guidelines. Bring a copy of your pet's vaccination records, and ensure they have had immunizations for rabies, distemper, and kennel cough. Stay away from kennels that skip this step or let pets who haven't been vaccinated stay there.

3. Learn About Daily Schedules

Find out what a typical day at the kennel is like, including when the dogs get exercise, food, fun, and rest. Dogs need to be active and have time to play or be with other dogs, whereas other pets may need quiet places, soft bedding, and places to sit. Depending on the pet, some places have walks or quiet areas. Also, find out how often the staff checks in, especially if your pet feels nervous when you're not home.

4. Bring Familiar Items from Home

Even a nice kennel could seem unusual at first; you need to bring some objects from home to help your pet get used to it. While you're staying, having a familiar blanket, toy, or bed that smells like you can help you feel better and reduce your worry. However, if your pet eats a certain kind of food, make sure to carry enough for the whole visit so they don't get sick from a sudden change in diet.

5. Talk About Health and Special Needs

Let the kennel know early if your pet has allergies, health concerns, or needs medicine. Write down explicit instructions for how and when to give each dose so that it is easy for good kennels to give drugs and follow care plans. If your pet is anxious or has problems moving, ask if they can get help or quiet spaces. Being honest helps the staff get ready and keeps your pet safe and calm while they are there.

6. ​​Ask About Staff Training and Emergency Plans

Ask the staff if they have the right training or experience with dogs to know who will be taking care of your pet. Dogs are safer when a skilled worker can spot signs of stress or injury before they get worse. Find out how the kennel handles crises, like how they get you to the vet and keep you up to date. When you're gone, it's easier to relax if you know that your dog is at a good kennel that has measures in place.

7. Read Reviews and Ask for Advice

Other pet owners who have been through it can sometimes give you the finest advice. Before you make a reservation at a kennel, read real reviews online and see what others say about the cleanliness, the staff's behavior, and how the pets were after staying there. When you ask your friends or vet for places they trust, it's easy to find a place where your pet will be safe and cared for with this kind of input.

Give Your Pet Peace While You Travel

With some planning ahead of time, it may be easy to book a boarding kennel. Ask the correct questions and examine how the staff treats the dogs. Take something from home to help your pet feel more at peace. If you choose the proper decision, you'll have a great trip knowing your pet is safe and happy.