GREAT FALLS – Like many Montanans do this time of year, a man was shed hunting in north-central Montana near Dupuyer on Friday. The man was searching for antlers on a brushy hillside when he first saw a bear. As he was leaving the area, the bear charged him at close range. He shot and killed the bear. Fortunately, the man was uninjured.

The bear was an adult female grizzly in good condition with no history of conflict and was estimated to be 13 years old and weighing around 250 pounds.

Be bear aware

Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year.

Avoiding conflicts with bears is easier than dealing with conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Travel in groups whenever possible and make casual noise, which can help alert bears to your presence.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so.
• Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.
• Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.

Though they have reached recovery levels in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems, grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Services, and Native American tribes. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

For more information and resources on bear safety, visit fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/bear.

Incident Note: The sow had a single yearling cub that was found on site, unharmed. No management action will be taken for the yearling.

Image Courtesy Pexels

Dogs can suffer from a wide range of allergies, just like humans.

Common triggers include certain foods, environmental factors like pollen or mold, and even flea saliva. Also, some dogs may react to materials they come into contact with, such as cleaning products or grooming supplies.

These allergies can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, ranging from skin irritation to respiratory issues. Without proper attention, minor reactions could escalate into more serious health concerns.

Recognizing the signs early is key to keeping your furry companion healthy and happy. So, let’s explore ways to detect signs of allergies before they start causing bigger problems.

Check for Changes in Your Dog's Skin and Coat

Subtle changes in your dog’s skin or coat often point to underlying allergies.

Dry patches, redness, flakiness, or even small bumps might signal irritation. These could be due to environmental factors like pollen or food-related allergens.

Hair loss around certain spots is another indicator to watch out for.

Feel your dog’s coat regularly during grooming sessions. Notice any areas that seem more sensitive than usual.

If you notice any changes, make sure you contact your veterinarian.

Watch Out for Excessive Scratching, Licking, or Chewing

Frequent scratching, licking, or chewing could mean your dog’s dealing with more than just an itch. Paws, belly areas, and ears are common hotspots where discomfort shows up first.

Dogs with allergies might scratch, lick, or chew constantly. Left unchecked, it could lead to open sores or infections.

So, keep a close eye on your dog for these signs. And observe whether certain times of day trigger the behavior.

If you notice these habits worsening over time, reach out to a vet. Early intervention helps avoid complications and provides relief faster.

Keep an Eye on Seasonal Behavior Shifts

Dogs can develop allergies triggered by changes in the environment. If symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, or itchiness flare up during specific times of the year, seasonal allergens could be at play.

For instance, pollen levels are higher in spring and fall. Dogs sensitive to it might avoid outdoor time or appear restless after walks.

Track these patterns during different seasons. Share your observations with your vet for tailored advice.

Look at Ears, Eyes, and Paws Closely

Allergic reactions often show up in places you might overlook.

For instance, redness inside the ears or excessive wax buildup can signal irritation.

Similarly, watery eyes or slight swelling around them may indicate discomfort.

And check your dog’s paws for redness between the toes or cracked pads - they could be reacting to something they’re walking on.

Gently clean sensitive spots regularly and monitor changes. If problems persist despite care, consult your vet promptly for further evaluation.

Note Respiratory Symptoms like Sneezing or Wheezing

Respiratory issues can be subtle signs of allergies. If your dog sneezes more than usual, wheezes after mild activity, or has nasal discharge, their airways might be reacting to an irritant.

Dogs exposed to dust mites, mold spores, or pollen often show these symptoms.

Keep living areas clean and vacuum frequently if you suspect airborne triggers.

Persistent respiratory discomfort needs vet attention to rule out infections or chronic allergy conditions.

Monitor Eating Habits for Unusual Patterns

Your dog’s eating habits can offer valuable clues about allergies. Watch for a sudden lack of appetite, picky behavior, or frequent vomiting after meals. These changes could mean their current diet isn’t sitting well.

Pay attention to stools as well - loose or irregular bowel movements might indicate a food allergy.

Switching foods gradually and consulting your vet helps pinpoint problem ingredients.

Catching dietary issues early on spares your dog from ongoing distress and keeps mealtimes enjoyable.

Use a Dog Allergy Test Kit

Allergies can be tricky to diagnose, especially when symptoms overlap with various triggers like pollen, dust, or certain foods. A reliable way to uncover these hidden culprits is by using an at-home kit, such as a dog food allergies test.

Allergy tests help you determine whether things like environmental factors or dietary sensitivities are behind your dog’s discomfort.

With the results in hand, you can work with your vet to create an effective plan for managing and eliminating allergens from your dog’s life!

The Bottom Line

Early detection of allergies in dogs prevents unnecessary discomfort and long-term health issues.

By staying observant, using tools like testing kits, and consulting your vet, you can ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and free from allergy-related stress and discomfort.

Building a daily routine with your kid is very important for many different reasons. One of the most important ones is that it brings stability and consistency to their life. Other benefits are better sleep and overall well-being. So, let's look at how you can establish and maintain a healthy daily routine for your kids.

Morning Routine
It can be challenging, especially if you have more than one kid to stick to and maintain a morning routine. But if you stick to some straightforward rules, it can be much more manageable.

Wake-up Time
● Setting a consistent wake-up time – Waking up every day at the same time is essential when starting up a routine. This is important to maintain even on weekends (maybe not as early) to help your kids maintain the routine you've set up during the week.
● Gentle wake-up methods (natural light, calming alarms)

Personal Hygiene
● Brushing teeth and washing their face – Helping your kids learn how to maintain their personal hygiene properly is very important; knowing how to wash their hands properly and how long can help limit the spread of bacteria and viruses. Getting a pediatric dentist Friendswood, Sugar Land, or wherever you are to explain why brushing teeth is important and how to do it properly will ensure your kids' dental health is good and maintained.

● Bathing or showering (if morning preferred)

Dressing for the Day
● Involve your kids in picking clothes – Let them have some freedom regarding what they will be wearing for the day.
● Teaching weather-appropriate choices – It is important for your kids to know what kind of clothes they need to wear for what temperatures.

Nutritious Breakfast
● Importance of a healthy breakfast – Preparing your kids breakfast they like, yes we all know at least one picky eater, but that is also nutritious and full of everything their growing bodies need
● Easy, balanced breakfast ideas – Eggs, waffles or pancakes, cereal and milk, oatmeal, whole-grain toast, a bagel with cheese, or a fruit smoothie.

Preparing for the Day
● Packing school bags/lunches – Pack their school lunches and give them some choices for what snacks they want
● Reviewing the day's schedule (school, activities)

Midday Routine
This portion of your daily routine is if you have younger kids and for the weekends.

Snack Time
● Healthy snack options – there is nothing wrong with giving your kids the occasional junk food, but it's important they also learn to love snacks like peanut butter and celery or apple, yogurts (with fruits), and nuts if they have no allergies.
● Portion control – As with adults, anything too much is bad for kids, so ensuring they have the right portions is very important.

Play and Learning Time
● Balance of physical activity and mental stimulation:
○ Indoor and outdoor play – Playing games inside, going for walks in the park, or having a beach day is a perfect way to get some exercise in with the kids.
○ Reading or educational games – Having a time of the day when you read to your kids or when they read books can benefit them. Playing educational board games can also be an entertaining activity for the whole family.

Lunchtime
● Encourage your kids to be involved in meal prep.
● Make healthy, appealing meals – salads, sandwiches, pasta, and burritos are easy-to-make meals that you can prepare beforehand.

Nap/Quiet Time
● Setting a consistent nap schedule – Like everything else on this list, having a consistent nap time (for younger kids) or quiet time where everyone reads or it's their hour of screen time is important to make sure that your kids have some downtime during the day by creating a calm, quiet environment.

After School Routine
Now that we've covered weekends let's see what a good after-school daily routine is for your kids.

Unwinding Time
● Brief screen time or creative play – Let your kids decompress after school by doing an activity they like.
● Talking about their day – Ask how things at school are. Knowing what is happening when your kids are at school is essential.

Homework/Study Time
● Creating a focused homework space – Like with nap/quiet time, creating a calm, quiet environment for your kids to study and do their homework is crucial to their success. Helping them in subjects you know they struggle with is also very important.
● Setting time limits and breaks – Another vital aspect of this time in their schedule is making sure they take proper breaks. Even if it's just five minutes.

Chores and Responsibilities
● Age-appropriate chores – Giving your kids chores to do around the house will help them develop responsibility and independence.

Evening Routine
Now that we've taken care of the daily after-school routine, let's look at the best evening activities.

Dinner Time
● Eating together as a family (when possible) and teaching your kids table manners.

Family Time
● Games, conversation, or light activities – Letting them play age-appropriate video games or board games with the family is a great evening activity for the entire family.

Wind-Down Activities
● As your kids's bedtime approaches, limiting screens an hour before they go to sleep is vital to their ability to fall asleep. Reading books or listening to calm music can be a great activity to wind down with.

Evening Hygiene
● Creating a fun and relaxing bath time routine (whether it is a morning or evening bath/shower). This encourages kids to look forward to bath time as something fun, not an obligation.
● Reinforcing dental hygiene – Same as the morning brushes, making sure that your kids brush properly before bed is important to their oral health.

Bedtime Routine
Dinner is eaten, family time has happened, and the kids have been bathed, brushed their teeth, and gotten in their pajamas. What is next so that you have the perfect end to their daily schedule?

Story Time or Reading
● The benefits of bedtime stories – Reading bedtime stories (or making them up) is the perfect way to build a love of books for your kids and help them fall asleep at night.

Sleep Time
● Consistent bedtime – As with everything else, it is very important for your kids to have consistent bedtimes. If you have multiple kids whose ages are very different, you will need to make up a sleep schedule based on age groups.

Conclusion
Creating a healthy daily routine for your kids may take time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. From better sleep to stronger habits, routines give children the stability they need to grow and thrive. Start small, stay consistent, and build a routine that works for your family.

Montana State University student Katey Houser, left, prepares Milo Zhang, 9, for a sleep study while MSU associate professor of psychology Cara Palmer sets up equipment at the campus Sleep and Development Lab on Friday, March 28, 2025, in Bozeman, Montana. MSU photo by Colter Peterson

BOZEMAN – A Montana State University psychologist is embarking on a study to determine whether common sleep habits of preadolescent children contribute to later psychiatric disorders, such as substance abuse and depression.

Cara Palmer, associate professor in the Department of Psychology in the College of Letters and Science and director of MSU’s Sleep and Development Laboratory, was awarded $3.3 million by the National Institutes of Health to conduct the five-year study to determine whether certain sleep patterns contribute to emotional and social difficulties in children.

“My questions have been motivated by other research that has found children who have sleep problems, especially chronic sleep problems, are much more likely to go on to develop issues like depression and anxiety,” said Palmer.

She added that while studies of adults and older teenagers show a link between inadequate sleep, impaired emotional responses and difficulty with social relationships, little data exist about similar links in younger age groups.

“Our goal is to look at these types of relationships in younger kids, right when we start to see a lot of them develop sleep problems and right before we see increased risk for mental health around the transition to middle school and high school,” Palmer said.
Over a period of years, Palmer and a team of graduate and undergraduate students will evaluate youth between the ages of 8 and 12. One study will track the children’s sleep patterns and emotional and social experiences over a year. Participants in the second experiment will spend five nights at the sleep lab with a friend, while researchers assess how their sleep quality affects their short-term mental health and social interactions.

For both studies, the researchers will evaluate how sleep affects children’s social interactions and the way that they process and respond to rewarding situations. Early behaviors, such as responding to positive situations too much or too little, have been linked with the development of later psychiatric disorders. They also will assess the effects of a common sleep pattern adopted by children and adolescents: not sleeping enough during the week and then sleeping in on weekends. Determining whether the weekend “recovery sleep” is helpful or harmful may be useful for families whose children struggle with a mismatch between their school schedules and sleep, Palmer said.

“The primary purpose of the study is to try to figure out what exactly are the effects of these different sleep patterns, with the goal of potentially understanding more about recommendations we should be giving parents of kids that age,” Palmer said.
While Palmer noted there is some research on adolescent sleep, there is far less on children’s sleep.

“If you have a kid who isn’t getting enough sleep during the week, what do you do when they get that opportunity to sleep over the weekend? That’s one potential avenue where we could gain some insight.”

The researchers also will investigate the role of rapid eye movement, or REM, sleep to see if it plays as significant a role in children’s emotional experiences and it does for adults.

Palmer said the studies will involve children from the local community, and that interested families should contact her for more information. In addition to financial compensation, she said, families participating in the study will gain insight into their children’s sleep and mental health.

Palmer hopes the results of the study will provide insight into long-term development of mental health issues.

“People who start experiencing mental health issues in the teenage years are the ones who are more likely to continue to deal with mental health issues for the rest of their lives,” she said. “Being able to find ways that we can prevent that from developing in the first place not only will affect kids and teens, but also the mental health of the population as a whole.”

For more information about participating in the study, contact Palmer at cara.palmer@montana.edu.

 
Creating event flyers for your local business doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right approach, you can design eye-catching flyers that draw attention and spark interest.
 
Follow these tips to make your next flyer truly stand out!

Design a Flyer That Reflects Your Brand
A flyer is the first impression of an upcoming event, so it should reflect your brand clearly.
 
Start by using consistent colors, fonts, and imagery that match your business identity. This helps build recognition and trust with your audience.
 
For instance, if you run a cozy bakery hosting a tasting event, soft pastels or warm earthy tones might suit the flyer better than bold neons.
 
Use logos prominently but avoid overloading the design.
 
Keep balance by combining branded elements with clean spacing.
 
When people glance at your flyer, they should immediately recognize who’s behind it before even reading the details.

Choose the Right Colors and Fonts for Impact
Following on from the last section, the colors and fonts you choose can either attract or overwhelm. So, stick to two or three colors that align with your event's theme and business branding. Contrasting colors, like dark text on a light background, will improve readability.
 
Select fonts carefully - decorative ones may look stylish but they often reduce legibility.
 
Pair one bold font for headings with a simple, clean font for body text to maintain balance.
 
For example, if you're promoting a music night at a trendy café, vibrant hues paired with sleek modern fonts will set the tone perfectly.

Keep Information Simple and Clear
Overloading a flyer with details makes it hard to read. Focus on essential information: the event name, date, time, location, and any entry requirements or costs. Highlight these key points using bold text or larger fonts so they’re instantly visible.
 
Avoid long sentences or unnecessary descriptions. Instead of “Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with music,” write “Live Music Night – Friday at 7 pm.” Use bullet points for additional details like contact info or social media handles.
 
Clear messaging ensures readers don’t miss what matters most.
 
A clutter-free layout is easier to scan and leaves a stronger impression on those who might only glance at your flyer.

Include a Call-to-Action That Stands Out
A clear call-to-action (CTA) tells readers exactly what to do next. Phrases like “Reserve Your Spot,” “Call to Book,” or “Visit Us” should grab attention and create urgency.
 
Use bold colors or larger fonts for the CTA, ensuring it stands apart from other text.
 
Position the CTA strategically, such as near event details or at the bottom center of your flyer where eyes naturally fall.
 
If your event requires tickets, include links to buy them online or provide contact information.
 
For digital flyers, clickable CTAs boost engagement even further. Make it easy for people to respond quickly by removing barriers - whether that’s calling, clicking, or stopping by in person.

Optimize Flyers for Both Print and Digital Platforms
Ensure your flyer looks great in any format.
 
Design with both print and digital platforms in mind by using proper sizing, clear fonts, and high-quality images.
 
For digital versions, export designs into a shareable PDF format to preserve quality and layout across devices.
 
If you draft initial text or outlines in Word, convert them into PDF to maintain formatting consistency when sharing digitally. Use a free Word to PDF tool as a quick solution for this step without extra cost or hassle.
 
Also, consider file size when creating digital flyers. Large files can be difficult to share or download. Compress your PDF without sacrificing quality for faster sharing.
 
For print, use CMYK color settings and high-resolution images to ensure vibrant and professional results that catch attention.

Use High-Quality Images or Graphics to Grab Attention
Invest in high-quality images or graphics that connect with your event’s theme and feel authentic to your business.
 
Avoid blurry photos, overused stock images, or visuals unrelated to the event.
 
For example, a local yoga studio promoting an outdoor session could use serene photos of nature instead of generic yoga poses.
 
Use imagery sparingly - one impactful image is better than crowding your flyer with several smaller ones.
 
Make sure all visuals are clear and properly scaled for both print and digital formats to ensure sharp results.

The Takeaway
Effective flyers can showcase your event and boost attendance. By focusing on design, clarity, and strategy, you’ll create professional materials that grab attention and leave a lasting impression.

Gallatin County has taken a significant step forward in the Old Town Bridge project to help replace two bridges on Old Town Road that span the Jefferson River near Three Forks.

The county signed onto a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) last month. Gallatin County is now awaiting the final executed document with signatures from SHPO and the Army Corps, which is expected this week. This agreement has been in negotiation for many months, and Gallatin County has been unable to go out to bid until all required federal permits are secured. 

The bridge located on Old Town Road East was closed to traffic in June 2022 after an inspection identified significant safety issues with the structure. This closure resulted in a 10-mile detour and has forced emergency services to reroute, causing considerable delays in service. The bridge located on Old Town Road West, located approximately one-quarter mile west of this structure, currently has a 7-ton load limit. Due to the significant population increases in both Gallatin and Broadwater Counties, Old Town Road and the two bridges continue to be vital infrastructure for the region. 

Gallatin and Broadwater counties have been collaborating and finding funding to replace the bridges. Both received grants from the Montana Coal Endowment Program and matching funds from the Montana Department of Transportation.  

With this key milestone nearly complete, Gallatin County is preparing for the next steps in the project. The anticipated schedule is as follows: 

• Advertisement of the project: April 5, 12, and 19 

• Preconstruction meeting for interested contractors: Week of April 14 

• Bid opening: Tuesday, April 29 at 9 AM 

• Recommendation of award and Notice of Award to the Commission for approval:May 6 Commission meeting 

Once a contractor is selected, Gallatin County aims to mobilize construction as quickly as possible. Construction for both bridges will be bid and constructed under one contract in an effort to reduce costs. 

The Gallatin County Commission acknowledges the frustrations of Old Town residents about the bridge closure and is committed to addressing the significant inconveniences and threats to public health and safety that have resulted from the closure. 

“We understand the immense frustration and hardship this bridge closure has caused for Old Town residents,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown. “We share their urgency in getting this project completed, and while the permitting process with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and SHPO has been beyond our control, we have done everything in our power to push this forward. Now that we are on the brink of breaking ground, we are fully committed to seeing this project through as quickly as possible.” 

For more information, including a project timeline and history, please visit Old Town Bridge project website. 

Stahly Engineering has led this project through design and permitting stages, after being selected by the county through a competitive procurement process. The next phase will be led by a contractor who will implement physical construction of the bridges. This contractor will be selected through a competitive bidding process to take place in April and May, according to the planned timeline outlined above. 

BOZEMAN — From April 19-27, the City of Bozeman welcomes individuals and groups to help pick up litter around Bozeman after a long winter! 2025 Bozeman CleanUp Week will be kicked off at the Gallatin Valley Earth Day festival on April 19. As the snow melts, more trash tends to be seen around neighborhoods. Not only do cleanups improve habitat for humans and critters within city limits, but they also directly impact our downstream neighbors by helping to keep our streams and rivers clean.

The City of Bozeman has coordinated this event locally for 36 years and successfully mobilizes hundreds of volunteers of all ages from community organizations, local businesses, and government agencies each year. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up online at www.bozeman.net/cleanup.

CleanUp kits will be provided and include gloves, vests, yellow bags, and instructions. Interested community members may opt for delivery of cleanup kits to your group or organization ahead of CleanUp Week, OR you can pick up kits at the Gallatin Valley Earth Day Festival at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 19th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Along with the CleanUp Kits, participants of CleanUp Week will also be given a choice to pick a location or provided ideas for a clean-up location. Participants are welcome to clean up an area any time from April 19 to 27 and City of Bozeman Solid Waste will take care of the yellow bags left behind.

To kick off the week there will be a PickUp Parade at the Gallatin Valley Earth Day Festival on April 19 at 9:00 a.m. During the PickUp Parade volunteers can meet at the fairgrounds, receive supplies, and break into groups to walk from the fairgrounds and clean up together.

Sustainability Program Specialist Ali Chipouras says, “This time of year everyone starts to see the litter and dog waste that surfaces after snow melt. CleanUp Week is a great opportunity to work together to build community, keep our waterways clean, and give Bozeman a spring cleaning.”

In addition to Bozeman CleanUp Week and the Earth Day Festival on April 19, Gallatin Valley Earth Day is hosting events throughout the month of April including in-person and online speakers, films, workshops, and more. To learn more visit www.gallatinvalleyearthday.org.

Join us in cleaning up Bozeman! This activity is free and open to the public. Kits will be available for pick-up on April 19 regardless of weather. For more information visit www.bozeman.net/cleanup.