Friday, Aug. 21st, 2026

How Warehouse Automation Is Raising the Bar for LTL Freight Shipping

The modern warehouse is no longer what it used to be. Gone are the days when people would walk through miles of aisles with nothing but pick list papers in hand. Today’s warehouses have been revolutionized using advanced automation, robotics, conveyor belts, and advanced software systems capable of completing processes faster than ever before possible just a few years back. As warehouse processes accelerate, the challenge shifts downstream to transport services.


This acceleration is not a small shift. Providers like IGT Freight represent the services that must keep pace.

DC Velocity reported on MHI's 2026 Annual Industry Report, which found 56% of supply chain leaders increasing automation investment, with over half planning to spend more than $1 million this year. As distribution centers get faster at picking and packing, the pressure shifts downstream - onto the LTL freight shipping expected to move product out the door just as quickly.


Internal bottlenecks are easily sorted out through automation. Picking is faster, packing is more precise, and accuracy of orders has increased. However, rapid production is pointless if the freight remains at the dock awaiting transportation. Freight shipping through LTL has emerged as the crucial point between automation and customer delivery.


The Ripple Effect
When a facility processes orders in hours instead of days, every part of the supply chain must keep pace. A fully automated warehouse can stage pallets within minutes of order release. This creates a new expectation-that carriers will be equally responsive.

In today’s world, LTL carriers act as the key link between high-speed fulfillment and final delivery. If no truck is available when the automated process completes, that speed advantage disappears. LTL shipments are becoming an essential part of just-in-time consolidation operations.

Meeting the New Standard
Transportation providers are rethinking their operations. Faster dock turnaround is now essential-warehouse automation reduces staging time dramatically. Carriers that minimize pickup windows keep the flow moving.

Real-time coordination is equally important. Automated warehouses generate precise order data.Carriers with real-time visibility can dispatch trucks proactively, arriving when the load is ready. This reduces detention fees and improves asset utilization.

Flexible capacity has also become non-negotiable. Automated distribution centers often handle volume spikes without warning. Transportation networks that flex capacity to match fulfillment speed become essential partners.

The Cost of Falling Behind
When LTL freight shipping cannot keep up with warehouse output, the costs multiply. Staged pallets consume valuable dock space. Employees manage congestion instead of fulfilling orders. Customer expectations for rapid delivery go unmet.

The Bottom Line
Warehouse automation is transforming fulfillment, but its full value depends on what happens after the order is picked. LTL freight shipping must operate with the same precision as the automated facilities it serves. With over half of supply chain leaders committing million-dollar budgets to automation, the pressure on transportation networks will only intensify. LTL freight shipping is no longer just a cost to manage-it is a strategic capability. The warehouses have been upgraded. The transportation networks that power them need to be just as advanced.

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Thursday, Aug. 20th, 2026

‘Hidden gem’: Montana State’s Bracken Center helping students find internships, job offers

BOZEMAN — Within the walls of Jabs Hall on Montana State University’s campus, scores of local business owners frequent networking nights held each semester to connect with employable students. Business classes equip students with the skills needed to succeed in professional employment.  

And the career-oriented Bracken Center — which provides individualized support for students seeking employment — ensures Bobcats get their feet in the door.  

Toby Blake, the Bracken Center’s director, has helped more than 300 students secure competitive summer internships since starting in the role in 2025. It’s a key goal of the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship for students to have work experience before graduating, which helps them succeed at future employment, Blake said.   

In the college, close to 70% of students complete a professional internship, both at national organizations and at local businesses creating value closer to campus. This summer, 70 students completed internships for credit to learn new skills and prepare for future careers, Blake said.  

Three students who did internships this summer show the breadth of variety where students work, and also how pivotal MSU’s education and resources were in each experience.  

John Kamby, a junior from Minneapolis majoring in business marketing and minoring in international business, did his summer internship at the real estate firm Engel & Völkers in Bozeman. He was aided by a connection to recent MSU alumnus Jack Hays, who also interned there before graduating from the business college in May and landing a full-time marketing position. 

Though they didn’t know each other while in college, now the two work closely together on day-to-day tasks. Kamby said he has gained a lot of knowledge and insight by assisting realtors with creating marketing materials, social media posts and blogs. 

Kamby worked with Bracken Center coach Anne Shepherd, who knew he was interested in real estate and that Hays had started at Engel & Völkers. They leaned into the expansive MSU alumni network and made the connection. 

“The Bracken Center is really a hidden gem. I feel like everybody hears about it, but not enough people use it,” Kamby said. “It’s just a great tool – you might as well go in and get some help, and it’s completely free.” 

Sarah Nell Harp, a senior from Fayetteville, Georgia, pursuing a dual degree in marketing and graphic design with a minor in international business, also used MSU’s professional network to find two summer internships.  

This summer she split her time between Alosant, a Bozeman-based technology company that creates unique apps for planned communities, and Headwaters Technology Hub, which focuses on supporting the optics and photonics ecosystem in Montana.  

As Alosant’s marketing intern, Harp created graphics to share on social media and wrote copy to help tell the company’s story. At Headwaters, she developed the hub’s first newsletter, supported advancements in the Tech Hub’s marketing content management, and she also provided brand management-level support to the organization’s largest annual event.  

MSU associate professor Eric Van Steenberg connected Harp to Alosant, and for Headwaters she used the Bracken Center to help with application materials. Blake even wrote her a letter of recommendation.  

“The College of Business is really special in the fact that you know the professors so well and that they're there to help you throughout every process, whether it be your coursework, your job application or even serving as a reference,” Harp said. “It's just been great to be in a program that prioritizes professional development. The Bracken Center will actively review your resume, your LinkedIn and your cover letter. With Toby, we were literally scrolling LinkedIn together to find positions to apply to.” 

It’s not uncommon that summer internships lead to job offers for students when they graduate.  

William Gram, a senior finance major and accounting minor from Bozeman, has spent the summer interning for a wealth management firm, Edward Jones. He has accepted a job offer there as a wealth adviser upon his graduation in May 2027. 

The experience, which he started during the school year as a junior, has confirmed for Gram that he wants to pursue wealth management as a career. Once he passes certain licensing exams, he can start working one-on-one with the book of clients that he has already been building.  

Once struggling to decide between studying nursing, computer science or biology, Gram leveraged his personal connections, networking with people who had relationships with family members and with MSU. When the opportunity at Edward Jones came up, he switched his major to finance and has been decisively building up his skills in the field ever since.  
Gram said that classes he took in public speaking and data analytics were of great value to his everyday work and helped him learn important skills. 

“Excel is a powerful tool, and I use it every day now,” Gram said. “So, I had a really good foundation from Data Analytics 1 and 2, and then I was able to leverage that. It’s definitely helped me stay relevant in the workplace.”  

Of his public speaking class, he said he disliked it while in it, but in hindsight the experience has proven to be of great value.  

“Now I look back, and I learned a whole lot about myself and was able to build so much confidence,” Gram said. “So, I have a lot of thanks to give (the professor Bradford Rosenbloom and MSU).”  

Hays, the 2026 graduate from Arvada, Colorado, now at Engel and Völkers, also credited his experiences at MSU to aiding his career in real estate. While in school, Hays gained extensive professional experience as president of the university’s American Marketing Association chapter, which gives students the ability to compete in marketing competitions and prepare for a slate of careers in business.  

His advice to current students: pursue everything that interests you and lean into staying busy.  
“In college, a lot of what you put into it is what you get out of it,” Hays said. “So really embrace being busy for four years. Enjoy the grind and make yourself better by doing something to help your future career, whether that be AMA or accounting club or whatever it is that’s going to help you. Put yourself out there and go do it.  

“And, use the Bracken Center. The resource is there. It’s kind of dumb not to use it.”  
Located in Jabs Hall 110, the Bracken Center is open weekdays during the school year. MSU students can make an appointment online or simply walk in and ask for help. 

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Apartment Moving Tips for Renters in Busy Cities


Moving into or out of an apartment in a busy city can feel more complicated than a standard move. Renters often have to deal with tight stairways, small elevators, limited parking, building rules, street traffic, loading zones, and strict move-in or move-out times. Add packing, utilities, lease dates, and security deposits, and the process can quickly become stressful.

The good news is that apartment moves can be much easier with the right planning. Whether you are moving into a high-rise, a walk-up, a studio, or a larger apartment, a clear plan can help you avoid delays, extra costs, and last-minute problems.

Read Your Lease Before Moving Day

Before you start packing, review your lease agreement. Many renters focus only on the moving date, but the lease may include important details about move-out notice, cleaning requirements, elevator use, damage fees, key return deadlines, and security deposit rules.

Some apartment buildings require written notice 30 or 60 days before moving out. Others may charge fees if you move outside approved hours or leave items behind. Knowing these rules early gives you time to avoid penalties and protect your deposit.

If you are moving into a new apartment, read that lease carefully too. Confirm when you can pick up keys, when your move-in time starts, whether you need insurance documentation, and where movers are allowed to park.

Confirm Building Rules Early

Busy city apartment buildings often have strict moving policies. Property managers may require elevator reservations, certificates of insurance, loading dock appointments, parking permits, or specific move-in windows.

Do not assume you can move at any time. Some buildings only allow moves on weekdays. Others may block moves during rush hour, weekends, or holidays. If you wait until the last minute, you may not get the time slot you need.

Contact both your current building and your new building as soon as your moving date is confirmed. Ask about move-out and move-in rules, elevator access, parking, hallway protection, and any required documents.

Reserve the Elevator

If your apartment building has an elevator, reserve it early. In large buildings, elevator slots can fill up quickly, especially at the end of the month when many leases turn over.

Ask whether the building provides padding for the elevator or if that is your responsibility. Also confirm whether the elevator can fit large furniture, such as sofas, mattresses, dressers, and dining tables.

If your building does not have an elevator, plan for stairs. Walk-up apartment moves take more time and physical effort, especially when carrying heavy furniture or boxes through narrow stairwells.

Plan for Parking and Loading

Parking is one of the biggest challenges in city apartment moves. A moving truck needs enough space to load and unload safely, but many urban streets have limited parking, meters, bus lanes, bike lanes, fire hydrants, and street cleaning rules.

Check whether your city requires a temporary parking permit for moving trucks. Some apartment buildings also have designated loading zones or alleys. If there is no legal place to park, the move can take longer and may become more expensive.

Take photos of the parking area before moving day and share details with your movers. Include street names, loading dock instructions, gate codes, and any restrictions they should know before arrival.

Declutter Before Packing

Apartment space is limited, which makes decluttering especially important. Moving is the perfect time to decide what should come with you and what should not.

Go through closets, kitchen cabinets, storage bins, bathroom shelves, furniture, and old boxes. Donate items you no longer use, sell furniture that will not fit the new place, and throw away anything broken or expired.

The fewer items you move, the faster and easier the relocation becomes. Decluttering can also help reduce moving costs because there is less to pack, carry, load, and unload.

Pack With Small Spaces in Mind

Apartment moves often involve tight hallways, small elevators, and limited staging areas. This makes organized packing very important.

Use sturdy boxes that are easy to stack. Avoid overpacking large boxes because they can become too heavy to carry through stairs or narrow spaces. Pack books, dishes, and heavy items in smaller boxes. Use larger boxes for lighter items like bedding, pillows, and clothing.

Label each box clearly with the room name and a short description of what is inside. For example, “Kitchen, plates and bowls” is much more helpful than simply writing “kitchen.”

Measure Furniture Before Moving

City apartments can have narrow doors, tight corners, low ceilings, and small stairwells. Before moving day, measure your large furniture and compare it with doorways, hallways, elevators, and staircases at both locations.

Measure sofas, bed frames, dressers, desks, dining tables, and large shelving units. If something may not fit, decide whether it can be disassembled. Remove legs from tables, take apart bed frames, and empty drawers before moving.

This step can save a lot of time on moving day. It also helps prevent damage to furniture, walls, doors, and flooring.

Protect Floors, Walls, and Common Areas

Apartment buildings often charge renters for damage to hallways, elevators, doors, or lobby areas. Even small scratches or dents can create problems with management.

Ask your building whether floor protection, elevator padding, or wall protection is required. If it is, make sure everything is ready before the move starts.

Inside your apartment, protect floors and doorways where heavy items will pass through. This is especially important if you are trying to get your security deposit back after moving out.

Keep Essentials Separate

Do not pack everything into the moving truck. Keep a small essentials bag with the items you will need during the first 24 hours.

This should include keys, wallet, lease documents, chargers, toiletries, medication, a change of clothes, basic cleaning supplies, snacks, and anything needed for work the next day.

You should also keep important documents with you, not inside a random box. This includes passports, financial paperwork, medical records, and apartment paperwork.

Update Utilities and Address Information

City renters often have several accounts connected to their apartment. Before moving, schedule utility shutoff at the old apartment and setup at the new one. This may include electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, and renter’s insurance.

Also update your address with banks, credit cards, employer records, subscriptions, delivery apps, medical providers, and the postal service. Doing this early helps prevent missed bills, lost packages, and service delays.

Clean Before You Leave

A clean apartment can help protect your security deposit. Before turning in keys, remove all trash, clean appliances, wipe cabinets, vacuum or sweep floors, patch small nail holes if allowed, and take photos of the space.

Photos are useful because they document the condition of the apartment when you moved out. If there is a dispute later, you will have a record.

Check closets, cabinets, drawers, balconies, storage rooms, and laundry areas before leaving. Renters often forget items in hidden spaces during a rushed move.

Consider Professional Help

Apartment moves in busy cities can be physically and logistically difficult. Parking, stairs, elevators, building rules, and tight spaces all add extra pressure. Working with experienced apartment movers can make the process easier by helping with the heavy lifting, truck loading, furniture handling, and building access challenges.

This can be especially helpful if you are moving from a high-rise, a walk-up, a downtown apartment, or a building with strict move-in rules.

Final Thoughts

Apartment moving in a busy city takes more planning than many renters expect. The key is to prepare early, understand building rules, reserve elevators, plan parking, declutter, pack carefully, and keep important items separate.

A smooth apartment move is not only about getting your belongings from one place to another. It is about avoiding delays, protecting your deposit, reducing stress, and making your new apartment feel organized from the start.

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6 Critical Lessons From Using A Free Promo Video Maker For Social Media Ads


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Developing social media advertisements that actually work can be frustrating when there is no reciprocation of the effort. You spend hours creating images, writing comments and editing videos, but the interest remains low, and the conversions are hardly moving. Simultaneously, engaging a professional or training on complicated editing software can seem costly and time-intensive, thus complicating consistency further.  

This is where the free promo video maker tool begins to pay off. They eliminate technical obstacles and assist you in concentrating on message, speed, and consistency as opposed to complex editing. With time, experience with these tools provides some useful lessons that extend beyond merely video making.  

This article discusses six very important lessons you learn by using the free promo video maker to make social media ads and how those lessons can help you do a better overall marketing plan.

1. Simplicity Drives Faster Execution 
As you begin to use a free promo video maker, it quickly becomes apparent that the time saved would otherwise be spent using traditional editing software. You do not have to deal with complicated timelines or sophisticated features; rather, you use templates, drag-and-drop elements, and pre-built scenes.  

Consequently, you begin to change your mindset that is centered on how to edit, to what you need to communicate. This is an important change as speed is a central factor in the success of social media. Trends change quickly, and delayed content is likely to become irrelevant.  

Furthermore, the expedited performance enables you to experiment with a greater number of ideas. Rather than spending hours to get a single video perfect, you can make several variations and then see which one works. In the long run, this creates a more data-driven methodology instead of assumptions.

2. Consistency Outperforms Occasional Perfection

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Most marketers want to make a single, ideal video, hoping it will achieve good results. Nevertheless, frequent posting can, in many cases, become more effective than the infrequent high-effort content.  

Ready-made templates and reusable formats make it simpler to ensure consistency. You can create video content regularly without having to spend excessive amounts of time or energy. Consequently, your audience gets to know more about your brand and message.  

Moreover, regular activity can assist platforms in identifying your activity that may enhance visibility. You create momentum by creating regular content, instead of waiting to gain a perfect idea. This continuity has a tendency to provide improved engagement in the long term.

3. Message Clarity Matters More Than Visual Complexity 
Initially, it is easy to devote much of your attention to such aspects of design as animations, transitions, and effects. Nevertheless, with time, you find out that effective messaging is more effective than visual sophistication.  

A very powerful and direct message of simple videos can be more successful than content that is overloaded with visuals. This is due to the fact that the viewers scroll fast and require a few seconds to get your message.  

Thus, the tools that help make video-making simpler prompt you to focus on being clear. Instead of unnecessary details of design, you concentrate on headlines, key benefits and calls to action. This change enhances the level of engagement and conversion.

4. Short Format Content Delivers Better Results

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The other valuable lesson is based on the observation of audience behavior. Shorter videos are always more effective than longer ones, particularly on social media sites where attention span is minimal.  

Pre-built formats help to create concise videos that provide value in a shorter time. You get to know how to cut out unnecessary stuff and to emphasize only the most critical points.  

Consequently, this makes your advertisements more targeted and effective. Rather than attempting to explain it all, you convey one idea in a clear manner. This would be more aligned with the way users consume content, resulting in increased retention and engagement.

5. Adaptation Across Platforms Becomes Essential 
Different platforms require different video formats, aspect ratios, and styles. Initially, this can feel overwhelming, especially when creating content manually.

However, using flexible video tools teaches you to adapt content efficiently. You can quickly resize videos, adjust layouts, and tailor messaging for each platform without starting from scratch.

This adaptability becomes a major advantage. Instead of creating separate campaigns for each platform, you repurpose content strategically. Over time, this not only saves effort but also improves campaign performance by aligning content with platform expectations.

6. Data Feedback Shapes Better Creative Decisions

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One of the most valuable lessons comes from analyzing performance data. When creating videos quickly, you can test different versions and gather insights faster.

You begin to notice patterns such as which headlines attract attention, which visuals drive clicks, and which formats perform best. This feedback loop helps you refine your approach with each new video.

Moreover, faster production cycles mean you can respond to data almost immediately. Instead of sticking to one idea for too long, you continuously improve based on real results. This leads to more effective campaigns over time.

Conclusion 
Using a free promo video maker for social media ads is not just about simplifying video creation, but about improving your overall marketing mindset. You learn to prioritize speed, consistency, and clarity while adapting content for different platforms and audiences. At the same time, regular testing and data analysis help you move away from guesswork and toward more informed decisions.

These lessons build a more practical and sustainable approach to content creation. Instead of chasing perfection, you focus on progress and performance. Over time, this shift leads to stronger engagement, better results, and a more efficient workflow that supports long-term growth. 

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Wednesday, Aug. 19th, 2026

Good Vibrations: Montana State researcher wins NSF grant to study buzz pollination

Mitch Alvord, Montana State University a mechanical engineering doctoral student, works with a electrodynamic shaker to study how bees remove pollen from flowers. MSU photo by Colter Peterson

BOZEMAN
— Scientists have long understoog that bees sometimes shake flowers to collect pollen in a process called buzz pollination. But how the pollen mobilizes within the flower is not clearly understood. Now, a mechanical engineer at Montana State University is using nearly $585,000 in recent funding from the National Science Foundation to learn precisely how some bees vibrate their way through their critical role in the pollination process.

In order for some plants to bear fruit or vegetables, the pollen from the male part of the plant – the anther – must be transferred to the female parts of the plant, called the stigma and pistil. Plants rely on pollinators such as birds, bees and other insects to jump-start this process.

This research is especially timely as the number of pollinators continues to decline globally.

“It’s generally accepted that bumblebee populations are shrinking, and bumblebees are one of the big species that is performing buzz pollination,” said Mark Jankauski, associate professor of mechanical and industrial engineering in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. “If those populations are declining, it’s a bad thing in terms of food security.”

And as pollinators such as bees continue to decline, he said, so does the amount of food the plants would otherwise produce. That’s why farmers and scientists alike, in the interest of food security, would like to create efficient means of artificially pollinating plants.

“We’re hoping that this research can, in the long term, facilitate the development of artificial pollination technology so that there’s a robotic system, or something along those lines, that can come in and kind of supplement the natural pollinators,” Jankauski said.

Pollen is easily accessible in most plants because their pollen-producing anthers typically split open to expose it. But pollen in a small percentage of flowering plants, including tomatoes, huckleberries and eggplants, remains sealed inside the anthers until it is forced loose. This is facilitated by certain bees, who grasp the anthers with their jaw-like mandibles and rapidly vibrate their flight muscles, shaking the pollen through tiny openings in the tip of the anther like salt from a saltshaker.

“Bees of different species will apply different frequencies to the anther; they’ll shake it at 100 times per second or 200 times per second up to about 400 times per second,” Jankauski said. “But why they choose a specific frequency isn’t particularly well known. And so, we want to understand more about kind of the relationship between what the bee is doing, how hard is it forcing, how fast is it shaking it and what that actually does to the pollen inside.”

To help answer these questions, Jankauski and mechanical and industrial engineering doctoral student Mitch Alvord, have built a shoebox-size contraption designed to vibrate pollen out of a tomato plant’s anther. At one end of the box, two studio lights illuminate the anther from behind. At the opposite end, a specialized video camera captures the action in thousands of frames per second. The result is a high-resolution, slow-motion video of what happens when a pushrod vibrates a sealed anther, forcing it to release its pollen.

“This device is called an electrodynamic shaker,” Alvord said. “You can think of it as a speaker, and then I can tune frequency and amplitude that I want to vibrate these anthers with.

“We’re being the bee in these experiments, and we’re vibrating the flowers at different frequencies,” Jankauski added.

He said that over time, bees become more efficient at vibrating a blossom until the pollen pours out.

“It certainly is a learned behavior,” he said. “They’ll land on a flower, and they’ll change their buzzing frequency a little bit. And they get more effective at this throughout their lives.”

Erick L. Johnson and Sarah Morris, associate professors of mechanical and industrial engineering in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, are co-principal investigators on this project.

“This research reflects the best of Montana State’s land-grant mission: advancing fundamental knowledge while exploring solutions to real-world challenges,” said Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development. “By uncovering how buzz pollination works, Dr. Jankauski's team is contributing insights that could ultimately benefit agriculture, food production and environmental sustainability.”

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Tuesday, Aug. 18th, 2026

Montana State students to begin fall semester move-in on Aug. 23

In this MSU file photo, students are welcomed by staff as they carry furniture into a residence hall. The 2026 Move-in will begin Aug. 23. MSU photo by Marcus "Doc" Cravens

BOZEMAN
— About 4,700 Montana State University students are expected to move into their residence halls Aug. 23-24, days before the fall semester begins. The first day of classes is Wednesday, Aug. 26.

“Move-in is one of our team’s favorite times of the year because it marks the beginning of so many new experiences for our students,” said Jeffrey Bondy, director of University Student Housing. “For many, it’s their first day at Montana State; for others, it’s a return to a community they already know. Our goal is to make campus housing more than simply a place to live. We want it to be a place where students make friends, become part of a community and make the most of their Montana State experience.”

Incoming students each register for two-hour time slots to move into their rooms between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, or between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24. Time slots are available through MSU’s Housing Portal. 

Students may submit a request to move in early if they are part of MSU’s final orientation session or another early arrival program. To find information about early move-in, visit University Student Housing’s move-in website.  

To receive curbside parking permits for move-in, visit MSU’s Parking Services page. Directions leading from Interstate 90 to MSU’s residence halls are available on the university’s move-in website, along with a comprehensive campus map.

For additional information, contact Jeffrey Bondy, director of University Student Housing at 406-994-2661. 

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Monday, Aug. 17th, 2026

Montana State researchers reconstruct environmental history of Yellowstone’s geyser basins

BOZEMAN – A study led by a Montana State University research professor reveals how climate and hydrothermal activity have shaped the vegetation, wildfire and aquatic ecosystem history of the Yellowstone Plateau over the past 15,000 years.

The results of the National Science Foundation-funded project were published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Cathy Whitlock, MSU Regents Professor emerita of earth sciences in the College of Letters and Science and the first scientist to be elected to the National Academy of Sciences from a Montana university, has spent decades working in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Her interest in Yellowstone National Park’s Lower Geyser Basin was piqued in 2020 after she and co-author Chris Schiller took sediment cores from the bottom of one of the basin’s small lakes. They noticed that its contents differed from those in lakebeds in other parts of the park, suggesting that distinct geologic factors may have influenced the lake’s evolution. At about the same time, she read a paper speculating that a lack of water in the geyser system caused Old Faithful to stop erupting in the early 13th century for about 100 years.

As founder and past director of MSU’s 22-year-old Paleoecology Laboratory, which studies how past ecosystems responded to changing climates, Whitlock said the opportunity to learn more about Yellowstone’s geyser basins was irresistible. but also required the expertise of many scientific disciplines. 

“I thought, ‘Well, there have been long, dry periods in Yellowstone in the past, some of them lasting for several centuries. I wonder if we could document how periods of sustained drought affected ancient geyser activity,’” she said.

Collaborators on the project included MSU professor of earth sciences Dave McWethy, two MSU post-doctoral researchers, two MSU students, and scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, Oregon State University, Manchester University and Colorado State University.

Throughout her career, Whitlock has reconstructed the histories of ecosystems from tiny clues deposited over time in the layers of lake sediments. By examining sediment cores, scientists can pinpoint the age of the layers through radiocarbon dating or from the buried evidence of known, natural events, such as past volcanic eruptions. Pollen assemblages tell scientists what type of vegetation was present at particular times. Layers with abundant charcoal identify past wildfire events. The concentration of arsenic and cesium and the composition of the diatoms in the sediments provide information on changes in hydrothermal activity, lake chemistry and water depth.

In this study, the team collected core samples from small lakes of different ages in the Lower Geyser Basin, which is Yellowstone’s largest geyser system. The lakes are closed, meaning that they have no inflowing or outflowing streams. Whitlock said they likely developed in depressions left by hydrothermal explosions that occurred during wet climate periods. Two of the lakes, in fact, formed shortly after the glaciers that once covered the region melted; removal of ice released overlying pressure that probably led to lake-forming, hydrothermal eruptions. 

Pollen records from the lakes indicate that after the ice receded, a grassy steppe ecosystem developed on the rhyolite volcanic soils. Steppe was replaced by a lodgepole pine forest that established between 12,800 and 11,000 years ago. Despite subsequent changes in climate, these pine forests have changed little in composition, leading the authors to suggest that lodgepole pine will continue to dominate the vegetation on the plateau even as the climate continues to warm in the future.

“The persistence of lodgepole pine for thousands of years is explained by the infertile soils on the rhyolite volcanic plateau and lodgepole’s adaptation to fire. It’s been very hard for anything else to get established in that area given limited nutrients and well-drained substrates,” Whitlock said. “While the vegetation has been remarkably insensitive to past climate change, fire activity on the plateau has responded dramatically.”

The team realized the importance of both geology and climate in explaining the environmental history of the geyser basin when the lake records were compared with high-resolution paleoclimate model results for Yellowstone. For example, the model showed that summers in the geyser basin were warmer and drier than today’s between 12,000 and 6,000 years ago, an observation that matched the charcoal evidence for more fires and the diatom records for lower lake levels then.

Whitlock said reconstructing a long-term fire history is extraordinarily complex, and the project wouldn’t have been possible without the baseline research her group conducted for 10 years after the Yellowstone fires of 1988.

“As soon as the fires were over, we started studying charcoal deposition into lakes to determine how far charcoal particles traveled during a fire, how long they took to get buried in the mud, that kind of thing,” she said. “The charcoal analytical techniques we developed for Yellowstone are now used in fire history studies on every continent.  We have a much better understanding of fire as a global phenomenon because of the work we did following the 1988 fires.”

Sediments in the Lower Geyser Basin lakes reveal that Yellowstone’s hydrothermal systems were more active in the past during wet periods than dry ones, suggesting that future warming in Yellowstone may result in reduced hydrothermal activity, as well as increased wildfire incidence.

Research geophysicist Michael Poland, scientist-in-charge of the USGS Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, said such changes likely won’t be noticeable on the timescale of a human lifetime, though the study does point to interesting possibilities for near-term changes in the timing, force and frequency of geysers in Yellowstone’s hydrothermal areas.

“This study and ones like it help to give us a sense of what might be expected in the future for hydrothermal activity given current trends in climate,” he said. “That’s always been a key aspect of geology, and these sorts of studies show the past is the key to the present, which is then the key to the future. The more we understand past conditions and what drove them, the more we understand what’s likely to occur in the future.”

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How to Prepare a Package for Long-Distance International Transport

Long-distance shipping puts a parcel through repeated handling, sorting, loading, and changes in transport conditions. When arranging international delivery from the US for personal items or gifts, careful preparation helps reduce the risk of damage, delays, and packaging failures. The goal is to create a compact, stable parcel that can withstand a long route without unnecessary movement inside the box.

Pack the Parcel for Repeated Handling

A strong outer box and secure internal packing are essential because international parcels may pass through several facilities before reaching the recipient. Before sealing the shipment, check every part of the package carefully:

  • outer box — use a rigid corrugated cardboard box that is clean, dry, and free from weakened corners, tears, or old labels;
  • internal protection — wrap fragile items separately and use cushioning material to prevent contact with the walls of the box;
  • empty spaces — fill gaps with paper, air pillows, or other suitable packing material so the contents cannot shift during transport;
  • heavy items — place denser objects at the bottom and keep them away from delicate products that could crack under pressure;
  • sealing — close all seams with durable packing tape and reinforce the bottom and top flaps where the box carries the most stress;
  • labeling — remove outdated shipping labels and place the current address information on a flat, visible surface.

After packing, gently move the box from side to side and listen for shifting contents. If items move freely, add more cushioning before closing the parcel permanently, since the package should remain stable even when it is tilted or briefly placed on another side.

Protect Different Types of Items Correctly

Not every item requires the same type of protection. Clothing and other soft goods usually need less cushioning, but they should still be protected from moisture with an inner bag or another suitable layer. Folding them tightly can also reduce unused space and keep the package organized.

Fragile household items need more separation. Wrap glass, ceramics, and similar objects individually, then position them so they do not touch each other. Cushioning should cover the sides, top, and bottom of the box because impacts can come from any direction during sorting and handling.

Electronics require attention to both movement and sensitive components. Use protective material around the device and accessories, and avoid leaving loose cables or adapters that can strike the main item. When possible, keep smaller components in separate inner packages so they remain easy to identify after the parcel is opened.

Liquids and creams should be closed tightly and placed in sealed inner bags. Even a small leak can damage documents, clothing, or other contents. Containers should also have enough cushioning to reduce pressure on caps and lids while the parcel is in transit.

When several item types share one box, separate them according to weight, fragility, and the consequences of leakage. This approach prevents a durable object from becoming a source of damage to something more delicate during repeated handling.

Check Documents, Restrictions, and Final Details

Correct physical packing is only one part of preparing an international parcel. The sender should also describe the contents accurately and complete the required shipment information carefully. Clear descriptions help carriers and customs authorities understand what is inside the package and may reduce avoidable questions during processing.

Before sealing the box, confirm that every item is permitted for the destination country and for the selected transport method. Restrictions can differ by route, so products that are acceptable in one country may require special conditions or may not be accepted elsewhere.

It is also useful to prepare a simple record of what was packed. A photo of the contents before sealing and a note with the item descriptions can help the sender remember exactly what was included if a question arises later.

Check the recipient’s full name, street address, apartment or unit number, postal code, city, country, and contact details. Small mistakes in this information can create unnecessary delivery problems even when the parcel itself is packed correctly.

Finally, measure and weigh the sealed parcel rather than estimating its size from the empty box. Accurate shipment details help avoid discrepancies during processing and make the parcel easier to prepare for carrier acceptance.

Good preparation combines durable packaging, careful item placement, accurate information, and attention to destination requirements without unnecessary delays caused by preventable mistakes. For senders planning long-distance parcel transport, Meest-America provides international shipping services that can support the process from the United States to destinations abroad.

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Bridger Creek 2026 Fall League Registration Now Open

Call Bridger Creek at 406-586-2333 or stop by the Pro Shop to sign up. Information for each league is listed below. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Wednesday Men’s Fall League
Begins Wednesday, September 2, and will run for five weeks, finishing on September 30.
Two-player teams ($40 entry fee per player; payment is required at the time of registration).
Each week will feature a team game format (Scramble, Chapman, etc.).
No GHIN handicap required.
Weekly payouts for gross and net team scores.

Tuesday Morning Men’s Fall League
Begins Tuesday, September 1, and will run for five weeks, finishing on September 29.
Same format as the Summer Tuesday Morning League.
GHIN handicap required.
Two-player teams competing against each other for points, with weekly individual payouts as well as season-ending payouts.
$40 entry fee per player (payment is not required at the time of registration).

Tuesday Ladies’ Fall League
Begins Tuesday, September 1, and will run for five weeks, finishing on September 29.
Two-player teams ($30 entry fee per player; no payment required at the time of registration).
Each week will feature a team game format (Scramble, Chapman, etc.).
No GHIN handicap required.
Weekly payouts for gross and net team scores.

More information can be found on the Bridger Creek website. If you do not have a partner, let us know, and we can try to pair you up.

Spots will fill quickly!

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26th Annual Downtown Bozeman “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show Winners

People's Choice: 1st Place –2013 DODGE VIPER GTS; STEVE KIDD (#2022)

The Downtown Bozeman Association and Cancer Support Community Montana, along with our gracious Sponsors present the 26th Annual “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show on Sunday, August 16th. 

A huge thanks to our 2026 “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor: Ressler Motors
Hot Rod: Montana Landscape Solutions, The Sapphire Motel, AAA
Classic Car: State Farm, L&L Site Services, Bozeman Health, Bozeman Lodge, Cloud 9 Cycles, Montana Reclaimed Lumber, GVARG, Back Nine Golf, Napa Auto Parts, SCS Wraps, EVESO, Kenyon Noble, SkinCare MT, KBZK
Checkered Flag: Les Schwab Bozeman, Little Stinkers, Rocking R Bar
Pit Crew: CarQuest Belgrade, Big Sky Build, DP Conversions, Martel Construction

We had over 240 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 2026 winners are:

1st Place by Class:

Ford –1965 SHELBY AMERICAN COBRA; DAN & MARTHA CASE FORD (#1031)
Chevy – 1956 CHEVY NOMAND; GORDY GOLLENHOM (#3050)
Mopar – 1970 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA; GENE ATKINSON (#4015)
GM Product – 1965 POTIAC GTO; KIRK STOVALL (#3054)
Original/Survivor – 1960 CADILLAC SERIES 62; KENDRA CALLANTINE (#3048)
Antique (pre-1940’s) – 1931 GRAHAM 820; NATE SORENSON (#3002)
Street Rod/Custom –1942 CHEVROLET PANEL TRUCK; GARY THOMPSON (#1050)
Muscle Car & Resto Mod – 1947 INTERNATIONAL KB-5; RUSS GELDER (#2013)
Hot Rod & Rat Rod – 1951 WILLYS PICKUP; CASEY DODGE (#1021)
Truck –1952 CHEVROLET 3100; GARY L REED (#1049)
Special Interest –1948 WILLYS CJ2A; ALISA PORTEUS (#1003)
Import – 1966 VW TRANSPORTER; SANDY & DAVE DOLL (#2017)
2000 to Current – 2005 FORD GT; JIM DOLAN (#1070)
Motorcycle – 1973 SUZUKI TS185; MADDI HOHNER (#1093)
Adventure Vehicle – 1958 MERCEDES 220S; DAVID WATTERS (#1036)

People's Choice:

1st Place –2013 DODGE VIPER GTS; STEVE KIDD (#2022)
2nd Place – 1950 GMC FC 152; JAMES MARTIN (#1059)
3rd Place – 1968 CHEVROLET CAPRICE; SANDRA TORGERSON GOULD (#2016)

Best in Show:

1st Place – 1965 FORD MUSTANG; RONALD R BOERSMA (#2012)

The winner of the 50/50 Raffle was ticket number #5393053 and was claimed. More information can be found on www.cancersupportmontana.org.

For more information about the A “Cruisin’ on Main” Car Show, please visit https://downtownbozeman.org/news/26th-annual-cruisin-on-main-car-show-winners or contact Downtown Bozeman Association at 406-586-4008 and Cancer Support Community at 406-582-1600.

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