BOZEMAN – The Bozeman Schools Foundation is launching its 6th annual "Pack the Sack" campaign on February 1, 2025, to raise funds for HRDC’s Healthy KidsPack Program. This annual initiative continues to bring awareness to food insecurity in Gallatin Valley while empowering students to make a real impact in their community.

From February 1st through February 14th, the Foundation will provide elementary students and their families with information on student hunger and encourage monetary donations. Every dollar raised through the in-school Pack the Sack effort goes directly to HRDC to fund the nutritious, high-calorie weekend meals and snacks for children in need provided in weekend KidsPacks.

“We see firsthand how many students rely on school meals throughout the week - and we know that the KidsPack Program plays a crucial role in ensuring many of our kids have access to essential nutrition over the weekend,” said Casey Bertram, BSD7 Schools Superintendent. “We are honored to continue our partnership with HRDC to support our students and families - as well as those at schools throughout the county.”

The demand for KidsPacks has continued to climb. Last semester alone, HRDC delivered 7,763 KidsPacks to schools across Southwest Montana.

“The increase in demand for KidsPacks over the last two years highlights just how many families are struggling to put food on the table,” said Jill Holder, HRDC’s Food and Nutrition Department Director. “The Pack the Sack campaign provides critical funding each year and goes a long way to helping HRDC meet the needs of local children facing food insecurity.”

Rising costs have also made this fundraising effort even more vital. The single KidsPack cost was $5.00 just three years ago, but today it takes nearly $8.00 to provide three meals and a healthy snack for one child each weekend. Last year, the Bozeman Schools Foundation raised over $28,000, covering nearly 30% of the KidsPack budget for 2024 - much of it coming from Bozeman students and families.

“Beyond raising funds, Pack the Sack is about fostering a spirit of generosity and community among our students,” said Jenn Lammers, Executive Director of the Bozeman Schools Foundation. “This campaign helps students see that even small acts of kindness can make a big impact for kids just like them.”

With demand for weekend KidsPacks growing and the cost of easy to prepare, nutritional items in each pack rising, the Bozeman Schools Foundation is looking to grow community support for the annual Pack the Sack campaign. If you or your business would like to join BSD7 students in Packing the Sack for children in Gallatin County, donations can be made online at https://bozemanschoolsfoundation.org/campaigns/pack-the-sack/.

Together, we can work to ensure that no child in our community goes hungry. Checks can also be mailed to Pack the Sack, c/o Bozeman Schools Foundation, PO Box 1803, Bozeman, MT 59771. 

Gallatin County, MT - Mark your calendars! The 11th annual Give Big Gallatin Valley, hosted by One Valley Community Foundation, will take place from 6 pm May 1st to 6 pm May 2nd, 2025. Nonprofit registration is now open for this 24-hour online giving initiative, which unites thousands of donors across Gallatin County to support local causes in one day on one platform.

As Montana’s largest 24-hour giving initiative, Give Big Gallatin Valley has raised $17.4 million for 464 local nonprofits over the past decade. This year, One Valley Community Foundation aims to engage 7,000 donors, making the 2025 initiative the most impactful yet.

All 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in or serving Gallatin County are eligible to participate. Registration is now open and will close on March 14, 2025. Leading up to the event, One Valley Community Foundation will provide participating nonprofits with training, resources, and support to help them prepare for a successful giving day.

This year’s Give Big Gallatin Valley is made possible thanks to the generous support of our Headline Sponsor, Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, and our Champion Sponsor, Spanish Peaks Community Foundation. Their commitment ensures that this initiative continues to inspire generosity and strengthen the nonprofit sector in Gallatin County.

“Give Big Gallatin Valley is more than a fundraiser—it’s an opportunity to celebrate and amplify the vital work of our local nonprofits,” said Bridget Wilkinson, President & CEO of One Valley Community Foundation. “By participating in Give Big, organizations can connect with thousands of donors, raise unrestricted funds, share their stories, and inspire meaningful change across Gallatin County.”

Why Should Nonprofits Register?
Give Big Gallatin Valley is an opportunity for local nonprofits to:
• Raise essential unrestricted funds to further their mission and increase their impact.
• Access valuable training and resources to strengthen their Give Big campaign and improve organizational capacity.
• Engage with thousands of supporters—both new and returning—who care deeply about their cause. Important Dates to Remember
More
• Nonprofit Registration Deadline: March 14, 2025, at GiveBigGV.org
• Give Big Gallatin Valley: 6 pm May 1 – 6 pm May 2, 2025, at GiveBigGV.org
With over 250 nonprofits participating annually, Give Big is a unique opportunity to gain visibility, raise critical funds, and showcase the vital role of nonprofits in Gallatin County. Nonprofits can register and learn more by visiting GiveBigGV.org.

About One Valley Community Foundation
One Valley Community Foundation is the nonprofit organization that identifies and addresses the priorities and concerns of Gallatin County with the intent of making the greatest positive change while charting a path and helping to maintain what makes our Gallatin Valley communities unique. One Valley does this by connecting donors with the causes they care about, managing funds to strengthen local communities, offering tools and opportunities to support local nonprofits, and facilitating collaboration to accelerate solutions to regional challenges. One Valley hosts multiple community-wide initiatives, including Give Big Gallatin Valley and the Gallatin County Regional Housing Coalition, a convening of diverse partners working to address housing affordability and attainability in Gallatin County. For more information, visit www.onevalley.org.

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks submitted 9,066 samples for chronic wasting disease testing in 2024-2025 hunting season to date. This is the largest number of CWD samples ever to be collected in a single year in Montana. Many of these samples were collected by hunters themselves. Of those samples, 335 tested positive for the disease, including 202 white-tailed deer, 127 mule deer and six elk. 

“We’re very excited about the number of samples we collected this season,” said Wildlife Health Program Biologist Bevin McCormick. “Hunters are a huge part of CWD surveillance and monitoring, and we thank everyone who had their animals sampled this year.”   

More than 4,521 samples were submitted from FWP’s 2024 priority sampling areas, which included southwestern, central and central-eastern Montana. FWP asks hunters who harvest a deer, elk or moose in these areas to voluntarily submit their animal for sampling.  

Hunters are a vital part of CWD monitoring and management in the state. Hunters can visit FWP offices and CWD sampling stations to have their samples collected or they can collect and submit their samples themselves. This year, approximately 1,138 samples were collected and submitted by hunters themselves. They sent their samples through the mail or dropped off the samples at one of the check stations.  

Samples are collected by removing the retropharyngeal lymph nodes and sending them to the FWP Wildlife Health Program in Bozeman so they can be prepared for testing at the Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. These lymph nodes are where much of the infectious protein first accumulates in infected animals.  

The data collected helps FWP identify where CWD is, estimate its prevalence and update its management strategies. These strategies sometimes include increasing total tags or either sex/antlered tags in certain CWD-positive hunting districts, with the goal of reducing herd densities. 

Since 2017, when CWD was first discovered in the wild in Montana, FWP has tested an estimated 51,556 samples statewide.  

CWD is a fatal disease that can affect the nervous system of deer, elk and moose. Transmission can occur through direct contact between animals or through contact with bodily fluids of infected animals, including urine, feces, saliva and blood. Carcasses of infected animals likely serve as a source of environmental contamination, allowing animals that come into contact with them to also become infected.  

There is no known transmission of CWD to humans; however, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that hunters who harvest an animal in an area where CWD is known to occur have their animal tested. If the animal tests positive, the CDC advises against eating the meat. 

Although the main sampling season is over, FWP will continue to collect samples from animals throughout the year.  

Ah, the ever-changing world of work attire. In the hustle and bustle of today's work environments, old-fashioned workplace attire is going through a stylish transformation into personalized tech wear that expertly weaves together fashion, comfort, and practicality.

Tailor-made for the contemporary professional, these pioneering outfits play a key role in building unique brand personas. With cutting-edge materials and ingenious features, custom tech wear adds a layer of sophistication to the average uniform, guaranteeing that employees not only look the part but also feel empowered and assured.

This article delves into the impact of tailored tech wear on office clothing and how it's transforming the everyday work experiences of employees.

Trading Grey for Great: The Evolution of Custom Tech Wear

Remember the old days when work uniforms were dull, and stereotypical, with all the charm of a mass-produced mug? Those days are long gone. Tailored tech wear has turned the tables, giving uniforms a major upgrade.

It's like trading in your rusty old van for a slick, luxury sports car. Custom tech wear stretches beyond the looks, it's about providing functionality and ease tailored to your everyday routine.

Imagine breathable materials that adapt to your body temperature, moisture-absorbing technology that keeps you fresh during the most hectic moments, and purpose-designed pockets that allow easy access to your essentials. This transformation makes uniforms not only stylish but also highly practical.

Moreover, custom tech wear, like custom t-shirts, can be effortlessly designed to reflect your company's branding and style. Better still, platforms like Printful allow you to order online with ease, ensuring your team’s shirt print is both unique and personalized, standing out in any workplace. This not only enhances team identity but also fosters a sense of unity among employees, reflecting their personal touch.

By adopting this trend, companies are encouraging their employees to express their uniqueness without compromising professionalism. The future of workplace attire is promising, and everyone is welcome to join this trendy transformation!

Why Custom Tech Wear is a Game-Changer?

Custom tech wear is altering the concept of workplace expectations, merging revolutionary style with pragmatic innovation. There’s a reason why this is a groundbreaking trend.

Comfort Meets Innovation
Today's tech wear uses advanced materials that focus on both comfort and functionality. Imagine breathable fabrics that help you stay cool under pressure and stretchy materials that move with you. It’s a second skin that’s a lot more socially acceptable.

Personalization Galore
Ever attempted to spot your locker among identical ones? A total nightmare, isn’t it? Custom tech wear offers customization options that ensure you aren’t lost in the crowd.

From embroidered names to exclusive color palettes, these uniforms enable personnel to express their uniqueness while preserving a consolidated corporate image. It's a win-win!

Tech-Savvy Features
Remember James Bond’s hidden device-laden watch? Well, custom tech wear is tapping into its inner Bond. Contemporary workplace uniforms come equipped with features like UV protection, antimicrobial fabrics, and even RFID-blocker pockets.

These improvements do not just simplify life but add an extra layer of security and health protection too. Imagine a uniform that does everything but your job – how’s that for futuristic?

Real-World Applications

Custom tech wear isn’t merely a concept; it’s already causing ripples in several industries, blending aesthetics and utility to boost productivity and employee involvement. Here are some real-life examples.

Healthcare Heroes
Consider the healthcare sector. Doctors and nurses work nonstop, juggling countless tasks at once. Tailored tech wear in this setting includes scrubs with antimicrobial properties that minimize the risk of infection. And those extra pockets? They're perfect for carrying vital tools without transforming into a walking hardware store.

Retail Renaissance
In retail, custom tech wear is transforming the way staff members engage with customers. Visualize retail employees in uniforms with integrated touchscreens for real-time inventory checks – it's like having a personal aide stitched on your clothes!

Corporate Elegance
Onto the corporate world. Custom tech jackets with temperature control features ensure comfort during intense board meetings. Imagine never sweating, even when those Q4 results put you on the spot. It's like having your personal climate control system.

A Tale from the Trenches

Last year, I attended a tech conference and was handed a custom tech vest. Initially, I dismissed it as another piece of promotional merchandise. But I couldn't have been more wrong. This vest was loaded – with USB charging ports, built-in LED light for reading in low-light conditions, and even a covert compartment for valuables.

By the end of the event, everyone was all praises for these vests. It wasn't just a uniform; it was a conversation starter, a functional piece of tech, and most importantly, a showcase of innovation.

Why You Should Care

You might be asking yourself, "Why is custom tech wear a big deal?" Here's the scoop. We're living in a fiercely competitive job market where keeping top-notch employees is a must.

Gifting your team with something as cutting-edge and cozy as custom tech wear sets you apart. It sends a clear message that your company places high importance on its employees' comfort and wellness, and it puts you in the league of trendsetting, forward-thinking employers.

And let's admit– who wouldn't want to feel like they're stepping into the future every time they don their work uniform?

The Future of Workplace Uniforms

Looking ahead, the possibilities for tech wear seem limitless. From integration with IoT for real-time health tracking, and smart fabrics that adapt to temperature shifts, to uniforms that can charge your devices wirelessly. The future is bright and it's being weaved into our workwear.

To Sum It Up

Custom tech wear isn't a fleeting trend. It's revamping our perception of work attire. From the medical field to retail shops to corporates, these groundbreaking frocks are simplifying life, enhancing comfort, and upping the style quotient.

If you're yet to hop onto the custom tech wear bandwagon, it's high time. Say goodbye to those antiquated uniforms and stride into the future. Remember, the attire doesn't define a man, but it can surely make him heaps more comfier and more productive.

Gallatin County is now accepting applications for funding through its Open Lands Program, offering opportunities to support projects that enhance the county’s natural and recreational assets. 

This year, the voter-approved Open Space levy is expected to generate over $4.36 million. While the majority of these funds will support conservation projects like conservation easements for private landowners, the Gallatin County Commission has allocated approximately $1.09 million for “other eligible projects.” 

Applications for these funds are open now through March 21, 2025. Eligible projects must align with the goals of the Open Space levy and focus on land acquisition, capital improvements, or maintenance projects. Applicants must demonstrate how their project supports recreation, protects water quality in streams and rivers, manages growth, or preserves wildlife areas. Projects should provide clear public benefits, such as enhanced public access or other tangible community advantages. 

Examples of Funded Projects 

In 2024, funding supported a wide range of impactful initiatives, including: 

• River access improvements on the Gallatin River. 

• Construction of an operations building for the Rendezvous Trail System in West Yellowstone. 

• A paved trail for roller-skiing at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. 

• Enhancements to the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter’s off-leash dog park. 

• Streambank restoration on Dry Creek. 

• Maintenance of the Headwaters Trail System in Three Forks. 

• Cleanup efforts in the Lower Gallatin Watershed. 

• Little Coyote Pond Fishing Access improvements in Big Sky. 

• A maintenance shop at the Gallatin County Regional Park in Bozeman. 

How to Apply 

The maximum funding award for a project is $100,000. Applications are open to public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and property owners’ associations.  

The Gallatin County Open Lands Board will evaluate applications and provide recommendations to the Gallatin County Commissioners, who will make the final funding decisions in April. 

Application Deadline 

All applications must be submitted by 5 PM on March 21, 2025, to: 

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
311 W. Main St., Room 108
Bozeman, MT 59715 

Detailed eligibility criteria, application instructions, and submission requirements are available online here.  

For questions or more information, please contact Sean O’Callaghan at 406-582-3130 or sean.ocallaghan@gallatin.mt.gov. 

BOZEMAN – As snow continues to fly in what so far has been an average snow year for Bozeman, City of Bozeman Transportation & Engineering staff are experimenting with an odd-even parking pilot program for snow plowing in the south side of town. Bozeman neighborhoods that are south of Main Street and are on the “Tuesday” schedule for snow plowing (meaning their neighborhood roads normally get serviced on Tuesdays when snow has accumulated and there is no new snow on arterial or collector streets to address) will be required to move their vehicles according to the following parking schedule:

• On the first and third Tuesdays of the month (Feb. 4 and 18, March 4 and 18, and April 1, 15 and 29), people are required to park vehicles on the side of the street with odd house numbers.
• On the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month (Feb. 11 and 25, March 11 and 25, and April 8 and 22), people must park vehicles on the side of the street with even house numbers.

“It is a challenge getting our large graders down narrow neighborhood streets, especially when vehicles are parked on both sides of the street on the assigned plowing day,” Nicholas Ross, Transportation & Engineering Director stated. “We’re always exploring ways to improve this situation so we can help prevent people from getting their vehicles buried in and make parking and driving safer for residents. This is a potential solution that could benefit all of us.

”Residents affected by the pilot program must move their vehicles to the correct side of the street by Monday evenings. If the snow plowing parking pilot program is successful over the next few months, city staff will look to implement the program city-wide for the following winter.

Those seeking more information on the pilot program and snow plowing efforts can visit www.bozemanstreetreport.com.