Telling the Bozeman Story Since 2007

News+Media

Browse all content by date.
News, Articles, Blogs, Photos, Videos

Thursday, Jan. 30th, 2025

Gallatin County Accepting Applications for Open Lands Program Funding

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. 

Add a Comment »

Monday, Jan. 27th, 2025

Bozeman Pilots Odd-Even Parking Program for Snow Plowing

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.

Add a Comment »

Sunday, Jan. 26th, 2025

Closures in place for 2 southwestern Montana fishing access sites due to flooding


BOZEMAN – Two fishing access sites are facing partial or full closures due to ice jams, flooding and unsafe access conditions for visitors.

Valley Garden Fishing Access Site on the Madison River near Ennis is fully closed due to a large ice jam on the river, causing water and ice to inundate the entrance road, boat ramp and campground.

Drouillard Fishing Access Site on the Jefferson River near Three Forks is partially closed due to similar conditions. The boat ramp and vehicle turnaround area are closed, but the rest of the site remains open.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will lift the closures when conditions allow.

Additional site closures may be in effect already or required later for other sites around the state, depending on weather and river flows. Current restrictions and closures of FWP-managed lands and waterbodies can be found here.

Recreationists are encouraged to use caution when visiting rivers because of unseen hazards, as well as flow and ice conditions that can change suddenly. For more information about river recreation safety, click here.

Add a Comment »

Thursday, Jan. 23rd, 2025

A Heartfelt Journey: Embracing Luxury Transportation from JFK to the Heart of New York

Luxury Transportation Experience

Experience the pinnacle of elegance and comfort with our JFK car service. Designed for those who value sophistication and efficiency, our service transforms ordinary travel into a luxurious journey. From the moment you book with us, every detail is crafted to deliver a seamless and unparalleled experience.

Our fleet boasts a range of world-class vehicles, meticulously maintained and equipped with premium amenities. Whether you"re traveling for business or leisure, our selection includes:
• Sleek sedans for a smooth and stylish ride
• Spacious SUVs with ample room for luggage and companions
• Lavish limousines that redefine comfort and prestige

Each vehicle promises a quiet cabin, plush seating, and state-of-the-art climate control, ensuring your journey is as delightful as your destination. Our professional chauffeurs are more than drivers; they are trained to provide exceptional service with a deep understanding of the importance of punctuality, privacy, and discretion.

Attention to detail is our hallmark. We monitor your flight to adjust for any delays, guaranteeing you're met on time, every time. Need assistance with your luggage or have specific preferences for your ride? Our team is ready to accommodate and tailor the service to meet your unique needs.

Moreover, our booking process is streamlined for ease and convenience. Utilize our online system to reserve your ride in just a few clicks. Whether planning months in advance or requiring a last-minute service, we ensure your requests are handled efficiently.

When opting for our JFK car service, you"re choosing more than transportation; you"re opting for a memorable EXPERIENCE where luxury meets reliability. Let us elevate your travel with an unmatched blend of style and sophistication.

Advantages of Choosing Premium Car Services

Opting for a premium car service offers a host of distinct advantages that cater to both business and leisure travelers. These services go beyond basic transportation, providing unparalleled comfort, convenience, and efficiency that make your journey not just a ride, but a memorable experience.

First and foremost, premium car services prioritize punctuality and reliability. Whether you need to catch a flight, attend a crucial meeting, or simply avoid the stress of navigating traffic, professional chauffeurs are trained to ensure timely arrivals and departures. This reliability is bolstered by real-time traffic monitoring and state-of-the-art navigation systems.

The comfort provided by premium car services is unrivaled. With a fleet of high-end vehicles, you can expect plush interiors, climate control, and ample space to stretch out. This is complemented by amenities like Wi-Fi, charging ports, and refreshments, turning your commute into a relaxing retreat.

Safety is paramount. Premium car services invest heavily in the maintenance of their vehicles and the training of their drivers. This commitment to safety is reflected in rigorous background checks and continuous driver education, ensuring that your journey is smooth and secure.

• Access to a diverse fleet of luxury vehicles
• Personalized service tailored to your preferences
• Expertly trained professional chauffeurs
• Advanced amenities for comfort and productivity

Moreover, premium car services provide a level of personalization that is difficult to match. From the vehicle selection to route preferences and any special requirements you might have, these services are designed to cater specifically to your needs.

In conclusion, by choosing a premium car service, you are investing in an experience defined by luxury, reliability, and personalized attention. Whether for business or leisure, this choice ensures that your travel is as enjoyable as your destination.

Professional Chauffeurs and Their Expertise

In the bustling world of transportation, the role of a professional chauffeur is indispensable, especially for those seeking exceptional service like a JFK car service. A professional chauffeur is not merely a driver but a skilled expert committed to delivering a premier experience to each passenger. Their expertise begins with an intimate knowledge of the city"s intricate grid of streets and a mastery of traffic patterns to ensure timely arrivals.

Professional chauffeurs distinguish themselves through their commitment to customer service. They undergo rigorous training to refine their interpersonal skills and anticipate client needs, offering a tailored experience that goes beyond conventional transportation. From managing luggage with care to providing insightful local recommendations, their focus is on enhancing the customer's journey.

When utilizing a top-tier service such as a JFK car service, passengers benefit from:

• Punctuality: Chauffeurs monitor flight schedules and traffic updates to ensure they are always prepared for any delays or changes, providing peace of mind for international and domestic travelers.
• Safety: With a deep understanding of defensive driving techniques, chauffeurs prioritize passenger safety, adhering to all traffic laws and maintaining a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
• Comfort: Vehicles are maintained meticulously, offering amenities such as Wi-Fi, refreshments, and climate control settings tailored to each passenger's preferences.

Their dedication to excellence is reflected in their appearance and conduct professionally dressed and maintaining a composed and respectful interaction with clients. This level of professionalism ensures that whether you're heading to a business meeting or traveling in leisure, your experience is smooth and pleasant. With a focus on discretion and confidentiality, professional chauffeurs are trusted partners on whom clients can rely. This unwavering commitment to quality service is what sets a premium transportation experience apart, making each ride more than just a means to an end. 

Booking Your Exclusive Ride with Ease

When you're planning a trip to or from JFK Airport, ensuring a seamless transportation experience should be one of your top priorities. Opting for a professional car service is a convenient and reliable choice. The process of booking your exclusive ride has been simplified and streamlined, catering to your unique needs and preferences.

Booking your ride involves a straightforward process, designed to provide ease and flexibility:

• Online Booking System: Access an intuitive online platform that allows you to book your car service at any time, from anywhere. Input your pickup location, destination, date, and time to view available options.
• Wide Range of Vehicles: Choose from a diverse fleet of luxury vehicles, ensuring your comfort and style requirements are met. Options range from sedans and SUVs to vans, providing ample space for individuals, families, or groups.
• Instant Quotes: Receive instant pricing information based on your chosen route and vehicle type, allowing you to make informed decisions without any hidden costs.
• Professional Drivers: Rest assured with professionally trained drivers who prioritize your safety, punctuality, and overall travel experience. They're familiar with the best routes to avoid traffic and ensure timely arrivals.

Customization options enhance your travel experience significantly. You can specify additional services such as child seats, meet and greet services, or even a preferred newspaper or beverage to be waiting for you. Clear communication is maintained through email or SMS confirmations and reminders, keeping you informed about your booking status. Furthermore, flexible payment methods, including credit cards and mobile payments, ensure a hassle-free transaction process.

This meticulous approach to service emphasizes client satisfaction, letting you travel with peace of mind. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, enjoy the convenience and reliability of a top-tier JFK car service, making your airport commute an enjoyable part of your journey.

Add a Comment »

Scientists at Montana State reveal potential source of light for quantum technologies

BOZEMAN – Experiments conducted at Montana State University in collaboration with Columbia University and the Honda Research Institute have resulted in the emission of single photons of light in a new type of quantum material — a feat that could lead to the development of controllable light sources for use in quantum technologies.

A comprehensive article about the breakthrough was published recently in the journal Nature Communications. It describes ultrasmall, two-dimensional, ribbon-shaped materials measuring one atom thick and tens of atoms wide – about a thousand times narrower than the width of a human hair. The nanoribbons were grown by the Honda Research Institute, stretched over specialized surfaces developed by Columbia to stimulate photon emission, then manipulated and tested by the MSU team, which analyzed and described the nanoribbons’ characteristics, including their ability to emit single photons.

“When the Columbia and HRI teams approached us, we were very enthusiastic to investigate the new system,” said Nicholas Borys, associate professor in MSU’s Department of Physics in the College of Letters and Science and associate director of the MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry at MSU. “These first experiments revealed that microscopic areas of the material engineered by the Columbia team were capable of emitting single photons of light, launching a much bigger effort to develop the system further.”

The MonArk NSF Quantum Foundry is a partnership between MSU and the University of Arkansas that was founded in 2021 with a $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation. It provides scientists with access to advanced manufacturing and measurement tools for the study of 2D materials for quantum technologies. These tools enable researchers to quickly process new materials, measure their properties and behavior, and test their performance in model quantum devices.

Three-dimensional materials, made up of stacked layers of atoms, exhibit various properties, such as thermal and electrical conductivity or – in this case – the ability to emit single photons at a time. Two-dimensional materials are single layers of atoms that retain the behaviors they exhibit in their 3D forms, but with enhanced properties that emerge because they are atomically thin. Though the ability to emit single photons at a time was known to occur in large sheets of 2D materials, Borys said the observation made by the project team was the first demonstration that it also occurs in these much smaller ribbon structures.

Avetik Harutyunyan, HRI senior chief scientist, said, “Our technology provides a new pathway for the synthesis of quantum nanoribbons with precise width control, leveraging their unique mechanical and electronic properties as a single photon light source to realize secure communication known as quantum communication.”

The collaborators on this project were able to encode information on a stream of individual photons emitted by the new nanoribbon material. They say that such streams could be used to create and distribute encrypted information between selected transmitters and receivers. Those communications would be secure, they added, because any attempt to eavesdrop on the communications would interfere with the quantum states being regulated by the receiver, introducing errors that could be detected immediately.

Samuel Wyss, a co-author of the recently published paper and one of two MSU doctoral students who worked on the nanoscale manipulation of the 2D materials, said these nanoribbons are unlike any other materials that have been studied to date.
“Studying the fundamental physics and these interactions in 2D semiconductors will allow us to engineer these materials for new electronic devices and unseen and unthought of applications,” Wyss said.

Borys said the collaboration began about 2 ½ years ago, when Columbia and HRI asked MonArk to run optical tests on new ribbon structures of 2D materials that Honda had grown from molybdenum and tungsten. After stretching the materials over structures provided by the Columbia team, the MSU scientists studied how wrinkles in the ribbons interacted with light at ultracold temperatures near absolute zero.

Borys said the study of HRI’s nanoribbons has yielded valuable information about 2D materials in general, and he described them as “potentially the highest quality of 2D materials we’ve studied.” He said the team will continue to test their fundamental quantum limits.

“There’s a possibility of shrinking the ribbons further,” he said. “We’re going to gain a lot of insight into generating a single photon of light with 2D materials by studying these nanoribbon structures.”

The MonArk team also will explore how to overcome challenges related to using the materials in industry. Because the single photons are emitted rapidly and unpredictably, Borys said the team will investigate whether it’s possible to use an electrical source like a battery to act as a photon-activation switch. MonArk is also testing how the nanoribbons perform in an actual quantum technology platform. 
Borys credited the leadership of Xufan Li of the Honda Research Institute and James Schuck of Columbia University for the success of the collaboration.

“It’s been very enriching and exciting working with the team at the Honda Research Institute,” he said. “They are very motivated to see scientific discoveries rapidly translated into usable technologies. It has been a great experience for the students working on the project, with first results that are exciting for quantum technologies.”

Add a Comment »

Montana dinosaur nesting grounds named International Geoheritage Site


BOZEMAN — For more than 40 years, an area of Cretaceous rock exposures in northwest Montana has been the site of exciting fossil discoveries, including ones by paleontologists from Montana State University’s Museum of the Rockies. Now, it has been named an International Geoheritage Site.

The designation identifies such sites “as being of the highest scientific value. They are sites that served to develop the science of geology, particularly its early history,” according to the International Commission on Geoheritage.

The science organization awarded the designation to the “Cretaceous Dinosaur Nesting Grounds of the Willow Creek Anticline” at its international congress over the summer in South Korea.

“Fossils unearthed at the Willow Creek Anticline helped change the way people think about dinosaurs,” said John Scannella, curator of paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies. “These discoveries have shaped our view of what dinosaurs were like as living animals.”

In 1978, Marion Brandvold discovered tiny bones in outcrops of the Cretaceous Two Medicine Formation near Choteau. That summer, paleontologists Jack Horner and Bob Makela visited the Brandvolds’ rock shop in Bynum, Montana, and identified the bones as those of baby duck-billed dinosaurs. They visited the site where the bones were discovered and found many more baby dinosaur bones, along with dinosaur eggshells. They discovered that the little dinosaur fossils were in nests, the first reported from the Western hemisphere.

Studies revealed the bones belonged to a new species of duck-billed dinosaur that nested together in groups and cared for their young. For much of the 20th century, dinosaurs had been thought of as lumbering, lizard-like animals. Those surprising findings in Montana suggested dinosaurs were more dynamic and social than previously suspected.

The duck-billed dinosaurs were named Maiasaura peeblesorum — Maiasaura meaning “good mother reptile” and peeblesorum honoring the Peebles family, on whose land the discoveries were made. In 1985, Maiasaura became Montana’s state fossil.

The Willow Creek Anticline, where the fossils were found, is a large fold in the Cretaceous rocks of the region. Near the Maiasaura nesting ground, many other fossil finds have been made, including the famous Egg Mountain site, which revealed eggs and embryos of bird-like theropod dinosaurs.

“Many of the fossil localities of the Willow Creek Anticline are now part of Museum of the Rockies’ Beatrice R. Taylor Paleontology Research Area, where exploration into these incredible animals and their environment continues each year,” Scannella said. 
For more information about fossils in Montana,  visit, www.museumoftherockies.org. To learn more about the Willow Creek Anticline and other Geoheritage sites, visit https://iugs-geoheritage.org/geoheritage_sites/the-cretaceous-dinosaur-nesting-grounds-of-the-willow-creek-anticline/.

Add a Comment »

Montana State chemist wins prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers

BOZEMAN – Sharon Neufeldt, an organic chemist at Montana State University, has received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor the United States government gives to outstanding scientists and engineers near the beginning of their careers.

An associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in MSU’s College of Letters and Science, Neufeldt is known for her research on cross-coupling, which is a type of chemical reaction facilitated by certain metals, such as nickel or palladium. The reactions are used to form bonds between carbon atoms of two separate molecules to create new compounds that are useful in a wide variety of applications, including the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries.
In 2019, Neufeldt won a five-year, $675,000 National Science Foundation CAREER award to develop catalysts for more selective and efficient chemical reactions. She has since received funding to continue the research, which is ongoing in her lab. Her work aims to better understand the role of catalysts in controlling the selectivity of cross-coupling reactions.

Neufeldt explained that achieving a selective chemical reaction can be tricky because there are often two or more locations on one molecule where a second molecule can attach. Catalysts can facilitate the formation of particular bonds, making it easier for scientists to create the molecules they want to study – for example, a new class of possible drug molecules.

“Cross-coupling reactions are a very powerful class of transformation,” Neufeldt said, “but there are still things we don’t understand.”

Neufeldt first learned she was a candidate for the PECASE last month, while proctoring the final exam for her Organic Chemistry II class. During the test, she checked her inbox and found what she thought was a fraudulent email stating that she was being considered for the award. Because she no longer had an active CAREER award – a requirement for PECASE nomination by the NSF – she didn’t believe herself to be eligible.

“I was ready to report the phishing attempt to MSU,” she said. “I separately emailed my NSF contact to say I thought it was a phishing email from her address. She replied that I was nominated in 2021, but it just took a while for it to be processed.”

The eligibility question answered, she said she still was a little surprised.

“I am very proud of the work that my students have accomplished,” said Neufeldt, who is currently working with eight doctoral students. “Almost all the work was done by my students, including the first students to join my group.”

Joan Broderick, head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said Neufeldt is an outstanding researcher, mentor and teacher.

“She gives generously of her time to advance the mission of MSU in all her roles as a faculty member,” Broderick said. “We are truly fortunate to have her as a colleague, and exceptionally happy that she is being recognized with a PECASE award.”

Neufeldt joined the MSU faculty in 2016 after working as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Los Angeles. She earned her doctorate in chemistry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and her bachelor's degree in chemistry at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

She was one of 25 educators named to the 2020 class of Cottrell Scholars, an award honoring academic leadership and innovative research in the physical sciences. The same year, she received the Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award through the NIH’s National Institute of General Medical Sciences to support her fundamental research into developing and increasing the efficiency of organic chemical reactions.
As a postdoctoral researcher, Neufeldt received UCLA's first Cram Teacher-Scholar Fellowship and UCLA's Hanson-Dow Teaching Award.

As a doctoral student, Neufeldt won the University of Michigan's Research Excellence Award and the University Regents Award. As an undergraduate, before graduating summa cum laude, she won the outstanding senior award in the College of Engineering and Natural Sciences, a Provost's Scholarship and a Hooper Undergraduate Research Fellowship, among other awards.

In addition to ongoing NSF- and NIH-funded research, Neufeldt said, she and her students began new research this month into ways to break carbon-carbon bonds in plastics, such as polyethylene. That work is funded by MSU through the Research Expansion Funds Grant Program. 

“Dr. Neufeldt’s work is impressive, and it is a pleasure to support her with internal research expansion funds. These internal grants are for researchers who want to develop novel research methods that can lead to additional externally funded projects,” said Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president for Research and Economic Development. 

“I am delighted to see her win national recognition for her scholarship,” Harmon added. “Like many of our top faculty, Dr. Neufeldt is not only an accomplished researcher, but also an exceptional teacher.”

Add a Comment »

Wednesday, Jan. 22nd, 2025

Two Top Loop Injured Snowmobiler


On January 17, 2025, at 9:13 am, West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch received a report of an injured snowmobiler who had struck a tree. The patient was located 4.5 miles west of West Yellowstone, MT on the Two Top forest service trail.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers from the West Yellowstone detachment, Hebgen Basin Rural Fire District, US Forest Service Law Enforcement, Yellowstone National Park Law Enforcement, and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the request for aid. It was determined the best and most efficient way for responders to assist would be via use of snowmobiles and a specialized snowmobile towed ambulance. The patient was transported from the scene of the accident by the snowmobile towed ambulance to a waiting HBFD ambulance for further evaluation. The injured snowmobiler was later transported to Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center for a higher level of care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the group of snowmobilers on scene who provided accurate and reliable information allowing responders to dispatch proper resources. This led to a quick and efficient response for the patient, and everyone involved. Sheriff Springer would also like to remind snowmobilers to be cognizant of changing trail conditions and to always ride within your abilities.

Add a Comment »

Dana Rashid receives $1 million Keck Award to study connections between inflammation and skeletal development


BOZEMAN — The project began as an effort to re-engineer ancestral dinosaur traits in modern birds.  

Dana Rashid, an assistant research professor in Montana State University’s Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, had collaborated with the Museum of the Rockies to explore how the tails of modern birds evolved from those of their prehistoric predecessors. But her research revealed a strange phenomenon: Inflammation, similar to that which occurs when a body is healing a broken bone, was present in the fusion of avian dinosaur bones into their modern tails, even though no broken bones were present.

That discovery led to more exploration of where this inflammation was coming from and whether it was somehow important to avian skeletal development. It turned out that it was, a finding that was published in the journal PNAS last year. Now, Rashid has been awarded a prestigious $1 million grant from the W.M. Keck Foundation to continue studying the phenomenon, which has implications for health and skeletal development in humans.

“It was just a complete shock,” said Rashid of the announcement that the project had been selected by the Keck Foundation. “Our project is out-of-the-box. It's unconventional, and this is phenomenal for us. It's huge in so many ways.”

Along with collaborators Susan Chapman at Clemson University and Kim Cooper at the University of California, San Diego, Rashid will continue to explore the role that inflammation plays in skeletal development.

In their earlier work, the researchers discovered that when chickens were treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, the evolutionarily derived bone fusion was halted—an astounding impact for a drug to have on an evolutionary mechanism developed over hundreds of millions of years. If similar responses were to be observed in humans, Rashid said, they could raise questions about the impact of corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatories on skeletal growth, particularly in children.

Rashid’s project is the third from MSU to be funded by the Keck Foundation over the past decade. The philanthropic organization supports research in science, medicine and engineering, with an emphasis on projects that take novel or unconventional approaches with the potential for high-impact results. 

“The W.M. Keck Foundation invests in high-risk but high-reward research. Their awards are very competitive and difficult to secure,” said Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development. “We are very proud that Dr. Rashid’s work has captured their attention and support. It has the potential to make a significant contribution to what we know about inflammation.” 

MSU’s two most recent Keck awards have focused on Yellowstone National Park: In 2020, Eric Boyd, also from the Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology, received funding to study the link between seismic activity and the park’s microbial communities, and in 2016, a team led by Brent Peyton in the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering received a Keck grant to study the organisms that thrive in the area’s hot springs.

The award will fund three years of continued research, which will include explorations of non-pathological inflammation in mammals. The funding will support a research scientist and both undergraduate and graduate student scientists.

“In order to make this applicable to humans and human medicine, we needed to move to mammals and show that this is a universal mechanism,” Rashid said. “So, this grant is to start looking at mammals to build off what we started in birds.” 

The fusion of separate bones into a single bone is common in skeletal development, Rashid said, especially in the sacrum and in areas around growth plates such as the arms and legs in humans. Bone fusion in those areas, which are called epiphyseal plates, is a sign of skeletal maturity.

If that fusion is induced through inflammation, then treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs, as is common with conditions such as asthma, could potentially inhibit proper skeletal growth.

“We're still learning which fusions are susceptible to anti-inflammatory drugs,” Rashid said. “This is really important to know, especially for kids who are on long-term corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs. We need to know what's happening with their skeletons.”

The team will also explore a concept called necroptosis, which is a form of cell death in living bodies. Necroptosis is known to drive inflammation, especially in cancer, and Rashid and her group have evidence of necroptosis playing a role in vertebral fusion. Rashid said that identifying a connection between necroptosis and diseases like ankylosing spondylitis, which results in detrimental fusion of vertebrae in the spine, could lead to new avenues of medical treatments.

For Rashid, who has been exploring these evolutionary mechanisms for more than a decade, the Keck funding shows critical support for a project that is uniquely interdisciplinary.

“We can learn a lot about these bone fusion events throughout the whole skeleton in normal development and disease,” she said. “Because it came from such an unorthodox origin, starting from paleontology and dinosaur evolution and finding this phenomenon, this project has allowed us to look at things from a different perspective and make some discoveries that have been interesting and unique.”

About the W. M. Keck Foundation
The W. M. Keck Foundation was established in 1954 in Los Angeles by William Myron Keck, founder of The Superior Oil Company.  One of the nation’s largest philanthropic organizations, the W. M. Keck Foundation supports outstanding science, engineering and medical research.  The Foundation also supports undergraduate education and maintains a program within Southern California to support arts and culture, education, health and community service projects.

Add a Comment »

Gallatin County Justice Center Now Open


Gallatin County’s new courts facility is officially open! 

This month, staff from the offices in the Gallatin County Justice Center have moved into the brand-new, 67,000-square-foot building located at 515 S. 16th Ave. in Bozeman. The new facility sits adjacent to the now-closed Law and Justice Center. 

The state-of-the-art Justice Center houses: 

  • Youth Court and Probation offices 
  • Clerk of Court offices 
  • Standing Master office 
  • Space for the Self-Help Law Center 

Additional features include a large public community and jury assembly room and a security detail office operated by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.  

The project has been discussed as a community need for many years, as the old Law and Justice Center building is an out-of-code Catholic high school building purchased by the county in the 1980s. The 2021 Montana Legislature funded a fourth District Court in Gallatin County, leaving the physical space issue to be dealt with by Gallatin County. Our District Court judges have been sharing courtrooms in the old building since 2021, but now all four judges will have their own courtrooms and adequate office space for their support staff.  

“The opening of the new Gallatin County Justice Center brings expanded capacity, increased efficiency and improved safety for employees and the public,” said Gallatin County Commission Chair Jennifer Boyer. “We are proud of this community investment and thankful for the support our voters gave to make this happen.” 

Gallatin County Victim Services, previously located in the old Law and Justice Center, has relocated along with the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office to the former Farm Bureau building at 502 S. 19th Ave., Suite 102, in Bozeman.  

Gallatin County 911 Records, also previously housed in the Law and Justice Center, has moved to the second floor of the Judge Guenther Memorial Center at 1709 W. College St.  

And last summer, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office moved into their newly renovated building at 677 Larua Louise Lane in Four Corners.  

Please note: Bozeman Municipal Court remains located at the Bozeman Public Safety Center at 121 N. Rouse Ave. 

Facility Funding 

The $46 million cost of the new Justice Center was funded through a combination of sources: 

  • Voter-approved bond: $29 million 
  • County general fund money freed by American Rescue Plan Act funds: $4.8 million 
  • County savings: $5 million 
  • Bond premium funds: $3.7 million 
  • Financing: $3.5 million 

Construction began in the fall of 2022 and was completed earlier this year. 

What’s Next for the Old Law and Justice Center? 

The former Law and Justice Center, originally built in 1961 as a Catholic high school and later purchased by the county and retrofitted for law enforcement and court use, is scheduled for demolition later this spring. The site will be repurposed to provide additional parking. 

Public Celebration 

A public ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Justice Center will be held later this spring. Stay tuned for details! 

Surplus Sale 

Gallatin County is hosting a public surplus sale at the former Law and Justice Center building (615 S. 16th Ave., Bozeman) on Saturday, Jan. 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Items for sale include office furnishings, courtroom pews, and other items no longer needed for county business. 

For more information, please contact Nick Borzak at 406-582-3185 or nick.borzak@gallatin.mt.gov. 

Add a Comment »

Local Guides

News Comments

Your Guide to the Bozeman Area and SW Montana.
Locally & Independently Published

Visit our Facebook page Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter X Sign up for our weekly newsletter!

Get Involved

About Bozeman Magazine

Give Bozeman Magazine a call at:

(406) 219-3455

Advertise!with Bozeman Magazine

Sign up for our Advertising Insider newsletter to be notified of upcoming deals and deadlines.

Partner Links

FTC Disclosure | Terms of Use / Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved