The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred along Moose Creek Road, near the intersection with Tamphery Creek Road, north of Big Sky.

At 10:07 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, a caller reported discovering a deceased male in a tent approximately 2.5 miles up Moose Creek Road. The caller indicated that the death may have been caused by a bear attack. Units from the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, U.S. Forest Service, Montana Highway Patrol, and Big Sky Fire Department responded to the location.

A Montana FWP agent with expertise in bear attacks responded and did not find any signs of bear activity at the scene. This prompted investigators to treat the case as a homicide. Evidence gathered through an autopsy further indicated that this was a homicide.

The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Dustin Mitchell Kjersem, 35, of Belgrade, Montana.

This incident was a vicious attack, and detectives are working hard to develop and track down leads. A suspect has not been arrested at this time. If you or someone you know was in the area within the past week, and made any observations, please contact the Sheriff’s Office. Also, anyone with game or trail cameras in the area is asked to contact the GCSO Detectives Division at 406-582-2121 or by email at detectives@gallatin.mt.gov.

Calling all artists! Gallatin County wants YOU to bring your creativity to life in the new courts building, slated to open in early 2025! We're looking for pieces that represent justice, reconciliation, and peace—themes that will help set a serene and healing tone throughout the building.

This is your chance to make a lasting impact! The 67,000-square-foot facility in Bozeman will house District, Justice and Youth courts, the Self-Help Law Center and more. It’s a community space where your art can truly inspire!

The commissioned artist (or team!) will create a site-specific installation that ties into the building’s design and its mission of justice and community healing.Deadline: Sealed proposals are due Monday, Nov. 11 at 10 AM!Ready to create something extraordinary? Get all the details and submission info on our website: https://lnkd.in/gc-8uYer

Traditional third-party risk management processes are often manual, time-consuming, and prone to human error. By introducing AI into the mix, businesses can leverage data-driven insights to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of these processes. AI-powered TPRM tools utilize machine learning, automation, and predictive analytics to provide businesses with a more robust understanding of potential risks, allowing for real-time decision-making and continuous monitoring. This modern approach transforms the way companies approach vendor management, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing operational resilience.

Automating Vendor Risk Assessments with AI

Streamlines the Process
The process of assessing vendor risk can be labor-intensive, requiring the collection and analysis of vast amounts of data. Automating vendor risk assessments with AI simplifies this by using algorithms to analyze data quickly and efficiently. AI tools evaluate a vendor’s financial stability, cybersecurity posture, and compliance with industry standards. This automated process minimizes manual tasks, allowing risk management teams to focus on higher-level decision-making. With AI-driven TPRM systems in place, businesses gain faster insights into potential risks, making it easier to flag high-risk vendors early in the assessment process, thus minimizing disruptions.

Automating Data Collection
Automating vendor risk decisions with AI tools continuously scans and gathers data from various sources such as financial reports, news articles, and industry databases. This data is then automatically analyzed to generate risk profiles for each vendor. These real-time insights allow businesses to stay up-to-date on changing risk factors, enabling more proactive risk management. Unlike traditional methods, which rely on periodic assessments, leveraging AI for vendor risk visibility provides continuous updates, reducing the chances of missing emerging threats.

Reducing Human Error
Human error is a significant risk factor in manual risk evaluations, often leading to overlooked threats or misinterpretations of data. AI-powered TPRM systems help reduce these errors by offering more consistent and accurate evaluations. Algorithms are less prone to fatigue or bias, meaning they can assess risks based on data-driven criteria without subjective influences. Additionally, these AI tools can cross-check data from multiple sources, further improving the reliability of assessments.

Faster and More Accurate
Speed and accuracy are crucial in vendor risk management, particularly when dealing with large networks of suppliers. AI TPRM tools provide faster assessments by automating repetitive tasks such as data entry, risk scoring, and report generation. This not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy of risk assessments. Businesses can receive comprehensive vendor risk profiles in minutes, rather than days or weeks. TPRM solutions powered by AI also adapt to evolving risk factors, ensuring assessments remain accurate as new data becomes available.

Key Benefits of AI-Driven TPRM for Businesses

Improved Vendor Risk Visibility
Traditional methods often provide only a snapshot of vendor risk at a single point in time. In contrast, AI continuously monitors vendors and updates risk data in real-time. This constant flow of information gives businesses a comprehensive view of their vendor landscape, allowing them to identify hidden risks or emerging threats before they escalate. AI tools can analyze patterns across different vendors, offering deeper insights into broader trends in supply chain risk.

Reducing Response Times
In today’s fast-paced business environment, the ability to respond quickly to new risks is critical. AI for vendor risk management significantly reduces response times by automating the detection of emerging threats. When a vendor’s risk profile changes—whether due to financial instability, cybersecurity incidents, or regulatory violations—AI systems can immediately alert the risk management team. This notification system ensures businesses can take swift corrective actions to mitigate potential damage.

Lowering Operational Costs
The implementation of AI-driven TPRM solutions also contributes to significant cost savings. Automation lowers labor costs while also reducing the potential for expensive errors caused by human oversight. Furthermore, third-party risk automation reduces the reliance on external consultants or specialized staff for risk assessments, cutting down on consultancy fees. Businesses can allocate resources more efficiently, using AI to handle routine tasks while risk managers focus on more strategic activities.

Enabling Risk Management Teams to Focus on Strategic Tasks
By offloading routine tasks, teams can dive deeper into critical aspects like vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and risk mitigation planning. This shift in focus leads to a more proactive approach to managing risks while improving the overall resilience of the organization.

• Building Stronger Vendor Relationships: Instead of constantly processing vendor data manually, teams can engage in deeper discussions with key partners. Strengthening vendor relationships means more than just reviewing contracts—it involves understanding a vendor's long-term goals, capabilities, and alignment with the organization’s risk tolerance. By building mutual trust and open communication, risk managers can work collaboratively with vendors to improve compliance and performance. In return, these strong partnerships help mitigate risks more effectively, as vendors are more likely to alert organizations to potential issues before they escalate.

• Negotiating Better Contracts: By handling repetitive tasks, AI allows professionals to analyze vendor performance and risks more comprehensively before entering negotiations. This data helps highlight areas where improvements can be made, such as better pricing, stricter compliance clauses, or stronger service-level agreements. With more time and information, teams can negotiate terms that better align with the organization’s risk appetite, safeguarding the company’s interests while also ensuring vendors understand their responsibilities clearly. Improved contract terms ultimately lead to more secure, mutually beneficial partnerships.

• Implementing Risk Mitigation Strategies: Shifting away from manual data entry and vendor analysis allows risk management teams to concentrate on developing and executing comprehensive risk mitigation strategies. These strategies are crucial in ensuring the organization is prepared for long-term risks that may arise from vendor relationships. AI’s real-time data and advanced analytics enable teams to identify emerging risks and trends faster, giving them a better understanding of where to focus their mitigation efforts. By actively planning and implementing strategies, such as diversifying vendors or adjusting risk management policies, teams can create a robust framework for minimizing potential disruptions and ensuring operational continuity.

When AI handles the repetitive tasks that once bogged down risk management teams, it opens the door for professionals to elevate their work to a more strategic level. Instead of simply reacting to risks, teams can proactively manage vendor relationships, negotiate smarter contracts, and implement thoughtful, long-term strategies.

AI Tools for Enhanced Risk Monitoring and Decision-Making

Leveraging Machine Learning and Predictive Analytics
Both are central components of modern AI tools for TPRM, offering a powerful way to anticipate and manage risks. These AI systems learn from historical data and identify patterns that might indicate potential future risks, enabling businesses to proactively address issues before they materialize.

How Natural Language Processing Enhances Risk Analysis
Another key element of AI-enabled third-party risk management is the use of natural language processing (NLP). NLP allows AI systems to analyze unstructured data, such as news articles, legal documents, or social media posts, for signs of potential risk. This type of data is often overlooked in traditional assessments, which typically rely on structured data like financial reports. With NLP, businesses can capture a broader view of a vendor’s risk profile, including reputational risks or compliance issues.

Continuous Vendor Monitoring
Often performed periodically, traditional risk assessments leave gaps in between where new risks could emerge unnoticed. AI fills this gap by offering 24/7 monitoring, ensuring that any changes in a vendor’s risk profile are detected immediately. A proactive approach allows businesses to address risks in real time rather than waiting for the next scheduled assessment. Continuous monitoring also helps to identify subtle shifts in vendor behavior, providing early warnings of potential issues that could escalate if left unaddressed.

The benefits of integrating AI into risk management strategies are clear: faster response times, enhanced risk assessments, and improved compliance monitoring. As AI technology continues to advance, businesses that embrace these tools will be better equipped to handle the complexities of global supply chains and regulatory requirements. The automation of routine risk management tasks frees up resources, allowing risk teams to focus on more strategic initiatives. Implementing AI is a forward-thinking approach that not only mitigates risks but also strengthens vendor relationships.

The Gallatin Hockey Officials Association is looking to add more officials for the 2024/25 season and beyond. This is a great opportunity to stay involved with hockey, challenge yourself to learn more about the game, give back to the community, and make a little bit of money in the process. Registration with USA Hockey must be complete by October 31st and certification must be complete by December 31st. 

Join us for an on ice educational opportunity October 12th from 10:45am to 11:45am to learn about the basics of referee positioning.

Questions?
Kyler Harris
harris.kyler@gmail.com
ghoamt.com

Montana Farmers Union applauds the United States Department of Agriculture announcement this week about a series of actions in support of a fair and competitive agriculture market.

"We appreciate the efforts of the Biden administration to increase more fairness in the marketplace for farmers and consumers. Holding the corporate monopolies accountable and more transparency in the marketplace are critical to creating a fair market. Increasing investments in local food production and processing helps create a more resilient and healthier food supply chain," MFU President Walter Schweitzer said.

The USDA's announcement included a new framework for improving research access to seed germplasm that helps to guarantee that seed choices are driven by innovation and the demands of sustainability. 

The findings of a USDA interim report on competition in the meat retail industry also were released, further illustrating a concerning level of consolidation that makes it increasingly difficult for family farmers and ranchers to compete.

Additionally, the USDA announced efforts to enhance price discovery in cattle markets and enforce the Packers & Stockyards Act.
 
The USDA's actions are warranted to create a more level playing field in the face of industry consolidation that means roughly 80 percent of meat processing capacity is controlled by four large meat packers, Schweitzer said.

"MFU looks forward to the continued pressure on big business to be more transparent and forcing them to stop taking advantage of farmers and consumers," he said.

Click here to read the full USDA announcement. 

Devon Orme stands in the Xigaze Forearc Basin in Tibet, a field area for her ongoing research under a National Science Foundation CAREER grant. Photo courtesy Devon Orme

BOZEMAN – A Montana State University expert was quoted recently in a CNN article about the phenomenon of “river piracy” and its role in the uplift rate of Mount Everest and two nearby peaks in the Himalayan range.

Devon Orme, associate professor in MSU’s Department of Earth Sciences in the College of Letters and Science, was asked by CNN writer Mindy Weisberger to comment on a paper by Chinese geologist Jin-Gen Dai, which was published Sept. 30 in the journal Nature Geoscience. The paper suggests that when a tributary of the Arun River was captured and diverted by the Kosi River in the Himalayas about 89,000 years ago, it changed the drainage patterns of the landscape. That, in turn, caused enough erosion in the valleys below Mount Everest to spark what is known as “isostatic rebound” – the upward lift of the landscape in response to decreased surface load.

As a tectonic sedimentologist, Orme studies landscapes formed by the collision of tectonic plates. She did her doctoral research in Tibet, where Eurasia and India converged 58 million to 60 million years ago to create the Himalayas. She is currently researching the erosional record of the region, which includes sampling river sands across Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Though Orme was not involved in the research reported by CNN, she and an MSU graduate student traveled to Nepal last December to sample sands in the Kosi and Arun rivers.

In the CNN article, which states that most of the Himalayan range is rising about 1 millimeter a year due to the continuing force of the plate collision, Orme said that Dai’s findings offer a promising explanation for why Everest, along with nearby mountains Lhotse and Makalu, are rising about twice as fast as neighboring peaks.

“This paper convincingly highlights the interplay of surface and deeper tectonic processes in shaping high topography on Earth,” Orme said.

She added, however, that because the findings are based on computer models, they will need to be verified by field research.

The article includes additional examples cited by Orme of river captures that have remodeled landscapes on Earth, including in the Amazon drainage basin and in two other regions of the Himalayas.

Orme, who joined the MSU faculty in 2017, has received numerous research grants from the National Science Foundation, including one that is funding her current research in the Himalayas. She is also the recipient of an NSF CAREER award, one of the most prestigious grants for researchers early in their careers.

BOZEMAN – About 34 million years ago, Earth began to cool dramatically, transforming the climate from greenhouse to icehouse and causing sea levels to fall. As more land was exposed to weathering forces, copious amounts of sediment likely sloughed off continents into the oceans, bound for the deep seafloor.

So, when Montana State University assistant professor Zachary Burton, then a doctoral student at Stanford University, set out to see how that sediment had accumulated as submarine layers of sand and mud, he expected there would be much to discover.

To his surprise, he instead found – nothing.

The journal Earth-Science Reviews this week published Burton’s findings, which reveal the existence of a global unconformity — or gap in the rock record — around the edges of every continent at the time of the pivotal greenhouse-to-icehouse climatic transition. In addition to challenging conceptual models widely used for the past half-century about the relationships between sea levels and sediment movement in the deep oceans, Burton said his discovery has left him and his co-authors wondering: Where in the world did all the sediment go?

“This is something we weren’t at all expecting to discover,” said Burton, who recently joined the faculty of MSU’s Department of Earth Sciences in the College of Letters in Science. “We’d set out to find lots of deposition, lots of sand. Instead, we’re finding a gap in the rock record. That sediment is missing.”

The paper published Tuesday began as part of Burton’s doctoral thesis, for which he conducted a massive review of existing data on deep-sea sediments deposited during various extreme climatic periods in Earth’s history.

Last year, the journal Nature Scientific Reports published another article based on a different chapter of Burton’s thesis. It described the presence of large volumes of sand deposited along the margins of nearly all continents when sea levels were high during a very warm climate interval about 50 million years ago. It was another unexpected finding that didn’t conform to traditional ideas about how ocean sediments are deposited.

Burton said further research is needed to explain the results of both studies, and to expand understanding of global controls on marine sedimentary systems in the past, present and future.

“Why do we care about sand moving out in the ocean? It’s not only to understand what happened millions of years ago, but also to understand the contemporary world and what’s going on under the ocean surface,” he said.

For example, he said, geologists employed by oil companies study the distribution of sands in sedimentary basins, which often contain oil. Some scientists are investigating the suitability of sand deposits as reservoirs for sequestering carbon. And a better grasp of submarine processes and hazards is necessary to protect undersea cables, as well as to determine risks to other types of offshore infrastructure, such as wind farms or oil and gas platforms.

As a new MSU faculty member, Burton plans to continue studying the impacts of historic climate changes and other catastrophic events with his students. In the spring, he hopes to offer a special course for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students to investigate what happened after an especially notorious moment in Earth’s natural history: the Chicxulub meteor impact that killed the dinosaurs 66 million years ago.

Burton said the research-intensive seminar will follow a similar approach to his just-published paper. It will involve looking at data from marine settings along the world’s continental margins to compile a catalog of sediments centered around the dinosaur-killing impact.

“The motivation is to understand the responses of these sedimentary systems to catastrophic perturbations, such as extreme climate change or a world-altering meteorite impact,” he said. “For students, it’s an opportunity to contribute to a research question that hasn’t really been answered.”

As for the newly published paper, Burton said he expects it to capture some attention.
“We put out a paper that hopefully gets people scratching their heads,” he said. “It’s good to keep us all thinking.”

BIG SKY – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff responded to a reported encounter between a hunter and a grizzly bear on Saturday.

The hunter was in the backcountry south of Hidden Lakes in the Gallatin Range when he saw a grizzly bear and two large cubs at close range. The hunter climbed a tree to avoid the bear, but the bear charged at the hunter. The hunter shot and injured the bear from the tree. The hunter stayed in the tree while the injured bear remained nearby.

The hunter called 911 and reported his location. FWP grizzly bear specialists, game wardens and a pilot responded via helicopter. After they landed, FWP staff dispatched the injured bear and found the hunter, who was not injured.

FWP staff did not observe any cubs or cub tracks from the air or ground. The area was flown multiple times during the event. The euthanized bear was confirmed to be an adult female.

This incident is still under investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Gallatin County Search and Rescue and the Custer Gallatin National Forest assisted FWP in responding to the incident.

Be bear aware

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

This time of year is when bears are active for longer periods as they consume more food in preparation for hibernation. This period overlaps with hunting season and other fall recreation activities.

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

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Make noise to alert bears to your presence and travel in groups.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
• Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.
• Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.

Some areas with dense concentrations of grizzly bears are very accessible to hunters, especially during the archery season. Keep these precautions in mind when hunting in grizzly country, which includes much of the western two-thirds of Montana:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Watch for and be extra cautious around bear sign, creeks and areas with limited visibility. Most attacks happen in surprise, close encounters.
• Hunt with a group of people. This can help you make localized noise to alert bears to your presence, and it may also increase your chances of survival in the event of a bear attack.
• Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.
• Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game and remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible.
• If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards.
• Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. Make noise while approaching the meat. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.

For more information and resources on being safe in bear country, click here. 

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