Tuesday, Aug. 2nd, 2022

Wolf report shows stable population numbers through 2021

HELENA – Wolf numbers and distribution continue to be stable across Montana, according to numbers released Monday in the 2021 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wolf Report.

“What the data shows us really isn’t surprising,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “Our management of wolves, including ample hunting and trapping opportunities, have kept numbers at a relatively stable level during the past several years.”

In understanding this report, people must keep in mind that population trends are monitored by the calendar year, in this case 2021, which is consistent with how FWP and other agencies have tracked wolf populations since the 1980s and how wolf populations are tracked in other areas. However, the wolf hunting and trapping season ended March 15, 2022. The harvest realized during this first three months of 2022 isn’t reflected in the 2021 wolf population estimate.

Another interesting aspect of the data is that wolf trapping efforts were down this license year from past years. This means fewer trappers were on the landscape. Potential reasons for this include unfavorable weather conditions during the trapping season.

The 2021 Montana Legislature approved a suite of legislation that added more tools for hunters and trappers for harvesting wolves. The legislature also passed legislation directing FWP to manage wolves in a manner that would reduce numbers to a sustainable level above minimum recovery goals.

In response, the Fish and Wildlife Commission increased bag limits, allowed snaring outside of lynx protection zones, and extended the season. Additionally, the commission also set harvest threshold numbers in each FWP region and at a statewide scale that required them to reconvene if those harvest levels were met. Ultimately, the commission closed wolf season in southwest Montana early because the pre-established threshold was met.

“We are following the law,” Worsech said. “And are doing so in a way that provides certainty that wolf populations in Montana will remain off the Endangered Species List.”

By the numbers

The estimated wolf population in Montana at the end of 2021 is 1,141. This is down 40 wolves from 1,181 in 2020. This is not a statistically significant difference. In the last 10 years, wolf populations saw an estimated high of 1,256 in 2011 and a low of 1,113 in 2017. The small difference in these two numbers demonstrates a population trend that is very stable.

At the end of 2021, Montana had an estimated 192 wolf packs. This is down from an estimated 198 in 2020. In the last 10 years, estimated pack numbers have fluctuated from a high of 205 in 2012 to a low of 186 in 2017.

Methodology

FWP employed new population estimation methodology in 2007, called integrated patch occupancy model (iPOM). This methodology has undergone a scientific peer review both of its individual components and the cumulative process as a whole.

iPOM pulls together a variety of different sources of data, including information from FWP biologists, to produce population and distribution estimates. Another important source of data come from hunter harvest surveys that are conducted by FWP every year. These surveys ask deer and elk hunters if they saw wolves while hunting and, if so, where. These surveys are done after hunting season and are necessary to make an accurate estimate.

To see the latest wolf report and other wolf management information, click here.

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Suspect detained, victim recovers after being shot Sunday 7/31

On July 31, 2022, at approximately 7:50 pm, the Bozeman Police Department responded to Walmart at 1500 N. 7th Avenue, for the report of a shooting that occurred inside the store.  Upon arrival, officers treated the incident as an active shooter in progress due to the limited information known at the time, and immediately entered the building through a chaotic scene.  Officers located an adult male with an obvious gunshot wound and performed lifesaving measures on him along with members of American Medical Response (AMR) and the Bozeman Fire Department.  The male was transported by AMR to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital where he is currently being treated. He is expected to recover from his wounds.

 
While searching Walmart, officers located an adult male who identified himself as the shooter. This individual was initially detained, and is currently cooperating with investigators. The shooter was lawfully in possession of a handgun that is believed to be the only firearm used during this incident.  Our initial investigation suggests this was not a random act as the incident relates to a brief confrontation outside of Wal-Mart shortly before the shooting occurred. Our investigation team continues to gather evidence and identify witnesses, and further questions are being answered to determine whether charges will be forthcoming. We are not currently searching for any suspects or persons of interest and there are no further public safety risks associated with this incident.

The Bozeman Police Department would like to thank the members of the Montana Highway Patrol, the Belgrade Police Department, and especially the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office for their prompt response and assistance in this matter.  We would also like to thank American Medical Response, the Bozeman Fire Department and Gallatin County 911.

Persons with information that could help solve this crime may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward. If you, or someone you know, has information regarding this incident please contact the Bozeman Police Department Detective Division at 406-582-2010.

Walmart shooting investigation ongoing

Following the shooting at Walmart on July 31st, the Bozeman Police Department, in conjunction with several other law enforcement agencies, has been actively conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.  As previously released, the Bozeman Police detained an individual who was identified as the shooter in the incident.  That individual and others have been cooperating with the investigation.  The shooter was later released pending further investigation.

Following these events the crime scene was processed and Bozeman Police Department detectives have interviewed numerous individuals, and obtained a statement from the individual who was shot. The investigation is ongoing, but the Bozeman Police Department does not believe there is further risk to the community.

The Bozeman Police Department understands that high visibility incidents such as this can cause a lot of interest in the circumstances of the case and how the situation is being handled.  We ask the public to understand that protecting the integrity of an investigation, along with Montana’s confidential criminal justice information laws, often mean we cannot comment on specific aspects of the case.  We take the safety of the public very seriously and have worked continuously to conduct a legally sound investigation that appropriately protects the rights of everyone involved. 

We would like to again thank everyone for their continual support in this incident and for the great investigative support offered to us by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, the Belgrade Police Department, and Walmart.

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MSU nursing college receives $3.9 million to deliver medical, dental and behavioral health care in five rural Montana communities


BOZEMAN
— Montana State University’s nursing college has received a grant totaling $3.9 million that will enable MSU and its partners from across Montana to deliver quality medical, dental and behavioral health care to kids in rural and underserved areas while providing exceptional educational opportunities for MSU students. The four-year grant, which began July 1, is from the U.S. Health Resources Services Administration.

The grant funds the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention-Mobile Health Training Program, which allows teams of students from the MSU Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing to work alongside community health care providers to provide care via mobile clinics in five different Montana communities.

According to Laura Larsson, a nursing professor who is leading the grant, each of the MSU nursing college’s five campuses will be matched with a rural or tribal community to provide health care. Its Billings campus will partner with the Crow Nation; its Bozeman campus will partner with the Northern Cheyenne Nation; its Great Falls campus will partner with the Blackfeet Nation; its Missoula campus will partner with Ravalli County; and its Kalispell campus will partner with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Nation.

Over the life of the grant, more than 600 nursing students are expected to participate, Larsson said, adding that nursing professors will travel to the sites with the students to guide learning.

Larsson said that 15 mobile clinics are scheduled for the upcoming year, with most sites set to have three clinics during the year. As part of those clinics – and under the supervision of MSU nursing faculty members – nursing students will complete health screenings, assessments and treatments that will include height and weight measurements; vision, hearing, blood lead, blood pressure and BMI screenings; immunizations; developmental screening, application of fluoride varnish and assistance with applying dental sealants; assessments measuring behavioral and developmental health; and more. Community partners who will work with and supervise the students include dental hygienists, nurse practitioners and clinical psychologists. A long-range goal would include establishing a perinatal mobile clinic, where students from a proposed certified nurse midwifery program that is in the early planning stages at MSU would have the opportunity to work with a mobile team to provide care in the weeks before and after childbirth, including blood pressure monitoring, diabetes management, urinalysis, parenting classes, oral health screening and care and more.

To prepare students for this work, the nursing college’s curriculum will be expanded to include more training in the economic and social conditions that influence individual and group health, or what is sometimes referred to as social determinants of health. In addition, students will receive multicultural and interprofessional practice education before traveling to operate these mobile clinics.

Many nursing students say they want the chance to go to rural areas of the state for some of their clinical work, Larsson said, but previously, it was too costly for most students. The grant, she said, now makes that travel possible for any student by covering transportation to and housing at the rural site. In addition, another obstacle to traveling to rural areas was it would have been challenging for students to keep up with their classes on campus. So the college has arranged the curriculum so that classes will not be planned for each group of students while they are traveling, or they can do independent studies during that time.

“Students and professors love these rural experiences,” Larsson said. “It’s why we are nurses. It’s hard work and it’s challenging, but we get to go into a community, meet new people and really help out.”

By expanding opportunities for nursing students to train in Montana’s rural communities, the mobile health training program will increase and strengthen the diversity, education and skills of the nursing workforce, Larsson said. That leads to better, culturally sensitive care in rural and underserved areas, she said.

“This program will provide enhanced education and training opportunities within collaborative, reciprocal partnerships,” Larsson said. “It aims to strengthen the capacity of nursing students to address and manage social determinants of health and improve health equity for vulnerable populations in rural and underserved areas.”

Larsson added that the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality and Retention-Mobile Health Training Program will expand nursing education by emphasizing leadership and effective communication skills, as well as innovative technological methods, such as telehealth, to deliver quality care in rural or underserved environments.

Larsson emphasized that the program will benefit both the students and the communities in which they serve. For the communities, benefits include bringing health care services to kids, as well as helping local Head Start programs to remain open.

“Without access to fairly comprehensive health care services, many rural communities can’t meet the federal requirements that are part and parcel with Head Start funding,” she said.

Working in the communities also brings tremendous benefits to MSU nursing students, Larsson said.

“The benefit to the students is equal to the benefit to the communities,” she said. “They learn so much. The experience gives them the opportunity to put data into action and to practice what they have learned where they are genuinely needed.”

The grant follows a four-year, nearly $2.8 million grant from HRSA that was designed to prepare MSU nursing students to practice in community-based primary care settings. In response to community member requests for help to keep their Head Starts open, four years ago MSU nursing faculty and students, together with dental hygiene partners, began traveling to offer quarterly clinics in classrooms and educational centers at the Northern Cheyenne Nation. Since that time, the MSU nursing college was invited to provide mobile, interprofessional clinics for the Crow Tribe, Blackfeet Nation and Salish-Kootenai tribes on the Flathead Nation.

“This evolution suggests that community demand for this type of service is high,” Larsson said. “Results indicate that MSU College of Nursing mobile clinics can effectively serve communities while brick-and-mortar institutions evolve.”

Sarah Shannon, dean of the MSU Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing, said this nearly $4 million HRSA grant is a true win-win.

“Thanks to Dr. Larsson’s vision and commitment to Montana’s rural and underserved communities, MSU will be able to provide much needed services through innovative mobile health clinics,” Shannon said. “At the same time, MSU nursing students will benefit immeasurably as they learn within, and from, these communities. Montana is a huge state and this federal grant will allow MSU college of nursing to continue to meet its mission to serve the entire state and all its residents.”

Larsson said that the work is deeply gratifying.

“This is the most fun work I’ve ever done – to get to be of service to communities and to get to build that bridge between tribal communities and health care teams,” Larsson said. “It’s an opportunity for all of our students, whether they’re from Indian country or not, to get to go practice skills in a different setting. That is extremely valuable.

“The whole point of a land-grant institution is to get to do this kind of work,” Larsson said. “It enables students to get out of their comfort zone and out of population centers where the campuses are and meet the health care needs of Montana.”

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Thursday, Jul. 28th, 2022

HRDC Announces Retirement of Long-Time Board Member David Kack


BOZEMAN, MT
— During the month of July, HRDC is honoring the years of contributions and lasting impact David Kack has made on the organization and the greater community at large as his retirement from his service to HRDC approaches.

For the past 20 years, Mr. Kack has served on HRDC’s Board of Directors, with 11 of those years as Board Chair. Throughout his association with the agency, he said he remained inspired by HRDC because of the tangible difference the organization makes in people’s lives, the community, and the region. Among numerous notable initiatives undertaken by HRDC duringMr. Kack’s tenure, the following made a significant impact on the lives of community members:

• HRDC’s West Edge Condominiums project resulted in the addition of 83 affordable housing units being added to the Bozeman area’s housing supply. All units were sold to households earning less than 120% Area Median Income (AMI); ¼ of units were sold to households earning less than 50% AMI. The average income of purchasing households was $25,000/year, with housing costs averaging $620/month.
• A 4-property building preservation project which included the acquisition and rehabilitation of Darlinton Manor and The Boulevards apartment buildings in Bozeman and The Miles and Sherwood apartment buildings in Livingston. A total of 240 affordable units were preserved for long-time renters, aging residents, and residents on fixed incomes.
• The introduction of Montana’s only pay-what-you-can restaurant in Bozeman, The Fork & Spoon, which provides everyone in the community a seat at the table regardless of how much money they have in their wallets.
• Several expansions of HRDC’s Warming Centers in Bozeman and Livingston which offer emergency shelter to anyone in need and continue to set usage records with area growth and the economic hardships faced so many of the people who power our community.
• The introduction of transitional housing and young adult services for 16-to-24-year-olds that provide youth-empowered, strengths-based, and solution-focused support to those experiencing either homelessness or housing instability.

 

Perhaps most notably, Mr. Kack functioned as the primary visionary for the creation of HRDC’s Streamline bus service bringing fare-free transit to Bozeman that today stretches to Belgrade and seasonally to Livingston, while also offering year-round connecting service to Big Sky.

HRDC launched Streamline with a mission to provide mobility services and alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles in southwest Montana. This mission has become increasingly more important with Gallatin Valley’s growth. Streamline benefits not just riders, but everyone living in Bozeman and the surrounding area with its zero-fare service and accessibility that helps those with disabilities, provides adequate workforce transportation, reduces parking pressure, improves air quality, and much more.

Heather Grenier, HRDC’s CEO, recently stated, “With Mr. Kack’s continued advocacy and stewardship over the years, HRDC’s ability to truly impact the lives of area residents has grown exponentially, and we will be forever grateful for his vision and unwavering commitment to serving on our Board. Most recently, Mr. Kack’s laser-focus on our transit system resulted in Streamline receiving the Federal Transportation Authority’s Connecting Rural Communities award. Now, with Bozeman’s population exceeding 50,000 residents, voters in Gallatin County will have an opportunity to weigh in on Streamline’s future as it relates to the potential formation of an urban transportation district designed to carry our community’s bus service into the future. Mr. Kack helped set the wheels in motion for each of these achievements and we wish him all the best on the next leg of his journey.”

As a private, not-for-profit Community Action Organization focused on building a better community through its nearly 50 initiatives, HRDC combats poverty in southwestern Montanaand believes everyone deserves a helping hand. Donors, volunteers, and community members can learn more at https://thehrdc.org/

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Wednesday, Jul. 27th, 2022

Fishing restrictions enacted for several southwest-Montana rivers due to high temps

BOZEMAN – Daily “hoot-owl” fishing restrictions are being implemented for the East Gallatin, Jefferson and lower Big Hole rivers to reduce fish stress and mortality during high water temperatures. The restrictions will begin at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 27.  

Hoot-owl fishing restrictions prohibit fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight. This applies to: 
• The East Gallatin River from the confluence with the West Gallatin River at Nixon Bridge upstream to Penwell Bridge Road  
• The entire Jefferson River 
• The lower Big Hole River from the confluence with the Beaverhead River upstream to Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site 

Water temperatures in these areas have exceeded 73 degrees for three consecutive days, meeting criteria for the restrictions. The restrictions will remain in place until water temperatures allow for lifting the restrictions or until Sept. 15.  

Fishing restrictions, such as hoot-owl restrictions and full closures, are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when conditions, such as low flows and high water temperatures, combine with other stressors, including catch-and-release fishing. Restrictions may be put in place for other waterbodies as warm temperatures continue in the coming weeks. Anglers can find a statewide list of current restrictions at fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions.  

All stress to fish at this time of year is cumulative, and anglers should consider fishing in cooler waters during times of low flows and high water temperatures in rivers. Anglers can help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur:  

• Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted. 
• Land the fish quickly.  
• Wet your hands before handling the fish.  
• Keep the fish in water as much as possible.  
• Remove the hook gently. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier.  
• If the fish is hooked deeply, you may have to cut the line at the fish’s mouth or consider keeping it if regulations allow.  
• Let the fish recover before releasing it.  

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Moonlight Basin serves as key partner and will provide critical funds to make project a reality

Big Sky, Mont. – Big Sky Fire Department has been awarded a $75,000 competitive grant from Coalitions and Collaboratives Inc., a national nonprofit that offers grants through its Action, Implementation and Mitigation Program. The purpose of this grant is to accelerate fire adaptation concepts and reduce the risk from wildfire by increasing capacity and on-the-ground work.

This grant will fund “The Jack Creek Evacuation Road Project”, which will create an effective shaded fuel break along Jack Creek Road to increase safety. Jack Creek Road is the only road from Big Sky heading west and out of the Madison Mountain Range into the valley near Ennis, Montana. “Wildfire preparedness, especially related to firefighter and public safety is a year-round job and the more we can do now the better we will be when the wildfire occurs,” said Greg Megaard, Chief, Big Sky Fire Department.

Moonlight Basin is providing $100,000 match for this project, and another $144,000 for wildfire risk reduction on the South Side Road adjacent to and south of Jack Creek Road. In addition to the large commitment in 2022, Moonlight Basin will provide an additional $200,000 toward wildfire mitigation in the area to be deployed in 2023 and beyond.

“As drought persists, it is incumbent that we invest in proactive wildfire risk reduction efforts that respect the land, enhance forest health, and keep people safe,” said Kevin Germain, Vice President of Moonlight Basin. “The Big Sky Fire Department should be applauded for its extensive proactive planning to prevent wildfires and keep Southwest Montana safe. We are proud to join with the Big Sky Fire Department on this project.”

The Big Sky Fire Department provided letters of support from the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Madison Ranger District, and Madison County Office of Emergency Management to aid their Jack Creek Evacuation Road grant application.

“A completed shaded fuel break along this road provides a larger safety margin for people evacuating as well as fire personnel responding to the incident as this is the main artery in and out of Big Sky from the west,” said Dale Olson, District Ranger for the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and Madison Ranger District.

“The Jack Creek Evacuation Road Project is a step in the right direction to provide safe egress in the event of a human or natural caused disaster,” said Joseph Brummell, the Madison County Director of Disaster and Emergency Services.

About COCO:

Since inception in 2018, Coalitions and Collaboratives Inc. (COCO) has supported over 90 organizations. COCO hopes to increase community resilience, restore fire-adapted ecosystems and create safer conditions for residents and firefighters. This funding opportunity is open to organizations working to advance wildfire risk reduction. More information can be found here: https://co-co.org/get-involved/grants/aim-grant/

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Gallatin County Voters To Decide On Local Marijuana Taxes

After a clerical error negated the results of two local-option marijuana tax ballot questions in the June primary election, Gallatin County voters will be again asked to decide on the two taxes, but this time as part of the November general election.

On Tuesday, July 26, the Gallatin County Commission unanimously voted to add the following two questions to the November ballot for Gallatin County voters’ consideration:
• A 3% local-option sales tax on all non-medical (recreational) marijuana products sold in 
   Gallatin County.
• A 3% local-option sales tax on all medical marijuana products sold in Gallatin County.

In June, the commissioners put the same two questions on the primary election ballot and both measures were passed by voters.

However, the county failed to meet the unique notice requirements obligated by the Montana Legislature for local-option marijuana tax ballot questions. Due to this error, commissioners did not certify the election results of these two ballot questions as part of the post-election canvass.

So while the two ballot questions will be identical to what voters saw on their June ballots, they are NOT in addition to any other local taxes as they were not certified in June.

“It seems very straight-forward and common sense to put these on the ballot again,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Zach Brown.

In November 2020, Montana voters passed Initiative Measure 190, which allowed for the operation of various categories of marijuana businesses and taxation of marijuana retail sales in Montana counties in which a majority of voters approved the initiative. The initiative passed in Gallatin County with 65.6% of the vote.

State law does not allow county governments to impose similar taxes on any other product. The state already imposes at 20% tax on recreational marijuana and a 4% percent tax on medical marijuana.

If voters in an eligible county pass a local-option marijuana tax, 50% of the tax must be retained by the county, 45% apportioned to the cities and towns in the county based on population, and the remaining 5% given to the Montana Department of Revenue to defray state costs associated with the tax.

State law allows counties or cities and towns that receive local-option sales tax revenue for any activity, undertaking or administrative service authorized by law, including costs resulting from the imposition of the tax.

If passed, the local-option taxes would go into effect on March 1, 2023. Gallatin County Commissioners say that, if passed, they will use the county’s portion of the local taxes to fund mental health services.

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Gallatin County Commission Considering Placing Mill Levy To Fund Rest Home on November Ballot


The Gallatin County Commission is considering asking voters to decide on a mill levy to fund operations of the Gallatin Rest Home, the soon-to-be only skilled nursing facility in the county.

On Tuesday, July 26, commissioners unanimously passed a resolution of intent to put a 9-mill levy on the November general election ballot. Nine mills would raise, at the fiscal year 2022 value, $3,933,459 annually.

A resolution of intent sets a public hearing for a decision on an item the commission is considering, and gives notice so that the public can participate in the decision-making process.

Commissioners will formally consider adding the question to the November ballot at their Aug. 9 regularly-scheduled public meeting.

The Gallatin County Rest Home is a 69-bed, state-licensed nursing facility certified to provide skilled Medicare/Medicaid coverage providing long term, respite, hospice and rehabilitation care. It is located at 1221 Durston Rd. in Bozeman.“We’re extremely proud of the high-quality care that we provide our most vulnerable citizens close to home,” said Gallatin County Rest Home Administrator Darcel Vaughn. “We look forward to educating the community on the needed medical services our facility offers.”

Currently, the Rest Home is funded by a combination of non-tax revenues and the county’s general operating mill.

Gallatin County is facing financial hardship in funding the Rest Home and providing a high level of patient care for various reasons, including inadequate Medicare/Medicaid rates that do not sufficiently cover the cost of providing care, rising salary expenses and housing costs that make hiring long-term employees difficult, associated costs for hiring contract nurses to fill vacant positions, the increased costs of food and supplies, and the continued need to pay for building maintenance and repairs.

Gallatin County Commissioners agreed that the time is ripe for the community to weigh in and for voters to decide on how the facility is funded moving forward.

“This is a very needed facility and one that I’ve been really proud to be associated with during my time as a commissioner,” said Gallatin County Commissioner Joe Skinner. “It’s a good facility that serves our neediest constituents and one that people want to go to. I can see the value of having a service like that in our community. But that’s just a decision we don’t feel comfortable making without asking the question to the taxpayers.”

If passed, the mill levy would fund operational and capital needs, including, but not limited to, patient care, staffing, food, supplies, and building maintenance and repairs. The $3,933,495, or a similar amount imposed in future years, will provide for a substantial component of the operational and capital needs of the Rest Home and will ensure that this vital service is provided to the public in a professional and competent manner.

For Gallatin County taxpayers, the estimated annual tax increase per $100,000 of assessed value is $12.15.

For Gallatin County property owners, the below table shows the approximate tax impact of the levy depending on the assessed value (NOT market value) of your property. To find your property’s assessed value, visit itax.gallatin.mt.gov.

Assessed Property Value Cost Per Year Cost Per Month
$200,000 $24.30 $2.03
$300,000 $36.45 $3.04
$400,000 $48.60 $4.05
$500,000 $60.75 $5.06
$600,000 $72.90 $6.08
$700,000 $85.05 $7.09
$800,000 $97.20 $8.10
$900,000 $109.35 $9.11
$1,000,000 $121.50 $10.13

The public is encouraged to provide comment in any of the following ways:
•Attend the Tuesday, Aug. 9 public meeting at 9 AM, either in person or on Zoom.
The meeting will take place in the Community Room of the Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 W. Main St. in Bozeman. A Zoom link to the meeting will be posted here on Aug. 4.
• Email comments to commission@gallatin.mt.gov.
• Call the Gallatin County Commission office at 406-582-3000.
• Drop off written comment at the Gallatin County Commission Office, located in room 306 of the Gallatin County Courthouse.

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Ways to Style Platform Boots for Every Season


If you're going to your first rave, it's essential to look the part! One of the most critical pieces of rave gear is platform boots. They make you taller and more statuesque and are a vital item in rave party gear. Join us as we find our groove and discuss how to style platform boots for every beat. We'll also give you tips on dressing for a rave party.

A History: Platform Boots in Fashion

Platform boots have been around for centuries, with their origins dating back to the 16th century. In the 1970s, platform boots came back during the disco scene and have been popular ever since.

Today, platform boots are worn by people of all ages and genders as a fashion statement. From gothic to punk to rave, platform boots add an edge to any outfit. They are often seen at music festivals and rave parties.

Platform Boots and Rave Style

Rave culture is all about self-expression and having fun. Platform boots are the perfect way to show off your personality and style. There are many different ways to style platform boots, so you can be sure to find a pair that fits your rave aesthetic.

If you're going to your first rave, it's essential to look the part! One of the most critical pieces of rave gear is platform boots. They make you taller and more statuesque and are a vital item in rave party gear.

What is a Rave?

A rave is an all-night party that features electronic dance music. Raves are often underground and unlicensed, which makes them unique and exciting. Attendees of raves dress in bright, flashy clothing and wear lots of jewelry and body paint.

Tips for Wearing Platform Boots

If you're new to wearing platform boots, you should keep a few things in mind. First, platform boots can be uncomfortable if you're not used to them. It's essential to break them in before the big day so you don't have blisters.

Second, platform boots can be tricky to walk in, so practice before the party. Finally, when choosing your platform boots, be sure to pick a pair that's comfortable but stylish. When wearing platform boots, it's also essential to consider the following:

        1. The height of the platform. If you're tall, you can wear a higher platform. If 
             you're shorter, opt for a lower platform.
        2. The width of the platform. A wider platform will make your feet look larger. If
              you have small feet, choose a narrower platform.
        3. The material of the boot. Platform boots can be made from leather, PVC, or
             other materials. Choose a material that is comfortable and easy to walk in.

 

Regarding platform boots, there are many different styles to choose from. If you want a more grunge look, pair them with ripped shorts and a leather jacket. For a glam look, pair them with a sequin dress or leggings. You can also wear them with skirts for a flirty look. No matter your style, there's sure to be a pair of platform boots that fits your personality.

Styling Platform Boots for the Season

Not only are there many different styles of platform boots for your next rave, but you can also style them for every season. In each case, every outfit will easily layer to a rave atmosphere. Plus, this will allow you to party it up but still use your new favorite shoes in your daily life.

               ● In the spring: Pair platform boots with a floral dress and denim jacket for a
                   cute and edgy look.
               ● In the summer: Wear platform boots with shorts or a skirt to stay cool
                   while still looking stylish.
               ● In the fall: Layer platform boots over leggings with a removable jacket for a
                   warm and stylish look that can transfer to the party.
               ● In the winter: Pair platform boots over tights with a sweater dress for a
                  warm and chic look.


How to Accessorize Platform Boots

In addition to clothing, platform boots can also be styled with different accessories. For example, you can add platform boot socks or leg warmers to create a unique look. You can also find platform boots with different designs, such as spikes or sequins. If you want to add an edge to your outfit, consider pairing your platform boots with a leather jacket or fishnet stockings.

In Closing

Regarding platform boots, don't be afraid to experiment with different styles. With so many options available, platform boots are a versatile and stylish choice. No matter how you style them, platform boots are sure to make a statement at your next rave party. So go out there and find the perfect pair, and don't forget to have fun.

 

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Navigate Big Sky Website Launches

Big Sky, Montana – A new Big Sky website intending to foster citizen engagement and awareness within the community has launched. Navigate Big Sky (www.NavigateBigSky.org) is a web-based tool offering a concise snapshot of community activity. The site is FREE for all who want to use the comprehensive calendar or post an event. “The idea of Navigate Big Sky has been in the works for many years. It is especially useful now that BASE is fully operational. There is more to do in our wonderful community than there is time in the day. This will be a wonderful tool for those in Big Sky asking themselves how and where to get involved,” said Whitney Montgomery, CEO of Big Sky Community Organization.

In late 2019 the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD) funded a multi-year effort engaging thousands of community members producing the “Our Big Sky” Community Vision and Strategy. This framework embodies Big Sky’s core values of people, character, recreation, and natural environment. Building on this community-driven direction, the Big Sky Community Organization (BSCO) hosted a summit with over forty program and activity providers facilitated by the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation (YCCF). The purpose of the summit was to address the community-wide programming gaps, needs, and vision in anticipation of the opening of BASE.
 

These efforts resulted in a common theme: encourage and facilitate citizen engagement and awareness. Navigate Big Sky will serve as a community tool to help foster that connection.

“It has been a challenge identifying and eliminating the barriers for engagement in Big Sky. There are seven Special Purpose Districts ranging in purpose and focus. Many of them were not able to run elections this year due to record low numbers of candidate interest. It is crucial we remain engaged in local government and corresponding elections. Without citizen participation democracy is challenged. We are excited for this new tool which will highlight opportunities for engagement with locally elected officials and other organizations that make Big Sky Better Together,” said Daniel Bierschwale, Executive Director of BSRAD.
 
 We encourage you to use and share this resource as you Navigate Big Sky.

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News Comments

This is so typical of a sign in, which we should not have to do to check if we or some one in our party got a permit. I have been working or "creating an account" for 30 minutes and just get the same ...

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