BOZEMAN — It’s time to meet the Gnomes of Story Mill! In this self-guided art installation you can travel around the Grand Lawn of Story Mill Park to explore the gnome village, learning about their cozy way of life and the many jobs they do to keep the park healthy. Perhaps you’ll even be inspired to become a gnome yourself?!?!

“The Story Mill gnomes don’t get a lot of credit for the work they do to keep the park running smoothly. For example, there’s never been a problem with Trolls in this park - and we thank gnomes for that! We’re so glad they are finally getting their moment to shine!” said Jamie Saitta, Recreation Manager with Bozeman Parks and Recreation.

The brainchild of the Random Acts of Silliness team, the Gnome Roam has been brought to life by Thomas Dunning, a Bozeman based designer, fabricator, and the owner of Meristem Services. Thomas used a combination of classic low-tech techniques and materials such as working with logs, branches, and papier-mâché, along with more modern techniques of digital modeling and 3D printing to create the
gnome world.

From the Gnome’s Wood Shop to Story Bowl ski hill, you’ll get a taste of every aspect of gnome life. Each stop in the village also offers a short audio scene, portrayed by a talented team of local performers, that can be played on audio boxes in the park or streamed via the Random Acts of Silliness website.

“Trust for Public Land helped create Story Mill Park with the goal of bringing lasting joy, wonder, and good health to Bozeman residents. It’s such a pleasure to support the Gnome Roam, which is one of the best examples of how we can use this space to bring people closer to nature and each other,” said Dick Dolan Northern Rockies Director of Trust for Public Land.

Random Acts of Silliness’ last art installation (Bumblewood Thicket Fairy Village) was recently voted Best Annual Event in Bozeman as well as Best Public Art Installation for the 2nd year in a row.

The Gnome Roam is up January 14th - January 29th. This is a free, self- guided, outdoor art installation offered by Random Acts of Silliness (RAS) in partnership with the Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department and the Trust for Public Land (TPL), and with support from James Bond Dental Arts and Design 5 Landscape Architecture.

To visit the Gnome Roam, park at the Story Mill Community Center (600 Bridger Canyon Drive). Parking is limited so carpooling is suggested, as is visiting on weekdays if possible. The Gnome Roam traverses the paved/plowed path circling the Great Lawn of Story Mill Park. Visitors will be required to travel approximately half a mile.

For more information and some fun bells and whistles, visit www.randomactsofsilliness.com

BOZEMAN — Montana has the second highest demand for leaders per capita in the country, according to the findings of a report that will be presented in a Montana State University Extension webinar at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18.

The publication, prepared for Montana by rural sociologist Benjamin Winchester of the University of Minnesota Extension, is titled “Montana’s Leadership Demand.” It reports that one in every 13 adults must hold a leadership position to keep the state’s existing government and nonprofit organizations running, according to Tara Mastel, MSU Extension community development program leader.

For example, she said, all organizations are required by law to have a certain number of members on their board of directors, and many organizations rely on volunteers to help staff events and assist with programs.

Mastel, who organizes Reimagining Rural, an MSU Extension program that works to strengthen small Montana communities, said the report’s findings were a relief to many living in small towns.

“They were glad to know it wasn’t just their town that was struggling with not enough volunteers,” she said. “The social life in our small towns is rich and requires a lot of volunteers to keep everything going.”

Leadership demand is calculated by dividing the number of residents over age 18 in a county or state by the number of leaders needed to run government and nonprofit boards in that jurisdiction. The number of leaders needed is calculated conservatively, Mastel said, by estimating only three volunteers for government organizations and six for nonprofits.

Winchester’s report calculates the leadership demand for each Montana county. The highest leadership demand is found in the state’s low-population counties — where one in five adults are needed to hold leadership positions — including Garfield, Prairie and Treasure counties.

“Finding new volunteers to take the place of those retiring is a struggle across the state. We know from a recent MSU survey of newcomers that people want to get involved in community life,” said Mastel. “To find volunteers, look beyond those who already give time to people who are new to town, younger, or who haven’t been involved before. To keep them involved, be open to their fresh perspectives so they feel they belong and their time is valued.”

Volunteers are essential to the functioning of local government organizations that drive many aspects of the state’s communities, including school boards, fire districts and planning boards, according to Ashley Kent, associate director of the Local Government Center at MSU Extension. 

“In our work with local governments, we often hear of citizens volunteering to serve on multiple boards because they are committed to providing local services to current and future generations alike,” Kent said. “Supporting the development of local leaders is critical to ensuring our communities remain such special places to live.”

Winchester calculated the leadership demand for Montana as a follow-up to contributions to the Reimagining Rural program administered by MSU Extension community development. Winchester’s Jan. 18 presentation about his findings is the first in a yearlong series planned for community volunteer leaders called “Inspiration Hour.” The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

To learn more or to register for the webinar, visit

montana.edu/extension/communitydevelopment/RRinspiration.html. For more information, contact Mastel at tara.mastel@montana.edu or Winchester at benw@umn.edu.

BOZEMAN — Montana State University has joined with a dozen other universities in the region to form a partnership aimed at creating economic development opportunities around emerging high-tech industries.

The Mountains and Plains University Innovation Alliance, which includes universities in Idaho, Wyoming and the Dakotas, will support coordination and collaboration to attract and expand industries aligned with the member institutions’ strengths in research and education, according to Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development.

"This is about creating thoughtful and strategic development that diversifies our economy and creates high-paying jobs that would otherwise be concentrated in cities outside our rural region,” said Harmon, who serves on the alliance’s governance subcommittee. “As our university research helps drive new technologies and our graduates build valuable skills, we want to help anchor these industries in our region so that we can all benefit.”

As part of forming the alliance over the past year, the 13 universities discussed their current strengths and priorities for future growth, leading to a coordinated agenda that maps how the institutions will partner to focus on certain technologies. MSU will use its strengths in photonics and agriculture to expand opportunities in quantum technology and precision agriculture, according to Harmon.

Together with Boise State University and the University of North Dakota, MSU will form the Northern Frontier Applied Quantum CORE to support entrepreneurial activity related to quantum technology, a field that’s expected to play an important role in 21st century communications, computing and security. The effort would position the three partners within the larger alliance to receive large federal grants aimed at supporting this kind of rural economic development, Harmon said.

Quantum technology involves manipulating individual subatomic particles such as light photons in complex ways to potentially create secure communications and computers with unique capabilities. MSU is well-positioned to be a leader in quantum technology because of the field’s overlap with photonics, long a strength of MSU’s research enterprise, according to Harmon.

The photonics industry that has nucleated at MSU is a good example of what could be achieved by the alliance in other areas, Harmon noted. According to the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance, there are nearly 30 photonics companies in the Bozeman area, employing more than 800 people with average salaries of $72,000.

"With photonics we have research expertise that has helped spin out companies; we have connections with industry from our graduates who have started businesses and turned around and collaborated with the university; we have workforce development ranging from two-year associate’s degrees to Ph.D.s,” Harmon said. “That’s the sort of thing we'd like to see happen with quantum."

The alliance will also include collaboration with tribal nations, state government and economic development entities. MSU is working closely with the Northern Rocky Mountains Economic Development District, Harmon said.

The other members of the alliance are Boise State University, Idaho State University, the University of Idaho, Montana Technological University, the University of Montana, North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota, Dakota State University, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota and the University of Wyoming.

Winter is coming and who doesn’t need a little creative rejuvenation? LIVE AND IN PERSON! Katie Goodman’s beloved and long-running “Improvisation For Life” women’s retreat weekend that has been offered at Chico Hot Springs for 22 years, is back January 28 & 29!

If you’re in need of a creative reboot, gaining some self-confidence, trying something new, or just having fun and making deep connections with other women, this is a terrific retreat for you.

Led by Katie Goodman of Broad Comedy, Camp Equinox, and Spontaneous Combustibles Improv Troupe in Bozeman, this internationally touring women’s creativity retreat uses improvisational theatre games to help women access their inner genius as Goodman likes to say, and to establish a deep sense of trust in themselves.

"I knew the workshop would energize me and give me confidence, but I'm amazed at the strength of the energy and confidence this weekend has inspired,” said Pam, a workshop participant who absolutely loved the experience. “Katie possesses a real knack for putting people at their ease. Her inner peace and strength draw others to her and her humor and intelligence keep them around."

You may know Katie from the award-winning, popular Broad Comedy show, but she is also an internationally touring keynote speaker, self-help author, and a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. She has combined her interests in the spiritual growth process with her skills as an improvisational comedian and teacher to craft a workshop that is truly unique and inspiring.

The participants come for a number of reasons. They may be looking to quiet their inner critic, or perhaps they are craving more spontaneous joy in their everyday life, or they may be going through a life transition and are seeking clarity and coping skills.

As Katie says: “The goal isn’t to keep chaos and change from happening — because it’s all unpredictable. The goal is to practice improvising throughout life so you become flexible and courageous and can handle anything.”

The workshop will use improv games and exercises to enable participants to take fun, creative risks, accept challenges and release themselves from judgment. Katie will guide participants through the practice of being present, giving up the goal, and accepting change with open arms. And all the skills taught in Katie’s workshop are skills that can be applied to our work, our relationships, and our everyday lives.

This retreat, now it its 20th year, is a great place to connect with other like-minded, creative souls through laughter and self-discovery.

One past participant, Maggie K. said, “I was in need of a non-judgmental, accepting environment. I realized how simple and relaxed my life really is but how difficult I make it. Trusting that everything will work out in an improv game can apply to life. Katie is terrific!”

The all-women retreat begins Saturday morning, January 28th at 9:00am and ends at 5:00pm, Sunday, January 29th. Chico Hot Springs is located one hour from Bozeman, Montana. The workshop fee is $345. This includes lunch and a workbook to take home. Prices for accommodations vary from $45 - $200/night. Lunches are provided for workshop participants both Saturday and Sunday. Exceptional cuisine from one of the region’s finest restaurant is available in the Chico Lodge restaurant for breakfast and dinner, as well as other budget options nearby. Other activities available include massage, hiking, horse-back-riding and more. More information on COVID protocols are on the website. Registration always sells out, so sign-up right away by going to the website: http://www.katiegoodmanspeaking.com or call now for details: (406) 522-7623.

On January 3, 2023, at 3:15pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call for a paraglider who was injured on the M Trail.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section along with American Medical Response, Bridger Canyon Fire, and U.S. Forest Service responded to the M Trail. Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue deployed a hasty team and two secondary teams up the trail. A team of two Bridger Canyon Fire EMT’s established initial contact with the patient.

Search and Rescue teams loaded the patient onto a one-wheel litter and brought them directly down slope to the trailhead. AMR transported the patient to the next higher level of care for further evaluation.
Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that winter weather can result in an emergency situation quickly. It is important to be prepared for the weather and have a safety plan for an unexpected turn of events.

Photos courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

BELGRADE - On December 31, 2022, at approximately 7:43pm, personnel from the Belgrade Police Department, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and Central Valley Fire District responded to a vehicle versus pedestrian crash on Jackrabbit Lane, just south of Amsterdam Road. The pedestrian, a 64 year-old female, was pronounced dead at the scene. The identity of the victim has not been released, pending notification of next of kin. No other details are available at this time. This matter is under investigation by members of our Criminal Investigations Division. Any persons who may have been a witness to the incident are encouraged to contact the Belgrade Police Department, CID Division, at 406.388.4262.

If you’re looking for general contracting services in Great Falls, Montana and surrounding areas, consider hiring William Widmer Construction.

“Wild Bill” Widmer has been in business since 1999 and he’s done everything from constructing entire homes and cabins to simple home renovations and remodels.

Some of his most popular contracts include bathroom remodeling services, kitchen & basement renovations, and home additions such as a porch or storage shed. He can also do remolding, interior revamps, and more.

In his more than 20 years of experience as a general contractor, Wild Bill Widmer has built over 20 homes, 50 bathroom remodels, and 100 cabins & cottages. He’s installed dozens of beautiful decks and outdoor kitchens. Needless to say, his experience speaks for itself.

Here are a few photos of his recent jobs:

If you’re in Great Falls, Vaughn, Simms, or the surrounding areas and need a general contractor, give William Widmer Construction a call today at 406-899-1189 or visit https://www.wildbillsremodeling.com/. 

On December 26, 2022, at 1:33 pm, Gallatin County dispatch received a call that a snowmobiler had sustained a leg injury on Buck Ridge Trail.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue (GCSSAR) Big Sky Section and Big Sky Fire responded to assist with the call. A GCSSAR team snowmobiled to the patient’s location with the ambulance sled in tow. The patient was assessed and transported to the waiting Big Sky Fire Ambulance who took the patient to the next higher level of care.

Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind winter recreationalist that even a trail ride can result in a medical emergency. Please ride within your capabilities and enjoy the amazing back country in which we get to recreate.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.