Bozeman, MT – On August 28, 2022 at approximately 10pm, Bozeman Police Officers responded to a disturbance with a weapon at Glen Lake Rotary Park, also known as “Bozeman Beach.” Several people reported a gun being fired during a physical altercation at a ‘pop up’ music event at the park. Numerous officers responded and immediately entered the chaotic scene and were able to locate the individual who was assaulted, and in need of medical attention.  Currently, there is no report of anyone being struck by gunfire.  The reported shooter fled the scene and could not be located.

 
Investigators believe the incident was likely isolated to the altercation between two people and there is no further threat to the public at large.
 
The Bozeman Police Department is currently seeking assistance from anyone at the event or in the vicinity with any knowledge or cell phone video of the altercation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective King at 406-582-2242.

BOZEMAN — A watercolor by a former Montana State University art professor will soon hang in the MSU residence hall named after her, thanks to a donation from a Bozeman native. 

The untitled painting by Olga Ross Hannon, who served as head of applied art at MSU from 1941 to 1947 and as acting dean of the Division of Household and Applied Arts during 1944-1945, has been gifted to the university by Diana Eck, professor of comparative religion and Indian studies at Harvard University. 

The painting came from the estate of Eck’s parents, the late Dorothy and Hugo Eck. Dorothy was a longtime Montana state senator who received an honorary degree from MSU in 2003, and Hugo was an MSU professor of architecture for many years. 

Diana Eck, who herself received an honorary degree from MSU in 2013, said she fondly remembers the Hannon painting hanging in her childhood home and was excited to donate it to MSU. The artwork joins three other Hannon paintings currently on display in Hannon Hall, an all-women's residence hall named in 1954 to honor Hannon’s work in establishing MSU’s arts program. 

Hannon “was the first person to anchor the arts department at MSU, and Hannon Hall has continued to create a community of leading women to honor her legacy,” said Jeff Bondy, MSU director of housing. 

“I wanted to take special care of the pieces of art from my mother’s estate and see that they went to the places that would find the most meaning,” Eck said. “I am just delighted that this piece by Olga Ross Hannon is going in the hall named after her.” 

In addition to teaching, Hannon organized the Delta Phi Delta, an art honorary group at what was then called Montana State College, and served as its national president for eight years. She also served as Montana’s representative on the American Artists Professional League. 

On August 26, 2022 at 7:37 pm, the West Yellowstone Police Department dispatch center received a call for an injured ATV rider who missed the trail and crashed near Junction 8 on the Lionhead Trail.  The injured party was bleeding from a lacerated leg and a tourniquet had been applied.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the West Yellowstone Section responded to the scene and treated the patient before transporting them back to town. An ambulance from Hebgen Basin Fire Department received the patient, accessed and treated the injury, and transported to Air Idaho at the West Yellowstone Airport.  The patient was ultimately transported to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for further care.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to remind recreationalists that even a nice afternoon ride may not go as planned so take plenty of water, sunscreen, a first aid kit, reliable communications and be prepared for any weather so you are prepared for an unexpected adventure.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

BOZEMAN, Mont. — The fairies are returning to Bozeman for the 3rd annual fairy village andwill be visible to human eyes at Glen Lake Rotary Park August 29 – September 18. Bumblewood Thicket Fairy Village is a free, self-guided outdoor art installation offered by Random Acts of Silliness (RAS) in partnership with the Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department & Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT), and with support from the Bozeman Health Foundation. The Fairy Village is comprised of tiny, magical fairy homes and businesses all built from natural materials by local Montana artists.

"We're overwhelmed and grateful to see the community response to the fairy village grow each year,” said Danielle Thomsen, Executive Enchantment Director of RAS. “It really is the definition of a 'feel good’ event - The world feels like a more connected, happy, magical place when you're in Bumblewood Thicket!"

RAS partnered with GVLT in 2020 to bring the first Fairy Village to Bozeman. The fairy village became an instant hit among the young and young-at-heart, with visitors dressing as magical creatures and clamoring to catch a glimpse of the tiny homes. In 2021, the Fairy Village was voted “Best Public Art Installation in Bozeman.”

“The Fairy Village is an awesome opportunity to combine local art with local trails,” said Chet Work, GVLT Executive Director. “This art installation invites trail users of all different interests and backgrounds to come together and enjoy the magic. We’re thrilled to be a part of something so uplifting and inspiring.”

This year’s village will feature all new fairy homes and businesses made by Montana artists. The installation will feature a “Build Your Own Bumblewood” area where inspired visitors can use natural materials to create their own fairy structures. New this year is a weekly fairy-themed story hour by local actors.

The village is a 10-minute trail walk from the main parking lot of Glen Lake Rotary Park- we recommend downloading the map and directions from www.randomactsofsilliness.com/bumblewood-thicket-2022. Bumblewood Thicket is a tobacco free event.  For accessibility information or school group information please email hello@randomactsofsilliness.com or visit our website.

BOZEMAN — Registration is now open for fall semester programs offered by the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Montana State University. Programming includes courses, lectures, forums, field trips and book discussion groups for the intellectually curious aged 50 and older. 

This year, OLLI at MSU, which was founded as the Wonderlust program, is celebrating 20 years of lifelong learning in the Gallatin Valley. In addition to its traditional offerings, OLLI at MSU has planned many special anniversary events for members and the public. 

Ten noncredit enrichment courses are being offered for the fall 2022 semester. Topics will include genetics; the art of deception; climate change and agriculture in Montana; the history of Yellowstone; Biblical conundrums; Indian Education for All; philosophy; the history of the movie musical; Canada; and grammar. OLLI courses are typically offered once a week over four to six weeks. The cost for courses ranges from $40 to $75 with an OLLI membership.  

For fall, OLLI at MSU will offer 10 Speakers Series lectures, formerly known as Side Trips, from 3 to 5 p.m. on Mondays. They will cover topics ranging from mineral wealth in the ocean and artistic expression with glass to eco-tourism in Africa and orthobiologics. The OLLI Speakers Series, special interest groups, travel programs, How It’s Made tours and behind-the-scenes previews of art performances are also available for OLLI at MSU members. 

OLLI offers free community programs, including the longstanding monthly Friday Forum and evening lectures in partnership with the Belgrade Community Library, and will host its semester reception on Wednesday, Sept. 7. 

Fall programming will include a mix of face-to-face and online options. Recordings of several programs will also be available to members. For more details about fall programs and 20th anniversary events visit montana.edu/olli/offerings. 

An OLLI at MSU membership is $45 annually. To join or register for courses or programs, visit montana.edu/olli/register. To receive program updates and announcements, sign up for OLLI’s free weekly e-newsletter at montana.edu/olli/newsletter. 

ENNIS – A daily fishing restriction on the upper Madison River will be lifted Wednesday as peak water temperatures have dropped below 70 degrees.  

The hoot owl restriction has prohibited fishing each day from 2 p.m. to midnight between Ennis Reservoir and Eight Mile Ford Fishing Access Site. That restriction will be lifted starting Wednesday, Aug. 24.  

A hoot owl restriction remains in place on the Madison River downstream of Ennis Reservoir. Restrictions are in place for other waterbodies. Anglers can find a statewide list of current restrictions at fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions. 

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.  
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.  

When you buy a house, it becomes your most valuable property.

Normally, all homeowners are sure their home is the most valuable, but you need to remember that many factors affect its worth.

Some of those factors are the number of bathrooms and bedrooms. Other important factors include location, the square footage, the school district, and others.

Our goal is to help you lower the risk of decreasing your home value. We present you with a list of 10 surprising things that decrease property value.

Wet ceiling problems are becoming more evident in homes with bad roofs. Even small leaks may cause enormous damage to your ceiling. It will get wet, and you will notice a significant amount of mold. If you want to raise the value of your home, replacing old stained ceiling tiles with new tiles and panels will be a great decision.

It is very important to have a good school in your neighborhood. If the school in your area is not healthy or has a bad reputation, that can decrease the value of the home near it. People like to live near safe schools because of their kids. The bad side is that you cannot do much about it.

This is one very important factor that can decrease the value of your property. Potential buyers can easily drive around your neighborhood and see what your home looks like. This can happen even before the visit.

If the houses are poorly pigmented, people who love to jog or walk a lot will find them boring and ugly. If you have neighbors who are constantly fighting or a lot of loud barking dogs around, that won't help you either. You cannot do much about it, but you must keep it in mind!

If your exterior paint is of poor quality, it will decrease the value of your home. Don't forget that the first impression is very important! Many buyers love neutral colors like cream, beige, white, and gray. Pick some of those colors when painting your house. Make it look perfect at first sight!

Most people love modern designs inside their homes. But, especially when we talk about bathrooms and kitchens, no one will find it attractive if your kitchen looks 50 years old. If a buyer doesn’t like the look of your kitchen or bathrooms, they will immediately calculate the renovation cost. This won't help you, as it will prolong the process of selling your house.

Having a good roof is a very important thing for buyers. A roof protects everything inside of the house, making a big difference in the value of your property.

Obvious leaks or physical damage is something buyers will see immediately.

The good thing is that you can fix it easily if you want to sell your home. The bad thing is that fixing your roof can be very expensive. Buyers know that, too, and they will calculate that cost pretty easily and rethink buying your home.

Your house value will suffer if the yard is full of clutter or in poor condition. No one will think about buying a house where they cannot relax in a nice garden. The good thing is that you can easily change it, put a little pond or a barbeque, or simply clean it; it will increase its value and give a better first impression.

This is a very important thing for future homeowners. Buyers do not love when they have certain facilities around them. It decreases the home’s value a lot.

Some of those facilities are bad schools – as we said before, cemeteries, homeless shelters, power plants, and many others. You cannot do anything to change this thing, but you can keep it in mind when you try to choose the price of your home.

People nowadays do not like a lot of carpets. The main reasons for that are that they are not easy to maintain and look old-fashioned. Modern homes mostly have a lot of carpet-free areas that are easy to clean. On the other hand, the color of carpets can also affect the first impression of home buyers. Consider removing carpets or changing them before you start selling your home.

If you have problems around your home, you need to fix them as soon as possible. Some serious repairs need to be fixed before buyers come to visit.

Some of the problems, like a small drip from your water heater, may seem like they're not a big deal, but they are. These can cause many problems later on and leave buyers with a bad first impression.

So even if your home looks good now, it is very important to maintain it regularly!

The Takeaway

Take good care of your home, and do everything that is in your power to increase property value. There are things that you cannot change, but luckily - there are those which can be fixed.

We recommend you use this list in order to keep in mind some important factors that determine the value of your property. This can help you make the best offer possible when selling your house.

GLEN – A full fishing closure will go into effect on a section of the Big Hole River due to low flows. 

The closure extends from the Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site upstream to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Maidenrock Fishing Access Site. The closure will begin at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23. The closure will remain in place until lifted by FWP in consultation with the Big Hole Watershed Committee, or until Oct. 31.  

Flows at a U.S. Geological Survey gauge near Glen fell below 190 cubic feet per second on Aug. 18, meeting criteria for the full fishing closure outlined in the Big Hole River Watershed Committee Drought Management Plan. 

The fishing closure replaces a hoot owl fishing restriction that has been in place here since July 29. Fishing restrictions are in place for other sections of the Big Hole River and other Montana waterbodies. Anglers can find a statewide list of current restrictions at fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures. 

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.  
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 where fishing is allowed, though fish mortality may still occur:  

• Fish during the coolest times of day. 
• 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.  

For many men, women, active military, and veterans alike, heading into the outdoors is the perfect balance for the chaos of life. Many studies support the mental health benefits of getting outside and seeking a little solitude, whether through hunting and fishing or adventuring through mountains or canyonlands. No matter what their passion, you are sure to impress with any of these outdoor gifts.

 
Binoculars
Tactical binoculars aren't just for the troops. They are an excellent gift for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures. They can be used for various outdoor activities, from bird watching, hunting, hiking, and even concerts. The best binoculars are lightweight, durable, and easy to operate. They are also a top pick for military gifts since good vision is required for service in every military branch.
 
Water Filter and Water Purifier
Anyone who enjoys the outdoors will appreciate a good water filtration system. Access to fresh water is limited when hiking in the backcountry or taking a long canoe trip. Military-grade water purification products, such as water bottles and portable purification devices, can be extremely useful when camping or in an emergency.

Water Bottles
Water bottles are an excellent choice for gifts for outdoor lovers. Whether it's backpacking, hiking, camping, boating, kayaking, or rafting. Every outdoor enthusiast can always use a water bottle. Keep your outdoor lover hydrated with a lightweight, durable, and insulated water bottle perfect for all adventures, trips, and travels.

Headlamp
USB headlamps are also excellent gifts for outdoor lovers. A high-quality headlamp is a great gift for an adventurer who goes camping, cycling, or hiking. Although we all have lights on our smartphones, adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts need hands-free lighting. A headlamp is essential when cooking by the campfire, chopping wood, or hiking dark trails.

 
Backpack Daypack
A backpack is an excellent gift for adventurers. It's best to leave the choice of the full-size travel backpack up to the individual, but a day pack or hydration pack is a perfect gift for outdoor enthusiasts. People typically carry water, food, a layering piece, a rain shell, and a few other accessories, such as a first-aid kit or headlamp. From short day hikes and mountain climbs to all-day adventures into the backcountry, you'll want your outdoorsman or woman to have a suitable pack for the job.

First Aid Kit
All forms of outdoor recreation involve some risks, unknowns, and the potential for injury. If all goes well, no one will ever need to pull the first-aid kit out of their pack. But it's important to practice careful risk management and injury prevention. As the first line of defense, at least when your loved one is spending time outdoors, they will be prepared for anything with a well-stocked first-aid kit.

Merino Wool Socks
Merino wool socks are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and make a great gift for anyone. These socks work great for snow, hunting, hiking boots & shoes. Merino wool socks are soft and won't make your feet sweaty, so they are perfect for any weather. They are also known for their ability to keep your feet fresh. These socks are the best for camping, hiking, trekking, hunting, climbing, or mountaineering. Perfect for birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, or military gifts.  

Satellite Communicator
If you're looking for a gift for an outdoor enthusiast who seems to be 'off the map,' consider a two-way satellite communicator. Similar to a walkie-talkie, these devices keep hikers and climbers safe in remote areas by sending out SOS signals, tracking locations, allowing for communication with others, and much more. If you have a friend or family member who likes to go off the beaten path, this is one of the greatest gifts for outdoor lovers.

Emergency Tent or Sleeping Bag
When hiking on a day trip, chances are most people aren't going to carry a tent, but accidents happen, and they may need to spend the night somewhere. Nobody wants to carry around a heavy tent, but a lightweight survival shelter kit is a gift idea for the adventurous hiker in your life to add to their emergency kit.

Outdoor Watch with GPS
Who doesn't love a watch for a gift? Outdoor watches with GPS were built to withstand the toughest environments. Those who serve or have served in the military are probably very familiar with this watch model. They typically have a compass, altimeter, built-in training apps, and GPS with Global satellite navigation and are great watches for those who love the outdoors.

Multitool
Every adventurer loves a multitool for a gift. Outdoor lovers will find the helpful multitool more often than they expect! A good multitool is designed for outdoors, backpacking, or fixing outdoor gear and will include features such as pliers, wire cutters, electrical crimper, knife, serrated knife, saw, scissors, ruler, can opener, bottle opener, file, and screwdrivers. This is the perfect military gift idea for someone who likes to fix things and is always prepared.