HELENA – It might seem like a good idea at the time, but dumping an aquarium pet into a lake or river is not good for the pet or for the native wildlife. The pet probably won’t survive, and native wildlife won’t know how to compete with the invasive species.

Earlier this spring, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks personnel identified two species that were the result of aquarium dumps.

The first detection was mystery snails at Finley Point in Flathead Lake. Mystery snails are an aquarium snail that are found in many waters in the West. But this is the first mystery snail population identified in Montana. FWP plans to attempt to remove the snail population later this season.

Near Bozeman, an angler reported catching a Dojo loach in a small pond. The Dojo loach is native to East Asia and is a popular aquarium pet in the United States.

For more information on how releasing pets into the wild can negatively impact habitat, visit www.dontletitloose.com.

BOZEMAN – Montana State University’s Museum of the Rockies will host the "Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids: Mythic Creatures" exhibition from May 24 to Jan. 5, featuring models and replicas of preserved specimens from the American Museum of Natural History and other museums’ collections, as well as cast fossils of prehistoric animals.

The exhibit features a 120-foot-long Chinese parade dragon used in New York City's Chinatown for the traditional dragon dance during the Lunar New Year and a replica “Feejee mermaid” made famous by showman P. T. Barnum. Also on display will be four “life-size” models of mythical creatures, including a 17-foot long dragon with a wingspan of 19 feet; a 10-foot long unicorn; an 11-foot-long roc, which is an enormous bird of prey in Middle Eastern mythology, with large, sharp talons with a wingspan of nearly 20 feet; and a kraken, whose 12-foot tentacles rise out of the exhibition floor. Also part of the exhibit are two “life-size” models of extinct species, including a primate called Gigantopithecus and the Aepyornis, the largest bird ever to have lived.

“Dragons, Unicorns and Mermaids: Mythic Creatures” is included with membership or general admission and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Jan. 5. Museum members will enjoy a special preview on May 23 at 6 p.m. On Saturday, May 25, with paid general admission, all are invited to come dressed as a mythic creature to enjoy family-friendly activities and view the exhibit. Learn more and plan your visit at museumoftherockies.org.

This exhibition was organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York in partnership with the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Canadian Museum of History, the Fernbank Museum of Natural History in Atlanta and The Field Museum in Chicago.

The American Museum of Natural History, founded in 1869 with a dual mission of scientific research and science education, is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. The Museum encompasses more than 40 permanent exhibition halls, galleries for temporary exhibitions, the Rose Center for Earth and Space including the Hayden Planetarium, and the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. The Museum’s scientists draw on a world-class permanent collection of more than 34 million specimens and artifacts, some of which are billions of years old, and on one of the largest natural history libraries in the world. Through its Richard Gilder Graduate School, the Museum offers two of the only free-standing, degree-granting programs of their kind at any museum in the U.S.: the Ph.D. program in Comparative Biology and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Earth Science residency program. Visit amnh.org for more information.

EMIGRANT – A section of the upper Yellowstone River will be closed starting Wednesday, May 22, while crews work to replace Carbella Bridge on Tom Miner Creek Road south of Emigrant.

A new bridge is being constructed here after the original bridge was destroyed in a 2022 historic flooding event. The temporary closure is being implemented to mitigate public safety risks from construction activities over the water combined with high river flows.

The river closure extends from the U.S. Forest Service Yankee Jim River Access, commonly known as the Joe Brown boat ramp, downstream to the Bureau of Land Management Carbella Rec Site. The closure will remain in effect until further notice, though it’s expected to last less than a week. River users can check the status of the closure here.

The closure applies to boating and other forms of recreation on this stretch of the river, but it does not include a closure of land-based activities at the Carbella or Yankee Jim sites. Yankee Jim River Access is the last available location to take out upstream of the closure area. For more information about access options, click here.  

Are you looking for Montana’s next undiscovered gem where you can find great food, cold drinks, green grass and some of this region's best music? Just a short 20 minute drive north of Big Timber on Highway 191 you’ll find the tiny, unassuming ranching community of Melville. Nestled on the prairie foothills of the east side of the Crazies, Melville is not much more than a zip code but it is home to an amazing little place called Cafe 191 and to Crazy Mountain Music’s summer music series.

Starting our third season, Crazy Mountain Music is where you will find an authentic Montana experience. We are proud to bring you back to the traditional days of an old fashioned community gathering with room for grandparents, parents and kids to dance the night away under the stars. It feels like family because it is. Owned and operated by Bonita and Matt Cremer on their ranch that has been in the Cremer family for five generations, you are invited to share the evening with us, just like friends and neighbors.

Cafe 191 and Crazy Mountain Music is expanding our summer season to include Melville Saturday Night that begins with an amazing dinner offered picnic style, where you’ll have plenty of room to relax, sip a refreshing beverage from our full bar, play some yard games and simply slow down to enjoy our wide open space before finishing your night with some talented and fun musicians.

We are kicking it all off July 6th with local legends - The Max with their genre and generation spanning favorites, will have you singing along in no time. July 20th enjoy some bluegrass with Trout Basket and then we’ll dance out the night with the honkytonk sounds of Tyler Potter and The Last Minute Surprise. August 17th will feature one of the area’s most popular country music bands - Calvin and The Coal Cars. Our grand finale event will take place Labor Day Weekend beginning Saturday, August 31st with Reckless Kelly’s Last Frontier Tour. Sunday, September 1st we’ll wrap up featuring one of Wyoming’s favorite sons - Tris Munsick and The Innocents.

We have plenty of free parking and offer overnight camping passes (no services) for purchase along with tickets for all our music events on www.crazymountainmusic.com. Come see us in Melville, you’ll have the best time experiencing real Montana hospitality with a great bunch of friends you just haven’t met yet.

BOZEMAN – Montana State University’s Museum of the Rockies is welcoming the public to the seasonal opening of the Living History Farm. The farm is now open and runs to Sept. 2. This exhibit offers visitors a glimpse into life in the 1890s.

Located on the museum grounds, the Living History Farm depicts a Montana homestead circa 1890 to 1910. Visitors can explore the Tinsley House, gardens and groves that complete the farmstead. The Tinsley House is composed of the original 1889 homestead, a milking barn, a blacksmith shop and a chicken coop.

The Living History Farm also hosts special events throughout the summer, including Taste of the Rockies on June 26 and Crafting with the Tinsleys on July 6, where guests can learn about weaving, sewing and other crafts of the 1890s. An Indigikitchen cooking class led by Mariah Gladstone will occur on Aug. 9 and 10. Crafting with the Tinsleys is included with museum membership and admission. Registration for both Taste of the Rockies and the Indigikitchen cooking class can be found at museumoftherockies.org/exhibitions/living-history-farm at $75 per person.

"We are thrilled to unveil the Living History Farm, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the rich agricultural history of Montana," said Chelsea Hogan, director of education and public programming at the Museum of the Rockies. "Through immersive exhibits and engaging events, we aim to educate and inspire visitors of all ages about the enduring spirit of the homesteaders and their contributions to our heritage."

The Living History Farm is included with museum admission and membership. For more information, including special event details, visit museumoftherockies.org.

Logo design is not just an art; it's also deeply rooted in psychology, especially when it comes to the shapes used. Each shape in a logo conveys a distinct message and can evoke specific emotions in the viewer. Understanding the psychology of shapes is crucial for designers and brands aiming to communicate the right message through their logos. This article explores how different shapes influence perceptions and how they can be effectively used in logo design.

The Significance of Shapes in Branding

Shapes are a fundamental element of visual communication. They are the first things that viewers perceive, even before color or text. Each shape encapsulates a unique psychological implication, influencing how a brand is perceived by its audience. By choosing the appropriate shape, brands can forge a deeper connection with their customers, aligning the brand's values with the customers' expectations.

With a 3D logo generator, creating a logo of any shape becomes an effortless and creative process. These online tools offer advanced capabilities that allow users to design stunning three-dimensional logos that stand out visually. Whether you're looking for a sleek, modern look or something more intricate and detailed, a 3D logo generator provides a wide range of geometric shapes, abstract forms, and customizable options. This type of software makes it possible to experiment with depth, shadow, and perspective to create a dynamic logo that pops on any medium. Ideal for businesses aiming to make a bold impression, a 3D logo generator is a powerful tool for crafting a distinctive brand identity.

Common Shapes and Their Psychological Impacts

Shapes are more than just visual elements; they are powerful communicators that can subtly influence perceptions and evoke deep-seated emotions. In logo design, understanding the psychological impact of different shapes can help brands convey specific messages and connect emotionally with their audience. This section delves into the common shapes used in logos—circles, squares, triangles, and lines—and explores how each shape can shape consumer perceptions and behaviors. By leveraging these insights, designers can create logos that not only catch the eye but also resonate on a psychological level.

Circles, Ovals, and Ellipses
These shapes are often associated with unity, stability, and continuity. They suggest community, friendship, and love, fostering a sense of trust and security. Brands looking to portray themselves as friendly and open often utilize circular logos. The absence of sharp edges makes these shapes welcoming and inclusive.

Squares and Rectangles
These are perceived as strong, efficient, and professional. Squares and rectangles convey stability and reliability due to their familiar and straightforward nature. They are often used by companies that wish to project strength and professionalism, like technology firms and financial institutions.

Triangles
Triangles are dynamic because they can point in different directions, which suggests movement or direction. When pointing upward, they convey power, progress, and purpose. When inverted, they can signify risk or instability. Triangles are favored by companies that want to appear bold and energetic.

Vertical Lines
Vertical lines suggest strength, masculinity, and aggression. They convey a feeling of boldness and resilience and are often used in logos for companies that want to project authority and power.

Horizontal Lines
Horizontal lines evoke feelings of tranquility and calm. They are often associated with community, tranquility, and stability. Brands that wish to communicate security and calm, such as wellness or financial services, often use horizontal lines in their logos.

Curves
Curved shapes are associated with rhythm and movement. They are softer and more fluid than straight-edged shapes, often used to represent femininity and beauty. Curves can suggest happiness, rhythm, and pleasure, making them popular in industries like beauty and arts.

Implementing Shape Psychology in Logo Design

When designing a logo, it's essential to consider the message that the shape will convey. Here are a few steps to implement shape psychology effectively:

1. Define the Brand Identity: Clearly define what the brand stands for and the emotions it aims to evoke. This will guide the choice of shapes.
2. Consider the Target Audience: Different demographic groups might react differently to specific shapes based on cultural and social conditioning. Understanding the audience is crucial in selecting the right shape.
3. Combine Shapes Thoughtfully: Sometimes, combining different shapes can enhance a logo’s effectiveness by layering multiple psychological messages. However, it’s important to maintain balance to avoid confusing the audience.
4. Test with Audiences: Before finalizing a logo, test it with focus groups to gauge reactions and ensure the shape communicates the intended message.

Conclusion

The psychology of shapes in logo design is a powerful tool that can significantly influence consumer perception and emotional response. By carefully selecting and utilizing shapes, brands can communicate their values and intentions more clearly, forging stronger connections with their audience. Understanding and leveraging the psychology of shapes allows designers to create logos that are not only visually appealing but also psychologically resonant.

BOZEMAN – A groundbreaking event for a multi-use agricultural building off South 19th Avenue will be held Friday, May 24, hosted by the Montana Department of Livestock, Montana Department of Agriculture and Montana State University. 

The Combined State Laboratories groundbreaking will be held at 1 p.m. at the northwest corner of the intersection of 19th Avenue and Lincoln Street. The new, state building will house the Montana Department of Livestock’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Analytical Lab and the MSU Wool Lab. 

The Veterinary Diagnostic Lab provides disease diagnostic support to veterinarians, agricultural producers, animal owners, wildlife managers and other state and federal agencies. It is an accredited veterinary laboratory that also supports public health by testing for zoonotic diseases and ensuring safety and health of milk, eggs and other animal products.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s Analytical Lab provides analytical services and data to farmers, ranchers, researchers and the public. It serves programs focused on feed, fertilizer, pesticides, groundwater and more to establish guidelines and maintain environmental and agricultural quality. Producers may submit samples to the lab at any time for analysis.

The Wool Lab is currently housed on the MSU campus in its original building, which was built in 1947. MSU’s is the only university-associated wool lab in the nation, conducting research on wool quality and analysis for wool producers around the state and region to assist their profitability, processing around 10,000 wool samples per year. The Wool Lab is collaboratively managed by MSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences and MSU Extension.

The joint lab complex was made possible by appropriations made by the Montana Legislature during the 2021 and 2023 sessions as well as action by the Montana Board of Regents to provide university land for a joint, state-agency facility. The new facility replaces existing lab facilities, some of which were more than 70 years old. The MSU Wool Lab portion also includes private funds 

Speakers at the event will include Mike Honeycutt, executive director of the Montana Department of Livestock; Christy Clark, director of the Montana Department of Agriculture; and Sreekala Bajwa, MSU vice president for agriculture, dean of the College of Agriculture and director of the Montana Agricultural Experiment Station; and Montana Lieutenant Governor Kristen Juras; along with representatives from the Montana Board of Livestock and the Montana Wool Growers Association.

BOZEMAN – At the end of the game, Chris Kelley didn’t know the final score. But he knew Montana State’s men’s lacrosse team had scored more goals than the University of St. Thomas, and that was what mattered. Next came the frigid deluge of a cooler of Gatorade dumped over his head.

“I about dropped to my knees,” said Kelley, head coach of the club team, who also founded the squad back in 2003. “It was awesome.”

The Bobcats earned a national title on Saturday, defeating St. Thomas by a score of 12-7. It was in the team’s first-ever appearance in the championship game of the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association.

The team played four games over six days in the humid heat of Round Rock, Texas, during the MCLA tournament. On top of that, Kelley and his fellow coaches proctored more than two dozen exams for team members since the tournament overlapped with the final week of MSU’s spring semester.

Each of the Bobcats’ opponents posed a unique challenge. First-round opponent Tulane University was the conference champion of the Lone Star Alliance. The quarterfinal foe, the University of Rhode Island, won the Continental Lacrosse Conference. Playing the Air Force Academy in the semifinal rubbed salt in a fresh wound, as that team had beaten the Bobcats by a single goal just days earlier for the Rocky Mountain Lacrosse Conference title.

MSU outscored those three teams by a combined 35 goals on their way to the title match against St. Thomas, never allowing an opponent to score in the double digits. They avenged their earlier loss to Air Force by stunning the No. 1 ranked Falcons 21-4.

“We came out of that conference championship a little disappointed in ourselves. We knew we were better than that,” said Ethan Zwickey, the team’s goalie and a newly minted MSU graduate — he missed Friday’s commencement ceremony to travel to the tournament.

“We just caught fire in the beginning of that [semifinal] game and made all the right adjustments, making a lot of defensive stops,” he said. “And our offense honestly couldn’t miss the cage all day.”

Lacrosse is a club sport at MSU, meaning it is overseen by a board of players and coaches and primarily funded by player dues and fundraising rather than a governing body like the NCAA. This year was the team’s sixth all-time appearance in the national tournament and third in a row. Their opponent in the championship, the Tommies of St. Thomas, hold MCLA records for both national tournament appearances (11) and titles (six).

MSU lost to St. Thomas in the early weeks of the season, falling by one goal in overtime, but MSU attack Jona Serrell said the memory of that close loss gave the Bobcats confidence in the title game.

“We knew we could beat them, but that if we were going to, we’d have to play a complete game,” said Serrell, a junior studying fish and wildlife ecology and management who is originally from Utah.

The Bobcats trailed 3-1 after the first quarter. Each time St. Thomas scored, Zwickey said, the MSU players reminded both themselves and each other why they were there: a love of the game and a love of playing together.

“St. Thomas capitalizes on whatever mistakes their opponent makes. They’re a very disciplined team, very determined and very talented,” he said. “We knew we were a lot better than how we played that first quarter. We took a step back and looked at the game, at how much fun we were having playing with each other, and let the game come to us.”

Coach Kelley called lacrosse “a game of runs” where momentum can shift at any time. When things are clicking, it’s important to capitalize on everything that’s working well. And for the Bobcats after the first quarter, that was most everything.

“It’s a lot of emotions. A lot of tears, a lot of hugging, too many pictures,” Zwickey recalled of the moment the game was over. “It still doesn’t even feel quite real. It was a long season, so to be able to end that way and enjoy that moment with our families around us, it was really special.”

Serrell scored the final goal of the game, giving the Bobcats their ultimate five-point margin of victory. Zwickey, the goalie, added 12 saves to the 19 he tallied against Air Force and was named tournament MVP. He was joined on that all-tournament team by Serrell at attack; midfielders Matt Bess and Vernon Loucks; short stick defenseman Auston Neubauer; long stick midfielder Sam Radke; and defenseman Andreas Lucero.

“Ethan Zwickey is the best goalie in the MCLA. He was astonishing in this tournament,” said Serrell. “He’s a team leader and very humble, but he really kept us in a lot of those games. He 100% deserved that tournament MVP. He played some of the best lacrosse that I’ve ever seen anyone play.”

Zwickey, who completed a degree in finance and management from MSU’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship this spring, said hoisting the championship trophy was bittersweet since he’s closing out his time as a Bobcat. He’s known Kelley since he was in middle school, receiving his first Bobcat lacrosse helmet from Kelley in eighth grade. And while the championship brings pride, Zwickey hopes he and the rest of the senior class leave a different legacy.

“The winning is great, and I hope they’re back in the national tournament every year from here on out,” he said. “But I really just hope everybody loves each other as much as this group does.”

Kelley credited assistant coach and team alum Connor Dack for his leadership during the season, along with the 2024 class of seniors. He said the graduating athletes shared memories the night before the title game, knowing they had the opportunity to accomplish something special.

“We knew what it meant to all the players in that group, and they were able to share that with the team before Saturday even started,” he said. “Ten years ago, we made our first national tournament appearance, and now 10 years later here we are, hoisting the trophy at the very end. It’s pretty monumental for us, but it’s a benchmark to hold ourselves to for a long time coming. They’ve taught me a lot, just from their hard work and focus. I am so proud of these guys.”