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Bozeman Launches Civics Academy to Enhance Resident Understanding of City Operations

Bozeman Launches Civics Academy to Enhance Resident Understanding of City Operations

Bozeman, Montana, is launching a new Civics Academy this fall, designed to provide residents with a comprehensive understanding of how the city operates. This program, the first of its kind in the state, aims to rebalance civic engagement by offering more opportunities for citizens to shape their city. The academy will consist of seven sessions, covering every city department, including fiscal, parks and recreation, information technology, and human resources. Mayor Joey Morrison noted that while civic engagement has grown with Bozeman's expansion, residents often lack a holistic understanding of city operations, leading to feelings of unheard voices. He explained that relying solely on city commission meetings provides an incomplete picture of the city's functions. The initiative seeks to address this gap, which Mayor Morrison believes has resulted in a loss of residents feeling connected to the bureaucracy of local government.

Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho Finalizes Acquisition of Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance

Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho Finalizes Acquisition of Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance

Farm Bureau Insurance Company of Idaho Finalizes Acquisition of Mountain West Farm Bureau Insurance

Congressman Troy Downing Praises MSU-Northern's Workforce Development Programs and $2.5 Million Grant

Congressman Troy Downing Praises MSU-Northern's Workforce Development Programs and $2.5 Million Grant

Congressman Troy Downing recently visited Montana State University-Northern (MSU-Northern) and commended its programs in diesel technology, electrical, and manufacturing for addressing Montana's workforce shortages. His visit highlighted the university's role in preparing students for well-paying careers. MSU-Northern has also been selected to receive approximately $2.5 million in federal funding over five years through the U.S. Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP). The initial award for the first year is $457,704. This grant aims to enhance student support, strengthen academic and career pathways, and help more students successfully complete their degrees and transition into the workforce. Interim Chancellor Jennifer Brown emphasized that this investment provides an opportunity to strengthen the entire student experience, ensuring students have clear paths from choosing a major to graduation and career building. Lindsey Brandt-Bennett, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Managemen...

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Warns Residents About Bears Feasting on Porch Pumpkins Amid Drought

Colorado Parks and Wildlife Warns Residents About Bears Feasting on Porch Pumpkins Amid Drought

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) officials are advising residents to keep Halloween pumpkins indoors this fall due to an increase in bear encounters. Bears are reportedly feasting on pumpkins left on porches and in yards, which are seen as high-calorie snacks by the animals. This behavior is exacerbated by a record number of bear conflicts this year, attributed to extreme drought conditions that have reduced natural food sources for bears and other wildlife. Bears are currently in a state of hyperphagia, compulsively eating up to 20,000 calories a day for up to 22 hours to prepare for winter hibernation. CPW has already observed bears consuming pumpkins from front yards and grocery store displays. The agency emphasizes that feeding wildlife, even unintentionally, is illegal as it disrupts natural behavior, can spread disease, and makes animals more comfortable around humans, potentially leading to attacks on pets and people, which often results in the animals being euthanized.

Governor Gianforte Concludes Sixth Annual 56 County Tour in Montana, Engaging with Local Businesses and Education Facilities

Governor Gianforte Concludes Sixth Annual 56 County Tour in Montana, Engaging with Local Businesses and Education Facilities

Governor Greg Gianforte has completed his sixth annual 56 County Tour across Montana, an initiative that involves visiting all 56 counties in the state. This year's tour concluded with engagements in Broadwater and Lewis and Clark counties. In Broadwater County, Governor Gianforte met with local businesses at the Graymont Limestone Mine in Townsend, which is the largest employer in the county, employing 75 people and producing lime for various industries. In Lewis and Clark County, he joined Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Christy Clark to tour the new Montana WILD Avian Walkway in Helena. This facility will house permanently injured ambassador raptors and is expected to host over 10,000 public visitors and 8,000 students annually for conservation education programs focused on birds of prey. This marks Governor Gianforte's tenth time visiting every county since taking public office, emphasizing direct engagement with Montanans to understand their priorities.

Whole Foods Market Confirmed as Anchor Tenant for Missoula's Midtown Market Development

Whole Foods Market Confirmed as Anchor Tenant for Missoula's Midtown Market Development

Whole Foods Market Confirmed as Anchor Tenant for Missoula's Midtown Market Development

Cougar Suspected in Over 30 Livestock Killings on Vancouver Island, Farmers Call for Increased Action

Cougar Suspected in Over 30 Livestock Killings on Vancouver Island, Farmers Call for Increased Action

Farmers in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area of Vancouver Island are urging the BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) to take more decisive action following a series of livestock killings attributed to one or more cougars. Over 30 animals, including geese, turkeys, ducks, and goats, have been killed across five farms since August. Most recently, three geese were killed on Billy and Garrett Jolicoeur’s farm on September 28. The Jolicoeurs reported finding one goose eaten, another with a broken neck and puncture wounds consistent with a cougar kill, and a third partially buried, a known cougar sign. They also noted distinctive 'chirping' sounds from the animal. Another farm reported 11 turkeys, five ducks, and one house cat killed in August, with witnesses claiming to have seen three cougars, including an injured adult and two juveniles. The farmers believe the cougar's abnormal behavior of killing more prey than it consumes is due to an injury. Despite calls to the BCCOS, farmers express concern over the...

Governor Gianforte Appoints Larry Flynn as New Montana Department of Transportation Director

Governor Gianforte Appoints Larry Flynn as New Montana Department of Transportation Director

Governor Greg Gianforte has announced the appointment of Larry Flynn as the new director of the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT). Flynn will succeed outgoing MDT Director Chris Dorrington. With over three decades of public service within MDT, Flynn brings extensive experience in leading the agency's operations, finances, and policy development. He has served as MDT's deputy director since 2023, working alongside Dorrington to manage the department's more than 2,000 employees and its annual budget of $1 billion. Prior to his role as deputy director, Flynn was MDT's chief financial officer and Administration Division administrator for 16 years, overseeing critical functions such as accounting and budgeting. Governor Gianforte expressed confidence in Flynn's leadership, stating that his experience comes at a crucial time for one of Montana's largest state agencies.

Missoula County Approves Funding for Tax Increment Financing Study

Missoula County Approves Funding for Tax Increment Financing Study

Missoula County Commissioners have approved spending up to $55,000 to hire a consultant for an unbiased study on tax increment financing (TIF). The decision comes amidst varying opinions on TIF's effectiveness and a recognized lack of comprehensive understanding of its mechanics and impacts on other taxing jurisdictions. Flanna McLarty noted concerns regarding TIF's effects on overlapping districts and the need for a shared understanding of the process. The study aims to clarify how TIF interacts with Montana's valuation and taxation system, its influence on the budgeting of other taxing entities, and potential consequences for taxpayers. Missoula County's five TIF districts, including Bonner Mill and Bonner West Log Yard, will each contribute $13,750 towards the study.

U.S. Fish Wildlife Service Highlights Diverse Hunting Opportunities at Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge

U.S. Fish Wildlife Service Highlights Diverse Hunting Opportunities at Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service emphasizes 'diversity' as a key characteristic of hunting experiences at Lacreek National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers over 11,000 acres of varied habitats, allowing hunters to pursue up to 18 different species. Wing shooters can explore wetland edges for pheasants and Sandhill ranges for sharp-tailed grouse and prairie chickens, with the option of using pointing or flushing dogs. Deer hunters can target white-tailed deer and mule deer from tree stands or by spot-and-stalk methods from Sandhill peaks. Archery deer hunters require a state archery license, while muzzleloader deer hunters need a specific refuge permit. Youth, apprentice, and mentor license holders are also welcome. Additionally, predator hunters can pursue red fox, coyote, bobcat, and mountain lion from January 1 to February 15, finding the Sandhills a unique challenge. Waterfowling is also prominent, with over 5,000 acres available on Pool 10, spring-fed pools, and a four-mile stretch of Lake Creek.

New York DEC Excludes Wolves, Cougars, and Canada Lynx from State Wildlife Action Plan

New York DEC Excludes Wolves, Cougars, and Canada Lynx from State Wildlife Action Plan

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released its final State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which notably excludes wolves, cougars, and Canada lynx from the Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) list. This decision comes despite advocacy from organizations like Protect the Adirondacks, which argued for their inclusion due to confirmed presences in nearby states and suitable habitat within New York. The DEC justified the exclusion by stating a focus on resident species with existing populations at risk of decline. However, critics argue that adding these three species would not significantly impede conservation efforts for the 570 species already on the list. The final SWAP also reinstated the Common Loon to the SGCN list, a change that Protect the Adirondacks had urged after its removal in the draft version. Additionally, a recommendation for legislative authority to establish a moose hunting season, initially present in the draft, was removed from the final plan.

North Dakota State Archives Celebrates Archives Month with State Constitution Display

North Dakota State Archives Celebrates Archives Month with State Constitution Display

The North Dakota State Archives is observing Archives Month throughout October by highlighting the original North Dakota State Constitution. This document, which was signed on August 17, 1889, and ratified on October 1, 1889, is a central piece of the state's history. The constitution's creation followed the Enabling Act of 1889, which allowed the Dakota Territory to split into North and South Dakota. Delegates from North Dakota worked for approximately a month and a half to draft the foundational document, debating key issues such as statewide prohibition, voting rights, and the placement of public institutions. The Bismarck Tribune reported on the convention's progress, noting the debates and the anticipation surrounding its conclusion. The original handwritten constitution has been digitized and is available for online viewing, offering public access to this historical record. North Dakota officially became the 39th state to enter the Union on November 2, 1889, alongside South Dakota, Montana, and Washi...