🌱 Businesses React To Fireworks Ban + $4.1M Grant To Train Counselors

Good morning, neighbors! I'm here with your Wednesday edition of the Bozeman Patch newsletter, filled with all the community information you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: A passing afternoon shower. High: 63 Low: 43.
• Thursday: Cloudy, a couple of showers. High: 58 Low: 40.

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Here are the top three stories in Bozeman today:

1. Bozeman commissioners have recently implemented a ban on the sale and use of fireworks within the city limits, leading to mixed reactions from fireworks stand owners. Some owners expressed their disappointment, stating that they would have appreciated more notice from the city regarding the ban. The ban, which starts on Jun. 2, aims to address concerns related to density, climate change, and fire danger in the community. The Bozeman Fire Chief mentioned that other communities have already had similar conversations about the use of fireworks. As an alternative, the city is considering hosting its own Fourth of July show as a safer option for residents. (NBC Montana)
2. Montana State University (MSU) has been awarded a $4.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to train school and mental health counselors for rural Montana communities. The grant will be used to increase the diversity, training, employment, retention, and effectiveness of mental health professionals in rural, remote, and tribal areas of the state. Over the course of five years, MSU aims to produce 60 counselors, with half of them coming from MSU and the other half from the University of Montana, and the goal is for 40 of these counselors to work in rural counseling positions throughout Montana. (Bozeman Daily Chronicle)
3. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Gem & Mineral Show hosted by the Bozeman Gem & Mineral Club on May 13 and 14 at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. With a $3 admission fee per day (free for children 10 and under with an adult), attendees can explore a variety of vendors offering gems, minerals, fossils, beads, jewelry, and more. The event will also feature raffles, silent auctions, a Garnet sorting table, and an opportunity for specimen identification. Don't miss this chance to support the Bozeman Gem and Mineral Club, Montana's oldest "rock club," while enjoying a captivating display of world-class mineral specimens. Click here for more information. (The BoZone)

From our sponsor:

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Today and tomorrow in Bozeman:

Wednesday, May 10

• Support Persons' Dinner At Cancer Support Community Bozeman (5:30 PM)

Thursday, May 11

• Ladies Night At Last Best Place Brewing Co. (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• It's crucial to take responsibility for monitoring and ensuring the safety of your drinking water if you own a private well, as private wells are not monitored by public health authorities like public water systems. It's recommended to regularly sample your water, even without noticeable changes, since certain contaminants may not have noticeable signs or odors. Test kits can be obtained from the Gallatin Local Water Quality District office in Bozeman and the Gallatin Conservation District office in Manhattan. (Three Forks Voice)
• Full- and part-time job opportunities are available in the Bozeman area. Available positions include business operations manager, hotel area sales manager, travel nurse, heavy equipment operator, and more. More details about companies hiring in the area are available at the link. (Bozeman Patch)
• New homes have been listed for sale in the Bozeman area! Get all the property details at the link. (Bozeman Patch)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.