🌱 Proposed Bills To Expand Vaccine Exemptions + Mailing Scam

Welcome back, Bozeman. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds; milder. High: 48 Low: 34.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Bozeman who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Bozeman:

1. Montana's House Bill 702 prohibited discrimination based on vaccine status in employment, education, and health care. However, a federal judge ruled the law unconstitutional in health care settings, and two other lawsuits are pending. Lawmakers have introduced proposals to expand vaccine exemptions in schools and the workplace, but experts warn of the consequences, including more people getting sick and dying from preventable diseases. (Bozeman Daily Chronicle)
2. A conference hosted by the Montana State University Extension and the Montana Pork Producers Council will be held on Saturday, Apr. 29, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The conference welcomes small pork producers to discuss swine genetics, pork production, recipes, and more. Local chefs will present cooked pork dishes. (Montana State University)
3. The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office warns residents that there is a mailing scam reported in the area. The Gallatin County Motor Vehicle Department notified authorities that residents had received letters claiming to be from the Vehicle Services Division and alerting residents that their vehicle coverage is about to expire. The public is asked not to respond as this is just a way for people to obtain personal information. An example of a scam can be seen at the link. (KBZK News)

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Today in Bozeman:

• Spring Break Magic Camp At Montana Science Center (9:00 AM)
• Open Mic Mondays At The 4C Bunkhouse (5:00 PM)
• Weston Lewis At Red Tractor Pizza (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Applications are now being accepted for the $75,000 Venture Competition, which will be hosted on Apr. 20 by Montana State University's Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the MSU Blackstone LaunchPad. The competition provides entrepreneurs, including students, faculty and staff, and recent alumni, the opportunity to present their business ideas, receive feedback, and compete for startup funding. The deadline to apply is Sunday, Mar. 26. (Montana.edu)
• Families from all over Montana are in Bozeman for the state basketball tournament, looking to take home a trophy. But they're also looking for affordable hotel rooms for their stay, which are hard to find. Read more at the link about affordable hotels in the area. (KBZK News)
• The Bozeman Daily Chronicle is launching a combined Saturday and Sunday edition of the Chronicle starting Saturday, Mar. 18. The paper will deliver this printed edition every Saturday. The new weekend edition will have all the content offerings longtime readers have come to rely on in their Sunday paper. Now, readers will have an extra day to enjoy it! (Bozeman Daily Chronicle)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll see you around!

— 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.