LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF

Arts Council Hosts Big Sky Artisan Festival

EBS STAFF

The Big Sky Artisan Festival assembled nearly 100 artists at Len Hill Park on July 22 for an all-day art showcase hosted by the Arts Council of Big Sky.

Four performances helped fill the sunny day, including the Montana State University African Student Association, a representative of the Blackfoot Tribe, a “Sizzling Salsa” performance and country line dancing with the Western Roots Dance Company.

“I can’t stress enough how organic it is… it’s very special… the artist community runs deep,” said Jane Liivoja, events director for the Arts Council, when explaining how the festival has steadily grown over the years.

Woman Killed In Bear Encounter Near West Yellowstone

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Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced on July 24 that a woman was killed in a bear encounter on the Buttermilk Trail near West Yellowstone. The woman was identified as 48-year old Amie Adamson of Derby, Kansas.

MFWP received the call that a hiker had found the woman on July 22 at 8 a.m. “FWP wardens and bear specialists, along with staff from other agencies, found that the woman had wounds consistent with a bear attack,” the release stated. The coroner’s office confirmed the cause of death was due to bear mauling, and it remains under investigation.

There were no signs of a daybed or animal carcasses in the nearby area. “The hiker was believed to be alone during the encounter, and no bear spray or firearms were found at the scene,” the release stated.

FIRES BURN IN WESTERN MONTANA, YNP SEES FIRST FIRE OF THE SEASON

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Smoke reached southwest Montana on July 23 from several wildfires burning northwest of Big Sky: The Colt Fire in Lolo National Forest north of Missoula and the Bowles Fire in Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest.

The Colt Fire is 15 miles northwest of Seeley Lake and started on July 17 due to a lightning strike. As of July 26, the fire spans 4,390 acres and is 0% contained. Personnel plan for a July 29 containment date according to updates on InciWeb from the Incident Commander.

The Bowles Fire is burning southwest of Skalkaho Pass. It began after a lightning storm hit the area and was found on July 20. The wildfire spans 1,663 acres as of July 26.

Yellowstone National Park confirmed its first fire of the season on July 24, but the .1 acre blaze was quickly extinguished. Park officials declared fire danger in the park as HIGH but did not enact any fire restrictions.

Bozeman Police Department Arrest 18 After Human Trafficking And Child Exploitation Investigation

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The human trafficking and child exploitation investigation was conducted by the Bozeman Police Department from July 20-22, resulting in the arrests of 18 people, according to a news release from the department’s Facebook page.

“These individuals have been charged with 18 counts of patronizing a prostitute, five counts of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs, one count of resisting arrest, and one count of patronizing a victim of sex trafficking for a child victim,” the release stated.

According to reporting by Nora Shelly of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, among the arrested were a school district trustee and an assistant football coach at Bozeman High School.

The investigation is ongoing and the Bozeman Police Department hopes the investigation will educate the community.