Good morning, Bozeman.

Bozeman residents will gather on December 21 at the front plaza of the Bozeman Public Library for the annual Homelessness Persons Memorial Vigil to honor locals who died after facing homelessness—attendees are advised to dress warmly as the event highlights the harsh realities of Montana winters. Library Outreach Director Ben Nielsen said the vigil will help raise awareness of the challenges faced by those without stable housing.

On November 29, a skier triggered an avalanche in the northern Bridgers and was carried by the slide but deployed an airbag to dig out without injuries — the event is one of several slides reported after recent snow and wind that led experts to warn adventurers to check the stability of slopes over 30 degrees.

Gas prices in Montana fell 3.3 cents over the past week with the average dropping to $2.95 per gallon as of Monday, Dec 1.

The cheapest price was $2.68 while the most expensive reached $3.34 across the state.

On Sunday, a helicopter rescued four bull elk from a frozen pond near Manhattan when thin ice trapped them in about four feet of water along I-90.

Local law enforcement and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks worked to guide the elk safely to shore—while retired photographer Beth Moos documented the dramatic rescue.

Montana leaders lit the Capitol Christmas tree Monday using a 29‑foot Douglas fir from near Seeley Lake—placed in the rotunda with over 3,600 lights and 950 ornaments—and the Carroll College Choirs sang carols as the ceremony unfolded.

Governor Gianforte also started his annual 12 Days of Giving campaign by dropping off donations for local Toys for Tots.

Montana property owners began applying for a new homestead tax exemption yesterday using online or mail forms, and the tax break will lower bills next year.

The Department of Revenue said about 220,000 primary residences were automatically enrolled while long-term rental owners must apply by March 1.

Health officials confirmed two new measles cases in Gallatin County on Dec.

1; these followed a case on Nov. 28 (which had a known exposure at a public site) and officials are reaching out to notify anyone at risk. They advised families to talk with their child’s healthcare provider about the MMR vaccine schedule.

The Montana State Bobcat football team will host Yale on Dec.

6 at noon at Bobcat Stadium in their second-round FCS playoff game. With home-field advantage as the No. 2 seed, the Bobcats aim to advance to the national quarterfinals while Yale comes off a dramatic win over Youngstown State—seeking a postseason spot.

Katie Hall Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Bozeman Hot Springs — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy a relaxing evening of classic country tunes from the talented Katie Hall.

Icarus Performance

7-10 p.m. — Bozeman Hot Springs — No cover charge — Experience the unique sounds of Art-Rock band Icarus with a blend of influences from alternative music.

December Grounds for Connection: A Mental Health Professional Meetup

9-11 a.m. — Sky Oro — Free entry — Network over pastries and gain insights on mental health with Dr. Rebecka Pearson.

Live Music with Mathias

7-10 p.m. — Bozeman Hot Springs — Ticket Info Unavailable — Experience dynamic acoustic folk sounds fueled by rock and funk from a local favorite.

Tom Petty Christmas Party

9:00 – 11:59 PM — Tune Up — Free entry — Celebrate the season with Petty jams and Christmas fun at the Second Annual Tom Petty Christmas Party.

A Christmas Carol Performance

3-6 p.m. — Ellen Theatre — Tickets from $25 — Experience the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge in a heartwarming holiday performance.

Sparkle Spectacular New Year's Eve

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Tinworks at Rialto — Celebrate with sparkles, champagne, and dance moves.