News in brief

Gas leak surveys underway

Workers with NorthWestern Energy will be conducting routine gas leak surveys as part of ongoing safety maintenance.

It is normal, scheduled work and not a cause for concern, according to the Belgrade Police Department.

“As part of this work, survey crews may be walking along streets, alleys, and occasionally onto private property to access and inspect gas meters,” reads a Tuesday notice from the agency. “These workers are contractors with Heath Consultants and are authorized to be there. They will be wearing bright safety vests, carrying official identification badges, and driving vehicles marked with NorthWestern Energy contractor placards.”

However, if residents ever encounter someone who does not appear to have proper identification or is acting suspiciously, they should call the police, the agency added.

Summer Nights Band Announcement Party

The official Belgrade Summer Nights 2026 lineup announcement will be held Friday, May 1, at the Rhino Lounge.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m.

“Grab a drink, bring your friends, and be the first to hear who’s taking the stage this summer!” reads a description of the event from the Belgrade Community Coalition. Belgrade Summer Nights 2026 dates are: June 24, July 8, July 22, Aug. 5, and Aug. 19.

Band, choir students to perform next week

The public is invited to a performance by the Belgrade School District’s Middle School Advanced Band and Middle School Advanced Choir.

The event, Jazz & Jambalaya, will be held from 5:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. May 6 at the Belgrade High School Commons. Tickets purchased in advance are $15 for adults, $10 for students, and $50 for a family pass. Tickets at the door are $18 for adults, $12 for students, and $60 for a family pass. Children four and younger get in for free.

The proceeds from the tickets go to Panther Music Boosters, which support music programs at the district.

“We still need a few helping hands,” reads a Tuesday statement from the district. “If you’re able, please consider volunteering for food service or bringing cornbread or dessert.”

Volunteers can sign up at https://tinyurl.com/3nnwwcx6.

Tickets are available at https://givebutter.com/2026-jazz-jambalaya.

Montana State offering noncredit project management course in May

MSU’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship will offer a noncredit project management course in May. The course will prepare participants to take a certification exam.

The course, “Project Management Essentials and Certified Associate in Project Management Exam Prep,” will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 12 to 14 in Jabs Hall on MSU’s campus. It includes an online component in Canvas, MSU’s learning management system.

“The course does not require prerequisite work and is open to the public, including MSU students, those with a high school diploma or professionals with minimal project management experience,” reads a notice from the university. “Students will learn core project management principles, including leadership skills, plan-based methodologies, business analysis approaches and Agile frameworks for workflow organization, to successfully lead projects in a dynamic business environment. The course will satisfy the 23-hour project management education requirement for certification, preparing students to take the Certified Associate in Project Management exam.”

The course can be registered for online at https://eu.courses.montana.edu/CourseStatus.awp?course=26SCEX280702. It costs $975, with continuing education units available for an additional $25. Registration closes on Sunday, May 10.

'Star War’ music slated May 4

Belgrade Middle and High School bands will perform a combined rendition of the main theme of “Star Wars” next Monday.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. May 4 at the Askin Park Bandshell.

“Featuring a combined performance of the Star Wars main theme and a showcase of student growth from this past year—this is one you won’t want to miss,” reads a description of the event from Belgrade School District.

Memorial scholarship deadlines loom

The deadline to apply for the Delaney Doherty Memorial Scholarship is May 1.

Two separate $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to 12th grade students at Manhattan Public Schools -- one male and one female -- who aspire to continue their education or training beyond high school in any U.S. accredited training, licensing, certification program, or institution of higher education.

The scholarship was established to honor the memory of 17-year-old Delaney Doherty, who was killed in a car crash in August 2023. She was slated to be senior class president at Manhattan High School.

The Avery Melling Memorial Scholarship deadline is May 15. This $3,000 scholarship will be awarded to one individual from the senior class of 2026 from Manhattan High School. Afterward, a $1000 scholarship will be awarded annually.

The Avery Melling Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the life of Avery Melling, a 17-year-old junior at Manhattan High School who was killed in crash in December 2024. She was a cheerleader with aspirations of being a welder and firefighter.

More details about the scholarships and how to apply for them can be found at https://www.rollontigers.org/schools/high-school-9-12/high-school-counselor/scholarships/local-scholarships.

New orchestra forming

Players of string, wind, and brass instruments are being sought for the Belgrade Chamber Orchestra in development.

Conductor Logan Henke is overseeing the orchestra and plans to lead the group for a performance of patriotic music at the America 250 Belgrade event this summer.

To learn more, contact Christiana Weiss at info@belgradeorchestra.org or visit belgradeorchestra.org.

Mother’s Day Smash Bros. Tournament

A Mother’s Day Smash Bros. Tournament is slated for May 9 at the Belgrade Public Library and Community Center.

“Don't talk back to your mom! Talk strategy instead! Celebrate Mother's Day with this laid-back Smash Bros. tournament courtesy of the Belgrade Library, MC'd by local nerd Miss Rebecca,” reads an event description by the library. “Bring Mom to see who has what it takes to be the real MVP (and maybe win a trophy in the process)! Food, drinks, and other activities provided for the whole family.”

To register for the event, visit https://tinyurl.com/4pdfuae3.

Give Big Fest slated for Thursday

Give Big Fest Belgrade will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Belgrade Library and Community Center on Thursday, April 30.

The event will feature kids-friendly activities, snacks, and booths manned by local organizations. Live music will be provided by local musicians.