News in brief

Give Big campaign raises $3.2M for area nonprofits

The 12th annual Give Big Gallatin Valley raised a record-breaking $3.2 million for 265 local nonprofits.

“Hosted by One Valley Community Foundation, Give Big Gallatin Valley has now raised more than $23.6 million for 525 nonprofits since launching in 2015,” reads a May 4 press release from One Valley Community Foundation. “The 24-hour giving initiative connects donors with local causes and supports organizations serving communities throughout Gallatin County.”

This year, there were no fees associated with donations made through Give Big -- every dollar donated went directly to the nonprofits selected by donors. This was made possible by an investment from the Jill and Nicholas Woodman Foundation, a donor-advised fund at One Valley Community Foundation.

“This milestone reflects the generosity and commitment of our entire community,” said Bridget Wilkinson, president & CEO of One Valley Community Foundation, in the release. “Year after year, Give Big brings people together around a shared belief that local nonprofits are essential to the strength and future of Gallatin County. Raising $3.2 million in just 24 hours is not only a record, it is a testament to what is possible when a community shows up for one another.”

Belgrade Bloomers to share gardening/landscaping info

Members of the public are invited to the next meeting of the Belgrade Bloomers Garden Club next week.

“Club members will answer your gardening and landscaping questions,” reads a statement from the club. “How to deter deer, snow on spring trees, bugs, diseases, and how to grow veggies. Bring your questions and a friend, and we'll share tips, tricks, and ideas.”

The event will begin at 6 p.m. May 11 at the Central Valley Fire Station, 215 Wings Way.

Manhattan FCCLA students recognized at state conference

Family and consumer sciences students at Manhattan Public Schools received awards at a recent state conference.

The awardees include:

• 2026 FCCLA Ultimate Leader Award: Gracie Bassett (One of five selected across the state)
• Repurpose & Redesign - 1st Place, Gold: Addie Jones and Amelia Zacher
• Professional Presentation - 2nd Place, Silver: Ethan Romero
• Focus on Children - 2nd Place, Silver: Cailin Loessberg and Avery DeWit
• Career Investigation - 3rd Place, Gold: Claire Blanchard

“All of these students qualified for our National Competition in Washington DC this summer,” wrote their teacher, Amanda Swenson, in a message to Belgrade News. “Additionally, Gracie Bassett will be attending for State Officer training (VP of Membership for MT FCCLA), and Brock Romero is MT FCCLA's only National Officer Candidate, so we wish him the best of luck running, as he is the first candidate from MT since 2016. (There are rules against official campaigning, so we can only wish him luck).”

The awards were distributed at the March 19-20 Montana FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Bozeman. At the same conference, Swenson received the Spirit of Advising Award.

FCCLA, or Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, is a nationwide student-led, intracurricular Career and Technical Student Organization that’s designed to connect classroom learning to leadership, service, and real-world career preparation. FCCLA isn’t a club but is integrated into Family and Consumer Sciences education.

New orchestra seeks musicians

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

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.

Police warn of text message scam

The Belgrade Police Department has been receiving reports of text messages claiming that recipients owe money for a citation, violation, or even a toll.

“These messages are scams,” reads a May 4 statement from the agency. “The Belgrade Police Department does not communicate with the public by text message regarding citations, parking tickets, or any other violations. Neither do the courts, the State of Montana, or any legitimate law enforcement agency. No legitimate government agency will demand payment in the form of gift cards. If a message asks you to pay a fine or fee using gift cards, it is a scam.”

Additionally, there are no toll roads in Montana, and the Montana Department of Transportation does not issue fines in that way, according to the police department.

“These scams are designed to create urgency and confusion,” reads the agency’s statement. “If you receive a message that seems suspicious or does not feel right, do not respond or send payment. Instead, contact your local law enforcement agency to verify the information.”