Extension Events

Do you have your pencil or calendar out?  Today I’ll be giving you an Extension Events listing for Teton County, and, of course, we invite our surrounding areas to take part.

First up, this Saturday, August 26 is the MSU Innovation Road Show:  Sharing Innovative Ideas One Town at a Time.  A group of seven PhDs from MSU will be speaking at this FREE event at 12:30 p.m. at the Stage Stop Inn.  The event will be completed around 2:30 p.m.  Topics range from driverless cars, grain genetics, tiny houses, Asian history, Native health, nanotechnology and invasive plants.

Next in the line-up of FREE educational offerings are the Small Business Webinars. These webinars are scheduled the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m.  The first class is on Understanding Credit Card Processing for Businesses.  This class was developed in direct response to a request from a Teton County business owner.  The webinars are free and will last 30 minutes.  There is a chat room for questions and answers during the live webinars.  They will be recorded and posted online.  Go to www.msucommunitydevelopment.org/smallbusiness.html to learn more.  Questions can be sent to commdev@montana.edu.  For the first webinar on Thursday, September 7, we will be hosting a group viewing in Choteau at the library.  Business owners can come together to learn, not only from the webinar, but from each other.  Again, these webinars are free and can be viewed from your computer or device or you can join us Sept. 7 at 11 a.m. at the Choteau Library.  Other webinars on the schedule so far are October 5 at 11 a.m., Getting Your Small Business Online, and November 2 at 11 a.m., Developing Your Story: A Foundation for Funding.

Mark your calendar for October 3 to be in Choteau from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Leading Local. 

 The Leading Local program will focus on personal leadership skills, board member engagement and organizational management. Board members and staff will come away feeling better prepared to serve on a board, council or committee. They will recognize the components of an effective meeting and have a good understanding of different personality styles and how to work effectively together. Participants will learn about tools to increase participation on boards, board member engagement and recruitment strategies for high potential board members. The class will include Real Colors Personality Inventory and Emotional Intelligence, Energizing Your Organization and Engaging Your Board, plus more!  The class will be taught primarily by Dan Clark of the MSU Extension Local Government Center.  This class is being provided FREE to the public by our generous sponsors, MSU Extension in Teton and Pondera Counties, 3 Rivers Communication, City of Choteau and the Stage Stop Inn.  Registration is appreciated and can be made by contacting MSU Extension in Teton County at 466-2492 or teton@montana.edu. 

But wait, there’s more!  On October 4, Dan Clark will teach a Board Training class from 6-9 p.m. at the Stage Stop Inn, again, FREE to the public with the same generous sponsors as the Leading Local class.  Anyone who serves on any board in our area or is thinking about serving on a board should take this highly informative, engaging class. MSU Extension in Teton County at 466-2492 or teton@montana.edu. 

We have some upcoming wellness classes, too!  In conjunction with the Teton County Health Department, MSU Extension in Teton County is offering the Living Life Well with Chronic Conditions and Diseases Class.  Classes will be on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. at the Choteau Library starting on September 11 and running through October 16.  Instructors for the class are Glenn Deuchler, Betty Lou Deuchler and me, Jane Wolery.  Registration is required and the series costs $20.  Call 466-2462 to register. 

And, that’s not all … We are excited to be teaching the YAM – Youth Aware of Mental Health class to ninth grade students in Fairfield in September and October.  YAM is a mental health resiliency program that, when tested in Europe, provided the best evidence for preventing suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts in adolescents.  The class, taught by Jane Wolery and Luke Coccoli, gives basic mental health information, coping skills and emotional intelligence training, problem-solving and positive peer relations. 

Wolery is also looking forward to providing a class call Teen Time and Tension Tips on September 6 for the Dutton-Brady youth at the Dutton Park from 6-8 p.m.

We have a few more things to pin down in our September and October calendars, but for now, that is our Extension Events update.  We hope to see you participating in one of the many Extension offerings in the upcoming weeks! 

Autumn Update

While I was at the Senior Center in Fairfield last week teaching a class with Brent Roeder on frauds and scams, a woman mentioned how much she enjoyed reading the Extension articles in the newspapers.  I admitted that I have been absent from newsprint recently, which she had noticed.  I felt it would be worthwhile to do an update on the family consumer science side of MSU Extension in Teton County.  After the full 4-H summer season of educational events, I took a few days off in early August, but did write a grant application during that time.  I am excited to announce that we received a $10,000 grant from 3 Rivers and CoBank.  About the same time I received word that the grant application I wrote for Montana Financial Education Coalition was funded at $750.  Both of these grants were written to further efforts primarily in financial education from preschool age through the lifespan.  We will be purchasing a traveling iPad lab to enhance the student learning experience.  The traveling technology lab will be used by Extension throughout the region.

In August, I was invited to teach teamwork lessons for the Shelby School faculty and staff, and the Choteau volleyball team graciously let me practice the team building activities with them first.  I had the pleasure of teaching the Real Colors™ personality inventory for the Dutton-Brady faculty.  The class helps participants decipher their natural strengths, but also look for ways to appreciate and communicate with those who have very different strengths and approaches.  The class improves relationships.  The faculty will use the information to create classroom lessons for various personality strengths.

This past year, I have been involved in mental health training and attended the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) training in Conrad and Youth Mental Health First Aid classes in Shelby.  I have been working with Mark Schure from MSU on the Thrive program.  Shure was in Teton County to hold two focus groups on the potential benefit of online cognitive behavior therapy for rural communities.  Sandy Bailey, MSU Extension Family and Human Development Specialist, is part of a team at MSU who has received a sizable grant to further work in mental health in Montana.  I look forward to learning the next steps at MSU Extension Annual Conference in Bozeman and to bringing the information to Teton County.

September was a very full and productive month.  Montana hosted the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Science conference at Big Sky.  I chaired the promotional committee.  More than 700 colleagues from across the nation attended.  Planning the conference was nearly a two-year effort.  I applied and was selected to teach a four-hour session on the Art of Science and how to use science concepts to enhance FCS, 4-H and youth development programs.  My colleague, Roubie Younkin, and I were selected for a Showcase of Excellence session with Operation Concession Intervention and connected with more than 200 colleagues during that session.  I also taught Assistive Devices during one of the concurrent sessions.  You may be asking, “What difference does that make to our county?”  It allows the Extension work being done in Teton County to be shared on a national platform.  Hosting the event was an opportunity for the FCS Extension professionals in Montana to build even closer relationships, which really help as we share educational programs across the state.  During the conference I was able to attend sessions and bring back ideas for more educational programming in Teton County.  For years, I have been using classes and materials from my Extension colleagues across the nation to teach in Teton County.  It was great to meet the people behind the research and lesson plans, as well as be able to share knowledge from our county.

On the heels of the NEAFCS conference, I attended training Helena on Chronic Disease Management.  Glenn Deuchler, from Teton County Public Health, Betty Deuchler, volunteer, and I are preparing for the third session in a six-part series for people in Teton County to learn management tools to assist as they cope with a chronic disease or condition.  A total of XX people are attending this first series.  In September, Glenn Deuchler and I also continued our research with Cornell and MSU Extension through the Strong Hearts program.  The program is a National Institute of Health funded research project on cardiac disease prevention for rural women.  MSU Extension in Teton County is starting into the third year with this research project.  

Teton County 4-H was one of six counties responsible for hosting the Montana 4-H State Leadership Forum in September.  Our county handled registration, budget and finance, and evaluation.  The office staff was integral in preparing for this event that trained 170 4-H volunteers and members.  Seven Teton County volunteers and members attended the event in Lewistown.  Watson Snyder represented Teton County in his position as State 4-H Ambassador President.  While at the leadership forum, my colleague, Alice Burchak, Toole County, and I were able to unveil the 4-H communication curriculum we have been working on for nearly a year.  Other Extension colleagues joined the team and have created additional lessons for youth in the public speaking and communications area.  I am very excited to get the new curriculum in the hands of 4-H volunteers and members in Teton County and that it will be used across the state.

In October, I have been teaching a variety of classes in Teton County including the chronic disease management class, hand-washing and germ reduction at preschools, fraud and scam protection as Senior Centers and the recent Babysitter Boot Camp where twelve area youth received six hours of instruction.  We have had our planning meetings for 4-H for the year and are working on the teen leadership program.  The 4-H Food Drive in Choteau was last week and brought in nearly 1700 pounds of food and close to $500 in donations for the Teton County Food Pantry.  A team of 4-H youth plans the event each year and gains leadership skills coordinating the event. Brent Roeder, Ag Agent, and Susan Antonsen, 4-H volunteer, chaperoned six Teton County 4-H youth at the Ambassador Fall Training in Bozeman last weekend.  Research shows that the youth who learn leadership skills through 4-H apply those skills when they become adults serving in a variety of capacities in their communities.

I am looking forward to a new line up of classes in November including Strong People, Powerful Tools for Caregivers and Cooking in the Slow Lane.  

Passport to the World!

Sixty-eight

4-H youth and certified volunteers presented their passports at 4-H Clover Customs this summer at Camp Rotary near Monarch.  The 

4-H camp, which offered a global perspective and three-day whirlwind tour of the world, was planned by sixteen 4-H teen camp counselors who were supervised by two camp directors, Marla Holmquist and Lynda Allen, and by the two MSU Extension agents in Teton County, Brent Roeder and Jane Wolery.  The teens developed the camp theme, planned the activities, taught the classes, and supervised younger 4-H members throughout camp.  The sixteen counselors this year included Hanna Antonsen, Katelyn Antonsen, Daniel Asselstine, Delaynie Beadle, Cassidy DeBruycker, Michaela Gunderson, Honoré Holmquist, Nicholas Konen, Hannah Konen, Rebekah Major, Brigid Miller, Caroline Roeder, Watson Snyder, Zane Somerfeld and Annie Townsend. The Teton County 4-H Camp is open to    4-H members in Teton County, as well as non-members. 

Honoré Holmquist and Caroline Roeder taught about the refugee situation around the world from a child’s perspective and led the campers in creating emergency relief hygiene kits that included a thin towel (easier to dry), soap, toothbrushes, combs and nail clippers.  The kits will be donated through a world relief program.  Michaela Gunderson taught an African plant art class featuring the cassava plant and African symbols.  Nicholas Konen led a longitude and latitude string art workshop, and Cassidy DeBruycker told the legend of the Japanese lantern and guided youth in making their own lanterns.  Kirtland Briscoe taught a very fun four-person German dance, followed by Daniel Asselstine and Delaynie Beadle teaching Western two-step and jitterbug classes.  Brigid Miller taught youth how to finger knit and discussed where in the world knitting might have originated and why.  Caroline Roeder gave some earthly etiquette lessons to help 4-H members learn proper customs around the world.  Campers enjoyed an opportunity to use a bow and arrow in an archery session led by Watson Snyder.  4-H members donned gumball leis that Rebekah Major taught them how to make, along with learning the Polynesian art of hula dancing.  Hannah Konen helped youth learn recycling and paper making skills, along with some global communications games.  Youth were able to sample an important world protein source, crickets, during Hanna Antonsen’s class on planet proteins.  Youth also learned about pulse crops and that this is the Year of the Pulse.  Katelyn Antonsen taught youth to make dream catchers, a Native American tradition.  To provide fun, active breaks, Kirtland Briscoe taught some games from around the world, and Annie Townsend coordinated a version of 4-H Olympic Games.  Kirtland Briscoe also taught a class on packing for a variety of adventures.  Zane Somerfeld showed campers how to make pizza planets, which campers enjoyed as they departed camp.

Photo courtesy Daniel Asselstine

Photo courtesy Daniel Asselstine

This whirlwind tour also included stops at flag ceremonies to develop citizenship skills, campfires, singing, vespers and cabin activities.  Each cabin was based on a country, from England to Australia to India and Russia, and counselors planned activities for their cabin based on the country.  Of course, a large portion of the world is made of water, so camp included a water fight.  The camp also included a few 

international flavors and foods.  Camp would not be possible without the adult volunteers, including Lynda Allen, Brad Asselstine, Cathy Campbell, Marla Holmquist, Carolyn Major, Leona Somerfeld, Katie Townsend and Tammy Townsend.  Each adult plays a vital role from camp cook to nurse and everything in between to support the camp counselors as they develop their leadership skills. 

2016 Montana 4-H Congress

The 2016 Montana 4-H Congress started and ended well for Teton County.  The event began with a Montana 4-H Ambassador meeting where the new slate of State 4-H Officers was announced.  After announcing four officer positions that fourteen youth from across the state were vying for, it was announced that Watson Snyder, of Teton County, was selected as president.  4-H members applying for state officers complete a two-day interview process. 

The second day of Congress, all of the Teton County 4-H delegates competed in contests.  Maria Murnane, Caroline Roeder, Kylee Ruckman, Claire Ruckman and Watson Snyder made up the livestock evaluation team for Teton County, judging several classes of livestock and giving reasons.  Hanna Antonsen competed in the Stir-Ups contest, a “top chef” style cooking event.  Antonsen made zucchini boats using green pulses.  The theme for the event focused on pulse crops, as it is the International Year of the Pulse.  In addition to being judged on her food safety, cooking and plating skills, Antonsen also gave an oral presentation for judges.  Daniel Asselstine competed in the new video contest with his video on the importance of character and what builds character.  The video contest entailed showing a video, giving a presentation on the video and an interview with judges.  An additional benefit to this contest was that one of the judges, Aaron Pruitt with Montana PBS, was very instructional and offered an impromptu tour of the PBS facilities for all video contestants.  Annie Townsend and Hannah Konen both competed in the fashion revue with wool lined ensembles. The fashion revue contestants are judges on sewing, poise, modeling and an interview with judges.

After competitions were completed, Teton County 4-H members enjoyed guest speakers and a range of workshops including robotics, natural resources, agriculture, career exploration and self-defense.  The state contest winners were announced with Teton County Livestock Judging Team placing sixth, Hanna Antonsen placing sixth in Stir-Ups and Daniel Asselstine placing second in video.  During the closing banquet, Kyra Bouma was recognized as a Barbara Edens Memorial 4-H Scholarship winner.  Townsend and Konen modeled their wool outfits in front of a crowd of 400 people.  Konen was announced as the first place winner in the fashion revue, earning trip to National 4-H Congress in Atlanta.  Townsend, who had submitted a state award application, story and creative project, was announces as a 4-H State Award winner in textiles.  She will also attend National 4-H Congress to represent Montana. 

The delegation was chaperoned by Brent Roeder and Jane Wolery, MSU Extension Agents in Teton County.  The group was also joined by Janae Ruckman who assisted with the livestock judging contest, Tammy and Katie Townsend, Jason Asselstine and RT and Susan Snyder.  Jayelyn Ruckman, Teton County 4-H Alum, was in attendance as an MSU Extension intern serving in Gallatin County. 

And the survey says?

By now, most Teton County residents with postal service have received a needs assessment and customer service survey from MSU Extension.  It is hard to believe, but I have been serving the county through Extension since 1998.  In that time, there have been three partner agents in Teton County with responsibilities in agriculture, 4-H and youth development and community development.  I’ve been spending some time this year reflecting on the educational programming we’ve offered during that time.  My assignment has been to serve in the areas of family consumer science, 4-H and youth development and community development. 

Part of what prompted me do a county-wide needs assessment was a class I took from Cynthia Crawford of the University of Missouri last May about evaluating Extension programming.  I have wondered, “Are we responsive to needs? What Extension impact stories are there in our county? Am I offering programming that meets state needs and not local needs?  What are the emerging trends in the county?  How can I improve my job performance?  How can we serve you better?”

Over the years, we’ve used a variety of methods to direct our programming, including class evaluations.  Using class evaluations only gather opinions from  people who are already engaged in Extension offerings, but do not capture those who are not attending Extension classes.  Of course, we’ve also used other informal methods of assessing needs.  Sometimes a person will come up to me at a community event or walk into my office or email me and say, “You know what Extension should really do?” These unsolicited suggestions have often resulted in the most popular offerings.  Some have been so popular that they’ve moved beyond our county to be offered at state and regional events, spreading the impact.  Just because we are asking for your input now through the survey, remember, we are happy to receive suggestions at any time.  We may not be able to address them immediately, but we do appreciate the suggestions.

Wow ... 1998 was a long time ago!

When I look at the photo that accompanied my column the first year here, it is obvious there have been many changes.  The changes are not only reflected in my photo, but in the face of the way we operate.  When I started in Extension, communication was mostly done in person, by phone or mail.  Yet, this year, we’ve been assisting clients through video chat, when that serves the purpose. There was a time when the majority of consumers didn’t use email routinely or own a cell phone.  We feel we’ve been adapting all along to these changes, but sometimes it is good to check to make sure we are on track with the people we serve.   There is a section of the survey that asks questions regarding how you would most like to engage with services we offer.

A large section of the survey is dedicated to asking you what you think are the most pressing needs that Extension can address in Teton County.  This section will take a little more effort as that section is a blank slate for you to fill.  Even though we sent a paper copy to every postal customer in the county, we do have an identical electronic survey available.  Just look for the survey link on our website at www.msuextension.org/teton.  The advantage, to us, for the electronic surveys is that they have an automated tabulation feature.  If you live out of county, but we are your Extension connection, you are invited to give your feedback.  Feel free to complete either the paper or e-surveys by May 1. 

We look forward to your input, evaluation and suggestions.

Montana $aves $cavenger Hunt

I wanted to share the information below about a great opportunity to engage young people in learning about financial fitness.  Last year, we had several area students who completed the scavenger hunt and won the drawing for $100.  For more details, keep reading ...


Montana State University Extension is offering two Montana $aves $cavenger Hunts as a part of the America Saves program during 2014-2015.  The hunts are specifically designed for two age groups:  11-14 and 15-19.  Students will learn about the benefits saving and investing, how credit can be a friend for foe, and how to be in control of their money.

Students who complete the Montana $aves $cavenger Hunt are eligible for a drawing for one of 33 cash awards of $100 in each age group during America Saves week February 23-27, 2015. The 66 cash awards for Montana students are courtesy of generous sponsors.

The Montana $aves $cavenger Hunt can be used by teachers who want to incorporate learning about finances into their classes in family and consumer sciences, economics, math, or social studies.  The $cavenger Hunt could also be utilized as an extra credit opportunity for students to complete “after hours” at home or the local library.

Students have until February 20, 2015 to complete the 9 quizzes for the Montana $aves $cavenger Hunt.  The hunts do not have to be completed all at one time.

The Montana Saves Website has links to all the Montana $aves $cavenger Hunt materials:
Invitation to Students, Posters for each age group, and a list of websites for all quizzes.  Teachers whose students participated last year indicated a list of the websites for the school Computer Technician would be helpful.  You can print out the list or refer your Computer Technician to the site. www.montanasaves.org/

You are invited to review the Hunts to gain a better understanding of how this educational tool would be of benefit to youth.

The website for ages 11–14 (as of September 1, 2014). www.msuextension.org/montanasavesscavengerhunt1
The website for ages is 15–19 (as of September 1, 2014). www.msuextension.org/montanasavesscavengerhunt2

Please contact Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension, at goetting@montana.edu with questions.

Summer = 4-H + FUN!

I know my last post was in June.  Are you wondering what the excuse is?  Get ready.  There is more than one and they are GREAT!

June 11-12
4-H Leadership Retreat

Twelve teens, four adults and lots of work, but balanced with fun, games, learning and activities -- all to plan a great 4-H camp experience.  I may be partial, but I'm always so proud of our 4-H camp counselors for planning the whole camp event, preparing great classes, games, activities, camp fires and ceremonies!

June 25-28
Teton County 4-H Fair -- A Class Act!

We had a great time with 4-H members from throughout Teton County exhibiting 832 projects during the fair. 4-H members are learning amazing skills and leadership.  The volunteers are so helpful and make such an important contribution to the lives of the youth, and really to the long-term fabric of our communities.  Training youth to seek out additional educational opportunities, to always look for feedback while honing their skills and to contribute to their communities has very long-range impact.

At the fair, we also enjoyed fun, food and frivolity with Baker Bob and Jona McNamee.  People of all ages and genders attended the demonstration style classes.  The McNamees have a great informal and informative style of teaching.  There has been plenty of demand for a repeat.

July 3-6
4-H Exchange Fundraising

This year, I'm involved in the 4-H Interstate Exchange program in a whole new way.  I'm a parent of one of the participants.  In addition to the ways I'm involved as an Extension agent, I get to be involved on a whole new level as a parent. Besides flipping burgers at the rodeo, I think 4-H Exchange cleaned the rodeo grounds three or four times over the Fourth of July weekend and the Choteau Pavilion a few times.  While these are paid endeavors for the 4-H members, it also is a service to the community to keep the events rolling throughout the weekend.  Plus, I heard several of the young 4-H members comment that it has made them more aware of putting their trash in the garbage, picking up after themselves and being respectful of the common areas and property.  Some good educational perks for fundraising!

July 8-11
Montana 4-H Congress

Each summer, I travel with the Teton County delegation to Montana 4-H Congress.  This year we had nine youth attend who were involved with projects and competitions from foods and nutrition to livestock evaluation.  The 4-H members performed well and enjoyed attending other classes at 4-H Congress, as well as doing a service project while there.

July 14-17
Teton County 4-H Camp

Sixty-two youth and ten adults from Teton County enjoyed several days and nights at Camp Rotary near Monarch for the annual Teton County 4-H Camp.  Camp had a medieval theme with many lords, ladies, knights and dragons arriving in the Clover Kingdom.  

Workshops during the camp included making magical medieval lanterns, stamping leather wrist bands, creating stained-glass cookies, making sidewalk chalk, writing notes on parchment, constructing catapults, shooting dragons in archery, braiding bracelets, using discs for a seven-strand braid, decorating candles, making tic-tac-toe boards, learning campfire songs, jousting with foam noodle swords and more!

The 4-H camp program strives to develop leadership and communication skills, especially through the teen counselor education and preparation for camp.  The 4-H camp program also strengthens a sense of belonging in youth who attend, strengthens independence, develops generosity and allows youth to learn new skills.  4-H members attending camp develop a sense of accomplishment.  Many of the 4-H members look forward to camp every year and enjoy the opportunity to make new friends.   

July 28-August 4
Teton County Montana 4-H Interstate Exchange with Cannon County Tennessee 

4-H Exchange was a week of sharing our great state with 4-H members, volunteer leaders and extension agents from Tennessee.  Our family hosted one of the 4-H members and I enjoyed reconnecting with Michael Shirley, 4-H Agent from Tennessee.  He and I had met at a national 4-H conference two years ago. The 4-H members enjoyed hikes to Hidden Lake, camping in Glacier, whitewater rafting, camp fires, state fair, rodeos and learning about each others' states.  It was an exciting time.  The 4-H members in the Exchange program are looking forward to southern hospitality when they travel to reconnect with their new friends next summer.

August 4-8
MSU 4-H Bioscience

Eight 4-H members, two coaches and I got to spend a week on the MSU Bozeman campus with the BioScience program.  I cannot say enough about this program and yet in one word I can describe it -- AMAZING!  It was great to learn lessons in infectious disease, metabolomics, and neuroscience.  It was awesome to see youth light up about science.  It was fabulous to see 4-H members get around campus to a number of different buildings and classrooms.  It was fundamentally valuable for building confidence.  My sincere appreciation to everyone who made this opportunity possible for 4-H youth!  

So, there are my excuses for being absent from this blog!  I hope you think they were worthwhile.  Throw in helping my own kids get fair projects ready and six summer weekends at swim meets with my family and you have a pretty full summer.  But I always say, "I'd rather have a full life than an empty one!"  

Protect Yourself from a Gold Digger -- Thursday, May 22 at 9:30 a.m.

The MSU Teton County Extension Office will be showing the video, Gold Diggers: Investment Fraud in the Treasure State on Thursday, May 22 at 9:30 a.m. at the Choteau Baptist Church.  The showing of the video on investment fraud is free to the public.  While no registration is required, a courtesy call is appreciated to plan seating.  The documentary, Gold Diggers: Investment Fraud in the Treasure State, produced by the Montana Commissioner of Securities, tells the story of two of Montana's most infamous investment scams.

"More than two hundred years ago, prospectors flocked to what we now call the Treasure State in search of fortunes," said Lindeen.  "Though Montana's prospector days are long behind us, we have a new brand of gold diggers who would rather prey on our trust than dig for gold.  Modern day gold diggers are scammers and con-artists who can steal a life savings in the blink of an eye."

Narrated by award-winning actor Bill Pullman, Gold Diggers tracks two recent cases of investment fraud in Montana: the Arthur Heffelfinger case in Helena and the Anne Marie Schlenker case in Bozeman.  In total, the two scams robbed dozens of Montana investors of more than $3 million, leaving victims in financial ruin.  The film features interviews with victims, securities experts, and the regulators and attorneys who investigated and prosecuted the two scams.

"Education is the silver bullet when it comes to fighting fraud," said Lindeen.  "The more Montanans know about their rights and where they can turn for help, the better they can protect themselves from modern day gold diggers."

Lindeen's office produced Gold Diggers with a grant from the Investor Protection Trust, a nationally-recognized, independent organization that helps consumers make informed investment decisions.  All funding for the Trust comes from voluntary and court-ordered contributions from criminals who commit investment fraud.

Press release from: