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Big Sky

Big Sky’s Locally Owned & Published Newspaper

June 3, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #10

Here come the floods

yellowstone bison future uncertain Summer camp round-up

History: Fort Ellis APEC: Foreign trade matters to Montana

Congratulations graduates!

media@theoutlawpartners.com

Big Sky june 3, 2011 Volume 2, Issue 10

Big Sky Weekly

In the April 29, 2011 edition of the Big Sky Weekly we published a guide provided by a third party that included Big Sky-related businesses open during the APEC convention. It was brought to our attention that the list was inaccurate. We apologize to any business who may have been excluded, or for any confusion related to services or offerings during that time.

CEO, PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eric Ladd COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars EDITOR Abbie Digel Editorial Assistant Taylor Anderson Sales Director Hunter Rothwell Distribution Director Danielle Chamberlain VIDEOGRAPHER Brian Niles CONTRIBUTors Tyler Allen, Olivia Chambry, Frederick Gientke, Abigail Hogan, Andrew Koch, Anna Middleton, Katie Morrison, Brandon Niles, Kene Sperry, Ennion Williams

Editorial Policy Outlaw Partners LLC is the sole owner of the Big Sky Weekly. No part of this publication may be reprinted without written permission from the publisher. The Big Sky Weekly reserves the right to edit all submitted material for content, corrections or length. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or the editors of this publication. No advertisements, columns, letters to the editor or other information will be published that contain discrimination based on sex, age, race, religion, creed, nationality, sexual preference, or are in bad taste.

Be Bear Aware!

Recently, there have been reports of run-ins with large bears at Ousel Falls, and there is a high risk for bears around Kircher Park due to an elk carcass found on May 31.

Please take all safety precautions regarding these animals. Bears have been active in the area, so remember to bring bear spray on all hikes, runs and walks around town. Please visit fwp.mt.org or explorebigsky.com for more information on how to remain safe during bear season.

Over $30,000 awarded to local companies via Marketing Grants provided by Outlaw Partners In December 2010, the Outlaw Partners offered a marketing program to local businesses that have suffered hardship, or start-up companies who are in need of marketing services.

The marketing grants provided opportunities to apply for assistance, funding and related support. Over a dozen businesses applied and interviewed for the program, each seeking a variety of marketing services.

To date, Outlaw Partners has given away over $30,000 in marketing grants and services related to this program -- ranging from online business directory listings and advertorials, to videos, email campaigns, branding, logo designs and Big Sky Weekly advertising.

“The response has been great,” said Danielle Chamberlain, Account Manager at Outlaw Partners. “We’ve been able to help many companies in need and jumpstart their long-term marketing programs.”

Paper Distribution Distributed every other Friday in towns across Southwest Montana, including Big Sky, Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Three Forks and Livingston.

CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed. Please report them to emily@theoutlawpartners.com OUTLAW PARTNERS & THE BIG SKY WEEKLY P.O. Box 160250 Big Sky, MT 59716 explorebigsky.com (406) 995-2055 media@theoutlawpartners.com © 2011 The Big Sky Weekly Unauthorized reproduction prohibited

2 June 3, 2011

Letter to the Editor Parameters This is a platform for readers to express views and share ways they would like to effect change. The Weekly will run letters, positive or negative, of 250 words or less that are respectful, ethical, state accurate facts and figures, and are proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters. Please include: first and last name, address, phone number and title. Send letters to emily@theoutlawpartners.com.

explorebigsky.com

Outlaw Partners is a full-service marketing, website, video production and media company based in Big Sky. Since October, 2010 they’ve published the Big Sky Weekly newspaper and the bi-annual Mountain Outlaw magazine, in addition to launching the online media resource ExploreBigSky.com.

“Our goal with the marketing grant program was to open a forum for local businesses to explore ways to better market themselves, and to provide resources for them to do so,” said Megan Paulson, Outlaw Partners COO. “Above and beyond the grant, a lot of businesses don’t realize there are many unique and effective ways to market without spending a lot.”

Another opportunity co-sponsored by Outlaw Partners, Big Sky Town Center and Rotherham Construction is the Town Center Business Stimulus Grant, which will provide commercial space in Town Center and free marketing for one year. Applications for this grant close on June 15. Visit theoutlawpartners.com for the Town Center Marketing Grant application.

Table of Contents Community…4

Business Directory…24

Big Sky…7

Classifieds…26

Regional…8

Events...27

Montana…11

Collage...29

Gallery…17

Outdoors...30

Youth…19

Music Hunter…33

Health & Wellness...21

Fun...35

Food & Dining…23

Back 40...36

Big Sky Weekly HELMS JAMISON KULESZA

Commercial Opportunities

Peaks Centre Building 175 Aspen Leaf Drive | In the Big Sky Town Center between the Fire Station & Hungry Moose Market

ADVANTAGES OF OWNERSHIP: • Mortgage Interest Deduction • Depreciation Deduction

Owner Financing Breakdown Ground Floor

Size

Purchase the Building

Purchase One of the Suites

Suite A

1,826 sq. ft.

Square Footage

8,706 sq. ft.

Suite A - 1,826 sq. ft.

Suite B

1,266 sq. ft.

Purchase Price

$1.2M / $138 psf

$273,980 / $150 psf

Suite C

1,735 sq. ft. (LEASED)

Down Payment (5%)

$60,000

$13,698

Second Floor

Size

1st Mortgage* (80%)

$960K @ 5.5% = $52,800 p.a. $260K @ 5.5% = $14,315 p.a.

Suite D

1,974 sq. ft.

2nd Mortgage* * (15%)

$180K @ 4.0% = $ 7,200 p.a. $41,190 @ 4% = $ 1,648 p.a.

Suite E

1,292 sq. ft. (SOLD)

Yearly Payment

Suite F

1,965 sq. ft.

Financing Costs

$60K / 8,760 sq. ft. = $6.85 psf $15,963 / 1,826 sq. ft. = $8.74 psf

All Suites

8,706 sq. ft.

Operating Costs

$6 psf

$6 psf

Effective Rent

$12.85 psf

$14.74 psf

$60,000

$15,963

* Conventional Bank Loan. Contact your lender for terms. ** Owner Financing Available. Contact listing team for details.

RJS TOWER SUITES 205 & 207

•

• •

2nd floor professional office space in a premier location of the Big Sky Town Center Conference room & 3 offices with established foot traffic 1,100 sq. ft. available for $245,000

COWDREY WAREHOUSES

• • • • •

Commercial warehouse units in Big Sky 712 SF to 2,263 SF Prices start at $64,000 13 units available - 61% of entire complex Contact us for details and to get on our reservation list

Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty

JEFF HELMS Broker

TALLIE JAMISON Associate

RYAN KULESZA Broker

123 Lone Peak Drive, Suite 5 Big Sky Town Center www.bigskysir.com info@bigskysir.com tel 406.995.2244

This material is based upon information which we consider reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and it should not be relied upon as such. This offering is subject to errors, omissions and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office in Independently Owned and Operated. If your property is listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully.

explorebigsky.com

June 3, 2011 3

Big Sky Weekly

community

Yellowstone Club Community Foundation makes day camp more affordable for local children Camp Big Sky and the Big Sky Community Corporation are recipients of Yellowstone Club Community Foundation grants for the summer of 2011.

The YCCF awarded funds to Camp Big Sky to help reduce the price of quality enrichment programming for the children of Big Sky. Specifically, the grant will be used to cover the Best of Big Sky programming for children entering first through fifth grades. As a result, local children (defined by their enrollment in Ophir School) will attend camp for only $95 a week, a reduction of $20.

also reduced camp costs with camp underwriting.

This is the second time the organization (previously operating as LIFT) has recognized the importance of summer programming for children in Big Sky. In 2009, the organization

For more information on all the great camps offered this summer (many of which are filling now) please visit bsccmt.org or contact Katie at camp@bsccmt.org or (406) 209-1643.

“We know that this grant will make our daily camp more affordable for working families,” said Camp Big Sky Director Katie Coleman. “We also know that summer is a time where children either spring ahead, or slide back academically. That’s why we’ve added a language arts and math component to our programming for a minimum of one hour a day. This grant will help children have fun— and learn—this summer.”

Women in Action thanks YCCF

Women in Action would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous community members and the Yellowstone Community Club Foundation for helping us to raise funds during our Camp Angel drive. Given the success of the fundraiser we are currently accepting Summer Camp Scholarship Applications from Big Sky families to help send their children to summer camp.

These camp opportunities are priceless for our youth and create life skills with positive adult role models, special memories and valued friendships. Summer Camp Scholarship Applications are available at Ophir School, Morning Star Learning Center and on our website wiabigsky.org. Feel free to contact us if you need more information or have questions.

Enjoy the beautiful summer in Big Sky! - Lisa Beczkiewicz, Executive Director, Women in Action

Big Sky Community Park construction resumes

By Katie Morrison The Big Sky Community Corporation has resumed construction on the Community Park Project. The project began in 2006 and officially broke ground this past fall. While heavy rainfall and runoff delayed construction this spring, surveyors were finally able to begin their ef-

forts in late May. Work done with heavy machinery should re-commence shortly.

Due to this delay, the new construction areas are not expected to open until mid-summer. The resurfacing of the tennis courts is

also weather dependent and will remain closed until completed. The BSCC will keep the currently open playground, disc golf course, extended Community Park Trail and Ophir School tennis courts available throughout the summer.

The BSCC thanks the community for being patient through this process and requests that any questions or concerns be directed to Executive Director Katie Morrison: katie@ bsccmt.org or (406) 993-2112.

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! Ophir Graduates:

Dan Wheeler graduated with Magna LPHS graduates Diego Ramirez and Emily Chambry Cum Laude honors from the UniversiLone Peak High School Graduation is Friday, June 3 at 5 p.m. ty of St. Thomas Opus School of BusiAll commencement ceremonies will take place in the Bough ness in St. Paul, Minnesota, on May 21, Dolan Athletic Center.

2011. Congratulations, Dan!

4 June 3, 2011

explorebigsky.com

Kirra Rae Austin Tehya Rebecca Braun Tanner Van Burton Harry Wilbour Child III Alecia Marie Drum Haven McKenzi Fry Samantha Rose Furgeson Gabrielle Lucille Gasser Simeon Peter Goode Griffin Lee House Quinn Ray House Trevor Devon House Mava Jane Izzo

Thomas Gage Lindell Joseph Stephen McGough Justin Alan McKillop Benjamin John Michel Gabrielle Faith Michel Karlie Anne Perry Micah Robert Robin Zoe Meredith Ross John Ashlay Ruddick Anthony William Savoy Dennis Rachid Schultz Molly Jin Sharr Cooper Jeffrey Shea

Kindergarten graduation is Tuesday, June 7 at 9 am.

Eighth grade commencement is Thursday, June 9 at 9 a.m.

community

Big Sky

Summer Camp

Round-up Montana Outdoor Science School Bug netting, fossil hunting, animal kingdoms and stream exploration outdoorscience.org 406-582-0526 Registration deadline was May 29, 2011 Scholarships available Big Sky Camps: June 27-July 1 (Grades 1&2) August 2-4 (Kindergarten) Morningstar Learning Center Summer Camps July 11 -August 26, open 5 days a week.

Open for children 6 months to First Grade.

Program themes ranging from Art camp to Bike safety. Contact Whitney at 995-2565 or via email at mlcbigsky@gmail.com for enrollment information and camp program details.

Kids Fitness & Gymnastics Camps in Big Sky Tumble Bears: (2 & 3 years) Tuesday 11:10-12 p.m.

Kinder Bears: (4-6 years) Tuesday 9:30-11 a.m.

Acro Kids & Advanced Acro Kids: (7 and up) Thursday 9:30- 11:30 a.m.

Fit Kids Exercise : (8 and up) Wednesday 10:4511:45 p.m.

July 5 - August 4 (5 weeks).

Tumble Bears: $52.00 for 5 weeks. Drop-in $12 per class Kinder Bears: $78.00 for 5 weeks. Drop-in $17 per class Acro Kids/ Advanced: $ 93.00 for 5 weeks.

Drop-in $20 per class Fit Kids: $ 52.00 for 5 weeks. Drop-in $12 per class Contact Jolene 579-2489 jbudeski@hotmail.com Camp Big Sky To register for camps listed below, visit bsccmt.org Clay Days I June 13 -17 Ages: Entering 1st through 3rd Jill Zeidler Clay Studio $110 9:30 - 12 p.m.

JillZeidler.com This is a Monday, Tuesday, Friday camp.

Space is limited Clay Days II July 25 - 29 Ages: Entering 3rd through 6th grades Jill Zeidler Clay Studio $110 9:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.

JillZeidler.com This is a Monday, Tuesday, Friday camp.

Space is limited Paintball for Third-Fifth graders June 15 Ages: Entering 3rd through 5th grades Paintball or Laser Tag Big Sky Resort Paintball or Laser Tag 1:15-3:45 p.m.

Paintball for Middle Schoolers June 15 Ages: Entering 6th through 8th grades Paintball or Laser Tag Big Sky Resort 9 -11:30 a.m.

Dog Obedience and Tricks with Anne Dixon (Third - Eighth grades) June 15 - 17 11-2:00 p.m. $105 Town Center Stage Dog Obedience and Tricks with Anne Dixon (High School and Adults) June 15 - 17 2:30 -5:30 p.m. $150 Town Center Stage Introduction to Dog Agility with Anne

Dixon (Third -Eighth grade) July 25 - 27 9 -11 a.m. $70 Big Sky Community Park Multi-use field Introduction to Dog Agility with Anne Dixon (High School and Adults) July 25 - 27 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. $105 Big Sky Community Park Multi-use field Intermediate Dog Agility with Anne Dixon (Third-Eighth grades) August 8 -10 9 -11 a.m. $70 Big Sky Community Park Multi-use field Intermediate Dog Agility with Anne Dixon High School and Adults August 8 -10 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. $105 Big Sky Community Park Multi-use field Cowboy Up! for 8 and 9 year olds June 13 -15 August 17 - 19 Ages: 8 and 9 years old $175.00 Jake’s Horses, Inc. Horsemanship and Riding Day Camp (two sessions) June 13: 3 - 5 p.m., June 14: 2 -5 p.m., June 15: 1 -5 p.m. (M,T,W) August 17: 9 -11 a.m., August 18: 9 -12 p.m., August 19: 9 - 1p.m. (W, Th, F) Cowboy Up! for 10 and 11 year olds June 15 - 17 August 15 - 17 Ages: 10 and 11 years old $175 Jake’s Horses, Inc. Horsemanship and Riding Day Camp (two sessions) June 15: 9 -11a.m., June 16: 9 -12 p.m., June 17: 9 - 1 p.m. (W,T,F) August 15: 3 - 5 p.m., August 16: 2 -5 p.m., August 17: 1 -5 p.m. (M, T, W) Cowboy Up! for 12 year olds June 20 - 22 July 11 - 13 Ages: 12 years old Jake’s Horses, Inc. Horsemanship and Riding Day Camp (two sessions) June 20: 3 - 5 p.m., June 21: 2- 5 p.m., June 22: 1- 5 p.m. (M,T,W) July 11: 3 - 5 p.m., July 12: 2 -5 p.m., July 13: 1- 5 p.m. (M,T,W) Cowboy Up! for 12 year olds July 11 - 13 Ages: 12 years old $175.00 Jake’s Horses, Inc. Horsemanship and Riding Day Camp (two sessions) June 20: 3 - 5 p.m., June 21: 2- 5 p.m., June 22: 1- 5 p.m. (M,T,W) July 11: 3- 5 p.m., July 12: 2- 5 p.m., July 13: 1 -5 p.m. (M,T,W) Cowboy 101! for 12 and 13 year olds July 8 -10 Ages: 12 and 13 years old Jake’s Horses, Inc. Horsemanship and Riding Overnight Camp $350.00 Ages 12 & 13 (ONE SESSION ONLY) July 8: 2- 5 p.m., July 9: 1 p.m. July 10: 2 p.m.

(F,S,S)

Cowboy 101! for 13 and 14 year olds

Big Sky Weekly Is your camp not listed? Please contact abbie@theoutlawpartners.com or 995-2055.

Check explorebigsky.com for a full list.

August 1 -3 Ages: 13 and 14 years old Jake’s Horses, Inc. Horsemanship and Riding Overnight Camp $350 Ages 13 & 14 (ONE SESSION ONLY) August 1: 2 - 5 p.m., August 2: 1 p.m. August 3: 2:00pm (M,T,W) Cowboy 101! for 14 and 15 year olds August 8 - 10 Ages: 14 and 15 years old Jake’s Horses, Inc. Horsemanship and Riding Overnight Camp $350 Ages 14 & 15 (ONE SESSION ONLY) August 8: 2 - 5 p.m., August 9: 1 p.m. August 10: 2 p.m. (F,S,S) Cowboy Up! for 10 and 11 year olds 08/15/2011 -08/17/2011 Ages: 10 and 11 years old Jake’s Horses, Inc. Horsemanship and Riding Day Camp (two sessions) $175 June 15: 9 -11a.m., June 16: 9 -12 p.m., June 17: 9 - 1p.m. (W,T,F) August 15: 3- 5 p.m., August 16: 2 - 5 p.m., August 17: 1 - 5 p.m. (M, T, W) Cowboy Up! for 8 and 9 year olds 08/17/2011 -08/19/2011 Ages: 8 and 9 years old Jake’s Horses, Inc. Horsemanship and Riding $175 Overnight Camp June 13: 3 - 5 p.m., June 14: 2 -5 p.m., June 15: 1-5 p.m. (M,T,W) August 17: 9 -11 a.m., August 18: 9 -12 p.m., August 19: 9 - 1 p.m. (W, Th, F) Summer Violin Camp I June 20 - 23 Ages: Entering 3rd grade and up Connie Downer and Evelyn Norman Dates: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 20, 22, 23 with a performance at Big Sky Broadway on July 1st.

9 -12 p.m. $75 per session Summer Violin Camp II June 27 - July 1 Ages: Entering 3rd grade and up Connie Downer and Evelyn Norman.

Dates: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 27, 29, and 30 with a performance at Big Sky Broadway on July 1 9 -12 p.m. $75 per session Dance Around the World June 20 - 24 Ages: Entering 1st through 5th Grades 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Town Center Stage $100 (register by June 13th) thecaravanofdreams.com Big Sky Broadway June 20 - July 1 Ages: Entering 4th grade and Up Big Sky Broadway Returns To Present Willy Wonka And The Chocolate Factory Enrollment is limited to 25 campers $200 for 10 days of camp plus performance Monday-Friday 1 -5 p.m.

August 16 -18 $110 Tuesday 1- 4 p.m.

Wednesday 9 - 12 p.m.

Thursday 9 - 12 p.m.

Location: Big Sky Golf Course Advantage Basketball Camp I July 18 - 22 Ages: Entering fourthbgrade and Up Ball Handling and Basketball Shooting Camp - 5 Days Ophir School 9 - 5 p.m. $ 265.00 Save $ 30.00 if you register by June 18.

Coach Ed Ramirez 406-539-9891 or 425-6708877 or info@advantagebasketball.com Advantage Basketball Camp II July 18 -20 Ages: Entering fourth grade and Up Ball Handling and Basketball Shooting Camp - 3 Days Ophir School 9 - 5 p.m. $ 195.00 Save $ 30.00 if you register by June 18!

Coach Ed Ramirez 406-539-9891 or 425-6708877 or info@advantagebasketball.com Zipline for Middle Schoolers June 22 Big Sky Resort Ages: Entering sixth through eighth grades Please note there are only 12 spaces available, so register early to ensure a spot.

9 - 10:30 a.m.

Zipline for third through fifth grades June 22 Big Sky Resort Ages: Entering third through fifth grades 1:15-2:45 p.m.

Please note there are only 12 spaces available, so register early to ensure a spot.

High Ropes Course for third through fifth graders June 29 Big Sky Resort Ages: Entering third through fifth grades 1:15-3:45 p.m.

Please note there are only 12 spaces available so register early to ensure a spot.

Rocks I July 5 -8 Ages: Entering fourth grade and up $180 9 - 12 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday Geyser Whitewater Expeditions Rivers and Rocks II July 11-14 Ages: Entering fourth grade and up $180 9- 12 p.m.

Monday through Thursday Geyser Whitewater Expeditions Vacation Bible School July 18 - 22 Ages: All ages welcome 9 - 12 p.m.

Krista Boersma 995-2573.

Introduction to Archery Fourth and fifth grades August 1 -5 Presented by the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation jackcreekpreserve.org $100 Monday-Thursday: Big Sky Community Park, 9 -12 p.m.

Friday: Jack Creek Preserve, 9 -4 p.m.

Introduction to Archery Sixth - eighth grades August 1 -5 Presented by the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation jackcreekpreserve.org $100 Monday-Thursday: Big Sky Community Park, 1 - 4 p.m.

Friday: Jack Creek Preserve, 9 -4 p.m.

Rhythm World Drum Camp with Chet Leach August 8 -11 Ages 5 through 12 years 9:30-12:30 Big Sky Community Park Multi-use Field

High Ropes Course for middle schoolers June 29 Ages: Entering sixth through eighth grades 9 -11:30 a.m.

Please note there are only 12 spaces available so register early to ensure a spot.

ArtSplot June 27 - 30 Ages: Entering first through fourth or older With Bozeman artist Chelsea Smith Big Sky Community Park Pavilion 9 - 12 p.m. $135 Best of Big Sky July 5 - 8 July 11 - 15 July 18 - 22 July 25 - 29 August 1 - 5 August 8 - 12 August 15 - 19 August 22 - 26 Ages: Entering first through fifth Grades

Third Grade Golf I June 21 - 23 $110 Tuesday 1 -4 p.m.

Wednesday 9 - 12 p.m.

Thursday 9 - 12 p.m.

Big Sky Golf Course Third Grade Golf II July 12 -14 $110 Tuesday 1 -4p.m.

Wednesday 9 - 12 p.m.

Thursday 9 - 12 p.m.

Big Sky Golf Course Rivers and Fourth Grade Golf I June 28 - 30 $110 Tuesday 1 - 4 p.m.

Wednesday 9 - 12 p.m.

Thursday 9 - 12 p.m.

Big Sky Golf Course Fourth Grade Golf II August 9 -11 $110 Tuesday 1 - 4 p.m.

Wednesday 9 - 12 p.m.

Thursday 9 - 12 p.m.

Big Sky Golf Course Fifth Grade Golf I July 5 -7 $110 Tuesday 1- 4 p.m.

Wednesday 9 - 12 p.m.

Thursday 9 - 12 p.m.

Big Sky Golf Course Fifth Grade Golf II

explorebigsky.com

June 3, 2011 5

community

Integrity.

Vision.

Big Sky Weekly

Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame looking for a Home - Big Sky group interested

Craft.

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) is looking for a new home. This future space will be the state’s premier destination to honor and celebrate Montana’s unique western culture and heritage. The MCHF &WHC is a 501 (C)3 non-profit organization designated

by Montana State Legislature.

406-995-2174

continentalconstruction.com/montana

Montana communities are invited and encouraged to request MCHF & WHC’s Request For Proposals (RFP) and response submittal requirements.

RFP’s are due no later than 4 p.m. local time, July 29, 2011.

When selecting the future building site, the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center will examine a potential community’s alignment with the MCHF & WHC vision with community goals and objectives; the role of tourism in the community; infrastructure, (including) economy, transportation, services/utilities and physical site.

A field of finalists will be identified by the MCHF & WHC Board of Directors. Finalists will be invited to partici-

pate in interviews and negotiations.

The future building site will be chosen in November of 2011.

A group from Big Sky is looking into the possibility of submitting a proposal.

This group is exploring different ways to promote tourism in Big Sky. Ryan Hamilton, who is part of this group, said one of their biggest challenges will be “getting the right people together to prepare a proposal. It will require a substantial investment of time and resources to fully complete, but I think that our location, amenities and infrastructure could position Big Sky as a very strong candidate.”

Eric Ladd, also a supporter, said, “For years, cities like Cody have benefited from museums. This opportunity is massive in terms of potential economic impact, and Big Sky should take this very seriously.”

To get involved, contact Ryan Hamilton at ryan@bigskytowncenter.com, or Eric Ladd at eric@theoutlawpartners. com. montanacowboyfame.com

Obituary Richard S. Norton Richard S. Norton, aged 79, passed away May 14, 2011. He is survived by his wife, JoAnne; son, Greg (Kendall); and two grandchildren, Mackenzie and Blake; and sister, Saralyn. Dick graduated from East Grand Rapids High School and Purdue University where he was a Sigma Chi. He had a successful 30-year career as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch in Grand Rapids. Dick enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and skiing. The Nortons have been visiting Big Sky for around 20 years.

R E C E N T P ROJ E C T Chalet 504 at Yellowstone Club 6 June 3, 2011

explorebigsky.com

Dick was also a championship golfer, having won numerous tournaments including Grand Rapids City champion. He was actively involved with Trout Unlimited, the Western Michigan Golf Association and its Evan’s Scholarship program, and the Natural Resource Committee. Memorial services will be held Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the Western Michigan Golf Association Evan’s Scholarship Program. People may give to a charity of their choice in Richard S. Norton’s memory.

Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky

Professional Bull Riding coming to Big Sky in August

The PBR is one of the fastest growing and largest spectator sports in the world. The current plan is to sell up to 2,000 tickets for the Big Sky event, and a large marketing campaign is underway that will reach people in Montana, Idaho, and North and South Dakota, as well as internationally through pbrnow.com.

The Big Sky PBR will be a three-day event featuring a pre-party on Aug. 2 with a Calcutta-style auction, autograph signing and live music. On Aug. 3 there will be a vendor village outside the arena features regional food, drinks and crafts.

Part of the Touring Pro Division, this PBR event offers minor-league bull riders opportunities to earn cash and to qualify for the PBR Built Ford Tough Series and World

“It’s about quality versus quantity at our Montana events,” said Freestone’s Andy Watson. Other features will include Mutton Bustin during intermission and an after party with live music.

The Big Sky community has already played a large part in bringing the event to the area. The Town Center donated the land to use, and currently Big Sky Resort Tax is considering a $20,000 application to help fund the event.

“Our hope is for the Big Sky event to be an annual show, with big riders and big ticket sales year after year,” said Eric Ladd, PBR sponsor and fan.

To get involved as a volunteer, vendor or sponsor, visit explorebigsky.com or call 995 - 2055.

A.D.

On Sunday, Aug. 7, alternative country-rock favorites The Gourds will perform live at 9:30 p.m. This Austin, Texas based band is famous for their high-energy live performances.

The Gourds’ catalog of originals is a mix of country, bluegrass and Americana. If we’re lucky, they might even play their famous bluegrass interpretation of Snoop Dogg’s hit “Gin and Juice,” which has become a classic in its own right. Check out the band at thegourds.com.

H.R.

The Gourds will perform at Choppers on August 7, 9:30 p.m.

press photo by andy goodwin

MOUNTAIN

The Big Sky event is anticipated to be one of the largest summer events this year, featuring 45 riders and top bulls, thanks to Bozeman-based PBR production company, Freestone Productions.

Live Music at Choppers in Big Sky Choppers Grub and Pub in the Big Sky Town Center has been busy this off season. Contractors have been expanding the bar area to accommodate a dance floor for larger live performances. Removing the wall and fireplace left of the bar will open up floor space on the lower level next to the bar for the audience. Bands will perform from the raised area formerly part of the casino lounge. The Johnsen Family, who own and run Choppers, already have great acts lined up for this summer.

EXPLORING LIFE & LAND IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA

Finals. Beau Hill, a native Montanan, and internationally ranked rider, will be back from an injury, and will compete in Big Sky.

SUMMER 2011

BLUE GOLD:

THE STORY OF YOGO SAPPHIRES

PHOTO BY ANDY WATSON © WWW.BULLSTOCKMEDIA.COM

The adrenaline based, crowd-pleasing Professional Bull Riding tour is coming to Big Sky on August 3 for the first time in history. Bull riding has a deep-seated history in Montana’s wild-west culture, and local riders still compete across the state and in the international circuit on a professional level within the PBR.

NOT AN ORDINARY A N G L E R

WILDFLOWERS

PROFESSIONAL SPOT BULL RIDERS BOATS, BACON TOUR P.28 & BIG DROPS ESCAPE: GRAND CANYON

TOM THORTON OUTLAW: ARTIST & CALAMITY JANE STORYTELLER RENEWABLE ENERGY IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA explorebigsky.com

THE EDGE OF THE WILD: THE ULTIMATE RECREATION PROPERTY

Read more about PBR in Montana in the Summer 2011 issue of Mountain Outlaw Magazine.

Ophir School Board Update The Ophir School Board has established a Superintendent Search Committee in response to the recent resignation of the current administration. The Board hired the Montana School Board Association as a search partner, and established a salary range of $82,00$88,000 for the new hire.

The committee is: Loren Bough Andrea Johnson Curly Shea Ron Downer Jolene Romney Nita Tosic Deb McCabe Stephanie Kissell Nettie Bruener Lance Child Paul Swenson

The committee will accept applications through June 16 and will make an initial recommendation to the School Board for a list of finalists on June 17. Interviews for administrative candidates will be scheduled the last week in June, assuming the Board is satisfied with the overall quality of the candidates.

The next School Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 16 at 3 p.m. in the Big Sky Community Library. The Board is looking for volunteers to serve on the hiring committees for a Technology teacher and also for an Athletic Director. If you would like to be considered for one of these committees, please send an email regarding your interest to administration@ophirschool.org.

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June 3, 2011 7

Big Sky Weekly

regional

Bison hit the road in Yellowstone Photo by Colton Stiffler

After hazing, Yellowstone bison free until next winter

by Taylor anderson A herd of 50 of the world’s most genetically pure bison grazed a northfacing foothill inside the nation’s oldest national park in late May near Gardiner. It was the first week the bison migrated or were hazed back into Yellowstone National Park and off state lands, and now residents in communities near the north gate can breathe relief that the free-roaming bison near that entrance have returned into park boundaries, where they will likely stay until next winter.

But the bison saga continued for at least three days of heat-stricken hazing near the park’s west entrance, in West Yellowstone. There, a few hundred bison stood their grazing grounds on state and private properties when a spring hazing – led by the Department of Livestock – started on June 1.

The start date for hazing was later than usual, due to the late thaw, and some remain skeptical that the bison will stay put. Agencies managing bison now have limited time until the animals again migrate onto state lands.

Conservation groups in charge of monitoring the population of bison on state lands had a busy season this year.

Gardiner and West Yellowstone saw upwards of 1200 bison (of the roughly 3600 in the park) attempt to leave the park this winter in search of food. Thick and ruthless amounts of snow covered the edible grassland in the higher elevations, and bison tried to enter the communities looking for grass. Some 200 bison were killed this winter, and 770 were trapped in the Stephens Creek trap near Gardiner, according to Buffalo Field Campaign numbers.

The days of hunting the bison anytime they tread outside of park boundaries have been over for a few years now.

There are state and tribal hunts, but those quotas are relatively low. This year’s numbers of bison killed during the winter fails to compare to the 1,631

8 June 3, 2011

killed during the 2007-2008 winter, but property owners in Park County and West Yellowstone have shown mixed feelings about allowing bison on their property just yet.

The Interagency Bison Management Plan – nine agencies delegated to control bison outside of park boundaries – met the third week in May to consider how to best deal with the mammoth land walkers, but little came of the meetings aside from promises of increased tolerance near West Yellowstone and the scheduling of future meetings.

The vows for leniency on state lands came with some irony as the bison roamed on state and privately owned properties until June. Buffalo Field Campaign worker Red Jonson said he doesn’t think the June hazing will end the issue near West Yellowstone. “I have a feeling they’ll come back out,” he said.

If they do, they will likely again run into state agents on horseback, ATV or helicopter trying to get them back onto park land. If they can’t be controlled they will be taken for slaughter.

The Department of Livestock holds supreme power in dealing with the bison outside the park because of the impact the animals could potentially have on the state cattle industry. Bison control is complex because of the varying opinions by the landowners they affect. As one rancher said, “All they’re tryin’ to do is decide how to use my land.”

Bison carry a disease called brucellosis, which causes miscarriage and can be passed to cattle. If the disease is spread to just two cattle in a year, the entire state loses its designation as a ‘brucellosis-free’ state, and Montana beef will lose significant value, according to Department of Livestock representative Steve Merritt. That happened in 2008 and it took the

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state nine months to regain its good status, he said.

Ranchers are also concerned with bison damaging property and creating a threat to the community. One woman in the Gardiner area lost 10 trees after an itchy herd on her property rubbed against the trees. Bison on another rancher’s property created $1,000 worth of damage when a male tried to jump a water wheel and landed on the pipe. The rancher described bison as “a V8 truck runnin’ around my land in low gear.”

Groups against the slaughtering of bison and for letting the herds roam free outside the park argue elk also carry brucellosis and could also pass the disease to cattle. The elk aren’t managed as mercilessly as bison. In fact, a willingness to preserve and bolster elk numbers throughout the Northwest is evident in the debate over limiting wolf numbers due to predation on big game animals.

The Buffalo Field Campaign says the bison are treated poorly during hazing season. They say the practice can claim the lives of bison that become stressed during the event, and the death toll for this year can be expected to rise before hazing is through.

Pat Flowers, Regional Supervisor of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, also carries significant weight in the bison debate. Flowers met with Gardiner ranchers on May 20, hoping to find cooperation as the groups look for the best way to manage the herds. His efforts focused on a plan to guide the bison with fencing away from private lands and onto lands purchased for their grazing near Yankee Jim Canyon.

Ranchers don’t want to foot the fencing bill, and in fact most enjoy letting wildlife from the park mosey through their property, so existing fencing is bare to allow animals to walk under or jump over and pass safely. Some ranch-

1200

bison attempted to leave the north and west park boundaries in search of food this winter.

ers feel negatively toward fencing that would be big enough to block bison because it would also likely limit the peaceful wildlife on their property.

“I’m in the wrong place if I’m against wildlife on my land,” one said.

Regardless, efforts in that area may go for naught because of two lawsuits approved by a judge in Park County.

A cattle group filed suit against agents in charge of management, as well as Gov. Brian Schweitzer, and District Court Judge Nels Swandal set a restraining order and trial date for May 25. That hearing was postponed, as the county court wanted to find a new judge to hear the case. The judge in May put the brakes on an effort by the governor to open 75,000 acres of grazing land north of the park in the Gardiner Basin.

The hoopla for this season has yet to finish. If the bison stay inside the park through the fall, where they are under Park Service jurisdiction, they’ll likely stay out of trouble. But if next winter is as bad as this one was, the issue will return with next snowpack.

Big Sky Weekly

regional

Airport expansion Story and photo by emily stifler This June and July, Gallatin Field Airport will complete a major expansion that has been in construction for two years. The opening will be in three phases.

Part of the concourse upstairs from the Delta gates will open June 7, when the airport starts its summer schedule. The concourse itself and all the gates will open June 30. The entire terminal will open July 20.

According to the airport’s Deputy Director Scott Humphrey, the new terminal adds about 125,000 square feet to the existing building. The new footprint will have 200,000 square feet of terminal, making it the largest in Montana.

Major changes will include a new entrance and passenger check-in area, four new gates, more efficient passenger security screening, TSA bag screening behind closed doors, and indoor storage for airline machinery.

In the previous 12 calendar months, a record 380,000 enplaning passengers came through Gallatin Field—12 percent growth in the past seven months. Normal growth is 4-5 percent. Humphrey said, “Since 2009, there’s been a lot of pent up demand to travel, and I think that’s what we’re seeing now. Yellowstone Park and Big Sky play a large part for us.”

Funding for the $40 million expansion came from three sources: a $16 million airport bond, the Airport Improvement Program, and internal funds generated by Gallatin Field’s revenue. Martell Construction was the project’s general contractor.

Generally, 18-21 commercial flights come through Gallatin Field daily, though those numbers change seasonally, Humphrey said. The airport doesn’t have new flights lined up immediately, but the expansion will give everyone a lot more room,

particularly solving the morning time crunch. More than 200 people work at the airport complex.

The existing terminal was built in 1977, and before that, the airport was in the current fire station.

With large timbers spanning a vaulted ceiling and masonry walls,

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Eagle Mount to offer free adaptive recreation to wounded warriors

$35,000 grant will support Montana Shakespeare in the Parks 2011 summer tour Montana Shakespeare in the Parks has been recommended for a grant of $35,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts. In total, the Arts Endowment will distribute more than $88 million to support projects nationwide.

In 2010, the Bozeman-based organization, Eagle Mount, began a veteran outreach initiative to look into best practices for serving injured service members called EMBLEM (Eagle Mount Bozeman Lasting Experiences for Military). Nearly a year later, well-researched pilot programs are underway, offering recreation in equine, swim, cycling, kayak, zip line, fishing, rafting, and more.

An independent agency of the federal government, the National Endowment for the Arts advances artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities.

This summer, Montana veterans will have the opportunity to engage in adaptive recreation with Eagle Mount. Three programs will be offered, with the option to participate in one, two, or all three recreations including cycling, swim, and an adventure program, with a different recreation each week.

“Not only is the funding vital, but it is also important to have the seal of approval from our national arts organization to validate the work we do in rural communities,” said Joel Jahnke, Artistic Director of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is a nationally recognized outreach program of the College of Arts and Architecture at Montana State University, and provides professional, outdoor theatre productions of Shakespeare and other classics to communities in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota and Washington, with an emphasis on underserved, rural areas. This summer will feature 75 performances of two Shakespearean plays, Much Ado About Nothing and The Merchant of Venice, in 60 communities.

MSIP is the only fully professional theatre program in the state producing Shakespeare’s plays, the only Shakespeare company in the country to reach as extensively into rural areas, and the only company in the state that offers its performances free to the public. For the majority of these communities, especially in under-served, rural areas, MSIP is their only access to live, professional theatre.

streetlights and a bistro, “The new terminal will have a Bozeman flair, but keep the cabin look of the existing terminal,” Humphrey said. It will also have two elevators and two escalators—the only escalators in the Gallatin Valley.

The company launches its 10-week tour with six performances in Bozeman (June 15-25) before hitting the road June 27. The Merchant of Venice will play in Big Sky September 1. shakespeareintheparks.org arts.gov

Veteran participants will feel at ease in EMBLEM programs. Summer recreation programs will utilize veterans as volunteers, maintain a focus on ability rather than disability, and build camaraderie, strength, endurance and balance. Eagle Mount’s highly trained staff knows what it takes to provide adaptive recreation that is safe, effective and fun. All programs are available to military veterans at no cost thanks to generous contributions from Disabled Sports USA and the Gilhousen Family Foundation.

Eagle Mount has been offering adaptive recreation to people with disabilities and children with cancer for 30 years. eaglemount.org

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June 3, 2011 9

Big Sky Weekly

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Big Sky Weekly

montana

APEC, Montana, and the National Export Initiative story by emily stifler | photos by kene sperry

MONTANA EXPORTS In 2010, Montana’s merchandise export shipments totaled $1.96 billion in commodities and manufactured goods, according to Arnold Sherman at the Montana World Trade Center. The state’s export revenue has doubled in the last five years.

Montana maintains trade offices full-time in Taipei, Taiwan and Kumamoto, Japan to promote export of value-added agricultural and manufactured products, tourism,

>80%

MT companies exporting goods are small and mediumsized enterpriseses (SMEs)

SMEs generated

61%

of Montana’s exports in 2008, the second-highest percentage nationally

and higher education opportunities to markets in East Asia. The state’s main markets: Canada, Korea, China, Japan, Mexico and Taiwan.

Of the 800+ Montana companies exporting goods, over 80 percent were small and medium-sized enterprises, with fewer than 500 employees. SMEs generated 61 percent of Montana’s exports in 2008—the second-highest percentage nationally, and well above the national average of 31 percent.

Montana’s largest merchandise export category is chemical manufactures, which accounted for $369 million in 2010. Other top exports are machinery, transportation equipment, mining, primary metal manufactures, high tech material and agricultural products.

At a presentation in Bozeman, Gary Locke, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, said exports support 9,000 Montana jobs. Across the country, he said, exports directly support nine million jobs; jobs involving exports generally pay 15 percent more.

“These are exactly the jobs we need more of,” Locke said.

Gary Locke, U.S. Secretary of Commerce

APEC 2011 In May, more than 500 international representatives and 100 Montana businesses convened in Big Sky, as part of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation’s Trade and SME Ministerial meetings. This was the second of four APEC meetings held in the U.S. this year.

and drive economic growth and regional integration, collaborating to create an “open, liberal environment” for trade and investment, according to Michael Camuñez, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance, with the International Trade Association.

With 21 member economies (countries) throughout the Asia-Pacific region, APEC works to strengthen

For the first time in APEC history, Trade and SME ministers held a joint meeting. They discussed top Continued on p. 12

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June 3, 2011 11

Big Sky Weekly

montana APEC 2011 Continued from p. 11 barriers of trade for small businesses, and how to best support small businesses and small business exports.

SMEs, Camuñez said, make up the overwhelming majority of our economies—90 percent of all businesses in the APEC economies and nearly 60 percent of the work force are SMEs. Because of this, “It’s critical that as we develop trade policy for the region, we have a particular focus on the needs of small business. Montana is one of the leading states for small businesses and has a very robust small business sector.”

For 2011, the United States’ APEC host year, President Obama set three broad goals: 1. Strengthen economic integration and expanded trade through policy. This ensures open markets, so companies can easily do business across the APEC region.

2. Promote green growth. This requires work at the policy making level, and at the business level, through public private partnerships. “We want to understand what business needs to grow in the green sector,” Camuñez said.

3. Advancing regulatory cooperation and convergence. Each member economy regulates itself to protect public health, safety and welfare. Because of this, “Exporters

have to navigate “complex, sometimes competing regulatory regimes in different economies,” Camunez said. “[In some cases] It’d be much more efficient and cost effective, and therefore competitive, to [promote a common] standard.”

APEC is also developing common standards and regulation for new and emerging sectors like clean energy, nanotechnology and the smart grid. “The growth of that technology will lead to thousands of jobs,” Camunez says.

APEC is also developing common standards and regulation for new and emerging sectors like clean energy, nanotechnology and the smart grid. “The growth of that technology will lead to millions of jobs,” Camuñez says.

According to U.S. Senator Baucus (D-Mont.), who was instrumental in bringing APEC to Big Sky, Montana businesses showed “21 of the world’s top economies that they are ready to compete.”

Baucus cited success as a result of the connections made at the APEC meetings: “General Electric is coming back to Montana this summer to find ways to do business with even more Montana companies. The Great Falls Development Authority will [lead]… Montana businesses on a trade mission to Calgary this summer. And the Department of Commerce will … [return] to Montana this summer for an in-depth conference with tribal leaders.”

THE NATIONAL EXPORT INITIATIVE “Trade supports jobs and economic growth,” Camuñez said. 95 percent of consumers live outside US borders. So, when companies export overseas, they expand their consumer base, which typically leads to higher growth in their domestic workforce, and job creation. “To be competitive in the 21st century, the United States has to compete overseas,” he added.

With a goal to double U.S. exports by 2015, President Obama’s National Export Initiative promotes U.S. exports and drives U.S. competitiveness, Camuñez said. The NEI has five key points: 1. Trade advocacy and export promotion: Trade missions bring U.S. companies overseas; promotion of U.S. exports overseas; domestic export assistance centers help educate businesses understand overseas markets, make contacts, and do market research.

2. Increase and expand access to credit, especially for small business.

“It’s critical that as we develop trade policy for the region, we have a particular focus on the needs of small business. Montana is one of the leading states for small businesses and has a very robust small business sector.”

- Michael Canuñez, U.S. Secretary for Market Access and Compliance 12 June 3, 2011

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b. The International Trade Association works to resolve market access barriers overseas – i.e. licensing requirements, customs facilitation, intellectual property protection.

4. Enforce trade rules and commitments.

5. Promote widespread economic growth on the global level.

The NEI is a “robust, disciplined, focused effort to help US companies compete more effectively overseas,” Camuñez said.

And it all comes back to SMEs: “Worldwide, economic growth and innovation—which brings new products and technologies to market—is all driven by small businesses.”

A GLOBAL MARKET FOR MONTANA “2010 was record year for Montana exports to APEC member economies,” said Carey Hester, Montana’s commercial officer for the International Trade Association.

“That bodes well for our future.”

Michael Camuñez, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Market Access and Compliance, shakes hands with Governor Brian Schweitzer

3. Remove barriers to trade and to expand market access overseas. a. Negotiating and developing new free trade agreements to expand U.S. access to foreign markets. The U.S. has trade agreements pending with Korea, Columbia and Panama.

The State of Montana, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Montana World Trade Center have been “pretty successful” in working together with Montana exporters to promote and help grow exports from the state of Montana,” Hester said. “That’s one reason why you’ve seen our exports grow.”

Reverse trade missions also promote export growth, said Linda Howard of the Montana Department of Agriculture. In May, six buyers representing three grocery store chains and three import businesses in Taiwan toured Montana facilities. “We take them around Montana and make connections with suppliers that are exportready or interested in exporting,” Howard said. “Then it’s up to them to do the business.”

Craig Allen, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia, said, “The Asian markets have a huge demand for what Montana has to offer…

Montana has some of the highest quality wheat in the world. Beef, and other meat products also have a large market.”

Tourism and education are also exports, Allen said. “When a Japanese tourist comes and skis and fishes, we consider that an export, and Montana’s potential there is near infinite… When a foreign student pays out-of-state tuition, that’s an export that will pay long-term dividends.”

Montana’s high tech exporters have a global market, Allen said. “It’s not a market of the United States or NAFTA alone, it should include Asia. Asia is where the world’s economic growth is coming from.

China has 22 percent of the world’s population –approximately 1.4 billion—and their GDP is growing at 11 percent a year. That’s pretty attractive for a budding exporter.”

Big Sky Weekly

THRIVING ON COMPETITION AND INNOVATION “The United States continues to be the world’s leading economy for innovation,” Camuñez said. “Americans are incredibly industrious and innovative, and we are at our best when we have to compete. And when we compete, we win. So, I’m very optimistic about the opportunities.”

Camuñez also acknowledged challenges. Countries like China and India offer cheaper products, and have certain competitive advantages. While this may mean “there are some sectors where we’re not as competitive – low end manufacturing, for example…the United States is extremely competitive in producing goods higher up on the value chain… We’re invested in creating high value manufacturing jobs, … that pay more and provide higher value and … are better for American workers.” Strategic investments U.S. human capital, workforce, infrastructure and industry regulation are key, he added.

In some cases, trade causes disruption for workers, Camuñez added. But government-run “trade adjustment assistance programs” provide training and support for workers to acquire new skills and tools.

“There is not a country in the world that has a more robust network of entrepreneurs [than the United States],” Camuñez said. “It’s one of our core competitive advantages. It’s something that we have to continue to nurture and invest in.”

“There’s plenty of money to be made in these markets,” Allen said. And now is a good time for it. “The dollar is relatively low. That makes American products extremely competitive in markets around the world.”

exportmontana.com trade.gov mwtc.org mt.gov Senator Max Baucus

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Big Sky Weekly

montana Flooding on Hwy 191 in May PHoto © Kene Sperry

Here come the floods

by Taylor Anderson Rivers and streams throughout Montana have already unleashed fury on the towns that pockmark their banks, but the trouble in the western region of the state has only shown a glimmer of the disasters that may be quickly approaching.

The central Montana town of Roundup (pop. 1,966), in Musselshell County, drowned beneath a six-foot flood last month. Jefferson and Sanders counties were also declared flood emergency areas after severe rainstorms swelled the rivers east of Billings to the breaking point.

I-90 east of Billings was closed to eastbound traffic due to flooding on the Yellowstone River, and the problems arising from that river spread to Livingston.

tures kept creeks flowing throughout town at dangerous levels.

Bozeman and Bridger creeks in downtown Bozeman flooded several neighborhoods and businesses located nearby before cool temperatures and dry weather ebbed the levels below flood levels.

A culvert on the Gallatin River alongside Highway 191 became blocked on May 22, flooding the river onto the road and briefly closing it to traffic in the area.

The warnings have been the same throughout the western, mountainous regions of the state: Watch for warm temperatures that will melt the snowy peaks and flood streams.

Missoula saw significant flooding already after the Clark Fork broke its banks and scattered water throughout the town, which was in a National Weather Service flood warning for over a week as spitting fits of spring rain showers brought that river above its banks.

But perhaps the worst news is the fact that these floods weren’t even the result of the massive snowpacks that plague the northwestern U.S. from Utah and Colorado to Idaho and Montana. These were largely rain floods, and the worst may not come until later in June, according to Gallatin County emergency manager Patrick Lonergan.

Gallatin County residents received a flood warning in late May after rain and threats of spiked tempera-

“[This year’s runoff] is kind of a double-edged sword,” Lonergan said. “It’s nice to spread it out over

“Anybody that has been flooded in the past or thinks that they might see flooding should be ready [for this year’s runoff].“People who aren’t yet ready for flooding near floodplain areas are playing dangerously.”

-Patrick Lonergan, Gallatin County emergency manager

time, but the snow has to come off sometime.”

“Anybody that has been flooded in the past or thinks that they might see flooding should be ready [for this year’s runoff],” he said. “People who aren’t yet ready for flooding near floodplain areas are playing dangerously,” he added.

When it floods is up to the weather, which has thus far been favorably cool and has provided for a slow runoff to an extent. But temperatures have been low enough at high elevations to freeze rain and actually add to the snowpack.

Snowpack numbers this year look similar to the last time severe flooding came to the state, in 1997.

Before the ’97 floods, on May 9 of that year, the Gallatin River Basin

had 150 percent of the 30-year average snowpack for that date. The Upper Yellowstone had 160 percent.

This year, the Gallatin River Basin was recorded on May 23 at 189 percent of average and the Upper Yellowstone is at 175 percent of average. The Madison is at 154 percent of average, but that river doesn’t threaten its region because its levels are dam-controlled at Hebgen and Ennis lakes.

Cool weather has consistently raised the percent-of-historical-average snowpack since April, meaning this year’s runoff is getting later and later than usual.

But forecasts show weather will soon look more like summer, and when it does the region had better be ready for some serious runoff.

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June 3, 2011 15

Big Sky Weekly

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June 3, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #10

Big Sky

Olivia Chambry Ninth grade art student

Olivia Chambry is a ninth grader at Lone Peak High School. Under the direction of Ms. Jolene Swanke, LPHS art teacher, Olivia worked over four weeks with clay to create a bust of an anonymous middle-eastern woman. Chambry hopes this project “can open people’s minds about the horror going on in other countries.” A.D. My figure sculpture piece is very important to me.

It is an example of cultural and political issues in Middle-East countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Art allows me to free my mind. Our minds are so full of imagination. This is a way for me to let it out, and not keep everything bottled up.

‘Art allows me to free my mind. Our minds are so full of imagination. This is a way for me to let it out, and not keep everything bottled up.’

The bust represents an Afghan woman that have had a tough life; what I’ve learned is truly heartbreaking. Many Afghan women are forced or sold into marriage as young as ten years old. Women in these foreign countries are treated no better than dogs. Husbands usually have many wives and rarely care for children unless they are male.

Women have to follow strict laws; if they go into public they have to be accompanied by a male and they generally wear burkas. Women are regularly beaten or killed.

I have realized how fortunate I am to live in such a beautiful town and have a loving family.

The words on her face represent what I imagine these women are feeling in their daily lives: hatred, abomination, desperation, defamation, guilt, ravaged, destroyed, remorse, sinful and aching.

The medium is clay from two buckets we have in the classroom. We do it all by hand. I started with a base, and formed her row by row. It got difficult toward the top of her head because I thought it

was going to collapse. I filled the head with paper towels to support her. Then I just laid the hair on.

For the eyes, I carved out holes, rolled a ball of clay and sliced it in half. For the lips, I [coiled] a thin piece of clay. It took time to capture the expression on her face. I smeared kohl around her eyes to capture the sadness.

I fired the bust and used acrylic paint for her face.

I died the newspaper words in coffee to give them the old, dirty look, and then ripped them and put them on with Mod Podge. I added fake eyelashes.

I want to stick with art. I plan on auctioning the bust off in the Big Sky Youth Empowerment’s Spring Runoff event in June. I showed Dave Granger, the [Program] Director, and he loved it.

I was very anxious to start this project, and I am now happy with the way it turned out. I’d like to work with women in the Middle East to help them better their lives.

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June 3, 2011 17

Big Sky Weekly

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Barron’s is a trademark of Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Financial advisor criteria: minimum seven years of financial services experience and employment at current firm for at least one year. Numerous quantitative and qualitative measures determine the financial advisor rankings. The bull symbol, help2recognize and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management are registered trademarks or trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

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youth

THE SHOW OF THE SUMMER: JULY 1 Save the Date for Willy Wonka Junior

By Abigail Hogan All kids who love to act or perform auditioned in May for Big Sky Broadway.

The camp ensemble will be performing Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory this summer; our two weeks of practice/camp start on June 20 and the performance is July 1. The auditions were in May to allow kids time to memorize their parts and songs before the two-week crunch time. All parts have now been cast, but you’ll have to see the show to know who’s who!

Directed by John Zirkle and musical director Klaudia Kosiak, this year’s Big Sky Broadway will be a complete show—not just a few songs like last year. During the two-week camp, kids will learn the script, practice the play, make the costumes and finally perform the show at Big Sky Resort. The camp is now full at 25 kids, but if you have a desire to help behind the scenes (with make-up, costumes, set construction) we’d love to have you.

It will be two weeks’ worth of fun and learning how to act and dance, but remember that it’s not all fun and games,

and we need to work hard to complete the play so we can perform.

Putting on a Broadway production is expensive, says Barbara Rowley, who helps produce the camp and show. She is looking for small donations—$50 to $100—to cover the cost of professional musicians, costumes and the set. She also coordinates volunteers. Contact her at browley@3rivers.net.

In return for your donation or volunteering, you’ll get your name in the program, a free ticket to the show, and a chocolate bar.

I hope you can come and or support this show. We will work hard to practice and perform so you will all enjoy the show.

There are many parts to play in Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, including Willy Wonka, Grandpa Joe, Charlie Bucket, Mr. Salt, Veruca Salt, Mr. Beauregarde,Violet Beauregarde, Mrs. Teevee, Mike Teevee, Mrs. Gloop, Augusts Gloop, Mrs. Bucket, Mr. Slug-

worth, Grandma Georgina, Henrietta Salt, Mr. Gloop, Grandma Josephine, Grandpa George, and the Oompa Loompas, of course.

The show will be at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 1 in the Big Sky Ballroom at Big Sky Resort. Tickets are $5.00 each, sold at the door.

Send donations in an envelope with your name and address to the following address: Big Sky Community Corporation RE: Big Sky Broadway P.O. box 161404 Big Sky MT 59716.

Some tips for performing for fellow campers: Most of the fun is performing in front of the crowd, but it can be scary and sometimes embarrassing to perform in front of people. To help, just turn yourself into the character you are playing. It can make you feel like the audience thinks that it’s not you, but instead, the character you are playing.

explorebigsky.com

June 3, 2011 19

Big Sky Weekly

sports

By Brandon Niles With the NBA Finals underway, it’s time to look at the top teams in the playoffs this year, and try to predict who will be back next year and which teams may struggle to repeat their 2010-2011 performance. This is the first of a two part series, this issue covering the top teams in the Western Conference, and the next covering the Eastern Conference.

Western Conference Dallas – This season has been a Cinderella story for Dallas.

They’re an older team with a history of choking in the playoffs. They went from being the team most likely to be upset

to the team that may win the Finals this year. Most NBA fans will be happy to see perennial All-Star Dirk Nowitski finally get a ring if the Mavs win it all, but this may be their last chance to do it.

With a 38-yearold point guard in Jason Kidd, and Notwitski nearing his mid-30s as well, this might very well be their last shot. I still see them in the playoffs next year, but not as a legitimate title contender.

Oklahoma City – The Thunder is a young team with two of the most exciting players in the game, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

They also have a solid young front court in Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka to complement their potent scoring duo. Expect to see them vying for the top spot in the West next year.

Los Angeles Lakers – The Lakers got old suddenly in the playoff series against Dallas. Kobe took a visible step back this season; Lamar Odom is getting up there in age, and Andrew Bynum struggles to stay healthy. If the Lakers don’t make some noise in the off-season, it’s very likely they’ll fail to get a topfour seed next year.

Memphis – The Grizzlies were everyone’s favorite underdog this offseason coming in as the eighth seed and beating the top-ranked Spurs. However, the Grizzlies relied on Zach Randolph and Tony Allen to get them there, both of whom have historically been volatile players.The team also has contracts up this year, including Center Marc Gasol. While getting back the injured Rudy Gay next year will help, it’s unlikely that the Grizzlies will be able to repeat their success. I don’t see them in the playoffs next season.

The Rest – The end of an era, the Spurs this year got the top seed

in the West but showed their age against the Grizzlies. This may be the Spurs’ last hurrah. Portland will be back next year, but they are relying on the health of two injuryplagued players in Brandon Roy and Greg Oden. New Orleans will always be competitive with Chris Paul around, but their financial issues could keep them from acquiring the pieces they need. Denver has the look of a team on the rise with young stars all over the court. Look for them to be active in the off-season and exciting to watch next year.

Some teams in the West that could take the next step include: the Clippers, with emerging superstar Blake Griffin; the Rockets, with a solid backcourt in Kyle Lowry and Kevin Martin; Golden State, with the electrifying duo of Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis; and perhaps Sacramento, with volatile youngsters Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins.

Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about the NFL since 2007. His articles range from NFL news to team-specific commentary.

A Communication Studies graduate student at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Niles is also an avid Miami Dolphins fan, which has led to his becoming an avid Scotch whisky fan over the past decade.

Northwest Management,Inc.can assist you in:

• Protecting your trees • Protecting your home • Enhancing your forested property for wildlife Northwest Management, Inc. (NMI), a full service natural resource consulting firm, plans and implements projects designed to maintain forest health and reduce wildfire hazard.

Our professional forestry staff are experts at mitigating impacts associated with mountain pine beetle and western spruce budworm infestations. We will develop a site-specific plan for your property that protects scenic and wildlife habitat values.

Contact us today for a consultation

20 June 3, 2011

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Jim Cancroft NMI Senior Forester (406) 544-8489 nwimanage@montana.com P. O. Box 598 Big Sky, MT 59716

www.consulting-foresters.com

Our Services Include: • Forest health assessment • Forest mangement planning • Aerial spraying for control of Western Spruce Budworm • Individual tree spraying for Mountain Pine Beetle protection • Bulk discount sales of Verbenone packets for Mountain Pine Beetle protection • Wildfire hazard reduction projects • Timber harvest planning and administration • Trail and forest road construction and maintenance

Big Sky Weekly

health & wellness

TH E W EST MAY BE WILD,

but it’s not uncivilized

Eye in the Sky Photography

THE RESTAURANT AT RAINBOW RANCH Opening for summer season Wednesday, June 8!

Rainbow Ranch Lodge is proud to offer seasonal Montana ranch-to-table cuisine, finely crafted from the freshest ingredients available from the earth, rivers and streams.

Does your snoring wake the neighbors?

By Andrew Koch Is a loved one preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep? Does someone in your household snore so loudly that the walls shake, the dog hides, and you can hear them in the room next door?

Often, snoring is due to redundant or lax tissue in the throat that vibrates while you breathe. Snoring does not adversely affect everyone; however, in certain people, snoring can be indicative of a much more serious health condition called Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Breathing is an involuntary reflex and something that happens instinctively when we are awake and asleep. While awake, humans have the conscious ability to control our breathing if we focus, like holding your breath when swimming. But, when we sleep our breathing is automatic. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition in which you stop or severely slow your breathing during sleep. This change in breathing pattern may happen once or twice a minute, or several hundred times over the course of a night.

by a partner is a standstill in breathing while sleeping. Common reports are snorting, followed by beginning breathing again, or even a gasp for breath.

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The third classic sign is excessive daytime sleepiness. Are you always tired? Could you fall asleep anywhere if given two minutes to relax? One of the questions a doctor may ask is: are you still tired in the morning when you wake up? Or they may ask if you toss and turn at night, another indicator of quality of sleep. Other common symptoms include morning headaches and difficulty with shortterm memory or concentration. If you or your partner is experiencing any of these symptoms, please ask your doctor about sleep apnea.

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In order to be diagnosed with OSA, you must have an overnight sleep study called a polysomnography; a painless and easy test during which brain activity, body movement, airflow, pulse oximetry, heart rhythm and snoring are recorded via computer and videotape.

During these events, your brain senses that you have changed your breathing pattern and that the available oxygen in your body is decreasing. The brain institutes compensatory mechanisms to ensure that you continue breathing to maintain proper oxygen saturation. When your brain must stimulate your breathing, it releases stress hormones into your body.

A surge of these hormones leads to an increased heart rate, an arousal from sleep, and a gasp for breath. Often, the snoring person won’t even recognize this has happened and continues “sleeping” like nothing has happened.

In addition, OSA can carry some serious health risks. Being sleepdeprived is similar to driving drunk and increases by 2.5 times the risk of being in a motor vehicle accident.

OSA can cause or exacerbate high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, obesity and depression. Severe, untreated OSA even increases risk for heart attack and stroke, both of which can be fatal.

While a person affected with OSA may not notice he or she has it, others might be more attuned to the problem. In addition to the snoring, one of the most common symptoms reported

Andy Koch spent a month at the Medical Clinic of Big Sky as a forth year medical student this past ski season.

He is going into a residency in Internal Medicine.

4 1 R E A S O NS TO VISIT B OZEMAN DEACONESS P H A R M A C Y AT B IG S KY. Fill a prescription. Refill a prescription. Shop

When your mom or grandmother told you it was important to get a good night’s sleep, they weren’t just pulling your leg.

for over-the-counter remedies for head colds, heartburn, and whatever else ails you.

Quickly. Conveniently. Right here in Big Sky at Meadow Village Center across from the Big Sky Chapel.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm; Closed 2:00-2:30 pm for lunch Meadow Village Center | 36 Center Ln, Suite 2 406-993-9390 | www.bozemandeaconess.org/pharmacy

explorebigsky.com

June 3, 2011 21

Big Sky Weekly

Summer - Golf Course MEADOW LOT, BLOCK 1, LOT 9 .25 acres Located on the 13th tee box of Big Sky Golf Course Staked and surveyed Southwest facing Private cul-de-sac road Par 3 at your doorstep Open space and panoramic mountain views

INTERIOR PAINTING We bring quality and value to the simplest jobs as well as some of the most demanding projects.

There are a lot of important details involved in painting and finishing a home, and we love sweating the details!

Lots packaged for sale together; will consider selling separately.

EXTERIOR PAINTING We excel at exterior painting, staining, and log home renovation.

406-580-0331 | email: cboyd@montanapaintinc.com Check out www.montanapaintinc.com for all the juicy details!

22 June 3, 2011

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YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERTISE

CALL JEFF - 406-539-2855 Brokers offered 3.5% commission for buyer.

10+

SUMMIT VIEW PHASE 1, LOT 5 1.11 acres in Big Sky’s Mountain Village Lot includes existing water well - 15 gal/min.

Spectacular views - Head-on panorama of Lone Mountain Southwest facing, easily accessible & gently sloped building site Subdivision has paved roads & privacy gates Reasonable association dues Southwest facing Skiing only minutes away

SUMMER ON THE GOLF COURSE

Winter - Mountain

WINTER ON THE MOUNTAIN

LA N D S A L E : BU Y 1 LOT, G E T 1 F R E E $388,000 TAKES BOTH

Big Sky Weekly

food & dining

You Heard it First:

ByWOM By word of mouth

Big Sky’s favorite bistro

“We enjoy providing a place locals can afford and enjoy coming to.”

-Pam Flach, co-owner

a crisp table cloth, ready to be toasted by the cheerful party guests at any moment.

This isn’t an unusual scene at By Word of Mouth, Big Sky’s local bistro nestled in the West Fork near Town Center. The familial atmosphere keeps locals coming back, as do the carefully prepared meals served fresh and warm, every time.

It’s hard to choose from By Word of Mouth’s creative menu, as head chef, John Flach, specializes in a variety of fare, from sushi to burgers, to tuna steaks, pork osso buco and Friday fish fry.

Pam and John Flach and family

by abbie digel Pam Flach, co-owner of By Word of Mouth Restaurant and Catering, is sharing a plate of Tuna Katsu rolls with friends. Pam excuses herself to refill the wine glasses at the table next to hers, and then clears plates from diners at the bar. She then rushes to the front of the house to greet a young couple looking for a table, and seats them immediately. Candles in the room give off a warm, romantic glow.

In the back room is a private party held for members of a local group. Tables are set up with homemade meatballs drenched in tangy tomato sauce, blackberries and strawberries, cheese, rosemary chicken wings, warm brownies, and a platter of sushi suitable for King Arthur’s court. Flutes of bubbling champagne await on a table adorned with

bartender who serves up pineapple infused vodka, Jack and ginger cocktails, and generous pours of wine.

Josh has been bartending at BYWOM for about six years, and doesn’t plan on leaving anytime soon.

“We’re a family here,” he said. bigskycatering.com

John has been in the food service business his entire life. Hailing from Wisconsin, he and Pam (originally from North Dakota) met when he was a chef at Buck’s T-4, and she was a server. Soon after, they joined forces and opened By Word of Mouth in 1995 as a bistro and wine shop. Pam and John now have three young children, and BYWOM is now a fully staffed, year-round business, only closing for a short time in the off-season.

By Word of Mouth’s seasonally changing menu offers fresh, local fare from Pam’s brother Matt Rothschiller of Gallatin Valley Botanical, a full-service farm in Bozeman offering community supported agriculture programs and fresh food year round.

Pam recommends ordering a salad from the spring menu, because they’ll have fresh shipments of spinach, radishes and lettuce.

“We enjoy providing a place locals can afford and enjoy coming to. It’s also a fun place for me to go to work,” said Pam. BYWOM also stays open late, so stop in for an after-dinner drink and meet Josh, the friendly

explorebigsky.com

June 3, 2011 23

business directory Tax return preparation Tax planning Payroll Services Bookkeeping Financial Statement preparation Business Consulting Business Valuation

Big Sky Weekly

IT’S BETTER TO PREVENT A WILDFIRE THAN FIGHT ONE Forest Fire Fuel Reduction Clearing, Thinning and Trimming Natural Landscapes Forest Clean-up

Call for more information 406-570-9226 Justin Miller BigSkyFP@gmail.com

WAYNE NEIL, JR. CPA DOUG NEIL CPA JAKE NEIL CPA

Celebrating 40 years of business serving Montana and the Gallatin Valley!

1184 North 15th Ave. Ste. 1, Bozeman, MT 59715 Phone (406) 587-9239 Fax (406) 586-4737

Business Profile of the Week

Geyser Whitewater Expeditions

By Taylor Anderson As snow fell before a 9:30 a.m. departure, shouts proclaiming “perfect rafting weather” echoed inside the Geyser Whitewater Expeditions headquarters.

They may have been right.

This is how Big Sky gets into hot water.

After 20 years providing raft trips to adventurers and families, Eric Becker might know better than anybody that a hot cup of coffee is a good way to start the day, but nothing beats waking up in the morning with a splash of 40-degree water in the face.

“I’ll get up at five in the morning and kayak the river with some friends,” Becker says. “The Gallatin is something I really cherish.”

Becker started Geyser in 1992 with his friend Jim while the two attended business school. The company, which was once used as a way to get credit from the school, has become one of the biggest rafting companies in the area.

Guides warn rafters of the swiftly approaching features on the lower section, known aptly as the Mad Mile. Rock areas bearing names like ‘Snaggle Tooth,’ ‘Boulder Garden’ and ‘Rodeo’ may pass unnoticed by the rafters in the front of the boat gulping water from a five-foot rapid.

Entrance Exam. Show Stopper. House Rock. Was that a 15-foot boulder we almost hit? You bet. Two paddles forward. Hard!

Nordic Hot Tub We service what we sell!

Spa sales to fit your budget Pool and spa care after the sale Custom maintenance plans

Spa covers and custom lifts Lots of accessories for your spa Special orders available

www.BigSkyHotTubs.com (406) 995-4892 • NordicHotTub@aol.com 47520 Gallatin Rd. • Big Sky, MT 59716

24 June 3, 2011

explorebigsky.com

BIG BURRITOS. BIG TASTE. SMALL PRICES.

TACOS • WRAPS • BOWLS KIDS MENU • BEER • MARGS EVERYTHING MADE FRESH EVERY DAY!

DINE IN • TAKE OUT • WEROLLEMFAT.COM

WINTER HOURS START DECEMBER 6 OPEN DAILY 11-8

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LOCATED IN THE WESTFORK PLAZA NEXT TO MILKIES. CALL AHEAD 995-3099!

Big Sky Weekly

PUBLIC NOTICE COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc., filed with the Federal Government, a Compliance Assurance in which it assures the Rural Utilities Service that it will comply fully with all requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Agriculture issued thereunder, to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, sex, age, color, or national origin, or on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in its program and the operation of its facilities.

Under the Assurance, this organization is committed not to be discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, sex, age, color, or national origin, or on the basis of handicap, in its policies and practices relating to treatment of beneficiaries and participants including rates, conditions and extension of service, use of any of its facilities, attendance at or any participation in any meetings of beneficiaries and participants or exercise of any rights of such beneficiaries and participants in the conduct of this organization.

“Any person who believes himself or herself or any specific class of individuals, to be subjected by this organization to discrimination prohibited by Title VI of the Act and the Rules and Regulations issued thereunder may by himself or herself, or a representative, file with the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250, or the Rural Utilities Service, Washington, D.C. 20205, or the organization, or all, written complaint. Such complaint must be filed no later than 90 days after the alleged discrimination, or by such later date which the Secretary of Agriculture or the Rural Utilities Service extends the time for filing. Identity of complainants will be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of the Rules and Regulations.”

The Mad Mile gives rafters a chance to see a slice of Montana others have cold sweats just imagining. But the guides at Geyser are well trained and perfectly capable of steering clear of every spot of danger on the “Swift River,” as the ancient Shoshone people called the Gallatin.

TREE REMOVAL 995-7852

Visitors looking to take the kids on the river often take the upper or scenic trips. Without worrying about the more technical parts of the river, they can admire the towering, tree-covered mountains that form the Gallatin Canyon.

REMOVING DEAD AND INFESTED TREES Grants Available for home Fire Suppression

Geyser is known for going out of its way to keep clients safe, so there’s strict age restriction on the different sections of the river depending on how high they’re flowing. Later in the season, after snowmelt, the river will tame down a bit, so mothers can breathe a sigh of relief when their 10-year-olds call ‘shotgun’ and jump in the front of the 14 1/2’ boats. Besides, as all river rats know, kids in the front of the boat make for the best shields for the frigid Gallatin water.

Approved RC&D Hazardous fuels reduction contractor Tom Newberry:

995-7852

BigSkyTrees@aol.com

raftmontana.com

Home

Life

The

Auto

Agency Insurance Division Protecting Your Assets

Call us today at 993 9242 or visit us on the web at www.ins-agency.com

explorebigsky.com

June 3, 2011 25

Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky Weekly

help wanted

home of the

10

$

Classifieds!

$15 with photo

Delzer Diversified, Inc.

Snow business looking for shovelers and equipment operators for immediate openings. Following required: Valid License, Vehicle, Winter Apparel, Texting Capabilities, Drug Testing. Pay weekly.

Work in Big Sky/ Private Club.

Contact Bob at 406-581-4331.

Delzer Diversified.

------------------------------------------

Each Ad can be up to 4 lines (Maximum of 30 words).

Additional lines are $5 per line, Maximum of 8 words per line.

Email classifieds and/or advertising requests to:

SERVICES

Ophir School District #72 Seeking two (2) Route bus drivers and Activities bus drivers for the 2011-2012 school year. CDL w/”S” endorsement required.

Please see full ad and application online at www.ophirschool.org.

Get ready to sweat!

Bentley Bodies Boot Camp Beginning June 7 Every Tues & Thurs 6:00 a.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Summer Yogalattes begins this Saturday, June 4th Every Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Join us for this rigorous and fun overall functional fitness class:

Fusion of classical Pilates mat with Vinyasa yoga $12/class Drop-ins welcome

Combination of interval style plyometrics, kettle bells, suspension trainers, free weights and outdoor work (weather permitting). Class size minimum of 6, max 10.

Where: Bentley Bodies Studio in Big Sky, above Gallatin Alpine Sports Call Victoria with any questions 406-570-9154

$10/class, total of 16 sessions (June 7 - July 28). Reservations required. Call Victoria to secure a spot - 406-570-9154 Location: Bentley Bodies Studio in Big Sky, above Gallatin Alpine Sports

media@theoutlawpartners.com (406) 995-2055

Want to advertise?

Contact Outlaw Partners at (406) 995-2055 or media@theoutlawpartners.com

Subscribe now Big Sky

&

Big Sky’s Locally Owned & Published Newspaper

MOUNTAIN

EXPLORING LIFE & LAND IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA

$75 for 1 year subscription to the Big Sky Weekly and Mountain Outlaw Magazine Credit Cards accepted for subscriptions call or email us today 406-995-2055; media@theoutlawpartners.com 26 June 3, 2011

explorebigsky.com

EVENTS big sky Trails Day Community Park June 4 9 a.m.

Montana Association of Land Trusts Meeting Buck’s T-4 June 7 11 a.m.

Ophir Bicycle Rendezvous Ophir parking lot June 7

Annual Chamber Familiarization ‘FAM’ Trip Chamber Building June 10 $10 8:30 a.m.

Ophir School Interpretive Trail Work Days June 13 - 14 3 - 6 p.m.

Big Sky Weekly Planning an event? Let us know! Email abbie@theoutlawpartners.com and we’ll spread the word. Check explorebigsky.com for an extended calendar.

Jonathan Wilde “An Introduction” Painting Exhibit Gallatin River Gallery June 14 – July 30

National Bison Association Conference June 16 - 18 9 a.m.

Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club Meeting Big Sky Chapel June 22 1 p.m.

West yellowstone Wild West Yellowstone Rodeo June 15 - 18

Bozeman Bogert Farmers’ Market June 7 - September 27 Bogert Park 5 - 8 p.m.

Flora of Montana’s Gallatin Region

Much Ado About Nothing

Bozeman REI June 8 6:30 p.m.

Presented by Shakespeare in the Parks MSU-Grove June 15 - 18 8 p.m.

Dub Sultan The Filling Station June 10 10 p.m.

Veteran Stand Down

Big Sky Youth Empowerment’s Spring Run Off Emerson Ballroom June 10 pete@byep.org

Gallatin County Fairgrounds June 18 9 a.m.

582-9224

Virginia city

Eagle Mount’s Western Rendezvous Eagle Mount Indoor Heated Riding Arena June 11 4 p.m.

American Red Cross Blood Drive Emerson Ballroom June 13 12 p.m.

The History of Ice Cream VC Creamery June 7-9, 14-16

Irish Weekend June 10 - 12

gardiner Rodeo Parade

Family Fishing Fun

June 18 2 p.m.

Children’s Museum of Bozeman Begins June 14 6 - 8 p.m.

Trails Day Event in Big Sky The Big Sky Community Corporation Trails Committee will host its annual trails day event starting at 9 a.m. at the Community Park on Saturday, June 4, to clean and maintain BSCC trails. Projects include trash pickup, erosion control at Ousel Falls Trail, general maintenance on Kircher Park Trail and a walkthrough and touch up of the newly extended Community Park Trail. This event is a great example of the Big Sky community working together, and all are welcome! Please contact the BSCC with any questions bscc@bsccmt.org or (406) 993-2112.

-K.M.

Ousel Falls

explorebigsky.com

June 3, 2011 27

Big Sky Weekly

TRAILHEAD

SEASON PASS SALE

only available for 30 days JUNE 01 - 30 For $100/year Trailhead Season Pass Holders Receive: 1 FREE pizza of your choice each month + Unlimited buy 1, get 1 for 5$ of equal or lesser value Stop in Trailhead Pizza to sign up today.

Open & Delivering 7 Days a week 4:00-10:00 p.m.

406 995 7175

28 June 3, 2011

S ’ Y K S G BI T PIZZA BES

S E N O Z L A &C

Located in the Westfork Meadow Plaza in Big Sky, Montana 406-995-7175 | facebook.com/trailheadpizza

explorebigsky.com

June 3, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #10

Big Sky

Spring in Big Sky photos by abbie digel, anna middleton, and emily stifler

explorebigsky.com

June 3, 2011 29

outdoors

Big Sky Weekly

Skiing on Beartooth Pass pushed back by heavy snowfall story and photos by tyler allen Skiers in Southwest Montana this spring have experienced too much of a good thing. The heavy snowfall this winter and continued precipitation of the past month had a significant impact on the spring skiing season. The Beartooth Highway traditionally opens for the season Memorial Day weekend to allow travelers to drive between Red Lodge and Cooke City, and affords skiers easy roadside access to the incredible terrain of the Beartooth plateau.

The significant snow depth has made plowing the road a slow task this year, and the Wyoming side of the highway isn’t scheduled to open until Friday, June 3. This means access to the famed Gardiner Headwall and Reefer Ridge will be pushed back at least a week. The Montana Department of Transportation has been plowing the road in earnest from Red Lodge up to the

30 June 3, 2011

state line, which would provide ski access to the top of the Rock Creek drainage. However, continued snowfall and rockslides have hampered the work of plows and road crews, and opening the road will be weather-dependent.

Sylvan Pass, near the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park, has also been shut down to skiers this spring due to unstable snow and major avalanches repeatedly burying the road. Currently, that road is closed from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., when solar heating could cause the large, south-facing avalanche paths to slide over the road.

Skiers hoping to climb the high peaks in this area and ski the Beartooth Pass will have to be patient this year and let the weather, as well as the snowpack, settle out.

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Fly Fishing during the runoff story and photo by ennion williams When the weather breaks so will the snowpack.

Cool temperatures have held the snowpack in the mountains. Last week we saw most of the rivers return to below average flows and there were actually some good fishing opportunities. Once the sun comes out and evening temperatures rise, runoff will start, and this year it may last awhile.

The upper Madison River opened two weeks ago and has fished well since. The water is high but the fish are hungry. It is all nymph fishing with large flies and tight to the bank.

Yellowstone National Park opened last weekend to winter-like conditions that can actually make the fishing very good, which it was. As the runoff starts on many rivers, the Firehole, Madison and Gibbon rivers can be good options, and the wildlife viewing is spectacular. This is the best opportunity for river dry fly fishing in the region.

Other rivers of interest during the runoff period are the Beaverhead and Missouri. While both rivers are running high, there are always sections that have clear water, and really big fish. All the area lakes are fishing well, from Hebgen Lake to Holter Lake, to Clark Canyon and Georgetown the reservoirs are filling up and producing some great angling opportunities.

Spring fly fishing can be rewarding for large rainbow trout if you don’t mind the weather conditions.

With constant changing conditions this time of year it is best to consult your locally owned fly shop and get the good information on your destination. Local shops have guides and sources that

are on the rivers everyday, no matter the conditions. Stop in and have them help you pick out the best fly patterns and tackle for a successful trip.

FAMILY FISHING FUN! Montana FWP and the Children’s Museum of Bozeman are teaming up to host Family Fishing Fun: A Celebration of Fish and Fishing, beginning on June 14. Participants will meet six nights—three successive Tuesdays in the classroom learning all about fish and fishing, inside and out: what they eat, where they live, fish identification, dissection, fly tying, safety, and fishing regulations. The group will then spend the next three successive Wednesday nights honing techniques and catching fish at Bozeman-area ponds with fishing experts.

The event is open to children ages 5 to 12 years old and children must be accompanied by at least one adult. Registration is $25 per child and includes children’s tackle, rod, reel, and a t-shirt. To register or get more information, contact the Children’s Museum of Bozeman at (406) 522-9087 or visit the museum at 202 S. Willson Ave. in Bozeman.

•

FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE

Spring Clean Up, Irrigation, Gardening, Mowing, Water Feature Care, Weed Control, Organic Fertilizer and Microbial Soil Amendment, Tree Care by Licensed Arborist •

Montana Outfitter #235

montanaflyfishing.com | (406) 995-2290 1/2 mile past Big Sky turnoff on HWY 191

“casting call”

RETAIL NURSERY

Open Mon.-Sat. 9-5 and Sunday 10-2 •

Full Service Flyshop & Guide Service

LANDSCAPE DESIGN CONSULTING & ASLA SERVICES

Ladies Only Float Fishing Trips: June 30th and Aug. 2nd

---------

visit montanaflyfising.com for more information

406.995.4818 • san@wildwoodbigsky.com

WILDWOOD NURSERY

Hwy 191 just south of the Big Sky stoplight

The Way to Fish

wildwoodbigsky.com

Growing in Big Sky for 31 years explorebigsky.com

June 3, 2011 31

R U O Y T E G

Big Sky Weekly

N O B GRU Y K S

G I B

N I OUND

OPENING FOR THE SUMMER - JUNE 3 AT 4:00 P.M.

YEAR-R

HAPPY HOUR*

• Daily drink specials • Live Music • 12 HDTVs • Amazing Food • 100 beers • 100 wines

MONDAY-FRIDAY 3:00-5:00 PM *½ price well drinks and pints

June Music Fri. 3rd: Kent Johnson and Friends 9:30 p.m.

Fri. 10th: Bottom of the Barrel 9:30 p.m.

Fri. 17th: Mountain Grip 9:30 p.m.

Tues. 28th:

Leo Rondeau and Dynamite Tales 9:30 p.m. (from Austin, Texas)

CHECK OUT OUR BRAND NEW STAGE AND MUSIC AREA!

OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 A.M. LUNCH & DINNER 32 June 3, 2011

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LOCATED IN THE BIG SKY TOWN CENTER big sky, montana 406-995-3830

Big Sky Weekly

Music Hunter

The Beastie Boys are Back

By Hunter Rothwell

The non-stop, goin’ off, king-pen, microphone boss / do my own thing, you can’t afford the cost / of my fly styles that complete the turn-style / cause it’s live and direct, and I’m wiggidy wild!

So raps Ad Rock in “Nonstop Disco Powerpack,” the second of several quotable tracks on the Beastie Boys’ long-awaited new album, Hot Sauce Committee, Part Two. After seven years, the Beastie Boys are back. Michael “Mike D” Diamond, Adam “MCA” Yauch, and Adam “Ad Rock” Horovitz have been pumping out hip-hop standards since the release of their first studio album, Licensed to Ill, which hit the music scene by storm in 1986 and catapulted rap music into the mainstream (along with the help of Run-DMC). The trio’s first effort became the best selling rap album of the 1980s and the first rap album to go No. 1 on the Billboard album chart.

Since then, the Beasties have always been good for a new album about every five years. They were on track to release Hot Sauce Committee, Part One back in 2009, when tragedy struck.

Yauch discovered a cancerous tumor in his parotid gland and a lymph node. The band announced the cancelation of all scheduled shows and delayed the release of their forthcoming album. The band mates of 30+ years took a hiatus until Yauch recovered from his treatments. The break resulted in a revised Hot Sauce Committee, Part Two. This new album is “old school” in its style and delivery, and is good enough to stand up against the Beasties’ strongest work. The backbone to their storytelling is a combination of fun lyrics

B.E.A.S.T.I.E. = “Beings Entering Anarchistic States Towards Internal Excellence” and tight flowing MC’s dueling for supremacy of the mic. The Beastie Boys never try for mainstream sound; they do their own thing, and are only out to impress themselves. Instead, the mainstream comes to them.

2004’s To The 5 Burroughs was a nice addition to the catalog, but it was a bit more serious due to the environment in post-9/11 New York City—

This new album is“old school” in its style and delivery, and is good enough to stand up against the Beasties’ strongest work. The backbone to their storytelling is a combination of fun lyrics and tight flowing MC’s dueling for supremacy of the mic.

where the Beasties have lived all their lives.

This time around, the Beasties are all about having fun. The album opens up with the funky keyboard banging “Make Some Noise,” in the tradition of 1999’s must-see video, Intergalactic.

“OK” is a bouncy, yet heavy, track that lays out just how talented Mike D, MCA, and Ad Rock are as vocalists. Throughout the album, they unleash honest lyrics over complicated beats.

As usual, they’ve included a punk rock song to honor their earliest roots. “Lee Majors Come Again” is every bit as tight and witty as their hiphop tracks and fits perfectly on this album.

All three of the original members are still inspired; their voices never come across as stale or reprocessed. When Rolling Stone Magazine reviewed Licensed to Ill in 1986, the now famous headline declared, “Three Idiots Create a Masterpiece”. On September 27, 2007 they were nominated for induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Now they’re the respected old guys; however, MCA, Mike D and Ad Rock are still bringing it like those rebellious 20-somethings that changed popular music.

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Big Sky Weekly

320 Ranch Steakhouse & Saloon

Opens Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Enjoy Big Sky hospitality and cowboy gourmet food!

Saloon opens at 4:30 p.m., Dining Room begins serving at 5:30 p.m.

Reservations recommended

Monday Night Pig Roast Starts Monday, June 6, 2011 No reservations required $10 Pig Roast ~ Kids half off!

Every Monday 5-8 p.m.

Wednesday Night Riverside Chuck Wagon BBQs

Join us Wednesday evenings starting June 8 for a 2 hour Trail Ride or Hayride to our BBQ near the Gallatin River—featuring NY Strip Steaks, BBQ Chicken and all of the fixins with S’mores to top it off! Reservations required.

406.995.4283

e www.320ranch.com

Located at Mile Marker 36 on HWY 191 toward Yellowstone Park

bigskytowncenter.com

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Big Sky Weekly

fun

Life is Ruff.

Just keep throwing, just keep throwing

I know.

Just preten ding to wor k... really, I’m on Faceboo k

Sit. Good dog! photo by Mike Martins

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June 3, 2011 35

Big Sky Weekly

Noun: wild or rough terrain adjacent to a developed area Origin: shortened form of “back 40 acres”

For the Big Sky Weekly, the Back 40 is a resource: a place where we can delve into subjects and ask experts to share their knowledge. Topics include regional history, profiles of local artists and musicians, snow and avalanche education, how-to pieces for traditional or outdoor skills, and science.

Bozeman, Fort Ellis, and the Little Big Horn Connection

By Frederick Gientke

Photos courtesy of Montana Historical Society Research Center Photograph Archives, Helena, MT

Fort Ellis, Montana, July 1871. Photo by William Henry Jackson

Monday, June 26, 1876 Lt. James Bradley eased his weary horse to the edge of the deep, rushing Big Horn River. The horse balked and would not proceed into the dangerous current.

Across the river, three of Bradley’s Crow scouts had just returned from a survey upriver. They were weeping and chanting a death song, and through an interpreter, they explained there had been a great massacre of army troopers a dozen miles upriver.

In this manner, Lt. Bradley became the first non-Indian to learn of the Little Big Horn battle. Three months earlier, in March of 1876, Bradley had departed with his regiment from Fort Ellis, east of Bozeman in Montana Territory. From that location, the troopers began the arduous 200-mile journey toward the Little Big Horn region. Their orders directed them to locate, fight and capture the fierce Sioux and Cheyenne who were thought to be summer camping in this area.

Two other columns were also moving toward the same destination, but were under the commands of General Crook, heading north from central Wyoming, and the Terry/Custer brigade, heading west from near Bismarck, Dakota Territory. But General Crook’s column was cleverly ambushed on June 17, 1876, and his men limped back to a field camp near Sheridan, Wyoming, leaving Custer’s force short-handed.

When the angry and vengeful Sioux and Cheyenne spotted Custer, they attacked his regiment on June 25, annihilating them. In this attack, the Indians temporarily regained some of the prestige and power they’d lost to the encroaching settlers, miners and soldiers.

Lt. Bradley was killed a year later, in 1877, when he carelessly attacked a Nez Perce camp along the Big Hole River in Southwest Montana.

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Fort Ellis was established in 1867 to protect settlers and miners from local tribes that resented the white man’s presence and intrusion into their hunting grounds. During other years, soldiers from the fort also fought against the Nez Perce and Piegan tribes in other regions of Montana, in addition to the Sioux War battle described above.

Although classified as a fort, Fort Ellis did not have a stockade and was primarily a collection of exposed buildings to house, feed and equip soldiers. After 1877, the fort itself became a staging point for Yellowstone Park explorations, and was also an economic stimulus to business in Bozeman. Because local farmers wanted the land, the fort was ultimately decommissioned and abandoned by the U.S. Army in 1886.

Today, Montana State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station occupies the Fort Ellis site, just west of Bozeman Pass. The two-story building that survives was the commanding officer’s residence. A commemorative monument is located just off I-90 about three miles east of Bozeman. The fort itself was named after Colonel August Ellis, who was killed in 1863 at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Frederick Gientke is a retired Civil Engineer specializing in western water projects and is currently writing a book titled Custer Abandoned.

James H. Bradley, 1st Lt. 7th U.S. Infantry

Adjacent to the Fort Ellis site is another historical monument worth visiting: the notorious Bozeman Trail. Miners used this shortcut through Indian hunting grounds to access the Montana gold fields to the west. The trail has been blamed for igniting the 1876 Sioux War and the death of hundreds. Although the government abandoned it under a surrender treaty with the Sioux in 1868, trespassers, especially miners heading to the Black Hills gold field, ignored the treaty and continued to harass and disturb the game within the Indian’s hunting grounds.