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Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky

Big Sky’s Locally Owned & Published Newspaper

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December 16, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #22

Happy Holidays

pierre family fundraiser: december 26

big sky hockey

state budget surplus estimated at $426.7 million

Photo: Lucy Stratford talks to Santa at Big Sky's Christmas Stroll

media@theoutlawpartners.com

Publisher of the big sky weekly

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Johnny “Rad” Marshall shot this awesome photo for the Dec. 2 Weekly cover. We forgot to credit him and wanted to give a shout out. Thanks, Johnny!

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2011 big sky chamber of commerce

Business of the Year

Happy Holidays!

December 16, 2011 Volume 2, Issue 22

On behalf of the entire Outlaw Partners team, I’d like to wish you a happy holiday season. Here at Outlaw we have much to be thankful for and appreciate all of your support as we’ve grown. Each Outlaw employee has chosen a charity to which we’ll donate money. In addition, we’ll market these worthy causes through our media. Below is a list of all the organizations we’re supporting this year. Thank you, and let it snow! -Eric Ladd

PUBLISHER Eric Ladd COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins

Eric Ladd: Owner Charity Water charitywater.org

Megan Paulson: COO Love Inc. loveincgc.org

Mike Martins: Creative Director M.A.E.R.A. montanaawareness.com

Daniel Bullock: Staff Photographer, Videographer Sulfur Springs Animal Shelter petfinder.com/shelters/OK330.html

Chris Davis: Videographer Partners in Health pih.org

MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars

Kelsey Dzintars: Senior Graphic Designer Gallatin Valley Food Bank gallatinvalleyfoodbank.org

Emily Stifler: Managing Editor HAVEN havenmt.org

EDITOR Abbie Digel Assistant Editor Taylor Anderson Sales Director Frank Jordan Distribution Director Danielle Chamberlain VIDEOGRAPHER Brian Niles

Taylor Anderson: Assistant Editor Cloudbase Foundation thecloudbasefoundation.org

Katie Morrison: Operations Director Big Sky Community Corporation bsccmt.org

Kacey Brown: Account Relations Coordinator Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter heartofthevalleyshelter.org

Abbie Digel: Editor Planned Parenthood of Montana plannedparenthood.org/montana

Danielle Chamberlin: Distribution Director Big Sky Search and Rescue bssar.org

Brian Niles: Director of Video Production Ten Friends Project tenfriends.org

videographer/designer Chris Davis

Featured distribution point of the week: Kagy Corner

Account relations coordinator Kacey Brown

Don’t be afraid of the butler, he’s not real. But just like everyone else who works at Kagy Korner convenience store, he’s friendly.

Operations director Katie Morrison

Located on the corner of Kagy and Tracy in southeast Bozeman, Kagy Korner has long been a spot for morning coffee drinkers to sit and talk. The store serves the growing needs of the southeast community, where recent development, including the new Town and Country, are bringing more activity to this side of the town.

CONTRIBUTors

Josh Allen, Greg Allred, Erin Bills, Evelyn Boswell, Anne Cantrell, Crystal Images, Jamie Daugaard, Brent Day, William Farhat, Denver Fowler, Julia Gustafson, Allyson Hagen, Marcie Hahn-Knoff, Brian Hurlbut, Jamie Kujawa, Ellen-Therese Lamm, Joe Miller, William Mendoza, Brandon Niles, Eric Ross, Greer Schott and Diane Tipton

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.

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.

ADVERTISING DEADLINE For December 30 issuE: December 23 CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed. Please report them to emily@theoutlawpartners.com © 2011 The Big Sky Weekly Unauthorized reproduction prohibited

2 December 16, 2011

One of the coolest things about Kagy Korner is their milkshake machine, where you can choose from flavors and mix your own shake. Check it out the next time you pass by and don't forget to pick up the current edition of the Big Sky Weekly newspaper. - Danielle Chamberlain

Table of Contents Community...4 Local News...6 Regional...9 Montana...12 Collage...17 Health...19 Business...21 Classifieds...24 Architecture...27 Real Estate...29 Gallery...33 Sports...37 Science...41 Gear Review...44 Outdoors...46 Back 40...48 Entertainment...49 Beer...51 Word from the Resorts...52 Events...54 Fun...56

Big Sky Weekly exclusive distribution and placement • • • • • •

6,000 - 8,000 editions distributed across Montana Online at explorebigsky.com 3,000 + rental properties 2,500 + Big Sky taxi rides Hotels and resorts throughout Southwest Montana Subscriptions distributed to 32 states AK

BC

HI

OUTLAW PARTNERS & THE BIG SKY WEEKLY P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 explorebigsky.com (406) 995-2055 media@theoutlawpartners.com

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Hamilton

Anaconda

Bozeman

Three Forks Wisdom

Big Timber

Livingston

Dillon

Big Sky Ennis Gardiner Virginia City

West Yellowstone

Signature

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the

Group

2011 SIGNATURE

GROUP SALES Alpine Meadows Chalet #76, Seller a 17 Renegade Rd at Cowboy Heaven, Buyer a 17 Renegade Rd at Cowboy Heaven, Seller a Westfork Lot 6, Seller a 1792 Little Coyote, Buyer a Yellowstone Club Andesite Ridge Lot 46, Buyer a Saddle Ridge Townhome U-1, Seller a Powder Ridge Cabin 131, Seller a 10 Hackamore Diamond Hitch, Seller a Powder Ridge Cabin 130, Seller a Cascade Home Site 126A, Buyer a 820 Elk Meadow Trail at The Club at Spanish Peaks, Seller a 98 Limber Pine, Seller a Yellowstone Club 160 Acre Compound, Seller a Diamond Hitch Lot 20, Buyer a Pines Condominium F-2, Buyer a Moonlight Mountain Home 47, Seller a Moonlight Mountain Home, 47 Buyer a Saddle Ridge Townhome C-2, Seller a Saddle Ridge Townhome C-2, Buyer a Cascade Highlands Home Site 168A, Buyer a Beavercreek West Lot 22B, Buyer a 500 Beaver Creek Road, Seller a Yellowstone Club Andesite Ridge 123, Buyer a Cowboy Heaven Luxury Suite 2C, Buyer a Cowboy Heaven Luxury Suite 2C, Seller a Saddle Ridge Townhome D-2, Seller a Moonlight Mountain Home 60, Buyer a Buck Ridge Ranch Lot 12, Buyer a Buck Ridge Ranch Lot 12, Seller a Cowboy Heaven Cabin 11, Seller a 170 Gray Owl, Buyer a 126 Diamond Hitch, Moonlight Basin, Buyer a 126 Diamond Hitch, Moonlight Basin, Seller a 6A Firelight

Condo-

minium, Seller a 49 Big Sky’s Top Producing Real Estate Team

Candlelight, Buyer a SaddleRidgeB-2,Buyer

happy holidays Branif Scott Broker 406.579.9599 branif@purewestproperties.com

Ania Bulis Broker 406.580.6852 aniabulis@hotmail.com

To become a part of our 2012 Tree, Call or visit us at www.realestateofbigsky.com

and thank you to clients past and present

Jason Parks Broker 406.580.4758 jason@purewestproperties.com

Bring family & friends and join us on December 29th at the Moonlight Lodge Bar from 6-8 p.m for some holiday cheer!

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community

Big Sky Weekly

Respect at Beehive Basin trailhead will allow continued access Construction will limit parking this winter By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

Beehive Basin in Big Sky is one of Southwest Montana’s finest trailheads, both winter and summer.

Starting at 7,800 feet, it allows access to terrain spanning the spectrum from mellow hiking to serious ski mountaineering.

But as the private land surrounding the trailhead has been developed in the last decade, there have been increasing user conflicts in the area.

This is private land, and backcountry users have been given tickets for trespassing here.

The first half-mile of the trail (F.S. trail #40) crosses through private land on its way to National Forest and wil-

derness land. Wooden posts with trail blazes mark the 20-foot wide public easement through the meadows, and a trail corridor is cut through the trees.

The various other trails that leave from the trailhead are all on private land. This includes a popular skin track that winds up a wooded ridge on the north side of the basin, as well as the jumps that are often built in this area.

“We want [people] to follow the trails(s) to the public land and then have a ‘ball’,” said Corey Bronstein, a Beehive Basin Homeowners Association board member. He also wants to remind backcountry users about avalanche danger in the basin: “It is real and quite dangerous.”

Although the BBHOA doesn’t own the road, it plows a mile prior to its private gates. The cost to plow from October to June is about $25,000-$30,000, Bronstein said.

The association covers all of it, and since the Big Sky Owners Association doesn’t participate, there is no financial burden for the local community, he said.

The trailhead this year has reduced parking capacity due to a culvert replacement project paid for by homeowners and the Forest Service.

The project wasn’t finished due to October snowfall, according to Jonathan Kempff, the lead engineer for the Gallatin National Forest.

Kempff suggested backcountry users ski from the lower trailhead parking in the highway turnout, which adds several miles for skiers looking to tour out of the basin.

Road paving, rebuilding the parking lot, seeding, signing and other cleanup will likely resume in June, Kempff said, and ultimately the lot will be expanded and have room for eight or nine vehicles.

Bronstein requested that users not park on the steep hill just before the lot, which makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass through.

Other Beehive trailhead parking ethics: don’t block others in, and don’t park in front of the gate.

Because there will only be room for a few cars to park there this winter,

Make-A-Wish Foundation needs air miles

Christmas Services

The Make-A-Wish Foundation needs busy travelers to donate air miles this holiday season. Serving all 56 counties in Montana, the nonprofit grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.

5 p.m. Big Sky Christian Fellowship at the Big Sky Chapel

NorthWestern Energy looking for 2012 charitable partner

Big Sky Area DEC. 24 CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

8 p.m. Candlelight Service of Carols and Lessons All Saints in Big Sky (A shared ministry of the Episcopal and Lutheran (ELCA) Churches) at the Big Sky Chapel 5 p.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Mass at the Big Sky Resort Yellowstone Conference Center 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service at Moonlight Lodge DEC. 25 CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES 8 a.m. St. Joseph's Catholic Mass at the Big Sky Chapel 9:30 a.m. All Saints in Big Sky at the Big Sky Chapel 11 a.m. Big Sky Christian Fellowship bigskychapel.com (406) 995-3336

Travel is the biggest expense for wishes granted by the foundation. Miles from Delta, U.S. Airways, Continental and United are eligible; once donated, the miles never expire. montana.wish.org or (877) 574-9474

NorthWestern Energy’s Charitable Giving Program is seeking proposals from nonprofits to partner with the utility company’s employee volunteer effort for the upcoming year.

Partner organizations receive a $25,000 donation; associated events typically raise an additional $2530,000. Previous partners include the March of Dimes’ Walk for Babies, the

American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and Special Olympics.

Nonprofit organizations with affiliates in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska can apply. Organizations must provide opportunities and support for employee volunteer engagement. Proposals due Dec. 28. northwesternenergy.com (keyword: charitable giving program)

Corrections In the Nov. 18 Weekly, Sharlyn Izurieta wrote that the TTF hosted Chirgilchin, a four-member group of throat singers from Mongolia in Bozeman. The concert was actually hosted by the Bozeman Folklore Society and the Ellen Theater.

Big Sky Community Library news Holiday Hours:

The library will be open during Christmas break. It will be closed Sunday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Dec. 26 and will resume regular hours on Tuesday, Dec. 27 from 4 - 8 p.m..

Library Holiday Open House: Join the Friends of the Library on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m. for their annual Holiday Open House. A special guest will be appearing! This event is free and open to the public.

4 December 16, 2011

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In the Dec. 2 Weekly special gift guide, we reported that Brewies 100 percent Organic Dog Treats, made in Bozeman, are "made from left over beer hops." This is untrue—hops are not in Brewies products at any level, and are poisonous to dogs.

Brewies products are made from malted beer barley, and are available in Montana, Vermont and Illinois. The homemade treats are made with care, and take 6-7 hours per batch, from crushing and mashing the malt barley, to pulling them from the oven.

The best part about Brewies? What other treat allows you to share in the fun of having a cold one with your best friend?

community

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Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky’s Premier Property Management Company

Letter: BSSEF Fundraiser a success The Big Sky Ski Education Foundation’s fundraiser, "Raising Cash with Cold Hard Cash," hosted by Buck's T-4 on Dec. 10 was a resounding success. The event was successful in raising funds, and more importantly, it was a terrific way for the team to connect with the Big Sky community and kick-off the ski season.

The success of this event required the hard work of numerous volunteers, plus the generous contributions of auction items from many individuals and businesses throughout the community. Please help me extend special thanks to all those helped.

With this event being such a great success, the BSSEF has targeted Dec. 8, 2012, for next year’s season kick off and hope that you will join us then.

See you on the slopes!

Kindly, Peter Bedell, Event Director BSSEF Board Member

Don’t miss the Gallatin Valley coat and boot drive The first annual Gallatin Valley coat and boot drive is accepting gently used winter coats and boots through the end of the year. Drop off points are in Bozeman at Bob Wards (N. 19th) and First Montana Bank (N. 19th Ave. and Oak St.). Gallatin Laundry will clean the coats give them to HRDC/Head Start for distribution to families in need. Mountain 107.7 FM helped organize the effort.

Offering Full Service Property Management & Home Owners Association Management in Big Sky

Let us take care of your home while you are away so you can enjoy it when you are here!

Located in the Meadow Village directly across from Big Sky Furniture, next to ERA Landmark

(406) 995-7220 | hpmmontana.com

Big Sky Fire Department happenings

by William Farhat Big Sky Fire Chief

I’m new to Big Sky, and am enjoying getting to know my co-workers at the Big Sky Fire Department and learning about the community. As part of this process, I’d like the community to know more about the BSFD, and thought I should share some of my own background.

OUR TOWN IS GROWING

AND NEEDS YOUR HELP

I first started as a volunteer in southwestern Michigan in 1989, and continued as a firefighter, captain and chief officer until 2008. I worked as a paramedic for municipal ambulance services then spent 13 years in law enforcement in the Vail, Colo. area, and then back in Michigan. These law enforcement positions also included fire investigation and hazardous materials team duties, which allowed me to blend my full time work and volunteer responsibilities throughout my career.

In 2006, I joined the University of Notre Dame Fire Department and became chief two years later. NDFD was an interesting mix of fire service and emergency medical responsibilities, building inspection, and fire detection and suppression needs, along with special event coverage for up to 110,000 people during home football games. While appreciating the challenges of this position, I realized I wanted to return to a more rural setting and be more involved with the operations of a department rather than be an administrator within a large organization.

BigSkyFuture.com

In Big Sky, I’m able to fulfill that desire and live in a great setting to raise a family. My wife Beth and I have our four daughters enrolled in Ophir School.

I’m proud to be part of BSFD, a very professional organization with a history of exemplary service.

In future articles, I hope to share who we are, what we do, and provide information regarding fire safety, current events and related items. In the meantime, additional information can be found on our website bigskyfire.org and our Facebook page.

Chief Farhat became fire chief of Big Sky in September 2011. He can be reached at 995-2100 or wfarhat@bigskyfire.org.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD bigskyfuture.com is a unique opportunity to make Big Sky your own. It takes just 15 minutes to take our online survey, but the benefits could last for generations.

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December 16, 2011 5

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local news

Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky PBR receives $12k for repeat event

By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

The Big Sky Community Corporation received a little boost Tuesday toward creating the second annual Big Sky PBR event.

To the tune of $12,201.35, the BSCC was granted—among seven other recipients—was granted money from the Montana Department of Commerce Special Events Grant Program.

BSCC was the eighth and final group to receive part or all of the requested money. 20 applicants didn’t receive any grant funds.

Eric Ladd, who helped coordinate the event last summer, said he was glad to see statewide recognition after the first PBR. “It’s a wonderful community event for Big Sky,” he said. “It’s nice to see the state recognize it and help make it a bigger event next year.”

The West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce, two groups from Kalispell and Helena, and groups from Great Falls and Hobson each received grants to execute their tourism-boosting events.

festivals and events. The goal of SEGP is to create and sustain economic development through the advertising and promotion of “hallmark events.”

The Office of Tourism website says the purpose of the program “is to diversify and enrich Montana’s tourism product by developing new and enhancing existing community-based tourism

In total, $100,000 was awarded to the eight groups, up $20,000 from the previous year.

The commerce department received more than $400,000 in requests.

More than $500k raised at Spanish Peaks vehicle auction Trustee begins liquidation process with 54-vehicle sale

By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

Grant recipients were decided based on an 800-point scale. The Big Sky PBR received 671 points, 27 more than the next group—the cutoff for grant recipients.

Billings marketing group to revamp Big Sky's brand Cowboy Hall of Fame and Biggest Skiing in America campaign also discussed at Big Sky Chamber’s Town Hall Meeting By abbie digel

More than 250 people filed into the lodge at the now-defunct Spanish Peaks resort to bid on the remaining vehicles once used at the club.

The 54 vehicles included pickups, SUVs, ATVs, snowmobiles and trailers, and drew crowds from as far as New York to bid on cars at discounted prices.

In total, the vehicles, including a few that didn’t start, went for more than $550,000 after a 15 percent buyer premium was added to purchases.

The sale represents more than cheap Chevys. The sale means those representing the now closed resort have begun liquidating the estimated $10-$50 million in assets to pay off a list of debtors valued as much as 10 times that much.

Several Spanish Peaks members bid on items during the sale. One was quoted as saying, “It was sad to see them sold, but hopefully we can find a new owner who can return the luster to what was once a great club.”

Also present in the audience Dec. 13 was the trustee, in from New York City, to oversee the sale. He said the representatives are in the process of finding a brokerage to market and hopefully sell the property.

Meanwhile, it’s unclear whether anything else would be sold to pay creditors. The trustee was quoted by the Wall Street Journal as saying Spanish Peaks Holdings, which owned the club, had just $27,000 in cash, with as much as $500 million in debt (although some estimates are as low as $50 million).

6 December 16, 2011

Money must be spent on media marketing at least 100 miles outside of the recipient's town. Last year, the Big Sky PBR received $12,000 total in government funding from the Big Sky Resort Tax Board.

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big sky weekly editor

The Big Sky Chamber hosted its semiannual Town Hall meeting on Dec. 7, in the Big Sky Chapel. Started last year, the Town Hall meetings allow local organizations to present on a variety of projects, including community marketing, organizational improvements and working initiatives.

About 50 people attended the Town Hall meeting. “It was a good turnout, but we always hope for more,” said membership director Robin BrowerMcBride.

This was Marne Hayes’s last Town Hall meeting as the chamber's executive director. Her final day at the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce is Dec. 20. The top candidates for her position were interviewed on Dec. 13 at the Board of Directors’ meeting. There will be an opportunity for full public interaction with the top and final candidates during their final interviews.

The board hopes to have a new director by the end of this month and starting within the first few weeks of January.

The chamber is looking for part time help to assist Brower-McBride with administrative responsibilities between the few weeks after Hayes leaves and a new director is hired.

The chamber recently chose the Billings-based A.D. Creative Group to assist in development and implementation of a strategic planning, marketing and branding initiative to identify and promote Big Sky as a travel destination.

A.D. Creative Group has hosted two private meetings in Big Sky, and plans to conduct more through December and early January that will be open to the public. Contact the chamber of commerce for more details at (406) 9953000 Hayes also discussed improvements to the Biggest Skiing in America campaign. Ryan Hamilton and Eric Ladd, both of the Cowboy Hall of Fame and Montana Western Heritage center committee, spoke of the success of their final round interview with the CHF and MWHC board. The home of the facility will be announced by the end of January.

local news Nominate an outstanding volunteer

By Julia Gustafson Governor’s Office of Community Service

The Governor’s Office of Community Service, in partnership with First Lady Nancy Schweitzer and the Montana Commission on Community Service, is accepting nominations for outstanding public volunteers.

Nominations are due Dec. 21.

Categories include: ServeMontana Awards are for service and volunteer work in the areas of education, healthy futures, environmental stewardship, veterans and military families and economic opportunity.

ReadyMontana Awards are for service specifically related to disaster services, emergency preparedness and emergency response.

First Lady's Math and Science Awards are for outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses that promote math and science education in Montana.

All Montanans, including National Service members, are eligible for nomination. The Lt. Governor and First Lady will present these awards at the ServeMontana Symposium luncheon. The 2012 ServeMontana Symposium will be held Feb. 23 and 24 at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel in Helena. Registration will open in January.

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Big Sky Weekly

Integrity.

Vision.

Craft.

New sponsor for Big Sky XC in 2012

350 fans came to event last August

By Joe Miller Big Sky XC

Planning for the fourth Big Sky XC motorcycle race is quietly building on last year’s successes.

The off road motorcycle race hosted

by Big Sky Resort set its 2012 dates for Aug. 25-26, and secured a new title sponsor, Kenda Tires. This allows a larger pro purse and expanded regional and national marketing efforts.

piring racers looking to build a resume and attract sponsors.

The second part of the weekend is the professional race class. The purse increase (up from $5,000) will draw a larger pool of top racers. In turn, these high-level racers draw more spectators. bigskyxc.com.

The event has grown since the first race in 2009. Last August 20 states and two Canadian provinces were represented at the 2011 event, and racers traveled from Florida and New Jersey.

Kenda’s involvement, and $10,000 pro purse, will help build it into a major economic impact during summer in Big Sky. The race weekend has two major components. The amateur race classes represent 95 percent of the participants, and Big Sky XC is becoming a marquee event for as-

406-995-2174 Photo by Crystal Images

To view a video tour of this property visit: continentalconstruction.com/montana explorebigsky.com December 16, 2011 7

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Big Sky Weekly

JAMIE PIERRE FAMILY FUNDRAISER

DECEMBER

26

AT BUCK’S T-4 LODGE, BIG SKY, MONTANA of the proceeds benefit MIN. $10 DONATION 100% the PIERRE FAMILY

7:00 PM

photo courtesy of travis andersen // travisandersenphotography.com

can be made at Wells Fargo: Jamie Pierre Memorial Fund

& FOOD

FROM LOCAL

RESTAURANTS

a “DINE AROUND” format with food from numerous restaurants in the Big Sky area

visit explorebigsky.com for more information

1973 - 2011

OR

581-0142 cash donations

SILENT AUCTION

The food will include

Jamie Pierre

Please contact Doug Timm or Outlaw Partners to donate items for auction.

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regional Big Sky makes 1,000 Places To See Before You Die

Big Sky Weekly

Wilderness Study Area remains in effect following court ruling Much of the central Gallatin Range off-limits to snowmobiles Big Sky Weekly Wire Services

The interim winter strategy in effect for the Hyalite Porcupine Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area will remain in effect following last week’s court ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Responding to the initial ruling by Judge Molloy, snowmobiles within the WSA are constricted to the Big Sky Snowmobile Trail and an open “play” area for cross-country travel near Golden Trout Lakes and areas west of Windy Pass.

The court said the volume of motorized use depends on if a WSA provides “outstanding opportunities for solitude”, a factor found in the Wilderness Act’s definition of wilderness.

Photo by Eric Ross

In her recent sequel to the first edition of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, Patricia Schultz included Big Sky, Mont.

The travel author praises what she calls “mountain bliss without the crowds,” stating that the resorts’ average two skiers per acre is something not to be missed.

“Much of the annual 400-plus inches of snowfall is the bone-dry talc reverently called ‘cold smoke,’” the passage reads. (She may have mixed up our rocks with the snow, but hey, she went big.)

Schultz advises not missing Lone Mountain Ranch from January-February for cross-country skiing.

The court endorsed Forest Service arguments that the Travel Management Plan doesn’t need to replicate the 1977 conditions precisely, as long as the forest maintains the overall wilderness character of the WSA.

Her list also mentions staying at the Big EZ Lodge and trying the restaurant’s “Rocky Mountain-style cuisine.”

The court concluded “an area’s ability to provide solitude depends on a current user’s perception of other users around them—not just on the physical characteristics of the land,” and that the Forest Service’s analysis of the physical factors failed to grapple with this important aspect of wilderness character.

The Wilderness Study Area was designated by the Montana Wilderness Study Act of 1977 and is managed to allow uses occurring in 1977 while maintaining the area’s wilderness character.

The Forest Service will use the court’s decision moving forward with management of the WSA. Mary Erickson, Custer and Gallatin Forest Supervisor, acknowledged “the frustration felt by most people involved in this issue, including ourselves.” By leaving the interim strategy in place, the forest aims to give everyone time to work through the court’s ruling.

The travel plan for national forest land outside the WSA remains in place.

The book has no shortage of Montana throughout, including mentions of Darby, Glacier National Park and Big Hole Country. But the inclusion of Big Sky could have readers flocking to town and perhaps never leaving. T.A.

Region 3 FWP seeks applicants for citizens’ advisory committee Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Five volunteer positions are open on the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 3 Citizens’ Advisory Committee. The committee helps FWP achieve its goals in Southwest Montana by sharing information, ideas, emerging trends, and initiatives from the public. Half-day meetings are held quarterly in Bozeman.

FWP is interested in candidates representing various interests, including hunters, anglers, landowners, trappers, outdoor recreationists, conservationists and the general public. The functions of the advisory committee are: •

Help promote Montana’s hunting, fishing, trapping and outdoor recreation traditions

•

Give citizens direct input into FWP decisions

•

Provide a forum for communication with neighboring communities

•

Help FWP maintain and improve responsiveness to the public

•

Help identify emerging issues

•

Provide advice and perspective on resource and management issues

•

Assist with crafting local, sustainable solutions on regional and statewide issues

To obtain an application, visit the FWP Region 3 office at 1400 S. 19th Ave. in Bozeman, call (406) 994-4042, or email anjones@mt.gov.

Applications due Jan. 13.

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December 16, 2011 9

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Big Sky Weekly

D E F I N E Y O U R B R A N D .

H D V I D E O : W E D O T H A T .

T h e O u t l a w P a r t n e r s i s a f u l l s e r v i c e m a r k e t i n g a g e n c y - i n c l u d i n g i n - h o u s e m e d i a , v i d e o p r o d u c t i o n , g r a p h i c d e s i g n a n d a d v e r t i s i n g s e r v i c e s .

S e e e v e r y t h i n g w e d o a t t h e o u t l a w p a r t n e r s . c o m

C A L L U S F O R A F R E E M A R K E T I N G C O N S U L T A T I O N 4 0 6 . 9 9 5 . 2 0 5 5

D YOUR • N I F •

PERFECT PROPERTY BIG SKY • YELLOWSTONE CLUB • MOONLIGHT BASIN • THE CLUB AT SPANISH PEAKS • SKI, GOLF AND FISHING PROPERTIES

Eric & Stacy Ossorio With 19 years of local expertise, Eric and Stacy Ossorio are committed real estate professionals. They have an exceptional insight into the Big Sky market and are informed and savvy about every development in the area. While working with them they will share with you their expertise to help you make the best real estate choice for your family and lifestyle.

Eric Ossorio, Broker - 406.539.9553 Stacy Ossorio, Broker - 406.539.8553 eric.ossorio@prumt.com stacy.ossorio@prumt.com ossoriorealestategroup.com

10 December 16, 2011

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Real Estate Group

regional Bozeman airport to open direct flight from New York

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Big Sky Weekly

Come visit the new Jack Creek Grille and Bar

Board votes to change name from Gallatin Field Airport

BOZEMAN, MT NEW YORK, NY

L O C AT E D AT M O O N L I G H T L O D G E

DINING ROOM Lunch 11am-3pm, Dinner 5-10pm Dinner reservations recommended By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

A coalition including Gallatin Field Airport, the ski resorts in Big Sky and other regional businesses recently received a bid from an airline for the proposed non-stop flight between New York and Bozeman.

They wouldn’t say which airline submitted the bid.

With $1.6 million on hand to fund the flight route for its first two years, the group is optimistic, says Scott Humphrey, the airport’s deputy director.

Negotiations with the airline, which start mid-December, should take four to six weeks, Humphrey said. Days of service and the amount of revenue guaranteed to the airline are yet to be determined.

The more flights per week, the more revenue the service will bring in.

“It’s going to come down to frequency,” Humphrey said. “It’s balancing [how much funding] the collation can put forth to the airline, versus the airline’s cost to operate the service and the revenue they’re going to require for each flight.”

“Here’s the goal: To sell the June 2012 seats, we want this flight for sale, in the system, by February 2012,” said Meg O’Leary, Big Sky’s Director of Sales and Marketing and a member of the coalition.

If the coalition and the airline can come to terms on that timeframe,

Humphrey says, they could have the service by June 2012.

Funding has come from a Department of Transportation grant and private contributions. Gallatin Field Airport already has flights to Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

The Gallatin Airport Authority board also voted in December to change the facility name to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport at Gallatin Field.

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This tongue twister will help align the airport with the constituent that travels here, Humphrey said.

The new name will associate the facility with Bozeman, its largest population center, and with Yellowstone Park, the largest draw for travelers coming from out of state.

“It’s really to compete with Jackson Hole, Cody, Billings and Salt Lake City,” he said.

About 65 percent of travelers that fly into Gallatin Field come from out of state, and the airport is trying to position itself as the premier gateway to Yellowstone, Humphrey added, pointing out it’s situated 90 minutes from two year-round park entrances.

These changes follow on the heels of a two-year $40 million airport expansion completed this past July.

The new terminal added about 125,000 square feet to the existing building, making the airport the largest in Montana.

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Big Sky Weekly

Montana general fund surplus for 2013 estimated at $426.7 million By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

The state of Montana has $343.8 million in the bank.

By July 2013, its ending fund balance, or surplus, should be $426.7 million, if current estimates from the Legislative Fiscal Committee are correct.

Republicans outnumbered Democrats almost 2–1 in the 2011 state Legislature, and budget arguments were heated near the end of the session.

The governor’s budget office estimated a surplus, while the Legislative Fiscal Committee projected a potential $400 million budget gap the legislature would have to address.

Graph courtesy of the Legislative Fiscal Division

Schweitzer and other Democrats wanted to spend some of that money on programs during the current biennium, the 24-month budget period between sessions.

The FY 2011 unaudited ending fund balance was $343.8 million (currently unaudited) The current estimated ending fund balance for FY 2013 is $426.7 million.

When Schweitzer set forth a $3.7 billion general fund budget, the legislature balked. Respond-

O P E N

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F O R

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ing to the LFC’s fiscally conservative report, the legislature cut spending by 6 percent more than the previous biennium, as compared to the governor’s proposed 5 percent. This ended a plan to increase state employee pay, and one to construct new state buildings.

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These decisions were based on the climate of huge economic uncertainty, said Sen. Joe Baleat, R-Bozeman.

“During my 12 year legislative tenure I've seen the LFD's projections turn out to be too high on several occasions... one time by more than $250 million,” Baleat wrote in a comment on a Great Falls Tribune opinion piece.

montana Where the money came from The general fund has over 30 sources of revenue, but six big contributors make up 80 percent of that: property taxes, personal income, corporate income, vehicle fees and taxes, insurance premium taxes, and oil and gas taxes. States with sales tax were more affected by the consumer-driven recession.

The surplus was caused by larger than expected revenues, mostly from unprecedented prices on commodities and the resulting increase in corporate and personal income tax collections, as well as the higher price of oil, said Sen. Larry Jent, DBozeman.

Schweitzer said his administration has saved the government more than $100 million, without cutting programs. He cited a variety of means: more efficient governmental operations; state employee pay freezes; savings; cuts to human service spending, corrections, universities and public schools; and 5 percent spending cuts across the board.

“When you have good years, you keep a little grain in the bin, you don’t know what’s going to happen next year,” the governor said, using his classic metaphor of running government like a ranch, his previous job.

Other money came from strong revenue growth in 2011, and from sales of mineral rights on state lands, according to a Dec. 7 article in the Missoulian.

How the system works Because the Montana Legislature isn’t always in session, it functions differently than the federal government.

Montana’s two-year budget period runs from July 1 of odd-numbered years to June 30 of odd-numbered years. By law, the state budget must be balanced by the end of the fiscal year, and deficit cannot be carried over.

In November of even-numbered years, the governor submits a budget to the legislature, based on proposals from government departments. The legislature then has the authority to pass or alter it. In turn, the governor has the power of line item veto on the legislature’s budget—Schweitzer exercised that authority in a show of branding vetoes on the capitol steps in 2011.

When the legislature goes into session every two years, it has a balance in the general fund to appropriate.

While this system works remarkably well, Jent, now a gubernatorial

candidate, says a few of its parts are clunky.

First, the citizen legislature only meets for a 90-day session every other year, but it has to budget for two years, something Jent likens to using a crystal ball: “Some sources of revenue are relatively certain, like property tax,” he said. “Others depend on the economy, such as personal income taxes and corporate income taxes.”

Second, Jent said, The Legislative Fiscal Committee and the governor’s budget office don’t communicate well enough, and even though they use the same stats, they often have “different worldviews of economic forecasting.”

This causes chaos and turmoil at the end of the session, Jent says, allowing that some tension between economic experts forecasting revenue is healthy.

“However, it would be nice if the smart people in [the LFC] would talk to the smart people in the governor’s office.” He suggested a revenue estimate adjusted with current economic factors much earlier in the session could create a more homogeneous projection.

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Big Sky Weekly

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Leftover cash Since 2005, Montana has had a series of high ending fund balances like the current one. That money has acted as a rainy day fund for the state, which has been helpful during the recession.

The LFC’s current 2013 projection of a $426.7 million projected surplus is based on several things: 2011 legislation and gubernatorial vetoes; final closing accounting the year; forecasted revenues; and forecasted spending.

The $426.7 million is only an estimate, and things can turn around in a hurry, Baleat said.

An appropriate projected ending fund balance is 5 percent of biennial expenditures, according to a rule of thumb set by the National Conference of State Legislatures. That’s in the range of about $175 million for 2013, according to Terry Johnson, the LFC’s principal fiscal analyst.

If the current LFC estimate holds true, Montana will exceed that 5 percent and have $275 million extra in the general fund it can either sit on or spend.

Johnson says the legislature usually tries to use surplus money for onetime initiatives like building projects.

“If they use it for something that is going to continue to cost in the future, then they create a problem for future bienniums.”

KAREN DAV I D S (406) 580-5700 karen@riverstopeaks.com

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Information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by Rivers to Peaks. Prices subject to change without notice. Independent investigation is recommended”.

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montana Schweitzer launches Montana winter tourism campaign To include Warren Miller, Heather McPhie and Kevin Connolly Big Sky Weekly Wire Services

Gov. Brian Schweitzer and the Montana Office of Tourism have launched a marketing campaign to entice travelers to Montana.

The campaign features renowned skier and cinematographer Warren Miller, as well as other Montana skiers.

“We are honored to have Warren Miller choose to endorse and promote Montana’s winter ski experience,” Schweitzer said in a statement. “It is also a powerful testament to the incomparable quality of skiing that Montana offers.”

The campaign includes stories from of well-known Montanans who’ve been inspired and shaped by their experiences here. The goal is to help potential visitors see the full spectrum of experiences, and how those can transform and influence a person.

These personalities include Olympic mogul skier Heather McPhie and X-Games medalist, author and photographer Kevin Connolly, as

14 December 16, 2011

well as other photographers, naturalists and historians.

Skiing and wildlife watching are the leading motivators for Montana’s winter travelers. The campaign will target audiences by working to build awareness of and intent to travel to Montana in its ‘secret season’.

Most of Montana’s 10.5 million annual visitors travel during the summer. Visitors spend $2.5 billion here annually, contribute $180 million in tax revenue and support more than 28,000 jobs. Visitor expenditures provide more than $785 million for Montana workers, with 30 cents of every visitor dollar paying wage and salary income for Montana residents.

The office estimates each Montana household saves $480 in taxes annually due to tax revenue generated through visitor spending.

Montana winter stories: visitmt. com/montana-stories Warren Miller media: j.mp/rIIg4y

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Big Sky Weekly

Montana won't seek waiver from Department of Education

By Allyson Hagen

Office of Public Instruction

The Montana Office of Public Instruction has decided not to seek a waiver from the Department of Education from requirements of No Child Left Behind.

Montana’s Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau explained the decision: “After careful consideration of the impacts on Montana schools and the financial resources that would be necessary to meet the 'all or nothing' requirements of the waiver, it is clear the strings attached to this option do not make sense for our state."

Juneau spent the past several months seeking input from Montanans regarding the waiver option, including representatives of several statewide education groups.

Education leaders expressed concern that the waiver plan is a replacement program for current NCLB requirements, and would cost the state millions. Implementing the waiver requirements, which could be overruled

by Congress, would be shortsighted, Juneau said.

Juneau, an advocate for rural states, said Montana will move forward with its current reform efforts to improve graduation rates, adopt higher standards in English and Math, and helping the lower performing Montana schools.

$50,000 available for community-based history projects Montana History Foundation announces first ever Preserve Montana Grants

The nonprofit Montana History Foundation is offering $50,000 in grants this year to organizations and individuals who want to preserve historical assets of importance to Montana’s history. The Preserve Montana Fund aims to protect the historic legacy of communities across the state.

Grants will be awarded for projects ranging from $500 – $5,000, and the money will go toward preserving historic buildings, oral histories and collection/archival preservation. Deadline is Jan. 11, 2012. Criteria and guidelines available at mthistory.org, or by contacting (406) 449-3770 or gena@mthistory.org.

montana

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Big Sky Weekly

Report: Montana rural areas “exporting” workers By deb Courson smith Big Sky Connection

Rural Montana is missing something in the middle, according to a new analysis of U.S. Census numbers. The Center For Rural Affairs report finds a downward trend of residents in their 20s, 30s and 40s, while the numbers of young people and seniors are holding steady.

Report author Jon Bailey, the center's research director, explains that working-age Montanans leave because they need good-paying jobs that tend to be scarce outside of cities and towns.

"So, you're left with these 'bookend generations' that require, generally, a lot more human services than the middle, working-age population."

The research demonstrates the need to focus on new and innovative ways to

create rural economic opportunities, Bailey says. Renewable energy, broadband expansion and ecotourism are recommended in the report as investments that could help grow working-age populations, and in turn, better support the younger and older generations.

"This affects what we do policy-wise and what type of services have to be provided in rural places, and how that gets funded."

Rural areas depend on the taxes paid by working-age folks to fund education and health care, Bailey says, so it hurts the whole community when they leave. The trend isn't unique to Montana; the report shows the same story throughout the Great Plains. The report, "Age Distribution on the Great Plains," is online at files. cfra.org.

New Montana State Librarian named Jennie Stapp, the current digital library director and chief information officer at the Montana State Library, was named the new montana state librarian after an extensive national search. Stapp replaces Darlene Staffeldt.

Stapp has held various positions at the state library, worked in other libraries, and served in the Peace Corps. She holds a Master's of Library Science from the University of Arizona.

With a budget of $9.7 million and 46 employees, the Montana State

Library meets information needs of Montana government agency management and staff and ensures citizens have access to government information.

The Montana Library Association, a private nonprofit membership organization that lobbies on behalf of all Montana libraries and library patrons, will hold its 2012 annual conference in Big Sky, April 11-14. The Big Sky Community Library is assisting in planning efforts for the event. Hundreds of people from around the state attend, including Stapp.

THE WEST MAY BE WILD,

but it’s not uncivilized

New raptor regulations proposed fwp wire services

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is requesting comments on two proposed rule changes, one that would allow nonresident falconers to capture raptors in Montana, and another to align regulation of raptor propagation with new federal rules.

Montana was one of only a few states that forbid nonresident falconers from capturing birds until the Montana Legislature eliminated the restriction in 2011. FWP has proposed a quota of three raptors and a $200 capture fee.

In revising regulations to comply with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, FWP would increase the licensing period for raptor propagators. Having captive bred birds available for falconry reduces the take of wild raptors for the sport. Today, 15 people have the state and federal licenses necessary to breed and raise raptors in Montana.

Comments due by Dec. 30. Email to: bmoe@mt.gov or by mail to: Falconry, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, M.T, 59620-0701.

Record online filings for 2011 annual reports Office of the Secretary of State

Nearly 97,000 businesses filed their annual reports online in 2011, a record number, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

Improvements in that office’s online services have significantly reduced

office spending by $1.3 million in the first year, and made doing business with the state more convenient.

Montana law requires foreign and domestic corporations and limited liability companies to file annual financial reports. Businesses that don’t file the report can’t legally operate in Montana.

The restaurant at Rainbow Ranch is now open for the season and featuring a delicious new winter menu with -RR specialties and culinary delights.

Open Daily: Happy Hour 4:30pm - 6pm • Dinner 5:30pm - 9:30pm Call 1.800.937.4132 for reservations A Sparkling Celebration Ring in the new year in signature -RR style!

Enjoy a four-course dinner for two and a midnight toast and sparkler party on the deck. Start 2012 by waking up in our luxurious Anichini Italian Linens.

Visit EscapeToRainbowRanch.com to see all our packages and specials! escapetorainbowranch.com • 1.800.937.4132 Five miles south of Big Sky entrance on Hwy 191

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Big Sky Weekly

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Section 2:

health // business // real estate

Big Sky Weekly

December 16, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #22

Annual Madrigal Dinner at Buck's T-4 Dec. 5, 2011 Photos by Abbie Digel

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BIG SKY ’S FULL SERVICE GROCERY STORE Hand- cut meats • Fresh baked goods • Gourmet items • Beer & wine

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Big Sky Weekly

Holiday-related injuries By erin Bills, MPH

big sky weekly contributor

Not only does December bring Santa and his eight reindeer, it also brings the potential for holiday-related injuries.

Whether you’re stringing lights in the tradition of Clark W. Griswold, rolling the dice at buffet tables, or baking Christmas cookies, you may be popping the cork on a bottle of holiday health hazards.

to spread holiday cheer. Ensure that food is cooked thoroughly and kept at the proper temperature to decrease the risk of making others sick. Cuts and burns during the food preparation process could place you on a fast track in the front wheel drive sleigh to the emergency department.

You may be starting to think ‘oh, what fun the holidays are not.’ Or perhaps this holiday health Grinch is a fun hater. Maybe it’s time we take a look at some reindeer games.

Every year, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 17,000 emergency visits for holidayWhen taking the family out for related injuries. some holiday A significant sledding its Every year, the Center for percentage of important to Disease Control and Preventhese result remember from decorating. tion reports more than 17,000 that sledAt your next emergency visits for holidayding hills are holiday gathernamed just related injuries. ing, consider like ski runs. these simple Remember tips to keep from fa-la-la-ing apart. It’s your favorite childhood sledding hill? all fun and reindeer games until someWas it Devil's Drop, Suicide Slide, Back one gets hurt.

Breaker, or something similar? Unless you’re an experienced sledder on familIf you’re not Santa Claus, leave the iar terrain, think before you drop in to rooftop work to the elves or profesan appropriately named black diamond sional home decorators in your area. sledding run. Remember, adults don't Christmas lights are to blame for many bounce up off of the ground as well as slips, sprains, strains and shocks. Tee10-year-olds. Your tailbone and shoultering on a ladder haphazardly perched ders may thank you. atop a snowy, slippery surface has the obvious risk of falling.

Football and skiing are responsible for many sports-related injuries Opt for LED lights and appropriduring the holiday season. There is ately utilize electrical outlets by high risk for football injury when not using a power strip and limiting the playing with appropriate equipment, number of strings used per outlet. such as when tackling your friend in If overstuffing electrical outlets with the living room to celebrate your colold strings of lights is more your style, lege team’s bowl win, or when "touch" you may find yourself in a hair raising football degenerates into "tackle" situation. The risk of electrical shock football. and fires caused by holiday lights drastically increases during the holiday If you’re on vacation or on the ski season. hill for the first time this year, start slow. Make a few runs on some Trees, real or artificial, should be easier runs before riding the tram placed away from heat sources, waand dropping in to the Big Couloir in tered daily (if real), and kept away early season conditions. Take a lesson from small children and pets. O if you need one, and make sure your Tannenbaum, that seasonal symbol of equipment is in reasonable condition. joy and happiness, comes with its own Depending on your ability, it might be unique health risk factors. If ingested, better to start out on Southern Comfort artificial tree parts may present a chokbefore skiing the Dictators with your ing hazard, while real pine needles may mom who is on vacation. trigger allergic reactions.

After reading this, you might think the Poinsettias and mistletoe: tradiholiday season is the riskiest time of tional and toxic. These holiday plants year. One reason is the fact that people are naturally poisonous if ingested. are getting out and doing things with Another bonus? Mistletoe, that opportheir friends and families. After all, it tunistic plant, gives many the courage wouldn’t be the holidays if someone to pucker up and spread communicable didn’t say, “hold my beer and watch diseases this time of year. Spare your this.”

Christmas crush the seasonal sniffles and offer a cookie from the holiday bufErin A. Bills, MPH lives in Big Sky and fet table instead. is dedicated to improving the health of Montana’s rural populations. Follow her Holiday baking, cooking, and feastblog at projectbagbalm.wordpress. ing might be one of the biggest com. holiday health risks of all. Not so fast! Food borne illness is not the way

When the ride down isn’t as smooth as the ride up WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

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We offer a full range of pharmaceutical items including bandages and OTC medicines and creams for aches and pains. And,

should you have forgotten your medications, we’re happy to assist you in getting what you need to fully enjoy life under the Big Sky. Whether you’re here for the week or a lifetime, we want to help you enjoy a smooth ride— on and off the mountain.

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Big Sky Weekly

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business

Big Sky Weekly

SELL

Open a Montana Medical Savings Account before Dec. 31 for 2011 tax savings msu news service

Did you have medical expenses during 2011 that weren’t covered by health insurance or a flexible spending account? If so, you can open a Montana Medical Care Savings Account by Dec. 31 to cover them.

Up to $3,000 of these deposits are deductible from 2011 Montana adjusted gross income, thus reducing state taxes. A Montanan with taxable income over $16,000 could save about $207 in state income taxes by depositing the maximum $3,000 in a Montana MSA, according to Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist.

Eligible expenses include medical insurance premiums, long-term care insurance, dental and orthodontic care, eyeglasses or contacts, or prescription drugs. Medical-related bills already covered by a supplemental, primary or self-insured plan are not covered. Reimbursements for paid eligible medical expenses are available until Jan. 15.

An MSU Extension MontGuide can help decipher if you’d benefit from an MSA: msuextension.org/publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/MT199817HR.pdf

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Where’s my refund?

IRS has $153 million in undelivered checks; recommends e-file, direct deposit Internal Revenue Service

The IRS is looking to return $153.3 million in undelivered tax refund checks. This year, 99,123 refunds averaging $1,547 were not delivered because of mailing address errors.

The "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov or at (800) 829-1954 provides the status of refunds and, in

some cases, instructions on how to resolve delivery problems.

By filing returns electronically and receiving refunds through direct deposit, taxpayers can reduce errors on tax returns, speed up refunds and eliminate lost paper returns. Nearly eight out of 10 taxpayers e-filed last year.

Tax audit *The tax board is required to perform an audit each year and have the findings available to publish.

An audit of the affairs of Big Sky Resort Area District has been conducted by Holmes and Turner (a professional corporation). The audit covered the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.

Section 2-7-521, MCA, requires the publication concerning the audit report include a statement that the audit report is on file in its entirety and open to the public inspection at the tax board office, and that the Big Sky Resort Area District will send a copy of the audit report to any interested person upon request.

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and more ‘COMPANY’ to come! explorebigsky.com

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Big Sky Weekly

Business Profile: Dee-o-gee By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

Josh Allen always wanted to own his own business. He didn’t think it would be dog store, but he’s happy that’s how it turned out.

“Pet people, dog owners, generally are happy,” he says. “I think pets enrich our lives.”

Allen and his wife Holly, both Montana natives and Montana State alumni, started Dee-o-Gee in 2008.

It wasn’t the best time to start a new business, Allen admits, but it’s grown anyway, and now has five other employees.

The store, on Eighth and Main streets in Bozeman, sells mostly eco-friendly products manufactured in the U.S., and from “small mom and pop businesses,” Allen says. They also offer dog grooming, healthy dog food and homemade gourmet dog treats.

“We learned firsthand the value of local small business to a local or regional economy,” Allen says, and “how important it is to support people who are

your neighbors, instead of spending dollars at a big chain.”

The company’s new website has online shopping for everything in the store, and a full line delivery service that includes toys, treats and pet food.

While the delivery service is only in and around Bozeman, regional one-day shipping is also available.

NOW IS THE THE TIME OF YEAR TO BRING OUT YOUR HOME’S INNER BEAUTY.

Allen says having loyal customers has also enabled Dee-o-Gee to give back. The owners donate dog food to the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter in Bozeman, sponsor events at the shelter and the fairgrounds, and give a cut of their profits to their church.

“I love that part of being a business owner,” he says, “being in the fabric of a community.”

YEARS OF LOCAL EXPERTISE

Allen credits community support—plus the number of dog owners in Bozeman—for Dee-o-Gee’s success.

The Allens started Dee-o-Gee because “it was hard to find a good local place to get your dog groomed, to get good dog food you can trust, and to get a fun toy.” Photos courtesy of Josh Allen

10+

The grooming, which accounts for 25 – 30 percent of business, draws customers from Bozeman, Big Sky, Ennis, Livingston, Gardiner and Billings.

• Painting, drywall, wood finishes applied on site or in our pre-finishing facility.

• Pick up the phone, email us or check out our websites for more info.

406-580-0331 | email: cboyd@montanapaintinc.com montanapaintinc.com // montanaprefinish.com explorebigsky.com

December 16, 2011 23

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Classifieds for rent

help wanted

RENTALS Snowmobiles, Side by Side/Trax, Snowshoes, Baby Gear bigboystoysrentals.com 4065874747

Excellent opportunity to join the team at First Security Bank as a F/T Teller at our Big Sky Location.

Must provide excellent service to our customers! Requires cash handling experience. Full benefit package and competitive wages.

Contact for a complete hiring package. ADA/EEO/

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

Office Space - Executive Office suites available in amazing building in Meadow Village, Big Sky - $300 to $500/mth depending on terms and office size. Each office has private door, shared conference rooms, shared kitchen space. Terms Negotiable. Call Eric 570-0639

services Victoria Bentley is the Owner and Director of Bentley Bodies, a premiere mind-body-wellness boutique committed to healthy lifestyle choices. Locations are in Big Sky and Bozeman. bentleybodies.net

24 December 16, 2011

Complete Line of Western & English Tack

One Stop Shop For All Your Horse & Rider Gear

Big Sky Weekly

Western & English Boutique: Fine Tack, Gifts, Housewares & Apparel

MENTION YOU SAW THE AD IN THE WEEKLY AND RECEIVE $10 OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE OF $100 OR MORE

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

Office Manager needed, wage DOE. Send resume to stan.feagler@ purewestproperties.com

10

$

Classifieds!

Join us!

Cowboy Christmas Saturday, December 17th 9am - 6pm

Email classifieds and/or advertising requests to:

Holiday Sale

media@theoutlawpartners.com 406-995-2055

Four Corners Saddlery

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Raffles

Located just south of Four Corners on the way to Big Sky

Chili Feed

81720 Gallatin Road • Bozeman 406-587-7503

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Big Sky Weekly

Explore Big Sky, wherever you may be.

We mail our publications around the world.

Subscribe today—$75 for 26 issues of the Big Sky Weekly and 2 issues of Mountain Outlaw magazine delivered to your doorstep.

Daily news and all publications available online at explorebigsky.com

Credit Cards accepted for subscriptions call or email us today 406-995-2055 | media@theoutlawpartners.com

some restaurants do italian food. some do chinese food.

WE DO BIG SKY FOOD

we deliver 4069952305 serving breakfast lunch & dinner view menu at: explorebigsky.com/blue-moon-bakery

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December 16, 2011 25

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Big Sky Weekly

www.PruMT.com 406.995.4060 • 800.995.4060 Big Sky Town Center • 55 Lone Peak Drive • Suite 3 Prudential Montana Real Estate is your statewide real estate company with 12 offices to serve you in the communities of Big Sky, Bozeman, Dillon, Ennis, Sheridan, Twin Bridges, Hamilton, Florence, Missoula, Seeley Lake & Polson.

beaVer creek weSt • • • •

$1,725,000 • #157935 • call don

4 bd, 6 ba, 4,001 +/- sf custom home furnished, deck on three sides 20 +/- acres, trout pond, stream tremendous views of the Spanish Peaks

North fork rd, tract 2

North fork rd, tract 8

• • • •

• • • •

$1,400,000• #180623 • call Stacy

20 acres Triple Triangle Ranch extraordinary views and nordic ski trail access desirable, private enclave contiguous to North Fork Tract 8

PRice ReducTiON

$1,100,000 • #180527 • call Stacy

20 acres Triple Triangle Ranch hiking and ski trails to lot desirable, private enclave contiguous to tract 2 to create 40 acres

craiL raNch towNhome

Powder ridGe cabiN

• • • •

• • • •

• • • •

3 bd, 5 ba, 4,500 +/- sf home 8 +/- acres (2 contiguous lots), pond beautiful natural landscaping, mature trees guest home, Yellow Mountain views

• • • •

3 bd, 3 ba, 2402 +/- sf home custom home on 2+/- ac lot sited on 2 lots heated garage with storage

NeW LiSTiNg

PiNewood hiLLS eState $1,075,000 • #175582 • call George

88 Gray owL LaNe

$1,100,000 • #179265 • call don

$990,000 • #180839 • call George

4 bd, 4 ba, 3,500 +/- sf furnished with over $124,000 furniture next to flowing creek with outstanding views heated 2 car attached garage

$795,000 • #176798 • call Stacy

4 bd, 3 ba, 2,577 +/- sf, furnished ski-in/ski-out to White Otter lift numerous upgrades, river rock fireplace entertaining deck off of the kitchen, hot tub

LoSt traiLS Lot #8 • • • •

$780,000 • # 178440 • call don

20 +/- acres sunny, south-facing building sites between Mountain and Meadow Villages views of Yellowstone Mtn and Spanish Peaks community water system with fire flow

NeW LiSTiNg

LoSt traiLS Lot #6 • • • •

$775,000 • #179325. • call Stacy

20 +/- acres, 8 lot subdivision Spanish Peaks views, sunny lot 3 miles to Big Sky Ski and Summer resort fabulous location with outstanding views

raiNbow trout ruN • • • •

$479,000 • #176526 • call Stacy

3 bd, 2.5 ba, 2365+/- sf, custom finishes bonus room above 2 car attached garage massive wood burning stone fireplace hot tub, flagstone patio with fire pit

355 Low doG road • • • •

$759,000 • #180986 • call marc

4 bd, 3.5 ba, 3136 +/- sf, 1+ acre lot fresh paint, wood floor at the base of Wardance ski run nestled in the trees at Mountain Village

beaVer creek w, Lot 13 • • • •

• • • •

3 bd, 3 ba, 2,054 +/- sf gourmet kitchen, knotty alder cabinets gas rock fireplace, furnishings negotiable deck, 1 car attached garage

20 +/- acres, spectacular views located on gentle slope, private driveway ideal for a new home, well is drilled convenient to all of Big Sky

GaLLatiN hiGhLaNdS • • • •

caScade Lot 71a

aLPeNGLow coNdo 18c $396,000 • #174888 • call eric or Stacy

$695,000 • #176399 • caLL don

$299,000 • #173281 • call Stacy or eric

• • • •

1.3 +/- acre Knob lot, ski-in/ski-out adjacent to Thunderwolf lift breathtaking Lone Mountain views agent owned

$575,000 • #180951 • call Stacy

20 acre tract w/gorgeous mtn views price includes Locati Home plans south facing, old growth fir trees compelling price and offering

caScade Lot 69b • • • •

$299,000 • #174621 • call Stacy

premier mountin enclave Spanish Peak views close to Thunder Wolf lift Big Sky sewer and water

PRice ReducTiON

cedar creek #61

aNtLer ridGe, Lot 149 • • • •

$269,000 • #161824 • call don

.35 +/- acre lot, Lone Mtn. views exceptional building site, southern exposure community water system between Mountain and Meadow Villages

• • • •

$173,000 • #179877 • call George

2 bd / 2 ba, 991 +/- sq feet beautifully furnished, gas fireplace clean, well appointed good rental income

Don Pilotte, Broker, GRI, RRS, SFR, 406.580.0155 Eric Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.9553 Stacy Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.8553 Debbie Applebaum, Sales Associate, 406.570.7474

26 December 16, 2011

aNtLer ridGe LotS • • • •

$105,000 • call George

.46 +/- acres lots wonderful building sites, gorgeous views water & sewer (septic) metered purchase 1 lot or make an offer on both

1350 hiLL coNdo • • • •

$36,000 • #179795 • call eric

1 bd, 1 ba, 440 +/- sf top floor unit overlooks lake great condition very nice upgrades, short sale

Toni Delzer, Sales Associate, 406.570.3195 Anne MacKenzie, Sales Associate, 406.223.1095 Peter MacKenzie, Sales Associate, 406.223.1195 Mark Dobrenski, Sales Associate, 406.599.2175 George Hagar, Sales Associate, 406.580.2248 Marc Lauermann, Sales Assoc., ABR, SFR, 406.581.8242

explorebigsky.com

Architecture

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Big Sky Weekly

Europe, part 2: Koln, Germany As gothic architecture evolved from Romanesque architecture, construction techniques and engineering improved. The mass of the exterior supporting walls became smaller, and were replaced with larger openings. This type of architectural style was able to nurture and celebrate vertical expression and natural light in its spaces.

The Koln Cathedral is made completely of stone and embodies gothic ecclesiastical architecture, with the exterior flying stone buttresses built to support the outward thrust caused by the weight of the structure above. Much of its decoration is pointed up, toward heaven.

Its stone windows and "plate and bar tracery" are capped with rich stone articulation at entries, roof edges and spires.

Approaching Koln Cathedral I felt the impressive scale in height and width. As I got closer, the ornamentation everywhere was evident.

Interesting is the patina of the stone, where weathered older stone turns a darker black color and more prominent at the top of the Cathedral and fades to a gray as you get to lower elevations.

By Jamie Daugaard

years to construct, although the cathedral started to be used in the 1330s.

On a recent trip to Europe, I visited the Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg and Italy. Here, I’d like to discuss the architecture of the Koln Cathedral, which exemplifies the Gothic Architecture during the medieval time period, in Germany. My next article will continue to be on the Rheinland of Germany and in particular the Roman city of Trier.

At 515 feet, the spires once made Koln Cathedral the tallest structure in the world.

big sky weekly contributor

Inside the Cathedral, the immensity of space and the verticality is captivating. I noticed so many details: faint sounds and tones; colored light pouring in from the stained glass; the stone rib for the vaulting, soft colors; and the large relieved stone furniture pieces.

The stone on the interior is less worked and ornamented than the exterior; I believe it was done this way to direct focus on the bishop at the end of the nave. The stone tile flooring mosaics are articulated throughout, and I’m certain with religious and historical meaning: Emblem seals compliment Latin scriptures, and there are repeating elements such as leaves, birds and geometric shapes.

This site is a beautiful project on a massive human scale, all built before power equipment, lifts, steel cranes or gasoline powered vehicles existed.

Koln Cathedral is also listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

CENTRE SKY ARCHITECTURE LTD

Jamie Daugaard, principal of Centre Sky Architecture, received his B-Arch and M-Arch from MSU. Sustainability is deeply rooted in his work, which is mostly in mountain regions, with offices in Denver and Big Sky. He will post more photos from this trip at facebook.com/centresky. If you would like to comment on this article or would like to learn more about another topic, you can contact him at jamie@centresky.com or (406) 995-7572. centresky.com

As I traveled from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Koln (pronounced Cologne), Germany by the Autobahn, I noticed a change from the urban density of the Netherlands to smaller clusters of towns and rural farms.

My first destination in Germany was Koln, and with it, a visit to the Koln Cathedral. I’ve studied architectural history and taught as an aide at Montana State University, so experiencing this type of architecture in person was stunning, awe inspiring and humbling. In it, I saw the culture’s importance of expressing a higher belief and making every effort to celebrate that.

Koln Cathedral is based on gothic architecture. It was constructed between 1248 and 1880. Yes, 632

explorebigsky.com

December 16, 2011 27

explorebigsky.com

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explorebigsky.com

real estate

Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky Real Estate Update: Reflections on 2011 and predictions for 2012 From the local experts at Sotheby’s International Realty, Jeff Helms, Tallie Jamison and Ryan Kulesza First and foremost, we want to welcome you back to Big Sky, the best place to enjoy the holiday season. Since your last visit, we’d like to bring you up to speed on our local real estate market.

What follows is an overview of the last year’s activity in our entire region including the Meadow, Mountain, and Canyon areas, as well as the four resorts. There is a lot of data and doing the research on your own can be daunting, so we’ve done the work for you. We invite you to review the numbers in our data driven report on pages 30 and 31 or visit us next to the Hungry Moose for a personal overview.

A Year in Review

In 2011, we created a marketplace in which properties actually traded. That may sound insignificant, but in comparison to 2009 and 2010 where we saw a relatively inactive marketplace, we had difficulty determining values because there were so few sales. Thankfully, now, we can look at comparable data within distinct segments and discern true market value. Just over two hundred properties traded hands this year, for a total of $106,000,000 (excluding Yellowstone Club transactions).

We hit an important milestone late this year: our inventory levels fell below 500, contracting by 38% since the highs of 2008, when we had over 750 listings in the entire Big Sky market.

This absorption shows both confidence in the market and a correction in the balance of supply and demand. 75% of the transactions were under $500,000, leading buyers to seek value at price points over $500,000. We were encouraged to see many $1M+ sales in the fourth quarter.

Buyers’ Market

The most important step a buyer can take towards making a purchase is to get an education on the finer points of their market segment. Well priced properties, foreclosures in particular, have seen

multiple offers within 48 hours and even sold over the listing price. Buyers need to know when to strike so they don’t miss a great opportunity.

With the combination of decreased prices and very low vacancy rates in the long- and shortterm rental markets, investors have begun to allocate money to acquire income-producing properties. We expect 2012 to continue to be a buyer’s market, with high-end properties in particular.

Distressed Properties

Short sales, foreclosures and bank-owned properties are still affecting our overall market. In 2011, 24% of solds were technically classified as distressed, while only 10% of our active listings are distressed. In other words, we have a high demand for distressed properties, but the supply has been diminished. Buyers continue to ask for a list of foreclosures; that list is shrinking. The opportunity to purchase top quality distressed real estate is now.

Predictions

We remain cautiously optimistic about the overall Big Sky market. Over the past year, we have watched Yellowstone Club stabilize, Moonlight Basin begin to emerge from bankruptcy, and Spanish Peaks Holdings II, LLC file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy with all services coming to halt.

Through it all, Big Sky Resort seemed to make wise and prudent decisions in all facets of their operations. Resort areas rely heavily on real estate sales in order to sustain their business models.

Thus, you can anticipate new product development and releases in the later half of 2012 in order to generate much needed revenue to sustain operations in both Yellowstone Club and Moonlight Basin. For example, we expect the release of the final phase of the Powder Ridge Cabins (4B), a ski-in ski-out condo development at Big Sky Resort.

We anticipate vacant land sales to increase in 2012 due to such low prices throughout Big Sky. Inventory levels in Moonlight Basin will continue to diminish into the first quarter of 2012, which will lead to an increase in value for many of the ski-in ski-out properties there. Yellowstone Club will continue to see absorption in their secondary market, which will eventually lead to new developer releases. They are launching built product that the consumer can purchase ‘turnkey’. Yellowstone Club will continue to be our glimmer of hope in the high-end luxury segment.

As occurred in 1998 to 2001, when YC values improve, the rest of the market follows.

We confidently predict that in 2012, absorption rates in Moonlight Basin, YC and Big Sky Resort will increase over 2011. We guarantee that Big Sky remains an incredible destination with quality of life unmatched by any other mountain resort community. Our advice to you is to begin tracking the data in order to stay in tune with market dynamics.

Insider’s Edge The Big Sky real estate market can be difficult to navigate. It’s hard to predict true market values, so we rose to that challenge by developing a solution called the “Insider’s Edge.” On this portion of our website, we will simplify local news and real estate updates. Now more than ever, buyers and sellers need a knowledge-based resource to make informed real estate decisions.

Jeff, Tallie and Ryan are an integral component of the leading real estate firm in Big Sky and are proud to live, work, and play here. See our Year End Review on pages 30 and 31 for an in-depth analysis of the entire Big Sky real estate market.

explorebigsky.com

December 16, 2011 29

Year in Review - 2011 Properties Sold (To Date) Our mission is to give you the knowledge base to make informed decisions. We represent buyers and sellers.

Call us directly for up-to-date market information - 406.995.2244 PROPERTY

LIST PRICE

ORIGINAL PRICE

$/SF

Canyon Area TBD Gallatin Road 1000 Cascade Creek Road

$79,000 $92,000

$99,000 $92,000

127.42 296.77

PROPERTY

LIST PRICE

ORIGINAL PRICE

$/SF

PROPERTY

LIST PRICE

ORIGINAL PRICE

62 Candlelight Meadow Drive

$180,000

$180,000

96.83

Michener Meadows Lot 20

$225,000

Grey Drake Lot 7

$299,000

75 Firelight Drive

$174,900

$174,900

94.08

517 Firelight Drive

$169,900

$180,700

79.43

Moonlight Basin

$/SF

PROPERTY

LIST PRICE

$685,000

Powder Ridge Cabin 47

$1,195,000

358.43

$299,000

Summit Hotel Room 1007

$1,600,000

513.31

5 BEEHIVE BASIN Road

$849,000

287.8

44 Summit View

$1,274,000

148.61

38 Middle Rider Road

$1,695,000

928 Cascade Creek Rd

$84,900

$95,900

Summit View Lot 5

$225,000

$699,000

Cascade Sub Lot 186A

$199,000

$395,000

Lot #168A Cascade SD

$180,000

$224,900

Cascade 126A

$299,000

$299,000

Cascade Lot 340, Block 6

$280,000

$310,000

Cascade Lot 120A

$299,000

$350,000

90 Summit View Drive

$349,700

$349,700

Ridgeview Lot 3

$890,000

$890,000

531 Cascade Creek

$79,700

$79,700

120.76

397 Firelight Drive

$179,900

$179,900

96.77

Saddle Ridge C2

$314,900

$329,900

178.82

TBD Storm Castle Road

$130,000

$130,000

194.03

$184,900

$184,900

86.44

Saddle Ridge F2

$359,000

$359,000

203.86

264.14

74 Candlelight Meadow Drive

$195,000

$195,000

91.29

Saddle Ridge B2

$410,000

$410,000

232.82

$201,000

93.97

Saddle Ridge D2

$430,000

$430,000

244.18

54320 Gallatin Road

$184,900

$194,900

Saddle Ridge F4

34 Primrose Lane

$300,000

$309,000

121.21

503 Firelight Drive

43 Paintbrush Place

$425,000

$425,000

130.65

49 Candlelight Meadow Drive

$201,000

381 Firelight Drive

$206,000

$219,000

111.71

277 Candlelight Meadows Dr

$199,900

$199,900

93.45

65550 Gallatin Road 1299 Dudley Creek Road 312 Windy Pass Trail 49825 Gallatin Road 355 Beaver Mountain Trail

$449,000 $429,000 $599,000 $699,000 $749,900

$495,000 $623,000 $599,000 $699,000 $824,900

249.44 268.13 183.97 272.2 314.42

2575 Curly Bear Road Silverbow 48

Saddle Ridge L1 Saddle Ridge U1 Alpine Meadows Suite 6A

$225,000 $239,000

$279,000 $375,000

173.08 170.71

Alpine Duplex 1A Alpine Meadows Suite 6C

$389,000

$499,000 $595,000

$399,000

$499,000 $649,000

$1,295,000

220.9

229.32 276.1 518

$1,395,000

604.42

$1,595,000

531.67

ORIGINAL PRICE

$/SF

339.88 141.5

Deer Run 4E

$210,000

$224,900

110.06

Luxury Suite 2C

299.59

677 Sunburst Drive

$239,000

$279,000

115.46

Cowboy Heaven Cabin 10

$450,000

$699,000

576.92

Spanish Peaks

426.2

2575 Curley Bear Road

$239,000

$239,000

137.04

Cowboy Heaven Cabin 11

$542,000

$865,000

694.87

Cabin 23

$1,699,000

591.57

$1,495,000

282.08

51 Rose Hip Circle

$259,000

$259,000

135.32

Mountain Home 60

$895,000

$895,000

349.61

Cabin 22

$2,250,000

657.32

360 Rainbow Ranch Road

$1,995,000

306.92

647 Sunburst Drive

$275,000

$275,000

125.46

Mountain Home 63

$899,000

$899,000

340.53

6519 Beaver Creek Rd

$999,999

571.43

59400 Gallatin Road

$97,500

$125,000

178.57

41 Blue Flax Place

$350,000

$350,000

179.49

Mountain Home 47

$1,079,000

421.48

820 Elk Meadow Trail

$3,250,000

449.7

Beavercreek West Lot 22B

$279,000

$399,000

21 Blue Flax Place

$299,000

$315,000

107.25

Alpine Meadows Chalet 76

$1,295,000

488.68

658 Elk Meadow Trail

$5,000,000

542.53

Buck Ridge Ranch Lot 12

$299,000

$450,000

Deer Run H2

$375,000

$395,000

176.3

126 Diamond Hitch Road

$2,495,000

629.57

Porcupine Park Lot 13A

$369,000

$369,000

C3 Blue Spruce Way

$325,000

$375,000

161.21

10 Hackamore Rd

$2,335,000

447.92

Ranch 121

$140,000

$140,000

Greathorn Ranch Tract 1

$3,200,000

84 Lazy T-4 Road

$1,174,900

162.06

200 Towering Pines Road

$1,595,000

54725 Gallatin Road

$1,695,000

500 Beaver Creek Road

Meadow Area RJS Building Unit 204 659 Spruce Cone Drive

$275,000 $295,000

$275,000 $350,000

98.33

$1,495,000

498.33

542.53

3525 Ringneck Road

$299,000

$299,000

163.93

17 Renegade Road

$3,995,000

574.99

Ranch 23

$139,900

$255,000

Deer Run G1

$395,000

$489,900

185.71

105 Peaks View Drive

$4,495,000

620.6

Ranch 122

$195,000

$195,000

Deer Run I2

$375,000

$375,000

176.3

Lot 20 Diamond Hitch

$499,000

Ranch 31

$197,000

$298,000

Spanish Peaks Club Condo 16D

$329,000

$399,000

153.74

Mountain

Big EZ Estate 20

$179,900

$229,900

Wildridge 37

$359,000

$359,000

Ski Tip Glade 12

$1,050,000

$499,000

Gallatin Building Unit 13

$34,900

$39,900

95.36

Deer Run I1

$375,000

$375,000

176.3

The Lodge at Big Sky #320

$32,900

$39,000

71.21

Spruce Condo 6

$63,750

$75,000

101.19

F2 Blue Spruce Way

$345,000

$345,000

171.13

The Lodge at Big Sky #214

$29,900

$29,900

64.72

Gallatin Building Unit 16

$48,000

$90,000

89.55

$472,500

158.41

Hill Condo 1192

$40,000

$40,000

90.91

Yellowstone Club

$65,900

$65,900

56.81

Spanish Peaks Club Condo 21D

$339,000

193 Spruce Cone Drive

Hill Condo 1243

$40,000

$48,900

90.91

Sunrise Ridge Condo 42A

$2,850,000

740.26

Firelight Condo 3C

$85,000

$85,000

77.84

Crail Creek Condo 615

$399,000

$495,000

159.6

Hill Condo 1203

$37,950

$54,950

86.25

Andesite Ridge Lot 123

$6,750,000

961.4

Firelight Condo 6A

$75,000

$99,500

68.68

Spanish Peaks Club Condo 27A

$424,900

$448,000

176.82

Hill Condo 1264

$52,000

$52,000

118.18

Andesite Ridge Lot 130

$1,500,000

Silverbow 55

$75,000

$75,000

107.76

Elevation 6000 B1

$550,000

$550,000

203.18

Hill Condo 1260

$49,000

$49,000

108.89

Andesite Ridge Lot 46, YC Phases I&II

$1,475,000

Firelight Condo B6

$79,900

$94,900

73.17

Hill Condo 1277

$75,000

$99,000

112.28

Firelight Condo C8

$84,900

$84,900

77.75

Hill Condo 1229

$63,000

$65,000

143.18

Firelight Condo B8

$77,250

$77,250

70.74

Hill Condo 1352

$65,000

$125,000

147.73

Firelight Condo 5C

$85,000

$115,000

77.84

Hill Condo 1334

$78,000

$78,000

177.27

Yellowstone Condo 88

$83,500

$83,500

Cedar Creek Condo 8

$82,000

$82,000

144.88

8 Firelight Drive

$89,900

190.69

Cedar Creek Condo 15

$84,000

$84,000

107.28

Spruce Condo 51 Firelight Condo 19C

Lone Peak Townhome 10

$499,000

$499,000

207.92

145A Pheasant Tail Rd

$444,900

$509,000

173.92

133A Pheasant Tail Lane

$497,500

$497,500

166.28

Spanish Peaks Club Condo 8E

$519,900

$549,000

204.04

125.75

$89,900

82.33

2265 Little Coyote Road

$299,000

$319,900

$94,900

$99,900

110.09

2455 Little Coyote

$350,000

$350,000

194.44

Cedar Creek Condo 18

$69,000

$175,000

88.12

$79,900

$79,900

64.75

98 Limber Pine

$329,000

$389,000

219.33

Cedar Creek Condo 10

$70,000

$70,000

89.4

Firelight Condo 16C

$85,000

$85,000

77.84

2550 Curley Bear Road

$426,900

$449,500

144.61

Cedar Creek Condo 26

$76,500

$172,000

97.7

Spruce Condo 11

$94,500

$94,500

132.17

380 Spruce Cone Drive

$399,000

$399,000

185.75

Cedar Creek Condo 16

$97,000

$97,000

123.88

Broadwater 185

$89,000

$89,000

134.85

2165 Yellowtail Road

$299,000

$299,000

91.27

Cedar Creek Condo 35

$94,900

$179,000

109.33

Glacier Condo 160

$109,900

$137,500

149.73

2310 Yellowtail Road

$399,900

$599,900

151.48

Stillwater Condo 1021

$129,500

$129,500

242.51

Broadwater 187

$98,000

$136,000

104.7

2695 Curley Bear Road

$420,000

$565,000

180.41

Stillwater Condo 1040

$259,000

$269,000

287.78

Firelight Condo 10D

$105,000

$159,000

96.15

50 Skywood Road

$429,000

$490,000

336.21

Shoshone 1953

$199,000

$199,000

227.17

Firelight Condo 20A

$115,000

$115,000

93.19

125 Chief Joseph Trail

$499,000

$799,000

210.37

Big Horn 11

$300,000

$325,000

172.71

Firelight Condo D6

$105,000

$105,000

96.15

1881 Little Coyote Road

$437,000

$549,000

174.8

Big Horn 37

$400,000

$635,000

234.6

Pine Ridge Condo #8

$96,000

$96,000

81.77

1792 Little Coyote Road

$575,000

$675,000

186.45

Big Horn 69

$380,000

$495,000

238.24

Firelight Condo 11A

$128,250

$135,000

103.59

2715 Little Coyote

$599,000

$649,000

239.6

Village Center Room 208

$449,000

$449,000

590.79

$689,000

$689,000

217.08

159.12

Broadwater 180

$149,500

$175,000

151.32

2605 Little Coyote

Alpenglow Condo 19A

$369,000

$479,000

Firelight Condo 2D

$115,000

$115,000

105.31

466 Antler Ridge Road

$633,600

$633,600

113.14

Elkhorn Condo 1302

$485,000

$515,000

149.97

Aspen Court 1

$149,000

$189,000

128.89

336 Autumn Trail

$759,000

$949,000

210.83

Arrowhead 1672

$675,000

$775,000

346.15

Hidden Village 81

$179,900

$220,000

93.41

121 Silverado Trail

$795,000

$795,000

277.97

Moosewood Condo Unit F

$644,900

$644,900

231.15

Glacier Condo 152

$145,000

$145,000

197.55

350 Misty Way

$864,000

213.86

Black Eagle Lodge 30

$698,000

Glacier Condo 157

$159,900

$199,900

217.85

170 GRAY OWL LANE

$999,000

293.82

Powder Ridge Cabin 130

$699,000

$825,000

341.48

Madison Court 11

$144,900

$157,900

103.5

1555 Silverado Trail

$1,999,995

307.69

Powder Ridge Cabin 131

$699,000

$699,000

340.98

68 Rose Hip Circle

$142,500

$142,500

73.15

229 Amber Lilly Lane

$2,695,000

374.31

Powder Ridge Cabin 135

$727,000

$865,000

316.09

109 Candlelight

$143,900

$156,900

77.41

West Fork Meadows Lot 6

$63,500

$63,500

Powder Ridge Cabin 127

$895,000

$895,000

292.77

Gray Wolf Condo 2830

$150,000

$150,000

84.65

Block 5 Lot 10

$79,900

$99,900

Black Eagle Lodge 11

$995,000

$995,000

361.82

Madison Court 5

$179,000

$189,500

157.02

6.66

Helms, Jamison & Kulesza JEF F HELMS Broker

TALL I E JAMI S ON Associate

RYA N KULESZA Broker

$1,475,000

Commercial Condominium Lot Home

252.9

Visit page 29 for more information about our team HELMS

4 0 6 . 9 9 5 . 2 2 4 4 • B IG SK YSI R . C OM All statistics included in summary derived from MLS. 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.

30 December 16, 2011

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JAMISON KULESZA

Condos

121

59%

$0-$100,000

46

22%

$0-$100,000

$3,148,834

3%

Homes

55

27%

$100,001-$200,000

37

18%

$100,001-$200,000

$5,518,500

5%

Land

28

14%

$200,001-$300,000

26

13%

$200,001-$300,000

$6,506,339

6%

Commercial

2

1%

$300,001-$400,000

26

13%

$300,001-$400,000

$8,765,525

8%

$400,001-$500,000

15

7%

$400,001-$500,000

$6,512,300

6%

$500,001-$600,000

5

2%

$500,001-$600,000

$2,774,000

3%

$600,001-$1,000,000

26

13%

$600,001-$1,000,000

$20,087,999

19%

$1,000,001-$3,000,000

20

10%

$1,000,001-$3,000,000

$32,885,684

31%

$3,000,001-$5,000,000

4

2%

$3,000,001-$5,000,000

$14,945,000

14%

$5,000,000+

1

0%

$5,000,000+

$5,300,000

5%

Sold By Type With Condo values generally down as much as 60% from the highs of 2007 and long term vacancies staying below 3%, investor interest in this product type rose in 2011. Interest in vacant land continue to lag as replacement costs are still significantly higher than the cost of already built homes and condos. We traded two commercial properties in all of Big Sky and continue to see a high vacancy rate in commercial leases.

Price Ranges Sold

by Transaction Count

Price Ranges Sold by Dollar Volume

A wave of activity occurred in the lower end market (under $500K) and we expect it to flow into the higher end market (over $500K) in 2012. Value opportunities have been absorbed (read: sold) in the low end market and buyers have just started to participate in the higherend market in an effort to find value in well-priced inventory.

It is intersecting to see that while the lower end market (below $500K) represents 75% of the transactions, it is only 31% of the total market volume. It is many people’s perception that foreclosures typically occur in the low end market, but you can see in the list to the left that there were 4 distressed sales over $1M this year.

Profile & Status Updates for our Resorts Moonlight Basin Moonlight Basin is a 8,150 acre public business model situated between Lone Mountain and the Spanish Peaks range in the Jack Creek drainage of Madison County. There are 1651 residential units fully entitled for development of which 353 have been built and sold. Amenities include a spa, 8,000-yard Jack Nicklaus golf course (the back 9 holes are completed) and 1,900 acres of pristine groomers, tree glades, and challenging steep terrain (with more terrain to come). Vacant land parcels vary in size from 1 acre to 160 acres. Residential options include private ski-in ski-out homes, cabins, and condos. Much of their real estate can be accessed on skis to both Moonlight Basin and Big Sky Resort’s 5,512 skiable acres (with the Lone Peak Pass). Moonlight Basin filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2008 and has worked to restructure their debt. A definitive settlement between Lehmann Commercial and Moonlight Basin is tentatively scheduled for December 16th (as of press time). The close of the sale of Moonlight’s assets to Lehmann and an issuance of final decree will mark an official end to the bankruptcy. # active listings: 39 # sold in 2011: 15 Average sold / sf : $521.26

$ active listings: $66,792,000 $ sold in 2011: $27,711,000

Big Sky Resort Area Big Sky Resort is a public business model that is owned and operated by Boyne Resorts and is capitalized by CNL based in Orlando, Florida. The iconic Mountain Village operates as the ski area’s hub of activity and nightlife. Amenities include 3,832 acres of worldclass skiing, including 150 named runs covering over 85 miles on three separate mountains and a tram-accessable 11,166 foot peak, heated outdoor pools, two hotels, 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course located in the Meadow. and a variety of on-mountain summer activities. Residential developer options include ski-in ski-out cabins and slopeside condos, starting at $149,000. There are no developer land options at this time.

Mountain Village # active listings: 120 # sold in 2011: 49 Average sold / sf : $189.88

$ active listings: $61,842,650 $ sold in 2011: $21,636,250

Yellowstone Club Yellowstone Club is a 13,600 acre private business model encompassing Pioneer and Eglise Mountains in Madison County, adjacent to Lone Mountain. There are 864 entitlements of which approximately 345 non-equity residential memberships have sold since they opened in 2000. Amenities include 2,200 acres of Private Powder™, a Tom Weiskopf 18-hole golf course, first-class fitness center and outdoor heated pool, 140,000 square foot Warren Miller Lodge housing a spa, kids’ facilities, and a variety of entertainment and dining outlets. Residential options include custom homes, 160-acre private ranches, slopeside chalets, and base lodge Condos which range between $2M and $26M. In 2008, the Club filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy but has since successfully emerged. They are now well capitalized by a group comprised of CrossHarbor Capital Partners, LLC, Discovery Land Company and about 60 members. They have seen strong sales in the last year due to a re-setting of values in the resale market. # active listings: Contact Us Directly $ active listings: Contact Us Directly # sold in 2011: Contact Us Directly $ sold in 2011: Contact Us Directly

Spanish Peaks The Club at Spanish Peaks is a 5,700 acre private business model situated between Big Sky Resort and Yellowstone Club on Andesite and Flat Iron Mountains. They have 850 entitlements of which approximately 318 non-equity Residential and Golf Memberships have been sold since they opened in 2000. Approximately 40 homes have been built with about 6 currently under construction. Vacant land parcels vary in size from 1 acre to 25 acres. Their ski accessible real estate is also uniquely adjacent to a Tom Weiskopf 18-hole golf course, and offers private access to Big Sky Resort’s public skiing. A clubhouse acts as the center of activity for members as well as a yurt near the base of the Southern Comfort lift. In October 2011, their holding company, Spanish Peaks Holdings II, LLC filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in a Delaware court. Things are changing daily with respect to their future so please contact us directly for the must current information. # active listings: 77 # sold in 2011: 12 Average sold / sf : $562.51

$ active listings: $89,093,688 $ sold in 2011: $$13,683,999

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December 16, 2011 31

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2012 Two ways to DELVE into

New Year’s Eve at Moonlight Lodge For the adults...

Enjoy a special dinner at the new JACK CREEK GRILLE, followed by music, dancing, party favors and a champagne toast.

(Dinner seatings available from 6pm - 9pm) $125 FOR THE ENTIRE EVENING

New Year’s Party at Headwaters Grille For the family...

Join us at Moonlight Lodge for a night of revelry.

6pm till close

Big Sky Weekly

Ring in 2012 with family fun for all ages at HEADWATERS GRILLE at the Madison Village Base Area!

Celebrate the new year with karaoke, party favor crafts, a balloon drop, and s’mores around the outdoor fire pit.

6pm - 9pm $15 PER PERSON

NOT DINING WITH US? Attend our music celebration only - $25 AFTER 10PM

For more information or reservations for either event, please contact Guest Services at (406) 995-7600

my mountain is

MOONLIGHT

moonlightbasin.com 32 December 16, 2011

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Section 3:

Big Sky Weekly

December 16, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #22

life // land //culture gallery

The art of healing: LucaPhotography By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

In 2009, Rebecca Soulé sent a text message to her sister-in-law Erin with a photo of an extraordinary sunset, and a note saying she loved her. Erin was sick with leukemia, and Soulé hoped the photo showing beams of light coming from the clouds would comfort her.

Erin died two days later.

Several years later, Soulé received a call from a woman who’d seen that same image on a business card Soulé had posted in the Cateye Café in Bozeman. The woman had lost both of her parents that year. Seeing that image, she told Soulé, was the closest to god she’d ever felt.

“Knowing I could make someone feel like that was a pivotal point for me,” Soulé says. “It was the biggest compliment I’ve ever received.”

taught photographer, she has an intuitive and emotional connection to people.

Photography has been a tool for healing, and something Soulé never planned to share with anyone. But when Erin was diagnosed with leukemia, it put life in perspective.

“It made me think about what I want to do, what I want to be,” Soulé says.

“Life is short. I realized it was time to start showing this work, to actually go for it.”

She launched her business, LucaPhotography, in June 2010, figuring if she was “meant to be in it, it [would] show itself.”

contest. Her work appeared in Montana Parent, Kidsville and Healthy Living soon after.

and also more challenging work where she can dig deeper into human emotions.

This summer she shot photos with Family Promise, a nonprofit that helps and houses homeless families. The images of volunteers and two homeless families that hung in the U.S. Bank pagoda let her realize the potential power behind her work.

That phone call eventually led Soulé to her next project—a show depicting a year of sadness and healing in her own life, told through self-portraits and images of others.

Right away, she published a two page black and white spread of canoes on Hyalite Lake, in Outside Bozeman—a centerfold, she jokes.

By late spring, she was shooting more family portraits and kids, something she likes because kids are “silly, and have the freedom to be themselves.”

Soulé, 35, lives in Bozeman with her 3-year-old daughter Olivia. A self-

A month later she won five awards in the Gallatin County Fair photo

Describing herself as a “dual artist,” Soulé likes this whimsical photography

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December 16, 2011 33

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gallery Soulé’s current show, which is hanging in the Nova Café in Bozeman this December, exemplifies the two sides of her work. One room holds a visual storyboard with 11 mostly black and white images showing her powerful year of transition and growth. The other is a collection of family portraits.

The first series shows deep emotion—innocence, vulnerability, wrenching sadness, angst, freedom, peace and strength. The images include Soulé and her daughter, and other acquaintances who wanted to be a part of the project.

Admitting it sounds “a little bit out there,” she says the participants “showed up when they were supposed to,” each with something to say. “They came to me to try and photograph that—to give them a voice. They were the chosen people.”

The second set of photos is a color collection that captures kids and families together, happy. They’re not manicured family portraits, but are sweet, earthy, and with a sense of purity.

“I am a life photographer who at times is the visual messenger.”

When Soulé first found Bozeman in 2004, she was on a road trip from Seattle and just stopped for a few hours. Standing on Main Street, she watched people greeting each other on the street. The community feeling and artistic energy inspired her, and she knew she’d found home.

34 December 16, 2011

“I like capturing a child how they are. I follow them around, sometimes run after them. I make up crazy jokes to get them to laugh or smile, put something on top of my head so they’ll look at the camera.”

This show was cathartic, Soulé says.

“The photography is the art of healing for me. For this show, I’m hoping it is for others.” She thinks of it as a gift for others,

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Big Sky Weekly

and none of the photos are for sale.

After a year that was clearly very difficult, Soulé is confident in life, and loves being a mother and an artist.

“Being a single mom is empowering. It’s kicked my ass, and it’s made me do this [show]. Because everything I do is for that little girl. She’s my inspiration, my light.”

Looking around the room at her work, Soulé seems comfortable with herself.

“This is me. This is my heart and soul.” lucaphotography.net lucaphotography@yahoo.com Rebecca Soule's work is hanging in the Nova Café in Bozeman for the month of Decemnber

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Big Sky Weekly

Creighton Block

M E E T A RT IST TODD CONNOR IN PERSON Wednesday, December 21st from 5:30-7:30pm

Rob Akey Greg Alexander Jim Barrett Diana Brady Lynn Cain

Todd Connor Jerral Derr yberr y Flavia Eckholm Edd Enders Thomas English

Charles Fulcher Mark Gibson Don Grant Mimi Grant Ott Jones

David Lemon Asha MacDonald Mike Patterson Paula Pearl Jacqueline Rieder Hud

Shiela Rieman Daniel San Souci Deb Schmit Laurie Stevens Shirle Wempner

ARTIST PROFILE Todd Connor was born in 1964 and raised in Tulsa, OK. He began painting in pastels and oils at the age of 12. After high school he joined the Navy, where he ser ved as a Navy SEAL in Coronado, CA. After militar y ser vice he toured National Parks and historical sites throughout the West, and determined to return to painting. After 4 years of study divided between landscape and figurative work, he received a BFA in 1997 from the prestigious Ar t Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. He briefly worked as a colorboard painter for Universal Studios in Japan before making the leap to full time painter in 1999.

Todd Connor has met with much success in venues including the CM Russell show and auction in Great Falls, MT and Settlers West Galleries’ annual Great American West show in Tucson, AZ. His influences include Impressionists, Asian calligraphy, and early American Illustrators. His exceptional ability to convey a strong sense of character, as well as a sense of time and place in his ar t, has led to commissions and acquisitions by some of the countr y’s most distinguished ar t collectors.

Todd Connor “Protector” 36” x 24”

B IG S K Y TOW N C E N T E R

1 0 : 3 0 A M - 6 : 3 0 P M TUESDAY THRU SUNDAY M O N DAYS BY APPOINTMENT

4 0 6-993-9400

C R E I G H TO N B L O C K G A L L E RY. C O M

Ar twork also displayed at Outlaw Par tners and Lone Mountain Ranch Dining Room explorebigsky.com

December 16, 2011 35

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Big Sky Weekly

Locally owned and operated We are Big Sky! www.RiversToPeaks.com

Phone:(406) 995-2022

The Club at Spanish Peaks - Elk Wallow Lodge Custom built home on 4+ acres. $2,295,000.

In the heart of Big Sky - The Pines L2 Fabulous views 4 bedroom, 4 bath. $399,000.

The Club at Spanish Peaks - Luxury Cabin #25.

Ski-in/golf-out, 4 bedroom. $1,199,000.

Furnished! Incredible location.

A River Runs Through It! Wonderful log home & guest cabin with an easy walk to the Gallatin River. $999,000.

Trophy Bull at Beaver Creek West Huge views, 3 bedroom, 5 bath on 20 acres. $1,950,000.

The Club at Spanish Peaks - Big EZ Duck’s Pond Cabin.

20 acres, pond, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath. $2,250,000 $1,725,000. Furnished!

350 Low Dog Road - Big Sky retreat.

Ski-in/out, 5 bedroom, 4.5 bath. $1,699,000.

343 Grey Drake Road - 4 private suites, 5.5 bath, 5+ Acres. Gorgeous wine & cigar cellar. River frontage. $3,495,000 $2,950,000. furnished!

Stop by our office next to Grizzly Outfitters in the Big Sky Town Center for a market update and a glass of wine. Daily from 4-6 PM This information is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change, withdrawal and approval of purchase by owner. All information from sources deemed reliable, but not guaranteed by Rivers To Peaks ~ Big Sky Real Estate, independent investigation is recommended. For properties being purchased at The Club at Spanish Peaks approval for membership is required prior to closing. If you are currently working with another real estate agent, this is not intended as a solicitation.

36 December 2, 2011

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sports

Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association opens rink to skaters New features include lights, memberships and lessons bsha board

After 10 days of flooding, a day of assembling the boards and gathering together about 20 ice fans to help erect the Town Center Ice Rink is open for its second year of public skating and hockey.

The Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association has relied on help from volunteers and donations from numerous people throughout Big Sky and Bozeman.

Jason Martel, of Martel Construction and the Bozeman Ice Dogs hockey team in Bozeman, told BSSHA board member Ryan Blechta to come to the ice rink in Bozeman.

“He had an old Zamboni that was back in the day the old (ice rink’s) backup,” Blechta said.

When Blechta got to the rink and saw the stash of out-of-use Zambonis, he saw a rundown rust-bucket that had been sitting in the lumber yard for four years.

The First Annual Pavelich Invitational in January 2011.

“I saw what it looked like and thought, ‘with a little sand blast and paint, this Zam could look real nice,” Blechta said.

The group boasts two new full-time lights that shine on the rink till 11 p.m., and the board hopes it can gather interested families with skaters and hockey players to step up and join this year as members.

Now, after some serious cosmetics and drastic makeover, and some help from the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, the Zamboni shimmers under a boat of shiny black paint and its propane engine kicks over at the turn of a key. It doesn’t hurt that the ice runner keeps warm in the Blechtas’ garage, either.

The BSSHA has created a schedule and allows members-only skates on Friday and Sunday nights, open skating times everyday, and local hockey player, board member and BSSHA founder Griffin Kilby will offer hockey lessons for those looking to learn.

Lady Big Horns play first game ever Big Sky Weekly Cub Reporter

Boys JV On Saturday, Dec. 10 the Lone Peak High School basketball teams opened up their season. The three teams traveled to Mount Ellis Academy for a night filled with basketball action.

The junior varsity game started off very defensively, with both teams playing at high intensity, and stayed this way until the final buzzer. At the end of the first quarter Lone Peak led 9–5.

Mount Ellis took offensive control in the second quarter, almost tripling their score from the fist quarter.

The Big Horns came out with almost no offense except for a mid range jumper and free throw from Trevor House. Mount Ellis led the Big Horns 13–12 at the end of the second.

Coming out of the locker room at halftime it was much of the same; defense, defense, defense. The only points for the Big Horns came on a 3-pointer by freshman Griffin House and a shot in the paint by freshman Justin McKillop.

At the end of the third quarter, Mount Ellis was up 21–17.

In the fourth quarter McKillop came out with unmatched intensity. McKillop accounted for seven of the 13 points for the Big Horns in the fourth quarter.

McKillop’s late-game intensity was not enough to bring in a win for the Big Horns, and Mount Ellis won 36–30.

The group is excited to announce the rink open and ready for business.

Now it’s time to get everything ready for the Second Annual Pavelich Invitational hockey game on Jan. 7.

Ophir Athletics Schedule

Big Sky teams swept by Mount Ellis

By Grayson Bell

“These are going to be hockey clinics for kids trying to learn to play the game,” Kilby said.

There are two ice rinks (one full-sized with boards and a smaller one for those looking to skate around), warming hut, permanent lights, and, of course, a brand new Zamboni to resurface the ice.

Dec. 16 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball @ Ennis

Girls The LPHS girls played their first game in Lone Peak High School history that night.

The Lady Big Horns were at a disadvantage in numbers, with six girls to Eagles’ 11. This didn’t stop the Big Horns from hustling and playing great defense.

The first half saw bright glimpses of offense from freshmen Gabby Michel, Tehya Braun and Gabrielle Gasser.

In the third quarter the Lady Big Horns held the Eagles to only two points of offense, but in the end, Mount Ellis was too much for the Lady Big Horns.

Mount Ellis won the game 35–12.

Dec. 22 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball @ Sheridan Jan. 5 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball vs. Shields Valley Jan. 6 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball @ Gardiner Jan. 7 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball vs. Twin Bridges Jan. 10 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball @ West Yellowstone Jan. 12 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. OMS Boys' Basketball @ Gallatin Gateway

Four Big Horns starters are freshman and will continue to improve. Tehya Braun scored half of the points for the team.

Jan. 14 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball @ Lima

Varsity Boys

Jan.17 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball vs Mt. Ellis

The varsity boys came from a successful previous year, but it was apparent from the beginning that the Big Horns had the first game jitters. Junior Haven Morris, who has looked promising for years, accounted for more than half of the Big Horns’ points.

He ended the night with 19 points and made 3 of 5 from the free throw line. In the end, the Mount Ellis Eagles showed a higher intensity and desire to win, and the team won 50–29.

The first home games will be on Jan. 5 against the Shields Valley Rebels. The Big Horns would love to see the support of the community at that game.

Jan. 16 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. OMS Boys' Basketball @ Heritage Christian School

Jan. 19 4 p.m.– 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball vs. Harrison, 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. OMS Boys' Basketball @ Monforton School Jan. 21 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. LPHS Basketball vs Ennis Jan. 26 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball @ Shields Valley 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. OMS Boys' Basketball @ Mt. Ellis Jan. 27 OMS 5th & 6th Grade Boys' Basketball Tournament 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. LPHS Basketball vs. Gardiner Jan. 28 OMS 5th & 6th Grade Boys' Basketball Tournament Jan. 31 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. OMS Boys' Basketball vs GVHS

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December 16, 2011 37

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Big Sky Weekly

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Travel opportunities December 15, 2011-April 28, 2012. | www.PatagoniaSur.com 38 December 16, 2011

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sports

End the BCS

Over 3 decades building in Big Sky

Big Sky Weekly

145 Center Lane Unit L, Meadow Village Center P.O. Box 160068, Big Sky, MT 59716 Phone: 406-995-4579 • Fax: 406-995-4043 www.blueribbonbuilders.com

By Brandon Niles It’s bowl season in college football, which means it’s time for my annual Bowl Championship Series rant.

Every year there’s a controversy over which two teams are selected by the BCS to play in the National Championship game. Unlike virtually every other organized team sport (including FCS), the NCAA uses a complicated computer ranking system called the BCS to determine the two best football teams in the country.

This year, it’s hard to argue that the undefeated LSU doesn’t deserve their spot, but many question the inclusion of Alabama, who already lost to LSU during the regular season. Both teams are in the Southeastern Conference, raising the usual questions of conference bias, and preference toward schools with large football programs.

Meanwhile, Oklahoma State has been strong all year, and likewise has only one loss. The team ranks No. 3 in the BCS. Stanford boasts arguably the best quarterback in the country, Andrew Luck, and it too has only one loss against an impressive Oregon team that played in the National Championship game last year. The BCS ranks Stanford No. 4.

Are Oklahoma State and Stanford really not as deserving as Alabama for a shot at a national title this season?

We’ll never know, because those two teams will be playing in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl instead.

Are Alabama and LSU the two best teams in the country? It’s certainly possible that they are, but we can’t say for certain. When a team in a lesser conference goes undefeated, such as the Boise State and TCU teams of recent years, are we certain that because their schedules aren’t perceived to be as difficult they don’t deserve a chance at a championship?

Houston nearly went undefeated this year, but at no point did they ever

have a legitimate chance at being selected for the title game. How can we tell the players for teams like Houston that the games they play in really matter?

The solution is a playoff system.

There are 11 conferences. Give every conference winner a playoff spot, and add five at large teams based on record, strength of schedule, and any other factors. With 16 playoff teams, that allows for a playoff system to run four consecutive weeks, similar to the FCS system.

The bowl games can remain, but they would simply become playoff games.

There’s no reason this wouldn’t work, and it would certainly mitigate the risk of leaving any of the best teams out of the hunt for the National Championship.

Imagine if the NCAA decided to create a BCS system for other sports, like basketball. There would be no more upsets, no more March Madness, no more bracket games. Fans would be outraged. If the BCS applied to the NFL, the NBA, or the MLB, fans wouldn’t stand for it.

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This kind of system has never been considered for other sports because it’s ridiculous. Just as the BCS system is ridiculous for any other sport, it’s ridiculous for college football as well.

The time has come to end the annual controversies. It’s time to install a playoff system in college football and end the BCS. 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.

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December 16, 2011 39

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Big Sky Weekly

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Science

Big Sky Weekly

New study reveals North America’s biggest dinosaur Researchers from MSU and Pennsylvania publish work on Alamosaurus MSU News Service

New research has unveiled enormous bones from North America’s biggest dinosaur, Alamosaurus.

to 2006. Carrying the vertebrae alone took most of a day because the paleontologists carried them 1.2 miles through 100-degree heat, Fowler said.

In a paper published Dec. 6 in Acta Palaeontologica Polonica, MSU researcher Denver W. Fowler and coauthor Robert M. Sullivan from Harrisburg, Pa., describe two gigantic vertebrae and a femur that the team collected in New Mexico from 2003

Alamosaurus sanjuanensis is a longnecked plant eater related to Diplodocus. The Alamosaurus roamed what is now the southwestern U.S. and Mexico about 69 million years ago.

Alamosaurus has been known for some time, Fowler says. Its remains were first described in 1922 from the Naashoibito beds of New Mexico.

Since then, more bones have been discovered in New Mexico, Utah, Texas and Mexico.

The sheer size of the new bones caught the researchers by surprise, however.

This serrated Tyrannosaurus tooth was found with other Alamosaurus bones, showing that these two dinosaur giants coexisted in the same ecosystem.

Image courtesy of Denver Fowler

“We used to think that a fully grown Alamosaurus measured around 60 feet long and weighed about 30 tons,” Fowler said. “But a 2009 study by another

MSU researcher, Dr. Holly Woodward, found that a femur thought to belong to an adult was still growing.”

While this indicated that Alamosaurus got even bigger, they didn’t imagine that it could get quite this big.

The enormity of the new bones puts Alamosaurus in the same size league as other giant sauropods from South America, including Argentinosaurus, which weighed about 70 tons and is considered to be the biggest dinosaur of all.

“Over the past 20 years, Argentinean and Brazilian paleontologists have been unearthing bigger and bigger dinosaurs, putting the rest of the world in the shade,” Fowler said.

Their new finds, however, show not only that Alamosaurus was likely the largest North American dinosaur, but also that it was on par with the South American species.

Giant specimens of sauropods like Alamosaurus and Argentinosaurus are only known from very fragmentary remains, offering only a tantalizing glimpse of what a complete Alamosaurus might look like, Fowler said.

But in order to dig up one of the world’s biggest dinosaurs, you need one of the world’s biggest dinosaur digging teams.

The Pennsylvania State Museum field crew is typically just two or three people, which limits how many bones can be collected per season, Fowler said. Even so, many important specimens have been recovered over the past 10 to 15 years, including new species, and other members of the fauna including the iconic carnivore Tyrannosaurus.

“We found a shed Tyrannosaurus tooth with another Alamosaurus neck bone that we were excavating,” Fowler said. “The Tyrannosaurus may have lost its tooth while feeding on an Alamosaurus carcass.”

The Alamosaurus discovery has important implications for other dinosaurs, Fowler said. Recent discoveries by paleontologist Jack Horner’s paleo lab at the Museum of the Rockies have emphasized the importance of understanding growth and origins in interpreting dinosaur evolution.

“Increasingly, we’re finding that very large or small individuals often look very different, and are often described as different species,” Fowler said. “Our findings show that Alamosaurus was originally described based on immature material, [which is] a problem as characteristics that define a species are typically only fully gained at adult size. This means that we might be misinterpreting the relationships of Alamosaurus and possibly other sauropod dinosaurs too.”

Microscopic images of dino bones have intrigue, scientific significance MSU News Service

As manager of the Gabriel Lab for Cellular and Molecular Ellen-Thérèse Lamm thinly slices a dinosaur bone, Paleontology at the Museum then takes photographs of the fossils under a polarizedof the Rockies, Lamm receives light microscope. material from dinosaur researchers worldwide.

The images, which she She’s one of very describes as beautiful Some of Lamm’s favorite imfew people who and intriguing, indicate ages are part of a 2012 funddoes paleohistoldifferent types of biologiraising calendar that she proogy techniques, cal tissue, and show the duced for the Museum of the meaning she’s a orientation of fibers in Rockies. “Dinosaurs Under the “slicer and dicer of the original bone. The Microscope – Paleohistology” dinosaur bones.” has images of dinosaur bone, thin-section slides and photomicrographs allow scientists to answer questions regarding dinosaur growth, physiology and even behavior.

modern animal specimens, as well as photos of MSU graduate students and Horner doing paleontological research.

Available in the Museum of the Rockies gift shop, the MSU Bookstore, in downtown Bozeman at Country Bookshelf and at morhistologylab.org.

Polarized light passing through a thin-section of bone is split at different angles depending on the structure and organization of the crystal structures. It is then re-collected by an analyzer and delivered to the eye in a variety of colors and patterns. Manipulating light conditions allows analysis of the optical qualities of a sample, Lamm says, and also produces extraordinary images.

Working with paleontology curator This image of a Tyrannosaurus rex foot bone shows bone tissue Jack Horner, Lamm that has been remodeled by erosion and re-deposition. The varico-authored a recent ety in color depends on the arrangement of mineral crystals and paper that described fibers in the bone. Each small black dot used to house a single the unique tissue bone cell. Some circular and elongated spaces for blood supply growth strategies are also visible. Photo by Ellen-Thérèse Lamm that Triceratops used mature adult stage of Triceratops, Lamm said. MSU to ultimately grow graduate student John Scannella and Horner published such a massive expanded frill. The paper that finding in July 2010 in the Journal of Vertebrate was published in April in a French journal of paleonPaleontology, upending a long-standing belief that Trictology and evolutionary sciences. eratops and Torosaurus were different dinosaurs.

This research supported the MSU discovery that TricAdapted from an article originally written by Evelyn eratops and were actually the same type of dinosaur at Boswell different stages of growth, with Torosaurus being the

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December 16, 2011 41

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Big Sky Weekly

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Science

Big Sky Weekly

Participate in upcoming bird counts For those who enjoy the outdoors and like feeling part of something bigger than themselves—bird watching may be just the activity.

Birders have a strong information network linking them to each other and to state and national databases that record public bird sightings. The citizen scientists that participate in bird-watching projects are essential to bird conservation, according to birdsource. org.

The annual Christmas Bird Count—which lasts from Dec. 14 to Jan. 5 and is now in its 112th year—has tens of thousands of participants. Armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists, families, students, birders and scientists spot and report on bird species. Experts use this data to identify how different species are faring.

The Great Backyard Bird Count, Feb. 17-20, is another important annual birding event.

Last year, participants turned in more than

92,000 checklists of birds online, creating the continent's largest one-time snapshot of bird populations ever recorded. Hosted

by Audubon, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada, it aims to get people to watch and count birds for at least 15 minutes. The four-day count typically records more than 10 million observations.

The Breeding Bird Survey occurs annually during the avian breeding season, which is June for most of the U.S. and Canada. Participants skilled in bird identification record sightings along preset survey routes. This cooperative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and the Canadian Wildlife Service produces critical information that professionals use to estimate population trends and identify emerging conservation issues.

Adapted from an article written by Diane Tipton, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ Statewide Information Officer.

For details on bird watching, including how to participate in bird counts and directions to more than 30 events in Montana, visit one of the following: Montana Bird Conservation Partnership – montanabirds.org Montana Audubon – mtaudubon.org Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks – fwp.mt.gov photo by Eric Baetscher (CC)

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Gear review

Big Sky Weekly

Eggbar–Vise

By Greg Allred

Certified Tech REI Bozeman

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When I saw the Eggbar-Vise for the first time I was skeptical; it seems that all contraptions I’ve used to hold skis or a board while tuning has been based upon the same concept as everything before it.

Either there’s no way to hold the ski in place for procedures requiring force on the base of the ski, or the clamping mechanism is hampered by variability in sidewall shape, construction or ski width. Most of the vises I’ve used in shops required readjustment every time a new ski was being worked on.

These wasted efforts and minutes multiplied over the course of a day, and were frustrating.

The Eggbar-Vise’s strength is its simplicity. The ski tip is held under the bar at the head of the vise, so the ski’s weight holds it in place. The tail piece slides in tracks, supporting the ski tail.

Tension can be adjusted by sliding the tip in or out of the headpiece. The slot in the head and tail pieces allows the ski or board to be placed on edge for sidewall work or to sharpen a side edge.

The working surfaces of the vise are covered in a grippy weather seal, which is easily replaced as it gets torn up.

After a month of hard use, it still looks nearly new. Replacing it a few times a season would be worth the time and effort saved by the vise itself.

I only ran into a few issues when using the Eggbar-Vise. Since the flex of the ski is what is holding it in place, I ran into situations where the ski would slowly slip backwards out of the head piece when scraping very hard on a soft ski, causing the ski to push the tailpiece back. This only happened when I was removing excess base material on a badly damaged base. If the tail piece had a way to be locked into place, this would solve the issue.

The fact that this device was developed in Bozeman and is made locally adds to my liking of it. Ace Fisher, the vise’s inventor, has been helpful and open to feedback and is able to make changes to the design very quickly in response. eggbarvise.com

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outdoors

Big Sky Weekly

View of Hylaite Canyon Photo by Brian Niles

The 15th annual Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival

By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

The 15th annual Bozeman Ice Festival was the biggest one yet. Big sponsors like Arc’teryx showed up; on-ice clinics filled right away; and almost 600 people packed the Emerson theatre for Friday and Saturday night’s evening presentations.

“I think this is one of the best grassroots community-based consumer ice Festivals that’s ever been put together,” said Jack Tackle, a Montana native and world-renowned alpinist.

From beginners to experts in the sport, and everything in between, it addressed everyone’s needs, Tackle said, especially the community and the social aspects of climbing.

This year’s event featured a historical retrospective of waterfall ice climb-

A 7-year-old excels his first day ice climbing

46 December 16, 2011

Photo by Brian Niles

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Photo by Brian Niles

ing over 40 years, and drew a host of climbing’s greatest characters, including climbing pioneer Jeff Lowe.

Known for making more than 1,000 cutting edge first ascents in North America, the Alps and the Himalaya, “Lowe was the most influential ice climber of all time,” said festival organizer and accomplished climber Joe Josephson.

In a powerful moment on Saturday night, Lowe, now in a wheelchair with Multiple Sclerosis, came on stage and talked about his experiences climbing, and about what he remembered most: the places he visited, and the people he spent time with.

Lowe struck upon the theme of the fest overall. Old friends and new, all tied by the bonds of adventure.

outdoors

Groups prepare to hit the ice

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Big Sky Weekly

Photo by Emily Stifler

Breaking through on Hyalite Ice

By Marcie Hahn-Knoff big sky weekly contributor

Tiny bits of ice explode from the surface with each kick. I glance at my picks as I remove them carefully from the ice and whack them into the frozen surface a tiny bit higher. Their jagged structure reminds me of a 21st century pterodactyl skull. Spikes bristle from my feet. I try not to concentrate on how tiny the points of steel are that hold my body weight against gravity.

I have never been much of an ice climber.

Skiing has defined my winter sporting life for decades. Despite moving to the ice climbing mecca of Montana and marrying a member of the ice climbing mafia, I’ve only spent a handful of days out each year. Intimidated at being a novice in such a demanding sport, I was anxious about ascending too slowly and looking like a hack.

Lack of snow and less then stellar ski conditions this year tipped the scales, inspiring me to take a Bozeman Ice Festival women’s clinic. I hoped climbing with a group of skilled ladies might help my technique and give me a better grip on climbing in winter.

Single digit morning temperatures seep through the multiple layers of insulation and down I’m wearing. I focus on a fringe of sunny illumination growing on the ridgeline across the canyon—it will be hours before the sun’s warmth makes it our way. High on a snowy bench in Hyalite Canyon, our training ground for the day is Mummy II, which is currently busy with more women climbers than I recall ever seeing in Hyalite at once.

On my first climb, I peck at the icy surface with unsure blows. Slowly I ascend,

trying to apply the numerous tips on form and efficiency discussed before I stepped off the ground. But right away I revert to previous ice climbing experiences, grappling with what my body should be doing while my mind does summersaults—this the beginning of an all too common negative self-dialogue.

Three women climb Mummy II

PHOTO BY EMILY STIFLER

Voices drift from below, a mix of encouraging words and helpful reminders. My mind snaps back to a more positive focus.

Match your feet, stand up, hips into the ice, aim and fire your axes. The movements become more methodical and a system for success begins to develop in my actions. I continue moving upward.

My movement is becoming more exact, and the reassuring thunks of well-sunk axes resonate through the air.

As the day progresses, ladies succeed on harder climbs. The women in the group flow seamlessly between belaying and climbing, sharing reassuring thoughts and honest critiques on technique and style, questioning one another on goals, strengths and weaknesses for each climb.

Laughter comes easily, and it occurs to me that despite the cold and at times wet conditions, I’m having a blast.

Our time runs low and we head for the car. I am plainly aware that a transformation has happened. After one day, I’m already becoming a more confident ice climber. I am amazed at what is possible when a group of women venture into the mountains together. I’m already plotting my next visit to the ice.

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December 16, 2011 47

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

Big Sky Weekly

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.

MSU graduate head of new White House initiative

By Anne Cantrell msu news service

This December, President Obama named a Montana State University graduate head of the newly created White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education.

William Mendoza, who earned a master's degree in educational leadership from MSU in 2010, will head the initiative that is designed to help expand educational opportunities and improve educational outcomes for all American Indian and Alaska Native students.

The initiative also aims to further opportunities for the students to learn their native languages,

cultures and histories and receive a complete and competitive education that prepares them for college and a career. It was established by an executive order that President Obama signed Dec. 2.

In a release from the U.S. Department of Education, Mendoza said the initiative will work to identify pathways that enable those who have dropped out to re-enter the education training pipeline, acquire industry-recognized credentials and obtain sustainable jobs, and expand access to high-quality education programs leading to career advancement, especially in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields.

This is how Big Sky gets into hot water.

“We're working hard to reduce the American Indian and Alaska Native student dropout rate and making sure students who stay in high school are ready to start their career by the time they complete college,” Mendoza said.

Previously, Mendoza was acting director of the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities, or WHITCU. The office works to ensure that the nation's tribal colleges and universities are more fully recognized, better informed and given full access to federal programs.

William Mendoza, who earned a master's degree in educational leadership from Montana State University in 2010, has been named head of the newly created White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaska Native Education. Photo courtesy of William Mendoza.

Mendoza, who is an enrolled Oglala Sioux and has deep Sicangu Sioux roots, grew up on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Indian Reservations in South Dakota.

Before enrolling in MSU's Indian Leadership Education and Development, or I LEAD, program, Mendoza received a bachelor's degree from Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo. He also attended Haskell Indian National University in Lawrence, Kan.

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Then, he worked as a high school teacher in Pine Ridge, S.D. He said earlier this year in an interview with MSU that he appreciated that teachers have a tremendous ability to make a difference in students' lives, but he was also frustrated by the limits of what he could do as a teacher.

"Every time I let my students go out of my classroom, I felt like I was letting them go into harm's way," Mendoza said. "So I decided, 'I need to do more.'"

With a desire to be more involved in school reform, Mendoza considered becoming a principal, where

he thought he would have opportunities to make lasting impacts.

That's when he discovered MSU's I LEAD program, which, since 2006, recruited, educated, certified and placed American Indian educators in administrative positions in schools with high populations of American Indian students.

"I was excited to see a program that catered to American Indians," Mendoza said. "At the time, I knew a lot of representatives of American Indians in (principal and superintendent) positions were few and far between."

Mendoza said he left the program with "tremendous knowledge" and has been able to apply that knowledge to his work.

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, who announced Mendoza's appointment, said Mendoza's "exceptional leadership in reinvigorating collaboration between federal agencies, educators and tribal leaders will be invaluable as we move forward in addressing the challenges that face our American Indian and Alaska Native students."

explorebigsky.com

Section 4:

entertainment//events//ski areas

Big Sky Weekly

December 16, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #22

Winter concert series features local, international performers

By Brian Hurlbut big sky arts council

The Bozeman Intermountain Opera Thursday, Feb. 9, Buck’s T-4 Lodge

This winter, the Arts Council of Big Sky will host the ninth annual Peggy Dicken Schwer Memorial Fund Concert Series. These intimate dinner concerts are a great way to see and hear regional and international musicians, with great food served by some of Big Sky’s best chefs.

This local opera company has been around since 1979, and has continued to grow and attract operagoers, not only in Bozeman, but from other parts of Montana and neighboring states as well. They will present a short opera, “Sweet Betsy From Pike,” and a selection of well-known arias.

The Muir String Quartet Wednesday, Jan. 11, Talus Room at Big Sky Resort In its 33rd season, the nationally known Muir String Quartet has distinguished itself among audiences and critics with its “exhilarating involvement” (Boston Globe),"impeccable voicing and intonation" (San Francisco Examiner) and "unbridled musicality" (American Record Guide). The Muir is committed to the great European tradition learned from mentors, the Budapest and Guarneri string quartets.

Dos Mayos, with special guests Michael Blessing and Eddie T Sunday, Feb. 26, Talus Room at Big Sky Resort This Bozeman group plays unique arrangements and adaptations of Latin, jazz, blues and Americana. Its distinctive style, with tight instrumental and vocal blends, makes Dos Mayos a standout in the region. Tana Mayo, a gifted vocalist, flutist and percussionist, has influences including Natalie Cole, Herbie Mann, Alison Krauss and Diane Schuur. Rich Mayo is an exceptional guitarist, vocalist and harmonica player who spent years writing, arranging and recording music, playing on everything from radio and TV jingles to musical

CDs. Michael Blessing brings a blend of percussion and rhythm to the group.

Pavel Egorov Saturday, March 24, Talus Room at Big Sky Resort Don't miss this incredible opportunity to hear one of the world's most decorated pianists. A graduate of Moscow State Conservatory and the St. Petersburg State Conservatory, Egorov lives in St. Petersburg and has performed in Big Sky once before. His awards include First Prize and Golden Medal from the Schumann International Competition in Zwickau, Germany, and the International Schumann Prize; and the Order of Polish Republic Merit in Culture.

Mr. Egorov is also a renowned music researcher and scientific editor, Honorary Member of the Philharmonic Society in St. Petersburg, and an active member

of the St. Petersburg Department of Education and Scientific Development of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences.

The Arts Council of Big Sky is a nonprofit organization founded in 1989. Check bigskyarts.org for a complete schedule, or call the ACBS office at (406) 9952742. Tickets are by reservation only and must be made by calling the office.

C

C a

Featuring...

Sleigh Ride Dinners Day Sleigh Rides Heated Sleighs Winter Trail Rides Fly Fishing Licensed by Montana Board of Outfitters #5278 and the Gallatin National Forest

Big Sky, Montana

406-995-3888

COWBOY COOKOUTS

Big Sky, M

406-995

Fun for the entire family!

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December 16, 2011 49

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NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

Big Sky Weekly

I K S S É R P A

S R E T R A DQU

HEA

Now offering

NACHOS & QUESADILLAS!

December Music

49 CENT WINGS

Sat. 12/17 Jeff Belino 5-7 p.m.

10 ft. Tall and 80 Proof 9 p.m. ($5 Cover)

during all NFL & College football games through Dec. 19th

Fri. 12/23 Bottom of the Barrel 9 p.m.

Sat. 12/24 Tom Marino 5-7 p.m.

Fri. 12/30

The Boozehounds 9 p.m. ($5 Cover)

Sat. 12/31 Eli Madden 5-7 p.m.

“New Year’s Eve Bash” The Tom Cook Band and the Boozehounds 9 p.m. ($10 Cover)* *Patron Snowboard Giveaway at Midnight

Open Mic Every Tuesday Night (Starting Dec. 6)

OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 A.M. LUNCH & DINNER 50 December 16, 2011

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HAPPY HOUR

MONDAY-FRIDAY 4:00-6:00 P.M.

$1 off any beer, wine or mixed drink

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

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beer

Big Sky Weekly

Lone Peak Brewery’s Bourbon Barrel Stout

By Abbie Digel

big sky weekly editor

This seasonal brew is made once a year and based on Lone Peak’s popular Hippy Highway Oatmeal Stout. It’s aged in 18 year Elijah Craig bourbon barrels (from the Heaven Hills Distillery in Kentucky) for 3.5 months.

T Seh

Bottled Conditioned

The brew has a heavy bourbon character with vanilla tones and an oaky essence captured from the barrels.

Served in a snifter or balloon style glass to express its specific aroma, this stout is the most anticipated release of the year, said brewmaster Steve Nordahl.

Hippy H to impr brew in than th tributes acter to bottled the flav and evo balloon cific aro beer. En (well...p

_____________________________________________

Steve T. Nordahl, Brewmaster

_____________________________________________

Andy Liedberg, Assistant Brewer

Bottle Number:

Bourbon stout pairs well with beef and pork, especially the smoked kind.

Nordahl has even used the stout to make ice cream, barbeque sauce and a bourbon stout reduction to use as a heavy drizzle.

Bottling Date:

GOVERNMENT WARNING: (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.

750 ml (1 pint 9.36 oz.)

The batch is twice as big as last year’s, and is the largest Lone Peak has made since starting brewing the stout three years ago. There will be about 24 kegs available starting the week of Dec. 19.

Get it before it’s gone!

JULIE BLAKELEY

BourbonLabel 1

OPENING BIG SKY RIVER PROPERTY

FIRELIGHT CHALET 87

Sleeps up to 10 comfortably in this spacious 3 bedroom, 5 bath, San Marino on the Gallatin, log cabin. $694,000. Call to view.

3 BR, 3 BA, open floor plan, attached garage, impeccably furnished close to Town Center. $199,900. Call to view.

WINTER SEASON HOUSE SPECIALTIES

HILL CONDO 1200

Fantastic valued ski condo in Big Sky! This first floor Cedar Creek condo has 2 BR, 2 BA, perfect for a family ski condo. $140,000. Call to view.

This top floor Hill Condo has an unbelievable price and is in great condition! Remodeled recently, 440 SF, studio, 1 BA, walk to the ski lifts. $50,000. Call to view.

PLUS

CEDAR CREEK 27

Herb Crusted Fish & Chips Big Sky Shepherd’s Pie 10 oz NY Steak Veal Schnitzel Oven Roasted Cornish Game Hen Small Plates Sandwiches Burgers

& HOME

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Happy Hour: 4:00 - 5:00 pm Dinner: 6:00 - 10:00 pm Sunday Brunch: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm SPANISH PEAKS NORTH 77

CHACE MONTANA 2G

With 4.39 acres amid mature trees and great views of the Spanish Peaks, you must see this lot! $375,000.

Remodeled from the studs in 2005, this condo even has it’s own hot water heater and breaker box. Ideal for residential and/or commercial usage. 1 BR, 1 BA. $87,900. Call to view.

Julie Blakeley

Located in the Meadow Village Big Sky, Montana Call 406-993-7111 for more information

Big Sky Sothebys International Realty julie.blakeley@sothebysrealty.com | + 1 406.579.6473 19 Meadow Village Drive | Big Sky, Montana 59716

©M MXI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. All Rights Reserved. Village Houses, used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a licensed trademark to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

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December 16, 2011 51

word from the resorts Big Sky Resort

Moonlight Basin

Big Sky

Big Sky

by Greer Schott

Moonlight Basin opened on Dec. 10 to sunny skies and smiling faces. Conditions remain the same: packed powder.

Big sky Resort

Big Sky Resort has been opening more terrain as the season progresses, and the slopes are skiing great.

Even without a lot of fresh powder, the resort has opened over 700 acres and the snow has stayed soft—just take a few turns in the Bowl and you’ll see for yourself.

Come check out what’s new in the Mountain Village. The Solace Spa and Salon, a new 3,000 square foot spa with seven treatment rooms, men’s and ladies locker rooms, and full salon services including hair and nails, will open this weekend. Two new shops are open in the Village Center—CR.eations yarn shop and the Willow women’s boutique.

New digital on-mountain signs now make it easier to navigate the mountain, and as more terrain opens skiers can check out five new gladed runs on Andesite. Big Sky Resort has also opened a new winter laser tag course—sign up for a game in basecamp.

Big Sky is excited for the upcoming season with great holiday and winter events. Christmas and New Years will be action-packed with food, live entertainment, and special events like fireworks and skiing with Santa. Check out bigskyresort.com/events for complete details as well as January events like SnoBar, an on-mountain party with a bar and dance floor completely made of snow.

Lone Mountain Ranch Big Sky

Lone Mountain Ranch’s nordic trails, outdoor shop, sleigh rides and dining room opened in midDecember.

New this year is a lower priced day trail pass at $18. Also, the ranch will offer a day sleigh ride with a bonfire, hot chocolate and cookies. Nordic ski lessons and wildlife tours into Yellowstone will also be available.

The ranch’s new executive chef and food and beverage director, Bill Baskin, has returned to Big Sky with his wife after a 10 year hiatus. The dining room and saloon are open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, and will be open for guests only on Christmas eve.

Join the ranch for their Grand Christmas Buffet on Christmas day, featuring ice and cheese sculptures, edible gingerbread villages, a large selection of roasted meats, a seafood bar, and pastries. On New Year’s Eve there will be two seatings in the dining room with four and five course menus, fireworks and live music.

This year the saloon will serve food and feature live music three nights a week. It will also serve a different burger each month, daily small plate specials, and Montana beer and American spirits.

They are part of Lone Peak Brewery’s communal beer program.

Other special activities begin Jan. 1, including a Sunday brunch, Wednesday farm dinners with wine and brew pairings, and trail buffets on Fridays. Call the dining room for reservations (406) 995–2782. A.D.

52 December 16, 2011

“We need more snow before the upper mountain opens, but we’ve got people coming and enjoying the lower terrain,” said ski patrol dispatch. The upper mountain will open when snow levels permit.

It’s worth checking out Moonlight’s new amenities, including the North Slope Deli, Jack Creek Grille and Bar, and the new Moonlight Mercantile in the Lodge.

Also new is the "Freestyle Forest," a tight terrain park with fun features and whoop de doo’s made of natural features, and new gladed runs.

Join Moonlight during the holidays for Turkey for a Ticket on Dec. 16, a Christmas Eve Service, and ski with Santa on Christmas day.

It’s not too late to join the Gold Club, where members can enjoy locker storage and pool, hot tub and workout facility access. Members can also benefit from discounts at Moonlight eateries, gear shops, boutiques and accommodations. A.D

Maverick Mountain Polaris

Maverick set a record in 2010/2011, for their highest number of skiers with 9,599 visits. That’s not a lot, which means more powder for everyone.

Summer crews removed more than 3,000 beetle killed trees from trail edges and along the lift line. Working with the Forest Service, they are developing a Vegetation Management Plan to project the desired future condition of the mountain. The plan will be a proactive, science-based approach to forest management.

Maverick will increase ticket prices and season pass rates this year to keep pace with operating costs.

“These are difficult decisions to balance the cost of services and maintain affordable skiing in our community,” wrote general manager and owner Randy Shilling in the fall newsletter.

Mav’s voicemail says there’s at least 8-15 inches on the hill, and they’re waiting for more snow to open.

Discovery Ski Area Philipsburg

Disco has been open weekends only, and opens Monday, Dec. 19 seven days a week.

“We got lucky and picked up about a foot of snow in early December,” said Ciche Pitcher, who is the ski area’s vice president and resort operations manager.

“We’re in the same boat as everyone else right now.

While we’ve got some snow, we haven’t had anything new in a while.”

The front side is open, and the weekend of Dec. 10 was the busiest so far this season. Pitcher estimates they need another 12-18 inches to open the backside, hopefully by Christmas day.

Disco’s big news for the year: A new triple chairlift has replaced the old blue Jubilee lift. The new lift is faster, because they moved the bottom terminal up. E.S>

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Big Sky Weekly

Rendezvous Ski Trails West Yellowstone

After a big push during Thanksgiving week, Rendezvous nordic trails in West Yellowstone are cranking along at full swing. The early snow allowed Rendezvous to open all 35 kilometers of trails, including five kilometers of new trails and connectors that meander through the existing trail network.

The Yellowstone Ski Festival over Thanksgiving had great turnout, said Dan Cantrell, the director of the Yellowstone Ski Festival and the West Yellowstone Ski Education Foundation. “In the past a good year has been about 3,000, and I think we met that or exceeded it this year.”

This is going to be a busy year, with a lot of new stuff going on, Cantrell said.

On the weekend of Dec. 10, they broke in a new biathalon course with a biathlon NORAM, bringing international athletes to town.

The weekend of Dec. 17 hosts a SPAM cup with divisions for everyone, and a National Guard biathalon camp, and the brand new Kids n’ Snow program.

Designed to promote active lifestyles, the program takes kids cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. All are welcome.

Head down to West with the skinny skis, because according to Cantrell, the trails are “skiing really, really well.” E.S.

Bridger Bowl Bozeman

By Jamie Kujawa Bridger opened lower mountain terrain the weekend of Dec. 9, running its Snowflake and Powder Park lifts. With October storms the last two falls, Bozemanites have gotten accustomed to excellent early season conditions, but this year has been a slower start.

This dry weather isn’t unusual, says Doug Wales, Bridger’s sales and marketing director. Wales started there in the early ‘80s, and he recalls the resort sometimes didn’t open until mid-January.

Even so, Wales says, there were a “decent number of folks relative to what we have to offer [on opening weekend].” The vibe around the hill was optimistic: People smiled as they loaded the quad, passes were still being sold, and the reservations are up from last year at this time.

Wales is also staying positive, and he encourages patience. Skiers could be unloading at the Bridger lift mid-station by next week, he says, as long as overnight temperatures remain low enough to blow snow.

“Powder tends to erase bad memories,” Wales added, recounting how much things can change after one storm. But until it snows, early season conditions remain. Although hiking above the Powder Park lift is allowed while upper mountain lifts remain closed, it’s not recommended. Check with ski patrol for updates and advisories.

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word from the resorts

Big Sky Weekly

moonlight basin rail jam big sky town center dec. 2, 2011 Photos by Brent Day

Bridger Bowl opening day

Jack Creek Grille takes the place of the former Timbers New facilities owned and operated by Moonlight Basin Moonlight Basin has three new dining options in the Moonlight Lodge, the North Slope Deli, Jack Creek Bar and the Jack Creek Grille.

These facilities were formerly operated under the name Timbers.

Now named after the iconic Jack Creek Road, a gated 10-mile dirt road that winds through a wilderness preserve and drainage west of Big Sky, the new restaurant will be genuine and friendly, with beautiful presentation and fine dining, according to Karen Lum, Moonlight’s marketing director.

The new format allows a lower price point, said Greg Pack, General Manager at Moonlight.

“We were trying to make sure that families could visit us a couple times during their stay and create an environment that locals would consider a regular spot,” Pack said.

Photos by Jamie Kujawa

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The menu is family friendly with as much local food as possible, said executive chef Eric Stenberg.

“We’d like to call it American food.

It’s grill style, with steaks, seafood, pasta, lasagna. It’s comfort food, in a sense.”

The bartenders will strive to know your face and recognize you, if not know your name, Lum added.

“They will know your favorite drink and mix special ones not found on the menu because... it’s fun and makes our guests feel special. You can count on value and high quality.” E.S.

December 16, 2011 53

EVENTS big sky

Military Appreciation Weekend Big Sky Resort Dec. 17 – 18 Jeff Belino and 10 Foot Tall and 80 Proof live Choppers Dec. 17, 5 p.m Season Kick off party Big Sky Resort Dec. 17

explorebigsky.com Planning an event? Let us know! Email abbie@theoutlawpartners.com and we’ll spread the word.

Christmas Tea Gallatin Gateway Inn Dec. 18, 2 p.m.

Christmas cookie decorating Leaf & Bean Dec. 18, 2 p.m.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Ellen Theater Sunday Matinees 3 p.m.

All other shows 7:30 p.m.

Thru Dec. 23 Torchlight parade, fireworks display & spaghetti dinner Bridger Bowl Dec. 30, 4 p.m.

Open Mic Night Choppers Every Tuesday Buck's T-4 Annual Holiday Party Dec. 18, 6 p.m.

Bottom of the Barrel live Choppers Dec. 23, 9 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Dance The Emerson Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

west yellowstone

Christmas Eve Activities Big Sky Resort Dec. 24

Christmas for the Critters Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center Dec. 15 – 31

Tom Marino live Choppers Dec. 24, 5 – 7 p.m.

Sled dog races Rodeo Run 2011 Dec. 15 – 17

Moonlight Lodge New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31, 2011—Ring in 2012 with Moonlight! The Moonlight Lodge New Year's Eve Party features dinner from Jack Creek Grille, live music, party favors and champagne as the ball drops.

Dinner: 6 – 9 p.m.

Music: 9 p.m. – 1 a.m.

907 Britt and Richie Reinholdt (Singer/songwriter) Norris Hot Springs Dec. 17 Speakeasy Sultry Blues Pink Creek Café Dec. 17, 7 p.m.

John Lowell (Americana) Norris Hot Springs Dec. 18 Solstice Celebration Rainbow Ark Dec. 22, 5 – 8 p.m.

The Dirty Shame Chico Hot Springs Dec. 23, 8 p.m.

Cost $120 per person includes party favors, champagne, music and dinner. $25 after 9 p.m. includes party favors, champagne and music.

Reservations can be made with the Mountain Concierge. Max 150 people.

Tom Murphy (Thermal Grass) Norris Hot Springs Dec. 23 Community Christmas Dinner Civic Center Dec. 25, 12 – 2 p.m.

Kent Johnson (Singer/ songwriter) Norris Hot Springs Dec. 30 New Years Bash ft. Archer’s Mob Pine Creek Café Dec. 31, 7 p.m.

Six Strings Down Classic Rock & Blues Chico Hot Springs Dec. 30 - 31, 8 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service & celebration Moonlight Basin Moonlight Lodge Dec. 24, 5 p.m.

Kids and Snow Event Dec. 15 – 17 Kidsnsnow.org to register

Pierre family fundraiser set for Dec. 26

Ski with Santa Moonlight Basin Dec. 25

S’mores and more West Yellowstone Ice Rink Dec. 17, 6 – 9 p.m.

In the wake of Jamie Pierre’s untimely death, the Big Sky community is coming together to support his family. The Big Sky Chaplain’s Association is working with the ski resorts and many individuals to host a fundraiser.

Jaime Pierre Family fundraiser Buck’s T-4 Dec 26, 7 p.m.

Call Doug Timm 581-0142

Spam Cub #1 Classic race Rendezvous Ski Trails Dec. 17 Christmas Bird Count Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center Dec. 18, 8:30 a.m.

Family Night with Moonlight Madison Village Base Area Dec. 29, 5 – 8 p.m.

Winter Snowshoe Program U.S. Forest Service Hebgen Lake Ranger Station Dec. 29, 1 p.m.

New Years Eve Activities Big Sky Resort Dec. 31 Half Moon Saloon 9th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration ft. the Codi Jordan Band Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m.

New Years Eve Bash Choppers Dec. 31, Starting at 5 p.m.

Bozeman Holiday Bazaar The Emerson Dec. 17, 10 a.m.

BBBS Gift Wrap Booth Gallatin Valley Mall M-S 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Sun. 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Nutcracker in a Nutshell The Emerson Dec. 16 – 17 Christmas Bird Count Perkins Restaurant Dec. 17, 7 a.m.

54 December 16, 2011

paradise valley

“Even though [the Pierres] are new to the community, I think Jamie had touched a bunch of people here,” said Moonlight Basin’s general manager Greg Pack. “Our goal is to help out a local family in need.”

Pack said everyone he’d spoken with was more than willing to be part of the fundraiser, asking how to help.

Amee (Jamie’s wife) wants to make sure the fundraiser is a celebration of Jamie’s life, Pack added.

“She said Jamie would want it to be a lighthearted event. To celebrate the fun in life. He was fairly easy going, and would want people to celebrate that way.”

United Blood Drive St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Call Bob 222-009

Pack and professional skier Scot Schmidt will emcee the evening, which will include a "dine around" format with food from area restaurants. Items will be auctioned off, and all proceeds will go to the Pierres.

Splendid Feast The Elling House Virginia City Dec. 16 - 17, 6:30 p.m.

“The Big Sky Chaplains exist to communicate the good news of Jesus Christ and to help in tangible ways in critical times,” said Doug Timm, the Pierres’ pastor. “But we could not do it alone. The community has really helped.”

Felix Navi-Vaude, Holiday Variety Act Crazy Mountain Productions Dec. 16 - 18 Call for time 222-1420

Schmidt notes the mark Pierre left on the ski community as a whole, calling him a true inspiration:

Honky Tonk Heros Chico Hot Springs Dec. 16-17, 8 p.m.

Holiday Lights Committee PreLighting Party Civic Center Dec. 17, 6 p.m.\

“Although we moved in the same circles for many years, our paths only recently crossed,” he said. “Getting to know Jamie was easy. His approach was bold, and his courage was infectious. His death has stirred our emotions, but it is his life that will inspire us forever.” E.S. Details: Dec. 26, 7 p.m. at Buck’s T-4 Lodge Evening will include silent auction, food and cash bar. $10 donation To submit an auction item, contact Doug Timm at 581-0142, or drop items off at the Outlaw office in the Big Sky Meadow Village.

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the

cave

Spirits & Gifts BIG SKY’S FULL SERVICE

LIQUOR STORE UNIQUE MONTANA GIFTS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK • 406-995-4343 Shirts Hats

Books Jewelry

Located in TOWN CENTER at the corner of HWY 64 and OUSEL FALLS ROAD

Tickets

$15

Saloon Doors open 9:30 p.m.

Party favors, champagne toast, fire spinner and bonfire

MONTANA STATE LIQUOR STORE

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Located in the Big Horn Center, north of signal light, at corner of Hwy 191 & Lone Mtn Trail, across from Bugaboo Café

The only Consignment Store in Big Sky!

Your local, best store for the resale of quality, lightly used: •

Home Furnishings / kitchen items & appliances

•

Furniture for all rooms / lamps, etc.

•

Artwork, wall hangings, décor items

•

Clothing (winter): women’s, men’s & children’s

•

Sports gear & sports clothing

•

Electronics + CDs, Videos & DVDs

•

Christmas & holiday decorations

•

and much, much more...

Open: Tues – Sat, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sun, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Closed on Mondays Call: Janine & Dick @ 406-993-9333

with opening band Junior Giant The CJB is an energetic and fun Reggae Rock outfit from Salt Lake City, Utah. If you are a fan of artists like Sublime, Slightly Stoopid and Passafire, the Codi Jordan Band will blow you away.

CJB has played the Mandalay in Las Vegas and Sundance Film Festival.

New Year’s Eve Dinner 6-9 p.m. available in the dining room with reservation Located on the banks of the Gallatin River on Hwy 191 Shuttles at 12:30 and 1:30 a.m.

More information & advance tickets 1-406-995-2928 or 1-406-993-9666 explorebigsky.com

December 16, 2011 55

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fun

Big Sky Weekly

Letters to Santa From letters written by local children at the Big Sky Christmas Stroll

Dear Santa, Hi my name i Kim derly.

I am wondering adout the reindeer? ha s enay presents? You ne ed a brake. Love, Kimde rly

Dear Santa, want I love you! I safe you to travel eer. with the reind Merry Xmas

Dear Santa , Hi my nam e is Kimde rly.

I am wond ering abou t the reinde er. has eny presents?

You need a break.

Love, Kimd erly

Dear Santa, I have been pre tty good this year I would love the etable good-tasti ng glow in the dark recip ie but it is your choice Sincerely, Michael

Dear Santa, May I have a real puppy

Dear Santa, e have Hi! may I pleas Girl Doll some American pe the clothes? I ho ood. reindeer are g Love, Nehalem

from Madison

Dear Santa, nerf gun, snowm obile, reindeer - I wan t it to be a surprise

Dear Santa, .

I like presents Cody I lovewuoy

Outlaws became elves at Big Sky's Christmas Stroll - Chris Davis and Taylor Anderson with Santa

56 December 16, 2011

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