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Big Sky Weekly

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Resort Tax: $3.6 million requested

Lukas Nelson to play at Big Sky PBR Ballot Initiative CI 108 would redefine "personhood" in Montana

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school elections may 8 Gov. Schweitzer brings the Big Sky to the Big Apple

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May 4, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue #9

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On the Cover Water Therapy: Wade-fishing the Gallatin River near Gateway early this spring with Zoe Standring and Luna. Fishing is now good on the Madison, Missouri and the Bighorn. See page 25 for Ennion Williams's detailed fishing report.

Photo by Trayser Media Group.

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Business of the Year May 4, 2012 Volume 3, Issue 9 PUBLISHER Eric Ladd COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars EDITOR Abbie Digel Assistant Editor Taylor Anderson Distribution Director Danielle Chamberlain VIDEO director Brian Niles videographer Chris Davis Account relations coordinator Kacey Brown Kayakers below House Rock on the Gallatin River, on the evening of May 1. Photo by Emily Stifler

Operations director Katie Morrison

Water levels, Gallatin River near Gallatin Gateway Discharge statistics, in cubic ft./seconds, for May 2 based on 81 years of record

WEB Developer/Designer Sean Weas CONTRIBUTors

Jamie Balke, Evelyn Boswell, Renae Counter, Kurt Dehmer, Maren Dunn, D.O., Linda J. Howard, J.C. Knaub, Bill Lee, Jimmy Lewis, Mike Mannelin, Anna Middleton, Brandon Niles, Elizabeth Quackenbush, Diane Tipton, Austin Trayser, Ennion Williams and John Zirkle

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Letter to the Editor Parameters The Weekly accepts letters to the editor to give readers a platform to express their views and share ways they would like to effect change. These should not be Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, state accurate facts and figures, and proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters. Include: first and last name, address, phone number and title.

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ADVERTISING DEADLINE For May 18 issuE: May 11, 2012 CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed.

Please report them to emily@theoutlawpartners.com

2 May 4, 2012

25th percentile

Median

Mean

75th percentile

May 2, 2012

Max (1952)

337

492

688

1060

1060

1250

2720

waterdata.usgs.gov

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Table of Contents Community...4 Letters...6 Local News...8 Regional..12 Montana...14 Food & Dining...17 Health & Wellness...18 Business...19 Business Profile...20

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Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky School Board elections Barbara Rowley In the April 20 the Weekly ran answers to the following questions by five school board candidates, Matt Jennings, Richard Lindell, Ty Moline, Kristen Ramirez and Jolene Romney.

We were unable to reach a sixth candidate, Barbara Rowley, who is running for reelection. Here are the questions again, along with Rowley’s responses, which were edited lightly for brevity.

The election is May 8.

We also realized that a significant change in graduation requirements was something that required community input and education. As the board representative at all three community meetings on the topic, I was heartened to see the engagement of our community with the school, and the ways in which we came together to present and approve a solution that will prepare our graduates not just to enter college, but to succeed there.

1. Why did you enter the race for the Big Sky School Board?

1. I have enjoyed the many meaningful ways I’ve been able to contribute to the board during my four years as a trustee, and want to continue building on those experiences to serve our community and our children.

2. What are your thoughts on the recent changes to the school curriculum requirements and district name from Ophir to Big Sky School District?

2. It was counting up my own daughter's high school credits, and seeing how students who had been sophomores a year ago were suddenly becoming seniors, that alerted me to the pressing issue of how our then graduation requirements aligned with our block system. Put simply, if a student took a full load (or even slightly less) in the block system of eight credits annually, graduation at LPHS's 22 credits only took three years.

3. Some have said the school is running out of room. How does a district like Big Sky— whose population fluctuates annually—plan for a growing student body?

4. Ennis and Big Sky’s Madison County residents will vote for two new trustees on May 8.

They will have a new superintendent at the end of June.

How do you see the two boards maintaining a strong relationship in the future? Is there a need for this?

When I brought this concern to the board chair and our wonderful new superintendent I was pleased at the process we used to address the issue.

Our board quickly decided that a LPHS degree that could be attained in three years with ease, and which had fairly limited requirements in math, science and social studies, did not provide the rigor or preparation for college that we want our graduates to possess.

5. What do you see as the most important aspects of the school budget and budgeting plans in the coming three years?

3. Twenty-two years ago, when I first arrived in Big Sky and worked as an aide at the school, we had no library, lunchroom or gymnasium—or even an on-site principal and superintendent.

There were 45 students enrolled.

You don't need to look further than our physical plant today to see that our school boards and district have done a good job at anticipating future needs, and our community has done an equally admirable job at supporting the school as it’s grown. Even though our seasonal population fluctuates, the trends at the school have been on a steady trajectory upward.

4. School districts can and do work together on issues through statewide organizations like MTSBA. Obviously, the fact that students and families in their district go to school in our district makes the relationship closer, and I found it interesting that several of the Ennis candidates proposed having meetings here and acknowledged some of the fiscal, democratic and educational inequities in our current situation.

5. I think we are in a better position budgetarily than we have been for several years due to some tough decisions by the board and great oversight from our administrator and our school

A slice of talent: New musical at Ophir Shool

By Elizabeth Quackenbush Big Sky Weekly Contributor

BIG SKY—Who says there is nothing to do in Big Sky in early May? “A Slice of Savannah,” an original musical written, composed and produced by students in the Ophir Middle School, premiered on Thursday, May 3, with an additional performance (with a different cast) on Friday, May 4 at 7 p.m.

This is the second year Ophir music teacher Christian Gutierez and Big Sky Broadway Director and WMPAC Artistic Director John Zirkle taught a musical theater class, which guides the kids at the school through every step

4 May 4, 2012

of a show, from conceptualizing and writing a story to composing music, writing lyrics and designing sets.

Last year, the silly play “Of Glory Days and Mayonnaise” launched the concept. This year 22 students are involved in the class, up from eight last year.

Griffin Schumacher is the student director, Anna Alvin and Nicole Calvin are stage and prop managers, and piano teacher and concert pianist Klaudia Kosiak provided musical accompaniment. Sets were constructed and decorated by a team led by Taylor Middleton and Vika Smirnova.

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Photo by Anna Middleton

accountant. We now are building a reserve, which will allow us to respond in a budgetary crisis. Our salary costs, which were once almost 95 percent of our budget, have stabilized to a more sustainable 80 to 84 percent.

Public schools always struggle with funds; it is the unfortunate nature of the ways in which public schools are funded. Fortunately, efforts by a consortium of school districts and educational leaders (of which our district was one, as was our superintendent) have given us a better idea of what our state funding will be in the next few years, which takes away at least one of the unknown factors in school budgeting.

People don’t want to pay higher taxes.

Even though our voters support us in our levies and bonds and our tax base is high, education funding is equalized, so in many ways we are at the mercy of the state in terms of how much we can pay in salaries and other expenses. Fortunately, we have citizens who support our levies (which translates into funds kept in our district), and we have active fundraising for much of what happens in the school through OSC, Booster Club and FOBSE. Other funds come into the district through the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, the Ophir School Fund and Women in Action. It’s impossible to overstate how important these private funds are in helping us offer the educational experiences our community has come to expect.

In terms of the future, I think our budget will continue to reflect the value our district has historically placed on procuring the best staff and the most cutting edge curriculum and technology, because it helps our students succeed. Physical expansion will also surely be in our future.

school election letters Examine candidates' qualifications Fifty five years ago my late husband, Gene, and I came to the Madison Valley to purchase the ranch on which I still reside. We raised our family here. All of our children attended Ennis schools for twelve years. Our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren still call the Madison Valley home. We have had a great life here.

I have read the literature presented by all four candidates for Ennis trustee.

Some are old guard and some are more recent residents of our beautiful val-

ley. My thoughts are perhaps that we should examine the qualifications and proposals of each candidate rather than focusing on the amount of time they have been residents of the valley.

After reading the literature offered by all four candidates, I have been favorably impressed by what I have read of Craig George. He will have my vote for Ennis trustee, and I hope yours also.

Lois Walsh Cameron

Let's all rise above the drama We, who will vote for Ennis Schools Trustees, should all be concerned about the state of our school community and our community at large. Both have been divided amid finger pointing and accusation. It is well past the time that we all rise above the drama and become engaged in the solution. Please exercise your right and responsibility by voting on May 8th. We encourage you to vote for two Ennis Schools Trustees, Chad Coffman and Josh Vujovich.

In recent weeks these two young fathers and family men have announced their candidacy. Each demonstrates the character and qualifications necessary to accomplish what Trustees are charged with…solid decision making skills, the willingness to become more informed about the position and a history of service and volunteerism to our

schools and our community. They each represent the community at large (not a special interest group) and possess the willingness to do their part to resolve controversy and work to bring about healing. Both have young families, thus a vested interest in the future of our school system.

These two men are seeking your vote so that they may volunteer and serve as Ennis Schools Trustees. If you don’t already know Chad and Josh you’d serve yourself and the future of our schools by taking the time to call or meet with each of them. Reach Chad at 406-6827886 and Josh at 406-570-9536. Please be informed and base your decision on FACTS.

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Experience and common sense I have known Bill Clark since he and I started Ennis Elementary School together. After 12 years, and following graduation from high school, Bill stayed in the valley, working in the Madison County Sheriff Department.

When I returned with my husband to the valley after veterinary school, Bill was active as a deputy sheriff, a fact I found out firsthand one summer morning. I had borrowed two horses from my parents for two of my children to ride that summer. The children had neglected to latch the gate securely after riding the evening before, an oversight not overlooked by the horses. That morning they bunted the gate open and were heading south to the home ranch. I discovered them across the highway, entrapped in an L-shaped fence open to the highway.

As I tried to corner the horses, Bill Clark drove up in his sheriff’s pickup, calmly stepped out with two horse halters (where but in Montana does the deputy sheriff come ready with horse halters?), and said “I thought it looked like you could use some help.” With his assistance, we caught the horses, and after offering to help lead them back, Bill climbed back into his vehicle and drove off.

I doubt that his job description really included “helping frantic mother of

five capture loose horses.” But his awareness and ability to read the situation and prevent a possible accident, either to the horses or to an unsuspecting motorist, point out the qualities that make him a good candidate for Ennis School Board: a willingness to help, being prepared for an unexpected situation, and most of all, common sense.

Bill Clark’s years with the department have helped ready him for the task at hand. Bill’s experience with large budgets and multiple funds throughout his twenty-plus years at the Sheriff Dept will stand him in good stead as school board trustee. Craig George will bring the same experience with budgets from his years on the State Police in Oregon, and ten years directing various state and federal funds for his department. With this knowledge, they will be able to help the board avoid the unfortunate missteps that have brought turmoil to the community.

Experience and common sense make Bill Clark and Craig George excellent candidates for Ennis School trustees.

Please vote on May 8th, for William “Bill” Clark and Craig George.

Sincerely, Eileen M. White, D.V.M.

Bob & Maria Lake Ennis

Vote yes on May 8 A Letter to the Community from the Big Sky School District Trustees We are asking the voters of the Big Sky School District to support our request for the passage of two levies. The Building Reserve Levy will fund the maintenance and repair of our school building and grounds.

The Technology Fund Levy will help the district continue to offer students access to the computers and other technology crucial to a 21st century education.

These levies are on the ballot because these kind of ongoing costs are impossible for the district to meet with funding from the state and federal governments. Appropriately, the majority of our budget funds are used for salaries for teachers and staff, as well as curriculum and student supplies. And yet, everyone recognizes that our students need a building and school grounds that are safe, clean and in good repair, and that these costs are ongoing. Meeting these needs for the next five years will cost taxpayers $13.20 per every $200,000 of market value of their properties.

We believe this is a reasonable value

in order to maintain one of our community’s most valuable assets.

Similarly, the small technology fund levy request—just over $2.00 annually per $200,000 of market value—is another ongoing cost that will not go away as the district strives to keep computers and technology current. Over and over again, community members cite the technological education of our students as a high priority.

These local levies are your opportunity to vote for a tax that stays completely at home, to benefit the children of our community as well as the many community members who use our facility and technology services. These levies are for specific purposes and are limited in scope. We are not asking for a General Fund Levy this year. We hope that you will vote yes for both of these levies on Tuesday, May 8, at Ophir School. The polls open at noon and close at 8 p.m. Absentee ballots are available at school until noon, May 7.

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May 4, 2012 5

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Big Sky Weekly

Big Timber to host Cowboy Hall of Fame

By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

BIG TIMBER—After months of waiting for what was supposed to be announced Nov. 30 of last year but ended up being made on April 30, the Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center has chosen Big Timber for the site of its new museum.

Big Sky, led by Ryan Hamilton and other Big Sky leaders, placed a strong application that made it to the final round of judging before the hall of fame board announced its final decision.

“Ryan Hamilton has done on behalf of Big Sky a phenomenal job,” Cowboy Hall of Fame finance director Aaron Lyles said. “We would have had an incredible partner in Big Sky had we picked that spot.”

Some questioned whether Big Sky’s cowboy heritage was rich enough to warrant putting the state’s museum here, but Lyles said heritage had nothing to do with the nonprofit’s final decision.

Ultimately, the decision hinged upon land and finances.

As part of the application, the Town Center set aside eight acres of land in the development for the project at a discounted price of $500,000— as much as eight times less than the market value of the land, Lyles said.

“The Simkins family made an unbelievably incredible offer. It was probably the greatest financial offer made of all the offers,” Lyles said.

The ideal site would exist on a 30-acre parcel, Big Sky attached itself to Yellowstone National Lyle said. An original, 25-acre site off Highway Park to strengthen its application, pointing out 191 in the Canyon the millions of travwas priced too high who use the “I am hopeful that the Big Sky elers and was taken off the nearby west entrance table for Big Sky’s final community can build on the to enter the park annuoffer. In an effort to ally. It also pointed to momentum and excitement strengthen the applicathe numerous occagenerated by this project to tion, Hamilton and the sions town leaders Simkins family shifted do something really big in the have risen together to gears and offered complete collaboranear future" -Ryan Hamilton the land in the Town tive projects, includCenter. ing most recently the Big Sky PBR, adding wayfinding signage to the But in picking Big Timber, the board had a 30area, new branding efforts, and the Warren Miller acre site that was already partially developed and Performing Arts Center. would cost less.

Hamilton sent a letter out May 1 thanking more “At the end of the day it was a financial decithan 50 individuals and businesses for their help sion,” Lyles said. “They did all the site work, all rallying behind the project. the infrastructure was fully developed. It was [originally developed] to be a Ford dealership” “I am hopeful that the Big Sky community can before that project was abandoned four or five build on the momentum and excitement generyears ago. ated by this project to do something really big in the near future,” he wrote.

The race narrowed over the 10 months to towns “We wish the [Hall of Fame] all the success in Big centered mostly in the more populated western Timber!” part of the state, including Big Sky, Livingston, and Twin Bridges.

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6 May 4, 2012

But ultimately Big Timber, a central Montana town with a population of 1,801, took home the project.

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The very first Lone Peak High School National Honor Society Induction ceremony was held on Friday, April 27 at the school.

Pictured from left are 2012 Inductees Chris Goode, Anna Middleton, Kaela Schommer, Tucker Shea, Tommy Tosic and honorary member Julia Schelle. Students were chosen for induction into the society because they uphold the high standards of scholarship, leadership, service and character in the NHS pledge.

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local news

Resort Tax applicants BIG SKY—The following list outlines the 2012-2013 resort tax appropriation applicants and the recipients from previous years.

Twenty-eight groups applied for nearly $3.6 million in funds. Money available for appropriation will be re-

December 2011 was the highest grossing of that month since the

3 percent sales tax was instated in 1992.

The money is used for community improvement and has gone toward services and programs including tourism development, infrastructure, postal services, emergency services, public transportation, parks and trails, and the community library.

A question and answer session with the applicants will be held May 9. The final appropriation, when money is actually given out, is June 13. Both meetings are at 1 p.m. in the Big Sky Chapel.

Big Sky Resort Area District 2012-2013 Appropriations Applications and Prior Year Requests

Updated May 1, 2012

Order Received

leased just before the June 13 meeting to ensure March and April collections are complete. So far this year, $1,911,537 million has been collected from July 2011 to February 2012.

2012-2013 Requested Funded

2011-2012 Requested Funded

2010-2011 Requested Funded

2009-2010 Requested Funded

Applicant Name

Project Description

1

Friends of Big Sky Education

Warren Miller Performing Arts Center

500,000

TBD

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

2

Post Office

Post Office

35,500

TBD

44,000

44,000

39,000

35,000

45,500

45,500

3

Transportation District

Skyline

300,000

TBD

302,078

290,000

290,000

250,000

320,000

320,000

4

Northern Rocky Mountain RC&D

Noxious Weeds

30,000

TBD

19,000

19,000

19,000

19,000

19,000

19,000

5

Arts Council

2013 Music in the Mountains

94,350

TBD

82,775

82,775

71,560

71,560

90,590

79,090

6

Fire Department

Fire Department

437,000

TBD

452,250

430,000

467,500

350,000

593,224

557,294

7

Friends of the Community Library

Library

68,400

TBD

57,000

52,000

62,000

52,000

54,320

47,000

8

Search and Rescue

Operations

12,000

TBD

10,000

10,000

15,200

15,200

14,700

14,700

9

Sheriff's Office

Patrol Services

124,410

TBD

122,498

122,498

111,130

111,130

110,267

110,267

10-R

Chamber of Commerce

Biggest Skiing in America

31,582

TBD

200,000

200,000

250,000

250,000

250,000

250,000

11-R

Chamber of Commerce

Publications

17,691

TBD

31,000

25,344

NA

NA

NA

NA

12

Chamber of Commerce

Marketing and Promotions

235,000

TBD

43,000

32,000

145,000

50,000

185,237

130,000

13

Chamber of Commerce

Wayfinding, Entry, Lighting

275,000

TBD

40,000

33,000

NA

NA

NA

NA

14

Chamber of Commerce

Operations Administrative

130,000

TBD

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

15

Big Sky Community Corporation Community Corporation

Park Improvements

162,000

TBD

179,000

179,000

436,780

400,000

* 1,315,500 *

110,500

16

Big Sky Community Corporation Community Corporation

Operating and Maintenance

95,000

TBD

100,000

95,000

NA

NA

NA

NA

17

Snowmobile Association

Buck Ridge Grooming

17,500

TBD

15,000

15,000

15,000

12,000

17,850

15,000

*

18-R

Women in Action

Counseling Program

10,000

TBD

9,200

9,200

NA

NA

NA

NA

19

Women in Action

Counseling Program

10,000

TBD

20,800

20,800

20,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

20

Blue Water Task Force

Watershed Group

68,319

TBD

48,690

33,000

31,750

20,000

40,549

33,000

21

Jack Creek Preserve Foundation

2,000

TBD

2,000

2,000

NA

NA

5,773

0

22

Skating and Hockey Association

Rink Maintenance and Operations

26,500

TBD

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

23

Northern Rocky Mountain RC&D

Bear Smart

10,000

TBD

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

24

MSU Gallatin County Extension

Forest and Fire Safe Program

15,600

TBD

15,600

15,600

15,600

15,600

15,600

14,500

25

Ski Education Foundation

2012-2013 Season

29,097

TBD

NA

NA

NA

NA

4,500

3,800

26

Morningstar Learning Center

Morningstar

198,778

TBD

60,000

0

28,000

20,000

NA

NA

27

Water and Sewer

Recon Dynamics Wireless Telemetry

30,000

TBD

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

NA

28

Water and Sewer

Debt Service

350,000

TBD

300,000

250,000

350,000

32,648

300,000

50,000

Interlocal Agreement

250,000

250,000

500,000

500,000

500,000

500,000

500,000

500,000

NA

NA

103,651

15,000

373,162

134,534

385,100

511,858

3,506,454

TBD

2,757,542

2,475,217

3,240,682

2,358,672

4,287,710

2,831,509

Required Bond: Water and Sewer

Other Funded Projects Total Did Not Apply 2012-2013

Jack Creek Water Quality

See Resolutions in the Governing Docs online for Applicant Approp. funding details per year

New Requests The Resort Tax fiscal year (FY) begins July 1 and ends June 30. For example, FY 2013 begins July 1, 2012 and ends June 30, 2013.

Rollover Requests TOTAL Requests

59,273

*

RED= 2012-2013 Rollover Appropriation Requests

3,565,727

*Park Imprvmts,Trail Mntnce and Ops combined

Big decision Ophir, Ennis schools count the votes May 8

By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

BIG SKY and ENNIS—Some candidates may already be in the lead via mail-in ballots, but an in-person election will determine the results of the May 8 election for the Big Sky and Ennis school boards. The votes will be counted that same day.

The Big Sky School Board has six candidates running for three open positions: incumbent Barbara Rowley is being challenged by Ty Moline for the two-year trustee position, and Richard Lindell, Jolene Romney, Kristen Ramirez and Matt Jennings are all running for two, three-year positions.

8 May 4, 2012

In Ennis, Bill Clark, Craig George, Josh Vujovich and Chad Coffman are running for two, three-year seats.

The Ennis School Board has been battered by scandals involving its superintendent, Doug Walsh, and also the board’s decision to forgo a public vote to raise funds for its new building.

Madison County voters, including those from developments at the resorts in Big Sky and the Yellowstone Club, can vote in the Ennis election. It doesn’t include any levies.

In Gallatin County’s Big Sky election, the vote will include two, small levies for technology and a building reserve.

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The 4.48-mill building reserve aims to raise $541,730 within five years for “facility maintenance and repair, grounds maintenance and improvements, and equipment purchases and upgrades,” according to the notice released by the school.

About 45 percent of that fund would pay the school’s on-staff maintenance team, which provides most of the maintenance and repairs. The other 55 percent of the proposed fund would pay for new equipment and scheduled annual maintenance, said Sue Becker, Big Sky School District’s business manager. The money would not fund any modulars or other new building construction, she said.

The .72-mill technology fund levy would be added to the current 2.71 mills dedicated to IT staff and maintaining technology equipment.

The increase is permanent, meaning there’s no timetable on when it expires, but Becker said the mill would be in place only as long as necessary for keeping up with technology costs.

The school has increased its technological equipment and offerings for students in recent years, Becker said.

Both mills, if passed, would increase taxes on a home with the market value of $200,000 by $15.32 annually.

Creighton Block

Rob Akey Greg Alexander Jim Barrett Diana Brady Lynn Cain Todd Connor

John DeMott Jerral Derr yberr y Flavia Eckholm Edd Enders Thomas English

Mark Gibson Don Grant Mimi Grant Ott Jones David Lemon

Asha MacDonald Mike Patterson Paula Pearl Jacqueline Rieder Hud Gar y Lynn Rober ts

Daniel San Souci Deb Schmit Laurie Stevens Dave Swanson Shirle Wempner

A RTIS T PROF ILE Jerral Derr yberr y grew up in small towns in Texas, Colorado and West Virginia. His formal education was in architecture, having earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from University of Texas at Austin.

The training he received in architectural illustration techniques, casein, gauche and watercolor gave him the means to work his way through college and also were the first steps toward his future as a fine ar tist. In the 80’s through the late 90’s, he relocated to Taos and Santa Fe New Mexico, where he concentrated his effor ts on studying the oil painting techniques of the great New Mexico impressionist masters. It was during this period that he began painting primarily plein air subjects

Jerral Derr yberr y “The Deadwood Stage” Oil on Linen, 18” x 32”

EV ERY THURSDAY AT 4 : 3 0 P M

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

1 1 :3 0 A M - 6 : 3 0 P M M O NDAY TH RU S ATU RDAY S U N DAY S BY APPOI NTM ENT

shows and exhibitions.

p r ov id ed by

W I N E TA S T I N G S

and selling his paintings in galleries, juried

the

cave

Spirits & Gifts

4 0 6- 9 9 3 - 9 4 0 0

C REI G H TO NBL O C KG A L L E RY. C O M

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

local news

Big Sky Weekly

Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real to headline PBR big sky weekly staff writer

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BIG SKY—Fresh off their second studio album release and appearance on David Letterman, Lukas Nelson and his band, Promise of the Real, have agreed to headline the music lineup at the Second Annual Big Sky PBR. Lukas is the son of famed outlaw country star Willie Nelson.

Nelson was the featured outlaw in last winter’s Mountain Outlaw magazine.

The one-time music school dropout and three others in the group — Anthony LoGerfo, Tato Melgar and Corey McCormick — have spent the last year touring and recording a new album that dropped on April 3.

an 18-year-old Texas-based country singer, started playing music at age 7, and brings an upbeat honky-tonk sound to Big Sky. The Big Sky Arts Council is sponsoring Frazier’s performance. The Calcutta acts as a fundraiser and proceeds go directly to local charities.

Tickets for the event include bull riding and two nights of music, and cost $150 for Golden Buckle seating and $40 for general admission.

Tickets go on sale June 15. explorebigsky.com/bigskypbr

The Ventura, California-based band mixes hard rock and roll influences with Lukas’s Texas roots to create a unique sound that has been quick to pick up momentum in the music world.

The new album, "Wasted," was produced by Bob Weir, formerly of the Grateful Dead.

Music starts playing at the stage outside the arena seating immediately after riding concludes on Aug. 1.

Morgan Frazier will open the twoday event on July 31, playing at the Calcutta event that is planned for the arena grounds that evening. Frazier,

Lukas Nelson, seen here playing at last year's Music on Main in Victor, Idaho, has agreed to paly at this year's Big Sky PBR on Aug. 1. Photo by Austin Trayser

Record season for Big Sky Resort BIG SKY—Big Sky Resort closed the winter with more than 340,000 skier visits, the most the resort has ever seen. With a season two weeks shorter than the previous, the resort still saw an increase over last year’s record skier numbers.

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“Even while other resorts across the country struggled to keep slopes open this winter, Big Sky started off with a great base and continued to get powder throughout the season," said Taylor Middleton, the resort’s general manager. "Skiers go where there’s snow.”

For the second year in a row, Big Sky Resort lowered season pass prices

during its early season pass sale, something that may have been part of its 25 percent increase in overall pass sales.

In addition to a record season, the resort saw a record holiday week between Christmas and New Years, and a record Presidents' Weekend this winter. On Feb. 19 Big Sky Resort recorded its highest number of skiers in one day, with an increase of 6 percent over the previous record day during the April 2011 Pond Skim.

“More skier visits means more business—for the resort and for the entire community,” Middleton said.

local news Group enters final stretch to get Big Sky signs Proposed entryway monument size decreased

By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

BIG SKY—The group that has worked for two years to get new directory signs and an entryway monument in Big Sky jumped another hurdle on May Day after getting final approval from the Big Sky Planning and Zoning Advisory Committee.

The group, led by Ryan Hamilton, will next meet with the Gallatin County Planning and Zoning committee for approval in early- to mid-June before it can stop worrying about its last obstruction of zoning and planning and focus on funding the 30 aesthetically pleasing signs and large monument at the intersection of Highway 191 and Lone Mountain Trail.

The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce has asked for $275,000 for signage, entryway monument planning and eight decorative lights from the intersection to the bridge on Lone Mountain Trail.

At the May 1 meeting, most of the questions from the committee concerned the size of the typeface on the signs, as well as the enormous size of the proposed monument welcoming visitors to Big Sky.

At 100 feet long by 35 feet tall – roughly the length of three billboards – the original proposal would have been too large for the board to accept.

“Simple I can understand, but humongous is another story,” said committee member and longtime Big Sky resident Becky Pape.

The board agreed to a smaller, 90-foot by 35-foot tall monument. Hamilton suggested that at 30 feet wide (the final proposal), the monument could be an attraction that visitors would want to stop at and take pictures in front of.

At current, the group has its eye on a strip of land on the Conoco property at the intersection. Any specific ideas for what to do with the welcome monument would come up during the planning stages for construction.

“These will come before the community again in the near future for review and comment for both wayfinding and the entry monument,” Hamilton said. “The public will still have the opportunity to review and comment.”

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Big Sky Weekly

regional Harris is new district ranger for the Madison

Haven’s annual fundraiser is May 19 at the Emerson

ENNIS—Ken Harris will start as the new Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest District Ranger for the Madison Ranger District May 21.

Harris came from the Klamath National Forest in northern California and graduated from Humboldt State University with a degree in Forest Management. He has worked on the Angeles, Siskiyou, Lassen and Klamath National Forests; worked as a consulting forester for private landowners; and taught elementary school.

Harris brings a background in fire and vegetation management, as well as experience working collaboratively with a variety of groups to accomplish natural resource management goals.

Most recently he has been the District Ranger on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District, which includes lands in both Oregon and California.

“Ken will be a great addition to the Beaverhead-Deerlodge NF Leadership team and to the community of Ennis,” said forest supervisor Dave Myers.

As District Ranger he has been actively involved in a variety of topics including minerals, Threatened and Endangered Species management, recreation, tribal relations, wilderness management,

Fundraiser supports domestic violence center of service with a tasting of exquisite chocolate, fine wine and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and a show from Basement Jazz, a local group of Bozeman High School musicians. Cocktail attire requested.

watershed restoration, timber, grazing and fire management.

Harris’s daughter Ashley is a firefighter with the Forest Service on the ShastaTrinity National Forest in California.

Their daughter Staci fought fires seasonally for the Forest Service for seven seasons but now has decided to use her math degree and is working toward her teaching credential. Kari, their oldest daughter, is completing her residency and in June will soon be a Family Practice Physician.

Harris said he and his wife were “overwhelmed by the positive welcome we received during our recent house hunting trip. The folks we met in the community, and the employees I had the opportunity to meet, made us feel immediately at home.”

BOZEMAN—Last year, HAVEN served 790 unduplicated clients and received 2,749 calls on its 24-hour crisis line. A nonprofit domestic violence organization serving the Gallatin Valley, the group’s annual fundraiser is vital to ensure clients continue to receive free quality support services.

This year the event will be May 19, at the Emerson Cultural Center. A Taste of Haven celebrates 33 years

HAVEN supports victims of domestic violence and their families with a 24-hour crisis line (406-5864111), 15-bed emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling and support groups. The organization also teaches preventative education to local children, which includes material on bullying, respect and healthy relationships. havenmt.org

Yellowstone National Park Ranked ‘Best Adventure Vacation’ WEST YELLOWSTONE—Yellowstone National Park has been ranked as the best adventure vacation in the country by U.S. News and World Report. The magazine also ranked Yellowstone as the best cheap summer vacation in the U.S., second best affordable destination, second best family summer vacation and third best relaxing getaway.

It named a list of the top 10 sights to see in the park: Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, The Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Mammoth Hot Springs, Hayden, Lamar Valley, the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone, Mount Washburn, the Grand Loop Road and Yellowstone Lake.

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Greater Yellowstone area whitebark pine strategy BOZEMAN—Concerned about threats to whitebark pine, members of the Greater Yellowstone Coordinating Committee on March 31 signed the Whitebark Pine Strategy for the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Whitebark pine is currently threatened by insects and diseases. Impacts from non-native white pine blister rust and native mountain pine beetle, combined with the effect of altered temperature patterns on beetle population dynamics, have resulted in significant loss of whitebark pine in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

“We recognize that the only way for us to address this issue is through interagency collaboration," said GYCC chair Steve Kallin. "We have to treat this problem holistically – it’s a landscapescale problem. The bugs and rust don’t stop at an invisible agency boundary.”

Whitebark pine grows on harsh sites at high elevation and occurs on about 10 percent of the 24-million-acre area.

The strategy establishes management objectives, sets priorities, and describes coordination efforts for the agencies that manage public lands in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Red Rock Lakes and National Elk Refuges, and the Bridger-Teton, Caribou-Targhee, Custer, Beaverhead- Deerlodge, Gallatin and Shoshone National Forests.

Sites proposed for protection and restoration will be prioritized according to criteria outlined in the strategy.

In 2006, as whitebark mortality increased, the committee worked to map the distribution and mortality of whitebark and develop a management strategy to maintain whitebark on the landscape in the GYA. "We recognize that actions taken on any jurisdiction affect the longterm status of this important species throughout the [area],” Kallin said.

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regional

Earthquake Lake Visitors’ Center to eliminate fees, remodel

Fun at the Farm and Ranch Show story and photo

By Kurt Dehmer

Big Sky Weekly Contributor

BOZEMAN— Residents of this corner of Montana are among a lucky few that know where our food comes from.

WEST YELLOWSTONE —The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center will open Saturday, May 26, but will operate a short season, closing on July 16 for a renovation and reconstruction project that will increase energy efficiency, user accessibility and reduce maintenance costs.

The first annual Montana Farm and Ranch Show took place the last weekend in April at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds, and was an educational celebration that put our food, and those hardy souls who produce it, on display for all to experience. The show included a petting area, small acreage land management lectures, branding history and everything in between.

What set it apart from a county fair is that all of the exhibitors, presenters and workshops had something to do with local agriculture. Exciting and educational workshops were designed for kids and for the young at heart. These included planting tomatoes, making butter, meeting milk cows, and even one on edible soil.

Events for grown-ups were as diverse as they were informative: Horse training, tractor restoration, meat processing, pig raising, leather working and home canning were among many of the demonstrations and workshops.

To round it all off, live demonstrations were conducted on various topics including sheep shearing, wool spinning, goat husbandry, draft horse shoeing, milking and basket weaving.

With my whole family in tow, we were glad to have some great food on hand. Miller Farms, Desert Rose Catering,

Big Sky Weekly

Rendezvous Catering, Kettle Corn and Wilcoxson’s Ice Cream all provided eats.

The Ag Theater presented short films and lectures on local food, raising Angus cattle in Russia, and a screening of the documentary “Sweetgrass.”

For evening entertainment the Farm and Ranch Show served up some boot stomping bluegrass music by the Bridger Creek Boys and whiskey tastings from Roughstock Distillery.

The 2012 Montana Farm and Ranch Show literally had something for everyone. Missed the show? All of the lectures were recorded and are available on DVD at montanafarmandranchshow.com.

See you next year.

The Earthquake Lake Visitor Center and facilities were installed to accommodate intense public interest shortly after the 1959 earthquake-caused landslide that resulted in human tragedies and the formation of Earthquake Lake.

Today, the center hosts more than 50,000 visitors annually. The Forest Service is proposing to eliminate the current $3 admission fee, starting with the 2012 summer season. It will also improving and replace interpretive exhibits along Highway 287 and outside the visitor center.

Comments on the fee-elimination proposal will be accepted until May 10 at fs.usda.gov/gallatin. Hours of operation will be 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., seven days a week starting May 26.

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May 4, 2012 13

Big Sky Weekly

montana Initiative seeks to redefine ‘personhood’

Community Works provides college scholarships

By emily stifler

BUTTE—In celebration of its centennial, NorthWestern Energy is bringing together its charitable contributions, economic development and community sponsorship programs under the name Community Works to provide $100,000 in additional funding for college scholarships.

Proposed amendment would change state abortion laws big sky weekly managing editor

MONTANA—As typical with any discussion about abortion, the arguments are heated.

Across Montana, people are petitioning for a ballot initiative that would redefine “personhood” under state law as starting at conception. Meanwhile, opponents are collecting signatures of those pledging not to sign the petition.

Constitutional Initiative No. 108 would amend a due process clause of the Montana Constitution to define “person” as “all human beings at every stage of development, including the stage of fertilization or conception, regardless of age, health, level of functioning, or condition of dependency.” It would grant rights at every stage of biological development, including fertilization or conception.

Dr. Annie Bukacek, president of the Montana Pro-Life Coalition, filed the proposed ballot measure.

“I sponsored CI 108 because, of the known pro-life legislative strategies, legal attestation of the personhood of the unborn is the only one with the purpose of abolishing the right to kill innocent unborn children,” Dr. Bukacek wrote in an email.

To get CI 108 on the November ballot, the coalition needs close to 49,000 qualified signatures by June 22;

those must include at least 10 percent in 40 of the 100 legislative districts.

Planned Parenthood of Montana is leading the opposition to the initiative. Its director Stacy James appeared at an April 20 panel discussion at MSU, alongside the organization’s national CEO Cecile Richards and Sen. Jon Tester.

“It would impact women and families of Montana,” James said, speaking about CI 108. James says the proposed law could ban abortion, along with many forms of birth control and in vitro fertilization, and could “also investigate if you have a miscarriage. For women who’ve gone through the tragedy of a miscarriage, you’d have to explain how that happened and if you were responsible. We cannot let that happen.”

Bukacek says this is not true, and that the bill “should not affect IVG, emergency contraception or cause investigations of women.” Personhood USA, which is based in Colorado, also disputes these claims, calling them “scare tactics.”

The proposed bill is similar to two previous initiatives, CI 100 and CI 102, neither of which made it onto a ballot.

‘Personhood’ bills and amendments have been proposed in several states, including North Dakota, Iowa, Georgia, Montana, Texas and Oklahoma.

“Many of our prospective employees come from our local technical colleges and universities so we’re looking at our new scholarship program to provide not only needed assistance with the cost of education but also to build long-term relationships with these students as they transition into their careers,” said Bob Rowe, President and CEO of the energy company.

The scholarships will be in various amounts and target specific areas of focus that reflect NorthWestern’s expectations of its future workforce needs. Educational institutions in Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska will administer the scholarships nor choose the recipients. $20,000 in scholarships will be made available to students attending Montana Tech of the University of Montana this fall.

NorthWestern Energy’s Community Works programs currently provide more than $1.5 million in funds for community sponsorships, charitable contributions and economic development organizations in the three state area. More information about grant requests is available on at northwesternenergy.com.

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montana Council selects growth through agriculture projects

By Linda J. Howard

Department of Agriculture

HELENA —A fledgling Kalispell juice company and a Bozeman salad greens producer are among a dozen recipients of $218,500 in grants through the state's Growth Through Agriculture program.

"The goal of the GTA program is to provide financial assistance to develop new products or innovative ideas that enhance and add value to Montana's agricultural industry," said David Tyler, chairman of the Montana Agricultural Development Council. "Companies who received the grants are required to match the investment, bringing the total expenditure for these projects to nearly a half million dollars."

Among the grant recipients is Kalispell Bottling Company, who will purchase equipment for the start-up of a fruit juice processing and bottling company in Kalispell. Converting perishable fruit into a shelf-stable beverage will expand the market for produce and create year-round, rather than seasonal, sales. The operation can utilize any fruit grown in the region, and hopefully will increase the efficiencies of local orchards and fruit processors.

"We believe this new facility will help many orchards in the Flathead Valley make better use of their fruit and see bigger profits by creating value-added products," said Jen DeSmul, General Manager of Kalispell Bottling Company. "The GTA grant will really help

us get this project off the ground."

Gallatin Valley Botanicals will use their GTA grant to extend the growing season and expand the capacity of their specialty salad greens production near Bozeman. The proposed season extension project will enable the farm operation to nearly double their sales of more than 120 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and berries to individuals and commercial clientele.

"Through this expansion, we will be able to grow and sell more produce year round, creating more loyalty and demand for locally-grown products," said Jacy Rothschiller, co-owner of Gallatin Valley Botanicals. "We'll also be creating new jobs within Montana's agricultural sector. It is truly a win-win for customers, local agriculture, and the state of Montana."

Other GTA grant recipients include Three Hearts vegetable farm in Bozeman; Demeter Bio-Resources Montana for a feasibility study of a proposed barley bio-fuels plant; Market Day Foods in the Gallatin Valley; Hidden Legend Winery in Victor, Montana; Montana Monster Munchies in Bozeman; Headframe Spirits in Butte for distillation equipment; Field Day Farms in Gallatin County.

Big Sky Weekly

Student groups gather in Helena to present bully prevention projects Montana schools have new anti-bullying website of high school students reported being bullied, and 18 percent of junior high and high school students reported being cyber-bullied. Last year, 14,500 Montana students in grades six through 12 took My Voice surveys about school climate, and 41 percent said bullying is a problem in their school.

HELENA—Montana is the only state in the country without anti-bullying legislation. Now schools are taking alternate routes to curb bullying problems in the state.

Groups of Montana students this April presented bullying prevention projects to the Supt. of Public Instruction Denise Juneau. 13 projects were carried out in schools and communities with the support of $2,000 grants from the Office of Public Instruction.

As part of the Graduation Matters Montana initiative, Supt. Juneau has taken on bullying prevention to ensure students have a positive school climate and reach their potential in the classroom. In coordination with the student presentations, her office launched a new website, opi.mt.gov/bullyfree, which provides tools and support for schools, students and families on bullying prevention.

Student groups can apply for $2,000 mini-grants from OPI to fund projects that use local, statewide and national data to increase awareness for health risk behaviors asked in the biennial Youth Risk Behavior Survey, conducted by the Centers for Prevention and Disease Control. Scobey, Forsyth, Shepherd, Boulder, Valier, Three Forks, Kalispell, Absarokee, Billings, Ronan, Great Falls and Helena were grant recipients this year.

Resources include model policies and procedures for schools, what students can do if they are being bullied or cyber-bullied, tips for parents and ways to assess a school's effectiveness regarding bullying prevention and intervention.

In the 2011 survey nearly 40 percent of junior high students and one fourth

The Agriculture Development Council, which consists of representatives from agriculture and government, reviews and selects successful applicants for GTA grants and loans twice a year. The next application deadline for the Growth Through Agriculture program is September 14. agr.mt.gov

Tough times for turkey after tumultuous 2011 winter MONTANA—Montana’s wild turkey numbers are well below average this year, according to Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

FWP says this is due to the cool temperatures and record precipitation of spring 2011, combined with a couple of past years of heavy spring snow, spring rain and cold weather.

Observers in the Glendive area are seeing fewer birds than normal, but in general it’s still a relatively productive area—especially along the Yellowstone River downstream from the town.

In the area surrounding Jordan turkey production was fair. There may be a few more birds on the ground here than there were last year, but the hunting experience is expected to be similar to last year's season.

In Forsyth and Miles City observers say while turkey numbers appear to

have recovered slightly, but remain lower than average.

In the Ashland, Broadus and Ekalaka areas turkey numbers are also well below normal. Isolated pockets of birds remain the Ashland Ranger District of the Custer National Forest. Wildlife managers say birds are more likely to be found along riparian corridors. As the landscape greens up turkeys will disperse.

Montana's spring turkey hunting season began April 14 and runs through May 20. Montana has a spring turkey gobbler season and an either-sex fall season. FWP reminds hunters that to transport any turkey taken during the spring turkey gobbler season, one leg and foot must be left naturally attached for evidence of sex.

Biologists are looking for improved turkey production this spring.

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montana

Big Sky Weekly

Montana students learn challenges, thrills of climbing Mount Everest MONTANA—One of the expeditions on Mount Everest this spring involves Montana State University geologist David Legeson, MSU student Travis Corthouts, Bozeman alpinist Conrad Anker, and Livingston climber/photographer Kristoffer Erickson.

The climbers left Bozeman in mid-March, arrived at base camp April 1 and hope to reach the summit in mid-May. At 29,035 feet, Mount Everest is the world's tallest mountain.

More than 1,000 students across Montana are following the expedition, and are using some of the same equipment in the classroom that the climbers are using on Mount Everest, said Suzi Taylor, assistant director of outreach and communication at MSU's Extended University. Extended University prepared 40 teacher kits and eight lesson plans to be used in Montana as the climbers ascend the mountain, Taylor said.

Students whose schools applied and were selected to receive the kits can now climb local hills and take GPS readings with expedition-quality equipment. They received time-lapse cameras, geologic rock hammers, and waterproof tablets for data observation. They also have maps to follow the climbers' progress.

"The students are really jacked up. Some days it is hard to get them to think about the other parts of their education," said Bill Lee, who teaches fifth and sixth graders at Winifred School, located in

north-central Montana between Havre and Lewistown.

A grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation allowed the program to double the number of kits available to schools. The MSU Leadership Institute is supporting Corthouts' travel, so he can send updates and photos back to classrooms.

The lessons cover meteorology, geology, climate Brietta Boyce (left) and Jada Goettlich, both sixth grade stuscience, the hisdents at Winifred School, use hand-held microscopes and eye tory/culture of loupes to explore the properties of granite, garnet, schist, and Everest, glaciology limestone rock samples included in the Everest Education Expeand biodiversity. dition kit. Photo courtesy of Bill Lee The educational outreach project was Find more expedition coverage at nationalgeodeveloped through a partnership with the Montana graphic.com/oneverest and thenorthface.com/ National Science Foundation EPSCoR program. everest.

The expedition is sponsored by The North Face and National Geographic. Follow the team’s dispatches, photos and videos at facebook.com/EverestEducation.

This article was adapted from one originally written by Evelyn Boswell for the MSU News Service.

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Section 2:

Big Sky Weekly

May 4, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue #9

life, land and culture

food & dining

Montana Morning Coffee Wofford was taking special orders for one pound bags of coffee from her costumers.

She also began selling coffee at Bannack Days, an event held in the nearby ghost town of Bannack, Mont.

“We roast the coffee over a campfire, wearing clothing from that era. We really get to go back in time,” she said. That sense of living history makes it one of Wofford’s favorite events.

With the help of her husband and two children, Wofford was able to open a place in Dillon to roast, brew and sell her coffee. Though the roaster that takes up a sizeable portion of the back counter is automated, she still takes pride in every batch. The beans are roasted one pound at a time and made to costumer’s order.

“My favorite thing about roasting my own coffee is when people notice the difference in the taste,” Wofford said.

Maryanne Wilford started roasting her own coffee beans at home using a stovetop popcorn maker.

story and photo By renae counter

big sky weekly contributor

DILLON—Friday morning started with a rush of unheard alarms, a loose bicycle chain and looming storm clouds. Flying out of the house, I barely had time to finish my luke-warm coffee. By one o’clock that afternoon, I was ready for the day’s second cup.

From a block away, I could already smell the aroma of fresh coffee as I rode my newly chained bike down Idaho Street to Dillon’s newest coffee shop, Montana Morning Coffee.

Most coffee shops are known for their hip vibe, cool atmosphere and of course great coffee. Montana Morning Coffee has all of that, plus one added feature. Behind the ordering counter is a steel contraption that looks like it belongs in a laboratory. Inside the device, hundreds of coffee beans were being tossed

around, roasted to perfection before being served as the perfect cup of coffee.

Mary Anne Wofford, owner and operator of Montana Morning Coffee, has been roasting her own coffee for nearly six years.

“It started one day when my son came home and said he had the best cup of coffee ever,” Wofford said.

“I looked into the source and found that the shop was roasting their own coffee beans. I thought, let’s give this a try and see if it’s something we want to do.”

Wofford started roasting from home, out of what she referred to as a “high-tech popcorn popper.” She would roast a bag at a time for her family and friends to enjoy.

As Wofford‘s interest in coffee roasting grew, she took her product to the streets, selling it at Dillon’s Farmer’s Market. Interest from the community also peaked, and soon

I ordered one of the specials. To the eye it looks like a normal, 12 ounce cup of brewed coffee, but it’s actually the product of a much longer process. Instead of the traditional drip method, Wofford makes her coffee from a cold brew extraction.

The coffee is bought in cold water and it takes up to 24 hours to brew.

The result is an aromatic, thick coffee syrup. Made to order, the syrup is mixed with hot water to the costumer’s liking.

“Cold brewing takes a lot longer,” Wofford explained. “You can’t just throw on a pot, you have to plan ahead, but it’s worth it. This method eliminates the bitterness and acidity that normal coffee has.”

The difference is noticeable. My afternoon pick-me-up may have been the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had.

It’s smooth, flavorful and, if I dare say, perfect.

Wofford offers a full selection of shop favorites including lattes, cappuccino and mochas, which can all be ordered hot or iced. Along with coffee, Wofford also does specialty baking. Her treats include cupcakes, brownies and cinnamon rolls, often created by her daughter.

“It doesn’t matter how little or much you order,” Wofford said. “I’ve done up to 180 special order mini-cupcakes before.”

After an hour of coffee drinking and rebooting, my morning started over in the middle of the afternoon.

“When you think of a morning in Montana—the beauty, the warmth— why not have it with a cup of Montana coffee?” Wofford said. “I strive to capture that Montana morning feel in my coffee.”

Montana Morning Coffee is located at 25 S. Idaho St. in Dillon. Currently, the shop is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wofford will also be roasting in front of the Apex Mining House during Bannack Days, scheduled for the third week in July.

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Big Sky Weekly

health & wellness

Ask Dr. Dunn How do I know if a mole has become skin cancer?

LOCALS

A P P R E C I AT I O N Night Saturday, May 5 Begins at 3pm (or come early!)

Skin cancers, divided into either melanoma or non-melanomas, are extremely prevalent in the U.S. Melanoma, the most life threatening of the bunch, carries a lifetime risk of 1 in 39 for men and 1 in 58 for women. Non-melanoma skin cancers include basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. And while they’re not as life threatening, they’re more prevalent.

Non-melanomas are commonly caused by sun exposure and appear as lesions that don’t seem to heal. They can be red, crusty or even bleed like a sore. Melanomas are more difficult to spot, and can pop up in strange places like the soles of the feet. If you can remember your ABC’s, likely you can remember these features that could indicate a melanoma: A – asymmetry B – border irregularity C – color change or variegation (mixture of colors in one lesion) D – diameter change or size bigger than 6mm E – evolution of size, color, shape or symptoms When in doubt, get it checked out!

Maren Dunn, D.O., is owner of Gallatin Family Medicine, a medical clinic in the Big Sky Meadow Village. Have a question? Email her at inquiries@gallatinfamilymedicine.com. gallatinfamilymedicine.com

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business Gov. Schweitzer promoting the Big Sky to the Big Apple HELENA —Gov. Brian Schweitzer this April visited New York City to promote Montana as a premiere summer vacation destination. This visit to the Big Apple coincides with a direct flight via United Airlines from New York that will start in June.

Every Saturday from June 9 through Sept. 1, the airline will offer a weekly flight out of Newark Liberty International Airport to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. The flights are scheduled to leave at 8:25 a.m. and arrive in Bozeman at 11 a.m.

As part of Schweitzer’s trip, big rigs (semi-trucks) wrapped in picturesque Montana landscapes and iconic wildlife will travel through New York’s boroughs to coax potential travelers. To kick-off the promotion, Schweitzer spent a day in Times Square in one of the big rigs, handing out promotional items like Montana beef and bison jerky and huckleberry jam.

“Who will be able to resist the lure of Montana when they see it pass by them on 48-foot moving billboard?”

Schweitzer said.

Travel and tourism is one of Montana’s most important economic drivers, contributing over $2.8 billion in gross spending into the state’s economy.

Montana has had an impactful marketing presence in other big markets like Chicago, Minneapolis and Seattle for the past several years, but this is a new

Gov. Schweitzer took a break from handing out Montana-made goodies in NYC to appear on Letterman. approach to establish a presence in the New York metropolitan area.

In total, 11 truck trailers vinyl wrapped with Montana images will be on the roads for at least three years.

Five smaller 34-foot trucks will be in the New York Metro area including the five boroughs, Long Island and the Tri-state metro area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Five larger trucks will be in the sur-

MSU pea variety offers growers opportunity to enter health-food market BOZEMAN—Researchers in Montana State University’s College of Agriculture have bred a yellow dry pea variety that could be used in developing healthful foods for diabetics and is now available to growers and entrepreneurs.

with the short, cool, growing seasons, like that of the Northern Great Plains.

The pea variety also has better yield, and its stem is less likely to bend at or near ground surface—a property known as lodging resistance. Peas that lodge easily can result in dramatically lower crop yield.

The pea variety, technically known as MSUPBLB10-10, is high in amylose starch, which, when included in food products, can lower their glycemic index. The glycemic index measures a food’s impact on blood sugar. Foods with a low glycemic index can help diabetics avoid spikes in their blood sugar and thereby lessen the chances of being afflicted with some of the long-term symptoms of diabetes, such as nerve damage, blindness, kidney disease and heart disease.

The pea is a semi-leafless, semi-dwarf, dry pea with medium test weight. It bears most of its pods in the top third of the plant, facilitating mechanical harvesting. Its pointed pod may help reduce pod shattering during harvest.

It produces a white flour that does not darken after processing into noodles and should combine well with wheat or other flours to increase protein, reduce gluten and reduce the glycemic index of the final product.

This variety offers growers an opportunity to expand into the diabetic and health food markets where low glycemic index products are desired.

The pea variety grows well in climates

Currently, MSU has 204 licenses from technologies developed by faculty and researchers. Of those, 93 licenses are with Montana companies.

Business announcement BIG SKY—Peter M. Bing of Bozeman has obtained his Certified Public Accountant license from the Montana Board of Public Accountants. Bing graduated from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and received his Masters in Professional Accountancy from Montana State University. He has recently taken a position as Comptroller with Blue Ribbon Builders in Big Sky.

rounding area, traveling through New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Upper New York and Upper Pennsylvania. A final semi will be on routes throughout Montana.

Governor Schweitzer also appeared on the David Letterman Show on April 25 in his campaign to share Montana with a national audience. travelmontana.org

Big Sky Weekly

business profile

HabiHut

Empowering women in Kenya big sky weekly staff writer

Nairobi, Kenya—A team behind the Bozeman-based business HabiHut is traveling to Nairobi, Kenya to install its cost effective, sustainable modular shelters from May 6 – 16.

these areas are at the nexus of truly affecting the world's clean water supply, especially for those in need."

With HabiHut's Water Kiosk, IFICATION COPY OF YOUR ADVERTISEMENT entrepreneurs who purchase a water HabiHut calls its new Water Kiosk solution the “key to enhancing the lives of women.” The structures utilize an advanced, re-engineered General Electric ZeeWeed water filtration and storage system, including water backpacks designed by GREIF, a world leader in industrial packaging.

kiosk can then offer clean and safe water to their communities while earning income.

PhotoSky courtesy of Habihut tisement which will appear in the 2009-2010 edition of the Big Regional Telephone shows women in developcollaborative model for emerging HabiHut’s team includes several tewide Publishing - Montana underResearch heading(s) ingthe regions are most oftenof: responsieconomies will accelerate developmembers of female-owned compa-

ble for supplying water and energy needs for their families and communities. But doing so often places women in life threatening danger and prevents access to education.

Investing in women with green business models helps grow strong economic and social development, the company says.

nies in the fields of energy, water, construction, multi-national firm restructuring. The team is led by HabiHut project manager Jim Ogburn, and Kenyan architect and social activist Ronald Omyonga. International consultant Tess Mateo, managing director of CxCATALYSTS, is coordinating HabiHut's efforts to reach a greater world audience is facilitating a partnership with The International Labor Organization's Growth Oriented Women Entrepreneurs program.

ment," Mateo said.

nformation correct? .......................................................................................... ❑ Yes ❑ No ber and address correct? ................................................................................. ❑ Yes ❑ No prototype utilizes colors inThe myHabiHut ad may varyalsodue to differences in printer inks & paper. ... ❑ Yes thin film PV solar technology creby GE PrimeStardirectly Solar Inc., ofecessaryated corrections on the ad as neatly as possible. fering a low-cost-per-watt solution to energy needs in the developing world and natural disaster zones.

"The relationship between energy and water is beginning to get more attention in the world," said Buz Weas, president of HabiHut. "Cutting edge technologies in both of

With this in mind, the HabiHut Water Kiosk solution meets many of the developing world’s needs for clean and safe water, joining the notion that women are increasingly becoming agents for economic, social and environmental advancement.

Telly award-winning videographers Brian Niles and Chris Davis of The Outlaw Partners, a Big Sky based media firm, and Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist Julia Yarbough of Julia Yarbough Media Group, based in Miami will also be present in Nairobi to document the installation of the kiosk.

"I am excited to bring greater visibility to HabiHut and the life-changing opportunities it brings to the women of Nairobi," Yarbough said. thehabihut.com

"By leveraging women, who reinvest more of their earnings into their families and communities, this new

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public announcement The Big Sky Resort Area District announces the appropriation of resort tax funds. Attend the upcoming community meetings in the Big Sky Chapel May 9 and June 13 at 1:00 p.m. bigskyresorttax.com

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Big Sky Weekly

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sports

By brandon niles

big sky weekly contributor

The Charlotte Bobcats: historically bad The 2012 Charlotte Bobcats officially became the worst team in NBA history as they fell to the New York Knicks by 20 points in the final game of the season. Despite being owned by Michael Jordan, one of the most competitive and successful basketball players of all time, the Bobcats have been awful this season, and their fan base is undoubtedly happy to see the season finally end.

The Bobcats finished the season with only seven wins and 59 losses in this strike-shortened year, giving them a winning percentage of just over 10 percent, the worst in NBA history. The team finished the season on a 23 game losing streak, tied for the third longest losing streak by any team in the history of the league.

This year was about rebuilding for the Bobcats. Guided by two rookies, C-F Bismack Biyombo and G Kemba Walker, the Bobcats were a young team looking to acquire new talent and grow as an organization. It was expected that the team would struggle this season, but few thought it would end up quite so bad.

Walker and Biyombo each had their positive moments, and each struggled greatly at points throughout the season. Additionally, many of the team’s other capable players were injured at times, making matters worse. As a result, a team with very little talent to begin with was left short-handed at times and unable to keep up with the other talented rosters in the league.

Bobcats fans can be hopeful for the future however. With a high pick in a loaded draft this year, the team will be in a great position to add some more talent to the team.

Additionally, the team will have

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some room under the salary cap to try and upgrade the roster through free agency.

Fans and media have been critical of the Bobcats for bottoming out this season and for trading away talented players like Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson in the last couple years as a means to rebuild.

However, Charlotte had maxed out the potential of that roster, and it makes sense to move on now. Still, few believed that the team could be as bad as it was this year. Some of the key Bobcats would struggle to even make the roster on other teams, let alone play for extended minutes.

Unfortunately, even getting the number one pick and drafting Kentucky big man Anthony Davis probably won’t solve all of the Bobcats’ problems. They simply lack the talent to compete. At least fans can look forward to something next year though. The only place the team can go from here is up!

Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about professional sports 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.

explorebigsky.com

May 4, 2012 23

explorebigsky.com

outdoors

Fishing News Changes to fishing regulations on central Montana Rivers Beaverhead River The combined trout limits for the entire river are now five daily and in possession, up from three daily and in possession. The length restriction is one trout over 18 inches, and only one rainbow in possession. Previous regulations on the Beaverhead River were instituted in 2002 to protect trout during severe drought conditions. FWP fisheries biologists say allowing more harvest of smaller fish is the best way to increase growth rates and the size of the fish.

Under Montana's stream access law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high water mark. Although the law gives recreationists the right to use rivers and streams for waterrelated recreation, it does not give them the right to enter private lands bordering those streams or to cross private lands to access streams without landowner permission.

House Bill 190 passed during the 2009 Legislative Session, confirmed the public has access to surface waters by public bridges or county road right-of-way. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, in cooperation with affected landowners and counties, assists in providing access where a fence or other obstruction might prevent it.

Montana Fish, Wildlife andand parks fish, wildlife parks

2012 Paddlefish Season On the upper Missouri River section upstream from Fort Peck Dam to Fort Benton the season opens May 1. A white paddlefish tag is required for this stretch of river, and all paddlefish captured must be tagged and kept or immediately released. Anglers should call the Missouri River Hotline at (406) 464-2169 for the latest harvest status.

The Missouri River fishery will again be managed with a 500-fish harvest target, and the harvest season will close on 24-hour notice. Once the 500-fish target quota is

Missouri River On the Missouri River, the combined trout limit Use safer fishing tackle this summer from Holter Dam to the Cascade Bridge have been simplified and the bag limit for rainbow trout Loons, swans, cranes and other water birds can die from lead increased. Anglers are allowed three trout daily poisoning after swallowing lead fishing sinkers and jigs lost and in possession, with only one over 18 inches by anglers. Sinkers and jigs do not have to be made of lead. and only one a brown trout. Monitoring indicates To help protect water birds from getting lead poisoning, that the whirling disease detected on this water anglers can use sinkers and jigs made from nonpoisonous has not impacted rainbow trout numbers to the materials such as tin, bismuth, steel and recycled glass. extent some expected.

Ruby River To eliminate confusion, new regulations require reached, catch-and-release snagging will catch and release of cutthroat trout on all tributaries of the Ruby continue until June 15. Specific fishing River above the reservoir. Previously, some tributaries were hours apply (6 a.m. – 9 p.m.), and night catch and release while others were not. snagging is not allowed.

Yellowstone River The paddlefish season on the Yellowstone The combined trout limit on the entire river in the Central DisRiver and Missouri River downstream of trict was increased to four fish daily and in possession, and one Fort Peck Dam begins May 15. A yellow over 18 inches. The 18-26 inch slot limit was removed. paddlefish tag is required for this stretch of river and must be properly placed on the first paddlefish caught on a harvest day.

Montana stream access law

Big Sky Weekly

The daily fishing hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

(MST). Harvest days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. When it appears that the harvest target of 1,000 fish may be reached or exceeded, the harvest season will close with 24 hours notice—and at Intake Fishing Access Site harvest will close immediately.

Catch-and- release snagging for paddlefish in the Yellowstone River and the Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam is only allowed at Intake Fishing Access Site.

Catch-and-release days at Intake are Sunday, Monday and Thursday.

Following the paddlefish harvest closure, catch-and-release snagging will continue only at Intake Fishing Access site for 10 consecutive days following the closure date or through June 30, whichever comes first.

In the Fort Peck Dredge Cuts area downstream from Fort Peck Dam, a special archery season for paddlefish will be open from July 1 through Aug. 31. A blue paddlefish tag is required for this location.

Other selected paddlefish regulations include: Only one paddlefish can be harvested per season per angler; an 8/0 maximum hook-size restriction for all river stretches that are open to paddlefishing; special handling and transport rules apply; the appropriate tag is required to fish for paddlefish in each river section, and anglers must choose only one stretch of river to fish; “Because river conditions and fishing pressure from anglers can change quickly, anglers are advised to check on paddlefish harvest status before they leave home,” said Region 6 Fisheries Manager Steve Dalbey.

“That one call could save a lot of traveling time just to find the season has already closed or is close to being finished.”

For more on the paddlefish seasons, see the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov under “Fishing” and “Regulations” and “Eastern District” then click on “Paddlefish Regulations” for a pdf file. Copies of the 2012 paddlefish pamphlet with all the current paddlefish regulations are available at the FWP Region 4, Region 6 and Region 7 offices, or FWP headquarters in Helena.

Protect Montana's waters from invasive species Montana's world renowned fisheries are vulnerable to attack by invasive species. With three steps, anglers and boaters can help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species like plants, mussels and whirling disease: : inspect, clean and dry.

Fatal 2012 boating accidents adding up In Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana, there have already been nine fatal boating accidents since mid-March. One of the nine occurred in Montana.

“Anglers need to take note of these accidents, they all have three things in common," said Liz Lodman, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' recreational boating coordinator. "They are: cold water, no life jackets and small paddle crafts.”

24 May 4, 2012

All accidents were in water temperatures in the upper 30s, seven of the victims were not wearing lifejackets, and eight were operating small paddle crafts. Sudden immersion and exposure to cold water can quickly incapacitate anyone who unexpectedly ends up in the water.

Snowmelt and mountain runoff means spring waters in Montana are cold and dangerous

explorebigsky.com

throughout the spring. Boaters should make sure they have the required equipment for these conditions on board and in peak condition.

Boating fatality statistics have shown that wearing a lifejacket gives boaters the best chance of survival in the event of an accident, especially in cold water.

explorebigsky.com

outdoors

Shed heads coming out soon By diane tipton

Montana FWP Statewide Information Officer

Shed crazy, shed seeker, shed junky—these are a few of the hundreds of colorful "handles" shed antler hunters use when chatting on the Internet with other self- proclaimed "shed fanatics" about their finds. This Internet-enabled aspect of shed antler hunting is a new twist on a popular spring outdoor activity.

Male deer, elk and moose grow antlers each year, some to a magnificent size, then they drop off to regrow late winter and spring. Pronghorn antelope shed only their horn "shells" which are black, hollow fibrous sheaths.

Hunting for and collecting these shed antlers in spring has always been a popular activity for outdoorsmen, but it’s become "sport" or even a competition for some participants.

A national club for antler collectors, the North American Shed Hunters Club, was formed in 1991.

Members attend annual events where collectors can boast about their finds and have them scored. Internet chat rooms make it possible for antler hunters to share their experiences, photos and videos with like-minded collectors everywhere. A query on shed antler hunting on YouTube turned up 1,280 video clips on the topic.

So who collects shed antlers and why?

"Many collectors are taxidermists that use the antlers in their work, artists, furniture makers and the like," said Aaron Berg, FWP warden in FWP Region 2.

Money is also a factor for some. Nice matched sets or atypical antlers can be readily found on ebay or other Internet sites, or antlers are sometimes sold by the pound—which is lawful if they are legally obtained.

There are plenty of antler hunters who just appreciate nature, too.

"There are many who still enjoy the warm feeling of finding a nice antler, knowing the big bull that shed it is still out there somewhere walking around," said Mark Schlepp, FWP Region 4 in Fairfield at Freezout Wildlife Management Area.

That brings us to opening day at some of Montana's WMAs—a popular, some might even say raucous, event. WMA's provide critical winter range for deer and elk and host all kinds of other wildlife species.

Some of Montana's famed elk herds shed their antlers on these sites.

On opening day of a WMA, wildlife managers are most concerned about protecting elk, deer, grizzly bears and other species from disturbance just when their energy reserves are most depleted. Shed hunters should carry bear spray and practice good bear avoidance techniques. Steer clear of deer and elk, as the females are heavily pregnant.

Last year on opening day at Madison/Wall Creek WMA, about 7,000 acres near Ennis, more than 70 vehicles lined up waiting for the gate to open at noon.

"Many people park their rig in line the day before and camp there like they would at a concert," said Kevin Hughes, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 3 Wildlife Area Manager. "One guy parked his truck at the gate three days in advance so he could be first in line."

In addition to WMAs, any other public land that offers good wintering range for wildlife offers shed antler hunting opportunities. FWP wildlife managers say hunters who search for antlers where they plan to hunt in the fall can gather valuable information about the age and size of the animals in the area and their movement patterns. If that location is on private land, remember to get landowner permission prior to making a trip.

Big Sky Weekly

Clif Bar’s newest flavor: Gary’s Panforte By abbie digel

big sky weekly editor

Clif Bar is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year with a new energy bar that tastes like spice cake. Named after the company’s founder and CEO Gary Erickson, this limited edition bar will only be available first come, first serve.

Erickson was inspired to create Clif Bar by his cycling adventures up and over the Passo di Gavia in northern Italy. In celebration of two decades in business, the company is looking back on Erickson’s early days in Italy.

Gary’s Panforte is Clif’s rendition of the Italian dessert panforte, similar to a fruit cake. The bar is less sweet than most Clif Bars and has chunks of nuts and dried fruit. It's the perfect on the go snack or energy booster for outdoor pursuits.

I took one skiing, and it kept me full and energized. I plan on grabbing a few more for hiking this summer before they run out. clifbar.com

Spring fly fishing is here story and photo by ennion williams

big sky weekly contributor

Southwest Montana’s trout streams have produced some great fly fishing conditions this spring. Last year at this time we were still buried in snow, this year all the snow has melted out at my house at 7,000 feet.

The result of all this nice weather has been better hatches of insects and higher water levels. We all know the weather will change quickly and winter can return before you know it. With the early spring, the Gallatin River really fished well with midge and blue winged olives. The warm weather has started the runoff a little early but this should result in the rivers clearing up earlier in June.

Fishing now will be reduced to the rivers with dams and lakes. The

Gallatin, Yellowstone, Stillwater and Boulder will all be high and off color.

If winter returns and the flows settle down look for hatches of Caddis and Blue Winged olives to occur and provide great catching opportunities.

The Missouri River near Craig has been fishing as well as ever this year, producing some very large fish on small flies. Traveling east to the Bighorn has been very good as well, and will continue throughout the spring.

The Madison River will open below Earthquake Lake on May 19, and the rivers in Yellowstone National Park will open on May 26. Look for the Firehole River and Madison to fish very well on opening day. The best bet for action between now and then will be the lower Madison River and the emergence of the Mother’s Day Caddis hatch that has already started.

Many area lakes are also fishing well

now, such as Hebgen Lake, Earthquake Lake and Ennis Lake. For up to date information stop into your local fly shop and find out what is the best option for you.

Ennion Williams owns Big Sky Trout, a local guide service. He can be reached at (406) 579-7094 or at ennion3@yahoo.com.

explorebigsky.com

May 4, 2012 25

Big Sky Weekly

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EVENTS big sky

Yoga with Anna

The Art Barn Tuesdays , 8:30 – 10 p.m.

Open Gym Basketball

Ophir School Gym Tuesdays , 6 – 8:30 p.m.

Learn to Stretch Canvas, Oil and Paint

Ophir School Art Room Tuesdays thru June 5 Except for May 15 Group Guitar Jam Session

Ophir School Thursdays thru June 7 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Ballroom Dancing Lessons

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

Les Danses de L'Amour

Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture May 9, 7 p.m.

Pre-Bike to work week event

Bozeman REI May 10, 4 – 7 p.m.

Joffrey - Mavericks of American Dance

Ellen Theater May 11, 7:30 p.m.

Spring Formal Dance

Emerson Cultural Center Ballroom May 12, 8 p.m.

Tutu Cool Returns to The Ellen Theater

Bike Maintenance Basics

Ophir Middle School Original Musical

Piano Recital with Klaudia Kosiak and students Big Sky Chapel May 16

Local's Appreciation night

Choppers May 5, 3 p.m.

Metalsmithing Session II: Adult ed

Ophir School May 7, 10, 6 – 8:30 p.m

Bozeman REI May 15, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

paradise valley

Thursday night Bluegrass Jam

Live & Let Live Livingston Vegan Food Potluck

Library Community Room May 13, 4:30 p.m.

Western Sustainability Exchange: Farmers Market Vendors Information Meeting

Livingston Library Lower Level Room May 16, 6:30 p.m.

virginia city Blind Your Ponies w/ Tara Schumacher The Elling House May 12, 7:00 pm Second Saturday Farmers’ Market West end of town across from the Opera House May 12, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Call 406-843-5833 for more info

Pine Creek Cafe Thursdays, 8 p.m.

First Security Bank May 15, 8:30 a.m.

Park County Environmental Council Electronics Recycling Fair

Big Sky Resort Clean Up Day

Fairgrounds May 5, 10-3 p.m.

May 17, 5:30 p.m.

Join in for this free screening of "Something Unknown Is Doing We Don’t Know What” at the Bozeman Public Library, May 17 at 7 p.m.

After the film, stay for invited to stay for a lively discussion facilitated

by BodyTalk Practitioner Jenna Caplette.

Denny Earnest & the Resonators

First Security Bank May 10, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Business After Hours at 3 Rivers Communications

Explore the answer to these and similar questions in this documentary with leading experts in the field of science, alternative medicine and para-psychology. The film also offers insights into how a BodyTalk Practitioner can build formulas to address relationships at the root cause of illness by using neuromuscular biofeedback (muscle testing).

Chico Hot Springs May 4 - 5, 8 p.m.

Pine Creek Cafe May 5, 7 p.m.

May 16, 10- 11:30 a.m.

Can some people read your mind or look in to the future? Why can some people heal themselves from the last stages of a deadly cancer? Does mind over matter really exist and if so, how do we explain it?

The Dirty Shame

Convention and Visitors Bureau meeting

Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

Movie Night: “Something Unknown Is Doing We Don’t Know What”

May 12, 6 p.m.

Ophir School Wednesday Nights, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Thru June 6, No class May 9

Ophir School Gym May 4, 7 p.m.

Big Sky Weekly

International Migratory Bird Days

Washington School FREE May 9, 7-9 p.m.

Exit 388

Bozeman Doug Peacock: Readings, lecture and grizzly footage

Bozeman REI May 4, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Making herbal remedies with wild plants of sw Montana

Bozeman Public Library May 5, 10 a.m.

The Exchange: Consignment Sale of Clothing & Household Items

Chico Hot Springs May 11- 12, 8 p.m.

10-Minute Play Festival

Blue Slipper Theatre May 11-20 Call (406)222-7720 for times & tickets Eastman’s Hunting Journal Trophy Deer Tour

Yellowstone Country Motors May 11, 12, 9 a.m.

St. Mary’s School Open House & Children’s Carnival

Gallatin County Fairground Events Park May 5, 7:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

May 12, 11-2 p.m.

Film shorts: Art and science of health

Connecting People to Bird Conservation

Bozeman Public Library May 7, 7 p.m.

Washington School May 12, 7-9 p.m.

Youth Arts in Action to host Les Danses de L’Amour May 9 Youth Arts in Action will host dances of love in a spectacular ballet gala at 7 p.m. on May 9 at the Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman.

Performances feature Montana born ballerinas Maria Sascha Khan and Nadia Khan returning from tours to China and Europe. The gala includes International Ballet Stars performing both classical and contemporary dance.

This year’s event is sure to bring awe-inspiring performances. Tickets are available at youthartsinaction.org. To reserve a place in the limited space European Ballet Workshops held on May 8 and 9, call (406) 522-0404.

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May 4, 2012 27

spotlight on the arts

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Big Sky Weekly

Freedom of expression: A conversation with Warren Miller

By John Zirkle

warren miller performing arts center

On March 19, I sat down with Warren Miller at his home in Big Sky to talk about performance art and his take on the new Warren Miller Performing Arts Center. This is an excerpt from our conversation.

John Zirkle: You once said, ‘People from a city should move to a ski town, because you can do anything in a ski town that you can do in a city.’

Would you care to elaborate on that?

Warren Miller: That’s absolutely true. People get hooked on what they do for a living, and they get into a very comfortable economic strata, so it’s a bit hard when you’ve got kids and stuff to give up the security of a place in Palo Alto, or Hollywood California, or Boston, and move to the mountains and have to work with your hands.

And if not, why would you stay in those cities when you can go to a ski resort, stay in employee accommodations, have a routine job, if you will, and be an entrepreneur within the framework of a ski resort?”

JZ: Do you think performance artists can survive within that framework?

WM: I think that to do that, you have to have an audience, and fortunately [for] the performing arts center that’s being created here in Big Sky,

I think there’s sufficient audience here to supskiing, and simply stated, everybody’s instinct is port it. Just because people move to a ski resort, their constant search for freedom... And that’s one doesn’t mean that they move away from the arts, of the reasons why people can get on the stage because by the here and create, time they have in my opinion, a enough initiative to whole lot better move to the resort, than if they’re they’ve already living in a half-abecome fairly enbedroom aparttranced with some ment somewhere form of the arts in Manhattan, in a city. They’ve waiting tables got their favorite in the daytime theatre to go to for so that they can their movies, favorperform at night. ite for plays, if they There’s much "Everybody’s instinct is their constant like opera or the more freedom of symphony, they search for freedom... And that’s one expression availhave their favorite able in a place like of the reasons why people can get place to go. There’s this. on the stage here and create." usually only one place to see that, or Spotlight on the hear that, and unArts is a refleclike the city, in between watching performances, tion on the world of performing arts in both historic you get to watch the beautiful outside here in and contemporary contexts. More excerpts from Montana. the Warren Miller conversation will be featured in the months to come. The Warren Miller Performing JZ: Would you say that there is a performance Arts Center is scheduled to be completed by Decemaspect to skiing? ber of this year, and will feature many acts that challenge the way we see and think about perforWM: Absolutely. I think there’s a very little mance. recognized reason why people fall in love with

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fun

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Big Sky Weekly

Jim Kanzler, the first Big Sky ski patrol director (left), and Mike "Dobie" Donovan pose at one of the early Dirt Bag Ball parties at Bucks T4. Photo submitted by J.C. Knaub

Quote From "A Cowboy's Guide to Life" by Texas Bix Bender:

"I f

y o u g e t to t h i n k i n ' y o u ' r e a person of some influence, t ry o r d e r i n ' s o m e b o d y e l s e ' s d o g a ro u n d ."

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May 4, 2012 29

Big Sky Weekly

wanderer at rest Aggressively self-rescued story and photo

by Jamie Balke

big sky weekly columnist

I love Montana. I love this place for its wild beauty, the constantly unraveling opportunity for exploration and for the sense of belonging that I feel. I love that I arrived here slightly battered, bruised and heartbroken, and have slowly created a home and a place in the community.

My brother is a guide on the Gallatin River, and over the past couple of years this has afforded me the opportunity to occasionally get my raft on. By that, I mean sometimes he allows me on one of his boats, we exchange friendly insults, and I flail around incompetently while he does all the work.

The last time I hopped aboard in summer 2010, my brother placed

me in the front of the boat, probably to avoid my commentary on the various hilarious rafting accoutrements such as neoprene onesies and booties. I felt immediate dread, especially as it was early in the season and the river appeared to me as a raging torrent.

We set off, plunging into the current, and my fears eased. It wasn’t a commercial trip, and there was another guide seated next to me in the front, who I wagered would probably keep me on the proper side of the boat.

This feeling evaporated the moment we hit a feature the wrong way. We both flew into the river, and after that, it was all bubbles, rocks and ice-cold water. I resurfaced. No big deal, someone will save me, I thought. And then there went the raft.

Thus ended all conscious thought. In an adrenalinefueled frenzy, I swam like the possessed until I found myself

clinging to the side of my original boat. The waterlogged guide who also went for a swim found his way onto another raft. I was eventually hoisted back into the boat, where I spent the rest of the ride in a futile attempt to convince my fellow passengers that I wasn’t on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Once home, I rounded out the evening by curling into the fetal position in my bed and whimpering incoherently at my mom on the phone. Although I had, as they say in the rafting world, “aggressively self-rescued,” this wasn’t the triumphant experience I had planned, and I know I must face the river again.

I am hopeful that this showdown, along with many other wonderful adventures of different varieties, awaits me this summer. I look forward to sharing them. Stay tuned.

Jamie Balke moved to Bozeman in the fall of 2009. She can generally be found behind the cover of a book, meandering down a trail or desperately trying not to kill houseplants.

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30 May 4, 2012

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further fetchins

Big Sky Weekly

Road Trip: Alaska STORY AND PHOTO By mike mannelin

big sky weekly columnist

The 100-year-old log cabin was as clean as it had ever been. My wife Erin and I closed the door one last time, shut the power off, and headed down the quarter mile, post-holed trail through the snow to the driveway. The truck squatted low with all our tools, ski gear and everything else we owned squished into the back. Our dog Ivan hopped in and climbed into the little cave we had created for him behind the passenger seat.

Our mission was to drive from Haines, in southeast Alaska, to mainland Alaska. We would drive through Fairbanks, then Anchorage, and finally to Homer, putting around 1,200 miles on the odometer. There, we would catch a ferry to Kodiak Island.

After we said our goodbyes at the guide house, we made the six-mile drive to the Alaska / Canada border.

The guard at the border looked into our truck with his trained eyes.

"Do you have any weapons in the vehicle?" he asked, looking me in the eye to see if I would flinch.

"Nope."

"Do you own any guns at all?" he inquired.

"Nope."

"Really? Well, that's a first." He was hunched over, looking at us through the open window.

"A first?" I wondered aloud.

"Have a good trip," he said and handed back our passports.

A sign over the crossroads in Haines Junction read, "Alaska Highway: ←Anchorage Whitehorse →" with respective arrows directing traffic in two directions. We took a left, stopped to top off the gas tank, and continued north with the hopes of crossing back into Alaska again before stopping for a break.

Road trippin', Alaska style

Photo courtesy of Mike Mannelin

Sometime around midnight we arrived at the border. The guard spent about two minutes swiping our passports, then sent us on our way back into mainland Alaska.

Driving into Fairbanks was a gradual change from wilderness, to military, to industrial zones. The town is the hub for most of the oil work that goes on in northern and western Alaska, and its streets are lined with pipeline service companies, heavy equipment rental shops and tool stores.

skied laps in perfect corn until they shut the lifts down at 6 p.m.

and put us in the hand of boat captains and airplane pilots until next fall.

With 1,000 miles down and 200 left to go, we got back in the truck and pointed south. The ferry was waiting for us at the dock. It would take us away from the road system we had been relying on

Mike Mannelin is a skier with roots in Minnesota, Montana and Alaska.

He gains his inspiration in life by spending time in the mountains with friends.

On the northern outskirts of town, many of the residents live in 'dry' cabins, where there is no plumbing to freeze up. Temperatures there drop down to the -60s Fahrenheit during the winter. These cabins have thick walls, few windows and are built up off the ground on three or four foot tall pilings to protect the permafrost. Erin’s brother lives in such a cabin, and we camped out in the back of our truck next to his place for two nights, then hit the road again, heading south to Anchorage.

We drove through Denali Park, a boarded up tourist town that comes alive during the summer. The road followed the mostly frozen Nenana River south, and soon Mount McKinley came into view. We enjoyed a few hours of staring at the 20,000 foot peak as we drove to town.

Mountains rose on both sides of us, and the road ahead wound into them, disappearing like a path into an unknown labyrinth. I couldn't keep my eyes off the skiable terrain.

We picked up my brother and another friend in Anchorage, both of whom were eager to go skiing, and we all drove south to Alyeska Resort, about 40 miles away.

We stopped at the beach on Destruction Bay and walked out onto the frozen lake. The air was calm and silent. We spun around 360 degrees with our chins to the sky, staring at the beautiful mountains all around.

The sun was shining and the air felt hot as we booted up in the empty parking lot. The tram was similarly vacant, with just three others riding up to take part in some fun spring skiing. Ski patrollers were gathered outside their shack on lawn chairs, grilling in the sun. We

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May 4, 2012 31

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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.

Perfect presentation The art of introducing your child to fly fishing story and photos

by Jimmy lewis

big sky weekly contributor

and plenty of warm clothes. Not exactly items I used to give consideration to when packing up my vest.

In the realm of parenting, there seems to be a kind of one-upsmanship when it comes to introducing children to favorite pastimes. That's why the commonplace question “when did you start her/him fishing?” tends to be charged with implication concerning your execution of parental guidance.

When all was prepared, we ventured out to the a nearby river, fished for a few hours with our baby girl bobbing around in a backpack, and came home.

My wife caught a fish or two. Our daughter made a few happy infantile sounds and touched one of the trout. The day was a success.

The question of when to take your kid flyfishing for the first time is a good one. For my wife and me, the fact that we’re former fishing guides both helps and complicates matters: We can both fly cast effectively enough to reduce the risk of snagging our baby in the backpack with a size #6 Dave’s Hopper; but it hurts because we’re used to fishing in extreme contexts, fishing together and fishing a lot.

Now going on seven, our little protégé is rigging up her own seven foot pink fly rod.

She can’t tie on a fly yet, but she’s paying attention to how we do it. Certainly, her level of skill and interest has increased.

Our presentation, however, has not. We’re still looking for the right conditions to ensure a pleasant and fun day on the river and double-checking our gear bag to make sure we’ve packed extra warm, dry clothes. There’s always plenty to eat and drink.

A baby changes things.

My daughter’s flyfishing experiences began while still in the womb. I vividly remember my wife, nine months pregnant, leaning over the leg-braces in our raft desperately double-hauling to deliver a caddis pattern to a rising rainbow 15 yards or so upwind, her bulbous belly awkwardly interfering.

After our daughter was born we were more patient with the process, the way you might be if you saw a desirable trout rising delicately to a mayfly on a spring creek. You don’t want to rush into the presentation and botch it; you want to take your time and get it right —knowing that you may not get a second chance. We waited for the right opportunity to introduce our daughter to our beloved sport.

When she reached age one, it was time to take her fishing. We made sure we had favorable weather and stream flows that would make wading manageable, an also brought bottled formula, a collection of favorite binkies

32 May 4, 2012

Suddenly, I’m a kid again, and it’s all new and exciting. Looking for nymphs under rocks becomes more than a cursory act, and observing birds while sitting on the riverbank provides a relief from obsessive strike-indicator scrutiny.

My daughter now pleads with me to take her fishing—a good sign.

But the fish I’m after has yet to be landed and released. In fact, I think it’s fair to say that when it comes to fly fishing and my daughter, I haven’t hooked her yet. She has noticed the attractor-pattern on the surface, however, and from what I can tell, the presentation is working and she is beginning to rise.

This is how Big Sky gets into hot water.

Lately, my daughter’s primary interest in fishing outings involves packing along her minnow net and chasing sculpin and crawfish in the shallow backwaters. She also enjoys fossil hunting, hoping to locate a Megalodan tooth as she picks away with her paleontology chisel.

As our daughter’s birthday approaches, I find myself trying to stick to the basics of guiding a child toward a love of flyfishing: River + Fly Fishing = FUN. To realize this formula, I’ve found myself in some unexpected situations: skipping rocks over a lovely pool in a deep bend in a river rather than making fly casts; chasing sculpin minnows around with aquarium nets rather than stalking large browns with streamers; or spending the day fishing with a seven foot pink fly rod rather than my beloved nine foot 6wt. in the off chance that my daughter might wish to reel in a fish or make a cast or two herself.

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