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Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky

Big Sky’s Locally Owned & Published Newspaper

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May 18, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue No. 10

Groups defend resort tax requests

FWP

Seeking public input on wolves

Business Profile:

Elevated Productions

Training for Denali media@theoutlawpartners.com

Back 40: Architecture in Yellowstone

Photo by Mike Martins

It's (disc) golf season

Troops receive free entrance to national parks

Publisher of the big sky weekly

Big Sky Weekly

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2011 big sky chamber of commerce

Business of the Year May 18, 2012 Volume 3, Issue 10 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

House Rock and the Gallatin Tower on the morning of May 16. The river reached 2870 cfs that afternon. Photo by Emily Stifler

Distribution Director Danielle Chamberlain

Big Sky Weekly places in Montana Newspaper Association awards

VIDEO director Brian Niles

The Big Sky Weekly has placed in at least 11 awards in the annual Montana Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest.

videographer Chris Davis Account relations coordinator Kacey Brown Operations director Katie Morrison WEB Developer/Designer Sean Weas CONTRIBUTors

Jamie Balke, Chris Bangs, Jamie Daugaard, Dr. Maren Dunn, Ian Joughin, Ian Howat, Mike Mannelin, Twila Moon, Jessie Neal, Brandon Niles and Diane Tipton

Editorial Policy

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

Letter to the Editor Parameters 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.

Submit to: media@theoutlawpartners.com

ADVERTISING DEADLINE For June 1 issuE: May 25, 2012 CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed.

Please report them to emily@theoutlawpartners.com © 2012 The Big Sky Weekly Unauthorized reproduction prohibited

2 May 18, 2012

The actual placements in each category will be revealed Saturday, June 16, at the 127th Annual Montana Newspaper Association convention at Buck’s T-4 Lodge in Big Sky.

Competing in a division against other weeklies and smaller dailies, the Weekly placed in the following categories: Spot News Coverage, Short Feature Story, Government Issues, Environment/Natural Resources Issues, Lifestyle Coverage, Mark Henckel Outdoors Award, Front Page, Outdoors Page, Black and White Ad, Single House Ad.

“I think the awards serve a [few] purposes,” Barrows said. “One, they recognize really good work. Two, they force newspapers to sit down every year and analyze what they’re doing. And three, they point out and give you the ability to see what others are doing and help you to compare the product.”

That, he said, is why it’s called the “better” newspaper contest.

The Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association judged approximately 700 entries in the weeklies division.

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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

Classifieds...21 Sports...23 Outdoors...24 Events...27 Arts....28 Fun...29 Columns...30 Back 40 ...32

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letters Why the Postal Service matters to rural Montana Montana’s postal employees daily to deliver the mail and keep rural communities connected. The U.S. Senate passed a groundbreaking bill to reform the Postal Service while protecting mail delivery and jobs in rural America. Now it’s time for the U.S. House of Representatives to follow Sen. Jon Tester's lead.

Thanks to Tester, the Senate’s bill gives the Postal Service breathing room to meet its financial obligations while preserving efficient mail delivery and protecting rural post offices.

Timely and efficient postal service matters to folks across rural Montana. It helps seniors receive every day necessities like medicines. It allows small businesses to conduct business. It even makes sure our election ballots get counted on time.

As a small business owner in White Sulphur Springs, I rely on the Postal Service to mail my goods around the world.

Tester changed the bill to create a one-year moratorium on all post office closures and to protect rural post offices from arbitrary closure. Now, the Postal Service will have to meet strict criteria if it wants to close a rural post office. If it doesn’t, the Postal Regulatory Commission can step in and save the post office.

The unanimously passed amendment cuts the salaries of the Postmaster Gen-

eral and other Postal Service executives by one-third. With a recent Postmaster General making nearly $800,000 in total compensation – more than four times the Defense Secretary – it’s no wonder the Senate supported the measure.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is stalling yet again. If the House doesn’t pass postal reform, the Postal Service could start closing post offices and mail processing facilities on May 15. In Montana, Tester got the Postal Service to suspend closures until after our primary election on June 5 to protect vote-by-mail, but soon afterward the processing facilities in Kalispell, Butte, Helena and Wolf Point could face the axe, as well as post offices from Dupuyer to Wyola.

That will increase the time it takes for mail to arrive and leave Montanans without access to reliable mail service. Is the House willing to let that happen by failing to pass postal reform in a responsible, bipartisan way?

-Sarah Calhoun Calhoun owns Red Ants Pants, a small business in White Sulphur Springs. She was the 2011 Montana Entrepreneur of the Year, 2012 Woman in Business Champion for the Montana Small Business Association, and the 2012 National Women in Business Champion for the SBA.

Integrity.

Vision.

Craft.

4 May 18, 2012

For available Continental Properties at Yellowstone Club call Bill Collins at 1-888-700-7748 or visit continentalconstruction.com explorebigsky.com

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Big Sky Weekly

Haley, Michel selected to attend Rotary Youth Leadership Awards conference The Rotary Club of Big Sky has selected Nyota (Nattie) Haley and Benjamin (Ben) Michel to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference to be held at the Luccock Park Camp south of Livingston, Mont. on July 10-14, 2012.

Campers from all over Montana will attend the weeklong leadership skills conference organized by Rotary District 5390. These outstanding student leaders will hear presentations, participate in challenging group discussions and activities, and interact with other top student leaders.

Haley and Michel were selected by the Rotary Club of Big Sky based on their leadership potential, academic achievement and for their involvement in extra-curricular activities.

Regional students at the 61st Gallatin County Rural Declamation Contest. From left: Brynley Foster, Emma Sundeen, Abi Hogan, Brooke Springer, Kelsey Jones, Krista Callantine

Ophir Middle School places well at county declamation contest By abbie digel

big sky weekly editor

BOZEMAN—Four students from Ophir Middle School competed in the 61st Annual Gallatin County Rural School Declamation Contest on April 26 at the Gallatin County Courthouse in Bozeman. The theme this year was "Our Greatest President."

The students presented their declamations in front of Gallatin County Judges John Brown, Holly Brown and Mike Salvagni. The competition is meant to prepare students for a speech and debate club at the high school level, which parents, teachers and students hope to have in place at Ophir in an upcoming school year.

Middle School Science teacher Sue Barton has been the inspiration for Ophir competing and doing well year after year in this competition.

“The Declamation contest is one of the most important projects in language arts,” Barton said. “Most

sixth graders see this as an impossible task, but they are surprised and proud to see that yes, they can do this. Many adults would have a difficult time doing what the middle school students do with declamations. What a great life skill.”

Students prepared history-based research papers polished into five to seven minute memorized presentations. The researched topic included a parenthetical notation and a bibliography, and also many hours spent on preparing the speech, Barton said.

Abi Hogan, a sixth grader, won third place in the Oral Competition with her presentation of "Our American Teddy Bear Theodore Roosevelt"

Several classes from Ophir Elementary School District 72 were out in the Big Sky Community Park on May 10, working on naming a new The Big Sky Community Corporation trail. The fifth grade class is pictured here with their teacher, Dave Neal. Photo by Emily Stifler

National Trails Day is June 2

Parks and trails are integral to a healthy community

By Jessie neal

big sky community corporation

Three other students from Ophir competed: seventh graders Bella Butler, Ellie Quackenbush and Saylor Tatom. Eighth grade teacher Nettie Bruener also attended. This is the second year Ophir School has had a winner at the county level.

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BIG SKY—There are endless community benefits of trails, greenways and parks.

They create a sense of community; benefit the economy through tourism and civic improvement; preserve and restore open space; allow for a connection to nature; and provide opportunities for physical activity to improve fitness and mental health.

Trails also provide necessary links for wildlife between fragmented habitats.

The Big Sky Community Corporation is hosting National Trails Day work projects to help improve its trail system. All Trails Day projects are family-friendly and include finishing and repairing trails, refinishing tables and benches, and removing the winter’s accumulation of debris from the trails.

The Big Sky Community Corporation has built and manages over 16 miles of trails in Big Sky. The trails are integrated with historic sites, commercial and residential areas, parks, national forest, and serve to improve

the overall character of the community. Broad participation, collaborative partnerships, and ongoing monitoring and feedback have made our park and trails projects successful.

All projects will be headquartered at the Big Sky Community Park, located off Little Coyote, in the Big Sky Meadow. Participants can help in two-hour increments or all morning.

The two-hour times begin at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. After the work projects, a BBQ lunch will be provided at the pavilion. Some tools are provided, but participants are asked to bring shovels, rakes or wheelbarrows if possible. Gloves, sunscreen, water bottles and appropriate footwear and clothing are required.

The BSCC strives to include all aspects of the community in its projects, and is currently hosting a contest for elementary students at Ophir School to name a section of the newest community park trail.

To learn more about BSCC trails or to volunteer on the trails committee contact bscc@bsccmt.org. To adopt a trail or sponsor a kiosk, contact Jessie at (406) 993-2112.

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May 18, 2012 5

local news

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Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky PBR tickets go on sale June 22 Event is July 31 – Aug. 1 big sky weekly staff writer

BIG SKY–—Mark your calendars— tickets to the Professional Bull Riders Tour in Big Sky are going to disappear fast. The PBR is returning to the Big Sky Town Center this summer (July 31 – Aug. 1) after a wildly successful inaugural season last year.

General admission tickets ($40) and Golden Buckle Tickets ($150) will both be available on explorebigsky.com starting June 22.

A free concert during the July 31 preparty will kick off the event. Hosted by the Arts Council of Big Sky, the show will feature Morgan Frazier, an 18-year old Texas-based rising country music star. The evening will also host a Calcutta fundraiser for two local nonprofits, the Big Sky Community Corporation and the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation.

The following night after the main bull riding event, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real will play the

PBR’s headline concert. Lukas is the son of the famed outlaw country star Willie Nelson and is touring to promote his new album that dropped last month.

The Big Sky PBR event committee has secured nearly all sponsorships. The Yellowstone Club has signed on as title sponsor and Continental Construction as the presenting sponsor.

Moonlight Basin will sponsor the fun and hilarious Mutton’ Bustin’ contest, in which kids ride sheep across the arena, holding on for dear life.

Event sponsors will be able to secure seats earlier than June 22.

Lodging and ticket packages will be available soon at bigskyresort.com.

Vendor spaces and banner sponsors are still available. Interested parties should contact Outlaw Partners, producer of the event, at (406) 995-2055. explorebigsky.com/bigskypbr

Chad Berger's Bulls will again come from North Dakota to give riders a taste of Big Sky dirt.

Big Sky resident represents Montana mothers in D.C. By emily stifler

in the U.S. that included statistics about high school and college.

big sky weekly managing editor

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Big Sky resident Barbara Rowley joined 50 other mothers April 28-30 in Washington, D.C., for the third annual Mom Congress.

Hosted by Parenting magazine, the conference this year was held by Georgetown University and the National Press Club. Delegates from each state and the District of Columbia attended, each selected for her involvement in education. U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan was one of the featured presenters.

The conference theme was parental engagement in the schools, and other topics of interest included global education, wellness, the state of public schools, fundraising and social media.

“As parents, being involved in schools is a huge factor in student and school success,” Rowley said.

A number of delegates from past years returned, including lobbyists, Rowley said. One, she noted, met with the President the previous week. In total, about 100 people attended the conference, not including speakers and the magazine staff.

6 May 18, 2012

"When the president and I were growing up you could get a good job with a High School degree,” Rowley recounted Duncan telling the group.

But today, “without some kind of training beyond high school, you can’t.”

Barbara Rowley and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Photo

courtesy of Barbara Rowley

During the global education discussion, the group heard from the executive director of the Model UN. “I've heard about [the Model UN] for years, but was glad to be reminded of what a great fit it could be in Big Sky for teaching geography, politics and current issues,” Rowley said, noting that the University of Montana has one of the longest running programs in the country.

Rowley described Secretary of Education Arne Duncan as dynamic and interesting. She said he gave a great overview of the public school situation

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“He was also all about early childhood education,” Rowley said.

“Schools must invest in education from cradle to career.”

Mark Kennedy Shriver, vice president of Save the Children, also made an impression on Rowley.

Shriver was passionate about the 6 million kids living in poverty, Rowley said, and about how many of those kids won't learn to read. Kids don't get the resources and help they need because "they don't vote," he said, encouraging the delegates to call their representatives and demand early education intervention.

“It’s good to see somebody fired up and passionate about these issues, especially when we live in Big Sky, and we don't experience how real these issues really are,” Rowley said.

The event’s official ‘cause partner’ was Shot@Life, a program through the United Nations Foundation that works to vaccinate children worldwide.

Rowley found that relevant because the Lone Peak High School sophomore curriculum for science, history and English focuses on studying plagues—how they’ve affected history, the way they’re transmitted, and reading literature related to them.

Getting involved with a program like Shot@Life could be a way for the Big Sky kids “to realize how lucky we are, and how much we owe to the world to try to do a good job and educate our kids,” Rowley said.

That way, “they can go out and keep working on these problems.”

Rowley has two daughters in the Big Sky School system and is a contributor to Parenting magazine.

“I wanted to go because I wanted to learn,” she said. “There’s nothing like getting out and meeting people from around the country that are engaged in public education, as well as speakers who are professionally committed to and leading public education.”

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Big Sky Weekly

New Ennis School Board Trustees want better relationship with Big Sky Big Sky passes building, technology levies

By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

Ennis and Big Sky—After the May 8 school board trustees elections in Gallatin and Madison counties, Big Sky has two new trustees who are indifferent to the broken relationship between Ophir and Ennis school boards.

For its part, Ennis elected Bill Clark and Craig George, two candidates who expressed deep regard for transparency of the board and bridging a gap that has for years been torn—that between Ennis and the Madison County portion of Big Sky. Ty Moline, who was just voted in for a two-year trustee position on the Big Sky board, said before the election that he was optimistic the two boards can keep a good relationship, though he didn’t lend specifics.

“It is important that the boards keep an open, working relationship and I cannot see any reason they wouldn’t,” Moline said late in April.

Asked how the two new school boards could maintain a strong relationship in the future, Kristen Ramirez, who collected the most votes in the Big Sky election with 218, asked if there was a need for it.

Matt Jennings, who filled the other three-year spot with 210 votes, offered a more enthusiastic approach to working with Ennis in the future.

“It would seem to me that the best option is to look into drawing up

new district lines that make more sense,” Jennings said. “The fact that such a substantial amount of the taxes collected from Madison County go to the Ennis school district even though they are paid by Big Sky residents is wrong.”

Big Sky homeowners in the resort developments and the Yellowstone Club have accounted for about half of Madison County’s total collected property taxes in the last seven years. A greater percentage, about 75 percent, of a controversial new school building in Ennis came from Big Sky taxes.

Big Sky residents have for years cried foul over the literal geographical divide between Ennis and Big Sky, separated by private Jack Creek Road.

In answering questions from the Big Sky Weekly before the election, Bill Clark and Craig George, who collected 599 and 585 votes respectively, were the only two candidates that expressed interest in opening relations with Big Sky. “Open conversation between all interested parties needs to begin,” said George, who grabbed the second, three-year seat by 28 votes. “Because of the distance between Ennis and Big Sky, the school board needs to extend their schedules to travel to Big Sky and hold community meetings throughout the year.”

“What we need to do is use our imaginations and vision to create a real partnership. I would like to hear ideas from residents of Big Sky,” Clark said. Letters from concerned residents filed over the hill from Ennis and filled the local papers in support of all four candidates, though more were in favor of Clark and George.

Ennis showed up to the ballots in strong numbers to vote, and each candidate received at least 500 votes. The Ennis School District has about 2,700 eligible voters. It collected 1,082 ballots.

There is one more Ennis School Board meeting on May 14 before Clark and George train and begin in June. The two will have one meeting with current Supt. Doug Walsh, who is resigning in disrepute after collecting benefits from the Teachers’ Retirement System while receiving full salary from the school.

Walsh’s last day is June 30.

The school has already filled the superintendent position with John Overstreet, who was superintendent before Walsh and is retiring

from Three Forks to act as one-year interim for Ennis. School District Clerk Ginger Martello said Overstreet will be allowed to continue collecting full retirement benefits and salary from the school due to a law passed in 2009.

Dave Senn, executive director of the Montana TRS, said that under the law, Overstreet will be able to work for one year before the school has to search for his replacement. If they’re unable to fill the position at that time, Overstreet can sign another one-year contract. Senn said the law states that only teachers or superintendents like Overstreet who retired after 30 years are allowed to collect full benefits and salaries. They’re allowed to collect for three years if a school district has trouble filling the position.

In Big Sky, residents also voted to pass two small levies for a building reserve fund that will go toward maintaining the schools, as well as a technology levy to repair equipment and train faculty. Votes tallied 243 for and 175 against the building levy and 268 for and 150 against the technology levy.

Matching that sentiment, Bill Clark posed several ideas, like scheduling meetings with the Ennis School Board and the Big Sky parents and students, or creating online courses for Big Sky residents.

Big Sky XC dirt bike race is gaining speed New national teams sign on BIG SKY— Lone Peak Racing recently announced early commitments by the AM/PRO and Raines Racing Yamaha teams for the 2012 KENDA Big Sky XC, to be held Aug 25-26.

Both teams focus on the Grand National Cross Country Series and American Motorcycle Association National Enduro Series, so the trip to Big Sky will be a change of pace.

“I made the trip out to Montana last year and had a great time on and off the race trail, said professional rider Jason Raines. “The new 10k pro purse combined with the amazing location made it too good to pass up. It wasn’t hard to talk the rest of the Yamaha guys into coming along with me.”

AM/PRO’s Paul Whibley is currently tied for first place in the GNCC XC1

Pro points standings and is first in the OMA Pro MC standings. His teammate, Jordan Ashburn is in sixth place in the GNCC XC1 Pro standings and eigth in the AMA National Enduro championship standings. Raines Racing’s Brad Bakken is sitting in seventh place in the AMA National Enduro series and fifth place in the GNCC XC2 Pro class.

Other top professional racers planning to attend the ‘12 KENDA Big Sky XC include Husquavarna’s Cory Graffunder and Kyle Redmond, Factory Beta’s Cody Webb and Max Gerston, Kawasaki’s Destry Abbot, Johnny Campbell Racing Honda’s David Kamo, and ’11 race champion Rory Sullivan. bigskyxc.com

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Facing money shortfall, tax applicants confront tough questions from tax board Estimated 36% of applications won’t receive appropriations this year

By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

BIG SKY—Big Sky nonprofits asked for $3.5 million from this year’s resort tax appropriations. About $1.25 million won’t be funded, if conservative resort tax estimates are correct.

So far this year, about $2.5 million has been collected from the 3 percent resort tax in the Big Sky Resort Area District. That amount, collected between July 2011 and March of this year, is higher than that span last year, but will likely flounder this spring without the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference that was held last spring in Big Sky. Another $250,000 will go to the Big Sky Water and Sewer district for what will be the last in a 17-year, $7.5 million bond for the infrastructure. That leaves projected appropriations for this year at about $2.25 million.

The board appropriated all but about $180,000 last year, and after the purchase of new office space, none of that will be appropriated.

8 May 18, 2012

Representatives from 21 nonprofits attended a fourhour question and answer session to face questions from the tax board about why the groups should receive a share of tax appropriations in what is sure to be a contentious meeting June 13.

New board member Jamey Kabisch—former president of Big Sky’s First Security bank—asked questions that trended toward economics and percentages.

“Is [Biggest Skiing In America marketing campaign] looking at problems of bringing more people to town?” Kabisch asked of the group requesting more than any other, the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce.

“If we have the same infrastructure, and have 600,000 skier visits, the quality of service for these is going to go down,” Kabisch said, referring to the BSIA goal of reaching 500,000 skier visits by next season.

The chamber has requested $640,000, plus $49,273 in rollover requests it didn't spend from last year’s appropriations. The group prioritized its application into three groups:

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1. BSIA winter marketing campaign, the second phase of branding efforts for the town, and the chamber’s publications.

2. Wayfinding signs throughout town, eight roadway lights at the intersection of Highway 191 and Lone Mountain Trail, and the design of a 95-foot by 35foot entry monument at the intersection.

3. Funding for two new staff members, and leasing the building owned by SP Corner Property, LLC. at that same intersection to move the chamber’s visitor information center so it would have better exposure to passers-by on 191.

A new project this year, the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, a multi-purpose arts facility in Ophir School’s old gym, has asked for $500,000 to finish the center by year’s end. That’s the largest single request this year, made by Friends of Big Sky Education.

In its application, Friends of Big Sky Education said “governments which support the arts on average see a return on investment of more than $7 for every $1 that the government appropriates." When asked by

local news tax board member Ginna Hermann where that number came from, Loren Bough said it would “show a broad economic impact” and a multiplier effect, sparing details.

Members of the public, including four Ophir students, lined up in support of the WMPAC during the public comment section of the meeting.

For his part in representing the fire department’s $436,863 request, Big Sky Fire Chief Bill Farhat told the board that the department’s funding is dire.

Kabisch, noting the department budget, pointed out the lack of financial reserves, to which Farhat said, “I’d say none. At this point right now, if you say you can’t support it, then we’re in trouble.”

But support for funding the department seemed high, and historically its applications have been funded almost in their entirety.

The fire department saw a 7 percent increase in emergency incident volume last year. If the same trend occurs this year, it would have a difficult time meeting the increase. It also receives $931,000 from the two counties it serves: $479,000 from Gallatin and $452,000 from Madison.

The group that faced perhaps the most scrutiny from the tax board was Morningstar Learning Center. The 501c3 nonprofit preschool and day care in 2008 received a $300,000 grant from the tax board for constructing a new building in town. It was supposed to match that fund with $200,000.

When the economy tanked, the building wasn’t built. Donations stopped coming in, and groups wanted their money back. Morningstar has been working to repair its image in the eyes of the public and the tax board ever since.

Board chair Les Loble asked about the missing $200,000 while questioning Morningstar board member Joe Miller, indicating it’s still an issue Morningstar is figuring out.

R U O Y GET N O B U R G

The group last year requested $60,000 to help lower tuition costs for parents. It received none of it, showing that year’s board view that not enough of the community benefited from the center. Capacity at the day care is 42 children, and the number of attendees fluctuates throughout the week. Parents pay about $5 an hour for their children to use the center.

Morningstar this year has asked for $198,778.12. Of that, $170,000 would pay remaining principal on the mortgage of a new building purchased late last year, and $23,778 would pay the roughly $2,000 monthly mortgage payments for a year.

After that, Miller said, the group would no longer be indebted for its new building, and could thus lower tuition.

BSRAD attorney Mona Jamison questioned funding what she says borders private education and may not have any right to appropriations under the Montana Constitution.

“The underlying issue here is whether or not this is really a public institution,” she said. “I’m not the Supreme Court. Out of all the applications, it was the one that was highly questionable from a legal standpoint.”

Miller said the Morningstar board has followed up with Jamison’s concerns and believes it has a strong argument that it’s a much-needed resource for young local parents and is not private.

If funded, Miller said the center could lower its prices for each student by about $50 a month.

The 2-year-old Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association has asked for $26,500 to fund 75 percent of its operations. The nonprofit group, which is waiting on the IRS for 501c3 approval, would pay a contractor to create and maintain the ice and plow snow, purchase wiring for the heating hut, buy mandatory insurance, fix the old and beaten boards for use in another season, and install two more lights for night skating.

The BSSHA received letters of support from more than 40 individuals and businesses in advance of the question and answer meeting.

Tax appropriations are set for June 13 in the Big Sky Chapel. Follow the Big Sky Weekly for updates leading up to the meeting. To see the whole list of applications, go to explorebigsky.com/taxboard.

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EVENT OF THE YEAR

regional Troops now have free entrance to national parks By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

NORFOLK, Va.—They’re fighting for freedom and for our treasured ground, and a new public lands initiative will allow active members of the military and their families to access America’s national parks and other public lands at no charge.

The May 15 announcement by Dr. Jill Biden (wife of Vice President Joe Biden) and Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar kicked off Armed Forces Week, which honors Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches—the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Members of the National Guard, like most of the deployed troops from Montana, also receive the benefits.

The "America the Beautiful Pass" part of the Joining Forces initiative, which supports military members and their families.

The initiative stemmed from a bill Montana Sen. Jon Tester introduced last year—Honoring Service Through National Park Access Act— that would’ve given veterans free entrance into national parks and active duty military members a discount.

“So many [of them] came up to me and were very thankful,” Salazar said. “I said, ‘We’re the ones who need to be thankful of you.’

Later in the day, on a press call with Montana journalists, Salazar, originally from rural Colorado, lamented the fact that he wasn’t announcing this in Glacier National Park, “the crown of the continent.”

Instead, he said, “we’re “announcing it across the nation.”

With 2 million men and women in active military Active soldiers have something new to jump about with the free service, the pass will benentrance to national parks. This photo was taken in Glacier National efit a lot of people, he said, providing access to more than Park, for the first-ever "America the Beautiful Pass."

2,000 sites, including Bureau “I think it will result in more people the America the Beautiful pass a of Land management land, going to the parks, military or nonpermanent thing.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers military, and more business profitland, National Historic sites, Naability around the parks,” Tester said.

“The men and women who serve tional Parks and other public lands.

“The overall economic drive of this is and defend this country aren’t going to be positive.” people who get paid a lot of monMontana has 55 sites, including Yellowstone and ey,” Salazar said. “They’re common A national parks pass normally costs Glacier national folks. This is the least we can do $80. The Associated Press reported parks, the Big Hole to show them we are grateful as a that the Park Service estimates that National Battlefield nation.” waiving the fee will cost between $2 and hundreds of million and $6 million annually. thousands of acres Salazar said his intention is to make of National Forest land.

"This is the least we can do to show them we are grateful as a nation."

Salazar and Dr. Biden made the announcement at Yorktown Victory Monument, near Norfolk, Va., in front of about 300 service men and women.

1 percent of our population is fighting our wars, Salazar said. “We need 100 percent of Americans to be supporting our troops and their families.”

Sen. Tester, a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee and the subcommittee that oversees funding of the National Parks system, was also on the press call.

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22 years of conserving elk and wild places BOZEMAN—The Gallatin Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will celebrate 22 years of member supported conservation efforts at its annual banquet on June 2, at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds. The banquet will raise funds for wildlife land conservation and elk habitat.

Statewide, last year’s chapter banquets provided more than $1.1 million in funding for projects in 11 Montana counties. RMEF was founded by four hunters from Troy, Mont. in 1984. Today, the group has more than 185,000 members.

The Gallatin Chapter has conserved more than 71,500 acres for elk and

other wildlife in Gallatin, Madison, Broadwater and Park Counties. The group also works to gain land access for public hunting. It’s currently focused on decreasing the wolf population in the region through hunting.

Starting at 4 p.m., this year’s “Elk Country Social” will feature a BBQ, games, auction and raffle prizes and free seminars, including Kayla Doble and Stacie Nichols speaking on Women and the Outdoors, and Grant Soukup speaking on Hunting Public Lands.

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Big Sky Weekly

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Swanson’s work has been compared to that of Edward Hopper, with a similar stark reality and a surreal tilt. He has been commissioned to paint some of the West’s most impressive landscapes and architecture. His work has been exhibited in galleries in Los Angeles, Chicago, Santa Fe, Tulsa, Jackson and Cody, Wyoming as well as in Montana, and also hangs in private and corporate collections in the U.S. and Europe.

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Big Sky Weekly

Bison management plan discussion May 24

Public comment sought on proposed 2012/13 wolf hunting season details

BOZEMAN—Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is hosting public meetings around the state in May as a first step toward developing a long-term bison conservation and management plan. A meeting will be held on May 24 from 6-9 p.m. at the Bozeman Holiday Inn.

Helena—Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking comment on its proposed 2012-13 general wolf hunting and trapping season. The general season would run from Sept. 1 to Feb. 28, 2013, with trapping allowed from Dec. 15 to the end of the general wolf season. Trapping and hunting of wolves is provided for in Montana's wolf conservation and management plan.

Montana's 2011 wolf season included a statewide hunting-only quota of 220 wolves aimed at reducing the minimum population to about 425 wolves. Hunters harvested 166 wolves.

The bison management plan will be developed through a programmatic environmental impact statement—expected to take three years to complete— which will address issues associated with bison and options for management as a wildlife species. The EIS will examine an array of issues and possible alternatives—including no action—and each alternative’s potential beneficial and adverse environmental, social and economic impact.

FWP will begin a formal public “scoping” process as required under the Montana Environmental Policy Act. Public scoping is aimed at identifying issues, impacts, public concerns, and conservation challenges and opportunities. The comments will assist FWP in further identifying issues and developing possible alternatives.

Some issues already identified include: the risk of bison spreading disease to domestic livestock, competition between bison and other wildlife, competition between bison and livestock for rangeland, damage to fencing, public safety, and the legal classification and status of bison in Montana.

Under the proposed 2012-2013 season there would be no statewide quota, but quotas would be established in two areas near Glacier and Yellowstone national parks.

"With a healthy wolf population we can offer additional opportunities to harvest a wolf while comfortably maintaining the base population and genetic diversity that is important to the long term health and management of the species," said Ken McDonald, FWP wildlife bureau chief in Helena.

The new proposal aims to get the population closer to a post-season count of 425 wolves, an annual target for the 2012 hunting season, McDonald said.

"The 2012 season is designed to help Montana meet management objectives that include reduced impacts to livestock and ungulate populations while maintaining a viable wolf population."

Some features of last year's hunt would remain in place, including mandatory harvest reporting within 24 hours, and the FWP Commission having the authority to close the season in any hunting area to prevent overharvest.

Trappers would be required to take a mandatory trapper orientation and to conduct mandatory trap-checks. Snares would not be allowed.

The proposal includes potential adjustments to bag limits and electronic calling if the 2013 legislature makes legal adjustments.

The public is encouraged to read the complete wolf hunting season proposal and submit comments online at fwp.mt.gov. Public information meetings are planned in several cities.

There will be one at the Bozeman Holiday Inn on May 22, from 7-9 p.m.

The public may also comment in writing by June 25 to: FWP – Wildlife Bureau, Attn: Public Comment; P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620-0701.

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May 18, 2012 13

Big Sky Weekly

montana

Pelican powered

By Diane Tipton

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Statewide Information Officer

Idaho Fish and Game biologists monitoring American white pelicans on the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho between Idaho Falls and Twin Falls on the Snake River were surprised in 2011 to find evidence of a brown trout from Montana’s Big Hole River.

The biologists were busy tagging pelicans to monitor their habits, what they eat and where they are at different times of the year, when they noticed some fish tags in the area. Called floy tags, these 1.5inch individually numbered tags are inserted into a fish near their dorsal fins so fisheries biologists can track individual fish and their growth and movement.

The fish tags found on "Bird Island" within the refuge were apparently expelled after pelicans consumed some of the fish, which like the birds, were tagged for research. The Montana tag was found among some 50 other such tags on the island.

All the other fish tags were traced to Idaho hatchery trout stocked locally.

"The Big Hole drains into the Missouri, and the Snake River drains into the Columbia River on the other side of the continental divide," said Jim Olsen, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks fisheries biologist who originally tagged the fish. "A pelican likely harvested the fish on its way to Idaho where it finally finished processing the 18-inch, twopound fish and expelled our fish tag."

Olsen said he doesn't know how long it takes a pelican to digest a fish, but this one was pretty sizeable, so he could see it taking a few days to move through the pelican's digestive tract.

"I think we figured the distance it must have flown to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 300 miles," he said.

Pelicans are known to routinely travel in the range of 150 miles a day to forage.

One of the Idaho Fish and Game folks involved in gathering the fish tags offered an alternative theory. "Pelicans do keep stuff in their bill sacks or pouches for a period of time so it is possible something as small as a fish tag remained in this pelican's pouch for the trip from Montana to Idaho," said Rob Longsinger, an Idaho Fish and Game biologist.

The fish was tagged in the Big Hole on April 5, 2011. FWP received the report the tag had been found in Idaho on July 14, 2011.

"Pelicans are pisciverous, or fish eating, and their impacts on local fisheries can vary. As far as the Big Hole goes, anglers often complain about pelicans when it comes to grayling recovery, because in drought years large flocks of more than 50 pelicans can congregate in the upper reaches of the river," Olsen said.

variety of aquatic and wetland habitat, including rivers, lakes, reservoirs, bays and marshes.

For more on pelicans, go to the Montana Field Guide at fieldguide.mt.gov and search for American White Pelican.

"It seems in better water years like we have had the past three summers, these large flocks of pelicans have not been seen, but the birds are still commonly observed and based on this report from Idaho they are consuming trout from rivers.

Pelicans in Montana are long-distance migrants that can be found in a Photo Courtesy of Manjith Kainickara

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Montana eighth graders earn high scores on national science assessment Montana Office of Public Instruction

HELENA—Montana students exceeded the national average on an assessment of eighth grade science, outscoring the nation by 12 points.

For the second cycle in a row, Montana scored among the top three states, scoring only one point less than the top state.

The National Assessment of Educational Progress, also called "The Nation's Report Card," details the continued achievement of Montana eighth-graders on tests administered by the U.S. Department of Education in January and February of 2011.

The NAEP science assessment was updated in 2009 to stay current with key developments in science, curriculum standards, assessments and research. It’s organized into three content areas: physical science, life science, and earth and space science.

The updated test includes essay and word problems, as well as multiplechoice questions.

The report shows that eighthgraders in Montana scored 163 on average, compared to the national average score of 151.

The NAEP results also show lowincome students in Montana scored at or above the national average.

Montana students eligible for free or reduced lunch scored 16 points higher than students eligible for free or reduced lunch nationally in eighth grade.

"The fields of science, medicine and technology are growing, and we need to make sure our students have the necessary skills to step into those opportunities," said Supt. of Public Instruction Denise Juneau. "These scores demonstrate that our teachers are preparing students for the jobs of today and tomorrow."

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Big Sky Weekly

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montana Big Sky Resort on the campaign trail By abbie digel

big sky weekly editor

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In the wake of last May’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Big Sky, Big Sky Resort has devoted its marketing efforts to pinpointing specific locations and strategies for summer advertising in Washington, D.C. The resort chose the D.C. market because it’s an election year, said Chad Jones, Big Sky Resort’s public relations manager. Previous conferences and a strong connection to Montana politics, including repeat visits to the resort from Sen. Baucus, have given the resort a connection to that market.

Although there is no direct flight to Bozeman from D.C., “it is still a worthwhile place for the resort to advertise,” Jones said.

This year, Big Sky Resort won an award for best transit graphics in the Federal Transit Administration’s Region 8 sector, which includes Montana, North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Utah. The bus wrap features both summer and winter scenes. It runs between Bozeman and Big Sky eight times a day during peak seasons.

Big Sky chose a similar route for its D.C. cam-

paign, and also wrapped several busses in that area, Jones said. Banner ads were placed on the D.C. Metro, in bars and restaurants, heavily trafficked websites, and at other popular meeting places across the city.

The ads read “Big Sky Resort: The only clear choice for 2012” and have a bison silhouette with an American flag, along with the donkey, elephant silhouettes that represent both the Democratic and Republican parties. “It was fun for us to be edgy on an election year,” Jones said.

Big Sky Weekly

Nongame check-off funds go to work Fish, Wildlife and parks

Every year at income tax time many Montanans contribute to the income tax check-off fund for wildlife. Annually these donations contribute on average about $27,000. Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ proposals for putting this funding to work include: •

Also, the Big Sky Resort sales team has been making a “heavy hitting sales call effort,” said Meg O’Leary, the resort’s sales and marketing manager.

$15,000 for work to identify the most critical habitats for nongame, threatened or endangered species and identifying and monitoring any threats to these critical habitats.

•

Currently Jones is in New York City talking with journalists and other potential visitors about the direct flight to Bozeman from Newark.

$15,000 for inventory, monitoring and conservation work on species of concern including bald eagles, common loons, bats and amphibians.

•

$5,000 for a stipend for a student to perform nongame species research.

It comes down to where can you reach and affect the most people, and get the most bang for your buck, he said. In Big Sky’s case, they have a chance to stand out in D.C. “We know that people are seeing them [the ads], and we are definitely getting noticed.”

This work supports elements of FWP's overall nongame management program. The tax check-off funding is used with State Wildlife Grant funds for high priority habitat, survey, inventory and conservation needs.

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Section 2:

Big Sky Weekly

May 18, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue No. 10

life, land and culture

environment

Big Sky resident Twila Moon authors climate change study in Science magazine Increasing speed of Greenland Glaciers gives insight to rising sea level

The end of a glacier that flows from the Greenland ice sheet. While small compared to other Greenland glaciers, it is probably still more than a mile wide. Photo by Ian Joughin

By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

SEATTLE—Greenland's contribution to rising sea level in the 21st century might be significantly less than some scientists thought possible, according to new research. The study, published by Big Sky resident Twila Moon, focuses on changes in the speed ice travels in more than 200 of Greenland’s outlet glaciers.

"So far, on average we're seeing about a 30 percent speedup in 10 years," said Moon, who is working toward a Ph.D. in Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington.

Moon was lead author of a paper documenting the observations published May 4 in Science, one of the most influential magazines in physical and biological sciences.

Although she’s done fieldwork on the Greenland ice sheet in the past, this research is based on satellite data. For Moon, that means it’s all computer based and she can work from her Big Sky home half the year.

“The whole paper got written sitting in my home office, looking at whatever weather was coming over from the west,” she said.

Moon thought of the project when she started graduate school in 2010, and was drawn to it because of an interest in climate science and how climate change will impact the planet, she said.

The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets hold “unimaginable amounts of ice,” Moon said, describing them as a “Mars on Earth sort of place,” in that there are still basic unanswered questions about them.

At this point, she said, ice sheets remain one of the biggest questions in predicting future sea level rise.

In the east, southeast and northwest areas of Greenland, glaciers that end in the ocean can travel seven miles or more in a year. Their changes in speed varied during the decade, and some even slowed. In the northwest they increased by 28 percent on average, and 32 percent in the southeast.

But the scientists saw no clear indication that the glaciers would stop gaining speed during the rest of the century.

“It’s a pretty hot topic field, and there’s a lot happening in it all the time,” Moon said. “It’s fun to be working on the very frontier of this sort of science.”

Moon and her peers know that the faster the glaciers move, the more ice and meltwater they release into the ocean, and “the potential sea level rise from losing ice from those ice sheets is going to have impact all over the world.”

In the study, Moon and her co-authors created a decade-long record of changes in Greenland outlet glaciers by producing velocity maps with data from Canadian, German and Japanese satellites. They started during the 2000-01 winter and repeated the process for each winter from 200506 through 2010-11, and found the outlet glaciers hadn’t increased in velocity as much as previous studies speculated.

The record showed a complex pattern. Nearly all of Greenland's largest glaciers that meet land move at top speeds of 30 to 325 feet a year, and their changes in speed are small because they’re already moving slowly.

Glaciers that terminate in fjord ice shelves move at 1,000 feet to a mile a year, but didn’t gain notable speed during the decade.

Twila Moon and her doctoral advisor, Ian Joughin, install science instruments on the Greenland ice sheet. Photo: Ian Howat

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May 18, 2012 17

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business

Big Sky Weekly

Montana ski areas held steady while most others saw visitation drop By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

BIG SKY— This winter was known around the country as the worst ski season in 20 years, but some Montana ski areas hung in there and even saw improvement, according to skier visits reports from the resorts.

Average snowfall in the Rocky Mountain region—which includes Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana— was down 38 percent from last year, according to a National Ski Area Association end of the season survey, released at the organization’s annual convention and trade show, May 6-9 in San Antonio, Texas.

Nationwide, the report said, U.S. resorts recorded their lowest average snowfall in 20 years, with the national average plunging by 41 percent from last season. Skier visitation dropped alongside that, with the Rockies down 7.2 percent to 19.4 million visits and the national visitation down 16 percent to 51 million, also a 20-year low.

The report noted that a few resorts, mostly at the north and south ends of the Rockies, “bucked the trend and enjoyed more favorable snow conditions this winter than last.”

Courtesy of National Ski Area Association

"We were certainly getting enough consistent good snow,” said Chad Jones, Big Sky’s public relations manager. He cited early snowfall, followed by big dumps right when the resorts needed it— before and after Christmas, and right before Presidents’ weekend. “That really carried us through.”

Whitefish Mountain Resort, in northwestern Montana, reported average snowfall (303 inches total) and 290,000 skier visits, its fourth-highest visitation on record, said Riley Polumbus, the resort’s public relations manager.

Both Moonlight and Big Sky resorts reported record numbers of spring season pass sales.

In Big Sky, the season ended with good conditions, and both Moonlight and Big Sky resorts reported record numbers of spring season pass sales. Big Sky set a new season record for skier visits, with 340,000.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort also did well. With approximately 479,000 skier visits, it was the second best year in the resort’s history, said Zahan Billimoria, the resort’s

communications manager. The resort saw 373 inches of snow, he said.

Bridger Bowl, on the other hand, had a below-average year, according to assistant marketing director Michael Gill. Skier visits were just below 150,000, as compared with a typical 180,000–190,000. He cited poor snow conditions much of the season for the low numbers.

But there is good news for the industry: Two segments that tend to generate higher spending—overnight and international visitation—both increased on the national level. Lift ticket yield also increased, something that may have been partly due to a 7.2 percent jump in average adult weekend ticket prices.

“And best of all” the NSAA report said, “season pass sales for 2012-13 — sold in the spring and a financial bridge for resorts that typically slumber in summer — appear to be stronger than last year's average of 9,500 pass sales per U.S. ski area.”

Following the 2010-2011 season’s record-breaking snowfall, this season seemed particularly grim to many. But the spring season pass sales at Montana ski areas and nationwide indicate interest in skiing and snowboarding is not on the decline, even during a rough economy and after a low snow year.

“The industry has exhibited an ability to bounce back after poor snow years in the past, suggesting opportunities to play offense rather than defense going forward,” the report said. “Additionally, many of the fundamentals which helped lift the industry to its record performance in 2010-2011 are still present.”

It also noted long term challenges posed by an aging visitor base, and changing consumer demographics and preferences as a reminder that “the industry cannot afford to become complacent and passively wait for good times to return.”

HUD awards more than $167,900 in grants to combat housing discrimination in Montana WASHINGTON D.C.—The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in mid-May awarded $167,900 to the Montana Fair Housing Inc., to assist people in Montana who believe they have been victims of housing discrimination.

Montana Fair Housing will use its grant to eliminate the impediments to fair housing. MFH will find ways to identify discriminatory housing practices, and monitor the design and construction of multifamily buildings to ensure they are accessible to persons with mobility limitations.

18 May 18, 2012

Local partners like MFH are essential to ending housing discrimination, said HUD's Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity John Trasviña.

The competitive grants are funded through HUD's Fair Housing Initiatives Program, and are part of nearly $41.18 million distributed nationwide to 99 fair housing organizations and other nonprofit agencies in 35 states and the District of Columbia. The grants will be used to enforce the Fair Housing Act through investigation and testing of alleged discriminatory practices, and

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to educate housing providers, local governments and potential victims of housing discrimination about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act. HUD had over $70 million in requests for FHIP, but funded only $41 million.

FHEO and its partners in the Fair Housing Assistance Program investigate more than 9,300 housing discrimination complaints annually.

People who believe they are the victims of housing discrimination should contact HUD at 1-800669-9777 (voice), or (800) 927-9275 (TTY).

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Wolcott gains the perspective from above by using a remote control operated helicopter and a small single engine plane.

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“With the remote control heli, I can get perspectives that no one’s ever gotten before,” he says. That’s because he can get closer to subjects with the RC helicopter than a conventional aircraft could.

Video is more in demand than photography, so Wolcott has had to learn new software and a new way of looking at visual media, something he said was an easy transition.

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hiring substitute bus drivers. See website, ophirschool.org, for more complete description. Contact Ron at 995-4281, ext.218 or email bldgmgr@yahoo.com New restaurant in Big Sky seeking kitchen manager and experienced line cooks. Pizza and pasta experience a plus. Pay d.o.e. Please call 406-539-3862 Or email resume to jenkett@hotmail.com

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2011 Chevy Tahoe, 20K miles, AWD + 4WD, leather, 3-row seating for 8, like-new condition. $36,000. Call 995-2055 to inquire.

Email classifieds and/or advertising requests to

media@theoutlawpartners.com (406) 995-2055

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20 May 18, 2012

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health Q&A

Big Sky Weekly

Ask Dr. Dunn Q. What are my options for birth control that will also help with irregular and uncomfortable periods?

I do not have children, but would like to someday.

Luckily for you and all women, the number of options has grown in the last 10 years. The oral contraceptive pill remains the mainstay for contraception and control of unscheduled, painful periods. However, options like Intrauterine Contraception, an under-the-skin implant, patches or the intra-vaginal ring are also effective and easy to use methods. There are two IUC’s available that offer efficacy for five to 10 years, depending on which one you choose. The implant, called Implanon, offers efficacy for three years. The patch or the ring requires changes every one to three weeks, respectively.

Studies have proven that there is no medical reason to have a period.

In other words, as long as you are regular about using a method like the pill, patch or ring, you can skip the hormone-free-week, use the method continuously and forego your period without damaging your reproductive health.

What you need to decide is: Can you manage to apply a patch weekly?

Change an intra-vaginal ring every three to four weeks? Take a pill daily? Are you interested in longer-term birth control, i.e.: three to 10 years? Do you want to have a period monthly or would you mind not having a period at all?

It’s important to note that each of the options discussed offer almost immediate return to fertility when discontinued. As with any medical treatment, there are contraindications, or reasons why you absolutely cannot use the particular method, in addition to potential side effects. All of these issues can be discussed with your doctor to help you choose the method that’s right for you.

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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May 18, 2012 21

Big Sky Weekly

sports

LPHS golf team makes state tournament By abbie digel

big sky weekly editor

It took some creativity to get students at Lone Peak High School interested in golf, said Lori Savoy, head coach of the first LPHS golf team and a summer golf pro at the Yellowstone Club.

Golf has a tendency to not be a cool sport, Savoy says, but “these kids are making it the cool sport.” And besides, it’s the only spring sport at LPHS. Golfing in Montana can be a challenge because of the short season and travel distances between golf courses and high schools.

This spring, the Big Horns were lucky the snow melted fast, but for the majority of its training, the team, which was made up of 12 LPHS freshmen, practiced in team member Tate Tatom’s barn, hitting golf balls into a net. Four of the team members had never touched a club before, and at the Big Horns’ first meet, they had only practiced outside twice.

Savoy and assistant coach Mike King first introduced the basics. Once the kids had the bug and began to hit a solid ball, they became competitive, Savoy said.

“They stayed positive, energetic and came out every day to practice and get better.”

2012 LPHS Golf Team Tehya Braun Gabrielle Gasser Janie Izzo Karlie Perry Grayson Bell Griffin House Quinn House Trevor House Joe McGough Anthony Savoy Rachid Schultz Tate Tatom

“We are out there in down coats, hats and gloves most of the time,” Savoy said. “But these kids have dedicated themselves to becoming better golfers, and exceeded mine and everyone else’s expectations.”

The team had eight boys and four girls. Seven members of the team attended the Class C state match on May 16 in Ennis.

And the road to States was a long one.

Once the team mastered timing, rhythm and balance, Savoy taught how to manage a golf course.

Four members of the team had never touched a club before the season, but the team took off for states May 16. Photo courtesy of Lori Savoy

“Kids at this level have a tendency to only hit the driver and [want to] see the ball go a long way, but your short game is the most important part.”

The challenge of short game, combined with the fact that the Big Sky course wasn’t officially open, proved difficult for the kids, especially at matches.

It’s difficult to play on a mowed green, when you’re not used to how fast it can be, Savoy says.

During practice, it was hard to find a white golf ball in white snow, Savoy. The team also spent-

time practicing at the Black Bull golf course in Bozeman.

Through it all, Savoy explained to the kids that golf will be a lifelong sport. And though it’s an individual sport, the team has learned to work together and get scores low enough to win some meets before making it to States.

As for next season, Savoy and her family are moving from Big Sky, so Mike King will take over as head coach. Savoy believes the team will return next year as solid, competitive golfers who’ve learned to enjoy the game.

Grizzly Trumaine Johnson Lands in St. Louis round. The Rams benefitted by snatching him up with the second pick in the third round.

Johnson boasts excellent coverage abilities and should thrive in the NFL. He’s entering a situation where he’ll immediately be given an opportunity to earn playing time, and he’ll be surrounded with players and coaches that can teach him how to be a top-level cornerback in the league. Veteran Cortland Finnegan, new to the Rams after spending his first six years with the Tennessee Titans, will start at one cornerback position, while Johnson should be given the opportunity to battle it out for the other starting job with fellow rookie Janoris Jenkins and fourth year player Bradley Fletcher.

"Johnson boasts excellent coverage abilities and should thrive in the NFL."

By brandon niles

big sky weekly contributor

Former University of Montana Grizzly cornerback Trumaine Johnson will begin his NFL career as a St. Louis Ram. The four-year starter who finished his Montana career with 15 interceptions and 36 pass deflections (a Montana record) was taken in the third round of the 2012 NFL draft, on April 27.

Johnson has been called arguably one of the best prospects to come out of the Big Sky Conference.

His 6-foot-2 frame and excellent length made him an outstanding cornerback during his time at Montana. If not for some eligibility issues and an October arrest at a late night party, it’s possible he would’ve been selected higher in the draft.

22 May 18, 2012

With the exception of the arrest, Johnson is coming off a superb senior season at Montana. Chosen to the 2011 Preseason All-Big Sky Conference Team in August, Johnson didn’t disappoint. He finished with a selection on the 2011 AP FCS AllAmerican First Team.

While he finished the season with only two interceptions, this was largely because opposing quarterbacks often elected not to throw in his direction, as he was a dominant force on the Montana defense. His size and coverage ability catapulted him up draft boards and gave him national attention among NFL scouts.

Leading up to the draft, teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins were both interested in Johnson. The Falcons, who also have former Grizzly standout defensive end Kroy Biermann on their roster, were thought to be most likely to draft Johnson to upgrade their defensive backfield.

However, a pre-draft trade with the Eagles for veteran Pro Bowler Asante Samuel meant the Falcons chose to select an offensive lineman in the second

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Whether he wins the starting job initially or not, there’s no reason to think the talented Johnson won’t be given playing time early in nickel and dime packages. Johnson is a physical and talented player with very good coverage skills. He should do well in Rams head coach Jeff Fischer’s defensive system, which emphasizes press coverage and physical play. Finnegan is a similar player in tenacity and he should provide excellent guidance as a veteran mentor to the rookie Johnson. Montana fans should be on the lookout in the coming years, as Johnson has all the talent and ability to become a top tier player in the NFL.

outdoors Big Sky community opens up its ‘olfing’ sports earlier this year

Montana Wilderness Association to host Wilderness Walks statewide HELENA—Now in its 50th season, the Montana Wilderness Association’s Wilderness Walks program is offering more than 150 guided walks across some of the state's most magnificent backcountry this summer.

By Taylor Anderson

big sky weekly assistant editor

Whether you call it folf, frolf, Frisbee or disc golf, a warm spring season has depleted lower snowpacks and opened up Big Sky for golfing and folfing.

Since its beginnings on July 21, 1962, when MWA founders "Walking is the great adventure, Ken and the first meditation, a practice Florence of heartiness and soul primary Baldwin led to humankind. Walking is the ex40 hikers act balance between spirit and on the first humility." — Gary Snyder Wilderness Walk along a trail to Table Mountain in the Spanish Peaks, the intention of the Wilderness Walks program remains the same—to build grassroots support for wilderness by taking people to a special place that needs protection.

The Big Horn Ridge Disc Golf Course near the Big Sky Community Park has been snowless and playing well for two months already. Big Sky Resort’s golf course, the only public course in town, took a bit longer to prep greens, fairways and bunkers while waiting for sketchy spring weather to pass.

Now, with the mercury rising past 70 degrees in May, the golf course is open and playing well at a discounted rate before June 7.

That’s me on the cover, throwing (and subsequently losing) my driver off the 18th pro tee box. Course volunteers have been hard at work restoring the pro boxes, and now most of the holes have a pro tee that makes the course play much longer and leaves discs vulnerable to windy conditions.

MWA’s Wilderness Walks program offers hikers of all ages and experience levels an opportunity to participate in a traditional recreation opportunity while enjoying Montana’s quiet beauty and special wild places. This year’s walks include day hikes, backpacking adventures, field trips, midweek escapes, and trail maintenance projects. All outings are free and open to the public, but participants must make reservations by contacting the hike leader.

I’ve played just about every day since late March and have come to appreciate the volunteer hours that are logged on the course. I’d also like to preach folfer’s etiquette. Play in groups no bigger than five.

Quench your thirst, sure, but wear a bag, pack out and recycle.

Editor Taylor Anderson takes a break from writing to land a 35-foot putt on the Big Horn Ridge Disc Golf Course. Photo by Mike Martins

o e d

2012

Find a list of the 2012 Wilderness Walks at wildmontana.org.

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Big Sky Weekly

A vegan diet for climbing Denali

By Chris bangs

Big Sky weekly Contributor

The days of training are blurring together as I’m getting psyched for my first climbing expedition to Denali in Alaska. At 20,320 feet, Denali is the highest peak on this continent, and the heart and soul of American mountaineering.

Together with my climbing partner, our objective will be the Cassin Ridge, one of the most sought after alpine routes in North America. This classic is 9,000 feet of vertical climbing. Varying from steep ice and rock, to beautiful and elegant snow ridges, it tops out just a few hundred meters from the main summit.

A demanding and technical route, the Cassin was first climbed by the famed Italian climber Riccardo Cassin in 1961. Cassin and his team took more than four weeks on their ascent, and secured thousands of feet of rope to the mountain in “siege style” tactics. Nowadays it takes the average party between three and seven days, and most climb in smaller independent teams, using a modern “alpine style” of not fixing ropes and moving quickly.

Our audacious plan is to climb the route “in a push,” meaning we will climb non-stop for 20 to 30 hours, carrying light packs, with no sleeping bags or tent and minimal gear. This style of climbing has become more popular, allowed by improvements in equipment, skills and fitness.

The regimen Climbing has always taken a natural progression for me. Training for climbing translates to training for life. It’s very real to be in the mountains, and it feels good to get out and push my limits, while at the same time finding meaning and understanding in life.

Denali:

20,320 feet, highest peak in North America Meaning: the native Athabascan word, meaning “The Great One”

To do the Cassin in a push is a big step in commitment level for me, and is a new realm of physical and mental challenges. My training has reflected that.

The Cassin

9,000 vertical feet First climbed in 1961 by the famed Italian climber Riccardo Cassin.

Speed Record for climbing the Cassin: 14 hours, 40 minutes Difficulty: Alaska Grade 5, 5.8 AI4

Mainly, I’ve added more yoga, because it allows me to work on developing a more evolved mental state. I’ve been learning to control my mental state by focusing attention on my breath and clearing my mind.

The diet Eating a vegan diet has helped me overcome many problems: drug addiction, personal health and wellbeing, athletic motivation, belief in myself.

Changing my diet changed my life.

For top-level endurance athletes, the key word in nutrition is efficiency—both for performance and for recovery. Basically, when your body can break down foods more easily, it has an easier time transforming into usable energy. This makes sense on a long run or climb, so let’s break down what’s happening in your body during a long workout and then afterwards, for recovery.

Plant based foods that are nutrient-dense, like spouted grains and seeds, and certain fruits, are

Cassin Ridge Photo courtesy of Chris Bangs

the most easily assimilated foods for your body to digest. Your body can burn those foods immediately, turning them into usable energy in a matter of minutes. This actually trains your body to burn food when you are eating it.

Animal based proteins, on the other hand, need to be broken down much further and then stored as fat before they can be burned as usable energy.

This creates more work and stress for you body and makes its processes less efficient. This is called nutritional stress.

Recovering from an intense workout takes a combination of the right things. First, if your body is under too much stress, the production of the hormone cortisol is too high. That creates a domino effect in the body. Too much cortisol causes adrenal burnout, which affects sleep quality. Deep sleep is the time when the body can recover and repair cellular structure.

Our bodies react to nutritional stress the same way as we react to physical or emotional stress.

So, too much stress equals a less efficient body and slower recovery, thus poor performance.

"Changing my diet changed my life. " 24 May 18, 2012

What this means in terms of athletic performance is huge, especially for recovery.

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Big Sky Weekly

LOT 488ACRE S LOT 488 | 1.77 THE ULTIM AT E

Alpine

EX PERIENCE

W ITH IN Y E LLOW STON E C LU B

Only seconds to 8,000 acres of powder, glades and chutes.

Bangs does yoga in mental and physical preparation for the climb Photo courtesy of Chris Bangs

Le t t h e m e m o r i e s b e g i n .

Favorite foods My favorite foods for performance and wellbeing are dates, sprouted buckwheat (which is not wheat and is gluten free), green leafy vegetables and hemp seeds.

Dates – a simple sugar Dates are almost pure glucose, and can easily be turned into glycogen and then used directly in the bloodstream. Dates are one of the best sources of natural carbohydrates.

Panoramic View from Lot 488

Sprouted grains and seeds - nutrient dense Buckwheat, for example, is high in protein and carbohydrates; the process of sprouting breaks the complex carbs down into usable sugars. I use sprouted buckwheat in both pre-workout and post-workout smoothies.

Green leafy vegetables - essential High in iron, calcium, chlorophyll and vitamins.

Hemp seeds – superfood One of the best complete sources for plant based proteins available, hemp seeds have great flavor to compliment any salad, granola, trail mix or energy bar.

Homemade recipes for Denali expedition Sprouted Grains Raw Cereal sprouted buckwheat raw hemp seeds raisins coconut oil spouted almonds honey or brown rice syrup Mix in large bowl, pack in bulk form Made with warm (not boiling) water to preserve the raw digestive enzymes. High in protein, carbs and healthy fats.

Miso Seaweed Veggie Soup Mix brown rice miso (probiotics) seaweed (calcium, iron, minerals, hydrating) carrots celery onions mushrooms nutritional yeast (protein, B vitamins including B12) sea salt, black pepper spice to flavor Top with coconut oil (best source of healthy fat) Add hot water and serve

ycsales@yellowstoneclub.com

Big Sky Weekly

104 GOSHAWK TRAIL

NORTH FORK ROAD

• • • •

$3,500,000 • #157326 • Call Don

216 +/- acres, old growth forest, meadows ap. 3/4 mile of North Fork flows through borders public lands, private road outstanding Spanish Peak views

$1,765,000 • #182951 • Call Don

• • • •

5 bd, 7 ba 5218 +/- sf beautiful log home massive fireplaces each room is a suite

CRAIL RANCH TOWNHOME

POWDER RIDGE CABIN

• • • •

• • • •

$899,000 • #180839 • Call George

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

$795,000 • #176798 • Call Stacy

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

NORTH FORK RD, TRACT 2

PINEWOOD HILLS ESTATE

• • • •

• • • •

$1,400,000• #180623 • Call Stacy

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

BEAVER CREEK W, LOT 13

LOST TRAILS LOT #6 $775,000 • #179325 • Call Stacy

• 20 +/- acres, 8 lot subdivision • between Mountain and Meadow Villages • fabulous location with outstanding views

$1,075,000 • #175582 • Call George

3 bd, 5 ba, 4,500 +/- sf home 8 +/- acres (2 contiguous lots), pond $50,000 allowance for kitchen upgrade fabulous mountain views

$695,000 • #176399 • Call Don

• • • •

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

PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE PENDING

ARROWHEAD CONDO • • • •

GALLATIN HIGHLANDS

$614,000 • #181216 • Call Tim

condo unit #1659, 3 bd, 4 ba, 1,950 +/- sf ski/in, ski/out, upgraded free standing condo great furniture package, indoor hot tub Spanish Peak views, agent owned

• • • •

$575,000 • #180951 • Call Stacy

20 +/- acres, meadows, old growth fir trees fabulous Gallatin Range views south facing, includes Locati house plans minutes from Big Sky Town Center

2500 LITTLE COYOTE RD

ALPENGLOW CONDO 18C

• • • •

• • • •

$495,000 • #183440 • Call Stacy

2 bd, 3 ba, 2403 +/- sf Spanish Peaks Club condo #13 A end unit on the pond upstairs den and downstairs bonus room

$368,000 • #174888 • Call Eric or Stacy 3 bd, 3 ba, 2,054 +/- sf gourmet kitchen, knotty alder cabinets gas rock fireplace, furnishings negotiable deck, 1 car attached garage

PENDING

LOT 74 EAGLE VIEW TR. • • • •

$289,000 • #182952 • Call Don

beautiful 1.0 +/- ac Spanish Peaks lot community utilities system unique opportunity rolling hills topogra

ANTLER RIDGE, LOT 149

LOOKING GLASS RD LOT 63

• • • •

• • • •

$249,000 • #161824 • Call Don

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

MADISON COURT # 17

$225,000 • #181151 • Call Stacy

.25 +/- acre level building lot overlooks golf course great views of the surrounding mountains municipal water, sewer, utilities are adjacent

• • • •

$199,000 • #165108 • Call Eric

2 bd, 2 ba, 1,207 +/- sf furnished condo corner unit, spacious kitchen 1 car attached garage close to Big Sky Town Center

PHOTO NOT AVAILABLE

RAMSHORN, LOT 4 • • • •

$189,500 • #180395 • Call Don

nice level building lot all season easy access great views of Porcupine Creek electricity and phone to lot

ANTLER RIDGE LOTS

$105,000 • #156549/#156551 • Call George

• • • •

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

E. GALLATIN FIELD RD • • • •

$19,900 • #181506 • Call Toni

new parking construction complete conveniently located right at airport accommodates oversized vehicles other units available

PINE DRIVE -COMMERCIAL $1,400 Per Month • #181945 • Call Eric

• • • •

2200 +/- sf, open floors efficient, well built building located in the Big Sky Town Center 2 level free standing building

Stuart Koch, Sales Associate, 406.581.1225

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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

Ophir School Wednesday Nights, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. thru June 6 Group Guitar Jam Session

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

Early Bird Yoga

annaourusoff@gmail.com (406) 600-7565 Fridays, 6-7 a.m.

Spin Class with Jolene

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

There will be a Big Sky Softball League meeting on May 23, at 5 p.m. at the Outlaw Partners office in the Meadow Village Center. Teams interested in registering should bring a check for $500 payable to Big Sky Softball Association. See you there!”

Business After Hours at 3 Rivers Communications

Adult Level 1: (5:30-6:30 p.m. starting May 22, 8 weeks) For dogs 6 months old and older. Focus on basic obedience commands including sit, down, come, stay and loose leash walking. Learn about body language, canine behavior and basic manners in order to improve your relationship with your dog.

May 22, 24

Bozeman Super Garage Sale

Gallatin County Fairground Events Park (GCF) May 19, 8:30 a.m.

Women's Expo!

Brick Breeden Fieldhouse May 19, 10 a.m.

Montana Wilderness Association Fundraiser

Northern Lights Trading Co. May 19, 6 – 8 p.m.

Free public event ft. local artist Jenni Lowe-Anker Pub317 May 24 , 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Advanced Acro Kids Gymnastics

Stinson is also an evaluator for the American Kennel Club in their Canine Good Citizen program. Private lessons are available, and more classes will be offered throughout the summer. -A.D.

Ophir School Spring Concerts

Fit Moms

The Studio Mondays 11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Beginning May 22, new dog training courses will be available with instructor and dog aficionado Kim Stinson. Stinson, who recently moved to Big Sky from Alaska, has trained canines in obedience, service and search and rescue. She has worked with Midnight Sun Service Dogs, Alaska Assistance Dogs, Alaska Search and Rescue Dogs and the Alyeska Ski Patrol Avalanche Dogs.

Class schedule:

Taste of HAVEN

Wee Bears Gymnastics Class

Dog Training Courses in Big Sky

May 17, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

The Studio 6 – 6:55 a.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays 7 – 7:55 a.m. Tuesdays 8:15 – 9:05 a.m. Mondays 6 – 6:50 p.m. Thursdays Ophir School gym Mondays, 9:20 – 10:20 a.m.

Emerson Center for the Arts and Culture May 19, 7 p.m.

Eagle Mount and The Gallatin Equestrian Partnership

Living your passion: Thomas Lee’s Yellowstone

Bozeman Public Library May 24, 7 p.m.

Puppy Level 1: (7-8 p.m. starting Tuesday June 12, 8 weeks) For puppies under 6 months of age. This class will focus on positive socialization, handling and basic commands including sit, down, come, stay, leave it and loose leash walking. This class qualify your puppy as a STAR Puppy with the American Kennel Club.

Canine agility for children: (4-5 p.m. June 19, July 17 and August 21) This is a non-competitive, fun hour to learn some agility tricks for your dog. We will utilize familiar objects easily found around your house and forest to make agility equipment that the whole family can enjoy. *Parents must remain in attendance for entire class!

Class Requirements: Bring plenty of soft, chewy and small treats, a flat buckle collar and 4’ or 6’ non- retractable leash, vaccination records.

Kids under the age of 15 need to be accompanyied by an adult.

Contact Stinson at theydontcomethatway@yahoo.com. To register, contact Katie Coleman, (406) 209-1643 or camp@bsccmt.org.

Dave Walker Band

Pine Creek Café May 19, 7 p.m.

Sister City Garage Sale

Fairgrounds May 18 - 20 Livingston Bicycle Fest bike show

Miles Park/Civic Center May 20, 12 -4 p.m.

Fun Family Bird Walk Celebration

The Studio Mondays, Wednesdays, 4 – 5:05 p.m.

Wild Joe’s Coffee House May 25, 7 - 9 p.m.

Meet at Bozeman Trail Connector May 22, 4:15-5:15 p.m.

Bear Cubs Gymnastics class

Red Feather Development Group info session

Reining Horseshow

Spring Conditioning Meltdown

Ophir School new gym Mondays, 6-7 p.m.

Wednesdays 6-7 a.m.

Tumble Bears Gymnastics class

The Studio Wednesdays 9:45 – 10:45 a.m., 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.

Contact jbudeski@gmail.com or (406) 579-2489 for all classes listed above.

Pilates Mat Work

The Art Barn Tuesdays 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.

Wednesdays 7:15 – 8:15 a.m.

Bozeman REI May 30, 6:30 – 8 p.m.

paradise valley Montana Rose

Norris Hot Springs

Eli Madden & Luke Flansburg

Norris Hot Springs May 25 , 7 p.m.

John Lowell

May 20 , 7 p.m.

Montana Skies May 26 , 7 p.m.

Motocross Race

Cokedale Race Track May 27, 8-6 p.m. (406) 223-2890 Crazy Mountain Museum opens in Big Timber

May 28

May 18, 7 p.m.

May 19, 7 p.m.

Chico Hot Springs May 25- 27

Short-grass Prairie Birding Washington School

Montana Heritage Commission ( 406)843-5247 May 26 – 28

Mathias

Thursday night Bluegrass Jam

Stafford Animal Shelter fundraiser Chico Hot Springs May 18, 6 p.m.

Living History Weekend: The Gold Discovery

Kurt Prond

Gary Small and the Coyote Brothers

Fur Ball “Tasting the World”

May 25 (800)829-2969, (406)843-5218

Anderson’s Free May 24-26 Clyde Park (406) 578-2212

Chico Hot Springs May 18, 8 p.m.

Pine Creek Cafe Thursdays, 8 p.m.

virginia city Brewery Follies: Opening Night

All-Ukulele Open Mic Night

The Studio Mondays, 5:15- 5:45 p.m.

Big Sky Weekly

Dave McGraw and Mandy Fer May 27, 7 p.m.

Memorial Day Music Festival

May 28, 4 p.m.-9p.m.

May 18, Free, 7-9 pm

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May 18, 2012 27

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entertainment

Big Sky Weekly

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks to perform 'Hamlet' and 'Twelfth Night' during summer tour BOZEMAN—Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will perform "Hamlet" and "Twelfth Night" during its upcoming 2012 tour throughout Montana, northern Wyoming, eastern Idaho, western North Dakota and eastern Washington this summer.

In its 40th season, the troupe expects to perform 76 performances in 59 communities in the region. The company features 10 professional actors selected by national auditions who tour without technical assistance to bring live theatre to communities primarily in rural areas.

The company launches its 10-week tour with eight performances in Bozeman before hitting the road July 2 and concluding its summer tour on Sept.

9. This year performances have been added in Columbus, Whitehall and two days in Butte.

"This summer, the anticipated audience of more than 30,000 people will be treated to two wonderful performances that cover the broad

perspective of Shakespeare’s genius as a playwright," said Joel Jahnke, MSIP's artistic director and a professor of theater at Montana State University.

Jahnke directs "Hamlet," which he said is almost universally hailed as the greatest play ever written in the English language. Associate artistic director William Brown directs "Twelfth Night," Shakespeare’s comedy of wild infatuation and mistaken identities.

All performances of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, with the exception of those at Bozeman's Sweet Pea Festival, are free and tickets are not needed for admission. Audiences are encouraged to show up prior to the appointed curtain time with chairs, blankets, a picnic supper, and friends and family to enjoy the evening.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is an outreach program of MSU’s College of Arts and Architecture. Grants, corporate sponsorships and individual donors help support the performances. shakespeareintheparks.org

2012 selected shows from the tour schedule June 20-23 - Bozeman, Hamlet, MSU Grove, 8 p.m.

June 27-30 - Bozeman, Twelfth Night, MSU Grove, 8 p.m.

July 2 - Dillon, Twelfth Night, JayCee Park, 6 p.m.

July 3 - Big Timber, Hamlet, City Park, 6 p.m.

July 15 - Sheridan, Wyo., Twelfth Night, Kendrick Park, 6:30 p.m.

July 16 - Billings, Twelfth Night, Pioneer Park, 6:30 p.m.

July 17 - Billings, Hamlet, Pioneer Park, 6:30 p.m.

July 19 - Worland, Wyo., Twelfth Night, Sanders Park, 6 p.m., July 22 - Red Lodge, Hamlet, Lions Park, 6 p.m.

July 24 - Cody, Wyo., Hamlet, Canal Park, 6:30 p.m.

July 25 - Absarokee, Hamlet, Fishtail Family Park, 6 p.m.

July 26 - Columbus, Twelfth Night, Heritage Park, 6 p.m.

July 27 - Cooke City/ Silver Gate, Hamlet, Silver Gate Park, 6 p.m.

July 28 - Gardiner, Twelfth Night, Arch Park, 6 p.m.

Aug. 1 - Driggs, Idaho, Twelfth Night, Driggs City Park, 6:30 p.m., Aug. 2 - West Yellowstone, Twelfth Night, Union Pacific Building (indoor), 6 p.m.

Aug. 3 - Sweet Pea, Bozeman, Twelfth Night, Lindley Park, 4:30 p.m. (admission fee) Aug. 5 - Sweet Pea, Bozeman, Hamlet, Lindley Park, 5 P.M. (admission fee) Aug. 11 - Deer Lodge, Twelfth Night, Old Montana Prison Yard, 6 p.m.

Aug. 12 - Boulder, Twelfth Night, Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 6 p.m.

Aug. 13 - Helena, Hamlet, Pioneer Park- next to Lewis and Clark Library, 6 p.m.

Aug. 14 - Helena, Twelfth Night, Pioneer Park Aug. 15 - Philipsburg, Hamlet, Philipsburg City Park, 6 p.m.

Aug. 16 - St. Ignatius, Twelfth Night, St. Ignatius Amphitheater, 6 p.m.

Sept. 2 - Manhattan, Twelfth Night, Alterbrand Park, 6 p.m.

Sept. 4 - Townsend, Hamlet, Heritage Fun Park, 6 p.m.

Sept. 5 - Whitehall, Hamlet, Whitehall School Lawn, 6 p.m.

Sept. 6 - Chico, Twelfth Night, Main Lawn, 6 p.m.

Sept. 7 - Big Sky, Hamlet, Town Center, 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 - Laurel, Twelfth Night, Laurel Practice Football Field, 6 p.m.

Sept. 9 - Bozeman, Hamlet, Ellen Theater (indoor venue), 1 p.m.

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$1,609 due at signing.

Lease a new 2012 Tundra Double-Cab 4.6L V8 for $339 a month for 36 months with $1,000 Subvention Cash, $620 down and $1,609 due at signing. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers, vary by Region and are subject to availability. Due at signing costs include first month’s payment, $650 acquisition fee and $1,620 down payment. Lease includes $1,000 Subvention Cash. Security deposit waived. Closed-end lease. Example based on model #8339. Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price $30,560. Monthly payments of $339 total $12,204. Net Capitalized cost of $29,890 based on down payment and dealer participation, which may vary by dealer.

Payment may vary depending on final transaction price. Lease-end purchase option is $18,205.40. $350 disposition fee due at lease end unless customer purchases vehicle or decides to re-finance through Toyota Financial Services. Customer responsible for maintenance, excess wear and tear and $0.15 per mile over 12,000 miles per year.

To qualified Tier I+ customers through Toyota Financial Services (TFS). Subvention cash from manufacturer, not applicable for cash back offers and must qualify for cash through TFS. Offers good in MT, WA, ID, and OR. See your local participating Toyota dealer for details. Must take retail delivery from dealer stock by 6/4/2012.

Lease a new 2012 RAV4 4WD for $209 a month for 36 months with $1,750 down and $2,609 due at signing. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers, vary by Region and are subject to availability. Due at signing costs include first month’s payment and $1,750 down payment. $650 acquisition fee capitalized over the lease term. Security deposit waived. Closed-end lease. Example based on model #4432. Base Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price $24,050. Monthly payments of $209 total $7,524. Net Capitalized cost of $22,862 based on down payment and dealer participation, which may vary by dealer. Payment may vary depending on final transaction price. Lease-end purchase option is $15,351.50. $350 disposition fee due at lease end unless customer purchases vehicle or decides to re-finance through Toyota Financial Services. Customer responsible for maintenance, excess wear and tear and $0.15 per mile over 12,000 miles per year. To qualified Tier I+ customers through Toyota Financial Services (TFS). Offers good in MT, WA, ID, and OR. See your local participating Toyota dealer for details. Must take retail delivery from dealer stock by 6/4/2012.

Toyota Bozeman Insert dealerof logo and address. ad runs through 6/4/2012.

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For WA, OR, ID, MT state dealerships, a negotiable documentary service fee in an amount up to $350.00 may be added to vehicle price. Oregon state dealerships not using an electronic vehicle registration system may only apply fees up to $75 to vehicle price. Does not include taxes, license, title, processing fees, insurance and dealer charges. Offers good in MT, WA, ID, and OR. See your local participating Toyota dealer for details.

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wanderer at rest

Big Sky Weekly

Lightning, thunder and trowels

By Jamie Balke

Then began the many stream crossings, one of which resulted in a dramatic fall, and a nasty gash on my knee.

I almost lost it. The good news about being in the middle of the woods is that you don’t really have the option of losing it, so I carried on.

Big Sky Weekly Columnist

As I sat at my desk looking out the window at the ominous gray sky, my ears were greeted by a peal of thunder. I recalled the time I found my high school self running down a mountain, desperately trying to descend from a ridge top during a spectacular thunderstorm. It was my first backpacking trip, and at the time I swore it would be my last.

I was rewarded for these efforts with ceaseless rain, and a horrifying concoction provided by the trip leader consisting of ramen noodles, dehydrated mashed potatoes, and sweaty cheddar cheese torn in hunks by bare hands. Bon appetite?

I grew up in a Chicago suburb, restless and out of place. Something was missing, and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I don’t remember why I asked my mom if I could look into a summer backpacking camp, but that ultimately resulted in a weeklong trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

I arrived at the program headquarters, met my fellow adventurers, and dragged my belongings into the packing room. As neither I nor my suburban parents had any idea what this trip would entail, my bags were full of jean shorts and cotton t-shirts. To store this inadequate clothing, I was provided with the most uncomfortable external frame backpack ever created. After an awkward presentation by our well-intentioned trip leader about the proper use of the neon orange trowel, we were ready to rock.

The drive through the park was magnificent, and before long we arrived at the trailhead. The Smoky Mountains are beautiful, as are the forests that grace their slopes. When I think of this area, I think of the color green.

The last afternoon of the trip culminated with a violent lightning and thunderstorm that sent us running down the mountain, just as we had arrived at an exposed ridgeline to finally see a view.

We made it back safely, and I took two consecutive showers. It hadn’t occurred to me that it was possible to smell so bad.

Balke with a backpack and a smile as irrefutable evidence of her love for the mountains.

The assorted foliage at my feet matched the green leaves on the trees above and around my head. It was vibrant. However, what began as a nice walk through the woods soon felt like a never-ending uphill march through thick trees refusing to yield a rewarding view.

My ill-fitting pack felt torturously heavy, and I didn’t think it could get any worse.

Since that time, I have fallen madly in love with hiking. My current backpack does not double as a torture device, and I try my best not to venture into the wilderness so poorly prepared.

By the by, I figured out what I needed. It was mountains, with all of the trappings.

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 18, 2012

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further fetchins

Surf and turf Big Sky Weekly Columnist

pulled on my hood and strapped the leash to my ankle, then stretched and watched while waiting for a bigger set to crash.

The “Help Wanted!” sign in the door hung crookedly, as if somebody in a hurry slapped it up in between tasks. The two baristas ran in circles behind the counter, every movement calculated for optimum efficiency. The drive-up window slid open, and a customer’s hand appeared, holding paper bills. I felt a chill as a blast of wind blew across the counter.

As the last wave dumped over I took a few running steps, pushed my board underneath me, and started paddling to make it outside the break.

story and photo By Mike Mannelin

I got my coffee to go, and headed back to the truck. The surf report for Kodiak Island was favorable, which was all I needed to make the 40-plus mile drive to Narrow Cape, the local beach break, to have a closer look.

Kodiak Island is the second largest island in the U.S. It has just over 100 miles of road on its northeast side.

From town, we drove along the coast past some protected bays. The mountains on the other side of the road were still covered in snow. As we drove by Kalsin Bay the road climbed to 300 feet, and the bank on the side dropped straight to the ocean.

The final stretch of road to the main surf beach began with “hold your breath hill,” the first spot on the drive where we could see the surf. The swell lines were stacked up, and the waves were breaking—a big relief.

Some days, the hour drive is rewarded only by a beautiful view with bathtub-sized waves.

The water temperature was around 41 degrees, so I opted for an extra neoprene layer under my wetsuit. I

Big Sky Weekly

Beautiful spot to wait for waves—Narrow Cape, Kodiak, Alaska During late April and early May whales migrate past Kodiak, and gray and orca whales were We ran into a few people on the skin track. Everyone spouting all over the place. Some of them came in was excited to be out on the mountain. Atop the peak, pretty close, but I figured they probably weren’t going we stopped to look at the view of mountains and ocean to eat me. all around.

I caught a few more waves, and when my arms were tired, rode one to shore. There, I began the process of peeling my second neoprene skin off of my frozen body.

With 18 hours of daylight between dawn and dusk, there was still plenty of time to get a ski run in on the way home. We took a left at the airport and headed out one of the last stretches of gravel left on Kodiak’s road system.

The parking lot was buzzing at Pyramid Mountain, the island’s most popular ski spot. The snow still made a continual path all the way down to the road, making it easy for locals to run out and make a couple laps after work and still be home in time for dinner.

The corn snow made carving turns really fun. The steeper pitch off the summit gave way to a long, mellow cruiser, and then the final pitch back to the road.

There were natural half pipes and jumps, and wide open stretches of untracked snow. The closer we got to the road, the more alder brushes appeared, and we made a game of dodging them.

We high fived, packed up our trucks, and drove back to town to celebrate at the Kodiak Island Brewery. With fresh beer and giant smiles, we raised our glasses in appreciation of a good day on this north Pacific island.

Mike Mannelin is a Big Sky skier, traveling to the further fetches of Alaska to count fish for the summer with his wife and dog.

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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.

Architecture

Fort Yellowstone and Mammoth Hot Springs

by Jamie Daugaard

Big Sky Weekly Contributor

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK—Native Americans were the first humans to frequent the area in and around what is now known as Mammoth Hot Springs, in the north-central part of Yellowstone National Park. Just south of Gardiner and the park’s historic original entrance, Mammoth was known historically as "White Mountain," for the tons of dissolved limestone deposited by hot springs. On March 1, 1872, the nation’s first national park was created surrounding this site.

Starting in 1886, the U.S. Army was charged with overseeing the park, and protecting the area from geologic vandals, poachers and squatters. They lived in Camp Sheridan, a temporary military camp near Mammoth, which in 1891 became the more permanent Fort Yellowstone.

The Army built 35 structures at the fort based on military academy planning, which housed more

than 300 soldiers at times. These included the officer’s quarters (today’s Albright Visitors Center), the guardhouse, headquarters, stables, two troop barracks for 200 men (now the administration Building) and a chapel. Many of the structures we see today in Mammoth date back to that time.

The area is now the current headquarters for the National Park Service, and is called the Fort Yellowstone-Mammoth Hot Springs Historic District.

If you have the opportunity, stop and enjoy the history and architectural beauty of the town as we know now as Mammoth Hot Springs.

This area was most suitable for the military camp for several reasons. The park became more accessible in the late 1800s, and the north entry gained year-round access. Plus, this area sees milder winters than many other areas of the park.

A number of architects have designed structures in Yellowstone, but one in particular had a prominent role: Robert Reamer. Reamer, “wonder boy” architect of the park, designed over 25 buildings there, including Old Faithful Inn, Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, the Executive House, the Gardiner Depot and the Mammoth Cottages in the residential district. It’s also speculated that Reamer was the architect on the Roosevelt Arch at the north entrance.

Jamie Daugaard, principal of Centre Sky Architecture, received his B-Arch and M-Arch from MSU. Sustainability is deeply rooted in his work, which is mostly located in mountain regions, with offices in Denver and Big Sky. If you’d like to comment on this article or learn more about another topic, contact him at jamie@centresky.com or (406) 9957572. centresky.com

Styles The architecture of Roosevelt Arch and at Fort Yellowstone were influenced mostly by the Queen Anne Style, Colonial Revival and Richardsonian Romanesque.

Roosevelt Arch: A large "basaltic encrusted triumphal arch" south of Gardiner, this entry piece was built in such a grand and bold way to make up for the surrounding landscape, which some perceived as a barren wasteland. With the Northern Pacific railroad about to finish its depot in Gardiner, the entry

portal was designed to have an overpowering effect on visitors and define the arrival.

The Roosevelt Arch started construction in 1903, and was composed of “very rough” basaltic rock local to the area, meant to create a sense of heavy masculine rusticity and the arch motif of the Richardsonian Romanesque Style. This rustic style is also evident at the Old Faithful Lodge.

Fort Yellowstone: The second most visited military fort in the country in the late 19th and early 20th century, the need for expansion and revamping of the current look was required. The Queen Anne, Colonial, Prairie Style, Arts and Crafts, Rustic and a swirl of European styles comingle with rusticity in this structure.

The fort also captured the style and stone detailing present in Classicism. This style was felt to be synonymous with the authority of government. As it expanded, the Colonial Cottage Style was implemented

32 May 18, 2012

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for the U.S. Commissioner’s residence.

Fort Yellowstone was influenced by the architecture style of the day and ornamented to give it a rustic washing. As you walk around this campus it’s interesting to see the cohesion and the difference to their architectural neighbors. However, out of the experimenting came a style called the Neo-Rustic Revival and the concept of Hearth and Home. As officials and architects started to embrace this style, the rise of Parkitecture came to be in the late 1920s.

The Chapel: Based on a Gothic/Rustic style and meant to equal its architectural rival in West Point.

U.S. Engineer’s Office: This building was called the “Pagoda” because the Asian influenced roof configuration with the swayed green tile roof shows experimentation with Chinese detail.

The Post Office: Influenced by French and neo Classicism.

Mammoth Apartment Building: This structure is made from half timber to mimic English Rustic and European attachments. One residence employed the Dutch Colonial gambrel roof, and a number of current and past structures were influenced by the Prairie Style, with horizontal lines, deep overhangs and detailed ornamentation.