Big Sky Weekly
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June 1, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue No. 11
Grizzly killed in Big Sky
BSCC's new climbing boulder
Primary Elections Are June 5
survey gives locals voice in resort tax jack Creek Preserve Foundation
breaks ground on 'Con-Ed' Center
Making compost from sludge media@theoutlawpartners.com
Back 40: Cold water immersion
Publisher of the big sky weekly
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On the cover: Summer McCain during a Memorial Day Swiftwater Rescue training course, taught by Whitewater Rescue Institute on the Gallatin River. Photo by the Outlaw Partners
2011 big sky chamber of commerce
Business of the Year
PUBLISHER Eric Ladd COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson
outlaw partners videographer
The HabiHut there will operate as a clean water kiosk where the women of the church will draw, filter and sell clean water to the village. I'll never forget how excited the women were to start another business pursuit (they're weavers, too) and provide clean water to their community.
When I joined The Outlaw Partners last September, I had high hopes of adventure, but I never imagined we would be globetrotting within the first year. But this past April and May Outlaw’s video team traveled to Nairobi, Kenya to work on a project for The HabiHut, a Bozeman based company that provides shelter in places where valuable natural resources are limited and the need for quick, durable and sustainable housing is required.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars EDITOR Abbie Digel
I'm looking forward to showing our video to the world, and even more so because our friends in Gatina are excited for us to share their story. We'll have the footage from the trip edited soon; until then, I've made a short "Outlaw Goes to Africa" video to give a little taste of our trip. You can find it at explorebigsky.com or on facebook.com/explorebigsky. "Drink clean water," or in Swahili, "kunywa maji safi."
Through my travels with Jim Ogburn, one of the HabiHut innovators, we saw quite a bit of the region around Nairobi and had invaluable conversations that I will carry into future endeavors. It was, however, the work before us that made me feel humble and inspired.
editorial assistants Taylor Anderson, Renae Counter Distribution Director Danielle Chamberlain VIDEO director Brian Niles videographer Chris Davis Account relations coordinator Kacey Brown Operations director Katie Morrison WEB Developer/Designer Sean Weas CONTRIBUTors
Jamie Balke, Tomas Dumbrovsky, Maren Dunn, D.O., Mike Mannelin, Dave McEvoy, Brandon Niles, Ersin Ozer, Rumsey Young
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 15 issuE: June 8, 2012 CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed. Please report them to emily@theoutlawpartners.com
2 June 1, 2012
than 100,000 people living around Gatina, this is a very serious issue.
By chris davis
Not long after the first time I held a camera I developed an insatiable thirst for travel. I grew up thumbing through Zoo Books, old issues of National Geographic, and wrestling my brothers for the television remote and the right to watch The Discovery Channel.
June 1, 2012 Volume 3, Issue 11
© 2012 The Big Sky Weekly Unauthorized reproduction prohibited
Outlaw goes to Africa
While we were there, the HabiHut team built a structure on the grounds of Gatina United Church, which is in one of the largest slums in the world. At Gatina, water, even from municipal sources, is available only a few days a week, and then it may not be safe to drink. For the more
Outlaw Partners' Video Director Brian Niles and Videographer Chris Davis shooting in Nairobi.
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Big Sky LIFT continues to help those in need By Renae Counter
big sky weekly editorial assistant
BIG SKY—Grant money from the Big Sky LIFT program is still being distributed to employees who were laid off after the Club at Spanish Peaks declared Chapter 7 bankruptcy last October. Richard Saunders said the grant his family received last fall helped relieve their financial burden. Saunders worked for at the Club at Spanish Peaks for five years in upper management and came close to foreclosure after being laid off. “[The grant money] has given us breathing room and a little more time together as a family,” Saunders said. Saunders, who has since found another job, could not be more grateful and thankful for the LIFT program. “The LIFT program is a wonderful, beneficial program. I can’t say enough good things about it. It’s a program for the community, to keep the community together,” Saunders said. Kristin Dowd received an individual grant in March. Since then she, too, has found another job but is thankful for the LIFT money.
“It paid my rent for the most part of the last three months. It really saved me while I was in between jobs,” Dowd said. According to Dowd, information about the grant money took a while to circulate to those laid off but quickly spread by word of mouth after the first grants were issued. “The program was quick to help those most in need. Overall, they did a good job handling the situation the best they could,” Dowd said. Peter Owens, another grant recipient, was also grateful for the grant money, which he said helped pay the bills before he could find another job. In addition to receiving the LIFT funds, Owens also said the Club at Spanish Peaks was very helpful after the closure, allowing employees to keep benefits like health insurance for as long as possible. “In terms of losing a job it wasn’t that bad. The grant was amazing and [Spanish Peaks] fulfilled their promise of benefits and gave a timely notice before it ran out. You couldn’t ask for much more,” he said. To date, 47 people have applied and have been accepted for a total of $68,550 in grants. So far, all applicants have received support.
Grants are still being given out in the sums of $1,000 for individuals and $2,500 for families. Some past applicants are finding additional need for future awards, said Nicole Rush of the Montana Community Foundation, the nonprofit group which organized the LIFT effort. Currently the grant money is still being held for new applicants, but there is opportunity to reapply for those who are really struggling, said John Haas, one of the officials coordinating the effort. The Big Sky LIFT program has been following up with grant recipients to ensure they’re putting their lives back together, Haas said. Furthermore, Spanish Peaks will not reopen for the summer season due to the slow movement of sales proceedings. Summer employees out of a job are welcome to apply for grant money. “We will give out grants until the money runs out. It’s the people who are in need who I really want to make sure we help out,” Haas said. All money donated to the effort has come from Spanish Peaks members to help support employees of Spanish Peaks. To apply, contact John at john@spmembers.org, or go to mtcf.org.
Congratulations LPHS Golf team
GOOD LUCK
TO ABBIE & TAYLOR
AND THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK WITH OUTLAW
Assistant Golf Coach Mike King presents to Lone Peak High School the team’s trophy from the Class C state golf tournament on May 10.
4 June 1, 2012
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BSCC to start summer community park projects Future home of climbing boulders, bike and skate parks
BSCC plans to build one boulder in the park this summer. This rendering by Tomas Dumbrovsky is what it could look like five years from now, said Director Jesse Neal. Courtesy of BSCC
By emily stifler
big sky weekly managing editor
BIG SKY— The Big Sky Community Corp. is about to start the next phase of construction in the Community Park, which is located just north of the Big Sky Meadow Village. This spring BSCC director Jessie Neal has been working with engineers, surveyors, contractors and landscapers to create a site plan for the northeast section of the park, which will eventually be home to artificial climbing boulders, a skate park and a bike park. With funding from the local Rotary Club, construction of the first climbing boulder will begin by mid-June, Neal said. It will be located just north of the skating half pipe. The site plan leaves enough space for two large boulders. The Rotary is waiting to hear back about additional funding that would come from matching grants and possibly fund a second boulder. “I think it’s going to be a popular recreational item at the park,” Neal said. “With the number of people using it, they will start to want more than one. There are only so many routes you can do on each boulder.” Ultimately, there could be room for a whole boulder garden, she added.
BSCC has contracted Stronghold Fabrication, which built five of the six Bozeman boulders, to run the project. The boulder will be 13 feet tall, eight to 10 feet wide, and about 25 feet long, said the boulder’s designer Tomas Dumbrovsky. There will be an easy way to the top on one end, an overhang on the other, and the walls in between "You’re really will be vertical.
the half pipe does now. That project’s timeline is contingent upon funding. Two Big Sky residents, Rich Chandler and Dave Neal, are planning and fundraising for the bike park this summer and will likely start construction next spring, also depending on funding.
“The pump track is a getting the core great fundamental of what our community is about “There will be development there, with the boulders, the bike terrain for every tool for anyskill and level,” body,” Chanpark and the skate park." Dumbrovsky said. dler said. “It Stronghold plans caters to all to orient the boulder so the overhangs will be levels from a 3- or 4-year-old to an expert cyclist. shaded in the summer, and the easier routes will It’s not about big air. It’s more about rolling mobe more in the sun. Wood chips will surround the mentum through the rollers and burms.” boulder, creating a soft landing surface. Chandler and Neal came up with the idea over Neal is consulting with engineers and a landscapthe winter, and are currently mapping out a 75er to make sure the spaces between the boulders, by 165- foot pump track that will sit east of the skate and bike parks is “functional, and that boulders. people want to spend time there.” There will be walking paths, she noted, and a parent should be “You’re really getting the core of what our comable to sit at a picnic table in the shade and watch munity is about there, with the boulders, the their kids on any of the features. bike park and the skate park,” Chandler said. “I hope we’re able to attract all these different user A group from California is contracted to build groups. Having them all interconnected is the the skate park, which will eventually sit where coolest part.”
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June 1, 2012 5
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Grizzly bear killed in Big Sky
Groups from Big Sky moving forward with ‘Bear Aware’ efforts By emily stifler
big sky weekly managing editor
BIG SKY—A Big Sky man shot and killed a grizzly bear near the Ousel Falls Trailhead, on May 25 at 7:30 a.m. The bear, an adult male, was approximately 5 to 6 years old. A necropsy conducted on the bear at the state wildlife laboratory in Bozeman affirmed the animal was shot, said Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokeswoman Andrea Jones. Agents from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FWP law enforcement were still investigating the incident at press time and could not comment on the details. Because grizzly bears are listed as threatened on the endangered species list, incidents involving unnatural death require joint investigation by federal and state authorities. In most cases, this process involves determining whether the incident was a case of self-defense, Jones said. “The overall take-home message in regards to the grizzly bear killed last Friday is [that] people need to be aware that they live in an area that has numerous black and grizzly bears,” said FWP bear biologist Kevin Frey. “Unnatural food attractants that are unsecured lure bears close to people.” “It has been predominantly black bears in Big Sky, but it could just as easily be a grizzly bear, which when encountered can become more complicated or cause a higher level of concern.”
Black bear spotted at Moonlight Basin this spring.
meaning the bear population is high because of the food available. Dandelions and red clover are favorite summer foods for bears, and they’re common around Big Sky’s lawns and roadways.
"If there’s an easy meal to be had—unsecured garbage, pet food, bird seed—bears have an incredible sense of smell and they’ll find that stuff.
The fact that this incident happened so close to the busiest trailhead in Gallatin County has left many Big Sky residents fascinated and concerned.
Bear-human conflicts happen several times a year in Big Sky. Because of its mountainous location and surrounding habitat, bears will always be here. During the construction boom, human activity scared the animals away, but as that’s slowed down, Frey says it’s become almost a safe haven for bears. “There’s very little management or control in [Big Sky]. It’s almost got a false population,” he said,
“Bears are no different than me. If you want to cook supper, I’ll come over,” Frey said. “If there’s an easy meal to be had—unsecured garbage, pet food, bird seed—bears have an incredible sense of smell and they’ll find that stuff.” And when people leave their windows open and head out for the day, bears can sense that no one’s home, Frey says. “We’ve definitely had an increase in the number of bears pulling windows open and crawling in houses. That can lead to bears crawling into a house when someone’s home.”
80% 6 June 1, 2012
bears to give them a negative reward for hanging around people or trying to get in garbage. If a bear is breaking into cars or houses we try to figure out which one it is and capture that bear.” Ultimately, habituated bears must be relocated, or in extreme cases, euthanized. “We have to decide what’s best for the bear and the public,” Frey said.
Efforts in the Big Sky area to minimize bear-human conflicts have been beneficial. “People are becoming more aware and conscious, but there’s that constant turnover of new residences or vacationers who don't understand,” Frey said. “People slip up or don’t take it seriously, and bears get a reward. A few people have purposely put out food for bears which has caused a problem.”
That’s when Frey, a game warden or another law enforcement officer is often called to the scene.
As the regional black and grizzly bear population grows, sightings in the Big Sky area are increasing as well. That, Frey says, makes it imperative to increase efforts to secure attractants that lure bears close to people.
“We try to help secure the attractants, and haze
Food-conditioned and habituated bears create
Big Sky – Gallatin/Madison County
1994 – 2011:
Then there’s the trash and other attractants left out by humans.
Photo courtesy of Moonlight Basin
45 Black bears captured/relocated 12 Black bears removed from wild 1 Grizzly bear captured/relocated 2 Grizzly bears removed from wild or more of all conflicts and captures occurred during July and August. This is mostly due to an increase of summer human activities and use. explorebigsky.com
Information from Fish, Wildlife and Parks
2007 – 2011: 180 bear conflict issues Average 36/year High of 57 in 2010
Black bears are currently involved in more than
Big Sky Natural Resource Council bigskynrc.org Get Bear Smart Society bearsmart.com Allied Waste disposal.com
98%
of the conflict issues
community human safety concerns, and as with the shooting near Ousel Falls, bearhuman conflicts are also increasing around Big Sky.
“We have to be diligent, making sure everyone is being smart with food and trash storage,” said Moonlight employee Kevin Germain.
One effort by the Big Sky Owners Association made notable differences last year. Working with Allied Waste, a test neighborhood on Chief Joseph Trail used bear proof trashcans and saw a major decrease in incidences. The locking cans cost residents $11 more each month. The pilot project was a reaction to a beartrash incident the previous year.
Large bear resistant containers in and around the Meadow Village have helped diminish what were previously chronic bear problems.
Allied Waste currently has at least 100 bear proof trashcans in Big Sky. The locking cans require more maintenance, labor and cost, but it’s worth it, said Phil Ideson, Allied Waste’s Big Sky operations manager. “If the customers want them, then we’ll put them out,” he said. Since 2008, Red Lodge has had a citywide mandate for residents to use bear resistant canisters. The results have been good and the investment was worth it, said Red Lodge community development director Forrest Sanderson. “We made that choice as a community that we don’t need trfouble with our wildlife neighbors.” The resorts in Big Sky have also made efforts to decrease bear-human interaction. Moonlight Basin and the Yellowstone Club have both added central waste transfer stations, isolating potential problems to one area. Moonlight also has a covenant against birdfeeders and works to educate its homeowners.
Every effort counts, Frey said. “If a bear doesn't find that reward in one area, hopefully it won’t look for it in the next. It’s a slow process but it’s a cumulative affect.”
LOT 488ACRE S LOT 488 | 1.77 THE ULTIM AT E
Through a Bear Aware program started last year, the Big Sky Natural Resource Council has brought together players from all facets of Big Sky to find creative solutions to addressing the bear issues facing the community. The group identified bear education and awareness as a priority.
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The BSNRC has applied for several grants, and once funding is secured, the group will do a bear hazard assessment for Big Sky and then form a committee to implement solutions. It plans to emulate a successful community program started by the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Air protection called “Get Bear Smart.*" The program is used widely throughout Canada and also in cities around the U.S.
Panoramic View from Lot 488
Follow explorebigsky.com for updates about the grizzly bear shooting. *See p. 6 for GBS principles
What to do if you see a bear The presence of bears in Big Sky should be accepted as normal, said FWP bear biologist Kevin Frey. Residents should expect to see the animals grazing on their lawns or just passing through. But if they start snooping, hanging around, or getting bold or brazen, he suggests making noise to scare the animal away. Problem bears should be reported, Frey said.
mode. At that point you want to be aggressive and try to intimidate the animal. Holler, throw rocks or sticks.”
If you’re out in the woods and have a close encounter with a bear, it’s best to stop and stand your ground.
If you have a surprise encounter with a grizzly, “at that point the bear is trying to decide what to do,” Frey said. “If you don’t do anything to trigger another reaction, a lot of times they’ll drift off and give you the ground. If you start yelling and getting ornery, it might charge you. It’s kind of up to the bear what’s going to happen.”
“If you turn around and run away, that can trigger a secondary response in wildlife, especially bears. Slowly try to back up. If it’s agitated, huffing and puffing, hold your ground.”
Bears travel on trails, too, and 99 percent of them run away before we even see them, Frey said. The best thing is prevention, and traveling in groups of two or more.
In a surprise encounter, black bears generally won’t be that defensive or aggressive—unless it’s a mother with cubs.
“Be alert, make noise, carry bear spray and know how to use it. Look for tracks, torn up logs, scat—all signs a bear is in the area.”
A bear that’s following you is different, Frey said. “That bear is in a predatory
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L: Older recepticle designs have been easily knocked over by bears in the area. R: The lid-edge and the base rim have been modified on this plastic, bear-resistant container with metal frames that house latching mechanisms. Photos by Rumsey Young
Allied Waste Big Sky trash pickup routes Road
Time
Road
Time
Road
Time
Road
Time
Road
Time
Altman
8:00 AM
Crazy Horse
7:00 AM
Little Bear
10:15 AM
Pine Cone Terrace
8:30 AM
Spotted Fawn
8:00 AM
Amber Lilly
9:00 AM
Crow King
7:30 AM
Little Coyote
6:30 AM
Pine Wood
8:30 AM
Spruce
8:00 AM
Anaconda
10:15 AM
Crown Butte
8:30 AM
Little Plume
10:15 AM
Porcupine Creek
8:30 AM
Spruce
8:00 AM
Andesite
8:30 AM
Cummings Ln
8:30 AM
Little Thunder
10:15 AM
Portnell
8:30 AM
Spruce Cone
8:00 AM
Antler Drop
9:00 AM
Curly Bear
6:25 AM
Little Wolf
10:15 AM
Primrose
10:00 AM
Sprucewood
8:00 AM
Antler Ridge
7:00 AM
Cutthroat Trout
9:30 AM
Lone MTN Trail
10:15 AM
Rain In Face
7:00 AM
Starlight
8:30 AM
Aspen Leaf
8:45 AM
Diamond Hitch
8:30 AM
LoneWalker
6:00 AM
Rainbow Ranch
9:00 AM
Summit View
7:00 AM
Autumn Trail
7:00 AM
Dier Ln
8:30 AM
Looking Glass
6:15 AM
Rainbow Trout
9:15 AM
Summitt
7:45 AM
Bear Crossing
7:00 AM
Dudley Creek
6:00 AM
Lost Trails
10:30 AM
Ramshorn
9:00 AM
Sunrise View Way
7:45 AM
Bear Trap
7:00 AM
Dull Knife
7:00 AM
Low Dog
10:30 AM
Red Feather
7:30 AM
Sweet Root Fork
7:00 AM
Beartooth
10:15 AM
Eagle Eye
8:30 AM
Lower Tom Burke
10:30 AM
Red Moose
9:00 AM
Swift Bear
6:45 AM
Beaver Creek
7:00 AM
Eagle View Trail
8:30 AM
Luhn Ln
10:30 AM
Ridge Back
9:00 AM
Swiftbear
6:45 AM
Beaver Mountain
7:00 AM
Elk Meadow Trail
8:30 AM
Madison
8:45 AM
Ridge Fork
9:15 AM
Tamarack Ct
8:30 AM
Beehive Basin
7:00 AM
Elk Valley
8:30 AM
Main Beaver Creek
10:30 AM
Ridge Rd
9:30 AM
Tamphrey Creek
10:00 AM
Beehive Creek
7:00 AM
Firelight
8:00 AM
Majestic Peaks
10:45 AM
Ridgeview Loop
9:30 AM
Tanger Fork
7:00 AM
Big Bear
7:00 AM
Fortress
8:45 AM
Market Place
6:00 AM
Rising Bull
9:30 AM
Tenton Condos
6:00 AM
Big Pine
8:00 AM
Fourpoint
8:45 AM
Michener Creek
10:45 AM
River View
9:30 AM
Twin Antler
7:00 AM
Big Sky Spur
7:00 AM
Gallatin Rd
5:45 AM
Middle Fork
10:45 AM
Ruby Mountain Way
9:30 AM
Two Bear
7:00 AM
Big Sky Spur
7:00 AM
General View
8:45 AM
Middle Ridder
10:45 AM
Ruby Rangs
9:30 AM
Two Gun White Calf
5:00 AM
Big Sky Spur
6:00 AM
Goshawk
8:45 AM
Misty Way
10:45 AM
Running Bear
10:00 AM
Two Moons
6:00 AM
Bison Run
7:00 AM
Grassy Flats
8:45 AM
Moose Crossing
8:00 AM
Running Dog
10:00 AM
Upper Beehive Basin
9:30 AM
Bitterbrush
7:00 AM
Greek Creek
8:45 AM
Moosewood
8:30 AM
S Big Slk Meadow
10:00 AM
Upper Cascade Ridge
7:00 AM
Black Eagle
7:00 AM
Grey Drake
9:00 AM
Morning Glory
10:15 AM
Saddle Horn
10:00 AM
Upper Moose Hill
7:15 AM
Black Moon
7:00 AM
Grizzly Ln
9:00 AM
Mosse Meadow
8:15 AM
Sage
9:00 AM
Upper Tom Burke
7:15 AM
Blacktail
10:00 AM
Grouse Ridge
9:00 AM
N Big Elk Meadow
7:00 AM
Sage Hen
10:00 AM
W Pine Cone Terrace
7:15 AM
Blacktail Buck
8:00 AM
Half Hitch
9:30 AM
N Low Bench
10:45 AM
Sandhill
10:00 AM
Washake
7:30 AM
Bobtail Horse
7:15 AM
Half Moon
6:30 AM
Night Hawk Fork
7:00 AM
Saw Buck
10:00 AM
White Bark
8:30 AM
Brook Trout
8:30 AM
Hawk Hill
9:30 AM
Nordic Ln
7:30 AM
Sawtooth
10:00 AM
White Butte
7:30 AM
Brownstone Loop
6:45 AM
Heavy Runner
9:30 AM
North Fork
7:30 AM
Scenic
10:15 AM
White Fish
9:30 AM
Browtine
8:00 AM
Huckleberry
9:30 AM
Old Moose Fork
7:30 AM
Silver Run
10:15 AM
White Otter
7:45 AM
Candle Meadow
8:00 AM
Hyalite
9:45 AM
Old Toby
7:30 AM
Silverado Trail
10:15 AM
White Pine
7:45 AM
Candlelight Meadow
8:00 AM
Indigo
9:45 AM
Open View
7:00 AM
Sioux
10:15 AM
Whitegrass
7:45 AM
Center Ln
6:00 AM
Juniper
9:00 AM
Ousel Falls
8:00 AM
Sitting Bull
10:30 AM
Wilderness Ridge
8:15 AM
Cheyenne Rd
8:30 AM
Juniper Berry
9:00 AM
Ousel Falls
8:30 AM
Sixpoint
10:30 AM
Willimas
7:00 AM
Chief Joseph
7:30 AM
Karst Camp Ln
9:45 AM
Ousel Falls View
8:00 AM
Skylark
10:30 AM
Wilson Creek
7:00 AM
Chucks Pl
8:30 AM
Karst Stage Loop
10:48 AM
Painted Brush
10:00 AM
Skywood
10:30 AM
Windy Pass
7:00 AM
Ciel Dr
8:30 AM
Karst Timber Trail
10:00 AM
Parkview Dr S
8:00 AM
Sleepin Bear
10:30 AM
Yankee Creek
9:00 AM
Cinnamon Bear
11:00 AM
Latigo
10:00 AM
Petes Way
8:30 AM
South Fork
10:30 AM
Yellowtail
6:00 AM
Cowboy Spur
8:30 AM
Lazy T4
10:00 AM
Pheasant Tail
8:30 AM
Spanish Breaks
8:00 AM
Crail Ranch
7:30 AM
Limber Pine
9:15 AM
Pine
8:00 AM
Spotted Elk
6:45 AM
Six steps for a Bear Smart Society The Get Bear Smart Society started in British Columbia and has grown across North America. Its goal is to help create a paradigm shift in people's attitudes toward bears, which will allow bears and people to coexist in harmony. According to the group, “the responsibility to manage human-bear conflicts rests with everyone and will require participation from the provin-
8 June 1, 2012
cial (or state) governments, municipal governments and local citizens to be successful.” The Bear Smart Community Program is based on fulfilling the following criteria to be recognized as "Bear Smart." The Big Sky Natural Resource Council hopes to model its process after this. 1. Complete a bear smart hazard assessment.
explorebigsky.com
2. Prepare a human-bear conflict management plan designed to address the bear hazards and land-use conflicts identified in the previous step. 3. Revise planning and decision-making documents to be consistent with the human-bear conflict management plan. 4. Implement an effective education program directed at all sectors of the community.
5. Develop and maintain an effective bear-proof municipal solid waste management system. 6. Implement and enforce "Bear Smart" bylaws prohibiting the provision of food to bears as a result of intent, neglect or irresponsible management of attractants.
local news New survey to gauge interest before tax appropriations big sky weekly staff writer
BIG SKY—In advance of the June 13 resort tax appropriations meeting at the Big Sky Chapel, a team with the Outlaw Partners is preparing a survey to gauge community interest in the applicants. This year, 28 nonprofit groups applied for $3.5 million in funding for various projects throughout town. The tax board, a five-person volunteer group that works year round to understand how its funding works within the community, has had several meetings in advance of this year’s appropriations. Kacey Brown, with the Outlaw Partners, is coordinating the survey. She says the aim is to get a good understanding of what the community would like to see happen at this year’s appropriations. “Here is a wonderful opportunity for the Big Sky community to voice their opinions on how their tax dollars are appropriated,” Brown said. “With so many important applicants, this will help us gauge what issues
residents would like to see move to the forefront.” The survey results should show how the community wants its money spent. The board estimates that $2.25 million will be available this year from the 3 percent resort tax collected from July 2011 through June 2012. That number would be slightly down from last year, when the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation held a conference in Big Sky last spring and boosted tax collections. From funding lighting and plans for an entry monument at the intersection of Highway 191 and Route 64, to finishing the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center at Ophir School and paying for protection against noxious weeds in Big Sky, the Outlaw Partners wants to make sure the community voice is heard before the appropriations meeting this year. Everyone is welcome to take the survey. Log on to explorebigsky.com/ resort-tax-survey and fill it out to let your voice be heard before June 13.
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June 1, 2012 9
Big Sky Weekly
local news
Making compost from wastewater is a piece of “cake"
Compost piles outside the Big Sky Water and Sewer facility Photo by Renae counter
By Renae Counter
big sky weekly editorial assistant
BIG SKY—When the Big Sky Water and Sewer facility opened in 2004, it set out to be a 100 percent self contained treatment facility. In order to achieve this goal, nothing could go to waste, not even the waste. “The district chose to make compost instead of trucking the sludge to the Logan Landfill, which would have been a greater cost,” said Peter Bedell, operator at the facility. Since its opening, Big Sky Water and Sewer has been making compost during the summer months, converting all of the waste from the municipal wastewater sludge in the facility’s ponds into land application compost. The process takes roughly three weeks from start to finish. The end product is compost that is safe and meets EPA standards. Compost made from wastewater may sound disgusting, but Big Sky
Water and Sewer maintains such an efficient operating and cleaning system that by the time the wastewater is converted to compost it resembles nothing of its previous state, not even the smell. For the most part, the wastewater and compost has no smell at all.
it’s brought through pipes to the composting building, where excess water is rung out and the remaining waste is formed into a “cake.”
To start the process of making compost, waste is pulled from the holding ponds to undergo a series of treatments. First, all garbage, debris and other obstructions are removed from the wastewater. Next, the water is sent to two holding basins where it undergoes a six hour treatment of agitation and rest. This treatment allows microorganisms to begin breaking down the waste.
The cake is sent through a series of conveyor belts before it eventually lands in a large mixing bin. Wood chips and sawdust are added to the mixture before it goes up another conveyor belt to one of five Environmental Compost System vessels. Once full, the ECS vessels are hooked up to two air pumps which circulate both hot and cold air. This air treatment allows aerobic microbial activity to break down the leftover waste. For three days the compost is kept at 55 degrees Celsius, in order to kill any remaining pathogens. To finish off the treatments, the mixture is kept at 45 degrees Celsius for 14 days.
During the resting stages, the wastewater settles to the bottom of the basins and the remaining water rises to the top. After it’s separated, the top water is pumped to the Big Sky Golf Course and Yellowstone Club course for watering; it has never been sent down the Gallatin River. The remaining wastewater is stored in two digester basins. From there
“For conversational terms, this is poop,” Bedell said while holding a piece of cake in his gloved hand.
After leaving the vessels the compost is screened to remove large leftover wood chips, which can be reused in another batch. Finally,
the compost is stored in bins, ready to be picked up and sold to the public at $20 per yard. With bare hands, Bedell handles the compost to examine. I took a whiff and got it dangerously close to my mouth and nose before replacing it in the bin. Bedell laughed. “It’s perfectly safe and nothing a tough Montana girl can’t handle.” All the operating systems at the facility are controlled by computers to ensure safety of the operation and product. Compost that doesn’t meet the operation and EPA standards is not sold to the public. Currently, Big Sky Water and Sewer makes compost whenever it begins to run low or sees an increased need for it from the public. Now, with the summer months fast approaching, compost will be readily available and can be picked up at the treatment facility. For more information visit bigskywatersewer.com.
Mark Wehrman is new Big Annual river clean up Sky Resort head golf pro and weed pull event BIG SKY—Professional golfer Mark Wehrman is the new head golf professional for Big Sky Resort’s public 18-hole Arnold Palmer golf course. Wehrman earned his Associate of Applied Business degree from The Golf Academy of America in Chandler, Ariz. and is a Class A Member of the Professional Golfers Association of America. He comes to Big Sky with experience as an assistant golf professional at the Club Pelican
10 June 1, 2012
Bay and the Olde Florida Golf Club in Florida, and most recently as the general manager and head professional at Eaglerock Golf Course in Billings. Wehrman said he plans to promote golf in Big Sky through “creative tournaments, golf instruction and outstanding guest service.”
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By Renae Counter
big sky weekly editorial assistant
The Gallatin River is a blue ribbon trout fishery that provides crucial habitat for wildlife, water resources and recreational opportunities. Noxious weed infestations are increasing around the river, causing degrading water quality due to increasing sedimentation and flooding. Also, noxious weeds threaten native plants that provide food and cover for wildlife. To help stop the spread of noxious weeds, the Madison-Gallatin chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its fourth annual River Clean Up and Weed Pull on June 9. Last year, 28 volunteers set a record by pulling 1,060 pounds of noxious weeds. That's over a half ton of noxious weeds.
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local news
Big Sky Weekly
3D rendering courtesy of Jack Creek Preserve Foundation
Jack Creek Preserve breaking ground on new Conservation Education Center By emily stifler
big sky weekly managing editor
BIG SKY—Part of the Jack Creek Preserve Foundation's mission is to provide educational opportunities to the public. In late May, it broke ground on a project that will allow it to do just that: a Conservation Education Center on the 4350-acre preserve. Located between Big Sky and Ennis, the "Con-Ed Center" will be a place where students, teachers, land managers, scouting groups and visitors can gather, learn and explore. The center will offer exhibits on conservation, habitat protection, wildlife management and the role of hunters as conservationists and will be the trailhead for interpretive nature trails to high alpine habitat, sage meadows and willow creek bottoms. On Friday, May 25, just as the Memorial Day snowstorm was moving into southwest Montana, Co-Chairs Jon Fossel and Dottie Fossel Photo courtesy of Jack Creek Preserve Foundation
excavator Rick Feskanin started digging the hole “Volunteering is an easy way to get up there and for the foundation. When the snow started falling see the place while doing something to give back (and considering the forecast was for 18 inches), to the organization and to help us meet our misFeskanin removed standing dead beetle kill trees sion,” Alvin said. instead. Some of that wood will be reused for benches, bridges and firewood for the building, The Jack Creek Foundation was founded in 2005 which will have a wood stove in it, said the founand also hosts summer camps for local kids. Many dation’s executive partners, includdirector Katie Alvin. ing Montana State “Volunteering is an easy way to get up University, Lone there and see the place while doing The plan is to have Peak High School, something to give back to the organizaphase one of the Montana Outdoor tion and to help us meet our mission.” 2,000 sq. foot buildScience School, the ing completed by this Madison Watershed fall. It will at least Council, Big Sky be a shelter with a classroom space and bunks for Youth Empowerment, the Big Sky Community people to spend the night. Corporation and the Yellowstone Club already plan to use the preserve for their programs. The foundation will host volunteer workdays this summer where community members can help put Follow the building progress and get involved at in forms for concrete or with framing or pounding facebook.com/jackcreek?ref=ts. nails. Excavator Rick Feskanin
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June 1, 2012 11
Big Sky Weekly
local news
Big Sky rallies around PBR rodeo Local businesses help support community event big sky weekly staff writer
BIG SKY—Excitement for the Professional Bull Riding tour’s stop in Big Sky is building, with tickets going on sale June 22. It’s becoming a community effort to pull off this "event of the year," which is hosted in the Big Sky Town Center.
Black Bull have stepped up to make donations. There are also some fun, creative sponsorships including Lone Pine Builders, which is sponsoring a cash bonus for the highest point ride of the evening, and Pure West real estate group, which is sponsoring drink cozies. "The goal with the PBR is to bring amazing entertainment to Big Sky and truly make this a community event," Ladd said.
Since the Big Sky community doesn’t have an arena, the event committee will build the entire arena from scratch, at a substantial cost.
He expects there will be between 1,600 and 2,000 tickets available, and cited the limited number of tickets as the event’s primary dilemma moving forward.
"If not for our sponsors the PBR would not be possible, as ticket sales don't come close to covering the cost of producing such a large event," said event co-producer Eric Ladd. Lead sponsors are Yellowstone Club, Continental Construction and Outlaw Partners. In addition, more than 20 local companies like Town Center, Big Sky Resort and
"We estimate that we could sell two to three times the number of tickets if we had bleachers, but without them we will not be able to bring more people to the event." The event committee has attempted without success to locate grant money to help purchase
bleachers or find rentals. The cost to rent bleachers is over $40 per seat, and the closest rental company is Wisconsin. This year’s event is attracting national talent, with musician Morgan Frazier playing the preparty fundraiser on July 31, a show sponsored by the Arts Council of Big Sky. The main event hosted on Aug. 1 will include Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real playing after the rodeo. The marketing effort for this event will have regional reach, with advertising throughout Montana, Idaho and Wyoming. It’s estimated that the campaign will speak to more than a million people in the next 60 days. “The reason behind such an aggressive marketing plan is not only to bring awareness to the event, but to showcase Big Sky,” Ladd said. “It’s a vibrant mountain town with great recreation and events.” Businesses interested in getting involved in the PBR can still do so by calling Outlaw Partners at (406) 995-2055. Music, banner and vendor sponsorships are still available. explorebigsky. com/pbr.
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regional Newark-Bozeman nonstop service extended through winter season big sky weekly wire services
BOZEMAN—After a successful start for the initial summer nonstop flights from New York/Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), the service will continue during winter 2012/13. The seasonal winter flights will be operated by United Airlines. Located 14 miles from Manhattan, the New York/Newark Liberty International Airport serves the entire New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. Flights will operate once weekly this winter on Saturdays from Dec. 22, 2012 through March 30, 2013, departing EWR at 8:25 a.m. and arriving in BZN at 11:23 a.m. The return flights are scheduled to depart BZN at 12:05 p.m. and arrive at EWR at 6:10 p.m. United plans to operate the flights using Airbus A319 aircraft with a configuration of 8 first class and 112 coach class seats. “New York is one of our biggest winter markets, so we’re excited to continue to offer this flight through the ‘12/‘13 ski season,” said Meg O’Leary, Big Sky
FA B L E S ,
Resort’s director of sales and marketing. O'Leary was a leader in bringing the flight to Bozeman. Both seasonal nonstops are supported by contributions from Big Sky Resort and other business partners in both Big Sky and Bozeman in conjunction with a Department of Transportation Small Community Air Service Development Grant. The newly renamed and expanded Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport recorded an all-time passenger boarding record with 397,822 passengers boarding airline flights in 2011. This represents an 8.9 percent increase of nearly 33,000 passengers more than the previous record set in 2010. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport also currently provides direct flight service to the major hubs of Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City and Seattle, as well as other airports such as Phoenix, Minneapolis and San Francisco. The airport’s recent expansion makes it the largest airport in Montana. It’s currently served by Alaska/Horizon, Allegiant, Delta/Skywest, Frontier and United/United Express airlines.
W IT S
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Big Sky Weekly
Viewing the transit of Venus By Renae Counter
big sky weekly editorial assistant
EARTH – The transit of Venus is an astronomical event in which Venus passes between the Earth and Sun. This rare event will occur on Tuesday, June 5. During the transit, Venus will appear as a black dot gliding across the surface of the Sun. In North America, Venus’ path will be visible from 4 p.m. to midnight. This will be the only time this occurs in our lifetime. A public viewing will be held at the Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman from 4-7 p.m. The event was organized by The Montana Space Grant Consortium in association with the College of Letters and Science and College of Engineering. To protect against eye damage, telescopes with solar filters and solar viewing glasses will be provided. In the event of overcast or rain, the stadium’s big screen will broadcast the live NASA television viewing from the
Venus will appear as a black dot cliding across the surface of the sun.
Solar Dynamics Observatory satellite. The event will have displays by MSU engineering faculty and students and educational solar activities for kids. There will also be presentations by the Lincoln Gulley, MSU Space Public Outlet Team member and David Mckenzie, Professor of Physics at MSU. The Transit of Venus viewing event is free and open to the public. For more information visit calendar.msu.montana.edu. There will also be a partial lunar eclipse on June 4, which will be partly visible at approximately 12:45 a.m. from Montana.
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June 1, 2012 13
Big Sky Weekly
montana
Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame inducts cowboys from Gallatin, Madison counties By Renae Counter
big sky weekly editorial assistant
BIG TIMBER—Last month the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center announced its fifth class of inductees into the Cowboy Hall of Fame. Peter F. Karst of Gallatin Gateway and James W. “Cap” Overstreet of Gallatin and Madison counties were both selected as recipients of the Legacy Award, which goes to people who made notable contributions to Montana heritage and culture up until 1980, but have since passed away. Karst was credited for many accomplishments in Gallatin County including Karst Stage, the Karst Ranch and his work as a prospector of commercial asbestos, which Karst called “Karstolite.” He was an entrepreneur, dude rancher, stage owner, prospector and lover of Montana. Overstreet was best known for his skills as a horse trainer and ranch hand in both Madison and Gallatin counties. Overstreet also trained some of the American Polo Team’s finest ponies. His ability to herd, rope and separate cattle from horseback made him famous among his peers. Both men were awarded the MCHF Legacy Award, along with 24 other cowboys from all 12 districts in Montana. Eleven cowboys were selected for the MCHF Living Award. Since its first round of inductions in 2008, there have been 147 inductees into the MCHF. For full biographies, visit montanacowboyfame.com. The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center is set to be built in Big Timber.
National Day of the American Cowboy THE WEST—Circle it on your calendar: July 28 will be National Day of the American Cowboy thanks to a bipartisan proposal co-sponsored by Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester. The two backed a resolution alongside other Western Senators to designate July 28 in honor of the role cowboys played in establishing the American West and its strong ranching traditions. Saturday, July 28, 2012 will be the eighth annual designation of National Day of the American Cowboy. U.S. Senator Craig Thomas, who served Wyoming in the United States Senate from 1995-2007, started the tradition of naming the fourth Saturday in July “National Day of the American Cowboy” in 2005. The National Day of the American Cowboy campaign was founded by American Cowboy magazine in 2004 to preserve, protect and promote cowboy and Western heritage and celebrate the national calendar honoring cowboys and cowgirls for their enduring contribution to the courageous, pioneering spirit of America.
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Montana Department of Justice
HELENA—Montana has a new Advisory Council for its 24/7 Sobriety Program, made of seven law enforcement officers from around the state. Appointed in May by Attorney General Steve Bullock, the group will help the year-old program. Gov. Brian Schweitzer signed the 24/7 Sobriety Act into law May 6, 2011. Each of the sheriffs represented on the council has initiated the program in their county.
"I'm absolutely excited about the 24/7 Sobriety Program because it enables us to use a driver's license to give somebody a new lease on life" -Sheriff Leo Dutton
Since Oct. 1, 2011, 16 counties have implemented the 24/7 Sobriety Program, and 11 more are set to launch soon. The program makes twice-daily alcohol tests a mandatory part of bond conditions for repeat DUI suspects. In the seven months since its launch, through April 30, 2012, more than 56,000 breath tests have been administered. There were only 183 instances where alcohol was detected for a success rate of 99.7 percent. With 1,446 tests that participants missed, the combined success rate is 97.1 percent statewide. "I'm absolutely excited about the 24/7 Sobriety Program because it enables us to use a driver's license to give somebody a new lease on life," said Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton, who ran the pilot program in 2010. "It's their ability to control their behavior. If they see positive rewards for good behavior, their chances for behavioral change are that much better. They get their self-esteem and their identity back and they can be a successful citizen."
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montana
Big Sky Weekly
Montanans, Gallatin Co. residents to pick party favorites June 5 Despite local resident Steve Daines running, race for U.S. House a tossup By Taylor Anderson
big sky weekly editorial assistant
MONTANA – Absentee ballots are out and registered residents are gearing up for the June 5 primaries in Montana. As Gov. Brian Schweitzer winds down his eight-year stint in office, seven Republicans and two Democrats are lined up in hopes of moving into his job. Leading in the polls are current Attorney General Steve Bullock and former U.S. Rep. Rick Hill. Hill and Bullock were tied in the latest Public Policy Polling from early May, at 39 percent apiece. But that campaign has been relatively sleepy to come to the spotlight. Another hotly contested race seeks to fill the spot that U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg will leave to contest Sen. Jon Tester’s seat in the U.S. Senate. Seven Democrats and three Republicans made the ballot for that race, in which presumptive Republican candidate Steve Daines holds a slight lead as of early May. Daines will face
Vincent Melkus and Eric Brosten in that election. Montana senator Kim Gillan is the tossup Democratic choice, leading the late April poll with 21 percent to the next-closest contender, Diane Smith, at 13 percent. That race is still a tossup, as 41 percent of voters don’t yet know who they’ll vote for on the ballot. Just 27 percent of Montanans polled know who Daines is, 23 percent know Gillan and 21 percent know Wilmer. Republican candidate Tim Fox recently received more than $108,000 from the Washington, D.C.-based Republican State Leadership Committee, a rare move that led fellow GOP contender Jim Shockley to cry foul. Fox ran for attorney general in 2008, gathering 47 percent of the vote but losing to Bullock. Gallatin County residents will vote for a Republican candidate for sheriff. Incumbent Brian Gootkin was elected during the last vote and seeks reelec-
tion. He will have to beat Republicans Jeff Wade and Mike Wick to make it to the general election in November. Josh Jones is the lone Democratic candidate. Four Republican candidates are running for Public Service Commissioner for District No. 3, which includes Gallatin and Madison counties, and reaches from Beaverhead County in the west to Musselshell County in the east. James Brown, Roger Koopman, Edward McCrone and Michael More will all seek to fill incumbent Democrat John Vincent’s seat, while Mark Sweeney and Vincent are the Democratic candidates for that spot. Paul Scott Sannes is the only Democrat candidate for Gallatin County commissioner. He will face in November the winner of the race between incumbent Steve White and challenger Peter Rothing. In Madison County, current commissioner Dave Schulz will seek reelection over challenger Ken Yecny. Because the election is nonpartisan and only two candidates are run-
Northfork PRESERVE
ning, there won’t be a primary for that race. In a miscellaneous Public Policy poll, 24 percent of Montanans consider themselves liberal or somewhat liberal, whereas 44 percent consider themselves some degree of conservative. 32 percent are moderates. That finding closely matches up with party lines, with 30 percent Democrat, 33 percent Republican and 37 percent Independent. The poll found that if Schweitzer were to lay low a few years and decide to challenge Sen. Max Baucus for his seat, 48 percent of 332 polled Democratic primary voters said they would vote for the former governor over the 34-year senate veteran, who received just 37 percent. If Schweitzer were to make a run for president in 2016, 42 percent of those polled said they would vote for him over a generic Republican contender and 38 percent would vote for the Republican.
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Big Sky Weekly
Creighton Block
Rob Akey Greg Alexander Jim Barrett Diana Brady Lynn Cain Todd Connor
John DeMott Jerral Derr yberr y Flavia Eckholm Edd Enders Thomas English Mark Gibson
Don Grant Mimi Grant Frank Hagel Ott Jones David Lemon Asha MacDonald
Mike Patterson Paula Pearl Jacqueline Rieder Hud Gar y Lynn Rober ts Daniel San Souci Deb Schmit
Laurie Stevens Dave Swanson Ezra Tucker Shirle Wempner
ARTIS T PROF ILE David Swanson is a contemporar y realist painter whose skillful depictions of the American West have earned him notable recognition. He paints with evocative strength images of the changing West and its people: abandoned grain elevators, railroad hotels, old ranch buildings and towns. 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. He lives and paints in Livingston, Montana.
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Ar twork also displayed at Outlaw Par tners and Lone Mountain Ranch Dining Room 16 June 1, 2012
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Section 2:
life, land and culture
gallery
Big Sky Weekly
June 1, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue No. 11
This gallery is part one in a three-part series featuring artists that will be showcasing their work at the fourth Big Sky Meadow Village Artwalk, July 7-8. Stroll the Artwalk on a self-guided tour while meeting artists, enjoying refreshments and the beautiful summer weather. These short interviews are only snapshots of the artists' styles and personalities.
Rabbit Knows Gun
Eagle's Buffalo Hide Lodges
By abbie digel
big sky weekly editor
Rabbit Knows Gun is a long time Montana artist and a member of the Crow Tribe. He was born in 1948 in Montana and has lived many different lives in the military, in the Crow Tribe, and as an inspirational and spiritual artist. His gallery, the Knows Gun Gallery in Billings, features Rabbit’s work, as well as that of his sons, Joe and Allen Knows Gun. Rabbit is known in the art community as the “visionary artist of the poor.” His colorful paintings capture themes of traditional Crow culture, American patriotism, his Catholic spirituality and the spirit of Montana’s natural landscape. We spoke over the phone in late May shortly before this paper was published. He called our office from a Billings IGA while purchasing food for a dinner he would have with a friend.
I love Montana because it is the most beautiful place in the world. Some people say it's the last frontier. I see it as more of a pristine environment that's conducive to art. A lot of Montana artists are great artists; I see it everywhere I go. All historians, artists, love Montana. Montana means ‘land of many mountains’. Some of my favorite inspiration comes from driving from Billings to Yellowstone National Park. I’ve painted the Crazies, Beartooths… all the mountain ranges here. My art comes from a beautiful place that God created. In 1990, I had this vision [that] lasted an hour or so. A figure Giving Thanks to the Creator was coming at me from a long As the figure started getting closer I could see it was Jesus. distance away, and as it got closer it was loud, like a train, or I was trying to cry out to him, asking him to forgive me. thunder or a tornado; the sounds came together to make this I woke up in a cold sweat. I couldn't talk to anybody, so I large noise. The people that were there were ready and calm, made some tea. I was inspired to paint that vision. but I was fearful. I saw that it was a cross with a man on it; he was coming down on top of a lot of people, and light was Continued on p. 18 coming from the sky.
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June 1, 2012 17
gallery
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Big Sky Weekly
Continued from p. 17 [That painting] took first place at an art fair in Billings. The lady called me, said my painting had won $200, among all the other well-known artists there. Afterward, I turned it over to the Lord, building up my inner person, working on new work. I had been in bad shape, asked God for help and fasted for three days and two nights, and by that time I didn’t want to use alcohol anymore in my life. I asked God to take it away from me, he restored me, gave me back my life. The part about being the “visionary artist of the poor” has helped me stay humble. I am supposed to share my understanding of God’s help. I have recently begun to appreciate the greatest artist of all...God (Akbattadiah), in Crow, the one who created everything. The rest of us can only try to emulate his great work, using the talents and skills He gives us. Peaceful Rendezvous at Elk River I’ve practiced a lot of different mediums like drawing, pencils and pens. I My style is reflective of patriotism, and is family participated in a quick draw in Miles City recently, oriented and inspirational. A strong theme in my life where I was one of 26 artists. In the past I’ve painted is the ‘kinship of creation’ concept—it talks to me and on buckskin hide. “Prayer lodges on the bank of the continues to be a driving force for my work, giving Big Horn River” is being shown in Billings right now.
Prayer Lodges on the Bank of the Big Horn River
18 June 1, 2012
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it an inspirational quality which portrays the joy, humility and awe which I believe is important to the reason I am an artist. This concept also shows that all of life is dependent on each other and all life forms are sacred. A lot of people don't understand that.
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Big Sky Weekly
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Big Sky Weekly
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health & wellness
Ask Dr. Dunn By Maren Dunn, D.O.
big sky weekly contributor
My allergies are acting up. What do you recommend for treatment that won't make me drowsy?
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Big Sky Weekly
Whooping cough outbreaks continue as state passes 200 cases Officials urge pertussis vaccinations department of health and human services
With the trees blooming and grass greening, spring allergy season is in high gear. Common symptoms include nasal discharge and itching, fatigue, sneezing, eye itching and watering. For some people, symptoms are severe enough to interfere with their quality of life and productivity at work. Luckily, there are multiple ways to treat the symptoms. The most common tick in Montana is the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick.
What do I do when I get a tick? Are the ticks around here dangerous? What kind are they? Spring through early summer in Montana is prime time for tick bites. Ticks can’t fly or jump, so instead they crawl slowly and usually find their target when an animal or human rubs against vegetation where they lie waiting. The most common tick in Montana is the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick. This tick, if infected with the right microorganism, can be responsible for the following illnesses: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever and Tularemia. It’s important to note that the deer tick, which causes Lyme Disease, is not found in Montana. In the event you find a tick, you should use tweezers or covered fingers to remove it with a gentle pulling motion, being careful to pull out all of the mouth parts. Scientists recommend putting the tick in a zipper bag or jar for later identification should you become sick. Clean the area well with antiseptic and wash your hands. Symptoms of illness usually present within 3-14 days after a bite. If you come down with a fever, general malaise, deep muscle pain, headache, inflamed eyes or rash, you should see your doctor ASAP. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever causes the above symptoms, with the rash developing on the palms and soles of the feet. Colorado Tick Fever causes the same symptoms, which tend to be worse in older individuals. Tularemia manifests as a decaying sore where the tick initially bit, along with fever and swollen tender lymph nodes. Both RMSF and Tularemia are treated with antibiotics and can worsen into life threatening illnesses if not treated promptly.
First line treatment: Avoid the allergen. This can be next to impossible when pollen is the culprit! If nasal symptoms dominate, prescription glucocorticoid nasal sprays (GNS) have shown the best effect. Over-the-counter oral antihistamines (AH) have shown good effects on all symptoms, but less effect on nasal symptoms than the GNS. First generation AH, such as diphenhydramine (brand name is Benadryl) have the side effect of sleepiness or dry mouth. In fact, diphenhydramine is often the active ingredient in over-the-counter sleep aids. Second generation AH, like loratadine or cetirizine (Claritin or Zyrtec) have less sedation and require only one dose in 24 hours.
MONTANA—The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and local health agencies are continuing to report outbreaks of pertussis, also known as whooping cough. The number of cases has passed 200, the highest number since the 2005 outbreak that resulted in almost 600 cases. Since January, 18 counties and tribal health jurisdictions have reported pertussis cases, including an outbreak in Gallatin County. Local and state public health officials are concerned that the number of reported cases will continue to increase unless people take action to protect themselves and others. A highly contagious respiratory illness spread by coughing and sneezing, pertussis can be prevented through vaccination. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, pertussis can turn more serious, particularly in infants. Pertussis vaccination begins at two months, but young infants are not adequately protected until they have received a series of vaccinations. A booster is recommended for pre-kindergarten age, pre-teens, teens and adults. A relatively new pertussis vaccine is available and is now recommended for all teens and adults. More information is available from local health providers and public health departments, or at dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/immunization/pertussis. shtml.
For those of you with allergy symptoms who need a decongestant, the second generation AH do come in combination with pseudophedrine. Watch out for side effects, however. These can include high blood pressure, irritability or insomnia. If these remedies are not sufficient either alone or in combination, your doctor can recommend other treatments with medications like Singulair (which also helps with asthma) or AH nasal sprays. In cases where symptoms persist no matter what the treatment, there is the option of glucocorticoid injection. It’s always important to check with your doctor if you have other medical conditions, or if the sufferer is a child.
BIG SKY’S ONLY FULL-SERVICE WORKOUT FACILITY 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
OPEN 5 A.M.-10 P.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK DAY, WEEK AND YEAR-LONG MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE VISIT OZSSAGE.COM/GYM.PHP FOR DETAILS 32 MARKET PLACE, MEADOW VILLAGE, BIG SKY (406) 995 4522
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Big Sky Weekly
environment
Gov. Brian Schweitzer marked return of fishery at Superfund cleanup site with ceremonial fly cast into Silver Bow Creek HELENA—Gov. Brian Schweitzer hung a “gone fishing” sign in his Helena office, when he and legendary fly fisher Bud Lilly marked the return of the fishery in Silver Bow Creek west of Butte by casting a few lines. For the first time ever, the state Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has assigned special fishing regulations to Silver Bow Creek and its tributaries, the location of a major Superfund cleanup of century-old mine waste contamination. “There is no better barometer of the health of Silver Bow Creek than trout returning to their natural habitat,” Schweitzer said. “Fishing this creek is something that no one has done since our great-great grandparents.”
Silver Bow Creek before mediation
Schweitzer credits the comeback to Superfund remediation by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and EPA, and restoration by the Department of Justice Natural Resource Damage Program.
Silver Bow Creek atter mediation
The fish population is still on the rebound and considered low density, especially the native westslope cutthroat. The special regulations require anglers to release cutthroat, and they can keep brook and rainbow trout. A few years ago, the state started doing annual surveys of the fish population in Silver Bow Creek. The surveys showed that fish were present and the number of cutthroat, brook and rainbow trout was gradually growing. Wildlife too—mink, trumpet swans, deer and elk—now inhabit the remediated wetlands. In 1983, the EPA listed the Silver Bow Creek/Butte area as a federal Superfund site. Contamination was caused by flood events that discharged centuryold tailings and other mine wastes containing elevated concentrations of metals to Silver Bow Creek. These toxic discharges polluted the stream and floodplain, eliminating aquatic life.
Since 1999, a $120 million project has been underway to clean up 22 miles of Silver Bow Creek from Butte to the Warm Springs Ponds. The DEQ, with oversight from the EPA, is coordinating cleanup of the creek with the NRD Program. Funds from an EPA, DEQ and NRD legal settlement with ARCO are paying for the cleanup, which is expected to be completed in the next couple of years. “By 2014, the project should be complete, under budget, and in the hands of the people of Montana,” Schweitzer said. The remediation and restoration of Silver Bow Creek is the largest project of its type in the U.S. and has won local, national and international awards for environmental excellence.
Hawaii and LA ban plastic bags at grocery checkout Montana encouraged to recycle bags By Renae Counter
big sky weekly editorial assistant
Where has all the plastic gone? If you live in Hawaii or Los Angeles, new plastic bags won’t be following you home or clogging up landfills and oceans any longer. Earlier this month, Honolulu City Council passed an ordinance banning all plastic at checkout stands, which, combined with Hawaii’s three other county bans, makes it the first state to eliminate plastic at checkout.
The plastic bag ban makes sense for Hawaii, said Sandra Boggs, recycling specialist for the Montana Department of Environmental Studies. “Hawaii is heavily populated and completely isolated, so they are taking progressive steps to recycle so they don’t have to haul garbage out,” she said. In Montana, where land is vast and people are sparse, hauling garbage out is a different story. “Montana is not heavily populated and has lots of land to support landfills, even though they are very costly,” Boggs said.
Following Hawaii’s plastic-free trail, Los Angeles voted 13:1 to ban plastic bags at checkout, making it the largest city in the country to be plastic bag free.
According to Boggs, Montana has made many progressive steps toward recycling in the past five years. Therefore, banning plastic bags or landfills may slow the efforts made so far.
In the recycling trend, the pressure will now be on other counties and states to follow the plasticfree suit.
“Our recycling infrastructure is still developing, but we have seen a great response in communities across Montana because of the public interest and pressure,” she said.
22 June 1, 2012
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With increased attention on plastic bag bans spreading across the country, Montana stores may soon be feeling the pressure to go plastic free. Until then, Montanans are encouraged to recycle plastic bags after checkout—or even better, to bring their own bags for groceries. “Just about every grocery store in the state has a drop off box for plastic bags so they can be recycled,” Boggs said. Along with plastic bags, Montanans can recycle other reusable material like aluminum, glass, cardboard, paper and plastic water bottles. Also, reusable bags are a great alternative to racking up the plastic at checkout stands. To find a recycling center near you, visit earth911.org. More information about recycling efforts in Montana can be found at recycle. mt.gov.
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Big Sky Weekly
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sports
Big Sky Weekly
Big Sky Softball The Big Sky co-ed softball league starts play the second week of June. This year the league has two new ball fields, 14 teams and more than 300 players. The league is the largest organized sporting activity in Big Sky, with play going from June through the end of August. This season will conclude with a tournament the weekend of August 24 – 26. Details on the league, schedule and rain out’s can be found at bigskysoftball.com. This year a volunteer board is running the league: Commissioner - Eric Ladd Co-commissioner - Kene Sperry Secretary - Krista Mach Head Ump - Dave Schwalbe League Official (Queen) - Queen Jean National League Team 1 Big Sky Resort Team 2 Country Market Team 3 Scissorbills Team 4 Big Sky Christian Fellowship Team 5 Cab Lizards Team 6 Black Bear Team 7 First Place/Cabin American League Team 8 Hillbilly Huckers Team 9 Eye in the Sky Team 10 Milkies Big Dogs Team 11 Beavers Team 12 Broken Spoke Team 13 Lone Peak Brewery Team 14 Connecticut Softball Club
Schedule
Archive Photos courtesy of BSCC
24 June 1, 2012
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Field 1 - 530pm Field 2 - 530pm
Field 1 - 645pm
Field 2 - 645pm
11-Jun
1v2
3v4
2v3
1v4
12-Jun
5v6
7v8
6v7
5v8
13-Jun
9v10
9v11
10v12
18-Jun
13v14
11v12
Make up 1
10v11
19-Jun
1v3
6v8
1v6
3v8
20-Jun
2v4
5v7
2v5
7v9
25-Jun
7v10
12v13
7v11
9v12
26-Jun
3v4
9v14
27-Jun
3v6
2v8
2v6
1v8
2-Jul
10v11
4v8
11v13
8v10
3-Jul
1v5
4v6
3v5
1v7
9-Jul
5v9
Make Up #2
6v9
Make up #3
10-Jul
11v14
1v10
12v14
8v11
11-Jul
2v7
16-Jul
4v7
5v10
4v8
6v10
17-Jul
9v13
3v12
1v9
2v13
18-Jul
7v8
2v14
6v13
7v14
23-Jul
7v12
4v9
Make Up #4
3v9
24-Jul
5v11
8v12
7v11
5v12
25-Jul
10v14
1v13
3v10
Make up #5
30-Jul
2v10
1v12
2v9
1v11
31-Jul
6v12
12v13
6v14
6-Aug
9v14
2v11
2v12
4v10
7-Aug
5v13
1v14
8v13
3v14
8-Aug
4v12
6v9
13-Aug
3v11
4v13
4v11
3v13
14-Aug
Make up #8
8v9
8v14
5v10
15-Aug
2v13
20-Aug
10v13
4v5
5v6
7v13
21-Aug
4v14
6v11
3v12
1v14
22-Aug
1v2
Make up #10
Make Up #11
Make Up #12
5v14
3v7
Make up #7
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sports
Big Sky Weekly
Put your home in good hands.
By brandon niles
big sky weekly contributor
The Lakers and the Clippers: What could have been LOS ANGELES—Both NBA teams from the City of Angels, the Lakers and Clippers, started this past season with high hopes but ended with bitter, second round playoff defeats. After harrowing finishes to the first round match-ups, both were outmatched by their second round opponents, winning only one game between them before ending their respective seasons.
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This must have been particularly painful for the Lakers, who prior to the season executed a trade for All-Star point guard Chris Paul, only to have the deal shot down in a controversial move by the league commissioner. Paul was subsequently traded to the Clippers, and became a large part of the Clippers success this year. Paul is arguably the best point guard in the game. Had the Lakers efforts not been thwarted they would have stood a much better chance against the Oklahoma City Thunder. One can only speculate what would’ve happened had Paul been a Laker instead of a Clipper. After a disappointing end for both teams, fans have continued questioning the decision by NBA commissioner David Stern to veto the trade for Paul. Paul at the time played for the New Orleans Hornets, a team owned by the league while searching for a new owner. Despite declaring autonomy for Hornets general manager Dell Demps, the league stepped in and vetoed the trade after pressure from other owners. But soon after, a blockbuster deal sent the All-Star point guard to pair with Clippers young talent Blake Griffin, and also brought young talent and draft picks to the Hornets. This was a great trade for the Hornets, who received tremendous value for Paul, who had long been their franchise cornerstone. However, the Lakers trade for Paul was fair, and when the league stepped in, many fans believe it over-stepped its bounds. The fact that the trade with the Clippers occurred so soon after the Laker trade was vetoed continues to be
Located in the Meadow Village directly across from Big Sky Furniture, next to ERA Landmark
viewed in most circles as a suspicious scandal that hurt the credibility of the longtime commissioner. Seemingly, the other owners were upset the Lakers would be able to extend a period of dominance that had lasted for over a decade, so they stopped it from happening. Despite the interference, the Lakers had a solid season and made it to the second round of the playoffs. With their aging roster, it’s difficult to imagine the Lakers’ next step. If general manager Mitch Kupchak stays with the organization, he’ll have difficult decisions to make in the coming off-season. Most notably, Kupchak will have to come up with another big trade to keep the team competitive. And this time, he’ll have to hope the rest of the league doesn’t whine too loudly about it and pressure a weak commissioner into over-stepping his authority again.
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In the meantime, Lakers fans will be left to wonder about what could have happened in 2012 had Chris Paul donned a one of their jerseys. Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about professional sports since 2007. His articles range from NFL news to team-specific commentary. A Communication Studies graduate student at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Niles is also an avid Miami Dolphins fan, which has led to his becoming an avid Scotch whisky fan over the past decade.
Pediatrics • Chronic Conditions • Women’s Health Pregnancy Care • Osteopathic Manipulation
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18 Meadow Village Drive, Big Sky, MT (across from the post office) Phone: 406-995-3111 | gallatinfamilymedicine.com Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays
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June 1, 2012 25
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business Beartooth Publishing wins cartography award for Big Sky Area map By emily stifler
degree in geography from the University of ColoradoBoulder, but says he taught himself how to make maps.
BOZEMAN—Beartooth Publishing has won a cartography design award for its new Big Sky Area topographic and trail map.
“When I moved to Big Sky I spent a lot of time looking over all the Forest Service maps and compiling for myself all the old maps and new maps together,” Robertson said. “After a while I realized that making maps was everything I’d ever done in my spare time anyway so I should make a job out of it.”
big sky weekly managing editor
The Bozeman-based company won the recreation and travel category in the Cartography and Geographic Information Society’s annual design contest, which is open to to all cartographers in North America. Last year its Yellowstone National Park map won in the same category. Owned and operated by Will Robertson, Beartooth Publishing is known for its durable, waterproof recreation maps, most of which cover areas in Montana and Wyoming. The company’s original Bozeman-Big Sky-West Yellowstone map also covers the Big Sky area, but at 1:100,000, is a much smaller scale than the new 1:50,000 map. The Big Sky Area map reaches from Storm Castle Peak at the north end, to Big Horn Pass Trailhead at the southern end. Robertson, who lived in Big Sky from 1992-2000, has a
Today he starts each map by customordering digital data for topo lines and water from Computer Terrain Mapping, a company that produces images based on USGS data. Then Robertson adds about 30 layers of information on top of that—things like roads, trails, lettering and boundaries. The final product is printed on plastic, which is what makes Beartooth’s maps so durable and waterproof. The company produces 17 different titles and sells more than 10,000 maps annually. They are sold at Gallatin Alpine Sports, Grizzly Outfitters, East Slope Anglers, the Cave and Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, and all over Bozeman. beartoothpublishing.com
Big Sky Weekly
Black Bull pool and fitness center opens BOZEMAN— Black Bull, a private Montana golf community, has announced that its new “made in Montana” Pool and Fitness Center is open to members and their guests. The $1.5 million facility is more than a half-acre in size and includes a 10,000 square foot patio with a collegiate-size stainless steel pool, a large hot tub and a kids’ pool. The Black Bull Pool and Fitness Center was designed by Locati-Architects and built by RMR Group. The 100-plusperson workforce that built the facility consisted entirely of locals, most from the Gallatin Valley. The 25 subcontractors and vendors were also all from Montana and included Thompson Pools, Williams Plumbing, Haubrich Electric, Hometown Heating, Scott Koelzer Masonry and Dependable Painting. Black Bull is home to a Tom Weiskopfdesigned championship course, Locatidesigned club homes, custom home sites and a full-service club. blackbullbozeman.com
RAINBOW RANCH LODGE Make it an -RR SuMMeR Experience rugged outdoor adventures by day and savor the luxurious comforts of the Rainbow Ranch Lodge by night. From Montana classics like fishing and hiking to adventurous rafting and ziplining packages or low key bocce ball and croquet on the lawn - we’ve got something for everyone. The Restaurant will open June 6 for the season with a new summer menu featuring Chef Matt’s signaure dishes and seasonal specialties. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Eye in the Sky Photography
ReStauRant HouRS StaRting June 6 Dinner: 5:30pm - 9:30pm Bar: 5pm - 9:30pm Happy Hour: 5pm - 6pm
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1.800.937.4132 for reservations | RainbowRanchBigSky.com 26 June 1, 2012
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business Businessman Warren Buffett believes in success of small newspapers By abbie digel
big sky weekly editor
OMAHA, Neb.—One of the world’s wealthiest people still has faith in newsprint. In a May 23 letter to the publishers and editors of Warren Buffett’s firm, Berkshire Hathaway, a holding company based in Omaha, Buffett expressed his strong interest and faith in local papers. He also announced that the firm had purchased 63 local publications to add to its newspaper holdings, which include the Washington Post Co., the World Herald and the Buffalo News. The $142 million deal was announced May 17, and will include publications like the Richmond Times-Dispatch of Virginia. “I believe newspapers that intensively cover their communities will have a good future,” Buffett wrote in his letter. “It’s your job to make your paper indispensable to anyone who cares about what is going on in your city or town.” Buffett expressed importance to the publishers and editors of reducing the papers’ news coverage to only information important and relevant to its community, and to thoroughly cover “all
aspects of area life, particularly local sports.” “No one has ever stopped reading halfway through a story that was about them or their neighbors,” he wrote. Buffett also urges industry leaders to rethink their initial response to the internet. He believes offering a newspaper’s content online at no cost is an unsustainable business model and asks his employees to put forth their best thinking “as we work out the blend of digital and print that will attract both the audience and the revenue we want.” Although he didn’t offer any solutions for free online content, Buffett wants to move the focus of the newspaper aspect of Berkshire Hathaway to small and mid-sized papers in long-established communities. Buffett, an 81-year-old billionaire and considered one of the most successful investors in the world, stressed that while times are tough for newspapers, a paper will only lose its position as a primary news source for a community if a town has two or more competing dailies, or the town did not have a “pervasive selfidentity.”
Big Sky Weekly
Free tourism marketing webinars The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau are currently offering workshops and online courses for Chamber members. This includes a weekly online tourism marketing webinar presented by elearningu.com and the Montana Office of Tourism, which is offered free of charge. The one-hour webinar takes place every Thursday at noon and features topics to help businesses improve tourism marketing. Find more upcoming seminars, workshops and training opportunities at bigskychamber.com.
Big Sky Chamber to host workers’ compensation seminar The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Agency Insurance Division, will host a lunchtime workshop on workers’ compensation insurance on Thursday, June 7. A representative from Montana State Fund will discuss House Bill 334, how to prepare for an audit, and the most effective ways to save money on workers’ comp insurance. The seminar will start at 11:45 a.m., at Lone Peak Cinema and will include lunch. Sign up by calling the Chamber at 995-3000 or visiting bigskychamber.com.
NON-PROFITS: BIG SKY COMMUNITY LIBRARY, BIG SKY SKI EDUCATION FOUNDATION, WOMEN IN ACTION, BIG SKY COMMUNITY CORPORATION, MORNINGSTAR LEARNING CENTER - REGISTER YOUR NON-PROFIT TODAY AT LONE PEAK BREWERY explorebigsky.com
June 1, 2012 27
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Classifieds for rent Office Space - Executive Office suites available in amazing building in Meadow Village, Big Sky - $300 to $500/mth depending on terms and office size. Each office has private door, shared conference rooms, shared kitchen space. Terms Negotiable. Call Eric 570-0639 RENTALS RAFTS/TUBES, DRIFT BOATS, RV'S, TRAILERS, SKI BOAT, BABY GEAR BigBoysToysRentals.com 406-587-4747
Help wanted Country Market: Full-Time / YearRound Staff Member. Must be available for shifts ranging from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Weekend availability required. Stop in to pick up an application Need Some Extra Money This Summer?Come share your passion for the Big Sky area as a Part Time Driver for Shuttle to Big Sky & Taxi. Must be at least 25 yrs. of age with a clean driv-
ing record and able to lift 50 lbs. Prior experience preferred but not required. Must past Drug Test & DOT physical exam. PT positions available. Flexible hours Please submit resume to info@bigskytaxi. com. EOE. Or call our office at 406-995-4895
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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.
public announcement The Big Sky Resort Area District announces the appropriation of resort tax funds. Attend the upcoming community meeting in the Big Sky Chapel June 13 at 1:00 p.m. www.bigskyresorttax.com
PUBLIC NOTICE - COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE 3 Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc., filed with the Federal Government, a Compliance Assurance in which it assures the Rural Utilities Service that it will comply fully with all requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Rules and Regulations of the Department of Agriculture issued thereunder, to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, sex, age, color, or national origin, or on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination in its program and the operation of its facilities. Under the Assurance, this organization is committed not to be discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, sex, age, color, or national origin, or on the basis of handicap, in its policies and practices relating to treatment of beneficiaries and participants including rates, conditions and extension of service, use of any of its facilities, attendance at or any participation in any meetings of beneficiaries and participants or exercise of any rights of such beneficiaries and participants in the conduct of this organization. "Any person who believes himself or herself or any specific class of individuals, to be subjected by this organization to discrimination prohibited by Title VI of the Act and the Rules and Regulations issued thereunder may by himself or herself, or a representative, file with the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250, or the Rural Utilities Service, Washington, D.C. 20205, or the organization, or all, written complaint. Such complaint must be filed no later than 90 days after the alleged discrimination, or by such later date which the Secretary of Agriculture or the Rural Utilities Service extends the time for filing. Identity of complainants will be kept confidential except to the extent necessary to carry out the purpose of the Rules and Regulations." 3 RIVERS TELEPHONE COOPERATIVE, INC. (Logan P. Good - Secretary)
28 June 1, 2012
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Classifieds! Email classifieds and/or advertising requests to: media@theoutlawpartners.com
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• Maintenance AsphaltAsphalt Paving Paving • Maintenance • Seal Coating Seal Coating • Lot Striping • Patchwork Crack Sealing Lot Striping Patchwork • Crack•Sealing
Owner Supervised - 30 years Experience Owner Supervised 30 years Experience
Serving all of Southwest Montana
Country Market
Serving All of Southwest Montana
Home of Grandma Cookie By Ersin Ozer
Big Sky Weekly Contributor
Country Market first opened in 1974 and was purchased by Lynne and Steve Anderson nearly 10 years ago. “People laugh when they ask, ‘So, what were your qualifications to run a grocery store?’ Lynne (aka Grandma Cookie) says. “I tell people, ‘I had six kids and I shopped and cooked a lot!’” The Andersons first visited Big Sky in 1978. “I fell in love with this place,” Lynne says. “We had been chasing snow for years.” But they stayed in Rhode Island until the youngest of their children left for college, then purchased the store and pursued their dream of living in Big Sky.
of-town guests. Lynne, an avid local shopper and community enthusiast, recommends online shoppers also come visit the store and explore the neighboring businesses in the Meadow Village Center.
TREE REMOVAL 995-7852
REMOVING DEAD AND INFESTED TREES Grants Available for Home Fire Suppression
As for local residents, the Country Market’s mission is to be Big Sky’s hometown grocery.
Approved RC&D Hazardous Fuels Reduction Contractor
“We love to see people every day,” Lynne says. “If a customer doesn’t get a smile, we’ve failed.”
Tom Newberry:
995-7852
BigSkyTrees@aol.com
The store is also embedded in local events. Its softball team has held the second place title for two consecutive seasons. “This year I hear we’re going to be first,” Lynne says.
PLEASE sign, date, and return within five working days for complet
So how did the nickname Grandmais greatly appreciated in returning this proof even if t Your prompt attention
Since then, Country Market has evolved and is now a member of Associated Food Stores. A building expansion in 2008 allowed the addition of 5,000 new products—including more specialty and international items, as If either well as quality inexpensive goods.
Cookie originate? Lynne gives free cookies to children when they say, “hello, Grandma Cookie!”
Ad approved as is................................................ ❑ “We tell everyone about it,” she says. Ad approved with indicated changes ............... ❑ “Kids will come down from skiing in
“We like to say our motto is that we offer a little bit of a lot of things,” Lynne says. Online shopping is also available at bigskygrocery.com and includes refrigerator-stocking services for out-
theiswinter, comean in and say ‘where’s box checked additional proof Grandma Cookie?’”
will not be sent out to customer.
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE
If your proof is not returned before publication, Statewide Publishing will not be responsible for any inaccuracie
Country Market is open year round, even on holidays, and is located in the Meadow Village Center across from Lone Peak Brewery. For information visit bigskygrocery.com or call (406) 995-4636.
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Appointments only [ 406.570.9154 ] bentleybodies.com explorebigsky.com
June 1, 2012 29
EVENTS
GALLATIN ROLLER GIRLZ
ROLLER DERBY LEAGUE
Pollinator gardens What’s the buzz about?
P R E S E N T S
A pollinator is an animal that moves pollen between flowers allowing plants to reproduce. These include insects, birds and bats. The outcome is the production of healthy fruit and fertile seeds.
S’
A N T U T B E E D Doors open
6:00 p.m.
bout starts
7:00 p.m.
Kids 12 & under free
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT: CACTUS RECORDS, TART, JR’S LOUNGE (BELGRADE) , ONLINE AT GRGDERBY.COM - OR ASK A DERBY GIRL!
A pollinator garden is designed to attract bees, butterflies, wasps, beetles and other beneficial insects. The gardens are placed strategically in mostly sunny locations, since bees and butterflies prefer sunny and meadow-like conditions. They can also be located in narrow landscape areas such as fencerows, hedgerows and windbreaks, or along stream and roadside corridors to provide habitat that links farms and meadow. Want to know more? A presentation at REI in Bozeman on June 7 at
A
Big Sky Weekly
6:30 p.m. will teach participants how to protect and increase pollinator habitat through installation of pollinator gardens. A pollinator garden project at the Bridger Alternative Program at Bozeman High School will also be highlighted. The program presenters will be Casey Delphia (Research Associate in the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences at MSU), Dan LaFrance (owner of Arrowleaf Design) and Tyler Shroeder (MSU landscape design graduate).
lifetime O F
SKIING, GOLF AND F A M I LY L E G A C Y
Moonlight Club Membership - now accepting Founding Membership reservations.
$35,000 membership joining fee
ANNUAL SKI PASSES for members, spouses, and immediate family
DISCOUNTS on Moonlight Basin owned retail and dining facilities
PREMIER GOLF MEMBERSHIP with advance tee-time reservations
JACK CREEK ROAD ACCESS to and from the Madison Valley
LEGACY PRIVILEGES with membership transfer to family members
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER EVENTS bringing together member families and the Moonlight Community
Contact us at (406) 993-6012 or membership@moonlightbasin.com 30 June 1, 2012
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EVENTS big sky
Yoga with Anna
The Art Barn Tuesdays, 8:30 – 10 p.m. Open Gym Basketball
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Planning an event? Let us know! Email media@theoutlawpartners.com and we’ll spread the word.
Summer season opening day
Big Sky Resort June 7
Montana Newspaper Association Convention comes to Big Sky
Lunchtime Learning with the Chamber
The 127th Annual MNA Convention will be hosted by Buck’s T-4, June 14-16.
Tuesdays, 6 – 8:30 p.m.
Lone Peak Cinema June 7, 11:45 – 1:30 p.m.
Learn to Stretch Canvas, Oil and Paint
Free entry to Yellowstone National Park
Ophir School Art Room Tuesdays thru June 5 Ballroom Dancing Lessons
Ophir School Wednesday Nights thru June 6 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 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
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 Fit Moms
Ophir School gym Mondays, 9:20 – 10:20 a.m. Wee Bears Gymnastics Class
The Studio Mondays, 11:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. Advanced Acro Kids Gymnastics
The Studio Mondays, Wednesdays, 4 – 5:05 p.m. Bear Cubs Gymnastics class
The Studio Mondays, 5:15- 5:45 p.m. Spring Conditioning Meltdown
Ophir School new gym Mondays, 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays 6-7 a.m. Tumble Bears Gymnastics class
National Get Outdoors Day! June 9 Monday Night Pig Roast
320 Steak House Restaurant Mondays starting June 11, 5 – 8 p.m.
Denny Earnest & The Resonators
Chico Hot Springs Saloon June 8-9, 9:30 p.m.
First Security Bank 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
Bozeman Film Festival-Film Screening
Buster Blue Band
Hayride and Riverside BBQ
Emerson’s Crawford Theater June 14, 7:30 p.m.
Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting
320 Steak House Restaurant Wednesdays, 5:30 – 9 p.m. eLearningU Webinar: SmartPhone Success June 14, 12 -1 p.m.
Big Sky Broadway Presents
THE WIZARD OF OZ! Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24, 6:30 p.m.
Directed by John Zirkle Cast: All of your favorite Big Sky/Ophir School Stars! Last year's show sold out. To reserve a ticket contact: katiealvin@gmail.com
Bozeman The Last Ride
Bozeman REI June 7, 6:30-8 p.m. The Gallatin Canyon Women's Club
Ellie Nolan's house, 12400 Gooch Hill Rd. Program by local artist Pat Branting June 13, 1 p.m.
livingston & paradise valley Livingston Farmers Market
Bobcat Stadium June 5, 4-7 p.m.
Madison Meadows Golf Course-Ennis June 3, 9:30 a.m
The Growling Old Men
Fossils Authentic Hippie Music Outdoor BBQ
Pilgrim Church June 6, 7 p.m Museum of the Rockies June 7, 7-9:30 p.m. Pilgrim Church June 7, 7:00 p.m.
Lone Peak High School Graduation
Yamaya Performance
Downtown Bozeman June 8, 6 p.m. Reynolds Recital Hall-MSU Campus June 8, 7:30 p.m 17th Annual Western Rendezvous
Eagle Mount’s Indoor Riding Arena June 9, Kid’s Carnival 4 p.m., Dinner 6 p.m. Music and Dancing 6 p.mMidnight visit www.eaglemount.org for tickets
Chico Hot Springs Saloon June 10, 9:30 p.m.
virginia city Virginia City Players Opening Night
June 2 (800) 829-2969, virginiacityplayers@ ymail.com for reservations Living History Weekend: The Shooting of Deputy Dillingham
June 2-3
Annual Golf Tournament
Art Walk
June 2, 4 p.m. shotgun start
Pollinator Gardens: What's the buzz about?
Transit of Venus Viewing Event
The Art Barn Tuesdays 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. Wednesdays 7:15 – 8:15 a.m.
Big Sky Wide Open Mini Golf Tournament
Bozeman REI June 6, 6:30-8:30p.m. $15 members, $20 non-members
The Ellen Theater June 2, 7:30 p.m.
Steve Young
Big Sky Community Park June 2, 9 – 2 p.m.
Map and Compass Basics
Miles Bandshell Park Wednesdays, June-September 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Contact jbudeski@gmail.com or (406) 579-2489 for all classes listed above.
National Trails Day
Saturday’s featured speaker is Judy Muller of USC Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism. Muller will also host the Annual MNA Awards Banquet Sunday evening.
Children’s Museum June 12-13, 6 p.m.
MORart
June 2, 1p.m.
Friday’s featured speakers include Roy Reynolds, District Manager of the U.S. Postal Service in Sioux Falls and John Kimball, President of John Kimball Group, which does Newspaper Marketing, Circulation and Advertising Consultant in Lessburg, Va.
Family Fishing Fun
The Studio Wednesdays, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m., 5:15 – 6:15 p.m.
Pilates Mat Work
Big Sky Weekly
Pine Creek Lodge & Cafe June 2, 7 p.m. Pine Creek Open Bluegrass Jam
Pine Creek Lodge & Cafe June 7, 7 p.m. Flannel Republic
Pine Creek Lodge & Cafe June 8, 7 p.m. Montana Deluxe Blues Outdoor BBQ
Pine Creek Lodge & Cafe June 9, 7 p.m.
Living History Weekend: The George Ives Trial & Hanging
June 9-10 Montana Heritage Commission (406) 843-5247 Irish Weekend in VC!
June 8-10 Joe Calnan (406) 933-5759 jcalnan@bresnan.net Second Saturday Farmer’s Market
June 9, 11 a.m-5 p.m. Second Saturday of each month thru August
west yellowstone National Get Outdoors Day
June 9 No Park Admission Fee! Train Days
Yellowstone Historic Center Museum June 11, 9 a.m-9 p.m
cooke city 4th of July
10:00 Parade 11:00 Fireman's Picnic 6:00-9:00 Live Band Silver Gate Park 9:30 Fireworks Daisy Pass
The Max
Chico Hot Springs Saloon June 2, 9:30 p.m. Shelly Besler & Andrew Doolittle
Chico Hot Springs Saloon June 3, 7 p.m.
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32 June 1, 2012
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Big Sky Weekly
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Section 3:
life, land and culture
Big Sky Weekly
June 1, 2012 Volume 3 // Issue No. 11
Swiftwater Rescue training Photos by the Outlaw Partners
Over Memorial Day weekend 24 people took a Swiftwater Rescue Technician class hosted on the Gallatin River. The group was a mix of river guides, Big Sky Search and Rescue members and private boaters. The class was a two and a half day course focused on teaching river safety and rescue skills. The weekend was cold, with a mix of snow and rain and temperatures in the low 30s. The group was well dressed in Kokatat dry suits, helmets and numerous fleece layers to help prepare for the hours spent swimming the Gallatin River. The Whitewater Rescue Institute taught the course and offers other trainings throughout the summer. whitewaterrescue.com - Eric Ladd
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June 1, 2012 33
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outdoors
Big Sky Hikers Summer 2012 Schedule The Big Sky Hikers welcome all residents and visitors to Big Sky and Gallatin Canyon to their 11week hiking season. Every Thursday morning three hikes leave from the Big Sky Community Park off Little Coyote Road, at either 8 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. The group is not a club, but rather a group of enthusiastic hikers who like to get together. Everyone is welcome. The hikes begin June 14 and run every Thursday morning until Aug. 23.
The group gathers at least 15 minutes earlier than sign-up time for the hike.
Photo courtesy of Rumsey Young
At the meeting place, hikers will sign a roster/waiver sheet; when 15 people have signed up, that hike will be closed. Hikers are welcome to choose one of the other hikes with available space as an alternate.
Hiking Etiquette: Remember the policies “pack it in, pack it out” and “leave no trace” when hiking in the wilderness or Yellowstone National Park.
All hikes are subject to change due to weather or trail conditions.
No toddlers or pets. The Big Sky Hikers keep groups together on the trail, taking occasional breaks to allow everyone to regroup. This ensures no one becomes separated or lost and is also is the single best way to avoid surprising a bear. Big Sky country is grizzly bear country, and this is a serious consideration.
Hike Rating System: None of the hikes require technical climbing techniques or gear. “A” hikes are strenuous, involving long distances and significant altitude gain and are are best suited to fit, altitude-acclimated, well-prepared hikers.
Guidelines:
Big Sky Weekly
“B” hikes represent more moderate efforts. “C” hikes are easy and suitable for hikers of all ages.
Transportation to the trailhead will be organized by carpooling in each group. Roads to some trailheads will require four-wheel drive vehicles with adequate ground clearance.
If you have questions regarding the details of a particular hike, call the assigned leaders who will have recent, personal experience in hiking that trail.
To better accommodate larger numbers of hikers and differing abilities, three hikes are scheduled for every Thursday. Each group goes to a different trailhead. To minimize impact there is a limit of 15 persons per hike.
A donation of $2/person per hike is asked from each participant. This pays for administration costs (paper, postage, park fees), hike supplies (coolers, first aid kits), after hike refreshments, and donations to relevant causes or organizations.
Equipment: Experienced hikers carry a wellsorted daypack, with plenty of water, lunch and snacks, rain gear and other clothing layers to cope with the abrupt changes in weather that are typical in the mountains. Sturdy (and broken in) shoes are suggested, as many of the trails are rocky, may cross patches of snow and streams, and at times the footing can be unstable. First aid: Hike leaders will have a basic first aid kit. Hikers should bring their own bear spray, insect repellant, toilet paper, sunscreen and big smiles.
Date
Rating-Hike
Trailhead
Length
Climb
Leaders
Comment
June 2
National Trails Day
Big Sky Community Park
N/A
N/A
Herb Davis Jessie Neal (993-2112)
Meet at the Community Park at 9 a.m.
June 14
A Fawn/Big Horn Loop
Fawn Pass - YNP
10 miles
700 ft.
Steve Johnson (995-4566)
June 21
June 28
B Pioneer Falls
Spanish Creek
7.5 miles
800 ft.
George Tallichet (993-2909)
C Albino Lake
Taylor Fork - FSR 223
5.5 miles
350 ft.
Rumsey Young (995-2629)
A Lizard Lake
Taylor Fork-Cache Creek
11 miles
1600 ft.
Sherrie Fast (995-7486)
B Oil Well to Sage Creek
Taylor Fork-Wapiti Creek
7 miles
1200 ft.
Rumsey Young (995-2629)
C North Fork
North Fork
6 miles
500 ft.
Barbara Blesch (995-2422)
A Golden Trout to Eaglehead
Portal Creek-Windy Pass
10 miles
2,000 ft.
Rich Piercy (993-2303)
Rough road to trailhead
B Buck Ridge
Buck Ridge
9 miles
1500 ft.
Irv Golden (995-7905)
Rough road to trailhead
C Flower Hike
TBD
TBD miles
TBD ft.
Jeff Strickler (995-4768)
Look for continued schedule in upcoming issues of the Big Sky Weekly.
34 June 1, 2012
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Big Sky Weekly
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entertainment
Big Sky Weekly
Taj Mahal to play at Red Ants Pants Music Festival, July 26 – 29 big sky weekly staff writer
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS—This year, Grammy-award winning artist Taj Mahal will join a stellar lineup including Emmylou Harris and Mary Chapin Carpenter at the Red Ants Pants Music Festival in White Sulphur Springs, July 26-29. This is the second year for the festival, which is organized by Red Ants Pants, a company dedicated to manufacturing workwear for women. For Sarah Calhoun, company and festival founder, the festival is about more than music it’s a way to bring people together. The lineup, which features more than a dozen bands, benefits the Red Ants Pants Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports of women’s leadership, working family farms and ranches, and rural communities. Over a career spanning nearly 50 years, Taj Mahal has won two Grammies and earned nine Grammy nominations. He was one of the first major recording artists to fuse blues with world music, including rhythms from the Caribbean and West Africa. His music blends elements of reggae, calypso, jazz, zydeco and gospel. In the 1960s, Taj mingled with blues greats like Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters and opened for famed artists such as Otis Redding, the Temptations, and Martha and the Vandellas.
Last year, over 6,000 fans attended the first Red Ants Pants Festival to hear Lyle Lovett, Jerry Jeff Walker, Rodney Crowell, Guy Clark and other musicians. This year’s festival will kick off with a street dance on July 26. Performances start at 4 p.m. on July 27, and run through Sunday evening. Tickets are available now at Cactus Records in Bozeman, Rockin’ Rudy’s in Missoula, No Sweat Café in Helena, Forde Nursery in Great Falls, Red Oxx in Billings, Conley’s Books in Livingston, and Red Ants Pants in White Sulphur Springs. redantspantsmusicfestival.com. Performers at the 2012 Red Ants Pants Festival include: Emmylou Harris and the Red Dirt Boys Wylie and the Wild West Mary Chapin Carpenter Corb Lund Taj Mahal Sweetback Sisters Justin Townes Earle Wagons Rodney Crowell Jeanne Jolly Billy Joe Shaver Growling Old Men Hayes Carll Ben Bullington Abigail Washburn Little Jane and the Pistol Whips
Taj Mahal
Peace of Mind 2 Years Complimentary Maintenance: • Oil & Filter Change • Tire Rotation • 19-point Inspection 24/7 Roadside Assistance: • Tire Change • Lockout Protection
• Towing
ToyotaCare covers normal factory scheduled service. Plan is 2 years or 25k miles, whichever comes first. The new Toyota vehicle cannot be part of a rental or commercial fleet or a livery or taxi vehicle. Other restrictions may apply. See local participating Toyota dealer for coverage and details.
Toyota of Bozeman INSERT DEALER INFO HERE 877-221-8432 36 June 1, 2012
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wanderer at rest
Big Sky Weekly
A dog named “Pamela” By Jamie Balke
big sky weekly columnist
Last week my dad was in town. The absence of my parents is one of the very few aspects of living in Montana that bums me out. Maybe some day they will move here, but until that time I must content myself with the occasional visit. On a beautiful spring day, my brother and I took our dad hiking up Middle Cottonwood Creek Trail north of Bozeman. The drive to the trailhead has sweeping views of the valley and surrounding mountains, and a bit of dirt road, which I admit makes me feel slightly rugged. To me, this area will always be mysterious. Not because it is particularly remote or unexplored, but because I refuse to read about it. The idea was to convince Dad he wants to move here. Typically, I am a meticulous planner, bordering on neurotic. However, I’ve decided I never want to know how far this particular path goes, or what landmarks I might see upon the way in advance. What I’ve found so far is an unassumingly spectacular trail that follows a rocky, bubbly creek, and glimpses of the Bridger Mountains peeking out behind tree-lined canyon curves. I like to imagine I’m discovering it. My brother, dad and I set off up the Middle Cottonwood Trail, surrounded by budding trees and wildflowers. Before long we arrived at the first stream crossing and encountered a dog, whom, in the interest of anonymity I’ve renamed “Pamela.” Think Dear Abbey.
Pamela was a friendly, energetic Bozeman dog who ran back and forth on the trail between her family and the adventure around the bend. Adorable. We stopped by the creek for a water break, and soon her humans caught up to her. Pamela wagged her tail and waited, presumably plotting, until her family had safely crossed the log bridge. At this point she dove sideways into a mound of horse droppings and began luxuriating in the pile. Deaf to the amused and disgusted cries to cease and Middle Cottonwood Creek Trail Photo by Kelsey Dzintars desist emanating from her people on the other But this was not the best part. The best part occurred side of the creek, she rolled and wagged, occasionally on the return trip to the trailhead when Pamela saungoing in for a nibble. tered right up to my brother, in all of her road-applecovered waterlogged glory, and shook herself dry At the risk of anthropomorphizing Pamela, I’d say she upon him. In my approximation, this was the perfect displayed an enviable amount of pure joy. Eventually, ending to a wonderful hike. she paid heed to her family and headed for the stream crossing. But halfway across, the moving water conJamie Balke moved to Bozeman in the fall of 2009. fused her. In no evident danger, she seemed to forget She can generally be found behind the cover of a book, how to walk until a child from the family appeared at meandering down a trail or desperately trying not to kill the side of the creek to encourage her. houseplants.
Volunteers needed for the
4th Annual Gallatin River Clean Up & Noxious Weed Pull Got gloves and a free Saturday morning? Help cleanup your favorite fishing access & recreation sites along the Gallatin River with Trout Unlimited & Gallatin/Big Sky Noxious Weed Committee, and enjoy a light breakfast on us! 104 GOSHAWK TRAIL
WHEN: Saturday, June 9th 9am – Noon
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WHERE: Rendezvous in the parking lot of 7888 Gallatin Rd (old Gourmet Gas Station) BRING: Gloves, shovels, & sun block. RSVP: by Wednesday June 6th at 5 pm by contacting Jennifer Mohler @ 406-209-0905 or bigskyweeds@gmail.com Simms, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Greater Gallatin Watershed Council have donated items that volunteers will be eligible to win!
POWDER RIDGE CABIN • • • •
$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
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PENDING Don Pilotte, Broker, GRI, RRS, SFR, 406.580.0155 Eric Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.9553 Stacy Ossorio, Broker, 406.539.8553 Toni Delzer, Sales Associate, 406.570.3195 Mark Dobrenski, Sales Associate, 406.599.2175
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George Hagar, Sales Associate, 406.580.2248 Marc Lauermann, Sales Assoc., ABR, SFR, 406.581.8242 Anne MacKenzie, Sales Associate, 406.223.1095 Peter MacKenzie, Sales Associate, 406.223.1195 Stuart Koch, Sales Associate, 406.581.1225
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June 1, 2012 37
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Big Sky Weekly
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further fetchins
Big Sky Weekly
Winter’s not over in Alaska Photo by Mike Mannelin
By mike mannelin
big sky weekly columnist
It’s almost midnight in Port Moller, Ala., and the wind has been blowing a steady 40 knots for a couple days straight. The small window in the bedroom overlooks what should be a busy fish cannery this time of year. Instead, through the dusky light, I see ice. This isn’t your average hockey rink ice. It looks more like we accidentally landed the plane, a DeHavilland Beaver, somewhere in Antarctica. The large dock that is usually lined with 40-foot gillnet fishing boats is trying its hardest to hold its ground against the icebergs. Broken pilings and missing timbers seem to suggest that it’s not faring too well. When we left Kodiak last week, we had heard stories about the recent ice conditions. After spending ski season in Big Sky and Haines, Ala., we were ready for the winter temperatures and the wind. We took off from the Kodiak airport with cloudy skies and headed to the opposite end of the island to look at the weather. Crossing the Shelikof Strait in a single engine plane is a bit nerve wracking. We had clouds down to about 800 feet, not so good to make the crossing. Our pilot Paul considered turning around and heading back, but he wanted to climb to see if we could get above them. We started circling near Karluk, a village on Kodiak’s southwest corner. Up we went, to 3,000 feet, 5,000 feet, 7,500 feet—still solid clouds. We finally saw blue at 11,500 feet, so we headed across. As we flew down the southern shore of the Alaska Peninsula, the skies cleared a bit, giving us a view of the mountains and volcanoes that make up the terrain. We flew over the airstrip to check the conditions in
The author in Alaska
Chignik, a small fishing village. There was still snow on the runway. We cut across the peninsula, traveling down the shore of the Bering Sea the rest of the way. The clouds on the north side were low, so we flew at around 1,000 feet. Below, we began to see ice covering the Bering Sea. As we passed by Bear Lake, our final destination later this month, it was completely frozen over. We landed in a few inches of snow on the gravel runway at Port Moller. Soon after we unloaded the plane, a couple of four wheelers with trailers showed up to pick us up. We drove down the beach, staring out at the Bering Sea and the 60 miles of ice that stretched out to the horizon. The Department of Fish and Game has four houses at the cannery, and they serve as the head-
Mannelin's flight map
quarters for the areas commercial fishing operations. With everything still frozen, we used small generators for power and began collecting runoff water to filter for drinking and cooking. Now, with each tide change, the ice breaks up a little more. The winds are blowing out of the southeast, so we may be seeing the ice push off shore soon. We’ve missed at least three supply barges so far. With fishing season just around the corner, the fishermen have been missing shipments, too. They will be waiting for critical supplies like new engines and nets to make their seasons profitable. The locals are saying that they haven’t had sea ice like this in more than 75 years. When the weather finally heats up a bit, we will be happy to get to our camp and start counting fish. For now, we’re happy to be able to be here for such a rare event. It’s a beautiful, amazing spectacle that we feel lucky to watch every day. Mike Mannelin is a skier with roots in Minnesota, Montana and Alaska. He gains his inspiration in life by spending time in the mountains with friends.
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June 1, 2012 39
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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.
it’s far better to reach for the person from shore, throw something to them, or row to them from a boat. In some years, more rescuers drown than initial drowning victims. Drowning victims often hit their heads, injure their spines, and vomit. Depending on how they entered the water, drowning victims often have incapacitating head and spinal injuries. If you’re pulling somebody out of the water safely, do it efficiently but with as little excess movement as possible. This is much easier said than done and requires forethought, teamwork and practice. If they do vomit, turn them on their side and get the food and water out of their mouths. There is little you can do to get the water out of their lungs. Your job is to keep the air heading in that direction without obstructions.
Cold water drowning By David McEvoy
Aerie Backcountry Medicine
Montana has one of the highest per-capita drowning rates in the country. Considering we’re landlocked, that’s sobering. We’re one of 10 states where drowning is the most common cause of death for people under 14. Not all of these occur in our rivers (many happen at home), but a number do. This spring, we’ll read about too many people drowning in Montana’s rivers and streams. Many of these deaths are preventable—not in the sense of avoiding water, but preventable because many of the events leading to these deaths are predictable and therefore avoidable. Please enjoy spring on our beautiful rivers and streams. Just do it with some caution, preparation and respect for the power of cold, moving water. Like most things in medicine, prevention of drowning is far more effective than its treatment. Here are a few basic ideas that might keep us safer this year: Cold water is debilitating. The water in many of Montana’s rivers is above 70 degrees F for less than a month. Quite a few never even reach that temperature. Seventy is the somewhat arbitrary threshold below which many experts define “cold water.” Immersed in this water, muscles and brains do not function well over time. We may not have the strength to get through a difficult rapid or the judgment to avoid it altogether. Plan your day on the water with adequate clothing and food in mind to maintain your body temperature. In addition, sudden immersion in very cold water— like falling out of a boat or jumping in a river to rescue a drowning person—causes unavoidable, reflexive gasping and intense hyperventilation. If your head is underwater when this happens, the result is often rapid unconsciousness and death from lack of oxygen.
40 June 1, 2012
Moving water is relentless. It’s difficult to appreciate the power of even slow-moving water until it pins you against a root or log. Often at this point, to borrow a phrase, resistance is futile. Planning routes through the water that avoid obstructions, particularly at high water, is critical. Life jackets and helmets save lives. It’s difficult to drown if your head doesn’t go underwater. Life jackets need to fit and stay on in strong currents; they don’t do you any good under your seat or at home. Helmets keep you conscious if you hit your head, enabling you to think about protecting yourself from further harm. Even capable swimmers drown. Cold, moving water levels the playing field. Swimming in a relatively warm pool with no current is entirely different than swimming for your life in a moving, cold river. Alcohol kills. Many drowning victims are intoxicated. It’s really no different than drinking and driving. The idea of floating the river with friends and a six-pack appeals to many of us. However, we need to add to that image to the possibility of an emergency—which with cold, moving water can happen at any momentr—when you need all of your judgment and skill. Drowning victims panic. Few things are more terrifying than being unable to breathe while struggling against an unrelenting force. Unsuspecting rescuers, even close friends, will be used as a means of escape, meaning the drowning person will unceremoniously drag them underwater. For this reason,
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If they aren’t breathing, CPR is necessary. Realize, however, that a drowning victim requiring CPR rarely survives. We tend to have a false sense of the efficacy of CPR in an outdoor setting, away from more advanced care. While you should work to get the person to a hospital quickly while providing the best CPR possible, this is often futile. David McEvoy is a paramedic and the Director of Aerie, a wilderness medicine training organization based in Missoula. For outstanding swiftwater rescue classes in the Bozeman area, he suggests the Whitewater Rescue Institute.