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Big Sky

Exploring life and land from the heart of the Yellowstone Region

Yoga for all levels

Sequestration: YNP spring openings delayed

Santosha Wellness Center

Dirtbag Day!

Photo by Chris Davis

March 8-21,2013 Volume 4 // Issue #5

Fire Dept:

Public hearings to explain mill levy proposal

Addressing the Big Sky housing shortage

Alta, Utah media@theoutlawpartners.com

Freeride World Tour Qualifier at Moonlight Basin March 15-16 Big Sky's locally owned and published newspaper

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ON THE COVER: Callie Stolz, owner of Santosha Wellness Center in Big Sky, poses in Mermaid I, or Apsarãsana Eka. See story on p. 22. Photo by Chris Davis

2011 big sky chamber of commerce

Business of the Year March 8-21, 2013 Volume 4, Issue no. 5 PUBLISHER Eric Ladd

editorial MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler EDITOR Joseph T. O'Connor staff writer/distribution director Tyler Allen Editorial assistant Maria Wyllie

creative CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins VIDEO director Brian Niles

A sunny day in February snowshoeing along the Taylor Fork Photo by Tyler Busby

Mountain Outlaw magazine’s Outbound Gallery Summer 2013 call for photo submissions

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars

Mountain Outlaw magazine’s Outbound Gallery features captivating images from the Greater Yellowstone region. The 8-10-page gallery is not just eye candy; it’s our way of giving credit to the amazing photographers who work and play in our area.

videographer/photographer Chris Davis

SALES and operations COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson

Subject matter can include almost anything from the region: landscapes, portraits, action sports, music, events, etc. We generally select images that pertain to the season (no powder skiing shots in the summer).

Familiarize yourself with images we have printed in the past by viewing previous issues, available online at explorebigsky.com/publications.

Operations director Katie Morrison

CONTRIBUTors

Jamie Balke, Pascal Beauvais, John Boersma, Tyler Busby, Buscrat, Genevieve Chabot, Mike Coil, E-Mo, Bob Foster, Philip Kedrowski, Emily O'Connor, Brandon Niles, Ersin Ozer, Maddy Pope, Kipp Proctor, Amy R. Sisk, Thomas J. Soot, Kene Sperry, Patrick Straub

Selected images will feature the photographer’s name, a short caption and a web link or contact information for the photographer.

Submissions are due by April 19. For additional information and to download the submission guidelines, visit explorebigsky.com/photosubmissions.

Big Sky Weekly publisher Outlaw Partners also produces Mountain Outlaw magazine.

Questions? Email kelsey@theoutlawpartners.com or call (406) 995-2055.

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

Big Sky Weekly concentrated regional distribution

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

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ADVERTISING DEADLINE For next issue, March 22 March 15, 2013 CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed.

Please report them to media@theoutlawpartners.com

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Table of Contents Community...4 Local News...7 Regional..13 Montana...14 Weekend Getaway...17 Sports...20 Health...22 Business...23 Engineer's

Corner...27 Classifieds...28 Dining Outlaw News...31 Entertainment...33 Events...37 Buscrat's Fables...43 Fun...44 Column...45 Back 40...46

Outdoors...49 Wildlife News...51 Word from the Resorts...52 Fishing Column...54 Science...57 Yellowstone...58

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Big Sky Weekly

CAP Mentor program may exceed goals

Scholarship for Montana high school seniors

By barbara rowley

HELENA – The 2013 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship is now available for in-state high school seniors.

BIG SKY – A fledgling mentorship program in Big Sky is already soaring high, according to the project’s organizer.

Julie Grimm, coordinator of the new Child Advancement Project Mentor program in the Big Sky School District, says the fourmonth-old pilot program is now on its way to meeting – and likely exceeding – its first-year goal of matching 20 students with adult mentors.

“Not only are we meeting our goals numerically, but our volunteers’ hard work, determination, and attention are surpassing my expectations,” Grimm said.

Each week, mentors meet with students who have been nominated for the program by a teacher or parent.

While some students need academic or social assistance, many are nominated because they need more opportunity for advanced projects or enrichment.

Additionally, many teachers are providing support by giving men-

tors folders with make-up work and homework, and others are working on special projects together, Grimm said.

One Ophir student interested in math is working with his mentor to learn advanced concepts through the use of drafting tools. Because the program is one-on-one, this mentor also integrates the student's specific interest in cars into their meetings as they study ratios, conversions and distance.

The CAP is an initiative of the Bozeman-based nonprofit Thrive, which runs the program in all Bozeman schools. The Yellowstone Club Community Foundation is funding this three-year commitment to the BSSD. It’s the first time the organization has implemented the program in a rural school.

The Big Sky community responded to the request for mentors with overwhelming support, Grimm says, but there remains a need for male mentors to work with male students.

Interested applicants can apply on line at allthrive.org. For questions, contact Julie Grimm at (406) 995-4281, ext. 274.

Students earn $1,000 for college by volunteering GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

On Feb. 25, the Governor’s Office of Community Service, along with Montana Campus Compact and the Student Assistance Foundation, announced their support for the scholarship, now in its eighth year.

This year, 100 high school seniors will receive $1,000 toward continued education at one of Montana Campus Compact’s public, tribal, private, community colleges or universities.

Students logging over 100 hours of community service can earn financial assistance toward furthering their instate education through the scholarship.

Completed applications, proof of volunteer hours, confirmation of a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrollment in a Montana post-secondary institution must be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Community Service by April 15.

For a Youth Serve Montana Scholarship application form and more information, visit serve.mt.gov.

Rotary Club of Big Sky awards $1,000 scholarship The Rotary Club of Big Sky in early March announced its eighth annual scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to be awarded to a Big Sky resident attending college or a vocational post-high school program.

This scholarship is one of several community projects that the Rotary Club of Big Sky funds as a result of its annual Gold Raffle and Auction, held each January.

The criteria for the scholarship will be based on financial need, community service and academic perfor-

mance. A committee of three Rotarians will review each application, and a winner will be announced by May 31.

The scholarship will be awarded directly to the student upon receipt of a tuition bill. Big Sky residents interested in applying for this scholarship should contact a Rotarian for an application, or send an email to bigskyrotary@gmail.com for more information. The deadline for the application is April 30.

Big Sky’s Got Talent, and it’s on stage on March 17 WMPAC open house is March 12 BIG SKY BROADWAY

BIG SKY – When the Big Sky's Got Talent Show performers take to the Warren Miller Performing Arts Stage on March 17, they won't be just raising money for the community's first theatrical company and children's musical theater camps, they'll be ushering in a new era of entertainment and the arts in Big Sky. "This is really a game-changer for Big Sky," says WMPAC artistic director John Zirkle. "A performing arts venue befitting both the talent that comes to town – and the talent that's homegrown."

Although WMPAC’s grand opening will happen amid fitting fanfare later this year, the facility will begin hosting events this March, including Big Sky Broadway's annual fundraiser, Big Sky's Got Talent at 6:30 p.m. on March 17.

"People wanted to get onto the stage as soon as we could clear the sawdust away,” Zirkle said, "which I think really speaks to the demand for the arts in Big Sky, and for a theater like this one."

The following weekend the Big Sky Community Theater, a division of the Big Sky School District’s adult education program, will take the stage for its first performance on Friday, March 29, followed by the Arts Council of Big Sky fundraiser, “Crawfish and Cornbread,” on March 30.

Big Sky Broadway Producer Barbara Rowley says the slots for entertainers for the Sunday talent show filled almost immediately, in no small part due to the community's growing number of performing arts teachers.

"New this year will be several dance numbers, taught by our choreographer Jennifer Waters,” Rowley said. “We'll also have Heaven Phillip's voice students, Klaudia Kosiak's pianists, and members of John Zirkle's community chorus. And, rest assured – John Dobson and Sarah Phelps will be back with their show stopping numbers!"

everything it needs on site, Rowley said. "People really won't want to miss it."

Prior to the talent show, the arts center will host an open house Tuesday, March 12. Tours of the facility will begin at 4:30 p.m. and run through the 90-minute reception. Visitors will see the state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, the green room and gallery/multi-purpose room, and enjoy light appetizers and huckleberry lemonade.

There will also be opportunities for guests to interactively share their visions for Big Sky’s first indoor performing arts venue.

Last year's soiree raised nearly $3,000. Now with 280 seats to sell, Rowley hopes for an even better result this year. Big Sky Broadway will also announce its summer musical that night, and open enrollment for the troupe.

"We are looking at this facility as a blank canvas for our community to fill with the arts and events that they want," Zirkle said.

Proceeds support Big Sky Broadway's summer camps and productions. Tickets will be on sale at the door, at the Hungry Moose, and online through ticketriver. com, Big Sky Broadway’s Facebook page, or by pointing a smart phone at the QR code on one of the event posters.

At 6 p.m., following the reception, guests will be given a 'ticket' to enter the theater, where they’ll experience the theater firsthand, with music by Kosiak and presentations by Zirkle in his signature theatrical style. Following the event, clips from Warren Miller movies will be shown. The Big Sky Resort Tax Board will hold a community forum at 7 p.m.

"A state-of-the-art facility inspires us to go state-ofthe-art in everything we do," Zirkle said, thanking donors like Jill and Loren Bough and the Big Sky Resort Tax Board for making such innovations possible.

"With so much going on, I hope people will take the time to be there from the very first moment," Zirkle said.

With the recent donation of a grand piano from the Yellowstone Club, Big Sky’s Got Talent has

For Big Sky Broadway sponsorship opportunities, email Barbara Rowley at browley@3rivers.net.

community

March 8-21, 2013 5

Big Sky School District celebrates National Healthy Schools Award MONTANA OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

BIG SKY – The Big Sky School District has joined an exclusive national group, earning three prestigious Bronze Awards in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s HealthierUS School Challenge program.

The HUSSC program recognizes schools creating healthy environments by promoting excellence in nutrition and physical activity. Ophir Elementary School, Ophir Middle School and Lone Peak High School are three of 27 Montana schools to receive a HUSSC award since 2006 – making them one of the healthiest districts in the nation.

your LOVE,

Big Sky’s school meals are prepared from scratch with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy foods, lean protein choices and whole grain foods.

Supt. Jerry House. The district’s new healthy meal plan complements the Health Education goals it has set for all students, he added.

“It’s nice to see the kids enjoying all the varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables,” Hudson said. In addition, she has created positive changes in a la carte offerings (foods and beverages sold separately); these items meet nutrition guidelines, as well.

The high priority placed on physical activity and physical education along with innovative programs to increase students’ physical activity were another key reason for the Bronze recognition of Big Sky’s schools. Beardsley, also a Health Enhancement teacher, has created fun ways to get kids up and moving, such as downhill and Nordic skiing, outdoor adventure activities, a “Fit for Life” elective class, swimming and intramural sports programs. Nutrition Education is provided to grades K-10 and includes guest speakers and parent involvement.

Montana Supt. of Public Instruction, Denise Juneau, commended the Big Sky School District, saying schools receiving these awards are “models for schools across the state because they demonstrate their commitment to the health and wellness of Montana children.”

Food Service Manager Kathy Hudson and Supt. House led the HUSSC application process, along with broad-based support from the school’s wellness committee, health and physical activity staff, including Athletic Director Tony Beardsley.

To qualify for the Bronze awards, Big Sky Schools submitted a detailed application documenting adherence to the HealthierUS School Challenge criteria for lunch menus, nutrition education, opportunities for physical activity and a local school wellness policy.

The school will receive $1,500 from USDA to support its school meals program.

Parents and community members are encouraged to visit the school and enjoy a school lunch. Call the Big Sky School District at (406) 995-4281 to schedule and be added to the lunch count.

“Properly nourished students equates to higher achievement in the classroom and in our activities programs,” said Big Sky School

Where you INVEST

Big Sky resident named to Cowboy Hall of Fame board BIG TIMBER – Big Sky resident Shana Langley was recently elected to the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Board of Trustees.

At the organization’s annual dinner on Feb. 2 in Helena, Shana and her father Bill accepted an award on behalf of her grandfather, the late Richard “Dick” Carlisle Langley, for his induction into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame.

“Apparently someone submitted my name, during their board meetings, after the induction ceremony,” Shana wrote in a surprised and delighted email to the Weekly. “Kind of cool, since that was the first time I ever met any of the board members… I was very honored to be included in such a great organization.”

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Richard, who passed away at age 101, was honored for his contribution to the cowboy way of life between 1898 until his death in 1999. Rodeo photographer R.R. Doubleday immortalized the cowboy in a famous photo of Richard riding the bronc Sundance at the Cheyenne Frontier Days. Shana is also a lifelong horsewoman.

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6 March 8-21, 2013

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March 8-21, 2013 7

Housing issues continue in Big Sky Ideas exchange meeting held

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR

Competitive programs, of which Amundson says there are more than 40 in the country, are need-based allotments; applicants compete with other communities around the nation for funds.

big sky weekly editor

BIG SKY – Ideas flew around the lower room of the Big Sky Chapel on Feb. 27 as major players on local, state and federal levels convened for an ideas exchange, set up to address the lack of housing options in Big Sky.

Entitlement programs refer to money handed down from the federal level to areas with more than 50,000 residents. In Montana, these include Billings, Great Falls and Missoula.

Other funding from the program goes to the state and is divvied out to smaller communities, based on need.

The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce sponsored and organized the meeting, described by chamber executive director Kitty Clemens as a “look at housing as an economic development tool.”

“Businesses [in Big Sky] have told me they need to hire talented people, but there are not enough places for talented people to live,” Clemens said.

Meeting attendees expressed concern over housing for seasonal employees, many of whom work at one of the three ski resorts in the area. But young professionals were a main focus of the meeting – and an important demographic to the community, according to local resident Norm Plaistowe, who attended the exchange.

“This is a huge issue in Big Sky,” said the retired CFO of North American Publishing Company in Chicago. “If we can’t provide housing at an affordable rate, [young professionals] are not going to live here.”

A Chicago transplant, Plaistowe and his wife Kristen Brown have been in Big Sky for two years.

Housing, he says, has been a problem since they moved to the area.

The meeting, attended by approximately 30 people from as far away as Helena, included representatives from the offices of Senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester as well as Gov. Steve Bullock’s office. Also in attendance were delegates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Gallatin County Planning Department and a number of local builders and developers from Big Sky Resort, the Yellowstone Club, Moonlight Basin and Town Center.

The exchange began with addresses

by Clemens and co-sponsor Shawna Winter, then moved to a break-out, in which small groups discussed four main housing elements the chamber felt needed attention: government, building and development, finance tools and community values.

The groups came up with talking points and reported them to the conference. These included assessing other resort communities’

Photo by Joseph T. O'Connor

methods for dealing with housing issues, the call for a professional assessment of Big Sky’s needs, and an option to put costs of property lots into a land trust. This option would provide relief to land buyers by reducing the total purchase cost by the price spent on land.

Say a house costs $250,000 to build, Plaistowe said. “The first $100,000 would go to the land. It’s very different to build a house for $150,000.”

One idea suggested distressed or vacant homes be divided into two or three separate condos, which could be made available to individuals or families.

With many of these options funding is critical, and the Big Sky Resort Tax Board could be tapped for money. The deadline for applications requesting money from the RTB is April 3.

Another topic was creating a housing authority or an economic development district in Big Sky, which are both federally funded and developed to provide solutions in the forms of affordable housing options, including section eight accommodations. Section eight refers to federal financial assistance given to low-income tenants.

But Clemens made it clear that section eight housing would not be the focus of either a local housing authority or an economic development district.

“We’re not necessarily talking about dormitory-style, seasonal housing here,” she said. “These groups can provide technical assistance for economic development in the form of affordable housing.”

The groups discussed options, but the next step was unclear to some.

“My question is, what do we do now?” said Tim Skop, a planner

for the Gallatin County Planning Department. “This meeting has been done three or four times and nothing becomes of it. The issues resurface and then it’s time to have another meeting.”

Tracy Menuez, of Bozeman’s Human Resources Development Council, suggested Big Sky’s Resort Tax Board fund a capital improvements plan to assess the community’s needs, but Skop had one in his satchel, completed by TischlerBise on Dec. 28, 2011. Clemens also had printouts of the plan available at the meeting.

The Capital Improvements Plan for the Gallatin Canyon/Big Sky Planning and Zoning District states: “…A range of affordable housing types are needed in Big Sky including seasonal employee accommodations, affordable rental units and low-cost, single-family housing.”

Additionally, TischlerBise projected an increase of 268 jobs in Big Sky over the next 10 years, according to the report. The plan also indicated that between 34 and 135 housing units would need to be built to accommodate new employees in the area.

Eric Amundson, from HUD’s Helena Field Office, said he attended the meeting because of the way Clemens presented the idea – that it isn’t just lower income workers who are experiencing housing problems.

“This [ideas exchange] seemed like a unique challenge,” he said. “[It’s] targeting two groups – emerging young professionals who need affordable housing and seasonal employees.”

The Department of Housing and Urban Development was created as a federal Cabinet department in 1965 to provide affordable housing and oversee related policies. Two of its programs are relevant to the issues in Big Sky:

At times the meeting took on a personal tone. Clemens had difficulty finding housing when she moved here in August, having to fill out three different leases for the same condo. Her problems stemmed from a lack of dog-friendly rental opportunities.

Bill Farhat, Chief of the Big Sky Fire Department, also had trouble finding a place to live.

“I just found a house yesterday,” said Farhat, who was told he, along with his wife and four children, had to be out of their rental home by May, because the owners had to sell the house.

“We were really worried,” he said.

“But I’m the highest-paid employee at the department. What does that mean for my employees?”

Farhat hopes to hire five new firefighters this spring and is concerned about where they will live. Unlike many Big Sky workers who commute from Bozeman or Four Corners, fire department staff must live in the area.

Before the next meeting, Big Sky and Moonlight Basin plan to survey their employees to find out which ones live in the immediate community, who commutes, and who wants to live in Big Sky. Clemens also encouraged attendees to research how ski communities such as Jackson, Wyo. and Vail, Colo. have dealt with housing issues.

The meeting represented a broad interest in improving housing options available to Big Sky workers, and many in attendance voiced the importance of the community tackling this issue together.

“There needs to be a more collaborative effort instead of one group chipping away,” Skop said. “Everybody’s smarter than anybody.”

The next housing ideas exchange meeting will be on March 27. The chamber has reserved the lower room in the Big Sky Chapel from 8 a.m. to noon.

8 March 8-21, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

Moonlight Basin hosts fourth annual winter Special Olympics story and photos By maria wyllie

big sky weekly editorial assistant

BIG SKY – DJ Missy O’Malley shouted into the microphone. “The snow gods are with us!”

The crowd cheered and got down to MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” on a dance floor scattered with fresh snowflakes as they waited for the skiers racing down Wagon Train to come into view.

Greeted by high fives, flashing cameras and the sound of cowbells, many of the alpine finalists crossed the finish line with humor and style, saluting their own speed with touchdownworthy poses.

A fun, light-hearted competition, Special Olympics Montana’s Big Sky Area Winter Games was hosted at Moonlight Basin on Monday, Feb. 25.

Completely volunteer-driven, the day recognized the athletes for their hard work and courage and gave them a chance to have fun competing.

Clockwise from left: DJ Missy O'Malley, competitors at the starting line, rider finals

“We want everyone to know what a fun day it is and to come out and support us,” said event coordinator Sean Fitzgerald.

This year’s event was the largest yet with 60 athletes, a 15 percent increase over last year.

Participants traveled from Gallatin, Park, Sweetgrass and Madison counties, as well as Red Lodge.

According to Fitzgerald, most of the athletes train with Eagle Mount, a nonprofit organization offering therapeutic recreation to children and adults with physical and developmental disabilities.

advanced alpine races on the Cupajo and Wagon Train ski runs, but there were also snowshoe and cross-country races.

Each competitor was awarded a blue ribbon at the closing ceremony, also emceed by the high-energy O’Malley.

The majority competed in novice, intermediate and

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Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 9

Fire Department holding public hearings in March to explain mill levy proposal

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR big sky weekly editor

BIG SKY – On July 4, 2002, Jim Schwalbe’s son was involved in a vehicle accident on Highway 191 en route to work. Christopher Schwalbe suffered a fractured skull and multiple broken bones on his right side. He was medevaced by jet to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

“The doctors didn’t know how Chris had survived,” said the elder Schwalbe, who owns Wapiti Landscaping in Big Sky. “They said if it wasn’t for the Big Sky Fire Department, he wouldn’t be alive today.”

Fire District in West Yellowstone and Central Valley Fire District in Belgrade cost residents in those districts an average of $53 per $1,000. The proposed mill levy would increase Big Sky homeowner taxes to $33.04 and the district, the third lowest in the county, would retain that ranking after the increase.

“We’re just trying to make [operations] safe and legal and to be available to [the community] when they call. We’re not trying to be extravagant or to waste services.”

The 10.36 mill levy is down from previous estimates of 11.14 mills, due to recent property evaluation numbers released from Madison County. The fire district lies in both Gallatin and Madison counties.

Since last summer, the fire chief has reached out to the community via meetings, email and social media to explain the department’s need. Not everyone has heard of the proposed tax hike, and few want to pay higher taxes, but so far, Farhat says, public response has been positive.

Farhat explains how the levy would affect residents:

As the only emergency response team in Big Sky, BSFD’s responsibility is to provide proficient care to the community, but Chief Bill Farhat is worried insufficient resources due to limited funding are hindering the department’s efforts.

“If the market value of your home is $600,000, the annual taxable amount [to homeowners] is $91,” he said. That equates to a tax increase of $7.60 a month per homeowner, depending on the property’s market value.

He says BSFD needs to hire five new firefighters to improve coverage and emergency response time. This, along with funding additional department operations would cost $485,000, and Farhat is asking for public assistance in the form of a 10.36 mill levy increase.

BSFD has been operating with a skeleton crew since 2008, and the situation has gotten worse every year, says Farhat, who took over as chief in November 2011.

Only two or three firefighters are on duty at a time; during an emergency response that number drops, often leaving one employee at the station to respond to subsequent calls.

On March 25 and 28 at 9 a.m., noon and 6 p.m., Farhat and members of the Fire District Board of Trustees will hold public hearings at the Westfork fire station in Big Sky to explain the proposed mill levy and to answer questions about the request.

The hearings are in anticipation of a May 7 vote that will decide the proposal’s fate. Ballots will go out to registered voters in the district on April 22.

Currently, BSFD mills cost homeowners $22 per $1,000 of the taxable value of their home. Hebgen Basin

Starting salary for firefighters in Big Sky is $51,000, based on a 53-hour workweek.

“I’m tired of these mill levy increases,” said Jim Schwalbe. “But I would support the fire department. They saved my son’s life.”

The proposed mill levy was news to Richard Van Asperen, a five-year area resident who owns a Hill Condo at Big Sky Resort. He said he’s willing to pay the tax increase. “It’s hard to argue against [funding] firefighters.

They’re the only heroes left.”

The earliest the department could see the funding, pending the outcome of the May 7 vote, would be November. If the community supports the request, Farhat hopes to hire three firefighters by the end of 2013 and two more by the following summer.

Volunteer firefighters help when they can, Farhat says, but are often unavailable to respond.

The March public hearings are meant to explain the department’s financial needs and what the mill levy increase means to community members.

“We [currently] don’t have enough people to provide adequate service, and we have legal requirements we can’t meet on regular basis,” Farhat said, referring to an Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandate stating the department must have four personnel on scene to begin fighting a fire.

Ballots for the May 7 vote will be mailed on April 22 to registered voters in the fire district. For more information on the public hearings, contact the Big Sky Fire Department on its non-emergency line at (406) 995-2100.

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10 Feb. 22 - March 8-21, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

From sustainable shopping to rock climbing BSCC is expanding its reach

By Tyler Allen

enhance our surroundings through progressive conservation,’” said Columbine Culberg, Director of Community and Environmental Affairs for Bozeman Audi.

Big Sky Weekly Staff Writer

BIG SKY – The Big Sky Community Corp. has a full plate in 2013. The nonprofit is in charge of parks, trails and recreation in Big Sky, and this year it’s implementing a reusable bag fundraising program, expanding the Community Park and planning for several new trails.

On the community park front, BSCC plans to add to and complement the major improvements it made last year.

BSCC manages more than $3 million in assets, and donations often go directly toward programs, not the personnel needed to implement them.

“With an operating budget [of more than] $500,000, more staffing is a need, not a want,” said executive director Jessie Wiese, previously the nonprofit’s only full time paid employee.

Now, two new part time hires will help with the upcoming projects.

Emily O’Connor, hired as project coordinator on Jan. 14, splits her time between project management and administrative tasks. O’Connor moved to Big Sky in October 2012 and previously worked for the Lands and Urban Lot Management Program for the U.S. Forest Service,

Bozeman Audi donated 500 reusable shopping bags to BSCC, which will be for sale at the farmer's markets and Big Sky businesses. Photo by Emily O'Connor

Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

“BSCC fits really well with my background and goals,” said O’Connor, whose natural resource management experience includes encroachment resolution, boundary management, fuels reduction and watershed management. “Both [the Forest Service and BSCC] manage land and its associated uses for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.”

While she notes differences between working for a federal agency and a small nonprofit, O’Connor says she is “impressed by the number and scale of projects that BSCC accomplishes, as well as the support from the community.”

On March 7, BSCC announced its second new hire, communications specialist Katie Smith. A five-year resident of Big Sky, Smith is also the media and outreach coordinator for the Bozeman-based nonprofit, Adventurers and Scientists for Conservation, and for the footwear company Asolo. She will complete a master’s degree in public relations from MSUBillings this spring.

“I love how BSCC brings all the different facets of this community together, and I’m excited to help them get the word out about events, activities and trails,” Smith said. She wants the message to be clear: BSCC is a valuable resource for Big Sky. In that vein, a creative new project with Bozeman Audi will help BSCC fundraise and promote sustainability in the community.

The car dealer recently donated 500 reusable, logoed shopping bags to BSCC, which the group plans to sell at local events and the farmer’s markets this summer, as well as at Big Sky businesses.

“We took a look at the use of plastic bags in the community,” Wiese said. “We found a lot of people are using plastic and asked, ‘What are the little things we can do to create less garbage?’ The idea is to keep this beautiful mountain community as low-impact as possible.”

A partner with BSCC since 2010, Bozeman Audi has donated to a number of its past projects including $10,000 for a bear-proof trash enclosure in the Community Park.

“We have a pretty strong environmental mission statement: ‘to

The Rotary Club of Big Sky has committed funding to add more rock climbing in the park, creating a “boulder garden.” The existing boulder, built last summer, was funded entirely by the Rotary Club. The funds raised at the Rotary’s Jan. 26 gold auction, combined with an anonymous private donation, will provide $40,000-45,000 for two additional boulders, including a smaller kids boulder.

“The garden concept has been with BSCC for a long time,” said Rotary Club of Big Sky President Dr. Jeff Strickler. “We’re helping to fund the park as conceived by BSCC, and we’re glad to be able to do that.”

Stronghold Fabrication, which built the first boulder, presented a bid to the Rotary on Wednesday, March 6 as the Weekly went to press.

This year BSCC also plans to improve the landscaping around the new installations. Last summer native grasses were planted around the boulder and skate park, but there is still a need for pathways, benches for viewing the skate park, trees and more picnic tables around the boulder and basketball courts, Wiese said.

“We don’t want to have a piecemeal park. We want a long-term plan for a functioning park.” This plan includes hiring an architect for a proposal to add restrooms and running water near the softball fields, and eventually, a pavilion.

“We’ll be paying strictly out of pocket for the planning up front and then be asking the resort tax [board] for funding [in April],” Wiese said.

Also at the park, a new kiosk will have a map of the disc golf course.

The kiosk, which will be installed at the base of the first hole, was constructed and donated by the Big Sky-based remodeling business, Millworks ’58.

BSCC is also working on a number of trail expansions, including a series of looping trails that will begin near Town Center. The plan is to connect this system to Ousel Falls.

Wiese and O’Connor are currently working to obtain property easements for those trails, Wiese said.

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Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 11

USFS open house to address North Fork Trail relocation By tyler allen

BIG SKY – On Thursday, March 14 the U.S. Forest Service will hold an open house at First Security Bank in Big Sky to address a new trail proposed for the North Fork drainage. The trail would be constructed on private land and involve an exchange of existing easements for new easements to access National Forest system land.

big sky weekly staff writer e Beehiv

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The open house, from 4:30-6 p.m., is an opportunity for the community to get information on the proposal, ask questions, see maps of the project and leave comments, said Lisa Stoeffler, USFS District Ranger in Bozeman.

The Forest Service has looked at a number of different proposals throughout the years and received feedback that some adjacent landowners have been left out of the process and want to be included, Stoeffler said.

February 26, 2013

State Highway

Rd. 166D

Basin Tr.

14

HWY 191 5 miles

Over 3 decades building in Big Sky

“We feel confident that those other landowners have been heard from,” she added.

“We’ve done a lot of hard work to get them on board, and we’re ready to take it back to the public.”

The current proposal includes construction of a new, 6.8-mile trail entirely on private land that would share the existing North Fork Trail No. 16 trailhead. The new trail would be built in the vicinity of Forest Service Road 166B, better known as West Fork Loop Road, and would connect to Ridge Trail No. 403. The project would also entail a relocation of 166B to bypass a private residence.

Feedback on the proposal can be submitted in writing to 3710 Fallon St. Suite C, Bozeman, MT 59718 or electronically to fs-commentsnorthern-gallatin@fs.fed.us (include “FR166B comments” in the subject line).

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March 8-21, 2013 13

A new chapter for Story Mill

By Maddy Pope

THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND

of a portion of the former trailer court there.

BOZEMAN – More than 140 people came to the Emerson Cultural Center on Feb. 7 to share ideas and discuss the future of the Story Mill site at a community workshop.

While wide-ranging ideas were discussed, workshop attendees overall voiced overwhelming support for the idea of a new city park at the Story Mill site.

Located on the northeast side of Bozeman, the 61-acre historic mill site comprises a significant wildlife area and wetland complex – including stretches of both Bozeman Creek and the East Gallatin River.

General sentiment was the site should be revitalized as a flagship park for the Bozeman community; that the site’s rivers and wetlands complex are a valuable community asset that should be protected; and future management of the park should prioritize protecting habitat for fish and wildlife.

The Trust for Public Land, which recently acquired the property, is working with other stakeholders to transform Story Mill into a community asset. Proposals include a new city park, expanded trail connections, wetlands restoration and water quality enhancement, and community agriculture – as well as possible redevelopment of an affordable residential community at the site of the former Bridger View Trailer Court.

At the workshop, groups weighed the needs and benefits of competing park uses; the challenges of balancing conservation and recreation in future management; the importance of the site’s wetlands and rivers for enjoyment and water quality; the opportunity for new trail connections; present day opportunities linking back to the site’s agricultural history; and potential private redevelopment

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The workshop facilitators were Pat Byorth of Greater Gallatin Watershed Council; John Muhlfeld of River Design Group; Heather Grenier and Tracy Menuez of the Human Resources Development Council; Rob Pertzborn and Susan Riggs of Intrinsic Architecture; Penelope Pierce, Peter Brown and Gary Vodehnal of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust; Ben Lloyd of Comma-Q Architecture; Troy Scherer of Design 5; and Sarah Alexander of Market Day Foods.

Maddy Pope is the project manager for both the Story Mill and The Trust for Public Land. TPL’s Northern Rockies Office is located in the Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman. For more information, contact Pope at maddy.pope@tpl.org or visit tpl.org/what-we-do/where-wework/montana/story-mill.html.

Operation Never Forgotten hosts Freedom Sound Off Karaoke contest raises funds for vets OPERATION NEVER FORGOTTEN

BOZEMAN, BIG SKY – If you like to sing and want to give back to American Veterans, an upcoming open mic singing competition might be for you.

A fundraiser hosted by Operation Never Forgotten at the American Legion on March 15 and 16 in Bozeman, the Freedom Sound Off will help bring injured warriors to Big Sky. The Karaoke contest is first-come-first-serve, with a 30-singer limit.

The contest judges are Heaven Phillips, of Big Sky Broadway, and Deborah Schuerr, of Bozeman. Phillips is a classically trained, award winning performer who has appeared on Broadway and around the world. Schuerr, a piano and voice teacher and a songwriter, has composed for a concert in Japan, a jazz orchestra and MSU film projects.

Contest prizes include a trip to Nashville to join ONF spokesman Lee Greenwood for dinner and backstage at the Grand Ole Opry during his performance, a summer vacation package

at the Huntley Lodge in Big Sky, and a llama trek in Yellowstone.

liveTHEDREAM sign crew “We need your old skis!”

All this is part of ONF’s efforts to bring post-9-11 wounded veterans to participate in therapeutic outdoor programs through the SAS project, short for Sports, Afield and Stream, in Big Sky.

liveTHEDREAM.

The SAS Project is “about healing physically, mentally and emotionally through challenge, education and comradeship,” said ONF President Linda Kelly. “We help redefine the possible and create new passions for those who deserve more.” Veterans’ families and caregivers are also welcome as part of the SAS Project, Kelly said.

ONF is a volunteer-run nonprofit that creates recognition for troops, wounded veterans, fallen heroes and military families. Its efforts are through national billboards, airport signs and broadcast media campaigns.

Find out more about the Freedom Sound Off or sign up online at freedomsoundoff.org.

Craig Smit, Broker 406.581.5751

Kevin Butler, Broker 406.570.3890

LTD@liveTHEDREAMBigSky.com Contact us for a Big Sky Market update.

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14 March 8-21, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

Session watchers predict battles over tax cuts, schools, Medicaid

By Amy R. Sisk

UM Community News Service

HELENA – Although he’s no longer Speaker of the House, former Montana Republican legislator Mike Milburn pays close attention to what’s happening in the statehouse from his farm near Cascade.

Carol Williams, a Democrat from Missoula who served as the 2011 Senate Minority Leader, agrees the focus in 2013 is on fiscal affairs. She anticipates debates over the state’s budget during this session.

The mayor of Sidney has already seen several proposals fall by the wayside, so he’s hoping lawmakers will green light other ideas, including redirecting federal mineral royalties to towns in the Bakken, establishing a tax on beds in motels and man camps, and

So far, he has noticed a lot of talk about fiscal responsibility. Contentious debates over issues like workers’ compensation, nullifying federal laws and medical marijuana were commonplace in the Capitol two years ago.

“Last session, we were a little more policy driven,” Milburn said. “What they are looking at (this session) is balancing the budget, keeping taxes low and keeping regulations low.”

Both the House and Senate have passed bills to reduce the property tax on equipment for small businesses.

During the remainder of the session, lawmakers must decide the best way to move forward on the proposals.

Legislators have also looked at several ideas to reduce the tax burden on property owners. After having cleared the House, the Senate will now consider a measure to lower property taxes by more than $50 million per year statewide.

The Montana House Floor Courtesy of UM COmmunity news service

With a surplus of more than $400 million, she said arguing to cut health care, social service and education programs now holds less validity.

“We have money in the bank, and I’m going to be interested to see if the Republicans are going to fund infrastructure issues in eastern Montana,” Williams said.

THANK YOU TO OUR CLIENTS FOR 15 YEARS OF SERVICE IN BIG SKY!

providing a direct allocation in the state budget to towns affected by oil activity.

That would help cover new water and sewage systems, but Mayor Bret Smelser said his city also needs funding for more police officers and equipment to fight fires.

As lawmakers discuss infrastructure, they will also debate other spending measures, including state employee pay, college construction projects, expanding Medicaid and funding public education.

Eric Feaver, president of the MEAMFT teacher’s union, called the Senate’s approval of a major education funding bill “a very positive sign,” but he expects a battle in the House over the additional $120 million it proposes to send to schools.

The bill, sponsored by a Republican senator, drew votes from all Democrats and 12 Republicans.

Feaver said that showed the divide between Republican leaders in the Senate, who voted against the measure, and more moderate members of their party.

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“This bill did not cause the divide,” he said. “This just happens to be the biggest bill that has hit the floor.”

He expects to see the split reveal itself again during the second half of the session as the Senate debates the state’s budget and other fiscal measures.

Williams said the divide could help ensure other moderate Republican ideas supported by Democrats pass out of the Senate.

Advocates for social issues continue to debate bills on school choice, guns,

abortion and gay rights – in fact, these are connected to fiscal issues, says Jeff Laszloffy, president of the Montana Family Foundation.

“The social issues actually drive the fiscal issues,” Laszloffy said.

“Whenever you have anything on the social side that leads to a weakening or a breaking down of family structure, [it] always shows up on the fiscal side in terms of welfare, incarceration rates or medical expenses.”

Many of the bills his organization supports have received approval from either the House or Senate.

Those include measures to provide tax credits to families whose children attend private school, to require parental consent for minors seeking abortions, and to criminalize assaults on pregnant women that result in the death of an unborn child.

Laszloffy hopes the governor will sign those bills. If that doesn’t happen, Laszloffy said he’ll support efforts to send some of the measures directly to voters.

On issues like gay rights, Montana Human Rights Network lobbyist Jamee Greer said the rhetoric this session is less hateful than two years ago. Even so, he feels there hasn’t been ample time devoted to hearings on measures like House Bill 481, which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation. The bill failed after a brief hearing in the House Judiciary Committee.

With the second half of the session here, Greer said much of his work will focus on the budget and effort to expand Medicaid coverage to low-income Montanans.

Both lobbyists and lawmakers are gearing up for battles over fiscal matters before the Legislature adjourns on April 27.

Milburn, for one, awaits the push on those issues from the governor’s office.

Williams predicted Republicans will be able to work with the new governor, although ideological differences are likely to come up toward the end of the session.

One thing’s for certain as the session heats up: Just like those who walk the halls of the statehouse every day, people from Missoula to Sidney know what’s at stake, and they’re keeping a close eye on Helena.

Reporter Amy Sisk can be reached at amy.sisk@umontana.edu. Follow @amyrsisk on Twitter for the latest from the Capitol.

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Big Sky Weekly

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16 March 8-21, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

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Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 17

Section 2:

business, health and environment

Volume 4 // Issue No. 5

Alta, Utah

By Brian Niles

big sky weekly staff writer

4:12 p.m. … I sit down for a pint and nachos at the famed Goldminer’s Daughter Lodge, at the base of Alta Ski Area after a superb day of skiing.

On the stage sits a long time professional ski patroller with his avalanche dog, answering questions from a jam-packed lounge about snow safety, and how the dogs help create a safe environment for skiers.

Chatting with the bartender, Shelly, I ask what brings her to Alta. A nurse practitioner from the East Coast, she looks at me like … ‘really?’

She pours me an Alta 75th anniversary beer from Wasatch Brewing and says, “It’s all about the powder.”

Alta 75th Anniversary ale

Photo courtesy of Alta Ski

Resort

In 75 years of operation, Alta’s spirit hasn’t changed much. This skier’s-only mountain will forever be known for its abundant snow, spectacular terrain and rustic charm.

I skied the iconic High Rustler six times in eight inches of fluff that day, enjoyed a slopeside coffee from Alta Java, après at the Goldminer’s, and finished with a nightcap at the Alta Lodge’s Sitzmark Bar. Not a bad day at all.

Photo by Brian Niles

Where to Stay Editor’s pick: The Alta Lodge Walk into the lobby of the Alta Lodge and you’ll know right away you’re there to ski. The lodge’s traditional charm defines the Alta experience. Since 1940, this gem in the mountains has provided premier ski-in/ski-out access to the main base area and offered lodging/dining packages to guests, many of whom return every year. Enjoy an après ski beverage in the Sitzmark Club, then savor a four-course meal in the dining room. Finish the night off with a hot tub, and repeat the next day. altalodge.com

Local’s pick: Alta Peruvian Lodge Since 1948, the Alta Peruvian Lodge has provided its guests the traditional ski lodge experience, mountain ambiance and firstclass amenities. Have an after-ski-day beer, and then share stories in the heated outdoor pool. altaperuvian.com

Photo courtesy of Alta Lodge

gear

watering holes

The Powder House Ski Shop

Editor’s pick: Eagle’s Nest Lounge

Are your ski boots more of nuisance then a tool?

The Powder House Ski Shop in Alta specializes in boot fitting, and can take care of the rest of your equipment needs, as well. With three prime locations on the slopes of Alta Ski Area and one in Salt Lake City, Powder House’s knowledgeable and friendly staff is there to get you equipped and looking good for an amazing day on the slopes. powderhouseskishop.com

With a view of its namesake ski run, the Eagle’s Nest Lounge in the Rustler Lodge is perhaps Alta’s most upscale spot to enjoy a cocktail after skiing.

Sit at the granite-topped bar, warm up around the fireplace, or snuggle on one of the couches. It doesn’t get more romantic than this. rustlerlodge.com

Locals’ pick: Sitzmark Club Sitzmark is a German word that means ‘an impression made in the snow by a skier falling backward.’

Many a tired skier has made such an impression at day’s-end in this classic upstairs bar. A locals' favorite, this kicked-back après joint in the Alta Lodge was nominated as one of the “10 great places for après-ski nightlife” in North America by USA Today in 2011. Don’t miss a game of cribbage or backgammon.

18 March 8-21, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

The lobby at Alta Lodge Photo courtesy of Alta Lodge

Where to eat Base area: The Alta Lodge The dining experience at the Alta Lodge is nothing short of spectacular—the food is just as mouth-watering as the views of Mount Superior. Chef Sam Wolfe has paired fine local foods with wines ranging from Napa to Oregon to France.

The hot breakfast buffet will get you going in the morning, and the four-course dinner menu shows just how much dedication the Alta Lodge puts forth to make guests feel at home.

On-mountain: Collins Grill at Watson Shelter If you remember the original Watson Shelter at mid-mountain Alta, you might remember its classic ski lodge flair accompanied by friendly staff, the smell of burgers on the grill, and a light draft of cold air breezing through the walls.

Well, things have changed a bit with the new mid-mountain location. The Collins Grill, located upstairs by the Collins Lift angle station, is a must-do if you’re skiing Alta. A European bistro-style menu offers fresh, local food items, an extensive wine list and daily chef specials. It’s also equipped to handle large parties and business meetings with a private dining room and customizable menus. alta.com/pages/colinsgrill.php

Wagyu Zabuton Steak Tataki with Malbec at Alta Lodge Photo courtesy of Alta Lodge

to do's Alta is for skiers and is known for its quality snow, challenging terrain and diehard mentality. The area offers a number of ski camps for a range of abilities.

Ski with the Girls: Get to know the mountain with just the ladies.

Ski with friendly Alta locals in a non-competitive and fun environment. For all abilities. Contact: girls@alta.com

Steep Skiing Camps with Kim Reichelm: Rip the bigger lines, traverse to new stashes and hike to the most challenging terrain on the mountain. For advanced-intermediate to expert skiers. Check out skiwithkim.com for scheduled camps in 2013.

The patented Alta one-pole pow shot. Photo courtesy of Alta ski resort

Look for the next weekend getaway feature March 22: Philipsburg/Discovery

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Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 19

vo lkswage n of boz em an

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D r i v i n g

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20 March 8-21, 2013

sports

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Big Sky Weekly

Alex Smith dealt to Chiefs

By Brandon Niles

Big sky weekly sports columnist

While trades in the NFL don’t officially take place until March 12 (the beginning of the league year) trade discussions often leak to the media.

One such trade surfaced following the recent scouting combine, which provides an opportunity for team executives to interact while evaluating college prospects before the draft in April.

Shortly after the combine, reports surfaced that the Kansas City Chiefs had made an agreement with the San Francisco 49ers to obtain quarterback Alex Smith. Smith, a former starter, was relegated to backup duty last season after a concussion allowed Colin Kaepernick to take the reins. Kaepernick thrived, and the 49ers stuck with him, effectively demoting the 28-year-old Smith. The 49ers made it to the Super Bowl with Kaepernick, but came up short against the Baltimore Ravens.

Smith, entering his ninth season in the NFL, has had a rocky path since being drafted first overall in 2005.

Constant changes in the coaching staff and several injuries hampered his early career. Prior to 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh’s arrival in 2011, Smith’s best year came in 2009, when he passed for 2,350 yards, 18 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 11 starts. The 49ers finished the season 8-8 and missed the playoffs.

After Harbaugh arrived, Smith’s career enjoyed a resurgence. In 2011, Smith led the 49ers to a surprise appearance in the NFC Championship game and finished the season with career highs in yards, completion percentage and quarterback rating.

His success continued last year in 10 starts, before the concussion forced him to the sidelines.

There are highly conflicting opinions about Smith as a viable NFL quarterback. Advocates point to his winning record and limited turnovers the past two seasons, while critics look at his struggles before the arrival of Harbaugh. I believe he’s a player who won’t lose games for a team, but won’t win many either.

The 49ers are a very good team. They have arguably the best offensive line in the league, an elite defense an-

chored by three pro bowl linebackers, and have a dominant running game and premier tight end. Additionally, the team is clearly well coached.

Smith did well to limit turnovers, letting the talent around him win games, but he was essentially a caretaker rather than a difference-maker.

The Chiefs are now led by former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid who has long been considered a quarterback guru, and the Chiefs have needed a quarterback since Trent Green left in 2006. Reid and the Chiefs are reportedly sending a second-round pick as well as a conditional mid-round pick to the 49ers in exchange for Smith.

I love this trade for San Francisco.

The 49ers get high draft value for their backup quarterback. However, I question this move for the Chiefs.

While Reid may be able to maximize Smith’s abilities, the Chiefs need a game-changing quarterback they can get behind for the next decade, not a 28-year-old player who has never thrown more than 18 touchdowns in a season.

The Chiefs have a lot of holes and need all the talent they can get.

The second-round pick they traded for Smith could have been used to shore up issues in the secondary,

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the offensive line, or at the receiver position. Signing a free agent, such as Dolphins backup Matt Moore, and drafting a quarterback to develop for the future would be the best move for the Chiefs.

Maybe this trade helps the Chiefs, and Andy Reid can turn Smith into a perennial Pro Bowler. More likely, Smith will be an adequate stopgap player for Kansas City while they continue to look for their quarterback of the future. Meanwhile, the 49ers will have a high second-round pick in a deep draft.

Credit the 49ers for getting the most they could for a backup quarterback, and good luck to Smith and the Chiefs as they try to build a winner with depleted draft choices and a shaky offensive line.

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

With a Masters in Communication Studies from 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.

Full event details at moonlightbasin.com (406) 993-6000

march 14-18

As some of the world’s fearless freeriders take on Moonlight’s steep & deep, you’ll be on the edge of your seat.

march 30 & april 6

Moonlight Basin’s 8th annual event returns with twice the fun. Junior competition held on March 31 and adult competition held on April 6.

Registration opens in March, check moonlightbasin.com for details.

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Big Sky Weekly

sports

March 8-21, 2013 21

BSSEF and BSF slalom and super G results

Kodi Boersma, Coach Ingrid and Reece Bell at Snowbowl Photo by Mike Coil

On Feb. 23 and 24, Big Sky Ski Education Foundation and Bridger Ski Foundation traveled to Missoula’s Snowbowl to compete in slalom. Then, on March 2 and 3 they took part in Super G’s at Discovery Ski Area. Below are results for the top 25 BSSEF and BSF girls and boys.

Slalom races, Montana Snowbowl Feb. 23, girls 2 Coyle, Alexa – BSSEF/99, 1:22.43 3 Matelich, Julia – BSF/00, 1:23.88 5 Bell, Reece – BSSEF/01, 1:31.39 6 Delger, Ella – BSF/00, 1:33.95 7 Winters, Madison – BSSEF/00, 1:34.01 8 Newhouse, Violet – BSF/01, 1:35.48 9 Winters, Mackenzie – BSSEF/00, 1:36.51 10 Severn-Eriksson, Annika – BSSEF/02, 1:36.57 11 Saarel, Larissa – BSF/99, 1:36.67 13 St Cyr, Maci – BSSEF/00, 1:36.92 15 Holder, Kuka – BSSEF/00, 1:37.88 18 Hetherington, Valerie – BSSEF/99, 1:41.44 19 Boersma, Kodi – BSSEF/01, 1:42.04 20 Cawley, Grace – BSF/00, 1:42.08 21 Luckay, Meredith – BSF/01, 1:44.68 21 Rager, Madison – BSSEF/02, 1:44.68 23 Asbell, Riley – BSF/01, 1:45.13 24 Rogers, Sydney – BSF/02, 1:46.01 Feb. 23, boys 20 Trafton, Boone – BSF/01, 1:46.38 21 Olson, Joe – BSSEF/00, 1:47.42 Feb. 24, girls 1 Matelich, Julia – BSF/00, 1:27.96 3 Bell, Reece – BSSEF/01, 1:32.05 4 Becker, Riley – BSSEF/01, 1:35.30 5 Severn-Eriksson, Annika – BSSEF/02, 1:36.41 7 Delger, Ella – BSF/00, 1:38.67 8 Winters, Madison – BSSEF/00, 1:38.81 10 Holder, Kuka – BSSEF/00, 1:39.07 11 Winters, Mackenzie – BSSEF/00, 1:39.21 13 St Cyr, Maci – BSSEF/00, 1:39.81 14 Saarel, Larissa – BSF/99, 1:40.02 17 Boersma, Kodi – BSSEF/01, 1:41.41 19 O’Donnell, Libby – BSF/00, 1:42.50 20 Rogers, Sydney – BSF/02 1:42.88 21 Hetherington, Valerie BSSEF/99, 1:43.64 22 Rager, Madison – BSSEF/02, 1:44.93 23 Asbell, Riley – BSF/01, 1:45.58 24 29 Luckay, Meredith – BSF/01, 1:47.75 25 St Cyr, Franci – BSSEF/03, 1:47.77 Feb. 24, boys 14 Trafton, Boone – BSF/01, 1:34.50 16 Unger, Caleb – BSSEF/03, 1:35.50 22 Trebesch, Beck – BSSEF/00, 1:39.28 23 Henyon, Walker – BSF/04, 1:39.51 25 Kirchmayr, Luke – BSSEF/04, 1:39.97

Super G races, Discovery March 2, girls – first race 1 Coyle, Alexa – BSS/99, 56.20 2 Petitt, Erin – BSF/99, 57.04 3 Petitt, Megan – BSF/99, 57.28 4 Matelich, Julia – BSF/99, 57.38 5 O'Donnell, Libby – BSF/00, 58.56 6 Newhouse, Violet – BSF/01, 59.55 7 Bell, Reece – BSS/01, 59.65 9 Saarel, Larissa – BSF/99, 59.91 11 Becker, Riley Belle – BSS/01, 1:01.53 14 Linkenbach, Annika – BSS/00, 1:01.86 16 St Cyr, Maci – BSS/00, 1:02.05

17 Davis, Isabel – BSF/99, 1:02.35 18 Winters, Mackenzie – BSS/00, 1:02.51 20 Winters, Madison – BSS/00, 1:02.97 21 Severn-Eriksson, Annika – BSS/02, 1:03.10 24 Luckay, Meredith – BSF/01, 1:04.34 25 Fisher, Octavia – BSF/03,1:04.45 March 3, boys – first race 9 Wills, Kyle – BSS/99, 1:01.72 16 Henyon, Walker – BSF/04, 1:02.92 17 Unger, Caleb – BSS/03, 1:02.94 22 Trafton, Boone – BSF/02, 1:04.04

Competitors in the Super G Races at Discovery Ski Area. Clockwise from top left: Chloe Unger, Franci St Cyr, Kassidy Boersma, Laken Trebesch, Madison Rager and Riley Becker Photos by John Boersma

March 2, girls – second race 1 Petitt, Erin – BSF/99, 1:00.60 2 Matelich, Julia – BSF/99, 1:00.96 3 Petitt, Megan – BSF/99, 1:01.62 4 Bell, Reece – BSS/01, 1:03.28 5 O'Donnell, Libby – BSF/00, 1:03.81 7 Becker, Riley Belle – BSS/01, 1:04.55 10 St Cyr, Maci – BSS/00, 1:05.83 11 Newhouse, Violet – BSF/01, 1:06.21 12 Asbell, Riley – BSF/01, 1:06.23 13 Holder, Kuka – BSS/00, 1:06.29 14 Saarel, Larissa – BSF/99, 1:06.42 15 Severn-Eriksson, Annika – BSS/02, 1:06.61 17 Boersma, Kodi – BSS/01, 1:06.89 19 Winters, Mackenzie – BSS/00, 1:07.29 21 Winters, Madison – BSS/00, 1:07.45 22 Linkenbach, Annika – BSS/00, 1:07.54 25 Wills, Heidi – BSS/99, 1:08.36 March 2, boys – second race 7 Olson, Joe – BSS/00, 1:06.10| 8 Saarel, Sam – BSF/99, 1:06.82 12 Unger, Caleb – BSS/03, 1:07.45 14 Henyon, Walker – BSF/04, 1:07.97 16 Wills, Kyle – BSS/99, 1:08.14 21 Trafton, Boone – BSF/02, 1:09.18 March 3, girls 1 Bell, Reece – BSS/01, 58.90 2 O'Donnell, Libby – BSF/00, 59.37 3 Becker, Riley Belle – BSS/01, 1:00.44 4 Saarel, Larissa – BSF/99, 1:00.59 5 Winters, Mackenzie – BSS/00, 1:01.34 8 Hetherington, Valerie – BSS/99, 1:01.97 9 Holder, Kuka – BSS/00, 1:02.04 10 Delger, Ella – BSF/00, 1:02.30 11 Newhouse, Violet – BSF/01, 1:02.43 13 St Cyr, Maci – BSS/00, 1:02.53 16 Linkenbach, Annika – BSS/00, 1:03.26 18 Davis, Isabel – BSF/99, 1:03.55 19 Asbell, Riley – BSF/01, 1:03.61 20 Winters, Madison – BSS/00, 1:03.62 20 Fisher, Octavia – BSF/03, 1:03.62 22 Severn-Eriksson, Annika – BSS/02, 1:03.63 23 Wills, Heidi – BSS/99, 1:03.64 25 Boersma, Kodi – BSS/01, 1:04.09 March 3, boys 3 Saarel, Sam – BSF/99, 1:00.44 4 Olson, Joe – BSS/00, 1:00.53 7 Wills, Kyle – BSS/99, 1:01.36 10 Unger, Caleb – BSS/03, 1:01.97 19 Henyon, Walker – BSF/04, 1:03.92 20 Trafton, Boone – BSF/02, 1:03.98

Competitors in the slalom races at Snowbowl. Clockwise from top left: Cameron Ueland, Kuka Holder, Tristen Clark, Mazie Schreiner, Valerie Hetherington and Luke Kirchmayr. Photos by Mike Coil

22 March 8-21, 2013

health

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Big Sky Weekly

Santosha Wellness Center offers yoga for everyone By maria wyllie

big sky weekly editorial assistant

BIG SKY – Lying on my back with my eyes closed, palms and toes facing upward, I’m glad I came to yoga class this morning – glad I forced myself to wake up early to energize my body and my mind.

Shavasana, which translates to “corpse pose,” might be my favorite part of yoga. Ending every class this way gives the body a chance to soak in the workout and regroup before continuing with the day.

Appropriate for all levels of fitness, Santosha Wellness Center’s yoga classes offer something for everyone, from beginner to advanced, young to old.

“Since Big Sky is a small community, and we are trying to offer the gamut of options, variety is nice,” said Callie Stolz, who opened Santosha in late August 2012.

After attending a number of classes, led by different teachers, I gained a sense of how the practice can be altered as one develops a rhythm that’s right for him or her.

Two teachers both instructing in Anusara style, for instance, might lead completely different classes depending on how much focus they place on alignment, breathing or flowing through the poses.

Stolz, whose background is varied but primarily inspired by Anusara the past several years, brings a theme to each of her classes, helping students understand the connection between body and mind.

“What we learn on our mat is so easily translated into what we can bring into the rest of our life,” she said.

In a recent class with Stolz, we focused on moving through the different poses, rather than spending too much time on alignment. As in life, she said, details are important, but it’s key not to lose sight of the big picture.

Santosha owner Callie Stolz Photo by Chris Davis

To my right, another participant was two postures ahead of me, so I frantically picked up the pace.

the body and increase flexibility. For me, her class was a great way to warm up before skiing.

Finding the right yoga class

Stolz must have seen me, because she reminded us not to worry about how fast or slow the person next to us was moving. I found this challenging but also more enjoyable once I could focus on my own movements and breathing.

Hannah Johansen teaches in the Amrit style, which concentrates on the meditative aspect of yoga. Here, I struggled with directing my energy inward instead of just pushing myself physically.

Students might have to attend a few different classes before they figure out what’s right for them.

Listed below are the various types of yoga offered at Santosha Wellness Center.

More of a workout than I anticipated, I left the studio feeling as if I had stirred dormant muscles – muscles I didn’t even know existed.

Hatha Yoga: An all-levels yoga class flowing slowly through breath and movement

The next morning I awoke feeling like I had just skied the first powder of the season – sore all over my back, shoulders and arms. I wondered how my skiing and other physical pursuits would improve if I continued to strengthen these forgotten muscles.

After the first sequence I was sweating, making it hard to ground my hands into the slippery mat.

Yoga Nidra: A deep meditation used to facilitate healing, better sleeping patterns, releasing stress and creating a greater sense of peace and well being; class begins with gentle movement and transitions into a guided meditation Amrit Yoga: A physically gentle class that focuses on pranayama, meditation and traditional yogic principles Vinyasa Flow Level I-II: A flowing yoga class appropriate for beginners to intermediate practitioners All-Levels Yoga: A style of yoga influenced primarily by Anusara yoga and rooted in universal principles of alignment; follows a heart-centered theme, flowing through the practice by moving with breath and intention Intermediate Yoga “The Practice”: This class moves with a heart-centered theme and utilizes the Anusara Universal Principles of Alignment; little direction is given, as students are already familiar with of the intricacies of alignment

Linda Wilton, a former ski patroller at the Yellowstone Club and an avid biker and outdoors enthusiast, now teaches Vinyasa Flow yoga at Santosha. Her interest in preventative health practices led her to yoga, which has helped her avoid injuries by complementing her overall fitness.

“It’s a good balance and supplement to outdoor activities like skiing, mountain biking and climbing,” she said.

Describing the practice as a dynamic movement that includes stretching and wakes you up, Wilton says yoga is a good way to gradually open up

Having spent the past four winters studying the ancient traditions of yoga under a guru in India, Johansen uses the body and mind to harness energetic nature, which she says helps relieve stress while connecting with a higher realm.

By focusing on the details of a posture, Johansen helps students understand how different poses pressure certain spots in the body called “nadi points,” which bring in more prana, or “life force,” allowing the body to take in more energy.

“We do yoga to be strong and flexible, but also to be free. To be free of judgments and restrictions about ourselves, and to be more open to the world.”

Although I am just a beginner to yoga and have only gone a handful of times, I can already feel my body thanking me. Whether I want to work different muscles or give my mind a break, yoga offers benefits I feel almost immediately.

“It’s different than any other form of exercise because it unites mind, body and spirit,” Stolz says.

“The beauty of it is that it helps create strength, balance and flexibility within your body, but also within your mind and your deeper self.”

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business

Big Sky Weekly

New business open house in Marketplace building March 20

March 8-21, 2013 23

Xanterra to continue as YNP concessionaire NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

YELLOWSTONE – The National Park Service has selected Xanterra Parks and Resorts to provide visitor services in Yellowstone National Park for the next two decades.

Bozeman Audi Big Sky Showroom is unveiling its line of natural and locally made lifestyle goods at the open house March 20. Photo by Chris Davis

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR big sky weekly editor

BIG SKY – Town Center is holding an open house, dubbed the Spring Showcase, on March 20 from 5-7 p.m. for several new businesses that have opened in the Marketplace building.

New occupants include the Bozeman Audi Big Sky Showroom, Rocky Mountain Rustics Group, a Town Center sales office and the Creighton Block Private Collection, Creighton Block’s new expanded space upstairs above the main gallery.

“We’re going to focus on what’s new and exciting,” Swenson said.

Town Center plans to highlight its new sales office, while Bozeman Audi Big Sky Showroom is unveiling its line of natural and locally made lifestyle goods.

Also participating are Marketplace existing businesses: The Cave Spirits and Gifts, Bighorn Boutique and Gourmet Gals café and catering service.

“The open house is an opportunity for us to showcase what we’re doing in the [Big Sky] community,” said Columbine Culberg, director of community and environmental affairs for Bozeman Audi. “It’s an unusual concept – people don’t usually mix cars and furniture. We hope the [event] will expose people to our products and [encourage them] to come back.”

Wendy Swenson, events and marketing coordinator for Town Center, says the open house will be an opportunity for residents, visitors and local businesses to witness the changes in the Marketplace building and the general growth of Big Sky.

The Big Sky Marketplace building is located off Lone Peak Drive in Town Center. The event will also include a chance to meet new and existing business owners and enjoy food and beverages, giveaways, sales and specials.

The new 20-year contract covers lodging, retail sales and restaurants, and includes a 4.5 percent franchise fee and a 6 percent repair and maintenance reserve account. The contract also requires an estimated $134.5 million investment in facilities improvements.

Roughly half the money will go toward redevelopment of lodging at Canyon. Other projects include renovation of the Fishing Bridge RV Park, continued renovation of the Lake Yellowstone Hotel, new concession employee housing at Lake and Old Faithful, rehabilitation of the Mammoth Haynes Photo Shop, and remodels to provide year-round lodging at the Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel.

Work on these facility improvement projects is scheduled to begin in 2014 and to be completed by 2018.

Xanterra holds the current contract for the park’s concessions, which began in December 2005 and expires at the end of November 2013. The company reported gross receipts of approximately $89 million for calendar year 2011.

WTI director Steve Albert earns national award MSU NEWS SERVICE

BOZEMAN – Steve Albert, director of Montana State University’s Western Transportation Initiative, received the inaugural award for administrative leadership, given by the Council of University Transportation Centers and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.

The award, presented to Albert in January, honors a staff member or non-tenure-track facSteve Albert, director of MSU's Western Transportaulty who offers member tion Initiative, was given the inaugural award for administrative leadership. organizations outstanding leadership through program on the national ITS Advisory Comdevelopment, best practices mittee since 2007. and administrative efficiency, mentoring, and service to professional The Western Transportation Instiand public organizations. tute is the nation's largest transportation institute focusing on rural Albert, who has worked with a transportation issues. The Montana number of transportation research and California Departments of organizations, was given an Institute Transportation established the inof Transportation Engineers indistitute in 1994, in cooperation with vidual lifetime achievement award MSU. Albert has been director since in 2010 for his leadership promoting 1996. intelligent transportation systems and guiding research. He has served

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Big Sky Weekly

The web’s magic eight ball: Maestro Market has the answer

By JOSEPH T. O'CONNOR

Food

big sky weekly editor

SAN FRANCISCO – When Yellowstone Club ski ambassador and extreme skiing pioneer Scot Schmidt came up with the idea for Go with a Pro, he didn’t expect it to morph into a help center for tweeting, or for pregnant mothers seeking advice.

Writing

Social media

“I was impressed with Ian,” said Schmidt, who at the time was looking for financial backing for Go with a Pro. “He was young and ambitious and really excited about the concept.”

The San Francisco-based company provides opportunity to both those looking for advice, and those looking to give it. Visiting the website opens a virtual classroom door. You

Presentations

Start-ups

But over a fundraising dinner at a New York City gala in 2006, he met Ian Shea, and Schmidt’s idea to match professional athletes with their fans began to change.

Backed now by Schmidt as a consultant, Shea’s been the composer behind Maestro Market for three years, conducting an orchestra of experts or maestros, from all walks of life. More than 1,200 such experts now work through Maestro Market, teaching people about nearly everything.

Blogging

Women’s Careers

Non Profit Art Gifts for Dads

can talk to 16 experts in the “Finance” section, about wealth management or writing business plans, or how to survive a divorce financially.

There are 34 “Parenting” experts, supplying knowledge about breastfeeding, “cooking stuff your kid eats,” and helping your child through a sleeping transition.

D.I.Y.

The experts set their own prices, ranging from free to negotiable to $2,500.

“Maestro Market holds the money in escrow until services are rendered,” Shea said. “Once that’s complete, we pay maestros 80 percent and we take 20.”

Shea talks like an auctioneer – fast, with indistinguishable sentence breaks. And he’s a businessman. He earned finance and entrepreneurship MBAs at Columbia University and the University of California – Berkeley, respectfully. But he recently wanted to learn about different social media outlets, so he took a lesson from Becky Robinson through his own enterprise.

“I am a tech CEO, and I didn’t know the first thing about Twitter,” said Shea, who paid Robinson as a maestro so he could test his product. “I wanted to know how to use it effectively and to do it in a way that would make me feel comfortable.”

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Robinson, a writer and professional blogger from Toledo, Ohio, is an author’s source for a social media consultant. She’s written books about expanding one’s online presence and “31 Days of Twitter Tips,” and is the CEO of Weaving Influence, her company that’s focused on connecting authors to online audiences.

A friend invited her to be a maestro, and so far it’s worked out.

“It allows me to help people and do what I like to do,” Robinson said.

“When I got off the phone with Ian I thought, “I get paid to do this?”

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The two talked for about an hour.

They shared a screen and did some hands-on tweeting before the master tweeter showed Shea how to use third party applications such as Hootsuite and Seesmic.

Wellness

She then showed him the proper way to apply hashtags to tweets, something Shea didn't ask for directly, but needed to learn.

“You have to listen to what people are talking about to help,” Robinson said.

“People often don't know what they don’t know.”

Shea admits people can learn through their own research, but it’s no match for his company. He now feels he has a grasp on tweeting and all things Twitter. And it only cost him $80.

Maestro Market had an official public launch in December, and is showing signs of success, Shea says.

“We’ve achieved a tremendous amount over the last two years. We’re finding traction in the media and are building our brand.”

Shea points to two reasons for the success of his company. “People value interaction with [those] of notoriety, and the [web] access is impactful,” he said. “There was just no mechanism to make that happen.”

Scot Schmidt, who now works with Shea as a consultant and ambassador or “evangelist” for Maestro Market, thinks the company’s CEO has mastered something of his own.

“Ian doesn't have any real competition,” Schmidt said. “There’s a lot of people out there who want to offer services and lots who want services but don’t know how to find them. I think there’s a need for [Maestro]. It’s ahead of the curve.”

Want to write your family’s theme song? Or learn to cook a fancy French meal? Or maybe your social media skills are subpar. There is an expert on Maestro Market to help you master nearly any skill you can think of, and many you can’t.

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Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 25

A lifetime OF SKIING,

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Big Sky Weekly

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Big Sky Weekly

engineer's corner

March 8-21, 2013 27

Geotechnical site evaluations By philip kedrowski, pe, leed-ap redleaf consulting

In the last issue, I discussed why building permits aren’t required for residential construction in the Big Sky area. Although a building construction permit isn’t applicable, a land use permit from the Gallatin County Planning Department is required. To obtain this permit, a geotechnical evaluation is usually necessary in mountainous areas.

Section 32.2 of the planning department’s zoning regulations requires a geotechnical investigation if any portion of the property is greater than 15 percent (15-foot rise in 100-foot run) slope and/or within 100 vertical feet of any prominent ridgeline.

Since this requirement only applies to the conditions outlined in Section 32.2, many people believe geotechnical evaluations aren’t necessary for projects on flat terrain. However, this isn’t exactly true.

Montana has adopted the International Building Code. Section 1803.5.11 of the IBC requires a geotechnical investigation for structures within seismic design categories C, D, E, and F. The entire Big Sky area is seismic category D. Therefore all structures being constructed in Big Sky must have a geotechnical evaluation performed in order to meet the adopted code.

Codes and regulations aside, it makes sense to have a geotechnical evaluation performed if you are thinking of building in Big Sky. The cost is typically between $2,500 and $5,000. To put this into perspective, the median home value in Big Sky is $749,000, according to real estate firm ERA Landmark. There-

Clay soil layers like this can cause foundation problems if not mitigated Photo Courtesy of Red Leaf Consulting

fore, the cost of a $5,000 geotechnical evaluation is 0.7 percent of the median home value.

That’s a bargain for the peace of mind you’ll have knowing that your home is built on solid ground.

In addition, a good geotechnical analysis often provides foundation recommendations that can save thousands of dollars in construction expenses.

Smart land buyers in Big Sky procure a geotechnical analysis as part of their due diligence during the land purchase process.

Philip Kedrowski is owner/engineer of Redleaf Consulting, PLLC. Redleaf is the only engineering company based in Big Sky.

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Big Sky Weekly

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Seeking a Communications Outreach Specialist: This FT position is often the first person to interface with BSOA members and the Big Sky community so strong interpersonal skills is critical.

Experience and responsibility include reception/phone, communications and publication, event planning, and various office duties. Excellent writing skills and computer knowledge is desired. Must be a team player, friendly, positive, discreet, detail-oriented and organized. Pay DOE. 401k, health insurance, holidays, sick leave and vacation is included. Please send resume and cover letter to suzan@bigskyoa.org.

Attn:Bailey Paving This is a copy of your advertisement which will appear in the 2009-2010 edition of the Big S Directory published by Statewide Publishing - Montana under the heading(s) of: • •

Help Wanted in Big Sky - Roofers, Carpenters, Apprentices, Laborers Good pay & benefits in a fun work environment for the right team members.

Seasonal or year round employment available. Request application or submit resume to bigskywork@gmail.com.

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Big Sky School District #72 BOARD POSITION Big Sky School District #72 has two school board trustee positions available. These positions are 3 year terms.

The election will be held May 7, 2013 and the trustees take office on or before May 22, 2013. Any person who is qualified to vote in Big Sky School District #72 is eligible for the office of trustee. Nomination petitions are available from the main office at Ophir School/Lone Peak High School or by calling Marie Goode, District Clerk at

short or long term luxury rental in Big sky

1. Is spelling and ad information correct? ...................................................................................

2. Is your phone number and address correct? ..........................................................................

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dining

March 8-21, 2013 29

The Outlaw martini pick your pearls.

Photo by thomas j. soot

By thomas j. soot

big sky weekly contributor

The Outlaw martini is a sadistically delicious libation from Rainbow Ranch Lodge bar manager and mixologist Matt “Catfish” Meyer. As it also shares its name with the Weekly’s publishing company, Outlaw Partners, our editorial staff was interested to know more about this mixture of espresso vodka, tequila, coffee liqueur, cinnamon and orange.

Meyer, who’s been with the ranch three years, created the cocktail based on a drink he and some friends in Portland, Ore. worked on four years ago.

“It stemmed from a Mexican coffee (Kahlua and tequila),” Meyer said. “We just decided to cool it down instead of heat it up.”

Bringing with him a vast knowledge of cocktails, liquors and spirits, Meyer also provides depth of conversation. An avid fly fisherman by day, he blends coffee liqueur (think Kahlua) and cinnamon tincture in-house, something he’s grown proud of.

“Tinctures make for a unique [drink] profile,” says Meyer, who adds hand-picked ingredients to 100-proof vodka and seals the mixture for up to a year. “But it can overpower any cocktail. You have to find the balance.”

Visit him in the bar at Rainbow Ranch any evening save Monday or Tuesday – and if you seek a beverage to match the likes of Billy the Kid, wrap your hand around the Outlaw. Rainbow Ranch is five miles south of the junction to Big Sky on Highway 191.

Meyer’s key to making the Outlaw? “I serve it with a smile on my face and a twinkle in my eye.”

The Outlaw Van Gogh Espresso vodka Tequila (blanco/silver) Kahlua Cinnamon tincture (no tincture? Add a dash of cinnamon)

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30 March 8-21, 2013

header

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

SOLD AT AUCTION

Located in the Yellowstone Club | Big Sky, Montana

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Following over 2,030 website visitors, 1,236 buyer prospects and 9 bidders, this premier estate has sold.

Congratulations to our listing partner mArThA JOhNSON Of mONTANA LIvINg ~ bIg Sky reAL eSTATe and buyer’s Agent CArrIe rADTke of bIg Sky SOTheby’S INTerNATIONAL reALTy.

“Working With ConCierge Was a great experienCe. We hired the ConCierge team knoWing that they are the best luxury real estate auCtion firm in the business, and they proved their value in spades. the buyer interest generated Was impressive, and their Work alongside our listing agent, martha Johnson, Was seamless. We are thankful for their expert Work and exCited to hand the house keys over to a neW oWner.”

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This property was listed for sale by Martha Johnson, Broker/Owner Martha Johnson Real Estate DBA Montana Living ~ Big Sky Real Estate (P.O. Box 160730, Big Sky, MT 59716, 406-995-6333, Lic#10419). Concierge Auctions, LLC is the provider of auction marketing services, is not a brokerage, and is not directly involved in selling real property. The services referred to herein are not available to residents of any state where prohibited by applicable state law. Concierge Auctions, LLC, its agents and affiliates, broker partners, Auctioneer, and the Sellers do not warrant or guaranty the accuracy or completeness of any information and shall have no liability for errors or omissions or inaccuracies under any circumstances in this or any other property listings or advertising, promotional or publicity statements and materials. This is not meant as a solicitation for listings. Brokers are protected and encouraged to participate. See Auction Terms & Conditions for details.

explorebigsky.com

outlaw news

Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 31

Green Screen: Everything you can imagine is real By chris davis

outlaw partners videographer

The Outlaw Partners video crew recently purchased a gallon of chartreuse green paint, commandeered a room in our Town Center office and happily got to slathering the walls, floor to ceiling with a generous coat.

You may have seen these bright green or blue screens in news studios or behind-the-scenes footage of Hollywood films, but do you know how they work?

Chroma green is the choice color for digital videography for two main reasons: This color differs most distinctly in hue from human skin tones; and sensors in digital cameras, much like the human eye, are most sensitive to green. This allows the camera to allot more pixels to the green channel.

Since the camera so easily recognizes this shade of green, we're able to take our footage into the editing studio and program the software to delete, or ignore the color. Once we tell the software to do this, we're left with just the subject, and we can add a

layer of video – anything you can imagine – in place of the green.

For purposes of illustration, refer to the two photos that accompany this story.

Figure one: This is a photograph of me in front of the green screen.

After I decide what to place behind my image, all I have to do is act accordingly. With a bit of movie magic I can then occupy any space I can dream up…

Figure 1.

Figure two: I'm magically soaring over downtown Nairobi, Kenya.

Chroma-keying can be used to create everything from otherworldly landscapes to simple interview backdrops. The beauty of using our green screen is not only that the sky’s the limit, but that we have total control over everything from lighting to audio.

What sort of lofty dreams do you have for photo or video?

Give the Outlaw Partners office a call at (406) 995-2055, and we can help you make them a reality.

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ADVANTAGES OF OWNERSHIP: • Mortgage Interest Deduction • Depreciation Deduction

Owner Financing Breakdown Ground Floor

Size

Purchase the Building

Purchase One of the Suites

Suite A

1,826 sq. ft.

Square Footage

8,706 sq. ft.

Suite A - 1,826 sq. ft.

Suite B

1,266 sq. ft.

Purchase Price

$1.2M / $138 psf

$273,980 / $150 psf

Suite C

1,735 sq. ft. (LEASED)

Down Payment (5%)

$60,000

$13,698

Second Floor

Size

1st Mortgage* (80%)

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

Suite D

1,974 sq. ft.

2nd Mortgage* * (15%)

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

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1,292 sq. ft. (SOLD)

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Jeff Helms, Broker V I EW MORE PHOTOS A ND V IDEOS

at bigskysir.com

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All information is derived from MLS sources and deemed reliable, however, is not guaranteed. Data is subject to error, omissions, prior sales, price change or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by Seller. We urge independent verification of each and every item submitted, to the satisfaction of any prospective purchaser.

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

entertainment

March 8-21, 2013 33

Section 3:

life, land and culture

Volume 4 // Issue No. 5

Chamberlin Rail Jam throws down

3,500 show up at Big Sky Resort for event, concerts Story and photos

by Joseph T. O’Connor Big Sky Weekly Editor

BIG SKY – What started as Tate Chamberlin’s college senior thesis in 2007 has transformed into one of the biggest ski and snowboard events in Montana.

The 2013 Chamberlin Rock, Paper, Scissors Rail Jam at Big Sky Resort lassoed more than 3,500 spectators on March 1-2, as well as a slew of talented young jibbers.

The festival concluded each night with blowout performances from the likes of DJ BL3ND and DJ Z-Trip, who also performed at the conclusion of the 2013 Grammy Awards in LA. After-parties at Whiskey Jack’s each night closed the door for those still standing.

“We had riders coming in from Utah, Colorado [and] the Dakotas,” said Chamberlin, the event’s organizer. “We even had attendees and athletes from Canada this year. It was a lot of fun. Our crew nailed it, and the Big Sky park crew was amazing.”

The crowd reacts as DJ Z-Trip takes the stage. More than 3,500 strong turned up for the event.

The rail jam also had a venue in Missoula on March 8 and 9.

Riders who walked with prize money: Men’s snowboard First place: Jesse Paul Second place: Thomas Snyder Third place: Reed Schneider

Women’s snowboard: First place: Micaela Lambeth Second place: Nicole Klein Third place: Karen Wilson Men’s Skiing: First Place: Cody Perin Second place: Kory Kirby Third place: Travis Adams

Women’s skiing First place: Zoe Erickson Second place: Kirra Paulus Third place: Kelsey Boleski

Z-Trip lights up the night.

Al Pal, as his name appeared on the athlete sign-up list, sported his No. 11 Marty Pavelich Red Wings jersey at the rail jam. Here, Al Pal grabs his pickle, old school.

Schwayze, feelin’ it.

Issac Helvey, number 18, and Olin Wimberg, 19, glance back at the competition on their hike up for more.

34 March 8-21, 2013

entertainment

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

2014 Warren Miller ski film to feature Montana ski areas By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

BIG SKY – Keely Kelleher is driving her dad’s old ranch truck, a rusty 1974 Dodge pickup nicknamed “Pard,” with Elyse Saugstad and Crystal Wright on the bench seat.

Bouncing down a country road, the three professional skiers are singing the pop country hit, “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy).” It’s all on film.

This, plus 10 days of skiing shot in February at Big Sky Resort, Bridger Bowl and in the nearby backcountry, will be part of the 2013-2014 Warren Miller feature ski movie, Ticket to Ride. It’s part of a lifelong dream for Kelleher, 28, a Big Sky native and a former World Cup ski racer.

“When I was a little girl, I made a dream list of what I want to do in my life. I’m supposed to learn the guitar by the time I turn 30, go skydiving, win five Olympic gold medals, and be in a Warren Miller movie… Hell yeah, that’s awesome. I get to cross that off the list.”

After shooting with the crew last year in Utah, Kelleher is delighted the film company asked her back. “It’s like the ultimate compliment as a skier,” she said. “[To have them say],

Pro skiers Elyse Saugstad, Crystal Wright and Keely Kelleher ride in "Pard," the Kelleher's 1974 Dodge pickup, during the filming of next season's Warren Miller Film Photos by Pascal Beauvais, Warren Miller Entertainment

‘We enjoyed working with you as a person and as a skier.’”

Of Ticket to Ride’s 12-15 segments, five to seven minutes will be set in Montana.

“What the audience will get mostly is a global adventure,” said producer Josh Haskins of what will be the 64th annual Warren Miller feature.

Other locations include Kazakhstan, Greenland, Norway, Switzer-

land, Alaska, Iceland and Colorado.

Although the film uses “the obvious motifs of travel and transition between locations,” Haskins said, “a lot of our creative unfolds as we go.” This means departing from the

Big Sky native Keely Kelleher shralping pow for Warren Miller.

explorebigsky.com

entertainment

Big Sky Weekly

Montana ski economy A 2009/2010 study done by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research at University of Montana showed that out-of-state visitors contributed $49,464,000 annually in skirelated tourism to the Montana economy. The indirect and induced contributions combined to make an $83 million economic impact.

“literal idea of this ticket to ride, and treating it as more of an exploration.”

He described it as character-driven and athlete-focused.

Montana’s association with America’s most mainstream ski film company is not an accident. In an effort to better reach winter destination travelers, the Montana Department of Tourism and the Montana Ski Areas Association partnered as the official travel sponsor of the 20122013 and 2013-2014 films.

Although the state was not featured in the 2012-2013 feature, the sponsorship agreement, which cost $350,000 for the 2012/2013 season, gave MTOT and MSAA some input on the Montana segment of next year’s film.

March 8-21, 2013 35

“We requested that they hit both small and large ski areas in Montana and showcase what really sets Montana apart as a winter ski experience,” said Katy Peterson, chief of marketing for MTOT. “Yes, there’s world-class skiing and loads of untouched powder… but there’s also some of the nation’s most spectacular, unspoiled nature here, at its most serene and magnificent during winter.”

The agreement also came with five, one-minute videos MTOT can use to promote skiing and winter in MonPatterson and Kelleher, making ski movie magic tana. This is in addition to advertising and sponsorship promotions through WME’s print “I think it’d be safe to say that Monpublications, events, screenings, tana skiing is growing,” Polumbus website, social media, email blasts said. and athletes.

“It was an awesome opportunity to really put Montana skiing on the map,” said Nick Polumbus, MSA President and Director of Sales and Marketing at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Whitefish, like Big Sky and Bridger, has seen rising skier numbers for the last several years.

Ticket to Ride will also include a segment from Whitefish shot this January.

Bozeman-based cameraman Chris Patterson directed all the pieces set in Montana, which he says will weave together to show “the lifestyle in Montana and the people that make it so great, … [as well as] the beauty and diverse terrain around the state.”

“It's certainly fun to shoot close to home,” said Patterson, who has been shooting Warren Miller films for 21 years. “[Keely] had a great place to grow up, raging around Big Sky.” Kelleher, who attends college in Salt Lake, was happy to be back.

“Utah is cool, but sometimes I miss Montana… a lot.”

Ticket to Ride will be released in fall 2013.

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Toni Delzer, Sales Associate, 406.570.3195 Marc Lauermann, Sales Associate, 406.581.8242

explorebigsky.com

events

Big Sky Weekly

Cooke City’s Sweet Corn Festival is April 19-21 By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

OOKE CITY – When the ski areas close in April, there’s still plenty of snow in the mountains. That’s particularly true in tiny Cooke City, a remote town a few miles northeast of Yellowstone National Park.

Celebrating its 20th year, the Sweet Corn Fest will bring hundreds of skiers and snowboarders to Cooke for three days April 19-21, for a weekend that celebrates winter and the skiing lifestyle.

This year, “we’re trying to blow it up,” said Raz Schneider, owner of the Miners Saloon, which cohosts the unofficial event with the High Country Motel.

Founded by former Cooke City resident Bill Blackford as a small backcountry telemark festival, Sweet Corn now draws hundreds of skiers and snowboarders and with them, a party atmosphere.

With no chairlifts around Cooke, participants must be backcountry savvy, and willing to hike or have access to a snowmobile.

This year the Bozeman production company Avalaunch is getting involved, Schneider said, hosting avalanche equipment-skills workshops and two nights of live music at the Miners.

The majority of attendees came from Bozeman and Red Lodge the last few years, said High Country manager Benji Stone. “This year we want to market to Big Sky. It’s a giant party, and Big Sky knows how to party.”

March 8-21, 2013 37

Wilderness and …

Aerial Imagery

“It’s basically a ski and snowboard community for three days, 24-hour around-the-clock nonstop action in Cooke,” Stone said, referring to the town’s main winter economy as a destination for off-trail snowmobilers.

The classic rock and jam band Eldrick will play Friday night at the Miners, a group that includes Stone, Big Sky resident Shane Stalling, Bozemanite Brian Stumpf and Travis Burdick, of Red Lodge.

Other highlights Stone noted are the avalanche transceiver park that’s new this year, swag, bonfires, grilling and a Dubstep artist playing the Miners on Saturday night.

Schneider, who’s attended all but the first year, has been planning the fest for a decade. In that time he’s seen skiers and snowboarders come for it from as far away as Colorado, Australia and New Zealand.

Because Cooke is surrounded by the Beartooth Mountains, groups are able to spread out and ski in different zones, Schneider added. “There are so many areas out there to ski.”

He hopes the partnership with Avalaunch will help expand Corn Fest. “Hopefully we can really grow the event, [bring in] serious skiers and big headline music acts to throw a party.”

Stone, for one, is just looking forward to this year.

“It’s the craziest weekend of the year in Cooke City.”

Real Estate Brokerage, Consulting & Development R YA N K U L E S Z A • 4 0 6 - 5 3 9 - 4 6 6 6 L K R E A L E S TAT E . C O M

Above Grand Prismatic Spring, Middle Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park. Photo courtesy of Kestrel Aerial Services

BOZEMAN – Chris Boyer, of Kestrel Aerial Services in Bozeman, will present “Wilderness and …

Aerial Imagery” on March 12, at 7 p.m. at the Emerson Cultural Center’s Weaver room in Bozeman.

Aerial and satellite imagery has become increasingly important for a variety of activities, from resource mapping to conservation. Boyer, a photographer, commercial pilot and geomorphologist, will describe the importance of aerial imagery in conservation storytelling, and how “the big picture” developed for him a conservation ethic.

“Wilderness and…” is a series of lectures designed for anyone with a passion for wild places. The Madison-Gallatin Chapter of the Montana Wilderness Association sponsors this free program.

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All information given is considered reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and should not be relied upon as such. These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. ©2013 LK REAL ESTATE, llc. lkrealestate.com

38 March 8-21, 2013

events

explorebigsky.com

Dirtbags descend on Big Sky March 16 “Once a queen, always a queen”

Big Sky Weekly

Gransberg Cup ski race returns to Big Sky

By Tyler Allen

Big Sky Weekly Staff Writer

BIG SKY – Collect your grommets and take the family to the slopes for some competition in the gates.

BIG SKY – Crawl deep into your closet and dust off your favorite one-piece. Dirtbag Day at Big Sky Resort is Saturday, March 16.

Named in honor of the late ski racer Glen Gransberg, the third annual Gransberg Cup is returning to Big Sky Resort Sunday, March 10. The race is open to the public, and host Big Sky Ski Education Foundation encourages skiers to bring their A-game and challenge family and friends on the dual giant slalom course.

Since 1979, Big Sky Resort’s ski patrol has hosted this annual fundraiser celebrating those who live to ski – and party – every day of the winter. Dirtbag Day features a parade, a Powder 8’s competition on Crons, and the Dirtbag Ball to follow at Cinnamon Lodge, where the Dirtbag King and Queen will be crowned.

Being Dirtbag royalty has its benefits, according to Jean Palmer, crowned Dirtbag Queen in 1999.

Registration is from 8-9:45 a.m. in the Mountain Mall’s North Mammoth room, and the races begin on Hangman’s trail at 10:45 a.m. on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“Once a queen, always a queen,” Palmer says. The former Kings – and “minions” – will take her skis up the Country Club hike or let her cut the tram line to this day. “It’s a ruling class for the locals.”

Former Dirtbag royalty hams it up on the slopes

And “Queen Jean” – which is the only listing you’ll find for her in the phonebook – knows what it takes to be honored with the ultimate Dirtbag status.

Photo by Kene Sperry

“I was a local, I skied more days then I worked, and I did a lot of après with patrol,” she said. And the snickerdoodle cookies she baked for the patrollers didn’t hurt either. Despite all the fun and games (and bribery), Dirtbag is an important day for the people tasked with public safety on Lone Mountain.

While not officially sanctioned by the ski area, the resort recognizes the significance of Dirtbag Day. “Big Sky Resort supports the patrol, and we know how important a well-funded and well-trained patrol staff is,” said former director of public relations Chad Jones.

“This is our biggest fundraiser,” said veteran patroller Jimbo Humphries. “Along with our t-shirt sales, [Dirt-

Whether you ride every day or you’re a dirtbag desk jockey, March 16 is a day to celebrate the ski lifestyle and the red coats that make it possible.

bag] funds education, travel, dog training and helps with all of our expenses.”

Visit bigskyresort.com for more information.

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Big Sky Weekly

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40 March 8-21, 2013

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events

Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 41

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

Daylight-saving time is Sunday, March 10 at 2 a.m. big sky SATURDAY, MARCH 9

Gallatin Glissade Lone Mountain Ranch, 10 a.m.

Kent Johnson Choppers, 5-7 p.m.

Showshoe Shuffle Moonlight Basin, 5:30 P.M.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Sluice Box Slalom Bridger Bowl, 9 a.m.

Cabin Fever Gun Show Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

MT High School Hockey Championships Haynes Pavillion, 10 a.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

DJ Tiny & DJ Rampage Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

Cabin Fever Gun Show Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 10

The Birth of Coffee Museum of the Rockies, 11:45 a.m.

BSSEF 3rd annual Gransberg Cup Big Sky Resort, 10 a.m.

Glide & Gorge Lone Mountain Ranch, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

TUESDAY, MARCH 12

Movie Night: “Stuart Little” Moonlight Lodge, 6 p.m.

Big Sky Chamber Board Meeting Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, 8:30-10 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13

Umphrey’s McGee w/ The Bright Light Social Hour Emerson Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m.

Dead Larry with Black Rose Band Filling Station, 9 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 11 Bridger Creek Boys Colonel Black’s, 6 p.m.

Duke Sharp Wild Joes Coffeehouse, 6 p.m.

Resort Tax Board Meeting Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, 9 a.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13

Willie Waldman Project Death Row Reunion Choppers, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

Steele Wine Dinner Buck's T-4, 6 p.m.

How to beat the sugar blues Santosha Wellness Center, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

Big Sky CVB Meeting Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, 8:30-10 a.m.

Open Mic Night Choppers, 9 p.m.

DJ Tiny and DJ Rampage Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Gallatin Roller Girlz “Fresh Meat & Greet” Wild Joes Coffeehouse, 5 p.m.

Harmony Market Holiday Inn, 4 p.m.

Dead Winter Carpenters and Pigeon Hank Filling Station, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Bad Betty Organ Combo Café Zydeco, 6 p.m.

Killer in Me, Fallen is Babylon, Kadmin, and Marsram Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 Run to the Pub Pub 317, 10 a.m.

Freeride World Qualifier – Subaru Freeride Series Moonlight Basin, 9 a.m. (thru Monday)

Whitewater Ramble Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 8 p.m.

BSSEF Northern Division YSL Championships Hangman’s at Big Sky Resort (thru Sunday)

Rickshaw and M79 Filling Station, 9 p.m.

Intermediate Yoga Practice Santosha, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The Coldsmoke Awards Emerson Cultural Center, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

The Quiet Man Ellen Theater, Irish beer at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m.

Michael Haring Choppers, 5-7 p.m.

The Deadly Gentlemen, Kitchen Dwellers Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m.

Cold Hard Cash Show Choppers, 9 p.m.

Big Sky Band Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

Big Sky’s Got Talent Show Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, 6:30 p.m.

MONDAY, MARCH 18

BSSEF Master’s Nationals Big Sky Resort, (thru Sat.)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Marketplace Open House Town Center, 5 – 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Big Sky Chamber Business After Hours Consignment Cabin, 5:30 p.m.

Champagne Thursdays Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 30

ACBS Crawfish & Cornbread Fundraiser Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, 5 – 10 p.m.

Bozeman FRIDAY, MARCH 8

Cure for the Common Molly Brown, 9 p.m.

Sweatshop Union, Def 3 Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 10 p.m.

MT High School Hockey Championships Haynes Pavillion, 10 a.m.

Cabin Fever Gun Show Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

The Terrain Park Jam Bridger Bowl, 8:30 a.m.

The Birth of Coffee Museum of the Rockies, 11:45 a.m.

Cure for the Common Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 Relampagos Starky’s, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 21

Yonder Mountain String Band Emerson Cultural Center, 7:30 p.m.

Kitchen Dwellers The Haufbrau, 11 p.m.

west yellowstone SATURDAY, MARCH 9

Mo Hippa Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, MARCH 14

Mach 1 Entertainment Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Yellowstone’s West Entrance closed March 15 – April 25 World Snowmobile Expo Snocross track, 10 a.m.

Kole Moulton & LNLN Road Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16 World Snowmobile Expo Snocross track, 9 a.m.

Kennedy and the Assassins Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon, 9 p.m.

St. Patrick's Day is March 17

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

World Snowmobile Expo Snocross track, 9 a.m.

livingston & paradise valley FRIDAY, MARCH 8 One Leaf Clover Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 9 Kitchen Dwellers Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15

Prairie Windjammers Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

The Mainstreet Show Livingston Art and Cultural Center, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY, MARCH 16

Tuesdays:

Pre-school open gym, LPHS gym, 8:45-9:45 a.m. (Feb. 17 – April 15) Guided Snowshoe Hike at Moonlight, 10 a.m.

(Dec. 18 – April 9) Pub Trivia at Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m.

Wednesdays: Montana Night at Jack Creek Grille, 6 p.m.

(Feb. 20 – April 10) Volleyball open gym at LPHS gym, 7-9 p.m.

(Feb 27 – June 1) Shuffleboard at Lone Peak Brewery, 8 p.m.

Thursdays: Sushi at the Summit, 6 p.m.

Fridays:

Live music at Ousel & Spur Pizza Co., 9-11 p.m.

Fish Taco Fridays at Buck’s T -4

Bad Betty Organ Combo Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Saturdays: Search and Rescue Dog Dem,

SUNDAY, MARCH 17

Après Ski Music at the Headwaters Grille at Moonlight, 3-5 p.m. (Feb. 2 – April 13, except for March 16, March 30 and April 2)

Christian Johnson & Loose Caboose Chico Hot Springs, 8 p.m.

In Walks Bud Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

ongoing big sky events Mondays:

Preschool Story Time, Big Sky Community Library, 10:30 a.m.

Yoga Nidra Meditation at Santosha, 8-9 p.m. $15 Monday Night Prime Rib at 320 Ranch

2 p.m. at Moonlight Basin

Sunset Saturdays at Big Sky Resort, Ramcharger lift runs until 5 p.m. (March 9 – April 15)

Sundays:

Tai Chi Workshop with Gary Herman, 2 – 4 p.m. at Santosha (Feb. 17 – March 10)

DAILY BIG SKY EVENTS:

Après ski tunes at Whiskey Jack’s and the Carabiner 320 Guest Sleigh Rides (nightly) Sleigh Ride Dinners at Lone Mountain Ranch, 6-10 p.m. (Dec. 9-March 30) Diana Tremaine, “Impulsion” exhibit at Gallatin River Gallery Happy Hour at Lone Peak Cinema, 8-9 p.m.

42 March 8-21, 2013

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buscrat's fables

Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 43

Hepdog and glib “No smashing problem, baggel, I’ll smashing take a dog!” said Bonji the flea.

I heard the ant and flea arguing and swearing up a storm. “Howdy, friends,” I said.

“Oh, hi Buscrat,” they responded.

“Baggel!” said Marl the ant, as he and Bonji the flea were walking to town. “I forgot my smashing money” “You always forget your smashing money,” said Bonji the flea. “Then I have to smashing loan you some.”

“Shut up, you smashing baggel! Get out of my smashing sight!” yelled Marl the ant.

“Smash! Why would I ever want to be your smashing friend? You can’t even take a smashing joke. You’re the smashed up baggel!” shouted Bonji flea.

“Don’t smashing bother walking to town with me, baggel!” Marl shouted back.

S e t yo u r

“Sounds like ya been disagreeing on sumpin,’” I said.

“Yeah, Marl forgot his smirking money, and he’s mad at me for it,” Bonji said.

“Any reason fer the foul language?”

I asked.

“What’s the big deal about just saying a word?” Bonji asked.

“It can be offensive to others,” I said.

“That’s why it’s called profanity.”

“I hear you humans say ‘smash,’ and you don’t think it’s profanity,” the ant said.

“That’s cuz that word ain’t a bad word for humans, but it is offensive in the insect culture,” I said. “But

we gots our own offensive words.

Every culture does. Swearing is not only offensive, it makes some people lose respect for ya,” I said.

“Vulgar words paint a picture that many don’t care to envision,” I said.

“Maybe I don’t care what some people think,” Marl said.

“Substituting similar words still paints the same picture, but also leaves to question whether the offender uses the actual vulgar word elsewhere.”

“And what if I’m working on the car and rack my knuckles?” Bonji asked.

Marl looked me up and down. “I heard you say ‘hepdog’ and ‘glib’ occasionally,” he said. “What do those mean?”

“I can’t help it if it just comes out.”

“Nuttin’,” I said. “Them words don’t offend nobody, so I can keep my selfrespect when a word slips out.”

“Have you ever lost your temper and accidentally said ‘pickle?’” I asked.

“What about at comedy shows or telling a funny joke,” he asked.

“No,” they said.

“That’s cuz ya say that ‘s’ word on purpose. It don’t just slip out.

When folks get angry, they think swearing will make a dramatic point to emphasize their anger. But it just shows the lack of strength of one’s moral character. And even if ya thinks ya don’t care what others think, it can affect yer own self esteem,” I said.

“But I said ‘smirking’ instead of the ‘s’ word,” Bonji said. “That isn’t bad.”

“Sometimes using profanity makes it funnier.”

“To some, mebbe. But I seen many a folk lose respect of others fer telling a vulgar joke. And being respected and havin’ self-respect is one a the things we most truly seek. Best to stay away from offensive words altogether.”

“Hepdog, Marl, I’ll loan you some money,” Bonji the flea said.

“That’s a glibbing great idea. Let’s get to town,” Marl said.

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fun

44 Feb. 22 - March 8-21, 2013

Find out what tunes we’re bumping! In “Powder Playlist,” Big Sky Weekly staff and guests suggest a soundtrack for a day on the mountain, and guests have a chance to share what they listen to when they shred.

Keep in mind, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings while skiing, and listening to music too loudly can be dangerous.

Guest picks By austin johnson

Visiting Big Sky from Bozeman for the Chamberlin Rail Jam, Austin Johnson always rides with his ear buds in. Listening to electronic instrumentals with few lyrics helps him get in the zone and almost forget that he’s even listening to music. “The beat helps me find my rhythm on the hill,” Johnson said.

1.

“Kiara,” Bonobo

2.

“Coastal Brake,” Tycho

3.

“You Know Too Much About Flying Saucers,” William Orbit

4.

“Diamond in Disguise,” Chance’s End

5.

“Nevergreen,” Emancipator

6.

“Stay Crunchy,” Ronald Jenkees

7.

“Hayling,” FC Kahuna

8.

“Cascade,” Hyper

9.

“Composure,” B. Fleischmann

10. “When the Dust Settles,” STS9

Staff picks

k.com orOpenStoc www.Vect

By Maria Wyllie BIG SKY WEEKLY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT The songs listed below are all songs I listened to in middle school. I’m not sure how much I actually like some of them, but they remind me of how fearless and adventure-crazed I was growing up. On some level, they help take me back there so I can send lines I might otherwise think too much about and chicken out.

1.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Nirvana

2.

“Don’t Stop Till You Get Enough,” Michael Jackson

3.

“Loser,” Beck

4.

“Instant Pleasure,” Rufus Wainwright

5.

“Barracuda,” Heart

6.

“Every Morning,” Sugar Ray

7.

“Getting Jiggy Wit It,” Will Smith

8.

“Forgot About Dre,” Dr. Dre feat. Eminem

9.

“Chin Check,” NWA

10. “Big Poppa,” Notorious B.I.G.

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column: wanderer at rest

Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 45

On zombies

By Jamie Balke

Brother: They make zombie video games.

Big Sky Weekly Columnist

When I moved to Bozeman four years ago, my brother resumed his quest to involve me in video games, a journey that began when we were teenagers. In those days, I thought it a waste of time; however, one day he convinced me to play a game of Halo with him. It looked kind of cool, with the aliens and whatnot, so I took the bait.

When I joined in however, my character quickly became trapped in corners by my inability to coordinate his head-swivel and body movements – I didn’t see the aliens attacking my exposed back. When my brother finally coaxed me out of the corner, I shot at his character until he let me quit.

This complete lack of interest and confirmed lack of skill kept me away from gaming for years, except for the occasional and embarrassing karaoke game at parties.

More recently, my boyfriend, who is also my brother’s roommate, joined in the endeavor to include me in the video game group. The conversations went something like this: Brother: Hey, it might be fun if you would play video games with us.

Boyfriend: Not only is it a social event that you exclude yourself from, but I bet you’d like it.

Me: Thanks, that’s an interesting idea. Too bad I’m not a 12-year-old boy.

Me: Go on …

Jamie Balke moved to Bozeman in the fall of 2009. If there is an apocalypse, all she asks is that it be a zombie apocalypse. She thinks this is a reasonable request.

Interest piqued, I planted myself in front of their gigantic TV for some zombies. The characters are assigned personalities, and make delightfully off-color remarks. The first few games were pretty rough and found my character bumping into various parts of the scenery and shooting around ineffectually, failing to earn points by taking out the undead.

Points enable the purchase of life-saving equipment and elixirs. There’s even an elixir that revives you after a zombie bite. My character stumbled around the screen at a slow pace because I couldn’t figure out how to make him run, let alone wield a melee weapon.

After more practice than I want to admit, it’s safe to say I’m a video game zombie-killing machine. My brother and boyfriend were right – it’s fun. My résumé now includes skills such as running about, leaping onto zip lines, and the use of cleverly laid traps, all while dealing with mysterious maps, and sometimes lasers guns. I prefer to play this game with The Notorious B.I.G. radio station on Pandora in the background, which adds to the experience.

This probably is not a healthy or productive use of time, especially considering the outdoor opportunities surrounding Bozeman, but what can I say?

Sometimes I thirst for digital zombie blood.

This guy's not getting past zombie killer and Weekly columnist Jamie Balke Courtesy of creativeuncut.com

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46 March 8-21, 2013

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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.

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

Three girls, three dreams Educating children in Pakistan

By Genevieve Chabot

make breads, dinner. But I wanted to focus on my studies.”

When Uzma was very young, she told her family, “I want to go, and I want to learn.”

Nelum’s mother always told her daughter to study hard. Her father would say, “If you work hard, you can continue [studying].”

IQRA FUND

Originally from a rural village in upper Hunza, Pakistan, Uzma, 17, is now attending school in Aliabad, 50 miles away.

While all three girls miss their mothers, they say their hostel mother, Ms. Hussn, supports them.

“My father believed in me,” she says.

“He said he would support me to come here and study, that once I came I would work hard and achieve my goals.”

“We provide an environment in which the girls study together, help one another, and respect each other,” Ms. Hussn says. “They show a lot of care with each other.”

Uzma and two other girls from neighboring villages, Faiza and Nelum, also 17, are three of the oldest students studying on scholarships from the Bozeman-based Iqra Fund, in Aliabad, in northern Pakistan. The girls have lived and studied together for four years, supporting one another in pursuing their dreams. Nelum and Uzma want to become doctors, while Faiza aspires to become a captain in the army.

The Attabad landslide that occurred in January 2010 makes the 80-kilometer journey to their home villages long and difficult. With few medical facilities in Hunza, it also makes access to quality medical care difficult for locals.

From left, Faiza, Nelum and Uzma Photos courtesy of Iqra Fund

Soft-spoken, yet quietly confident, they recall their daily routines and experiences before coming to Aliabad.

says. Her teachers were often absent or didn’t actively teach the students enrolled in her primary school.

“After chapatti and milk tea I would put on my uniform and walk 30 minutes to school with my friends,” Faiza

“We would usually just sit for six or seven hours, and I faced many difficulties in my studies because of this,” she says. “After walking home and helping sometimes work in the fields with my mom, my cousin would help me study.”

Nelum and Uzma divided their time between studying and chores, as well as working in the fields.

“My elder sister always wanted me to help in domestic work and told me there is not always studying in our area,” Uzma says. “You have to work to

Thanks to the educations Nelum and Umza are getting, the region may have two more qualified doctors.

“I want to be a doctor in my region because there are no doctors there and so many problems,” Uzma says.

Genevieve Chabot is Executive Director of the Iqra Fund, a Bozeman-based nonprofit that provides educational opportunities for women and children in remote villages of northern Pakistan. This piece was adapted from one originally written for the organization’s February 2013 newsletter.

Confidence building Providing access to quality education means more than covering the cost of tuition.

To realize their dreams of becoming educated leaders who will serve their villages in the future, students must also gain confidence and public speaking skills.

This January, during the students’ winter vacation, Iqra Fund sponsored its first professional development workshops in the upper Hunza villages of Golmit and Sost. More than 120 of Iqra Fund’s 143 scholarship students attended the one-day workshops, along with several community leaders and representatives from civil society organizations.

Program Manager Naila Yousaf led a presentation on time management then divided the girls into groups, where they gave brief presentations that allowed them to practice public speaking skills and to discuss those prepared by other groups.

The girls' classmates during Iqra Fund's winter leadership workshop

The students reported developing confidence and learning practical skills they will use in their academic and professional lives – and that the workshops provided them with knowledge and experiences they wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else.

"I've never seen an educational program like this in Pakistan,” said one community leader of the workshops.

“It supports girls to succeed in their whole life, as well as in academics.

And this impacts the entire community because [they] are encouraged and aided to give their services back to their home village."

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outdoors

Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 49

Section 4:

outdoors, yellowstone and science

Volume 4 // Issue No. 5

Moonlight Basin to host qualifier for Freeskiing World Tour March 14-18 MOONLIGHT BASIN SKI AREA

The Freeride World Tour Qualifier is returning to Moonlight Basin steep, north-facing Headwaters cirque March 14-18. The event will give athletes a chance to qualify for next year’s Swatch Freeride World Tour.

Last season, Moonlight held the sole qualifier stop on the tour, giving regional athletes a chance to pre-qualify for 2013 spots.

“We can’t wait to see what the competitors pull off this year, as last year’s competition was amazing to watch,” said Greg Pack, president and general manager of Moonlight Basin.

“The Headwaters terrain is some of the most challenging inbounds skiing you will find and Moonlight is excited to watch these athletes showcase their talents.”

This season the event is back as a four-star qualifier for the Freeride World Tour, the highest rating for qualifying event without being a championship level event.

With the newly unified merger of North Face Masters of Snowboarding, Swatch Freeride World Tour, and Subaru Freeskiing World Tour, Moonlight Basin will host one of 40 qualifier events for the Freeride World Qualifier tour.

“After scouring the western

A competitor drops into Second Fork in the 2012 FWT at Moonlight. Photo by Emily Stifler

United States resorts [in 2011], we found many good options to host a qualifier, but we chose Moonlight Basin over the rest based on their unique terrain and resort culture that embraces freeskiing,” said event director Bryan Barlow.

The event is also part of the Subaru Freeride Series, a series made up of three four-star Freeride World Qualifier events in the United States.

Skiers will be judged on five categories: line difficulty, control,

Headwaters Spring Runoff returns for eighth season

March 30 for junior freeride comp, adults April 6 The eighth annual Headwaters Spring Runoff will draw big-mountain freeride skiers and snowboarders to Moonlight Basin March 30 and April 6.

Moonlight’s Headwaters cirque is the focal point for this high-energy freeride competition, which is sanctioned through the International Free Skiing Association-sanctioned competition and is a popular spectator event.

New this year, the event is being held on two separate days – one for juniors and one for adults. There are snowboard and alpine divisions for men, women and juniors, and a maximum of 80 competitors each day. Registration opens March 1 – stay tuned to moonlightbasin.com for details.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first place winner in each adult division, with the $1,000 purse split among the top competitors. Gear and gift certificates from local businesses will go to first, second and third place athletes in each division based on their individual performance from the day’s competition, not overall IFSA ranking.

fluidity and air, while losing points for crashes.

Moonlight Basin encourages spectators to watch the competition and cheer on the skiers from the finish line in Stillwater Bowl on Friday,

March 15 for qualifying runs and on Saturday, March 16 for the finals.

The event arrives at Moonlight March 14, and March 17 and 18 are reserved for inclement weather days.

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wildlife news

Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 51

Wolf harvest up from last season MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS

HELENA – State wildlife officials on March 4 released the results of the 2012-2013 wolf hunting and trapping seasons, which saw a substantial jump in harvest over last year.

wolves removed from the population as a result of more than 70 control actions – the state’s wolf population remains robust, according to Hagener.

New wolf management law adds management tools FWP sought and received from the 2013 Montana Legislature additional tools to increase the wolf harvest in the future, Hagener said. The wolf management bill – sponsored by State Representatives Kelly Flynn, R-Townsend, and Ted Washburn, RBozeman – won bipartisan support and was signed into law on Feb. 13 by Gov. Steve Bullock.

The seasons ended with 225 wolves harvested, 36 percent more than last season. The harvest was also up significantly over the 2009-2010 season. Court challenges barred Montana’s hunting season in 2010-2011.

Jeff Hagener, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in Helena, cited a growing effectiveness of hunters and trappers and more liberal harvest opportunities, as reasons for this year’s increase.

In all, hunters killed 128 wolves this season, and trappers took 97, with 84 taken between Sept. 1 and Nov. 25, 2012. The majority, however, were harvested after the general season by hunters and trappers exclusively seeking wolves. During Montana’s first wolf hunting season in 2009, the opportunistic harvest was almost 80 percent of the total.

A total of 18,642 wolf-hunting licenses were purchased this season – 246 by nonresidents.

Most of the successful wolf hunters were Montana residents, who harvested 222 wolves.

Even with this season’s hunting and trapping success – and an additional 104 depredating

225 36%

wolves were harvested in 2012-2013

BOZEMAN – Results from a recent study in the Pioneer Mountains near Dillon show that none of the 100 elk sampled have been exposed to brucellosis.

The findings are part of a multi-year study by Fish, Wildlife and Parks to evaluate the presence of brucellosis in elk in the Greater Yellowstone Area and improve understanding of herd movement and interaction.

“This group of elk remains brucellosis-free, and that’s a good thing for wildlife and for the livestock industry,” said FWP Region 3 supervisor Pat Flowers.

The study area, located in the southern and western Pioneers (Hunting Districts 329, 331 and 332), was selected because it is adjacent to hunting districts where brucellosis has been found in elk. State veterinarian Dr. Marty Zaluski, Montana Department of Livestock, said the findings are significant.

“First, it shows that the boundaries for the Designated Surveillance Area are well placed within the region,” Zaluski said. “It is also providing more data about elk movement in

more than last season

“Montana has made room for wolves,” Hagener said. We are long past the period of recovering wolves, and we are committed to managing for a recovered population.”

FWP manages with an eye to how wild resources affect each other, he said, and also addresses related issues like public tolerance.

Montana’s wolf advisory council, originally con-

Study finds no sign of brucellosis in Pioneer elk MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS

vened in 2006 to help develop Montana’s Wolf Management Plan, will reconvene following completion of FWP’s annual report.

the region, which will help us better define livestock populations at risk.”

The DSA is the geographical area in southwest Montana where brucellosis-positive elk are known to exist. In this area, co-mingling of elk and livestock – and thus, livestock exposure to brucellosis – is possible. Producers within the DSA are required to use testing, vaccination and surveillance to reduce the risks of brucellosis transmission from wildlife to livestock.

The new law immediately allowed hunters to purchase up to three wolf licenses and lowered the price of a nonresident wolf license from $350 to $50. It also allows hunters to use a license 24 hours after purchase, instead of after a five-day wait; authorizes the use of electronic calls; and removes the requirement for wolf hunters to wear hunter-orange after the general deer and elk hunting seasons have ended.

The legislation allows FWP to close areas near national parks only if established wolf harvest quotas are reached. While signing the bill into law, Gov. Bullock asked FWP to ramp up educational efforts aimed at averting the harvest of collared and heavily studied wolves near national parks.

More than half of the total 2012-2013 wolf harvest, or about 51 percent, occurred on public lands. Top counties included Lincoln with 38, followed by Park with 24, and Missoula with 22.

Put on a few extra pounds this season?

The livestock industry’s ability to market cattle interstate is reliant on the confidence of other states in Montana’s ability to successfully manage brucellosis, Zaluski said.

The study, which was funded by FWP and a grant from USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, was conducted in mid-January

by FWP, which used helicopters and net guns to capture the elk for testing.

Thirty of the elk were fitted with GPS collars to provide additional information about annual movement patterns in the area.

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52 March 8-21, 2013

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Big Sky Weekly

Moonlight Basin by ersin ozer

What about snowboarders and other adult athletes who want a platform to compete on, but aren’t on the start-list for the upcoming FWQ event? The International Freeskiing and Snowboarding Association has sanctioned Moonlight’s eighth annual Headwaters Spring Runoff competition on April 6 to be a seeder for next season’s adult IFSA regional events. The comp has a $1,000 cash purse this year, and adult divisions will be judged separately in ski and snowboard categories for men and women.

mlb event coordinator

Freeride March-madness. This month brings exciting happenings to Moonlight Basin: daylight-savings time coaxes the sun out of hiding, bluebird pow days become abundant, and March marks the return of one of the most coveted freeskiing qualifiers in the Northwest – the Freeride World Qualifier.

On March 14-18, Moonlight will be home to the Subaru Freeskiing Series, a four-star Freeride World Qualifier event. It will be a steppingstone for hungry competitors to claim their spots in the five-star Freeride World Tour events.

March is the best time of year to ski and ride Moonlight Basin. It’s your mountain – prove it by taking part in either of these competitions. We’ll see you out there.

Skiers sizing up the terrain and inspecting their runs at last season’s Freeskiing World Tour Qualifier event at Moonlight Basin. Photo by E-MO

Shane Thornson drops a monster backy at the Chamberlin Rail Jam March 2.

Photo by Joseph T. O'Connor

Big Sky Resort by kipp proctor

smartphones, available for free at bigskyresort.com/app.

Happily stuck in a consistent storm cycle for more than four weeks, the skiing at Big Sky Resort has just been getting better and better. Even on days with nothing to report overnight, there’s a good chance that Lone Mountain’s wind-grooming machine has been hard at work and redeposited the snow somewhere on one of the peak’s many aspects.

And plan on gaining a few extra thousand vertical feet starting this Saturday. That’s right, beginning March 9, Big Sky will keep the Ramcharger lift open until 5 p.m. every Saturday through the end of the season. So start your day early and rack up those stats!

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While you’re out hunting for powder on Big Sky’s expansive terrain, track your elevation, total vertical feet, max speed and miles of terrain covered on the new resort app for

With warmer weather approaching, catch some rays while enjoying après beverages and music outside at the Mountain Village after a long day of skiing or riding.

Don’t say goodbye to winter quite yet, but enjoy those sunny days when you can!

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resorts

March 8-21, 2013 53

THOMAS LEE PHOTOGRAPHY

Winter means

powder days, snowflakes on the tongue,

...and fly fishing for trout!?

The Special Olympics at Lone Mountain Ranch Photo courtesy of LMR

Lone Mountain Ranch

By Bob Foster

lmr general manager

News briefs: We just completed the first of three snow studies for the Montana Department of Natural Resources. The North Fork drainage is at 94 percent of normal – not perfect, but better than many other Nordic areas in the West. Also, the four kids that competed in cross country skiing and snowshoeing at the winter Special Olympics on Feb. 25 left our staff feeling humbled and inspired.

Wax your skis for the 20k, 10k or 1k Gallatin Glissade on Saturday, March 9, and loosen your belt for our annual Glide and Gorge on Sunday, March 10. As you cross country ski or snowshoe along the trails, stop at various locations and enjoy gourmet

food, as well as wine and local beer.

The registration fee includes a trail pass, and 10 percent of all proceeds go to the Ophir School Council. Call (406) 995-4734 for more information.

Our ‘Thank You Big Sky’ winter party is Saturday, March 30. There will be free skiing all day and an allyou-can eat BBQ lundin (that’s lunch/ dinner for you downhillers) and entertainment at the end of the day.

More details to come.

Come join us for dinner (every night but Friday) and entertainment (every night except Saturday and Monday) at the ranch saloon. And remember: March 31 is the last sleigh ride of season!

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54 March 8-21, 2013

fishing column: the eddy line

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Big Sky Weekly

March gladness Fishing season slumbers into Big Sky

By Patrick Straub

Big Sky Weekly Fishing Columnist

One of our head guides drives a snowplow in winter. He’s up at 3 a.m. while I’m still asleep, clinging to my corner of the bed – my wife, our two dogs, and in a few hours our toddler, all staking their claim.

During the restless moments I spend curled up between fur and a high thread count, and the quiet moments Bob spends in between driveways, he and I share the same thought: fishing season is here.

March is the unofficial, official kick-off to our angling season and the next four weeks is a transition time in Big Sky. Skiers are still making turns on the peak, but anglers become more river-centric. In the garage, fly rods stand next to skis and waders hang over snowshoes.

Our backs and arms are ready for the methodic stroke of the oars.

Midge hatches on the Gallatin are now a daily occurrence. Local guides are sneaking in the occasional afternoon walk-wade trip. Shop phones are ringing with curious anglers asking, “Is there fishing in winter?” Last week we shoveled snow off the drift boat and

Solitude, with a little side of your best friend. Photo by Pat Straub

floated the Yellowstone, hoping for an early-season trophy brown trout.

But before your expectations get the best of you, keep it in perspective.

This is how Big Sky gets into hot water.

It’s March, remember? Action on the river might not be hot and heavy, and your fishing options are limited. A little weather observation goes a long way in making the best of your spring fly flinging.

Wind: This should be the main factor in determining when and where to fish. Wind on the lower Madison and on the Yellowstone is common in March. Check the weather. If the forecast is calling for sustained winds of 15 mph-plus, stick to the sheltered part of the Gallatin, in the canyon. A high of 40 seems balmy after months of 20s and 30s, but factor in a 15-mph wind and things get interesting. You can fight the wind with good gear, like a wind proof jacket, or you can change your fishing location.

Mercury rising: Temperatures are sure to be a factor. Daytime high temps play a role, but it’s the nighttime lows that anglers should watch.

During the next four weeks, the mercury can drop overnight into single digits or hover around freez-

ing. These low numbers dictate timing for the next day. The colder the nighttime temp, the longer you should wait before heading out. Rule of thumb: below 20 degrees, start fishing no earlier than noon. Above 20, you start at 10 or 11 a.m.

Sunny or cloudy: The debate still exists. Most agree, bright sun in winter makes fish more skittish. However, the river needs direct sunlight to raise the water temperature, thus starting a trout’s feeding desire. The perfect scenario is sunshine early with afternoon cloud cover. Goggle tan in the morning, the crisp earthy smell of the river in the p.m.

Is this heaven? No, just Big Sky. Pat Straub is the author of six books, including The Frugal Fly Fisher, Montana On The Fly, and the forthcoming Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fly Fishing* *but were afraid to ask. He and his wife own Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky.

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science

Big Sky Weekly

More MSU satellites selected for launch under NASA program MSU NEWS SERVICE

BOZEMAN – Three more CubeSat satellites built

by Montana State University students may be flying into space on NASA missions as auxiliary payloads.

Two missions involving three of the university’s satellites were among 24 chosen for possible flight, and both ranked high on the list.

One pair of MSU satellites together ranked fourth out of 24, and one satellite ranked sixth, said David Klumpar, director of MSU’s Space Science and Engineering Laboratory.

The next steps are to conclude a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with NASA and to prepare the satellites for launch. The rocket flights carrying them could take place any time from 2014 through 2016.

MSU students started building satellites in 2001.

NASA launched the students’ latest, the Hiscock Radiation Belt Exploration, in October 2011. It sends information daily to MSU’s Cobleigh Hall.

“Very few college graduates in this country can look up to the sky every 90 minutes and think ‘I helped to put that satellite in orbit,’” said Richard Smith, head of the school’s physics department.

Klumpar said HRBE, commonly pronounced “Herbie,” has orbited the Earth more than 7,200 times in the past 16 months. The distance traveled by HRBE is 66 times the distance from the Earth to the moon and back, or more than one third of the distance to the sun.

MSU’s student-built satellite, HRBE, has now orbited the Earth more than 7,200 times. Illustration courtesy of MSU’s Space Science and Engineering Laboratory.

“We are getting a tremendous amount of information about the health of the space craft and how to operate in this hazardous environment,” Klumpar said. “We are also measuring high energy radiation near the Earth.”

HRBE could continue to orbit for 12 years, but Klumpar doesn’t know how long it will operate as a satellite. Both it and the three new satellites are based on cube-shaped units that measure about four inches on each side.

An estimated 500 students have worked on MSU’s satellites since 2001, coming from engineering, physics and a variety of other disciplines. Klumpar said the students and their mentors – engineers Larry Springer, Ehson Mosleh and Keith Mashburn from MSU’s Space Science and Engineering Laboratory – are responsible for the program’s success.

This piece was adapted from one originally written by Evelyn Boswell.

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science

Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 57

Ophir School sends students to regional science fair

By Maria Wyllie

Big Sky Weekly Editorial Assistant

BIG SKY – After spending two months working on their science projects, fifth through eighth graders waited in anticipation as the judges at the fifth annual Ophir School Science Fair walked through the aisles, crowning 23 experiments with first, second and third place ribbons.

Those students are invited to the Montana Tech Engineering and Science Fair on March 7. Roughly half the Ophir middle schoolers will be attending, according to science teacher Sue Barton.

Seventh grader Jackson Wade won a first place ribbon for his experiment in which he found that using Epsom salt in the road’s salt mixture would help deter big horn sheep and horses from the roads, as they dislike the bitter taste.

Fifth graders Maya Johnsen, Annika Severn-Erikson and Charlie Lurch all won first place ribbons at the fair.

Sixth graders Kolya Bough and Max Butler won a first place ribbon for their experiment on bridges. They found that flat bridges are stronger than circular and triangular bridges.

Maya Johnsen tested how breakfast drinks erode teeth.

Although she hypothesized that apple juice would cause the most erosion, her experiment proved orange juice to be the most corrosive drink.

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58 March 8-21, 2013

yellowstone

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Final winter use plan released for Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone atlas wins major award

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

MSU News Service

YELLOWSTONE – The National Park Service on Feb. 22 released a final plan to guide the future of winter use in Yellowstone National Park.

Under the preferred alternative of the Final Winter Use Plan/Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, the park would manage over-snow vehicles based on their overall impacts to air quality, ‘soundscapes,’ wildlife and visitors, rather than focusing on the number of snowmobiles and snow coaches allowed in the park each day.

The park would allow up to 110 “transportation events” a day, initially defined as either one snow coach or, on average, a group of seven snowmobiles. No more than 50 transportation events a day would be allocated for snowmobile groups.

The preferred alternative would provide for one entry per day, per entrance for a non-commercially guided group of up to five snowmo-

biles. It would continue to allow for motorized over-snow travel on the East Entrance road over Sylvan Pass.

The winter of 2013/2014 will be a transition year, during which the park will allow motorized over-snow travel under the same conditions as the past four winters: up to 318 commercially guided Best Available Technology snowmobiles and up to 78 commercially guided snow coaches daily.

A proposed rule to implement the preferred alternative will be released soon for a 60-day public review and comment period. YNP’s Superintendent will use the analysis and recommendations contained in the Final SEIS to make a final recommendation to the Park Service Intermountain Regional Director regarding the direction of winter use. The Regional Director is expected to issue the Record of Decision sometime this spring.

Following that, a final rule to implement the decision will be published in the Federal Register in order to allow the parks to open for the 2013/2014 winter season.

Big Sky Weekly

BOZEMAN – A new Yellowstone atlas has won one of the five top awards given by the Association of American Publishers.

The Atlas of Yellowstone received the PROSE Award for Excellence in Physical Sciences and Mathematics during an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. this February. The atlas won the Earth Sciences category and was then grouped with other award winners from the physical sciences and math. It won best book in this broad division.

The 296-page book is the first comprehensive atlas of a U.S. national park.

It contains more than 500 maps, photos and charts that cover a wide range of topics.

Four themes run throughout the atlas, three of which emphasize how Yellowstone is constantly changing, the ways it is connected to a broader environment, and the interactions between humans and natural processes. These themes, in turn, support the fourth theme – the importance of Yellowstone for research, interpretation and education, and inspiring conservation and preservation efforts.

The University of Oregon, Yellowstone National Park and their partners produced the atlas. Montana State University, one of those partners, was a major sponsor of and contributor to the Atlas of Yellowstone, said senior editor W. Andrew Marcus from the University of Oregon.

Participating faculty came from MSU’s Institute on Ecosystems, the Department of Earth Sciences, the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, the Thermal Biology Institute and the Museum of the Rockies.

The university’s faculty and affiliates helped guide the content and provided draft text for topics covering history of Yellowstone science, American Indians, land use, population trends, geology, seismicity, geothermal areas, geomorphology, glaciation, fire regimes, dinosaurs and thermophiles, Marcus said.

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yellowstone

Big Sky Weekly

March 8-21, 2013 59

Sequestration cuts $1.75 million from YNP budget, $700,000 from Grand Teton By emily stifler

National budget cuts will affect spring road openings in Yellowstone National Park this year, as well as its staffing numbers.

and allowing more snow to melt should reduce the number of days required to clear each road segment, as well as wear on equipment and fuel costs.

But the delayed openings will affect the economies of park gateway towns.

Directly related to sequestration – across-the-board budget cuts signed into law by President Obama March 1 – the $1.75 million cuts will take effect in the last half of the current fiscal year. This brings Yellowstone’s base operating budget down from the $35 million planned for FY 2013 to approximately $33.3 million.

“This could alter opening dates for businesses, hiring dates for employees, and April tourism revenues for our community,” wrote Jan Stoddard, Marketing Director at the West Yellowstone Chamber of Commerce, in an email. The west entrance will open to motor vehicles on April 26, a week later than normal.

“This is significant,” said Yellowstone spokesman Al Nash. “We’re working to minimize the impacts but they’re real.”

Cody, Wyo. is also taking the cuts seriously. “The Park is Cody’s lifeblood,” Cody Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Scott Balyo told chamber members in an email on Feb. 28.

big sky weekly managing editor

The park plans to implement this austerity through the following measures: • •

•

$1 million from lapsing permanent positions Up to $500,000 by reducing the seasonal workforce, shortening length of employment for seasonal workers, and restricting travel and training $150,000 - $350,000 by delaying snowplowing operations and spring opening

“We really looked at what we [could] do in the remaining seven months of the fiscal year – ways we could minimize the impact of cuts to visitors, to all of our partners in the surrounding communities, to our park operations and the park staff,” Nash said.

Delayed spring plowing will have the most immediate effects on visitors and surrounding towns, as park roads will open a week or two later than normal. The park chose this option because it impacts fewer visitors than closures during summer or fall, according to a press release from YNP’s Public Affairs Office.

In Cody, 11,597 people, in 4,217 cars, traveled through the East Gate during the first two weeks of May last year.

According to a 2011 Park County Travel Council survey, visitors spent on average, $548.43 per day, per car, in Cody and Park County. That works out to an estimated $2,312,729 in local economic impact potentially lost.

“While the accuracy of that total can be debated, even 10 percent of that is over $200,000 in lost spending for the first two weeks, if people don’t come because the park isn’t accessible,” Balyo said.

At press time on March 5, Balyo was working on two possible solutions, both of which he said Supt.

Wenk is willing to consider:

- Opening the Northeast Entrance via Cooke City

by May 3, using crews from the Montana and Wyoming departments of transportation, as well as local county crews, to plow the 10-mile “plug” of snow on Sylvan Pass. Cody, Cooke City and Red Lodge were working together on this effort.

of Jackson Hole,” Jackson Chamber Director Jeff Golightly wrote in an email to members.

Grand Teton National Park is still “working on coming up with a definitive plan for how we will meet the shortfall,” park spokeswoman Jackie Skaggs said.

GTNP also manages the John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, which connects Yellowstone and GTNP. Together, they will see an 8 percent cut to their $12.5 million annual budget.

This park also plans to let some temporary positions lapse and hire fewer seasonal workers, but that won’t be enough, Skaggs said. Other possibilities include closing some visitors’ centers, restrooms and roads for the 2013 summer season.

“We still have to maintain park roads and pick up trash,” she said. “We haven’t got a definitive plan yet but we’re working on it. Obviously it will mean reduced services to the visiting public… Our number one concern is to make sure visitor and employee safety isn’t compromised. Close on the heels of that is maintaining protection of resources.”

Both parks already use a large volunteer team for operations and programming, but there are limits to the areas where they can be used, Skaggs said.

“They can help us on some level but they’re not the answer.”

On a more positive note, the delayed opening will extend a unique activity available through the West Yellowstone west entrance called "Cycle Only Days," Stoddard said.

This chance for road-accessed solitude in Yellowstone occurs once the Park Service opens the West Yellowstone-Madison Junction roads for bicyclists and hikers only.

The National Park Service will not furlough permanent full-time staff at Grand Teton or Yellowstone.

“Based on 2012 visitation figures, opening two weeks later than originally scheduled will impact approximately 135,000 visitors, compared to the 505,000 visitors who would be impacted if the park were closed the last two weeks of the fiscal year in mid-September through the end of October,” the release stated. Yellowstone hosted 3.45 million visitors in 2012.

- Opening the East Gate by May 3 with assistance from local county plow crews and the WYDOT.

To the south, the Jackson, Wyo. Chamber of Commerce is to counter “potential negative news stories,” since sequestration will also cut $700,000 from operating costs for Grand Teton National Park.

Nor will sequestration-related cuts affect funding or operations for Xanterra Parks and Resorts, the concessionaire in Yellowstone National Park. Xanterra, which is funded largely by a concession franchise fee, was recently contracted in Yellowstone for the next 20 years – for more information, see page 23.

Clearing snow from the park’s roads in spring is no small feat. Daily plowing costs up to $30,000,

“Assist us by avoiding rumors and by sharing information about the plentiful options offered to visitors and local residents by the community

For specific road and facilities opening dates in Yellowstone National Park, visit nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/hours.htm

3 Rivers Annual Membership Meeting Monday, March 18, 2013 Fairfield Community Hall Registration 10:30am Lunch 11:30am - 1:00pm Business Meeting 1:00pm

Fairfield office closed 11am to 3pm Conrad, Big Sky & Shelby offices and Browning Radio Shack will be open

The Crail Ranch Homestead Museum invites you to see year-round exhibits

at the HISTORY ANNEX Big Sky Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center 55 Lone Mountain Trail

Events calendar and more info: crailranch.org

467.2535 ● 3rivers.net

A project of the Big Sky Community Corporation, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity created in 1998 to promote, acquire, preserve and maintain land, parks, trails and easements.

60 March 8-21, 2013

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