130405_weekly_WEB

Big Sky

Exploring life and land from the heart of the Yellowstone Region

April 5-18, 2013 Volume 4 // Issue #7

Auction impending for Club at Spanish Peaks

Big Sky fire and school districts seek voter support

Wine on the Fly at the Ranch at Rock Creek The Best view in town: beartooth powder guides

Bozeman's newest watering hole: Copper Whiskey Bar

media@theoutlawpartners.com

Big Sky housing meeting, part II Big Sky's locally owned and published newspaper

Publisher of the big sky weekly

explorebigsky

explorebigsky

ON THE COVER: Big Sky firefighters Seth Barker, Matt Kendziorski and Mark Loomis PHOTO by Tyler BUsby

2011 big sky chamber of commerce

Business of the Year April 5-18, 2013 Volume 4, Issue no. 7 PUBLISHER Eric Ladd

editorial MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler EDITOR Joseph T. O'Connor staff writer/distribution director Tyler Allen Clearing Madiosn to Old Faithful Road on March 26. For map on road plowing in Yellowstone, see p. 48 Photo by Dave Restivo

Editorial assistant Maria Wyllie

What a place

creative CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins

I found myself waist-deep in the Gallatin River the other day, squinting at the 14-inch rainbow trout dancing on the end of my fly line. The air was spring-warm, the current flexing with early snowmelt. I could hear birds chirping away the afternoon, and chunks of the sun-drenched river’s snow banks falling into the water.

VIDEO director Brian Niles GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars videographer/photographer Chris Davis

With the state’s plethora of activities – skiing, sightseeing at Yellowstone National Park, fishing, hunting, hiking, climbing and biking – you may not be surprised that tourism is the number one moneymaker here.

SALES and operations COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson

At Outlaw Partners, which publishes the Big Sky Weekly, we understand this importance. On March 25, the Outlaws traveled to Helena for the 2013 Montana Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Recreation. Eric Ladd, Outlaw CEO, was nominated for Tourism Person of the Year, while Big Sky’s Professional Bull Riders event (the third of which will return this summer July 31 – Aug. 1) was up for Tourism Event of the Year.

“Everyone in this room knows that Montana has something truly amazing to offer,” said Gov. Steve Bullock that evening. For me, this time of year, its fishing.

CONTRIBUTors

What might grab your attention, however, is the extent to which tourism affects Montana. A recent University of Montana study showed that outof-state visitors spent $3.2 billion here in 2012.

Additionally, tourism generated 6.2 percent of the state’s total employment, equaling 41,000 jobs.

Editorial Policy

Big Sky Weekly concentrated regional distribution

Operations director Katie Morrison Jamie Balke, Tyler Busby, Buscrat, Karen Davids, Becky Edwards, Sean Forbes, Bob Foster, Niles Jeran, Chris Kamman, Philip Kedrowski, Jenny Ladd, Roger Ladd, Brandon Niles, Kipp Proctor, David Restivo, Callie Stolz, Patrick Straub, Jessie Wiese, Ron Winters 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.

What a place. Thanks for reading.

– Joseph T. O’Connor

Est. 35,000 readers/edition

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

Submit to: media@theoutlawpartners.com

ADVERTISING DEADLINE For next issue, April 19 April 12, 2013 CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed.

Please report them to media@theoutlawpartners.com

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

© 2013 The Big Sky Weekly Unauthorized reproduction prohibited

Table of Contents Community...4 Local News...9 Regional..11 Montana...12 Getaway...17 Sports...20 Health...23 Business...24 Engineer's Corner...29

Classifieds...30 Outlaw News...31 Dining...33 Profile...35 Events...37 Entertainment...38 Fun...42 Buscrat's Fables...43 Column...45

Back 40...46 Outdoors...49 Resorts...50 Outdoors...51 Wildlife News...52 Fishing Column...53 Yellowstone...58 Science...55

explorebigsky.com

header

Big Sky Weekly

April 5-18, 2013 3

Big Sky, Montana

We sell more Real Estate in Big Sky than any other Firm, providing our Buyers and Sellers with Exceptional Opportunities.

2012 Big Sky Real Estate Transactions

2012 Big Sky Real Estate Sales Volume $60,000,000

96.5

100 90

$50,000,000

80 70

62.5

60

Units Sold

58.9 Million

$40,000,000

58.5

50

34 Million

$30,000,000

23 Million

40 $20,000,000

30 20

$10,000,000

10 0 Big Sky Christie's

Firm 2

$0

Firm 3

Big Sky Christie's

Firm 2

Firm 3

*Based on 2012 information from Gallatin Association of Realtors MLS Data

The Numbers Don’t Lie

We sell more Big Sky Real Estate than all the rest.

Choose the firm that Sells EVERYTHING and Represents EVERYTHING.

Jackie Miller

Sandy Revisky

Michael Thomas

jackie@purewestproperties.com

sandy@ownbigsky.com

michael.bigsky@gmail.com

Managing Broker 406.539.5003

Broker, CRS, GRI 406.539.6316

Broker, CRS 406.581.2400

Jason Parks Broker 406.580.4758

Branif Scott Broker 406.579.9599

jason@purewestproperties.com branif@purewestproperties.com

Ania Bulis Broker 406.580.6852

aniabulis@hotmail.com

www.purewestproperties.com | 406.995.4009 | 107 Lone Peak Drive

Michelle Horning

Sales Associate & Assistant 406.570.8901

michelle@purewestproperties.com

4 April 5-18, 2013

community

Micah Robin awarded Dave Mueller Scholarship

Sophomore will head to Peru this summer

By Barbara Rowley

BIG SKY – Lone Peak High School Sophomore Micah Robin has received the third annual Dave Mueller Outdoor Experience Scholarship. Robin, a Big Sky native, will use his award to attend a Spanish immersion and community service trip in Peru.

“Micah’s passions are completely in alignment with what Dave Mueller loved, and the type of experiences we hope to support with this scholarship,” said Yellowstone Club Community Foundation Executive Director Casey Schwartz, who administers the scholarship program. “His background as a ski instructor, competitive freeride skier, and with the Hans Saari backcountry avalanche camps clearly established him as someone who loves the outdoors and the mountains.”

The award offers recipients up to $5,000 for summer outdoor experiences.

Robin will use the award to finance three weeks in small village in the rainforest and the Andes Mountains, where he will also participate in 55 hours of community service and earn two hours of college credit in Spanish.

“We were impressed with the multi-facets of the program he chose,” Schwartz said. “It is academic, community service and adventure all in one trip. We believe Micah will lever this experience to do more great things outdoors, and were pleased to be able to help him in this way.”

Robin was chosen from a field of Big Sky School District students, to whom the opportunity is exclusively offered. The scholarship honors the memory of Dave Mueller (also known fondly as “Big Bald Dave”) and is funded by CrossHarbor Capital and the YCCF. Past recipients are Griffin House, who used the funds to attend a NOLS course, and Jackson Wade, who spent a month at a fishing camp in Canada.

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

OBITUARY: Christine Adams June 16, 1968 - March 18, 2013 Christine Adams, 44, of Bozeman passed away Monday, March 18, 2013.

She received her B.A. from the University of New Hampshire and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver. Following graduation, she was employed as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and had a private practice in Bozeman and Big Sky. Christine was married to Chris Adams and the two had a son, Jonah.

She was an avid skier and loved the outdoor life in Montana. She was a devoted mother and was deeply loved by her family.

Survivors include her son, Jonah; parents, Stephen and Anna Mon-

gillo of Hamden, Conn.; and sister, Lisa Beth Mongillo of Clemson, S.C. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Jonah Samuel Adams Scholarship Fund, 54 Filbert St., Hamden, Conn. 06517.

Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club offers scholarships BIG SKY – Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2012-2013 academic school year. Applicants must be graduates of Ophir School and attending or planning to attend a post-secondary accredited academic or technical institution.

The club has designated $4,000 for this year’s scholarships. The minimum award will be $1,000 and the maximum award will be $2,000. The application deadline is June 1, with awards being announced on July 1. Scholarship criteria and application form are available online at gcwomensclub.org.

of Bozeman InsertToyota dealer logo866-623-5535 and address.

Covers normal factory scheduled service for 2 years or 25K miles, whichever comes first. The new Toyota vehicle cannot be part of a rental or commercial fleet or a livery or taxi vehicle. See participating dealer for complete plan details. Valid only in the continental United States and Alaska.

explorebigsky.com

community

Big Sky Weekly

Letter: Request for Big Sky Fire Department ‘Income Statement’ I refer to the large colored poster distributed by Big Sky Fire Department about the proposed tax increase of 10.362 mills or $450,000.

No mention is made of the percentage of call-outs for skiers during the winter and tourists in the summer.

Big Sky’s population increases significantly during both periods resulting directly from skiers and tourists.

What thought was given to the ‘user pay’ principle? What revenue accrues to BSFD from out-of-town skiers and tourists’ insurance companies who pay for a large portion of the costs?

I suggest BSFD publicly discuss these issues and publish an ‘Income Statement’ for 2012, which clearly

identifies the revenues from insurance companies for call-outs. They should also propose alternate revenue sources directly related to the users.

Why haven’t we heard from Big Sky Owners Association on this matter?

They represent the nest interests of Big Sky residents.

Surely a proposal to add a dollar to Lone Mountain and Moonlight lift tickets for both skiers and summer tourists has some merit.

– Barry Margetts, Big Sky Editor’s note: As noted in the story on page 8, at least a quarter of the department’s budget comes from ambulance user fees.

Letter: Pullout signs?

We've been coming to the Big Sky area for eight years and have read many articles that reference the dangers of Highway 191. Drivers get so frustrated with the slow cars, and passing is hazardous! There seem to be plenty of turnouts.

I've wondered if the signage for the, “slow vehicles, please use pullouts” could be improved and increased in number; perhaps placed before each pullout emphasizing the possibility of "slow vehicles.” I imagine people who drive that road every day share our frustration.

-Mrs. Bari Dreissigacker, Stowe, Vt.

Op-ed: Montana should foster local homegrown breweries

By Rep. Christy Clark (R-Choteau) and Rep. Anders Blewett (DGreat Falls) The recent legislative attempt to stifle Montana’s flourishing brewery industry is contrary to economic development. House Bill 616 would impose an additional $100,000 tax on all existing breweries and cap the creation of new breweries.

In 1999, the legislature required breweries not to serve more than 48 oz. of beer per person, to close at 8 p.m. and to sell only beers created on premises. Unlike most bars and casinos, breweries cannot serve liquor or allow gambling.

Given these regulations and the high cost of equipment, Montana breweries initially limped along. In recent years, however, they’ve become thriving small businesses selling high-quality beers on-site and to stores and bars.

Montana’s now 38 breweries have created more than 450 jobs and generated $50 million in Montana-made products, utilizing wheat and barley from Montana farmers and creating value-added products sold locally. This is the model of manufacturing our state needs to expand its economy.

Many bar owners appreciate the opportunity to serve Montana-made brews. However, others threatened by the taprooms’ success have hired lobbyists in Helena in an attempt to effectively write breweries out of the law and tax them out of existence with the proposed $100,000 fee.

This has delayed the opening of a brewery in downtown Great Falls and could prevent others across the state from opening.

Some tavern owners invested heavily in their licenses and are unsure how their business may fit in with local breweries. However, the solution isn’t to use governmental regulation to destroy breweries. We’ve proposed a study resolution, which aims to resolve the tavern owners’ concerns and create a clear path forward for the brewing industry.

Big Sky Life E s s e n t i a l s f o r t h e B i g S k y L i f e st y l e

SALE

U p t o 4 0 % o ff t h r o u g h A p r i l 1 8 • men’s and women’s clothing • winter boots • furniture • bath linens • accessories

Come see the 2013 Audi Q5 Bozeman Audi Big Sky Showroom

April 5-18, 2013 5

The Market Place Building, 33 Lone Peak Drive, Unit 104 Big Sky, MT | (406) 995-2240

6 April 5-18, 2013

community

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Make-A-Wish Montana seeks air miles Aims to match 250,000 miles by April 29

MONTANA – Make-A-Wish Montana is celebrating World Wish Day on April 29 through a month-long campaign to raise air miles it’s calling Wishes in Flight.

Currently, 40 local travel wishes are in need of 8 million air miles; 75 percent of the wishes submitted to the foundation involve travel.

Artist at work for the quick-draw auction

Crawfish and Cornbread raises $15,000 for arts council BIG SKY – More than 100 people attended the Arts Council of Big Sky first fundraising gala at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center on March 30.

Themed ‘crawfish and cornbread’ – and complete with cajun food, music, decor and raffle prizes – the event “turned a new leaf for the Arts Council,” said ACBS board chair Tallie Jamison.

Local realtor Michael Thomas won the grand prize, a trip for two to the New Orleans Jazz Fest, and in a full circle kind of gift, gave it to Roger and Margie Schwer, who endow the ACBS Peggy Dicken Schwer Memorial Fund Dinner Concert series.

ACBS auctioned off $23,250 in Montana artwork, raising about $15,000, for the organization.

Several local businesses helped support the event, with Buck’s T-4 donating catering and Bozeman Audi sponsoring Eden Atwood and the Bridger Mountain Big Band.

“It fired up our members for what's to come,” Jamison said. “We're already planning next year's event for Friday, March 28!” – E.S.

If donors give 250,000 air miles to Make-A-Wish Montana by April 29, advisory council member Aaron Sparboe promises to match with his own 250,000-air mile donation.

World Wish Day celebrates the day in 1980 when Chris Greicius received his wish to become a police officer, inspiring the founding of MakeA-Wish.

Make-A-Wish Montana is a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with lifethreatening medical conditions. Since granting its first in 1987, the foundation has helped more than 400 wishes come true. Frequent flier miles from Delta, US Airways or United will never expire once donated to the program. To learn more or donate, call (877) 574-9474 or visit montana. wish.org.

Beach Boys to play Morningstar fundraiser

July 3 in Big Sky Town Center Wouldn’t it be nice if the Beach Boys were coming to Montana Then Big Sky wouldn’t have to wait so long The boys of summer are in fact booked to play the Big Sky Town Center this summer, in a July 3 fundraiser for Morningstar The Beach Boys on their 50th Reunion tour in 2012. (cc) Learning Center.

would go toward paying off the rest of “It’s going to be a great time,” said the principal balance on Morningstar’s Morningstar board member Tracy mortgage.

Jacobson, adding she thinks the show will draw fans from around Southwest The idea to bring the Beach Boys was Montana.

Kym Rapier’s, who is a longtime Beach Boys fan.

With a beach theme, the concert will be oriented around families, she added, There will be 3,000 tickets available – with free admission for children under they go on sale May 1 on ticketriver.com 12.

Vootie Productions, which does all of The fundraiser is part of an effort by the Yellowstone Club’s shows, plus Morningstar to raise $100,000 to match the Red Ants Pants Festival and the a donation from the Rapier Family Targhee Bluegrass Festival, is producFoundation contingent on the learning the concert. – E.S. ing center doing just that. The money

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Creighton Block biG sky ’ s M O sT e x T e n si v e fine aRT C O l l e C T iOn

every thUrSday at 4:30 PM

provided by

R. Tom Gilleon “Mother Moon” Oil on Canvas 50x50

ar twork also displayed at outlaw Par tners, Bozeman audi Big Sky Showroom and Lone Mountain ranch dining room

11:00 aM - 7:00 PM // tUeSday thrU SUnday MondayS By aPPointMent

Please visit the galler y to view our extensive collection of fine works of ar t in the Main galler y, the charsam room, and the new Private collection.

Loc ate d in the Bi g Sky town cent er o n t he co r n e r o f Lo n e P e ak dr i ve

c r e i g h to n B L o c k g a L L e r y. c o M |

(406) 993-9400

8 April 5-18, 2013

local news

Ballots due May 7 for fire dept. mill levy proposal, school bond issue

explorebigsky.com

Fire Department mill levy up for vote in May April 8 is last day to register By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor April 8 is the last day of regular registration for both the Big Sky Fire Department’s proposed 10.36 mill levy increase and the Big Sky School District’s proposed $10.2 million bond issue. Ballots must be returned to the county offices by May 7, either by hand or mail.

Those leaving town can pick up their ballots between April 15-18 at the Gallatin County Election Offices, at the county courthouse in Bozeman.

“This is because we know people are leaving the Big Sky area,” said elections Clerk and Recorder Charlotte Mills, noting that ballots will not be forwarded. She asked those who aren’t leaving town not to come in, because they will otherwise be mailed out on April 22.

Although the fire and school districts overlap, their borders are different. For those who live in both, everything will be on one ballot, Mills said.

Voters living in only one district will only get the applicable questions on their ballots.

For the school election, registration closes at 5 p.m. on April 8. For the fire district election, late registration is available at the county elections office through 8 p.m. on voting day, May 7.

One other special rule applies to the fire district: Absentee property owners there can vote in that election by contacting the elections office at (406) 582-3060. – E.S.

Big Sky Weekly

BIG SKY – The Big Sky Fire Department held public hearings the week of March 25 to explain the reasoning behind its new tax proposal, which registered voters in Gallatin and Madison counties will decide on

by May 7.

The department is proposing an annual 10.36 mill levy increase to the tune of $485,000 that would support hiring five new firefighters and cover some operational costs.

“People don't realize how much money is generated by ambulance revenue from billing – it’s almost a quarter of our budget. That combined with resort tax, is almost half of our budget.”

He also reminded attendees that people who don’t live in Big Sky pay more than 70 percent of the district’s property taxes. All of those people can vote, Farhat said.

The mill levy would equate to a tax increase of $7.60 a month on a home with a taxable value of approximately $9,000, according to Farhat.

Currently, the department functions with two to three firefighters on duty at a time – inadequate to fulfill the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirement of four people to fight a fire.

The proposed new hires would allow it to meet that mandate.

Although 70 percent of the department’s calls are medical, it also responds to structure and wildfires.

Farhat noted that sequestration will affect the Forest Service’s ability to respond to wildfires this summer, and Big Sky Fire may have to be more involved in this effort locally.

“Our call volume has been steadily increasing, putting a strain on the system,” said Fire Chief Bill Farhat at the first of the six hearings. Meant to explain the financial needs and what the mill levy increase would mean, each of the hearings had only 1-2 attendees from the public.

Farhat would like to hire several new paramedics, and also an Assistant Chief.

“We didn’t get masses of people, but it wasn't a wasted effort,” Farhat said afterward. “We had some great questions, and it was a good opportunity to talk with people.”

“If this gets voted down, we’ll continue on and do our best, but no one can come to me later and say you didn't tell us,” Farhat said at the hearing. “I’m worried about it.”

Some of those discussions revolved around a misunderstanding of the department’s funding levels, he said.

The department has never been given a mill levy increase, although one was proposed in 2007.

Bring the greater Yellowstone to Your doorstep

Even if voters approve the levy, the department will continue requesting funding from the Big Sky Resort Tax Board to cover operations and capital needs.

Public comment period on North Fork proposal extended USFS accepting input until April 12 GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST

BIG SKY – Due to extensive public interest in the proposed exchange of rights on Forest Service roads and trails in the North Fork drainage, the Gallatin National Forest has extended the comment period by two weeks, to April 12.

For the past several years, the Forest Service has been working with landowners and interested parties to resolve a number of access issues in the North Fork. This led to a proposal considering an exchange of existing easements for new easements to access public land.

Since the proposal involves exchanging rights currently held by the agency in lieu of new easements, the Forest is seeking public feedback to determine how to move forward.

SubScribe today to the big Sky Weekly and Mountain outlaW Magazine

$49/ year or $79/ 2 years contact tyler@theoutlaWpartnerS.coM | (406) 995-2055

“We’ve had a great deal of interest in this proposal and heard from the public that they would like more time to look over the proposal, form their opinion and get responses back to us,” said Lisa Stoeffler, Bozeman District Ranger. “Our interest is to hear from folks before we decide how we’ll move forward.”

The Forest Service currently holds full and perpetual public easements for Forest Road 166B (West Fork Loop

Road), FR 166D (Basin Road), National Forest Trail #16, and for the North Fork Trailhead. These easements are on private lands.

Under the current proposal, the North Fork Trailhead would serve both the North Fork Trail #16 and a new 6.8-mile trail loop that would be constructed on private land and would eventually connect to National Forest Trail #403. The new trail would be located on a perpetual, public, year-round easement held by a public trail management entity for all non-motorized public uses, granted by each private land owner.

The Forest would maintain its easement on FR 166B on the east side of the loop from Highway 64 to the North Fork Trailhead, and an easement for administrative use only from Highway 64 on Forest Roads 166B and 166D to National Forest System lands on the west side of the loop, with a reroute around the home on FR 166B. Feedback can be submitted to 3710 Fallon Street, Suite C, Bozeman, MT 59718 or to fs-comments-northerngallatin@fs.fed.us (include “FR166B comments” in the subject line). For more information and related maps, visit fs.usda.gov/gallatin or call the Bozeman Ranger District at (406) 5222520.

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

local news

April 5-18, 2013 9

Big Sky School District proposes new elementary school Floats bond issue to voters By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

Big Sky School District proposes new elementary school Floats bond issue to voters

By Emily Stifler BIG SKY – The Big Sky School District has outgrown its britches and would like to expand – to do so, it needs land, and money to build a new elementary school.

A 23-person facilities planning committee met once a month since last August, systematically addressing the issue. Taking into consideration district and community needs, as well as the school’s projected growth, the FCP determined that even with the 2009 completion of Lone Peak High School, a new elementary school is necessary.

“Look how many kids are moving into town, even at the high school level,” said FCP member Brittany Ellis, a second grade teacher who has 19 students in her classroom.

“This is a place where people are seeking to move because now we have a full k-12 system.”

To realize the expansion, Supt.

Jerry House has his eye on two, three-acre lots adjacent to the district’s 24-acre property, on the north side.

One of the lots, Lot C, belongs to the Scott and Traylor families, who previously acquired and donated 20 acres to the school and have now agreed to sell this lot, pending passage of a proposed $10.2 million bond, which voters will decide on May 7.

The second, Lot D, also belonged to the Scotts and Traylors, but was donated in 2004 to the Big Sky Institute, an affiliate of Montana State University that planned to build an educational facility on the site.

The Big Sky community raised more than $1 million in actual and in-kind donations for BSI, which spent most of that on operations, programming, staffing and architectural plans. When the organization cancelled the building project in 2010, the foundation still had $80,000 of related money in its accounts.

A group including House, Scott, Big Sky Resort General Manager Taylor Middleton, Big Sky School Board Chairman Loren Bough and MSU Foundation CEO Michael Stevenson went through a series of negotiations this winter, ultimately finding a compromise that Middleton calls a “win-win.”

Grades k-5 posed for a photo during recess on April 3. Photo by Tyler Busby

“Once Montana State University cancelled plans for the Big Sky Institute, people in the community thought it would be the best use of that land to dedicate it toward education, which was what the institute was about,” said Middleton, a former BSI advisory board member.

Under the agreement, the district would buy Lot D from the MSU Foundation for $215,000, House said. That money plus the remaining $80,000 in BSI funds would go into an endowment housed by the foundation, from which an annual fee would be paid back to the district.

“It’s convoluted, but essentially the community gets the land back for free over time,” Bough said. “This is the transaction that puts BSI behind us.”

The proposed facility would have 12 new classrooms, expandable to 16, a full gym, a satellite kitchen and library, space for administrative and counseling offices, and a new parking lot and playground. It would also be a place to hold public meetings and community events, host recreational sports and adult education and family classes; additionally, it would give MSU access to classroom space in Big Sky. “This is a long term solution,” said Ellis. “We’re looking at numbers 10, 15, 20 years out.” She noted that it would impact not only elementary school kids, but also middle and high schoolers by giving each age group its own space.

If the bond passes, it would cost approximately $21.25 per month for a person with a $500,000 home.

“A strong school and a strong community are hand-in-glove, they work together,” House said.

House is hosting an informational forum about the bond issue on Wednesday, April 10 at the Rotary Club meeting at Buck’s T-4 at 5:30 p.m., and an open house at the school at April 23. Involved community members will be reaching out via phone to residents to answer questions after April 22.

Ballots will be mailed to registered voters in the district on April 22, and are due to the Gallatin County Elections office by May 7. For more information, look in the informational box on page ____.

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

VO LKSWAGE N OF BOZ EM AN

42 MPG 17 16

2 LEFT AT THIS PRICE

[HWY]

4 3

TO CHOOSE FROM

V31054

299

$

**

2,500 $ 0 $ 299 $ 2,500 $

1.9%

PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTHS 10,000 MILES/YEAR

Down Payment Security Deposit First Month’s Payment Due at Signing

26 MPG

2 LEFT AT THIS PRICE

TO CHOOSE FROM

249

for OR 66 Months

2013 Volkswagen PASSAT SE 2.5L

[HWY]

$

Lease details: $299 per month lease for 36 months with $2,500 total* due at signing. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Payment based on MSRP of $26,495. 10,000 miles per year, residual amount $14,211. *Total amount due at signing includes 1st payment, documentation, and acquisition fees, on approved credit. See Dealer for details. Offer ends April 11th, 2013. **VWOA pays 1st payment up to $500.

5 4

31 MPG

2013 Volkswagen JETTA 2.0L TDI

2,251 $ 0 $ 249 $ 2,500 $

V31108 PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTHS 10,000 MILES/YEAR

OR

Down Payment Security Deposit First Month’s Payment Due at Signing

0.0%

for 66 Months

Lease details: $249 per month lease for 36 months with $2,500 total* due at signing. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Payment based on MSRP of $26,110. 10,000 miles per year, residual amount $14,360.50. *Total amount due at signing includes 1st payment, documentation, and acquisition fees, on approved credit. See Dealer for details. Offer ends April 11th, 2013.

42 MPG

2013 Volkswagen TIGUAN 2.0T S 1 LEFT AT THIS PRICE

2012 Volkswagen GOLF TDI 1 LEFT AT THIS PRICE

[HWY]

[HWY]

TO CHOOSE FROM

229

$

2,271 $ 0 $ 229 $ 2,500 $

V30086

V31040 PER MONTH LEASE/ 36 MONTHS 10,000 MILES/YEAR

Down Payment Security Deposit First Month’s Payment Due at Signing

OR

0.9%

28,760

$

for 66 Months

+ Doc Fee

Lease details: $229 per month lease for 36 months with $2,500 total* due at signing. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Payment based on MSRP of $27,750. 10,000 miles per year, residual amount $16,095. *Total amount due at signing includes 1st payment, documentation, and acquisition fees, on approved credit. See Dealer for details. Offer ends April 11th, 2013

*All prices OAC. Not All Buyers Will Qualify. ** EPA estimate www.fueleconomy.gov

D R I V I N G

T O

C O N S E R V E

M O N T A N A

(406) 586-1771

Text 579-9966 for Service Same Day Service montanaimportgroup.com

31910 Frontage Road SALES Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-5 SERVICE Mon-Fri 7:30-6 • Sat 9-5

explorebigsky.com

local news

Big Sky Weekly

April 5-18, 2013 11

Housing Ideas Exchange, meeting two

Survey results provide insight into Big Sky’s housing issue

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director kitty Clemens addresses the second housing ideas exchange meeting Photo by Joseph T. O'Connor

By Joseph T. O’Connor

their monthly income on housing.

resident.

“If they’re spending closer to 40 percent, they may qualify for a loan to buy a house,” Clemens said. “[But this shows] we don’t have enough housing in lower price points and have high rental rates. It’s an issue in Big Sky, but also in the entire country – too many people have to spend too much of their income on housing.”

“I believe in the goal of it,” said Kedrowski, who ran Redleaf out of his Bozeman house before buying office space at the Health and Fitness building in the Meadow Village. “This is something Big Sky needs.”

Big Sky Weekly Editor

BIG SKY – New data affirms what many residents already know: It’s hard to find affordable housing in Big Sky. A recent survey of people employed in the community shows that nearly 90 percent of the 150 respondents say it’s difficult or impossible to find local housing in their price range.

Kitty Clemens, executive director for the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and facilitator of an effort to address area housing shortages and costs, announced the survey results on March 27, at the second housing ideas exchange meeting in the Big Sky Chapel.

The Chamber of Commerce plans to ask the Big Sky Resort Tax Board for $80,000 this year to fund a housing study, which would necessitate hiring attorneys, real estate economists and engineers to conduct research and legal work, Clemens said.

Little has been done since 1996 to address housing problems after Gallatin County/Big Sky zoning regulations identified a housing shortage, according to Ryan Hamilton, project manager for Big Sky Town Center.

He supports the $80,000 housing study request.

“Everyone is saying let’s do this, but we need funding,” said Hamilton, who was part of a group that asked the chamber to act as an impetus to fix the issue.

“The problem is there’s a housing shortage but we need to identify [specific] problems. The first step is part of the solution.”

The approximately 25 meeting attendees represented federal and state government offices and regional development groups, as well as local real estate brokers, developers and builders.

The survey link initially was posted on the chamber’s website, printed in the March 22 issue of the Weekly and distributed via email to those who attended the first meeting. The survey also asked if the workers in Big Sky live in the area, what their median income is, where they spend their money and on what.

According to the survey, 80 percent of respondents live in Big Sky and spend between 40 and 60 percent of

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on its website defines affordable housing: The generally accepted definition of affordability is for a household to pay no more than 30 percent of its annual income on housing. Families who pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing are considered cost burdened and may have difficulty affording necessities such as food, clothing, transportation and medical care.

Kedrowski says he’ll need to hire an employee eventually, and he’s worried about what it will cost him if that person wants to live in Big Sky. “An engineer is a professional job, and the reality is I’ll have to pay them $40,000-$50,000 a year. It’s basically unaffordable even for professional people making a real wage to live [in Big Sky] – the people I know that own here, inherited money.”

Kedrowski now rents out his four-bedroom, 2,000-square foot house in Bozeman, and is leasing a room in a condo behind Milkie’s bar. He wants to buy a home in Big Sky, but says he can’t afford it.

“We feel the struggles local residents are having,” said Denny Lenoir, at the meeting representing U.S. Rep. Steve Daines, R-Mont. “We need some incentives for people to live [in Big Sky].”

“I can probably sell my house [in Bozeman] for $250,000. But a similar house in Big Sky would cost $100,000 more.”

To get a broader sense of whether Big Sky employees live in the immediate area or in other places such as Bozeman and why, Clemens wants more people to fill out the survey.

The most recent Big Sky home Kedrowski looked into is a 4-bedroom, 2-story at 500 Rainbow Trout Run with square footage similar to that of his Bozeman house. The asking price is $349,000.

“We need to get more respondents who live outside of Big Sky,” Clemens said, pointing out that the survey is still available online at research.net/s/bigsky.

Kedrowski says studies, such as the one proposed by the Chamber of Commerce, have been done before, and that the money would be better spent by looking at communities such as Jackson, Wyo. and Vail, Colo., and what solutions they’ve found to provide affordable housing.

At this second housing ideas exchange, Clemens addressed the importance of affordable housing in Big Sky. “Montanans and visitors value our land and open spaces,” she said. “We want to encourage development that discourages sprawl.”

She also set up three subcommittees to focus on specific local housing issues: development and finance, inventory, and government zoning and regulations.

These subcommittees will meet separately, addressing issues pertaining to their specific groups.

Philip Kedrowski, an engineer and owner of Redleaf Consulting in Big Sky, attended the housing meeting as both a local business owner and a concerned

“If the RTB funds this study, it needs to have action items,” Kedrowski said. “We already know there’s a problem. More action, less study.”

Mike Scholz, RTB member and co-owner of Buck’s T-4, also attended the meeting, anticipating a request for board funding. Scholz agreed with Kedrowski.

“I want to know what is going to be the result of having a consultant [conduct a study]. Instead of gathering more information about the problem, it needs to advance a solution,” he said. “Resort tax is not just free money – it needs to be earned.”

header

12 April 5-18, 2013

March 22-April 2013 12 explorebigsky.com Big 4, Sky Weekly

Mill Levy Community Meeting Dates: Monday, March 25 at 9am, 12pm, 6pm & Thursday, March 28 at 9am, 12pm, 6pm Meetings are held at Big Sky Fire Dept, Station #1

Important Impact of the Proposed 2013 Mill Levy area serviced

Mutual aid assistance

Minimum response needs

Minimal mutual aid assistance is available due to location

Emergency Medical Services

Low priority incidents

yellowstone club

20+

Big Sky & Hwy 191 from Lava Lake turnoff – Yellowstone National Park boundary

increasing call volume

2011 2012

2 people gone 3+ hrs

minutes away

High priority incidents

all others

45+

+7%/yr +13.6%/yr June & July +88% August +54.7% September +50%

EMS accounts for 70% of all responses

3 people gone 3+ hrs

minutes away

Fire incidents

automobile accidents

Structure: 4 people required by OSHA,

Min. 2-3 people to treat each patient, plus 4-6 for extrication, fire suppression & traffic direction

14+ per NFPA standards (if water is avail, more needed if no water) Wildland: 8+ people needed

Current BSFD capabilities 2-3 on duty 24 hrs/day, 18 volunteers (Currently available approximately 6% of time)

M i ll Levy

Goal

Cost

tax increase 10.362 mills on taxable value

$450k/

Increase available career personnel to minimally safe number =

4

the equation

amount paid

Taxable Value x 10.3632 / 1000 = Amount of New Tax

70% of property taxes paid by non-resident owners

V x 10.3632/1000 = tax

annually

What does this cost me? Even with proposed increase, Big Sky residents still pay far less than majority of the county for value of properties protected.

Estimated Monthly Tax

current mill levy comparison

(based on state market value of residential property)

40.79

40.08

39.17

38.88

38.29

22.82

14.97

8.89

Amsterdam

Willow Creek

Sourdough

Bridger

Big Sky

Three Forks

Sedan

Questions or more information?

Contact Big Sky Fire Department, 406-995-2100, www.bigskyfire.org, wfarhat@bigskyfire.org

Gallatin Gateway

Your vote matters on May 7th

49.25

$12.67/mo

Story Mill

$1,000,000

51.56

$10.14/mo

Hebgen Basin

$800,000

54.5

$7.60/mo

Central Valley Fire

$600,000

68.95

$5.07/mo

Manhattan

$400,000

120.79

$2.53/mo

Gallatin River Ranch

$200,000

Note - The Sourdough Fire District just added 23.71 mills for the next 15 years to build a $2.9 million fire station

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Author Rick Bass to deliver MSU's Stegner Lecture on April 12 MSU News Service

BOZEMAN – Award-winning author Rick Bass will speak on “The Landscape of Imagination" when he delivers Montana State University's 2013 Wallace Stegner Lecture at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 12, in the Museum of the Rockies’ Hager Auditorium.

The event is free and open to the public, though seating is limited. A reception will precede the lecture at 6 p.m. in the museum's lobby.

Bass is the author of more than 25 books of fiction and nonfiction, in-

cluding A Thousand Deer, Oil Notes and Ninemile Wolves. His fiction has garnered the O. Henry Award, the Pushcart Prize and the Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year Award.

He currently lives in Missoula, and has toured and recorded with Stellandro, an astral art-folk band.

Bass grew up in the suburbs of Houston, attended school in Utah and worked for eight years as a petroleum geologist in Mississippi. In 1987, he settled in Montana’s remote Yaak Valley.

The Wallace Stegner Endowed Chair in Western American Studies at MSU sponsors the Stegner Lecture, continuing Stegner's legacy by focusing on teaching and research in history, literature and philosophy with a concentration on pressing Western issues. Past lecturers include Terry Tempest Williams and Jane Goodall.

Bass will also have a public book signing at the Country Bookshelf on April 11 from 6-7:15 p.m.

For tickets and more information, contact Cassandra Balent at cassandra. balent@montana.edu or call (406) 994-4396.

regional

April 5-18, 2013 13

Hyalite Road closed April 1-May 15, non-motorized recreation available Big Sky area trail closures Gallatin National Forest

BOZEMAN – The Bozeman Ranger District will close the Hyalite Road to motorized use from April 1-May 15. Spring thaw causes the road sub-grade to become saturated with snowmelt, making the asphalt unable to support the heavy motorized use.

This transition time period does, however, provide opportunity for non-motorized recreationists. “With the start of spring, many recreationalists enjoy the Hyalite Corridor from a different perspective including bike riding and hiking,” said Bozeman District Ranger Lisa Stoeffler.

An estimated 10,000 visitors visit Hyalite each month during the winter for ice climbing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing activities, according to Stoeffler.

A partnership between Gallatin County, the Forest Service and Friends of Hyalite keeps the road plowed throughout winter.

Seasonal trail changes will also take effect starting April 1. From that date until June 15, the Buffalo Horn Trail No. 1, Porcupine Creek Trail No. 34, and Teepee Creek Trail No. 39, all in Gallatin Canyon south of Big Sky, will be closed to pack and saddle livestock and mountain bikes. These trails can be very soft and muddy during spring, and use can cause significantly increased damage and rutting to the trail and soil.

The forest also reminds recreationalists to carry bear spray readily accessible, because bears are starting to emerge from dens.

DISCOUNTED PRICES ON GUIDED TRIPS Learn to fly fish or rest your ski legs Two-hour, half-day, full-day walk-wade and float trips WE GOT THE GEAR YOU WANT: Simms G4 Pro Wader and Coldweather shirt Winston’s new BIIIsx and GVX Select Sage’s NEW Circa and popular ONE INSANE PRICE MARKDOWNS ON THE GEAR YOU NEED: Simms waders, boots and clothing; Patagonia goods; Sage and Winston rods; Sage reels and more

Discounted prices on guided trips Learn to fly fish or rest your ski legs with a day a-stream or a-float We got the gear you want: Simms new G4 Pro Waders and new Coldweather shirts and pants; Winston’s BIIIx; Sage’s new ONE Discounted prices on the gear you need: discounted Simms, Winston, and more

Fine Purveyors of WINTER Fly Fishing Awesome-ness.

GEAR. GUIDES. HONEST INFO. Serving Big Sky, Yellowstone Park, and Southwest Montana

montanaflyfishing.com • 406-995-2290 Pat Straub; Montana licensed outfitter #7878

regioanl

14 April 5-18, 2013

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

USFS Final Environmental Impact Statement available for Gallatin Canyon transmission line upgrade Construction could start by May By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

BOZEMAN – NorthWestern Energy last fall started construction on a new 161-kilovolt transmission line between Four Corners and Big Sky. This summer the utility plans to continue the work, rebuilding the approximately 7.5-mile section of line between the Gallatin River Bridge north of Spanish Creek and Hell Roaring Creek.

Of the project’s 37 miles, 16 are on National Forest land. The construction work could start as early as May – pending a 45-day appeal period that started March 29 – and is likely to cause traffic delays of approximately 15 minutes, according to Mariah Leuschen, Public Affairs Specialist for the Gallatin National Forest.

Following a public meeting and comment period last fall, the Forest decided to use existing right-ofways except for two alternative routes near Cave Creek and Cascade Creek. The new right-of-way removes the line from recreation residence tracts (although the distribution line will remain) and eliminates two transmission line crossings and a distribution line crossing of the Gallatin River.

It “effectively meets the purpose and need to upgrade the existing transmission line while reducing visual and natural impacts surrounding the Cave and Cascade Recreational Residence Tracts, the Lava Lake Trailhead and the Gallatin River,” according to a press release from the Forest Service.

The Gallatin is eligible for protection as a National Wild and Scenic River.

Line construction will begin at the Castle Rock Campground, as the line will have to be relocated for the Montana Department of Transportation’s Highway Road Widening project, said Butch Larcombe, Corporate Communications with NorthWestern Energy. It will continue northbound and southbound from Castle Rock through this fall, and also again for the next two or three summers, Larcombe said.

Timber clearing will start in June at the Hell Roaring Creek area and will conclude this fall at Meadow Village.

The new line will be taller than the current one, and the insulators will be slightly larger. All of the new poles in the canyon will be single pole structures.

The Gallatin Valley and Big Sky areas are among the fastest growing in NorthWestern Energy’s service territory, and usage exceeds capacity of the existing 69kV transmission line about 40 percent of the time, according to Claudia Rapkoch, a spokeswoman for the utility.

“[The upgrade is] important for future growth, and for high-demand situations either brought on by extremely cold or hot weather, or during ski season,” Rapkoch said.

The other transmission line feeding into Big Sky comes into the Lone Mountain substation from Ennis. As it stands now, Rapkoch said, if a fallen tree or a wildfire shut down one of the lines during the busy season, power delivery would be impacted.

In addition, because NorthWestern’s grid is interconnected, all parts of the system must perform well for the utility to provide reliable power.

The upgrade is part of a plan to increase capacity and reliability for Big Sky that’s already included the 2010 construction of a new substation in the Meadow Village. Because the Ennis line is rated at 161kV but energized at only 69kV, the utility will eventually install equipment to increase its capacity, as well.

The entire Gallatin Canyon transmission line upgrade is expected to cost in the range of $35 million. The charges will be incorporated into the utility’s rate base, which is regulated by the Montana Public Service Commission and paid by all customers.

The Forest Service Record of Decision and Final Environmental Impact Statement are available at fs.usda.gov/gallatin and at the Bozeman, Belgrade and Big Sky public libraries.

REAL LOCAL KNOWLEDGE ...THAT WORKS FOR YOU.

liveTHEDREAM. Craig Smit, Broker

BIG SKY’S REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

Kevin Butler, Broker

406.581.5751

406.570.3890

|

w w w . l i v e t h e d r e a m b i g s k y . c o m

|

fi nd us o n

regional

March 22-April 4, 2013 15

Tourism dollars up for 2012 Big Sky’s bed tax collections for 2012 had the second highest growth rate in Montana, with a 13 percent increase. This was the second highest year on record, behind 2007. The state of Montana’s collections were also up, as were Gallatin County and most of the Yellowstone region.

Both the Big Sky Convention and Visitors Bureau and the regional tourism promotion group, Yellowstone Country, are funded by bed tax, so this will have a direct effect on the local economy.

Gross Lodging Tax revenue Big Sky Resort Area District 1/1-3/31

$586,612

(+2%)

4/1-6/30

$99,605

(-10%)

7/1-9/30

$282,691

(+55%)

10/1-12/31

$189,634

(+22%)

Total

$1,158,543

(+13%)

Gallatin County 1/1-3/31

$979,343

(+5%)

4/1-6/30

$1,044,946

(+12%)

7/1-9/30

$2,189,366

(+11%)

10/1-12/31

$620,749

(+11%)

Total

$4,834,404

(+10%)

State of Montana 1/1-3/31

$3,526,177

(+10%)

4/1-6/30

$5,241,135

(+14%)

7/1-9/30

$9,730,484

(+8%)

10/1-12/31

$3,520,750

(+8%)

Total

$22,018,546

(+10%)

Rural Montana teachers eligible for student loan repayment program

THE WEST MAY BE WILD,

but it’s not uncivilized

OFFICE OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

HELENA – Teachers at Ophir Elementary, Lone Peak High and the schools in West Yellowstone may be eligible for student loan repayment assistance through the Quality Educator Loan Assistance Program.

“This program allows our rural communities to attract and retain quality teachers, which is critical to the continued success of our students,” said Montana Supt. of Public Instruction Denise Juneau.

Teachers in the following academic areas will be considered: special education, career and technical education, music, math, English, science, school counselor, speech-language pathologist, library and art. This is the sixth year of the program and applications are due by April 30.

Student loan repayment assistance up to $3,000 a year is available for the next four years – for a total of up to $12,000. Last year, 166 teachers were awarded $494,890 in student loan repayment assistance. This is the sixth year of the program.

“We really want teachers who are eligible to apply so we can get the loan assistance out to teachers who need it,” Allyson Hagen of the Office of Public Instruction told the Weekly.

The Montana Guaranteed Student Loan Program, a division of the Commissioner’s Office of Higher Education, administers the program. Completed applications must be submitted by April 30. Apply online at mgslp.org.

Spring Staycation

As the season winds down, now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a staycation getaway at Rainbow Ranch Lodge. Starting at just $125 per night in April just for locals!* Call 1.800.937.4132 for reservations and mention “Staycation”.

Two for One Entrées in The Restaurant

Thanks for another fabulous winter season! Join us for dinner April 13 and 14 and enjoy two for one entrées.

Through April 14: Open Wednesday - Sunday April 15 - June 13: Closed June 14 - October 6th: Open Tuesday - Sunday Dinner 5:30pm to 9:30pm • Bar 5pm to 9:30pm • Happy Hour 5pm to 6pm Offer valid April 13 - 14, 2013. Complimentary entrée must be of equal or lesser value. *Offer valid for new bookings; subject to availability; blackout dates apply; pre-paid, non-refundable, and non-transferrable.

rainbowranchbigsky.com • 1.800.937.4132 Five miles south of Big Sky entrance on Hwy 191

16 April 5-18, 2013

header

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

L&K PREMIER LISTINGS

ON THE RIVER...

RIVER RUN AT YC - ESTATE 311 - $10,500,000 Unmatched at any ski mountain base, River Run Estate 311 within Yellowstone Club includes a finished guest home, room for main home construction, frontage on a fork of the Gallatin River, the ability to board and ride horses, and privacy and seclusion on this 7.11 acre site.

ON THE SLOPES...

LUXURY SUITE AT MOONLIGHT BASIN - $879,000 Premier location in Moonlight’s Cowboy Heaven with true ski-in/skiout access to both Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin. This 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath Luxury Suite has a private deck with hot tub, excellent rental history, great views and is offered fully furnished turn-key.

THE BIGGEST VIEWS...

LOT 192 AT YC - $1,800,000 Located in Yellowstone Club, this 2.74 acre lot has unbelievable views to all major surrounding peaks, access to the Biggest Skiing in America®, private club amenities, and Andesite ski lift just seconds away.

CABIN IN THE WOODS...

SPANISH PEAKS CABIN - $1,380,000 Surrounded by open space and resting in an already built-out area, this 2585 sq. ft. cabin is defined by its location which could be called “the pick of the litter”. A thoughtfully-designed, upgraded floorplan and luxury furnishings in the home make it truly on-of-a kind in Spanish Peaks.

LOTS OF ELBOW ROOM...

MOUNTAIN MEADOWS - $3,495,000 A magnificent piece of Montana: 120+/- acres with spectacular mountain views, including Lone Mountain. This property is a delightful combination of alpine meadows and forest, bountiful with wildlife including elk, moose and deer. The largest acreage currently available near destination ski resorts in the Big Sky area. Located halfway between Bozeman and Yellowstone National Park.

Ladd, Kulesza & Company Real Estate Brokerage, Consulting & Development 4 0 6 - 9 9 5 - 2 4 0 4 • L K R E A L E S TAT E . C O M

For more information or private showings contact:

406-995-2404 Ryan Kulesza – 406-539-4666 Eric Ladd – 406-570-0639

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

explorebigsky.com

April 5-18, 2013 17

Big Sky Weekly

Section 2:

business, health and environment

Volume 4 // Issue No. 6

The perfect pairing Fly fishing and fine wine at The Ranch at Rock Creek

The Ranch at Rock Creek 's combination of access and isolation is singular among Montana guest ranches. Photo courtesy of the Ranch at Rock Creek

story and photos By Eric Ladd big sky weekly staff writer

A late March weekend escape to The Ranch at Rock Creek would always be a pleasure; add a three-day wine and fly-fishing event and you have a Montana paradise: Wine on the Fly. Third-generation winemaker and passionate fisherman, Brian Lamborn, founded Wine on the Fly, and 2013 was the first year the event came to The Ranch at Rock Creek.

The combination of an intimate setting, talented Napa winemakers, four miles of private fishing waters on Rock Creek and the hospitality of a Relais Chateaux resort made for an unforgettable weekend.

Chef Drage painstakingly created custom dinners to pair with each wine.

Night one featured wine from Lamborn Family Vineyards, a Howell Mountain Napa winery that touts Heidi Barrett as the winemaker. Brian Lamborn’s laidback style and diehard passion for fishing made his presentation of the vineyard’s prized reds entertaining and sincere. With four generations of the Lamborn Family now helping with the operation, this label is becoming known for quality reds.

Night two was presented by Marc and Janice Mondavi of Charles Krug vineyard. The Mondavi family needs no introduction at a wine event – they own the first vineyard established in Napa Valley – and having Marc Mondavi present in a small restaurant setting was a treat. Mondavi’s wine presentation of Continued on p. 18

Janice Mondavi and her “double catch,” an 8-inch Rainbow trout and a 26-inch Bull.

Three ‘favorite’ wines from the weekend:

2011 – Charles Krug, Chardonnay, Carneros Paired with Olive Oil-Poached Neah Bay Sable Fish, this quality wine was a match made in heaven.

2008 – Lamborn Vintage VI, Cabernet Sauvignon Like Lamborn’s Zinfandel, this is a 100 percent varietal (all Cab, not a blend) and is 100 percent estate-grown (Mr. Lamborn still does all of the farming himself). It’s a big cabernet, yet elegant in style.

2006 – Von Strasser – Estate Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon Bold wine that helps explain the complex nature of Diamond Mountain wines; amazing when paired with elk steak.

The Mondavi vineyards are the oldest in Napa Valley.

18 April 5-18, 2013

The Ranch at rock creek

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Continued from p. 17 the Charles Krug label, paired with a five-course fish dinner, was full of stories and tales from his family’s wine history.

Night three concluded with Austrian wine maker Rudy von Strasser of the von Strasser Winery. His Diamond Mountain vineyard and winery mixes quality, science and passion and is a must-stop for any Napa goer. When von Strasser wasn’t recounting tales of his Grateful Dead touring days, he told of his journey into winemaking and the comrade scene of the Napa winemakers.

The Ranch at Rock Creek is a 6,000-acre private lodge touted as one of the finest guest ranches in the world. Guests enjoy activities from sporting clays, to horseback riding, to a four-lane bowling alley.

The Silver Dollar Saloon, on-property, is a magnet for late-night pool games, movies showings in the private theater and bar tales. Year-round hospitality and an all-inclusive approach under the experienced management of Marc and Thomas Kilgore assures guests the stay of a lifetime.

Winemaker Rudy von Strasser shows off his pool skills at the Silver Dollar Saloon,

The saloon's four-lane bowling alley

Photo courtesy of the ranch at rock creek

As the weekend came to a close, negotiations were already underway for scheduling the 2014 Wine on the Fly. Dates will be announced soon, and there’s a strong chance it will return to The Ranch at Rock Creek. Reserve your seat and rod before it’s too late.

Links:

Lamborn Family Vineyards – lamborn.com Charles Krug – charleskrug.com Von Strasser Winery – vonstrasser.com The Ranch at Rock Creek – theranchatrockcreek.com The hosts (L to R) Rudy von Strosser, Maja and Thomas Kilgore, Janice Mondavi and Brian Lamborn

The Silver Dollar Saloon provides a comfortable, authentically Western ambiance and an abundance of entertainment options. Photo courtesy of the ranch at rock creek

YELLOWSTONE CLUB AND CONTINENTAL CONSTRUCTION PRESENT

JULY 31 & AUGUST 1, 2013

PBR’S BEST COWBOYS & BULLS

TICKETS ON SALE JUNE 10 BUY TICKETS ONLINE AT EXPLOREBIGSKY.COM

BECOME A SPONSOR CALL 406-995-2055 TO JOIN IN

20 April 5-18, 2013

sports

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

The Return of Tiger

By Brandon Niles

Big sky weekly sports columnist

Say what you want about Tiger Woods, but the world’s most famous golfer is back on top of the world rankings following his eighth victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. Woods’ career has had a resurgence over the past year from a slump that began in late 2010 after a series highly publicized affairs ended his marriage.

This is the first time Woods, 37, has held the No. 1 world ranking since October 2010 and many questioned whether his dominance in professional golf was over. He is arguably the greatest golfer in history and currently ranks second all-time in major victories, needing four more to tie legend Jack Nicklaus. Woods also ranks second in career PGA victories, only five behind Sam Snead.

At one point, it was widely accepted that breaking these records was just a matter of time for Woods. After all, in his first five years on tour, he’d already won six majors. However, this discussion waned since his game spiraled downhill, and those four major victories needed to tie Nicklaus seemed further and further out of reach.

Now, Woods is back in the discussion.

Though he hasn’t won a major since the 2008 U.S. Open, and injuries and personal issues have tainted his game since, he’ll enter the 2013 Masters tournament as the clear favorite to don the green jacket once again.

It’s hard to ignore that Woods’ resur-

A collection of

Alpine Home

Decor & Chalet Style Antiques Standing ski coat rack

off

25

%

USE PROMO CODE:

OUTLAW MANY MORE ITEMS AND MUSEUM AT

VintageWinter.com

gence coincides with news that he’s started a relationship with Lindsey Vonn, the famous skier, Olympic gold medal winner, and four-time World Cup champion.

Woods and Vonn, 28, have announced their relationship to the public recently, and I believe these two things are connected.

Sure, Woods was injured and made a few drastic changes to his swing along the way, and his marriage couldn’t have been stable, considering the associated infidelity. Still, with the public loving him as a family man and someone to look up to, Woods was able to focus on golf and leave the publicity behind him. After all, he was a golden child from the moment he appeared on The Mike Douglas Show at age 3 as a golf prodigy. The marriage trouble was the first real struggle he had in the public eye and until then, he was one of the world’s most beloved athletes.

After his home life fell apart and public perception deteriorated, Woods’ game struggled as well. Now Woods

has a new relationship with a person America loves. Vonn is a titan of her sport, much like Woods, and has become the face of alpine skiing. The two are already being considered a “power couple” (whatever that means), and the Internet is a flutter with happy photos of them, and optimistic tweets.

It will be interesting to see how Woods does moving forward, but his game seems to be on the right track and his personal life is back in the media for positive reasons. Furthermore, his main competition is Rory McIlroy, who’s struggling so far this year, and even withdrew from The Honda Classic last month due to a toothache (read: temper tantrum) after beginning the tournament seven shots over par.

With negativity surrounding McIlroy, the timing is perfect for Woods to regain his position as the world’s most revered golfer. He just needs to keep winning, and stay faithful.

Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing about sports since 2007, and co-hosts the 2 Guys Podcast. 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.

Russell wins third in Level 4 state gymnastics meet By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

BOZEMAN – Big Sky resident Elise Russell, 11, won third place at the Level 4 state gymnastics meet, hosted by Lone Mountain Gymnastics March 23-24 at Montana State University.

This was the fifth grader’s first year of competition. At the state meet, Russell participated in floor, beam, vault and bars.

derstands winning and losing gracefully.

I would love all gymnasts to show the traits Elise exemplifies every day."

Russell has practiced three days a week, for three hours each session, all year.

She started recreational gymnastics at age 7 while living in Illinois, and participated in Jolene Budeski’s program when the family moved to Big Sky in 2009.

"My favorite part of gymnastics would be flips,” Russell said.

Lucky for her, this summer will include the Flip Fest camp in Tennessee, another in California, as well as an intense practice schedule at Lone Mountain.

"I was nervous at first, but I had a fun time," she said. "Honestly, I didn’t know I would win, but knew if I lost Elise Russel shows her third I could try again next place gymnastics award. Photo courtesy of Chrissan Russel year. I knew if I won it would be awesome, and I needed to be thankful to my coaches for getting me there."

Russell competed in five meets this year including the state meet in Bozeman.

Her coach, Deila Harvey of Lone There, her scores were: vault – 9.225, Mountain Gymnastics, complimented bars – 9.2, beam – 8.8 and floor – 9.1, givRussell’s positive attitude. ing her an all around score of 36.325. "[Elise] walks into every practice with a smile on her face, and she is ready to work,” Harvey said. “She is kind to all of her teammates and is an excellent example of good sportsmanship. She un-

Russell also placed "all around" in her division at prior meets as follows: Helena and the Bozeman Blitz – fourth, Missoula – sixth and Coeur D'Alene – seventh.

explorebigsky.com

header

Big Sky Weekly

April 5-18, 2013 21

D E V E L O P M E N T O P P O RT U N I T I E S N OW AVA I L A B L E

Residential & Commercial

COTTONWOOD CROSSING $736,000

TOWN CENTER AVENUE WEST PHASE

Residential development opportunity – multi-family • 23 residential entitlements • 2 triplex foundations installed • Site plan for finishing development • Utilities installed into site (as-built utility plans included) • All SFE’s included

9,757 sq. ft - Contract Pending

Block 5 Lot D1

Finished condo • 3 bedroom/2.5 bath • 1,854 sq.ft.

• Custom interior finishes • Located in Town Center and within walking distance to shops, restaurants and parks

Completed commercial space for sale with established tenants • •

Within the amazing Big Sky Town Center core Two story commercial building with established tenants Frontage on Hwy 64 (Lone Mountain Trail)

$292,500

•

•

Unit/Pricing 102: $537,662 – 1,595 sq/ft 103: $394,410 – 1,170 sq/ft 104: $405,924 – 1,204 sq/ft 201: $489,465 – 1,452 sq/ft 202: $325,596 - 966sq/ft 203: $365,760 - 1,085sq/ft (Last unit available for lease) 205: $369,509 - 1,096sq/ft

Commercial Development Opportunity

• • •

Cottonwood Crossing Unit 9

$350,000

Block 5 Lot B1

BUILDING

• • • •

Adjacent to movie-theater and restaurant 0.14 acres - 5,913sq.ft.

84.47’ (street front) by 70’ (depth) Including 4,500 sq.ft. of commercial entitlements SFE’s included Parking lot paved, illuminated Utilities to lot Town Center Avenue location

Block 5 Lot E1

$405,000

Commercial Development Opportunity

• • • • • • • •

0.14 acres - 5,913 sq. ft.

84.47’ (street front) by 70’ (depth) Including 5,000 sq. ft. of commercial entitlements Including 4 residential entitlements for 2nd level units SFE’s included Parking lot paved, illuminated Utilities to lot Town Center Avenue location

Ladd, Kulesza & Company

For more information or private showings contact:

Real Estate Brokerage, Consulting & Development

406-995-2404

4 0 6 - 9 9 5 - 2 4 0 4 • L K R E A L E S TAT E . C O M

MARKET PLACE

Ryan Kulesza – 406-539-4666 Eric Ladd – 406-570-0639

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

22 April 5-18, 2013

sports

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

BSSEF, BSF compete in Sun Valley The Northern Division, consisting of all Montana ski racing clubs, sent the top 32 under-14 boys and girls to compete at the U-14 Tri-Divisional Championship races March 21-24 in Sun Valley, Idaho.

This was the first time these athletes had the opportunity to race outside of their division and teams from Sun Valley; Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah; Jackson Hole, Thursday, March 21 – Slalom Women: Madison Winters (BSSEF) – 15th, 1.45.10 Erin Petit (BSF) – 19th, 1.46.02 Men: Sam Saarel (BSF) – 47th, 1.11.74 Friday, March 22 – Giant Slalom Women: Alexa Coyle (BSSEF) – 3rd, 1.40.33 Erin Petit (BSF) – 4th, 1.40.85 Megan Petitt (BSF) – 20th, 1.45.81 Julia Matelich (BSF) – 25th, 1.47.08 Madison Winters (BSSEF) – 68th, 2.01.63 Valerie Hetherington (BSSEF) – 74th, 2.08.35 Men: Jacob Drake (BSF) – 14th, 1.46.80 Kyle Wills (BSSEF) – 30th, 1.51.72

Wyo.; and Alaska showed up for the event.

Racers competed in Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G. Alexa Coyle, who races for Big Sky Ski Education Foundation and trains with Bridger Ski Foundation, had the best finishes of the Northern athletes with third in Giant Slalom and second in Super G. Sunday March 23 – Super G Women: Alexa Coyle (BSSEF) – 2nd, 53.52 Erin Petit (BSF) – 7th, 56.16 Megan Petit (BSF) – 21st, 58.81 Julia Matelich (BSF) – 23rd, 58.85 Libby O'Donnell (BSF) – 33rd, 1.00.57 Valerie Hetherington (BSSEF) – 68th, 1.04.70 Mackenzie Winters (BSSEF) – 69th, 1.04.80 Madison Winters (BSSEF) – 75th, 1.10.02 Men: Jacob Drake (BSF) – 33rd, 59.75 Joe Olson (BSSEF) – 46th, 1.01.14 Kyle Wills (BSSEF) – 75th, 1.05.18 For full race results, visit northernussa.org/calendar/index.html Top: Madison Winters Bottom: Alexa Coyle Photos by Ron Winters

Local athletes show their worth at Moonlight Basin freeskiing competition

Headwaters winners : Ruby Speth, Micah Robin, Gracely Speth and Nehalam Manka show off their medals following the Headwaters Spring Runoff awards.

MOONLIGHT BASIN – The eighth annual Headwaters Spring Runoff, now an International Freeskiing Association junior-sanctioned event, was held at Moonlight Basin on March 30 under sunny skies.

More than 80 junior athletes from around the region – including skiers from Jackson Hole, Red Lodge and Whitefish – competed in the event.

Nearly all the Big Sky Freeride program athletes competed, along with Big Sky Ski Education Foundation racers, and the Bridger and Moonlight Basin freeride teams.

Lone Peak High School sophomore Micah Robin earned first place in the boys’ 15-18-year-old division for the second year in a row, linking up a num-

Jackson Wade, D Raden, Howie Robin, Kate Middleton, Gracely Speth and Jackson Raden Photos courtesy of Big Sky Freeride TEam

ber of natural features and outpacing the competition to keep his title.

Ophir sixth grader Kodi Boersma, on the podium in second place.

Big Sky Freeride member Ruby Speth, of Bozeman, skied a challenging line to earn a trip to the podium in second place, following IFSA nationally ranked Erin Kempt of Bridger Freeride team in the girls’ 15-18 Division. Gracely Speth finished in third place in the girls’ 12-14 division.

Big Sky alpine racer and Ophir fourth grader Caleb Unger also employed an aggressive race style en route to a second-place finish in the boys’ 11 and under division.

A number of young Big Sky alpine racers competing in their first freeride competition displayed strong technique, as well. Skiing a technically challenging line while hitting numerous airs, Ophir fourth grader Nehalem Manka placed first in the girls’ under-11 division, accompanied by fellow racer and

The season-culminating IFSA Invitational Junior North American Freeride Championships will be held next week in Revelstoke, B.C. Many BSF skiers qualified for this season-ending championship, but due to extenuating circumstances, Gracely Speth will be the team’s lone representative in Canada.

health

March 22-April 4, 2013 23

Santosha Wellness Center hosting community cleanse Rejuvenate with whole foods detox

By Callie Stolz

Santosha Wellness Center

Spring is in the air! This is a time to rejuvenate, refresh and renew. Santosha Wellness Center is hosting a seven- or 14-day whole foods cleanse in early May for the community. This is not about starvation and deprivation; it’s about a healthy detox, eating whole foods and being good to yourself. It’s an opportunity to reboot and reset your digestive system.

Around here we often call the spring “mud season,” whereas in an Ayurvedic perspective – which is a system of traditional Indian medicine and holistic healing – it’s called the Kapha season. Spring has qualities of earth and water, as does the Kapha dosha – one of three bodily humors that make up one's constitution, according to Ayurveda.

This is a time in which the world around us begins to thaw from winter. Just as the Earth tends to hold onto a bit more water during this time, so do our bodies. We tend to have excess mucus in our respiratory and digestive tracks, and may end up getting wet colds or have allergies during this season.

Ayurveda’s answer to this is to detoxify our bodies. By shifting our diets with the season, eating drier and lighter foods, we

naturally begin the detoxification process.

Our bodies are built to detoxify us every day; however, as our world becomes more processed and toxic and our stress levels rise, it’s increasingly difficult for our bodies to do the necessary work. As toxins build up, we become susceptible to a depressed immune system and disease.

Put on a few extra pounds this season?

An effort in spring cleaning can be a great way to work towards a healthy, happier you. You can do this by consciously eating whole foods and Ayurvedic cleansing foods, as well as taking certain herbs to reboot your digestive system, release addictions and unhealthy patterns, and start fresh.

THE DETAILS Callie Stolz, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, will be leading a two-week community cleanse beginning on May 1. There will be an opportunity to do just the first or second week, or both. Stolz will offer yoga detox classes daily in combination with the cleanse, which will aid the process.

Find out more about the basic principles of Ayurveda and cleansing during Santosha’s Awareness Wednesday seminars April 10 and 24, at 7:30 p.m. For more information visit santoshabigsky.com, email callie@santoshabigsky.com or call (406) 993-2510.

Join us at Big Sky’s only full-service workout facility Open 5 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. 7 days a week Day, week and year-long memberships available visit ozssage.com/gym.php for details 32 Market Place, Meadow Village, Big Sky (406) 995-4522

I K S S É APR

S R E T R A U EADQ

H

Live Music Schedule Thursday, April 4 The Bottom of the Barrel - 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 6 Jeff Belino - 5-7 p.m.

Sunday, April 7 Big Water - 5-7 p.m.

Thursday, April Eric Wink - 5-7 p.m.

OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 A.M. LUNCH & DINNER

LOCATED IN THE BIG SKY TOWN CENTER

big sky, montana 406-995-3830

2012 BEST OF BIG SKY - VOTED BEST BURGER AND BEST PLACE TO GRAB A DRINK!

24 April 5-18, 2013

business

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

The Club at Spanish Peaks: Explaining the bankruptcy timeline

By Joseph T. O’Connor Big Sky Weekly Editor

BIG SKY – There hasn’t been much public news concerning the Club at Spanish Peaks since its Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing in October 2011, when the club laid off more than 100 employees and closed its club operations. But work to find a buyer has been ongoing behind the scenes, and now the moss is beginning to come off this slowly rolling stone.

Ross Richardson, the trustee appointed to oversee the club’s property and other assets, and Eastdil Secured, the brokerage Richardson hired to market and sell those assets, have laid out a timeline that was approved by the Montana bankruptcy court in Butte on March 5.

In doing so, they set dates for three significant events that will decide the future of the 5,300-acre private ski and golf community.

The first, April 19, is the deadline for interested parties to submit stalking horse bids, setting the bar against which subsequent bids will be measured. Next, on May 2, Richardson will choose one of these initial bids as the stalking horse – the highest or most qualified. Finally, on June 3, an auction will take place in the bankruptcy court in Butte, where potential buyers will place their final bids on the club.

The Weekly surveyed the players in order to explain the terms, timeline, and significance of events surrounding this complex sale.

What is a stalking horse bid?

A stalking horse bid is a way to test the market in a bankruptcy case. The trustee chooses this initial bid to maximize the worth of the debtor’s assets and uses it as a template for future bids.

Essentially, it’s buyer protection, says J. Thomas Beckett, a Salt Lake City lawyer retained by the Spanish Peaks ad hoc group to follow the case.

“The stalking horse offer goes in the lead and takes the risk, but they’re recompensed.”

In bankruptcy cases, bidders incur due diligence, including research, fees associated with lawyers and other expenses. The stalking horse advantage is twofold: - First, the bidder receives overbid protection, which requires a future bidder to put forth a bid equal to that of the stalking horse, plus 2.5 percent.

- Second, the stalking horse bidder receives a breakup fee of 2 percent of the bid. This compensates him for

fees incurred through due diligence and incentivizes groups to obtain the initial bid.

Bankruptcy: Chapter 11 versus Chapter 7 Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code – which is the process both the Yellowstone Club and Moonlight Basin went through in recent years – permits any company to reorganize under its original management, if unable to pay debts or pay off creditors.

“It’s a lot more expensive,” said J. Thomas Beckett, “In Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the debtor pays for its own lawyers [as well as] lawyers for the unsecured creditors committee.”

Secured lenders or creditors, such as Oaktree, in the Club at Spanish Peaks’ Chapter 7 case, have collateral, Beckett said, by essentially owning the property. This type of bankruptcy requires debtors to pay off creditors through the sale of assets – everything is liquidated.

But the Club at Spanish Peaks is an atypical Chapter 7, according to Beckett, who represented the unsecured creditors committee in the Yellowstone Club’s 2008 Chapter 11 bankruptcy case. The ad hoc group wants the Club at Spanish Peaks to sell as a single entity. “[In this case,] you’re not liquidating by chopping [the club] up and selling it in pieces,” he said. “The trustee and Eastdil are very smart. Everyone understands this needs to sell as a whole – as an operating, successful club.”

Trap Release Workshop how to keep your dog safe in the woods

In January 2012, the Spanish Peaks’ bankruptcy case was moved from a court in Delaware to one in Montana.

Until then, the trustee in the Delaware case was working toward liquidating assets at the club, according to the Montana trustee, Richardson.

At this point, Richardson expects buyers to bid for the entire club, because the whole club is worth more than the sum of its assets.

The Spanish Peaks ad hoc group represents 83 percent of the 180 current club members. Each ad hoc member paid $1,500 for Beckett to represent the group’s interests.

The deal

PHOTO BY CHRIS DAVIS

Thursday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m.

In the Outlaw Partners conference room above Grizzly Outfitters Workshop will provide a description of common traps, regulations and practice releasing a trap.

Face value on The Club at Spanish Peaks’ debt is more than $122 million, according to Richardson, who will likely take the highest offer for the assets. But the sale could go for as low as $20 million, which is the floor price the secured lenders set under an agreement with Richardson.

“Nobody’s going to buy [the Club at Spanish Peaks] for $120 or $130 million,” Richardson said. “Not anywhere near. It’s not worth [that much money].”

The players

Brokerage – Eastdil Secured, international real estate investment company Trustee – Ross Richardson, real estate lawyer in Butte, appointed as trustee in January 2012 Secured lenders – Consortium of banks led by Oaktree Capital Management, an investment management firm headquartered in Los Angeles Members – The Club at Spanish Peaks’ ad hoc group, a 150-member Spanish Peaks homeowners group Lawyer for members – J. Thomas Beckett, lawyer retained by ad hoc group in October 2011 Bidders – unknown

If that minimum price of $20 million isn’t met, the secured lenders can choose to accept a lower bid or assume ownership of the club, said John Romney, a member of a steering committee representing the ad hoc members group.

According to court documents, Richardson will receive a $750,000 “carve out” from the secured lenders once a sale is finalized. This money will come out of the total sale of the property and will be used to pay administrative costs and court and lawyer expenses, including Richardson, as well as Eastdil for its work initiating a sale. Some money is expected to go to unsecured lenders.

If the property sells for more than $20 million, secured lenders will add 2 percent of any additional sale money to the carve out, which could go to unsecured creditors, pending the amount of Richardson’s trustee fee. At print time, Richardson was unavailable for comment.

While it’s unknown who will put in for a stalking horse bid or bid at the auction, sources close to the situation say there could be as many as 10 interested parties.

“There is a good bit of interest in the offering,” affirmed Randall Evans, managing director of Eastdil Secured.

“Fortunately, the second-home market is coming back across the country.

Some people had the expectation that no one would show up to bid [for the Club at Spanish Peaks], but that’s not the case.”

Because of the complexity of the sale, Romney isn’t as optimistic.

“I think there will be interest but not a lot of bids,” he said. “It will probably cost a half a million bucks for due diligence, and [prospective bidders] only have a month to do it.”

This is an ongoing story in the Weekly, which will feature subsequent installments as information becomes available.

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

PLAY VIDEOS TO LEARN MORE AT FLATHEADLAKETIMBER.COM

ti meles s uni que hist oric FLATHEAD LAKE HISTORIC TIMBER was harvested from pristine wildlands surrounding Flathead Lake at the turn of the 20th Century. Millions of feet of this lumber sank to the bottom of the Flathead, where the cool water preserved and enhanced the beauty of the wood over the last 100 years. Northwest Management Inc. is salvaging the submerged logs with the aid of scuba divers, giving new life to this uniquely beautiful, brilliant colored timber.

Every aspect of these “historic timbers” is hand manufactured piece by piece by our well trained staff who sort and select materials designed to meet your specific needs.

FLOORING • FURNITURE • CABINETS • TIMBER ACCENTS FLATHEADLAKETIMBER.COM

|

(406)465-4346

moonlight basin pa s s sa l e plans For neXt winter?

how about epic terrain

STELLAR SERVICE

anD

INSIDER Perks

MAKE MOONLIGHT YOUR MOUNTAIN 2013-2014 pass sale Our renewal bonus is back!

Limited edition t-shirt when you purchase in person while supplies last

Buy your pass by April 30 and lock in these rates for next season.

ADULT ........................ $519 SENIOR (65+) ............. $319 JUNIOR (11-17) ............ $319 COLLEGE .................... $319 YOUTH (6-10)....... $79 or FREE* MID-WEEK (M-F) ........ $359 (*with passholding parent)

KIDS 5 & under always ski FREE

MOONLIGHTbASIN.COM . (406) 993-6074 .

26 April 5-18, 2013

business

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Copper Whiskey Bar and Grill: Whiskey and Montana meet in Bozeman The Dirty Shame to play Grand Opening

Photo by joseph t. O'connor

By Joseph T. O’Connor Big Sky Weekly Editor

BOZEMAN – The smell of sawdust fills the air, dim light muted by dark wood and brick walls in Copper, Bozeman’s only whiskey bar and grill. A thick wall divides the long bar and lounge from the dining room in the large space below the Sweet Chili Asian Bistro at 101 East Main Street.

Employees sweep, roll silverware and wipe down the tables, some reconstructed from old wooden pig troughs from a ranch in Big Timber. Each table is branded with a capital C. Although the establishment opened its doors March 25, the crew is preparing for Copper’s Grand Opening on April 12, when the Dirty Shame will break in these burly, refurbished walls.

Managing partners Jay Thane and Jon Slye, both 34, sit at a tall bar table, talking plans for the fully renovated, 4,000-square-foot basement room on the corner of Main and Black in downtown Bozeman. It feels like a Montana whiskey bar.

“We wanted a place where locals would feel comfortable,” Thane said, “and a place where tourists would say, ‘Alright, this is Montana.’”

The name Copper was one Thane and Slye came up with based on its importance both in Montana and in the distilling process.

In the 19th century, copper mining was a major industry in Montana, due to the advent of electricity.

Boomtowns popped up and some, like Butte, played major roles in state history. The metal continues to be used today for whiskey distillation, because it reacts to molecules in the alcohol, keeping the distillate sweet.

RoughStock, Montana’s first whiskey distillery since Prohibition, is located in Bozeman; it uses copper stills for its whiskey mash.

“We had never been to a distillery until we went to RoughStock in 2008,” said Slye, who recalled sitting at the Bacchus with Thane discussing the idea of a whiskey bar. “We were talking about how whiskey is awesome, and it’s such a growing trend.”

Between them, Thane and Slye have more than 30 years of restaurant experience. They worked together previously as managers at the Bacchus Pub, and felt it was time for a change. They made it quickly.

Whisky or whiskey?

Whisky made in Scotland is called Scotch whisky, as it is today. After the English Malt Tax of 1775 forced many Scottish distilleries to shut down, the Irish began more distilleries and translated the word, adding an “e.”

The U.S. kept the “e,” making American whiskey spelled as such. Canada’s spirit is “whisky.”

Different distillation processes also separate the styles.

In December, they signed a lease for the space and began the demolition process on Jan. 1.

The new establishment currently offers 77 different types of whiskey, including variations on Thane’s favorite, rye, and Slye’s, Scotch.

Thane and Slye, who both appreciate good whiskey, noticed the bars popping up around the country, catering to connoisseurs from New York to Seattle.

“The kitchen had to go down to studs, and we had to install new sheetrock,” Thane said. “We [basically] tore everything out of the front of the house.”

Try a taste of High West Double Rye, a smooth and spicy rye whiskey, or jump on the Scotch train, for an Oban or Macallan single-malt.

“Whiskey itself has obviously been around for a while, but people are getting into it more now than before Prohibition,” he said.

They added a 45-foot-long bar they say could be the longest in Bozeman, and a private whiskey room, which seats up to 14.

Lew Bryson, managing editor at Whisky Advocate, a whiskey magazine out of Emmaus, Penn., noticed the trend as well.

Copper’s feel is upscale-casual, and the bar and grill offers everything from Rainier beer in a can for $2 to Scotch whisky for $30 a glass.

The partners plan to have 100 whiskey options before long, training their staff of 55 in the elegance and complexity of the spirit that spurred the establishment. Both rare and common whiskeys grace the bar, including RoughStock, Bullitt, Caol Ila and hopefully Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve, the rare, small-batch bourbon from Frankfort, Ky.

“There are many more whiskey bars in American today than when we started covering whiskey in 1996,” Bryson said. “[And] there are more than there were in 2005.”

“We want this balance [of customers],” Thane said. “[Copper] is like the bar in your basement – it’s a giant man-cave.”

The Dirty Shame

The Dirty Shame will take the stage at Copper Whiskey Bar and Grill’s Grand Opening at 9 p.m. on Friday, April 12, for a free show.

Thane says it was a no-brainer to bring in the Bozeman-based band with an outlaw-country sound.

“They’re the perfect fit for our grand opening,” he said. “They’re a whole bunch of fun and just fit the whole whiskey/Montana theme we’re going for.”

In addition, Copper offers a wide menu including burgers, steaks, salmon and barbeque. Chef Scottie Burton even prepares lobster roll sliders and deviled eggs topped with lobster and caviar, and smokes his own barbeque for brisket sandwiches and rib specials.

But for Thane and Slye, it all comes back to the whiskey, and they’re enjoying the ride.

“We are going through so much whiskey right now – bourbon and rye, everything,” Thane said. “People are just loving it. It’s really fun too, that Bozeman is into the concept.”

business profile

March 22-April 4, 2013 27

Troubleshooting tomorrow

Gallatin Growth Solutions aims to help guide development in southwest Montana

By Sean Forbes Big Sky Weekly Contributor

BOZEMAN – Wendy Weaver doesn’t have a crystal ball full of answers.

She does, however, have a different perspective on urban growth and development in the Gallatin Valley and southwest Montana.

Refusing to accept that characteristics like sprawl and waste and long commutes are just part of the deal, Weaver is putting her engineering talents to the test in trying to unite the area’s various efforts aimed at responsible, sustainable expansion.

“I started to get burnt out on engineering, and I started to realize the importance of sustainability,” said Weaver, a civil engineer who graduated from Montana State University in Bozeman. “So, long story short, I started to move into the field of sustainability and started looking at it through the lens of an engineer.”

As a result, in May of 2008 Weaver created Gallatin Growth Solutions, a collaborating network of area engineers, builders, planners and other professionals looking to provide answers to the inevitable issues that accompany a large influx of people.

“I’ve traveled the world enough to know that we have a really special place here,” Weaver said. “And so that’s part of what drives me to want to protect it.”

Prior to the recent recession, Gallatin County was one of the fastest growing in the U.S. – “exploding at the seams,” as Weaver described.

That rate of development, in combination with an expectation that it will continue, poses some serious questions for city and county officials – for example, will there be enough water for everyone?

“I like to believe that we can be proactive on a lot of these things, but I’m not sure if we can,” Weaver said. “I think it’s human nature, s*** hits the fan and then we do something about it.”

To that proactive end, Gallatin Growth Solutions’ focus is divided between many of the big issues – clean air, clean water, preservation of natural and agricultural land, even going so far as to explore the possibility of the county growing its own food.

pick your pearls.

“It’s just to address how we’re going to grow in the future,” Weaver said. “We felt it would be more powerful if county commissioners, city commissioners heard from the people that these types of concepts were going to impact – engineers, architects, builders, developers, planners, people that were in the field working on these types of issues.”

Last year the group worked primarily on local water resource topics, putting on the Water-Energy Nexus panel discussion at the Bozeman Public Library and the Gallatin Valley’s Water Future forum on the campus of MSU. GGS also hosted several webinars on various related subjects.

More recently, Weaver and GGS – in partnership with John Lavey and members of the Sonoran Institute in Bozeman – have been working on a project dubbed Gallatin Valley 2050. The motion story accessible with the same title on YouTube will be shown at events in the area in the coming months to fuel the conversation about what needs to be done if projections of adding 175,000 residents within the next 40 years prove accurate.

“Getting people motivated to do something is tough,” said Weaver, who is also involved with U.S. Green Building Council. “I’ve been working on this for six years now, and I look at the progress we’ve made. We could easily be talking about the same exact issues in another 40 years.”

Yet, trusting strength in numbers, Weaver and GGS hope connecting the dots of the different and divergent efforts to find sustainable solutions to common problems will set this area’s future on less uncertain ground.

“This might all be in vain, but nevertheless, I like challenges so here I am,” Weaver said.

Sean Forbes is a freelance writer based in Bozeman, where chasing stories only occasionally gets in the way of playing outside. Visit youtube.com/watch?v=2T3hPXDLmxs to watch Gallatin Valley 2050, gallatingrowthsolutions.org to keep up with the latest news and events.

S H E L LY B E R M O N T Unique, handmade jewelry Extensive selection of South Sea & Tahitian pearls Exotic stones, raw diamonds, fine silver and 18-22 karat gold

B I G S K Y, M T | P A C I F I C P A L I S A D E S , C A Private appointments and trunk shows available. shellybermont.com

28 April 5-18, 2013

header

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

TRY A BENNY FOR BREAKFAST

WE DELIVER 406.995.2305 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 7AM-10PM CHECK OUT OUR MENU: BIGSKYBLUEMOONBAKERY.COM LOCATED IN WESTFORK PLAZA MALL BIG SKY, MT

Come see why customers love us!

We service all luxury makes and models including: Land Rover BMW Mercedes Benz Lotus Mini

2010

2011

2012 Audi

MagnaSociety Award Winner

Jaguar Volvo Saab Lexus

Bozeman Audi

Bozeman Audi Big Sky Showroom

1800 W. Main St. | (406) 586-1772 Sales Dept. Hours Mon.-Fri. 8-6 | Sat. 9-5 Parts & Service Hours Mon.-Fri. 7:30-6

The Market Place Building 33 Lone Peak Drive, Unit 104 Big Sky, MT | (406) 995-2240

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

outlaw news

April 5-18, 2013 29

The Cowboy Code Q and A with Jim Owen The Cowboy Code Q and A with Jim Owen

more widespread than I ever imagined. In addition, politics are dividing our nation.

By Roger Ladd Big Sky Weekly Contributor

BSW: What message would you like to share?

In his 2004 book, Cowboy Ethics, Jim Owen made a case for a new approach to business ethics – one reminiscent of simple, timeless principles – the Cowboy Code.

Big Sky Weekly contributing writer Roger Ladd recently interviewed Owen at his seminar, “Standing Tall in an Upside Down World.” We found it particularly interesting because Outlaw Partners, the Weekly’s parent company, was founded with inspiration from Cowboy Ethics.

---Big Sky Weekly: Outlaw Partners has incorporated the Code of the West into our mission statement. How do you feel about that?

Jim Owen: I never imagined the reaction to Cowboy Ethics. I am

JO: Everyone needs a code, a creed to live by. Having a code makes each of us a force for good, whether in the workplace at home, or in our community.

BSW: We will be sponsoring the Professional Bull Riders event again this summer in Big Sky. I noticed that you dedicated your new book, The Try- Reclaiming the American Dream, to bull rider Ty Murray. Why Ty? beyond delighted that it’s become a grassroots movement. The State of Wyoming has officially adopted the Code.

BSW: Why have your books and seminars inspired so many people?

JO: We have touched a deep core that America is on the wrong track. We’re getting confused

between personal values and societal values. If we look at personal values, we can agree on principles like courage and honor.

BSW: What are our country’s biggest problems, as you see them?

JO: Our country’s ethical problems are much greater and

Picture life here

Representing distinguished properties and buyers in Big Sky, backed by an international network of sales & marketing professionals.

TA L L I E JA M I S ON

Associate 406.600.8081 reallyBIGsky.com

JO: Ty is a co-founder of the PBR and is the king of the cowboys.

Visit cowboyethics.org to learn more about the Center for Cowboy Ethics and Leadership.

Visit explorebigsky.com to learn more about the upcoming Big Sky PBR, and theoutlawpartners. com to learn more about Outlaw Partners.

30 March 22-April 4, 2013

help wanted Office Personal Assistant Part Time, 20 hours a week, hours flexible. Must be hard working, self motivated, organize and postive. Computer knowledge a must.

Pay $12.00/hr Email tori@eyeintheskyphotography.com

for rent RENTALS ATV'S, Polaris RZR side by sides, RV's, Driftboats & SNOWMOBILES when the snow flies! bigboystoysrentals.com

for sale

Home of tHe

2010 Toyota Sequoia Platinum Like new, excellent shape Blizzard Pearl/ Loaded One Owner $37,900 OBO 406-646-9661 Variety of Guns: 30-06, 7mm mag, 270, 243, 25-06, Daly over and under 20 ga., 12 ga., several .22s (most vintage); also .22 mag and .22 hornet. Private individual. Call 406-577-6588 (cell) or 406- 587-6281.

Unique Large Polar Bear Rug Mount in Bozeman. Great for lodge, home or business display. Very impressive 10 feet x 2 inches from nose to tail (11 1/2 feet tall when standing!) Hunted pre-1972 endangered species act. Call 406-577-6588 (cell) or 406-587-6281.

Classifieds!

Email classifieds and/or advertising requests to: media@theoutlawpartners.com

(406) 995-2055

• short or long term luxury rental in Big sky • Now that you’ve retired, it’s time to reevaluate your investments in order to ensure your assets will be working for you throughout your senior years.

Stifel can help.

Koy Hoover, CFP® Vice President/Investments

hooverk@stifel.com Shawn M. Hertz Senior Vice President/Investments

hertzs@stifel.com

4 bedroom, 4.5 bath in Spanish Peaks Call 406-995-2174 or visit vrbo.com/393008 for more details

Hear ye, hear ye! get the Video newscast every Monday on explorebigsky.com

(406) 586-1385 | www.hhwealthmanagement.com 875 Harmon Stream Boulevard, Suite 200 | Bozeman, Montana 59718 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated | Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com

explorebigsky.com

engineer's corner

Big Sky Weekly

April 5-18, 2013 31

Advanced treatment for septic systems - Level II

Installation and finished grading of Quanics Level II treatment system near Gallatin River Photos courtesy of RedLeaf Consulting

By Philip Kedrowski In the last Engineer’s Corner, I discussed the Montana Sanitation in Subdivision Act regarding health-related septic system concerns. In addition to protecting human health, environmental health is a concern for the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). As a result, it has established a standard for nutrient-reducing septic treatment technologies.

Nutrient reduction in septic system drain fields is important because nutrients (primarily Total Nitrogen) can cause excessive algae growth in streams and lakes. This algae then consumes the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) present in the water as part of its growth process. However, fish and other aquatic organisms also need the dissolved oxygen to breath. Reduced DO levels tied to algae growth caused by nutrient loading negatively affect fish growth and populations.

Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in wastewater.

BOD is an indicator of microbial growth – excessive microbial growth and suspended solids are two primary causes for failures of drain fields due to clogging.

system. In addition to being environmentally positive, it can be a financial advantage for the property owner. In areas with high property values like Big Sky, using less land for the drain field is financially beneficial.

If a drain field clogs, sewage can seep up to the ground surface or, in severe cases, back into the house. Treatment for lower BOD and TSS allows for a smaller drain field area because cleaner water seeps into the ground more readily.

It’s a win-win for the environment and the pocket book.

MDEQ refers to these as “Level II” systems, the highest standard, or the best treatment, the department recognizes.

In addition to reducing nutrients, Level II advanced treatment systems significantly reduce Biochemical

In Montana, the drain field size can be reduced by as much as 50 percent when using a Level II treatment

Redleaf Consulting

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

BE SEEN BY OVER 1 MILLION PEOPLE O U T L A W P U B L I C AT I O N S

MOUNTAIN OUTLAW

BIG SKY WEEKLY

EXPLOREBIGSKY.COM

(BIANNUAL)

( B I W E E K LY )

( D A I LY )

Free

EXploRING lIFE, laND aND CulTuRE FRoM THE HEaRT oF THE yElloWsToNE REGIoN

Mountain

WINTER 2013

skiing alaska

photo by paul o’Connor

escape: bali montana hot springs guide

grizzly

attack

brian schweitzer

spEaks ouT

explorebigsky.com

featured outlaw:

michael reynolds

yElloWsToNE // cutthroat on the rebound1 explorebigsky.com Mountain

FIND OUT HOW:CONTACT OUTLAW PARTNERS MEDIA@THEOUTLAWPARTNERS.COM, 406-995-2055 SUMMER PROGRAM AD DEADLINE: APRIL 12

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

BIG SKY SCHOOL DISTRICT SEEKS BOND TO BUILD NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

STUDENT ENROLLMENT INCREASE SINCE LAST BOND ISSUED IN 2008

EXPAND & ENHANCE

K-12 LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

The purpose of the $10.2 million bond will be to build a new PreK – 4th grade elementary school for the Big Sky School District. The 15 year bond includes the acquisition of 7 acres of land next to the district’s track and football complex.

The new school will possibly share the following with the current building...water well, septic system, kitchen facilities, and the community library. The facility will house a new gym and a multi-purpose room used for art activities, cafeteria, after school programs, adult education.

APRIL 7TH

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE

APRIL 22ND

MAIL IN BALLOTS ARE MAILED TO VOTERS

MAY 7TH

ACTUAL COUNT OF BALLOTS

Additional information is available at the district office or by calling Superintendent Jerry House at 995-4281 or by email at jhouse@bssd72.org

explorebigsky.com

profile

Big Sky Weekly

April 5-18, 2013 33

Section 3:

life, land and culture

Volume 4 // Issue No. 6

The best view in town Skiing from the Mount Zimmer Yurt story and photos By emily stifler

big sky weekly managing editor

Alpenglow radiates pink outside the Mount Zimmer Yurt, lighting the surrounding mountains and across the valley to the south over the dark, volcanic massifs of Pilot and Index peaks. Cooke City sits in shadow, seven miles away and 1,800 feet below.

I fill a bucket with snow to melt for water and walk back to the yurt – from the front deck, I can see the rocky 12,000-foot escarpments of Zimmer and Wilse guarding the entrance to the highest peaks of the Beartooth Mountains. The mercury on the yurt thermometer reads 5 degrees, so I head inside to the warmth of the woodstove and a game of cards.

The next morning I wake to the creak of the stove door – a friend is loading firewood into the stove and heating water for coffee. I look around at the other four bunks – everyone else is still sleeping. The yurt warms quickly, and after breakfast I load my backcountry ski pack with the day’s supplies – med kit, extra clothes, water, snacks, helmet, goggles, skins and avalanche gear.

Before heading out for the day, I walk onto the front porch and watch a light-colored fox run through the yard. Unafraid, it comes within 30 feet of me, placing perfect prints in the snow.

A half-hour later we click into our skis on the porch, climb 300 feet to

Beartooth Powder Guides' Mount Zimmer Yurt sits on Forest Service land at 9,400 feet, overlooking the upper Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone drainage.

the top of neighboring Alp Rock, strip off skins and drop 400 feet of steep powder turns into Star Creek.

A half hour skin puts us atop the Grand Plateau, a 160-acre alpine patio at 10,500 feet on Mount Zimmer.

Skiers approaching 11,519-foot Mount Zimmer, across the Grand Plateau

With no sign of recent avalanche activity and solid results from our snow pit, we again pull our skins and drop in, this time for the first of three 1,000-foot north-facing runs. My partner and I choose an intimidating, 45-degree rock-lined

chute we’d scouted the previous day, and everyone else splits off for a glorious powder run down a wideopen gully.

Continued on p. 34

Just another 1,000 foot north-facing shot off the Grand Plateau

34 April 5-18, 2013

profile

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Continued from p. 33 The Mount Zimmer Yurt and the Woody Creek Cabin south of town are part of the new Cooke City-based business, Beartooth Powder Guides.

Both have been booked regularly this year, their first season of operation, says owner Ben Zavora.

As part of the business, Zavora also guides backcountry ski tours, hosts ecology, avalanche education and ski mountaineering classes.

Unlike the yurt, which is accessible via snowmobile, the Woody Creek Cabin is set on a private inholding surrounded by Forest Service property and is accessed only via skinning or hiking. The 2.5-mile trail is gentle enough to allow carrying a heavy pack or pulling a sled. Zavora cut and hewed all the logs on the site last summer to build the cabin, which comfortably sleeps 10.

Above the cabin, a skin up Hayden Creek offers close-up views of Pilot and Index, and access to the expansive, east-facing Woody Ridge. While much of that face is high-consequence alpine terrain, the pitch eases higher in the drainage, and for those willing to make the hike back to the very top, the west side of Woody Ridge holds 1,000-foot gully stashes, hemmed by trees.

A curious fox outside the Mount Zimmer Yurt, Woody Ridge and Republic Creek in the distance

Together, the cabin and yurt access a range of ski terrain, from mellow forested meadows to ski mountaineering in the high Beartooths, with a slew of options in between.

Find more about this and summer operations at beartoothpowder.com.

Leaving tracks in Zimmer Creek

Afternoon storm skiing in Zimmer Creek

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

LOCAL FRESH Delivery available - have your rental unit stocked upon your arrival! 406-995-4636 Open 7 days a week, 6:30am to 8pm Extended hours 6:30am to 10pm December 15-April 15 and July 1- Labor Day

Located in the Meadow Village Center next to Lone Peak Brewery

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

reviews

April 5-18, 2013

Book: Montana: Skiing the Last Best Place

By Tyler Allen

Big Sky Weekly Staff Writer

The photographs collected in the new book, “Montana: Skiing the

Last Best Place” are as eclectic as the state’s 17 ski areas themselves.

From panoramic aerials to portraits of rustic base lodges, the images – all the work of Bozeman photog-

rapher Craig Hergert – are a striking compendium of the places Montanans go to slide on snow.

The large-format coffee table book includes more than 200 pages of glossy photos from all corners of Montana’s ranges, and is accompanied by writing from Big Sky’s own Brian Hurlbut and a forward by ski movie pioneer Warren Miller, who writes, “You can now view all of Montana’s beauty by simply flipping through these pages.”

Hurlbut’s stories tell of the quirky histories of these resorts. Opened in the 1930s west of Missoula, Lookout Pass was one of the first ski areas in the U.S. and today is known for its free Saturday lessons for kids.

And then there’s Blacktail Mountain, which has the only “upside down” lodge location in the state, where parking and après happens at the top of the hill – Hergert takes you there with a two-page panoramic photo of Flathead Lake and

Product: Sanuk Ember Shoes

By Katie Morrison

Big Sky Weekly Staff Writer

As we enter the warmer part of winter – known elsewhere as spring – I’m loving my Sanuk Embers. With super-tread rubber and water resistant, sealed fabric uppers, they keep my feet dry in the slushy mess, as well as providing solid footing while I walk my dog on the still-frozen morning ground.

While those are reasons enough to add the Embers to my quiver, they aren’t the best part. After donning ski boots a few days a week through the winter, my feet are always ready for flip-flops come mid-April. Normally I give in to this desire and immediately regret my decision the second my toes touch a cold puddle. This year however, I’ve had the joy of taking my boots off and slipping into the Embers in the lodge all season, giving me the flip-flop sensation of freedom, while keeping my feet warm.

An additional bonus is the stylie vintage-menswear look and feel good vegan production. The Embers have found a home in my mudroom.

the snowy Mission Range towering behind it.

A 25-page section devoted to Big Sky and Moonlight Basin resorts shows the iconic Lone Mountain from nearly every angle.

“Winters here are cold and long, making for excellent skiing conditions from November through April,” Hurlbut writes. Most of Hergert’s photos show the mountain under bluebird skies, and Hurlbut amends, appropriately, that “Big Sky sees its fair share of sunshine during the winter, as well.”

From deep powder at Bridger Bowl to Great Divide’s “rambunctious” night-skiing crowds, this new book celebrates Montana’s winter lifestyle.

“Sure, Montana has a couple of ‘deluxe resorts’… but it also has a lot of small ski areas where skiing is just like it used to be,” Miller writes. “Simple, beautiful and quiet.”

Hergert’s new book will inspire you to explore these simple, beautiful places and satiate your winter thirst in the meantime.

36 April 5-18, 2013

events

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Corn Fest pairs ski culture and entertainment

By Emily Stifler

Big Sky Weekly Managing Editor

COOKE CITY – For one weekend in late April, Cooke City, population 140, becomes a hardcore ski town. Or maybe just hardcore.

A few miles northeast of Yellowstone National Park, the remote town at the end of the road is celebrating the 20th annual Sweet Corn Festival this spring, April 19-21, an unofficial event hosted by the Miners Saloon and the High Country Motel.

This year, a new partnership with the Bozeman-based Chamberlin Productions will help grow the fest. Chamberlin, which also hosts the Chamberlin Rail Jam in Big Sky, hosts a “social enterprise,” called Avalaunch, based on avalanche awareness and music.

“Avalaunch wants to promote avalanche awareness with fun,” said owner Tate Chamberlin, who has attended Corn Fest several times in the past.

Chamberlin will set up an avalanche transceiver park and offer prizes that day at the High Country. Companies such as Marmot, Osprey and Geo Optics are on board kicking down swag.

saturday

For one weekend a year, Cooke City becomes a ski town. Pictured here, ski bums relax on Main Street during Corn Fest 2012. Photo by Reid Morth

“[Those companies] see the value when we plug in education to the higher percentage of people showing up to events,” Chamberlin said. “It kind of goes viral and makes it more of a social experience, which makes it pretty successful.”

On Saturday night, Bozeman musicians Jesby and David Dalla G, a DJ

and hip-hop performer, will play the Miners. It will also be ladies night, with a Miss Corn Fest crowned, according to High Country manager Benji Stone.

“The Miners is going to have special events up their sleeves,” said Stone, whose band, Eldrick, is playing the previous night.

Since there are no chairlifts, participants must have backcountry knowhow and have access to a snowmobile or be willing to hike.

“It’s explosive when you pair ski culture with entertainment in a music-fest fashion,” Chamberlin said.

“We’ll start small this year and just see where it goes.”

anniversary party

smoking up big sky for 2 years

4.20

Flip night: 9-10pm/ Music by Electric Sunday 10pm Chicken Tender Tuesday happy hour all night, 1/2 off chicken tenders wild wing and whiskey Wednesday $3 well whiskey and 75 cent wings all night

live music every thursday and saturday night 4/11 - DJ Tiny and DJ Rampage 4/13 riot act - end of season party 4/20 - 2 year anniversary party

open daily 4pm-2am | 406.995.2750 | located in the “Blue MaLL” in westfork meadow

explorebigsky.com

events

Big Sky Weekly

April 5-18, 2013 37

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

If your event falls between April 19 and May 2, please submit your event by April 12.

big sky FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Military & Educator Appreciation Weekend Big Sky Resort (thru Sat.) Kevin Fabozzi Carabiner, 8: 30 p.m.

Big Sky Band Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Headwaters Spring Runoff, adult division Moonlight Basin, 9:30 a.m.

Telemark Tom Scissorbills Saloon, 3:30 p.m.

Jeff Belino Choppers, 5-7 p.m.

Ophir/LPHS Pie Auction Buck’s T -4, 7 p.m.

Lone Mountain Trio Carabiner, 8:30 p.m.

Electric Sunday Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Dr. Stumpy Scissorbills Saloon, 3:30 p.m.

Big Water Choppers, 5-7 p.m.

Crazy Mountain All Stars Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

Free Week for Frequent Sky Cards Big Sky Resort (thru April 14)

Wednesday, April 10

Ayuverda and cleansing workshop Santosha Wellness Center, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

Belgrade Prostart Fundraiser Buck's T-4, 6 p.m.

The Driftwood Grinners Choppers, 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

MOTH Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m.

Disaster Race Black Bear, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

Archer’s Mob Big Sky Resort Plaza, 1:15-2:45 p.m.

Bozeman FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Marsha Karle Reception Sola Café, 4:30 p.m.

Free Lecture Series: Photographer Tom Murphy Danforth Gallery, 6:30 p.m.

Shout Across Time Emerson Cultural Center, 7 p.m.

MSU Spring Rodeo Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 7 p.m.

Urinetown Verge Theatre, 8 p.m.

Bridger Creek Boys Peach Street, 8 p.m.

Casey Donahew Band Main Street Arts & Entertainment, 9 p.m.

Skavacado Filling Station, 9 p.m.

Toubab Krewe Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 10 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6 Claire Lynch Band Ellen Theatre, 7 p.m.

Shout Across Time Emerson Cultural Center, 7 p.m.

MSU Spring Rodeo Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 7 p.m.

Urinetown Verge Theatre, 8 p.m.

Fruition w/Truckstop Darlin Filling Station, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

MSU Spring Rodeo Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 8 a.m.

Bozeman Symphonic Choir First Presbyterian Church, 3 p.m.

Cinderella’s Benefit Ball Baxter Ballroom, 4 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

Bellamy Brothers Willson Auditorium, 6 p.m.

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

Improv at the Verge Verge Theatre, 7 p.m.

Search & Rescue Dog Demonstration Moonlight Basin, 2 p.m.

Bottom of the Barrel Big Sky Resort Plaza, 4-6 p.m.

Eric Wink Choppers, 5-7 p.m.

Lone Mountain Trio Carabiner, 8:30 p.m.

The Dirty Shame Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m.

The Riot Act Broken Spoke, 10 p.m.

Cure for the Common w/Archer’s Mob Black Bear, 10 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

Closing Day & Live Music Moonlight Basin, all day Huck-A-Berry Jam Moonlight Basin, 1:30 p.m.

MONDAY, APRIL 15

Big Sky Resort closes until June 8

BIG SKY – The largest fundraiser for the Big Sky School District promises to be a page out of the history books.

The 33rd annual Ophir Pie Auction, scheduled for Saturday, April 6 at 6 p.m., is a “Roaring ‘20s”-themed throwback to the days of Prohibition.

Raffle prizes include spa packages, fly-fishing trips, jewelry, a helicopter ride and plenty of outdoor gear. The live auction includes a $10,000 wedding photo package from Eye in the Sky Photography, VIP tickets to this summer’s PBR and box-seat tickets to a Seattle Seahawks football game next fall.

A live jazz band will provide entertainment and admission and appetizers are free. There will also be a cash bar and prizes for best couple’s costume.

Proceeds benefit BSSD programs including the ski pass program, library enhancements, classroom supplements and a field trip to Washington, D.C.

Family Art Samplers Emerson Cultural Center, 6 p.m.

Michael Reynolds & Philip Aaberg Reynolds Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Andre Nickatina Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 9 p.m.

Myka 9 & Medusa w/host Abstract Rude Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 10 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

The Sound of Music Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.

John Adams Smith Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile Blue Slipper Theatre, 8 p.m. www.Twang Sacajawea Bar, 9 p.m.

Trio Sonnerie Reynolds Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Tom Catmull & The Clerics Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m.

Rodney Atkins Brick Breeden Fieldhouse, 8 p.m.

Steven Roth Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

Filth & Foul CD Release Filling Station, 9 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

Car Crash Funk Zebra Cocktail Lounge, 10 p.m.

livingston & paradise valley

Picasso at the Lapin Agile Blue Slipper Theatre, 3 p.m.

The Sound of Music Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, 3 p.m

LIVINGSTON & PARADISE VALLEY

Little Jane & The Pistol Whips Chico Hot Springs, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

TUESDAY, APRIL 16

The Sound of Music Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, 8 p.m.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile Blue Slipper Theatre, 8 p.m.

Blackwater Band Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Lucrezio Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

Writer’s night w/Thomas Goltz Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Hump Day Trivia Murray Bar, 7 p.m.

Benefit Concert for MSU Cello Ensemble Reynolds Recital Hall, 7:30 a.m.

The Sound of Music Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Mighty High Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

Beau Houstin Starky’s, 6:30 p.m.

Brad Tyler Book Signing Elk River Books, 4 p.m.

Strangeways Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

Open Mic Night Café Zydeco, 7 p.m.

Picasso at the Lapin Agile Blue Slipper Theatre, 8 p.m.

Bingo The Legion, 7 p.m.

Blackwater Band Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

Cure for the Common Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Ellen Theatre, 7 p.m.

Pond Skim Big Sky Resort, 3 p.m.

Ophir Pie Auction to be a “Roaring” good time

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

The Flannel Attractions Filling Station, 9 p.m.

The Sound of Music Shane Lalani Center for the Arts, 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

Picasso at the Lapin Agile Blue Slipper Theatre, 3 p.m.

HONK! Emerson Crawford Theater, 11:45 a.m.

Emerson Art Walk Emerson Cultural Center, 5 p.m.

Yoga Nidra Meditation at Santosha, 8-9 p.m.

•

$15 Monday Night Prime Rib at 320 Ranch

Tuesdays:

Guided Snowshoe Hike at Moonlight, 10 a.m. (thru April 9)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

•

Pub Trivia at Whiskey Jack’s, 9:30 p.m.

The Flannel Attractions Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

Wednesdays: •

Montana Night at Jack Creek Grille, 6 p.m. (thru April 10)

•

Volleyball open gym at LPHS gym, 7-9 p.m. (thru June 1)

•

Shuffleboard at Lone Peak Brewery, 8 p.m. (thru April 17)

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

The Rite of Spring & Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 Willson Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Jameson and the Sordid Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

Panther Car w/Kappa Oie Filling Station, 9 p.m.

Bingo Bargains & Root Beer Gardiner School multipurpose room, 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

Two Bit Franks Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Green Drinks Blue Ocean Innovation Center, 5:30 p.m.

•

•

Hump Day Trivia Murray Bar, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

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

Fruition Murray Bar, 9 p.m.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

The Rite of Spring & Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4 Willson Auditorium, 2:30 p.m.

•

Pre-school open gym, LPHS gym, 8:459:45 a.m. (thru April 15)

Writer’s Night Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.

Together We Rise (art fundraiser) The Cottonwood, 7 p.m.

ongoing big sky events Mondays:

•

West Coast Swing Dancing Montana Movement Arts Center, 6 p.m.

The Prince Frog Verge Theatre, 2 p.m.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

Tom Catmull & The Clerics Chico Hot Springs, 9 p.m.

Big Ol Livingston Bar & Grille, 9 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, 5-9 p.m.

Saturdays: •

Après Ski Music at the Headwaters Grille at Moonlight, 3-5 p.m. (thru April 13)

•

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

38 April 5-18, 2013

buscrat's fables

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Sympathy and pity or respect and admiration?

Sympathy and pity or respect and admiration?

The neighborhood kids were walking to school with Kelton, the new kid, filling him in on everything they thought he should know, when they saw Mrs. Cromwell walking outside to get her newspaper.

“There’s Mrs. Cromwell, hurry to the other side of the road,” one girl said.

drumming. When he did his solo, the kids would jump up and cheer.

When people went by Mrs. Cromwell’s house, they noticed new flowers and shrubs and weeping willow trees, perfectly manicured. They liked walking past the house just to smell the flowers and see the organized colors. Soon her children and grandchildren were visiting her every weekend.

They would see Mrs. Cromwell on her knees caring for her gardens and wondered how she could do such tedious work with her poor health. But she no longer complained about it.

The kids shuffled across the street before they got to Mrs. Cromwell’s house.

“Why do we want to avoid Mrs. Cromwell?” Kelton asked.

“Because she’s got ‘S&P Syndrome,’” another kid said.

At school they introduced Kelton to more of their friends. Then one of the kids called an alert: “Oh no, here comes Cory. Hurry down the hallway.”

Kelton inquired why they were avoiding Cory, and several of the kids said, “He’s got ‘S&P’ real bad.”

Kelton was curious about what this ‘S&P Syndrome’ was, so during lunchtime when he saw Cory sitting by himself, he introduced himself and sat with him.

“Nobody ever sits next to me,” Cory said. “And when we choose sides for sports during gym class, I’m always the last one to get picked. Probably because I don’t know the rules very well. My dad left us and I never have had anybody teach me. When I tried out for little league baseball I didn’t have a good glove and couldn’t ever catch the ball. I never get a chance at anything…” Cory continued to pull for Kelton’s sympathy all during lunchtime.

On the way home from school, Kelton saw Mrs. Cromwell walking to her mailbox. As he walked by, Kelton said, “Hello ma’am, how are you today?”

“Well,” she said, “my doctor told me I have bursitis in my shoulder, and my back’s been hurting for a

long time. Makes it hard to come out here and get my mail. And look at my fingers; I can’t even bend them anymore with the arthritis. My children and grandchildren never visit me anymore…” She continued for 15 minutes until she was too tired to stand there pitying herself any longer, so she walked back to her house.

Kelton realized Cory and Mrs. Cromwell needed some attention, but not with sympathy & pity. They needed R&A, respect and admiration. The next day he left some magic seeds on Mrs. Cromwell’s porch and some magic drumsticks in Cory’s locker.

With all the attention, Cory and Mrs. Cromwell stopped trying to seek sympathy or pity from others.

They got all the praise and attention anyone would ever want.

Kelton felt good.

Buscrat’s Fables are simple stories that each a moral. Buscrat welcomes you to visit buscratsfables.com for more fables and welcomes your comments, suggestions and requests.

Cory saw the drumsticks and started tapping them on the lockers, then on the trash can lid, the walls, anything he could drum on. He had a good beat. It was so fast that the kids started dancing to it. They all told Cory how they loved his drumbeat. The music teacher heard about Cory and recruited him into the band. Everybody liked the pep rallies with Cory’s

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.

k.com orOpenStoc www.Vect

Guest picks

Staff picks

By Caroline Gibson

By Maria Wyllie BIG SKY WEEKLY EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Spring breaker Carline Gibson was excited to get tan on the slopes of Lone Mountain instead of on the poolside chaise lounge. Sporting jeans and a Hawaiian shirt, Gibson kept the party going all day long as she skied alongside fellow vacationers listening to today’s latest pop and hip-hop beats.

These songs will make you feel like a rock star wherever you are. As the season draws to a close and you begin making the transition from skiing into biking, running, fishing or whatever you like doing in the summer, these tracks will help you own it and be like “yeah, I just did that.”

1.

“Radioactive,” Imagine Dragons

1.

“I’m A Ryda,” Philthy Rich

2.

“Can’t Hold Us,” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

2.

“’Till I Collapse,” Eminem & Nate Dog

3.

“Drank In My Cup,” Sky Balla

4.

“Blow The Whistle,” Too $hort

5.

“I’m Goin’ In,” Drake

6.

“Lucifer,” Jay-Z

7.

“Mondrian,” Andre Legacy

8.

“Chin Check,” N.W.A

9.

“All I Do Is Win,” DJ Khaled

3.

“Love Me,” Lil Wayne

4.

“Pour It Up,” Rihanna

5.

“Troublemaker,” Olly Murs

6.

“Scream and Shout,” will.i.am

7.

“The Way,” Ariana Grande

8.

“Titanium,” David Guetta & Sia

9.

“C’Mon,” Ke$ha

10. “Swimming Pools,” Kendrick Lamar

10. “All Gold Everything,” Trinidad James

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

column: wanderer at rest

April 5-18, 2013

Update: Angry and winded – It happened. The Run to the Pub, that is.

By Jamie Balke

Update: Angry and winded – It happened. The Run to the Pub, that is.

Once I started my little jog, a combination of exhaustion and grim determination replaced my anxiety. Just before the 3-mile mark, as I approached one of the few up-hills, rather than thinking Oh, man!, as intended, I realized I actually said it rather loudly.

Last weekend my ill-conceived plan to participate in the 10K Run to the Pub came to fruition.

Having only recently gotten back into running, or more accurately, jogging,

At the top, I encountered a coworker directing race traffic. I thought she was a mirage, but when the mirage hugged me, and I proclaimed, “This is horrible!” I somehow felt better.

Big Sky Weekly Columnist

In fact, once it was halfway over, I started enjoying myself. It was a beautiful day, and my slow pace enabled me to take in the mountains, deer running on a nearby hillside, and a sweaty shirtless man who spat at my feet when he passed me.

I was happy to have my brother and a good friend along. This helped to ease – but did not nullify – the pain. The morning of the big day began bright and early with me nervously pacing around my apartment, cursing.

Everyone arrived, and I reluctantly drove to the pick-up point in downtown Bozeman. My rather tame nod to Saint Patrick’s Day, which included shamrock wristbands and green face paint, was immediately blown out of the water by a growing crowd of festively clad runners – a group wearing knitted orange beards, some green mustachioed ladies, and a guy dressed like a Viking.

Throngs of enthusiastic, costumed people began loading the buses to the start of the race, and I found myself distracted by how far we were driving out of town. By the time I hit my head on the padded top of the bus door while unloading at the start, I was a fidgeting bundle of energy.

Jamie Balke (right) got smoked by a Viking, but still survived the Run to the Pub. Photo courtesy of Jamie Balke

In conclusion, the following is an incomplete list of people who smoked me:

As we waited for everyone to get situated at the start, a news helicopter made several low passes, and I fought the urge to raise my middle fingers into the air. The other runners mostly cheered and waived. Before the run began, the frontrunners of the half marathon came bursting down the road, and attempted to pick their way through the hoard. The hoard did its best to clear a path.

• •

Without much ceremony that I could detect from my starting position in the back of the pack, the race began, and all I could think was, please, please don’t let me be dead last. At the very least, I was determined not to walk. A man played a bagpipe as we cleared the start line.

In any case, I was rewarded with a beer.

• • • •

My brother, who didn’t train Several different couples and individuals pushing strollers filled with offspring A very fit woman who was at least 70 Those alternating between walking and jogging People obviously running the half-marathon The guy in heavy-looking Viking regalia

Jamie Balke had quite a good time at the Run to the Pub, and intends to give it another go next year.

some restaurants do italian food. some do chinese food.

WE DO BIG SKY FOOD

we deliver 4069952305

serving breakfast lunch & dinner

40 April 5-18, 2013

explorebigsky.com

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”

Pet toxin ingestion

By Jenny Ladd Big Sky Weekly Veterinary Expert

I returned home the other night to find the remnants of gum wrappers scattered around the living room, four guilty culprits cowering in the corners of the room.

My dogs don’t typically rummage through the garbage – or in this case dig a pack of gum out of my bag – but nevertheless, here we were. As a veterinary student nearing graduation, I should know to be more careful, but that

is what makes this relevant and important to the health of my animals and yours. The active ingredient in sugar free gum, Xylitol, is 100 times more toxic to animals than chocolate, yet it’s something common in our homes and around our animals.

I reached for the 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and gave each of the four dogs a tablespoon. Hydrogen peroxide is caustic on the stomach, and will frequently make a dog vomit. In the hospital we use more direct emetics, or vomitinducing agents,

-O’DELL CREEK RANCH-

LIMA • $2,595,000

187 +/- acres, borders public land on three sides, remote, abundant wildlife 3,500 +/- sf log home, mature forest, meadows, seasonal ponds and springs

More Fine Ranch & Recreational Offerings: ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROAD • BELGRADE • $4,300,000 719 +/- acres, 3,622 +/- sf home, views, primitive cabin, borders USFS land Mill Creek runs through, water rights, productive hay ground ROCK CREEK ROAD • EMIGRANT • $2,975,000 130 +/- forested acres, borders public land, meadows, springs, pond 1,489 +/- sf cabin, amazing views, year-round access CABIN ON WILLOW CREEK • LIVINGSTON • $2,449,000

308 +/- acres, timber, cottonwoods, native grass, ponds Willow Creek runs through, 2,313 +/- sf log cabin, ap. 12 miles to town

Don Pilotte

Broker, GRI, SFR Resort & Recreation Specialist

(406) 580-0155

RanchMT.com

that work on a neurological level, but hydrogen peroxide is a good thing to have on hand at home.

Two of the dogs vomited – no gum so far, so the culprit was still at large. Given the rapid toxic effects of Xylitol, we loaded them in the truck and off to the hospital we went. While waiting for the emergency veterinarian to arrive, the remaining two began to vomit, and voila, there was a 2-inch diameter mass of gum.

In this instance, the amount of gum indicated that we got the majority of it, and quickly too, so the possible absorption was likely minimal.

After consulting with the veterinarian, we decided to bring everyone home and keep an eye on the culprit through the night.

The risk with xylitol is severe hypoglycemia and liver damage, which happen quickly and dramatically, the xylitol causing a release of large amounts of insulin. As in humans, insulin helps with absorption and metabolism of glucose from the blood.

Too much insulin, as in this case, causes glucose to be removed from the blood at a very high rate, leading to a severe hypoglycemic event. This may appear as bizarre behavior, seizures, stupor or coma.

The scary thing about xylitol toxicity is that clinical signs can have a quick onset, or they can be delayed a number of days. Death of liver cells may not show clinical signs until a few days after ingestion, and are irreversible. Additionally, it can have permanent long-term effects on the liver and can cause death.

No matter how careful we are, accidents happen. Part of the responsibility of owning pets is caring for them, loving them, and looking out for them even when their behavior is less than ideal.

Wishing you and your pets health and happiness, xylitol free!

Jenny Ladd is a fourth year veterinary student at Oklahoma State University, and a certified Veterinary Acupuncturist currently living in Stillwater, Ok. with her boyfriend and four dogs.

The most common toxins for dogs and cats

Xylitol, the active ingredient in sugar free gum, is 100 times more toxic to animals than chocolate Foods: avocado, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol (found in gum) and chocolate (the darker the chocolate the more toxic) Household products: cleaning products, antifreeze, prescription and over the counter medication Insecticides and herbicides: Rodenticides, heartworm and flea and tick preventative overdose Plants: lilies, azaleas, kalanchoe, rhododendron, sago palm and schefflera.

Resources and advice 1. Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435. Open 24 hours a day, it answers questions and offers treatment advice.

2. Call your local veterinarian immediately. Do not wait until the morning.

3. Collect samples. Bring samples of the ingested product, scraps and all, to the veterinary office.

Also, if you induce vomiting, bring a sample of that, as well.

Although unpleasant, it can be very useful if the toxin remains a mystery.

4. Most of all, stay calm.

Initiating vomiting Many toxins have such serious effects, a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting is recommended while preparing for a trip to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. This is a stopgap, not a replacement for veterinary care, and should only be done after a call to your veterinarian and Animal Poison Control. Too much hydrogen peroxide can cause violent vomiting, and should be used cautiously.

If your pet has ingested a foreign body like a toy, a sock or a stick, however, do not induce vomiting.

This instance is also an emergency, but vomiting can cause more harm.

Again, call your veterinarian, and get your pet to the nearest hospital immediately.

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

outdoors

April 5-18, 2013 41

Section 4:

life, land and culture

Volume 4 // Issue No. 6

Kaia conquers the carpet

By Becky Edwards

After a quick lesson involving pizzas, French fries and bending her knees, Kaia was off and scooting around like a pro.

BIG SKY WEEKLY CONTRIBUTOR

Being a single mother, I’m pretty used to harnessing my inner Sherpa.

Traveling with a hefty 2-year-old, heavy bags, a car seat and all the accoutrements requires a positive attitude and remembering to lift with my legs. When contemplating taking my daughter, Kaia, skiing for the first time, I was happy to let gravity do all the work.

I cheered and romped after her in my tele boots (still hadn’t actually put my skis on yet), holding her hand on the magic carpet and thanking the carpet attendant for his patience with my squeaking toddler. By the way, it’s always more fun to sing while riding the carpet.

Kaia is always up for an adventure.

She thrives in the outdoors, so getting her excited for an adventure on snow was easy.

When we picked up her season-lease skis, complete with graphics of fairies and butterflies, she took them everywhere for a few days – in bed for naptime; in the car for trips to the grocery store; she even strapped on her boots, clicked into her skis and insisted I let her sit in her high chair, skis dangling, during breakfast to “practice for the chair lift.”

Earlier this year, I loaded skis, boots and baby into the car and headed south

After several laps Kaia was tired, and we settled down on the edge of the run for some Cheddar Bunny snacks and snuggles. My little bug plopped down on my lap and exclaimed, “I skied the MOUNTAIN!” I couldn’t have been prouder. It was my favorite day of skiing. And I never put my skis on once.

Photo by Maria Wyllie

from Bozeman to Big Sky. All the while Kaia chanted, “I’m gonna ski on the MOUNTAIN!”

shuttle pick-up. By the time we made it to the base of the smaller magic carpet, I was sweaty and tired.

I loaded my backpack with snacks, diapers and extra clothes, lashed on my tele skis and Kaia’s fairy-butterfly-princess boards, and then carried Kaia to the

Kaia was beaming from under her pink goggles, chanting, “I’m gonna ski on the MOUNTAIN!”

Becky Edwards is a long-time Bozeman resident and mountain lover. Kaia progressed to the longer magic carpet, Adrian’s Way, and then to the Explorer lift. Go, little ripper!

bigskytowncenter.com

Where Big Sky Comes Together

Shopping:

An adventure of epic proportion...

Souvenirs, clothing, artwork, boots, Pandora jewelry, home decor, outdoor gear and so much more!

CHALET 4

AT Y E L L OW S TO N E CLUB

Turn-key chalet with direct access to 2,200 acres of private skiing CHALET4.COM

FEATURES

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Incredible, Direct Ski-in/Ski-out Access 6,000+ Livable Square Feet with 5 Bedrooms Tu r n k e y P r o p e r t y w i t h B a s e A r e a L o c a t i o n Steps from War ren Miller Lodge Private Backyard Area 2,200 Acres of Private Skiing

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

fishing column: the eddy line

April 5-18, 2013 43

Why you should care about nymphs

By Patrick Straub Big Sky Weekly Fishing Columnist

Fly fishing is a visual sport. For some, it’s Brad Pitt’s smirk and his sexy blond hair sneaking out from his drifter hat.

For others, and I’m in this crowd, it’s watching a rising trout move intently to the surface to sip in a passing mayfly, the ripples of the rise circulating in the current.

On the Gallatin, first time anglers are hit with a jolt of adrenaline when a 10-inch cutthroat slaps at their dry fly. You might think the more one fishes, a smallish fish eating a dry fly would become mundane.

But any angler scoffing at small trout attacking dry flies is being dishonest – seeing a fish eat is why we fish.

Unfortunately, it can’t always be this way and we have to adjust our fishing tactics to what the fish are eating. More often than not, they’re gorging below the surface on nymphs.

I was not born a dry-fly snob. Growing up in Bozeman near the Madison and Gallatin Rivers, and being lucky enough to fish with experienced anglers who plied those waters, I learned the old adage early: 90 percent of a trout’s diet exists underneath the surface of the water.

As a youngster, I didn’t have many flies, but I never ventured out without a few Prince Nymphs and Pheasant Tails. True, dry fly fishing is generally more exciting than nymphing, but the practical angler knows the rent gets paid deep in the water column. It’s not that fish can’t find food on the surface of the water – it’s just that there’s generally more food downstairs. Plus it’s safer and more efficient for trout to eat in the shadows beneath the refractive surface of the water.

Also, while trout don’t have microscopic calculators in their heads, they are genetically imprinted to constantly consider the following ratio: calories expended versus calories earned. If you were a trout, would you rise to slurp an adult stonefly and risk getting whopped on the head by an osprey? Doubtful, when you could eat an equally nutritious stonefly nymph in the safety

Big rainbows like this Missouri River buck ate a size 18 pheasant tail nymph. Photos courtesy of Gallatin River Guides

and shade of a cut-bank.

Since nymphs and larva (mayfly, stonefly, caddis, midges, damselflies, et cetera) are consistently available, they make up the bulk of a trout’s diet. Furthermore, scores of protein-rich food items only live underwater – aquatic red worms, leeches, scuds, freshwater shrimp, minnows, fry and crawfish, for example.

I’ve had several clients catch the largest brown trout of their angling careers on the Missouri River during runoff, when the grass banks and islands are underwater – all on aquatic worm imitations. These huge fish have bellies shaped like Dunlop footballs and regurgitate worms in the net.

That’s why you should care about nymphs.

Patrick Straub is the owner of Gallatin River Guides on US 191, a half mile south of the intersection with Big Sky Spur road. gallatinriverguides.com

• Pe di at r i c s • C hroni c C ond it i ons • Women’s He a lt h • Prenat a l C are • Oste op at hi c Manipu l at i on Prescheduled and same-day appointments available Open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays Taking most local insurance carriers including Medicare and Medicaid

Maren Dunn D.O. Board Certified in Family Medicine

A nice brown and a well-stocked box of nymphs

18 Meadow Village Drive, Big Sky, MT (across from the post office) Phone: 406-995-3111 | After hours: 406-599-5848 gallatinfamilymedicine.com

44 April 5-18, 2013

word from the resorts

Moonlight Basin by niles jeran

mlb snow reporter

Awesome events, good snow and everyone who joined us on the peak this

year has made for an epic season—but it’s not over yet!

Moonlight Basin is going out with a bang by hosting the Huck-ABerry Jam on closing day, April 14.

Big Sky Resort This terrain park event will feature a top to bottom “fun run” setup on Cupajo, viewable from Headwaters Grille. All entries will go into the cash purse to be split up among the top skiing and snowboarding athletes – this is spring stoke you don’t want to at Moonlight brings miss. SignBasin up and charge or grab a drink from the Headwaters Grille and soak in the RegistRation 11:30am 12:30pm sun-as you cheer on Madison Village Base Area the competitors.

Entry fee is $20. Open to skiers and

snowboarders.

Under 18 - parent signature required.

Spring has been full of fun thanks to consistent snow and sunslopestyle Competition ny-slope-side 1:30pm 4pm • Locatedvibes. on Cupajo Awards to follow.

Required.

Both theHelmet Junior and Lift Ticket Required* Adult competitions * $25 Derringer only lift ticket available at the Headwaters Spring Runoff were incredible – what a moonlightbasin.com • (406) 993-6000 spirited competition!

Fear of missing out?

Moonlight Basin season passes are currently on sale at the best rate offered until April 30 – pick one up today and score a MLB t-shirt and access to skiing for the rest of this season.

by kipp proctor

bsr media relations and community manager

After having yet another amazing season here at Big Sky Resort, there’s no better way to end our 39th winter than with a few weeks of great spring skiing. With mostly warm temps and sunshine in the forecast, it’s time to break out the shorts and bikinis and hit the slopes.

With only a week left to mark the end of winter, it’s time to celebrate with the Pond Skim on April 13. Located at the bottom of Ambush beside the Ramcharger lift, this event draws a massive crowd, and is a family and local favorite.

Clear skies and sunshine have formed some great Photo by Chris Kamman/Big Sky Resort bumps on Andesite, so Come and check out the splashes and dust off the skinny skis and get ready crashes as participants test their skimfor a ride. If bashing bumps isn’t up ming skills. your alley, Lone Mountain and the surrounding groomers offer a wide Interested in participating or just want to variety of terrain from the steep open hear more about our closing festivities? faces off the tram to long cruisers Visit us at bigskyresort.com/pondskim. on Andesite and on the flanks of the peak.

Lone Mountain Ranch

By Bob Foster

lmr general manager

Reflections on my first winter in Big Sky from a Colorado transplant: There is no such thing as inclement weather, just inappropriate clothing.

Wearing the correct clothes makes all the difference in the world, whether it’s 20 below or 6 above with 15 mile an hour winds.

Snow has a purpose here. It’s not just for fun, but is also why people live, vacation and have jobs. This completely changed my view on snow or the lack thereof. On our ranch in Colorado, snow was a nuisance. We did like the water, but snow kept us from riding horses and made a cowboy’s life miserable.

Forget Beachbody’s “Insanity” or Tony Horton’s “PX90.” If you’d re-

ally like to get in shape and have a cardio workout, take up classic or skate skiing. It gets you outside, you can do it with other people, and the scenery on Walkin’ Jim’s is better than in my living room.

Having been here for almost nine months, I’m enjoying the different rhythms and lyrics of the seasons.

But most of all, I’m enjoying the people in Big Sky. You have embraced this cowboy couple and made us feel right at home even if we don’t have a dog, don’t downhill ski anymore, and even if we still screech to a stop to take pictures whenever a deer, elk, moose or sheep appear.

And remember: “There are only 264 shopping days left until Christmas, when we’ll do it all again. Have a great summer!

Bridger Bowl Bridger Bowl and the Gallatin Valley Food Bank are teaming up to help feed people in need. The food bank will have a truck parked adjacent to the ticket windows at Saddle Peak Lodge from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. on April 7.

By donating 10 cans of food or more, you can ski Bridger for $20 on April 7 or 8, which is the last day of the season. The individual making the largest donation of food will receive a 2013-14 Bridger Bowl Adult Season Pass. This is the first food drive at Bridger Bowl.

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Bringing you closer to Santosha (contentment) today...

yoga massage acupuncture chiropractic ayurveda thai massage

Bringing you closer to Santosha (contentment) today... yoga massage acupuncture

chiropractic ayurveda thai massage

406-993-2510 • 169 Snowy Mountain Circle • Big Sky, Montana

s ant o s hab i g s ky.c o m

RegistRation 11:30am - 12:30pm Madison Village Base Area Entry fee is $20. Open to skiers and snowboarders. Under 18 - parent signature required.

slopestyle Competition 1:30pm - 4pm • Located on Cupajo Awards to follow. Helmet Required.

Lift Ticket Required* * $25 Derringer only lift ticket available

prizes!

moonlightbasin.com • (406) 993-6000

46 April 5-18, 2013

outdoors

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

Gear Review:

Madshus skate skis and poles

By Jessie Wiese

Big Sky Weekly Contributor

Madshus Nanosonic skate ski The Madshus Nanosonic skate ski is solidly built, with a responsive, acrylic-based foam core. This lightweight, high-performance foam – also found in other extreme strength/weight applications such as helicopter rotor blades and airplane jet fans – allows for excellent dampening performance, maximizing the precision and feel of the ski.

It has a good allaround camber in the front, with progressive tip flex that isn't board-stiff or floppy.

its build allows for a more forward binding mount, which changes the feel from many other brands. This geometry helps the ski build speed quickly when moving dynamically from ski to ski. They also run well on edge where many other brands tend to start dying out.

The ski rolls inside-edge-tooutside-edge without carving away from me while V2ing, Putting Madshus to the test allowing a long, smooth, controlled glide. Because they have more of a platform mid-foot, the Nanosonics Madshus Nano Carbon Race 100 UHM Pole also perform well in softer conditions and climb efficiently. The fore-body camber These poles are both stiffer and lighter than extends a little further forward than past earlier versions. The full-cork race handle models, and the contact pressure area in the reduces the weight and increases stiffness front of the ski allows it to smoothly fall while the carbon material provides superior back under the body after gliding. power-transfer and low swing-weight for strong acceleration and easy use.

Initially, this ski will feel shorter because

Photos courtesy of Jessie Wiese

2013 Bozeman Tritons Triathlon registration open Discounted registration for those who sign up by April 30 2013 Bozeman Tritons Triathlon registration open Discounted registration for those who sign up by April 30

than the previous two years to minimize conflicts with other area events and reduce the potential impact of summer heat and smoke from wildfires.

BOZEMAN – Registration is open for the 2013 Bozeman Tritons Triathlon, to be held Sunday, June 23 at the East Gallatin Recreation Area. This annual fixture of the Gallatin Valley features both a sprint-distance race and a long-course race, with options for all abilities. There will be a relay division for teams of 2-3 and a junior division for triathletes aged 16-19.

“We’ve been trying to get the word out that the race is earlier this year,” said race director Jamie Kujawa, “But it’s hard to get people thinking about a summer race when we still have snow on the ground.”

The date for this year's event, which is hosted by the Bozeman Masters Swim Club, is five weeks earlier

Unchanged are the race courses. The long-course race is the only half-Iron-distance triathlon in Montana, and consists of a 1.2 mile swim in the pond, a 56-mile, out-and-back bike up scenic Bridger Canyon Drive and over Battle Ridge Pass, and a 13.1-mile lollipop-loop run in the Bridger foothills

on mostly paved surfaces.

The sprint race is a 750-meter swim in the pond, followed by a 20-kilometer, out-and-back bike and a five-kilometer, out-and-back run that finishes with a lap around the lake. Both races are fully supported with aid stations.

Despite the earlier date, more than a quarter of the 250 available slots have been filled, and it so far, 12 U.S. states are represented, with racers from as far as Baltimore, Md. To register, visit bozemantritons.org/tritonstri/registration.

header

March 22-April 4, 2013 47

CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED The best of the best!

27 MPG 2011/12 Subaru Outbacks

31 MPG

HWY**

21,965

$

STARTING AT

2,500 $ 299

$

Down Payment Per month OAC

10 9

TO CHOOSE FROM

HWY**

19,655

$

STARTING AT

27 MPG

32 MPG 2012 Volkswagon JETTA SE HWY**

REDUCED TO FINAL CLOSEOUT

HWY**

6,500 miles

2,500 $ 230

$

Down Payment Per month OAC

SUBARU 1999 Subaru Legacy Outback 98,000 miles.....$5,998 2002 Subaru Outback 125,385 miles...................$6,840 2002 Subaru Outback 167,578 miles.....................$6,988 2002 Subaru Outback 98,369 miles.....................$9,898 2008 Subaru Impreza 66,019 miles......................$14,962 2011 Subaru Impreza 32,244 miles.........................$16,974 2013 Subaru Forester 1961 miles..........................$22,988

8 7

TO CHOOSE FROM

WOODY’S SPECIAL

19,525

$

2011/12 Subaru Imprezas and Legacys

2,500 $ 225

$

VOLKSWAGON 2009 VW Jetta 88,958 miles..................................$17,869 2009 VW Jetta 89,399 miles..................................$18,987 2012 VW Passat 33,088 miles................................$21,650

HYUNDAI 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe 79,406 miles.................$13,987 2013 Hyundai Accent 8,725 miles.........................$15,888 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe 35,000 miles..................$18,998

Per month OAC

TO CHOOSE FROM

2012 Subaru Legacys

20,500

$

NOW AT

6 5

Down Payment

4 3

TO CHOOSE FROM

OTHER MAKES AND MODELS 1999 Audi A8 140,910 miles.......................................$5,968 2003 Dodge Intrepid 91,179 miles..........................$5,987 2005 Buick LeSabre 85,113 miles...........................$8,532 2003 Ford Explorer 147,751 miles............................$7,557 2004 Ford Escape 106,283 miles...........................$9,845 2007 Toyota Matrix 102,920 miles..........................$7,897 2006 Chevy Trailblazer 104,048 miles.................$9,977 2008 Honda Fit 50,953 miles..................................$11,878 2008 Honda Element 63,397 miles......................$17,325 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser 54,878 miles.................$21,586

See these and our other specials always online at montanaimportgroup.com (406) 586-1771

Text 579-9966 for Service Same Day Service montanaimportgroup.com

31910 Frontage Road SALES Mon-Fri 9-6 • Sat 9-5 SERVICE Mon-Fri 7:30-6 • Sat 9-5

48 April 5-18, 2013

yellowstone

explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly

New book on Yellowstone’s changing ecology MSU NEWS SERVICE

BOZEMAN – Harvard University Press has published a new book about the changing ecology and management approaches in Yellowstone National Park.

The book, Yellowstone’s Wildlife in Transition, incorporates the expertise of more than 30 contributors.

Among them are Montana State University faculty members in two departments – the Department of Ecology and the Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences.

Cindy Goeddel, an MSU undergraduate student and professional photographer, took and donated all the photos in the 368-page book.

Bob Garrott, an MSU ecology professor and director of the university’s Fish and Wildlife Ecology and Management Program, was one of the book’s three editors.

The other two editors work for the National Park Service. P.J. White, a long-time collaborator of Garrott’s, is chief of wildlife and aquatic

resources at Yellowstone National Park.

Glenn Plumb is chief wildlife biologist in the Biological Resource Management Division of the National Park Service.

Famed naturalist Edward O. Wilson, professor emeritus at Harvard and presenter of an annual award in his name at MSU, wrote the forward.

The book also recommends ways to confront challenges in American parks and conservation areas worldwide.

The book describes how the park’s policies have evolved since its founding in the 1870s, intensive management to protect and propagate large mammals replaced by a focus on restoring and preserving ecological processes.

“Recognizing the importance of natural occurrences such as fires and predation, this more ecological informed oversight has achieved notable successes, including the recovery of threatened native species of wolves, bald eagles and grizzly bears,” the editors wrote.

At the same time, they note, Yellowstone is a system under strain from three overriding stressors: invasive species such as blister rust, lake trout, brucellosis and mountain goats; private-sector development of unprotected lands; and a warming climate.

This is how Big Sky gets into hot water.

Nordic Hot Tub We service what we sell!

Spa sales to fit your budget Pool and spa care after the sale Custom maintenance plans

Garrott said ecologists in the park have conducted “phenomenal science” over the past 30 years, their findings influencing decisions and public opinion. In the forward, Wilson wrote that the book’s intent is to translate that science into 21st century stewardship.

Spa covers and custom lifts Lots of accessories for your spa Special orders available

www.BigSkyHotTubs.com (406) 995-4892 • NordicHotTub@aol.com 47520 Gallatin Rd. • Big Sky, MT 59716

More than 30 contributors, including several MSU faculty members and alumni, were involved in this new book about changes in Yellowstone National Park.

Garrott said earlier policies dictated the park be managed to maintain the conditions encountered when Europeans first described it.

Large ecosystems change, however, and the public shouldn’t be surprised when changes occur, he said. Therefore, forest fires aren’t disasters, and reintroduced wolves bring about fundamental changes.

“Perhaps the most difficult decision managers will face is whether to intervene with active management, such as assisting migration, culling animals, lighting fires, restoring native animals and vegetation, spraying weeds and thinning forests,” the authors wrote.

They recommended managers consider historical fidelity, ecological integrity, and resilience when deciding on the type and extent of management intervention to pursue, and suggested diverse approaches ranging from nonintervention to active transformation.

Yellowstone Road Status Track updates Tuesday through Friday at www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/plowing.htm