1 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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Life and land from the heart of the Yellowstone Region
Explore Big Sky
Big Sky Oct. 4-17, 2013 Volume 4 // Issue #20
Government shutdown affects Yellowstone-area businesses
Homecoming LPHS, Bozeman High, MSU
North Fork Trail update
Dining: No boundaries at Bozeman's new Open Range
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Spanish Peaks announces new membership plan
image by kelsy dzintars
What Obamacare means for Montanans
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On the cover: "Vagabond" oil, 36x48 by Kelsey Dzintars will be showing at Zoot Art Gallery in Dzintars' exhibit, "American Spirit." An opening will be held Oct. 11. See story on p. 18.
OCtoBer 4-17, 2013 Volume 4, Issue no. 20 Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana
PUBLISHER Eric Ladd
editorial MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler Wolfe senior editor Joseph T. O’Connor staff writer/distribution director Tyler Allen associate editor Maria Wyllie
creative CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars VIDEO director Brian Niles Video Producer Joe Paulet
Cooper Shea, No. 20, jukes a Billings Christian School Warrior at the Lone Peak High School Big Horns’' first home football game on Sept. 28. It was a tough loss for LPHS, but there’s plenty of pigskin left this season. Photo by Joseph T. O’Connor
COO Megan Paulson
Go (insert team here)!
Operations director Katie Morrison
We’ve already seen the snow fly in Big Sky. Winter’s en route.
Director of Business Development Yellowstone region EJ Daws
But don’t hunker down by the fireplace just yet. Right now is an exciting time in southwest Montana, with residents and visitors taking in fall fly fishing, hikes among the changing leaves and fall sports.
SALES and operations
CONTRIBUTors Dasha Bough, Tyler Busby, Mike Coil, Rosalyn Kutsch, Jennifer Hill, Griffin House, Maria Lovely, Max Lowe, Tori Pintar, Brandon Niles, Micah Robin, Benjamin Schwarz, Cooper Shea, Patrick Straub, Sayler Tatom, Ben Winston, Jonna Yost
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It’s also time to break out your school sprit. Homecoming festivities are heating up at area schools, including Lone Peak High, Bozeman High and Montana State University. LPHS plans a weeklong celebration beginning Oct. 6. They’re encouraging businesses to enter the window-decorating contest, and hopeful the community comes out for the Oct. 11 parade through Town Center. The Big Horns square off against West Yellowstone for the homecoming football game, called the “Battle of 191.” (See story on page 35).
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Bozeman High School takes on Hellgate High’s Knights on Oct. 25 for the Hawk’s homecoming, as they try to keep an undefeated (at press time) record. Read about Bozeman High’s homecoming festivities on page 39, as Hawk Talk’s Editor-inChief Rosalyn Kutsch previews the week leading up to the big game. MSU’s homecoming football game takes place Oct. 5 against Northern Arizona. EBS contributor Mike Coil previews the matchup on page 36, recounting quarterback DeNarius McGhee’s incredible comeback from a shoulder injury ahead of the big game. When I was in high school, homecoming was a big deal. It still is. Bring out your flags, face paint and team spirit, and show support for your kids, classmates and community this homecoming season. -Joseph T. O’Connor
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 3
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All information given is considered reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and should not be relied upon as such. These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity. Š2013 LK REAL ESTATE, llc. lkrealestate.com | *Membership is required
4 Oct. 4-17, 2013
contents
table of contents
explorebigsky.com
Features:
20
Explore Big Sky
Spanish Peaks announces new membership plan
Government shutdown affects Yellowstone-area businesses
Section 1: News Community...................................................5 Local News............................................................8 Regional......................................................9 Yellowstone.....................................................10 Montana.....................................................12 Nation.....................................................14
Section 2: Life, Land & Culture
Nation: What Obamacare means for Montanans
Dining....................................................................17 Gallery.................................................................18 Business.................................................................20 Outlaw News.......................................................22 Health..............................................................23 Events.............................................................25 The Eddy Line........................................................26 Fun..........................................................27 Gear Review........................................................28 Classifieds....................................................30 Back 40.................................................................31 Bull Market...........................................................32
North Fork Trail Update
17
Special Section: Homecoming, sports, LPHS expedition
Homecoming
LPHS, Bozeman High, MSU
TAKE A RIDE WITH
THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE THIS SUMMER
Dining: No boundaries at Bozeman's new Open Range
State Water Plan update The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in concert with the Upper Missouri River Basin Advisory Council has launched an initiative to update the State Water Plan for the Upper Missouri Basin. Public involvement is a critical part of this process, according to Blue Water Task Force Executive Director Kristen Gardner. On Oct. 8, a public meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn in Bozeman from 6-9 pm. Starting with brief presentations from water specialists, the meeting will include a facilitated discussion with Upper Missouri Basin Advisory Council members and the public. Additional information on the Montana State Water Initiative can be found at dnrc.mt.gov/mwsi.
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community
Oct. 4-17, 2013 5
The golden-shovel digging party commences.
BDHS holds ceremonial groundbreaking for Big Sky medical facility Story and photos by Joseph T. O’Connor Explore Big Sky Senior Editor
BIG SKY – Standing shoulder to shoulder, some 20 Big Sky community members dug golden shovels into the soil on Bozeman Deaconess Health Services’ property in the Town Center on Sept. 30, in the ceremonial groundbreaking for its Big Sky Medical Center. “It’s a day to put our hands together and be grateful as a community,” said Taylor Middleton, general manager at Big Sky Resort, at the noontime community luncheon where Electric Sunday played background music and a number of people gave speeches in a large white tent under rainy skies. BDHS plans to continue soil and geothermal studies on the 7.5-acre plot on Lone Peak Trail this fall, and “break ground with the big equipment next March and April,” according to BDHS CEO Kevin Pitzer. The medical center should be open by late summer or fall 2015, he added. “There are no holdbacks with this project in any way,” he told the crowd of nearly 150 community members, BDHS officials and media teams before grabbing his golden shovel for a photo op.
“[This groundbreaking] is truly a start and reinforces our continuous commitment to the community,” Pitzer said. “It’s an exciting new direction for us in providing healthcare for Big Sky.” BDHS’ Board of Trustees Chairman Terry Cunningham spoke first, telling the audience, “This is your hospital.” Bill Simkins, developer for Big Sky Town Center, from which BDHS acquired the land, also took the microphone to endorse the hospital. Montana Director of Veteran Affairs Denny Lenoir followed, reading a letter from Rep. Steve Daines praising the new facility.
Committee – comprised of six West Yellowstone citizens and 22 Big Sky residents – met with BDHS and Billings Clinic, both interested in building a medical center in Big Sky. The committee then hired an outside consultant, Howard Gershon of New Heights Group, to assess both hospitals’ feasibility studies. Holding four public meetings between July 17 and Aug. 7, the com-
mittee voted for Billings Clinic to build, after Gershon recommended Bozeman Deaconess’ plan. Since then, BDHS has maintained it will move forward with plans to build their medical facility in Big Sky. Billings Clinic continues to push forward with its plan to build in Big Sky, though it has not yet acquired land to do so, according to Jim Duncan, president of the Billings Clinic Foundation.
“This medical facility will not only create jobs, but will also offer critical access to life-saving medical care in Big Sky,” Lenoir read. Local doctor Maren Dunn, who operates Gallatin Family Medicine in Big Sky, said the medical center is a long time coming. “The more infrastructure you have, the bigger a community gets,” she said. “It’s awesome and I feel lucky to be a part of it. I just don’t want to wait two years for it [to be built].”
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iiCRC CeRtified fiRm • 24-houR emeRgenCy SeRviCeS Terry Cunningham, chairman for the Bozeman Deaconess Health Services Board of Trustees, addresses Denny Lenoir (front, L) and the crowd at the BDHS Big Sky Medical Center ceremonial groundbreaking event Sept. 30.
6 Oct. 4-17, 2013
community
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Resort Tax Board filing closed, candidates announced By Joseph T. O’Connor Explore Big Sky Senior Editor
BIG SKY – Three of five seats are up for election on Big Sky’s Resort Tax Board this November. Running for two of these seats are Ginna Hermann, Heather Budd, Robert “Bob” Shanks and Hans Williamson. Dr. Jeff Strickler is running for the final seat unopposed.
Current RTB member Les Loble is stepping down, and Hermann’s and Dr. Strickler’s seats are also up for election. Board members Jamey Kabisch and Mike Scholz will remain on the board until their terms are up in 2015. Ginna Hermann has served on the RTB for a full term (four years) and is
running for a second term, while Dr. Strickler is running for the remainder of his own unexpired term. Strickler tied with Loren Bough in the 2011 RTB elections, and won the seat in a coin toss, which is essentially an appointment, he said, not an election win. Aside from write-in votes, Strickler is the only candidate running for his seat.
Candidates Budd, Shanks and Williamson are each running for the first time. Ballots will be sent out Oct. 11, and elections are Nov. 5. For more information, visit the Gallatin County Election Office at gallatin.mt.gov, or call (406) 582-3060.
RTB Candidates
Jeffrey Strickler, M.D. From: Minneapolis, Minn. Resident: Big Sky, since 2005 Occupation: Pediatrician; practiced in Helena for 30 years What I’ll bring to the table: I’d like to continue what we started in my first two years, [including] encouraging the community and supporting emergency services. The most important things we’ve supported are no-brainers: the sheriff’s deputies, the fire department; we finished the sewer bond. Business has been good in Big Sky, so we can support [things like] culture and the arts. We’re looking for game-changing ideas for Big Sky.
Virginia Hermann From: Cleveland, Ohio Resident: Big Sky, since 2000 Occupation: Fundraiser, specializing in grant writing
Heather Budd From: Toms River, N.J. Resident: Big Sky, since 1997 Occupation: CPA; Accountant for Highline Partners
What I’ll bring to the table: I’m an active volunteer in the community and have experience seeing the community change and evolve. As the former president of the Arts Council in Big Sky, I have great experience in creating and preparing proposals – my professional background works well with the resort tax board. We’ve taken a more active role now than in the past few years. Organizations [requesting RTB funds] must provide three- and five-year plans, and if we fund a project, they provide a twice-a-year update on that project.
What I’ll bring to the table: Being in the Big Sky community for so long, I’m looking to be involved and make a difference. I have a master’s degree in accounting from Montana State University, and the resort tax board is a good fit for me with my financial background. [In Big Sky], we’re just growing and changing so much, it would be really great to be a part of that [growth].
Robert Shanks From: St. Louis, Mo. Resident: Big Sky, since January 2013 Occupation: Retired. Was 35-year operating executive for Arch Coal, Inc., a coal company based in St. Louis.
Hans Williamson From: Avon, Ill. Resident: Big Sky, since 2010; southwest Montana since 2007 Occupation: Vice-president and General Manager at Yellowstone Club
What I’ll bring to the table: With my business background, I have experience operating capital budgets, tracking expenditures to make sure we got what we were after. There are a number of significant issues in Big Sky – [the] need for more affordable housing; [the] consolidation of the ownership of the resorts and how that affects the community; [and a] recent resurgence in construction and development. My wife and I have been coming to Big Sky for three years. We retired and moved here in January, and we’re thrilled we ended up here.
What I’ll bring to the table: I think it’s important to give back to the community. I’m very passionate about Big Sky and can bring this passion and business acumen [to the resort tax board]. I also really believe it’s important to have collaboration and continuous improvement. Get all the opinions on the table and have public discussions to develop a consensus – this allows a community to grow and improve.
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local news
8 Oct. 4-17, 2013
8 Oct. 4-17, 2013
local news
Explore Big Sky
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Photo by Tyler Busby
Work on North Fork trails system suspended Forest Service deals with easement encroachment By Tyler Allen
Explore Big Sky Staff Writer
BIG SKY – The North Fork trails saga continues. In late September, Gallatin National Forest District Ranger Lisa Stoeffler announced the suspension of a controversial proposal to exchange public easements in the drainage on the north side of Big Sky.
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The Forest received more than 120 public comments on the proposal after public meetings this spring. Of those opposed to the project, “nearly 60 percent focused on the private home encroachment,” said a letter dated Sept. 19 from Stoeffler to interested parties. Texas lobbyist Stan Schlueter in 2000 built an 8,000-square-foot home within a Forest Service right-of-way, essentially closing public access on Road 166B. The agency came back this spring with the proposal to build a road bypassing his property, close the east side of Road 166B to public use and build a new trail for nonmotorized users. “I think in hindsight, we inadvertently brought confusion by adding on other potential things that could have happened in the North Fork,” Stoeffler said. “It may have seemed like a good idea to put a lot of ideas together, but it prevented us from dealing with the encroachment.” The Forest has begun looking over sample easements and road options, and has done some preliminary work
on an agreement with Schlueter to relocate the road. The easement near the house will be terminated when the parties agree where the new easement will be located and a road is constructed to restore public access, Stoeffler said. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be a lengthy process,” said Forest Service spokeswoman Marna Daley. “The United States is not going to terminate any easements until we have ones in kind. [We’re] racing the weather to get a new road in place, but it’s relatively straightforward.” Daley said the agency wants to find “a solution that works with Schlueter and the public – a solution that everyone can embrace, to resolve the encroachment.” Road 166B is currently open to motorized use in the summer. Under the Forest’s proposal that access would have been closed in favor of a new, 6.8-mile trail open to non-motorized users only. The public comment period on the proposal was originally slated to end March 29, but was extended to April 12 due to the high volume of input. The Forest also held two public meetings in Big Sky. “With the feedback and high level of scrutiny, [once the encroachment is] resolved then the trails work can resume,” Stoeffler said. “[Then] we can look at where we are with a potential trail system.”
regional
Oct. 4-17, 2013 9
yellowstone news
Oct. 4-17, 2013 9
MSU earns top Montana ranking on ‘America’s Top Colleges’ list MSU NEWS SERVICE
Distinctly Bozeman
BOZEMAN – Montana State University recently earned the 255th spot on Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges” list, which was the highest rank earned by a public or private institution in Montana.
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The Forbes rankings are based on several factors, including student satisfaction, post-graduate success, student debt levels, graduation rates, and nationally competitive awards received, according to the publication. In addition to MSU, other Montana colleges and universities ranked on the list included Carroll College at 269; Montana Tech of the University of Montana at 373; the University of Montana at 426; and Rocky Mountain College at 602. MSU also ranked higher than many of its peer universities in the West, including Washington State University, Utah State University, Colorado State University and Oregon State University. MSU reported historic high growth in enrollment this week with a record 15,294 students attending classes this fall. In addition, it continues to draw many of the state’s best and brightest students: of the 211 Montana high school graduates offered Montana University System Honor Scholarships, 127 – or 60 percent – chose MSU. With enrollment upward of 14,000, MSU offers more than 125 major options within its colleges and programs.
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Forbes partnered with the Washington, D.C.-based Center for College Affordability and Productivity to produce the list of 650 schools. More information, and the full list, is available at forbes.com/top-colleges.
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10 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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Meeting dates set for Gallatin Community Collaborative Committee secures funding By Emily Wolfe Explore Big Sky Managing Editor
The Gallatin Community Collaborative has already brought together opposing user groups in an effort to find a new solution to a three-decade old problem. The next step is a series of workshops with its new facilitator, the first of which will be in Big Sky on Oct. 11. The committee – which represents motorized and non-motorized interest groups, outfitters, landowners, conservation interests, educators and agency managers – has secured approximately $60,000 in funding, hired a facilitator, and laid out a set of guidelines and principals for future negotiations. According to press information from the GCC, the funding comes from local individuals and organizations, private foundation grants, and federal sources. Managed by the GCC’s fiscal sponsor Park County Community Foundation, the money will be used to support GCC facilitation, logistics and program management, meeting costs, travel costs, and technical resources and supplies. The exploratory committee spent the last two years building the preliminary guidelines for a future collaborative group it hopes will work
toward a management solution for the controversial 155,000-acre Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo Horn Wilderness Study Area. Congress designated the WSA in 1977 to “preserve its existing wilderness character” until a long-term decision about management and protection could be made. With the National Forest considering revisions to its management plan and no litigation pending, the committee hopes a future collaborative group will create a “broad, adaptive and durable” resolution it can present to the Gallatin National Forest and federal elected officials. The new facilitator, Jeff Goebel, has designed a three-stage community workshop series that will run October through February, with the goal of establishing trust and building relationships among participants. The workshops, according to the committee, “will lay important groundwork to build from as the GCC moves into more detailed and substantive dialogue on the WSA.”
Based in Portland, Ore., Goebel has facilitated conflicts around the Western U.S., and from Hawaii to Palestine, he says, working with individuals, families, businesses, communities and tribes. Instead of looking for common ground, Goebel plans to help the community find new ground and “100 percent agreement.”
Workshop dates: Oct. 11 (Friday) – Big Sky Whitewater Inn, 4-8 p.m., includes dinner Oct. 12 (Saturday) – Bozeman Gallatin County Fairgrounds (exhibit building #3), 9-1 p.m., includes breakfast Oct. 14 (Monday) – Bozeman Gallatin County Fairgrounds (exhibit building #3), 5:30-9:30 p.m., includes dinner Oct. 15 (Tuesday) – Livingston Park High School Multipurpose Room, 5:30-9:30 p.m., includes dinner Oct. 16 (Wednesday) – Gardiner/ Emigrant Emigrant Community Hall, 5:30-9:30 p.m., includes dinner The workshops are open to the public, but space is limited. If interested in attending, RSVP at gallatincollaborative.org.
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yellowstone
Oct. 4-17, 2013 11
Government shutdown causes national park closures Yellowstone gateway communities affected
The Lamar Valley, pictured here on Sept. 24. was closed at press time, along with the rest of Yellowstone and all of America’s national parks. The parks will remain closed until the government shutdown is over. PHOTO BY JOE PAULET
By Emily Wolfe
also remain on staff to answer media questions.
As the federal government shut down on Oct. 1, Yellowstone National Park closed its gates, essentially shuttering area businesses that depend on fall traffic in the park.
The only park road that remains open to the public is U.S. Highway 191, between Big Sky and West Yellowstone; however, the trailheads are closed.
Explore Big Sky Managing Editor
Park employees showed up to work that day, but 529 were sent home on furlough, said YNP Public Information Officer Al Nash. A group remained to execute the shutdown, which included closing the gates to incoming public traffic; later in the week, 45 more were set for furlough, Nash said. At press time, the U.S. Congress hadn’t yet passed a budget, causing a lapse in federal funding; the ensuing loss of services included closure of all national parks. This is the first government shutdown in 17 years, since Clinton was in office. Because there are people who live in the park, it will keep basic life, health and safety services available like water and wastewater treatment plants, emergency medical and structural fire services, law enforcement capability, and snow plow drivers. Nash will
Even if the shutdown and closure are short-lived, it’s already had a devastating effect on business in West Yellowstone, according to Melissa Alder, co-owner of the outdoor store in West, Freeheel and Wheel. “September has been very busy, and we’ve seen a lot of visitors in town, a lot of fishermen… We’ve spent a fair amount of money marketing the community in the shoulder seasons … and over the last few years that business has built up significantly. An extended closure is going to hurt the community, and everyone in town is going to suffer.” Fall visitors to West typically come for 5-7 days, rather than 1-2 days like summer visitors, Alder said, and this will cause many to cancel their plans to visit. “It’s going to put a quick end to the season that was seemingly one of the busiest falls we’ve ever had.”
Seasonal roads update High elevations of the Beartooth Highway were closed in late September due to high wind, drifting snow and new snow at Beartooth Pass. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, WY 296, remains open and travelers headed to Cooke City and Silver Gate should plan to use this alternate route; U.S. 212 between Cooke City and the junction of 296 will be maintained over Colter Pass until the official closing date in November.
The road from the park’s North Entrance in Gardiner, to the Northeast Entrance is closed to anyone but Cooke and Silver Gate residents and the remaining park employees, Nash said. For residents of Cooke City, four miles from the Northeast Entrance, their already remote village has instantly become a ghost town, said Leo Gaertner, owner of the restaurant/motel, Buns N Beds. “There’s nobody here. No one,” he said on Oct. 1. “It’s terrible. The only people here are those that are already here. We have probably about eight wildlife-viewing people and six fishermen. They can’t get [here], unless they’re coming from Cody.” Gaertner said a tour group had called to cancel earlier that morning, because it wasn’t allowed into the park. Of the four restaurants that would be serving food, only his and the Beartooth Café were still open.
“I don’t have any choice, I got a mortgage payment, so any local people that are around, I’m going to be here to feed them.” In Cody, Wyo., Chamber of Commerce Director Scott Balyo reports much the same. “Obviously we are nearing the end of our summer season, but this is still an important time of the year for Cody area businesses. As long as Yellowstone is open, there are visitors from around the world who have come to experience what is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience.” “The longer the shutdown lasts,” Balyo added, “the less likely it becomes that visitors will retain their travel plans, and our local hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions will suffer economically.”
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FWP extends comment period for area grizzly bear plan MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has again extended the public comment period for its updated grizzly bear conservation and management plan in southwest Montana. The comment period was first extended to Sept. 30; responding to public requests for additional time to examine the document, FWP will now accept comments through Oct. 11. Updated from a 2002 version, the new draft plan addresses state management options once the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s more than 700 grizzly bears are removed from the federal list of threatened species. FWP has developed the plan over the past year in conjunction with a programmatic environmental impact statement, and held August open houses in Bozeman, Helena and Billings to discuss the proposal. Among the issues considered in the EIS are population monitoring, habitat management, nuisance grizzly bear management, future distribution, and the potential for grizzly bear hunting. FWP has received a number of comments and questions regarding operating costs, and its Wildlife Division administrator Ken McDonald said the operating costs outlined in the draft are the minimum for program implementation. FWP will provide additional clarification of costs and response to public comment in the final EIS. FWP expects to have a final decision notice in December, to be considered for approval by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in January. Copies of the draft plan and comment forms are available online at fwp.mt.gov. Click “SW MT Grizzly Bear Management Plan.” Public comment will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Oct. 11.
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NorthWestern Energy to acquire hydroelectric facilities for $900 million Rowe’s intention to use this a way to reverse the affects of deregulation. “These facilities were originally built as part of the integrated system that we own today and complement our existing set of supply resources,” said Bob Rowe, NorthWestern’s president and CEO in a press release about the announcement. Rowe is also former chairman of the PSC. “The addition of Montana-regulated, clean, sustainable and reliable hydro power will provide supply diversity to our portfolio and will reduce risks associated with variable fuel prices,” Rowe said. The Madison Dam, which creates Ennis Lake (pictured here), is one of the 12 dams NorthWestern Energy plans to purchase from PPL Montana. PHOTO BY KELSEY DZINTARS
By Emily Wolfe
and Morony dams on the Missouri River, in the Great Falls area.
Explore Big Sky Managing Editor
BUTTE – NorthWestern Energy on Sept. 26 announced plans to purchase 11 hydroelectric facilities that generate 633 megawatts, a storage reservoir, and a number of related assets from electricity generator PPL Montana, for $900 million.
The announcement has brought back the historic discussion about energy deregulation in Montana. Proposed by the now defunct Montana Power Company and passed by the 1997 state legislature, the deregulation law allowed the Montana Public Service Commission to regulate only delivery rates, leaving supply rates to the whims of the market. The idea was for consumers to choose their own electricity supplier, and it more than doubled the cost of electricity.
The facilities are: the Hebgen Lake Dam and reservoir south of Big Sky, and the Madison Dam north of Ennis, both on the Madison River; the Hauser and Holter dams, on the Missouri River north of Helena; the Kerr Dam, on the Flathead River near Polson; the Thompson Falls Dam on the Clark Fork River near Thompson Falls; and the Black Eagle, Rainbow, Cochrane, Ryan
The Sept. 27 Associated Press story on the potential acquisition gained national attention, citing
If the deal goes through, the release said, NWE will be able to fulfill nearly half of its customer’s energy needs through wind, hydro or solar resources, and provide most of the state’s power supply during light load periods. After the initial purchase, customers would likely see their energy bills rise. In the long run, Rowe said, it should provide energy stability, cost less than building entirely new production facilities, and reduce NWE’s reliance on third-party and spot-market purchases, thus stabilizing rates. Subject to closing conditions and regulatory approval from the PSC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, other state and federal agencies, the acquisition is expected to close in the second half of 2014.
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Lindeen: Obamacare’s effect on Montanans By Emily Wolfe
Explore Big Sky Managing Editor
HELENA – On a six-city tour explaining and answering questions about Obamacare Sept. 26-Oct. 1, Montana Insurance Commissioner Monica Lindeen drew hundreds to town hall-style meetings in Butte, Bozeman, Billings, Great Falls, Missoula and Kalispell. In March 2010, President Obama signed into law the comprehensive health reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; two years later, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the law. Some parts of it have already been enacted, and others are set to go into effect between now and 2018, with many of the largest provisions beginning January 2014. Among other things, Obamacare also sets a baseline of required services for health insurance plans; changes laws for large businesses providing insurance; provides tax credits for low-income citizens; removes insurance companies’ ability to deny insurance for people with pre-existing conditions; allows children to remain on their parents’ policies until age 26; and limits insurance companies’ profits. The town hall meetings were in advance of the Oct. 1 opening of new government-regulated health insurance marketplaces, which allow citizens to shop for policies online at healthcare.gov. In Montana, Lindeen said, the marketplace will help the approximately 185,000 uninsured residents – or 22 percent of the state population – get coverage, many for the first time. Requiring all citizens to have health insurance, the law has been controversial and divisive, with many Republican legislators seeing the ACA as an example of government overreach with possible high expense and increased federal debt. “The whole point of the health insurance market is to get insurance for the uninsured,” Lindeen told Explore Big Sky in a phone interview. “The uninsured are part of the problem for why our costs are rising – they’re getting their healthcare coverage through the emergency room and hospitals. Their coverage is much more expensive as a result, which increases costs for everyone.” Lindeen stressed that although this is a federal marketplace being created by the government – the 2013 state legislature voted against creating a Montanaregulated marketplace – private insurance companies will continue offering private policies. The commissioner said she has fielded hundreds of questions at both the town hall meetings and online at her website, montanahealthanswers.com. Most of the questions have been specific to an individual or family situation, she said, ranging from V.A. benefits to Medicare. Continued on p. 15 When the Marketplace website launches in October, it will have an online calculator to determine your “modified gross adjusted income” (MAGI). The Marketplace will automatically compare your MAGI to the federal poverty levels so you don’t have to do the math. If you are eligible for cost reductions, the Marketplace will show those reductions as you shop for insurance. In the mean time, you can use the following chart and an estimate of your income to predict whether or not you’ll be eligible for tax credits or cost-sharing subsidies. Remember, households between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level will get tax credits. Households between 100 and 250 percent will also receive cost-sharing subsidies.
2013 Federal Poverty Levels
Household Size
100%
133%
150%
200%
300%
400%
1
$11,490
$15,282
$17,235
$22,980
$34,470
$45,960
2
15,510
20,628
23,265
31,020
46,530
62,040
3
19,530
25,975
29,295
39,060
58,590
78,120
4
23,550
31,322
35,325
47,100
70,650
94,200
5
27,570
36,668
41,355
55,140
82,710
110,280
6
31,590
42,015
47,385
63,180
94,770
126,360
7
35,610
47,361
53,415
71,220
106,830
142,440
8
39,630
52,708
59,445
79,260
118,890
158,520
For each additional person, add
$4,020
$5,347
$6,030
$8,040
$12,060
$16,080
The basics on healthcare reform for Montanans MONTANAHEALTHANSWERS.COM
Insurance industry reforms
After September 2010, insurers were required to do the following:
•
Spend at least 80 percent of the premiums collected on customers’ health care, with those offering policies to large employers spending 85 percent of collected premiums on healthcare.
•
Send rebates to customers spending less than the required percentage of premiums on healthcare.
•
Extend coverage for dependent children to age 26.
•
Could not rescind a customer’s coverage unless the customer submitted fraudulent information or intentionally misrepresented a material fact.
•
Could not impose lifetime limits on insurance benefits or annual limits on what the insurer will spend on healthcare in 10 categories called “essential health benefits.”
•
Could not deny coverage to children under age 19 because of a pre-existing condition. In 2014, insurance companies won’t be able to refuse insurance to anyone.
Insurance benefit reforms
Obamacare also requires health insurance to cover a basic range of services. By 2014, all insurance products must cover services in the following categories, known as “10 essential health benefits”: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Hospital visits and surgery Doctors office visits Prescription drugs Maternity and newborn services Mental health and chemical dependency services Lab work and imaging Rehabilitation services and services intended for skill acquisition, like speech therapy for a child who is currently non-verbal 8. Dental and vision care for children 9. Preventive care and management of chronic diseases, like diabetes 10. Emergency services If buying insurance for yourself, your family or the employees of your small business in the marketplace, every policy must cover these benefits. However, large employers – business with 50 or more employees – don’t have to offer insurance that necessarily covers services in all 10 areas to be considered adequate.
Fulfilling the individual mandate
If you already have health coverage through any of the following sources, you’ve met the requirement of the individual mandate and won’t pay a penalty:
•
Medicare
•
Medicaid or Healthy Montana Kids (aka the Childrens Health Insurance Program or CHIP)
•
TRICARE (for members of the U.S. military, retirees and their families)
•
The veteran’s health program
•
A plan offered by an employer that offers “minimum essential coverage” and is affordable
•
Insurance bought on your own that meets the “minimum essential coverage” standard
Exemptions
You are exempt from the individual mandate if:
•
You have to pay more than 8 percent of your income for health insurance, after taking into account any employer contributions or tax credits.
•
Your family income is below the threshold for filing a tax return.
•
You’re part of a religion opposed to acceptance of benefits from a health insurance policy or are a member of a recognized healthcare-sharing ministry.
•
You’re an American Indian, an Alaska Native, or are married to an American Indian or Alaska Native.
•
You’re not a citizen or not lawfully present in the U.S.
•
You are incarcerated.
Penalties
Individuals who choose to go without healthcare coverage face tax penalties enforced by the IRS. The penalty is phased in over time as follows:
•
In 2014, the yearly penalty is $95 per adult, $47.50 per child (up to $285 for a family) or 1 percent of family income, whichever is greater.
•
In 2015, the penalty is $325 per adult, $162.50 per child (up to $975 for a family) or 2 percent of income, whichever is greater.
•
In 2016 and beyond, penalty is $695 per adult, $347.50 per child (up to $2,085 for a family) or 2.5 percent of family income, whichever is greater.
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 15
Continued from p. 14 The tax credits were a common question, she said. Anyone making between 100-400 percent of the poverty level – which includes most of the middle class – qualifies. However, this leaves out individuals and families making less than 100 percent of the poverty level, Lindeen said. “The issue is that they would have gotten coverage through Medicaid expansion, but the Montana legislature chose not to expand Medicaid. We’ll have a gap in about 50,000 Montanans who will not be able to afford coverage – the working poor. This will be someone like a family of three making less than $19,500.”
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While the marketplaces are already open, insurance will not be available until Jan. 1, 2014. Penalties for being uninsured will not be enacted until March 2014. Small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not required to offer health insurance coverage under the ACA. Larger businesses with more than 50 are mandated to provide insurance, but have until Jan. 1, 2015 before they’ll be fined for not doing so. “The overwhelming number of businesses in Montana are small businesses,” Lindeen said, “so this does not really affect them.” “What’s great about [the ACA] in Montana, and is not always the case in other states, is that we’ve already required in state alaw almost every one of those benefits,” Lindeen said, referring to the “10 Essential Health Benefits” required by the law. “As a result, it didn’t increase the premium cost for Montanans.” “What matters most to me is getting out accurate information to people in Montana, so those who are uninsured can make educated decisions about how to take advantage of the opportunity to get insurance. For many, it will be affordable for the first time in their lives, especially for people who’ve had preexisting conditions who were never able to get insurance.”
CULTURAL TREASURES: Visit the Galleries of Town Center this summer for exhibits and events. Creighton Block, Charsam Room, and Gallatin River Gallery host a variety of pieces by Local and Regional artists.
Rapier Family Foundation presents...
SKI GEAR AND SKI CLOTHES EXCHANGE
* for all ages
OCT 8th 4-8pm @ Choppers in Town Center Bring in old and new gear! Donation exchange for all ages!
What might you find? Skis coats, goggles, hats, gloves, snow boots, poles, helmets, snowboards, sweaters etc. Q’s - Call Kris @ 406-600-5702
16 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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ar twork also displayed at outlaw Par tners, Bozeman audi Big Sky Showroom and Lone Mountain ranch and rainbow ranch
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 17
Explore Big Sky
Section 2:
life, land & culture
art show at zoot p. 18
hydrate at ozssage p. 23
city practice for a bow hunter p. 31
Open Range finds its niche New Bozeman restaurant offers fine food, wine
Open Range, Bozeman’s newest downtown restaurant, opened its doors to the public on Sept. 30. Here, at the Sept. 28 soft opening, the staff prepped the 6,000-plus-square-foot building.
story and photos By Joseph T. O’Connor Explore Big Sky Senior Editor
BOZEMAN – The term “open range” evokes a time before the invention of barbed wire, when ranchers
At 6,240 square feet, the eatery’s layout gives a nod to Montana’s wide-open spaces: Formerly Artcraft Printers, the building once housed a car dealership, as evidenced by the eight-inch-thick concrete floors, broad windows, and massive garage-door entry. The high ceilings, original roof trusses and open floor plan complete the ambience at Open Range, located at 241 East Main Street. Mary did the interior design, combining earthy color schemes to mute the building’s industrial framework.
The food also melds the feel of “no boundaries” Montana, with a contemporary twist. “We wanted to keep the tradiChef Bill Baskin serves up a piping-hot entrée during Open Range’s soft opening. tion of rustic Montana food, but bring it into the 21st century,” says would fence-out livestock from land already develJay, who opened the Mint Bar and Café in Belgrade oped. It was easier than fencing the animals in. in 1994. When Jay and Mary Bentley on Sept. 30 opened While the Bentleys serve up a mean cut of New the doors to a new downtown Bozeman restaurant, York strip, they don’t consider Open Range a Open Range, they embraced this theme. steakhouse, per se. Rather, “a restaurant with great
steaks,” as Jay noted in a recent press release. “We feel our menu offers our diners a whole lot more interesting choices including appetizers, entrees and desserts unique to the Bozeman dining scene,” he said. Jay’s cookbook, Open Range: Steaks, Chops and More from Big Sky Country, published last October, hints at some of the eclectic delicacies. Now, the Bentleys are leaving the recipes up to chef Bill Baskin, who plans to change the cuisine each month. The debut menu features seasonal salads, a Pacific halibut, Jay’s Cast Iron Chicken and a 14-ounce grass-fed New York strip steak, along with an extensive wine list. As vegetables and other locally and regionally sourced ingredients come into season, Baskin will bring them to the table, Mary said. “Squash is coming this month, and I think that’s cool. A lot of restaurants have great food, but you get bored. It’s exciting for us to keep things interesting.” The former executive chef at Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Baskin will cook much of the fare from scratch, Mary added. The Bentleys held a soft opening on Sept. 28, and propped the doors open for the public on Sept. 30, changing Open Range from dream to reality. “Both front of the house and back of the house really stepped it up [on opening night],” Mary said. “We’re off and running.”
18 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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"Kin" oil, 48x60
Dzintars hosts art opening Oct. 11 Zoot Art Gallery presents "American Spirit" By Emily Wolfe Explore Big Sky Managing Editor
BOZEMAN – Big Sky artist Kelsey Dzintars’ art will stop you in your tracks. You picked up this paper, right? The woman on the cover,"Vagabond" perhaps half wild animal, is one of Dzintars’ most recent works, a 36-by-48-inch oil on canvas.
“The people are all imaginary characters that I think anybody could draw their own story from,” Dzintars said. Who is “Vagabond” – the woman on the cover sitting astride the horse at night, wearing a bear or wolf skin on her head? “It’s up to you.”
The gallery is located in Zoot Enterprises, in Four Corners. Zoot is a global provider of advanced loan origination, account acquisition and credit risk management solutions.
Dzintars will show her mixed media paintings at Zoot Art Gallery Oct. 2013-Jan. 2014. The exhibit, “American Spirit,” features watercolors and oils from 2011-present, and is loosely themed on the contemporary American West. A graduate of Montana State University with a BFA in graphic design, Dzintars drew inspiration for the pieces in this show from classical Western and American Indian paintings. Graphic art and graffiti also play into her style, and her subjects are clearly modern. In her own brand of magical realism, Dzintars mixes nature and people, wolves, bicycles, cowboys and music. Not necessarily hyper-realistic, her unnamed figures are expressive and mysterious, ranging from playful to pensive. "Bye, Son" watercolor, 16x20
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 19
“Art spurs creativity in the workplace, and we wanted to have that environment here,” says Zoot founder and CEO Chris Nelson on the gallery’s website. “It’s also important to provide local artists with a venue to display their works.” With 108 linear feet of wall hanging space and large floor areas for sculpture, the gallery features a rotating schedule of works by Montana artists. All work sold through the gallery is commission-free. Zoot marketing coordinator Darcy Barry was drawn to the bold colors and non-traditional Western subject matter in Dzintars’ art, and asked her to apply to the juried committee that selects the artists. Originally from Rapid City, S.D., Dzintars moved to Bozeman in 2005 to attend MSU. There, she achieved an Award of Excellence from the School of Art, the Bronze Pencil Award in illustration and a student ADDY award for illustration. Dzintars is currently the senior graphic designer at the Outlaw Partners, a marketing and media firm based in Big Sky, and the publisher of this newspaper. The show is at Zoot Art Gallery (555 Enterprises Lane in Four Corners), and is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dzintars will host an opening reception on Friday, Oct. 11, from 6-8 p.m., with music by DJ 5 star, appetizers from Dave’s Sushi, Madison River Brewing Co. beer and fine wine. For more information, visit kelseydzintars.com and zoot-art-gallery.com.
"Magic Carpet Ride" watercolor, 16x20
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20 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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The Club at Spanish Peaks back in business
Owners/members iron out new membership agreement By Joseph T. O’Connor
offered to returning members who lost out in 2011.
BIG SKY – Representatives for The Club at Spanish Peaks have announced the first new membership terms and conditions for the 5,300-acre private club since its former owners filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in October 2011.
“We all had membership deposits that were lost in the bankruptcy,” Romney said. “I lost $80,000. It’s gone. Now I can get a check back, [and] that’s great. [CrossHarbor] didn’t have to do that at all.”
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EBS on Sept. 23 received a copy of an email from the club’s ad hoc committee to its approximately 200 members outlining the plan between members and the club’s new owners, CrossHarbor Capital Partners and Boyne Resorts.
Before the bankruptcy, The Club at Spanish Peaks charged $8,000 for golf/ski homeowners, and $5,500 for social members in annual dues, Romney said. Although the new dues are higher, Romney says the increase is not extravagant and believes the service will reflect it.
John Romney, chairman for the ad hoc committee, feels this is a new beginning.
“You want to have a balance of reasonable services with reasonable dues. And you need a reasonable number of members.”
“Nobody knew what the offer was going to be,” Romney said of the agreement, reached two months after the club’s July purchase. “Basically they’re welcoming back all the members. If you were a member before, you won’t have to pay anything. People thought they were going to have to pay $20,000 to rejoin the club.”
The membership summary noted that, while the club will remain private, it reserves the right to increase national memberships – those offered to non-homeowners – and ski/golf memberships, “… based on market conditions and to ensure long-term sustainability of [the] club.”
In the new terms and conditions, existing members are grandfathered in, while new property-owning golf and ski members will pay a $40,000 deposit, and social members are responsible for $20,000. Annual dues will cost $9,500 and $6,500, respectively, according to the membership summary attached to the email. Returning club members will get 80 percent of their cumulative dues back upon selling their Spanish Peaks property, according to the summary. Refunds are also being
Currently, the number of ski/golf memberships is capped at 395. One immediate change is that nonmember Big Sky Resort skiers will now have access to the Sacajawea and Lewis and Clark ski lifts; however, the public will not be able to utilize other club services. Club members can use these chairs without purchasing a Big Sky lift ticket. On July 19, CrossHarbor and Boyne closed on the purchase of The Club at Spanish Peaks’ assets.
Jewelry studio moves to new location Ari O Jewelry Studio and Shop is moving to a new 418-square-foot space at The Big Horn Center on Highway 191. A couple doors west of The Bugaboo Café, the new location will draw more traffic, said owner Ariane Coleman. “The consistency of the Bugaboo will bring traffic, and I like being [near] Ryan Turner’s photography studio,” Coleman said.
SNOCRU
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Coleman has been in business in Big Sky since 2010, and previously rented a space for the studio in the Gallatin Building, behind By Word of Mouth. She will be open at the new location starting on Monday Oct. 7. – E.W. Call (406) 580-9956 for hours or any other questions, or find her online at ariojewelry.com
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 21
Attracting talent
The link between strong community and a diverse talent pool By Jennifer Hill Community Builders
How do we bring in talent to the towns and cities in the West? Community members must make recruiting talent their personal business, according to a recent article on governing.com titled “Beyond the ‘Brain Drain’: How Cities Really Need to Sell Themselves,” written by urban affairs analyst and entrepreneur Aaron M. Renn.
the answer lies in creating a diversified economy. This means providing a framework and structure for diverse businesses to flourish – often through investing in public infrastructure improvements that allow development to happen more quickly. In the past, large industrial companies drove the demand for labor. Workers
Put,” a piece for online.wsj.com. About half of American households change addresses every five years, Moretti explains, and a significant number relocate to a different city – a number that would be unthinkable in Europe. Approximately 33 percent of Americans reside in a state other than the one they were born in, Moretti adds,
“Given how few communities are actually selling themselves today, this is an easy way for a place to distinguish itself in the marketplace,” Renn wrote. But what if your community first needs to strengthen its infrastructure and downtown, as well as maintain its sense of place, before even thinking about attracting new talent? This is the chicken-and-egg-cycle of community and economic development: Every community wants to attract and retain good talent, but it often comes with the price of having a strong community to begin with – which is reliant on having a strong economy. To break through this cyclical conundrum, many communities are finding
packed up and moved based on where they could find a better job, regardless of the location’s attractiveness. Today, the American workforce has transitioned from an industrial economy to an innovation economy, where whoever moves, wins. “This willingness to relocate is a large factor in America’s prosperity, and it always has been,” writes Enrico Moretti in “What Workers Lose By Staying
up from 20 percent in 1900. On the flip side, domestic migration overall is declining. Largely, only those with the means and college educations are moving. A recent article in Slate, “Bismarck is Lovely This Time of Year,” asserts that to fix the economy, people of all education levels must be encouraged to start moving again.
“Back in 1985, over 20 percent of the population moved,” wrote author Matthew Yglesias. “That number fell steadily to 11.6 percent in 2011, before ticking back up to 12 percent last year. What’s more, even if you just look at interstate moves, a lot of the shifting doesn’t appear to be related to a search for employment. New York to Florida (presumably retirees) leads the Census Bureau’s list of the 10 most common state-to-state moves. None of the 10 lowest-unemployment states are destinations of the top 10 interstate moves, and none of the five highest-unemployment states are departure points for the top 10 interstate moves.” Western cities and towns with diversified economies will attract and retain talented people. To do this, communities must allow for and provide the public infrastructure and policy framework needed to spur development. Jennifer Hill is a program manager with the Sonoran Institute’s Western Colorado Program focusing on urban design, placemaking and linkages for energy planning. Inspired and supported by the Sonoran Institute, Community Builders is a network that helps community leaders in the western U.S. This piece was adapted from one originally written for communitybuilders.net.
22 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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You gotta have a loh-gohhh! By Kelsey Dzintars
Outlaw Partners Senior Graphic Designer
BIG SKY – You’ve heard it before. In the tone of the memorable Seinfeld quote, “You gotta see the bay-bee!” You gotta have a logo. A professional logo. But why? What’s wrong with that cool font you found in Word? Why can’t you use the .jpg design created by your 16-year-old nephew on a billboard? The short answer: A professional business should look professional. “New business owners often invest a lot of time and money in property and equipment, but do not often match it by investing suitably in their logo,” wrote Gareth Hardy in a June 2009 article for Smashing Magazine, stating, “if your logo looks amateurish, then so will your business.” A logo often acts as a springboard for a business’s entire corporate identity. The design should be describable, memorable, scalable and effective without color. Without it, there’s a good chance the rest of your brand will fall flat, causing your marketing efforts to be ineffective. Hire a professional logo designer: If you broke your leg, would you fix it yourself, look up WebMD, or go to a friend or relative who claims to know a little about medicine? (Well, maybe you would, but that’s a different story entirely). Many online resources offer cheap logo design or use crowd-sourcing to create designs; however, most of these sites are populated with amateur designers who probably won’t take the time to really sink their teeth into your business and background.
When you don't invest in a professional logo for your business, you risk sending the wrong message to your client or customer.
Let’s skip ahead. You’ve signed off on a beautiful, unique and timeless logo that will work well for any application, thanks to that professional logo designer you hired. But if all you have is a tiny .jpg file, you essentially own a preview of your logo.
Kelsey Dzintars had almost as much fun designing the 'bad' logos above as she does designing good ones. Contact the Outlaw Partners at media@theoutlawpartners.com or (406) 995-2055 for a consultation on your logo or branding project. Even if your company is well established, it’s never too late to revamp your brand to take your business to the next level.
You should expect to receive a tidy package with multiple file formats and color profiles as a final deliverable. Treat that package like a golden egg, and it will save you time and money in the future. There’s no need to track down your designer from five years ago to get the vector file for your Superbowl blimp. You have it all at your fingertips.
Find additional tips in David Airey’s article, “How to Choose a Logo Designer” smashingmagazine.com
• Fall Specials •
Friday acoustic music Oct. Oct. Oct. Oct.
4 - Jeff Bellino 11 - Brian Stumpf 18 - John Parvin 25 - Kevin Fabozi
9-11pm
*check Facebook for updates on music schedule
Daily Happy Hour
5-6pm $1 Meatballs $20 cheese and bottle of wine $1 Rainier draft $6 Specialty cocktails $10 12” Margherita pizza
JUICE • COFFEE • BAKED GOODS WED-SUN, 7AM-1PM
OPEN WED-SUN, 5PM-CLOSE (CLOSED OCT. 28-NOV. 12)
Located adjacent to Lone Peak Cinema in Big Sky’s Town Center • (406) 995-7175 • ouselandspurpizza.com
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health
Explore Big Sky
Oct. 4-17, 2013 23
Hydrate at OZssage By Maria Wyllie
Explore Big Sky Associate Editor
“You’re glowing.” Those were the first words I heard after stepping out of OZssage Therapeutic Massage and Day Spa in Big Sky. That was all I needed to hear to know my facial really did work. In Chinese medicine, fall is the season when the metal element governs the skin’s health. Following this philosophy, OZssage owner Jacquie Rager recommends a number of treatments that exfoliate the dead skin layers and encourage regeneration of the new skin cell process, as well as prepare the skin’s natural barrier for the long winter months ahead. Having grown up in Virginia’s humidity, my skin doesn’t take kindly to Montana’s dry, windy winters. Keeping it hydrated is a constant struggle that Rager says many others share. In her efforts to find a clean, hydrating product, Rager came across the Intraceuticals line, not even realizing it was founded in her native Australia. In comparison to other facial treatments, Rager says, “It’s the most hydrating, and it penetrates further through the skin via application at the molecular level, making it ideal for Montana.” Many celebrities rave about the results of this high-end treatment. According to a testimonial on the Intraceuticals website, Yellowstone Club homeowner Justin Timberlake said, “It makes my skin look dope.” The Intraceutical Oxygen Infusion Facial uses oxygen to penetrate hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural plump-
ing agent, deep within the skin, adding hydration and volume that can be seen instantly and that Rager says has lasting results. When Rager hosted a special Intraceuticals event at OZssage in September, I decided to give it a try. A company specialist performed the treatment on the right side my face and then had me look into a mirror to show me the difference. Although it was subtle, the right side felt firmer and when I smiled, the left half didn’t quite match.
school, is now able to work alongside the spa’s three other skin care specialists, enabling her to offer a higher standard of skin care services tailored to every client’s needs. Apart from using SPF as the first line of defense to prevent skin damage, Rager says using a line like this is the next best thing you can do to keep your skin healthy in dry, harsh climates.
“One of the biggest causes for wrinkling and aging is dehydration of the skin cells and not being able to replenish Even though the treatment is natuthem,” she said. The Intraceutical facial helps replenish the skin for winter. rally soothing and “The weather strips the skin’s barriers, so this helps with getrelaxing, Rager enhances the experience by incorporatting all the nutrients back into the lower levels of ing jade stone techniques. Known for their anti-inflamthe skin.” matory and cooling properties, the stones also help with stimulating cell regrowth and circulation. Rager’s use of this ancient practice is another way OZssage Bottom line, Intraceuticals is about hydration – adds spa ambience to therapeutic health practices. something we all need. OZssage also offers a topical Intraceuticals line, which is a more affordable option than a full facial. Rager, who recently graduated from esthetics
For more information on Intraceuticals and other fall specials, visit ozssage.com or call OZssage at (406) 995-7575.
24 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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CALENDAR
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 25
Planning an event? Let us know! Email maria@theoutlawpartners.com, and we’ll spread the word. Friday, Oct. 4 – Thursday, Oct. 17 *If your event falls between Oct. 18 and Oct. 31, please submit it by Friday, Oct. 11.
BIG SKY FRIDAY, OCT. 4 Oktoberfest Big Sky Resort Golf Course, 4-10 p.m. Summer of Lee Celebration w/music by The Clumsy Lovers Ophir School, 6 p.m. Buck’s T -4, 7 p.m. Ski Movie Premiere Sherpas Cinema: Into The Mind Lone Peak Cinema, 6 p.m. & 9 p.m. Live Music Ousel & Spur, 9-11 p.m. SATURDAY, OCT. 5 Oktoberfest Ironman Open Big Sky Resort Golf Course, 11 a.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 6 Blessing of the Animals Big Sky Chapel, 9:30 a.m. Oktoberfest Games Big Sky Resort Golf Course, 2 p.m. Group Energy Clearing Session Santosha Wellness Center, 5-6 p.m. TUESDAY, OCT. 8 Ski & Clothes Exchange for All Ages Choppers, 4-8 p.m. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9 Awareness Wednesday A Travelogue of a Journey in Tibet Santosha Wellness Center, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
MONDAY, OCT. 7 Optometry Giving Sight Foundation Fundraiser Eyes on Main (thru Oct. 11) Bridger Creek Boys Colonel Black’s, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16 Jawbone Railroad Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m.
Jay Arner & Cult Babies Wild Joe’s, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 17 Indian Relay Museum of the Rockies, 6 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 8 Storytime w/Cindy Country Bookshelf, 9:30 a.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 5 The Fossils Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.
Jeff Birkby Reading Country Bookshelf, 8 p.m.
DJ Night Pour House, 9 p.m.
StrangeWays Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9 Soup & Spokes Benefit for Breast Cancer Sola Café, 5:30 p.m. Flat Cheddar Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m. Fluorescent Brown Colonel Black’s, 9 p.m. THURSDAY, OCT. 10 Ukulele Open Mic & Play-Along Wild Joe’s, 7 p.m. Jamie Ford Reading Country Brookshelf, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, OCT. 11 Bowl For Kids’ Sake The Bowl (thru Sun.) Free Friday Night Children’s Museum, 5 p.m. Mary Keck & Kevin Heany Artists Opening The Emerson, 5-8 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCT. 13 Group Energy Clearing Session Santosha Wellness Center, 5-6 p.m.
La Traviata Willson Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Dopamine The Emerson, 8 p.m. Sim-Bitti Filling Station, 9 p.m. Teka Brock Band Eagles Bar, 9 p.m. (and Sat.)
MSU Homecoming Pep Rally Downtown Bozeman, 5:30 p.m.
Decks & Drums The Zebra, 10 p.m.
Vivian Choi Piano Recital Reynolds Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 12 Breast Cancer Survivor Fashion Show Gallatin Valley Mall, 2 p.m.
FMHG w/Grooves Unknown Filling Station, 9 p.m.
Red vs The Wolf The Verge, 2 p.m. Taste of HAVEN The Emerson, 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 5 Opera Run Lindley Park, 7:30 a.m.
Sturghill Simpson Peach Street Studios, 8 p.m.
Halloween Costume Swap Gallatin Valley Mall, 10 a.m.
Blitzen Trapper Filling Station, 9 p.m.
MSU Homecoming Parade Downtown Bozeman, 10 a.m. Red vs The Wolf The Verge, 2 p.m.
DJ Exodus The Zebra, 10 p.m.
HushHush Electronic Music Festival (feat. Beats Antique) Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 6 p.m. Muir String Quartet Reynolds Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m. MSU vs. Northern Arizona Homecoming Game Bobcat Stadium, 2 p.m. Tall Heights Peach Street Studios, 8 p.m. 5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche The Verge, 8 p.m. Tucker Down Filling Station, 9 p.m. SUNDAY, OCT. 6 Bridger Mountain Big Band Colonel Black’s, 6 p.m.
WEST YELLOWSTONE SATURDAY, OCT. 5 Yellowstone-Teton Endurance Races Gray Wolf Inn, 6 a.m. (ends Sun in Driggs, Idaho) Free Night at the Museum Yellowstone Historic Center, 12-6 p.m. Homecoming Football Game vs. Lincoln West Yellowstone School Football Field, 1 p.m. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9 DJ Night Wild West Pizza, 10:30 p.m. THURSDAY, OCT. 10 Knit Night Send It Home, 7-9 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9 Harvest Dinner & Silent Auction Holbrook Methodist Church, 4-6:30 p.m. THURSDAY, OCT. 10 Melody & Kole Murray Bar, 9 p.m. FRIDAY, OCT. 11 Kicking Bill Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m. SATURDAY, OCT. 12 Capture The Spirit…99 Years & Coming Livingston Fairgrounds, 5:30 p.m. Driftwood Grinners Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m. Wandering Wild Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16 DJ Night Wild West Pizza, 10:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 15 Keith Scott Murray Bar, 9 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 17 Knit Night Send It Home, 7-9 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 17 StrangeWays Murray Bar, 9 p.m.
Christy Hayes Wild Joe’s, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCT. 4 Bowl For Kids’ Sake The Bowl (and Sat.)
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche The Verge, 8 p.m.
Fox Street Allstars Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m.
McConkey The Emerson, 7 & 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 12 Lone Mountain Ranch closes
BOZEMAN
2013 Chamberlin Showcase The Zebra, 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCT. 4 The Muir String Quartet 20th Anniversary Performance The Shane Center, time TBD
Sherpas Cinema: Into The Mind The Emerson, 7 & 9 p.m.
"American Spirit" paintings by Kelsey Dzintars Opening Reception Zoot Art Gallery, 6-8 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 17 Ski Movie Premiere Sweetgrass Productions’ Valhalla Lone Peak Cinema, 6 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Fluorescent Brown Colonel Black’s, 9 p.m.
LIVINGSTON & PARADISE VALLEY
SUNDAY, OCT. 13 La Traviata Willson Auditorium, 3 p.m.
Big Sky ski swap Dust off your old sticks and iron that old snowsuit that no longer fits… There will be a ski and ski clothing exchange on Oct. 8, from 4-8 p.m. at Choppers Pub and Grub, in the Big Sky Town Center. Purely an exchange, there will be nothing for sale at the event. People with extra ski or winter gear can donate, said event organizer Kris Tinnin, and others who are in need of equipment can just come shop at no cost. “It’s all free,” she said. “You can take stuff, leave stuff, whatever – it’s really just to reach out to the community and help families that can’t get everything they need.” Items at the swap will include new and used skis, snowboards, boots, coats, goggles, hats, gloves, winter boots, poles, helmets, snowboards, sweaters and coats for all ages, including a wide selection of kids gear. For questions about donating or swapping gear, contact Kris at (406) 600-5702.
Ian Frye Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m. Bridger Mountain Big Band Colonel Black’s, 6 p.m. MONDAY, OCT. 14 Bridger Creek Boys Colonel Black’s, 7 p.m. Fall Choral Concert Reynolds Recital Hall, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, OCT. 15 Jeremy Morton Bacchus Pub, 7 p.m. Mark Sullivan Reading Country Bookshelf, 7 p.m. Trivia Night Pour House, 9 p.m.
Travelogue of a journey in Tibet Big Sky resident Hannah Johansen spent a month in Tibet this fall, where she joined local Tibetans on a pilgrimage around Mount Kailash. Santosha Wellness Center’s Oct. 9 Awareness Wednesday will feature Johansen’s photos and stories, as well as an update on the political implications surrounding the “liberation” of the Tibetan people and their beloved land. The event will be from 7:30-8:30 p.m., and textiles made by Tibetan refugees and vintage Tibetan jewelry will be available for purchase after the presentation.
26 Oct. 4-17, 2013
THE EDDY LINE
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Explore Big Sky
Leader of the pack Understanding leaders and tippets By Patrick Straub
Explore Big Sky Fishing Columnist
Most folks who fish with me will attest that I do not have an overly technical approach to fly fishing. I’m not concerned whether the fish are eating size 26 half-emerging-yet-still-larvalcrippled-not-so-yet-spent mayflies, but more with whether you have a good drift on your size 18 Parachute Adams. But many co-anglers will swear to my dedication to using the right leader and tippet at the right time. Here’s a crash course in helping you wade through this minefield: In some instances tippet and leader are one in the same. With the invention of knotless, tapered leaders a few decades ago, anglers were able to fish a leader that already included a tippet section. Most fly fishers use this type of leader and tie a section of tippet material onto that. Knowing when and where to use a specific leader and tippet material is critical. Nothing is more frustrating than fooling a fish only to have it breakoff because of poor-quality tippet or leader material. There are several good leader and tippet manufacturers out there including Rio,
This spring creek rainbow fell for a small scud fly fished on 5X fluorocarbon tippet. Fluorocarbon is ideal for fishing nymphs. PHOTO COURTESY OF MontanaFishingOutfitters.com
TroutHunter, Scientific Anglers, Dan Bailey’s, and Orvis. But after deciding on a brand, you’ll need to make a decision with regard to fluorocarbon or monofilament. When I first started guiding in the mid-1990s the use of fluorocarbon in fly fishing was in its infancy. Many old-time guides didn’t trust the stuff and most consumers scoffed at the high price. Fluorocarbon has now stood the test of time and is widely available. It’ll cost more, but you might find more success with it versus monofilament.
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If you’re doing a lot of subsurface fishing, use fluorocarbon instead of monofilament. Professional guides and anglers swear by fluorocarbon for underwater applications. You should too. Monofilament, on the other hand, is the long-time standard in tippet and leader material and an abundance of manufacturers are making quality monofilament leaders, so the prices are substantially lower than fluorocarbon. Monofilament is also more appropriate in certain situations. Because fluorocarbon is designed to sink, it’s poor with floating flies, especially small ones. If the bulk of your fishing will be on the surface, you can save some cash by buying monofilament instead of fluorocarbon. Additionally, don’t buy fluorocarbon leaders for most fishing situations; simply buy fluorocarbon tippet material. Fluorocarbon leaders should be used when you want your leader to sink,
such as when you plan to fish nymphs below an indicator. If you started the day with a monofilament leader, when you want your leader to sink, you can add fluorocarbon tippet to the end of your leader. There’s a myth floating around that says you can’t tie fluorocarbon to monofilament, but as long as your knots are tied well, you have nothing to worry about. As for leaders, at least for a season or two, you’re money ahead if you buy multi-packs of leaders in a few lengths and sizes and then have a selection of tippet spools in various widths. Buy several packs of 9-foot, 5X leaders and be sure to have spools of tippet in sizes 3X, 4X, 5X and 6X. This allows you to add – or cut – your 9-foot, 5X leader to match the fishing situation. By having a selection of tippet material, you can add to the end of your leader to maintain its length without having to use a whole new leader. Choosing leaders and tippets can feel like splitting hairs. But there are times when it can make the difference between a fish in hand and hours of headscratching, and if you’re still scratching your head after you’ve tried all the flies in your box and fished the smallest and supplest tippet available, it’s OK, on occasion, to tip your hat to the fish. Pat Straub is the author of six books, including The Frugal Fly Fisher, Montana On The Fly, and the forthcoming Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fly Fishing. He and his wife own Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky.
fun
Oct. 4-17, 2013 27
Big Sky Beats By Maria Wyllie
Explore Big Sky Associate Editor
Find out what tunes we’re bumping! In “Big Sky Beats,” Explore Big Sky’s staff and guests talk soundtracks for outdoor activities in the Rockies – anything from training for a marathon to hiking Lone Mountain. Now that Lone Mountain is wearing white and ski movie premiers are a weekly occurrence, most have left summer behind as they look forward in anticipation of a stormy winter. No doubt your playlist on the hill will feature tracks from your favorite ski movie, but you might want to consider adding some of this summer’s unnoticed tracks to your playlist. om nStock.c torOpe c e .V w ww
In the last edition of Big Sky Beats, we looked at the top-rated songs of summer 2013. But while Miley Cyrus was busy twerking, many other artists were dropping tracks under the radar. The songs featured below are an eclectic mix. Most are electronic, falling in the realm of avant-garde. However, apart from these experimental tracks, we’ve also listed more familiar musicians such as Pet Shop Boys, Guy Clark, Robert Randolph and Gramatik whose recently released ear-pleasing tracks will have you hitting replay for longer than just a season. “Uncertainty,” Jagwar Ma “You Don’t Understand,” Gramatik “This is a True Heart,” Julia Holter “Sadako Folding Cranes,” Laura Veirs “More Than Anything,” Rudimental “Black Rainbow,” Raffertie “Mirror,” Jinx “Rain in Durango,” Guy Clark “Thursday,” Pet Shop Boys “Lickety Split,” Robert Randolph and The Family Band
A collection of
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28 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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Rab athletes Aaron Mulkey, of Cody, Wyo. (in green) and Tanner Callender, of Billings, work their way along a ridge high above the sea during a traverse of the Ham Horeshow in Arctic Norway. Photo by Ben Winston.
Rab Strata Insulated Hoody By Max Lowe explore big sky contributor
Imagine it’s a freezing cold morning in December, and you’re setting out for day of backcountry skiing. You have a few hours of strenuous walking before you strip your climbing skins and delve into the downhill. Since it’s miserable to shiver for the first 20 minutes, you want a layer that’s going to keep you warm as you start hiking; but before too long, you’ll be sweating under the duress of the up if you wear an insulated puff layer. The Rab Strata Hoody, new this year, is the solution to this dilemma. With the innovative Polartec Alpha insulation and designed for supreme breathability, the Strata Hoody offers up the perfect mid-layer for an active day in the hills, all in just 15 ounces. What the jacket gives in breathability though, it loses in wind and water resistance: Becoming an alternative for a micro-puff insulating layer and a light synthetic layer, the Strata is the perfect pick when you’re out of the car and up the hill, but needs to be paired with a more wind and water resistant hard shell. The retail price is $225– fairly standard for a higher-end lightweight, synthetic jacket. I have been wearing the Strata on my outings in the hills as well as just around town as the leaves have begun to turn and snow paints the distant peaks, and it has stood up to its design for finding a balance between warm and cold. With a hood that fits over or under a helmet, interior and exterior chest pockets for storage, and a slim fit, this is a piece I’ll be choosing this winter as my everyday insulating layer for backcountry missions. Available in both men’s and women’s cuts, the Strata is sold at ProLite Gear in Bozeman or online at rab.uk.com.
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
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
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 an t o sha bi g sk y.c o m
FALL SCHEDULE SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
10-11:15 am Adult Ballet
9-10:30 am All Levels Yoga
7-8 am Yoga
9-10:15 am All Levels Yoga
7-8 am Vinyasa Flow Level I-II
9:30-11 am Amrit Yoga
9:00-10:30 am Vinyasa Flow Level I-II
10/6 and 10/13: 5-6pm Group Energy Clearing with Dr. Amy McLaughlin
8:15-9:15 am Pilates (starting 10/15) 9:30-10:45 am Amrit Yoga 6:30-8:00 pm All Levels Yoga
6-7 pm All Levels Yoga 10/9: 7:30-8:30pm Travelogue of Journey in Tibet
8:15-9:15 am Pilates (starting 10/15) 9:30-10:45 am All Levels Yoga 6:30-8 pm All Levels Yoga
5:30-7 pm The Practice (1st and 3rd Friday of the month)
30 Oct. 4-17, 2013
classifieds
for rent
help wanted
WESTFORK TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT. 3 bdrm, 2 /12 bath, garage, W/D, large deck. Excellent condition. Walk to everything! No smoking/no pets. $1300/month. Call 406-539-0555.
Headwaters hot tub is hiring for the 2013/2014 season. Full or part time available. Off season work available with commitment to work though the winter season. Good pay plus paid mileage. Must have clean driving record, proof of current auto insurance, and vehicle. Email resume to headwatershottubservice@yahoo. com or call 995-7319
for sale
Electric Organ - GEM G5 PCM Musicoder. Some wear and tear, missing recording device, otherwise works great $75. Call 605-431-2178
free Outlaw Pallets: Pick up free pallets for all of your pinterest projects Call 995-2055
Montana State Licensed Massage Therapist. Year round position 4-5 days at OZssage Spa. Please go to our website for all information and online application form. www.ozssage.com. Gym pass, money towards ski pass, good hour wage and gratuity. Please only therapists that are interested in continuing to learn, enjoy specific, treatment techniques and take care of a valued, return clientele.
Part-time Development Coordinator The Blue Water Task Force, a nonprofit watershed group headquartered in Big Sky, is seeking a part-time development coordinator. For more information on our organization, the position, or how to apply go to www.bluewatertaskforce.org/ news-events.php.
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Snow Shovelers Wanted: Great pay! Great ski/ride availability! Looking for Big Sky locals to join our team! Contact Scott @ 406.599.4794. Pay DOE, ability, and availability.
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Classifieds! Email classifieds and/or advertising requests to: media@theoutlawpartners.com
(406) 995-2055 • short or long term luxury rental in Big sky •
cklist Your Summer Fly Fishing Che fly C at ch a cu tth roa t on a dr y of our Ta ke you r kid fis hin g on one pon d fa mil y tri ps or in our pri va te
Ri ve r Dr ift bo at flo at th e M ad iso n in a St alk a mo ns te r br ow n tro ut se cr et cr ee k Pe rfe ct you r do ub le- ha ul
4 bedroom, 4.5 bath in Spanish Peaks Call 406-995-2174 or visit vrbo.com/393008 for more details
Since ’84. Fine Purveyors of 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
for rent Big Sky Meadows home, 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, room for 14. Kid and pet friendly. Right across the street from Town Center and 7 miles from the slopes. Nightly and weekly rates. Great for reunions, multi-family get aways, business retreats, men or women only weekends. Plenty of parking. See full ad on www.vrbo.com/53181. Please contact via VRBO.com
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 31
Explore Big Sky
For Explore Big Sky, 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”
City practice for the bow hunter Wheels on gravel grind to a halt. My husband is home and I am snapped from reverie. Before he dismounts from his bike, protesting about my makeshift archery course like I know he will, I put both eyes to the task, sight in where I want to be, and release the tension. The flooding realization of my exhausted muscles matches the sharpness of my focus as I follow the arrow to its home. Benjamin props his bike against the metal siding inside the garage with a bang, and then he’s at my side, asking what the hell I am thinking, shooting my bow in the middle of the yard, in the middle of the city. I smile. At least I didn’t mow the lawn at 6 a.m. this morning. It’s time to move out of town. But first, it’s time for bow season. Jonna Yost takes aim in the backyard. PHOTO BY BENJAMIN SCHWARZ
By Jonna Mary Yost Explore Big Sky Contributor
Buzzing down the Highway at 75 mph in the backseat of a Jeep on the way to float the Madison River, I saw three cow elk standing stock still, their heads turned toward us, nothing but blue sky and a few stratus wisps behind them. It was an eerie moment for me: I’d been losing sleep the past few nights thinking of these majesties, wondering if my dreams would come true this fall. It was August, and the car windows were rolled down. I pushed the wind back with a squint, trying to appreciate the scenery: the yellowing fields that probably didn’t make a second cutting, the thunderous clouds looming in the distance on that sunny afternoon. But all I could think of were elk. My husband Benjamin and I moved to Bozeman this past spring and rented a house in town. Each night when I lay in bed, I pretend not to hear the neighborhood noises, wishing I were in the country instead – somewhere I could choose what time I mow the lawn and shoot my bow safely. When I fall asleep, elk blur my dreams and bugle between Benjamin’s snoring. I’ve been practicing with my bow in our small backyard every night,
a place quite different from where I grew up in northwest Montana. Thinking back on those three elk, I squat flat as I draw my bow, ensuring the arrow’s broad head doesn’t do any arborist work when I release. The target is diagonal across the yard: If I shoot too high, the branch Benjamin uses for pull-ups won’t be quite as sturdy; too low and our zucchinis will be blended with our butternut squash – a medley I’d like to save for dinner. Still holding my draw, my triceps burn, and I think of my cousin Gretchen, who is probably practicing shooting on her ranch south of Bozeman right now, plenty of space for letting arrows fly wild. Over lunch last week, she told me about her “honey hole,” a secret hunting spot where she shot a bull elk last fall, but also had a scare with a grizzly. Spotting a small herd of bulls, she and her husband wound around a gully to get in position. Suddenly their small terrier raised its hackles and growled. Gretchen glassed the hillside and saw a grizzly bear, just in time to alert her husband. Gretchen still managed to down the bull, quickly hauling him out on horseback, knowing she was in a dangerous position.
THE WEST MAY B E WILD,
but it’s not uncivilized
LocaLs onLy Take advantage of our locals only discount in September and treat yourself to a staycation and dinner at –RR. Special includes: • Stay in a Riverside or Pondside Deluxe room for just $125 per night • 20% off dinner for two in The Restaurant For reservations please call (800) 937-4132 Offer valid through September 29, 2013. Must present valid Montana driver’s license. Overnight stay includes continental breakfast, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
The Restaurant will be closed for dining October 2 through December 15 but on Sundays in October and November Pastry Chef Elisabeth Michaelis is ready to share her secrets with you! Join us for a series of 90 minute baking demonstrations packed with valuable “how to” tips. To learn more about Pastry Perfection with Chef Liz visit: rainbowranchbigsky.com/events.php rainbowranchbigsky.com • 1.800.937.4132 Five miles south of Big Sky entrance on Hwy 191
32 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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Stay Local. Save Local. Feel flush with great deals in each edition of Explore Big sky.
You make your plans. We’ll help you get there.
any Economy or Full Size Car until 10/17
Buy 1 coffee or juice drink and get a 2nd for 1/2 price
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Any Pasta, Stir Fry, Steaks, or Seafood Entrée! Local Beers and Wine New Menu! Main Street Bozeman
VALID THROUGH OCT. 31, 2013
30 Homestake Dr., Bozeman, MT 59718 | (406) 551-2277 journeyrentacar.com
Big Sky, MT • (406) 995-7175
125 W Main St. Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 587-4100 http://johnbozemansbistro.com/
Great store discounts on food & gear before hitting the trail.
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34 Oct. 4-17, 2013
34 Oct. 4-17, 2013
homecoming
Explore Big Sky
A note to Big Sky businesses Lone Peak High School’s homecoming week will run from Oct. 6-12 this year, and we’d like to encourage all Big Sky businesses to get involved and support the Big Horns. The school is holding a window decorating contest and homecoming parade, both of which are great opportunities for you to advertise your business while supporting your community and the Big Horns. We’re challenging you to compete against other businesses to see which organization can decorate their windows the best. The competition will start Sunday, Oct. 6, and continue through the week. Student Council representatives will judge the windows during the homecoming parade on Friday, Oct. 11, and will award prizes for best overall decorations, best Big Horn spirit, and best use of blue and white. The business that wins first place will be awarded a traveling trophy in honor of their good work. The Homecoming Parade will be held in the Town Center on Friday, Oct. 11 at 6 p.m., followed by a pep rally bonfire at Fire Pit Park. Start planning now to show your blue and white, and give your business great community exposure by parading through Big Sky Town Center. Entry Forms are due by 1 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 7. For questions about the contest or if you wish to enter, please contact Jerry House at (406) 261-0720, or jhouse@bssd72.org; or contact Patty Hamblin at (406) 995-4281, ext. 225, or phamblin@bssd72.org. For parade and window decorating entry forms, visit bssd72.org.
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 35
The Big Horn defense looking for a back-field tackle
2013 LPHS Homecoming: A week’s worth of Big Horn spirit Explore Big Sky Senior Editor
BIG SKY – Last year, Lone Peak High School celebrated its homecoming with a football game, halftime parade and a dance. With the Big Sky School District’s student body now at 276, they’ve stepped up their game this year.
Big Sky Build is also participating in the contest and plans to construct a blue and white quilt to use as a stained-glass window, according to Shana Seelye, whose husband John owns the custom home building company.
Limber Pine
LPHS homecoming is now a weeklong celebration, complete with a local business window-decorating contest, a parade, pep rallies, powderpuff football and volleyball games, the homecoming football game and a dance.
“We’re going to paint the windows blue and white, have streamers and we’re hoping to get balloons,” said Julie Burgess, operations director for Big Sky Western Bank. “We want to support the high school [and] plan to wear our Lone Peak colors.”
s Rd
Stone L n
Si m k
On Friday, the LPHS volleyball team will take on Manhattan Christian, and Saturday, the Big Horn football team takes on West Yellowstone in the Battle of 191. This is the third year of this rivalry, and LPHS won the first two matchups. The Big Horns plan to keep the trophy at LPHS again this year.
ins
The first rule of the contest is, “You must love the Lone Peak Big Horns.” Displayed Oct. 6-11, the LPHS Student Council Committee will judge the window decorations between 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 11.
D
“The guys said it’s not going anywhere,” Hamblin said.
The committee is organizing all of the festivities and events, Hamblin said, noting that it wouldn’t be possible without them. “They’re going above and beyond.” The committee will present trophies to businesses for Big Horn spirit; creative use of the school colors, blue and white; and the Traveling Trophy to the best overall entry. The student council is currently designing that trophy, which the winning business will have until next year’s contest.
Aspen Leaf Dr
This will all lead up to the inaugural LPHS Homecoming parade, set for 6 p.m. on Oct. 11 in the Town Center. The route will begin behind China Café and end at Fire Pit Park, where organizers are planning a pep rally and bonfire for students, athletes, parents and the entire Big Sky community.
Supt. Jerry House encourages other community members interested in participating to contact the school. Prizes will be awarded to the top two entries. At press time, Oct. 2, there were 20 float entries.
The week kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 6 when each class will decorate a section of the school and athletes’ parents have the opportunity to decorate their kids’ lockers. Sunday also represents the beginning of the window-decorating contest for Big Sky businesses.
r
Friday morning, Oct. 11, the school is planning its main pep rally for 9:50 a.m., and is inviting parents and the community to rally for the Big Horns.
The parade will feature floats from each LPHS class, Ophir Middle School and the booster club, as well as the sheriff’s and fire departments, the local Girl Scout troop, the after-school program, and of course, kids on bikes.
“The goal for this year is setting a precedent for the future,” said LPHS English teacher and Student Council Advisor Patty Hamblin. “Everything we’re doing is brand new. We really wanted to make sure this was something significant for the students and the community.”
Golden
e
lF all
On Wednesday Oct. 9, students and teachers will be going head-to-head in a powderpuff volleyball match and football game. The guys will play volleyball, and the girls are going at it on the football field.
Lone Mountain Trail
story and photo By Joseph T. O’Connor
Get hyped Big Sky! This year’s homecoming promises to be a memorable week. “We’re getting the kids pumped up with school spirit,” House said. “The whole idea is to get the community involved with blue and white Big Horn colors.”
“The conference room faces Fire Pit Park, so we’re going to take advantage of our location to show our support for the [LPHS] volleyball and football teams,” Shana said.
Huntl
The homecoming events are posted on the Big Sky School District website at ophirschooldistrict.org, and are open to the community.
36 Oct. 4-17, 2013
sports
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Bobcats host Northern Arizona for homecoming story and photos by mike coil
Explore Big Sky Contributor
After two weeks on the road, the Bobcats’ den is waiting. The Montana State University Bobcats (3-2, 1-0) will host Northern Arizona at 2:05 p.m. for their homecoming on Oct. 5. The Cats are coming off of an impressive 63-20 trouncing of North Dakota last week and were thrilled to have their starting quarterback DeNarius McGhee back in the lineup. McGhee was injured in the closing seconds of MSU’s game against Southern Methodist on Sept. 21, and was not expected to return for six weeks. McGhee made a miraculous recovery as he threw for 194 yards on 13 of 18 completed passes versus North Dakota. The All-American shared the quarterback duties with Jake Bleskin and Joe Molberg, playing only part of the game to test out his repaired throwing arm. Northern Arizona (3-1, 1-0) comes to town after thrashing the University of Montana 34-16 last week. The Lumberjacks have won three in a row after losing their opener to the University of Arizona, 34-0. Northern Arizona’s senior running back Zach Bauman has been putting up big numbers for his squad including 118 rushing yards against the Grizzlies, and MSU has been looking at options to corral him and his running game. During their last meeting in Bozeman in 2011, Bauman was held to just 37 yards.
In preparation for Saturday’s game the Cats have been polishing their own running game, which finally came alive against North Dakota with 332 yards on the ground. MSU and the Bozeman community have a full array of homecoming activities during homecoming week, including decorating the dorms and downtown businesses, a barbeque on the campus’ Centennial Mall on Wednesday, a bonfire at the field house parking lot on Thursday, a downtown pep rally on Friday, and the homecoming parade on Main Street at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The game will be televised live on Max Media.
Top: McGhee rolls out to pass Bottom: Last year's Homecoming Royalty
Oct. 4-17, 2013 37
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 39
The Bozeman Hawk faithful cheer on their squad. Photos by Eliza Spogis
Bozeman High Homecoming By Rosalyn Kutsch Hawk Talk Editor in Chief
Fall is a favorite season in Bozeman. There are so many things to look forward to: crisp air, colorful leaves, hunting season, hay mazes and homecoming at Bozeman High School. This year we’ll celebrate with an entire week of special activities and social events, as well as the football game Oct. 25 and the dance Oct. 26.
The festivities continue with a homecoming parade down Main Street after school on Friday. Dozens of BHS clubs and groups put together floats to represent their organizations. The clubs must follow a theme – this year’s is “Hollywood.” Also slated for the parade is the Anderson School House promoting its annual haunted house, and an alumni float.
Nearly all students continue celebrating homecoming on Saturday evening. Some will attend the annual homecoming dance with dates or in large groups. Others will opt to gather with friends for a fancy dinner out on the town, bonfires or movie parties.
Ever year, the BHS Student Council kicks things off by sponsoring “Spirit Week,” during which many students attend classes dressed according to a different theme each day. One popular tradition is “Class Color Day,” when each class wears a designated color – the seniors always don pink. This leads up to “Red and Black” on Friday, when everyone wears the school colors. Friday includes a The Hawks storm the field. crowded, noisy, highenergy pep assembly, where the fall sports teams are introduced. A rowdy and color-coordinated student body boisterously sings the school song, watches a rousing performance by the cheerleaders, attempts to out-shout each other, plays crazy games, and listens to the much anticipated pumpup speech from Coach Purcell. The Homecoming Court is announced during the assembly, as well.
coming king and queen are announced. Unlike many high schools, the selection of BHS homecoming royalty is by no means predictable, which makes it all the more fun. While not all these traditions are necessarily unique to BHS, the level of participation they bring forth is particularly impressive.
Students typically march back up to the high school stadium after the parade to get good seats before the main event: the homecoming football game. BHS students use this game as an excuse to go wild! Football fans or not, few students miss the lively atmosphere of this game. Many alumni are recognized, the marching band puts on a brilliant half-time show, and the home-
Local alumni report that most of these homecoming traditions are longstanding. The clothing fashions may have changed, but the traditions are largely the same as those in practice back when they were students. An exception might be the fairly new practice of devising creative, unique ways of asking each other out to the homecoming dance. Homecoming weekend is a welcome respite from the challenges of the academic semester. The majority of the student body looks forward to this week of tradition, and the level of enthusiasm and school-spirit never seems to disappoint.
40 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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Big Horns win big over Sheridan Hang tough in a five-set loss to Gardiner COURTESY OF LONE PEAK HIGH SCHOOL
The Big Horn volleyball team on Sept. 20 traveled to Sheridan to take on the Panthers for a double match. Both teams entered the competition winless on the season and primed for a good battle. Taking the first two sets and paced in the final set by the serving strength of freshman Bella Butler, who rattled off seven serves in a row, the Big Horns pulled together and tied up the score. Marked by a great team effort, senior captain Michelle Burger then aced five serves in a row and the Big Horns pulled off the comeback victory, winning the set 26-24, and the match 3-0. After a short break, the Big Horns headed back onto the court looking to repeat. They won the first two sets, 25-14 and 25-19, respectively, before losing the third set, 25-23. The third set loss invigorated the Big Horns, who came out on fire in the fourth. Junior Tehya Braun set the match tone, serving up 12 points in a row and pushing the Big Horns into the lead for good. Lone Peak sealed the win and match 25-12. “We’ve really been focused in practice on learning how to finish games,” said head
Big Horn freshman outside hitter Bianca Godoy goes up for the ball against Gardiner, Sept. 27 in Big Sky. PHOTO BY TORI PINTAR
coach Sarah Griffiths after the matches. “Tonight’s matches were an awesome opportunity to see that hard work pay off.”
The Big Horns took on the Gardiner Bruins Sept. 27 in a close and hard fought match in Big Sky. Lone Peak turned it on
early, again paced by the strong serving of Butler who rattled off eight early points. From there it was a back and forth game with Butler and freshman Bianca Godoy capitalizing on the great setting of junior captain Janie Izzo to win the first set, 25–23.
In sets four and five, the Big Horns put up a great fight but were ultimately unable to close out the match and lost in five. “This was a big game for us,” coach Erika Frounfelker said after the match. “We have been improving all season and it was wonderful to see our team perform so well against Gardiner… our strong team focus really helped us to compete well.”
Gardiner jumped out to a quick lead in set two that the Big Horns couldn’t recover from, dropping the set, 12-25. Set three was all Lone Peak. With the set tied at 8-8, the stellar serving of Godoy, along with a great team effort, pushed the team to a 15-9 win and gave the Big Horns a 2-1 lead in the match.
The Big Horns head to Ennis on Friday, Oct. 4 for their next District match up. They play on their home court again on Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. against Manhattan Christian for their homecoming game.
LPHS volleyball schedule
YOU CAME TO CATCH FISH, BUT IF INSTEAD YOU CATCH A COLD, WE’RE HERE.
Oct. 4
Away
@Ennis**
3/4:30 p.m.
Oct. 10
Away
@Harrison/Willow Creek**
5/6:30 p.m.
Oct. 11
Home
Manhattan Christian** Homecoming
2/3:30 p.m.
Oct. 16
Home
West Yellowstone** Spirit Night
5/6:30 p.m.
Oct. 19
Home
White Sulphur Springs** Senior Parent Day
5/6:30 p.m.
Oct. 26
Away
@ West Yellowstone**
5/6:30 p.m.
Oct. 30Nov. 2
Away
@ Manhattan Christian District 8C Tournament
TBA
Nov. 7-9
Away
@Butte MAC Western Divisional Tournament TBA
Nov. 14-16
Away
@ TBD - State Volleyball Championships
TBA
WMPAC Volleyball Awards night
6:30 p.m.
Dec. 3
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Win
Loss
Points
Gardiner
6
0
5
MCHS
6
1
5
Shields Valley
6
4
5
Ennis
5
1
4
Harrison
5
3
4
Twin Bridges
4
4
4
Lima
3
4
1.5
White Sulphur Springs
2
4
1
Lone Peak
2
5
1
West Yellowstone
2
7
1
Sheridan
0
8
0
**Western Conference Games
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 41
Big Horns fall to Billings Christian in home opener
Cooper Shea scores late in the game
Story and photos by Mike Coil Explore Big Sky Contributor
The Lone Peak High School Big Horns football team (2-2) suffered a disappointing defeat in their home opener 57-12 to Billings Christian on Saturday, Sept. 28. Billings (4-0) got off to a fast start with two quick touchdowns that had the Big Horns in a hole all afternoon. The home team had trouble containing the faster, bigger Billings squad, which has several returning seniors on its roster and took full advantage of their size and speed. The Big Horns scored near the end of the first half with a 22-yard pass play from quarterback Eddie Starz to Cooper Shea in the corner of the end zone. The Big Horns also scored early in the fourth quarter on another pass play from Starz to Shea, but were unable to convert their extra point attempts. “We played a talented team in Billings Christian today, it shows us that we need to continue working on our football fundamentals,” said LPHS head football coach Tony Beardsley. “[But] if we can continue to work on improvements in our offensive blocking schemes and stay positive as a team, we should finish out the season strong.” The Big Horns have been playing on the road since early September and have two more home games, the Oct. 12 homecoming game against West Yellowstone and Oct. 26 against Lima.
Handoff from Eddie Startz to Tanner Burton that goes for long yardage
The homecoming game will feature the coronation of the homecoming royalty and a community parade with local homecoming floats and other festivities. For more information on LPHS Homecoming, see page 35.
42 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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42 Oct. 4-17, 2013
Explore Big Sky
LPHS football schedule Sept. 7
Away @Augusta
W(LPHS 42, Augusta 0)
Sept. 13 Away @ Lincoln
L (Lincoln 64, LPHS 58, 2 OT)
Sept. 21 Away @ Camas County (Fairfield, Idaho) Sept. 28 Home Billings Christian - Honorary Captain Day Explore Big Sky Oct. 4 Away @Alberton**
W (LPHS 42, Camas County 19) L (Billings 57, LPHS 12) 7 p.m.
Oct . 12 Home West Yellowstone**-Home- 1 p.m. coming, Spirit Day Oct. 18 Away @ Hot Springs** 7 p.m. Oct. 26 Nov. 2
Home Lima** - Senior Parent Day, 2 p.m. Black Out TBD 1st Round State Playoffs TBA
Nov. 9
TBD
2nd Round State Playoffs
TBA
Nov. 16 TBD
Semi-Finals State Playoffs
TBA
Nov. 23 TBD
State Championship Game TBA
Dec. 4
WMPAC Football Awards Night
6:30 p.m.
**Western Conference Games
Conference Standings
Preserving a work of art takes a professional
Western Division Clark Fork Hot Springs Lima Lincoln Lone Peak West Yellowstone
Conf. 2-0 2-0 1-1 1-1 0-1 0-3
All 3-0 2-1 2-2 1-3 2-2 0-4
Ophir School football Results Game #1 - Ophir 26, Lincoln 20 Game #2 - Ophir 36, West Yellowstone 0 Game #3 - Lima 42, Ophir 19 Game #4 - Ophir 46, Sheridan 6
Schedule
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Oct. 7
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Oct. 12
Home West Yellowstone
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Trent Richardson a Colt young backs in the league. The Browns, seemingly in full rebuilding mode, will have an extra mid-first round pick next year. My first reaction to the trade was that the Browns were idiots. I hated the idea. However, upon further examination, I think it benefits both organizations. The Colts get the first legitimate threat in their running game since Edgerrin James left town in 2006, while the Browns hit the reset button under new general manager Michael Lombardi.
By Brandon Niles
Explore Big Sky Sports Columnist
“So that happened.” This solitary text from my 2 Guys podcast co-host was the first news I received about the shocking NFL trade on Sept. 19, which sent Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts. This trade is huge. Not only was it a big in-season move, it was one of the rare moments in modern media where a transaction literally took the sports world by surprise. There was no indication the Browns were going to trade Richardson. They picked him third overall out of Alabama in the NFL draft only a year ago, with the expectation he’d become a franchise cornerstone. Nevertheless, Richardson is now an Indianapolis Colt. In exchange for a first round pick in the 2014 draft, the Colts get one of the most promising
When Lombardi took over this year, one of his first moves was to hire a new coach, former Carolina Panthers and Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. Chudzinski runs an offense predicated on play-action passing, rollouts, and throwing the deep ball. What he doesn’t tend to rely on much is the running game. Lombardi saw that Richardson, an every down, “bell cow” kind of back, wasn’t a good fit in Chudzinski’s offensive scheme and shipped him out for maximum value.
With weapons in the passing game and a potentially elite quarterback in Andrew Luck, the Colts are legitimate contenders for the AFC South division title this year. While Richardson doesn’t fill every hole the Colts have, he does provide them with a star-caliber running back, and will force defenses to respect the Colts’ ground game. Richardson is not without risk, which might be a big part of why he was traded. While he showed flashes of greatness last year, a struggling Cleveland offense and nagging injuries held Richardson to less than 1,000 yards rushing in his rookie season. Still, he has shown Pro Bowl ability and if he can stay healthy, he should be a tremendous addition to the Colts offense. The Browns weren’t likely to compete for the playoffs this season anyway, and now have an extra asset for next year. Long-term hope for the giving team and short-term excitement for the receiving team makes for a good trade in my book.
Meanwhile, the Colts are on a different track.
Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson was traded to the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 19.
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LPHS Expedition 2013
One last shot of the Lone Peak High School juniors before their hike up Little Hellroaring Creek Trail. PHOTO BY GRIFFIN HOUSE
As a student at Lone Peak High School and a member of the Big Sky community, I have been exposed immensely to the outdoors. This includes amazing experiences like Expedition Yellowstone and the Ski Friday program. Every year LPHS students go on a three-day camping expedition where we are exposed to the outdoors in a way that is fun, educational and best of all, unconventional.
This fall, the junior class camped at Spanish Creek Campground in the Lee Metcalf National Forest for three days and the freshmen and sophomores went to Swan Creek. Most found themselves doing things they wouldn’t normally – like not showering for three days, sleeping in tents and cooking for 25. The skills you learn camping draw direct parallels with real life, like cooking, cleaning, taking care of
yourself and others, working as a team and learning to make do with what you have. From scavenger hunts to thoughtful nature writing, the expedition made me feel motivated to get outside and explore the Big Sky backyard. From day one at Ophir to LPHS graduation day, students are taken skiing, hiking, rafting and camping trips. I know it helps to instill a lifelong love and respect for the outdoors. The ex-
peditions are not just camping trips; they are doors to a world of immense opportunity. -Micah Robin, junior Editor’s note: The senior class backpacked from Spanish Creek to North Fork, spending the first night at Mirror Lake and the second night in Bear Basin.
D.C. in the woods By Sayler Tatom, freshman I thought the expedition was going to be all about learning, but that was not the main thing I took away from it. Putting all of the ninth and tenth graders in a confined area with no cell service made us expand from our groups and talk to everyone there. Although we did learn a lot, the expedition was also a group bonding trip. For the ninth graders, the last time we were together like this was our eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C. – except we weren’t in nice hotels this time, we were in tents. The first day was all about getting set up and getting comfortable with our surroundings. When we got to Swan Creek, we jumped off the bus and worked as a team to unload the bus. Everyone helped put up the tents, with the experienced helping the inexperienced. Next, we headed off on our first hike. It was real quick, but we got to see the beginning of our surroundings. The second day we awoke to Mrs. Hegness’s voice cheerfully yelling through the campground. It was
freezing, so we bundled up in all the clothes we had on the trip and huddled like penguins during breakfast. Talking during our morning hike, I’m surprised how many things I learned about my peers. Not having cell phone service forced us to talk. It’s not like we don’t already talk, but this was different. This was the real us – no makeup, no fancy clothes. There was nothing to distract us from who we really are.
on gloves and picked up trash all along the road to Swan Creek. A lot of people picked up a lot of trash, and there was no ‘ewwwwww, I’m not touching that.’ Since we hadn’t showered in three days, we felt as gross as the trash, so we didn’t really mind. I thought it was really cool working together to clean our environment, because I love living here. The fresh air and the wilderness is something we need to protect. It was cool to watch the whole class working together to protect where we live.
Looking back now, you can tell the activities we did After a lesson those three days were more LPHS juniors hike along Little Hellroaring Creek. PHOTO BY COOPER SHEA on safety in the than that. We came together wilderness, we as a high school. DC was another, collecting twigs and grass headed home, still talking. Back at all about that too: Going as a class and to tie the twigs together. I worked camp, we had a challenge from the learning about something more than with some people I usually don’t teachers. They put us in separate just our little town. Back in Texas, I was work with, and we won the prize. It groups and said we had to make a at a big school where you didn’t have definitely made us bond. boat with the things we had at the opportunities like this to bond with campsite, using nothing man-made. your peers. The expedition is a memory The third day we got up and got The winners got to eat dinner first. I will never forget. going quickly. Our hike that day My teammates worked with one wasn’t really a hike. Instead, we put
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School in the woods By Maria Lovely, freshman My first camping trip at Swan Creek was a great experience. On day one, we hiked to a waterfall, then sat and wrote and listened to nature. It made me realize that we don’t often take time to stop and appreciate everything we have. Being a new student to LPHS this year, not knowing anyone was kind of scary. But after sharing a tent with my classmates, I got to know them better and now feel like I fit in more. We bonded throughout the expedition. Working with peers to prepare meals and do other camp chores such as dishes, Leave No Trace (LNT), and unloading the bus taught us some life lessons. One very important lesson was teamwork. We also learned about being prepared – if we forgot something, we couldn’t run home and get it. This is something we will need for the rest of our lives. Being in the outdoors gave us a chance to truly be who we are and for us to accept ourselves and others. It’s easy to forget how big the world is when we just see it through textbooks. Going out into the wilderness gives us a new
perspective. We saw the landslides we learned about in science class, and the slopes of mountains we talked about in math. On the second day Ms. DeBiasio, a volunteer, taught us about “Bring the Calm, not the chaos” – what to do in different accident situations that can occur in the backcountry. This has inspired me to volunteer with search and rescue or ski patrol when I’m old enough. The expedition also included community service. Following LNT principles, we checked our campsites thoroughly and picked up trash, then walked through the other campgrounds picking up garbage from other people. Afterward, we all felt we had left it much better than we found it. We also had fun playing games, making boats from things we found in nature, and hanging out around the campfire drinking hot chocolate. This is just a small part of what we experienced. What we learned out there, we could not have learned from a textbook. Since we live in Montana and this wonderful place is right out our backdoor, I think everyone should take advantage of it! Rachid Shultz reflects on the world around her, atop of Pioneer Falls. PHOTO BY GRIFFIN HOUSE
Life lessons by the campfire By Dasha Bough, freshman Around me is the pitch-black of night. Gooey remnants of marshmallows stick to my fingers, and warm light flickers and bounces off of my friends’ joyful faces. My ears are filled with a song of laughter and an underscore of crackling wood. Campfire smoke makes my eyes water as it drifts into the night. My eyes follow its white trail from the place where it fades into mysterious darkness back to its origin above the blazing fire. Ah, the fire. It’s a glorious fire. Glowing and moving against a black backdrop, it is humanlike: vibrant, breathing and dancing before me. Maybe these qualities are what put it in the center of man’s existence. Since the very beginning, we humans have gathered around this beautiful thing that offers so much more than just heat. Textbook cavemen are almost always illustrated in the act of discovering fire, their eyes wide and their jaws dropped as they warm their hands in front of the glowing embers and lively flames. Throughout the rest of history, regardless of location or culture,
fire has brought people together. There is something so sacred and unnamable about the feeling you experience when gathered around a fire with loved ones on either side of you. It is a feeling we rarely have the opportunity to experience in the modern world of technology and electricity. In September, the freshman and sophomore classes at LPHS were given the opportunity to share this experience, not only with each other, but with some of our teachers, as well. Going on this three-day camping trip to a place barely a half hour from our own homes was like going to another planet and then coming back transformed. We left on a clear Monday morning a group of giddy kids, anxious to find out our sleeping arrangements and agenda. As we headed toward our destination that morning, I knew I would learn new things about camping and nature, but I could never have guessed how much I would learn about myself and my peers. The expedition seemed simple: You had a tent, a sleeping bag, an outhouse, a fork, a spoon, a bowl, a mug and no cell reception. It
seemed almost too basic to get much out of, but what I learned was that sometimes it takes simplicity to truly feel emotion and, cheesy as it sounds, to hear yourself think. Between group hikes, late night card games and the campfire, our classes helped each other grow as a unit – a unit tied together by this unforgettable experience. In those three days, we learned more about each other and about what high school really means than we could have in six months passing each other in the hallway on the way to class. To me, high school is a time when kids transition into young adults. It’s a time when girls and boys become independent, self-sufficient young men and women. We feel a considerable amount of pressure to have a satisfying high school experience. No one wants to be disappointed. No one wants to be full of regrets about high school 40 years later. No one wants to remember the failures. This simple, short camping trip taught me things that will follow me throughout life. The experiences I had showed me it is possible to have and build strong, healthy
relationships, while also allowing myself to be an individual. I realized I can be still be close and bonded with the people I love and surround myself with, while making sure I am finding my own path and relying on myself to pave my way in life. I lift my gaze from the enchanting fire, and look again at the glowing faces of my classmates. I smile as I think of how lucky we are to have this powerful bonding and learning experience, right in our backyard. The Big Sky area has always been special for me, now even more so. No matter where we go or who we meet, we will never forget our first expedition, our first true high school experience. So my dear classmates, I leave you with this: Someday, when you are standing by a blazing campfire, a warm mug in your hands, friends and family around you, take a second to appreciate your freshman year expedition and how it might have affected the outcome of your life. No matter what happens in the next four years, you can always look back and smile, remembering the relationship skills and independence we gained on this expedition.
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