YELLOWSTONE PHOTOGRAPHER TOM MURPHY TO SHARE WORK IN TOWN CENTER
BOZEMAN STINGERS TO RETURN FOR ANNUAL HOCKEY GAME
January 9 - January 22, 2024 Volume 16, Issue 1
Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana
PUBLISHER
Eric Ladd | eric@theoutlawpartners.com
EDITORIAL
VP MEDIA
Mira Brody | mira@theoutlawpartners.com
SENIOR EDITOR
Jack Reaney | jack@theoutlawpartners.com
STAFF WRITER
Jen Clancey | jen@theoutlawpartners.com
EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
Leslie Kilgore | leslie@theoutlawpartners.com
DIGITAL MEDIA LEAD
Fischer Genau | fischer@theoutlawpartners.com
CREATIVE
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Griffin House | griffin@theoutlawpartners.com
SALES AND OPERATIONS
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Josh Timon | josh@theoutlawpartners.com
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Megan Paulson | megan@theoutlawpartners.com
VP DESIGN & PRODUCTION
Hiller Higman | hiller@theoutlawpartners.com
DIRECTOR OF RELATIONSHIPS
Ersin Ozer | ersin@theoutlawpartners.com
MARKETING MANAGER
Tucker Harris | tucker@theoutlawpartners.com
CONTENT MARKETING LEAD
Taylor Owens | taylor.owens@theoutlawpartners.com
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
Sara Sipe | sara@theoutlawpartners.com
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Patrick Mahoney | patrick@theoutlawpartners.com
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
Ellie Boeschenstein | ellie@theoutlawpartners.com
CONTRIBUTORS
Jason Bacaj, Daniel Bierschwale, Nick Carter, Robin Fedock, Blake Hempstead, Rachel Hergett, Emily Holthaus, Avi Lapchick, Tom Murphy, Colter Nuanez, Benjamin Alva Polley, Laura Wells, Brant Wiehardt
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DAVE MATTHEWS TO HEADLINE WILDLANDS
BRIEFS OP NEWS LOCAL SPORTS A&E DINING BUSINESS
A traditional winter date night in Big Sky includes one of Lone Mountain Ranch’s sleigh ride dinners including prime rib, slow-cooked over a century-old railroad stove, accompanied by rosemary popovers, creamy crème fraiche mashed potatoes–all by lantern-light.
BY
LYNN DONALDSON
EDITORIAL POLICY
Outlaw Partners, LLC is the sole owner of Explore Big Sky. EBS reserves the right to edit all submitted material. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or its editors. EBS will not publish anything discriminatory or in bad taste.
EBS welcomes obituaries written by family members or from funeral homes. To place an obituary, please submit 500 words or less to media@theoutlawpartners.com.
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Matthews will play his first public concert in Montana in more than 30 years when he headlines Wildlands on Aug. 2, 2025. The annual event will raise money for American Rivers and Center for Large Landscape Conservation, two nonprofits with local and national conservation goals.
YELLOWSTONE PHOTOGRAPHER TOM MURPHY TO SHARE WORK IN TOWN CENTER
At three events this winter at The Waypoint, photographer Tom Murphy will showcase his Yellowstone imagery before a premiere of “Frozen Frames: Murphy’s Yellowstone,” depicting Murphy’s life, career and philosophy as an artist and conservationist.
RESORT TAX GOES BIG ON POTENTIAL HOUSING BOND
In a special meeting Thursday, Jan. 2, the Resort Tax board committed to bonding up to $66.8 million, focusing most of the debt on a large-scale workforce housing project. The bond package is on pace to be included on the May 2025 ballot, and voters will have the final say.
BOBCATS FALL TO BISON IN FCS TITLE GAME
After a thorough, edgy effort on Jan. 6 led by stellar senior quarterback Cam Miller, North Dakota State continues to reign supreme. And the Big Sky Conference’s best continue to wonder what it will take to get over the top against the mighty powerhouse from Fargo.
BOZEMAN STINGERS TO RETURN FOR ANNUAL HOCKEY GAME
On Saturday, Jan. 11, the Bozeman Stingers will host the Sun Valley Suns at the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink, continuing a recent tradition of competitive adult hockey in Big Sky’s Town Center. The puck will drop at 5 p.m.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Letters to the editor allow EBS readers to express views and share how they would like to effect change. These are not Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, accurate, and proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters and will not publish individual grievances about specific businesses or letters that are abusive, malicious or potentially libelous. Include: full name, address, phone number and title. Submit to media@outlaw.partners.
Big Sky Resort has received roughly five feet of snow since Dec. 23, with a seemingly endless parade of storms. Big Sky Ski Patrol has been busy clearing snow from the snow stake. COURTESY OF BIG SKY RESORT
PHOTO
5
NEWS IN BRIEF BRIEFS
CITY OF BOZEMAN LOOKING FOR ‘SNOW ANGELS’
EBS STAFF
The City of Bozeman is looking for volunteers to help be a ‘Snow Angel’ as a part of a program that pairs volunteers willing to shovel an extra sidewalk or two, with older residents and those with disabilities who cannot.
The City of Bozeman Sidewalk Snow Removal Ordinance requires residents to remove all snow and ice from public sidewalks within 24 hours by the end of the last snowfall. This maintains a safe public walkway for neighbors, pedestrians, emergency personnel and mail carriers.
Those interested can visit the city’s website to request the help of a Snow Angel, or volunteer to be one for someone in need. The city particularly needs volunteers in the areas of Kagy Korner, Sacajawea Middle School, Gallatin Valley Mall and Valley Unit Park.
WEST YELLOWSTONE POLICE DEPARTMENT MOURNS OFFICER
ASHLEE STONEBURNER
EBS STAFF
On Dec. 30, local law enforcement escorted late officer Ashlee Stoneburner from Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service in Bozeman to the West Yellowstone Police Department. Stoneburner, a 26-year-old WYPD officer, died by suicide on Dec. 24.
“Ashlee’s dedication and compassion for our community will never be forgotten, and we invite residents to join us in honoring her life and service,” a WYPD Facebook post stated. WYPD and local law enforcement authorities held a procession through West Yellowstone at the junction of U.S. Highways 191 and 287 on Dec. 30. Community members lined the route to pay their respects.
On Dec. 31, WYPD held a memorial service with the community for Stoneburner at West Yellowstone High School. Officers, family and the community shared memories of Stoneburner and honored her life and service to the region.
Following the service, Stoneburner’s family offered a thank you to the public through WYPD.
“We are very appreciative and honored by your love and care of our precious girl. She loved it here and all of you. Please take care of yourselves and each other and thank you again for everything.”
In a description of the memorial, WYPD described the challenges of mental health stigma in communities and in law enforcement.
“Ashlee’s death serves as a reminder that all officers are human and face many challenges, including mental health struggles like depression,” WYPD stated. “The mental health stigmas in our communities, and especially within the Law Enforcement profession need to be addressed with compassion, understanding and resources.”
The Madison County Sheriff’s Department shared the news on Facebook as well. “As the community mourns the untimely loss of Officer Stoneburner, we want to reassure you that you are not alone,” the post stated.
“We stand with you and there are several resources available to help guide you through your grief. 988 Lifeline is here for you, whether you prefer to text, chat, or make a call.”
SEARCH AND RESCUE RESPONDS TO WEST YELLOWSTONE
SNOWMOBILE CRASH
EBS STAFF
Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a report of a snowmobile collision into a tree on the morning of Jan. 7 in the Two Top area of West Yellowstone. Two Top is popular amongst snowmobile enthusiasts. In response, search and rescue volunteers in the region located the ride and quickly provided critical care after assessing the rider’s condition. The rider sustained a severe leg injury, which rendered the individual unable to move.
The patient was transferred to an Air Idaho Rescue helicopter and due to the severity of the injuries, the patient was evacuated by air to the Eastern Idaho Medical Trauma Center.
In total, five agencies responded to the scene, including Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue in West Yellowstone, the USFS, Montana FWP, Air Idaho Rescue and the Hebgen Basin Rural Fire Department.
“We are proud of the swift and coordinated efforts of our SAR volunteers along with the interagency personnel. Their teamwork and expertise were critical in ensuring the injured rider received prompt medical care,” a Jan. 7 Gallatin County release stated.
The release reminded snowmobilers to maintain safe speed, stay on marked trails, bring a buddy, and be prepared with warm clothing and extra food and water when in the backcountry.
CLASSIFIED
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Madison County Commissioners will conduct a hearing to discuss the Petitions to Withdraw Properties from the Silvertip Subdivision, S24, T06S, R02E from the Madison Valley Hospital District.
The hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Virginia City Community Center, 119 W Idaho St, Virginia City, MT.
Any interested person may appear at the hearing to present comment on the petitions.
For further information contact Paula Mckenzie, Madison County Clerk and Recorder, 103 WWallace St, Virginia City MT 59755, 406-843-4270.
WHAT IS RESORT TAX?
Your Public Dollars Hard at Work
Resort Tax is a vital, community-driven tool that funds essential services like transit and law enforcement, supports nonprofits, and invests in long-term infrastructure. Established by Big Sky residents in 1992, Resort Tax remains voter-approved. Terms usually run 20 to 30 years and are typically renewed midway to ensure continuous support for the community.
Every time you dine, shop, or stay in Big Sky, you’re contributing to our community’s success. By taxing luxury items, Resort Tax o sets property taxes, ensuring visitors share the cost and easing the financial burden on residents. Together, we’re shaping Big Sky’s future.
Learn more about how Resort Tax dollars make a di erence at resorttax.org.
A Cycle of Community Investment
OP NEWS
OUTLAW PARTNERS BRINGS MUSIC ICON
DAVE MATTHEWS TO HEADLINE WILDLANDS
CONCERT TO SUPPORT AMERICAN RIVERS AND CENTER FOR LARGE LANDSCAPES
OUTLAW PARTNERS
Coming this summer to Big Sky, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Dave Matthews will take the stage in Montana for the first time in over 30 years, headlining Outlaw Partners’ fifth annual Wildlands music event. Joining him is the acclaimed singer-songwriter Lukas Nelson, promising an unforgettable night of music at the Big Sky Events Arena, set against the stunning backdrop of Lone Mountain.
Staying true to Wildlands’ mission of protecting wild and scenic spaces, a portion of proceeds will benefit this year’s charity partners: American Rivers, a national leader in river conservation for over 50 years, and the Bozeman-based Center for Large Landscape Conservation, championing global ecological connectivity.
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. MST at wildlandsmusic.com. A limited local and Warehouse Fan Club presale will take place Jan 8-12. With only 4,000 tickets available for this rare solo event with surprise artist collaborations, tickets are expected to sell out fast and attendees are encouraged to secure tickets early. An additional opening act to the Aug. 2 show will be announced in the coming months.
“Bringing Dave Matthews to Wildlands is a dream come true,” said Josh Timon, COO of Outlaw Partners. “His iconic music embodies the spirit of community and love for nature—values that Wildlands and Outlaw Partners hold close to heart. Fans old and new won’t want to miss this incredible night!”
Known for his electrifying rock performances, Dave Matthews has captivated audiences worldwide since the early ‘90s. His passion for conserving natural landscapes is as legendary as his music, making him the perfect headliner for Wildlands.
Wildlands 2025 will take its commitment to sustainability to the next level with a day of charitydriven community events, inspiring speakers, captivating films, and a fundraiser dinner on Friday, Aug. 1 with more details coming soon. This two-day celebration of music, conservation, and community will be a can’t-miss experience for Dave Matthews fans and concert-goers passionate about protecting public lands and pristine rivers.
"Now in its fifth year, Wildlands has become a mustsee event, blending epic music with a breathtaking setting—all while supporting vital causes," said Timon. "With this year’s powerhouse lineup and exciting activities, it’ll be our best one yet."
Visit wildlandsmusic.com for tickets and events updates and follow the event on social media @wildlandsmusic and @outlawpartners.
Wildlands’ mission is protecting wild and scenic spaces,and a portion of proceeds from the show will benefit this year’s charity partners, American Rivers and Center for Large Landscape Conservation. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Matthews will take the stage in Montana for a publicly ticketed show, headlining Outlaw Partners’ fifth annual Wildlands music event. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE MATTHEWS
spaces, and
OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO
Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dave Matthews will take the stage in Montana for a publicly ticketed show, headlining Outlaw Partners’ fifth annual Wildlands music event. PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE MATTHEWS
OUTLAW AND STREAM BREAK GROUND ON FERGUSON FACILITY IN BELGRADE
OUTLAW REAL ESTATE PARTNERS
Outlaw Real Estate Partners and Stream Realty Partners are pleased to announce the groundbreaking of a new industrial development for Ferguson on Frank Road in Belgrade, Montana.
Strategically positioned for seamless accessibility, the 21.36-acre property is at the epicenter of Belgrade’s rapidly growing industrial corridor, located south of I-90 and within minutes of Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport in the growing Gallatin Valley.
“We are proud to deliver Class A industrial space in the Gallatin Valley that will attract new businesses and foster positive economic development throughout the region,” said Mike Magrans, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Outlaw. “Industrial space is in high demand given the robust population growth our area has experienced over the last 10 years, and we are pleased to be able to meet that demand with institutional quality buildings and tenants.”
Vardaman Construction, who recently completed the construction of the FedEx distribution facility also on Frank Road, is the general contractor overseeing the project and is a national leader in industrial development.
“We are so pleased to be able to grow our business in Montana and work with great partners
like Outlaw, Stream and Ferguson to deliver best-in-class industrial space in this exciting market,” said Paul Vardaman, President of Vardaman Construction.
Ferguson, the largest value-added distributor serving specialized professionals in the residential and non-residential North American construction market, is secured as the anchor tenant occupying 88,000 square feet of space in the first phase of the development. Their new facility will feature a leading-edge warehouse and distribution center, office space and a showroom for their extensive range of bath, kitchen and lighting products. This new facility is designed to enhance Ferguson's ability to serve the needs of construction and design
professionals while reinforcing its position as a leader in the plumbing supply industry.
Phase two of the Frank Road industrial development sits on just over 10 acres. It will accommodate 125,000 square feet of Class A space for a single or multiple tenants. Potential tenants for phase two can expect to start construction in the spring of 2026 for occupancy in the summer of 2027.
For more information on the Frank Road development, please contact Darren Streets with Outlaw Realty at darren@outlaw.realty or 406-570-4862.
OREP’s Frank Road project is a 21.36-acre property at the epicenter of Belgrade’s rapidly growing industrial corridor, located south of I-90. PHOTO COURTESY OF OUTLAW REAL ESTATE PARTNERS
LOCAL
LOCAL GOVERNANCE STUDY ANNOUNCES JANUARY MEETINGS
EBS STAFF
BIG SKY—The team leading Big Sky’s study of local governance options has announced a series of three January events to continue learning about community priorities and developing possible outcomes—being called “scenarios” by the team.
Prior public engagement included an introductory meeting in September, and a series of three smaller, more interactive meetings in October and November.
“These events aim to provide engaging opportunities for the community to explore governance options and their potential impacts,” according to a Dec. 23 press release from the consultants leading the study.
The January series begins with a scenario development workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 14, hosted in partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The workshop invites business leaders to collaborate in shaping governance study scenarios tailored to Big Sky’s needs.
Online registration is required, and the event will be
held at 5:30 p.m. at the Big Sky Medical Center’s community room.
Next, on Jan. 15 and 16, the study team will host
five educational sessions scheduled at various times to allow flexibility for participants.
“Discover a hands-on educational tool designed to help you better understand the spectrum of governance options available for Big Sky,” the release stated. “These interactive sessions allow participants to select governance options, observe their impacts, and gain insights into the outcomes of different scenarios.”
Registration is not required for the meetings, which take place on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 8 a.m., 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., and on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., at the Big Sky Medical Center community room.
Finally, the public is invited to a larger meeting at The Wilson Hotel on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 5:30 p.m.
“The Big Sky Governance Study team looks forward to your participation in these events as we continue to shape the future of governance in Big Sky,” the release concluded. “Don’t miss this opportunity to have your voice heard and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our community.”
DARREN JOHNSON MEMORIAL FUND GRANTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO NINE SKI PATROLLERS
EBS STAFF
Nine ski patrollers across the West received scholarships in 2024 for advanced avalanche education and training. The grants totaled $20,400, provided by the Darren Johnson Avalanche Education Memorial Fund.
Johnson was a Yellowstone Club ski patroller who died in a 2016 avalanche while on duty helping Montana State University students collect snowpack data. He spent six years on YC ski patrol and was a member of the National Ski Patrol. His friends and family established the memorial fund with support from the Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, with the goal of increasing access to life-saving training that can be cost-prohibitive to smaller ski areas, especially those with patrol crews that rely on volunteers.
“Darren was not only a great colleague, but he was an even better friend,” Lance Stratton, a founding member of the fund and YC ski patroller, stated in a Dec. 26 YCCF press release. “His legacy lives on through these scholarships. Our annual memorial events in January have brought light to a dark time for those who worked the day we lost Darren to the mountains.”
The
Brewery
will be held on Jan. 16, and a film screening and silent auction at The Waypoint on Jan. 20. More information will be posted on the fund’s Instagram page, and donations can also be made online.
Recipients of the 2024 awards are from Lost Trail Ski Area in Montana, Sun Valley in Idaho, Stevens Pass in Washington, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area in California, Red River Ski Area in New Mexico, and Red Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada. All were chosen through a competitive selection process, according to the release.
Patrollers interested in the 2025 program can apply online until Oct. 8, 2025.
“Working at a small, family-owned ski area like Lost Trail is an incredible opportunity to connect and work closely with the local community,” stated Morgan Throckmorton, a Lost Trail ski patroller who received a 2024 scholarship. “This scholarship is helping support our mountain by providing the resources for me and others to strengthen our avalanche program and education through professional courses approved by the American Avalanche Association. This support ensures our team has the training necessary to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone and aligns with industry best practices.”
funds are primarily raised in Big Sky, with two annual events held each January. The annual Beehive Pint Night at Beehive Basin
Darren Johnson was a Yellowstone Club ski patroller for six years and Big Sky community member. COURTESY OF YCCF
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: COOKIES FOR A CAUSE
THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS THAT MAKE BIG SKY AN AMAZING PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND RECREATE
BY SARA SIPE
EBS CONTRIBUTOR
On the evening of Dec. 24, longtime Big Sky locals Mary Goodson and myself delivered homemade cookies to various businesses, to wish workers a Merry Christmas. We spent three days baking and packing about 50 individual boxes and plates of holiday treats including cutout cookies, Mexican wedding cakes, rice cereal treats, two kinds of fudge and chocolate-covered peanut butter balls.
“At the end of the day, Big Sky is a resort town and most people work on the holidays,” Goodson said when asked why they do it. “I am semi-retired and Sara no longer works for a business that operates during the Christmas holiday. We just want people that do work on the holidays to know we appreciate them.”
We visited the Big Sky Fire Department, Lone Peak Cannabis Co., BYWOM, Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center, Roxy’s Market, Java Joint, The Rocks Tasking Room and Liquor Store, the Big Sky Resort store, a Gallatin County Sheriff and Riverhouse BBQ & Events, with plans to finish up deliveries to more workers on Christmas day. We even ran into Santa along the way!
We’ve been baking and delivering cookies during holidays for years. This year we decided to really go all out. In addition to our friends and families that we typically bake for at Christmas, we decided this year to try and bring a little joy to some of the folks that work over the holidays.
It feels really good to bring a smile to people’s faces, to spread a little holiday cheer.
Big Sky Community Spotlight is a short column that is meant to shine a light on those in Big Sky doing important work. Whether it be a profession, hobby or volunteer work, Big Sky is home to interesting people that do interesting things and as our community grows, it is important to stay connected to our neighbors and local businesses. This is more easily done if we know more about one another. We hope you enjoy getting to know your neighbors!
Big Sky Medical Center Staff happily receiving cookies. PHOTO BY SARA SIPE
The Riverhouse BBQ & Events team, and writer and cookie-maker Sara Sipe (left) and Mary Goodson (Santa hat). PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA SIPE
The Roxy's team receiving the goods. PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA SIPE
LPC staff member Robert with cookie makers Goodson (left) and Sipe. PHOTO BY SARA SIPE
THE FINEST MOUNTAIN TOWN LIVING
The three remaining residences each offer top-of-the line finishes, large living spaces, and meticulous detail. Schedule a tour today and experience the masterpiece that is Wildlands. BESPOKE LIVING
Perfectly located in Bozeman’s Northeast Neighborhood, just a few blocks from Main Street, Wildlands is a truly exception allocation. Conveniently situated near multiple coffee shops, restaurants, trailheads, and within 20 minutes of Bridger Bowl Ski Area, living at Wildlands means you are never far away from world-class adventure and culture.
AM EN ITIES
• Unique and spacious floor plans ranging from two-to-three bedrooms
• Private heated garage for resident parking
• Large storage space for each owner Secured owner’s lobby
• Professional management for ease of ownership
• Conveniently located blocks away from Downtown Bozeman
• Captivating mountain views and custom finishes such as poliform cabinetry
Beautifully designed condos and penthouses in an incredible, highly sought-after location. Footsteps away from Big Sky Town Center restaurants, shopping, farmers markets, live music, and all that Big Sky has to offer. A downtown lifestyle where rooms are filled with natural light and breathtaking views no matter the time of day or the season. 3rd level penthouses come with private hot tubs, 4th-level rooftop decks. Relax in your hot tub and let the stargazing begin.
AMENITIES
• Exquisite engineered hardwood floors
• Meticulously crafted cabinets
• Luxurious quartz countertops
• State-of-the-art stainless steel GE monogram appliances.
• All residents have a storage unit in addition to their residence.
• All residences have a designated & secure parking space. Additional parking spaces are for sale.
• 3rd level penthouses come with private rooftop hot tubs, 4th level rooftop decks.
LIMITED EDITION BSB
PEAK 98
The Big Sky Bravery Peak 98 was designed to honor Big Sky Bravery’s mission to provide proactive support for active duty special forces This custom winter camouflage top sheet featuring Big Sky Bravery’s logo gives customers the opportunity to support an incredible non-profit, and ride their choice ski.
ACCLAIMED YELLOWSTONE PHOTOGRAPHER TO SHARE WORK AT THE WAYPOINT
TOM MURPHY’S THREE VISITS TO BIG SKY WILL INCLUDE PREMIERE OF NEW BIOGRAPHICAL FILM
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—Tom Murphy, a Livingston-based landscape and wildlife photographer with more than 45 years of experience capturing Yellowstone National Park and other natural wonders across the globe, will share his work and meet the Big Sky community during three events at The Waypoint this winter.
Murphy, who takes pride in his winter photography, will showcase scenes from all four seasons, and attendees will see the film premiere of “Frozen Frames: Murphy’s Yellowstone,” depicting Murphy’s life, career and philosophy as an artist and conservationist. The events will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 16, Feb. 13 and March 6, and tickets are available online.
“The goal I see with the film is continuation of my motivation for doing a lot of my work,” Murphy told EBS. “... I want people to understand how spectacular this place is.”
Murphy grew up on a cattle ranch in South Dakota. During a 1970s visit to Cooke City, he was enthralled by the emptiness of Yellowstone National Park and moved to Livingston in 1978 for its close, year-round access to park’s North entrance. He recalls wanting to be outside and in Yellowstone as much as possible, especially during winter.
In the winter of 1985, Murphy skied alone across Yellowstone—to his knowledge, he was the first person ever to ski such an extensive route.
The film was originally intended to retrace his route as an adventure film, “Because nobody’s ever done it before or since, and it’s a really tough trip,” Murphy said. Directed by Allison Argo, an Emmy-winning filmmaker, the film morphed into a 27-minute biography of Murphy’s career, winter
work and his understanding of the value of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
When “Frozen Frames” premiered at Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre, YNP Superintendent Cam Sholly surprised Murphy with an award recognizing his lifetime contributions to the park. Murphy says he’s grateful that people noticed, but he’s just doing what he can to support a place he loves.
After his ski expedition in 1985—and a summer selling photographs in New York City—he applied to run a tour business in Yellowstone, and it became the first-ever photography instruction business in any U.S. national park.
“Now there’s about 150 of them,” Murphy said. In the 40 years since, he has given back to the park by donating photography to visitor centers, and serving on the board and advisory council for a nonprofit organization now called Yellowstone Forever. He also helped create the Park County Environmental Council, based in Livingston.
Murphy’s work has brought him to Antarctica 10 times, Alaska 40 times, Africa a handful of times, as well as the Galapagos Islands and Costa Rica. But he says Yellowstone is still his favorite place. His favorite statistic is that all 450 miles of park roads only cover 8% of the park—he believes he’s only seen 65% of the park in his 45 years, and he aims to spend 100 days each year in Yellowstone.
Murphy believes visitors come for the connection to wild country, including the chance to see rare wildlife. He hopes his photography communicates the importance of protecting Wilderness areas that allow those creatures to thrive in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
He said Yellowstone changes shape in the winter. It’s simple and “elemental” when blanketed in snow, and unlike Yellowstone in the bustling summer months, it’s quiet.
“You’re going to get away from the noise of civilization,” Murphy said.
Wildlife have three choices in the winter: to
migrate away; to sleep or hibernate; or to endure, Murphy explained. “I’m always really intrigued by the ones that stay and endure,” he said. Bison, for example, exemplify toughness.
In all seasons, Murphy is fascinated by the intelligence and lifestyles of animals. He aims to use photography to tell animals’ stories.
“They actually have lives, personalities,” Murphy said. “... The story behind them is ultimately more interesting than just, what are they.”
Waypoint General Manager Ben Axe said he’s excited to see Murphy’s work resonate with Big Sky community members who appreciate the value of preserving the outdoors.
“The conservation aspect for me is important, trying to give back to nature,” Axe said. “As a fellow avid outdoorsman, there’s a lot of great nonprofits that try to give back... but that one person and his life’s work’s goal is to try to give back to Yellowstone is a really cool thing.”
Axe said it’s valuable for Big Sky community members to learn more about the ecosystems where they live, especially amidst concerns of Big Sky’s rapid development. Murphy agrees.
Murphy’s passion is the conservation and preservation of federally protected Wilderness areas in the GYE. Currently, he supports complete Wilderness protection for the Gallatin Range, east of Big Sky—the Gallatin Range saw alternative conservation proposals in 2024.
“It’s integral to the health of Yellowstone Park,” Murphy said, explaining the connection between untrammeled land and healthy, expansive habitat for the park’s famous wildlife. “It’s not just conservation of Yellowstone Park, it’s this whole ecosystem.”
COURTESY OF TOM MURPHY
PHOTO BY TOM MURPHY
PHOTO BY TOM MURPHY
BSRAD MAKES MASSIVE COMMITMENT TO WORKFORCE HOUSING IN POTENTIAL DEBT PACKAGE
VOTERS IN MAY EXPECTED TO DECIDE ON $60M FOR COLD SMOKE, $6.8M FOR PARK RENOVATION
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—The monthslong saga continues for Resort Tax: as the Big Sky Resort Area District explores long-term bonding to fund infrastructure outlined in its 2023 capital improvement plan, the board held another special meeting Thursday, Jan. 2 at the Big Sky Chapel.
The meeting’s objective was two-fold: first, for detailed discussions for all five projects deemed worthy in a separate special meeting in December 2024; and for the board to agree on maximum dollar amounts for potential long-term debt commitments to fund those projects. The five projects were estimated to cost $340 million in total, with their associated Resort Tax requests totaling $110 million.
After four-and-a-half hours of discussion, the board accomplished its objective, committing up to $66.8 million in public debt to be included on the May 2025 ballot. The BSRAD board agreed to commit up to $60 million for the Cold Smoke workforce housing project, and up to $6.8 million for the continued renovation of the Big Sky Community Park.
If the board approves a resolution and bonding reaches the ballot, voters will decide in May whether Resort Tax makes those commitments.
BSRAD’s board and Executive Director Daniel Bierschwale emphasized again that any voterapproved debt will be paid using resort tax collections, unlike a property tax bond which distributes the burden across local property owners.
A board subcommittee is confident that even if BSRAD maximizes its bonding capacity, BSRAD is planning for just 1% growth in resort tax collections to account for slower years. “We have been very conservative in our projections,” said subcommittee member Kevin Germain.
Bierschwale noted that bonds have failed recently in Big Sky, and they are typically not viewed favorably by tax-averse voters.
“Big Sky is special though, and we know that… we have this tool that other communities are very envious of, and we have an opportunity here to be able to make a significant impact… We’ve got a lot of education to do within our community if this is going to actually pass… This is uncharted waters, to a certain degree,” Bierschwale said.
BSRAD commits $60 million to housing: ‘the single most important thing’
A bulk of BSRAD’s potential $66.8 million commitment is centered around Cold Smoke, a planned development of 125 single-family homes for sale and 264 apartment units, all reserved for local full-time workforce.
The Big Sky Community Housing Trust is currently in negotiations with Lone Mountain Land Company to purchase the Cold Smoke land. The housing trust requested $45 million from BSRAD for that land acquisition, although the two parties have not reached an agreement on price.
Separately, the housing trust requested $15 million for the infrastructure costs associated with Cold Smoke. The asks are separate because their bonds would be issued and repaid separately—the $45 million would be repaid using BSRAD’s regular 3% collections, while the $15 million is eligible for repayment through the additional “1% for infrastructure” tax, implemented in 2019.
David O’Connor, housing trust executive director, said more than 80% of Big Sky’s workforce cannot afford market rate housing.
“We’re here trying to address that disparity right there,” O’Connor said. The per-home cost to develop Cold Smoke is roughly $154,000,
compared to more than $388,000 to buy and convert existing homes to workforce-owned housing. Cold Smoke would take seven years to complete, compared to 20 years if the community opts for the alternative.
“It’s only going to get more expensive the longer we wait to address it,” O’Connor added, noting that if Cold Smoke fails, “plan B” is probably five years away.
Community member Mike Scholz praised the project, pointing out that Cold Smoke is the most important long-term project on BSRAD’s plate because it allows Big Sky’s future leaders— especially for public service roles like the Resort Tax board—to put roots down.
“Everything else can catch up. This can’t,” Scholz said.
Board member Sarah Blechta said that Big Sky hasn’t invested massively in workforce housing in its 50-year past, but that doesn’t mean that’s the right course of action anymore as today’s housing market excludes more working locals.
“We will lose people,” she said. “We are losing people… I think this is our opportunity to do something about it. And it’s a lot of money—it’s a lot of interest, it’s a lot of money, it’s a lot of time. But I think, to me, it’s the single most important thing that I can do for our community.”
The board emphatically supported the large-scale housing initiative, but deliberated on the details due to proposed legislation. Leaders from Big Sky and fellow resort tax communities have drafted a statewide bill that would include workforce housing in the “1% for infrastructure” category, and if the bill passes in Montana’s imminent 2025 legislative session, BSRAD could fund a portion of the $45 million land acquisition using 1% collections in a separate pool of money.
The Big Sky Resort Area District (Resort Tax) held a special meeting on Thursday, Jan. 2. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
If the bill fails, board member John Zirkle warned that a $45 million commitment would “highly pressurize” BSRAD’s capacity to bond against its 3% collections—Cold Smoke alone would consume 84% of the bonding capacity, leaving only $2 million for other projects.
To allow for the possibility of successful legislation, the board voted to bond up to $45 million from the 3% pool, and up to $43 million from the 1%, with a potential split to be determined later. This contingency allows “maximum flexibility,” Zirkle said.
“We’ve got a lot of moving parts and pieces,” Germain said, emphasizing how legislative changes could create ripple effects for BSRAD’s ability to bond certain projects in the 3% category.
BSCO, parks met with partial support
Given the massive commitment to housing in the current legal landscape, other non-infrastructure projects were necessarily limited.
The Big Sky Community Organization brought two projects to the table: a $7.5 million renovation to the Big Sky Community Park, and a $5 million construction project to construct the South Fork Community Park near Town Center.
In a presentation to the board, CEO Whitney Montgomery described community parks’ role in recruiting and retaining community members, and fostering community connections.
The renovation would include improved public restrooms, safety improvements to Camp Big Sky— an important child care provider during summer months—and artificial turf athletic fields that could extend playing seasons by two to three months. The new park would provide a similar public space on donated land across town.
Montgomery said BSCO prioritizes the existing park over any new project, and the board eventually voted to commit up to $6 million to the renovation—the maximum was later increased
LOCAL
to $6.8 million, allowing for the possibility that housing-related legislation is successful and frees up budget space in the 3% pool.
The board voted unanimously to exclude the South Fork park from this year’s debt commitments, due to the complicated timing with other large priorities.
Water and sewer projects on hold; BSRAD to consider cash for new arts center
The Big Sky County Water and Sewer District requested $15 million to help construct the second phase of its new Water Resource Recovery Facility. Phase two would increase the plant’s capacity by 67%, and enable the Gallatin Canyon County Water and Sewer District to pump wastewater from the canyon for improved treatment.
However, the BSCWSD decided to withdraw its request.
Water and sewer district board chair Brian Wheeler told EBS that representatives from all parties— both water and sewer districts, and BSRAD— believe it was best to withdraw the application for this year to help streamline the bond process.
The withdrawal should give an extra year for both water and sewer districts to forecast costs more accurately, and to finalize a memorandum of understanding with BSRAD regarding ongoing funding.
“We want to really tighten our preparation, [and] we recognize the need for other projects that are more time sensitive,” Wheeler told EBS.
The board also voted unanimously to exclude the $8 million request from GCCWSD, given the uncertainty of the WRRF’s second phase—the canyon sewer district already has $12 million in BSRAD funding from 2020, but the costs of constructing a sewer have increased by $8 million, according to GCCWSD engineer Mace Mangold.
Kevin Germain added that the delay in water and sewer projects should not indicate a lack of interest in their objectives.
“2025 should be the year of water-sewer discussions in this community,” Germain said.
Another right project at the wrong time, the Arts Council of Big Sky requested $2 million for its $13 million project to renovate an existing Town Center building into a community arts center.
The board praised the project, but given the large commitment to housing in the 3% funding pool, agreed it would be best to consider funding the request with cash in next year’s nonprofit allocation cycle.
With preliminary bonding decisions made, the board will look to finalize a resolution at its upcoming regular meeting on Thursday, Jan. 9.
David O’Connor, executive director of the Big Sky Community Housing Trust, speaks about the importance of providing home ownership opportunities to help fill Big Sky’s “missing middle.” PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
Mike Scholz, a former Resort Tax board member from 2011 to 2019, provided public comment during various discussions on Jan. 2. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
January 20th, 2025 | 4:00PM Newman Restoration 200 Running Iron Rd.
Connect, collaborate, and grow at our Quarterly Member Meetup! This is the perfect opportunity to engage with fellow Chamber members, exchange ideas, and gain valuable insights to enhance your business.
January 14th, 2025 | 5:30PM Community Room, Bozeman Health Big Sky Medical Center
This is your opportunity to engage with the study team and make your voice heard! Collaborate on governance scenarios, share insights to support business growth, and connect with leaders to shape Big Sky's future
SPORTS
‘ONE EXPECTATION’: BOBCATS FALL SHORT OF PERFECT SEASON IN VALIANT TITLE GAME
BY COLTER NUANEZ SKYLINE SPORTS
FRISCO, Texas—For the first time here, particularly against a Big Sky Conference opponent, the Bison of North Dakota State seemed vulnerable.
After a thorough, edgy effort led by stellar senior quarterback Cam Miller, however, the Bison continue to reign supreme. And the Big Sky’s best continue to wonder what it will take to get over the top against the mighty powerhouse from Fargo after NDSU led from stem to stern to earn a 35-32 win in front of 18,005 fans here on a chilly Monday evening.
“I think we came here with one expectation: to win this game,” Montana State head coach Brent Vigen said in the postgame press conference. “I know it stings a lot for these guys, for these seniors in particular that have laid such a foundation for our program. They’ve certainly built upon the seniors before them, but the success they’ve had, been through a lot of ups and some downs.
“Obviously this is a low point. You end up rattling off 15 victories and you can’t finish it off, this is not how we wanted this day to end. But I know the program’s much better for their efforts. I know they’re much better off for being part of Montana State’s football program. So I can’t thank them enough. We’re going to miss them, I know that.”
NDSU had a first-year head coach in Tim Polasek, a man who had been an assistant during four national championship runs, but had never been a head coach in the FCS title game at Toyota Stadium.
The North Dakota State program has been the subject of much tumult in recent years, from getting poached by Power 5 programs in the NCAA transfer portal to the perception that the standard had slipped. And how could that perception not creep in for a team that went 142-9 during the fall seasons between 2011 and 2021?
The Bobcats came to Frisco with an unblemished record and a run of excellence that had seen them dispatch of every single opponent save one by multiple touchdowns, including No. 4 South Dakota in the FCS semifinals to punch a ticket back here, the place where 2021’s magical yet unlikely run came to a crashing halt when the freshman version of Tommy Mellott suffered a game-ending injury on MSU’s first possession of the game. The Bison rolled to a 28-0 halftime lead and cruised to a 38-10 win.
But this Bobcat team seemed different, not just than the MSU teams before it but different than the other Big Sky teams who had tried their hand against the unbelievably dominant Missouri Valley champions whose names end in “Dakota State.”
MSU has one of the best offenses the subdivision has seen, a freight train running attack that averaged more than 300 yards per contest entering Monday night. The Bobcats finally had a quarterback, a Montana-made work horse from Butte, America who had blossomed into one of the best dual threats in college football in Tommy Mellott. The Bobcats brought a salty defense to Toyota Stadium that had a penchant for getting off the field on third downs. And they had a few of the best special teams specialists in all the land in 6-foot-9 senior punter Brendan Hall and superstar sophomore punt returner Taco Dowler.
On Monday night, although the Bobcats nearly rallied for a comeback for the ages, instead, the story remained the same.
And as the final punt of the evening settled to the turf allowing the final seconds to tick off the clock, a sea of green and gold flooded the field.
It didn’t matter that Montana State fans seemed to outnumber NDSU fans two-to-one. It didn’t matter that Mellott went crazy in the second half, throwing two touchdowns and ripping off a 44yard rushing score to cut what was a 21-3 halftime deficit to 28-25 with 11:25 left.
All that mattered were the Bison were the Bison. And the Bison had Cam Miller.
Adam Jones and Rylan Ortt embrace after the Bobcats' 35-22 loss in the national championship. PHOTO BY BLAKE HEMPSTEAD / SKYLINE SPORTS
Less than 24 hours after Mellott earned the Walter Payton Award as the top offensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision, Miller took home the Most Outstanding Player of the FCS title game.
Miller rushed for nearly 100 yards in the first half alone, scoring a tone-setting short touchdown on a play where he got hit so hard his helmet came flying off and then ripping off another 64-yard score that broke the game open before Montana State even got a chance to find its footing.
Miller finished the game 19-of-22 for 199 yards, winning his 45th game as the starter at NDSU in the process. He helped the Bison convert 8-of-12 on third downs and he spearheaded NDSU’s run game with 121 of the Bison’s 202 rushing yards.
“I think Cam is one of one for sure,” said NDSU sophomore wide receiver Bryce Lance, who continued his breakout season with nine catches for 107 yards and his FCS-best 17th touchdown of the season.
“Obviously he didn’t win that award that our whole team knows he should have, and I think he showed that today. I really don’t think you can compare the two people because it’s different journeys, but Cam is that guy.”
Mellott can relate. The 6-foot burner from Butte didn’t have a quarterback coach growing up in the Mining City. He just learned how to compete by “going and playing.” Vigen embraced that creativity and also acknowledged how analytical Mellott can be.
Through patience, development and Mellott’s renewed commitment to staying healthy, it culminated in one of the great quarterback seasons in Big Sky and FCS history.
In the first half, Mellott found no flow as dropped passes and non-conversions thwarted MSU’s offensive efforts. In the second half, he took control of the game, engineering a swift 11-play drive right out of the halftime locker room to cut the deficit.
After a quick stop, Mellott hit senior tight end Ryan Lonergan for a 54-yard gain inside the 10, then fellow tight end Rohan Jones for a five-yard touchdown. When Lonergan, a sixth-year senior who was one of 15 Bozeman products playing in the game for the ‘Cats, caught a two-point conversion—MSU’s first of the season—a game that looked destined for a blowout turned into a tight affair in an instant.
“I think that our offense was a little bit stagnant there from the first half, unfortunately, and came up short because of it,” Mellott said. “[Offensive coordinator] coach Walker got us going, players are making plays, guys kept fighting. It’s very easy, 21-3, to quit in a national championship game, it is, and we came back out there, and we had a group of guys that fought for this team, fought for the seniors, and just came up short.”
Bison head coach Tim Polasek hoists the NCAA trophy.
PHOTO BY JASON BACAJ / SKYLINE SPORTS
Cam Miller hands off to running back CharMar Brown.
PHOTO BY BLAKE HEMPSTEAD / SKYLINE SPORTS
Tommy Mellott kept the Bobcats hopes alive in the second half of Monday’s game. PHOTO BY JASON BACAJ / SKYLINE SPORTS
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A TRIP TO FRISCO ‘SPORTS CITY, USA’ WELCOMES VISITORS TO MESH WITH TEXAS CULTURE
BY JACK REANEY
FRISCO, TEXAS—Drive due north from Dallas and put Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” on repeat. After about four plays, you’ll arrive in a Texas community of roughly 225,000. Frisco’s population swells by about 20,000 whenever a sellout crowd packs Toyota Stadium, home of FC Dallas and events like the NCAA division I FCS national championship.
“It is one of the most fun ways to kick off the year in Frisco. We love welcoming the teams, and giving them a true embrace in Frisco,” Christal Howard, president and CEO of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce, told EBS a few hours before kickoff on Jan. 6. Howard said Frisco calls itself “Sports City, USA” but visitors are often surprised to see the experience extends beyond sports—with unique restaurants and shops, the experience is more diverse than expected.
Local business owners like Brian Wysong of Tumbleweed TexStyles look forward to the annual FCS championship. Wysong and his business partner, Jeb Matulich, were local high school teachers when they created a Texas-inspired lifestyle apparel brand in 2011 and their designs caught fire. They’ve since sold their designs to roughly 2,000 retailers across the Lone Star State, but their flagship store remains in Frisco. On Jan. 6, Tumbleweed’s front table was decked in yellow and green, an assortment of North Dakota State gear—the Bison have played in Frisco for the FCS title 11 times in the past 14 years, so the city knows them best.
“The wonderful thing about a city like Frisco that is driven toward sports and tourism, is that when local sports—from soccer, and of course, football— take place, people want to stop and get a souvenir… and feel like they truly walked away with a taste of Texas, and a taste of Frisco,” Wysong said. He and Matulich love exchanging stories with each unique fanbase, especially when college football comes to town.
“You know, Frisco is proud of the growth. The people in our community,” Wysong said. “So not as a store owner, but as a resident here in Frisco—my kids go to school here—we are always excited about this game because we get to show off a city and a town that we’re very proud of.”
Howard said the Frisco community gets to know the spirit and passion of each team, and frequent visitors like Bison fans have become familiar with the city. Fans from colder climates typically appreciate the warm-weather January visit— although in 2025, she said contestants brought their Montana and North Dakota weather with them as game time temperatures dipped below freezing and greater Dallas prepares for snow later in the week. Visitors always take advantage of the food and drink, and Howard said new restauranteurs have been known to underestimate the amount of beer they’d need on hand.
She said the annual event generates upwards of $10 million, but she’s most excited about the anecdotal stories of connection between her host community and those visiting.
“We love the teams and their fans because they truly come here to have a good time. We’re ready for them,” she said, adding that there’s enough to do
and see in Frisco to warrant a multi-day trip beyond just the football game.
The best way to get to know the city is to compete for championships there on a regular basis.
Montana State fans hope to continue earning hotel points in Frisco as the Bison have in recent years.
A group of Bobcat fans spoke with EBS while waiting in line at Hutchins BBQ, a local treasure with smokers in the parking lot, a rustic wood interior and a reputation for keeping a line out the door. Jeff Keller, Elliot Keller, Ben Davis and Brandon Thompson made their first trip from southwest Montana to Frisco when the Bobcats faced North Dakota State in early 2022. Jeff said it was an ordeal—they had to go through Omaha due to a snowstorm, but they ended up having a blast. “So we said, if they come back down again, we’re going to join them and make this a tradition,” Jeff said.
Thompson remembers his first thought seeing Frisco in January 2022.
“The Bison, it’s like their home away from home,” he said, pointing out that the Bison have won nine
out of 13 FCS championships since 2011. “So wherever we looked, it was all green and yellow.”
In 2025, Thompson was impressed by the amount of Montana State fans he’d seen since arriving on game day. But he said Frisco is still loaded with North Dakota State fans.
“And so we’re trying to flip the script,” he said.
Without the benefit of hindsight, Elliot said he couldn’t see a way the Bobcats wouldn’t win on Jan. 6. “‘Cats are gonna roll. ‘Cats by a million.”
Davis remembers hearing about Hutchins BBQ from Texas-based rodeo clown Flint Rasmussen. When they sat down with brisket, pulled pork and “Texas Twinkies”—a jalapeño stuffed with brisket and cream cheese, all wrapped in thick bacon—they knew they’d made the right choice before a long evening at Toyota Stadium.
Around sunset, thousands of eager tailgaters pushed through the stadium gates.
The Bison fans on one side of the stadium reveled in a dominant first half, cheering their Bison into the locker room with a 21-3 halftime lead.
Across the field, Bobcat fans erupted throughout the second half as the ‘Cats mounted a persistent comeback. In total, 18,000 fans packed the soccer stadium and stayed on their feet from kickoff to confetti.
When the dust settled on a three-and-a-half hour game and the Bison regained their throne for the first time since beating Montana State in 2021, Bobcat players wished each other well, sharing tears and forceful hugs. Quarterback Tommy Mellott led his teammates in prayer before the Bobcats waved thank you and goodbye to thousands of traveling fans.
Players’ families joined them on the field, expressing their pride despite the outcome. Sophomore receiver Taco Dowler wore a smile as he posed with a group of family members, the Toyota Stadium sign in big letters in the background.
As the program continues to reach new heights, young players like Dowler will look to spend more time introducing the Gallatin Valley community to Frisco. And after two championship losses in four years, they’ll keep working toward that elusive season-ending win.
The Montana State Bobcats have traveled south for two of the past four national championships.
PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
PHOTOS BY JACK REANEY
‘HIGH-LEVEL’ STINGERS ACTION TO RETURN TO BIG SKY
ANNUAL OUTDOOR MATCH AT MARTY PAVELICH ICE RINK DISPLAYS GROWTH OF BIG SKY HOCKEY
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—On Saturday, Jan. 11, the Bozeman Stingers will host the Sun Valley Suns at the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink, continuing a recent tradition of competitive adult hockey in Big Sky’s Town Center. The puck will drop at 5 p.m.
“It’s really fun to watch high-level hockey on an outdoor rink, especially an outdoor rink like this with a great view and an awesome town,” said Steven Reid, recreation coordinator for the Big Sky Community Organization, the nonprofit in charge of Big Sky’s home ice. Reid credits BSCO’s maintenance staff for keeping the ice in good enough shape to host full-grown hockey players, many with professional and collegiate backgrounds. “I think people are stoked to see such fast-paced hockey happening on our rink.”
The Stingers are a nonprofit hockey club in the Black Diamond Hockey League, and the Big Sky game holds special meaning for Luke Bing, the team’s captain and general manager who grew up in Big Sky.
“It’s the highest level of hockey that exists in Montana right now,” said Bing. When he’s not on the ice, he co-owns Blue Ribbon Builders, a Big Sky family business started by his father Doug. Growing up in a hockey family but not yet a hockey town, Luke would drive multiple nights per week to Bozeman for practices and games. He said the Stingers’ annual Big Sky exhibition has grown every year since it began in 2020, and he’s pleased to see parallel growth of youth hockey in Big Sky.
“I would love to see that opportunity up here to make hockey more available to everybody, and the kids that are growing up here,” Bing said, adding
that a game like this will hopefully expose the community to what’s possible and how local hockey can continue to improve.
Big Sky’s youth hockey program, the Montana 64’s, has seen strong growth in recent years. Formerly managed by the Big Sky Skating and Hockey Association, and more recently by BSCO, the youth program went off on its own this year under a new nonprofit: the MT 64 Hockey Association.
Keelan Grupe, a 2024 graduate of Lone Peak High School and former captain of the 64’s top-tier team, is vice president of the new organization. He says his job is simple: “Helping coach, making sure all the kids have fun playing hockey.”
Also handling two jobs in Big Sky, Grupe added it’s been rewarding to dedicate hours on the ice to help build the program’s next chapter. He said this season has brought its challenges as the 64’s independently organize youth hockey, but by next winter the program should be back on track and the future is bright.
Especially for Big Sky’s young players, the annual Stingers game is more than just entertainment— Grupe remembers seeing the Stingers for the first time.
“I thought it was really cool just to see… the skill that these guys have, and it’s pretty incredible just to watch these guys stick handle, and pass the puck and shoot and all that,” Grupe said. Last year, the Stingers welcomed kids on the ice for warm-ups and lineups.
“Just having kids go out on the ice and skate with older people that they can look up to and idolize is really important to their development,” Grupe said.
Grupe encourages community members to come skate at the rink, even first-timers. And when the Stingers come to town, he hopes to see the community take advantage of some “free, fun, highlevel hockey” as the sport continues to gain traction locally.
Admission is free to the Jan. 11 game, and Bing and Reid hope for an energetic crowd. The Suns are celebrating their 50th anniversary this season, and with the Stingers being around since 2008, Bing said both programs’ longevity has generated “a little bit of a rivalry.”
The Stingers will sell merchandise with hopes of raising money in the absence of ticket sales, and Blue Ribbon Builders are helping out as the event’s main sponsor. Bing added that the Stingers volunteer in support the Gallatin Ice Foundation as it makes progress on a year-round, stadium-style ice arena in Bozeman—currently about half-built with construction being done in phases with respect to ongoing fundraising efforts.
BSCO will raise money to support Big Sky’s ice rink at a separate event, the Marty Pavelich Invitational on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 6 p.m.
Bing said Marty Pavelich made a huge impact on the community before his passing in June 2024. Bing remembers interviewing the hockey star for a school project as an Ophir Elementary School student.
“That was a big inspiration for me, growing up,” he said, adding that Pavelich’s vision for the community rink and his impact on local hockey has been “amazing.” Pavelich’s passion for competitive hockey in Big Sky will be on display when Stingers and Suns take the ice in early January.
The Stingers shared warm-ups in 2024 with Big Sky’s local team, the Montana 64’s. COURTESY OF BOZEMAN STINGERS
BASKETBALL: LONE PEAK BOYS OFF TO MILESTONE 6-1 START IN CLASS B
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—The basketball season is off to a historic start for the Lone Peak High School boys, who set program milestones by starting 4-0, and again by improving to 6-1 with a pair of hard-fought wins in early January.
The season began with wins against Shields Valley and Gardiner high schools on Dec. 6 and 7. In a subsequent tournament in Three Forks, the Big Horns mounted a 14-point comeback to take down Anaconda High School—a school with roughly three-times Lone Peak’s enrollment—and triumphed over a physically-advantaged Choteau High School team with a last-minute comeback and 67-63 overtime win.
“We played some pretty tough competition and found a way to have success,” head coach Al Malinowski told EBS. “… So, off to our first 4-0 start in school history.”
On Dec. 19, the Big Horns led by two at halftime against Manhattan High School but the Tigers pulled away with a 65-55 win in the final minutes—last year, the Tigers were undefeated in Lone Peak’s district and beat the Big Horns by 40plus in all three of their matchups.
On Friday, Jan. 3, the 4-1 Big Horns took on another tough Class B opponent in Jefferson High School. The visiting Panthers entered with close losses against strong teams from Manhattan and Three Forks. In the first quarter against Lone Peak, the Panthers outscored the Big Horns, 20-16. Malinowski told the team that while offense looked strong, their opponents were on pace to score 80 points against the Big Horn defense.
“Well, we buckled down in that second quarter and held them to six [points], which gave us a chance to get back in the game and take a lead,” Malinowski said. “… We’ve become a team that finds a way to keep our composure.”
The Big Horns held a 48-43 lead entering the final quarter, and composure proved critical as the Panthers closed the deficit to three points with roughly one minute on the clock. The Big Horns took fouls and junior Ebe Grabow put the game on ice by executing a pair of free throws with seven seconds on the clock. The Big Horns won, 63-58.
Senior Isaac Bedway said the Big Horns have historically struggled in tense fourth quarter moments. He sees late-game timeouts as an opportunity for the team to focus on staying calm. “We’ve gotta have the mental confidence in ourselves and our teammates. And when we put our team first, we’re gonna win every time,” Bedway told EBS after the game. Malinowski sees a positive trend in camaraderie and mental resiliency—in multiple close games already this season, the trust and chemistry have translated to W’s.
In total, Lone Peak made eight 3-pointers against Jefferson, shot by four different players including junior Ebe Grabow, who struck from the corner with three minutes left to extend the lead to seven and spark celebration with his courtside teammates. Junior Oliver McGuire also drained a 3-ball as the
Big Horns surged to a five-point lead in the final minute of the third quarter.
Six players scored in total, but Malinowski hopes to see that number increase as the team improves its depth. Bedway and Grabow led the scoring with 22 and 18 points, respectively.
Coach Malinowski repeated words offered to the team in the locker room by Grabow: “Everybody who went in contributed to that win.”
For improvements, Malinowski said the team had a few lapses in running its man-to-man defense, and took a few hasty shots. Bedway added that rebounding could improve.
“We did have some mental breakdowns tonight that hurt us,” Malinowski said. “So just staying more locked in on a consistent basis will help us in the long run when we’re playing against a really athletic, strong team like Jefferson.”
Malinowski added that it’s still early January, and that the team has “bigger goals” down the line.
On Saturday, Jan. 4, the Big Horns hosted Ennis High School in a rivalry game. Down six points at halftime, the Big Horns made adjustments and defeated the Mustangs, 47-40. Bedway bolstered the offense with 19 points.
The Big Horns advanced to 6-1 for the first time in program history—even counting the years against smaller schools in Class C.
When last year’s young team entered a challenging Class B, the final minutes of some lopsided losses afforded playing time to a handful of freshman and sophomores. Now, those players are on the court helping the Big Horns win tight games.
Malinowski believes the program’s development traces back to early 2023.
“It goes back to the team two years ago that made it to state… Some of these guys were part of it, some of these guys watched it happen and said, ‘that’s how we need to be,’” Malinowski said. “That was pretty a resilient team, and had good leaders on it. And I think that’s what’s helped turn our program around.”
Bedway is taking pride in seeing young players step up—now a senior, he remembers stepping into his role as a sophomore on the state-bound team in 2023.
“l think just the level of intensity we came in with has been huge,” Bedway said of this year’s team. “Young players are stepping up… some players who didn’t play last year as well. Everybody is contributing on defense.
“We’ve got way more energy than last year. I love what’s going on right now—I think it goes on off the court and on the court.”
New girls coach looks to build culture
Class B has been tough on the Lone Peak girls team. Last year’s young team—two seniors, two juniors, and 11 combined freshmen and sophomores—had their hands full as the Big Horns rose to the next level of competition.
This year is off to a similar start. The Big Horns have lost their first five games of the season, including an 89-30 loss to Jefferson on Jan. 3.
“They kept their composure… they kept playing and they kept cheering for each other, and maybe that’s the most important thing,” head coach Jessica Bedway told EBS after the game. “They’re learning some important lessons I think.”
Bedway stepped up to the head coaching role after serving as an assistant coach last season, and she brings competitive basketball experience as a former NCAA division I player at Lehigh University. She also has years of coaching experience at high school and college levels, and said the Lone Peak program has been an adjustment as she focuses more on the basics. Bedway hopes to begin an offseason program to help maximize player development.
Bedway said junior Maddie Wilcynski has been a leader on the court. Junior Taran Gilbert added a 3-pointer to keep the game close in the early minutes, juniors Poppy Towle and Harper Morris added a few baskets, and eighth grader Annie Coltea splashed a 3-pointer in the final minutes.
“They’re coming along,” Bedway said, noting that although the first few games were rough, her players are good sports and fun to work with. “We’re definitely doing better than we were. It’s just the little things like boxing out, and getting the ball in quickly… It’s going to be a long season in [Class] B.”
The Big Horns fell to Ennis, 65-15 on Jan. 4. They will continue gaining experience against tough opponents as the season nears the halfway point.
Junior Oliver McGuire takes a foul and scores in the third quarter of Friday’s game. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
WILDLANDS SET TO FEATURE DAVE MATTHEWS IN AUGUST
AMERICAN RIVERS, CENTER FOR LARGE LANDSCAPE CONSERVATION DISCUSS CRITICAL PROJECTS EVENT WILL HELP FUND
BY JEN CLANCEY
Editor’s note: Outlaw Partners, the producer of Wildlands, is the publisher of Explore Big Sky.
American Rivers' Northern Rockies Regional Director, Scott Bosse, is excited for Outlaw Partners’ Wildlands for two reasons—one, because American Rivers is one of the event’s partnering beneficiaries, but secondly, and on a personal level, to check headliner Dave Matthews off his music bucket list.
Dave Matthews will perform in the Big Sky Events Arena on Aug. 2, continuing the Wildlands tradition of bringing world-class acts to the 4,000-ticket venue in Big Sky. Lukas Nelson will open for Matthews as a part of a weekendlong effort to raise money for Center for Large Landscape Conservation and American Rivers, the event’s conservation nonprofit partners.
Both nonprofits support beloved wild spaces and waters close to home and across the country. American Rivers, a nationwide nonprofit, works to preserve and restore waterways, while the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, a Bozemanbased global nonprofit, focuses on connecting open spaces and ecosystems.
“We love Wildlands because it gives people a chance to experience world-class music in an amazing setting while supporting the conservation work that keeps this place so special,” Bosse said.
The marriage between live music and conservation that Bosse highlighted is at the core of the event’s ethos. Over the years, Wildlands has raised over $1 million for conservation organizations in Montana and across the U.S.
Josh Timon, chief operating officer of Outlaw Partners, highlighted the opportunity to give back to the land.
“Supporting organizations that emphasize connection to the land and environment through Wildlands each year is incredibly meaningful,” Timon said. “It’s a chance to align the joy of music with a deeper purpose—honoring and preserving the natural spaces that inspire us all.”
Bosse said that the funds that come from Wildlands will support two projects in the region.
“We plan to use the proceeds from this year’s Wildlands to win permanent legislative protections for the Gallatin and other iconic rivers in southwest Montana, and to help us launch a dam removal program in the Northern Rockies,” Bosse said. The projects, according to Bosse, align with AR’s urgent objectives: protect one million river miles and remove 30,000 dams, structures with costs that outweigh their benefit, Bosse said.
For the Center for Large Landscape Conservation, Wildlands funds will support wildlife crossing projects on nearby roadways U.S. Highway 191 in Gallatin Canyon, and U.S. Highway 89 in Paradise Valley. The organization works to reconnect fragmented ecosystems and habitat, and protect animal migration amidst busy roadways. Though sanctuaries like 2.2 million of Yellowstone National Park acres serve as refuge, wildlife exist and roam outside of designated spaces, CLLC explained in an email.
Deb Davidson, chief strategy officer for CLLC, noted that crossings are becoming more crucial.
“More people than ever are familiar with highway wildlife crossings but these are just one type of corridor that helps stitch back together habitat that has been fragmented,” Davidson said. “As Montana’s population grows, we need proven, science-driven solutions to conserve our rich wildlife heritage.”
Megan Paulson, co-founder and chief marketing officer at Outlaw Partners, noted that Wildlands began as a way to elevate Big Sky’s live music scene, while supporting nonprofits that protect beloved Montana places. She said Wildlands 2025 is a rare opportunity for music fans as it’s the first time Matthews has played publicly in Montana in over 30 years.
“I'm really proud of the caliber of artists we've been able to bring and the experience of Wildlands— Outlaw’s Wildlands event has a track record of artists like Foo Fighters, Brandi Carlile, Dierks Bentley, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Wyatt Flores, Lukas Nelson and many more on the roster,” Paulson said.
Timon finds that the small-town charm, surrounding natural beauty and small venue makes for a unique experience, melting two pursuits into one.
“Wildlands is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of harmony between art, people, and the planet.”
On Friday, the day before Dave Matthews sings his electric rock in the Big Sky Events Arena, Wildlands will hold community activities and fundraising dinner fit with more music, captivating films and inspirational speakers.
Tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. online and a limited local and Warehouse Fan Club presale will run from Jan. 8 to 12.
The Wildlands concert is expected to feature surprise collaborations with artists. In the coming months, a third opener will be announced to finish off the combination of Dave Matthews and Lukas Nelson music.
Dave Matthews is set to headline at the Big Sky Events arena in Town Center. Past artists include Maren Morris, Dierks Bentley, Brandi Carlile and Foo Fighters. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO
‘BROADWAY'S NEXT HIT MUSICAL’ ROCKS BIG SKY
THE NEW YORK CITY-BASED MUSICAL IMPROV TROUPE PERFORMED AT WMPAC AS PART OF ITS NATIONAL TOUR
BY AVI LAPCHICK EBS CONTRIBUTOR
BIG SKY—For most live performances, all that is asked of audience members is their full attention and their silent respect. Shouting out of turn? Don’t even dare.
However, in the case of “Broadway’s Next Hit Musical,” the cast relies entirely on its audience’s blunt—at some points animalistic— participation. At “the Phony Awards,” anything goes.
The six-piece improv group calls home New York City’s Tony Award-winning club, 54 Below.
Much like the annual Tony Awards for which it is named, the show is set up like an award show featuring once-in-a-generation musical and acting talent, and a winning performance voted by the audience. And from there, it deviates.
Before the cast took the stage at Warren Miller Performing Arts Center on Friday evening, Dec. 27, audience members were prompted to submit notecards containing made-up song titles. Submissions ranged from “I Love Me a Rootbeer Float” to “Magic Mushrooms With Grandma.”
After a hilariously topical standup act from emcee Greg Triggs that poked at Big Sky’s imported fresh produce (or lack thereof), the Wilson Hotel’s kitschy lobby art and the locals’ obsession with snowfall, Triggs beckoned the rest of the cast centerstage to read from the fishbowl of bizarre song titles.
Cast members Pat Swearingen, Heidi Gleichauf, Deborah Rabbai and Rob Schiffmann took the stage in order of appearance, each delivering completely unrehearsed solo performances set to the tune of pianist George Luton’s extraterrestrial musical ability.
Swearingen, arguably the fan-favorite of Friday night’s troupe for his belly laugh-inducing delivery and quirky body language, kicked off the first act with his interpretation of the song “First Kiss Blues,” which he quickly wove into a gripping yet perfectly stupid story about a prairie love affair in the 1800s.
Gleichauf followed with her rendition of “My Sister Named Jan,” a track in her aptly-named musical “Jam” about twin sister heirs to the biggest jam factory in town. With comedic timing so perfectly placed it felt rehearsed, even when a song lulled and left the audience wondering how it would all tie in, Gleichauf never failed to deliver the punch.
Rabbai—always sharp, never awkward— performed “My Ex Cleopatra,” a song about the love triangle between Cleopatra, Mark Antony and her cat. It was clear Rabbai has honed to perfection the art of improv that doesn’t feel like improv.
Finally, Schiffmann’s take on “Winter Breezes,” following a couple near-divorce on vacation in Big Sky, won the audience’s vote as the sketch that would occupy the entire latter half of the show.
Submitted by audience member Scott Camerlo, the title “Winter Breezes” came to him innocently—it fittingly opposed the famous Seals & Crofts song, “Summer Breeze.” However, Camerlo did not expect his song to be the winning number, let alone chosen.
“You look at all those pieces of paper in the bowl and they happen to choose mine—I thought that was pretty cool,” Camerlo shared after the show. “[The cast] did it justice.”
The final act featured a 45-minute-long version of “Winter Breezes” and brought all four main cast members onto stage. This was the most involved moment for the audience who were collectively cast as crows and made to squawk whenever Schiffmann panned to the fourth wall.
Additionally, Schiffmann drew another card as the must-contain lyrics: “A hunk with the junk.”
For the most part, the cast delivered adult humor expertly wrapped in kid-friendly language and actions—except perhaps for Swearingen’s prosthetic bulge in Act 5, which maintained uproarious laughter throughout the second half’s duration and contributed to a standing ovation at curtain call.
The chemistry between not only the cast members, but also Luton’s playing was so harmonious it could only be explained by magic. Or, as Triggs called it, intentional preparation.
To tailor a show to its designated audience, Triggs said the cast dedicates time to researching each tour destination by exploring the area and speaking to locals ahead of the live performance.
“I think each community has a way of telling you what its priorities are, and the ideas we get from the audience certainly help. ‘Winter Breezes,’ for example,” Triggs said.
Luton shared a similar sentiment on perfecting the live shows. To him, the key to matching the pace of his castmates is a good ear.
“Oftentimes [my castmates] are trying to get to this lyric that is supposed to be very central. When I’m pacing it, I feel like they’re working their way lyrically towards where they need to be so it’s easy to be on the same page because, musically and lyrically, they’re doing what they have to do—it’s very communicative,” Luton said. “We’re all saying ‘Yes, and’ in some way.”
Likewise, Schiffmann added the preparation that goes into their shows is a lot like an athlete preparing for a big game or event.
“When you’re playing a sport, you don’t practice the specific game; you practice the skills that prepare you for whatever the game ends up being,” he said. “It’s the same thing in improvisation: you’re practicing the skill of listening, accepting ideas and building upon them, and understanding melody and story so that in any given situation you’re able to pull out those skills.”
Rob Schiffmann and Heidi Gleichauf performing at the Sunset Center for the Performing Arts.
PHOTO BY NICK CARTER
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
If your next event falls between Jan. 22 - Feb. 5 please submit it
MARK SULLIVAN AUTHOR VISIT
TUESDAY, JAN. 14
BASE, 6:45 P.M.
On Tuesday night, Jan. 14, Montana-based author Mark Sullivan will visit Big Sky to discuss his latest work, “All the Glimmering Stars.” A meet and greet will kick off the event and then Sullivan will begin the discussion at 7 p.m. The event is hosted by the Big Sky Community Library and will be held at BASE, with funding from the community raised during the summer’s farmers markets.
Do You Sometimes Wish
Could Spend A Holiday Sober?
Mark Sullivan's latest book, All The Glimmering Stars
DINING A LA CARTE: PULLING THE STRINGS WHICH STRING CHEESE REIGNS SUPREME?
BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST
Any good cheesemonger can speak to the fine details of a cheese, pointing out a good gouda or an awesome asiago for your pairing pleasure. But what if we step away from the fancy cheeses and into a variety perhaps more ubiquitous in American fridges and lunchboxes—string cheese?
String cheese appeals to my adult sensibilities for the six to seven grams of protein per serving/stick. And it appeals to my inner child who still loves playing with her food.
As a fridge staple, string cheese had become something I rarely thought about. Some foods are stocked out of habit. I reach for the brand I know simply because it’s familiar. But should I be more mindful of some of these choices?
Standing in front of what felt like a wall of string cheese at the grocery store recently, a place where no cheesemonger dares tread, I realized I still had questions. Well, one main question: Are all string cheeses created equal?
String cheese is generally a form of mozzarella which is warmed and pulled repeatedly like a taffy. This aligns the milk proteins and creates the signature stingy texture.
While the options have increased to include other types of cheese, I chose six brands of the
most prevalent variety—low-moisture part-skim mozzarella—to test. The picks included the generic Food Club, Wisconsin cheese stalwart Cache Valley, organic options Full Circle and Organic Valley, and a pair of Italian options in Frigo and Galbani. Other popular—and still untested—brands include Kraft and Sargento.
With a raised eyebrow, the cashier questioned my life choices and the stack of string cheese slowly moving toward her on the conveyor. I answered the unspoken inquiry, telling her my plans to compare. In return, I was gifted a tip should there be any leftovers—though the cheese showed expiration dates between March and May, I have some time to get through the stack. String cheese, the cashier told me, makes a great stuffed crust for pizza. Lay out your dough circle and make a ring of cheese around the outside, rolling the crust around the cheese. But don’t cut it, she warned. Something about the shape helps keep it together.
Now, to the trials. In my personal string cheese consumption, I have noticed that temperature can be a big factor in the “stringability” of string cheese. So, to be fair, I took one set of my test subjects out of the fridge a couple hours before my trials to let them come to room temperature. I tested each both directly out of the fridge and at room temp, making notes on taste, texture and shred factor.
The organic options were similar in flavor and mild with a slightly nutty note, though Organic Valley edged out Full Circle with a smoother texture. Cache Valley, which had been my string cheese of choice, offered a flavor akin to Kraft macaroni and cheese in a semi-hard stick. It’s still decent. These three made up the midrange.
Food Club was by far the worst of the bunch. The flavor was mild and inoffensive, but I couldn’t get past the texture. It was both waxy and rubbery and totally failed the shredding test when cold. At room temp, it only showed slight improvement in its ability to string. Overall, the Food Club string cheese reminds me of the pizza cheese in my middle school’s cafeteria. It’s for the economical people who are only in it for sustenance, not the love of cheese.
As I solidified my rankings, I kept going back to my friend Amy’s advice to choose the Italian brands. She was right. The Italian cheeses, even in string form, were a class above the rest. They were softer, with fuller flavors and excellent stringability. Frigo’s taste was closest to the shredded mozzarella I remember from my MacKenzie River pizzaslinging days. It’s pretty great.
The clear winner, though, was Galbani. This was the softest, stringiest string cheese. And the slight tang added a depth to the flavor the others simply couldn’t match.
While I was under the impression that one white stick of cheese is like any other, I was very wrong. Side-by-side, the variations were highlighted. Not all string cheeses are created equal.
Rachel Hergett is a foodie and cook from Montana. She is arts editor emeritus at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle and has written for publications such as Food Network Magazine and Montana Quarterly. Rachel is also the host of the Magic Monday Show on KGLT-FM and teaches at Montana State University.
PHOTO BY RACHEL HERGETT
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BUSINESS
ENJOYING THE RIDE
DOES THE SECURE ACT 2.0 AFFECT YOUR RETIREMENT PLANNING?
Currently effective:
BY BRANT WIEHARDT EBS CONTRIBUTOR SPONSORED ARTICLE
You may want to review your retirement planning strategies because of key provisions in the SECURE Act 2.0, which was signed into law in December 2022.
Do you need to take required distributions from your retirement accounts?
The act increased the required minimum distribution (RMD) age to 73. The RMD age is scheduled to increase to 75 in 2033.
Does making qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) make sense?
QCDs are available to those age 70½ or older and have a Traditional IRA and/or Traditional Inherited IRA. Now, you may distribute a one-time $53,000 QCD paid directly from your IRA to certain splitinterest entities that qualify. The distribution will be considered part of the $105,000 QCD annual limit (both amounts are adjusted for inflation). The rules governing which split-interest entities are allowed to receive the one-time $53,000 amount are complex, so consult a planning or philanthropic specialist who can provide more information.
Should you direct employer matching contributions to your before-tax qualified retirement plan (QRP) account or designated Roth account?
Your employer may now offer you the option to receive vested matching contributions in a QRP designated Roth account instead of a QRP beforetax salary deferral account. Contributions to a designated Roth account are made with after-tax dollars, and qualified distributions are tax-free.
Should you delay taking distributions from a designated Roth account?
Previously, if you had a Roth IRA, you were not required to take RMDs while you were alive, but
you did have to take them from a designated Roth account in a QRP. Now, you no longer have to take RMDs from either type of Roth account.
Would a 529 plan designated beneficiary get a head start on saving for retirement by transferring their unused balance to a Roth IRA?
A 529 plan designated beneficiary may be eligible to have a direct rollover contribution made on their behalf from their 529 plan to a Roth IRA, if certain conditions are met (state laws may vary). Distributions are subject to annual Roth contribution limits, the 529 beneficiary must have equivalent earned compensation, and the aggregate distributions are limited to a $35,000 lifetime amount.
To qualify, the 529 account must have been in existence for at least 15 years and the amount rolled over to the Roth IRA may not exceed the aggregate amount contributed (plus earnings) before the fiveyear period ending on the transfer date.
Will you get credit for your student loan payments?
If you are paying off qualified student loans, your employer has the option to match your loan payments with contributions to a retirement account, offering you an additional incentive to save for retirement. For this purpose, matching contributions can be made into a 401(k), 403(b), governmental 457(b), or SIMPLE IRA plan if your employer chooses to offer this feature.
Should you take advantage of employersponsored emergency savings accounts linked to individual account plans?
Your company has the option to automatically sign you up for an emergency savings account for up to 3% of your salary or up to $2,500, indexed for inflation, to your retirement plan if you earn less than a certain amount of money. These contributions can be made on an after-tax basis with the potential for an employee match. If your company participates, you are allowed at least one withdrawal per month and the first four withdrawals in a year cannot be subject to any plan fees.
Starting Jan. 1, 2025
Should you take advantage of higher retirement catch-up contributions?
Currently, if you’re age 50 or older and want to increase your tax-advantaged retirement savings, you can make an additional $8,000 contribution annually to your QRP and $3,500 to a SIMPLE IRA.
Beginning in 2025, if you’re aged 60 – 63, you will be able to increase that amount to the greater of $10,000, indexed for inflation, ($5,000, indexed for inflation, for a SIMPLE IRA) or 150% of your catch-up contributions for the year.
Beginning in tax years after December 31, 2025, if your wages exceed $145,000 in the preceding calendar year, indexed for inflation, you will be required to make your catch-up contributions to a designated Roth account.
Brant Wiehardt is an Associate Vice President and Financial Advisor at Shore to Summit Wealth Management. He currently works and lives in Bozeman, MT with his wife and children. Wells Fargo & Company and its affiliates do not provide legal or tax advice. This communication cannot be relied upon to avoid tax penalties. Please consult your tax and legal advisors to determine how this information may apply to your own situation. Whether any planned tax result is realized by you depends on the specific facts of your own situation at the time your tax return is filed.
This article was written by Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network and provided courtesy of Brant Wiehardt – Associate Vice President Shore to Summit Wealth Management in Bozeman, MT at 406-2192900.
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to express gratitude and reflect on accomplishments At the Big Sky Chamber, one of our key practices during weekly staff meetings is to take a moment to celebrate our “wins.” In the hustle of life and work, it’s easy to focus on what didn’t get done or what we wish we had accomplished. Instead, we encourage pausing to acknowledge successes— both big and small.
For more than 40 years, the Big Sky Chamber has had the privilege of representing the Big Sky business community. Looking back on the past year, I’m reminded of the countless achievements our community and team have celebrated. If you were to count our collective wins over those decades, you’d need more than fingers and toes!
Much of the Chamber’s work happens behind the scenes, but our focus remains steadfast: advocating for Big Sky businesses and serving as a convener to drive meaningful change. As our community continues to grow, so too have the initiatives of the Chamber, evolving to meet the unique needs of our vibrant business community.
This year, we’ve made significant strides:
• Leadership Big Sky has become a cornerstone program, cultivating future business leaders in our region.
• Big Sky Futures at Lone Peak High School has inspired our youth, helping them take their first steps toward career success.
• A seasonal workforce initiative in collaboration with partners to welcome and support the individuals who help our community thrive.
• The Big Sky Health Plan, developed in partnership with United Healthcare, is saving businesses thousands of dollars annually in premiums.
• We’ve partnered with the Big Sky Resort Area District to build a comprehensive database that highlights Big Sky’s economic impact on the region and state, as well as valuable metrics like the cost of living and lodging data.
Behind these accomplishments is a team of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support you and your business every day. This year, we’ve bolstered our team with talented leaders, including Megan Porter, former owner of Moving Mountains, now VP of the Chamber; Cassie Buckley, our communications manager; Liz McFadden, VP of Visit Big Sky; Holly Studt at our Visitor Center; and Annie Mitzel, a recent graduate managing our events.
We can’t succeed without the support of the Boards of Directors that support the Big Sky Chamber and Visit Big Sky.
As we head into a new year, I encourage you to celebrate your own wins—no matter how big or small—and use that momentum to propel your business forward.
Thank you for your support and partnership. Together, we’re building a thriving Big Sky community.
Wishing you all the best in the year ahead,
Brad Niva
CEO, Big Sky Chamber of Commerce & Visit Big Sky
The Big Sky Chamber has been representing the Big Sky business community for over 40 years. PHOTO COURTESY OF BIG SKY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
500 years ago, at least 30 million bison roamed the plains. That number is now less than 30,000. The depletion of free range bison has been attributed to:
•Decades of over-exploitation
•Decline in genetic diversity
•Habitat loss
•Human Interaction
Yellowstone National Park boasts the nation's largest free range buffalo herd, but only two others remain - the Henry’s Mountains and Book Cliffs herds, both in southern Utah.
Paid for by the animals in your backyard.
THE BIG SKY WAY: FROM CAPITAL TO CAPITOL
UNDERSTANDING MONTANA’S LEGISLATIVE SESSION
BY DANIEL BIERSCHWALE EBS COLUMNIST
Over the past two years, we’ve talked a lot about Big Sky’s Capital Improvement Plan and the importance of investing in largescale projects for our community’s future. From infrastructure upgrades to workforce housing, these projects are essential for meeting the needs of our growing population. While planning and funding at the local level are crucial, many of the resources that make these projects possible are influenced by decisions made far from Big Sky—in the halls of Montana’s Capitol in Helena.
When the Montana Legislature convenes every two years, it becomes the heart of state decision-making. The Legislature shapes policies, allocates funding, and charts the course for Montana’s future. For Big Sky, understanding and engaging in this legislative process is as important as planning capital investments. Decisions made in Helena directly impact our daily lives and our ability to implement the priorities outlined in the CIP.
Montana’s legislative session is a concentrated 90-day period during which elected representatives and senators gather to debate and pass laws. Unlike many states that hold annual sessions, Montana meets every two years, convening in odd-numbered years. Montana has what is called a citizen legislature. This is where lawmakers are part-time public servants who live and work in their communities outside of the legislative session, balancing their roles as elected officials with careers, families and community commitments. These individuals may be teachers, ranchers, business owners, healthcare workers, or retirees. Citizen
legislatures are rare in the United States with only a handful of states employing this model. The intent is for lawmakers to bring diverse, real-world perspectives to the Capitol and remain closely connected to the people they represent.
The legislative process itself is fast-paced and deliberate. Bills are introduced by legislators, then go through a series of stages designed to refine and evaluate their merit. Each bill goes through three readings in the chamber where it originates—either the house or the senate. The first reading introduces the bill and assigns it to a committee. Committees conduct hearings where public testimony is heard and amendments can be proposed. If a bill passes out of committee, it goes to the second reading for debate and a vote on the floor. If successful, it advances to the third reading for final approval. The process then repeats in the opposite chamber. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature.
The 2023 session saw significant activity, with 4,643 bill drafts prepared, 1,698 bills introduced, and 885 bills ultimately adopted, along with passing a $14 billion budget. These numbers highlight the intensity of the work completed in just three months. For communities like Big Sky, this process is an opportunity to advocate for funding and policies that reflect local priorities, such as infrastructure improvements and supportive resort tax policies.
As a citizen, staying informed is the first step to effective engagement. The Montana Legislature’s website, legmt.gov, and the Montana Free Press' Capitol Tracker are valuable resources for understanding the legislative process and staying connected. They provide tools to track bills, watch live sessions and committee meetings, and learn other ways to participate.
The majority of Big Sky falls under the representation of House District 60 Representative Alanah Griffith, a Big Sky resident, and Senate District 30 Senator Cora Neumann, while a small portion of the area is represented by House District 69 Representative Ken Walsh and Senate District 35 Senator Tony Tezak. Generally, representatives serve two-year terms and focus on localized issues and specific constituent concerns, while senators, serving four-year terms, address broader, long-term policy matters. Both roles are essential to ensuring balanced policymaking. To find your district and representatives, visit the Montana Legislature’s website: legmt.gov/districts.
For Big Sky, engaging in the legislative session is not just a civic responsibility but a strategic necessity. Advocating for priorities ensures that local needs are addressed in Helena. Big Sky organizations often coordinate advocacy efforts and may call on residents to support specific initiatives. Responding to these calls amplifies our community’s voice and increases its influence during the session.
By aligning the priorities outlined in the CIP with decisions made in Helena, Big Sky strengthens its ability to deliver on long-term investments that secure the community’s future. Staying informed, building relationships with legislators, and actively engaging in the legislative process ensures that Big Sky is represented in Montana’s Capitol.
Daniel Bierschwale is the Executive Director of the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD). As a dedicated public servant, he is committed to increasing civic engagement and voter education. Many ballot issues impact government services and public funding including subsequent property tax impacts. BSRAD is the local government agency that administers Resort Tax, which offsets property taxes while also funding numerous community-wide nonprofit programs.
Montana’s Capitol in Helena. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
ENVIRONMENT
DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: USFWS UPDATES LYNX RECOVERY PLAN, CRITICAL HABITAT PROPOSAL CUTS YELLOWSTONE AREAS, ADDS LAND IN COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST
During my first winter in Montana, I volunteered for a noninvasive rare carnivore study in the North Fork of the Flathead River, which included land within Glacier National Park and the Whitefish Range. Our crew consisted of two members, while another crew based in West Glacier conducted tracking surveys in the Middle Fork region. We studied fishers, lynx and wolverines.
The study took place during the winter of 200304. Whenever we found tracks of these small to medium-sized mammals, we would backtrack to search for hair samples from beds, kill sites and scat, or we would set up remote cameras. Our methods included cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or using snowmobiles (when permitted) to access the backcountry and look for signs of the animals.
We found tracks and scat from Canada lynx and wolverines that winter, but we did not detect any signs of fishers. The study’s primary objective was to determine whether any of these mid-sized carnivores had a breeding population in the area.
All three species were nearly trapped to extinction in the early to mid-1900s, and their populations continue to be precarious in the contiguous United States. While the populations of wolverines and lynx are relatively healthier than those of fishers, all three species require human assistance for their populations to recover, especially until numbers get high enough. Wolverines are the most prominent
members of the weasel family, while fishers are smaller than wolverines but larger than pine martens. Canada lynx are medium-sized felines that resemble bobcats but have short, bobbed tails, longer legs and more enormous paws, measuring about four inches by four inches. These adaptations allow them to move on snow and hunt snowshoe hares. Lynx have long ear tufts, a grizzled gray appearance, weigh between 15 and 38 pounds, and measure about 33 inches in length. They are listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
At the end of November, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a recovery plan for the Canada lynx, proposing new critical habitat designations to enhance federal protections for this elusive “shadow of the forest.” Lynx populations thrive in Alaska and Canada but struggle in the contiguous U.S. Lynx prefer to live in boreal forests, which have deep snow with a lot of tree cover, and they hunt in open meadows.
The USFWS proposes revisions to the current habitat designation plan to support the population’s long-term survival. The proposed plan covers approximately 19,000 square miles across Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Washington and Wyoming. This revision is based on the latest science regarding habitat needs but does not address the requirements of lynx populations in Minnesota or Maine. A large area around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including portions of the national park and Montana’s Gallatin, Carbon, Park, Stillwater and Sweetgrass counties, has been removed from the proposal. However, the revised critical habitat designations would add protections to over 7,500 square miles in Colorado and New Mexico.
It’s great that the USFWS is proposing a new critical habitat for lynx based on science, but
shouldn’t the area include habitat between the northern and southern populations for genetic exchange and resiliency?
The federal government defines critical habitat as being essential for the survival and recovery of species protected under the Endangered Species Act. In 2000, Canada lynx were listed as “threatened” under the act. Their numbers fluctuate in cycles based on the populations of snowshoe hares, their primary prey.
The USFWS decided to remove a large swath of land around the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem because a breeding population has not existed, and no lynx have been observed in this area for over a decade.
Habitat in the southern Rockies has been expanded because lynx populations are thriving due to a reintroduction effort that began at the turn of the century.
In all my years in the backcountry working on wildlife studies, backcountry trail crews, hiking and hunting, I have yet to see a fisher or lynx.
In an age where the human population continues to surge, wildlife habitats shrink and become fragmented by development. Canada lynx and other species—whether listed under the Endangered Species Act or not—require human assistance. They cannot recover on their own.
Benjamin Alva Polley is a place-based storyteller. His stories have been published in Audubon, Esquire, Field & Stream, The Guardian, Outside, Popular Science, Sierra, and other publications on his website. He holds a master’s in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism from the University of Montana.
Fly Fi shing. Refined.
Fly Fi shing. Refined.
Fly Fishing in Montana can be a rugged, sometimes-tiring adventure that’s why Madison Double R will be a welcome respite at the end of each day. Located on the world -renowned Madison River south of Ennis, Madison Double R offers first- qualit y accommodations outstanding cuisine exper t guides and a fly fishing lodge experience second to none Contact us today to book your stay at the West’s premier year-round destination lodges.
EVERY DROP COUNTS 25 WAYS YOU CAN HELP STEWARD THE GALLATIN RIVER IN 2025
BY ROBIN FEDOCK EBS COLUMNIST
This year, the Gallatin River Task Force is celebrating its 25th anniversary as an organization committed to solving water issues in the Upper Gallatin River region. A big part of our mission is to inspire our community to steward the Gallatin River, one of southwest Montana’s most precious natural resources. In the spirit of our 25th anniversary and the start of a new year, we’d like to share a list of 25 ways you can help steward the Gallatin River in 2025.
1. Upgrade your indoor plumbing fixtures and appliances with products that have a WaterSense label and apply for a Task Force rebate, to receive up to $300 cash back depending on certain products that use less water.
2. Learn about how to transform your landscape to water-wise landscaping with Alpenscapes.
3. Turn off the sink faucet while brushing your teeth.
4. Be mindful of your water use, especially during drought events.Gallatin River Task Force’s online drought tracker can keep you in the loop about usage recommendations. Currently, Big Sky and the upper Gallatin River are in a moderate drought.
5. Tune into the Montana legislative session starting Jan. 6 and track bills that will impact water resources.
6. Support centralized water & sewer infrastructure including expansion and funding opportunities for the Gallatin Canyon Water and Sewer District.
7. Advocate for resort tax funding of water projects.
8. Advocate for protection of water resources at Gallatin and Madison county meetings by engaging with officials like county commissioners, planning department staff and health department leaders.
9. Advocate with federal legislators to protect the Gallatin as Wild and Scenic.
10. Volunteer to collect water data.
11. Test your well water.
12. Inspect your septic system.
13. Sponsor a streamflow gauge in local rivers.
14. Assist Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks in collecting fish data.
15. Refrain from tampering with deployed water monitoring equipment.
16. While recreating on and near streams and rivers, utilize developed recreation sites with designated parking areas, boat launches, and restrooms, to minimize impacts to the river and avoid trampling streamside vegetation.
17. When fishing during the spring and fall, watch out for redds, nests made by spawning fish in which they lay their eggs.
18. If your property is adjacent to a stream or river, consider working with the task force to explore restoration projects on your property.
19. Learn how to clean, drain, and dry your gear to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.
20. Pick up some trash on your next adventure on the river.
21. Pick up your pet waste to reduce harmful runoff.
22. Use fishing techniques that reduce harm to fish like keeping your fish wet, using plastic nets, pinching your barbs and using barbless hooks.
23. Attend our public events to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing the Gallatin River.
24. Volunteer with us! We have a wide variety of opportunities, including water monitoring, river cleanup events and more.
25. Stay engaged with the task force by signing up for news, updates, and our monthly newsletter.
For more information on these and other ways to steward the Gallatin River in 2025, visit our website at gallatinrivertaskforce.org/. Robin Fedock is the communications and marketing manager for the Gallatin River Task Force.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
Big Sky, Montana
Inn
at Montage Big Sky
HEALTH BUZZ:
NUTRITION TIPS TO STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER
BY EMILY HOLTHAUS EBS COLUMNIST
Winter weather and more time indoors can bring about an influx of illnesses. Here’s a few ways to alter your nutrition to help prevent and combat these seasonal illnesses.
Try to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. Including a mix of fruits and vegetables in your diet ensures that you are getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Specifically, prioritize vitamin C and antioxidants that can protect and help improve the function of immune cells. Vitamin C is high in citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit. Antioxidants are present in high amounts in berries, leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale, and beans, nuts and beef.
Increase your consumption of omega-3 fatty acids. Good sources of omega-3s include olive oils, fish
Consider a probiotic supplement. Taking a probiotic can help increase the “good bacteria” in your gut which can help stimulate the immune response and fight illness. You can also increase the intake of naturally occurring probiotic foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, pickles and sourdough bread.
Make sure you’re eating enough. Winter can get busy, especially with winter sports and activities. Try to avoid skipping meals or skimping on portions. If you don’t get enough calories and nutrients, it can weaken your immune system and make it more difficult for your body to fight off illnesses.
Consider supplementing vitamin D. We get much less vitamin D from our environment in the wintertime. Supplementing 400 to 600 IUs per day can help ensure you get the recommended amount. You can also increase dietary vitamin D by getting 2 servings of dairy per day.
Try to limit your weekly alcohol consumption. Limiting alcohol can be tricky in the winter, especially around the holidays. High alcohol
Some non-nutrient related methods of protecting yourself against illness include getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water. Getting eight hours of sleep and maintaining a constant circadian rhythm can help strengthen the immune system and make it easier to fight off sickness. Drinking 1.5-2 liters of water per day can help transport nutrients between cells.
To learn more about creating a more nutritious, healthy lifestyle, or for other nutrition concerns, contact me at Big Sky Natural Health to make an appointment.
Emily Holthaus is a Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist based in Big Sky who specializes in adult and pediatric one-on-one nutrition counseling. Emily’s passions lie in general nutrition and wellness, pediatric nutrition, and sport nutrition. She can also provide counseling in various concerns including allergies and intolerances, chronic disease management, and GI disorders. She aims to help patients create small yet impactful changes to help them reach their health goals, both physically and mentally.
ROAR AND
Raptors & Romance POUR
Valentine’s Day
FRIDAY, February 14, 2025
6 p.m. | Age 21+ only $65/member, $75/non-member
Registration required at museumoftherockies.org/roar or scan the QR code below
Grab a friend, a date, or come solo for an unforgettable Valentine’s celebration at Museum of the Rockies’ annual prehistoric date-night evening! Forget the usual “birds and bees,” this year, dive into the fascinating world of dinosaur reproduction! Enjoy delicious appetizers and wine before learning about ancient love and life through an entertaining, expertled talk on fossilized evidence of reproduction.
406.994.2251 | 600 W. Kagy Blvd.
Scan QR code To Register
$2,600,000 | #388104
$1,750,000 | #389834
$1,600,000 | #380146
TBD TIMBERLOFT DRIVE
Big Sky
40± acre alpine meadow overlooking the Gallatin Canyon, outstanding views of the Spanish Peaks and Lone Mountain. Two adjacent 40± acre properties, designated building sites, end of the road privacy easy all season access. Close to Ophir School and the West Gallatin River.
TBD SKYWOOD ROAD
Big Sky
Enjoy privacy and outstanding views of Lone Peak from this beautiful Skywood Preserve property. Rolling forested hills combined with a grassy alpine meadow complete with a small natural pond create a beautiful 21± acre parcel, just minutes from Town Center or Meadow Village.
TBD LOW DOG ROAD
Big Sky
Ski accessable w/ biking and hiking access to area trails. Convenient to all the services at Big Sky’s Mountain Village. Great access to the Middle Fork of the Gallatin River by taking an established trail from the building site directly to the stream. Property located on the North side of Low Dog Rd.
$10 from each item purchased goes directly to the Center for Large Landscape Conservation and their Hwy 191 Wildlife Crossings Project.
