LOCAL NEWS BRIEFS

Housing trust announces new executive director

EBS STAFF

BIG SKY – Big Sky Community Housing Trust announced the introduction of their new executive director, David O’Connor, on Monday, March 7. O’Connor, a longtime Big Sky resident and a previous owner of Bucks T-4 Lodge, has been involved in local housing strategies for decades, according to the housing trust’s press release.

O’Connor will replace the current executive director, Laura Seyfang. Seyfang has been with the housing trust from the start in 2018. She has led the organization through its formation and helped initiate programs like MeadowView Condominiums, RiverView Apartments, Rent Local and the new Good Deeds Program. Laura will be remaining in Big Sky and plans to stay active in the community.

“While proud of the progress the Housing Trust has made in this critical area, I am excited and confident to have David come in and take over leadership of the organization,” Seyfang said in the release. “He brings great passion and insight to address this challenging problem.”

Seyfang and O’Connor will be working together over the next months to ensure a seamless transition for the Housing Trust.

Amy Hunter steps up as new library director

FRIENDS OF THE BIG SKY COMMUNITY LIBRARY

BIG SKY – The Friends of the Big Sky Community Library are pleased to announce the promotion of librarian Amy Hunter to the role of library director of the Big Sky Community Library. Hunter has worked in the Big Sky library for over six years. She has also program managed Big Brothers Big Sisters at Big Sky School District and previously managed a nonprofit in Idaho.

“The library board was very pleased to have excellent local candidates for this role and are happy to promote a longtime employee with deep knowledge of our community and our library,” Kris Corzine, Friends of the Library board chair said.

“I love what the community library provides to everyone in Big Sky—a sense of community; equal access to learning, new worlds and ideas; and opportunities to grow," Hunter said. "What the library provides is vital for our community as we grow and I am excited to continue to be a part of it."

The library is looking for candidates to fill the role of community librarian and will release a job requisition shortly. If interested, please send an email inquiry to librarian@ bigskylibrary.com.

Winter Ball event to raise money for housing

EBS STAFF

BIG SKY – A chance to dust off black-tie apparel and support a community cause, local realtors will host a party at the end of the month to raise funds for local workforce housing efforts.

What originally began as a way to appease community-expressed desires for a night to dress up and dance in Big Sky became a fundraiser for the Big Sky Community Housing Trust. Allen Potts and Matt Zaremba with Big Sky Real Estate Co. recently announced the Winter Ball, a black-tie-optional event on March 26 at 8 p.m.

“It’s been an idea that we’ve tossed around for years and wanted to throw a fun party where the girls could wear cocktail dresses and guys could come in suits and ties or tuxes and listen to some music,” Zaremba said.

Sponsored by Zaremba and Potts as well as 406 Agave and Big Sky Real Estate Co., the event will feature a performance by DJ Scooter from Las Vegas/San Diego and an open bar. Proceeds from tickets, which are $200 each, will be donated to the housing trust.

“I just think that the business that we’re in here, we have a responsibility more than anyone else in town to give back,” Zaremba, a sales associate with Big Sky Real Estate Co., said. “…And I think right now this is the biggest thing on everyone’s mind is workforce housing.”

Zaremba said those looking to contribute but not attend can sponsor another community member’s ticket.

Zaremba said the goal is to raise $15,000 for the housing trust.

To learn more about the event, visit eventbrite.com/e/big-sky-winter-ball-2022tickets-275823033117?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or email matt@bigsky.com.

Yellowstone roads close for 2022 spring plowing

EBS STAFF

MAMMOTH, Wyo. – On March 6, roads in Yellowstone National Park began to close to over-snow travel for spring plowing. All over-snow travel will end for the season on March 15 at 9 p.m., according to a March 7 National Park Service press release. Weather-permitting, some park roads will reopen for automobile travel April 15 at 8 a.m.

Road closure dates (gate close at 9 p.m.): • March 6: Mammoth Hot Springs to Norris • March 8: Norris to Madison, Norris to Canyon Village • March 13: Canyon Village to Fishing Bridge • March 15: all remaining groomed roads

The Mammoth Campground, Yellowstone General Store, Post Office, Medical Clinic, and self-serve fuel pumps stay open all year.

The road from the park’s North Entrance at Gardiner, Montana, through Mammoth Hot Springs and Tower Junction to Cooke City, Montana, is open to automobiles all year, weather-permitting. At Tower Junction, self-serve fuel pumps are available all year.

NPS advises visitors driving to and in the park during the spring to have flexible travel plans and prepare for changing weather conditions. Temporary travel restrictions or closures can occur at any time.

Visit nps.gov/yell for more details.

American Legion Post #99 offers rent subsidy with monthly drawing

EBS STAFF

BIG SKY – American Legion Post #99 wants to help address housing affordability issues in Big Sky. To do so, the Big Sky post has placed a can at the Big Sky Community Food Bank for customers and friends to enter into a drawing to win $1,000 in rent subsidy. number to a ticket. Drawings will be held every three months, with the first one taking place on March 31.

“The housing crisis is a big problem in Big Sky right now, so this is an awesome opportunity for local workers to catch a break,” said Big Sky local renter Payton Lowery. “A big thank you to the American Legion and hopefully this inspires other businesses as well.”