LOCAL NEWS IN BRIEF

BIOLOGIST SPOTS YELLOWSTONE’S FIRST GRIZZLY BEAR OF 2023

EBS STAFF

A Yellowstone National Park wildlife biologist spotted the first grizzly bear to emerge from hibernation in 2023 inside the park on March 7. The adult grizzly is estimated to weigh 300-350 pounds and was seen near the remains of a bison carcass in Pelican Valley, according to a park press release.

The first bear of 2022 was spotted on the same date.

Male grizzlies come out of hibernation in early March while females and their cubs often emerge in April or early May, the release said. Bears immediately seek out food after hibernation and can react aggressively if they are encountered while feeding.

“Spring visitors skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking in Yellowstone National Park are reminded to carry bear spray and be especially alert for bears,” said Kerry Gunther, the park’s bear management biologist.

Yellowstone To Close Roads As Winter Season Ends

EBS STAFF

Yellowstone National Park’s winter season is drawing to a close as roads began to close, according to an announcement from the park.

Most park roads will be closed to the public by March 15 as part of Yellowstone’s annual efforts to plow roads ahead of its spring opening.

Staggered road closures began on March 5. The South, West and East entrances to the park along with many remaining roads will close on March 15. The North and Northeast entrances are to remain open as weather permits.

The park suggested that visitors have flexible itineraries and prepare for changing weather conditions, warning that closures may occur at any time.

Current road conditions for the park can be found on its website.

Yellowstone is scheduled to begin opening for the spring season on April 21.

Skier Suffers Fatal Injuries At Big Sky Resort

EBS STAFF

A skier died after striking a tree at Big Sky Resort on Sunday, Feb. 12, according to a March 7 press release from the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office.

The victim was identified as 50-year-old Robin Soare of Phoenix, Ariz. Soare struck a tree in the Headwaters Bowl near the Headwaters chairlift, resulting in significant head trauma. She was transported via helicopter to Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital where she died of her injuries.

In the release, Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer expressed the department’s “deepest condolences to the family and friends of Robin Soare during this time.”

Big Sky Medical Center Opens Physical Therapy Clinic

EBS STAFF

After waiting for equipment and facility needs since 2020, Big Sky Medical Center opened its physical therapy clinic on Feb. 22.

BSMC rented space to Lone Peak Physical Therapy until 2020, when Bozeman Health bought out the clinic, according to Anna Christensen, outpatient supervisor for physical therapy at Bozeman Health.

Bozeman Health hired a physical therapist for the Big Sky location, Ally Brown, and is prepared to meet flexible demand with the help of therapists from Bozeman.

“The biggest change is that patients can receive the full spectrum of care without having to leave Big Sky,” Christensen said. “We can see you in [the emergency department], and whenever you go home, you can follow up with Ally in the outpatient setting. A nice arc of care.”

The Independent Rebrands As The Waypoint

EBS STAFF

Facing legal pressure, Big Sky’s movie theater, bar and community event center has undergone a re-brand without changing any staff, products or programming

As of March 6, the Independent became “the Waypoint,” according to a press release. Ownership received “a notice of federal trademark protection” from a live music and entertainment provider by the same name, located in San Francisco. The Independent chose to comply to avoid “a potentially long and expensive legal battle,” Ruth White, general manager, stated in the release.

White told EBS the atmosphere and feel will not change. Previously Lone Peak Cinema, the space was named “the Independent” in January 2022. White confirmed that they attempted to rebrand as “The Indy,” but the West Coast venue claimed to also use that nickname.

The Waypoint’s Mediterranean restaurant inside will remain “the Perch.”

Obituary

Robert “Bob” Vozar passed away on Oct. 6, 2022. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, April 2 from 11 A.M. until 2 P.M. at the Riverhouse, 45130 Gallatin Rd, Gallatin Gateway, MT 59730.

3 Rivers Annual Membership Meeting

If you are unable to attend, you can watch a live stream of the business meeting on 3rivers.net.

Monday, March 20, 2023

Fairfield Community Hall

Registration begins at 11:00 am

Lunch served Noon - 1:00 pm

Business Meeting at 1:00 pm

Fairfield office will be closed to walk-in traffic between 11 am - 3 pm.

Conrad and Big Sky offices will be open. 406.467.2535 ● 3rivers.net