FEDERAL FUNDING REQUEST FOR WILDLIFE CROSSINGS ON 191
BIG HORNS SWEEP HOMECOMING
PLUS: MEET CANDIDATES FOR MADISON, GALLATIN COUNTY GOV’T STUDIES
October 17 - October 30, 2024 Volume 15, Issue 21
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
LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ME BROWN | maryelizabeth@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@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
Zach Brown, Kaley Burns, Mario Carr, Elizabeth Fairbank, Robin Fedock, Jacob W. Frank, Rachel Hergett, Benjamin Alva Polley
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Yes, this is a drill. On Oct. 7, firefighters deployed ladders, practiced communicating with Gallatin County 911 Dispatchers and tested their efficiency in front of a Big Sky Community Week crowd. The live demonstration was a part of Big Sky Fire Department’s Fire Training Facility Grand Opening. Afterward, barbecue smoke billowed next to the facility with burgers and hot dogs for attendees. PHOTO BY
FEDERAL FUNDING REQUEST FOR WILDLIFE CROSSINGS ON 191
In September, the Montana Department of Transportation applied for a “highly competitive” grant from the Federal Highway Administration for wildlife crossing infrastructure. A top priority site is the mouth of the Gallatin Canyon in Gallatin Gateway.
MDT TO REBUILD U.S. HWY 191 AT LAVA LAKE
10
On Oct. 9, the Madison-Gallatin Joint County Commission meeting presented updates on topics ranging from motor vehicle taxes to Gallatin Canyon water and sewer. A highlight was Montana Department of Transportation’s visuals of what Lava Lake structures and an improved 191/64 intersection could look like.
BIG HORNS SWEEP HOMECOMING
16
Ron Edwards, longtime general manager of Big Sky’s water and sewer district, cuts the ribbon on Big Sky’s new, $50 million Water Resource Recovery Facility. Edwards will retire in late December as the project reaches full completion. His ceremonial scissors are engraved with “The Biggest & Greatest Project,” in honor of how he frequently described this seven-year adventure to upgrade treatment capacity and quality. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
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.
26
Lone Peak High School won all four Homecoming Week games in early October, beating talented visitors from Livingston, Deer Lodge and Whitehall. The football and soccer teams also celebrated senior night, playing their final home games in Big Sky.
PLUS: MEET CANDIDATES FOR MADISON, GALLATIN COUNTY GOV’T STUDIES
On the ballot this November there will be an item that only appears every 10 years—if voters desire—in Montana. Gallatin and Madison county voters decided this June to conduct a local government study, and will elect a commission of civilians to review existing government structures and create a plan of to improve their “power, form and plan of government.” EBS traded emails with the 33 candidates to summarize their backgrounds.
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.
ADVERTISING DEADLINE
For the October 30th issue October 23rd, 2024
CORRECTIONS
Please report errors to media@outlaw.partners.
OUTLAW PARTNERS & EXPLORE BIG SKY P.O. Box 160250, Big Sky, MT 59716 (406) 995-2055 • media@theoutlawpartners.com
NO INJURIES, ‘MINIMAL’ IMPACTS FROM LIFT CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT AT BIG SKY RESORT
EBS STAFF
BIG SKY—On Tuesday, Oct. 8, a construction accident took place near the top of Big Sky Resort’s Madison 8 chairlift, which remains under construction in place of the retired Six Shooter chairlift.
A rigging failure caused a cross-arm assembly—the fixture atop each chairlift tower—to fall during installation via helicopter, as shown in a video posted online.
According to an Oct. 9 update from Big Sky Resort, the accident did not result in any injuries, and flight teams resumed operations shortly after the incident.
“The resort is working with our partners at Doppelmayr to mitigate any construction delays, and both organizations are optimistic that the impacts are minimal,” PR Manager Stacie Harris stated in an Oct. 9 email to EBS.
The Madison 8 chairlift has been anticipated to open for the 2024-25 winter season.
VOTE BIG SKY BRINGS LOCAL CANDIDATES TO BIG SKY 28 DAYS BEFORE NOVEMBER ELECTION
BY JEN CLANCEY
BIG SKY—On Oct. 7, the same day that regular voter registration closed, candidates in local elections gathered in The Wilson Hotel to answer questions in front of a Big Sky crowd.
With 28 days until Nov. 5, candidates traveled across Gallatin County to meet voters and answer hot-button questions. Community Week’s Vote Big Sky event invited all candidates to join, and 10 participated in-person, with two providing statements in their absence. Explore Big Sky live streamed the event on YouTube, and a video guide is available on explorebigsky.com
Candidates who attended Vote Big Sky are as follows:
U.S. House District 1: Monica Tranel provided a written statement.
Secretary of State: Jesse James Mullen provided a written statement delivered by campaign manager Kenneth Lavender.
State Senate District 30: Cora Neumann
State House District 60: Alanah Griffith and Jerry Johnson
Madison County Commission: Duke Gilman
Gallatin County Commission: Scott MacFarlane
Gallatin County Government Study Commission: Ted Barkley, Andrew Epple, Jackie Haines, Jeff Krauss and Donald Seifert
ELECTION PREP: MONTANA COUNTIES
MAIL ABSENTEE BALLOTS
EBS STAFF
BOZEMAN—On Friday, Oct. 11, Montana counties mailed absentee ballots for the November general election.
In Gallatin County, the county elections office sent over 61,000 ballots to active registered absentee voters, according to an Oct. 10 Gallatin County press release. The ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5 by mail, meaning ballots should be completed and sent by Oct. 24. The county encourages voters to submit ballots early.
“If you prefer to return your ballot in person, you may do so during regular business hours at the Gallatin County Elections Office, located on the second floor of the Gallatin County Courthouse, 311 W. Main St., Bozeman,” the release stated. Curbside drop-off will be available at the Courthouse on Monday, Nov. 4, and on Election Day. Voters can drop ballots at any local polling place from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.
The release added a reminder that most voters will receive two sheets.
“Due to the high number of races and ballot measures in this election, most voters will receive two separate ballot sheets. Whether or not you vote on every race or issue, please ensure you return both sheets in your ballot envelope. This will help our Elections Office maintain accurate records and a smooth reconciliation process,” the release stated.
Preview ballots allow voters to review the races and issues being decided, and are available online. Voters can also use that link to confirm their registration status.
For in-person voters, polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day. “If you still need to register or update your voter information, you must do so in person at the Gallatin County Elections Office during regular business hours. Registration is open until noon on Monday, Nov. 4, and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day,” the release stated.
Gallatin County voters can ask questions by calling the county elections office at 406-582-3060, emailing gallatin.elections@gallatin.mt.gov, or visiting GallatinVotes.com.
OBITUARY
ROGER SCHWER
JUNE 24, 1932 – JULY 2, 2024
Roger Schwer (1932-2024), a long-time resident of Big Sky, Montana, died in Bozeman on July 2, 2024.
Roger Edwin Schwer was born in Cincinnati, Ohio to M. Clayton Schwer and Olga Christenson Schwer on June 24, 1932. He was the second son following his older brother, Thomas. The Schwers did not stay long in Ohio and moved to the Rosedale neighborhood near Detroit, Michigan. Here they bought a home directly across from a park for the boys to “stretch” their legs. Clayton was an engineer in Detroit and Olga had a beautiful garden in the backyard. The boys enjoyed camp in the summers and traveling around Michigan. Eventually, Roger became a camp counselor and started sharing his enjoyment of sports and the outdoors with a ready audience. He played tennis and taught sailing and canoeing, developing his own skills along the way.
Roger went to Michigan State University and graduated with a BS in Metallurgical Engineering. While at Michigan State University, he joined the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and met Peggy Dicken. During those years, Roger and Peggy often came north to East Jordan on weekends to stay with Peggy’s Aunt Gladys and ski at Boyne Mountain. Roger graduated from Michigan State in May 1954. Roger and Peggy were married on January 29, 1955, and honeymooned at Boyne Mountain.
Soon after this, Roger joined the Air Force and was sent to Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana. It was then that his love for Montana began. He and Peggy made life-long friends, hiked in Glacier, and skied at the small resorts that were available at the time. Following his stint in the Air Force, Roger and Peggy moved back to Birmingham, Michigan to be closer to family and Roger took a job with Revere Copper & Brass in Detroit. Daughter Susie was born in September of 1959. They remained in Detroit until his position changed and an opportunity opened up for him in California.
The move to California allowed the young family to explore all that their new state had to offer. Every year the family spent a week skiing at Mammoth Mountain and a week backpacking in the Sierra Nevada mountains. In 1966, Roger changed jobs and started working with International Nickel Co. A year later, Roger was transferred to New York.
Roger worked in New York City and commuted back and forth from New Canaan, Connecticut. Train travel was not his favorite, so he banded with his neighbors and together they purchased a van and shared the commute! While on the East Coast, the family skied weekends in Vermont and spent a week backpacking every year in Baxter State Park, Maine. It was at this time that Roger decided to share his skiing passion and begin instructing. He instructed for several years at Magic Mountain in
Londonderry and the family rented a few rooms in a farmhouse in Windham, Vermont. And this was the start of the “Retirement Plan!”
In the summer of 1972, Roger found an opportunity to return to Michigan, as both sets of parents were aging, and took the position of Manager of Marketing with Cannon-Muskegon. They bought a home on the North Shore of Grand Haven and promptly picked up a Hobie Cat and Minifish. For the winter, Roger started working weekends at Boyne Mountain as a ski instructor and they stayed weekends with Peggy’s mother, Leanore Dicken, in Petoskey, Michigan. Later, in 1974, Christoph Hammerle joined the family as a foreign exchange student. Roger excelled at Cannon-Muskegon traveling to Zimbabwe, Russia, China, France and becoming the company President and General Manager. In addition to his overseas travels, the family vacationed in the West skiing in California, Utah, Colorado, and at Big Sky, Montana and spent a week each summer sailing the North Channel of Lake Huron and the British Virgin Islands. Roger was an accomplished skier and licensed captain. To add to this list of accomplishments, Roger returned to graduate school and got his MBA from Seidman School of Business at Grand Valley State University and taught Business classes there in his “free time.”
In December of 1991, with winter in full force, Roger retired from Cannon-Muskegon and sold the Grand Haven house. It was time to start his retirement. He and Peggy purchased a Stillwater condominium in the Mountain Village of Big Sky
and Roger became a full-time ski instructor at Big Sky Resort. His “Retirement Plan” that started back in the early 70’s as an idea, came to fruition. Roger spent the rest of his life living his retirement dream of skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in beautiful Big Sky. During this time, he created the Master the Mountain program to help people who lived in or near Big Sky to fully explore all that the mountain had to offer and became active with the Arts Council of Big Sky contributing to the summer and winter concert series to share his love of classical music.
In 2002, after Peggy passed, Roger purchased a Skycrest condominium in Big Sky Mountain Village. He continued teaching skiing and maintained a presence in Petoskey. Roger visited Petoskey each summer spending time with his grandsons, Paul and Ian Swenson and Andy Romero, so they could experience Bay View. Roger’s Minifish is still in use to this day as all three boys use the sailboat and enjoy the benefits that Bay View continues to offer.
On April 14, 2007, Roger married Marjie Toepffer in the Big Sky Chapel. Marjie was his long-time friend and a fellow Big Sky Resort ski instructor as well as his real estate broker. They moved to an Elkhorn Creek penthouse in the Big Sky Mountain Village and continued instructing skiing, hiking, and biking. Roger and Marjie’s love of classical music drew them to the Arts Council of Big Sky as board members and financial supporters. At Marjie’s suggestion, Roger completed the courses and testing necessary to achieve his Real Estate license and joined Marjie’s agency, Realty Big Sky. But the primary focus of their life during the winter months was always alpine skiing at the "Biggest Skiing in America.” During the offseason Roger and Marjie warmed up at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina and visited Petoskey, Michigan often.
Eventually, at age 83, Roger retired from ski instruction due to knee problems and he and Marjie moved to their spacious home overlooking the Meadow Village of Big Sky. Roger lived his life fully and shared his knowledge, skills, and good humor with any who wanted to come out and play with him.
Roger is survived by his wife Marjie Toepffer, his daughter Susie (Steve) Romero, grandsons Paul (Brittany) Swensson, Ian Swensson, and Anders Romero, and great grandson Hawthorne Swensson. Donations in Roger’s name may be made to the Arts Council of Big Sky for the Schwer-Toepffer Memorial Fund.
Roger’s Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. in the Big Sky Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Arts Council of Big Sky for the Schwer-Toepffer Memorial Fund.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor,
I’ve run for office four times, and each time I’ve worked to reach all voters, not just those who closely identified with my own politics or political party affiliation. We call our elected officials “representatives” for a reason. Once elected, their primary job is to represent their constituents, and that means all of their constituents. To be clear, that doesn’t mean pleasing everyone all the time—that is impossible. In my view, it simply means pausing before taking a vote on legislation to consider, “what are the needs, opinions, and views of all the people I represent, including those who did not vote for me?”
Unfortunately, that is not the type of politics we’re seeing today, in Helena or in Washington. I believe Montanans want leaders who put their constituents first and are willing to listen and build consensus in order to pass laws that benefit Montana. Our current system doesn’t incentivize that kind of behavior by our leaders, and the ideological extremes are dominating our politics.
That’s why we need CI-126 and CI-127. Our Founding Fathers warned us not to stray away from our foundational principles of democracy and majority rule. CI-126 and CI-127 are two ways Montana voters can protect freedom, independence, and accountability in our political process, heeding that warning, and creating incentives for elected officials to build coalitions of support from across the party spectrum.
These two initiatives give me hope in an era of political polarization. We need to protect the values we were raised with and give voters the chance to vote for any candidate they think will best represent them, regardless of party. CI-126 and CI-127 give us better choices and greater ability to hold politicians accountable, helping us elect leaders who are more representative of the majority, not the party fringes.
Zach Brown, Gallatin County Commissioner Bozeman, Montana
DID YOU KNOW?
- There are 208 mountain goats in and adjacent to Yellowstone
- Mature male (billy) weighs 300 or more pounds; female (nanny) weighs 150 pounds.
- Both sexes have horns; females curve less and are thinner and sometimes longer than males.
Competition with high densities of mountain goats could also negatively affect bighorn sheep, whose range overlaps that of mountain goats.
Cherish.
for by the animals in your backyard.
NPS PHOTO
CLLC, MDT SEEK $22.8M IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR WILDLIFE CROSSINGS ON 191 LOCAL
Momentum continues to build for the effort to improve wildlife connectivity and reduce vehiclewildlife collisions on 80 miles of U.S. Highway 191 between Bozeman, Big Sky and West Yellowstone.
In September, the Montana Department of Transportation applied to the Federal Highway Administration’s “highly competitive” Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program, requesting $22.8 million for a project including a new wildlife overpass, upgrades to an existing underpass, and a bridge retrofit to allow wildlife to pass safely over and beneath Highway 191, according to an Oct. 9 press release from the nonprofit Center for Large Landscape Conservation.
Federal award decisions should be announced in early 2025.
CLLC has helped lead the effort, working with Montana State University’s Western Transportation Institute to publish a study in September 2023 with recommendations to reduce wildlifevehicle collisions—and improve wildlife habitat connectivity—at 11 locations along Highway 191 and Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail) through Big Sky. MDT engaged with CLLC through the Montana Wildlife and Transportation Partnership, created in 2020 to foster collaboration between agencies for similar projects statewide.
Dwane Kailey, COO of MDT, credited CLLC and the partnership for enabling MDT to pursue the grant.
“CLLC conducted a sound assessment, worked with us to develop a viable project solution, and raised the matching funds if we are awarded the grant,” Kailey stated in the release.
To round out the $26 million project, the Federal Highway Administration required a non-federal match of $3.5 million. CLLC led the effort to secure local and regional funding from business, nonprofits and private donors. Most of the $3.5 million match came from Lone Mountain Land Company and Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, according to the release.
“We are glad to be partnering with the Center for Large Landscape Conservation to ensure wildlife connectivity, protect animal populations in the region, and make our roads safer,” a spokesperson from LMLC stated in an email to EBS.
CLLC is still pursuing donations to meet the required non-federal match of $3.5 million. The match must be fully funded by the time the grant is awarded, likely in early 2025.
The application deadline was tight, but CLLC spent the summer ensuring a timely submission.
“We want to make sure that we do not miss this round,” Abigail Breuer, CLLC conservation project specialist, said about the federal pilot program during the Big Sky Resort Area District nonprofit
grant allocation meeting on June 4. BSRAD granted $50,000 to CLLC for its action plan implementation, and $179,000 for an engineering feasibility study.
“Due to overwhelming community interest, we took on fundraising and more to ensure a grant application could be submitted,” stated Liz Fairbank, CLLC road ecologist, in the Oct. 9 release. “The generosity of companies, nonprofits, and landowners who care about driver safety as well as safe passage for wildlife has been tremendous.”
Fairbank was the lead author of the 2023 study.
“The aim of the assessment was to provide the data and recommend science-based solutions to help decision-makers address wildlife-vehicle collisions on 191,” Fairbank stated.
Top-priority site: mouth of Gallatin Canyon
Since MDT and CLLC published their 2023 study, they have worked with community partners to conduct an engineering feasibility study for the site identified as the “top priority.”
The location stretches south of Gallatin Gateway to the mouth of Gallatin Canyon, and the potential solution includes structures and associated
fencing to allow wildlife to cross over or under Highway 191.
“Wildlife crossings are critical for maintaining the health of our ecosystems and ensuring the safety of both wildlife and motorists,” stated Warren Hansen, FWP Region 3 wildlife manager.
“By providing safe passage across busy roadways, like U.S. 191 south of Gallatin Gateway, we not only reduce vehicle collisions but also promote habitat connectivity, which is essential for sustaining Montana’s rich biodiversity.”
Along the Gallatin River, U.S. Highway 191 cuts through “critical habitat” for resident, wide-ranging, and migratory species in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, but tourism and population growth have led to an increase in vehicle-wildlife collisions, according to the release.
“Within the project area, 24% of all crashes are collisions with wildlife—more than double the statewide average of 10%,” the release stated.
The federal grant application included 23 letters of support from Montana’s congressional representatives, federal, state, and local agencies, sportsmen’s organizations, nonprofits, and landowners, according to the release.
A high priority project area along U.S. Highway 191, south from Gallatin Gateway to the Gallatin Canyon.
PHOTO BY ELIZABETH FAIRBANK / CLLC
MDT PRESENTS PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVES FOR LAVA LAKE, U.S. 191
BY JEN CLANCEY
On Wednesday morning, Big Sky community members stood for the Pledge of Allegiance as Madison County Commissioner Dan Allhands held the American flag on his phone. The pledge symbolized that the Madison-Gallatin Joint County Commission meeting, hosted by the Big Sky Resort Area District, had begun.
The meeting, scheduled during Big Sky Community Week, brought commissioners from Gallatin and Madison counties, as well as BSRAD board members together to discuss topics relevant to Big Sky and its county governance. In The Wilson Hotel, the group reviewed highlights about transportation on U.S. Highway 191 and Montana Highway 64 (Lone Mountain Trail), strategies to finance local infrastructure investments, a study of local governance options, and potential tax adjustments.
First, the Montana Department of Transportation presented updates to two priorities, providing new preliminary designs for Lava Lake structure alternatives and a potential roundabout or similar improvement at the U.S. 191 and Montana Highway 64 intersection.
MDT is exploring three preliminary, conceptlevel designs to improve on the current Lava Lake structure. Joshua Springer with engineering firm HDR, said that his team primarily focused on maintaining traffic flow when designing alternatives. “We realized you can’t close the road network, or even take it down, or turn it around, over the course of one or two construction seasons,” Springer said.
“We looked at what kind of alignments we could build off the highway while keeping the current
traffic where they are right now,” Springer told EBS after presenting designs at the public meeting.
The draft designs include “rock cut” ranging from minor to significant. “I mean, that would be the cost, a substantial cost,” Springer said of the price tag on rock cutting. The Lava Lake structure project is expected to cost between $30-50 million.
Project engineers will analyze each design option for Lava Lake structures. “They all have benefits and they all have challenges,” Springer said, noting that the HDR team will work on the process of balancing impacts from river health to rock cut efforts.
Springer also discussed the 191/64 intersection, and presented an image of a conceptual, potential design. “It’s not quite a multi-lane roundabout, it’s kind of a hybrid,” Springer said. The design was informed by projected peak hour traffic in 2044.
“We’re still projecting that it’s about a 3% growth all the way to [2044], and [we are] running that simulation through the roundabout to make sure it’ll perform not only with today’s volumes, but future volumes as well,” Springer said. Both the Lava Lake section and the 191/64 intersection projects will be included with more details in MDT’s Tentative Construction Program in late November.
On a separate note, Madison County Commissioner Bill Todd gave an update on Jack Creek Road repairs. A $937,000 project replaced the lowest quality bridge along Jack Creek Road, according to Todd. Another bridge at Shack Creek along the route between Ennis and Big Sky is due for reconstruction.
That bridge will still work for the next four to six years according to Todd. “Either beavers will attack it and we’ll have to replace it, or we’ll, you know, still have a functional bridge,” Todd said in the meeting to laughter from the audience.
Finances discussed for Gallatin Canyon water and sewer district, Capital Improvement Plan
BSRAD Executive Director Daniel Bierschwale presented on eligibility criteria for grant applications and plans for long-term Capital Improvement Plan project funding. The longerterm funding for large-scale infrastructure projects like the Gallatin Canyon County Water and Sewer District will require budgets built from multiple sources of funding—Big Sky folks will not bear the brunt of these bills.
In his presentation at Wednesday’s meeting, Bierschwale said that projects valued at under $1 million should still go through BSRAD’s standard grant process, but for longer-term, more hefty infrastructure costs, BSRAD has the option to look toward bonds and debt financing to get projects started, while relying on outside sources like federal and state funds for larger-scale projects.
Bierschwale passed the microphone to Mace Mangold, VP of infrastructure for WGM Group, who presented about the finances behind the Gallatin Canyon water and sewer district effort, a large-scale project to get Big Sky’s Gallatin Canyon properties along U.S. Highway 191 hooked up to a centralized sewer system.
“Funding is our key push right now,” Mangold said, adding that he’s been working with BSRAD to figure out an appropriate “financing stack” to get this project over the funding hump. He
presented a “conceptual” model of what the stack could look like.
The canyon water and sewer district would potentially need $20 million total from BSRAD’s 1% tax for infrastructure—voters would need to renew the 1%, which currently has funded much of a $50 million wastewater treatment facility—$20 million total from a loan and user connection fees, $10 million from county-based funding and $5 million from state and federal money, totaling to $55 million.
Mangold described the $20 million from BSRAD’s 1% as a “base backbone” to be able to work with other funding entities.
Local governance study, local motor vehicle tax measure
Meg O’Leary, president of M2O group, discussed the Big Sky Local Governance Study, an ongoing process to collect facts about the Big Sky community and present all the possible options for how Big Sky could govern itself in the future.
O’Leary clarified that the research team, a group consisting of M2O, EcoNorthwest and WGM, is not solely looking at incorporation, and instead exploring all options available to Big Sky residents.
“This is not a study that’s going to spend the next 10 to 12 months coming up with recommendations for you,” O’Leary said. “[These are] facts for you to make your own decisions.”
O’Leary announced that the study team will hold public sessions on three Tuesdays: Oct. 15, Oct. 22, and Nov. 12.
Several other topics such as the Gallatin County Future Land Use Map for Gallatin County’s Growth Policy, Madison County’s Growth Policy update, and elections for local government study commissioners, led to the morning’s final discussion with Gallatin County Commissioner Scott MacFarlane.
MacFarlane brought up an issue that will appear on November ballots for Gallatin County voters: a potential 0.2% increase in motor vehicle registration
tax. The current tax applied to vehicle registrations in the county is 0.5%, which voters may change to 0.7%. The added motor vehicle tax would go toward road infrastructure.
“Local governments don’t have very many good options for investing in transportation infrastructure. We have an enormous amount of roads, as you might imagine,” MacFarlane said in the meeting, noting that Big Sky does not have county roads, so the additional tax revenue would not have as much of a local impact.
MacFarlane noted that many residents of other states have gone out of their way to register vehicles in Montana, sometimes saving thousands of dollars on luxury vehicles. Even with the small tax increase, Montana vehicle registration would still be far more affordable than most states, he said.
As the meeting adjourned, community members met their commissioners, shaking hands and asking questions about the discussions of the day.
SIGNATURE
Immerse
Through January 5, 2025
in
beings
Creatures of Water to the majestic Dragons, each section promises a breathtaking adventure. Encounter awe-inspiring, larger-than-life models like the 17-foot dragon and 10-foot unicorn.
LEAD SPONSOR: Chris McCloud and Stephanie Dickson Charitable Fund
SPONSOR: Sheehy Family Foundation
Richard and Denise Sheehy
Mythic Creatures
organized
the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org) in collaboration with The Field Museum, Chicago; Canadian Museum of History, Gatineau; Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney; and Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta
BSRAD BOARD
BY LESLIE KILGORE
BIG SKY—The Big Sky Resort Area District board appointed a new member on Oct. 1 in a special public meeting, following the resignation of Ashley Wilson, who was previously appointed to fill the seat left by Steve Johnson, who passed away in April.
Wilson relocated to Michigan this summer, and submitted her formal resignation at the recent September meeting. The BSRAD board took applications in September to replace Wilson’s position and selected Michelle Kendziorski from a pool of five applicants.
Kendziorski works for Big Sky Resort as an executive administrative assistant and senior leadership team member. She has worked in the nonprofit world for over 20 years, currently serving as board president of Wellness in Action and actively participating in many community organizations. She is a longtime Montana resident and attended Montana State University.
“My primary goal is to bring our community and stakeholders together to work towards the betterment of Big Sky,” Kendziorski told EBS.
“With my deep understanding of our diverse community and the ability to represent a broad demographic, I look forward to fostering
collaboration and making decisions that will benefit all residents and visitors.”
Kendziorski and her husband Matt, a member of the Big Sky Fire Department and Big Sky Resort Ski Patrol, have raised their two sons here in Big Sky. Currently, both play football on the Lone Peak High School team.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the board,” BSRAD Board Chair Kevin Germain stated in an
email to EBS. “As a dedicated community member, a mother of two boys being raised here in Big Sky, and the wife of a fireman, Michelle brings invaluable local insight. Her work with the Big Sky Community Organization, Big Sky Resort and her role on the Wellness in Action board reflects her deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing our community. We are confident she will be a tremendous asset to the board.”
In May 2025, Kendziorski will face a confirmation election, allowing voters to decide if she will remain in office. Steve Johnson’s remaining term ends in May 2026; if confirmed in 2025, Kendziorski may choose to run regularly for a board position when that term expires.
“If the electorate says no, then we are then in a position to reappoint, again, a third party to fill Steve Johnson’s term,” BSRAD attorney Kim Beatty said during the Sept. 11 board meeting.
“I am committed to responsible stewardship of our resources and ensuring that Big Sky continues to thrive as a world-class destination while maintaining its unique character and quality of life for those who call it home,” Kendziorski said. “I am deeply honored to be appointed to the Big Sky Resort Area District board.”
Jack Reaney contributed reporting to this story.
Kendziorski with her family, left to right: son Jack Laxson, husband Matt Kendziorski, and son Townes Laxson. COURTESY OF MICHELLE KENDZIORSKI
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A NIGHT OF ‘CONNECTION’ ACROSS COMMUNITY LEADERS, RESIDENTS
STATE OF THE COMMUNITY FEATURES 13 BUSINESS, NONPROFIT LEADERS
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—On the evening of Tuesday, Oct 8, Big Sky Community Week hosted one of its primetime events, the State of the Community, allowing attendees to learn a little bit about a lot during five panels of experts and leaders onstage at the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center.
For those unable to attend, the event was recorded and can be viewed on WMPAC’s YouTube channel. The video is titled “Community Week - State of the Community 2024.”
Liz McFadden and Jenny Christensen, who planned Community Week on behalf of the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Big Sky Resort Area District, respectively, said attendance on Oct. 8 was strong and engaged many newer faces from the community. McFadden said one goal this year was to help elevate newer or lesser-known nonprofits and open the door to collaboration.
Christensen said this year’s format emphasized learning a little about a lot. “It was just overall a good event, and all the presenters were awesome, and our moderators nailed it.”
Moderators Tallie Lancey and John Zirkle were intentional in pulling the best and most true stories out of each panelist. Lancey believes the State of the Community allows open dialogue about Big Sky’s challenges—and its unfolding solutions—in a way that allows residents to envision staying in the community.
“I think it’s important because the spirit of it is uplifting,” Lancey told EBS. “I understand a lot of public sentiment is not very positive. And this is a space where we leave that aside. We have to.”
The goal was to provide attendees with a broad understanding, not a deep one. Adjusting from last year’s inaugural State of the Community, the moderators opted against taking verbal questions from the audience, instead encouraging attendees to send questions via text.
To simplify presentations, each panelist was asked to provide one number, one picture and one word to summarize the priorities of their organization. Of the 13 panelists, four chose some form of “connection” as their word.
Asked about her own one-word summary of the event, Lancey told EBS it’s “pioneering.” She explained that she stays in Big Sky because it allows the opportunities of a modern-day pioneer.
“I feel the spirit of the American West in this room,” Lancey said. “Amy Vance, Brit Diersch— they are pioneers. They are solution oriented, collaborative, community oriented. I love bearing witness to the pioneer spirit.”
Recreation and conservation: ‘Still a lot of work to be done.’
Zirkle and Lancey began by welcoming three nonprofit leaders to the stage: Deb Davidson, chief strategy officer for the Center for Large Landscape Conservation; Whitney Montgomery, CEO of the Big Sky Community Organization, and Kristin
Gardner, chief executive and science officer of the Gallatin River Task Force.
On CLLC’s ongoing efforts in the area, Davidson explained why the nonprofit is applying for millions in federal funding. She said when the right kind of wildlife crossings are installed in the right place, it can reduce vehicle-wildlife collisions by 85%.
“Wildlife crossings are very expensive at the outset, but they pay for themselves way ahead of their 75-plus-year lifespan due to the cost savings of fewer wildlife vehicle collisions,” Davidson said.
Montgomery emphasized BSCO’s commitment to focus not only on parks, trails and facilities, but also as a community builder. “This town is filled with passionate people who lean into things heavily,” Montgomery said, explaining what keeps him in Big Sky.
Gardner emphasized that Big Sky still has four “impaired” waterways: the Gallatin’s middle fork, west fork and south fork that all run through Big Sky, and the upper Gallatin River. “I do want to give a big shoutout to our community,” Gardner said. “There’s been a lot of significant investment in addressing those issues… but there’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Her word was “resilient,” representing Big Sky’s response to growing environmental pressures.
During Q&A, Montgomery answered how recreation and conservation can coexist. He said the trails, forests and rivers that define much of the Big Sky community all require conservation. “If we don’t conserve, we won’t have a place to recreate… If we don’t start thinking about how we protect our lands, and our conservation for everything, it’s all for naught—I mean, we’re going to go up in smoke someday if we don’t,” Montgomery said.
Health and safety: ‘Sometimes, slower is faster.’
Amy Vance, director of Big Sky Bandage, a nonprofit founded in 2023 to assist community
members with medical expenses, was joined by Gallatin County Search and Rescue Commander Matt Boxmeyer for a discussion of health and safety. Vance said 45 businesses and more than 100 local employees received assistance for medical bills in the nonprofit’s first year. She chose “healthy” as her word. “I would see patients on a daily basis who live and work here, who would delay getting care and refuse care altogether because they couldn’t afford it,” Vance said.
She thanked Big Sky Rotary for hosting Big Sky Bandage, and the “tremendous generosity” from Big Sky’s community foundations.
Boxmeyer said Gallatin County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue accounts for 3,484 volunteer hours every year. In 2023, GCSSAR served 110 people on 130 missions. He chose “service” as his word. “[Volunteers] go out in all types of weather, they’re prepared to stay out all night in snowstorms just to rescue you,” Boxmeyer said.
Discussing natural disasters during Q&A, Lancey encouraged community members to sign up for Gallatin County Emergency Management’s Community Notification System. Boxmeyer added caution regarding potential evacuation.
“Obviously there’s only so many ways into Big Sky,” Boxmeyer said. “So be patient, don’t run people off the road. Because if you get into an accident in the canyon everybody knows it can shut it down for quite a while. So sometimes, slower is faster.”
Arts and culture: opening doors
Three nonprofit leaders discussed arts and culture: Brian Hurlbut, executive director of the Arts Council of Big Sky; Brit Diersch, founder of Big Sky OUT; and Ann Swann, executive director of the World Language Initiative.
Hurlbut looked back to 1988, when residents first came together to bring a Miami-based symphony to Big Sky. “Fast forward to now, we feel like we are one of the leading arts nonprofits in southwest
Captain Matt Boxmeyer and Amy Vance speak about health and safety. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
Montana,” Hurlbut said. He rattled off growth statistics in the past 10 years alone.
Diersch recalled the unexpected beginning of her LGBTQ organization, when more than 100 people attended a pride march organized by her friends. “We kinda learned that there is an outlet needed for queer community to not only meet each other, but meet other people that also support them and welcome them in our town,” Diersch said.
Since becoming a nonprofit 10 months ago, Big Sky OUT has hosted 30 events. She looks forward to hosting Big Sky Resort’s first-ever queer ski weekend. Her word was “belonging.”
Swann said 841 students took foreign language programs in Big Sky and the Gallatin Valley, including 100 from Big Sky. She said especially in communities like Big Sky that welcome visitors and employees from around the world, language opens doors for people.
“Sixty percent of the world is bilingual or multilingual. Only 20% of the U.S. is multilingual or bilingual. And only 5% of Montana,” Swann said. “So that is why we do the work we do.”
Public works: ‘water-wise’
Mace Mangold, VP of WGM Group, and Rich Chandler, environmental VP for Lone Mountain Land Company, discussed public works.
Mangold discussed the ongoing effort to create central sewer in the Gallatin Canyon. He said the effort could remove two tons of nitrogen from the impaired Gallatin River. “I would say the driving force of that algae growth is the nitrogen to the
river contributed by septic [systems] in the canyon corridor,” Mangold said. He chose “water-wise” to summarize the Big Sky community’s interest in improving water-related infrastructure.
Chandler said LMLC has reused 150 million gallons for irrigation and snowmaking, across all of its projects since November 2023.
“That’s water that otherwise would have been sourced with valuable drinking water,” Chandler said. “… It’s incumbent upon us as a community to manage this resource wisely, and to the highest levels technology can afford.”
In Q&A, Chandler added the Big Sky community should be proud. “I would forecast here in the next five to 10 years: watch what happens with these other communities that become more water-scarce,” Chandler said. “They’re going to come asking for us, for help.”
Economic development and workforce: ‘Our peak is very much in the future.’
The final panel included Laura Seyfang, coordinator for Big Sky’s new Community Support Group for seasonal workers, Chad Wilson, Big Sky Resort’s VP of construction and development, and Matt Kidd, president of Lone Mountain Land Company.
Seyfang continues to work toward creating a welcoming environment for Big Sky’s seasonal workers. She chose “welcoming” as her word. “We want to make them really feel much more involved in the community,” Seyfang said. “… We appreciate them, we’re glad that they’re here,
STACY OSSORIO
and we want to make them feel a part of our community.”
Wilson said Big Sky Resort still feels young. He talked about the near-completion of its “very ambitious” 10-year vision, Big Sky 2025. “This type of investment in our brand experience has drawn people from all over the country, and all over the world to enjoy our resort both as teammates and as guests,” Wilson said. His word: “transformative.”
“Our vision is to lead the transformation of the American resort experience,” Wilson said.
Kidd talked about the word “development” in a positive light, despite community concerns. “We’re proud of it. We are doing amazing things as a community, as an organization, we’re proud of the work we’re doing as a developer,” Kidd said.
He later added that construction and development is going to be “a way of life” and a reality for the near future of Big Sky, allowing the community to reach its potential.
“If people are totally against construction, I’m not sure Big Sky is the place for you,” Kidd said. His word was “opportunity,” pointing out that many peer mountain towns have their best days in the rearview.
“Their peak… is in the past,” Kidd said. “But for Big Sky, like, our peak is very much in the future. What are we going to make of it? Let’s embrace the moment… Let’s make Big Sky all that it can be.”
The Q&A discussion focused on workforce housing, including defining the word “beds.” All three panelists have experience working to improve local housing resources.
SPORTS
LONE PEAK VOLLEYBALL ROUNDS OUT WEEK OF HOMECOMING WINS
BY JEN CLANCEY
BIG SKY—After three game points in the fourth set threatened Lone Peak High School volleyball’s chance at homecoming victory, the Big Horns came out on the other side triumphant.
The girls volleyball team hosted the Whitehall High School Trojans on Oct. 5 in the LPHS gymnasium. Playing into the fifth game tied 2-2, the Big Horns earned the win—just three nailbiting points ahead of the Trojans.
“They’ve worked so hard. They’ve dedicated all they can to the sport. And it paid off,” said Lone Peak head coach Ashley Muckway. Throughout the season, Muckway has emphasized a 100% mentality, urging players to leave everything they can on the court. She said she saw that energy at Saturday’s game.
“They gave everything they had, every point.”
The Big Horns had a clean win in the first set, 25-18, followed by a 27-25 loss demanding tenacity each point. In set three, the Trojans targeted gaps between players, winning the set with a pointed kill by Whitehall junior Julia Hoagland in the center of the court. The set ended in a 25-13 loss for the Big Horns, including an injury that required senior captain Addy Malinowski to rest, and return about 10 points later.
An overuse injury also plagued senior captain Claire Hoadley, who continued to play and bring her team key kills as the match went on.
The coaches highlighted the 26-24 fourth match as a shift in focus for the Big Horns. Junior Stella
Haas was an example on Saturday as the coaches saw her locked into the game.
“She went in there and I don’t think she could hear the crowd. I don’t think she could hear us. Nothing, just tunnel vision: serves in, serves in, serves in,” said assistant coach Steven Reid. Haas delivered six consistent serves in a row to keep her team in play, which coaches saw as a huge boost to the team in a tough set.
Muckway noted that junior Lily Turner had a great game making key strategic decisions as a setter.
“She was making decisions about who’s gonna hit,
when to tip, and she just really led the team to that win,” Muckway said.
In the fifth and final set—a race to 15 points—the Big Horns executed. The homecoming crowd waited anxiously as the girls hit points 12 and 13. The Big Horns made each point count until the scoreboard showed 15-12 in their favor, to which the home section erupted into cheers.
The volleyball win rounded out a week of victories for Big Sky homecoming, and added another success to celebrate at the homecoming dance a few hours after the game.
Spectators cheer as the Big Horns win fourth set 26-24. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY
Senior captain Claire Hoadley hits the ball over the Trojans. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY
FOOTBALL: BIG HORNS WIN ‘HECK OF A GAME’ ON SENIOR NIGHT, HOMECOMING
EBE GRABOW BATTLES BRUISES, LEG CRAMPS TO SCORE FOUR TOUCHDOWNS
BY JACK REANEY
BIG SKY—The Lone Peak High School football team came together and got the job done against Powell County High School (Deer Lodge) in front of a vibrant crowd for Homecoming Week and Senior Night.
After being blanked on home turf the previous Friday, the Big Horns knew their homecoming game on Oct. 4 would determine how the rest of the season would unfold, according to head coach Dustin Shipman.
“It was a test of toughness tonight,” Shipman said after the game, adding that the Big Horns and Wardens went blow-for-blow.
In the second quarter, junior Ebe Grabow spent minutes on the turf after taking hard contact from multiple defenders—despite the scare, he returned two plays later and immediately caught a toe-tap touchdown—and he missed much of the third quarter due to apparent leg cramps.
Otherwise, Grabow kept busy scoring four touchdowns, including the game’s deciding score— with four minutes left in the game, he took a direct snap on fourth-and-one for a dramatic 21-yard touchdown. Two possessions later, he grabbed an interception to seal the Big Horns’ win.
“I just now told Ebe Grabow that was probably one of the toughest performances I’ve seen by a high school football player in my life,” coach Shipman said after the game.
“Hats off to Deer Lodge,” Shipman added. “We’ve played them three, four years in a row now. And their coaches have got it going on, they’re building a program, they’ve got a lot of players out.”
Shipman said Warden receiver Shawn Lombardi is probably the best player the Big Horns have faced this season. He beat countless tacklers with his speed and agility, helping the Wardens surge to a second quarter lead of 20-8.
But the Wardens would score only once through the final two-and-a-half quarters. As the third quarter expired, Lombardi caught a screen pass and completely switched fields, scurrying behind the line of scrimmage for a 25-yard touchdown.
Otherwise, the Big Horn defense stood up to the Wardens’ efficient passing game. Shipman credited defensive coordinator Adam Farr for making adjustments, notably blitzing more against Warden quarterback Kaiden Beck, who seemed to struggle under pressure.
In a pivotal moment with one minute before halftime, senior Joe Gale brought pressure and sacked Beck, resulting in a turnover on downs.
The Big Horns took over near midfield, trailing 20-14 with only one timeout. Quarterback Will Helms rushed three times—earning extra yards with a facemask penalty—and with two seconds remaining, he scrambled left for a two-yard, game-tying touchdown.
The Big Horns held their momentum in the second half, backed by strong defense and Grabow’s heroic effort.
With the 34-26 win, and two games remaining, the Big Horns will need to win both to make the Montana eight-man playoff tournament. If they lose at Lodge Grass or Flint Creek Co-Op (Drummond and Philipsburg), playoff chances will rest in the balance of other teams’ wins and losses.
Seniors reflect on final home game
Coach Shipman said the group of five seniors played their hearts out.
He pointed out Jack Laxson, who has been impactful even after two years away from football. Laxson batted away multiple passes in the game’s final minutes.
“It was a hard fight,” Laxson said after the game. “It was a dogfight… It was like street ball out there, it was fun.”
Laxson moved to Big Sky in the end of fifth grade, and played football throughout middle school and freshman year, before taking a two-year break. He plans to attend Montana State University.
“We’re gonna miss those guys,” Shipman told EBS. “Jose Chairez has been with us for four years, Joe Gale has been with us for four years. It’s the same every senior night, right? I miss ‘em.”
Born and raised in Big Sky, Joe Gale has played football since sixth grade. He’ll remember beating Ennis his freshman year.
Chairez has lived in Big Sky since fifth grade, and played football through high school. His favorite memory was making the playoffs in 2023. He has not decided which university he’d like to attend, but he wants to enter the medical field.
He said everybody did their job and gave everything they had in their final home game.
“It just means everything, because this is the last time I’m touching this field [in] a game,” Chairez told EBS. “I’ve really enjoyed playing for this team, and it just brings me closer to them as a family.”
Tanner Slieff said although it was his final moments playing football at home, he’ll cherish the memories for the rest of his life. Slieff moved to Big Sky his freshman year, and shares a favorite memory with Gale. He plans to study business in college.
“We’re working like a team,” Slieff told EBS. “We had chemistry tonight… We worked hard today. We played hard like no other. It was a heck of a game.”
Team manager Walker Bagby said it’s been an honor to share the field with his fellow seniors throughout high school. Bagby moved to Big Sky in fourth grade. He’ll attend Montana State University and hopes to study film and photography.
“I saw hard work, and when it really came down to it, pure motivation to win,” Bagby said. “Sent everyone home happy. It’s been such a fun ride.”
Isaac Bedway moved to Big Sky three years ago, and started playing football this season. He plans to study in business but is unsure where.
Grady Towle grew up in Big Sky, and has played football since seventh grade. Unfortunately, an injury kept him away from the game his senior year, but he enjoyed helping coach the Ophir Miners football team. Towle plans to join the U.S. Navy.
He believes his class has a comeback spirit.
“It’s kind of the thing for the season,” Towle said. “I mean we came back from that game, we were down at the start. We had kids come back—I mean, we had Jack Laxson who didn’t play for two years, had two huge pass stops. That’s what the senior class is, it’s just been resilience and coming back, and not giving up forever.”
Lone Peak senior Joe Gale sacks Powell County quarterback Kaiden Beck on fourth-down, setting up a game-tying drive before halftime. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
SOCCER: LONE PEAK SWEEPS PARK ON HOMECOMING NIGHT
BY JACK REANEY
Editor’s note: this story was updated from its digital version to reflect current playoff implications.
BIG SKY—Lone Peak High School began Homecoming Week sports with a pair of wins on Oct. 3, as both varsity squads defeated visiting Park High School. Both teams’ playoff hopes benefitted from the win.
The boys game was tight until the final save by junior keeper Oliver McGuire, who earned a shutout in the Big Horns 1-0 victory.
“Oliver, today, basically played out of his mind… He’s the reason why we won the game today,” head coach Tony Coppola said after the win, praising his goalkeeper’s quiet confidence.
“My defense was creating small windows,” McGuire said. “Funnels it right to me. They’re doing a great job of preventing shots, and preventing time to take shots.”
McGuire said it feels good to beat Park and leapfrog them in the standings, moving up to second place in the Class A eastern division behind undefeated Billings Central Catholic High School.
The team employed a new defensive strategy to shut down one of Park’s key players. Coppola credited sophomore Dudley Davis for handling him in the first half, and senior captain Cam Pecunies and sophomore Keegan Luchini for doing it in the second.
“We played really well on defense,” Coppola said. “The guys did their jobs. We asked a couple of guys to do some things that they normally don’t have to do, and they stepped up and did it.”
McGuire still made some key saves without help from his defense. Early on, he redeemed himself with a one-on-one stop after passing the ball straight to a Ranger forward. Nine minutes later, he made a diving save to stop another near-goal, and continued to smother the easier shots.
The Big Horns also missed some scoring chances in the first half, including a few shots launched through the football uprights or wide of the goal. At halftime, the game remained scoreless.
The second half continued with strong ball movement and a few close shots by junior Brady Johnson, but no cigar.
In the 61st minute, McGuire gave the Big Horns something extra. He dropkicked the ball well beyond half field, where Keegan Luchini collected it in stride. “I just saw [McGuire] was going to punt it up and made the run,” Luchini said.
“Never seen him punt that far,” senior Finn McRae said after the game.
Two touches later, Luchini volleyed it past Park’s charging goalkeeper. He recognized that the keeper would need to fight the setting sun, and said the defenders seemed to be struggling too. It was McGuire’s first-ever assist as a goalkeeper. “I was just trying to get it out of there,” he said. “Ended in a goal. I’ll take it.”
McRae nearly scored three minutes later, but his 30-yard shot was saved on a dive. Dudley Davis hit the goalpost on a 40-yard free kick later on. Defending the lead for 18 minutes, McGuire would be tasked with holding on to his shutout. In the final seconds, it almost evaporated.
McGuire saved a solid shot during stoppage time, but an apparent miscommunication between referees resulted in a corner kick being called. The Rangers threatened twice, but their final shot was a head-ball over the crossbar, followed by the final whistle.
“We played as a team,” Coppola said. “We were definitely gritty out there.”
Luchini said the team stayed disciplined at their positions, and approached their challenges with confidence. He commended freshman defender Thaddeus Davis for making an impact as he returned from injury. “We knew we needed this win to get second place and make it to the playoffs,” Luchini said. “So everybody was really working hard.”
McRae said the team eventually got communication and ball distribution going in the midfield as the Big Horns settled their nerves.
“We all came out pretty hyped, and that’s good, but we still need to stay composed,” McRae said. He added he’s excited for playoff soccer.
Coppola said it felt awesome to beat a strong team in front of a “super loyal” homecoming crowd—he estimated more than 150 fans, scanning the sideline during the girls game. “I’m glad we got to deliver the win. It always feels good to do that,” he said.
McRae, freshmen girls shine in 4-0 win
As Coppola finished his postgame interview with EBS, he became distracted by a sudden wave of energy from the crowd.
“Come on Maeve, put it away kid,” he said, as freshman Maeve McRae received a through-ball from junior Harper Morris and buried it, giving the Big Horns a 2-0 lead over the Rangers in the first half.
McRae had already scored 19 minutes earlier, finishing a well-placed corner kick from fellow freshman Lola Morris.
McRae finished her hat trick early in the second
half, and helped lead the Big Horns to a 4-0 homecoming victory.
“Obviously, Maeve McRae was out of control tonight,” said junior captain Maddie Wilcynski. “She did so well.”
Fellow junior captain Hana Mittelstaedt added, “She deserves that, because she’s been working really, really hard for that.”
McRae said it was her first hat trick in high school, but emphasized it as a team win under the lights. “It was amazing,” she said. “Honestly though, most of the goals were from my teammates. It was their passes that really helped me score.”
McRae saw strength in the team’s communication and passing, an area that has challenged them throughout the season.
“Simple passing and working together as a team worked out really well for us tonight,” Wilcynski said.
The Big Horns put immediate pressure on the Rangers. In the first five minutes, Harper Morris struck the goalpost, and after their first goal, Wilcynski hit the post again with a longrange shot. Wilcynski would eventually score in the second half to give the Big Horns their 4-0 lead, and the Big Horn defense held the Rangers scoreless as the clock ticked away.
“I’m so proud of us. That was a great win,” Wilcynski said. Beating Park was crucial as the girls looked to make their first ever tournament play-in game.
If the team makes playoffs, McRae is ready. “I think it’s going to be our first year ever… It’s going to be amazing, fun to experience,” she said.
Aside from the race for a playoff spot, the young team has a bright future, with 15 of 20 players being freshmen or sophomores. Wilcynski commended the team’s young players for their growth throughout the season. Freshmen showed up with an intense mindset, and have been building their soccer fundamentals.
“On and off the bench, as well,” Wilcynski said. “Like, the energy of all them stepping up, chipping in to everything we do. Whether it’s practice, making sure everyone’s intense, or in the games… if they only get a couple minutes, they’re working as hard as they possibly can.”
McRae sees her fellow freshmen making an impact already, including Lola Morris, Marley Chapin and Ava Staudt, who played on varsity as eighth graders alongside McRae.
“I feel like we had a really good connection from the beginning, because we were young on the team, so we immediately bonded… All the freshmen are amazing. Shoutout to all of our wings—most of them were freshmen,” McRae said.
Mittelstaedt said the team’s chemistry has been “super strong” this year. Even without any seniors, youth doesn’t hold the team back. “Everybody can be a leader, no matter what your age is,” Mittelstaedt said. “If you’re on the field or off the field, I think it’s really cool to learn from each other and really build that camaraderie.”
Freshman Maeve McRae scored a hat trick in Lone Peak’s win. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
SOCCER: LONE PEAK CELEBRATES SENIORS, PREPARES FOR PLAYOFFS
BOYS CLINCH SECOND PLACE, PLAN TO HOST PLAYOFF GAME; GIRLS TO FACE LAUREL IN FIRST-EVER TOURNAMENT PLAY-IN
BY JACK REANEY
On Oct. 7, Lone Peak High School soccer played its final home game of the season, hosting East Helena High School with their eyes on playoff soccer.
Four Big Horn girls scored a pair of goals each: freshmen Maeve McRae and Lola Morris; and juniors Harper Morris and Maddie Wilcynski. Freshman Olive Wolfe also scored in the Big Horns 9-0 win.
The barrage continued in the boys game.
Senior Arlo Hurlbut scored in the second minute of the game, and again seven minutes later. Seniors Finn McRae and captain Garin Staudt followed, and by the time captain Cameron Pecunies scored, four of five seniors had scored in the first half.
Freshman Carver Liedberg added his first-ever high school goal, and the Big Horns led 6-0 at halftime. Lone Peak rested its starters in the second half, the score would remain 6-0.
With the victory, the boys team clinched second place in the eastern division of Montana Class A and expects to host a first-round playoff game. The Big Horns will play Whitefish High School—last year, the senior-heavy Bulldogs ended the Big Horns’ season on their way to a Class A state championship.
The date and time of Lone Peak’s home playoff game have not been determined.
The Big Horn girls will finish in third place, earning them a play-in game against Laurel High School. By coincidence, they’ll face Laurel in their final regular season game on Saturday, Oct. 12, but the outcome will not carry playoff implications.
The third-place finish represents the best in program history for the Big Horn girls, and their play-in game will be the program’s first-ever.
Most of the evening’s focus was directed toward graduating seniors in their final regular season home game.
Boys honor five seniors
Oct. 7 was Senior Night for the Big Horns, and Athletic Director John Hannahs began by introducing Lone Peak’s “fantastic” soccer managers, Frieda Fabozzi and Jillian Blakeley.
“We are most grateful for your dedication and support of helping our players and coaches develop into kind, caring and compassionate humans. Your energy and attention to detail is beyond your years. Our success is directly linked to your endeavors as our team personnel,” the coaches wrote.
The Big Horn boys honored five senior players; the 2024 girls team did not have any seniors.
Garin Staudt grew up playing soccer and played throughout high school. He advises teammates to have fun, work hard and listen to coaches. He plans to attend Montana State University.
Cameron Pecunies played 12 years of soccer, including four years for Lone Peak, and enjoyed beating Park High School both times in 2024. He advises young players to work hard and stay open to feedback. He plans to attend college but is unsure where.
Finn McRae began playing soccer in kindergarten and played throughout high school. He advises young players to make the most of every moment, even morning and preseason practices. He has not yet decided where he’d like to attend college.
Jack Sheehan played four years with Big Sky Futbol Club and joined the Big Horns for his senior year. He advises younger players to listen and trust their coaches. Sheehan plans to study finance in college.
Arlo Hurlbut grew up playing soccer and played throughout high school. He advises young players to have fun and be nice to each other. He envisions attending college in a location with lots of snow.
Coaches Tony Coppola and Jeremy Harder wrote a farewell statement to the seniors:
“Gentlemen, thank you for four years of determination, perseverance and dedication to the mens Big Horn soccer program. Whether you have been here for a year, or four years, it has been a pleasure watching you all develop into fine young men, community members and soccer players. We hope you will someday find value in lessons we have proposed, tactics for navigating the world, and skills for adapting to the ever-changing landscape of human ecology.
We wish you all the best in years to come, and hope you will continue to be the amazing humans that you are. Much love.”
PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
Senior captain Cam Pecunies takes on a pair of defenders. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
FOOTBALL: THE OPHIR MINERS ARE ON A WINNING STREAK
BY FISCHER GENAU
Editor’s note: after this story was reported, the Miners suffered their first loss to Park City Junior High, 38-24.
BIG SKY—Last year, the Manhattan Christian School’s middle school football team dealt the Ophir Middle School Miners a 55-6 beatdown in a game that was over by the end of the first quarter. It was a stinging loss, but the Miners were getting used to it. They lost every game in 2023, as well as every game the year before, and the Miners came into this season on a 730-day losing streak. But this year has been different.
When the Miners faced off against Manhattan Christian on Sept. 27, they flipped the script, beating them 48-0. The Miners have been dominant all season and held a record of 4-0 heading into their Oct. 11 matchup with Park City Junior High.
This year’s team appears completely different from the team that was regularly losing by double digits last year, but Mark Walkup, the Miners’ new head coach, doesn’t take much credit for their newfound success. According to Walkup, a lot of it is pure luck.
“It kind of just fell in place,” Walkup said. “I don’t know how much it has to do with coaching.”
Last year, the team was very inexperienced. Many of the sixth graders had never played football before, and there were only two eighth graders on the team. The coaches, led by Scott Larsen, focused on building fundamentals, and their goal at every game wasn’t to win—it was to not quit.
“When you’re getting beat 50 to nothing, and it’s the beginning of the third quarter, you’re like, just don’t quit, we can’t let them quit,” Walkup said. “We’d be on the field like, ‘All right guys we got this, I know we’re getting beat but let’s do this, we made 10 yards last time, that was great!’”
But this year, many of the new sixth graders came with experience from playing football in the Gallatin Empire Lions Club in Bozeman, and all but two of the Miners’ former players returned to the team. The squad also swelled from 13 players to 22, which allowed the coaches to stage full
scrimmages during practice, and the team added Grady Towle, a Lone Peak High School senior, as a line coach.
“He’s played a very pivotal role this year working with those linemen,” said Travis Earl, another coach for the Miners.
Sidelined from the high school team with a shoulder injury, Towle wanted to help others get better, and his efforts have paid off. The line, which last year had trouble just lining up properly and was often penalized, is now making a difference by protecting the quarterback and pressuring their opponents.
“It’s cool to see the players grow,” Towle said. “That’s something I never thought I’d enjoy as much as I do, but watching middle school kids come from where they were and to see where they are now.”
The main objective of Towle’s new offensive line is to protect eighth grader Jens Biggerstaff, the Miners quarterback who has been a big difference maker on the team.
“He just knows the game inside and out,” Earl said. “He’s a phenomenal leader on the field.”
Biggerstaff started calling his own plays this year, reading the defense to help the linemen know where to block and identify open spaces to pass to. One of his favorite targets is wide receiver Wyatt Cohen, another eighth grader who’s been a playmaker for the Miners. The two players knew nothing but defeat since joining the team in sixth grade, so when they won their first game this season against Ennis, it was thrilling.
“Winning that game was like, the best feeling in the world,” Cohen said. “We only won 12-0 but it took a whole team to win that game.”
The whole season has been a collective effort. Several sixth graders have earned spots in the starting lineup, and the coaches say their players are working hard every day to get better. The coaches themselves, which include Walkup, Earl, Towle, and Wyatt’s dad Dave Cohen, are volunteering their time to help the team grow, and their efforts are bearing fruit.
“I love all of our coaches,” Biggerstaff said. “They push us to be good, and sometimes we get annoyed with them, but what they do just helps us win games and get better.”
Although the coaches worked hard to keep spirits high during the losing streak, everyone agrees that winning is a lot more fun.
“I always find football fun, but it wasn’t as fun,” Biggerstaff said. “Now that we’re winning, I want to put in a lot more effort to keep winning.”
“I just don’t have to live with the gut feeling almost knowing I’m going to lose every game by 50 points,” Cohen said. “This year, we’re always thinking yeah, we’re going to win this game.”
From a combination of luck, committed coaching, and more experienced players, the Miners have been winning. But after two years of defeat, the coaches, as well as many of the players, know that winning isn’t guaranteed, and they want to focus on what matters most.
“What Scott Larsen created last year was just a place where the boys can have fun, and that’s the main thing,” Earl said. “We like to win, we love to win, and we’re winning this year which is great, but just having the boys have fun and enjoy themselves is what’s important.”
Next year’s squad will be different from this one. Jens Biggerstaff, Wyatt Cohen and their eighth grade classmates will move onto high school ball, sixth and seventh graders will have growth spurts over the winter and come back bigger and stronger than before, and a new crop of sixth graders will join the ranks. Time will tell whether or not they can repeat this year’s success, but for now, the Miners are having a blast.
The Miners have one game remaining this season, Oct. 25 at Flint Creek.
Grady Towle runs drills with his linemen. PHOTO BY FISCHER GENAU
Sky Walkup, the Miners’ running back, sprints downfield. Walkup has been a difference maker on offense all season. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
OP NEWS
OUTLAW PARTNERS AND YELLOWSTONE COUNTRY ANNOUNCE PLAN
YELLOWSTONE PARTNERSHIP
STRATEGIC COLLABORATION EXPANDS DESTINATION MARKETING FOR GATEWAY CITIES SURROUNDING YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK
OUTLAW PARTNERS
Outlaw Partners and Yellowstone Country announced on Oct. 10 a partnership to expand the fastest growing digital destination Yellowstone planning resource. With over 4 million people traveling to Yellowstone National Park each year, the collaboration expands focused destination marketing to better promote businesses and communities in the surrounding region. Tourism is critical to Yellowstone’s gateway cities where most of the Park’s visitors stay, eat, and recreate.
“We’re thrilled about this partnership between Yellowstone Country and Outlaw,” said Yellowstone Country founder Hillary Folkvord. “This collaboration brings together our shared passion for showcasing the best of Montana, Wyoming and Idaho, allowing us to create an even more dynamic and comprehensive platform.”
The Plan Yellowstone digital platform includes planning resources, inspirational content on social channels, and provides a one-stop shop and guide for the most bespoke experiences, dining, lodging, events and activities.
“We’re excited to bring new, engaging content and resources that will not only enhance the experience for our current clients but also continue to serve as an invaluable resource for years to come,” noted Folkvord. “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for our community, and we can’t wait to see it grow and evolve.”
As part of the effort, Outlaw will re-launch Explore Yellowstone print magazine as the go-to travel and real estate publication, coupled with Outlaw Partners’ already-dominant media platforms.
Plan Yellowstone will include focused content, recommendations and itineraries in gateway regions of the park: West Yellowstone, Gardiner, Jackson Hole, Cooke City, Cody and other recreation communities like Ashton, Driggs and Victor, Idaho, Alpine, Wyoming, and Red Lodge, Montana.
Founded by the Folkvord Family in 2022, Yellowstone Country has quickly grown to serve businesses and a broad audience of visitors to the region. Dean Folkvord, founder of Wheat Montana, and his daughters Hillary Folkvord and Haylee Folkvord are sixth generation Montanans and
currently own and operate the historic Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks, and the RSVP Hotel and Farmer’s Daughters Cafe in Bozeman. As successful hoteliers and restaurateurs, the Folkvord’s have a keen sense of knowledge and care for others in the dynamic tourism industry.
Outlaw is southwest Montana's leading media, marketing, events and real estate company, and known as the Passport to Western Lifestyle. Outlaw recently celebrated 15 years as a company and reaches over 4 million people a year through its signature events and owned print and digital media publications including Explore Big Sky newspaper and Mountain Outlaw magazine.
“It’s been wonderful working with the Folkvord’s and aligning on this effort,” said Megan Paulson, co-founder and CMO of Outlaw Partners. “The partnership creates a powerhouse leveraging decades of expertise and a passion for sharing stories and unique places from the heart of Yellowstone. Our combined efforts will maximize value and drive more interest in bespoke experiences and locations in and around the park.
PHOTO BY JACOB W. FRANK
REGIONAL
FIRE SEASON RAGES INTO AUTUMN IN THE NORTHWEST
BIG SKY’S JOHN HANNAHS THANKFUL FOR FIREFIGHTERS, NEIGHBORS IN SAVING FAMILY RANCH FROM WYOMING BLAZE
BY MARIO CARR EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Despite the calendar year showing us well into October, there are currently 36 active wildfires in Montana, as well as neighboring states, filling valleys with thick smoke and compromising the air quality. The most recent fire near Big Sky is just north of the Montana-Idaho border near Henry’s Lake.
Over 159,000 acres have burned in Montana in 2024 and as southwesterly winds continue to bring smoke from fires in Idaho and Wyoming, and temperatures stay high and dry, the fire season persists. Weather forecasted for the Northwest shows bluebird skies through mid-October, which means a continued risk of fire for the foreseeable future with the only hope for the end being the arrival of winter.
On the topic of this very active fire season, Dan Sheil, battalion chief with the Big Sky Fire Department, reminded EBS that we are currently under a level 5 National Preparedness level. And locally, Sheil emphasized that it is still “really really dry around here,” and as a result open burning is currently restricted in Big Sky. As temperatures at night have begun to drop, Sheil explained that frosting only further aids in drying out the fuels around us, and that it is going to remain dry until we see rain replaced with snow through the winter.
“It’s been a really dry summer going into the fall here… and we don’t see a lot of precipitation coming… So we’re far from over as far as a seasonending event,” Sheil said.
With a couple of snowfalls in early September that have long since come and gone, it’s not until the mountains remain white-capped that this year’s fire season will officially come to an end.
The smoke in the air in Big Sky is a reminder that some of these fires are hitting close to home. The Elk Fire in Wyoming has affected several Big Sky families, one being the family of John Hannahs, Lone Peak High School’s athletic director.
Hannahs explained that his family’s home narrowly escaped the fire, along with the livestock and the structures on the ranch that his parents manage.
“It was probably a hundred yards from our house when it finally got contained and put out,” Hannahs said.
Hannahs said that he and his family were very thankful for the local fire crews that were able to
defend their structures from the blaze. The majority of the ranchland that was hit was pasture land, and Hannahs is confident that it will bounce back, but that’s not to say that significant damage wasn’t done.
“It’ll just be a whole lot of fencing to put back up this summer,” Hannahs said.
Hannahs said he and his family are very thankful for the many people that were ready to help them “at the drop of a hat.” Not only were their neighbors at the ranch pivotal in holding that fire line, Hannahs expressed that the Big Sky community has also rallied around his family in support.
“It has definitely given me a greater perspective on being prepared for something like that… And that force of mother nature is really quite something to behold,” Hannahs said.
BSFD Deputy Chief Seth Barker is thankful for a summer with no wildland fires in Big Sky, and that a vehicle fire in Taylor Fork was quickly contained. As we wait for snow, Barker urges residents to always remember the importance of creating defensible spaces around their homes. Such measures can include trimming down any tall grass within 30 feet of your structures, limbing trees as high as you can reach, and creating three feet of noncombustible space around your home.
“If you have any questions about defensible space, feel free to reach out to the Big Sky Fire Department, and stay safe out there,” Barker said.
Firefighters attack burning vehicles in Taylor Fork on July 25. COURTESY OF SETH BARKER / BSFD
A plume of smoke rolls into Big Sky from the southwest on Oct. 15. PHOTO BY JACK REANEY
COUNTY ELECTION GUIDE: LOCAL GOVERNMENT STUDY COMMISSIONS REGIONAL
BY FISCHER GENAU
On the ballot this November there will be an item that only appears every 10 years—if voters desire—in Montana. Gallatin and Madison county voters decided this June to conduct a local government study, which now involves electing a commission of civilians to review existing government structures and create a plan to improve their “power, form and plan of government.” Bozeman voters also elected to review City of Bozeman government.
In Gallatin County, 22 candidates are running for seven positions on the study commission, while in Madison County, 11 candidates are running for 3 positions. Here’s a quick guide. All candidates that could be reached were given more than one week to respond via email to Explore Big Sky’s questionnaire.
GALLATIN COUNTY
TED BARKLEY
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 11
Why would you be a strong candidate for local government study commission? "I have 37 years of local government management experience in four states. I have been trained at the graduate level in governance and management, and have worked with several different forms of local government."
Professional affiliation/job title: former Belgrade City Manager, board member for Yellowstone Fiber, The Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District, and Gallatin Airport Authority
CHRISTOPHER GRAY
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 29
"I will be an asset to the Gallatin County Study Commission based on my experience as a civil attorney in the Gallatin County Attorney’s office for over 15 years, most as the Chief Civil Deputy, where I observed the workings of the Gallatin County government every day. I understand the constitutional and statutory framework of the study commission and forms of government."
Professional affiliation/job title: Attorney
EJ PORTH
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 15
"I have worked alongside Gallatin County government in a variety of ways and have seen how the government’s structure and form impacts its ability to address the challenges of our growing community. I believe that I can be an impartial, critical thinker in assessing the current structure and evaluating alternatives, and I am not coming in with preconceived ideas of what needs to change and want to let the study commission do the work of listening first."
Professional affiliation/job title: Associate Director of Gallatin Valley Land Trust
JOSH SADAJ
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 19
"My strong business background has equipped me with practical experience in analyzing complex systems and implementing efficient solutions. Additionally, my deep roots in Montana give me a unique understanding of the local community, allowing me to effectively represent the interests of Gallatin County residents."
Professional affiliation/job title: Entrepreneur & Business Owner, The Local American Saloon
BILLY MCWILLIAMS
Number of years living in Gallatin County: 45
"The best way to get a government that works is to listen to everyone. Hopefully, I’m good at listening, and I want to hear good ideas from across Gallatin County and solve problems the old fashioned Montana way."
Professional affiliation/job title: Owner of Erotique
MITCHELL BLASZCZYK
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 10
"Having lived in multiple areas in Gallatin Valley, I have a unique perspective of Gallatin County and how much it has grown in the time I have lived here. Working in local commercial construction has familiarized me with the specific challenges and opportunities facing the county, including socioeconomic factors, infrastructure, and public services which will guide my review and recommendation process if elected to this position."
Professional affiliation/job title: Assistant Project Manager, Langlas & Associates
JANAE HAGEN
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 4
"This commission is intended to be nonpartisan, and I would bring unbiased curiosity and leadership to the study. My career in international business has shaped me into an empathetic listener and strong communicator—necessary skills to engage both the government officials and community."
Professional affiliation/job title: Senior Integrated Marketing Manager at Petco and co-owner of Bozeman Yoga, LLC
ROBERT WEBSTER
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 5
"I strongly believe that for the commission to succeed and produce a study report that a) improves the county operations and b) can pass the vote of the residents it needs to have a few non-political members, a few representatives who have not held political office. I will approach the commissions work with an open mind, learn and absorb every detail of the county government operations and options necessary, listen to residents and experts equally to become knowledgeable and then be able to provide the checks and balances to preconceived notions when formalizing the recommendations."
Professional affiliation/job title: Software Engineer for S2 Corporation in Bozeman
JACKIE HAINES
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 20
"I hold a master’s degree in Economics from Montana State University, and over the past 15 years, my professional work in economic development has involved collaborating with federal, state, and local governments, offering me a firsthand view of the bureaucratic systems that influence our lives. Having lived in this community for my entire adult life, I am deeply committed to enhancing the place many of us call home, and I want to bridge the gap between community feedback and the local government and use this feedback plus my professional and educational experience to enhance the effectiveness and responsiveness of our local governance."
Professional affiliation/job title: Director of Economic and Strategic Development for the Big Sky Resort Area District
REGIONAL
JEFF KRAUSS
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 49
"I have almost 30 years of experience listening to the people of Gallatin county and responding to their concerns constructively. As a Country Treasurer, Chair of County Zoning Commissions, as Bozeman Mayor and Commissioner, and as a Montana University system Regent, I have always worked to make Gallatin county a better place for its citizens and taxpayers."
Professional affiliation/job title: Retired CPA, 30 years of elected and appointed local government experience
DON SEIFERT
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 55
"I served a six-year term as a Gallatin County Commissioner (2015-2020) and served the prior eight years on various Gallatin County boards, such as Gallatin County Planning Board, Gallatin County Board of Adjustments, and the Gallatin County Capital Improvement Committee. I would bring a thorough understanding of county government’s role and processes and how the county responds to the needs of the citizens."
Professional affiliation/job title: Retired, small business owner
JOSHUA TUININGA
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 29
"I am a strong candidate because the Gallatin County has been my home and community my entire life and will continue to be. I also have college, business, and coaching experience and skills that I believe will help me tremendously with the study commission."
Professional affiliation/job title: Owner and operator of wood door manufacturing company
MADISON COUNTY
SHAUNA LASZLO BELDING
Number of years lived in Madison County: 19
"I am a business minded community member who has served on boards in Madison and Gallatin county over the past 30 years. Madison county spans many miles, it is diverse with unique towns, we are facing growth challenges and we need representation for each community."
Professional affiliation/job title: Body Dynamics Pilates studio owner & instructor and co-owner of Bob’s Place Pizza
RHONDA BOYD
Number of years lived in Madison County: 24
"I will bring my experience with budget, agriculture and natural resource management, along with collaborating skills with different groups."
Professional affiliation/job title: Managing Partner at Boyd Angus Ranch LLC
BRIAN CONKLIN
Number of years lived in Madison County: 8
"Professionally, I have a background in designing interviews, running focus groups and gathering feedback from people and communities about what is working and what isn’t. This is a great opportunity to continue to better understand the values and perspectives of my neighbors and volunteer to ensure our government works for the people it’s meant to serve."
Professional affiliation/job title: Self-employed, independent contractor
TERI PATTERSON
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 38
"I have 20 plus years in public service, I know about government budgeting, I’m pretty good at research, and I feel like I can be a calming voice for the committee based on my experience. Having worked in public service for so many years gives me great insight as to how different departments are structured."
Professional affiliation/job title: Self-employed bookkeeper and business consultant, fire department volunteer
KLAAS TUININGA
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 60
"I’ve been active in Montana politics since 1986 as a political campaign manager, treasurer for HRDC, and member of the 1995 Gallatin County government study commission, among other things. I usually have a clear mind, two ears (I listen more than I talk) and try to understand where others are coming from before I make my decisions as I have a firm basis on law from my background."
Professional affiliation/job title: Former political campaign manager, HRDC treasurer, and governor’s employment and training council member
AMBER M. JUPKA
Number of years lived in Gallatin County: 21
"I believe my experience and knowledge as a Gallatin County employee will be an asset to this study. As a Tax Clerk I hear many concerns from Gallatin County residents and can bring these to this study commission as we review our current government structure."
Professional affiliation/job title: Tax Clerk/Customer Service Specialist for Gallatin County
DUSTIN TETRAULT
Number of years lived in Madison County: 12
"I am a twenty-year public servant with ten years of public sector experience in Madison County. My work experience and formal education, including a Master’s degree in public administration and policy, make me a great candidate to study and recommend updates to modernize Madison County governance."
Professional affiliation/job title: Fire Chief for Big Sky Fire Department
RALPH WEICKEL
Number of years lived in Madison County: 5
"My experience in working with leaders, teams and organizations will support an assessment of the best government structure in Madison Cty to address the economic opportunities facing the country while leveraging its strengths and supporting the best of the County—that which drew people here."
Professional affiliation/job title: Owner of Corporation for Positive Change and Performance Management, LLC
The following candidates did not respond in time for print, or did not provide contact information: for Madison County, Tom Broksle, Glenn R. Brook, Sharon K. Christensen, Steven Alexander Grimm Cox, Joseph Durant Mery and Gayle Schabarker; for Gallatin County, Andrew Epple, Anne Donovan, Robert Fish, Rene Flynn, Elijah Mathias, Jamie McCray and Steve White.
BALLOT MEASURE TO SHAPE BOZEMAN’S EMERGENCY SERVICES AS CITY EXPANDS
BY TAYLOR OWENS
Sponsored content
As Bozeman prepares for its upcoming election, residents will have the chance to vote on a significant measure that could shape the city’s future emergency services. The Bozeman First Responder and Levy Bond aims to address the growing needs of both the fire and police departments, as Bozeman's population continues to boom. With over 20,000 new residents and 90 additional miles of roadway constructed since 2007, city officials say it’s time for a critical expansion to ensure public safety.
Bozeman Fire Chief Josh Waldo has been clear about the importance of the bond, which would fund the construction of a much-needed fourth fire station.
“This would be the first new fire station the city has added since 2007,” Waldo said. “We've relocated and replaced some existing stations, but we've been at three stations for the last 17 years. This would be the first expansion or new station.”
This new fire station, planned for Fallon Street in the Urban + Farms development, will serve not just that area but the entire city.
“It’ll service anywhere in the city that it needs to go,” Waldo said. “Some of our calls require one fire truck, some require two, some require three. Or if the fire truck, let’s say at the Bozeman Public Safety Center is already on a call, the next call in that area has to be answered by another fire truck from somewhere in the city. So it's not just for that area—it can go anywhere in the city at any given time.”
Waldo emphasized that the bond would cover the costs of constructing the station and equipping it fully with fire trucks and gear. However, the mill levy will be crucial to staffing the new station and creating a quick response unit—a smaller fire department vehicle for more flexible, city-wide emergency response.
“The mill levy provides us the staffing to staff that new fire station, as well as what we're calling a quick response unit,” Waldo said. “In addition to that, it adds six new police officers per year for the next five years.”
The police department is also facing mounting pressures, with calls for service steadily increasing as Bozeman expands. Police Chief Jim Veltkamp noted the challenges of keeping up with the city’s growth.
“Since 2007, we've added over 20,000 people to the city of Bozeman and 90 new miles of roadway,” Veltkamp said. “So for both our departments that means a lot more calls. For our department, the more people there are, the more calls for service we're going to receive, the more cases we have to investigate, the more miles of roadway we have to patrol.”
Currently, Bozeman police are often responding to call after call, leaving little time for proactive policing.
“The calls coming in from the community are what we call reactive calls because we're responding to a call. We have to go to all of those,” Veltkamp said. “So as those continue to go up, we have less time for officers to do proactive calls. And a proactive call is a traffic stop, being present downtown at night, doing property checks and patrol checks from parks to checking buildings at night to make sure they're secure.”
The levy would allow for the hiring of 30 new police officers over five years, adding six per year to help ease the burden on current officers and create room for proactive measures.
“One of the main goals of policing is to be present in your community and proactive to prevent crime, not just to respond to crime after it's already happened,” Veltkamp said. “That’s the point we don’t want to get to, where all we’re doing is responding to crime.”
In addition to the 30 new officers, the levy would also fund 11 support positions for both the fire and police departments, addressing critical
behind-the-scenes roles like emergency management and information specialists. Waldo emphasized the importance of balancing immediate needs with future growth.
“I think from a long-term perspective, we’re trying to catch up to the growth, but there are positions in here to help us maintain,” Waldo said. “We’ve been very thoughtful about addressing not only where we are today, but where we’re going to be in the future.”
The planned fourth fire station is a key part of preparing for that future. Waldo emphasized that while it would help the city "catch up," it would also position Bozeman to handle further growth.
“We’ve generally had very positive feedback [from the public],” Veltkamp said. “We've gotten a lot of support and a very clear recognition from the community that we need to add additional capacity to respond to calls in a timely manner, investigate cases, be able to watch for reckless driving, get to medical calls faster.”
Both chiefs are aware that the bond’s position on the ballot could present a challenge.
“It's going to be on the back of your ballot because it's a very large ballot,” Veltkamp said. “I would hope that people have been educated enough to make the right decision and that it’s important enough that regardless of where it is on the ballot, that ideally wouldn’t change the likelihood of it passing or not passing.”
If the measure passes, both departments will immediately begin recruiting new personnel.
“If we’re successful, there’ll be a ton of communication about everything from recruitment for both of our organizations,” Waldo said. “We’ll be out hot and heavy looking for applicants who want to be police officers or firefighters.”
For those interested in learning more about the First Responder Levy & Bond, visit bozeman.net/ safety, contact either Josh Waldo or Jim Veltkamp, or come by the Public Safety Center.
“We want to make sure we’ve educated people on the mill levy and bond to avoid confusion and allow people the chance to vote,” Veltkamp said.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF BOZEMAN
PHOTO COURTESY OF CITY OF BOZEMAN
BIG SKY EVENTS CALENDAR
Thursday, Oct. 17 – Wednesday, Oct. 30
If your next event falls between Oct. 31 – Nov. 13 please submit it to explorebigsky.com/calendar-event-form by Oct. 23
THURSDAY, OCT. 17
October Show: Big Sky & Yellowstone year-round Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery, 11 a.m.
FRIDAY, OCT. 18
Horrorfest: Dawn of the Dead The Waypoint, 5 and 7 p.m.
Bozeman MADE Fair VIP
Brick Breeden Fieldhouse MSU, 5 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 19
Bozeman MADE Fair
Brick Breeden Fieldhouse MSU, 10 a.m.
Horrorfest: Zombieland The Waypoint, 5 and 7 p.m.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show The Waypoint, 9:30 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCT. 20
Horrorfest: Army of Darkness The Waypoint, 5 and 7 p.m.
St. Joseph Mass Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.
All Saints in Big Sky worship Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.
Big Sky Christian Fellowship worship Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.
Losers Cirque WMPAC, 7 p.m.
MONDAY, OCT. 21
Horrorfest: Idle Hands The Waypoint, 5 and 7 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 22
Horrorfest: Sinister The Waypoint, 5 and 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 23
Annual Black Diamond Luncheon Montage, 11 a.m.
Horrorfest: Friday the 13th The Waypoint, 5 and 7 p.m.
American Legion Fall Bingo The Riverhouse BBQ & Events, 5:30 p.m.
Mindfulness Sitting Group Wellness in Action, 6:30 p.m.
Trivia The Waypoint, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 24
Live Music: Sterling Drake Tips Up, 9 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCT. 25
Live Music: Spunj Tips Up, 8 p.m.
Skull and Roses Ball The Waypoint, 8 a.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 26
Mini Monster Mash Party The Waypoint, 3 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCT. 27
Dia de Muertos Len Hill Park, 1 p.m.
St. Joseph Mass Big Sky Chapel, 8 a.m.
All Saints in Big Sky worship Big Sky Chapel, 10 a.m.
Big Sky Christian Fellowship worship Big Sky Chapel, 4:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 29
Huang Yi & KUKA WMPAC, 7 p.m.
Western Roots Line Dancing Tips Up, 7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 30
American Legion Fall Bingo The Riverhouse BBQ & Events, 5:30 p.m.
Mindfulness Sitting Group Wellness in Action, 6:30 p.m.
Trivia The Waypoint, 7 p.m.
FEATURED EVENT: MINDFULNESS SITTING GROUP
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m.
Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. until Nov. 20, Dr. Jacquelyn Rinaldi will hold a free mindfulness sitting meditation. The sessions run for 45 minutes at the Wellness in Action building.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
A LA CARTE
WHOLE AND NOURISHED PROVIDES FRESH, LOCAL DELIVERY SERVICE DINING
BY RACHEL HERGETT EBS COLUMNIST
In an ideal world, I’d have a nice hot meal on my table at least a couple times a day—a meal lovingly prepared from scratch using fresh, healthy ingredients sourced locally or from my own garden. But who has time for that?
Instead, convenience is often key. Life gets in the way of feeding ourselves in the way we would like. We turn to faster options like fast food or takeout that, let’s face it, tend to be offered in large saltfilled portions.
Enter meal delivery services—companies that ship food directly to consumers. The internet is full of options. Some send pre-portioned ingredients you cook yourself, others offer pre-cooked meals you reheat. As a cook, I rarely stick to a full recipe, often combining parts of multiple. So, while I have friends who swear by the ingredient-based options like Hello Fresh, I know that is not my journey. As for the pre-cooked options, I tried a couple. It sure was nice to have meals arrive on my doorstep, ready except for the reheating, but after a few weeks, my stomach was not happy. The meals just didn’t make me feel good.
Part of the problem is that most of these companies are based far from us here in Montana. Meals are usually cooked, packaged and shipped from one of the coasts. And that process takes time, with the meals losing freshness at every step on their way to you.
Then, a few weeks ago, when my life felt extra chaotic and the idea of cooking dinner an evil chore I could not fathom, I remembered Whole and
Nourished and finally decided to try the local meal delivery service. Whole and Nourished was founded in 2017 by Heather Babineau-Z, who saw a need for “convenient, high-quality, full prepared meals” in the area.
Whole and Nourished offers delivery and pick up options in Belgrade, Big Sky, Bozeman and Livingston every Wednesday. And if you can’t wait until delivery day, Whole and Nourished has a variety of frozen options that are available for pickup. Menus change every week and, rather than a subscription service, customers order as much or little as they want. A full list of ingredients and allergens in each dish is provided on the website.
The company focuses on seasonal local ingredients when possible, and packages the meals in reusable or compostable packaging. I chose the reusable packaging option, paying the $35 set up fee and my order arrived on my doorstep in a soft-sided cooler. Inside, a series of mason jars held most of the meals. Next time I order from Whole and Nourished, I simply leave the empty mason jars and cooler on the stoop and they are switched out. First timers get a code for a free tub of cookie dough. As an added bonus, the company also threw in some granola on my first order.
Every dish I tried seemed to be better than the last. The Thai peanut dressing perfectly complemented the crunchy quinoa and veggie salad. I ate from the delightful chicken shawarma bowl with tzatziki sauce for two days, adding some extra vegetables to make it last. I rationed my quart jar of gazpacho, allowing myself a small cup at a time though I could have drank the whole thing in one sitting— the cold, tangy soup featuring locally grown cucumbers, tomatoes and herbs was that good.
The mayo-free Greek tuna salad with Kalamata olives seemed odd at first, but proved a welcome change from my mayo and pickle filled norm and
I gobbled it up with sliced cucumbers. I added almond and coconut milk to the chia seed pudding base and was again impressed. And then I tried the cashew coconut beef meatballs and could not hold my exclamation of delight inside, letting out an audible “mmm.”
There were no misses on my order. My stomach was happier than it had been in months. Whole and nourished, indeed.
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.
COURTESY OF WHOLE AND NOURISHED
Whole and Nourished provides “convenient, high-quality, full prepared meals” to Big Sky, Bozeman, Belgrade, and Livingston. COURTESY OF WHOLE AND NOURISHED
BUSINESS
KEITH GERTSEN JOINS BITTERROOT CAPITAL ADVISORS
BITTERROOT CAPITAL ADVISORS
Sponsored content
Bitterroot Capital Advisors, LLC, an independent Registered Investment Advisor providing personalized wealth and investment advisory services to ultra-high-net-worth families and their family offices, announced today that Keith Gertsen, a 33-year Wall Street veteran, has joined the firm as a partner.
Gertsen brings decades of experience from his prior senior roles as managing director at Citi Bank Global Markets and the Citi Private Bank where he managed ultra-high-net-worth client relationships and oversaw private banking teams as well as personally overseeing $4 billion of client assets. His extensive career includes leadership roles at hedge funds, a mutual fund and Alliance Bernstein in New York City.
“Keith brings additional dimensions to our team and we’re excited to have him,” said Andrew S. Martzloff, Partner and Founder of BCA. “His
deep expertise in managing ultra-high-net-worth relationships and leadership experience across major financial institutions will be a significant asset as we grow our business.”
Gertsen is enthusiastic about joining BCA’s highly personalized, virtual family office model.
“I’m thrilled to be joining BCA, having known Andrew and Carl for over two decades and witnessing them grow an excellent family office platform that shares my values and commitment to delivering tailored, client-first wealth management services to this growing market segment,” Gertsen said.
“With our robust, time-tested and experienced team, BCA is exceptionally well-positioned to continue serving UHNW families and addressing the complexities many of them face today,” Martzloff added. “These require—and deserve— dedicated, bespoke solutions delivered via a pure and unbiased fiduciary model.”
Gertsen will build the firm’s presence in South Florida from his primary base in Palm Beach.
For more information about Bitterroot Capital and its services, visit bitterrootcapital.com or contact Carrie Chestnut at carrie@bitterrootcapital.com or 406-203-0837.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BITTERROOT CAPITAL ADVISORS
BY ELLIE BOESCHENSTEIN
This past August, Rainbow Ranch Lodge hired Chef Nick Mehmke as their new executive chef. Mehmke has 17 years of diverse culinary experience and has been a leader across kitchens in the Midwest, West Coast and locations all across the state of Montana. Mehmke feels strongly about incorporating sustainability into his cooking and provides farm-to-table dining, and with his experience in organic farming, he brings top quality ingredients to the table. When visiting Rainbow Ranch Lodge, you are sure to experience top notch service and culinary works.
Explore Big Sky spoke with Chef Mehmke to learn more about his culinary journey and to discover what’s in store for Rainbow Ranch Lodge’s dining experience.
This series is part of a paid partnership with the Big Sky Chamber of Commerce. The following answers have been edited for brevity.
Explore Big Sky: Nick, would you first tell me about yourself – what brought you to Big Sky?
Nick Mehmke: I [was] born in Montana. My family have been farmers and ranchers for five generations. I grew up driving tractors and working with cattle. I started cooking in restaurants at 15 and continued until my early 30s, when through opportunity and the desire for more time with my young kids I went back to my family's farm for the last decade. In the last year me and my wife decided that I would return to the industry and … Rainbow Ranch had the opening for [an] executive chef position. I had previously worked at Rainbow Ranch starting as an intern and leaving four years later as sous chef (2001-2005). The return felt like a rounding of my career and a bit like coming back home.
EBS: What inspired you to pursue a career in the culinary arts and what has your journey looked like?
NM: My family always had a love for food and an opportunity in a small Chinese restaurant as a dishwasher/prep cook started me down the path I am [on] today. I worked through high school at the restaurant, working my way through all facets of production. I then attended culinary school in Portland, Oregon at [the] Western Culinary Institute and after, as I mentioned before, I worked at Rainbow Ranch. From there I took an executive chef position at a historic hotel, the Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton, Montana where I spent several years learning to develop my cooking and management style. From there, I returned to Big Sky to the 320 Guest Ranch as executive chef for a few seasons. I then took the opportunity to help
build a restaurant in Williams Bay, Wisconsin called Pier 290 preparing high volume upscale casual dining on the shore of Lake Geneva. After a few years of running the kitchen there, I decided to leave the industry and return to my family’s farm. In the last year my wife and I decided that a return, for me, to the culinary industry was our next path. The opportunity at Rainbow Ranch felt like the right move for us. Our two youngest girls are attending Ophir school and my wife is starting in the area of yoga therapy and is looking to work in the counseling services in the near future.
EBS: How would you describe your culinary style, and what new things are you bringing to Rainbow Ranch Lodge?
NM: I feel my food has a strong French influence with some inspirations coming from international cuisines such as Asian and Italian. I am trying to bring more local ingredients and flavors to the restaurant by using some of the ingredients I have grown before and working with local growers like Gallatin Valley Botanical, or using local goat cheese from Amaltheia Dairy. I am also continuing the from-scratch fine dining approach that I remember [from] when I started as an intern at Rainbow Ranch and captivated my excitement for food. Butchering the different meats and game in house, long productions of stocks and sauces and care and love for producing food, that becomes infectious in the kitchen.
EBS: How do you pay homage to the legacy of Rainbow Ranch’s history?
NM: I think by remembering the amazing meals I was a part of producing as a young cook and trying to pay homage to the chefs and managers I worked with by striving to produce the same level of food and dining experience.
EBS: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned about food and cooking?
NM: I think to stay humble. The staff around you are your team and by extension become a part of your family. When I [worked] at the French Laundry, I remember Thomas Keller everyday went around the kitchen and introduced himself and shook the hand of everyone new or checked
in personally with his cooks to see how they were doing. That always stuck with me. I feel we are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with and it is important that we support them as much as they support us. The culinary industry can be a difficult field to work in but with the right team and common mindset and goals, we can make great food.
EBS: Can you walk us through your creative process when developing a new dish?
NM: I usually will start with a main ingredient that I want to highlight in the dish and that will a lot of the time be based on the seasons and what is available locally. For entrees for instance, I would start with the protein such as the whitefish coming from native fish keepers on Flathead Lake and I will look for a starch that can compliment but not overwhelm, like black beluga lentils. There is a lot of richness at that point so I added some pan roasted cherry tomatoes for bright sweetness, then I add a watercress salad to give a nice peppery crisp flavor and color to help the dish balance out. I try not to have anything be too overwhelming. I like to give a range of textures and flavors that make the dish exciting to eat but balanced so at the last bite it tastes like the first and my hope is you will be excited for the next course.
EBS: What are some of the biggest challenges you face or have faced?
NM: I think the biggest challenge, so far, has been staffing. We are doing well through our J-1 Visa programs but the cost to live in the area can be a restraint to find labor.
EBS: What is your favorite ingredient to work with and why?
NM: That is hard and is constantly changing especially with the seasons. I love brussel sprouts and fresh tomatoes. As we get into the fall I am thinking of slow braised lamb shanks and elk short ribs, and I admit that we make fresh pasta in house.
EBS: What do you want diners to feel or experience when they eat your food?
NM: I would like them to be comforted by the experience and excited to come join us again. I do like to play with some fun combinations of flavors but most of the time I like to bring the most out of the components of a dish. The flavors keep it simple, like with the huckleberry chicken on our menu we brine it in a huckleberry brine giving it a tangy rich flavor and pan roast it to order. Building the sauce in the pan with the chicken and adding more fresh huckleberries making a rich but sweet tangy pan gravy and pair the dish with a creamy barley risotto and wilted greens. In ways it is a comfort food but heightened and refined for the fine dining setting.
Nick Mehmke, Rainbow Ranch Lodge's Executive Chef
ENVIRONMENT DISPATCHES FROM THE WILD: AN ODE TO SPOTTED KNAPWEED
BY BENJAMIN ALVA POLLEY EBS COLUMNIST
Oh, to be spotted knapweed.
I don’t know about you, but I am in awe of invasive spotted knapweed.
I wish you were more ubiquitous than you already are. I love how competitive you are and how you send your toxic herbicide into the soil, poisoning other native and non-native plants by monopolizing the soil near your giant taproot. How amazing that each plant has millions of tiny seeds to help you germinate and colonize the world, one plant at a time. You now reside in almost every state in the Lower 48, except Georgia, Oklahoma and Texas, but look out, here you come. Your tiny seeds latch onto vehicles, bikes, boats and planes, clothes, shoelaces, pets, livestock, bird feathers and wildlife fur; secretly slip into hay bales, seeds, or feed; drift down rivers and ride the wind. Oh, how magnificent! This vigorous plant has many ways to propagate and conquer the world.
The plant first migrated to the shores of North America in the late 1800s, hitchhiking as a contaminant in alfalfa seed. Whether by choice or not—as the brilliant author Michael Pollan suggests how other plants use humans to grow, evolve and
spread in his lovely book “The Botany of Desire”— is hard to say since my relationship with spotted knapweed at this point hasn’t extended beyond a mere crush. Still, I see you, spotted knapweed, literally, everywhere I ramble. You are always on my mind, in my eyes and possibly in my clothes. Oh, how I long to be near you.
Your hardy flowers, colored from fuchsia to lavender, resemble planetary bodies in Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night.” The way you flower for months, compared to the brief blossoming of other fragile flowers that last merely days or weeks, is truly captivating. But spotted knapweed, you are solid and burly. A hard, deep frost barely slows your growth. Your resilience is like a wildfire, allconsuming, requiring winter to suffocate you in a blanket of snow. Your desire to propagate smolders long past the will of other plants.
I am amazed at how you choke out asters, Indian paintbrush, pearly everlasting, and almost anything else.
Spotted knapweed, with your thick, woody stem and gray-green, almost silvery leaves, you are a testament to resilience. Natural selection has designed you to withstand browsing, trampling, and quick removal, making you a formidable presence in any ecosystem. Your root is so long that it is hard to pull it all the way out of the ground. Your ability to thrive in dry and wet conditions but also in disturbed areas, like developed
areas or areas where machinery has removed native vegetation, is truly impressive.
I adore how I have pulled and yanked hundreds of plants from a trail I run regularly, thinking I was getting a toehold. Then, the following year, I returned to see you were thicker and more lush than before I fussed over it.
While you are undeniably fascinating, your environmental impact on wildlife and other plants is significant. You decrease biodiversity, reduce forage for wildlife and livestock, increase erosion, and degrade wildlife habitat. The plant’s invasiveness is cause for concern and warrants further understanding and action.
Oh, how I wish this plant were everywhere. Soon, you will be.
But with knowledge and action, we can prevent its further spread. Let's learn more about invasive species and how to manage them in our local ecosystems. If you aren’t fond of this plant like I am (wink-wink), read my three-part series from May and June about managing invasive plants.
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.
Spotted knapweed is a hardy invasive species. ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
ENVIRONMENT
EVERY DROP COUNTS: INDOOR WATER CONSERVATION
BY ROBIN FEDOCK EBS COLUMNIST
After a balmy start to fall, it finally feels like winter is coming to Big Sky. With this seasonal transition—including a shift to spending more time indoors—comes new opportunities to conserve water in service of protecting the Gallatin River and our water supply. As you think about putting your gardens to bed and trading in your oars and paddles for skis and poles, consider also trading in your inefficient bathroom, kitchen, and laundry fixtures and appliances in your homes and businesses with ones that are more water wise and cost effective.
First, a quick reminder about why water conservation is important: snowmelt drives water supply in Big Sky, recharging groundwater that feeds the Gallatin River and providing water for public consumption and downstream users. Because of climate change, shifting patterns show a trend of reduced snowpack, brought on by earlier snowmelt, lower later-season streamflows, and more frequent droughts. In other words, our region’s water supply is in decline.
Conserving water is the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to thrive through drought, stretch water supplies, and protect the Gallatin River. As Big Sky continues to grow, water demand increases, and our water supply becomes less reliable and efficient, conservationminded water use is critical. Luckily, everyone in the community can take action to conserve what we have, and there are helpful programs, like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense label, that can help.
What is WaterSense?
WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. EPA that seeks to protect the future of our water supply by offering people simple ways to use less water with water-efficient products, new homes, and services. The average family can save nearly 38,000 gallons of water per year by retrofitting its house with WaterSense labeled
fixtures and appliances. Products that have earned the WaterSense label have been independently certified to use 20% less water and perform as well as or better than standard models.
Incentives for indoor water conservation
Using WaterSense and Energy Star labeled fixtures are good for Big Sky’s water supply and good for your wallet. The Gallatin River Task Force offers cash rebates to Big Sky community members who prioritize water conservation in their homes and businesses by installing WaterSense and Energy
Star certified fixtures and appliances, including toilets, urinals, showerheads, clothes washers, and bathroom faucets.
Rebate amounts and qualifications vary, and you can access details at gallatinrivertaskforce.org
Most large retailers (Ace Hardware, Lowes, Home Depot, etc.) are knowledgeable and will have their products clearly labeled. You can also find a qualifying model, using the Product Search on the WaterSense page, and Energy Star’s Product Finder.
IMAGE COURTESY OF WATERSENSE
The Gallatin River in early autumn. PHOTO BY JEN CLANCEY
BEAR NECESSITIES: BIG SKY COMMUNITY LIBRARY HOSTS AUTHOR KEVIN GRANGE
FORMER PARAMEDIC AND PARK RANGER SHARES EXPERIENCES AND RESEARCH
FROM HIS NEW BOOK, ‘GRIZZLY CONFIDENTIAL’
BY LESLIE KILGORE
This column is presented in partnership with Hey Bear, a retail brand based in Big Sky focused on grizzly bear conservation and awareness. If you have a story about a bear encounter or interaction in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, please submit via email to media@outlaw.partners.
BIG SKY—On tour for his new book “Grizzly Confidential,” author Kevin Grange visited the Big Sky Community Library on Oct. 9 to share his experiences researching and traveling in the field with bear experts around the country.
Based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Grange said he has always been fascinated by bears but when the well-known Grizzly 399 took her four cubs on a walkabout around his home in Jackson in 2021, he realized he was also terrified by them.
“As a firefighter/paramedic and former Park Ranger, I’ve been trained to go into those places that might frighten me,” Grange said. “The best way out is through, so I decided to explore my fascination and fear of brown bears by venturing into the wild as a park ranger.”
Grange began traveling around the American West and Alaska to learn everything he could about bears and answer the important question: how can we coexist? He hopes to answer that question with “Grizzly Confidential.” Grange hopes readers learn more about bears, realize that coexistence is possible with some discipline and that the rewards from that coexistence are many and worthwhile.
Some of the rewards he addressed during his visit include bears regulating prey species, tilling the soil with their claws, dispersing seeds through their scat and bringing nitrogen and phosphorus into the forests by discarding salmon carcasses.
“Bears have a cultural and spiritual value to many people, and they are a sign of ecosystem health,” Grange said. “As bear whisperer and conservationist Lynne Seus says, ‘where the grizzly can walk, the earth is healthy and whole.’”
Grange explained how his experiences researching bears, interviewing scientists and being out in the field with various experts on the subject helped create a lens in his book through which we can view and learn about the different aspects of bear and human coexistence.
“There are strong divisions within the bear world between animal rights groups, biologists, wildlife managers and the hunting and ranching communities. I hope my book generates discussion, allows people to view bears from a different perspective, and facilitates discussions between groups that are not currently in dialogue,” Grange said.
While using science, humor, and his own initial prejudice to debunk myths about bears—primarily that they’re “ferocious, blood-thirsty carnivores who are only out to get people,” which he said is often how they’re portrayed in the news—he also described specific moments in his book that he found particularly challenging to write about.
During Grange’s research, he joined a bear hunt on Kodiak Island with several sportsmen.
“Personally, I’d never shoot a bear, so this chapter was challenging to write, but many biologists and conservationists were telling me how a highly regulated hunt can improve tolerance for bears and provide economic stimulus to a community,” Grange said. “I also discovered how sportsmen can help report [and] prevent poaching, assist biologists with field counts, and help some people find value in grizzlies when they otherwise would only see them as a net loss on the landscape.”
The most surprising thing Grange learned while writing “Grizzly Confidential” was that grizzlies aren’t “out to get us.” Rather than strictly carnivores, they are “opportunistic omnivores” who mainly feed on non-meat sources because that’s the type of food most predictable for bears.
“Bears live by a ticking clock—they have a limited
time to get the fat and nutrients they need for hibernation, so they mainly want to be left alone and they don’t like surprises,” Grange said. "I discovered bears aren’t naturally aggressive towards humans. They only act that way when they feel surprised, threatened, or when they’re hungry and have been taught to associate people with food.”
Grange hopes his book will educate more people that coexistence with bears is quite simple. He mentioned following best practices when in bear country, such as traveling as part of a group and making noise; always carrying bear spray; avoiding hikes in high-density bear areas at dawn or dusk when bears are most active; and securing attractants like trash, compost, food, birdfeeders, beehives and chicken coops around one’s house.
“Rather than one big action by, say, a federal agency, coexistence requires a lot of small actions like securing trash by thousands of people,” Grange said. “And one omission can cause the whole thing to crash. It’s great if you’ve secured attractants around your house, but if your neighbor hasn’t done the same across the street, a bear could become foodconditioned and begin creating problems.”
While writing “Grizzly Confidential,” Grange interviewed experienced biologists, read research documents and fact-checked every chapter with a variety of bear experts. He also understood that there are differing opinions in the bear conversation, and worked to include multiple perspectives in each chapter.
“Ultimately, the book is a snapshot in time during the years I was writing and researching this book, but it hits on a few timeless truths regarding people’s relationship with bears; how we’ve evolved, and some of the best practices for keeping grizzlies on the landscape,” Grange said.
“Storytelling and literature play a huge role in awareness and conservation. My job as a writer is to make the science interesting and entertaining. And, ideally, open hearts and minds.”
“Grizzly Confidential” came out on Sept. 17, 20204.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN GRANGE
Author Kevin Grange. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN GRANGE
Listed
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Bozeman
BY KALEY BURNS EBS COLUMNIST
When most of us think of food allergies, we may picture common childhood allergies such as peanuts and shellfish.
But did you know, as adults, we can develop food reactions?
In today's society we can develop a food reaction, at any age, to any food, despite having eaten that food without any prior symptoms. Studies have found that almost half of those living with food reactions developed it after the age of 18.
Let’s first delineate an intolerance from a sensitivity. Generally, an intolerance means that the individual doesn’t have what their body needs to digest or break down a certain food. For example, lactose intolerance means that an individual may experience gas, diarrhea, bloating, or cramping due to a lack of an essential enzyme, called lactase, whenever they eat dairy products.
A food sensitivity may take a bit longer to discover because the symptoms can vary and the time it takes to experience those symptoms varies. Sensitivities provoke an immune reaction which can cause anything from brain fog, bloating, joint and muscle pain, to headaches, skin problems, psychological concerns, and any number of other issues.
If you think food sensitivity is a concern for you, lab tests can help determine both the root cause and specific sensitivity. This helps in determining an effective treatment.
Why do we develop these reactions later in life? Our immune system is constantly evolving and fighting off new exposures or increased exposures. Most of our immune system is housed in our GI tract. As we are bombarded with toxins or pathogens, our GI barrier can become compromised. Therefore, a large factor in developing sensitivity is related to how permeable the barriers in our gastrointestinal tract become and the subsequent inflammatory response.
As we go through life, most of us have also been exposed to antibiotics, NSAIDs, and other items
that interfere with our protective barrier. What can we do about it?
First and foremost—amp up your gut healing. If you don’t work on healing your GI system, it doesn’t matter how many elimination diets you do, you’ll be left fighting the same symptoms over and over.
Once you have discovered the foods that need to be eliminated or reduced, you can begin to incorporate healers such as bone broth, probiotics, cooking foods, chewing thoroughly, and reducing inflammation.
Reducing inflammation is necessary for sustaining long-term GI healing. This can entail reducing stress levels, eating anti-inflammatory foods while avoiding inflammatory foods, or adding in supplements like curcumin and glutamine.
Dr. Kaley Burns is a licensed Naturopathic Physician providing a wide range of services for her clients, including: Naturopathic Medicine, IV Nutrient Therapy, Regenerative Injections, Rejuvenation Therapies, Vitamin Shots, and Nutrition Counseling. She embraces a natural approach to health and aims to similarly inspire and guide others on their health journey.
Summit Drive offers two premier 20-acre lots just outside Bozeman, providing breathtaking 360-degree views of four iconic mountain ranges: the Madisons, Bridgers, Gallatins, and Tobacco Roots. These properties feature multiple homesite options with gentle sloped topography, perfect for building your dream home while taking in the stunning Montana landscape. Enjoy easy year-round access via a well-maintained road, with with neighborhood road snow removal provided by the HOA.
The neighborhood includes a 14-acre common area with hiking trails, a creek, and an outdoor riding arena. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Bozeman, 40 minutes to Big Sky, and close to the Gallatin River, Summit Drive is perfectly situated for those seeking both tranquility and adventure. Surrounded by large lots and agricultural land, the property offers privacy and space, with access to nearby Gallatin National Forest for motorized and non-motorized recreation, hunting, and hiking.
With frequent wildlife sightings, including deer, elk, and upland game birds, Summit Drive offers the quintessential Montana experience—complete with stunning sunsets over the Flying D Ranch and alpenglow on the Bridger Mountains.
Listed by: Darren Streets | 406.570.4862 | darren@outlaw.realty
$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.
BACK 40
BUILDING IN A DICHOTOMY
THE CHALLENGES OF LIVING IN THE WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE
BY TAYLOR OWENS
This story was originaly published in the summer 2024 issue of Mountain Outlaw.
The Wildland-Urban Interface is a crucial boundary where human development converges with nature. Big Sky, Montana sits in this zone with its structures prone to wildfire and extreme weather conditions.
“We don't live in an environment that most of the United States lives in,” said David Dexter, chief executive officer at Cornerstone Management Services. “We are very unique. We have a lot of snow. We now have a lot of fire danger. It’s that weird dichotomy. And a lot of people in the United States don't even have one of those.”
In Big Sky’s early years, construction of homes and businesses did not include planning for building in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI), which was nothing more than an afterthought. Today, the Big Sky community and local businesses have taken a more active role in preparedness through compliant building practices, forward-thinking planning and investment in research into WUI-compliant building materials to improve resilience against the ever-looming threat of wildfire.
“I think that we as builders, humanity, oftentimes in 20 years look back and think ‘Crap, I can't believe we did that,’” Dexter said. “Trying to get that view into the future, understanding what implications 20 years down the road will be, so we can plan for it now, so it's not something that catches us off guard.”
Cornerstone Management Services (CMS) in Big Sky has put in time and research, as well as
collaboration with students in Montana State University’s engineering department, to develop the best WUI-compliant building practices, materials and efficiencies to mitigate wildfire risk.
Wildfires in the West are getting larger and more dangerous, and more people are moving to the WUI, lowering the bar of vulnerability.
“We've all seen the differences between winters, from last winter to this winter, and even the one
previous where we had the Yellowstone [River] flood,” said Teran Foster, research and development
manager at CMS. “So, there's different precipitation that is happening every year, so it's not consistent. That also creates this drastic potential for wildfires. Again, we've all seen it. We've all breathed that smoke. But Wildland-Urban Interface is a great starting point and standard.”
Building in the WUI is a matter of dealing with the potential for wildfire, as well as the potential for significant snowfall. Ice damming on roofs is a constant consideration for homes in the WUI, and cold roof systems have become the best way to combat this. CMS has developed a cold roof system designed and tested for the Big Sky environment that reduces ice damming; prevents condensation build-up; reduces heating and cooling costs; and provides prolonged life expectancy of roofing materials.
And on the flip-side is fire. A home burning down is the process of structural ignition. Focusing first on the structure of a home, the building materials need to be assessed. Historically, wood products unsurprisingly burn under enough heat or exposure from wildfire. Wildfire-resistant building materials can include materials like metal and asphalt.
“We know a great deal about how to build smarter, durable, more sustainable homes in high-risk areas,” said Kimiko Barrett Ph.D., Wildfire Research & Policy Lead at Headwaters Economics. “We know from decades of research, laboratory experiments, and post-fire analyses that building materials, structural design and neighborhood layout are critical determinants of a home's survival from a wildfire. So it is really a scale issue because it has to occur at all scales.”
The near home combustible zone is absolutely critical. This zone is zero to 5 feet from the home
The Bridger Foothills Fire erupted after a particularly dry summer in September of 2020 within eyesight of the city of Bozeman. A stark reminder of the threat of wildfire, despite the growing population in the valley below, the fire forced evacuation in a 167 square mile area, burned over 7,000 acres in a six hour period and destroyed 28 homes.
ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
Cold roofs are one of many engineering developments Cornerstone Management Services has been applying for home adaptation in the Wildland Urban Interface. PHOTO COURTESY OF CORNERSTONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
itself. This is generally the region where people would keep their flower beds, for instance. When one home starts to burn, it gives off radiant heat and, as the house itself becomes a source of fuel, threatens surrounding structures.
The key factors when considering designing a home in the WUI are ignition points, layout of the land or neighborhood, building materials, landscaping and vegetation.
“Vegetation management I don't think has been done quite effectively here [in Big Sky], where there's trees and dry brush or even just firewood that's stacked up against the housing,” Foster said. “Our largest hope is to be able to have that fully WUI-compliant exterior to protect these homes and then also have the vegetation management done properly.”
Bark mulch is incredibly popular in Montana and in many parts of the country, but is highly flammable because it covers a wide surface area and is often chemically treated. Replacing materials like bark mulch with gravel can aid in wildfire resistance.
“Unlike the common media narrative of a wall of flames that comes down a mountainside and burns a community to the ground, what in fact is the primary culprit of home loss are embers,” Barrett said. “Embers can fly. What we're talking about are the little fireballs that launch themselves out of a campfire, for instance. And yet this is obviously at much larger scale with a wildfire. But they are these balls of flames, also known as firebrands. They launch themselves anywhere from 1 to 4 miles ahead of a wildfire front.”
If embers land on any flammable surface area, they can grow in size and intensity to become a spot fire. The spot fire will then propagate wildfire spread from a home into a community. When considering a home’s vulnerability to wildfire, one must consider embers and any exposed surface area that can ignite.
“It’s not just a roof. It's also the valleys of the roof where embers can accumulate,” Barrett said. “If there's pine needles in that roof valley, they'll ignite the pine needles or what's in your gutters. If you have vegetation and debris within your gutters, you must think about working your way down from that decking surface areas, often made of wood. Very often on the surface of the deck is a lot of flammable furniture or materials, like firewood, like furniture itself, propane tanks. Things like this, all of which are vulnerable ignition points. If you have a house that has wood siding, that is another exposure and vulnerability, especially if you have a lot of vegetation or plants built up against the home as well.”
CMS in Big Sky provides construction and remodel services to clients building in the WUI,
Own Your Zone – Exterior Home Protection
As a way to prepare residents from wildfire threats, the Big Sky Fire Department and other agencies provide a multitude of resources, including this home protection risk assessment, found in the Big Sky Wildfire Protection Guide. GRAPHIC COURTESY OF THE BIG SKY FIRE DEPARTMENT
as well as offering guidance regarding vegetation management; roofing; venting; exterior coverings; decking; exterior windows and doors; and more. In addition to being a supplier and operating business however, wildfire safety is a personal matter, as many of CMS’s employees live and raise their families in Big Sky.
“Our overall mission is to protect and progress our communities,” Dexter said. “We’re trying to do that by really redefining that exterior building envelope, but really, instead of looking at just one piece of the puzzle, looking at that holistic picture at the same time.”
One important design consideration on a home, Barrett explains, are the eaves. “By enclosing your eaves with a non-combustible soffit, for example, you are preventing that heat trapping from occurring where you would have embers penetrate through the attic vents or in through the soffit,” Barrett said. “It's little things, as well, when you talk about the exterior of a home that's vulnerable. You're talking about the roof, the eaves, the exterior wall, the deck, and the non-combustible zone. And then windows and doors are also vulnerable points.”
Many homes in Montana are being built in wildfire risk areas, with an increase in building in these areas during the pandemic. The risk of wildfire is going up significantly each year and the responsibility and
accountability is on the individual homeowner to consider that risk.
“Mitigation has to occur at scale,” Barrett said. “What we know is that one homeowner can fully mitigate his property and his structure, but if his neighbor does nothing, then his house is still at risk
because of how wildfire ignition occurs and radiant heat threat.”
“This is going to become part of the challenge that homeowners face in Montana, particularly not with just increasing risk, but for insurance, which is going to become a very real concern for many of us in the not too distant future,” Barrett said. “It already is for some.”
Montana does have a Wildland-Urban Interface code that was adopted from a national model and explicitly addresses wildfire. Theoretically, this model code isn’t intended to address wildfire construction in high-risk areas; when Montana adopted this code, legislature stripped it of anything regulatory in nature. State government in Montana tends to be anti-regulatory and does not want pushback from the construction industry. By watering down this code, the state does not allow local jurisdictions, towns or counties to adopt anything more stringent than what the state has already adopted.
“What the state has done has really prohibited and limited the abilities for local jurisdictions to regulate through a WUI code or a building code,” Barrett said. “But it is needed for reducing risk at scale. It is the only measure that works because of the compliance mechanism behind it.”
Currently, Montana is hamstrung at the state level, and until that is overturned, local jurisdictions do not have a lot of authority to implement strong wildfire resistance measures.
“I just want to make sure that readers know that building to wildfire resistance standards does not mean you need to have affluence, wealth or access to highly specialized materials,” Barrett said. “That's not true. These are widely available materials, and they can be quite cost affordable.”
The 2022 Moose Fire seen from Salmon, Idaho. Wildland firefighters are no stranger to managing and fighting fires in the Salmon-Challis National Forest; the area has a long history with fire shaping the landscape. OUTLAW PARTNERS PHOTO
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