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Big Sky

Big Sky’s Locally Owned & Published Newspaper

Photo by: Matty McCain

April 15, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #8

special issue:

Winter Season Finale in Big Sky Montana’s 2011 legislative session

+

earth day april 22nd

New Bison Conservation Area in Gardiner Basin

Pro skier Jamie Pierre moves to Montana media@theoutlawpartners.com

Big Sky

Big Sky Weekly

April 15, 2011 Volume 2, Issue 8 CEO, PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Eric Ladd COO & SENIOR EDITOR Megan Paulson CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mike Martins MANAGING EDITOR Emily Stifler GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelsey Dzintars EDITOR Abbie Digel Sales Director Hunter Rothwell Distribution Director Danielle Chamberlain VIDEOGRAPHER Brian Niles CONTRIBUTors Travis Andersen, Audrae Coury, Ethan Gaddy, Dave Granger, Carter Johnsen, Katie Middleton, Brandon Niles, Jackie Robin, Rachel Roth, Scotty Savage, Tucker Shey, Amy Smit Kim Thielman-Ibes, Ryan Turner

Big Sky Weekly Editor Abbie Digel enjoying April powder!

Editorial Policy Outlaw Partners LLC is the sole owner of The Big Sky Weekly. No part of this publication may be reprinted without written permission from the publisher. The Big Sky Weekly reserves the right to edit all submitted material for content, corrections or length. Printed material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or the editors of this publication. No advertisements, columns, letters to the editor or other information will be published that contain discrimination based on sex, age, race, religion, creed, nationality, sexual preference, or are in bad taste.

Paper Distribution Distributed every other Friday in towns across Southwest Montana, including Big Sky, Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Three Forks and Livingston.

CORRECTIONS The Big Sky Weekly runs corrections to errors we’ve printed. Please report them to emily@theoutlawpartners.com OUTLAW PARTNERS & THE BIG SKY WEEKLY P.O. Box 160250 Big Sky, MT 59716 explorebigsky.com (406) 995-2055 media@theoutlawpartners.com © 2011 The Big Sky Weekly Unauthorized reproduction prohibited

2 April 15, 2011

Outlaw Partners to Host April 21st Business After Hours at Choppers The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce and Outlaw Partners would like to cordially invite all current and potential Chamber Members to the upcoming Business After Hours, set for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21 at Choppers in the Town Center.

This is a venue for Chamber members to get together for an evening to meet new faces in the growing membership, and get reacquainted with old ones. Come savor tasty morsels and sip on refreshing beverages while you catch up on the state of business among your Big Sky colleagues.

Letter to the Editor Parameters This is a platform for readers to express views and share ways they would like to effect change. The Weekly will run letters, positive or negative, of 250 words or less that are respectful, ethical, state accurate facts and figures, and are proofread for grammar and content. We reserve the right to edit letters. Please include: first and last name, address, phone number and title. Send letters to emily@theoutlawpartners.com.

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The After Hours functions are a great avenue for increasing the exposure for businesses within Big Sky area and beyond.

This will be one after hours you won’t want to miss! Join us and Outlaw Partners at Choppers at 5:30 p.m. for this month’s Business After Hours social.

For more information, please contact the Chamber office at 995-3000.

Table of Contents Community…4

Classifieds…24

Big Sky…6

Events…25

Local News…7

Health & Wellness...27

Regional…11 Montana…12 Explore...15 Profile…17

Collage…29 Food & Dining…31 Music Hunter…43 Entertainment…33 Outdoors...34

Youth…19

Music Hunter…37

Sports…21

Fun...38

Business...22

Back 40...40

Big Sky Weekly

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Big Sky Weekly

community

A Conversation with Senator Baucus In true Montana spirit, Senator speaks of skiing, education, travel to LPHS Students Ever since I’ve been in Congress, snowmobiles have been an issue. We should not stop machines from going into Yellowstone Park.

I am very proud that you [Big Sky] have a high school now.

Are you happy with what happened with the budget plan?

I’m happy, but it’s a compromise.

So do you think there was enough money cut?

The debate has been over how much spending there should be for fiscal year 2011. We need to consider future years. We have a $14 trillion national debt.

Senator Max Baucus LPHS History teacher Cameron Johnson’s Problems of Democracy high school class studies everything from the Supreme Court to local government. Last week, students sent Senator Baucus questions regarding the state budget, healthcare and tourism. The senator “virtually” sat down with the students via Skype to discuss the issues.

An abridged version of their conversation follows: A.D.

Opening words from Baucus I probably shouldn’t say this, but my favorite place to ski is Big Sky. I ski there every year, and visit every summer.

My main job is to work for you. We are an outdoors state. We want to enjoy it, and to do that, we have to have decent jobs, and put food on the table.

What is being done to boost Montana’s economy?

The more we boost tourism, the more it helps. Our state has been discovered. The APEC conference is bringing 23-25 countries. Get signed up for a project, and invite ministers from other countries to your school. I [also] put on an economic development conference showcasing Montana. Some think it’s just beautiful skies, streams and cowboys, but there are great companies and towns, too. An upcoming farm bill coming will help parts of our state.

We have more federal highway miles than any other state in the country, and that helps.

What’s your favorite part of your job? Your least favorite?

I like talking to students. You have the whole world ahead of you. You’re young, optimistic. You ask positive questions, and aren’t cynical like older people are.

I have the best job in the world. Montana really is the best place. It’s rewarding to help solve problems.

I brought the APEC conference to Big Sky because I

like to work with people.

The worst part? Fundraising. You have to raise a lot to win elections. It’s obscene. You can’t cap the amount of money you can raise to win an election. It’s up to the Supreme Court to overturn that ruling. Homework is more fun than fundraising.

What are the plans to increase spending on education?

I have a soft spot for education. Most high schools are paid for by the state. Higher education is often financed by the federal government. I can’t do a lot in Montana in respect to education, but I guarantee you don’t have to leave to find a good paying job. The more you educate yourself, the more choices you have.

Are you for or against Obama’s health care bill?

The health care bill will help reduce costs in this country. Americans pay 60 percent more per person than the next highest-paying country…a very inefficient system. The point of the new system is to gain control.

We’re a small business state, and health insurance companies take advantage of that. It’s the right thing to do. Is it perfect? No. A lot has been said that is made up about the bill. You have to go the extra mile, ask legitimate, constructive questions to figure out if what someone says is right or not.

Closing words I strongly urge you to travel. I am here because I went to an overseas campus in college. I was with 80 other students like myself in France, but didn’t learn French.

After, I went backpacking on my own… [That] helped me solve problems. [Go] see what it’s all about. It will help ground you and decide what you want to do.

Local resources in Big Sky are here to help

By Abbie Digel Like other rural Montana towns, Big Sky is isolated from services and the access to care that larger towns have.

“While Big Sky’s resources are limited, the community’s problems often mirror those found in larger communities,” said Stasia Owen, a local Big Sky Counselor from the MSU Human Development Clinic.

An incident of domestic assault occurred on February 18 within a local Big Sky family, causing distress and concern to the family and other Big Sky residents. The family has relocated since. When such incidents occur in Big Sky and the surrounding canyon, they should not be ignored. There are resources available to help.

Immediate resources available to victims in Big Sky are police, doctors, teachers, school counselors, pastors and counselors in the community.

4 April 15, 2011

“Each of these sources of support continually works to offer better and more extensive services to the Big Sky population,” said Owen, who is a graduate counseling student and offers her services weekly in Big Sky. Sergeant Matt Daugherty, of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department, said this “has been the busiest winter ever” for Gallatin County Police. Along with the February incident, Daugherty deals with DUIs and other violent crimes. He said, in the most urgent of situations calling 911 is always the most effective form of emergency assistance.

There are various services based in Bozeman that reach out to Big Sky. Packets and information with contact information are available in the Sheriff’s office, located in the Town Center next to the fire department. At the local Big Sky Sheriff’s office, victims can apply for an Order of Protection, or a restraining order. When obtain-

explorebigsky.com

ing an Order of Protection, a victim can request the assistance of a Legal Advocate through The Network Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse.

A legal advocate can attend a client’s hearing, provide emotional support, and refer clients to attorneys. Their number is 582-2038.

Information on the Victim Assistance Program, a resource, service and advocate for the rights of victims and witnesses, is also available at the Big Sky Sheriff’s office. Their phone numbers are 582-2075 or 582-2076.

Visit gallatin.mt.gov and click “Service Directory,” then “Victim Services” for a full list of phone numbers and services offered through the Sheriff’s department.

Women in Action, Big Sky’s nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of children and families, has recently partnered with MSU’s Human Development Clinic to expand counseling services in Big Sky. This newly

expanded service is available to adults, adolescents, children, couples and families of Big Sky at a low-cost. The services are provided at a discrete location and confidentiality is assured.

The counseling is one of the avenues of support for those affected by domestic violence in our community, said Owen. Call (406) 570-3907 to make an appointment.

Kasey Anderson, Ophir School District’s guidance counselor, has been working additional hours at the school as a confidential resource for students and their families. Email her at kanderson@ophirschool.org or call her office (406) 995-4281 ext. 221.

Other resources in Gallatin County are havenmt.org (406) 586-4111, an organization that provides emergency shelter and support, and bozemanhelpcenter.org, a 24-hour emergency hotline and walk-in counseling center in Bozeman.

Big Sky Weekly

Obituary - Brandon Renkin Brandon Renkin of Gardiner, Montana was an inspiration to all that knew him. Although he appeared small, he was a giant of an individual. His life was cut short on April 7, 2011, at age 18, one month shy of graduating from Gardiner High School. Brandon lived life to the fullest, and packed in a lot during his short journey on earth.

Diagnosed with Muscular Distrophy at an early age, he never let his handicap stop him. He was highly intelligent, and he rarely

complained. One friend remembers, “He had a happy attitude, and he could spin brodies in his power wheel chair.” Brandon was a pillar of strength who touched many lives and hearts.

He is survived by his parents, Roy and Diane Renkin. A service is scheduled for April 23 at 1 p.m. at the Gardiner School gymnasium.

A beautiful Irish Tribute song to Brandon is online at: youtube.com/ watch?v=5H7ZYmLgHDc

Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club Accepting Scholarship Applications Gallatin Canyon Women’s Club is accepting scholarship applications for the 2011-2012 academic school year. Applicants must be graduates of Ophir School and attending or planning to attend a post-secondary accredited academic or technical institution.

be $2,000. Depending on the number of applicants, up to four scholarships will be awarded.

Travelers for Open Land is a statewide partnership among the hospitality industry, land trusts, and the

Craft.

- Audrae Coury, GCWC Scholarship Committee

Big Sky Resort Teamed Up with Travelers for Open Land

“As skiers and outdoor enthusiasts, we understand how important our natural surroundings are,” said Taylor Middleton, Big Sky’s General Manager. He added that Big Sky is “excited to help support [Travelers for Open Land], as well as our greater community.”

Vision.

The application deadline is June 1, 2011, with awards being announced on July 1, 2011. The scholarship criteria and application form can be found at gcwomensclub.org.

The Club has designated $4,000 be made available from the scholarship fund. The minimum award will be $1,000 and the maximum award will

On the weekend of April 9-10, Big Sky Resort hosted Skiers and Riders for Open Land, an event to support Montana land conservation. With a coupon, guests skied at a discounted rate of $59—$5 of which was donated to Travelers for Open Land, a non-profit committed to Montana private land conservation.

Integrity.

traveling public that creates opportunities for travelers in Montana to help conserve open land. Participating businesses collect voluntary donations from Montana’s guests and residents, and those funds are granted to land trusts to help protect open land.

406-995-2174

continentalconstruction.com/montana

“Skiers and Riders for Open Land at Big Sky is a perfect complement to the Travelers program,” said Glenn Marx, Executive Director for the Montana Association of Land Trusts. “[It] highlights the value of open land, promotes a connection to the outdoors, and recognizes the contributions of land conservation and outdoor recreation to our economy and quality of life.” montanalandtrusts.org travelersforopenland.org.

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R E C E N T P ROJ E C T Chalet 504 at Yellowstone Club

community In case of emergency:

Free weekend stay at Silvergate Lodge near Cooke City

Useful information from Big Sky Fire, Police

by Abbie Digel A community forum on Monday April 11 covered what would happen if there an emergency, of any scale, in Big Sky. Around 30 full-time Big Sky residents were present, as well as some newcomers.

The informative meeting covered types of events that could occur, the evacuation process, and how to be prepared.

The team of lecturers, all from Gallatin County, included Sheriff Matt Daugherty, Lieutenant Jason Jarrett and Chris Moon of the Big Sky Fire Department. They spoke in a panel-like discussion and explained hazards specific to the Big Sky Area, like earthquakes and chemical leaks, which could lead to road closures, evacuations, or containments of Big Sky residents.

Big Sky’s public buildings (the Chapel, office buildings and resorts) could house large numbers of people. The downsides of Big Sky in terms of emergency situations are: •

Big Sky is a tourist destination where renters/ tourists are transient and don’t always have the skills or knowledge needed to manage living in a mountain town.

•

Road closures, specifically, Jack Creek Road

•

Lack of manpower

•

The split between Madison and Gallatin Counties

The fire department has a close relationship with property managers and keeps track of which properties are full or vacant. Also, the Yellowstone Club has a full staff of firefighters on duty that will assist Big Sky Fire with community emergencies.

Another big topic discussed was ensuring residents and homeowners’ properties are defensible against disaster—meaning the grass is cut short, is frequently watered, and trees are limbed and at least 70’ from homes. Moon explained that in an emergency, it’s easier to save a home that is prepared. They pass up homes that have taken proper precautions.

The panel also discussed the importance of keeping 72-hour preparedness kits, and in Big Sky’s case, kits that contain food, water, medications, clothing, important records and other necessities for a week.

There are extended guidelines for keeping a defensible space at ready.gov. These will also be posted on explorebigsky.com.

There is a deputy sheriff on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in Big Sky, but the panel stressed that because of a lack of manpower, it’s important to be self-sufficient in this community. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency assistance and questions, call the Big Sky Fire Department at 995-2100. bigskyfire.org, gallatin.mt.gov, redcross.org

Livingston-based travel company Bella Treks is giving away a two-night stay at Silvergate Lodging, near Yellowstone Park and Cooke City. Must go before 4/30/11.

Interested? Automatically enter to win by liking Bella Treks on Facebook and sending your name and contact info to travel@bellatreks.com. Drawing will be Monday April 18. bellatreks.com

Snotel data as of April 9 200

150

100

50

0

bigskytowncenter.com

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explorebigsky.com

Big Sky Weekly Photo by Travis Andersen

Photo by Travis Andersen

Photo courtesy of ryan turner

Leaving the Greatest Snow on Earth for the Best Terrain and Vibe in the World Jamie Pierre moves to Southwest Montana

Photo by Ryan Turner

By Dave Granger World-famous professional free skier, Jamie Pierre, is preparing to make the biggest change of his life and career. This spring, after 15 years in Salt Lake City, Pierre and his family are moving to Big Sky Country. While this news may seem shocking to Utah powder fanatics (who tout “the greatest snow on earth”), it’s a no-brainer for those of us who call Southwest Montana home. Between Big Sky Resort, Moonlight Basin, the Yellowstone Club, Bridger Bowl and our extensive backcountry, the terrain and ski culture here are topnotch.

In the summer of 1991, after graduating high school in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Pierre first visited Montana on a road trip to see the West.

He returned a few times to visit friends at MSU, to compete in a 1997 extreme ski competition at Bridger Bowl, and for a couple movie premieres.

In 2009, Pierre attended the first Big Sky Youth Empowerment (BYEP)/Billy Poole Memorial Fund Collaboration at Big Sky Resort. Now in its third year, this annual event celebrates the life of extreme skiing legend Billy Poole by inspiring BYEP participants and mentors. Since then, Montana has had a magnetic pull for Pierre.

In fall 2010, he brought his wife and two children to Bozeman to collect a tipi and spend some time getting more acquainted with the area. On a day hike up Big Sky’s North Fork trail, the idea to move here took root.

Now 38, Pierre holds the world record cliff jump on skis: he launched 255’ off the backside of Grand Targhee Resort. Famous for these massive drops, Pierre has also done some serious ski descents. In Haines, Alaska, for example, he’s the only person to have ever skied the infamous Northeast Couloir of Mount Emmerich.

This winter, Pierre has already visited Montana six times. Rather than bringing an entourage of photographers and ski partners to Montana, he stuck with the locals—a wise move. He ripped Moonlight and the Yellowstone Club with Bozeman-based photographer and skier, Travis Andersen. Then Big Sky stalwart, Ryan Turner, showed him “the ins and outs of Big Sky and Moonlight Basin.” On their last day shooting photos together, they were “fortunate enough to get invited to ski and shoot pics at the Yellowstone Club.”

Before the chairlifts stop turning for the season, Pierre and his family plan to relocate to Southwest Montana. He says it’s “an honor” to ski here and help market the region and the trifecta of resorts.

“The people here are super-friendly. Everyone says ‘hello’.” My wife and I want to raise our family [here]. Ophir School sounds incredible, as does everything about Big Sky.” jamiepierre.com Visit explorebigsky.com for full photo gallery

Resorts, photographers and pro athletes often work together. Here several ways Jamie Pierre has already been involved with Southwest Montana’s incredible resorts during the 2010/11 winter season: -He was invited to Big Sky Resort’s official Season Kickoff Party (Dec. 18) to sign posters alongside his own personal ski hero, Scot Schmidt.

-Over Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, he made his first official visit to the Yellowstone Club’s famous “Private Powder,” courtesy of Dan Lakatos Director of Outdoor Pursuits.

-In February, Jamie brought his family and his older brother Chris’ family, to Montana. On that trip, Pierre skied with BYEP and with fellow pro shredders for the 2011 BYEP/Billy Poole Memorial Fund event.

-Over President’s Day Weekend, Pierre hosted his first official “Jamie Pierre Steeps Clinic” at the Yellowstone Club.

-In March, he skied alongside the Moonlight Basin Freeride Team, and then guest emceed the sixth annual Moonlight Basin Headwaters Spring Runoff.

Pierre says, “Be prepared, you’ll be seeing a lot more of me in the Big Sky area before the end of this season.”

Travis Andersen Photography Travis Andersen lives in Bozeman and specializes in scenic landscape photography and outdoor action sports photography in the Gallatin Valley and surrounding mountains of Southwest Montana.

He cofounded Vast Studios, which is at 410 North Broadway, Bozeman. (406) 580-0762 travisandersonphotography.com

Photo by Travis Andersen

photo courtesy of ryan turner

Ryan Turner Photography Big Sky resident Ryan Turner specializes in action and landscape photography. His images are seen around the world in national publications and corporate advertising. Catch him at his recently opened gallery/studio to get one of his custom framed Giclee Prints. He’s located in Big Sky, adjacent to Bugaboo Restaurant in the Big Horn Center along Highway 191. (406) 580-5997 ryanturnerphotography.com

explorebigsky.com

April 15, 2011 7

Big Sky Weekly

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W E K N OW B IG SK Y RYAN KULESZA Broker

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TA L L I E JA M I S ON Associate

Big Sky Weekly

These are select samplings from our listing portfolio.

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April 15, 2011 9

10 April 15, 2011

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local news

BYEP Shifts Perspectives through Stewardship

Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky’s Resort Tax Office has relocated to the Town Center

By Amy Smit Resort Tax has moved. For nine years, the Big Sky Resort Area District (BSRAD) office was in the West Fork Meadow, behind By Word of Mouth.

In early April, the District moved its space to 11 Lone Peak Drive, suite 204, in the Town Center. The old office on Aspen was an awkward location and was brimming with files and supplies. It had little room for community members to attend monthly meetings, and no space for growth. In 2009, the Board recognized the need for a larger space and appointed Board Chair Al Malnowski and Secretary/Treasurer Les Loble to the New Office Space Search Committee.

The Board required the new space to meet the following criteria: •

The new office needed to be accessible. More foot traffic and exposure would mean more awareness within the community, and a convenient location would encourage people to drop into the office, or attend meetings.

•

Anticipating Big Sky’s inevitable growth, the District needed a secure and larger location for its confidential files.

•

The space needed to be in good repair and be economical.

By Dave Granger A new addition to Big Sky Youth Empowerment’s character education curriculum is Community and Environmental Stewardship, which gives BYEP students opportunities to give back. This winter, all BYEP groups (65 youth, 33 adults) have a chance to support their respective local communities - Belgrade, Big Sky and Bozeman.

Because service is often dictated by courts and probation officers, many teens view community service as punitive. BYEP turns that notion on its head. Here’s how it works: BYEP mentors contribute over 140 hours of service over a 14-week period, modeling that it feels good to do good. Not only are BYEP participants and families impressed by this volunteerism, they are direct beneficiaries.

At the end of each seasonal adventure-based program, participants and mentors brainstorm organizations or causes about which they feel strongly (i.e. reducing hunger, care for the elderly, pollution, etc.).

Groups vote on which cause or organization to support and why, detailing the necessary steps to become volunteers for a weekend.

Logistics including transportation, waivers and achievable goals are discussed in this planning session.

The goal is to encourage BYEPers to be life-long stewards for the local community and beyond, and the outcome is significant.

Although this particular aspect of BYEP’s programming is optional, the turn-out is exceptional. Over 90 percent of the 2010 program cohort helped paint the interior of the Belgrade Senior Center, reorganize Sacks of Bozeman, and clean up the Big Sky trail system with Steve Johnson (Vice Chair of the Big Sky Community Corporation).

Although these projects may have seemed overwhelming at first, all involved learn that many hands make light work.

For winter 2011, the Bozeman and Belgrade groups have chosen the Gallatin Valley Food Bank and Sacks of Bozeman for community outreach. The Big Sky group is discussing options for their stewardship project, which is slated for Saturday, April 23.

Have an idea for a Big Sky service project? Email it to dave@ byep.org. The Big Sky Youth Empowerment Project offers creative programs targeting high schoolaged, at-risk youth. Dave Granger is Program Director. byep.org

Mentoring Opportunity: BYEP Summer Adventure Program Dates: June 13-September 8

Adventures: indoor and outdoor climbing, white water rafting on Yellowstone and Gallatin Rivers, day trip to Yellowstone National Park and Yellowstone Club Adventure Course BYEP Mentors are 20-40 year old men and women who love the outdoors and believe in giving back! contact dave@byep.org to get involved

As in the collections and allocations process, the Board was cautious and conscientious with community money.

The Committee meticulously combed through proposals, scrutinized paper-

work, and fussed with the numbers until they were confident they found the best deal.

With lowered real estate prices due to the economic downturn, BSRAD obtained a space they wouldn’t have considered a few years ago. The new office is on the second floor of the RJS building, which houses several businesses and the medical clinic. Suite 204 was purchased furnished for turnkey use. The dues are comparable to the old location, and the building, grounds and parking lot are in better condition.

Twice the size of the old office, suite 204 will accommodate future growth.

Additionally, the RJS building has a professional presence that better suits the District.

To purchase the new office, The BSRAD essentially borrowed money from itself. The space was acquired for $190,000, about two-thirds of the original listing price. This purchase will be covered over the next four years by deductions from appropriation funds. There will be three deductions of $50,000, and a final deduction of $40,000 in 2014.

Amy Smit is the Administrative Officer of Big Sky’s Resort Area District.

Please contact her at amy@bigskyresorttax.com for more information about 77 Aspen Leaf Drive space. Applications are on the resort tax website: bigskyresorttax.com

The BSRAD will offer its old office at 77 Aspen Leaf Drive as a special allocation. Due to the state of the market, the Board believes this would be the most efficient use of this asset. The chosen applicant will be deeded the space. Moving forward, the new owners will have no mortgage, but will be responsible for all dues, taxes, and utilities. Applicants must meet all the criteria necessary to apply for resort tax funding. The office is approximately 450 square feet, is separated into two rooms, and has two small closets. The bathroom is shared with other businesses in the building. If there is no interest in the space, it will be sold and the money applied to the purchase of the new office.

New Non-Taxing Big Sky Parks, Trails, and Recreation District group to hold Informational Public Meeting On Monday, April 25 at 1 p.m. in the basement of the Big Sky Chapel, the group of Big Sky stakeholders who is proposing a new non-taxing Big Sky Parks, Trails, and Recreation District will hold a public meeting to share information on the process they are following to create the district, the purpose and boundary of the proposed district (which includes most Big Sky area properties except those accessed from Highway 191), and the timeline.

Being a non-taxing district, any funding will come from grants that may be available to this type of County district.

A thorough review of the issues and of state law for creating the district has been completed, and the group will be

prepared to answer questions relating to the district.

This effort to create a new non-taxing Big Sky Parks, Trails, and Recreation District comes on the heels of an unsuccessful attempt by a group of Madison Valley residents to create a taxing Madison Valley Park and Recreation District that would have taxed many Big Sky/ Madison County properties to help fund park and recreation improvements and programs in the Madison Valley.

If you have questions, please call Katie Morrison of the Big Sky Community Corporation at (406) 570-0096, or email her at katie@bsccmt.org.

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April 15, 2011 11

Big Sky Weekly

regional

New Agreement creates Bison Conservation Area The Interagency Bison Management Plan has new strategies

By Emily Stifler A new agreement will allow hundreds of bison to roam free across 75,000 acres in a “Bison Conservation Area” in southern Montana’s Gardiner Basin, just north of Yellowstone Park. Supporters of the plan say it will help Montana manage the animals, which leave Yellowstone Park some years to winter on lower feeding grounds. Under this new agreement, bison hunting will increase on the land outside the Park, and animals that migrate north into Paradise Valley will still be shot.

Over the past 20 years, 3,800 bison were slaughtered after leaving the national park. Their presence outside Yellowstone theoretically endangered livestock with brucellosis, a disease also carried by elk and cattle that causes pregnant females to abort their young.

This winter, 600+ bison were captured just outside the Park. 40 percent of them tested positive for brucellosis. Those animals are still being held in pens, and officials say they are not sure whether those animals will be shipped to slaughter. Governor Schwietzer’s 90-day ban on shipments/slaughter will be up May 15.

The Interagency Bison Management Plan (IBMP) coordinated this “adaptive plan,” which “anticipates future adjustments based upon the best available science, research, monitoring, new information, and experience from field operations.”

The IBMP partners include the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Montana Department of Livestock, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the InterTribal Buffalo Council, the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes, and the Nez Perce Tribe. This cooperative, multi-agency effort guides bison and brucellosis risk management in and around Yellowstone National Park.

“In our ongoing discussions, the National Park Service has continued to advocate for increased tolerance for bison outside Park boundaries,” said

Al Nash, Chief of Public Affairs for Yellowstone.

“This is certainly is a significant change.”

In addition, several IBMP partners are looking at infrastructure in Yankee Jim Canyon, which separates Gardiner Basin from Paradise Valley. Fish, Wildlife and Parks issued a request to install a cattle guard and new fencing to “limit bison distribution through that area, and prevent them from entering areas with cattle on private land like Tom Miner Basin and Paradise Valley,” said Forest Service spokeswoman Marna Daley. The Forest Service will create a review of the proposal’s environmental affects as quickly as possible, Daley said.

For more information about the Interagency Bison Management Plan, visit ibmp.info.

Forest Stewardship workshops offered for family forest owners Forest Stewardship workshops for land owners and forest managers are scheduled near Hamilton, Whitehall, Kalispell, Yellow Bay at Flathead Lake, and Condon in 2011. The workshops are offered through the MSU Extension Forestry Program, which has assisted more than 3,100 participants in developing stewardship plans to care for their forests, according to Cindy Bertek, forest stewardship coordinator in Missoula.

12 April 15, 2011

“Montana has 80,000 citizen landowners who own timbered property,” Bertek said. “The workshops help people set goals for their land and learn how to care for the land in sustainable ways.”

lands are every bit as important as every other forest in the state.”

At the Forest Stewardship workshop, family forest owners identify their goals and forest’s potential to fulfill their objectives. They may want to make their forest more fire resilient, have a healthy forest that supports wildlife, identify noxious weeds, plan for income through the sale of timber or development or pass the land on to

their children. Natural resource professionals teach the workshops, providing information and advice to help landowners meet their forest objectives.

At the end of the workshop, forest owners will have their own forest stewardship plan for sustaining their “Whether they’re five acres or 10,000 acres, families have unique forest. The course involves 24 hours goals for their forests,” Bertek said. of class and field time, plus a couple “And with nearly 3.8 million acres days of independent research and inventory by each landowner on their of forests in private ownership, these property. Participants will learn how to use topographic maps and Interested forest owners can request aerial photos, understand the ecola registration application and obtain ogy of their forest, inventory their information by calling the MSU Extension resources, set goals and priorities, Forestry office at (406) 243-2773 or visiting develop and analyze management forestry.umt.edu/extensionforestry. considerations and understand environmental effects of stewardSponsored by MSU Extension Forestry, ship decisions. the Montana Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service, The workshop does not train the three-day forestry skills workshops will landowners to be foresters, hybe held in Corvallis on April 28, 29, and drologists or wildlife biologists, May 6, Whitehall on June 16, 17, and 24, but it does provide them with the Kalispell on July 21, 22, and 29, Yellow science to make judgments about Bay at Flathead Lake on August 18, 19, managing their forested land. and 26, and Condon on September 15, 16, and 23.

- FWP wire service

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Big Sky Weekly

montana

90days 1300bills 150legislators

By Kim Thielman-Ibes

Montana’s 2011 legislative session is nearing the end of its 62nd biennial assembly. From January 3 to April 21, this legislative session covered issues as diverse and contentious as the death penalty, medical marijuana, health care reform and eminent domain.

The Big Sky Chamber of Commerce has been watching a number of bills. One is House Bill 316, sponsored by Representative Rob Cook (R-Conrad). This bill transfers a larger portion of the lodging tax to the state’s general fund.

Every two years, 100 members of the state House and 50 members from the state Senate meet for 90 working days. They spend this time addressing problems posed by past legislatures and drafting bills pertaining to today’s challenges.

Currently, a seven percent bed tax is collected at all Montana lodging entities. Three percent of that goes to the general fund, and four percent to support travel related partners, including the Big Sky CVB, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the Montana Office of Tourism. The bill proposes to send $3.8 million in tourism funding to the state’s general fund.

The legislature came into the session on the heels of a crippling economic recession, all touting the mantra: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. The Republican majority in the House (68 to 32) and Senate (28 to 22) was tempered by Montana’s democratic governor. Their charter: Make laws that maintain public order and ensure the basic security of the state.

“Generally, the overriding issue the legislature has to deal with is balancing the state budget,” said Bob Brown, former Montana legislator and Secretary of State.

This has been a difficult task. Entrenched philosophical differences between democrats and republicans have prevented movement toward common ground.

To compound that, Governor Schweitzer has threatened to either veto the general budget bill, return it to both houses with an amendatory veto, or let the bill pass—which allows him to call legislators back for a special session to remedy funding levels. Parties disagree on two key issues.

The first is the amount of revenue the state is expected to bring in over the next two years.

Republicans have based their budget on a more conservative revenue forecast than the Governor’s budget proposal.

“Our budget bill is about three percent lower than the governor’s,” said Big Sky republican, Art Wittich. “Given the economic downturn, state revenues have decreased, while spending has grown.

Our state’s available balance has decreased by more than $140 million since the end of January, because we are spending into deficit each month.”

Also at issue is the availability of $100 million in federal funds targeted primarily for social programs. The governor and democrats want these funds restored in the budget bill, while republicans see these funds as a one-time revenue source that will leave the state with financial commitments it may not be able to meet in future years.

Several budget bills addressing K-12 education have sparked rigorous debate. House Bill 403 (which appears dead) and Senate Bill 329 change the way oil and gas tax monies are distributed among school districts, essentially redistributing funds from booming oil-rich eastern Montana school districts to less-fortunate districts across the state.

Marne Hayes, Executive Director of Big Sky Chamber of Commerce, said, “We need to protect that four percent as we work to market Montana as a vacation destination.”

Voters are also watching several bills that would outlaw or severely tighten Montana’s medical marijuana industry. House Bill 161 bans the legal use of marijuana by July 1, requiring growers and sellers to close within three months. Senate Bill 423 repeals the current law by July 1, but in its place sets up a more regulated industry. House Bill 175 sends the issue back to voters in November. Hayes says the Big Sky Chamber is watching House Bill 43, which addresses medical marijuana in the workplace.

These bills, which are in various stages of the legislative process, exemplify that doing the people’s business has never been a simple task.

“State legislators have a wonderful honor and important responsibility to provide governance for our small Western state,” said Bob Brown. “I think some imagine they have the weight of Western civilization on their shoulders and can’t find it in themselves to compromise.”

“At the end of the day, it’s tiring and it’s maddening, but it works. You have so many eyes looking at each bill. It’s a reasoning process with people from all over the state with different backgrounds and abilities.”

-Senator Wittich ing at each bill. It’s a reasoning process with people from all over the state with different backgrounds and abilities.”

Consider the success of the recently passed Workers’ Compensation bill, which included something for everyone—the governor, republicans, democrats and voters. The bill’s objective is to provide wage-loss and medical benefits to a worker suffering from a work-related injury or disease at a reasonable cost to the employer. Montana workers’ compensation rates have been the highest in the nation. This bill reduces costs for employers by reforming claim closure and settlements, and it refines guidelines for worker’s treatment and choices of physicians. All parties agree this landmark legislation is likely to save $100 million in its first year alone, reducing workers’ compensation rates an estimated 25 percent annually.

More than 2300 bills were requested for introduction in the last legislative session (2009). Half made it to the floor for a vote, and less than a quarter of them (569) made it into law. This session, the number of bills requested (by legislators and the public) and introduced has been similar. Roughly, this means each legislator has reviewed and voted on a minimum of 14 new bills per day.

“It’s just in time legislation,” said Wittich, “I’ve read every bill, whether on the floor or in committee. I get calls and emails I try to absorb before [making] a decision. 150 legislators all focusing on different things—and it winnows down from there.

Think about it, if you had a good idea, could you get 77 people to agree with the exact idea of your exact wording?”

More 2011 legislative information is available at: leg.mt.gov

And compromise, despite party affiliation, is the cornerstone and reality of our political system. Passing a bill is messy, complex and frustrating for even seasoned legislators. Adding to that complexity, a third of this year’s legislators are freshman.

The positive side of that coin is that all parties have a say in the matter at hand.

“At the end of the day, it’s tiring and it’s maddening, but it works,” said Senator Wittich. “You have so many eyes look-

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Big Sky Weekly

Q+A Taylor gears up to ride the zipline at Big Sky Resort Photo by Crystal Images

Taylor Middleton Big Sky Resort’s General Manager This is Taylor Middleton’s 31st winter in Big Sky. As Big Sky Resort’s General Manager the last 15 years, he’s seen the community grow and change.

An avid skier, Middleton, 53, is deeply connected to the Big Sky community. “It’s in my pores. I am local. That’s probably my worst flaw, but it’s also my best attribute.

I care about this town.” His job as GM involves “dealing with the hardest stuff,” but he’s proud of his work, particularly the Biggest Skiing in America campaign.

“I love working with people, developing talent and helping people accomplish their potential,” he says.

He and his wife Barbara Rowley have two daughters, Anna and Katie, who attend Ophir and Lone Peak High School.

E.S. Did you come straight from Alabama to Big Sky? When I finished school, I worked seasonally at resorts at Nantucket Island, Glacier Park, in Florida, and in Big Sky. My first job here was as a hotel desk clerk at the Huntley Lodge, and then I drove a bulldozer and helped put in the very first snowmaking system.

What was Big Sky like 30 years ago?

Different. Much smaller. The resort opened in 1973/74, and I was here first for the winter of 80/81. It was great then and even better now.

When did you come here full time?

I was hired on full time in sales in ‘83. Eventually I ran the entire marketing operation. The resort owner, John Kircher, was GM for a dozen years. When he left in 1996 to acquire and manage Crystal Mountain, WA, I took over as General Manager.

Tell me about Boyne.

Boyne USA is a tightly held family corporation. The patriarch, Everett Kircher, started it in 1947 in Michigan. Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands were the first two resorts. The third was Big Sky, in 1976. They bought it from the original developer, a combination of Chet Huntley and…national companies led by the Chrysler

Corporation. [Now, Boyne owns or manages 11 resorts in North America.] Boyne owns some, like Big Sky, outright, and others in a ownership/management partnership with CNL, an Orlando based Real Estate Investment Trust and banking company.

What’s working with Boyne like?

We have a great deal of latitude and autonomy. The Kircher family is very engaged in the business.

Each resort in the Boyne Family can tailor itself to the local market, and be what that resort is. Big Sky is the showcase destination of the Boyne family, and Boyne has pumped a tremendous amount of capital and expertise into Big Sky over the past 35 years. [They’ve] allowed us to weather several storms, build a great resort and partner in our community in countless ways.

It seems like Big Sky is growing.

It always has, in fits and starts though. The recent boom was the biggest of them all. When the resort was conceived in the early ‘70s, there was nothing here but a ranch, a dude ranch, and a couple of roadhouses in the Canyon. Our economy tends to make big runs, then hit flat spots. The gains made during the runs have always made us better—Look, we have a post office, three banks, a hardware store, three resorts, and hundreds of wonderful small businesses that make this town go. Not to mention a new high school and a six-man football team coming this fall!

How many employees does Big Sky have?

975 during the peak winter season.

About half that in the summer.

“I love working with people, developing talent and helping people accomplish their potential” young people. Some are just passing through, [but] there are a lot who will evolve and stay in town, like I did. We have an obligation to identify those individuals and help them grow professionally. Beyond that, we have an obligation to take care of all employees.

How much do you ski?

In the best of years, every day.

More typically, three or four days a week. I love to ski.

Do you interact with everyone?

I’m here every day, and I have an open door policy. I do staff meetings and employee town meetings.

We host a Christmas dinner, and usually 500-600 employees come.

I’m the official turkey carver. This morning, I went to ski school’s lineup. I’ll stop into department organizational meetings. But there’s not enough time to interact with each one. It’s a lot of ‘hey how ya doing’.

Are you with other ski resorts?

I work with the resorts in the Big Sky community a lot. Big Sky is in the middle, and is the hub of the spokes. Every winter I put together a ‘ski around’. Every GM, mountain manager, and senior leadership team of each resort goes skiing for a whole day together. This year we started at Spanish Peaks, skied across Big Sky, into Moonlight, up through Challenger, and back to Big Sky for lunch, and then up the tram, down into the Yellowstone Club, and ended for cocktails at the Warren Miller Lodge. That’s a lot of skiing! But we’re tough.

What have you learned from employee town hall meetings?

The employees are where the rubber meets the road. I think there are fabulous opportunities here for

What’s going to happen with Moonlight?

First, we all know that the community is much better with Moonlight and the Yellowstone Club here.

It’s bigger skiing. Look how much more commerce there is. Both these resorts have struggled, but Big Sky struggled, too. It wasn’t in bankruptcy when Boyne bought it, but it was probably headed that way back in the early ‘70s. It’s hard to develop a new ski resort from scratch and be successful. It takes years.

Moonlight will exit bankruptcy this year, most likely. The bankers and Moonlight Basin have to work that out. That’s not my business right now.

You helped Moonlight keep the Snowfield open this year, right?

Greg Pack (Moonlight’s GM) is a class A+ general manager who knows skiing well. He understands the value of the brand, the Biggest Skiing in America—the combined terrain of Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin, which isn’t just about vertical drop and combined acreage.

It’s about big skiing—the Gullies, the Couloir and the North Summit Snowfield. It’s about the quality of our powder snow and no lift lines.

I’m not going to give that up easily.

When Moonlight Basin didn’t have the resources to operate the Snowfield every day this year, I talked to Greg and we worked it out. I’m grateful he was willing to do it.

Continued on page 16

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April 15, 2011 15

Taylor Middleton interview, continued from page 15

Big Sky’s

You’ve come a long way since the lawsuit.

Even during the aggressive dispute between Big Sky and Moonlight that is long behind us, both organizations made sure it was only among the senior management and didn’t reach into the ranks of our resorts—it wasn’t affecting groomers, ski patrollers and operations people. Ultimately, Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin came together and created a perfect resolution—the Biggest Skiing in America, for ourselves and for our community.

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Fresh, Hand-Cut Meats Deli & Snacks Gourmet Items Beer & Wine

Affordable prices

So, the Biggest Skiing in America brand applies to all of Big Sky? Two years ago, this community was in a severe economic struggle. We worked with the community and the resort tax board, which ultimately funded $250,000 in Resort Tax dollars, toward community marketing. Another $50,000 was raised from the private sector to supplement this. This created funding to further promote the “Biggest Skiing in America” brand. We agreed to make the name available to the whole community: the residents, the businesses, restaurants and retail shops are critical to our success. We work together. There have been many examples of partnering in our community over the years, but none as resoundingly successful as this one.

Do you market to customers from other parts of Montana?

Over 30 percent of our guests are drive-market visitors. We have aggressive programs to market to them. The frequency card, [for example], offers many weeks of free skiing, $20 off your lift ticket any day you ski, and discounts on lodging.

It pays for itself in a day. Anyone from Dillon, Billings, Butte or Bozeman—if they’re not a season’s pass holder—should buy a frequency card. Also, we discounted our season’s pass by 40 percent last year, and it’s been very successful.

Next year we’ve lowered the price even more. We’re making skiing more affordable and Big Sky more attractive to skiers in the local and regional markets.

Delivery available Call us 406-995-4636

Do you ever take a vacation?

I go to the beach. I take my girls to Hawaii or the Caribbean, and we ride waves, snorkel, build sand castles and ride mountain bikes.

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Located in the Meadow Village Center next to Lone Peak Brewery

What was your best ski day this winter?

Skiing the Couloir with [my daughter] Katie, who’s 11. She ripped it up and linked every turn – she didn’t sidestep, even the first turn. When we stopped at the dogleg, she couldn’t even talk she was so excited. At the entrance to the Secret, she said ‘Dad, this is the best day of my entire life.’

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Big Sky

April 15, 2011 Volume 2 // Issue #8

“There are only an elite few that are crazy enough to do this job”

Girls Night

By Ethan Gaddy

“The only people out at two in the morning are drunks, criminals or snow groomers,” says Amy Hansen, as she drives a snow cat down the slopes at Big Sky. It’s 2:30 a.m. on a Tuesday, and the all-female graveyard shift—Amy Hansen, Victoria Baughman and Renee Peare—is in full swing. Perched at the controls of a half million-dollar Prinoth BR350 snow cat, Hansen looks like the robot-suit clad Sigourney Weaver in “Aliens”, ready to fight the queen alien.

“I don’t get why people always expect men to operate heavy machinery,” she says. “It’s not a physical job.” Hansen comes from a family of loggers in Oregon and has been operating heavy machinery for over a decade.

Big Sky’s 14-person grooming staff has 11 men and three women. Colin

Riviere, the fleet manager, says the grooming is split into two shifts.

The swing shift from 4 p.m. to midnight usually has four cats out. The graveyard shift (midnight-10 a.m.) has three.

reports of alien encounters and speculates on the 2012 doomsday. Every so often, Hansen has to jump out of the cat and into the snow to move signs and ski patrol gates.

During the graveyard shift, the cat drivers spend a lot of time listening to the radio.

The Duck Walk, a cat trail traversing the South Face of Lone Peak, is a treacherous route, just wide enough for one cat. Upslope is a wall of rock, and down-slope is quarter-mile tumble.

“Check out channel 104.7,” crackles Peare’s voice over the radio.

“10-4,” says Hansen and switches the station.

As Hansen drives toward the top of the Dakota Lift, the night is desolate and dark. Huge drifts of snow, jagged chunks of Andesite, and gnarled dead trees loom in the swirling night.

“We listen to a lot of Coast to Coast, and sometimes I freak myself out,” she says, laughing. “Coast to Coast,” a late night AM radio show, features

Perks of the night shift include not having to deal with bosses, co-workers or the public, having ample time for serious thinking, and seeing incredible sunrises.

Hansen swivels her roofmounted spotlight around, looking for a distant red reflector to guide her way. Far off, the lights from the Yellowstone Club groomers resemble floating spaceships, suspended in darkness.

She says it’s important to have groomers that are also skiers or riders, because they have a better idea of how the trail should flow.

Second-year groomer, Victoria Baughman, agrees, and says, “When it’s really blowing, and I can’t see a thing, I have to look around and think, ‘Okay, how would I ride this?’”

Amy Hansen at work

The cats use about 70 gallons of diesel per shift, and the drivers run on a comparable amount of coffee, tea and Red Bull.

The cats’ hydrostatic transmission allows them to continue forward without the need for constant

Each cat driver covers

80-100 acres [40-50 miles] per night pressure on the throttle. Falling asleep at the controls could result in a 350 horsepower wrecking spree.

“I’ve seen some destruction,” Hansen says. Earlier in the season, a cat clipped an electric box causing two lifts to close. In more notorious incidents, cats have proven themselves capable of driving through buildings and destroying all manner of equipment.

“There are only an elite few that are crazy enough to do this job,” Baughman says.

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Spanish Legends Los Secretos en Los Árboles

Lone Peak High School’s Spanish 3 students spent a large part of second quarter reading native legends from around the Spanish-speaking world, and realizing related themes. “Students then chose an area or peoples they were interested in, did some research, and wrote their own legends,” says Spanish teacher Cassie Kapes. The story below is by sophomore Tucker Shea.

Por Tucker Shea Summary: The class read a Mayan legend about powerful men who told their daughters whom to marry and forbid them to marry for love. When one daughter disobeyed her father, the gods turned her lover into a “Maquech” (a beetle-like insect that is important in Mayan culture).

In Tucker’s legend, a man saves a woman’s life from a puma in the forest, and they fall in love. They continue to sneak away from their spouses and meet each other in the woods on a regular basis until the woman gets sick. When they meet again, she brings their quickly matured dwarf baby with her. The spouses find out, and the very developed dwarf baby explains his parents’ love, and their lives are spared. However, they get turned into a Maquech and an anteater as punishment, and their abandoned spouses raise the very intelligent dwarf baby.

Había una vez, había dos pueblos pequeños del bosque. Los pueblos del bosque estaban muy cerca el uno al otro. En ellos, vivían dos parejas exuberantes.

El primer pueblo se llama Kabah y la pareja que vivía en Kabah se llama Nicte-Ha y Chacdziebdzib. Eran pobres pero eran jubilosos. Chacdziebdzib era un campesino y el trabaja por su granja en el bosque todos los días.

En el segundo pueblo, que se llama Uxmal, había una otra pareja que vivía en Uxmal se llaman Quetzalco y Akna. Cuando Akna era una niña, ella vio una puma, que es muy sagrada para los Mayas. Desde entonces, ella ha caminado en el bosque, buscando el puma.

Akna estuve asombrado porque creía que iba a morir, pero había un hombre misterioso que le ha guardado. Cuando ella miró arriba y a los ojos del hombre, lo fue amor a primer visto. “Me llamo Akana. Gracias,” dio Akna.

“Me llamo Chacdziebdzib de nada,“ cuchichco Chacdziebdzib.

Un día, Akna estaba caminando hasta el bosque, como todos los días.

Ella no estaba pensado sobre donde ella estaba caminando, cuando una puma saltó del un árbol.

El puma fue tan grande como Akna, y tenia pelo tan negro como el cielo de la noche sin estrellas ni la luna.

Ellos empezaron a ir al bosque todos los días para ver el uno al otro. La pasión fue tan intensa que los dioses no podían ver.

La puma estaba gruñido y ella sabía que iba a tener problemas con este bestia. Ella hizo una grita enorme y empezó a correr. El puma le persiguió a ella y en el momento que el puma iba a matarla, Chacdziebdzib saltó en el camino y mató el puma con su pala de gran nitidez.

De vuelta a sus casas, sus esposos no sabían sobre el amor de Akana y Chacdziebdzb porque eran normales en las casas. Ayudaron sus esposas en las casas y todavía se amoraron a sus esposos. Pero este amor no tenía la pasión que Akna y Chacdziebdzib tenían por el uno al otro.

Sus nombres eran todo que necesitaron decir porque los dos de ellos sabían por la mirada en sus ojos que lo fue amor.

Akna y Chacdziebdzib no pudieron ver el uno al otro por un mes porque Akna estaba enferma y ella no podía salir de su casa. Chacdziebadzib no podía esperar a ver a Akna, pero el sabía que el no pude ir a su casa porque de su espesa.

El próximo vez que Akna y Chacdziebdzib se vieron el uno al otro, Akna trijo un enano. Chacdziebdzib era muy confundido y cuando el preguntó a ella, ella le dijo que el enano era su hijo. Chacdziebdzib no sabía lo que decir. El quería un hijo con Akna pero ahora que lo tenían no sabía que iba a hacer con el hijo.

En el momento que él iba a hablar, los ancianos de Uxmal y Kabah salieron y los esporas de Akna y Chacdziebdzib tenían mucho miedo. Fue el enano quien hablo primero.

El enano les dijo el cuento del amor de sus padres y como el nació. Akna, Chacdziebdzib y sus esposas tenían el triste de un mil bebes que lloran. Los ancianos del los pueblos les dijeron a Akna y Chacdziebdzib que lo sentían, pero Akna y Chacdziebdzib tenían que pagar las consecuencias.

Las ancianos convirtieron Chacdziebdzib a un Maquech, y le convirtieron a Akna a un oso hormiguero. Ahora ellos no pueden amar nunca más y su hijo tiene que quedar con las esposas.

Don’t Feed the Sheep: Local Risk to Animals and You

By Carter Johnsen As part of a language arts assignment, Ophir Fifth grade teacher Dave Neal asks his students to write newsworthy articles for the Big Sky Weekly. See Katie Middleton’s article on page 27.

Recently a Big Sky photographer was convicted of illegally feeding bighorn sheep in the Big Sky area. Ryan Molde, 35, was given a $1,035 fine and was sentenced ten days in jail (with eight eligible for a work program) and was suspended for 170 days. The photographer was given an earlier warning on the feeding but chose to do it once again.

• Feeding them encourages animals to be dependent on handouts that are not part of their regular diet.

• Human foods are usually not suited for wildlife and can lead to heath issues.

• Feeding young animals can lead to animals never creating normal foraging skills and the animals could starve if the food source leaves, or more likely become a nuisance around humans and have to be removed.

• Wildlife will become more comfortable around humans and boldly forage for human food, causing risks to human safety.

“Even after receiving a written warning, Mr. Molde was purposefully feeding bighorn sheep for commercial gain, and with blatant disregard for the health and safety of the very wildlife from which he was profiting,” said FWP Warden Jen Williams. “His actions resulted in an artificial concentration of wildlife directly adjacent to a very busy highway, increasing the danger to the animals and the public,” added Williams. “Molde’s actions may also have contributed to the deaths of three bighorn sheep by collisions with vehicles at the site where he was feeding.”

Bighorn Sheep commonly live in Big Sky and gather in groups by the Conoco and in the Gallatin Canyon.

On a daily basis locals can drive by and see the amazing animals. Please also note that if you come too close to the sheep they may think of you as a threat and get defensive and damage you or your property.

Also make sure you follow the laws and do not get in trouble. The laws include:

When you feed the bighorn and other wildlife many things can hurt them.

• If you are hunting on private property you must

• No feeding the sheep • No hunting animals if you do not have a permit or the animals are not in season

Photo by matty mccain

have permission of the land owner the leassee, or their agents before hunting on their property.

What can you do? If you see someone poaching or other illegal activities such as illegal feeding please call 1-800-TIP-MONT, (1-800-847-6668) a toll free number to help the wardens catch people who are breaking the law. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for cash rewards depending on the offense. fwp.mt.gov/enforcement/laws/ fwp.mt.gov/enforcement/tipmont/

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April 15, 2011 19

Big Sky Weekly

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.com

southwest montana’s news · business · video · media network

MONTANA STORIES

In-depth interviews, human interest pieces, lifestyle, adventure stories, news and tips from the experts facebook.com/explorebigsky

20 April 15, 2011

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Big Sky Weekly

sports

NBA Playoff Predictions

By Brandon Niles With the NBA playoffs here, it’s time to take a look at who might win the NBA finals. As usual, the top five teams dominated the Eastern conference, while the Western conference was tight until the end.

San Antonio shocked everyone by ending up with the number one seed, despite fading toward the end of the season. The Lakers, the Celtics, and the Magic are in the thick of things, and the Heat, Bulls, Thunder and Mavericks are now true contenders for the 2011 title.

Denver is perhaps the most surprising team, ending the season

on a tear despite trading away superstar Carmelo Anthony before the trade deadline. The Knicks, who mortgaged the farm in order to get Anthony, have also qualified for the playoffs, but they haven’t played well lately and stand little chance of making it out of the first round. The Cinderella teams are definitely Denver in the West and Philadelphia in the East. Philadelphia struggled at first, but behind the stellar play of Andre Iguodala they’ve solidified a spot in the playoffs and are highly motivated.

There’s more parity in the league this season than there’s been a while, but each team is fundamentally flawed in some way. The Celtics have issues in their frontcourt, where Kevin Garnett and Glen Davis are doing all the work. The

Heat only run two offensive plays (Lebron at the top with Wade in the corner, or vice versa), and they have glaring weaknesses at point and center. Atlanta has all the looks of a team destined never to make it out of the second round. The Mavericks

things standing in their way, and if anyone surprises out of the West, it’ll be the Thunder.

My prediction is the Lakers over the Bulls. Not very bold. The Bulls should ride Derrick Rose all the

“There’s more parity in the league this season than there’s been a while, but each team is fundamentally flawed in some way. “ look uninspired, despite the continued dominance of Dirk Nowitzki. San Antonio is banged up and doesn’t look young enough to make it through a long playoff series.

The upset picks are Orlando in the East and the Thunder in the West.

Orlando has been in contention the last two years, and they boast the best big man in the league in Dwight Howard. They’ll be in it, but I think they’ll come up short.

The Thunder has Kendrick Perkins, a solid big man, and Kevin Durant. arguably the league’s best scorer. They also have emerging point guard, Russell Westbrook.

Youth and inexperience are the only

way to the finals, where the Lakers will be ready with their roster of talented stars. The Lakers have seemed disinterested at times, but when focused they’ve been almost unstoppable. Ultimately, these two teams are too talented not to make it all the way. I’ll take Kobe Bryant’s competitive fire any day of the week.

Brandon Niles has done online freelance writing since 2007. A Communication Studies graduate student at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, Niles is also an avid Miami Dolphins fan, which has led to his becoming an avid Scotch whisky fan over the past decade.

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April 15, 2011 21

business directory FOR SALE BY OWNER

Big Sky Weekly

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Business Profile of the Week First Security Bank by hunter Rothwell First Security Bank has been in business for 90 years in Montana. With eight locations in Gallatin County, they have consistently been the number one bank for Southwest Montana residents and businesses.

Jamey Kabisch, the Branch President of First Security of Big Sky, emphasizes that because their bankers live and work here, they understand the unique financial dynamics of our Montana communities. First Security is as safe and secure as any multi-national bank, but with that local personal attention that everyone enjoys.

First Security offers the full gambit of banking services: banking accounts, personal and business loans, lines of credit, online banking, payroll services, international funds wiring, deposits and bill payment services and much more.

They love making commercial and residential construction loans, because they are part of a process that creates jobs, and they enjoy seeing a construction project come together. With the recent turmoil in the housing market it’s comforting to hear of a banking institution that is a partner and consultant from the start of a project, to the end.

Jamey and his staff are also a great resource for all types and sizes of businesses.

A personalized, consultative approach helps business owners evaluate new business opportunities, lower costs and grow with efficiency and not pain.

First Security is making business loans today. With an experienced First Security banker by their side, business owners are finding better ways to handle their cash flow and financing needs.

Nordic Hot Tub We service what we sell!

Spa sales to fit your budget Pool and spa care after the sale Custom maintenance plans

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Spa covers and custom lifts Lots of accessories for your spa Special orders available

www.BigSkyHotTubs.com (406) 995-4892 • NordicHotTub@aol.com 47520 Gallatin Rd. • Big Sky, MT 59716

Big Sky Meadow Village Across from the Post Office 406-995-3113 Monday - Saturday: 10-5 Sunday: 11-5

Big Sky Weekly

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Whether you are a full time or part time resident, or a business owner, Jamey and the good people over at First Security are available to meet faceto-face to see how they can help solidify and execute a strategy for your ever-changing finances.

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Big Sky SUBSCRIPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR THE BIG SKY WEEKLY AND MOUNTAIN OUTLAW MAGAZINE $75 FOR 1 YEAR CONTACT 406-995-2055 OR MEDIA@THEOUTLAWPARTNERS.COM

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April 15, 2011 23

Big Sky Weekly

help wanted

home of the

10

$

Classifieds!

$15 with photo

Each Ad can be up to 4 lines (Maximum of 30 words).

Additional lines are $5 per line, Maximum of 8 words per line.

Email classifieds and/or advertising requests to: media@theoutlawpartners.com (406) 995-2055

For rent

Lost

Delzer Diversified, Inc.

Snow business looking for shovelers and equipment operators for immediate openings. Following required: Valid License, Vehicle, Winter Apparel, Texting Capabilities, Drug Testing. Pay weekly.

Work in Big Sky/ Private Club.

Contact Bob at 406-581-4331.

Delzer Diversified.

-----------------------------------------BIG SKY JOBS: 2 weeks of temporary work in May, exciting opportunity! Pay $14.88-$16.77/ hr. Contact Career Concepts asap 406-586-0231.

-----------------------------------------Local BS home builder seeks outgoing energetic person to assist with office and admin duties.

MS Office and blueprint exp preferred. Salary DOE. Please send cover letter and resume to bigskyjob23@yahoo.com or fax 406-995-2125.”

-----------------------------------------Kitchen Opening for Restaurant 406-995-2928 for Spring/Summer Season Contact: Cariline Dyer The Half Moon Saloon and Restaurant, Big Sky, MT 406-9952928 Office Phone 406-993-9666 Bar Phone

Office Spaces across from the Post Office. Professional Image. AC with shared conference room and kitchenette. Value priced flat fee with no extra charges. Call Debbie at 581-5785.

-----------------------------------------Office space in the Jefferson Building in West Fork Meadows Great space with reception area and 3 seperate rooms. $500.00 per month. For more information call 406-580-5191 -----------------------------------------For rent: Hill Studio, Lone Mountain View No smoking, no pets Water, sewer, trash paid $595 587-7622 -----------------------------------------Wanted: 2 or 3 Bedroom rental for two clean, professional and responsible tenants in Big Sky starting in May. Please email abbie@ theoutlawpartners.com if you are looking for someone to take good care of your property!

LOST! Silver Medallion in the shape of an eagle. It is about the size of a quarter. It has super high sentimental value to the ten year old owner! It could be anywhere in Big Sky. REWARD! 995.3377 Thank you!

SERVICES

Pilates/Yoga fusion class EVERY Sunday at 9:00 am @ BENTLEY BODIES studio in Big Sky. Increase strength, flexibility & balance. All fitness levels welcome.

WWW.BENTLEYBODIES.NET 406.570.9154

Want to advertise?

Contact Outlaw Partners at (406) 995-2055 or media@theoutlawpartners.com

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Big Sky Weekly

health & wellness

Interview with Doc Sky

By Rachel Roth When I eat, when I run along the highway, or shop, or at any social gathering.

Tell us about a memorable patient.

That’s tough. There are so many. We’ve had over 100,000 patient visits since starting the clinic— we’ve had over 34,000 patients sign in to this clinic alone over the years. The little kids who come through are always fun and memorable. And once in a while we make a real difference, even save a life... that I remember.

Do you get called at night frequently?

Only when I talk about it! I don’t mind going out and helping people at night if it’s something that can’t wait until morning and doesn’t require an ambulance.

What kind of sports do you do?

I run, every day. And I’m a skier, but haven’t gotten out much this year.

In March, Rachel Roth, a student at the Medical Clinic of Big Sky, interviewed Dr. Jeff Daniels.

Roth asked Big Sky’s doctor about coming from New York, about patients and students, night calls and living in a small town, and about his new partner, Dr. Jesse Coil.

Where are you from?

New York. Born in the Bronx.

What kind of medicine did you train in?

I trained as an internist, in allergy and immunology and infectious disease, but I think I really wanted to be an orthopedist.

How did you get out to Montana?

I came on an internal medicine conference in 1992 and fell in love with Big Sky. I heard that they needed a doctor, and after so much craziness in New York, including the first bombing of the World Trade Center, I decided to come here.

What were the first few years like for you?

Trial and error. It was a learning experience. It wasn’t nearly as busy as it is now. The building moratorium was in force, and there were fewer residents, workers and tourists.

How is your relationship with your patients different here than when you were practicing in New York?

Here, I bump into all my patients every day.

Why not?

The clinic has gotten busier as the mountain’s popularity has grown. I don’t mind working seven days a week and being on call all the time—I used to work like that for between 1994-2004, but it wasn’t nearly as busy then, and I could get out and ski. This year I have many students, but no partner to share the load. Plus, there is that lingering fear in the back of my mind, if I got injured, who would run the show?

school, and as a student during school. Right now, he’s finishing an emergency medicine residency in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

You have many students and residents working with you. When did you start that side of the program?

My first student was Tim Coury—his mom Audrae has a house in Big Sky. He worked here as a volunteer in 1994, and then returned as a fourth year medical student in 1997. When we built the new clinic in 1998, we had lots more room to accommodate students, so I began inviting them. In the past few years, the rotation has become very popular. I now have between 100 and 200 students applying more than two years in advance for roughly 5-10 slots per month of the ski season, less in the summer and fall.

It is a pretty unique opportunity.

Yes, it’s the only rotation of its kind. We expose [students and residents] to so much, and arrange for them to ski and be outdoors in their down time. As I understand, everyone enjoys it, and they learn some stuff along the way.

What do the students add to the practice?

The students keep me on my toes. They keep me reading the newest material, and they help out around the clinic.

Plus, apparently 98 percent of patients enjoy the interaction with medical students.

Rachel Roth will be going into a Family Practice residency in Seattle, starting in July.

Do you ever think about who will run the clinic when you retire?

Of course. I’m open to offers if you want to buy it! Seriously though, I’m getting a partner in July, and that will be one of the considerations in putting together his contract.

Who is joining the practice?

Dr. Jesse Coil. He’s a Bozeman native, worked on Big Sky Ski Patrol, and was a rafting guide before medical school.

Part of his drive to go to medical school came from the medical situations he encountered rafting and on ski patrol, plus mingling with medical students here at the clinic. He spent some time here before applying to medical

Medical clinic Of Big Sky Physicians available after hours for emergencies

Mountain Village - 995-2797

Located next to Big Sky Ski Patrol The Mountain Village Clinic is open 7days a week throughout ski season 10am - 5pm

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Located at the corner of Ousel Falls Rd. & Hwy. 64 The Meadow Village Clinic is open Mondays ONLY 10:00am - 5:00pm Jeffery a. daniels M.d.

Expertise in Internal Medicine, Sports Medicine, Family Care & Well Woman Health Care **X-Ray machine on the premises**

We are well equipped to handle your medical problems promptly No appoinments necessary, walk-ins always welcome

4 1 R E A S ONS TO VISIT BOZEMAN DEACONESS P H A R M A CY AT B IG S KY. Fill a prescription. Refill a prescription. Shop for over-the-counter remedies for head colds, heartburn, and whatever else ails you.

Quickly. Conveniently. Right here in Big Sky at Meadow Village Center across from the Big Sky Chapel.

Hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm; Closed 2:00-2:30 pm for lunch Meadow Village Center | 36 Center Ln, Suite 2 406-993-9390 | www.bozemandeaconess.org/pharmacy

Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medicare, & Workers Compensation Insurance, Cash, Checks, Credit Cards accepted - Payment due at time of ser vice

explorebigsky.com

April 15, 2011 25

Tax return preparation Tax planning Payroll Services Bookkeeping Financial Statement preparation Business Consulting Business Valuation

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outdoors

Cooking Corn

By Scotty Savage Making good popcorn is an art. Not microwave popcorn, but the good, old-fashioned corn kernels, vegetable oil and salt variety. You need to heat the oil to just the right temperature: too hot and you burn the oil, too cold and the popcorn gets soggy. Timing is crucial. Add the corn too early and you’ll ruin the batch.

How about corn snow – not mushy creamed-cornlike snow, but the eminently carvable corn snow that skiers and boarders crave? What exactly is corn snow? How is it created? Is making good corn snow also an art?

to sticky, knee wrenching glop in mere hours.

But when Mother Nature follows the classic recipe for corn, we get to sample delectable conditions day after day.

The formula: Wet slab debris in the Bowl - Big Sky Resort warm days, meltsink deep into this sloppy snow, creating challenging ing the snow surface and wetting each crystal, then riding conditions and opening the door to triggering Corn is the holy grail of spring skiing and riding. cold freezes at night. After several melt-freeze cycles, wet avalanches (see sidebar). Experienced chefs learn snow crystals changeboth shape and size, growing April and May powder can be short-lived, turning to follow the sun to find slopes where they can get rounder and larger. their fill of quality corn.

Clear skies during both day and night tend to In Southwest Montana, good corn cycles should be produce the best corn, Wet avalanches occur when rain or water from snowmelt weaksavored; our typically dreary spring weather doesn’t because the crystals get ens the snowpack. They are notoriously hard to predict, even create the consistent corn of sunnier locales like Colohot enough to “cook” for experienced avalanche forecasters. Wet snow stability can rado or California. Here, finding good corn is akin to properly during the change rapidly, making perfect riding conditions dangerous in a finding that stray jar of Orville Redenbacher’s in a store day and cold enough to matter of minutes. that stocks nothing but expired generic popping corn. thoroughly freeze each night. After enough of Dry slab avalanches occur most frequently during and just after Don’t put away the boards just because the lifts these cycles, our corn is rapid loading events (big storms or wind). Rapid warming events stopped turning. The spring skiing season in the ready! increase the likelihood of wet slabs releasing.

Beartooth, Madison, Gallatin, Pioneer, Bridger and

Wet Avalanches 101

Here are a few pointers to help you avoid wet avalanches: • Watch for wet loose avalanches whenever fresh powder gets wet for the first time.

• Pinwheel-shaped snowballs are a good indicator slopes are getting too warm/wet and may soon become avalanche-prone.

• If you’re falling through crusts and sinking deep into the snowpack, move to a cooler slope, or call it a day.

• If temperatures spike abruptly (think T-shirt weather in the mountains), consider avoiding avalanche terrain. It takes a while for the snowpack to adjust by establishing drainage channels.

Individual slopes usually have specific windows each day when the corn is especially tasty. If you’re too early, you’ll chatter violently on the frozen surface, risking broken teeth as if you were chomping down on unpopped kernels.

If you’re late, the snow surface becomes overly wet and soft. You’ll

other Southwest Montana mountain ranges promises to be a good one. If it ever stops snowing and the sun consistently shines, get out there and fill your bellies with some sweet corn!

Scotty Savage has spent much of the past two decades with his head in the snow (by design some of the time) while working as an avalanche forecaster in Big Sky, Montana. He is currently studying his and others’ avalanche related mistakes in an effort to reduce avalanche workplace accidents. Scotty is an avalanche educator for the Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. He is eager to break out the Speedo and flip-flops.

Couloir Gets Crowded

By Katie Middleton Did you know that the Big Couloir is getting more traffic than ever before because the snow is so good this year? According to Big Sky Resort Ski Patrol Director Bob Dixon, there have been ten to fifteen percent more skiers in the Big Couloir this year. He estimates that 400-500 people have skied the Couloir.

Dixon, who has some of the most experience of anyone in the Couloir, has skied it 200-300 times in his 28 years on patrol. He is seeing more younger people in the Couloir than ever. “Our average age has dropped by five or six years to 12-14, and we have some that are down in the ten to twelve range.”

The youngest person Dixon knows to have done the Couloir

was a six year old son of a ski patroller. The oldest is ski patroller Phil Cappy who skied it when he was 78 years old. “His birthday is coming up. He’ll be 83 and I’m sure he could still do it.”

Dixon says the Couloir is difficult, but it is not the hardest skiing on the mountain. “Castro’s Beard in Lenin is more difficult and more challenging than the Big. So are the pockets in the Gullies, and Dobe’s Exit to the left of the Big, because you have to straight-line it.”

Another difficult run is The Little Couloir, says Dixon.

“Only 11 members of the public have skied it.” Dixon says, “the Little takes you into a whole new perspective. It is 61 degrees

at the top—the Big is 49. It is very committing. The first three turns you have to make. I skied it this year and it still puts butterflies in my stomach.”

Still, the Big is very special. “I think the view from the top looking down into the bowl and toward the tram is awe-inspiring. It takes your breath away; the whole experience is what makes it extremely special.”

No matter how many times you ski it, says Dixon, “It is breathtaking and enjoyable. It is never going to be the same as the last time.”

Katie Middleton is a fifth grade student at Ophir School in Big Sky.

View of Big Couloir drop-in

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April 15, 2011 27

Big Sky Weekly

Big Sky Freeride Skiers Compete all over the West

By Jackie Robin The last month was busy for BSSEF’s Freeride Ski Team. Competitions took local athletes to Targhee Resort, Lake Tahoe’s Kirkwood Ski Area and most recently, Snowbird in Utah. A number of athletes also competed locally at Moonlight Basin’s Headwaters Spring Runoff on Saturday, April 2nd.

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The Headwaters Spring Runoff was next. Solomon Amsden took 3rd in boys 13-16, Joey Manship came in 5th followed by Micah Robin in 6th.

Coach Scot Livingstone also took home a 3rd place prize in the men’s alpine division. Solly’s siblings Lucy and Jack joined him in competition, as well as mom, Marianne.

Grand Targhee came through with its legendary powder for day one of the Junior Freeski Tour’s stop there. Veteran boys Solomon Amsden, Joey Manship and Micah Robin were joined by teammate Anna Middleton in her first freeski competition. Anna was the first skier of the day to show her stuff to the trio of judges. Micah Robin landed his first jump smoothly then ended up with a crash landing off a steep cliff that no one else had hit. The only competitor to move on to day two was 16 year old Solomon Amsden. Solly came off the top strong again and hit all of his features smoothly until a poor landing knocked him out of contention for a top spot.

The final competition of the season on the Junior Freeride Tour was held this past weekend at Snowbird Resort.

Once again the snow gods delivered dropping 12 to 18 inches of fresh powder for the three day event. The only skier to make the trip to Snowbird was Micah Robin. His solid run on qualifying day earned him a spot on the day one roster. He delivered another strong run hitting about five features including a jump between two tight trees known as “the fieldgoal”. Micah’s score placed him 16th out of a field of 34, two skiers short of making the cutoff for the next day’s final.

The BSSEF Big Sky Freeride Team made the most of this snowy winter all over the Western states as well as right here at Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin. bssef.com

The competition at Kirkwood found all three boys heading for snow once again. The ski area received over 200 inches in one week. The athletes and coaches enjoyed huge amounts of fresh powder on Friday and Saturday but only competed on Sunday.

Vist explorebigsky.com for photos of the Big Sky Freeride team.

i k S s é Apr

S R E T R A U DQ

HEA April Music Sat. 2nd : Lang Termes 5:00-7:00 Wed 6th : Open Mic Night 8:30 Fri. 8th : Mountain Grip 9:30 Sat. 9th : Kayli Smith 5:00-7:00 Sat. 16th : Dan Dubuque 5:00-7:00 Sat. 23rd : Jeff Bellino 5:00-7:00 Fri. 22nd : Cropdusters 9:30

OPEN MIC/LADIES NIGHT* - EVERY WEDNESDAY 8:30 P.M. - CLOSE *½ price drinks for ladies

HAPPY HOUR* - MONDAY-FRIDAY 3:00-5:00 PM *½ price well drinks and pints

28 April 15, 2011

explorebigsky.com

• Daily drink specials

• Amazing Food

• Live Music

• 100 beers

• 12 HDTVs

• 100 wines

LOCATED IN THE BIG SKY TOWN CENTER big sky, montana 406-995-3830

OPEN DAILY AT 11:30 A.M. LUNCH & DINNER

EVENTS big sky FREE Skiing for Big Sky Frequent Card Holders April 18 - 24

Friends of the Library Meeting Big Sky Community Library April 20 10 a.m.

Pond Skim

Big Sky Weekly Planning an event? Let us know! Email abbie@theoutlawpartners.com and we’ll spread the word. Check explorebigsky.com for an extended calendar.

West yellowstone Easter Egg Hunt Church of Christ Parking Lot April 23 1 p.m.

YNP Fee Free Days April 16 - 24

Bozeman

Big Sky Resort April 23

Winter Farmer’s Market

The Dirty Shame

Emerson Cultural Center April 16 9 a.m.

Big Sky Resort April 23 9 p.m.

Closing Day Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin April 24

Easter Egg Hunt Moonlight Basin April 24 10:30 a.m.

Bridal Walk Downtown Bozeman April 16 11 a.m.

Telluride Mountain Film Tour Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation Fundraiser Emerson Cultural Center April 17 7 p.m.

Backpacking Basics REI Bozeman April 21 6:30 -8p.m.

Fish Fry

NOLS Reunion Enjoy the stunning presentation by NOLS instructor Molly Loomis, network with grads, sample tasty refreshments, and hear an update on NOLS. The reunion includes a gear raffle— enter for a chance to win great outdoor equipment, a $50 gift certificate, deuter pack and more.

Everyone is welcome.

Emerson Center, Weaver Room Saturday, April 23, 2011 7:00 – 9:30 pm $10.00 donation appreciated RSVP’s appreciated, contact alumni@nols.edu or 800-332-4280

Peace Corps: Life is Calling REI Bozeman April 26 6:30 - 8 p.m.

St Williams April 15 4:30 - 7 p.m.

(406) 223-0378.

Kindergarten Round-Up Gardiner Public School April 27 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Open House Little People’s Learning Center April 30 3 - 6 p.m.

(307) 344-9011

Early Literacy Program Gardiner Elementary School Tuesdays, April 19 - May 10 3:45 - 4:30 p.m.

Cooke City Sweet Corn Festival

Virginia city Final Winter Chautauqua

gardiner

April 15 - 17 Includes open mic jam session, ski competition sponsored by Bomb Snow, Live Music by the Bannock Trailers, and Snowshoe Softball

The Elling House April 16 6:30 p.m.

J E W EL R Y - A R T - A R T I FA C T S

NATIVE AMERICAN & WESTERN ACCENTS for you and your home

Third Annual Bobcat Fest on Main, April 29 Closing down part of Bozeman’s main street from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, April 29, the third annual Bobcat Fest will host a gathering of MSU students, faculty and the Bozeman community. The street party will take over several blocks in Downtown Bozeman, from Tracy to Bozeman Avenues, and will offer mixing by DJ Michelangelo and live music by Landlocked. There will also be free Redneck Sausages, hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as a raffle.

The event is free and open to the public and will go on rain or shine. With involvement and donations from many businesses and organizations, this is an effort to connect MSU to the larger Bozeman Community through food and fun. downtownbozeman.org alumni.montana.edu

I N T H E M O U N TA I N M A L L B I G S K Y, M O N TA N A

explorebigsky.com

406-995-3210

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Big Sky Weekly

Purify ionize AlkAlize VitAlize energize liVing WAter tAstes Pure And refreshing

Offering Living Water with the revolutionary Direct Disk Ionization Technology for drinking water

Yellowstone living water store 47250 Gallatin Road Unit 1 (South of the Exxon) Big Sky, Montana

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Sleek, stainless steel, easily installs to your existing faucet For a healthy body, healthy home and healthy life

Or drop in for a drink at our new store!

For more information call:

faith 406.581.0616 Also other natural organic alternatives for Big Sky Homes Environmental Purity

Big Sky Weekly

fun

People on the street What ski run keeps you coming back for more?

Laurel polich “Marshall at moonlight”

Hunter waldron “Mr. Ed”

Bridget o’brien “North summit snowfield”

Katie’s Joke Corner What season is it when you are on a trampoline?

Dani menter “Dakota bowl”

Do you have a sick goggle tan or know someone who does?

Show us! Send photos to media@theoutlawpartners.com to be published in the next issue of the Weekly.

Springtime!

Where did the computer go to dance?

To a disc-o!

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Big Sky Weekly

Noun: wild or rough terrain adjacent to a developed area Origin: shortened form of “back 40 acres”

For the Big Sky Weekly, the Back 40 is a resource: a place where we can delve into subjects and ask experts to share their knowledge. Topics include regional history, profiles of local artists and musicians, snow and avalanche education, how-to pieces for traditional or outdoor skills, and science.

Earth Day, Everyday: How Our Food Choices Impact the Planet April 22, all Day at the Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman Each year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

The day reminds people to reflect on their lifestyle and make resolutions to do things to help the planet: Plant a tree Drive less Recycle Buy efficient light bulbs Shop with a canvas bag Cut down on bottled water These are all important. But nothing impacts the earth as much as the way we eat. This Earth Day, an all-day event at the Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman will focus on this issue.

“Earth Day, Everyday: How Our Food Choices Impact the Planet,” will feature displays, free samples, music, films and presentations by Dr. Lisa Kemmerer and Keynote Speaker Howard Lyman.

Born on the largest dairy farm in Great Falls, and a fourth generation Montana farmer and rancher, Lyman graduated from MSU Bozeman 50 years ago this spring, with a degree in agriculture.

High Altitude Gardening Want to to get a head start on your garden planning? Join local Big Sky horticulturist, Lori Henrich, on Wednesday nights in May from 7-8 p.m. at Ophir School Elementary Tech Lab. Henrich will address the following topics: • Plant selection for annuals and perennials for Big Sky’s climate • Designing annual pots for individuals’ yards and specific needs, whether it be shade, full sun, wind or animal problems • Creating perennial gardens that bloom all season • Building soil for our climate • Explore possibilities for high altitude vegetable gardening Cost is $10 per class. To pre-register, contact 995-4281 x. 200. The classes are sponsored by the Ophir Adult Education Program.

Now a food safety activist, he teaches organic sustainability: “To save our soil, save our planet, and save ourselves - one bite at a time.”

The day kicks off at 11 a.m., with the documentary film “The Real Dirt on Farmer John.” In the late 1960s, teenager John Peterson took over the family farm, slowly turning it into an experiment of art and agriculture, creating a haven for hippies and artists. Farmer John transformed his land into Angelic Organics, one of the largest Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms in the U.S. today.

Gallatin Earth Celebration

April 16- 22 montana.edu/gec/schedule.htm for complete schedule

Sage Spa Living Earth Day Event Raise funds for the Greater Yellowstone Coalition April 22 9 - 8 p.m. sagespaliving.com

Earth Day E-Waste Event Gallatin County Fair Grounds April 22 9 - 4 p.m.

“PlanEat” will show at 3:30 and 9 p.m.

This newly released documentary is the story of three men’s life-long search for a diet that is good for our health, good for the environment, and good for the future of the planet. The chefs, scientists and doctors in this film investigate how to feed an ever-growing population in the midst of climate change.

forests, waterways, soils and air quality. Dr. Kemmerer is an author and professor of philosophy, ethics and religion at MSU Billings.

At 5:30 pm, Dr. Lisa Kemmerer’s presentation “Eating Earth” explores the affects of diet on our

Keynote Speaker Howard Lyman’s presentation will be at 7 p.m.

Looking for Local Food?

kettle corn, wood-fired pizza, gourmet cakes and cupcakes, paintings, barn wood signs, clothes, jewelry, baby clothes, fly fishing instruction/products, western and fine art paintings, etchings, still life, pottery, photography, handcrafted western/sporting furniture and so much more! You can even get massage at the market! Kids sell lemonade, flowers, cookies, pies and homemade bracelets.

Big Sky Local Food – An on-line farm to family Co-op program designed to connect farmers, ranchers, and producers in the greater Gallatin Valley area with customers in search of local food year round. The program works on a weekly buying cycle with orders opening Friday evening and closing Monday evening. bigsky.luluslocalfood.com The Bozeman Winter Farmer’s Market Every other Saturday at the Emerson Cultural Center in Bozeman Big Sky’s 2011 Farmers’ Market is building momentum for summer The Big Sky farmers market will feature up to 100 vendors. Many have already registered for the 2011 season, meaning spaces are becoming more limited, so now is the time to register to be a vendor for the summer season. The market is always looking for more produce vendors, so if you know a local grower, please encourage them to register. Booth space is reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The market offers farm-fresh produce and herbs, homemade jams and jellies, fresh bread, gyros,

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Continued support from Big Sky businesses that get involved with the sponsorship of the market is accepted and appreciated, and can support marketing, entertainment or children’s activities. Most marketing packages include exposure on posters, flyers, website, and banners and sponsorship comes with a space at the market, if the sponsor desires.

If you or your business would like to support the market as a sponsor, contact us at the number below.

The Big Sky Farmers Market will be every Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at Big Sky Town Center’s Fire Pit Park on Ousel Falls Road, from July 6 - September 7, 2011.

Call Wendy at (406) 570-2417, or check the Farmers Market webpage at News and Events tab at bigskytowncenter.com.