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1 Oct. 4-17, 2013
header
explorebigsky.com
Life and land from the heart of the Yellowstone Region
Explore Big Sky
Big Sky
Oct. 4-17, 2013
Volume 4 // Issue #20
Government
shutdown affects
Yellowstone-area
businesses
Homecoming
LPHS, Bozeman High, MSU
North
Fork Trail
update
Dining:
No boundaries at
Bozeman's new
Open Range
explorebigsky.com
Spanish Peaks announces new membership plan
image by kelsy dzintars
What Obamacare
means for
Montanans
explorebigsky
explorebigsky
On the cover: "Vagabond" oil, 36x48 by Kelsey Dzintars will be showing at Zoot Art Gallery in Dzintars' exhibit,
"American Spirit." An opening will be held Oct. 11. See story on p. 18.
OCtoBer 4-17, 2013
Volume 4, Issue no. 20
Owned and published in Big Sky, Montana
PUBLISHER
Eric Ladd
editorial
MANAGING EDITOR
Emily Stifler Wolfe
senior editor
Joseph T. O’Connor
staff writer/distribution director
Tyler Allen
associate editor
Maria Wyllie
creative
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Mike Martins
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kelsey Dzintars
VIDEO director
Brian Niles
Video Producer
Joe Paulet
Cooper Shea, No. 20, jukes a Billings Christian School Warrior at the Lone Peak High School Big Horns’' first
home football game on Sept. 28. It was a tough loss for LPHS, but there’s plenty of pigskin left this season.
Photo by Joseph T. O’Connor
COO
Megan Paulson
Go (insert team here)!
Operations director
Katie Morrison
We’ve already seen the snow fly in Big Sky. Winter’s en route.
Director of Business Development Yellowstone region
EJ Daws
But don’t hunker down by the fireplace just yet.
Right now is an exciting time in southwest Montana, with residents and visitors taking in fall fly
fishing, hikes among the changing leaves and fall
sports.
SALES and operations
CONTRIBUTors
Dasha Bough, Tyler Busby, Mike Coil, Rosalyn Kutsch, Jennifer Hill, Griffin House, Maria Lovely, Max Lowe, Tori Pintar,
Brandon Niles, Micah Robin, Benjamin Schwarz, Cooper Shea,
Patrick Straub, Sayler Tatom, Ben Winston, Jonna Yost
Editorial Policy
Outlaw Partners LLC is the sole owner of the Explore Big Sky.
EBS reserves the right to edit all submitted material. Printed
material reflects the opinion of the author and is not necessarily the opinion of Outlaw Partners or its editors. EBS will not
publish anything discriminatory or in bad taste.
LetterS to the Editor
Letters to the editor allow EBS readers to express views and
share how they would like to effect change. These are not
Thank You notes. Letters should be 250 words or less, respectful, ethical, accurate, and proofread for grammar and content.
We reserve the right to edit letters. Include: full name, address,
phone number and title. Submit to
[email protected].
It’s also time to break out your school sprit.
Homecoming festivities are heating up at area
schools, including Lone Peak High, Bozeman
High and Montana State University.
LPHS plans a weeklong celebration beginning
Oct. 6. They’re encouraging businesses to enter
the window-decorating contest, and hopeful the
community comes out for the Oct. 11 parade
through Town Center. The Big Horns square off
against West Yellowstone for the homecoming
football game, called the “Battle of 191.” (See
story on page 35).
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Oct. 11, 2013
CORRECTIONS
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Hundreds of drop points
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Bozeman High School takes on Hellgate High’s
Knights on Oct. 25 for the Hawk’s homecoming,
as they try to keep an undefeated (at press time)
record. Read about Bozeman High’s homecoming
festivities on page 39, as Hawk Talk’s Editor-inChief Rosalyn Kutsch previews the week leading
up to the big game.
MSU’s homecoming football game takes place
Oct. 5 against Northern Arizona. EBS contributor Mike Coil previews the matchup on page
36, recounting quarterback DeNarius McGhee’s
incredible comeback from a shoulder injury ahead
of the big game.
When I was in high school, homecoming was a
big deal. It still is. Bring out your flags, face paint
and team spirit, and show support for your kids,
classmates and community this homecoming
season.
-Joseph T. O’Connor
explorebigsky.com
header
Explore Big Sky
GLOBAL
lifestyle
Oct. 4-17, 2013 3
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L K R E A L E S TAT E . C O M
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All information given is considered reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and should not be relied
upon as such. These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity.
©2013 LK REAL ESTATE, llc. lkrealestate.com | *Membership is required
4 Oct. 4-17, 2013
contents
table of
contents
explorebigsky.com
Features:
20
Explore Big Sky
Spanish Peaks announces
new membership plan
Government shutdown affects
Yellowstone-area businesses
Section 1: News
Community...................................................5
Local News............................................................8
Regional......................................................9
Yellowstone.....................................................10
Montana.....................................................12
Nation.....................................................14
Section 2: Life, Land & Culture
Nation: What Obamacare
means for Montanans
Dining....................................................................17
Gallery.................................................................18
Business.................................................................20
Outlaw News.......................................................22
Health..............................................................23
Events.............................................................25
The Eddy Line........................................................26
Fun..........................................................27
Gear Review........................................................28
Classifieds....................................................30
Back 40.................................................................31
Bull Market...........................................................32
North Fork Trail Update
17
Special Section:
Homecoming, sports, LPHS expedition
Homecoming
LPHS, Bozeman High, MSU
TAKE A RIDE WITH
THE GREATER YELLOWSTONE
THIS SUMMER
Dining: No boundaries at
Bozeman's new Open Range
State Water Plan update
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in concert
with the Upper Missouri River Basin Advisory Council has launched an initiative to update the State Water Plan for the Upper Missouri Basin.
Public involvement is a critical part of this process, according to Blue Water Task
Force Executive Director Kristen Gardner.
On Oct. 8, a public meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn in Bozeman from 6-9
pm. Starting with brief presentations from water specialists, the meeting will
include a facilitated discussion with Upper Missouri Basin Advisory Council
members and the public.
Additional information on the Montana State Water Initiative can be found at
dnrc.mt.gov/mwsi.
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community
Oct. 4-17, 2013 5
The golden-shovel digging party commences.
BDHS holds ceremonial groundbreaking for Big Sky medical facility
Story and photos by
Joseph T. O’Connor
Explore Big Sky Senior Editor
BIG SKY – Standing shoulder to
shoulder, some 20 Big Sky community
members dug golden shovels into the soil
on Bozeman Deaconess Health Services’
property in the Town Center on Sept. 30,
in the ceremonial groundbreaking for its
Big Sky Medical Center.
“It’s a day to put our hands together and
be grateful as a community,” said Taylor
Middleton, general manager at Big Sky
Resort, at the noontime community
luncheon where Electric Sunday played
background music and a number of
people gave speeches in a large white tent
under rainy skies.
BDHS plans to continue soil and geothermal studies on the 7.5-acre plot on Lone
Peak Trail this fall, and “break ground
with the big equipment next March and
April,” according to BDHS CEO Kevin
Pitzer. The medical center should be open
by late summer or fall 2015, he added.
“There are no holdbacks with this project
in any way,” he told the crowd of nearly
150 community members, BDHS officials and media teams before grabbing
his golden shovel for a photo op.
“[This groundbreaking] is truly a start
and reinforces our continuous commitment to the community,” Pitzer said.
“It’s an exciting new direction for us in
providing healthcare for Big Sky.”
BDHS’ Board of Trustees Chairman Terry Cunningham spoke first,
telling the audience, “This is your
hospital.” Bill Simkins, developer for
Big Sky Town Center, from which
BDHS acquired the land, also took the
microphone to endorse the hospital.
Montana Director of Veteran Affairs
Denny Lenoir followed, reading a letter
from Rep. Steve Daines praising the
new facility.
Committee – comprised of six West
Yellowstone citizens and 22 Big Sky
residents – met with BDHS and
Billings Clinic, both interested in
building a medical center in Big
Sky.
The committee then hired an outside consultant, Howard Gershon
of New Heights Group, to assess
both hospitals’ feasibility studies.
Holding four public meetings between July 17 and Aug. 7, the com-
mittee voted for Billings Clinic to
build, after Gershon recommended
Bozeman Deaconess’ plan.
Since then, BDHS has maintained
it will move forward with plans to
build their medical facility in Big
Sky. Billings Clinic continues to
push forward with its plan to build
in Big Sky, though it has not yet
acquired land to do so, according to
Jim Duncan, president of the Billings Clinic Foundation.
“This medical facility will not only
create jobs, but will also offer critical
access to life-saving medical care in Big
Sky,” Lenoir read.
Local doctor Maren Dunn, who operates Gallatin Family Medicine in Big
Sky, said the medical center is a long
time coming.
“The more infrastructure you have, the
bigger a community gets,” she said. “It’s
awesome and I feel lucky to be a part of
it. I just don’t want to wait two years
for it [to be built].”
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Terry Cunningham, chairman for the Bozeman Deaconess Health Services Board
of Trustees, addresses Denny Lenoir (front, L) and the crowd at the BDHS Big Sky
Medical Center ceremonial groundbreaking event Sept. 30.
6 Oct. 4-17, 2013
community
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
Resort Tax Board filing closed, candidates announced
By Joseph T. O’Connor
BIG SKY – Three of five seats are up
for election on Big Sky’s Resort Tax
Board this November. Running for
two of these seats are Ginna Hermann,
Heather Budd, Robert “Bob” Shanks
and Hans Williamson. Dr. Jeff Strickler
is running for the final seat unopposed.
Current RTB member Les Loble
is stepping down, and Hermann’s
and Dr. Strickler’s seats are also up
for election. Board members Jamey
Kabisch and Mike Scholz will remain
on the board until their terms are up
in 2015.
Ginna Hermann has served on the
RTB for a full term (four years) and is
running for a second term, while Dr.
Strickler is running for the remainder
of his own unexpired term. Strickler
tied with Loren Bough in the 2011
RTB elections, and won the seat in
a coin toss, which is essentially an
appointment, he said, not an election win. Aside from write-in votes,
Strickler is the only candidate running for his seat.
Candidates Budd, Shanks and Williamson are each running for the first
time.
Ballots will be sent out Oct. 11, and
elections are Nov. 5. For more information, visit the Gallatin County Election
Office at gallatin.mt.gov, or call (406)
582-3060.
RTB Candidates
Jeffrey Strickler, M.D.
From: Minneapolis, Minn.
Resident: Big Sky, since
2005
Occupation: Pediatrician;
practiced in Helena for 30
years
What I’ll bring to the
table: I’d like to continue
what we started in my
first two years, [including]
encouraging the community
and supporting emergency
services. The most important
things we’ve supported are
no-brainers: the sheriff’s
deputies, the fire department; we finished the sewer
bond. Business has been
good in Big Sky, so we can
support [things like] culture
and the arts. We’re looking
for game-changing ideas for
Big Sky.
Virginia Hermann
From: Cleveland, Ohio
2000
Occupation: Fundraiser,
specializing in grant writing
Heather Budd
From: Toms River, N.J.
1997
Occupation: CPA; Accountant for Highline Partners
What I’ll bring to the table: I’m an active volunteer
in the community and have
experience seeing the community change and evolve.
As the former president
of the Arts Council in Big
Sky, I have great experience
in creating and preparing
proposals – my professional
background works well with
the resort tax board. We’ve
taken a more active role now
than in the past few years.
Organizations [requesting
RTB funds] must provide
three- and five-year plans,
and if we fund a project,
they provide a twice-a-year
update on that project.
table: Being in the Big Sky
community for so long, I’m
looking to be involved and
make a difference. I have a
master’s degree in accounting
from Montana State University, and the resort tax board
is a good fit for me with my
financial background. [In Big
Sky], we’re just growing and
changing so much, it would
be really great to be a part of
that [growth].
Robert Shanks
From: St. Louis, Mo.
January 2013
Occupation: Retired. Was
35-year operating executive
for Arch Coal, Inc., a coal
company based in St. Louis.
Hans Williamson
From: Avon, Ill.
2010; southwest Montana
since 2007
Occupation: Vice-president
and General Manager at Yellowstone Club
table: With my business
background, I have experience operating capital budgets, tracking expenditures
to make sure we got what we
were after. There are a number of significant issues in
Big Sky – [the] need for more
affordable housing; [the]
consolidation of the ownership of the resorts and how
that affects the community;
[and a] recent resurgence in
construction and development. My wife and I have
been coming to Big Sky for
three years. We retired and
moved here in January, and
we’re thrilled we ended up
here.
table: I think it’s important
to give back to the community. I’m very passionate
about Big Sky and can bring
this passion and business
acumen [to the resort tax
board]. I also really believe
it’s important to have collaboration and continuous
improvement. Get all the
opinions on the table and
have public discussions to
develop a consensus – this
allows a community to grow
and improve.
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local news
8 Oct. 4-17, 2013
8 Oct. 4-17, 2013
local news
Explore Big Sky
pick your pearls.
Photo by Tyler Busby
Work on North Fork trails
system suspended
Forest Service deals with
easement encroachment
By Tyler Allen
Explore Big Sky Staff Writer
BIG SKY – The North Fork trails saga
continues. In late September, Gallatin National Forest District Ranger
Lisa Stoeffler announced the suspension of a controversial proposal to
exchange public easements in the
drainage on the north side of Big Sky.
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The Forest received more than 120
public comments on the proposal
after public meetings this spring. Of
those opposed to the project, “nearly
60 percent focused on the private
home encroachment,” said a letter
dated Sept. 19 from Stoeffler to interested parties.
Texas lobbyist Stan Schlueter in 2000
built an 8,000-square-foot home
within a Forest Service right-of-way,
essentially closing public access on
Road 166B. The agency came back
this spring with the proposal to build
a road bypassing his property, close
the east side of Road 166B to public
use and build a new trail for nonmotorized users.
“I think in hindsight, we inadvertently brought confusion by adding
on other potential things that could
have happened in the North Fork,”
Stoeffler said. “It may have seemed
like a good idea to put a lot of ideas
together, but it prevented us from
dealing with the encroachment.”
The Forest has begun looking over
sample easements and road options,
and has done some preliminary work
on an agreement with Schlueter to
relocate the road. The easement near
the house will be terminated when
the parties agree where the new
easement will be located and a road is
constructed to restore public access,
Stoeffler said.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be a
lengthy process,” said Forest Service spokeswoman Marna Daley.
“The United States is not going to
terminate any easements until we
have ones in kind. [We’re] racing the
weather to get a new road in place,
but it’s relatively straightforward.”
Daley said the agency wants to find
“a solution that works with Schlueter and the public – a solution that
everyone can embrace, to resolve the
encroachment.”
Road 166B is currently open to motorized use in the summer. Under the
Forest’s proposal that access would
have been closed in favor of a new,
6.8-mile trail open to non-motorized
users only. The public comment
period on the proposal was originally
slated to end March 29, but was
extended to April 12 due to the high
volume of input. The Forest also held
two public meetings in Big Sky.
“With the feedback and high level of
scrutiny, [once the encroachment is]
resolved then the trails work can resume,” Stoeffler said. “[Then] we can
look at where we are with a potential
trail system.”
regional
Oct. 4-17, 2013 9
yellowstone news
Oct. 4-17, 2013 9
MSU earns top Montana
ranking on ‘America’s Top
Colleges’ list
MSU NEWS SERVICE
Distinctly Bozeman
BOZEMAN – Montana State University recently earned the 255th spot on
Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges” list, which was the highest rank earned by a
public or private institution in Montana.
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The Forbes rankings are based on several factors, including student satisfaction, post-graduate success, student debt levels, graduation rates, and nationally competitive awards received, according to the publication. In addition to MSU, other Montana colleges and universities ranked on the
list included Carroll College at 269; Montana Tech of the University of Montana at 373; the University of Montana at 426; and Rocky Mountain College
at 602.
MSU also ranked higher than many of its peer universities in the West, including Washington State University, Utah State University, Colorado State
University and Oregon State University.
MSU reported historic high growth in enrollment this week with a record
15,294 students attending classes this fall. In addition, it continues to draw
many of the state’s best and brightest students: of the 211 Montana high
school graduates offered Montana University System Honor Scholarships,
127 – or 60 percent – chose MSU.
With enrollment upward of 14,000, MSU offers more than 125 major options within its colleges and programs.
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Forbes partnered with the Washington, D.C.-based Center for College Affordability and Productivity to produce the list of 650 schools. More information, and the full list, is available at forbes.com/top-colleges.
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406-587-2950
Gabriella Green, Associate
406-581-0694
www.ecorealestatesource.com
Representing Buyers and Sellers in Livingston and Bozeman.
10 Oct. 4-17, 2013
regional
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
Meeting dates set for Gallatin Community Collaborative
Committee secures funding
By Emily Wolfe
Explore Big Sky Managing Editor
The Gallatin Community Collaborative has already brought together opposing user groups in
an effort to find a new solution to a three-decade
old problem. The next step is a series of workshops with its new facilitator, the first of which
will be in Big Sky on Oct. 11.
The committee – which represents motorized
and non-motorized interest groups, outfitters,
landowners, conservation interests, educators
and agency managers – has secured approximately $60,000 in funding, hired a facilitator,
and laid out a set of guidelines and principals for
future negotiations.
According to press information from the GCC,
the funding comes from local individuals and
organizations, private foundation grants, and
federal sources. Managed by the GCC’s fiscal
sponsor Park County Community Foundation,
the money will be used to support GCC facilitation, logistics and program management, meeting costs, travel costs, and technical resources
and supplies.
The exploratory committee spent the last two
years building the preliminary guidelines for a
future collaborative group it hopes will work
toward a management solution for the controversial 155,000-acre Hyalite-Porcupine-Buffalo
Horn Wilderness Study Area.
Congress designated the WSA in 1977 to “preserve its existing wilderness character” until a
long-term decision about management and protection could be made. With the National Forest
considering revisions to its management plan
and no litigation pending, the committee hopes
a future collaborative group will create a “broad,
adaptive and durable” resolution it can present to the Gallatin National Forest and federal
elected officials.
The new facilitator, Jeff Goebel, has designed a
three-stage community workshop series that will
run October through February, with the goal
of establishing trust and building relationships
among participants. The workshops, according
to the committee, “will lay important groundwork to build from as the GCC moves into more
detailed and substantive dialogue on the WSA.”
Based in Portland, Ore., Goebel has facilitated
conflicts around the Western U.S., and from
Hawaii to Palestine, he says, working with individuals, families, businesses, communities and
tribes. Instead of looking for common ground,
Goebel plans to help the community find new
ground and “100 percent agreement.”
Workshop dates: Oct. 11 (Friday) – Big Sky
Whitewater Inn, 4-8 p.m., includes
dinner
Oct. 12 (Saturday) – Bozeman
Gallatin County Fairgrounds (exhibit building #3), 9-1 p.m., includes
breakfast
Oct. 14 (Monday) – Bozeman
Gallatin County Fairgrounds (exhibit
building #3), 5:30-9:30 p.m., includes
dinner
Oct. 15 (Tuesday) – Livingston
Park High School Multipurpose
Room, 5:30-9:30 p.m., includes dinner
Oct. 16 (Wednesday) – Gardiner/
Emigrant
Emigrant Community Hall, 5:30-9:30
p.m., includes dinner
The workshops are open to the public, but space is limited. If interested
in attending, RSVP at
gallatincollaborative.org.
BO U T I Q UE L O D GING IN GAL L AT IN G ATE WAY, MON TA N A
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explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
yellowstone
Oct. 4-17, 2013 11
Government shutdown causes national park closures
Yellowstone gateway communities affected
The Lamar Valley, pictured here on Sept. 24. was closed at press time, along with the rest of Yellowstone and all of America’s national parks. The parks will remain
closed until the government shutdown is over. PHOTO BY JOE PAULET
By Emily Wolfe
also remain on staff to answer media
questions.
As the federal government shut down
on Oct. 1, Yellowstone National Park
closed its gates, essentially shuttering
area businesses that depend on fall
traffic in the park.
The only park road that remains open
to the public is U.S. Highway 191, between Big Sky and West Yellowstone;
however, the trailheads are closed.
Park employees showed up to work
that day, but 529 were sent home on
furlough, said YNP Public Information Officer Al Nash. A group
remained to execute the shutdown,
which included closing the gates to
incoming public traffic; later in the
week, 45 more were set for furlough,
Nash said.
At press time, the U.S. Congress
hadn’t yet passed a budget, causing a
lapse in federal funding; the ensuing loss of services included closure
of all national parks. This is the first
government shutdown in 17 years,
since Clinton was in office.
Because there are people who live in
the park, it will keep basic life, health
and safety services available like water and wastewater treatment plants,
emergency medical and structural fire
services, law enforcement capability,
and snow plow drivers. Nash will
Even if the shutdown and closure are
short-lived, it’s already had a devastating effect on business in West Yellowstone, according to Melissa Alder,
co-owner of the outdoor store in West,
Freeheel and Wheel.
“September has been very busy, and
we’ve seen a lot of visitors in town, a
lot of fishermen… We’ve spent a fair
amount of money marketing the community in the shoulder seasons … and
over the last few years that business
has built up significantly. An extended
closure is going to hurt the community, and everyone in town is going to
suffer.”
Fall visitors to West typically come
for 5-7 days, rather than 1-2 days like
summer visitors, Alder said, and this
will cause many to cancel their plans to
visit. “It’s going to put a quick end to
the season that was seemingly one of
the busiest falls we’ve ever had.”
Seasonal roads update
High elevations of the Beartooth Highway were closed in late
September due to high wind, drifting snow and new snow
at Beartooth Pass. The Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, WY 296,
remains open and travelers headed to Cooke City and Silver
Gate should plan to use this alternate route; U.S. 212 between
Cooke City and the junction of 296 will be maintained over
Colter Pass until the official closing date in November. The road from the park’s North
Entrance in Gardiner, to the Northeast
Entrance is closed to anyone but Cooke
and Silver Gate residents and the remaining park employees, Nash said.
For residents of Cooke City, four miles
from the Northeast Entrance, their already remote village has instantly become
a ghost town, said Leo Gaertner, owner of
the restaurant/motel, Buns N Beds.
“There’s nobody here. No one,” he said
on Oct. 1. “It’s terrible. The only people
here are those that are already here. We
have probably about eight wildlife-viewing people and six fishermen. They can’t
get [here], unless they’re coming from
Cody.”
Gaertner said a tour group had called to
cancel earlier that morning, because it
wasn’t allowed into the park. Of the four
restaurants that would be serving food,
only his and the Beartooth Café were still
open.
“I don’t have any choice, I got a mortgage payment, so any local people that
are around, I’m going to be here to feed
them.”
In Cody, Wyo., Chamber of Commerce
Director Scott Balyo reports much the
same.
“Obviously we are nearing the end of
our summer season, but this is still an
important time of the year for Cody
area businesses. As long as Yellowstone
is open, there are visitors from around
the world who have come to experience what is often a once-in-a-lifetime
experience.”
“The longer the shutdown lasts,” Balyo
added, “the less likely it becomes that
visitors will retain their travel plans,
and our local hotels, restaurants,
shops and attractions will suffer
economically.”
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montana
Explore Big Sky
FWP extends comment period
for area grizzly bear plan
MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has again extended the public comment
period for its updated grizzly bear conservation and management plan in
southwest Montana.
The comment period was first extended to Sept. 30; responding to public
requests for additional time to examine the document, FWP will now accept
comments through Oct. 11.
Updated from a 2002 version, the new draft plan addresses state management
options once the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s more than 700 grizzly
bears are removed from the federal list of threatened species. FWP has developed the plan over the past year in conjunction with a programmatic environmental impact statement, and held August open houses in Bozeman, Helena
and Billings to discuss the proposal.
Among the issues considered in the EIS are population monitoring, habitat management, nuisance grizzly bear management, future distribution, and the potential for grizzly bear hunting.
FWP has received a number of comments and questions regarding operating
costs, and its Wildlife Division administrator Ken McDonald said the operating
costs outlined in the draft are the minimum for program implementation. FWP
will provide additional clarification of costs and response to public comment in
the final EIS.
FWP expects to have a final decision notice in December, to be considered for
approval by the Fish and Wildlife Commission in January.
Copies of the draft plan and comment forms are available online at fwp.mt.gov.
Click “SW MT Grizzly Bear Management Plan.” Public comment will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Oct. 11.
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montana
Explore Big Sky
Oct. 4-17, 2013 13
NorthWestern Energy to acquire hydroelectric
facilities for $900 million
Rowe’s intention to use this a way to reverse the
affects of deregulation.
“These facilities were originally built as part of
the integrated system that we own today and
complement our existing set of supply resources,” said Bob Rowe, NorthWestern’s president
and CEO in a press release about the announcement. Rowe is also former chairman of the PSC.
“The addition of Montana-regulated, clean,
sustainable and reliable hydro power will provide
supply diversity to our portfolio and will reduce
risks associated with variable fuel prices,” Rowe
said.
The Madison Dam, which creates Ennis Lake (pictured here), is one of the 12 dams NorthWestern Energy
plans to purchase from PPL Montana. PHOTO BY KELSEY DZINTARS
By Emily Wolfe
and Morony dams on the Missouri River, in the Great
Falls area.
BUTTE – NorthWestern Energy on Sept. 26 announced plans to purchase 11 hydroelectric facilities
that generate 633 megawatts, a storage reservoir, and a
number of related assets from electricity generator PPL
Montana, for $900 million.
The announcement has brought back the historic
discussion about energy deregulation in Montana.
Proposed by the now defunct Montana Power Company and passed by the 1997 state legislature, the
deregulation law allowed the Montana Public Service
Commission to regulate only delivery rates, leaving
supply rates to the whims of the market. The idea was
for consumers to choose their own electricity supplier,
and it more than doubled the cost of electricity.
The facilities are: the Hebgen Lake Dam and reservoir
south of Big Sky, and the Madison Dam north of Ennis, both on the Madison River; the Hauser and Holter
dams, on the Missouri River north of Helena; the Kerr
Dam, on the Flathead River near Polson; the Thompson Falls Dam on the Clark Fork River near Thompson
Falls; and the Black Eagle, Rainbow, Cochrane, Ryan
The Sept. 27 Associated Press story on the potential acquisition gained national attention, citing
If the deal goes through, the release said, NWE
will be able to fulfill nearly half of its customer’s
energy needs through wind, hydro or solar
resources, and provide most of the state’s power
supply during light load periods.
After the initial purchase, customers would
likely see their energy bills rise. In the long run,
Rowe said, it should provide energy stability,
cost less than building entirely new production
facilities, and reduce NWE’s reliance on third-party
and spot-market purchases, thus stabilizing rates.
Subject to closing conditions and regulatory approval from the PSC, the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission, other state and federal agencies, the
acquisition is expected to close in the second half
of 2014.
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nation
14 Oct. 4-17, 2013
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
Lindeen: Obamacare’s effect on Montanans
By Emily Wolfe
HELENA – On a six-city tour explaining and answering questions about
Obamacare Sept. 26-Oct. 1, Montana Insurance Commissioner Monica Lindeen drew hundreds to town hall-style meetings in Butte, Bozeman, Billings,
Great Falls, Missoula and Kalispell.
In March 2010, President Obama signed into law the comprehensive health
reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; two years later,
the U.S. Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the law.
Some parts of it have already been enacted, and others are set to go into effect
between now and 2018, with many of the largest provisions beginning January 2014.
Among other things, Obamacare also sets a baseline of required services for
health insurance plans; changes laws for large businesses providing insurance; provides tax credits for low-income citizens; removes insurance companies’ ability to deny insurance for people with pre-existing conditions; allows
children to remain on their parents’ policies until age 26; and limits insurance companies’ profits.
The town hall meetings were in advance of the Oct. 1 opening of new government-regulated health insurance marketplaces, which allow citizens to
shop for policies online at healthcare.gov.
In Montana, Lindeen said, the marketplace will help the approximately
185,000 uninsured residents – or 22 percent of the state population – get
coverage, many for the first time.
Requiring all citizens to have health insurance, the law has been controversial
and divisive, with many Republican legislators seeing the ACA as an example
of government overreach with possible high expense and increased federal
debt.
“The whole point of the health insurance market is to get insurance for the
uninsured,” Lindeen told Explore Big Sky in a phone interview. “The uninsured are part of the problem for why our costs are rising – they’re getting
their healthcare coverage through the emergency room and hospitals. Their
coverage is much more expensive as a result, which increases costs for everyone.”
Lindeen stressed that although this is a federal marketplace being created by
the government – the 2013 state legislature voted against creating a Montanaregulated marketplace – private insurance companies will continue offering
private policies.
The commissioner said she has fielded hundreds of questions at both the
town hall meetings and online at her website, montanahealthanswers.com.
Most of the questions have been specific to an individual or family situation,
she said, ranging from V.A. benefits to Medicare.
Continued on p. 15
When the Marketplace website launches in October, it will have an online
calculator to determine your “modified gross adjusted income” (MAGI). The
Marketplace will automatically compare your MAGI to the federal poverty levels so you don’t have to do the math. If you are eligible for cost reductions, the
Marketplace will show those reductions as you shop for insurance.
In the mean time, you can use the following chart and an estimate of your
income to predict whether or not you’ll be eligible for tax credits or cost-sharing
subsidies. Remember, households between 100 and 400 percent of the federal
poverty level will get tax credits. Households between 100 and 250 percent will
also receive cost-sharing subsidies.
2013 Federal Poverty Levels
Household
Size
100%
133%
150%
200%
300%
400%
1
$11,490
$15,282
$17,235
$22,980
$34,470
$45,960
2
15,510
20,628
23,265
31,020
46,530
62,040
3
19,530
25,975
29,295
39,060
58,590
78,120
4
23,550
31,322
35,325
47,100
70,650
94,200
5
27,570
36,668
41,355
55,140
82,710
110,280
6
31,590
42,015
47,385
63,180
94,770
126,360
7
35,610
47,361
53,415
71,220
106,830
142,440
8
39,630
52,708
59,445
79,260
118,890
158,520
For each
additional
person, add
$4,020
$5,347
$6,030
$8,040
$12,060
$16,080
The basics on healthcare reform
for Montanans
MONTANAHEALTHANSWERS.COM
Insurance industry reforms
After September 2010, insurers were required to do the following:
•
Spend at least 80 percent of the premiums collected on customers’ health
care, with those offering policies to large employers spending 85 percent of
collected premiums on healthcare.
•
Send rebates to customers spending less than the required percentage of
premiums on healthcare.
•
Extend coverage for dependent children to age 26.
•
Could not rescind a customer’s coverage unless the customer submitted
fraudulent information or intentionally misrepresented a material fact.
•
Could not impose lifetime limits on insurance benefits or annual limits on what
the insurer will spend on healthcare in 10 categories called “essential health
benefits.”
•
Could not deny coverage to children under age 19 because of a pre-existing
condition. In 2014, insurance companies won’t be able to refuse insurance to
anyone.
Insurance benefit reforms
Obamacare also requires health insurance to cover a basic range of services.
By 2014, all insurance products must cover services in the following categories,
known as “10 essential health benefits”:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Hospital visits and surgery
Doctors office visits
Prescription drugs
Maternity and newborn services
Mental health and chemical dependency services
Lab work and imaging
Rehabilitation services and services intended for skill acquisition, like speech
therapy for a child who is currently non-verbal
8. Dental and vision care for children
9. Preventive care and management of chronic diseases, like diabetes
10. Emergency services
If buying insurance for yourself, your family or the employees of your small business
in the marketplace, every policy must cover these benefits. However, large employers – business with 50 or more employees – don’t have to offer insurance that
necessarily covers services in all 10 areas to be considered adequate.
Fulfilling the individual mandate
If you already have health coverage through any of the following sources, you’ve
met the requirement of the individual mandate and won’t pay a penalty:
•
Medicare
•
Medicaid or Healthy Montana Kids (aka the Childrens Health Insurance
Program or CHIP)
•
TRICARE (for members of the U.S. military, retirees and their families)
•
The veteran’s health program
•
A plan offered by an employer that offers “minimum essential coverage”
and is affordable
•
Insurance bought on your own that meets the “minimum essential coverage”
standard
Exemptions
You are exempt from the individual mandate if:
•
You have to pay more than 8 percent of your income for health insurance,
after taking into account any employer contributions or tax credits.
•
Your family income is below the threshold for filing a tax return.
•
You’re part of a religion opposed to acceptance of benefits from a health insurance policy or are a member of a recognized healthcare-sharing ministry.
•
You’re an American Indian, an Alaska Native, or are married to an American
Indian or Alaska Native.
•
You’re not a citizen or not lawfully present in the U.S.
•
You are incarcerated.
Penalties
Individuals who choose to go without healthcare coverage face tax penalties
enforced by the IRS. The penalty is phased in over time as follows:
•
In 2014, the yearly penalty is $95 per adult, $47.50 per child (up to $285 for a
family) or 1 percent of family income, whichever is greater.
•
In 2015, the penalty is $325 per adult, $162.50 per child (up to $975 for a family) or 2 percent of income, whichever is greater.
•
In 2016 and beyond, penalty is $695 per adult, $347.50 per child (up to $2,085
for a family) or 2.5 percent of family income, whichever is greater.
nation
Oct. 4-17, 2013 15
Continued from p. 14
The tax credits were a common question, she said. Anyone making between 100-400 percent of the poverty level – which includes most of the
middle class – qualifies. However, this leaves out individuals and families
making less than 100 percent of the poverty level, Lindeen said.
“The issue is that they would have gotten coverage through Medicaid
expansion, but the Montana legislature chose not to expand Medicaid.
We’ll have a gap in about 50,000 Montanans who will not be able to afford
coverage – the working poor. This will be someone like a family of three
making less than $19,500.”
bigskytowncenter.com
WHERE BIG SKY COMES TOGETHER
While the marketplaces are already open, insurance will not be available
until Jan. 1, 2014. Penalties for being uninsured will not be enacted until
March 2014.
Small businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not required
to offer health insurance coverage under the ACA. Larger businesses with
more than 50 are mandated to provide insurance, but have until Jan. 1,
2015 before they’ll be fined for not doing so.
“The overwhelming number of businesses in Montana are small businesses,” Lindeen said, “so this does not really affect them.”
“What’s great about [the ACA] in Montana, and is not always the case in
other states, is that we’ve already required in state alaw almost every one
of those benefits,” Lindeen said, referring to the “10 Essential Health
Benefits” required by the law. “As a result, it didn’t increase the premium
cost for Montanans.”
“What matters most to me is getting out accurate information to people in
Montana, so those who are uninsured can make educated decisions about
how to take advantage of the opportunity to get insurance. For many, it
will be affordable for the first time in their lives, especially for people
who’ve had preexisting conditions who were never able to get insurance.”
CULTURAL TREASURES:
Visit the Galleries of Town Center this summer for
exhibits and events.
Creighton Block, Charsam Room, and Gallatin River
Gallery host a variety of pieces by
Local and Regional artists.
Rapier Family Foundation presents...
SKI GEAR AND SKI CLOTHES EXCHANGE
* for all ages
OCT 8th 4-8pm @ Choppers in Town Center
Bring in old and new gear! Donation exchange for all ages!
What might you find? Skis coats, goggles, hats, gloves, snow boots, poles,
helmets, snowboards, sweaters etc.
Q’s - Call Kris @ 406-600-5702
16 Oct. 4-17, 2013
header
explorebigsky.com
Creighton Block
Explore Big Sky
b i g sky’ s mos t e x t e n s i v e fi n e art collecti on
every thUrSday at 4:30 PM
provided by
“a short break from rendezvous” 24x30 by todd connor
11:00 aM - 7:00 PM // tUeSday thrU SatUrday
11:00 aM - 5:30 PM // SUndayS
MondayS By aPPointMent
ar twork also displayed at outlaw Par tners, Bozeman audi Big
Sky Showroom and Lone Mountain ranch and rainbow ranch
Lo c at e d i n t h e B i g S ky town cen t er o n t h e co rner of Lone Pea k d rive
c r e i g h to n B L o c k g a L L e r y. c o M |
(406) 993-9400
a rt wo r k n ow ava i L a B L e o n a M a z o n . c o M
explorebigsky.com
Oct. 4-17, 2013 17
Explore Big Sky
Section 2:
life, land
& culture
art show at zoot p. 18
hydrate at ozssage p. 23
city practice
for a bow
hunter p. 31
Open Range finds its niche
New Bozeman restaurant offers fine food, wine
Open Range, Bozeman’s newest downtown restaurant, opened its doors to the public on Sept. 30. Here, at the Sept. 28 soft opening, the staff prepped the
6,000-plus-square-foot building.
story and photos
BOZEMAN – The term “open range” evokes a time
before the invention of barbed wire, when ranchers
At 6,240 square feet, the eatery’s layout gives a nod
to Montana’s wide-open spaces: Formerly Artcraft
Printers, the building once housed a car dealership,
as evidenced by the eight-inch-thick concrete floors,
broad windows, and massive garage-door entry. The
high ceilings, original roof trusses and open floor
plan complete the
ambience at Open
Range, located
at 241 East Main
Street.
Mary did the
interior design,
combining earthy
color schemes to
mute the building’s industrial
framework.
The food also
melds the feel of
“no boundaries”
Montana, with
a contemporary
twist. “We wanted
to keep the tradiChef Bill Baskin serves up a piping-hot entrée during Open Range’s soft opening.
tion of rustic Montana food, but bring it into the 21st century,” says
would fence-out livestock from land already develJay, who opened the Mint Bar and Café in Belgrade
oped. It was easier than fencing the animals in.
in 1994.
When Jay and Mary Bentley on Sept. 30 opened
While the Bentleys serve up a mean cut of New
the doors to a new downtown Bozeman restaurant,
York strip, they don’t consider Open Range a
Open Range, they embraced this theme.
steakhouse, per se. Rather, “a restaurant with great
steaks,” as Jay noted in a recent press release. “We
feel our menu offers our diners a whole lot more
interesting choices including appetizers, entrees and
desserts unique to the Bozeman dining scene,” he
said.
Jay’s cookbook, Open Range: Steaks, Chops and More
from Big Sky Country, published last October, hints
at some of the eclectic delicacies. Now, the Bentleys
are leaving the recipes up to chef Bill Baskin, who
plans to change the cuisine each month.
The debut menu features seasonal salads, a Pacific
halibut, Jay’s Cast Iron Chicken and a 14-ounce
grass-fed New York strip steak, along with an extensive wine list.
As vegetables and other locally and regionally
sourced ingredients come into season, Baskin will
bring them to the table, Mary said. “Squash is
coming this month, and I think that’s cool. A lot of
restaurants have great food, but you get bored. It’s
exciting for us to keep things interesting.”
The former executive chef at Lone Mountain Ranch
in Big Sky, Baskin will cook much of the fare from
scratch, Mary added.
The Bentleys held a soft opening on Sept. 28, and
propped the doors open for the public on Sept. 30,
changing Open Range from dream to reality.
“Both front of the house and back of the house
really stepped it up [on opening night],” Mary said.
“We’re off and running.”
18 Oct. 4-17, 2013
gallery
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
"Kin" oil, 48x60
Dzintars hosts art opening Oct. 11
Zoot Art Gallery presents "American Spirit"
By Emily Wolfe
BOZEMAN – Big Sky artist Kelsey Dzintars’ art
will stop you in your tracks. You picked up this
paper, right? The woman on the cover,"Vagabond"
perhaps half wild animal, is one of Dzintars’ most
recent works, a 36-by-48-inch oil on canvas.
“The people are all imaginary characters that I think
anybody could draw their own story from,” Dzintars said. Who is “Vagabond” – the woman on the
cover sitting astride the horse at night, wearing a
bear or wolf skin on her head? “It’s up to you.”
The gallery is located in Zoot Enterprises, in Four
Corners. Zoot is a global provider of advanced loan
origination, account acquisition and credit risk
management solutions.
Dzintars will show her mixed media paintings at
Zoot Art Gallery Oct. 2013-Jan. 2014.
The exhibit, “American Spirit,” features watercolors and oils from 2011-present, and is loosely
themed on the contemporary American West.
A graduate of Montana State University with a
BFA in graphic design, Dzintars drew inspiration
for the pieces in this show from classical Western
and American Indian paintings. Graphic art and
graffiti also play into her style, and her subjects
are clearly modern.
In her own brand of magical realism, Dzintars
mixes nature and people, wolves, bicycles, cowboys and music. Not necessarily hyper-realistic,
her unnamed figures are expressive and mysterious, ranging from playful to pensive.
"Bye, Son" watercolor, 16x20
explorebigsky.com
gallery
Explore Big Sky
Oct. 4-17, 2013 19
“Art spurs creativity in the workplace, and we wanted to have that environment here,” says Zoot founder
and CEO Chris Nelson on the gallery’s website. “It’s
also important to provide local artists with a venue to
display their works.”
With 108 linear feet of wall hanging space and large
floor areas for sculpture, the gallery features a rotating
schedule of works by Montana artists. All work sold
through the gallery is commission-free.
Zoot marketing coordinator Darcy Barry was drawn
to the bold colors and non-traditional Western subject
matter in Dzintars’ art, and asked her to apply to the
juried committee that selects the artists.
Originally from Rapid City, S.D., Dzintars moved to
Bozeman in 2005 to attend MSU. There, she achieved
an Award of Excellence from the School of Art, the
Bronze Pencil Award in illustration and a student
ADDY award for illustration. Dzintars is currently
the senior graphic designer at the Outlaw Partners, a
marketing and media firm based in Big Sky, and the
publisher of this newspaper.
The show is at Zoot Art Gallery (555 Enterprises Lane in
Four Corners), and is open Monday through Friday, from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dzintars will host an opening reception on
Friday, Oct. 11, from 6-8 p.m., with music by DJ 5 star,
appetizers from Dave’s Sushi, Madison River Brewing Co.
beer and fine wine. For more information, visit
kelseydzintars.com and zoot-art-gallery.com.
"Magic Carpet Ride" watercolor, 16x20
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business
Explore Big Sky
The Club at Spanish
Peaks back in business
Owners/members iron out
new membership agreement
offered to returning members who
lost out in 2011.
BIG SKY – Representatives for
The Club at Spanish Peaks have
announced the first new membership terms and conditions for the
5,300-acre private club since its
former owners filed for Chapter 7
bankruptcy protection in October
2011.
“We all had membership deposits
that were lost in the bankruptcy,”
Romney said. “I lost $80,000. It’s
gone. Now I can get a check back,
[and] that’s great. [CrossHarbor]
didn’t have to do that at all.”
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www.kingfisherheliskiing.com
Office:
1 778 475 3356
Toll Free: 1 855 475 3399
Like us on Facebook
EBS on Sept. 23 received a copy
of an email from the club’s ad hoc
committee to its approximately
200 members outlining the plan
between members and the club’s
new owners, CrossHarbor Capital
Partners and Boyne Resorts.
Before the bankruptcy, The Club at
Spanish Peaks charged $8,000 for
golf/ski homeowners, and $5,500
for social members in annual dues,
Romney said. Although the new
dues are higher, Romney says the
increase is not extravagant and believes the service will reflect it.
John Romney, chairman for the ad
hoc committee, feels this is a new
beginning.
“You want to have a balance of
reasonable services with reasonable
dues. And you need a reasonable
number of members.”
“Nobody knew what the offer was
going to be,” Romney said of the
agreement, reached two months
after the club’s July purchase. “Basically they’re welcoming back all
the members. If you were a member
before, you won’t have to pay anything. People thought they were going to have to pay $20,000 to rejoin
the club.”
The membership summary noted
that, while the club will remain
private, it reserves the right to
increase national memberships –
those offered to non-homeowners
– and ski/golf memberships, “…
based on market conditions and to
ensure long-term sustainability of
[the] club.”
In the new terms and conditions,
existing members are grandfathered
in, while new property-owning golf
and ski members will pay a $40,000
deposit, and social members are responsible for $20,000. Annual dues
will cost $9,500 and $6,500, respectively, according to the membership
summary attached to the email.
Returning club members will get
80 percent of their cumulative dues
back upon selling their Spanish
Peaks property, according to the
summary. Refunds are also being
Currently, the number of ski/golf
memberships is capped at 395.
One immediate change is that nonmember Big Sky Resort skiers will
now have access to the Sacajawea
and Lewis and Clark ski lifts;
however, the public will not be able
to utilize other club services. Club
members can use these chairs without purchasing a Big Sky lift ticket.
On July 19, CrossHarbor and Boyne
closed on the purchase of The Club
at Spanish Peaks’ assets.
Jewelry studio moves to
new location
Ari O Jewelry Studio and Shop is moving to a new 418-square-foot space at The
Big Horn Center on Highway 191. A couple doors west of The Bugaboo Café,
the new location will draw more traffic, said owner Ariane Coleman.
“The consistency of the Bugaboo will bring traffic, and I like being [near] Ryan
Turner’s photography studio,” Coleman said.
SNOCRU
SNOCRU is a FREE Mobile App that connects you to the mountains –
on all levels. Check global snow conditions, connect with friends on the
mountain in real time, track your day on the slopes, find the best après
party scene or a local shop, and share the whole experience through
Facebook and Twitter.
www.SnoCru.com
Coleman has been in business in Big Sky since 2010, and previously rented a
space for the studio in the Gallatin Building, behind By Word of Mouth. She will
be open at the new location starting on Monday Oct. 7. – E.W.
Call (406) 580-9956 for hours or any other questions, or find her online at
ariojewelry.com
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
business
Oct. 4-17, 2013 21
Attracting talent
The link between strong community and a diverse talent pool
By Jennifer Hill Community Builders
How do we bring in talent to the towns
and cities in the West?
Community members must make
recruiting talent their personal business, according to a recent article on
governing.com titled “Beyond the
‘Brain Drain’: How Cities Really Need
to Sell Themselves,” written by urban
affairs analyst and entrepreneur Aaron
M. Renn.
the answer lies in creating a diversified economy. This means providing a
framework and structure for diverse
businesses to flourish – often through
investing in public infrastructure improvements that allow development to
happen more quickly.
In the past, large industrial companies
drove the demand for labor. Workers
Put,” a piece for online.wsj.com. About
half of American households change
addresses every five years, Moretti
explains, and a significant number relocate to a different city – a number that
would be unthinkable in Europe.
Approximately 33 percent of Americans reside in a state other than the
one they were born in, Moretti adds,
“Given how few communities are actually selling themselves today, this is an
easy way for a place to distinguish itself
in the marketplace,” Renn wrote.
But what if your community first needs
to strengthen its infrastructure and
downtown, as well as maintain its sense
of place, before even thinking about
attracting new talent?
This is the chicken-and-egg-cycle of
community and economic development: Every community wants to attract and retain good talent, but it often
comes with the price of having a strong
community to begin with – which is
reliant on having a strong economy.
To break through this cyclical conundrum, many communities are finding
packed up and moved based on where
they could find a better job, regardless
of the location’s attractiveness. Today,
the American workforce has transitioned from an industrial economy to an
innovation economy, where whoever
moves, wins.
“This willingness to relocate is a large
factor in America’s prosperity, and it always has been,” writes Enrico Moretti
in “What Workers Lose By Staying
up from 20 percent in 1900. On the
flip side, domestic migration overall
is declining. Largely, only those with
the means and college educations are
moving.
A recent article in Slate, “Bismarck is
Lovely This Time of Year,” asserts that
to fix the economy, people of all education levels must be encouraged to start
moving again.
“Back in 1985, over 20 percent of the
population moved,” wrote author
Matthew Yglesias. “That number fell
steadily to 11.6 percent in 2011, before
ticking back up to 12 percent last year.
What’s more, even if you just look at
interstate moves, a lot of the shifting
doesn’t appear to be related to a search
for employment. New York to Florida
(presumably retirees) leads the Census
Bureau’s list of the 10 most common
state-to-state moves. None of the 10
lowest-unemployment states are destinations of the top 10 interstate moves,
and none of the five highest-unemployment states are departure points for
the top 10 interstate moves.”
Western cities and towns with diversified economies will attract and retain
talented people. To do this, communities must allow for and provide the public infrastructure and policy framework
needed to spur development.
Jennifer Hill is a program manager with
the Sonoran Institute’s Western Colorado
Program focusing on urban design,
placemaking and linkages for energy
planning. Inspired and supported by the
Sonoran Institute, Community Builders
is a network that helps community
leaders in the western U.S. This piece
was adapted from one originally written
for communitybuilders.net.
22 Oct. 4-17, 2013
outlaw news
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
You gotta have a loh-gohhh!
By Kelsey Dzintars
Outlaw Partners Senior Graphic Designer
BIG SKY – You’ve heard it before. In the tone of the
memorable Seinfeld quote, “You gotta see the bay-bee!”
You gotta have a logo. A professional logo.
But why? What’s wrong with that cool font you found
in Word? Why can’t you use the .jpg design created by
your 16-year-old nephew on a billboard?
The short answer: A professional business should look
professional.
“New business owners often invest a lot of time and
money in property and equipment, but do not often
match it by investing suitably in their logo,” wrote
Gareth Hardy in a June 2009 article for Smashing
Magazine, stating, “if your logo looks amateurish,
then so will your business.”
A logo often acts as a springboard for a business’s entire
corporate identity. The design should be describable,
memorable, scalable and effective without color.
Without it, there’s a good chance the rest of your brand
will fall flat, causing your marketing efforts to be ineffective.
Hire a professional logo designer: If you broke your
leg, would you fix it yourself, look up WebMD, or
go to a friend or relative who claims to know a little
about medicine? (Well, maybe you would, but that’s a
different story entirely). Many online resources offer
cheap logo design or use crowd-sourcing to create
designs; however, most of these sites are populated
with amateur designers who probably won’t take the
time to really sink their teeth into your business and
background.
When you don't invest in a professional logo for your business, you risk sending the wrong message to your
client or customer.
Let’s skip ahead. You’ve signed off on a beautiful,
unique and timeless logo that will work well for any
application, thanks to that professional logo designer
you hired. But if all you have is a tiny .jpg file, you essentially own a preview of your logo.
Kelsey Dzintars had almost as much fun designing the 'bad'
logos above as she does designing good ones. Contact the
Outlaw Partners at [email protected] or
(406) 995-2055 for a consultation on your logo
or branding project. Even if your company is well
established, it’s never too late to revamp your brand to
take your business to the next level.
You should expect to receive a tidy package with multiple file formats and color profiles as a final deliverable.
Treat that package like a golden egg, and it will save
you time and money in the future. There’s no need to
track down your designer from five years ago to get the
vector file for your Superbowl blimp. You have it all at
your fingertips.
Find additional tips in David Airey’s article, “How to
Choose a Logo Designer” smashingmagazine.com
• Fall Specials •
Friday acoustic music
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
Oct.
4 - Jeff Bellino
11 - Brian Stumpf
18 - John Parvin
25 - Kevin Fabozi
9-11pm
*check Facebook for updates on
music schedule
Daily Happy Hour
5-6pm
$1 Meatballs
$20 cheese and bottle of wine
$1 Rainier draft
$6 Specialty cocktails
$10 12” Margherita pizza
JUICE • COFFEE • BAKED GOODS
WED-SUN, 7AM-1PM
OPEN WED-SUN, 5PM-CLOSE (CLOSED OCT. 28-NOV. 12)
Located adjacent to Lone Peak Cinema in Big Sky’s Town Center • (406) 995-7175 • ouselandspurpizza.com
explorebigsky.com
health
Explore Big Sky
Oct. 4-17, 2013 23
Hydrate at OZssage
By Maria Wyllie
Explore Big Sky Associate Editor
“You’re glowing.”
Those were the first words I heard after stepping out of
OZssage Therapeutic Massage and Day Spa in Big Sky.
That was all I needed to hear to know my facial really
did work.
In Chinese medicine, fall is the season when the metal
element governs the skin’s health. Following this philosophy, OZssage owner Jacquie Rager recommends a
number of treatments that exfoliate the dead skin layers
and encourage regeneration of the new skin cell process,
as well as prepare the skin’s natural barrier for the long
winter months ahead.
Having grown up in Virginia’s humidity, my skin doesn’t
take kindly to Montana’s dry, windy winters. Keeping
it hydrated is a constant struggle that Rager says many
others share.
In her efforts to find a clean, hydrating product, Rager
came across the Intraceuticals line, not even realizing it
was founded in her native Australia. In comparison to other facial treatments, Rager says, “It’s the most hydrating,
and it penetrates further through the skin via application
at the molecular level, making it ideal for Montana.”
Many celebrities rave about the results of this high-end
treatment. According to a testimonial on the Intraceuticals
website, Yellowstone Club homeowner Justin Timberlake said, “It makes my skin look dope.”
The Intraceutical Oxygen Infusion Facial uses oxygen
to penetrate hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural plump-
ing agent, deep within the skin, adding hydration and
volume that can be seen instantly and that Rager says
has lasting results.
When Rager
hosted a special
Intraceuticals event
at OZssage in September, I decided
to give it a try. A
company specialist performed the
treatment on the
right side my face
and then had me
look into a mirror
to show me the difference. Although
it was subtle, the
right side felt firmer
and when I smiled,
the left half didn’t
quite match.
school, is now able to work alongside the spa’s three
other skin care specialists, enabling her to offer a
higher standard
of skin care services tailored to
every client’s needs.
Apart from using
SPF as the first
line of defense to
prevent skin damage, Rager says using a line like this
is the next best
thing you can do
to keep your skin
healthy in dry,
harsh climates.
“One of the biggest causes for
wrinkling and
aging is dehydration of the skin
cells and not being
able to replenish
Even though the
treatment is natuthem,” she said.
The Intraceutical facial helps replenish the skin for winter.
rally soothing and
“The weather
strips the skin’s barriers, so this helps with getrelaxing, Rager enhances the experience by incorporatting all the nutrients back into the lower levels of
ing jade stone techniques. Known for their anti-inflamthe skin.”
matory and cooling properties, the stones also help
with stimulating cell regrowth and circulation. Rager’s
use of this ancient practice is another way OZssage
Bottom line, Intraceuticals is about hydration –
adds spa ambience to therapeutic health practices.
something we all need.
OZssage also offers a topical Intraceuticals line, which
is a more affordable option than a full facial.
Rager, who recently graduated from esthetics
For more information on Intraceuticals and other
fall specials, visit ozssage.com or call OZssage at
(406) 995-7575.
24 Oct. 4-17, 2013
header
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
explorebigsky.com
CALENDAR
Explore Big Sky
Oct. 4-17, 2013 25
Planning an event? Let us know! Email [email protected], and we’ll spread the word.
Friday, Oct. 4 – Thursday, Oct. 17
*If your event falls between Oct. 18 and
Oct. 31, please submit it by Friday, Oct.
11.
BIG SKY
FRIDAY, OCT. 4
Oktoberfest
Big Sky Resort Golf Course, 4-10 p.m.
Summer of Lee Celebration w/music by
The Clumsy Lovers
Ophir School, 6 p.m.
Buck’s T -4, 7 p.m.
Ski Movie Premiere
Sherpas Cinema: Into The Mind
Lone Peak Cinema, 6 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Live Music
Ousel & Spur, 9-11 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 5
Oktoberfest Ironman Open
Big Sky Resort Golf Course, 11 a.m.
SUNDAY, OCT. 6
Blessing of the Animals
Big Sky Chapel, 9:30 a.m.
Oktoberfest Games
Big Sky Resort Golf Course, 2 p.m.
Group Energy Clearing Session
Santosha Wellness Center, 5-6 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 8
Ski & Clothes Exchange for All Ages
Choppers, 4-8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9
Awareness Wednesday
A Travelogue of a Journey in Tibet
Santosha Wellness Center, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
MONDAY, OCT. 7
Optometry Giving Sight Foundation
Fundraiser
Eyes on Main (thru Oct. 11)
Bridger Creek Boys
Colonel Black’s, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16
Jawbone Railroad
Bridger Brewing, 5:30 p.m.
Jay Arner & Cult Babies
Wild Joe’s, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 17
Indian Relay
Museum of the Rockies, 6 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 8
Storytime w/Cindy
Country Bookshelf, 9:30 a.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 5
The Fossils
Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.
Jeff Birkby Reading
Country Bookshelf, 8 p.m.
DJ Night
Pour House, 9 p.m.
StrangeWays
Murray Bar, 9:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9
Soup & Spokes Benefit for Breast Cancer
Sola Café, 5:30 p.m.
Flat Cheddar
Fluorescent Brown
THURSDAY, OCT. 10
Ukulele Open Mic & Play-Along
Jamie Ford Reading
Country Brookshelf, 7 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCT. 11
Bowl For Kids’ Sake
The Bowl (thru Sun.)
Free Friday Night
Children’s Museum, 5 p.m.
Mary Keck & Kevin Heany Artists Opening
The Emerson, 5-8 p.m.
SUNDAY, OCT. 13
Group Energy Clearing Session
Santosha Wellness Center, 5-6 p.m.
La Traviata
Willson Auditorium, 7 p.m.
Dopamine
The Emerson, 8 p.m.
Sim-Bitti
Filling Station, 9 p.m.
Teka Brock Band
Eagles Bar, 9 p.m. (and Sat.)
MSU Homecoming Pep Rally
Downtown Bozeman, 5:30 p.m.
Decks & Drums
The Zebra, 10 p.m.
Vivian Choi Piano Recital
Reynolds Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 12
Breast Cancer Survivor Fashion Show
Gallatin Valley Mall, 2 p.m.
FMHG w/Grooves Unknown
Red vs The Wolf
The Verge, 2 p.m.
Taste of HAVEN
The Emerson, 6:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 5
Opera Run
Lindley Park, 7:30 a.m.
Sturghill Simpson
Peach Street Studios, 8 p.m.
Halloween Costume Swap
Gallatin Valley Mall, 10 a.m.
Blitzen Trapper
MSU Homecoming Parade
Downtown Bozeman, 10 a.m.
Red vs The Wolf
The Verge, 2 p.m.
DJ Exodus
The Zebra, 10 p.m.
HushHush Electronic Music Festival (feat.
Beats Antique)
Gallatin County Fairgrounds, 6 p.m.
Muir String Quartet
Reynolds Recital Hall, 7:30 p.m.
MSU vs. Northern Arizona
Homecoming Game
Bobcat Stadium, 2 p.m.
Tall Heights
Peach Street Studios, 8 p.m.
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche
The Verge, 8 p.m.
Tucker Down
SUNDAY, OCT. 6
Bridger Mountain Big Band
WEST YELLOWSTONE
SATURDAY, OCT. 5
Yellowstone-Teton Endurance Races
Gray Wolf Inn, 6 a.m. (ends Sun in Driggs,
Idaho)
Free Night at the Museum
Yellowstone Historic Center, 12-6 p.m.
Homecoming Football Game vs. Lincoln
West Yellowstone School Football Field, 1 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9
DJ Night
Wild West Pizza, 10:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 10
Knit Night
Send It Home, 7-9 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9
Harvest Dinner & Silent Auction
Holbrook Methodist Church, 4-6:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 10
Melody & Kole
Murray Bar, 9 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCT. 11
Kicking Bill
SATURDAY, OCT. 12
Capture The Spirit…99 Years & Coming
Livingston Fairgrounds, 5:30 p.m.
Driftwood Grinners
Pine Creek Café, 7 p.m.
Wandering Wild
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16
DJ Night
Wild West Pizza, 10:30 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 15
Keith Scott
Murray Bar, 9 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 17
Knit Night
Send It Home, 7-9 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 17
StrangeWays
Murray Bar, 9 p.m.
Christy Hayes
FRIDAY, OCT. 4
Bowl For Kids’ Sake
The Bowl (and Sat.)
5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche
The Verge, 8 p.m.
Fox Street Allstars
McConkey
The Emerson, 7 & 9 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 12
Lone Mountain Ranch closes
BOZEMAN
2013 Chamberlin Showcase
The Zebra, 6 p.m.
FRIDAY, OCT. 4
The Muir String Quartet
20th Anniversary Performance
The Shane Center, time TBD
Sherpas Cinema: Into The Mind
The Emerson, 7 & 9 p.m.
"American Spirit" paintings by Kelsey
Dzintars
Opening Reception
Zoot Art Gallery, 6-8 p.m.
THURSDAY, OCT. 17
Ski Movie Premiere
Sweetgrass Productions’ Valhalla
Lone Peak Cinema, 6 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Fluorescent Brown
LIVINGSTON
& PARADISE VALLEY
SUNDAY, OCT. 13
La Traviata
Willson Auditorium, 3 p.m.
Big Sky ski swap
Dust off your old sticks and iron that old snowsuit that no longer fits…
There will be a ski and ski clothing exchange on Oct. 8, from 4-8 p.m. at
Choppers Pub and Grub, in the Big Sky Town Center.
Purely an exchange, there will be nothing for sale at the event. People
with extra ski or winter gear can donate, said event organizer Kris Tinnin, and others who are in need of equipment can just come shop at no
cost.
“It’s all free,” she said. “You can take stuff, leave stuff, whatever – it’s
really just to reach out to the community and help families that can’t get
everything they need.”
Items at the swap will include new and used skis, snowboards, boots,
coats, goggles, hats, gloves, winter boots, poles, helmets, snowboards,
sweaters and coats for all ages, including a wide selection of kids gear.
For questions about donating or swapping gear, contact Kris at (406) 600-5702.
Ian Frye
Bridger Mountain Big Band
MONDAY, OCT. 14
Bridger Creek Boys
Fall Choral Concert
Reynolds Recital Hall, 7 p.m.
TUESDAY, OCT. 15
Jeremy Morton
Bacchus Pub, 7 p.m.
Mark Sullivan Reading
Country Bookshelf, 7 p.m.
Trivia Night
Pour House, 9 p.m.
Travelogue of a
journey in Tibet
Big Sky resident Hannah Johansen spent a month in Tibet this fall, where
she joined local Tibetans on a pilgrimage around Mount Kailash. Santosha Wellness Center’s Oct. 9 Awareness Wednesday will feature Johansen’s photos and stories, as well as an update on the political implications
surrounding the “liberation” of the Tibetan people and their beloved
land. The event will be from 7:30-8:30 p.m., and textiles made by Tibetan refugees and vintage Tibetan jewelry will be available for purchase
after the presentation. 26 Oct. 4-17, 2013
THE EDDY LINE
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
Leader of the pack
Understanding leaders and tippets
By Patrick Straub
Explore Big Sky Fishing Columnist
Most folks who fish with me will attest
that I do not have an overly technical approach to fly fishing. I’m not
concerned whether the fish are eating
size 26 half-emerging-yet-still-larvalcrippled-not-so-yet-spent mayflies, but
more with whether you have a good
drift on your size 18 Parachute Adams.
But many co-anglers will swear to my
dedication to using the right leader and
tippet at the right time. Here’s a crash
course in helping you wade through
this minefield:
In some instances tippet and leader are
one in the same. With the invention of
knotless, tapered leaders a few decades
ago, anglers were able to fish a leader
that already included a tippet section.
Most fly fishers use this type of leader
and tie a section of tippet material onto
that. Knowing when and where to use
a specific leader and tippet material is
critical. Nothing is more frustrating
than fooling a fish only to have it breakoff because of poor-quality tippet or
leader material.
There are several good leader and tippet
manufacturers out there including Rio,
This spring creek rainbow fell for a small scud fly fished on 5X fluorocarbon tippet. Fluorocarbon is ideal for fishing nymphs.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MontanaFishingOutfitters.com
TroutHunter, Scientific Anglers, Dan
Bailey’s, and Orvis. But after deciding on a brand, you’ll need to make a
decision with regard to fluorocarbon or
monofilament.
When I first started guiding in the
mid-1990s the use of fluorocarbon
in fly fishing was in its infancy. Many
old-time guides didn’t trust the stuff
and most consumers scoffed at the high
price. Fluorocarbon has now stood the
test of time and is widely available. It’ll
cost more, but you might find more
success with it versus monofilament.
ile
let mob g
isin
advert ness
usi
drive b u!
to yo
bus wraPs available - Target
thousands of local consumers including Resort
employees, permanent residents, MSU Students
and 300,000 seasonal tourists
contact outlaw Partners (406) 995-2055
or [email protected]
If you’re doing a lot of subsurface
fishing, use fluorocarbon instead of
monofilament. Professional guides
and anglers swear by fluorocarbon for
underwater applications. You should
too. Monofilament, on the other hand,
is the long-time standard in tippet
and leader material and an abundance
of manufacturers are making quality
monofilament leaders, so the prices are
substantially lower than fluorocarbon.
Monofilament is also more appropriate
in certain situations.
Because fluorocarbon is designed to
sink, it’s poor with floating flies, especially small ones. If the bulk of your
fishing will be on the surface, you can
save some cash by buying monofilament instead of fluorocarbon.
Additionally, don’t buy fluorocarbon
leaders for most fishing situations; simply buy fluorocarbon tippet material.
Fluorocarbon leaders should be used
when you want your leader to sink,
such as when you plan to fish nymphs
below an indicator. If you started the
day with a monofilament leader, when
you want your leader to sink, you can
add fluorocarbon tippet to the end of
your leader. There’s a myth floating
around that says you can’t tie fluorocarbon to monofilament, but as long
as your knots are tied well, you have
nothing to worry about.
As for leaders, at least for a season or
two, you’re money ahead if you buy
multi-packs of leaders in a few lengths
and sizes and then have a selection of
tippet spools in various widths. Buy
several packs of 9-foot, 5X leaders and
be sure to have spools of tippet in sizes
3X, 4X, 5X and 6X. This allows you to
add – or cut – your 9-foot, 5X leader to
match the fishing situation. By having a
selection of tippet material, you can add
to the end of your leader to maintain its
length without having to use a whole
new leader.
Choosing leaders and tippets can feel
like splitting hairs. But there are times
when it can make the difference between a fish in hand and hours of headscratching, and if you’re still scratching
your head after you’ve tried all the flies
in your box and fished the smallest and
supplest tippet available, it’s OK, on
occasion, to tip your hat to the fish.
Pat Straub is the author of six books, including The Frugal Fly Fisher, Montana
On The Fly, and the forthcoming Everything You Always Wanted to Know
About Fly Fishing. He and his wife own
Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky.
fun
Oct. 4-17, 2013 27
Big Sky Beats
By Maria Wyllie
Explore Big Sky Associate Editor
Find out what tunes we’re bumping! In “Big Sky Beats,”
Explore Big Sky’s staff and guests talk soundtracks for outdoor activities in the Rockies – anything from training for a
marathon to hiking Lone Mountain.
Now that Lone Mountain is wearing white and ski movie premiers are a weekly
occurrence, most have left summer behind as they look forward in anticipation of
a stormy winter. No doubt your playlist on the hill will feature tracks from your
favorite ski movie, but you might want to consider adding some of this summer’s
unnoticed tracks to your playlist.
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In the last edition of Big Sky Beats, we looked at the top-rated songs of summer
2013. But while Miley Cyrus was busy twerking, many other artists were dropping tracks under the radar.
The songs featured below are an eclectic mix. Most are electronic, falling in the
realm of avant-garde. However, apart from these experimental tracks, we’ve also
listed more familiar musicians such as Pet Shop Boys, Guy Clark, Robert Randolph and Gramatik whose recently released ear-pleasing tracks will have you
hitting replay for longer than just a season.
“Uncertainty,” Jagwar Ma
“You Don’t Understand,” Gramatik
“This is a True Heart,” Julia Holter
“Sadako Folding Cranes,” Laura Veirs
“More Than Anything,” Rudimental
“Black Rainbow,” Raffertie
“Mirror,” Jinx
“Rain in Durango,” Guy Clark
“Thursday,” Pet Shop Boys
“Lickety Split,” Robert Randolph and The Family Band
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MANY MORE ITEMS AND MUSEUM AT
VintageWinter.com
28 Oct. 4-17, 2013
gear review
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Explore Big Sky
Rab athletes Aaron Mulkey, of Cody, Wyo. (in green) and Tanner Callender, of Billings, work their way along a ridge high above the sea during a traverse of the Ham
Horeshow in Arctic Norway. Photo by Ben Winston.
Rab Strata Insulated Hoody
By Max Lowe
explore big sky contributor
Imagine it’s a freezing cold morning in December, and you’re setting out for day
of backcountry skiing. You have a few hours of strenuous walking before you
strip your climbing skins and delve into the downhill.
Since it’s miserable to shiver for the first 20 minutes, you want a layer that’s going to keep you warm as you start hiking; but before too long, you’ll be sweating under the duress of the up if you wear an insulated puff layer.
The Rab Strata Hoody, new this year, is the solution to this dilemma. With the
innovative Polartec Alpha insulation and designed for supreme breathability,
the Strata Hoody offers up the perfect mid-layer for an active day in the hills,
all in just 15 ounces.
What the jacket gives in breathability though, it loses in wind and water
resistance: Becoming an alternative for a micro-puff insulating layer and a
light synthetic layer, the Strata is the perfect pick when you’re out of the
car and up the hill, but needs to be paired with a more wind and water
resistant hard shell.
The retail price is $225– fairly standard for a higher-end lightweight,
synthetic jacket. I have been wearing the Strata on my outings in the
hills as well as just around town as the leaves have begun to turn and
snow paints the distant peaks, and it has stood up to its design for
finding a balance between warm and cold. With a hood that fits over
or under a helmet, interior and exterior chest pockets for storage, and a
slim fit, this is a piece I’ll be choosing this winter as my everyday insulating layer for backcountry missions.
Available in both men’s and women’s cuts, the Strata is sold at ProLite Gear
in Bozeman or online at rab.uk.com.
This is how Big Sky gets
into hot water.
Nordic Hot Tub
We service what we sell!
Spa sales to fit your budget
Pool and spa care after the sale
Custom maintenance plans
Spa covers and custom lifts
Lots of accessories for your spa
Special orders available
www.BigSkyHotTubs.com
(406) 995-4892 • [email protected]
47520 Gallatin Rd. • Big Sky, MT 59716
Bringing you closer to
Santosha (contentment) today...
yoga
massage
acupuncture
chiropractic
ayurveda
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Bringing you closer to Santosha (contentment) today...
yoga
massage
acupuncture
chiropractic
ayurveda
thai massage
406-993-2510 • 169 Snowy Mountain Circle • Big Sky, Montana
s an t o sha bi g sk y.c o m
FALL SCHEDULE
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
10-11:15 am
Adult Ballet
9-10:30 am
All Levels Yoga
7-8 am Yoga
9-10:15 am
All Levels Yoga
7-8 am
Vinyasa Flow Level I-II
9:30-11 am
Amrit Yoga
9:00-10:30 am
Vinyasa Flow
Level I-II
10/6 and 10/13:
5-6pm
Group Energy
Clearing with Dr.
Amy McLaughlin
8:15-9:15 am Pilates
(starting 10/15)
9:30-10:45 am
Amrit Yoga
6:30-8:00 pm
All Levels Yoga
6-7 pm
All Levels Yoga
10/9: 7:30-8:30pm
Travelogue of
Journey in Tibet
8:15-9:15 am Pilates
(starting 10/15)
9:30-10:45 am
All Levels Yoga
6:30-8 pm
All Levels Yoga
5:30-7 pm
The Practice
(1st and 3rd Friday
of the month)
30 Oct. 4-17, 2013
classifieds
for rent
help wanted
WESTFORK TOWNHOUSE FOR
RENT. 3 bdrm, 2 /12 bath, garage,
W/D, large deck. Excellent condition. Walk to everything! No smoking/no pets. $1300/month. Call
406-539-0555.
Headwaters hot tub is hiring for the
2013/2014 season. Full or part time
available. Off season work available
with commitment to work though
the winter season. Good pay plus
paid mileage. Must have clean driving
record, proof of current auto insurance, and vehicle. Email resume to
headwatershottubservice@yahoo.
com or call 995-7319
for sale
Electric Organ - GEM G5 PCM
Musicoder. Some wear and tear, missing recording device, otherwise works
great $75. Call 605-431-2178
free
Outlaw Pallets: Pick up free
pallets for all of your pinterest
projects Call 995-2055
Montana State Licensed Massage
Therapist. Year round position 4-5 days
at OZssage Spa. Please go to our website
for all information and online application form. www.ozssage.com. Gym pass,
money towards ski pass, good hour wage
and gratuity. Please only therapists that
are interested in continuing to learn,
enjoy specific, treatment techniques and
take care of a valued, return clientele.
Part-time Development Coordinator The Blue Water Task Force, a nonprofit
watershed group headquartered in Big
Sky, is seeking a part-time development
coordinator. For more information on
our organization, the position, or how to
apply go to www.bluewatertaskforce.org/
news-events.php.
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
Snow Shovelers Wanted:
Great pay! Great ski/ride availability! Looking for Big Sky locals
to join our team! Contact Scott @
406.599.4794. Pay DOE, ability,
and availability.
Home of tHe
Classifieds!
Email classifieds and/or
advertising requests to:
[email protected]
(406) 995-2055
• short or long term luxury rental in Big sky •
cklist
Your Summer Fly Fishing Che
fly
C at ch a cu tth roa t on a dr y
of our
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4 bedroom, 4.5 bath in Spanish Peaks
Call 406-995-2174 or visit vrbo.com/393008 for more details
Since ’84. Fine Purveyors of Fly Fishing Awesome-ness.
GEAR. GUIDES. HONEST INFO.
Serving Big Sky, Yellowstone Park, and Southwest Montana
montanaflyfishing.com • 406-995-2290
Pat Straub; Montana licensed outfitter #7878
for rent
Big Sky Meadows home, 6 bedrooms, 4 baths, room for 14. Kid and pet
friendly. Right across the street from Town Center and 7 miles from the
slopes. Nightly and weekly rates. Great for reunions, multi-family get aways,
business retreats, men or women only weekends. Plenty of parking. See full
ad on www.vrbo.com/53181. Please contact via VRBO.com
explorebigsky.com
Oct. 4-17, 2013 31
Explore Big Sky
For Explore Big Sky, 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.
Noun: wild or rough terrain adjacent to a developed area Origin: shortened form of “back 40 acres”
City practice for the bow hunter
Wheels on gravel grind to a
halt. My husband is home and
I am snapped from reverie.
Before he dismounts from
his bike, protesting about my
makeshift archery course like
I know he will, I put both eyes
to the task, sight in where I
want to be, and release the
tension. The flooding realization of my exhausted muscles
matches the sharpness of my
focus as I follow the arrow to
its home.
Benjamin props his bike
against the metal siding inside
the garage with a bang, and
then he’s at my side, asking
what the hell I am thinking,
shooting my bow in the middle
of the yard, in the middle of
the city.
I smile. At least I didn’t mow
the lawn at 6 a.m. this morning. It’s time to move out of
town. But first, it’s time for
bow season.
Jonna Yost takes aim in the backyard. PHOTO BY BENJAMIN SCHWARZ
By Jonna Mary Yost
Explore Big Sky Contributor
Buzzing down the Highway at 75
mph in the backseat of a Jeep on the
way to float the Madison River, I
saw three cow elk standing stock
still, their heads turned toward
us, nothing but blue sky and a few
stratus wisps behind them.
It was an eerie moment for me:
I’d been losing sleep the past few
nights thinking of these majesties,
wondering if my dreams would
come true this fall.
It was August, and the car windows
were rolled down. I pushed the
wind back with a squint, trying to
appreciate the scenery: the yellowing fields that probably didn’t make
a second cutting, the thunderous
clouds looming in the distance
on that sunny afternoon. But all I
could think of were elk.
My husband Benjamin and I moved
to Bozeman this past spring and rented a house in town. Each night when
I lay in bed, I pretend not to hear the
neighborhood noises, wishing I were
in the country instead – somewhere
I could choose what time I mow the
lawn and shoot my bow safely. When
I fall asleep, elk blur my dreams and
bugle between Benjamin’s snoring.
I’ve been practicing with my bow
in our small backyard every night,
a place quite different from where I
grew up in northwest Montana.
Thinking back on those three elk, I
squat flat as I draw my bow, ensuring the arrow’s broad head doesn’t
do any arborist work when I release.
The target is diagonal across the
yard: If I shoot too high, the branch
Benjamin uses for pull-ups won’t
be quite as sturdy; too low and our
zucchinis will be blended with our
butternut squash – a medley I’d like
to save for dinner.
Still holding my draw, my triceps
burn, and I think of my cousin
Gretchen, who is probably practicing shooting on her ranch south of
Bozeman right now, plenty of space
for letting arrows fly wild. Over
lunch last week, she told me about
her “honey hole,” a secret hunting spot where she shot a bull elk
last fall, but also had a scare with a
grizzly.
Spotting a small herd of bulls, she
and her husband wound around a
gully to get in position. Suddenly
their small terrier raised its hackles and growled. Gretchen glassed
the hillside and saw a grizzly bear,
just in time to alert her husband.
Gretchen still managed to down
the bull, quickly hauling him out
on horseback, knowing she was in a
dangerous position.
THE WEST MAY B E WILD,
but it’s not uncivilized
LocaLs onLy
Take advantage of our locals only discount in September
and treat yourself to a staycation and dinner at –RR.
Special includes:
• Stay in a Riverside or Pondside Deluxe room
for just $125 per night
• 20% off dinner for two in The Restaurant
For reservations please call (800) 937-4132
Offer valid through September 29, 2013. Must present valid Montana driver’s license. Overnight
stay includes continental breakfast, based on double occupancy and subject to availability.
The Restaurant will be closed for dining October 2 through
December 15 but on Sundays in October and November
Pastry Chef Elisabeth Michaelis is ready to share her
secrets with you! Join us for a series of 90 minute baking
demonstrations packed with valuable “how to” tips.
To learn more about Pastry Perfection with Chef Liz visit:
rainbowranchbigsky.com/events.php
rainbowranchbigsky.com • 1.800.937.4132
Five miles south of Big Sky entrance on Hwy 191
32 Oct. 4-17, 2013
header
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
Stay Local. Save Local. Feel flush with great deals in each edition of Explore Big sky.
You make your plans.
We’ll help you get there.
any Economy
or Full Size Car
until 10/17
Buy 1 coffee or juice drink
and get a 2nd for 1/2 price
$5 OFF
Any Pasta, Stir Fry, Steaks, or Seafood Entrée!
Local Beers and Wine
New Menu!
Main Street Bozeman
VALID THROUGH OCT. 31, 2013
30 Homestake Dr., Bozeman, MT 59718 | (406) 551-2277
journeyrentacar.com
Big Sky, MT • (406) 995-7175
125 W Main St. Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 587-4100
http://johnbozemansbistro.com/
Great store
discounts on food
& gear before
hitting the trail.
SPECIAL:
25c wings
Food. Fun. FREEDOM!
limit 12 with purchase of 2 entrees
Located in the “Blue Mall” in Westfork Meadow, Big Sky
(406) 995-2750
BIG SKY’S
BEST BURGER
LOCATED IN THE BIG SKY TOWN CENTER
Big Sky, Montana | 406-995-3830
Spend $50 and get a FREE
Bottle of Wine
Big Sky’s biggest grocery selection
Open 7 days a week
Located in the Big Sky Meadow Village
(406) 995-4636
$100 OFF if you spend $400 or more
Lifetime Alignment- $159.99
(in store nationwide)
27 Pioneer Way, Bozeman, MT 406.209.8272
$119
APARTMENT SPECIAL:
2 Bedrooms, 1 Living Room, 3 Closets, 1 Small Hallway, 1 Small
Entry Way, FREE Traffic Prespray
expires October 17, 2013
*must bring coupon to store
Firestone Complete Auto Care
810 N 7th Ave. Bozeman, MT 59715-2502
firestonecompleteautocare.com
$209 CONDO/ SMALL HOUSE SPECIAL:
3 Bedrooms, 1 Living Room, 4 Closets, 1 Hallway, 1 Entry
Way, 13 Stairs, 2 Landings, FREE Traffic Prespray
FREE Cup of Coffee
Monday-Friday 6:30-8:00 am
Try our Fresh Deli and
Bakery Items
12
Located in the Big Sky Meadow Village
(406) 995-4636
!
y
a
d
o
t
e
c
13
14
a
p
s
r
15
u
o
y
b
a
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G
Want to reach 35,000 readers of explore big sky? Grab a space in the Bull Market today!
Spaces going fast. $75 each. Call 406.995.2055 | [email protected]
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
Oct. 4-17, 2013 33
34 Oct. 4-17, 2013
34 Oct. 4-17, 2013
homecoming
Explore Big Sky
A note to Big Sky businesses
Lone Peak High School’s homecoming week will run from Oct. 6-12 this year,
and we’d like to encourage all Big Sky businesses to get involved and support the
Big Horns.
The school is holding a window decorating contest and homecoming parade, both
of which are great opportunities for you to advertise your business while supporting your community and the Big Horns.
We’re challenging you to compete against other businesses to see which organization can decorate their windows the best. The competition will start Sunday, Oct.
6, and continue through the week.
Student Council representatives will judge the windows during the homecoming
parade on Friday, Oct. 11, and will award prizes for best overall decorations, best
Big Horn spirit, and best use of blue and white. The business that wins first place
will be awarded a traveling trophy in honor of their good work.
The Homecoming Parade will be held in the Town Center on Friday, Oct. 11 at 6
p.m., followed by a pep rally bonfire at Fire Pit Park. Start planning now to show
your blue and white, and give your business great community exposure by parading through Big Sky Town Center. Entry Forms are due by 1 p.m. on Monday,
Oct. 7.
For questions about the contest or if you wish to enter, please contact Jerry
House at (406) 261-0720, or [email protected]; or contact Patty Hamblin at
(406) 995-4281, ext. 225, or [email protected]. For parade and window
decorating entry forms, visit bssd72.org.
BIG SKY’S ONLY FULL-SERVICE WORKOUT FACILITY
Help us spread the Big Horn spirit!
OPEN 5 A.M.-10 P.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK
DAY, WEEK AND YEAR-LONG MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE
VISIT OZSSAGE.COM/GYM.PHP FOR DETAILS
Sincerely,
32 MARKET PLACE, MEADOW VILLAGE, BIG SKY (406) 995 4522
Trevor House
Student body president
MOUNTAIN
Calling all photographers!
Now accepting submissions for the Outbound Gallery in the
Winter 2013/14 issue of Mountain Outlaw magazine
For more information, visit
explorebisky.com/submissions, or
email [email protected]
EXTENDED DEADLINE: OCT. 11, 2013
explorebigsky.com
explorebigsky.com
homecoming
Explore Big Sky
Oct. 4-17, 2013 35
The Big Horn defense looking for a back-field tackle
2013 LPHS Homecoming: A week’s worth of Big Horn spirit
BIG SKY – Last year, Lone Peak High School celebrated its homecoming with a football game, halftime
parade and a dance. With the Big Sky School District’s
student body now at 276, they’ve stepped up their
game this year.
Big Sky Build is also participating in the contest and
plans to construct a blue and white quilt to use as a
stained-glass window, according to Shana Seelye,
whose husband John owns the custom home building
company.
Limber
Pine
LPHS homecoming is now a weeklong celebration,
complete with a local business window-decorating
contest, a parade, pep rallies, powderpuff football and
volleyball games, the homecoming football game and
a dance.
“We’re going to paint the windows blue and white,
have streamers and we’re hoping to get balloons,” said
Julie Burgess, operations director for Big Sky Western
Bank. “We want to support the high school [and] plan
to wear our Lone Peak colors.”
s Rd
Stone L
n
Si m k
On Friday, the LPHS volleyball team will take on Manhattan
Christian, and Saturday, the Big Horn football team takes on
West Yellowstone in the Battle of 191. This is the third year
of this rivalry, and LPHS won the first two matchups. The
Big Horns plan to keep the trophy at LPHS again this year.
ins
The first rule of the contest is, “You must love the
Lone Peak Big Horns.” Displayed Oct. 6-11, the LPHS
Student Council Committee will judge the window
decorations between 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 11.
D
“The guys said it’s not going anywhere,” Hamblin said.
The committee is organizing all of the festivities and
events, Hamblin said, noting that it wouldn’t be
possible without them. “They’re going above and
beyond.”
The committee will present trophies to businesses
for Big Horn spirit; creative use of the school colors,
blue and white; and the Traveling Trophy to the best
overall entry. The student council is currently designing that trophy, which the winning business will have
until next year’s contest.
Aspen Leaf Dr
This will all lead up to the inaugural LPHS Homecoming parade, set for 6 p.m. on Oct. 11 in the Town
Center. The route will begin behind China Café and
end at Fire Pit Park, where organizers are planning a
pep rally and bonfire for students, athletes, parents and
the entire Big Sky community.
Supt. Jerry House encourages other community members
interested in participating to contact the school. Prizes will be
awarded to the top two entries. At press time, Oct. 2, there
were 20 float entries.
The week kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 6 when each
class will decorate a section of the school and athletes’
parents have the opportunity to decorate their kids’
lockers. Sunday also represents the beginning of the
window-decorating contest for Big Sky businesses.
r
Friday morning, Oct. 11, the school is planning its
main pep rally for 9:50 a.m., and is inviting parents and
the community to rally for the Big Horns.
The parade will feature floats from each LPHS class,
Ophir Middle School and the booster club, as well as
the sheriff’s and fire departments, the local Girl Scout
troop, the after-school program, and of course, kids on
bikes.
“The goal for this year is setting a precedent for the future,” said LPHS English teacher and Student Council
Advisor Patty Hamblin. “Everything we’re doing is
brand new. We really wanted to make sure this was
something significant for the students and the community.”
Golden
e
lF
all
On Wednesday Oct. 9, students and teachers will be
going head-to-head in a powderpuff volleyball match
and football game. The guys will play volleyball, and
the girls are going at it on the football field.
Lone Mountain Trail
story and photo
Get hyped Big Sky! This year’s homecoming promises to be a
memorable week.
“We’re getting the kids pumped up with school spirit,”
House said. “The whole idea is to get the community
involved with blue and white Big Horn colors.”
“The conference room faces Fire Pit Park, so we’re
going to take advantage of our location to show our
support for the [LPHS] volleyball and football teams,”
Shana said.
Huntl
The homecoming events are posted on the Big Sky School
District website at ophirschooldistrict.org, and are open to the
community.
36 Oct. 4-17, 2013
sports
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
Bobcats host Northern Arizona for homecoming
story and photos
by mike coil
After two weeks on the road, the
Bobcats’ den is waiting.
The Montana State University
Bobcats (3-2, 1-0) will host Northern Arizona at 2:05 p.m. for their
homecoming on Oct. 5.
The Cats are coming off of an impressive 63-20 trouncing of North
Dakota last week and were thrilled
to have their starting quarterback
DeNarius McGhee back in the
lineup. McGhee was injured in the
closing seconds of MSU’s game
against Southern Methodist on Sept.
21, and was not expected to return
for six weeks.
McGhee made a miraculous recovery
as he threw for 194 yards on 13 of 18
completed passes versus North Dakota.
The All-American shared the quarterback duties with Jake Bleskin and Joe
Molberg, playing only part of the game
to test out his repaired throwing arm.
Northern Arizona (3-1, 1-0) comes to
town after thrashing the University of
Montana 34-16 last week. The Lumberjacks have won three in a row after
losing their opener to the University
of Arizona, 34-0. Northern Arizona’s
senior running back Zach Bauman has
been putting up big numbers for his
squad including 118 rushing yards
against the Grizzlies, and MSU has
been looking at options to corral him
and his running game. During their last
meeting in Bozeman in 2011, Bauman
was held to just 37 yards.
In preparation for Saturday’s game
the Cats have been polishing their
own running game, which finally
came alive against North Dakota
with 332 yards on the ground.
MSU and the Bozeman community
have a full array of homecoming
activities during homecoming week,
including decorating the dorms and
downtown businesses, a barbeque
on the campus’ Centennial Mall on
Wednesday, a bonfire at the field
house parking lot on Thursday, a
downtown pep rally on Friday, and
the homecoming parade on Main
Street at 10 a.m. on Saturday. The
game will be televised live on Max
Media.
Top: McGhee rolls out to pass Bottom: Last year's Homecoming Royalty
Oct. 4-17, 2013 37
LittLe Bear, GaLLatin Gateway
DON PILOTTE, BROKER | 406.580.0155 | RANCHMT.COM
LittLe Bear, GaLLatin Gateway
645± acres near Gallatin Gateway
Gallatin Valley views, 28 individual parcels
Surrounded by public land on three sides
Access to great hiking, hunting & solitude
$1,975,000 | #189283
$3,285,000 | #191842
$14,999,000 | #191070
tOwerinG PineS, BiG Sky
CB ranCH, MadiSOn VaLLey
5 bd, 6 ba 6,882± sf home on 40± acres
Big Sky & Gallatin River views
End of the road privacy, native stone hot tub
Additional land available
Working ranch on 6,236± acres
Indian Creek runs through property
Borders NFS, 20 mins south of Ennis
Great access to hunting and fishing
An independently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates, Inc. Prudential, the Prudential logo and Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related
entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation of Prudential. Equal Housing Opportunity. All information contained herein is derived from
sources deemed reliable; however, is not guaranteed by Prudential Montana Real Estate, Managing Broker, Agents or Sellers. Offering is subject to error, omissions, prior sales, price change
or withdrawal without notice and approval of purchase by Seller. We urge independent verification of each and every item submitted, to the satisfaction of any prospective purchaser.
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FIND OUT HOW: EMAIL [email protected], OR CALL 406-995-2055
38 Oct. 4-17, 2013
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GLOBAL
lifestyle
Explore Big Sky
P RO P E RT I E S
LISTED PROPERTIES AT S PAN I S H P E A KS
2570 OUSEL FALLS
2.18 acres, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms
$2,995,000
SPANISH PEAKS HOMESTEAD CABIN 6
4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2,585 sq/ft
$1,380,000
SPANISH PEAKS LOT 93
4.84 acres, beautifully wooded, quiet cul-de-sac
$350,000
SPANISH PEAKS LOT ELKRIDGE 63
1.05 acres, borders open space with stunning Spanish Peaks views
$549,000
Recent Activity
LOT 103
Sold
LOT 117
Sold
RANCH 109
Under Contract
LOT 10 & 11
Under Contract
LOT 87
Under Contract
Ladd, Kulesza & Company
For more information or
private showings contact:
Real Estate Brokerage, Consulting & Development
406-995-2404
L K R E A L E S TAT E . C O M
Ryan Kulesza & Eric Ladd
All information given is considered reliable, but because it has been supplied by third parties, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete, and should not be relied
upon as such. These offerings are subject to errors, omissions, and changes including price or withdrawal without notice. All rights reserved. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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homecoming
Explore Big Sky
Oct. 4-17, 2013 39
The Bozeman Hawk faithful cheer on their squad. Photos by Eliza Spogis
Bozeman High Homecoming
By Rosalyn Kutsch
Hawk Talk Editor in Chief
Fall is a favorite season in Bozeman. There are so
many things to look forward to: crisp air, colorful
leaves, hunting season, hay mazes and homecoming at Bozeman High School. This year we’ll
celebrate with an entire
week of special activities and social events, as
well as the football game
Oct. 25 and the dance
Oct. 26.
The festivities continue with a homecoming parade
down Main Street after school on Friday. Dozens of
BHS clubs and groups put together floats to represent
their organizations. The clubs must follow a theme –
this year’s is “Hollywood.” Also slated for the parade
is the Anderson School House promoting its annual
haunted house, and an alumni float.
Nearly all students
continue celebrating homecoming on
Saturday evening.
Some will attend the
annual homecoming
dance with dates or in
large groups. Others
will opt to gather with
friends for a fancy dinner out on the town,
bonfires or movie
parties.
Ever year, the BHS
Student Council kicks
things off by sponsoring
“Spirit Week,” during
which many students
attend classes dressed
according to a different theme each day.
One popular tradition
is “Class Color Day,”
when each class wears
a designated color – the
seniors always don pink.
This leads up to “Red
and Black” on Friday,
when everyone wears
the school colors.
Friday includes a
The Hawks storm the field.
crowded, noisy, highenergy pep assembly, where the fall sports teams
are introduced. A rowdy and color-coordinated
student body boisterously sings the school song,
watches a rousing performance by the cheerleaders, attempts to out-shout each other, plays crazy
games, and listens to the much anticipated pumpup speech from Coach Purcell. The Homecoming
Court is announced during the assembly, as well.
coming king and queen are announced. Unlike
many high schools, the selection of BHS homecoming royalty is by no means predictable, which
makes it all the more fun. While not all these traditions are necessarily unique to BHS, the level
of participation they bring forth is particularly
impressive.
Students typically march back up to the high
school stadium after the parade to get good seats
before the main event: the homecoming football
game. BHS students use this game as an excuse to
go wild! Football fans or not, few students miss
the lively atmosphere of this game.
Many alumni are recognized, the marching band
puts on a brilliant half-time show, and the home-
Local alumni report
that most of these
homecoming traditions are longstanding.
The clothing fashions
may have changed,
but the traditions are
largely the same as
those in practice back
when they were students. An exception
might be the fairly
new practice of devising creative, unique ways of
asking each other out to the homecoming dance.
Homecoming weekend is a welcome respite from
the challenges of the academic semester. The majority of the student body looks forward to this
week of tradition, and the level of enthusiasm
and school-spirit never seems to disappoint.
40 Oct. 4-17, 2013
sports
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
Big Horns win big over Sheridan
Hang tough in a five-set loss to Gardiner
COURTESY OF LONE PEAK HIGH
SCHOOL
The Big Horn volleyball team on Sept.
20 traveled to Sheridan to take on the
Panthers for a double match. Both teams
entered the competition winless on the
season and primed for a good battle.
Taking the first two sets and paced in the
final set by the serving strength of freshman Bella Butler, who rattled off seven
serves in a row, the Big Horns pulled together and tied up the score. Marked by a
great team effort, senior captain Michelle
Burger then aced five serves in a row and
the Big Horns pulled off the comeback
victory, winning the set 26-24, and the
match 3-0.
After a short break, the Big Horns headed
back onto the court looking to repeat.
They won the first two sets, 25-14 and
25-19, respectively, before losing the
third set, 25-23.
The third set loss invigorated the Big
Horns, who came out on fire in the
fourth. Junior Tehya Braun set the match
tone, serving up 12 points in a row and
pushing the Big Horns into the lead for
good. Lone Peak sealed the win and match
25-12.
“We’ve really been focused in practice on
learning how to finish games,” said head
Big Horn freshman outside hitter Bianca Godoy goes up for the ball against Gardiner, Sept. 27 in Big Sky. PHOTO BY TORI PINTAR
coach Sarah Griffiths after the matches.
“Tonight’s matches were an awesome opportunity to see that hard work pay off.”
The Big Horns took on the Gardiner
Bruins Sept. 27 in a close and hard fought
match in Big Sky. Lone Peak turned it on
early, again paced by the strong serving of
Butler who rattled off eight early points.
From there it was a back and forth game
with Butler and freshman Bianca Godoy
capitalizing on the great setting of junior
captain Janie Izzo to win the first set,
25–23.
In sets four and five, the Big Horns put up
a great fight but were ultimately unable
to close out the match and lost in five.
“This was a big game for us,” coach Erika
Frounfelker said after the match. “We
have been improving all season and it was
wonderful to see our team perform so
well against Gardiner… our strong team
focus really helped us to compete well.”
Gardiner jumped out to a quick lead in set
two that the Big Horns couldn’t recover
from, dropping the set, 12-25. Set three
was all Lone Peak. With the set tied at 8-8,
the stellar serving of Godoy, along with
a great team effort, pushed the team to
a 15-9 win and gave the Big Horns a 2-1
lead in the match.
The Big Horns head to Ennis on Friday,
Oct. 4 for their next District match up.
They play on their home court again
on Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. against Manhattan
Christian for their homecoming game.
LPHS volleyball schedule
YOU CAME TO CATCH FISH, BUT IF INSTEAD
YOU CATCH A COLD, WE’RE HERE.
Oct. 4
Away
@Ennis**
3/4:30 p.m.
Oct. 10
Away
@Harrison/Willow Creek**
5/6:30 p.m.
Oct. 11
Home
Manhattan Christian** Homecoming
2/3:30 p.m.
Oct. 16
Home
West Yellowstone** Spirit Night
5/6:30 p.m.
Oct. 19
Home
White Sulphur Springs** Senior Parent Day
5/6:30 p.m.
Oct. 26
Away
@ West Yellowstone**
5/6:30 p.m.
Oct. 30Nov. 2
Away
@ Manhattan Christian
District 8C Tournament
TBA
Nov. 7-9
Away
@Butte MAC Western Divisional Tournament TBA
Nov. 14-16
Away
@ TBD - State Volleyball Championships
TBA
WMPAC Volleyball Awards night
6:30 p.m.
Dec. 3
High School volleyball standings
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big one. But when that turns out to be a
cold, you need relief. That’s why Bozeman
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cold medicine. Or an allergy presciption.
Stop by for all that and then some. We’re
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Hours: M–F 10 am–6 pm
(406) 993-9390 :: Meadow Village Center
bozemandeaconess.org/pharmacy
Win
Loss
Points
Gardiner
6
0
5
MCHS
6
1
5
Shields Valley
6
4
5
Ennis
5
1
4
Harrison
5
3
4
Twin Bridges
4
4
4
Lima
3
4
1.5
White Sulphur Springs
2
4
1
Lone Peak
2
5
1
West Yellowstone
2
7
1
Sheridan
0
8
0
**Western Conference Games
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
sports
Oct. 4-17, 2013 41
Big Horns fall to Billings Christian in home opener
Cooper Shea scores late in the game
Story and photos by Mike Coil
The Lone Peak High School Big Horns football team
(2-2) suffered a disappointing defeat in their home
opener 57-12 to Billings Christian on Saturday,
Sept. 28. Billings (4-0) got off to a fast start with two quick
touchdowns that had the Big Horns in a hole all
afternoon. The home team had trouble containing
the faster, bigger Billings squad, which has several
returning seniors on its roster and took full advantage of their size and speed.
The Big Horns scored near the end of the first
half with a 22-yard pass play from quarterback
Eddie Starz to Cooper Shea in the corner of the
end zone. The Big Horns also scored early in the
fourth quarter on another pass play from Starz to
Shea, but were unable to convert their extra point
attempts.
“We played a talented team in Billings Christian
today, it shows us that we need to continue working on our football fundamentals,” said LPHS head
football coach Tony Beardsley. “[But] if we can
continue to work on improvements in our offensive
blocking schemes and stay positive as a team, we
should finish out the season strong.” The Big Horns have been playing on the road since
early September and have two more home games,
the Oct. 12 homecoming game against West Yellowstone and Oct. 26 against Lima. Handoff from Eddie Startz to Tanner Burton that goes for long yardage
The homecoming game will feature the coronation
of the homecoming royalty and a community parade
with local homecoming floats and other festivities.
For more information on LPHS Homecoming, see
page 35.
42 Oct. 4-17, 2013
sports
42 Oct. 4-17, 2013
Explore Big Sky
LPHS football schedule
Sept. 7
Away @Augusta
W(LPHS 42, Augusta 0)
Sept. 13 Away @ Lincoln
L (Lincoln 64, LPHS 58, 2 OT)
Sept. 21 Away @ Camas County
(Fairfield, Idaho)
Sept. 28 Home Billings Christian - Honorary Captain Day
Explore Big Sky
Oct. 4
Away @Alberton**
W (LPHS 42, Camas County
19)
L (Billings 57, LPHS 12)
7 p.m.
Oct . 12 Home West Yellowstone**-Home- 1 p.m.
coming, Spirit Day
Oct. 18 Away @ Hot Springs**
7 p.m.
Oct. 26
Nov. 2
Home Lima** - Senior Parent Day, 2 p.m.
Black Out
TBD 1st Round State Playoffs
TBA
Nov. 9
TBD
2nd Round State Playoffs
TBA
Nov. 16 TBD
Semi-Finals State Playoffs
TBA
Nov. 23 TBD
State Championship Game TBA
Dec. 4
WMPAC Football Awards
Night
6:30 p.m.
**Western Conference Games
Conference Standings
Preserving a work of art takes a professional
Western Division
Clark Fork
Hot Springs
Lima
Lincoln
Lone Peak
West Yellowstone
Conf.
2-0
2-0
1-1
1-1
0-1
0-3
All
3-0
2-1
2-2
1-3
2-2
0-4
Ophir School football
Results
Game #1 - Ophir 26, Lincoln 20
Game #2 - Ophir 36, West Yellowstone 0
Game #3 - Lima 42, Ophir 19
Game #4 - Ophir 46, Sheridan 6
Schedule
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Oct. 7
Away @ Twin Bridges
4 p.m.
Oct. 12
Home West Yellowstone
10 a.m.
header
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Oct. 4-17, 2013 43
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sports
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
Trent Richardson a Colt
young backs in the league. The Browns, seemingly
in full rebuilding mode, will have an extra mid-first
round pick next year.
My first reaction to the trade was that the Browns
were idiots. I hated the idea. However, upon further
examination, I think it benefits both organizations.
The Colts get the first legitimate threat in their
running game since Edgerrin James left town in
2006, while the Browns hit the reset button under
new general manager Michael Lombardi.
By Brandon Niles
Explore Big Sky Sports Columnist
“So that happened.”
This solitary text from my 2 Guys podcast co-host
was the first news I received about the shocking
NFL trade on Sept. 19, which sent Cleveland
Browns running back Trent Richardson to the
Indianapolis Colts.
This trade is huge. Not only was it a big in-season
move, it was one of the rare moments in modern
media where a transaction literally took the sports
world by surprise. There was no indication the
Browns were going to trade Richardson. They
picked him third overall out of Alabama in the NFL
draft only a year ago, with the expectation he’d
become a franchise cornerstone.
Nevertheless, Richardson is now an Indianapolis
Colt. In exchange for a first round pick in the 2014
draft, the Colts get one of the most promising
When Lombardi took over this year, one of his
first moves was to hire a new coach, former
Carolina Panthers and Browns offensive
coordinator Rob Chudzinski.
Chudzinski runs an offense
predicated on play-action passing,
rollouts, and throwing the
deep ball. What he doesn’t
tend to rely on much is the
running game. Lombardi saw
that Richardson, an every
down, “bell cow” kind of
back, wasn’t a good fit in
Chudzinski’s offensive
scheme and shipped him out
for maximum value.
With weapons in the passing game and a potentially
elite quarterback in Andrew Luck, the Colts are
legitimate contenders for the AFC South division
title this year. While Richardson doesn’t fill every
hole the Colts have, he does provide them with a
star-caliber running back, and will force defenses to
respect the Colts’ ground game.
Richardson is not without risk, which might be a
big part of why he was traded. While he showed
flashes of greatness last year, a struggling Cleveland
offense and nagging injuries held Richardson to less
than 1,000 yards rushing in his rookie season.
Still, he has shown Pro Bowl ability
and if he can stay healthy,
he should be a tremendous
addition to the Colts offense.
The Browns weren’t likely
to compete for the playoffs
this season anyway, and
now have an extra asset for
next year. Long-term hope
for the giving team and
short-term excitement for
the receiving team makes
for a good trade in my
book.
Meanwhile, the
Colts are on a
different
track.
Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson was traded to the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 19.
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46 Oct. 4-17, 2013
explorebigsky.com
Explore Big Sky
LPHS Expedition 2013
One last shot of the Lone Peak High School juniors before their hike up Little Hellroaring Creek Trail. PHOTO BY GRIFFIN HOUSE
As a student at Lone Peak High
School and a member of the Big Sky
community, I have been exposed
immensely to the outdoors. This
includes amazing experiences like
Expedition Yellowstone and the Ski
Friday program.
Every year LPHS students go on a
three-day camping expedition where
we are exposed to the outdoors in a
way that is fun, educational and best
of all, unconventional.
This fall, the junior class camped at
Spanish Creek Campground in the
Lee Metcalf National Forest for three
days and the freshmen and sophomores went to Swan Creek. Most
found themselves doing things they
wouldn’t normally – like not showering for three days, sleeping in tents
and cooking for 25.
The skills you learn camping draw
direct parallels with real life, like
cooking, cleaning, taking care of
yourself and others, working as a
team and learning to make do with
what you have. From scavenger hunts
to thoughtful nature writing, the
expedition made me feel motivated to
get outside and explore the Big Sky
backyard.
From day one at Ophir to LPHS graduation day, students are taken skiing,
hiking, rafting and camping trips. I
know it helps to instill a lifelong love
and respect for the outdoors. The ex-
peditions are not just camping trips;
they are doors to a world of immense
opportunity.
-Micah Robin, junior
Editor’s note: The senior class backpacked from Spanish Creek to North
Fork, spending the first night at Mirror
Lake and the second night in Bear
Basin.
D.C. in the woods
By Sayler Tatom,
freshman
I thought the expedition was going
to be all about learning, but that was
not the main thing I took away from
it. Putting all of the ninth and tenth
graders in a confined area with no
cell service made us expand from our
groups and talk to everyone there.
Although we did learn a lot, the
expedition was also a group bonding
trip.
For the ninth graders, the last time
we were together like this was our
eighth grade trip to Washington,
D.C. – except we weren’t in nice
hotels this time, we were in tents.
The first day was all about getting
set up and getting comfortable with
our surroundings. When we got to
Swan Creek, we jumped off the bus
and worked as a team to unload the
bus. Everyone helped put up the
tents, with the experienced helping
the inexperienced. Next, we headed
off on our first hike. It was real quick,
but we got to see the beginning of our
surroundings.
The second day we awoke to Mrs.
Hegness’s voice cheerfully yelling
through the campground. It was
freezing, so we
bundled up in all the
clothes we had on
the trip and huddled
like penguins during
breakfast.
Talking during our
morning hike, I’m
surprised how many
things I learned about
my peers. Not having
cell phone service
forced us to talk. It’s
not like we don’t
already talk, but this
was different. This
was the real us – no
makeup, no fancy
clothes. There was
nothing to distract us
from who we really
are.
on gloves and picked up
trash all along the road to
Swan Creek. A lot of people
picked up a lot of trash, and
there was no ‘ewwwwww,
I’m not touching that.’
Since we hadn’t showered
in three days, we felt as
gross as the trash, so we
didn’t really mind.
I thought it was really cool
working together to clean
our environment, because I
love living here. The fresh
air and the wilderness is
something we need to
protect. It was cool to watch
the whole class working
together to protect where
we live.
Looking back now, you can
tell the activities we did
After a lesson
those three days were more
LPHS juniors hike along Little Hellroaring Creek. PHOTO BY COOPER SHEA
on safety in the
than that. We came together
wilderness, we
as a high school. DC was
another, collecting twigs and grass
headed home, still talking. Back at
all
about
that
too: Going as a class and
to tie the twigs together. I worked
camp, we had a challenge from the
learning about something more than
with some people I usually don’t
teachers. They put us in separate
just our little town. Back in Texas, I was
work with, and we won the prize. It
groups and said we had to make a
at a big school where you didn’t have
definitely made us bond.
boat with the things we had at the
opportunities like this to bond with
campsite, using nothing man-made.
your peers. The expedition is a memory
The third day we got up and got
The winners got to eat dinner first.
I will never forget.
going quickly. Our hike that day
My teammates worked with one
wasn’t really a hike. Instead, we put
explorebigsky.com
Oct. 4-17, 2013 47
Explore Big Sky
School in the woods
By Maria Lovely,
freshman
My first camping trip at Swan
Creek was a great experience. On
day one, we hiked to a waterfall,
then sat and wrote and listened to
nature. It made me realize that we
don’t often take time to stop and
appreciate everything we have.
Being a new student to LPHS this
year, not knowing anyone was
kind of scary. But after sharing
a tent with my classmates, I got
to know them better and now
feel like I fit in more. We bonded
throughout the expedition. Working with peers to prepare
meals and do other camp chores
such as dishes, Leave No Trace
(LNT), and unloading the bus
taught us some life lessons. One
very important lesson was
teamwork. We also learned about
being prepared – if we forgot
something, we couldn’t run home
and get it. This is something
we will need for the rest of our
lives. Being in the outdoors gave
us a chance to truly be who we are
and for us to accept ourselves and
others.
It’s easy to forget how big the
world is when we just see it
through textbooks. Going out
into the wilderness gives us a new
perspective. We saw the landslides we learned about in science
class, and the slopes of mountains
we talked about in math.
On the second day Ms. DeBiasio, a volunteer, taught us about
“Bring the Calm, not the chaos”
– what to do in different accident
situations that can occur in the
backcountry. This has inspired
me to volunteer with search and
rescue or ski patrol when I’m old
enough.
The expedition also included
community service. Following
LNT principles, we checked our
campsites thoroughly and picked
up trash, then walked through
the other campgrounds picking
up garbage from other people.
Afterward, we all felt we had left
it much better than we found it.
We also had fun playing games,
making boats from things we
found in nature, and hanging out
around the campfire drinking hot
chocolate.
This is just a small part of what
we experienced. What we learned
out there, we could not have
learned from a textbook. Since we
live in Montana and this wonderful place is right out our backdoor, I think everyone should
take advantage of it!
Rachid Shultz reflects on the world around her, atop of Pioneer Falls. PHOTO BY GRIFFIN HOUSE
Life lessons by the campfire
By Dasha Bough,
freshman
Around me is the pitch-black of
night. Gooey remnants of marshmallows stick to my fingers, and
warm light flickers and bounces off
of my friends’ joyful faces.
My ears are filled with a song of
laughter and an underscore of
crackling wood. Campfire smoke
makes my eyes water as it drifts into
the night. My eyes follow its white
trail from the place where it fades
into mysterious darkness back to its
origin above the blazing fire.
Ah, the fire. It’s a glorious fire.
Glowing and moving against a black
backdrop, it is humanlike: vibrant,
breathing and dancing before me.
Maybe these qualities are what put it in
the center of man’s existence.
Since the very beginning, we humans
have gathered around this beautiful thing
that offers so much more than just heat.
Textbook cavemen are almost always
illustrated in the act of discovering fire,
their eyes wide and their jaws dropped
as they warm their hands in front of the
glowing embers and lively flames.
Throughout the rest of history,
regardless of location or culture,
fire has brought people together.
There is something so sacred and
unnamable about the feeling you
experience when gathered around a
fire with loved ones on either side
of you. It is a feeling we rarely have
the opportunity to experience in
the modern world of technology
and electricity.
In September, the freshman and
sophomore classes at LPHS were
given the opportunity to share this
experience, not only with each
other, but with some of our teachers, as well. Going on this three-day
camping trip to a place barely a half
hour from our own homes was like
going to another planet and then
coming back transformed.
We left on a clear Monday morning
a group of giddy kids, anxious to
find out our sleeping arrangements
and agenda. As we headed toward
our destination that morning, I
knew I would learn new things
about camping and nature, but
I could never have guessed how
much I would learn about myself
and my peers.
The expedition seemed simple:
You had a tent, a sleeping bag, an
outhouse, a fork, a spoon, a bowl,
a mug and no cell reception. It
seemed almost too basic to get
much out of, but what I learned was
that sometimes it takes simplicity
to truly feel emotion and, cheesy as
it sounds, to hear yourself think.
Between group hikes, late night
card games and the campfire, our
classes helped each other grow as a
unit – a unit tied together by this
unforgettable experience. In those
three days, we learned more about
each other and about what high
school really means than we could
have in six months passing each
other in the hallway on the way to
class.
To me, high school is a time when
kids transition into young adults.
It’s a time when girls and boys become independent, self-sufficient
young men and women. We feel a
considerable amount of pressure to
have a satisfying high school experience. No one wants to be disappointed. No one wants to be full of
regrets about high school 40 years
later. No one wants to remember
the failures.
This simple, short camping trip
taught me things that will follow
me throughout life. The experiences I had showed me it is possible
to have and build strong, healthy
relationships, while also allowing myself to be an individual. I
realized I can be still be close and
bonded with the people I love and
surround myself with, while making sure I am finding my own path
and relying on myself to pave my
way in life.
I lift my gaze from the enchanting
fire, and look again at the glowing
faces of my classmates. I smile as I
think of how lucky we are to have
this powerful bonding and learning
experience, right in our backyard.
The Big Sky area has always been
special for me, now even more so.
No matter where we go or who
we meet, we will never forget our
first expedition, our first true high
school experience.
So my dear classmates, I leave you
with this: Someday, when you are
standing by a blazing campfire, a
warm mug in your hands, friends
and family around you, take a
second to appreciate your freshman
year expedition and how it might
have affected the outcome of your
life. No matter what happens in
the next four years, you can always
look back and smile, remembering
the relationship skills and independence we gained on this expedition.
48 Oct. 4-17, 2013
header
explorebigsky.com
D E B U T S E A S O N B E G I N S D E C E M B E R 2 013
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