Sage Basin Rescue

On Friday, January 13, 2023 at 6:42 pm, West Yellowstone Police Dispatch Center received a 911 call for two lost snowmobilers recreating in the Sage Basin area, south of Big Sky. The snowmobilers recognized they were lost and requested assistance in getting safely out of the backcountry. The lost parties were confirmed to be uninjured, warm, and with operational snowmobiles. They were asked to stay put while volunteers from Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue were deployed to assist them.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the West Yellowstone and Big Sky sections deployed into the backcountry from two different trailheads. The lost snowmobilers were located at 9:30 pm and safely led out of the backcountry to Sage Creek Trailhead.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to recognize the snowmobilers for asking for assistance when they determined they were lost and would like to thank the Search and Rescue volunteers for their dedication to this successful mission. The lost snowmobilers in this incident were prepared for an emergency in winter conditions and followed direction until help could arrive.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

PRAY, Montana  – Sage Lodge, an outdoors-focused Montana resort located 30 miles north of Yellowstone National Park and managed by Columbia Hospitality, is excited to announce the selection of William Conroy as its new executive chef. The lodge, which opened in 2018 and has a long-standing partnership with Sage Fly Fishing, continues to solidify its reputation as one of the state’s premier lodging properties, ranking in the top one percent in the world in Tripadvisor’s “2022 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best” awards.

In his new role, Conroy will oversee culinary operations of banquets, events and the property’s onsite restaurants, including The Grill at Sage Lodge and The Fireside Room, to implement the vision for the property.

“I am thrilled to join an amazing team and work at such a prestigious property,” said Conroy. “I look forward to bringing my culinary expertise to Montana, expanding our cuisine offerings and providing guests with a one-of-a-kind dining experience that speaks to the Lodge’s luxurious nature.”

Conroy began his career working as a sous chef at Homestead Inn in Canadensis, Pennsylvania. He honed his culinary skills working in restaurants across the country and became executive chef at both Sorrel River Ranch in Utah and Naples Bay Resort in Florida. Conroy gained extensive experience with culinary operations, overseeing a culinary team and cultivating menus with locally sourced ingredients to create an unforgettable dining experience.

In his new role as executive chef, Conroy looks forward to highlighting fresh and local ingredients, mentoring his team, and developing culinary event programming at the property. Conroy is from Hopatcong, New Jersey, and received his degree from the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. In his free time, he enjoys snowboarding, riding his motorcycle and spending time with his two dogs, Blue and Temerity.

On Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 2:08 p.m. the West Yellowstone Police Department Dispatch Center received a 911 call from a snowmobiler requesting assistance. The snowmobiler reported that one of their party had sustained a shoulder injury after their snowmobile left the trail and struck a tree. The accident was in the area of Junction 17, outside of West Yellowstone.

Volunteers from the Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue West Yellowstone Section, Yellowstone National Park and Hebgen Basin Rural Fire Department responded to assist with the rescue.

Volunteers located the patient and determined that their injuries were considerably more severe than initially suspected. They loaded the patient into a specialized snow ambulance and transported them to a waiting HBFD ambulance crew in West Yellowstone.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to recognize, and thank, the numerous snowmobilers that stopped to assist volunteers in preparing the patient for transport.

Photo courtesy of Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office.

We live in a day and age where unique places to eat are popping up left and right. With the explosion of amazing independent restaurants, it is always thrilling when something new opens in our city - especially if it has a unique flair that we cannot find anywhere else! 2023 promises exciting restaurant openings, with many chefs putting their best foot forward for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From street-style food to classy fine dining establishments, there's surely something to please everyone. Keep reading this blog post to find out the trending new restaurant openings around the world that you can look forward to this year!

Dominique Crenn at La Fantaisie, Paris – Spring 2023

Renowned chef Dominique Crenn's new restaurant is set to open its doors in the heart of Paris next spring. La Fantaisie will feature a unique blend of French and Californian-style cuisine that aims to showcase Crenn's cooking prowess and creativity. Expect a playful menu full of delicate flavors, unexpected dishes, and masterful plating.

The restaurant will also feature its wine list, with a selection of both French and Californian wines to complement the menu. La Fantaisie is sure to be a culinary and cultural treat that you won't want to miss!

Sendero, Los Angeles – February 2023

Los Angeles has long been known for its diverse cultural influences and Sendero, set to open in February 2023, is no exception. This hip new eatery will bring together flavors from across the Americas with an eclectic menu full of exciting Latin American-style dishes and cocktails.

Sendero will be a modern take on traditional Latin American cuisine, taking the place of Wolfgang Puck's WP24, which had to close down during the pandemic. With its vibrant flavors and stylish interiors, it will become one of LA's must-visit spots.

Somni, Los Angeles – Summer 2023

If you're looking for a more upscale dining experience, look at Somni. This high-end restaurant is set to open in the summer of 2023 and promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Guests will be treated to an ever-changing menu of molecular gastronomy dishes created from the freshest ingredients available.

The restaurant will also feature a list of rare and unique wines to pair with its dishes. With Michelin-Starred chef José Andrés at the helm, Somni is sure to be one of the most talked about restaurants in Los Angeles. You can find more grand openings information at openings24.com. The website helps people find the best new restaurants, bars, and cafes in their city.

Akira Back at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, London – Spring 2023

For an ultra-luxurious dining experience, you can look forward to the opening of Akira Back at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair in London. This Japanese restaurant will be helmed by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back and will offer guests a unique and elevated dining experience with its traditional yet modern dishes.

The menu will feature classic Japanese dishes with an international flair and signature creations from the chef himself. Dishes will be complemented by a selection of sake, wines, and spirits to make your meal an unforgettable experience.

Patrick Powell at Midland Grand Dining Room, London – Spring 2023

If you're in the mood for something a bit more sophisticated, then be sure to check out Patrick Powell's new restaurant at Midland Grand Dining Room. This art-deco-inspired eatery will bring elegance and intrigue back to London with dishes rooted in traditional British cuisine but with a modern twist.

The menu will feature classic British dishes such as fish and chips, steak and ale pie, and bangers and mash, but with a creative spin. The restaurant will also feature an extensive selection of wines from different regions worldwide to pair with your meal.

No matter what type of cuisine you're in the mood for, these new restaurant openings have something for everyone. They're sure to provide an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave a lasting impression. Be sure to visit these soon-to-open restaurants and enjoy the unique flavors they have to offer!

Winter is the time when you want to escape to places where the sun and warmth are constant companions. But sometimes it is hard to find the right place for a dream vacation.

We want to tell you about the places you can go on vacation this winter and recharge your inner battery without facing lots of tourists.


Maui Islands
Created by two volcanoes, Maui presents picture-perfect plains. These craters made the island look like a giant figure of eight. Haleakala (locals call it "House of the Sun") crater is part of the same-name national park and has a moon-like surface. Going there on a bicycle tour or hiking could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Why should you visit it during the winter? Except for vacations under the sun, you can have a unique experience watching humpback whales by the coast. They were there from December to March. By the way, underwater enthusiasts should visit the Ocean Center of Maui: more than a thousand species of fish in a giant aquarium, that mimics the expanse of the ocean.

UAE
Even the eternal summer countries of Asia have rainy seasons, and they often happen during the winter months, while the winter in Europe has different characteristics: heavy snowfalls and sunless weeks occur quite often. But the sun-blessed sands of the UAE are a source of good cheer for everyone. This is a country that really has it all: from historical sites to major shopping centers, and from beautiful beaches to luxurious hotels. Because the UAE, and particularly Dubai, is not the cheapest destination, it is advisable to plan your vacation in advance. Because when you make a reservation in advance, you can save a lot on the hotel, and by choosing the right rental service with a wide range of car models for hire, so you could even get a Lamborghini car for rent for a cheap price. Depending on your demands, you can rent a car for a few hours or a whole trip long. When it comes to Dubai - proper preparation for your trip will allow you to save up to 30% of the travel price.
 
Dubai has much to offer you: Eastern customs and shining masterpieces of modern architecture, wide white-sand beaches, a gentle and warm ocean, first-class shopping—this is what awaits tourists in the country. And winter is the perfect time for a beach holiday in the UAE. The water temperature in winter varies depending on the month and resort, but rarely falls below 72 °F.

Indonesia
An alluring winter vacation destination is Indonesia. Flawless beaches, a warm sea, with temperatures generally 88° F - the most comfortable conditions for those who like it hot. As with everywhere else in Asia, this area receives seasonal rainfall during the winter. But unlike the rest of Asia, here it falls most often at night and will not affect the selection of entertainment available.

Holidays in Indonesia are famous for surfing. Local surf schools can teach you how to handle a board in a matter of days. And so if you wanted to spend your vacation on the crest of a wave, this would be the best option.

Santorini
Santorini is an ancient and incredibly beautiful place. The island is full of architectural and historical sites. For example, the town of Iya: white houses with blue roofs on the cliffs of the slopes against a backdrop of mind-boggling seascapes. This city has become a muse for many artists and writers. Lovers come there to write their names on the rocks - the legend says it's a guarantee of eternal love. It is also world-famous for its local sunsets.

The island of Santorini has unique beaches with black and red sand (all due to the volcanic nature of the island). Kamari, near the towns of Thira and Perissa, has black beaches, while Akrotiri Bay has a dark red beach. But this does not mean that the island is not suitable for the winter. Winters there are mild, the thermometer rarely falls below 50°F, and on sunny days it stays around 63°F.

India
Mysterious ancient India, the birthplace of yoga and ayurveda. Goa has been a favorite of travelers since the days of the hippies. This is a great place to spend the winter if you can't stand the cold and don't want to be sad. Goa resorts: an endless stretch of sandy beaches with palm trees and a gentle sea where the water temperature never falls below 77°F.

Goa is divided into two parts: - the northern part and the southern part. The northern part is focused on youth resorts, where there is a vibrant nightlife, loud parties, and gathering fans of trance music. Prices are more affordable, and the beaches are not as heavenly-white as in the south. Northern Goa's most popular resorts include Anjuna, Vagator, Calangute (the former hippie capital), Morjim, and the quieter and more private Arambol and Candolim.

BOZEMAN — It’s time to meet the Gnomes of Story Mill! In this self-guided art installation you can travel around the Grand Lawn of Story Mill Park to explore the gnome village, learning about their cozy way of life and the many jobs they do to keep the park healthy. Perhaps you’ll even be inspired to become a gnome yourself?!?!

“The Story Mill gnomes don’t get a lot of credit for the work they do to keep the park running smoothly. For example, there’s never been a problem with Trolls in this park - and we thank gnomes for that! We’re so glad they are finally getting their moment to shine!” said Jamie Saitta, Recreation Manager with Bozeman Parks and Recreation.

The brainchild of the Random Acts of Silliness team, the Gnome Roam has been brought to life by Thomas Dunning, a Bozeman based designer, fabricator, and the owner of Meristem Services. Thomas used a combination of classic low-tech techniques and materials such as working with logs, branches, and papier-mâché, along with more modern techniques of digital modeling and 3D printing to create the
gnome world.

From the Gnome’s Wood Shop to Story Bowl ski hill, you’ll get a taste of every aspect of gnome life. Each stop in the village also offers a short audio scene, portrayed by a talented team of local performers, that can be played on audio boxes in the park or streamed via the Random Acts of Silliness website.

“Trust for Public Land helped create Story Mill Park with the goal of bringing lasting joy, wonder, and good health to Bozeman residents. It’s such a pleasure to support the Gnome Roam, which is one of the best examples of how we can use this space to bring people closer to nature and each other,” said Dick Dolan Northern Rockies Director of Trust for Public Land.

Random Acts of Silliness’ last art installation (Bumblewood Thicket Fairy Village) was recently voted Best Annual Event in Bozeman as well as Best Public Art Installation for the 2nd year in a row.

The Gnome Roam is up January 14th - January 29th. This is a free, self- guided, outdoor art installation offered by Random Acts of Silliness (RAS) in partnership with the Bozeman Parks and Recreation Department and the Trust for Public Land (TPL), and with support from James Bond Dental Arts and Design 5 Landscape Architecture.

To visit the Gnome Roam, park at the Story Mill Community Center (600 Bridger Canyon Drive). Parking is limited so carpooling is suggested, as is visiting on weekdays if possible. The Gnome Roam traverses the paved/plowed path circling the Great Lawn of Story Mill Park. Visitors will be required to travel approximately half a mile.

For more information and some fun bells and whistles, visit www.randomactsofsilliness.com

BOZEMAN — Montana has the second highest demand for leaders per capita in the country, according to the findings of a report that will be presented in a Montana State University Extension webinar at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18.

The publication, prepared for Montana by rural sociologist Benjamin Winchester of the University of Minnesota Extension, is titled “Montana’s Leadership Demand.” It reports that one in every 13 adults must hold a leadership position to keep the state’s existing government and nonprofit organizations running, according to Tara Mastel, MSU Extension community development program leader.

For example, she said, all organizations are required by law to have a certain number of members on their board of directors, and many organizations rely on volunteers to help staff events and assist with programs.

Mastel, who organizes Reimagining Rural, an MSU Extension program that works to strengthen small Montana communities, said the report’s findings were a relief to many living in small towns.

“They were glad to know it wasn’t just their town that was struggling with not enough volunteers,” she said. “The social life in our small towns is rich and requires a lot of volunteers to keep everything going.”

Leadership demand is calculated by dividing the number of residents over age 18 in a county or state by the number of leaders needed to run government and nonprofit boards in that jurisdiction. The number of leaders needed is calculated conservatively, Mastel said, by estimating only three volunteers for government organizations and six for nonprofits.

Winchester’s report calculates the leadership demand for each Montana county. The highest leadership demand is found in the state’s low-population counties — where one in five adults are needed to hold leadership positions — including Garfield, Prairie and Treasure counties.

“Finding new volunteers to take the place of those retiring is a struggle across the state. We know from a recent MSU survey of newcomers that people want to get involved in community life,” said Mastel. “To find volunteers, look beyond those who already give time to people who are new to town, younger, or who haven’t been involved before. To keep them involved, be open to their fresh perspectives so they feel they belong and their time is valued.”

Volunteers are essential to the functioning of local government organizations that drive many aspects of the state’s communities, including school boards, fire districts and planning boards, according to Ashley Kent, associate director of the Local Government Center at MSU Extension. 

“In our work with local governments, we often hear of citizens volunteering to serve on multiple boards because they are committed to providing local services to current and future generations alike,” Kent said. “Supporting the development of local leaders is critical to ensuring our communities remain such special places to live.”

Winchester calculated the leadership demand for Montana as a follow-up to contributions to the Reimagining Rural program administered by MSU Extension community development. Winchester’s Jan. 18 presentation about his findings is the first in a yearlong series planned for community volunteer leaders called “Inspiration Hour.” The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

To learn more or to register for the webinar, visit

montana.edu/extension/communitydevelopment/RRinspiration.html. For more information, contact Mastel at tara.mastel@montana.edu or Winchester at benw@umn.edu.

BOZEMAN — Montana State University has joined with a dozen other universities in the region to form a partnership aimed at creating economic development opportunities around emerging high-tech industries.

The Mountains and Plains University Innovation Alliance, which includes universities in Idaho, Wyoming and the Dakotas, will support coordination and collaboration to attract and expand industries aligned with the member institutions’ strengths in research and education, according to Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development.

"This is about creating thoughtful and strategic development that diversifies our economy and creates high-paying jobs that would otherwise be concentrated in cities outside our rural region,” said Harmon, who serves on the alliance’s governance subcommittee. “As our university research helps drive new technologies and our graduates build valuable skills, we want to help anchor these industries in our region so that we can all benefit.”

As part of forming the alliance over the past year, the 13 universities discussed their current strengths and priorities for future growth, leading to a coordinated agenda that maps how the institutions will partner to focus on certain technologies. MSU will use its strengths in photonics and agriculture to expand opportunities in quantum technology and precision agriculture, according to Harmon.

Together with Boise State University and the University of North Dakota, MSU will form the Northern Frontier Applied Quantum CORE to support entrepreneurial activity related to quantum technology, a field that’s expected to play an important role in 21st century communications, computing and security. The effort would position the three partners within the larger alliance to receive large federal grants aimed at supporting this kind of rural economic development, Harmon said.

Quantum technology involves manipulating individual subatomic particles such as light photons in complex ways to potentially create secure communications and computers with unique capabilities. MSU is well-positioned to be a leader in quantum technology because of the field’s overlap with photonics, long a strength of MSU’s research enterprise, according to Harmon.

The photonics industry that has nucleated at MSU is a good example of what could be achieved by the alliance in other areas, Harmon noted. According to the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance, there are nearly 30 photonics companies in the Bozeman area, employing more than 800 people with average salaries of $72,000.

"With photonics we have research expertise that has helped spin out companies; we have connections with industry from our graduates who have started businesses and turned around and collaborated with the university; we have workforce development ranging from two-year associate’s degrees to Ph.D.s,” Harmon said. “That’s the sort of thing we'd like to see happen with quantum."

The alliance will also include collaboration with tribal nations, state government and economic development entities. MSU is working closely with the Northern Rocky Mountains Economic Development District, Harmon said.

The other members of the alliance are Boise State University, Idaho State University, the University of Idaho, Montana Technological University, the University of Montana, North Dakota State University, the University of North Dakota, Dakota State University, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota and the University of Wyoming.

Winter is coming and who doesn’t need a little creative rejuvenation? LIVE AND IN PERSON! Katie Goodman’s beloved and long-running “Improvisation For Life” women’s retreat weekend that has been offered at Chico Hot Springs for 22 years, is back January 28 & 29!

If you’re in need of a creative reboot, gaining some self-confidence, trying something new, or just having fun and making deep connections with other women, this is a terrific retreat for you.

Led by Katie Goodman of Broad Comedy, Camp Equinox, and Spontaneous Combustibles Improv Troupe in Bozeman, this internationally touring women’s creativity retreat uses improvisational theatre games to help women access their inner genius as Goodman likes to say, and to establish a deep sense of trust in themselves.

"I knew the workshop would energize me and give me confidence, but I'm amazed at the strength of the energy and confidence this weekend has inspired,” said Pam, a workshop participant who absolutely loved the experience. “Katie possesses a real knack for putting people at their ease. Her inner peace and strength draw others to her and her humor and intelligence keep them around."

You may know Katie from the award-winning, popular Broad Comedy show, but she is also an internationally touring keynote speaker, self-help author, and a certified Kripalu Yoga Teacher. She has combined her interests in the spiritual growth process with her skills as an improvisational comedian and teacher to craft a workshop that is truly unique and inspiring.

The participants come for a number of reasons. They may be looking to quiet their inner critic, or perhaps they are craving more spontaneous joy in their everyday life, or they may be going through a life transition and are seeking clarity and coping skills.

As Katie says: “The goal isn’t to keep chaos and change from happening — because it’s all unpredictable. The goal is to practice improvising throughout life so you become flexible and courageous and can handle anything.”

The workshop will use improv games and exercises to enable participants to take fun, creative risks, accept challenges and release themselves from judgment. Katie will guide participants through the practice of being present, giving up the goal, and accepting change with open arms. And all the skills taught in Katie’s workshop are skills that can be applied to our work, our relationships, and our everyday lives.

This retreat, now it its 20th year, is a great place to connect with other like-minded, creative souls through laughter and self-discovery.

One past participant, Maggie K. said, “I was in need of a non-judgmental, accepting environment. I realized how simple and relaxed my life really is but how difficult I make it. Trusting that everything will work out in an improv game can apply to life. Katie is terrific!”

The all-women retreat begins Saturday morning, January 28th at 9:00am and ends at 5:00pm, Sunday, January 29th. Chico Hot Springs is located one hour from Bozeman, Montana. The workshop fee is $345. This includes lunch and a workbook to take home. Prices for accommodations vary from $45 - $200/night. Lunches are provided for workshop participants both Saturday and Sunday. Exceptional cuisine from one of the region’s finest restaurant is available in the Chico Lodge restaurant for breakfast and dinner, as well as other budget options nearby. Other activities available include massage, hiking, horse-back-riding and more. More information on COVID protocols are on the website. Registration always sells out, so sign-up right away by going to the website: http://www.katiegoodmanspeaking.com or call now for details: (406) 522-7623.