Big Sky

The decision was made at the December 21 Big Sky Resort Area District Board of Directors meeting to move forward in drafting legislation with Taylor Luther Group, PLLC that – if approved at the legislative session – would raise the threshold of resort tax at the state level from three to four percent.

Highlights of the December 12 Big Sky Resort Area Tax District board meeting include fees for paper remittances, changes in staffing structure and developments in resort tax legislation. We know not everyone can make these meetings, so here’s a rundown on what was covered.

Paper remittance fee begins Feb. 1

The human body is a remarkable machine which alters depending on surroundings. We started asking questions at a recent staff meeting in anticipation of a cold snap: How do locals fair so much better playing in the cold than people from warmer climates? Why do visitors from flatter areas struggle so much with elevation?

Headed south towards Firelight Meadows on Ousel Falls Road it’s easy to overlook Streamside Way, an unassuming road that leads up to a mountainous residential development known as Greathorn Ranch. Likely, not many passersby opt to turn left and head up the hill.

A deputy met with a woman on Aspen Leaf Drive just after midnight on Dec. 12. The woman wished to report that she had been punched in the face and pushed down by another woman. However, she did not have any marks or redness on her face, and two witnesses stated that she had not been knocked down.

When Boyne Resorts President Stephen Kircher first set eyes on the completed Ramcharger 8, he said it blew his mind. Sure, Kircher was well aware what the eight-seater would be like – he was the one who decided to pull the trigger and bring the state-of-the-art chairlift to Big Sky.

This week's Miner of the Week is kindergartner Grady Chapin. Grady is a hard-working student who shows up every day ready to do his best. "He is always excited to learn and perseveres even when things are challenging. He arrives every morning with a smile on his face and always says good morning.

I ran into Julie Lisk, youth program coordinator with Thrive, at the joint Gallatin and Madison county commission meeting held at Lone Peak Cinema recently. She was desperate for volunteers, she said.