LOCAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

June 14th 2017 Edition #24

The Gardiner Chamber of Commerce serves our community through developing local tourism while endorsing the stewardship of the Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Join us for our Annual Free Pancake Breakfast at the Gardiner Firehall, Saturday, June 17th 8 AM - 10 AM. See you there! Come join us for a Teaching More event at the Yellowstone Grill on Thursday, June 29 between 6-8pm!! Appetizers and wine, then a brief presentation by Danielle Kellem around 7pm. Possibly there will be music...? All proceeds go towards our sustainable community farm and building a maternity clinic in Kenya. We hope you can make it. Spring Break 2018! Christina Cote-Reinhart, the GHS history teacher, is leading a tour to Italy and Switzerland with EF Tours. Pricing is reasonable. Students of all ages are welcome. Send email to cotechristina@gmail for information or to sign up. I am a buyer of Montana history. Maps, Yellowstone Park, Tokens, Beer Trays, Mining Ribbons, Horr MT, Books, Old Montana signs and plenty more. Call David 579-3500. Refrigeration & appliance repair. Phone 406-823-9262. Get your cooling and appliances running good from a local business (Emigrant MT). $60/hr, no travel charges. I install efficient LG heat pumps. Google: Holt Rawlins Repair for more info. The next Gardiner Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors meeting will be held on Thursday, June 15th at 12:00 upstairs at the Chamber Visitor Center. Public Welcome.

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SPRING 2017 YELLOWSTONE RIVER UPDATE:

DATA REVEALS LONGER-TERM EFFECTS OF FISH KILL, CHANGING RIVER CONDITIONS

(BOZEMAN, Mont.)—Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ Fisheries staff has completed its spring monitoring of the Yellowstone River and its preliminary analysis of the data.

Crews focused their efforts on stretches of the Yellowstone that had been closed late last summer in the wake of the un-precedented fish kill.

In addition to understanding the impact of that complex event on trout and whitefish populations, biologists wanted to get a better overall picture of what’s happening in the river system and establish the best techniques for monitoring these populations going forward.

At the time of the fish kill, the Yellowstone was experiencing low river flows and warm water temperatures for an ex-tended period, making the conditions prime for the outbreak of the parasite Tetracapsuloides bryosalmonae (PKD).

Also at play at the time of the kill, and over the winter period since, were other factors which can influence population numbers (i.e. extreme ice gorging).

Therefore, biologists urge caution in attributing direct cause in all Yellowstone fish population changes with so many factors at play in the river system.

Those changes vary by species and location.

Mortality of Mountain Whitefish was significant in the Mallard’s Rest section where thousands of dead Whitefish were observed lining the Yellowstone’s banks in August of 2016.

This spring’s data corroborated those observations.

In monitoring trout populations, data collected shows the greatest change in the reach from the Mill Creek Bridge to the Loch Leven fishing access site.

While FWP did not observe many Brown Trout in the 2016 fish kill, it appears this stretch experienced a decline of about half its larger (13 inches and above) fish, and nearly 30 percent of Rainbow Trout in that same size category since the spring of 2016.

These same data show an encouraging trend – higher numbers of younger trout (13 inches and under) – in the Mill Creek section.

In the upper Yellowstone River near Corwin Springs, densities (number of fish per mile) of Rainbow and Brown trout are relatively stable, and like the densities noted in recent years.

However, Brown Trout in this section experienced a similar decline in larger fish as did the Mill Creek section.

Downstream, monitoring was also completed near Big Timber, Columbus and Laurel where trout populations are show-ing the longer-term effects of changing river conditions.

Trout populations in the Laurel section, the most downstream trout habitat, have trended downward since 2014, which biologists suspect is a result of a decade of changes in stream flows, timing and duration of snow melt, and higher water temperatures, rather than the acute effect of the conditions in 2016.

For example, at Columbus, Rainbow Trout numbers are down significantly over time, but stable in the last couple of years.

Despite the general trend of warmer summer temperatures, and declining peak stream flows and the change to the tim-ing and duration of snow melt, this spring presents the likely possibility for good river conditions, prolonged cooler tem-peratures and more normal stream flows for trout and Whitefish.

Region 3 Fisheries Manager Travis Horton says snowpack and scouring (river flushing in strong runoff) events look positive.

“It’s especially important to see what happens in terms of runoff in the next few weeks, combined with summer tem-peratures and precipitation. That will be what sets the stage. But, it looks unlikely that we’ll see the same low flows that we did last year.”

Better flows and scouring may help stave off another para-site-induced event as seen late last summer.

The parasite blamed for the Yellowstone Whitefish kill re-lied on tiny aquatic invertebrates called bryozoans as host in the river.

Warmer water and lower flows allow bryozoans to thrive and stress fish making them more susceptible to infection.

Horton says, “It’s an encouraging thing to see these high flows. The high scouring flows this spring should have re-duced the densities of bryozoans, the primary host of PKD. That’s a good thing.”

2017 EventsGardiner Rodeo - June 16 & 17

Baptist Church Pancake Festival - June 16 & 17

Rodeo Dance— Daniel Kosel and Acoustic Waterfall - July 17

Flea Market - July 1

Resonant Rogues - July 3

Snoopy School’s 4th of July Celebration at the Arch - July 4

Big Bear Stampede - September 9

EPAC Show: Pearl Django - Oct 17

EPAC Play - December 6 & 7

Christmas Stroll - December 7

FOR MORE DETAILS, VISIT: http://www.visitgardinermt.com/events-blog/events

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Protect Yellowstone from Aquatic Invasive Species MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose a grave threat to the health of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The detection of invasive mussels in Montana in 2016 underscores the urgent need for action to prevent these destructive species’ from entering the park. The park wants boaters to know six important things for 2017: • All watercraft are required to have a boat permit and a Yellowstone AIS inspection before launching in the

park. Watercraft include, but are not limited to, power boats, sail boats, canoes, kayaks, and angler float tubes. Permits and inspections are available seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at various locations in the park.

• If a boat does not pass the AIS inspection, it will not be allowed to enter park waters. • Boaters will find moveable barriers at Bridge Bay, Grant Village, and Lewis Lake. The barriers are in

place to prevent non-permitted, non-inspected boats from entering park waters. Permitted boaters with in-spected boats can move the barriers to exit the water.

• If nonnative mussels are detected in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem or surrounding area, park manag-ers will consider a temporary closure of all park waters to watercraft (motorized and non-motorized). The park is currently developing a rapid response plan.

• If nonnative mussels are detected in Yellowstone, a closure to all watercraft (except authorized NPS boats) would occur to prevent the spread to other waterways.

• Managers will convene a science panel to objectively evaluate AIS prevention and management in the park.

Take action. Ensure that you don’t transport AIS to Yellowstone and that your watercraft will be permitted to launch: • Clean all plants, animals, mud, sand, and other debris from your boat, anchor, boots, and equipment. Use

high-pressure, hot (120-140F) water if possible. • Drain all water from your boat including the motor, bilge, livewell, and other compartments before you

arrive. Leave drain plugs out during transport. Do not dump water or organisms from one water body into another.

• Dry all compartments and equipment in the sun for five days. AIS could have devastating ecological, economic, and recreational impacts on the park. They are costly to manage and practically impossible to eradicate. Help the park prevent AIS!

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Second busiest May on Record MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY - The park hosted 419,627 visits in May 2017. This was the second busiest May on record, down 5.6 percent from May 2016, which saw 444,630 visits. While many factors could be at play, park managers point to road closures due to snow in May and the end of the National Park Service Centennial year as influences in visitation. So far in 2017, the park has hosted 550,413 visits, down 7.3 percent from the same period in 2016 (which was the highest on record). The continued high level of visitation at Yellowstone underscores how important it is for visitors to plan your trip to the park. Visitors, please anticipate delays at popular attractions, plan ahead, and check road conditions on the park’s website. Detailed park visitation information and additional information on how these statistics are calculated is available online.

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HELP WANTED Help Wanted: Rosie’s Bistro is hiring morning servers. Please come apply in person. Ask for the manager. Help wanted at Kremers Conoco. Part-time and full-time positions available. Applications can be picked up at Kremers, or call Patty at 406.848.7742. Help wanted: The Yellowstone Mine Restaurant is seeking applicants for the following positions - full and part time: prep cooks, back up cooks, swampers & dishwashers. Please apply in the office above Gold Strike Gifts 9am to 1pm. Help wanted: The Yellowstone Mine Restaurant is hiring for the following positions for the breakfast shift: morning cook, prep cook & dishwasher. Help Wanted: The Best Western by Mammoth Hot Springs is looking for maintenance and groundskeepers and the front desk. Please apply at the front desk. Help Wanted: Outlaws is now taking applications for kitchen & wait staff. Please apply at the office above Gold Strike Gifts. Hiring immediately Front Desk/Housekeeping Supervisor @ Yellowstone Basin Inn. Hours: 7 or 8 am to 3 or 4 pm. This position is responsible for all aspects of front desk, housekeeping functions, providing excellent customer service, and assisting the Innkeepers with managing an exceptional Montana lodging estab-lishment full-time, must be able to work holidays & weekends, from now through October 21. Starting wage is $12.15 per hour or more based on experience. The person in this position is part of a team and substitutes for other positions as needed throughout the season. We provide extensive property-specific training. For more information and to apply, go to: http://www.yellowstonebasininn.com/employment-opportunities.htm. Help wanted: I am in need of someone to clean 3 vacation rentals (all in the same location, apartment style units) and I also need that person to open, close & perform light cleaning in the laundromat beginning June 1. Please contact Erica at 406-223-9936 Or by email at cwe2015@hotmail.com. Pay is negotiable. Yellowstone Super 8 is hiring in all departments for year round positions: Front Desk; Maintenance; Laundry/Housekeeping. Please call, come in or email. 702 Scott Street West, Gardiner MT 59030; super8@wispwest.net. Please ask for the General Manager. The Raven Grill is now hiring for a few positions ASAP! Full-time line cook/sous chef, part-time server (4 days a week). Great pay! If interested stop in the Raven and ask for Phil or Crystal – or give us a call at 848-9171 or 548-4869!!

Help Wanted – Jim Bridger Cabins. Full and part time housekeeping and front desk. Apply at Jim Bridger office. Gardiner Public School is looking for a full-time custodian starting immediately: This position is a full-time/year-round afternoon/evening position that comes with benefits (including health insurance). In the summer, the hours change to mornings and afternoons. Wage to be determined. If interested in this position, please submit a cover letter, resume with references, and fill out the application on the Gardiner School webpage, www.gardiner.org, and send to JT Stroder, District Superintendent, 510 Stone Street, Gardiner, MT 59030. Any questions, call the school at 848-7563.

SERVICES PROVIDED Looking for hardworking women to clean your vacation rentals? We are very reliable with excellent work ethics. No job too big or small. For more information contact Helping Hands: Teresa Alvis at 406-548-8191 anytime or Cherry Hammond at 406-570-4299 after 2:00 pm.

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REAL ESTATE

Home for Sale. Price reduced $169,000 308 5 ST West Gardiner. This home is move in ready. 1 Bath, 1bed 4,000 Sq ft lot. Very short walk to post office, supermarket. Take a look. Call Chris Lyness, Realtor 406 930 0299. Red Lodge, MT - $79,900 – .79 acre corner lot, great mountain views, city sewer, custom house plan, below the ski mountain. By contractor. Can email david@davidsimpsonconstruction.com. Can be viewed at www.davidsimpsonconstruction.com. Motivated Seller!

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Fatality near North Entrance Search for Missing Person ends MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, WY – Today, park search crews located the body of Jeff Murphy who was missing near the park’s North Entrance. Mr. Murphy’s death appears to have resulted from a fall on Turkey Pen Peak. Mr. Murphy, 53, from Batavia, Illinois went for a day hike on the Rescue Creek Trail on June 7. The park ini-tiated the search on June 8 when Mr. Murphy’s wife reported that he failed to check in. “All of us at Yellowstone extend our sympathy to the Murphy family for their tragic loss,” said Superintendent Dan Wenk. At its peak, the search involved eight hiking teams, five dog teams, four horse teams, and a helicopter. The Rescue Creek Trail, which had been closed due to this search, is open. However, visitors should anticipate temporary closures in the area until the investigation is complete.

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If you have a community service group or committee that you would like to add to our list call the Chamber of Commerce at 848-7971 or email ads@gardinerchamber.com

The Gardiner Community Newsletter is sponsored by the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce. Its pur-pose is to inform local residents and visitors regarding items of local interest. Occasionally opinions are expressed herein that do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber reserves the right to omit or edit ads/copy for length,

grammar, good taste and to prevent defamation.

Gardiner Baptist Church

Sundays: Bible Study 9:45am

Worship 11am Wednesdays:

Bible Study 6:30pm

St. Williams Catholic Church: Sundays 8:00am

St. John’s Episcopal Church (Emigrant):

Sundays Worship 8am

The Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-Day Saints Sundays:

Sacrament Service 10am

Mt. Republic Chapel of Peace (Cooke City):

Sundays: Worship 9:30am

Gardiner Community Church:

Sundays 9:15am Sunday School

10:15am Worship Service Bible Studies

Throughout the community during the week, contact Pastor Jeff Ballard

406-848-7300

COMMUNITY SERVICES & COMMITTEES

Deadline for all newsletter ads is Tuesday before noon. Newsletter ads must be paid for in ADVANCE. There is no billing. Ads submitted without full payment will not be run.

Ads are $7.00 for 40 words or less in paragraph form for non-chamber members and $6.00/40 words for chamber members plus 10 cents for each additional word for members and non-members alike. Email or call for display ad pricing. 848-7971. Ads may be submitted by email to ads@gardinerchamber.com and/or by coming directly to the Chamber office at 216 Park Street during business hours. (there is an after hours drop box too!) If payment is required, then please drop off a copy of the ad with payment at the office or mail in advance to Gardiner Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 81 Gardiner, MT 59030.

It is helpful if you submit your ads before Tuesday. Ads CANNOT be placed over the telephone. Lost and Found, Free, Thank you, Condolences & Memorial Services ads are free up to 40 words & .10cents/word over 40. Nonprofit status does not guarantee a free ad. Call if you have questions. phone 406.848.7971

CHURCH SERVICES

If you are feeling sad, as if no one cares or that life isn’t worth living any more …

Please - Call the Montana Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Someone does care~ They will listen to your story

AA Meetings: Wednesday @ 7pm at St. William’s Catholic Church. Contact 1-724-496-9894 American Legion Meet-ing: 2nd Tuesday @ 7pm at the Gardiner Communi-ty Center. Bear Creek Council Meeting: Monday, January 23rd. At the Track Ed Center, 9 Jardine Rd. For more information: 406-848-9445 www.bearcreekcouncil.org CVB Meeting: 2nd Thursdays @ 4:30 at Gardiner Visitor’s Center. 216 Park St. Electric Peak Arts Council Meeting: Sept-May, 1st Wednesday @ 5:30pm in the Gardiner Elementary School Library.

G-Town Thrift Store Saturdays 1-7pm located at the Community Church 318 W. Main St. Gardiner Chamber of Commerce / Visitor Center: Mon-Fri: 9am-8pm Sat-Sun: 1pm-5pm Monthly Board meeting, 3rd Thursdays at noon. Located at 216 Park Street. 848-7971. Gardiner Community Library Tuesdays 10am-5pm, 6pm-8pm & Thursdays 6pm-8pm. 406.848.7835. Book Sale Tuesdays 10am-5pm. Gardiner Food Pantry Hours: Tuesdays from 1pm-6pm. 307.344.9006 Linda Gray.

Gardiner-Park County Water District Board Meeting: 2nd Tuesday @ 6pm at the District Office. Gardiner Resort Area District monthly meeting is held every sec-ond Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Gardiner Visitor’s Center. Gardiner School Board Meeting: 2nd Wednesdays @ 6pm in the Gardiner School Conference Room. Gateway Hose Company: Board of Trustees Budget Meeting July 17, 2017 @ 6 pm at the Fire Hall. Greater Gardiner Community Council Advisory Board Meeting: 1st Tuesdays @7:15pm. www.gardinermt.org

Livingston HealthCare Gardiner Rehab Outreach Clinic: M/W/F from 9am-4pm at Gardiner Baptist Church Call 222-7231 or 222-3541. Livingston Lodge #32 A.F. & A.M. meets 1st Tuesday at 7pm at the Livingston Masonic Temple Narcotic Anonymous Meetings: Sundays @ 7pm at the Gardiner Baptist Church. Contact 314-602-6672