Tourney Time is Here

No matter how you feel about high school sports, tournaments are an exciting time in a small town. It is a big deal (and an expensive one) for the kids (managers, players, pep band members, dancers, cheer leaders), administrators, family and fans to pack up and head to another town for three days of cheering, eating and driving. Here are the brackets for District Tournaments at the Maroon Activities Center in Butte. See you there!

Update on Madison Marathon 2012

Happy February Madison Marathoners,

 In Southwest Montana, the best part of February is the skiing and this region has been among the best places to ski in the nation.  The reason is that we actually have pretty good snow, unlike much of the United States.   Our local resorts of Moonlight Basin and Big Sky are probably the best places to ski in Montana not to mention the entire region.   The cross country ski and snowmobile trails in and around West Yellowstone are also great.  If you’re a skier or a snowmobiler, please come.  Another February joy is that the days are slowly getting longer with a little bit more sun light each day.

 More sunlight means spring and then summer will be here soon which means the Madison Marathon is just around the corner.   We have some good news.  The US Forest Service has agreed to permit the Madison Marathon on an annual basis for the next five years.  We will still need to submit an operating plan and other documents each year, but getting a five-year permit is a big positive step.  The other good news is that we can provide the route details of the Madison Duathlon (bike/run) and the Madison Triathlon (swim/bike/run) which will also be permitted by the US Forest Service.

 I continue to receive emails and some phone calls from runners from across the United States as well as Canada and Europe who want to run in the 5^th Annual Madison Marathon.  I can say with complete confidence that we will cap out so get ready.  Online registration will open at precisely 10:00 AM on June 1, 2012.  This is Mountain time.   Last year, we had about 100 runners sign up in the first 12 hours and we capped out at the beginning of July.  This year, I predict more runners than that will sign up in the first 12 hours though I won’t predict how soon we will cap.  I will keep everyone in the loop as sign up day gets closer.

 For now, here are the dates and details of our Madison Trifecta events this year:

•  Madison Marathon – Sunday, July 22
• Madison Duathlon – Sunday, August 12
• Madison Triathlon – Sunday, August 26

5^th Annual Madison Marathon – This will be the same route as in years past.  The starting line is at 9,250 feet above sea level.  The route peaks out at 9,587 feet on Monument Ridge and the finish line is at Clover Meadows which is 8,550 feet above the ocean.  That high up there may not be a lot of oxygen which is something I hear that runners need, but the mountain views, wildlife, wildflowers, and everything else about this route will make up for it.   Simply put:  This marathon route is incredible and probably like no other route in the entire world.    Take a look at the photo gallery and read the runners reviews at our website – www.themadisonmarathon.com  - and you can also read what some runners have posted on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/groups/126571307421812/  To be honest, I don’t really have to advertise this race anymore since runners from across America are doing it for me.

 Inaugural Madison Duathlon –   The breakdown of the Madison Duathlon is 28 miles for the bike portion and about 13 miles for the run portion.    The bike portion will be first and it will begin in the town of Ennis, Montana and proceed north on Jeffers Road to Ennis Lake and then north again along Ennis Lake Road to the town of McAllister.   From McAllister, the route goes west along North Meadow Creek Road to South Meadow Creek Road and enters the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and onto Forest Road 161.   Bikers will ride on Forest Road 161 to a place called Star Burst which is the end of the bike portion.  The entire route is on dual track roads.   Sorry, dudes, but yeah the bike ride is pretty much all uphill.  The run portion will begin at Star Burst on Road 161 and then continue on Granite Creek Road to the finish line in Virginia City, America’s best preserved Gold Rush Era mining town and the former Territorial Capital of Montana.   It’s an amazing place.  Every year, close to 100,000 tourist visit Virginia City, but I don’t think very many of them run 13 miles to get there.  You guys will be among the first to do so.

 Inaugural Madison Triathlon –  The breakdown of the Madison Triathlon is a 450 yard swim, a 25 mile bike ride, and a 10 mile run.   The swimming portion will be in Ennis Lake which, despite being at an altitude of over 5,000 feet, is really not a cold water lake.  Let’s call it ‘refreshing.’  The first part of the bike route will be the same as the duathlon, but it enters the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest at a different location and on Forest Road 160.   The bikers proceed on this road to the Potosi Campground which is the end of the biking route.  The running route starts here and continues on Road 160 to the finish line in the incredibly cool town of Pony, Montana.  Like a lot of small mountain communities in Southwest Montana, Pony was a silver and gold mining town and once boasted thousands of residents in the early 1900s.  It’s down to a couple hundred now, but I can guarantee you that the finish in Pony will be the most memorable part of your day.  And, yeah, the running and biking portion are pretty much uphill.

 We will have some incentives for athletes who participate in all three events.  This will include special trophies and prizes as well as a guaranteed spot in the marathon.  The online sign up at 10:00 AM on June 1 will be for all three events.   More on all that later.   This month I just wanted to give you the details on the duathlon and triathlon.

 That’s all for now.  Please keep your questions and ideas coming about how to make these three events truly memorable.   Have a great February and if you find yourself anywhere near Ennis Montana please drop by and say hello.

Stay healthy, happy, and keep running forward.

Your striving race director,

Sam Korsmoe

• Executive Director
• Madison County Economic Development Council Inc.
• West Yellowstone Economic Development Council Inc.
• Madison Marathon
• PO Box 365
• Virginia City, MT  59755
• Tel: 406-682-5923
• Fax: 406-682-4564
• Cell: 406-570-4531
• Email: info@madcoedc.org
• Website:  www.madcoedc.org
• Website:  www.themadisonmarathon.com

 

Virtual Run for Sherry Arnold

All community members of Twin Bridges/Sheridan are invited to participate in the Sherry Arnold Virtual Run on Saturday, February 11, 2012. The run/walk will start at 9:00 am at Jessen Park. Many communities across Montana and the United States will be participating in this Virtual Run. Please read complete story below! I encourage teachers and staff members of Twin Bridges Schools and the surrounding area to participate. All participants will receive $1.00 off a purchase of a great cup of coffee from Jumping Rainbow Espresso the day of the event. Please pass the word on……If you have any questions please contact: Aaron Griffin, Twin Bridges Schools, agriffin@twinfalcons.org

Rancher Roundtable

 The next Rancher Roundtable is scheduled for:
Thursday, February 16^th at noon. It will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the Episcopal Church in Sheridan (304 S. Main St., at the corner of Main and Poppleton). 

This workshop is FREE to the general public and includes a sponsored meal.

 We are pleased to welcome Dan Durham, NRCS Soil Conservationist, will give a presentation on Soil Health. He will discuss the basics of soil biology and soil function in relation to agricultural operations. Local soil improvement projects will be presented to highlight conservation practices that can build soil and improve forage and crop production.

 To request a disability accommodation or to inform us of special needs, please contact MSU Extension at the phone number above.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Montana State University and the Montana State University Extension Service prohibit discrimination in all of their programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital and family status. Issued in furtherance of cooperative extension work in agriculture and home economics, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Douglas L. Steele, Vice Provost and Director, Extension Service, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717            

Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University Offered in Whitehall and Boulder January 2012

 Regardless of income, 70 percent of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.   Resolve to get in control of your money, eliminate debt and build wealth in 2012.  The Whitehall Chamber of Commerce and the Madison-Jefferson Extension office are working together to bring Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University to the area to help people learn more about personal financial management skills in January.

Financial Peace University is a personal money-management class that is held in community groups, workplaces, churches and military bases across the country.  The class is taught by Dave Ramsey on DVD, followed by an engaging small group discussion.  The group will learn, laugh and maybe even cry a little as you work together to beat debt, build wealth and totally change your family tree. 

In Whitehall, the class will be held on Mondays beginning January 16^th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Jefferson Valley Baptist church (next to IGA).  In Boulder, the class will meet on Tuesdays, beginning January 17^th from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Boulder Elementary school.   The materials for the class are $100 and include the class workbook, the CD library, budgeting forms and several other resources.  In order to receive materials in time for the first class, payment is preferred on or before January 10th. Babysitting will be offered in each location for donation.  Space is limited.

A free, no obligation preview class will be held in Whitehall on January 9^th from 6 to 8 p.m. and in Boulder on January 10^th from 6 to 8 p.m.   At this class, you will learn more about the course and have an opportunity to ask questions.  Childcare will be available these nights as well.

Madison-Jefferson Extension, the Whitehall and Boulder Area Chambers of Commerce and Jefferson Valley Baptist Church are co-sponsors of the event.

For more information or to register for the class, please contact the Madison-Jefferson Extension Service at 287-3282 or stop by the office at 309 East Legion Street. 

Contact: Tara Mastel at 287-3282

Free Bonding Seminar for Area Contractors

A seminar on bonding is being presented by the Madison-Jefferson Extension office to help area contractors learn more about this important tool for getting jobs. Many jobs, both government and private, require that contractors secure bonds. This seminar will give contractors more information about the types of bonds available, how to secure the bonds and how contractors can increase their bonding capacity so they can bid on larger jobs. The presentations will include ample time for questions and answers. Presenters include Dale Anderson, Bond Executive and Tim Lightbourne, CPA and Bond Manager at Cogswell Agency of Great Falls. John Donovan of the Small Business Administration (SBA) will give a brief presentation about assistance and programs available to contractors through the SBA. Jim Smitham, Executive Director of the Butte Local Development Corporation and the PTAC program will give an overview of assistance available to help contractors secure government contracts. The seminar will be held on Friday, December 16, 2011 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Madison-Jefferson Extension office, 309 East Legion in Whitehall MT. The seminar is free. RSVP is requested, but not required, by December 14, 2011. For more information or to RSVP, please contact Tara Mastel at Madison-Jefferson Extension at 287-3282.

• Tara Mastel Community and Economic Development Extension Agent, MSU Extension Jefferson County
• Jefferson Local Development Corporation
• P.O. Box 1079
• Whitehall MT, 59759
• 406.287.3282 Office
• 406.490.4180 Cell
• The Montana State University Extension is an ADA/EO/AA/Veteran’s Preference Employer and Provider of Educational Outreach

Christmas Stroll is Tomorrow!

Sounds like the weather is going to be FABULOUS!!! Our hay rides will be starting around four o’clock, the businesses will have their open houses from four to six and dinner will be served from six to eight and the Christmas Tree will be lit by Santa at 6:30. We will have music and kids games going in the park as well. Fire pits and hot drinks will keep us all toasty!  Come and vote for your favorite Christmas Present (decorated box) and be entered in to win Twin Bucks!

An Update on the Johnson Family

Good afternoon all –

 I have received several calls from Falcon football parents regarding the Johnson family so I thought that I would take a minute and share with all of you what I have learned today.

 As you may know Chad, Melanie and Mara Johnson were in a car accident on Saturday, November 19^th on their way to the football game.  Chad’s injury were minor, Mara suffered a broken arm and has been treated and released and Melanie sustained severe injuries and remains in the hospital.  Melanie underwent surgery Saturday evening to repair a badly broken femur and two broken hands/wrists.  Melanie came through surgery and was released from ICU on Sunday evening.  Melanie also sustained a fractured pelvis, fractured ribs and head injuries (it is looking like her head injuries are going to be minor).  She remains in the hospital – address follows:

•  Billings Clinic
• Room 205
• 2800 10^th Avenue North
• Billings, MT 59101

 The top concern with Melanie is blood clots.  They are monitoring her very closely and will continue to do so until her doctors feel she is no longer in danger.  On a positive note, Melanie is coherent and communicating! 

Melanie’s recovery will take some time and no time line for a full recovery or when she can return home to Twin Bridges is unknown at this time.

Chad and the family will be back to Twin Bridges sometime in the near future and they will need our help. 

 Here is what has been done so far:

•  A benefit account has been opened at RVNB for cash donations to help cover medical expenses, etc.
•  A charge account has been opened at Main Street Market to help with grocery shopping.
•  A scholarship fund has been set up with Kid Kountry Day Care to help with child expenses for Kinsey.  (If you wish to donate to this fund, please contact me first so that I can direct you to the proper contact persons.  Thanks!)

 Extra storage space is going to be needed in the home so if you have a bookshelf that you are no longer needing we can put it to good use at the Johnson home.  The  Johnsons could use an extra dresser or two as well if you have one that is not being used or you could donate.  Also needed are plastic storage bins (no larger than two shoe boxes stacked together) to store toys, etc.  If you have any of these items and would like to donate to the Johnson Family, please contact Amy Griffin at amyhgriffin@gmail.com.

 Immediate attention to the Johnson residence has been taken care of.  When the Chad and the kids arrive home the house will have been cleaned, the laundry will be done and a wheelchair ramp has been built to accommodate Melanie when she arrives home.

 A website has been started, www.8johnsons.pbworks.com, please check it out.  On this website you will be able to see what is needed and how you can help.  If you have any problems accessing this website, please contact Jamie Reynolds at jamieireynolds@yahoo.com or 684.5929 or Amy Griffin at amyhgriffin@gmail.com or 684.5005 (both can reached at TB Schools 684.5656 during work hours) or you can also contact me.   For those who would like to help and do not have computer access please contact Amy or Jamie or other persons listed below.  They can get you on the schedule.

 HELP LIST:

• Frozen meals that can be taken out from freezer and cooked for supper.  Contact Verta Dorseth at 684.5505.
•  Hot meals for the family from time to time will be needed once the family returns home.  Contact Lynn Vial at 684.5229 or cell 596.5229.
•  Help with housekeeping and  laundry.  Please sign up with two or three of your friends to take a week to help manage laundry and house cleaning.   This would not require daily attention but probably once/twice a week. You can sign up on the website www.8johnsons.pbworks.com or contact Amy or Jamie and they will add you to the schedule on the website.

 Thanks so much for taking the time help where you can.  Please feel free to share this email with all your friends.

 Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

  Mary Beth Walsh

Show Your Falcon Spirit!

 You can easily show your support of our Falcon Football team members by writing them short notes of encouragement for their upcoming State Championship game in Fairview.  These short notes can include memories of them growing up in TB, famous quotes, positive comments, community pride, etc.  Have fun and be creative and let them know how proud you are of them and their efforts as you wish them Good Luck!  This awesome experience will impact these young men for their entire lives and by showing your support, whether going to the game or not, you will give them additional lasting memories which will inspire them to reach the ultimate goal of bringing home the State Class C Football Championship to Twin Bridges. Please drop your notes off at the TBHS office by Thursday afternoon so we can send them on the bus with the players.  Please make sure the player’s name is written on the outside so they can be easily separated out.

 Team members are:

Cody Pierson          Garrett Armstrong                   Nolan Konen           Tyler Lott

Michael Pfertsh     Dakota Garbo                  Spencer Stewart   Zach Amos

Josh Kneeland        Jacob Corrigan                Danny Mehring       Tanner Cox

Cole Miotke           Gibson Butler                  Jesse Pfertsh       Austin Brentlinger

Luke Jones            Tate Meyers                             Marcus Bendon       Marcus Steinfeld

Henry Giem           Philip Vial                        Brett Mocilac        Riley Novich

Jerricho Broksle   Tristen Guillot                Isaiah Sams           Jared Wisler

Seth Dustin           Gabe Johnson                  Mic Wetherbee     Max Orrin

Woody Puckett      Mackay Hirst                  Stone Mocilac        Dalton Puckett

Michael Walsh       Tully Nelson                    Ian Tash                Bryan Todd

 (There are a lot of players!  If you don’t have time for individual notes, you can always do just one with your thoughts, photo copy it, and sign)

Any more fans for the fan bus?

If you would like to ride the fan bus to Fairview, Montana for the Championship Game on Saturday, please call the bank TODAY. If there is enough demand, we will get a second bus.