Saturday, March 28, 2020

Murder Case Progress

IT'S BEEN ABOUT A MONTH
Pleadings Are In
bail is set
12-year-old James Alex Hurley
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.. James was tortured by members of his own family. He eventually died from beatings and strangling. The case against his grandparents and his eighteen year old uncle has moved slowly through the courts in Bozeman.
.. We will not repeat the gruesome details or, the sight of the community mourning at the candlelight vigil.
.. Local news continues to highlight the the case as it moves through the court. For a list of videos click HERE-1 for print and other media click HERE-2.
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EGG SUCKING MATUKA
.. Spring continues apace with days ranging from overcast gloom to squinty bright with a few wisps of clouds. Fishing is picking up and catching is steady at the local spots.
.. Estuaries around Hebgan Reservoir are clearing nicely and producing some monster submarines for those neighbors willing to ride a snowmobile through mud and slush and snow. The fish are ravenous and provide eager dance partners.
.. The neighborhood foolers include: San Juan Worm, Egg Sucking Leech, Egg Sucking Matuka and even large gold bare hooks.
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WALLPAPER:  BROILED SHRIMP AND A BIT OF HOTNESS

Friday, March 27, 2020

All Done

CLOSED FOR NOW
Park Notice
chamber of commerce note
KEEP OUT
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.. It's finally come to this. Requests from the counties surrounding Yellowstone National Park, combined with a park push to modify operations to implement the latest COVID-19 health guidance have closed the park until further notice.
.. Our village has followed suit with measures in line with state and federal mandated actions. Included actions are a few unique suggestions not seen in national or state practices. Two of the more interesting suggestions are: 1) wipes for grocery baskets and/or gloves for claiming goods from the shelves and, 2) fingernail brushes for hand washing.
RESOURCES
>> Yellowstone Park News Release,
>> TIME,
>> West Yellowstone Chamber,
>> Yellowstone Vacations.
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GOLDEN HAYSTACK - NOW
.. The village streets are plumb dry and, the old snow piles are showing the many layers of gravel from plowing. All but the flat roofs are devoid of the white stuff - sliding snow is a cacophonous event.
.. Mud is showing on most fishing trails around the lakes and even the South Fork of the Madison River is about to be conventionally accessible - another couple of weeks or so.
.. Spring is in full roar and getting punctuated by occasional spittings of snow. We should get another dump, Zeus willing and the foehn winds don't blow. We'll keep a weather eye out for developments.
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WALLPAPER:  SHRIMP, FRIES, GRANDMA'S DIPPING SAUCE

Thursday, March 26, 2020

From The Gov.



Today I today issued a Directive requiring Montanans to stay home and temporarily closes all nonessential businesses and operations to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. on March 28 and will buy us time for health care workers on the frontlines to limit long term impacts to the state’s economy.

In consultation with public health experts, health care providers, and emergency management professionals, I have determined that to protect public health and human safety, it is essential, to the maximum extent possible, individuals stay at home or at their place of residence.

There’s no doubt that COVID-19 is causing a lot of hardship. It’s also causing incredible hardships for our doctors, nurses and other hospital staff across the country. We need to give them a fighting chance to get ahead of this virus.

The Directive will be in effect through Friday, April 10 and requires all businesses and operations in Montana, except for essential businesses and operations as defined in the Directive, to stop all activities within the state.

Businesses with questions can contact a dedicated state line at 1-800-755-6672 and leave messages 24-hours a day and will receive a prompt response.

The Directive also prohibits all public and private gatherings of any number of people occurring outside a household or place of residence.

Essential services and businesses will remain operational and open. Businesses deemed essential are required to comply with social distancing guidelines when possible including maintaining six feet of distance, having sanitizing products available, and designating hours of operation specifically for vulnerable populations.

Under the Directive, Montanans may leave their homes for essential activities, including:

  • For health and safety. To engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members (including, but not limited to, pets), such as seeking emergency services, obtaining medical supplies or medication, or visiting a health care professional.

  • For necessary supplies and services. To obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves and their family or household members, or to deliver those services or supplies to others, such as groceries and food, household consumer products, supplies they need to work from home, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences.

  • For outdoor activity. To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with social distancing, such as walking, hiking, running, or biking. Individuals may go to public parks and open outdoor recreation areas, including public lands in Montana provided they remain open to recreation. Montanans are discouraged from outdoor recreation activities that pose enhanced risks of injury or could otherwise stress the ability of local first responders to address the COVID-19 emergency (e.g., backcountry skiing in a manner inconsistent with avalanche recommendations or in closed terrain).

  • For certain types of work. To perform work providing essential products and services at Essential Businesses or Operations or to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in this Directive, including Minimum Basic Operations.

  • To take care of others. To care for a family member, friend, or pet in another household, and to transport family members, friends, or pets as allowed by this Directive.

You can read my full Directive HERE.
My Directive follows federal guidance to determine the businesses and operations deemed essential, which are summarized in the Directive and can also be found here:
https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforce.
For the most up to date information on COVID-19 please go to:
https://covid19.mt.gov/
As Montanans, we have an obligation to slow the spread of this virus. Our fellow Montanans are counting on all of us to follow these stay at home measures and save lives.

Thank you again for your comments to my office and for sharing this information with others in your community. We must take COVID-19 seriously, and we must take the measures now to flatten the curve and give our front-line healthcare workers the ability to fight this disease.

Working together, we can save the lives of our fellow Montanans and our economy from long-term impacts.

Sincerely,

STEVE BULLOCK
Governor

Governor Bullock

8:53 PM

About That Snow

Very Wet
Slush Abounds
fluff in the high country
OUR VERY OWN REPORT
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..Over at "SNOFLO," (LINK,) is our neighborhood 'Snow Report.' This has many pages - well indexed - of current conditions and historical data. Makes it easy for checking on the Madison River and  Gallatin River snowpack, including snow water content. Check it out.
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WALLPAPER:  MEATBALL SANDWICH AND SIMPLE SALAD

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

A Weather Surprise

RIGHT NOW
Normal Stuff
wet and mild
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WALLPAPER:  APPLE TURNOVERS WITH RUM VANILLA DRIZZLE

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Self Isolation

LOTS OF "B" MOVIES
Stream Some Junk ?
visit web cams
..
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.. The new buzz word is "SELF ISOLATION." Up here we call it Winter. We can suggest that you click on over to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. They have 10 live web cams for your enjoyment, (during daylight hours.) Just pick your poison = HERE.
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WALLPAPER:  PAN TOASTED GARLIC BREAD

Thursday, March 19, 2020

We Are Blessed

INSIDE TRACK
Neighbor Works At Grocery
gets first pick of supplies
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ESSENTIAL
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.. The shelves are empty but, T. P. is just next door.
.. The Summer influx should be  - at the  least - entertaining.   
.. RUMOR: "free entrance to Yellowstone."
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WALLPAPER: BACON BUTTY = ENGLAND'S FAVORITE

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Note From Jon


The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) is serious. During this crisis, we've got to ensure we're all taking precautions to protect ourselves and our communities.

I'm coordinating closely with Governor Bullock, local officials, and federal agencies to ensure we're supporting folks impacted by the outbreak and keeping Montana communities safe.

While the situation is evolving each day, everyone can take simple steps to limit the spread of COVID-19:
  • Practice good hygiene—cover your coughs and sneezes, and make sure to wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap.
  • Stay home if you're sick.
  • Put some distance between yourself and others. This helps protect you and folks who may be at a higher risk of getting sick.
  • Avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.
  • If you're over the age of 60 or have pre-existing health conditions, avoid large gatherings altogether.
If you think you may be displaying symptoms, call your doctor's office or local public health office. You can also call Montana's Coronavirus Task Force Hotline at 888-333-0461 or email covid19@mt.gov for assistance and information on testing procedures.

This is a hard time for folks across Montana and across this nation. As we work together to address the COVID-19 outbreak, remember that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you or a loved one is struggling, contact the following resources:
I will be working hard in Washington to deliver resources and relief to Montanans who need it.
As always, please don't hesitate to contact my office. It's an honor to serve you.
 

Saturday, March 14, 2020

Snowballs

NICE WET DUMP
Kids Pleased
more may come
A MOST SATISFYING SITUATION
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.. The snow and rain and temperature just go to prove it's Spring. We had a nice 4" dump of wet snow today. Then, we had a warm drizzle as the temperature climbed to 36°F for a couple of hours. The warm and wet happened just as Saturday basketball practice ended. Snowballs and short pants danced along the routes home.
..  Our snowpack is slightly above normal but, our snow water equivalent is a healthy 115% above seasonal average: this is a good thing for our rivers and the fishy inhabitants. Tomorrow and Monday promise to bring a warmer replay of today. We may hit 50°F by Tuesday. Nothing quite as much fun as a slushy St. Patrick's Day.
.. Come Wednesday or Thursday the local discharge rates should prove informative: Madison River chart, Firehole River Chart, Gallatin River Chart. Right now discharge is hovering around our seasonal norms - or - slightly above: we'll see.
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ROYAL COACHMAN BOMBER - WORKS NOW
.. The neighborhood conversation is jammed with three topics: good catching, rich folks back from Hawaii and, what supplies to lay in from the grocery store.
.. Good catching reports from three places: Between The Lakes, Boat Ramp at Quake Lake, Quake Lake Outlet.
.. Save for the occasional midge hatch all fish are being taken with subsurface nymph sorts of patterns. A few snakes are being reported from the boat ramp. The spawning exodus is under way.
.. Some rich folks have returned from Hawaii, (not in our neighborhood.) They had a good time, by all accounts. Social distance is the watchword from here on in. We promise not to kiss any strangers.
.. There are not noticeable shortages in our grocery stores - or the hardware store or, our convenience stores. Beer and toilet paper are still on the shelves. Sanitary wipes are still in their regular places. The madness should start around April 17, 2020 when the West Entrance opens. If our warm weather continues the skiers and bicyclists should be here in a couple of weeks.
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WALLPAPER:  COULD BE FAJITAS

Sunday, March 08, 2020

Yellowstone Stuff And Nonsense

THE OTHER ACTIVITIES
Minimal Fishing News
upkeep and chores
THE CRUMBLING BRIDGE
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.. Flying under the radar for most folks is the Spring activity in Yellowstone National Park. Here's a list of the recent goings on:
>> Bison migration late start. Hunting and herd reducation events, (HERE 1.)
>> Earthquake swarms continue: some felt, (HERE 2.)
>> Spring plowing starts, (HERE 3.)
>> Employee housing multi million dollar upgrades, (HERE 4.)
>> Proposed bridge replacement, (HERE 5.)
>> NPS announces proposed bridge replacement and, comment, (HERE 6.)
>> COMMENT ON BRIDGE REPLACEMENT.
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FISH ON THE BOTTOM
.. The Madison River and the Firehole River are running strong and periodically topping seasonal norms. Surprising clarity is present.
.. As the temperatures increase it looks to be a strong runoff. We'll keep an eye on the situation and the rapidly diminishing mid level snow pack. Current charts shown below:

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WALLPAPER: POTATO PANCAKES WITH SOUR CREAM

Saturday, March 07, 2020

At 2:00 AM Sunday - 3/08/2020

MORE LIGHT, REALLY ?
Works For Some
we'll bank ours !
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.. We remember when this was talked about as a Communist conspiracy. Asi es la vida.
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WALLPAPER: FAJITAS AMERICANA CON REFRITOS

Tuesday, March 03, 2020

Stick It

MORE FROM THE BRUINS
It's In The Water
rare perfect landings
..
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.. Straight from Westwood, CA and, NIA DENNIS, just a perfect homecoming routine. Nothing blasé about the crowd, performance or electricity. Great team support and spirit. Not too shabby for a Junior!!!
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WALLPAPER:  TATER TOTS

Monday, March 02, 2020

Quick Observation

RIVERS UP NOW
Early Runoff ?
we'll watch closely
FIREHOLE RIVER
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MADISON RIVER
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.. It must be spring. We're aimed at 50°F for This coming Friday: dancing in the streets - they are bare. We'll climb into our leggings and muscle shirt and terrorize the neighborhood !!
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WALLPAPER:  RIGATONI AND MEATBALLS