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Legionnaires pay tribute to fallen motorists
Published
10 years agoon
By Joseph T. O’Connor Explore Big Sky Senior Editor
BIG SKY – The white cross near Dudley Creek on Highway 191 north of the Big Sky turnoff is the first of many you’ll pass on the way to Bozeman. It’s there to warn motorists of the dangers existing on this road and serves as a memorial to Andy Fischer, who died there on his way to ski Big Sky Resort in 2005.
A wicker wreath adorns the cross, 0.8 miles from the junction leading to the resort.
This cross is one of currently 103 along Highway 191 between Yellowstone National Park’s west entrance and Four Corners, and is part of the statewide White Cross Program, an American Legion service project begun in 1953. Approximately 2,000 white crosses dot the landscape along Montana highways and byways.
For more than 20 years on Armed Forces Day – the third Saturday in May – Big Sky local Kenny “Cuz” Alley has parked his pickup truck at the Conoco gas station at the corner of 191 and the Lone Mountain Trail. On May 17, he gathered a few wire brushes and cans of red and white spray paint, and waited for other Legionnaires and members of the public to join him.
“It helps when people come out and see what we’re doing,” said Alley, a former U.S. Army truck driver. “When people see the crosses, they know they’re part of the legion. It’s a little wake up while you’re going down the road.”
Soon, three more Montana American Legion members joined Alley, and the foursome set out to repaint the Gallatin Canyon crosses and decorate them with miniature American flags. For the legion, the crosses are reminders to drive cautiously, and to mark the places where fatal traffic accidents occurred. For these veterans, they serve as memorials.
“We want to make sure they get recognized,” said Brian Busick, a former Air Force soldier and a veteran of Desert Storm who attended White Cross Day. “We need people to know to slow down. Don’t get stupid on this road.”
Dick Allgood, former owner of Allgood’s Bar and Grill, is a 20-year member of the legion. He was an Air Force pilot during Vietnam and then a helicopter rescue pilot, and joined Ken McMillon, the legion’s District Seven commander out of Belgrade, in the effort to refurbish the Highway 191 crosses.
McMillon, who served as a Navy welder and firefighter on supply ships in Vietnam, flipped his hat backward and snapped photographs at Fischer’s cross. “It’s [one more] thing that I can do to help,” he said.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
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February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
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Verge Theater
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
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Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
29mar3:00 pm4:00 pmGood Friday Mass: St. Joseph Catholic Mission3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event City:Big Sky
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Friday of the Passion of the Lord St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Friday of the Passion of the Lord
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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(Friday) 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm