MADISON VALLEY JANUARY “HAPPENINGS” →  What’s happened in Ennis, the Basecamp of the Madison Valley? → The Elling House & Humanities Center in VC began their Chautauqua Winter Series. → Jack Creek Preserve held their Winter Wildlife Tracking. → The Ennis Public Library held a Seed Swap, and presentation on “Big Foot in the Big Sky.”  → The Elks Lodge in VC hosted their regular Bingo + Taco Friday. → Ennis is once again discussing the possibility of imposing a Resort Tax on certain goods. The current Montana Resort Tax law defines a Resort Community as one that “derives more than 50% of its economic well-being from businesses catering to the recreation and personal needs of persons traveling to or through the area.” Ennis has qualified for many years. → There is a growing campaign to build an Ennis Skate Park at the Ennis Lions Park.

MADISON VALLEY FEBRUARY “HAPPENINGS” → There is a Business Owners’ Bowl Off at the Ennis Fish Bowl on the 1^st. → Ennis Lions Club is hosting a Texas Hold ‘em Poker Tournament with a Silent Auction on the 2^nd, at the Silver Dollar Saloon.  → The Elling House & Humanities Center in VC will continue their series of public symposia, the next one entitled, On Tyranny, http://www.ellinghouse.org/, on the 8^th at 2:30 PM. → Get your tickets for the Best in the West Skijoring in Big Sky, the 7^th – 9^th!  Tickets — Big Sky Skijoring Association. → The Woman’s Resource Center in Dillon is holding a Soiree at The Stockman in Sheridan on the 12^th. →  Splurge for your Valentine and sign up for one of the fabulous wine pairing dinners at the Madison Valley Ranch in Jeffers, on the 14^th  or 15^th at:  https://www.madisonvalleyranch.com/wine-dinners-montana, → Jack Creek Preserve is again offering their Winter Outdoor Skills Camp, Feb 21-23.  https://www.jackcreekpreserve.org/winter-outdoor-skills-camps  →  And you can still go river fishing, ice fishing, disc golfing, skiing, x-country skiing, snowmobiling, bowling, visit the library, do yoga, go to the gym, take exercise classes, have a facial & a massage, see a movie, or eat, drink, stroll through Ennis, and go shopping! Extend your visit, and JUST DO IT ALL!

FUTURE “HAPPENINGS” → Live Music at the Gravel Bar on March 1^st. → The Elling House & Humanities Center in Virginia City will continue their Chautauqua Winter Series on March 15^th and April 29^th.  Call (406) 843-5454. http://www.ellinghouse.org/. → Virginia City displays open on May 1^st.  https://virginiacity.com/events. → 14^th Annual Madison Triathlon on July 5^th. → Madison Duathlon (Run/Bike/Run Race) July 6^th at Lion’s Park (MT’s only Olympic Distance Duathlon Race!) → Madison River Foundation’s Annual Fundraising Gala, on July 12^th.  https://www.madisonriverfoundation.org/. The 29^th Annual Madison River Run “Water to Whiskey” 5K on July 19^th. → Madison Marathon on July 22^nd. → The 29^th Annual Madison Valley Arts Festival on July 26^th. → Trout Rodeo (Can’d Aid fundraiser) with flyfishing and Bluegrass concert at the Burnt Tree Brewing, on August 1^st

MONTANA NEWS → More than 60,000 new businesses were created in Montana in 2024, setting a new state record, according to a report released by the MT Secretary of State. 2024 marks the fourth consecutive year MT broke records for new businesses. → The rise in property taxes and rent is top of mind for Montanans across the state. Legislators are mulling over a variety of fixes. The governor’s office has hyped a proposal to create a “homestead” tax rate. It would give a tax break to full-time residents on primary homes in MT, while taxing second homes at a higher rate. The reason being that part-time residents who don’t pay income tax should still be paying for state services they use. But without a sales tax, it’s fairly difficult to have those folks participate in this economy. → Montana State University Varsity Rodeo Team was chosen to represent MT and ride in the Inaugural Parade in Washington DC, which was cancelled due to bad weather. → MT legislators are wrestling with increasing support for movie production in MT, as there is public resistance due to negative effects on the state. → You know you’re in Montana, when… the parking lot signs at the Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center have “horse” parking signs!

FISHING REPORT → I say the same thing every year when we roll into the Big “F” month. Why does it feel that this month lasts so long? It is the shortest of the year but drags on forever in Montana.  The weather is still in full-on winter mode, the river is iced up in most places, and ski racks and snow mobile trailers far outnumber drift boat trailers in town. This is usually the perfect month to find a salty destination and live on island time. There are some good things about the Big F month. For solar-powered people, daylight is building. In fact, we get 2 min. and 59 seconds more daylight each day. This adds up to 1 hour and 21 min more by the end of the month! More daylight makes people happier and makes me a lot less grumpy. So, if you’ve got the Big F Blues, get outside, and take in some sunlight.

For those stuck in Montana and not a salty destination and still wanting to bend a rod, there are some options.  It will be typical winter fishing. Deep nymph fishing with midge, worms, eggs, and stone fly stuff. The key to fishing now is finding an area that has less ice and deep slower water. When you find it, stay there as it will be stocked with fish. Lead is your friend. You need to get your offerings down deep - down to the level of the fish. The fish are cold and will not move for a small bite to eat. If you are not snagging bottom every third cast, add more lead. This is also the month we start to see good midge hatches and some dry fly fishing. Think Bear Trap and warmer water.  Midges like overcast days with little wind and warmer temperatures. If you find those conditions, you might just connect with some darn good dry fly magic. Remember, this is like catching lightning in a bottle - so if you experience it, count yourself lucky. It happens to someone every year, and it might just be you.

Most anglers are trudging through the Big F and getting ready for the season to start in March. If this sounds like you, now is the time to replace that old fly line. A new line for the new season will make you happy. Replace that old tippet and leader. Most tippet and leader weakens after time and exposure to the sun.  Now is the time to get some new, strong stuff. Also stock your boxes with all the flies needed for the season. Hint, I know a shop in Ennis that has lines, leader, tippet, and flies on sale, all month!  Also, now is the time to book those guided fishing days for the summer. If you’re thinking of a guided trip on a specific date, have out-of-state friends coming, or just want to learn some new techniques from a great guide, get on the schedule now. Don’t be upset or depressed by the Big F.  It will pass us soon enough. Get outside and soak up some sun, I know I am. Good Fishing and God Bless. John Way. http://www.thetackleshop.com)  Ennis, Montana, the CULTURAL EPICENTER OF TROUT. (406) 682-4263, or cell: (406) 370-5206.

If people concentrated on the REALLY important things in life,  there would be a shortage of fishing poles!

Watch “The Rocky Mountain Fly Highway” on Amazon Prime

Check out other fishing reports at:

• Madison River Fishing Company at: https://www.mrfc.com/
• Dan Delekta at: https://www.beartoothflyfishing.com/
• The Madison Valley Ranch at: https://www.madisonvalleyranch.com/
• Joe Dilschneider’s Montana Trout Stalkers at http://www.montanatrout.com/
• Yellowstone Fly Fishing at http://www.yellowstoneflyfishing.com/madisonreport.htm.

WEATHER → We have had some incredible blue bird, sunny days with no wind, snow on the ground, and dry roads! Perfect! The most delightful kind of winter days! The daytime high in January was 41° and daytime low was 11°, with a nighttime high of 25° and a nighttime low of -11°! We had 13 days of snow. January brought us more snow and the Madison basin snowpack is at 84%. Check out Big Sky Snow conditions: https://www.bigskyresort.com/current-conditions. https://mslservices.mt.gov/geographic_information/maps/watersupply/statewide/StatewideSWE.aspx.

REAL ESTATE TIPS → THE BENEFITS OF HAVING A MONITORED SECURITY SYSTEM IN YOUR HOME. When it comes to protecting your home, especially a seasonal residence, a monitored security system can be a game-changer. Here are some key benefits:

1. Enhanced Security - A monitored security system provides round-the-clock surveillance, ensuring that your property is always protected. This is particularly important for seasonal residences, which may be unoccupied for extended periods.
2. Immediate Emergency Response - In the event of a break-in, fire, or other emergencies, a monitored system can alert authorities immediately. This rapid response can prevent significant damage and loss.
3. Remote Monitoring - With modern security systems, you can monitor your property from anywhere in the world using your smartphone or computer. This gives you peace of mind, knowing you can check on your home at any time. No cellular reception or phone at your cabin? No problem! There are IP communication systems that can transmit using certain satellite internet systems. Long driveways and remote areas can be covered.
4. Deterrence of Criminal Activity -The presence of a security system can deter potential intruders. Knowing that the property is monitored makes it a less attractive target for criminals. The sign helps!
5. Lower Insurance Premiums - Many insurance companies offer discounts on homeowners' insurance premiums for properties with monitored security systems. This can result in significant savings over time.
6. Protection Against Environmental Hazards - Monitored systems can also detect environmental hazards such as smoke, carbon monoxide, and water leaks. For seasonal residences, low temperature and water sensors are especially important. Early detection of these issues can prevent costly damage and ensure the safety of your home. Power outages and frozen pipes can indeed lead to some nightmarish situations, especially in colder climates. Here are a few horror stories that highlight the importance of being prepared:
   1. The Burst Pipe Catastrophe: Imagine coming back to your seasonal home after a winter away, only to find that a frozen pipe had burst, flooding your entire basement. The water damage ruined furniture, electronics, and even the foundation of the house. The repair costs were astronomical, and the homeowner had to deal with mold and mildew for months.
   2. The Power Outage Freeze: During a severe winter storm, a family lost power for several days. Without electricity, their heating system failed, and the temperature inside the house plummeted. Pipes froze and burst, causing extensive water damage. The family had to stay in a hotel for weeks while their home was repaired.
   3. The Unattended Vacation Home: A couple left their vacation home for the winter, thinking everything was secure. However, a power outage caused their heating system to shut down, leading to frozen pipes. When they returned in the spring, they discovered that the pipes had burst, causing significant water damage and mold growth throughout the house.
   4. The Generator Failure: A homeowner had a backup generator to prevent power outages from causing issues. However, during a particularly harsh winter storm, the generator failed. The house lost power, and the pipes froze and burst. The homeowner had to deal with not only the water damage but also the cost of repairing the generator.
7. Peace of Mind - Perhaps the most significant benefit is the peace of mind that comes with knowing that whether you are at home or away, you can rest easy, knowing that your home is being monitored.

In conclusion, investing in a monitored security system for your home, especially a seasonal residence, offers numerous benefits. The advantages are clear. Protecting your property and ensuring your peace of mind has never been easier. Locally, in the Madison Valley and Big Sky, Fox Alarm provides this important service.  (800) 932-4050 or email:  info.foxalarm@gmail.com. It gives me peace of mind!

HOME FOR YOUR SOUL. FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE MONTH → An AFFORDABLE HOME or a great INVESTMENT property. This 3 BR, 2 BA home is a 2011 Friendship Manufactured Home, 16’x 70’, 1,120 SF, on .51 acres (132’x170’), with city water & sewer, fiber optic cable, telephone, front & back porches and lean-to for storage. The home is not on a permanent foundation, so it would not qualify for bank financing. However. the existing manufactured home could be placed on a permanent foundation, adding value, and making the property acceptable to lenders for a home mortgage.  There are numerous, mature trees planted on the lot, with plenty of room for additional structures, once approved by the Town of Ennis. Another manufactured home or cabins could be added to the property. It is ideally located within walking distance to Post Office, schools, and downtown Ennis. The lot is zoned C-I, Commercial-Industrial District, allowing certain commercial/industrial businesses, as well as single and multi-family dwellings, with a Conditional Use Permit. The home will rent for $1600/month. 716 MADISON AVE., Ennis, MT 59729, $308,750, MLS #399170.  Google Coordinates: Latitude 45.34206, Longitude -111.73994, Elevation: 4,987’. My Active Listings - Toni Bowen.

NATIONAL REAL ESTATE NEWS → WASHINGTON (January 30, 2025) – Pending home sales retracted 5.5% in December – following four consecutive months of increases – according to the National Association of REALTORS®. All four U.S. regions experienced month-over-month losses in transactions, with the most significant fall in the West. Year-over-year, contract signings reduced in all four U.S. regions, with the Midwest seeing the largest decrease. The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI)* – a forward-looking indicator of home sales based on contract signings – slid 5.5% to 74.2 in December. Year-over-year, pending transactions declined 5.0%. Last year’s cyclical low point occurred in July 2024 at 70.2. An index of 100 is equal to the level of contract activity in 2001. “After four straight months of gains in contract signings, one step back is not welcome news, but it is not entirely surprising,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Economic data never moves in a straight line. High mortgage rates have not significantly dented housing demand due to greater numbers of cash transactions.”

Pending Home Sales Regional Breakdown - The Northeast PHSI fell 8.1% from last month to 62.3, down 1.3% from December 2023. The Midwest index shrunk 4.9% to 74.3 in December, down 6.9% from the previous year. The South PHSI slipped 2.7% to 90.6 in December, down 5.1% from a year ago. The West index tumbled by 10.3% from the prior month to 57.7, down 5.1% from December 2023.

“Contract activity fell more sharply in the high-priced regions of the Northeast and West, where elevated mortgage rates have appreciably cut affordability,” said Yun. “Job gains tend to have greater impact in more affordable regions. It is unclear if heavier-than-usual winter precipitation impacted the timing of purchases.”

Existing Home Sales rose 2.2% in December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.24 million, the strongest pace since February 2024 (4.38 million). Sales grew 9.3% from one year ago, the largest year-over-year gain since June 2021 (+23.0%). The median existing-home sales price progressed 6.0% from December 2023 to $404,400, the 18th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases and biggest year-over-year growth since October 2022 (+6.5%). Even with the solid upturn in the fourth quarter, on an annual basis, existing-home sales (4.06 million) fell to the lowest level in nearly 30 years, while the median price reached a record high of $407,500 in 2024.  The inventory of unsold existing homes dropped 13.5% from the previous month to 1.15 million at the end of December, or the equivalent of 3.3 months' supply at the current monthly sales pace.

The National Association of Realtors® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.  The term Realtor® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. 

LOCAL REAL ESTATE MARKET STATISTICS: Real estate in Montana in 2025 is expected to see a moderate increase in home prices and sales, with a slower pace of growth than in 2024. Mortgage rates are expected to stabilize between 6% and 7%, with some modest declines later in the year. Home prices are expected to increase by 2.6% to 4% year-over-year. We are starting to see more listings, sales and pendings. So, the market is picking up and the year looks promising. Now could be the right time. There may be more opportunities now than once our busy summer season begins. Big Sky Country Multiple Listing statistics for the Madison Valley area (including Ennis, Cameron, McAllister, Norris, Virginia City, Nevada City, Harrison, Pony), for the month of January were as follows:  

• HOMES: 40 homes listed ($250,000 to $7,995,000); 14↑ pending sales ($250,000 to $3,650,000); and 2 homes have sold in 2025 ($465,000 to $585,000), totaling $1,050,000, at 1%↑ of list price.
• MULTI-FAMILY: 3↓ listings ($1,789,000 to $2,700,000); 0 pending sales; 0 sold in 2025. (This would indicate that multi-family units are not great investments in this area.)
• VACANT LAND: 90↓ lots listed ($7,102 to $1,000,000); 8↓ pending sales ($79,000 to $400,000); and 4 lots have sold in 2025 ($175,000 to $550,000), totaling $1,465,000, at 6% ↑ of list price.
• LAND w/STRUCTURE: 7↑ lots w/structures listed ($269,000 - $1,998,000); 1↓ pending sale ($419,000); 0 lots w/structures have sold in 2025.
• COMMERCIAL: 3↓ commercial properties listed ($525,000 to $2,050,000), 0 pending sales; and 0 commercial properties have sold in 2025.
• RANCHES: 1↓ ranch listed, ($12,500,000), 0 pending sales, and 0 ranches have sold in 2025.

“The best investment on Earth is Earth.” Louis J. Glickman, real estate mogul/philanthropist

Also, according to Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan, in their hit song, “Buy Dirt!” 

MONTANA TRIVIA…. Did you know that…Thirty years ago this month, gray wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho?Today, the people who made it happen remember the mayhem and magic of one of the 20th century’s most controversial acts of ecosystem management. 1995 was The Year of the Wolves, when, amid global fanfare, federal biologists turned 14 adult wolves — wild animals captured and transplanted from the Canadian Rockies — loose in Yellowstone National Park.  Emotions around the issue ran hot in 1995 — both among those who revere the large canines and those who revile them — and they haven’t cooled much since. Biologically, the reintroduction of wolves to the American Rockies was an unmitigated success. But 30 years on, management of the controversial canines remains fraught — arguably more so than in the reintroduction era. Read more at: https://montanafreepress.org/2025/01/03/remembering-wolf-reintroduction-on-the-30th-anniversary-of-one-of-the-20th-centurys-most-controversial-acts-of-ecosystem-management/.  Ranchers in the Madison Valley expressed many concerns over the reintroduction of wolves, including, fear that wolves would kill their livestock; frustration with the lack of communication and transparency from wildlife officials; and frustration with the process of filing for reimbursement when their livestock are killed by wolves. Roger Lang, owner of the Sun Ranch, at that time, remarked, “Raising cows in the presence of wolves and grizzlies takes patience, grit, commitment, and the ability to recover from financial loss and a broken heart.”   Read more at:  https://westernhorseman.com/culture/range-riders-2/.