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MONTANA – Cutting your own Christmas tree can be fun for all ages, and six Bureau of Land Management field offices in Montana are making it simple and inexpensive to get a permit. Personal-use Christmas tree permits issued by the Butte, Dillon, Lewistown, Malta, Miles City and Missoula field offices cost only $5 per tree and can be applied for online. Contact the North Dakota Field Office at 701-227-7700, and/or the South Dakota Field Office at 605-892-7000 for information about Christmas tree a...
On winter nights in Fairfield, when the band is thundering and the student section is shaking the bleachers, it’s easy to focus entirely on the athletes on the floor. But behind every well-run game stand the people in stripes—officials who keep the contest moving, fair, and safe. In Fairfield, six of those officials have a story worth telling. All six began in the 127 Sports Intensity Junior Referee program. Today, they are fully registered members of the Montana Officials Association (MO...
On the 19th of November Sheriff’s Deputies worked in conjunction with US Marshals and Montana Highway Patrol to serve a felony warrant on Richard Joseph Winslow in Fort Benton. Winslow was wanted out of Cascade County and was an unregistered violent offender. Deputies and MHP assisted Marshals in gaining local knowledge of the offender’s residence. Winslow had been living at the Sunrise Bluffs located at 711 21st St in Fort Benton. At 2:18 pm this law enforcement team successfully arrested Win...
The Cancer Support Group will once again be lighting luminaries along the Levee and across the walking bridge on Saturday, December 6 at dusk. If you would like to have a name placed on a bag in memory of someone or in honor of someone, please contact a member of our board or mail the name(s) to: Cancer Support Group PO Box 213 Fort Benton, MT 59442 You may put anyone’s name on a bag; a cancer diagnosis is not required for someone to be acknowledged with a luminary bag. There is no charge to participate, but donations are welcomed. The art c...
Editor's note: One of our favorite holiday traditions is seeing the creativity of our local kids shine. This year's Christmas Stroll buttons were once again drawnby students- and the stroll committee chose the winning designs, completely anonymously. It's a sweet reminder that talent knows no age, and that our community's holiday spirit often begins in the hands of our yougest artists.... Full story
Big Sandy's Main Street is glowing a little brighter this week, thanks to the generosity and hard work of the local Rotary Club. Fresh holiday decorations-warm lights, festive garlands, and cheerful wreaths-now line the length of the street, bringing a classic small-town touch of Christmas spirit to the community. This year's display comes with a special message from Big Sandy Rotary President Shon Tester, who shared the club's excitement about the upgrades: "Bigger, stronger, and brighter!...
Jon Tester accepted the Montana Family Farmer Workhorse Award during Montana Farmers Union's 110th Annual State Convention held recently in Lewistown. MFU recognized Tester for his steadfast support of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities during his time in the U.S. Senate. Pictured from left, Tester, MFU President Walter Schweitzer, and MFU Vice President Erik Somerfeld. Montana Farmers Union proudly awarded former U.S. Senator Jon Tester with the Montana Family Farmer Workhorse Award...
As November rolls in across the Hi-Line, the last of the golden leaves swirl down Main Street, the fields fall quiet, and there’s a noticeable shift in the rhythm of life. The rush of harvest has slowed, and even the wind seems to take a breath. It’s the time of year when Montanans start turning inward—toward family, home, and the small things that hold us steady when the world moves too fast. In a small town like Big Sandy, gratitude doesn’t come wrapped in ribbons or carved into fancy centerpieces. It shows up quietly, in everyday moments...
Christmas Tree Care There are many recommendations online for Christmas tree care that promote longevity. In truth, all a tree really needs to maintain freshness is adequate water. Longevity is easily achieved by using the proper tree stand and keeping the water level in the stand above the base of the tree. The following research-based recommendations will help to maintain the freshness and aroma of a live Christmas tree this holiday season. Use a tree stand that holds enough water for the size of the tree. The rule of thumb is one quart of...
When the last of the harvest dust settles and the clocks roll back, Montana’s days begin to shrink. The long shadows stretch over empty fields, and by suppertime, the stars are already out. For many along the Hi-Line, that change brings a quiet adjustment — the familiar rhythm of winter. But for others, the early darkness feels heavy, and the cold can creep into more than just the bones. It’s no secret that Montana winters can test even the hardiest spirits. The long nights, the isolation, and the weeks when the thermometer refuses to climb...
HELENA, Mont. (November 5, 2025) – The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is encouraging students to apply for scholarships through its Heritage Scholarship Program. Combined, the program will award $24,000 in scholarships in 2026. The annual deadline to apply is March 15. Applications can be found at www.mtbeeffoundation.org. Heritage Scholarship This scholarship supports college students who are pursuing a four-year degree that strengthens and advances Montana’s ranching industry. This scholarship invests in the next generation of lea...
On Saturday, November 8th, the recently formed Big Sandy Speech, Debate, and Drama Team joined 8 other schools for a meet at Havre High School. The event drew class B and C schools from the region. This is the second competition Big Sandy has participated in since the formation of the team on September 29th. Three students competed in two events at the event: Humorous Theater and Informational Speech. Connie Reichelt, who stepped up to organize the team, explained: "Our first two meets have...
Ceremony set for December 13 in Fort Benton; local cemeteries to participate Each December, a quiet wave of remembrance rolls across the United States — thousands of volunteers, young and old, kneeling to place evergreen wreaths upon the graves of America’s veterans. It’s a moment of stillness, gratitude, and unity. This effort is part of Wreaths Across America (WAA), a national nonprofit built on three powerful words: Remember. Honor. Teach. This year, that wave will once again reach north-central Montana. On Saturday, December 13, 2025,...
Every November 11th, Americans pause to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day, as we know it today, began more than a century ago under a different name-Armistice Day-marking the end of World War I. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the guns fell silent across Europe. The Armistice signed between the Allied nations and Germany brought peace after four long years of devastating conflict. President Woodrow Wilson... Full story
HAVRE – Bear Paw Development Corporation recently announced the creation of a new Business Revitalization Fund focused on assisting small businesses in their five-county region with the purpose of increasing business profitability and addressing community needs, including a strong emphasis on improving the physical condition of buildings to support downtown revitalization, the curb appeal of business districts and enhanced tourism. “Our Board of Directors created this new loan fund to meet the needs of businesses and communities in our fiv...
Graduate Lt. Cols. Fredrick Terry, son of Floyd and Marlene Terry Lt. Cols. Fredrick Terry and John W. Gehring of the Montana Army National Guard have officially graduated from the U.S. Army War College Distance Education Program, Class of 2025! After 27 months of rigorous study—including 1,500+ hours of remote learning and a four-week residency at Carlisle Barracks—they’ve earned their diplomas and Joint Professional Military Education Level II (JPME II) certification. Based at Fort Harri...
As November approaches, we naturally reflect on the numerous transformations that have occurred throughout the year, and here at the senior center, we’re inspired by the resilience and adaptability that has carried us through. We’ve experienced more transformations this year than in the past two years, and it’s a testament to the power of community and teamwork. To begin with, our director and head cook, Robin Johnson, vacated her position, leaving a significant void to fill, but also an opportunity for growth and renewal. Following adver...
We kicked off the Divisional Tournament against Simms (They finished in 3rd Place). We lost in 4 sets (19-25, 19-25, 25-17, 11-25). We had 77 Digs (Samantha Bjornestad - 23), 22 Assists (Lauri Silvan - 14), 27 Kills (Korbyn Jurenka - 10), 1 Block (London Keane), 6 Aces (Brianna Terry - 2). We then played Sunburst and beat them in a clean sweep (25-21, 25-15, 25-18). We had 74 Digs (Samantha Bjornestad - 25), 27 Assists (Lauri Silvan - 14), 28 Kills (Korbyn Jurenka - , 3 Blocks (London Keane -...
With the recent government shutdown delaying SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payments, many local families may be feeling the pinch. Thankfully, the Big Sandy Food Bank is stepping up to help those in need. Anyone affected by the delay can contact Terry Grant at 406-390-2922 for assistance. Individuals should bring proof of SNAP benefits and be prepared to fill out a short form, including the amount typically received from SNAP. Community members who wish to lend a hand can... Full story
You will soon see free Naloxone (Narcan) dispensers in our towns. The dispensers provide Narcan free of charge to the community. Narcan is a drug that can rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose and save lives. Across the nation as well as in Montana, overdose deaths have increased in recent years. Deaths involving fentanyl (IMF) increased from 2019 to 2020 by 94% in Western states, with methamphetamine being the most used drug in addition to fentanyl in these deaths. Many resources are available across Montana to help combat the...
On Halloween night, Main Street in Big Sandy filled with trick-or-treating kids. Locals lined either side of the road handing out candy and other treats in front of decorated cars, displays, and even a short school bus haunted house. The community Halloween tradition has been providing a safe space for locals to celebrate the holiday together for more than 10 years. Trunk-or-treat has something to offer for Halloween celebrators on every side of the evening’s festivities. Parents of young k...
Megan Van Emon, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Montana State University New World Screwworm (NWS) is a species of fly (Cochliomyia hominivorax) that lays eggs in the wounds of living warm-blooded animals. Eggs hatch within 12-24 hours into larvae that burrow into the wound to feed. Burrowing creates a larger wound that can lead to illness and death if not treated. The fly was once native to the Southern United States and was eradicated in 1966 with the targeted release of sterilized male flies. Since females only mate once in their...
HELENA, Mont. (October 20, 2025) - The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is deeply concerned by recent comments from the Trump Administration to intervene in domestic beef prices and to expand beef imports from Argentina. MSGA strongly encourages the administration to not intervene in the domestic beef market, as that will have a potentially devastating effect on Montana cattle ranchers. These actions risk destabilizing an already volatile market and will have significant negative impacts on America’s cattle producers. As cattle p...
Big Sandy High School students attended a sobering assembly dealing with internet safety on Thursday morning. The school hosted Lacey Griffiths, whose son Gavin Johnson, was the victim of an internet sextortion scam that led to his suicide. Her presentation relayed her son’s story, internet safety guidelines, and encouragement for young people to speak to adults in their lives if they find themselves in situations they see no clear way out of. Her goal is to prevent any other children from b...
HELENA, Mont. (October 20, 2025) - Turk Stovall, Montana Stockgrowers Association’s First Vice President arrived in South Korea joining Governor Gianforte and a delegation of Montana business representatives. Stovall is one of nine representatives from the Montana food and agriculture sectors and the only representative focused solely on opportunities to expand the demand of Montana beef. Stovall will be working to establish business relationships and explore opportunities for U.S. beef exports to the two countries. Korea and Japan are c...