Erik Sietsema

By Erik Sietsema Dust storms swept through the Big Sandy area last Wednesday, creating conditions that vaguely resembled a blizzard for those unlucky enough to be caught out on the highway, piling up “sand dunes” along the edges of fields on the prairie west of town, and knocking out power for the community for several hours. The storm itself was the byproduct of a perfect mix of drought conditions and a severe thunderstorm passing through the area. The result was a dust storm that echoed the 1934 storm, dubbed “The Black Blizzard” by...

100 Years ago May, 1926 “Sneak Day” was enjoyed by the Big Sandy High School seniors, who spent the day in the Bear Paw Mountains near the Old Miltz ranch north of town. The outing marked an early celebration for the class, and they later shared highlights with fellow students during an assembly program led by Chuck Ensley and Ted Homan. The Senior Class announced plans to host parents, the Junior Class, faculty, and friends at the Community Hall on Monday evening, May 24. Baccalaureate services were scheduled for Sunday evening, May 23,...

Your Accidental Journalist

By Your Accidental Journalist The Origins of Memorial Day Memorial Day traces its roots to the years following the Civil War, the deadliest conflict in American history. With more than 600,000 soldiers lost, communities across the country began holding tributes and decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags. The holiday was originally known as “Decoration Day.” One of the earliest widely recognized observances occurred on May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan, leader of a Union veterans organization,...