Week of September 2, 2026
Week of September 2, 2026
By Tyler Lane The 2026 Chouteau County 4-H and FFA livestock carcass ultrasound contest took place at the Chouteau County Fairgrounds. A total of 67 animals were evaluated for carcass quality by Elin Kittelmann, Ultrasound Technician from Ekalaka. The purpose of the carcass contest is to teach youth how to correctly select, feed and finish livestock based on carcass data. If carcass criteria are met, youth can be confident they are producing a quality product that is safe, nutritious and good tasting to the consumer. Out of 39 market swine...
HAVRE – Bear Paw Development Corporation was recently recognized with two Aliceann Wohlbruck Impact Awards from the National Association of Development Organizations for the establishment of the organization’s podcast “Bear With Us” and also for Havre’s Tourism Enhancement Project. “Bear With Us is a podcast we initiated a year ago and have so far produced 20 episodes that include a dialogue with people in northern Montana who shape the vibrancy of our region and who contribute substantially to the wellbeing of northern...
Due to hot and dry weather conditions, Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect within Fergus and Petroleum Counties beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026. These restrictions apply to all state, private, and Bureau of Land Management lands in Fergus and Petroleum Counties except for the Upper River Missouri River Breaks National Monument. The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge will not be under fire restrictions. These restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded. Under Stage 1, the following acts are...
By Michelle Robertson The Big Sandy Medical Guild is once again preparing for its Annual Rummage Sale, and we are asking the community to lend a helping . The Annual Rummage Sale is planned for Thursday, October 1st and Friday, October 2nd. This year’s rummage sale will benefit the Big Sandy Medical Center, with funds raised going toward improvements to the Medical Center’s courtyard. Planned improvements include beautification, new raised flower beds, improved wheelchair accessibility, and a new structure to provide shade and comfort for...
The Pioneer Booster Club welcomed the start of another exciting fall sports season with its annual Kick-Off Event, bringing athletes, families, and community members together at the football field. The evening celebrated Big Sandy’s volleyball and football athletes while giving parents a chance to join in the fun. Dads and daughters faced off in a volleyball bump contest, while moms and sons took to the football field for a tackle contest—providing plenty of laughs and a little friendly...
Sixteen players played seven rounds of pinochle in the Mint family room on Sunday, August 22nd. Earning $30 was Linda Osterman for her top score of 7410. Next high of 6570 was played by Jessica Sietsema for $20. Renee Hansen received $15 for her 6530. Vance Butler cashed in for $10 with his score of 6420. Rod Courtnage had low of 4130 for $5. Jessica and Vance had the highest round score of 2040. Lowest was a 10 for Maggie Cline and Mary Landinger. Next play dates will be September 13th & 27th; and October 11th & 25th (always subject to...
By Your Accidental Journalist The Bank Call That Isn’t From Your Bank One of today’s most dangerous scams begins with something completely believable—a call or text from your bank. “There has been suspicious activity on your account.” The caller ID may even display the bank’s name or a familiar telephone number. The “bank employee” tells you that your money is in danger and you need to act immediately. You may be instructed to provide a verification code, transfer money, purchase cryptocurrency or move funds into a supposedly...
September Horticulture Management Managing horticultural landscapes in September is essential to healthy production during the growing season. Below are a few recommendations for Chouteau County gardeners. •The average first frost is September 15 (Carter), September 18 (Kenilworth and Highwood), September 20 (Big Sandy), September 25 (Fort Benton) and September 28 (Geraldine). All fruit and vegetables should be harvested before temperatures drop below 40° to 50°F. •Ripen tomatoes in a paper bag along with an apple, or hang the entire...
100 Years Ago — Sept 9&16, 1926. The Second Annual Rodeo at Big Sandy got underway with great promise in September 1926. The rodeo opened on Sunday with fine weather and a large crowd. Manager John Hartwig carried out the first day’s program in what the newspaper described as his “usual efficient way.” Unfortunately, Montana weather had other plans for the second day. Continued rain forced the day’s program to be abandoned. The following morning dawned clear, but clouds soon returned, and by noon there was still uncertainty about...
By Erik Sietsema From 1915 to 1916, the community of Big Sandy had two newspapers operating at the same time. Then one of them went out of business and, more or less, disappeared from the community's collective memory. I stumbled across the partial online archive of the Big Sandy Sentinel a few months ago while researching another story. Despite my best efforts, I have been unable to uncover much about the paper beyond what can be found in its own pages. A few weeks ago, the Mountaineer ran a...
Alan Lee Merrill Alan Lee Merrill was born May 2, 1951, in Havre, Montana. He lived his entire life at Hopp, except for the years he attended college in Havre and Missoula. Go Griz! He died August 11 at Benefis Hospital. Alan loved the farm and was immensely proud of his family’s 115-year-old ancestral homestead. He often talked about how amazed his ancestors would be by modern farming. A portrait of his great-grandparents, who homesteaded the farm, held a prominent place in his living room....
