Articles written by Erik Sietsema
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A history of ChristmasAdvent
December is almost upon us. In my home, the days immediately preceding the final month of the year prompt a barrage of questions from my kids about when we will be handing out the Advent calendars for this year. When I was young, I did the same...
Patching Cracks
Every year, Americans fail to spend $23 billion dollars in gift cards. That’s an average of $187 per person in gift certificates, Amazon cards, Starbucks bucks, and other monetary gifts they’ve received and left in a drawer somewhere doing...
Q&A regarding Pepé Le Pew's kin
Editor’s Note: I recently had a terrible time with skunk spray that my dog brought into the house. I don’t know anyone who knows more about how to clean and get rid of the odor like Erik. This is an article that should be clipped and kept....
Patching Cracks
Over the weekend, I officiated the Celebration of Life (memorial service) for Ronald Christiansen. Anyone who has lived in Big Sandy for more than a few years knew Ronald and his twin brother, Donald, because the pair dutifully spent their days...
Big Sandy Schools' Veterans Day Program
Big Sandy Schools honored the veterans of our community last week with their annual Veterans Day Assembly. The program featured music performed by the High School Band and Choir, songs performed by...
Patching Cracks
Whenever I watch a television commercial or read about a new product making amazing claims about how a new medicine or kitchen gadget will change my life, I find myself asking “Does it work?” I read reviews, reach out to friends who have tried...
Red Ribbon Week Teaches Kids about the Dangers of Drugs & Alcohol
Big Sandy Schools is participating in Red Ribbon Week this week, an annual event where schools work to inform students of the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Dianna Keane, the school counselor, is organizing this year’s activities. She...
Angel Basket Program Helps Families in Need
The Chouteau County Angel Basket Program provides in-need families with food for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, as well as Christmas gifts for children in the homes. The deadline for signing up is November 1st and it is approaching quickly. For...
Renee Leader returns to teaching
F.E. Miley's First Grade Students were greeted by a new face when they showed up to class at the for the beginning of the school year. Long time Big Sandy resident, Renee Leader, stepped in to fill...
Patching Cracks
After The Last Supper, not long before Jesus was arrested and turned over to be crucified, he taught a flurry of last lessons to his disciples as they traveled to the Mount of Olives to pray. Perhaps one of the most powerful things he said at that...
Kristie Rutledge Begins Her Ministry at Christ Luteran Church
After a few years without a pastor, Christ Lutheran Church is hiring Kristie Rutledge part time. She will be providing pastoral care to members and preaching two Sundays a month. Her first day on the...
Patching Cracks
Before every meal I ate with my family growing up, we would pray the Lord’s Prayer. When I was young, I don’t think I really understood what it meant. But as I got older, it made more and more sense to me. One line that I understood early on, but...
Jim Taylor Motors' Owner Discusses Life-Changing Habits
Mike Schneider, owner of Jim Taylor Motors, lost over 200 pounds in the last two years using an unusual strategy. The change was so drastic that long-time friends didn't recognize him, even after he...
MAT Fundraiser 'Death By Chocolate' is This Saturday, September 23
The Montana Actor’s Theater (MAT) will be holding its annual fundraising dinner theater event, Death By Chocolate, this Saturday, September 23rd at 5:30 PM in Havre. The evening will include dinner, a murder mystery, previews of the season’s show...
Patching Cracks
Every summer, I am blessed with the opportunity to drive a swather for a friend of mine in the church. I know many farmers consider swathing to be as interesting as watching paint dry, but I enjoy it because it gives me an opportunity to get away...
Belt High School Encourages the development of target shooting teams
Belt High School is looking to expand its high school clay shooting team this academic school year. The unusual High School sport opportunity is entering its second year and coaches are hoping to...
Patching Cracks
In the Bible’s account of Israel’s journey to the promised land from slavery in Egypt, the people reached the bank of the Jordan River and prepared to enter and conquer their new home. Before entering, they sent in a dozen spies to check things...
New Teacher Spotlight: Bonnie Bauer Takes Over Second Grade
F.E. Miley Elementary school has a new 2nd grade teacher for the 23-24 school year. Bonnie Bauer came to Big Sandy from Great Falls with 9 years of classroom experience under her belt, including...
3rd Annual Beltstock Showcased Both Local And National Talent
The Belt Performing Arts Center held its 3rd Annual “Beltstock” concert over the past weekend. The family friendly concert ran from 4 to 10 PM and featured three highly entertaining musical acts. The event is a fundraiser for the Belt Performing...
Patching Cracks
Early Sunday morning, I went for a 3 mile run. I typically run with my dog, who is nine years old and has learned our running route and routine completely through thousands of repetitions. For a change of pace, I decided to take my daughter’s...
Elevating Grains Bakery back Open for business
The Elevating Grains Bakery will be opening for business Monday, August 28th. Going forward they will be open Monday to Friday at 6:30 AM. Their operating hours will be subject to daily traffic patterns and experimentation to see what works best....
Linda Finke Takes Over BSHS Special Ed
With the start of the 2023-2024 school year, several new faces will be visible at Big Sandy Schools. One new face will be familiar to locals. Linda Finke will be taking on special education at the...
Big Sandy's Stray Dog Gets A New Home
For a couple of weeks in April, an abandoned dog, likely a German Shepherd/Yellow Labrador mix, caught the attention of the Big Sandy community. The puppy spent his days walking up and down the...
What I was Toad about Amphibians
Over the past few months, The Mountaineer has heard reports of unusually large numbers of toads turning up on farms in the prairie west of town. Those who have shared information with us have joked...
Patching Cracks
Over the past month, I have been researching and preaching on Jesus’ temptation in the desert in Matthew 4. The story takes place right after Jesus is baptized, and God proclaims that Jesus is His son. From the baptism, the Holy Spirit led Jesus...