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Residents of Big Sandy may soon notice stronger cell service and more reliable emergency communication, as plans move forward for the installation of a new cell tower just outside of town. According to a member of the Big Sandy Town Council, the project began when Verizon approached the city with a proposal to construct a tower to address ongoing service issues in the area. Poor reception has long been a frustration for residents, and the council saw the proposal as an opportunity to make a...
Every year on April 22, communities across the United States—and around the world—pause to recognize Earth Day, a moment dedicated to protecting the land, water, and resources that sustain us. In 2026, that message carries a simple but powerful theme: “Our Power, Our Planet.” The phrase may sound global, but its meaning is deeply local—especially in rural communities like ours, where the connection between people and the land is part of everyday life. The History Behind Earth Day Every year on A...
Under a bright spring sky and the promise of warmer days ahead, families gathered today for one of Big Sandy's most cherished traditions-the annual Easter egg hunt hosted by Big Sandy Rotary. Children lined up with baskets in hand, eyes scanning the field with anticipation, as volunteers made final preparations. Then, with a signal to begin, the grounds came alive in a flurry of motion-little feet racing across the grass, laughter echoing, and brightly colored eggs disappearing almost as quickly...
On March 29, 2026, Maxine “Midge” Edwards celebrates her 95th birthday—a remarkable milestone for a woman whose life has been defined by hard work, creativity, family, and deep dedication to the Big Sandy community. Midge was born March 29, 1931, in a rented farmhouse in Traverse County on the western edge of Minnesota. Her early childhood was shaped by both close family bonds and difficult circumstances. When Midge was just seven years old, her father passed away, leaving her mother, Laura...
The Big Sandy 4-H Archery program may only be a couple of years old, but it is already making a strong impact on local youth. Under the leadership of coach Jarret Jacobi, the program has given students an opportunity to learn the sport of archery while developing patience, confidence, and discipline. Jacobi, who has been involved with the program for two years, said his passion for archery began when he was about 12 or 13 years old. Having spent much of his life enjoying the outdoors and...
Each year the Rotary Banquet is one of the highlights of the community calendar—an evening of fellowship, good food, and a chance to support projects that benefit the entire area. One of the most anticipated parts of the night is the raffle drawing, where lucky ticket holders may walk away with some impressive prizes. While the excitement of hearing your name called is hard to beat, there is one detail many people don’t think about ahead of time: taxes on raffle winnings. When a Prize Becomes Taxable In the eyes of the Internal Revenue Service...
Each year on March 17, communities across the United States — and even here in Montana — mark St. Patrick’s Day with a sea of green, festive gatherings, and a nod to Irish heritage. But behind the shamrocks, parades, and cheerful celebrations lies a history that stretches back more than 1,500 years. A Saint, Not Just a Symbol St. Patrick himself was not originally Irish. He was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century. As a teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and brought to Ireland, where he was enslaved as a shepherd. Durin...
Each year, communities across the United States pause to recognize the farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers who provide the food, fiber, and fuel that sustain the nation. Agriculture Appreciation Week, often observed in March, is a time to celebrate the people whose daily work keeps grocery shelves stocked and rural communities thriving. For towns across Montana, agriculture is not just an industry—it is a way of life passed down through generations. The Roots of Agriculture Appreciation Agriculture Appreciation Week grew from broader e...
In a small town like Big Sandy, a pickup truck can be more than just a vehicle. It can carry decades of memories, stories, and community history. One such truck—a 1959 Willys pickup—is now getting a brand-new chapter thanks to the efforts of the Big Sandy Rotary Club and the determined work of Rotary President Shon Tester. The truck, originally purchased brand new in April of 1959 by Steve Kalanick, has remained part of the Big Sandy community ever since. Over the years it passed through sev...
Each spring, as many Montanans prepare to set their clocks ahead one hour, a familiar question arises: Why do we still observe Daylight Saving Time? While it may feel like a modern inconvenience — especially when we lose that hour of sleep — the history behind the time change stretches back more than a century and is rooted in practicality, economics, and even wartime strategy. The concept of shifting time to better match daylight is often mistakenly credited to Benjamin Franklin. In 1784, Franklin jokingly suggested that Parisians could sav...
On February 25, 2026, Glenn Cook marks an extraordinary milestone — his 100th birthday. A lifetime that spans a full century, Glenn’s story reflects the resilience, faith, and quiet determination that define so many of the Great Plains’ earliest generations. Glenn was born on February 25, 1926, on a farm near Culbertson, Nebraska, about five miles from town. His childhood was shaped by both the rhythms of farm life and the hardships of the era. One memory that has stayed with him throu...
Sheldon the Traveler is off to a wonderful start on his journey around our community and beyond. His first big outing took him to the Cowboy Hall of Fame Banquet Dinner, where he was the special guest of Stan and Nancy Weaver. Sheldon enjoyed the lively evening filled with stories, laughter, and a celebration of our western heritage. Not long after, Sheldon headed out on a true Montana adventure with Eleanor, Alexandra and Oliver Weaver. During their outing, Sheldon helped them spot several...
Each February, Americans pause to observe Presidents Day—a holiday that invites us to reflect on the leadership, sacrifices, and vision of those who have served as President of the United States. Officially known as Washington’s Birthday, the day was first established to honor George Washington, the nation’s first president and a central figure in the founding of the country. Washington’s birthday, February 22, became a federal holiday in 1879. Over time, the observance broadened in public meaning to include Abraham Lincoln, whose birthda...
Every February 14, hearts appear in shop windows, candy boxes line the counters, and handwritten notes find their way into backpacks and mailboxes. Valentine’s Day, now synonymous with romance and affection, has roots that stretch far deeper than chocolate and roses. The holiday is named for St. Valentine, a figure—or possibly several figures—shrouded in legend. One popular story traces Valentine’s Day to a Roman priest in the third century who secretly performed marriages for young couples when Emperor Claudius II banned weddings, believi...
There’s a new face around town, and it’s getting ready to hit the road. This week, the pharmacy along with the Mountaineer are introducing its very own Travel Mascot—a friendly turtle puppet named Sheldon the Traveler, designed to go wherever our community goes. Whether it’s a family vacation, a weekend at Grandma’s, a school trip, a hunting camp, or a quick getaway to the next town over, Sheldon is ready to tag along and collect stories from near and far. The idea was sparked by a beloved l...
Ninety-four years ago, on December 26, 1931, Robert Boettcher was born in Big Sandy, Montana, in a private home to Walter and Ligna Bergly Boettcher. From the very beginning, his life was shaped by hard work, communi ty, and a deep sense of purpose. Robert grew up on the family farm, helping with all of the work that needed to be done. His early education took him through three different country schools—an experience that instilled both resilience and appreciation for the people who helped g...
As January approaches, Big Sandy prepares to celebrate a remarkable milestone: one of its own turning 99 years old. Nearly a century of living has given this community member a perspective few are privileged to hold-one shaped by hard winters, hand-drawn water, family devotion, faith, and an enduring belief that life, while never easy, is always worth the effort. Born in Big Sandy during a winter "of lots of snow," he entered the world in Mrs. Bertha Smith's house, just north of Christ Lutheran...
Frank Moravec recently marked a remarkable milestone-his 95th birthday-bringing with it nearly a century of lived history, hard work, and quiet wisdom shaped by family, service, and community. Frank was born on December 29, 1930, in Havre, Montana, and grew up on a country farm. His early years were shaped by farm life, country schools, and what he recalls as "horse and buggy days," where education and a strong work ethic went hand in hand. Daily chores were simply a part of life, as were lesson...
As the calendar turns and a fresh year begins, communities everywhere pause to celebrate New Year’s Day—a tradition that feels timeless, yet has evolved dramatically over thousands of years. From ancient civilizations watching the stars to modern-day countdowns and resolutions, the story of New Year’s is one of renewal, hope, and humanity’s desire for a fresh start. The earliest recorded New Year celebrations date back more than 4,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. The Babylonians observed the new year in late March, aligning it with the spr...
By Your Accidental Journalist On Thursday, December 11, 2025, an Arctic cold front moved southward across central and eastern Montana, bringing a rapid drop in temperatures, strong winds, and winter weather conditions to the Big Sandy area and surrounding region. What is an Arctic Front? An Arctic front is a mass of very cold, dense air that originates from the Arctic or polar regions. These fronts are known for causing sudden and dramatic drops in temperature, often accompanied by strong winds...
Big Sandy was truly rockin’ around the Christmas tree on Saturday, December 6th, as the community gathered for the annual Christmas Stroll—an all-day celebration filled with holiday cheer, hometown traditions, and the unmistakable small-town magic that has long defined the season here. From dawn to dusk, Main Street and the surrounding venues buzzed with activity as families, friends, and visitors moved from event to event, taking in the lights, laughter, and Christmas spirit that flowed thr...
Each December, as winter settles over the Hi-Line and Main Street glows with holiday lights, the community of Big Sandy pauses to remember an event far from home but forever woven into our nation’s story. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of December 7, 1941—the morning when a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base in Hawaii claimed more than 2,400 American lives and propelled the United States into World War II. Though thousands of miles from Montana, the impact of that day reached families across the prairie. Young men fro...
Every November, kitchens fill with the scent of roasting turkey, pumpkin pie, and traditions passed down through generations. But beyond the recipes and parades, Thanksgiving remains something deeper — a day rooted in history, reflection, and the enduring spirit of gratitude that still runs strong across rural Montana. The story of Thanksgiving reaches back nearly 400 years, to the autumn of 1621. After a difficult first year in the New World, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Colony gathered to celebrate their first successful harvest. Joined by the Wa...
The scent of cinnamon candles, the sparkle of handmade ornaments, and the hum of cheerful conversation - it can only mean one thing: craft fair season has arrived across the Hi-Line. In Big Sandy, and every little town between, tables are being unfolded, quilts are laid out with pride, and the sound of laughter fills the school gyms and community halls once again. For many, the annual holiday bazaar isn't just a shopping event - it's a gathering of neighbors, a celebration of creativity, and a...
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!...