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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!...
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...
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...
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...
As autumn’s gold fades from the fields and the Bear Paws begin to wear their white caps, folks in Northern Montana know what’s coming. Winter doesn’t just arrive—it moves in, sets up camp, and stays awhile. For those who’ve spent a lifetime under these big skies, preparation isn’t a chore; it’s a tradition that keeps families, farms, and small towns running when the snow flies and the mercury drops. Home and Hearth Before the first real cold snap, it’s wise to take stock of the home front. Clean and inspect chimneys, replace furnace filters...
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...
As the lights dim on another season, we pause to celebrate the remarkable young men and women who have worn our school colors with pride. Our senior volleyball and football players from the Class of 2026 have spent years building not only their athletic skills but also their character, leadership, and friendships that will last a lifetime. From the first day of freshman practice to their final games as seniors, these athletes have shown grit, determination, and heart. They’ve led their t...
Long before our little ghouls and goblins roamed the streets of Big Sandy in search of candy, Halloween was a night steeped in mystery, superstition, and the turning of the seasons. The story of Halloween goes back over two thousand years to the Celtic festival known as Samhain (pronounced sow-in), when the ancient Celts believed the spirits of the dead could visit the living on the last night of October. They marked the occasion with great bonfires and feasts, leaving offerings to ward off...
There’s always something new happening at The Mountaineer! We’re working hard to bring you more community fun, more local flavor, and even more ways to stay connected. Smile Section – Sponsored by MT Skies Wealth Management We’ve added a brand-new Smile Section, filled with fun games for all ages! A huge thank you to Pat Matthew with MT Skies Wealth Management for sponsoring this page and helping us bring a little extra joy to your week. Sudoku – New Weekly Feature! Pencil lovers rejoice—there’s now a weekly Sudoku puzzle in every issue....