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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....
Each October, Americans mark a federal holiday that carries two very different meanings depending on where you stand. For more than a century, the second Monday of October has been known as Columbus Day, honoring the 1492 voyage of Christopher Columbus, long celebrated as the “discovery” of the Americas. But in recent decades, many states and communities—including several in Montana—have begun observing the same date as Indigenous Peoples’ Day, recognizing and celebrating the original inhabitan...
Seventy-five years ago, a young couple met at a little Bible school in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Today, Glenn and his wife are celebrating a milestone that few couples ever reach: three-quarters of a century of marriage. Their story began in Gordon, Nebraska, where Glenn — originally from Culbertson in southwestern Nebraska — caught the eye of a young woman who still remembers his black hair and his eyes. She laughs as she recalls that Glenn remembers her for her blonde hair. Their first dat...
Residents along the Kenilworth Highway near Big Sandy got an unexpected surprise this week when a moose ambled across the two-lane highway, taking its time in true Montana fashion. Drivers slowed to watch as the towering animal strolled across the wide-open prairie, seemingly in no hurry to yield the road. While moose are most often associated with Montana’s rugged mountain ranges, sightings on the prairie are not unheard of. In recent years, wildlife experts have observed moose expanding t...
The American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) Hall of Fame welcomed a new class of inductees on September 13, 2025, honoring both humans and horses whose contributions have left a transformational mark on the Quarter Horse industry. Among the honorees is Stan Weaver, a lifelong Montana rancher whose dedication to breeding, raising, and promoting American Quarter Horses has reached far beyond the rugged Bears Paw Mountains where he lives and works. The AQHA Hall of Fame exists to celebrate those...
Across the country, many small towns face the challenge of dealing with abandoned or underused properties that sit empty, unsafe, and sometimes even hazardous. These properties are often known as Brownfields. What Is a Brownfield? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines a Brownfield as 'a property where the presence, or potential presence, of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant may complicate the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of that property.' Common examples...
1 Years - September 24, 1925 Theodore Faber of Havre and Miss Mary Kane were united in marriage at the Catholic Church in Fort Benton last Thursday. Mr. and Mrs. A.M. Murphy prepared to leave for Great Falls after recently selling their 4,000-acre ranch in the Bears Paws, twenty-five miles east of Big Sandy, to Elmer Weaver. Murphy also sold all his cattle and horses. The couple plans to winter in Long Beach, California, where they own property, though they have not yet decided where they will settle permanently. Friends wished them well as...
The heart of Chester, Montana, is set to come alive once again as the Hi-Line Harvest Festival celebrates its fourth year in downtown Chester. What began as a dream during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic has quickly grown into one of the most anticipated community events along the Hi-Line. Reviving a Tradition The last true harvest festival in Chester dates back to the late 1980s. For years, smaller events carried on the spirit of celebration, but there hadn't been a large-scale...
Every year, the first Monday of September brings Labor Day - a holiday dedicated to honoring the contributions of American workers. While the day has national roots in the labor movement of the late 1800s, in Montana - and especially here in Big Sandy - it carries a special mix of history, family tradition, and small-town community spirit. Labor Day became a national holiday in 1894, recognizing the struggles and victories of workers across the country. In Montana, our history is steeped in hard...
Supporting kids, parents, and staff As summer winds down and the school bell gets ready to ring again, families in our rural community are feeling the familiar mix of excitement and nerves that comes with the start of a new school year. While fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and new shoes are part of the tradition, so are the emotional adjustments, both for children and their parents. In rural towns like ours, back-to-school transitions can be uniquely challenging. Many children face long...
GREAT FALLS – On Sunday, August 10, audiences at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center got a rare, one-night-only chance to see Montana through the eyes of those who live and work its land. The Real Yellowstone, the latest conservation documentary from award-winning filmmaker Tom Opre, offers an unfiltered look at the challenges and triumphs of rural ranching and farming life. This isn't a romanticized postcard of the West. Instead, Opre's film shines a spotlight on the families who raise l...
BIG SANDY, MT — A fresh new chapter is unfolding at our beloved local newspaper as Daniel and Danielle Weaver step in as the new owners and stewards of this long-standing community publication. The Weavers, residents of Big Sandy, are no strangers to the heart and soul of small-town life. With deep Montana roots and a passion for local storytelling, they are eager to carry on the legacy of the paper while bringing new energy and vision to its pages. “Our goal is to make the newspaper a true reflection of the spirit of Big Sandy,” said Danie...