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The Big Sandy Pool Committee members set the summer of 2023 to begin constructing the new Big Sandy Pool. Pool Committee members are Rich Jesperson, Diana La Buda, Dianna Keane, Lorrie Merrill, Heather Pleninger, Ann Quinn, Melanie, and Shaud Schwarzbach. The mission statement of the pool committee is: Our mission is to build a new Big Sandy pool to increase the quality of life and well-being of all residents and encourage the economic growth and vitality of our rural community. The committee has currently raised $354,000, with the addition of...
It was reported that the sanitation inspection went well as they were impressed with how we cleaned and disinfected the classrooms. Kelly Haaland reported on the progress for the annex and gym access. Richard Roth and Nathan Merrill are working with a community effort. He encourages people to look on the web page for the link for gym access. They will be forming a committee to discuss how things are working out. Mainly there needs to be better communication and better regulations in the future. A new student from out of the district was...
Big Sandy Senior Center and the Board of Directors will be having a public meeting for its membership, patrons age 50 and older. It will be held Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 5:00 pm. There have been many questions and concerns. At this meeting, you'll be able to ask your questions and express your concerns. According to the contract signed, the Big Sandy Senior Center cannot close before June 2022. Therefore, we have three months to try and find a way for the center to become viable in the...
The City council met on March 10, 2022, at 7:00 PM. There was no public comment nor a sheriff's report. The Pivot agreement was signed again this year with 406 Agriculture for next year's contract between Chauvet and the city for the lagoon area. In discussing the pool, it was reported that Tim made a new tarp roller for the pool. The city also did get an initial agreement with the school. The exact wording for the long-term lease is being worked on. The Big Sandy Pool committee will be meeting...
It's still in the beginning phase, but superintendent Kelly Haagland is working with Rich Roth to create public access to the high school weight room and with Nathan Merrill to develop a protocol for the public's use of the gym. They are getting closer. Kelly is in the process of writing the rough draft. Reported in the ? of The Mountaineer was the following paragraph; "The biggest discussion of the night was the Annex and Gym access. In prior years adults were allowed fobs allowing them access...
The Big Sandy Senior Center Board seriously considering closing the Big Sandy Senior Center. They are currently in the process of visiting with local and state authorities about options. However, the future is challenging. Big Sandy Senior Center has been struggling for years to be financially viable. The Big Sandy Senior Center had its first organizational meeting on May 14, 1974 and was established in 1976 with annual revenue of $121,758. It had six employees. The first time I wrote about the...
In October, Brad Moore of Big Sandy was chosen as Montana's Superintendent of the Year but just recently traveled to Nashville to receive his reward. Brad represented Montana at the National Conference on Education in Nashville, Tennessee. He wasn't chosen as the AASA National Superintendent, but what an honor it was walking across the stage to hearing his name read as Montana's Superintendent of the Year. Brad has been a superintendent here in Big Sandy, where his wife, Sheri, works as a third-...
Sometimes getting away from home gives you new insight. On my recent trip to Oklahoma, I discovered I couldn't buy an airplane ticket unless I promised to wear a mask the whole time. I was reminded of that fact listening to a video repeatedly while waiting for the plane about the law of wearing a mask while on the plane. When I got on the plane, I was reminded again. So those who create a scene aboard a plane about not wearing a mask planned on making the scene. While on the plane, I had great...
As most of you know in Montana Initiative 190 passed by 56%. Chouteau County Deputy Rosijpal told me, “Only the counties that voted yes for recreational Marijuana can sell it.” Hill county and Cascade both voted yes, so it is legal for them to see it recreationally. He reminded me that “Chouteau County can still sell medical marijuana. In Fort Benton, that is the Fat Hippie.” He continued to say, “Technically, there are no dry counties in Montana because anyone in Chouteau can purchase marijuana and bring it into the county.” You must be 21...
Debra Silk, Associate Executive/General Counsel for the Montana School Boards Association, led a discussion at the Big Sandy High School for a new Strategic Plan. The last one was done in 2017. We started with the discussion on the current Core Purpose. It reads, “The Core Purpose of Big Sandy Public Schools is to provide a quality education and environment for each student to be successful in life.” The Core Values for the Big Sandy Public Schools are: Purposeful, Respectful, Inspiring, Determined, and Encouraging. PRIDE. She asked if we wer...
The Community Decay Ordinance had its first public meeting. Mayor Shaud Schwarzbach started the meeting by telling everyone how happy he was to have so many people present. He reminded everyone there would be no voting that night. This was just a public awareness meeting to discuss the ordinance. There were a few recommendations to make the wording a little clearer during the discussion. They will take the recommendations to the lawyers for review and bring the ordinance back for further...
Dustin Kinsella is Big Sandy's new Post Master. He travels from Havre every day, where his wife and five children have busy lives. He has five boys, and they just adopted a baby girl. "My house exploded pink!" Dustin has worked for the postal service for 27 years, starting in April of 95. He has worked in Havre, Hingham, Gildford, Kremlin, West glacier, and Great Falls. His oldest son is Bryce, 25, who gave him a granddaughter. His three other sons live at home; Lane is 17, Logan is 14, and...
The student Council reported they would have a Valentine Dance for Junior High Students. The Big Sandy Booster Club reported purchasing a blow-up screen to use at school functions, including outdoor events. They also purchased a button maker. They said that some of Earl Sluggett's memorial money would be used to buy a sign showing how to get to the Big Sandy High School. The high school English class will have hot cocoa with grade school students. The water break at grade school was an enormous...
Halfway through the winter season, each coach knows where they are and where they want to go. Pioneer boys basketball coach Thomas Dilworth says his personal goal is to coach character. “I want to have good men, not good basketball players. That’s my biggest thing, focusing on that because it all relates to basketball. It’s discipline, integrity, and accountability. You have to use them to be a good basketball team. I like to win games; it’s fun, but I hope that’s not what I am remembered by.” Right now, “We’re learning. When we get on the righ...
It's the beginning of a new year, and although RD Recording and Rock School are a year and a half in, it's still a perfect example of going for an idea or dream and making it real. RD Recording and Rock School started In remembrance of Rusty Danreuther. Chris said, "he was so good with music and sports. I'm trying to carry on his passion. If he were here, he'd be all about it." For one and a half years, Chris Myers, with the help of his dad, Larry, has been working with kids, teaching them...
I didn’t find the Christmas spirit till the week of Christmas, so I’m disappointed to find Christmas is over. So, I pondered the idea of celebrating Christmas all year. What would it be like? What would I do to remind myself of the glory of Christmas? I came up with eight. 1. Think about Jesus in a real and personal way daily which is why Christmas is so special. The music, the stories, and the reality of God as one of us. 2. Forgive quickly—nothing takes away the spirit of Christmas like carrying a grudge. Nothing ruins a day, a week, a month...
The latest Big Sandy School Board meeting was short. I attended by Google Meet. Superintendent Kelly Haaland mentioned that the gym floor would be touched-up again with a water-based finish during Christmas break. We also have a few electrical issues going on. He also mentioned that the new COVID variant is not going away soon. The evaluation tool for the Superintendent, the Principal, and the Financial Clerk has been chosen. They like the 14-page evaluation better than the two-page one because it covers more areas. They have been looking at...
Sunday, December is the nation's Wreath Across America. According to their website, "Wreaths Across America (WAA) was started in 2006 to expand students and community education by putting veterans together with children through the mission statement "Remember, Honor, Teach." (Remember the fallen; Honor those who served; and Teach our children the value of freedom.)." On December 18th, wreaths are placed on the graves of veterans. In Chouteau County, Geraldine had 14, Carter 11, Big Sandy 55,...
I have now owned the Mountaineer for two years. It’s been a great learning opportunity, as I have never owned a town-down business before. It is amazing what businesses are required to do. I struggled through Covid-19, and with the help of a couple of grants, I was able to make it through. However, I have to take a serious look at income and what I have to payout. I have delayed this decision as long as I can. I am increasing the cost of the paper by $5 a year. Within Chouteau County, the Mountaineer costs $38 a year. It will now cost $43 a y...
There were 21 guests present at the Medical Center Annual Meeting, which was held at their new building across the street from the dining room and kitchen. The audit was a clean audit with no journal entries. Leah Griffin, CEO of the Big Sandy Medical Center, mentioned the BSMC Board of Directors entered into a contract with Cypress Healthcare at the direction of Leah Griffith, CEO, in February 2021. Cypress Healthcare provides consulting services to assist in the management of the facility. They met with the Board and Medical Staff in March...
This year, the Pioneer Girls coaches are Travis Baumann, Katy Nicholson, and Ella Jurenka as a volunteer coach. There are 14 players for Varsity and JV, 12 high school girls, and two 8th graders. "It's going to be a surprise, Coach Travis said. "I'm excited about it, I really am. We've been looking at films and roosters from last year. They have no seniors, but five juniors, one sophomore, six freshmen, and two 8th graders. "We aren't very tall." Coach Travis is a conditioning coach, so they...
The Big Sandy Pioneer Wrestling team has three boys. Darryl Sunchild is coming back from an injury he sustained in football season. Tucker Taylor, the coach, said, "The big thing, my goal from him--I'm mostly concerned he gets back healthy. Whether he sets his feet on the wrestling mat or not. "Tannin Baumann had an ankle injury; hopefully, we can keep him healthy." This last weekend Tannin placed in 4th in the 138-pound class at the Havre Invitational Meet. Austin Haugan is a new wrestler....
Editor's note: If I did not get your business listed, please let me know, and I will run a correction detailing your business in the next Big Sandy Mountaineer: It is essential to shop at home as it does affect our economy; we must support our local businesses during our Christmas shopping. Indeed, we don't have shopping available like Great Falls or Havre, but we can still shop and fill many of our Christmas lists locally. Gift certificates to local businesses are always a good present to give....
Big Sandy Organics has hired Claude Smith. He recently retired from his other job in Great Falls and is excited to take the reins and help Big Sandy Organics continue to grow. What is exciting is while talking to him, you realize the positive impact that Big Sandy Organics continued development will have on the town Big Sandy. Claude told me currently he is "Designing a new facility along with modern production lines. We are designing a new production facility because we have outgrown this one....
Thanksgiving is mostly a time to eat with extended family members. People travel home to celebrate together. Traditionally every family has its meal. Gramma makes something; others make a salad, two or three pies are served. Usually, there are two types of cranberries, the real kind and the jelly kind. Mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and homemade rolls are on the menu. We always make too much, so there can be lots of leftovers. In Big Sandy, there have already been two Thanksgiving meals...