Articles written by zoe merrill


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  • Three Pioneers represent the US at Can/Am game

    Zoe Merrill|Jul 12, 2023

    Braydon Cline, Kody Strutz, and Rusty Gasvoda represented the United States in the XXV Canam Bowl played on July 8th in Hanna, Alberta, Canada. The USA team comprised the three Big Sandy boys and kids from Texas, Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska. The USA won the game 84-16. According to Tracy Schuster, who sent me the information, someone from Big Sandy was always on the field for every play. Braydon was quarterback, and Kody and Rusty played defense. The first CanAm Bowl began in July of 1997...

  • Louvar loves the Coast Guard

    Zoe Merrill|Jul 12, 2023

    I always wondered why a Big Sandy, Montana prairie boy, would choose the Nation Coast Guard. "I think it was mostly because our family would always vacation out in Oregon. I knew I wanted to have a job working on the ocean. I was originally looking at the Navy and was about to sign up for the Navy before I saw a pamphlet for the Coast Guard. The closest recruiter was in Boise, Idaho, so in my Senior year, they had to fly me down to Boise. I remember four times because I spent the whole summer...

  • Big Sandy Omoksee Family Fun

    Zoe Merrill|Jul 12, 2023

    The Omoksee is always a family activity. It's interesting to watch. I had to ask why some horses ran faster, and others ran slower. I was told it really isn't a race. It's working to the horse's ability and the rider's ability. Sometimes the smaller children ride the horse while someone in front of the horse reins the horse. Even one of the horses with an adult male was led into the arena. I was told it's because the horse is nervous in the waiting area, but the horse does his job in the arena....

  • Visit one of our treasures, the Big Sandy Museum

    Zoe Merrill|Jul 5, 2023

    Tina Rodewald recommended an article about the Big Sandy Historical Society Museum during Memorial Day Breakfast. I wanted to follow up because I highly respect Tina. Her service to our community is incredible. As always, she talked about the museum and praised the board for all their commitment. The museum is full of history; even if you have visited it before, there is no way you got every story there. When I went over to interview, I noticed a story about Harry Green, Lawrence Green's...

  • Serious Falls Happen in the Summer

    Zoe Merrill|Jul 5, 2023

    Although winter is usually the season when seniors fear falling and getting injured the most, mainly because of ice and snow, but summer has its own issues and concerns for falls and injuries. I researched the most reasons for falls in the summer. Dehydration can lead to dizziness which can, in turn, make someone lose their balance and fall. Drinking water is essential. Wet surfaces can be pretty slippery. Rain and watering outside can cause wet surfaces, whether going to a pool for a swim or gardening and watering your yard. It would be best...

  • Big Sandy Skate Jam had another successful year

    Zoe Merrill|Jun 28, 2023

    This was the largest Big Sandy Skate Jam celebration. Driving into town I was surprised by the size of the tent city. Yes, there were still skaters from all over the United States, and some other countries here in Big Sandy. There were more younger kids participating this year, some incredible talented skaters. It was fun to see former Big Sandy residents coming home too. I learned something watching this time around. When a skater did something everyone thought should be celebrated. They used t...

  • The Big Sandy Public School discussed much good news at the recent school board meeting on June 20th

    Zoe Merrill|Jun 28, 2023

    The plans for the new Pioneer wagon area are completed and will be completed by next school year. It will include a table to sit at outdoors. Principal Wolery’s contract was clarified, a 1st-grade teacher, Renee Leader, from Big Sandy, will be offered a contract, as well as a 5th-grade teacher Trinity Leeds, who is from Havre. Para interviews have been completed, and two will be offered positions Twyla Grant and Rachel Baumgarn. The Secondary Special Education and K-12 Physical Education positions were discussed, and future decisions will o...

  • Serious Falls Happen in the Summer

    Zoe Merrill|Jun 21, 2023

    Although winter is usually the season when seniors fear falling and getting injured the most, mainly because of ice and snow, but summer has its own issues and concerns for falls and injuries. I researched the most reasons for falls in the summer. Dehydration can lead to dizziness which can, in turn, make someone lose their balance and fall. Drinking water is essential. Wet surfaces can be pretty slippery. Rain and watering outside can cause wet surfaces, whether going to a pool for a swim or gardening and watering your yard. It would be best...

  • The city council, no 4th of July celebration and Pool ready for season

    Zoe Merrill|Jun 14, 2023

    As always, there is an opportunity for citizens to bring an issue before the council. This time at the city council meeting, information about July 4 was presented. There will be no July 4th celebration in town this summer. Currently, the town must buy $3,000 worth of fireworks from its supplier. The budget of the city is $2,000 for fireworks. Last year an individual added $1,000, and the extra $1,000 was not raised last year to defray the cost for this year. If anyone is willing to step up,...

  • Big Sandy Community comes out for Memorial Day Parade

    Zoe Merrill|Jun 7, 2023

    It starts at the Big Sandy Museum, with breakfast served by the Big Sandy Historical Society. However, it's more than breakfast. Sitting around drinking coffee and catching up with friends is the real draw. Breakfast is cooked outside in a tent, brought in, and served by the door. If you didn't have an opportunity to eat, you also didn't have an opportunity to donate to the Historical Society. They need your support to keep the museum open. If you didn't eat there, you probably aren't aware of...

  • Camp Kindness Reading program for all ages

    Zoe Merrill|Jun 7, 2023

    The Big Sandy Library’s summer reading program is called Camp Kindness. The summer schedule includes Monday’s Community Day. Dianna Keane did a team-building exercise at 1:00 on June 5th to start the summer. Dianna Keane said, “I’m doing it the first day to kick off the library summer reading program, and we’re doing a bunch of activities and team building exercises that talk about kindness and how we work together and how we communicate and how do we use our words for good and how long you talk?” On Monday, they will learn about places in o...

  • When Freedom isn't free Big Sandy Remembers

    Zoe Merrill|May 31, 2023

    While the paper was getting sent to the press Monday, Memorial Day was happening. What is Memorial Day? You always hear things like, "It's a 3-day weekend" or "We are gonna grill, camp, go to the lake, and have fun." Yes, it is those things, but what is the true reason we celebrate Memorial Day and its significant history? Memorial Day officially became a "federal holiday" in 1971. It is an American holiday observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in...

  • Heather Sherburn takes 2nd in State Art Contest

    Zoe Merrill|May 31, 2023

    In the Keep Montana Green Art Contest, Heather Sherburn takes 2nd with a beautiful picture of nature. She said, "I was trying to just make a poster about how green and how beautiful it is. The words drown, stir, and feel were required to be used in the project. "I kind of put the words where it matches, like drown is in the river, And then feel was supposed to be like beyond the page because it's going forward." According to their website, "Keep Montana Green is dedicated to the prevention of...

  • Congratulations Class of 2023

    Zoe Merrill|May 24, 2023

    On Sunday, May 21, 2023, the graduation ceremony was held in the Big Sandy Gym, and it was packed. The Class of 2023 walked in slowly, at first, to the band playing Pom and Circumstance. Superintendent Dan Schrock gave a heartfelt welcome before he introduced the parents of the Salutatorian Lance Rutledge. After Lance's speech, Dan Schrock introduced the parents of the Valedictorian, Angela Sant. Marla Ray was chosen as this year's speaker by the class. The following is taken from her speech....

  • Vendors wanted for Craft and Vendor Show

    Zoe Merrill|May 24, 2023

    Robin Johnson from the Big Sandy Senior Center said, “I’m trying to raise funds without asking for money. So it’s going to be an indoor craft and vendor show. They have 20 tables available for rent on June 24th. That morning the senior center will be offering cinnamon rolls and coffee. They will also have a to-go lunch of hot dogs. The meal, hot dogs, chips, a drink, and a popsicle will sell for $5.00.” They don’t want yard sale stuff on the tables. The Yard Sale stuff will be outside all around town. Any small businesses, crafts, or baked goo...

  • Thoughts with Zoe

    Zoe Merrill|May 24, 2023

    It’s amazing how many people are hurt. With this month being Mental Health Month, I’ve written a couple of articles, only to discover that way more people in our community live in pain. I’ve been stopped on the street and stood before The Grocery Store and talked. Most of the time, I hear rumors, and more rumors, that aren’t fed by truths or compassion. Because of this, I was told to read a book called The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy. It’s a very short book but beautifully illustrated. I found the book full of wisdo...

  • Paraprofessional staff needed

    Zoe Merrill|May 24, 2023

    At the last board meeting, Big Sandy Superintendent reported that he is currently advertising on the OPIs, Handshake, MREA, and Rural Educator websites. Big Sandy is looking for the following teachers: Secondary Special Education, K-12 Physical Education, 5th grade, and 1st grade. Dan Schrock said he recently received two interests in Secondary Special Education. One of which is already in a special education program of study. I also received a person interested in the 1st or 5th-grade opening. The gym floor will be fixed this summer. The...

  • Trauma and Mental Health

    Zoe Merrill|May 17, 2023

    Trauma stands for teach regularly and understand more abundantly. Mental Health Month means we must learn more about mental health and try to understand it. Some facts concerning trauma in children. More than 25% of American youth experience a serious traumatic event by their 16th birthday, and many children suffer multiple and repeated traumas. Common sources of trauma include child abuse and neglect, serious accidental injuries, disasters, and medical trauma. After a crisis or traumatic event, a child is at risk of developing traumatic...

  • Big Sandy is Full of talented musicians

    Zoe Merrill|May 17, 2023

    Arts and Athletics Council is a new non-profit formed in Big Sandy to help support local youth activities unrelated to the school. An "IRC 501(c)(3) Organizations that are organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, educational or other specified purposes." One club that belongs is the Big Sandy Pioneer Little League, whose director is Clarissa Ray (406)357-7214. They are forming right now for youth ages 4-13. If you are...

  • School News, including Board Action

    Zoe Merrill|May 10, 2023

    The Big Sandy musical students attending State Musical Festival did Big Sandy Proud! Those receiving a Superior #1 were: Sandy Sweethearts, Jaycee Worall for both vocal and piano solos, Jamie Jones’s Flute Solo, and Hunter Moore’s Trumpet solo. Those receiving Excellent scores #2 Sandy Select, Lance Rutledge/Angie Sant Duet, Darrell Sunchild and Hunter Moore’s instrument duet and Darrell Sunchild/s Baritone Solo. This week the Special Olympic Flame was brought to Big Sandy. Chase Gasvoda and Sonny Phillips were picked to carry the flame throu...

  • May is Mental Health Month

    Zoe Merrill|May 10, 2023

    The following facts were taken from the US Department of Health and Human Services, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, According to the above sight, “There are many different types of mental illness. Some of the main groups of mental disorders are mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder), anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia), eating d...

  • It's Auctioneer Month, and it's time to look at their service to the community

    Zoe Merrill|May 10, 2023

    Auctioneer Shane Ophus told me, "I wanted to do something that nobody else was doing. There were already lots of farmers and ranchers. I didn't have any place to go farming or ranching. I didn't want to go to college. So I had to pick another option. His son, Blaine, said, "I grew up in it every Saturday, and even during school or after school, we go to help set up everything. I don't know; being an auctioneer is more of a passion than anything else." And just like that, we got into the real rea...

  • Thoughts with Zoe

    Zoe Merrill|May 10, 2023

    Several years ago, a Big Sandy Convalescent Home patient attended church. She came into the church and sat in the back pew. When it came time to share prayer concerns, she raised her hand and said, "Please pray my husband dies quickly so I can marry Steve!" The person responsible for prayer briefly paused and said, "I'll pray for the Lord's will in this manner." As ridiculous as her request sounds, I don't think it's so far from the rest of our prayers. We pray for our concerns. We are told to pray for our problems. He wants us to talk to Him....

  • Things my mother taught me

    Zoe Merrill|May 10, 2023

    Mother’s Day always brings up memories. I wanted to have some fun this Mother’s Day by interviewing several kids and adults and asking them, “ What has your mom taught you?” The following answers are from children between 9-14 years old. “She’s taught me how to be safe.” “She’s taught me to chase after our dogs.” “That it’s okay not to do drugs.” “She helps me with my homework.” “To not suck on sugary coated painkillers.” “To not put quarters. In my mouth.” “Don’t lie.” “Don’t talk to strangers.” “Look both ways.” “How to handle ch...

  • Big Sandy City Council Installs Public Cameras

    Zoe Merrill|May 3, 2023

    Last week ten cameras were installed around town. According to Mayor Shaud Schwarzbach, four cameras were placed in city hall. Two cameras are at the rest area, looking towards the parking area. "We were going to put it by the doors for traffic coming in and out of the building, but the hang was too low, and we're worried about the cameras getting damaged." There is also a couple of cameras on the city shop. There wasn't any there before--nothing at all. We have a camera on our water fill...

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