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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 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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
"If I could convey anything to your readership, we are in need of good people. It's a positive place to be. It's a really encouraging and positive place for kids. We do a lot of excellent things for kids. And I don't know any other profession where you can say and do that daily. So we need good people. And I know they're out there. And I'd love to talk to people about how we can partner with them, turn them loose, and empower them to pay it forward because there's a lot of joy in that." Dan...
The District Music Festival was held in Shelby Friday and Saturday. There were 12 schools participating in the district competition. Big Sandy has 37 members in the band and 37 in the choir. On Friday, both the Pioneer band and the Pioneer Choir performed. The whole band performed Friday morning at 10:30. They played Quantum Variations, Red River Valley, Drive, and a song with just a brief review for sight reading. The full choir sang Windy Night, Hitch Your Dream to the Morning Star, and...
The School board met on April 18th for its regular meeting. Heather Wolery, Big Sandy Principal, reported using a graphs to show the current ACT data and some MAP’s data. The graphs showed Big Sandy has improved in all areas over the last year. The Booster Club reported the final designs for the mat in the gym were sent in. They are purple with Pioneers in yellow outlined in white. It was also reported that officers would be elected at the next meeting. Dan Schrock, Big Sandy’s School Superintendent, reported the wagon area design would be fin...
"The roads are terrible!" I've heard that over and over. I may have said it over and over. Even so, it's a picture of our society these days. There is a way to fix the roads. There is a way to fix our society. A couple of weeks ago, I found this statement. "People will value you based on their point of view, their level of information, and their belief in you." I have known for some time we live in a world where man determines the value system. It's been brought home to me lately that people...
When I saw the pictures, I wished I could have floated the runoff. Josh Danreuther, Kristin and Rusty Gasvoda, and Steve Lund kayaked the prairie. The last time the runoff was good enough to float was in 2018. You need good snow and a quick melt. While we all know the impact is flooding, some see the opportunity to enjoy it. Josh Danreuther said, "I didn't go into the lake this year because there was a really strong south wind. It was that big winter, and the runoff was incredible." They...