Sorted by date Results 1458 - 1482 of 3543
In the past, I have mentioned how I want to use my position to inspire the youthful talent that most definitely resides in this small town. So why not allow a few of those talents to tell their story of what makes writing and literature special to them. First, I am going to give a little insight into why I enjoy writing so much. I most likely have already told bits and instances of my story, but a refresher is never a bad thing. There are three reasons why writing and literature mean so much to...
While substitute teaching at the Elementary School last week, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a cup of flavored coffee from Kira Witmer. Later, over the weekend, I learned that the coffee was delivered as part of the coffee cart, which gives teachers the opportunity to order coffee and snacks from the Special Education classroom at the High School. The initiative was pioneered by Kira in an effort to teach life skills to her Special Education classes. She hopes to see it grow in coming...
In a surprising upset on Friday, February 12th, Big Sandy's 110 pound Wesley Cox wrestled against and pinned 160 pound Jaxon Coates of Cascade, Montana in the third round of their match, despite giving up nearly 50 pounds and several inches of height. The sight of the two wrestlers stepping out onto the mat was strange to watch as Jaxon towered over Wes, though the pair of athletes are the same age. Wesley later explained that he really didn't expect to win. He attributed his victory to...
Our George of the jungle is an African Grey parrot. He is black, grey, and white with a red tail. African Greys are the largest parrots in Africa. That's where George's ancestors are from, the rain forests of Central Africa. George, however, is not 'wild-caught' but was hatched in North America. Unfortunately, some criminals try to catch and smuggle parrots. When I moved George from Canada to the US, I had to go through a long process (four months) to bring him across the border legally. People...
The following article was written by Megan Van Emon, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist. The complete article is available at: https://animalrangeextension.montana.edu/beef/moovingminutes.html Be on the lookout for lice in 2021. As temperatures decrease, lice may become an issue on cows, bulls, and calves. Lice feed on blood (sucking lice) or skin and hair (chewing/biting lice). Lice infestations typically occur on beef cattle that are stressed from the cold weather, inadequate nutrition, internal parasite infestations, or lowered immune...
Twenty-four hours, 1440 minutes or 86,400 seconds per day. Regardless of how you think of it, every day has the same amount of time. But, somehow, it feels like the time in a day decreases the more tasks and responsibilities we face in our lives. February is National Time Management Month. However, as one source cited—the term “time management” is a misnomer—you cannot manage time. You can manage the events in your life in relation to time and how you use the time depends on self-analysis, planning, evaluation and self-control. Time is both val...
Big Sandy will hold a blood draw on February 24 at the Jerry Martin Memorial Hall downtown Big Sandy from12:45 pm to 6:00 pm. According to Rachel Baumgarn, Big Sandy’s organizer, “You must call and make an appointment to give.” You can go to RedCross.org and register by internet, call her at 378-2329, or Facebook message her. The last two blood draws she has filled every time slot. At the time of printing, there were still ten spots open. Sometimes she does have a cancelation, so it doesn’t hurt to stop by in person just in case someone...
Wednesday morning the thermometer dipped below 30 degrees for the first time this winter, and many locals weren’t ready for the chill. My experience of the cold morning started when I walked out into thecold to start my car so it could warm up a bit before I drove the kids to school. When I turned the key, the engine rolled over slowly for a few seconds before giving up entirely. I quickly realized that I hadn’t plugged in the block warmer, so I plugged it in and threw on my battery charger in...
By Erik Sietsema The Big Sandy Public Library has changed its hours of operation, is compiling a community cookbook, and has upgraded some services in order to better serve the community. The new hours began Monday, February 8th. Rachel Baumgarn, who works at the library, explained the change: "It's more consistent. We're open at 10 all week, and we close at 5, except today (Friday). We close at three. We got asked a lot about hours because nobody knew when we were closing or opening. So we...
Will the cold temperatures increase grasshopper egg mortality? The answer for 2021 is probably not. In Canada, few grasshoppers hatched following a winter with temperatures at negative 22 degrees Fahrenheit (Riegert, 1967). However, Canada had little snow cover during the time period when mortality occurred. Snow cover generally reduces the impact of cold temperatures on below-ground overwintering insects. How long does a seed treatment like Gaucho remain effective on grasshoppers? Insecticide seed treatment usually last about 21 days and will...
Jim Taylor Motors in Fort Benton employs the "best diesel mechanic in the state", at least according to Nick Brock, internet manager for the dealership. I visited the dealership to speak with the best mechanic in the state, and met Jason Langer. He was modest in response the suggestion that he was the best diesel mechanic in the state. When I pressed Jason to explain what set him apart as the best, he explained "It's not that I'm better than any other tech. It's knowing where to find the informa...
There is a light at the end of this pandemic tunnel. People all over the county are receiving Covid 19 vaccines. To date the Chouteau County Health Department has given over 800 doses of the vaccine with approximately 300 people fully vaccinated (two doses 28 days apart). We are giving the Moderna vaccine which is suitable for anyone over 18, two weeks after the second shot people should be on average 94.1% immune to the current strain of Covid 19. Vaccines are currently available through the Chouteau County Health Department where you can be...
We want to thank everyone who donated to our organization in the past year. 47 individuals received financial support in 2020. Many of those individuals received checks quarterly as they continued to treat their cancer. Gas cards were given to those that needed a little help getting to doctor appointments and scheduled treatments. Around $24,000 was distributed directly to individuals treating cancer in 2020. When we become aware of someone with a cancer diagnosis, we contact the individual to confirm the information. We then give the...
Heart Disease Risk Factors Every February is American Heart Month, raising awareness about preventing heart disease. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Approximately 47 percent of all Americans have at least 1 of 3 key risk factors for heart disease – high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. In addition, other medical conditions and lifestyle choices put individuals at a higher risk for heart disease such as diabetes, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity a...
The Town of Big Sandy has joined with Big Sandy School District to create an interlocal agreement to support the location. Currently, the fundraising community has raised over $70k of the estimated $1.7 million needed. They recognize it’s only a start. However, they are excited that the Big Sandy Rotary committed $30,000 and Big Sandy School Educational Foundation for another $30,000. The Lippard-Clawiter Foundation gave a generous donation of $7,500. Brad Moore, Chairman of the Big Sandy Education Foundation Board of Directors, said, “we are p...
After retiring and moving to Big Sandy, Ron Baumann opened a small engine repair business, bringing along 44 years of experience to serve our community. "The average farm has 10 to 12 pieces of equipment on it that's related to this. A lot of people don't know how, or don't have the patience or the time to work on them. I love what I do. I treat everything that comes in here like it's mine," Ron explained regarding the local market for 2 and 4 cycle engine repair. Ron brings a lifetime of...
Fans attending the Big Sandy-Chinook basketball game 2 weeks ago were treated to a heart warming display of sportsmanship, courtesy of the Chinook Sugar Beeters and the Big Sandy Pioneers. In the closing minutes of the game, 8th grader Sonny Phillips scored his first basket as a varsity player. After a missed 3 point attempt was rebounded by a Sugar Beeter, the opposing player passed the ball back to Sunny who made a second attempt at the 3 point shot, and again missing. The missed shot was...
Topping is the drastic removal or cutting back of large branches in mature trees. The tree is sheared like a hedge and the main branches are cut to stubs. Many homeowners top trees when they reach heights considered unsafe fearing a strong wind might blow large trees over. However, the extensive root system of a healthy tree provides adequate support for the tree. Below are a number of reasons why deciduous trees should not be topped. Starvation: Trees need leaves to manufacture starches during photosynthesis. A tree’s transport system moves s...
Have you been hearing about mindful eating but wonder what it means? Mindful eating helps us learn to listen to what our body is telling us about hunger and satisfaction. Mindful eating helps us focus on the present moment and the sensory pleasures of eating. By incorporating the below mindful eating strategies, you are more likely to improve your relationship with food and your health. It is not about what you eat, instead, how you eat. Here are some strategies for incorporating mindfulness while you eat: 1. Before eating, take 5 deep breaths...
After his first month as a county commissioner, Rick Darlington says, "I'm still wet behind the ears. There is a lot to learn." They meet every Monday, and two Tuesday's a month. They do review reports sent to them through email from the various departments. They have not met to discuss any direction concerning COVID. AngelJohnson sends reports to keep them informed. Rick is spending considerable time looking at and understanding the budgets of each department as well. Bob Pasha is the new...
Big Sandy High School AG students have been blessed for the last three years by the presence of Layne Taylor. Layne brings his interests, experiences, and passions to the classroom to make the AG education experience a benefit to our community's young people. One example (of many) is the newest addition to the shop: a metal forge. Mr Taylor turned his personal interest in metal working into an opportunity to teach. "I built a forge over Christmas break. For 23 years, I've been been curious...
Last Thursday, FE Miley Elementary celebrated its first National Kazoo Day. National Kazoo Day falls on the fourth Thursday of January every year. The festivities began in the afternoon music classes, where Mr. TJ Bond introduced the kids to their kazoos and practiced songs with the students. Afterwards, he lined the students up at the classroom door and practiced playing and marching with the kids around the basketball courts. Finally, he spent some time playing kazoos through various...
Producers who have computers frequently ask about the availability of software programs to handle cow-calf production records. Before purchasing a software program, it is important to analyze the value of a system to help make better management decisions. Producers should evaluate existing records to determine the types of information needed from a software program. Are inventory records important? Are summary reports of primary interest? By considering specific record needs, the producer is better equipped to choose an appropriate software...
Press Release – 1/27/2021 Triangle Mobile and Verizon have entered into an agreement that will allow Verizon to purchase the LTE in Rural America (LRA) assets from Triangle Mobile. Due to the substantial build-out that Triangle has completed, Verizon will acquire Triangle Mobiles current coverage area. This transaction is expected to close mid-year 2021. This announcement does not affect any current Triangle Telephone Cooperative member’s landline or Internet service. Our members whose homes are served by fixed wireless Internet will also con...
The Legislative Breakfast provides an opportunity to educate Montana legislators about the work and success of 4-H in the state. It brings together youth and adult constituents from across Montana to share stories of achievement drawn from their 4-H experiences. The breakfast also reinforces the vital role of the MSU Cooperative Extension Service budget, which supports 4-H in Montana communities. The advocacy group, Montanans for 4-H, organizes and hosts the Legislative Breakfast with help from...