The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

There is nothing here to say that hasn't been said. So, there is no new news, but the weather is the topic. Staying home keeps articles at a minimum.

Here is a list of the new record lows set on Saturday, January 13, 2024, for the main climate locations within Montana.

Record location: Saturday's Low Temp; (Old Record & Year)

• Billings: -26° (-22° in 1972 & 1997)

• Bozeman: -45° (-32° in 1997)

• Butte: -45° (-34° in 1997)

• Cut Bank: -41° (-36° in 1972)

• Dillon: -41° (-17° in 2007)

• Glasgow: -35° (-33° in 1916)

• Great Falls: -37° (-30° in 1911, 1971, & 1972)

• Hamilton: -38° (-17° in 1993)

• Havre: -42° (-35° in 1916, 1979, & 1997)

• Helena: -36° (-34° in 1888)

• Kalispell: -33° (-24° in 1972)

• Lewistown: -43° (-34° in 1972)

• Missoula: -22° (-17° in 1993)

Water lines froze, propane tanks became sluggish, and cars refused to start. Superintendent Schrock decided not to let the Big Sandy Choir travel to Bozeman for a PBS concert. The wrestling team also did not travel to their wrestling meet. Although Fort Benton did travel to Big Sandy on Friday for an early basketball game. Saturday's basketball games were canceled because the electricity was off, and there was uncertainty about when or how long it would be viable. Sunday, at least three churches closed their doors and told everyone to stay home.

The most affected by such extremely cold temperatures would probably be the local ranchers who still had to care for their animals. It made it difficult because the equipment didn't want to start, and animals wished to hide from the weather. So you take the hay to them.

I called John and Sarah Drga, who have goats and was wondering how they were doing. Sarah said, "The best way to take care of animals in cold weather is to escape to Florida and leave them with your in-laws to take care of. We are actually in Florida right now visiting my family."

When I reached out to one family, they weren't in the mood or didn't have time to respond, and all they said was, "It's cold!"

Lisa Darlington wrote, "With these extremely brutal, sub-zero temperatures, it is imperative that your livestock are well-fed, generously bedded with straw, and have sufficient water. This is not always an easy feat. As the temperatures drop, the likelihood of your equipment running properly is almost impossible! We have been very fortunate that we haven't had too many issues. Fingers crossed for warmer weather." It's a good thing that there is plenty of hay here this year.

I was lucky enough to buy two electric blankets in December.

It is probably essential for all of us to thank those who made sure we were well taken care of and that the electricity was back on in 45 minutes.