100 Years ago
March 25, 2026
Miss Cora Simonsen has been engaged to teach at the Heise school east of Big Sandy. Kenilworth Kash Store announced that it is handling garden seeds, onion sets and seed potatoes. Those who received the “pep” cards on Nash’s Coffee may still redeem them, as they remain valid for twenty‑five cents each toward the purchase of a three‑pound can of coffee at the Kenilworth Kash Store. Easter and Mother’s Day cards are also available.
H.A. Olson purchased a fine Ford coupe last week. Mrs. Selma Hansard, who keeps house for Mr. Olson, drove the car home for him, and he is now seen frequently calling on neighbors. Walter Boettcher arrived from Arthur, North Dakota, for an extended visit with his sister, Mrs. E.L. Buchholz, and his brother Edward of Kenilworth.
Percy Remington and family and Russell E. Remington motored to Colony Bay Sunday to visit Lewis Mertz. Mr. and Mrs. Ole Haakenson were Big Sandy visitors last Saturday. A heavy dust storm in Kenilworth Monday and Tuesday temporarily halted field work.
A political announcement read: “I hereby announce myself as a candidate for re‑election to the office of State Senator for Chouteau County on the Democratic Ticket. One Good Term Deserves Another.” Signed, Yours Truly, S.H. Porter.
Mike Kalanick returned Saturday from Los Angeles, California, where he had been employed during the winter. Albie Larson was a Fort Benton visitor Tuesday.
75 year ago
March 22, 1951
The entire community was shocked and saddened when word was received that Pfc. Gerald McConkey had been killed in action in Korea on March 7. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. C.L. McConkey of Great Falls. The loss was deeply felt across the area.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Nepil was completely destroyed by fire Sunday about 1:20 p.m. Neighbors were notified by telephone but were unable to reach the blaze in time to save the structure, which reportedly began somewhere under the roof. Some furniture and belongings were removed, but many valuable articles were lost.
The ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. Elba W. burned to the ground Sunday afternoon. Neighbors rushed to the scene when smoke was noticed, but due to road conditions were forced to leave their cars and walk the last mile.
Charles Walter Kulbeck died of a heart attack in Eureka, Montana, March 21, 1951, while receiving treatment for a heart condition. Born in Big Sandy January 20, 1913, to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kulbeck, he was their first child. His passing was described as sudden and unexpected. Mr. Clarence Edwards was assisting the Bitz family during this time.
50 Years Ago -
March 25, 1976
Majority Leader Mike Mansfield congratulated Beth Grosen of Big Sandy upon being named Montana Wheat Queen. Miss Grosen was in the city in conjunction with the annual meeting of the Montana Wheat Growers Association and representatives from other wheat‑growing areas of the nation.
Janet Sheehy of Big Sandy was among spring student teachers placed throughout the state by Montana State University of Bozeman and would be teaching at CMR High School in Great Falls.
Funeral services were conducted for Mrs. Jappe, 89, Saturday, March 20, at Christ Lutheran Church in Big Sandy, with Pastor McCaughan officiating.
The eighth meeting of the Dry Fork Coulee group was called to order by president Dan Works. McKeever presented a demonstration on “Homemade Noodles,” and Lisa Works gave a talk on St. Patrick’s Day. Community members also gathered for birthday celebrations and social evenings marking the season.
25 Years ago
March 28, 2001
A community thank‑you was extended to all who helped with the Big Sandy Community Breakfast/Fly‑In. Appreciation was given to U.A.P. Northwest for assistance with food, to Marlys, Leo, Amy and Russell for cooking, to the Big Sandy Pilots for remaining ready to provide rides should winds allow, and to Charlie Foussard, Rodney, Stink and others who assisted with set‑up. The event served 220 people.
A School Concert Sunday was announced for April 1, 2001, at 3 p.m. in the Big Sandy High School auditorium. Area musicians Susan Walker, Judy Pleskac and Ann Quinn were scheduled to perform works including selections by Bach, Bozza, Mozart, Debussy, Gershwin and Handel. Proceeds were to go toward funding a new light controller for the high school music and drama department.
“Betchya Didn’t Know?” recounted early settlement days, noting that settlers were arriving almost daily and shacks were going up throughout the valley. By May several thousand acres of virgin soil had been broken, and by the end of June 700 land entries had been recorded. That August, seven hundred thousand pounds of wool were sold in Big Sandy. By summer’s end the town included lumber yards, a hotel, bank, livery barns, general merchandise store, saloons, meat market, restaurant, barber shops, harness shop, blacksmith shops, real estate offices, a physician, opera house and a newspaper. The account also referenced range war tensions and a gunfight at the P‑Ross Cattle Camp on Box Elder Creek.
Shawn and Tiffany Rettig announced the birth of Caden James, born March 7, 2001, weighing 7 pounds 14 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. Grandparents and great‑grandparents were listed in celebration of the new arrival.