100 Years ago
May, 1926
“Sneak Day” was enjoyed by the Big Sandy High School seniors, who spent the day in the Bear Paw Mountains near the Old Miltz ranch north of town. The outing marked an early celebration for the class, and they later shared highlights with fellow students during an assembly program led by Chuck Ensley and Ted Homan.
The Senior Class announced plans to host parents, the Junior Class, faculty, and friends at the Community Hall on Monday evening, May 24.
Baccalaureate services were scheduled for Sunday evening, May 23, at the Community Hall. The program included a processional by Mrs. Lerberg, musical selections by the chorus and a duet by Mrs. Lerberg and Mr. Rice, scripture reading and prayer by Rev. Oscar Olsrud, and a sermon delivered by Rev. J. Stuart. The evening would conclude with a benediction and recessional.
Earlier in the week, the Junior Class entertained the faculty and senior class with a banquet and prom held Saturday night.
Commencement exercises were set for May 28 at the Community Hall. Graduating seniors included Hazel Flatness (Valedictorian), Charles Ensley (Salutatorian), Myra Mack, Helen Jorgensen, Terril Homan, Don Grubbs, Bessie Arnold, Nell O’Malley, Kenneth Ray, Leslie Miller, Ursula Craft, Hilda French, James Mason, Lavina Ingletson, and John Jenkins. Mrs. M.P. Moe served as class sponsor.
75 year ago
May 17, 1951
The Junior-Senior Prom carried a nautical theme this year, titled “Harbor Lights,” capturing the attention and imagination of students. The event reflected the era, honoring classmates who had entered military service.
A banquet prepared by Mrs. Cynthia Olson and assisted by sophomore girls preceded the dance. The evening featured creative decorations in green and white, transforming the school assembly area into a ship-themed setting.
The program included themed roles such as skipper, toastmistress, and crew, along with musical performances, speeches, and entertainment. A playful “menu” of sea-themed items added to the atmosphere.
Graduation ceremonies for the Class of 1951 were scheduled for Wednesday evening, May 23, at the Community Hall. Forty students were set to receive diplomas. The Junior Class was responsible for organizing commencement arrangements, while members of the National Honor Society served as color guard.
Graduates included Ernest Bahnmiller, Charles Berlinger, Leo Bitz, Joy Bull, Robert Clark, Ethan Edwards, Alice Eve, Myron Hagen, Marilyn Humes, Irene Lund (Salutatorian), Gary Marty, Evelyn Petr (Valedictorian), George Rice, and Darleen Schlack, among others.
Eighth grade graduation exercises were also planned for May 24 at the Community Hall. Students receiving diplomas included James Alderdice, Robert Alderdice, Daniel Archibald, Virginia Bitz, Carroll Christenson, Bernadette Ellingson, Joseph Godfrey, Jerry Jenkins, Arthur Kaiser, Raymond Kalanick, Benjamin Lund, Peter Madison, Marvin Petersen, Sandra Rickerd, Lowell Svennungsen, Marian Swanson, and Eugene Welty.
50 Years Ago -
May 13, 1976
Thirty-five members of the Big Sandy High School Class of 1976 prepared for graduation exercises held May 19 at the school auditorium. Elizabeth Grosen was named Valedictorian, and Mark Bitz served as Salutatorian.
Class members included Jeanette Bahnmiller, Joe Bahnmiller, Dan Beeler, Mike Beeler, Diana Bielen, Nola Bitz, Sharla Bitz, Sheila Clinch, Collen Cook, Debbie Courtnage, Keith Danreuther, Joleen Darlington, Kris Goll, Harry Green, Shari Jenkins, Hank Knottnerus, Mike O’Malley, Karolee Ophus, Jane Otto, Verna Otto, Ralph Pegar, Calvin Pleninger, Katherine Ramer, Demrece Ray, Wayne Ray, Denora Reichelt, Will Rice, Wayne Silvan, Steve Skaalure, Diane Tyler, Marie Works, Roger Works, and Jean Worsley.
25 Years ago
May 23, 2001
Chouteau County Commissioners traveled throughout the region attending drought advisory meetings in an effort to address worsening dry conditions. Meetings were held in Shelby and Chester, and discussions focused on strategies to respond to the ongoing drought.
In addition to drought concerns, county officials worked with planner Dale Hankins and Planning Board Chairman Jack Armst to coordinate installation of 120 road signs across county roads as part of the 911 rural addressing project.
The children of Martin and Lorna Springer announced a celebration honoring their parents’ 40th wedding anniversary. The event was scheduled for May 27 at the Hill County Electric Hospitality Room in Havre.
The Big Sandy freshman class organized its annual “Helping Hands” project, offering assistance with spring chores for $5 per hour. Community members could sign up during the Memorial Day breakfast or contact organizers directly.
Dianna Lynn Upham, daughter of Kerry and family of Big Sandy, graduated from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. A 1997 graduate of Big Sandy High School, she completed her studies at the Christian liberal arts institution, which offers a wide range of academic programs.
Chouteau County was approved to implement the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), providing cost-share assistance to livestock producers for water-related infrastructure projects impacted by drought. The program covered up to 50% of permanent installations and 64% of temporary ones, with applications required through the Farm Service Agency before project work began.