Week of July 8, 2026
Week of July 8, 2026
By Erik Sietsema This year's Big Sandy Skate Jam included an art show fundraiser, a new addition to the annual skateboarding event. The 16th annual gathering draws skaters from across the country - and in some cases the world - and serves the dual purpose of giving skateboarders a chance to share their passion for the sport while raising money for local skate park improvements. The art show was a new feature this year, giving artists and enthusiasts an outlet to express themselves while raising...
The Class of 1968 gathered in Deerborn for a potluck and visit. They made plans for a gathering in 2028 for their 60th class reuion. They had a gracious host, Linda C, where everyone enjoyed the beautiful scenery by the river. Pictured is as follows: Back left, Roger C, Linda C, Dennie C. Middle, Tom B, Vicki H, Robert B, Patty M, Verlin R. Front, Jay W, Bonnie S, Debbie Q, Cheryl R. There were also several spouses able to attend. Courtesy of Bonnie...
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Chouteau County’s Search and Rescue bus will go towards the purchase of a new drone that will aid the team in their efforts. When it can take hours to locate one missing person, a drone could have it done it minutes. When every minute matters, today’s drone technology has become one of the most valuable tools available to search and rescue teams. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging sensors, GPS mapping, and extended flight times, modern drones allow responders to quickly search...
By Mary Ophus The Sunshine Snippers 4-H Club recently added a new cement bench to Main Street in Big Sandy, located next to the Elevating Grains Bakery. The bench was purchased using funds from an AgWest Rural Community Grant the club received. The idea for the project came from the club’s focus on giving back to the community in a simple, meaningful way. Whether you’re stopping to chat, taking a break, or just enjoying a nice day, the club hopes the bench will get plenty of use. The...
Helena, MT – Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton today reminded Montanans that new Medicaid Expansion community engagement requirements will take effect July 1, 2026. Beginning tomorrow, most Medicaid Expansion members aged 19-64 who are not excluded must complete and document at least 80 hours of qualifying community engagement activities each month, which will be reviewed at their next redetermination to maintain coverage. “The Department is fully prepared for this transition, with trained...
BIG SANDY, MT, July 2, 2026 — Big Sandy Medical Center has received three American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® achievement awards for demonstrating a commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, helping save lives, support recovery and reduce hospital readmissions. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 4 causes of death in the United States, respectively, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics...
Top Yielding Winter Wheat Varieties for Chouteau County MSU Agricultural Research Centers have one test plot for winter wheat in Chouteau County which is managed by MSU Northern Agricultural Research Center (NARC) north of Loma. A special thanks to Peggy Lamb (NARC agronomist) for establishing and maintaining the Chouteau County test plot. The Extension office would also like to thank the McKeever family for donating the use of their land for MSU research. NARC (Loma area) top three yielding winter wheat varieties (10-year average yield) from...
By looking back through the pages of The Mountaineer, we discover more than names and dates—we rediscover neighbors, celebrations, hardships, accomplishments, and the ordinary moments that became our community’s history. This week, our journey spans a remarkable 100 years, from the summer of 1926 through 2001. Across those decades we find ambitious students, growing families, weddings, harvest preparations, military veterans, civic leaders, and volunteers. Though the faces and fashions changed, one thing remained constant: Big Sandy’s...
By Your Accidental Journalist A 3,000-Mile Journey Through America’s Heartland Some adventures are measured in miles. Others are measured in memories. This week, Sheldon the Traveler returned home after an incredible 3,000-mile road trip with one of Big Sandy’s favorite people—our longtime UPS driver, Mark Rowlatt, and his family. In just one week, Sheldon crossed five states, explored some of America’s most famous landmarks, and discovered that every community has a story worth...
Sunday, June 28th twenty players gathered to compete in seven rounds of pinochle in the Mint family room. Tammie Szarynski had the highest score of 9620 earning her $35. Second high of 8690 went to Susan Knight giving her $25. Taking third and $20 was Cathy Gregoire with her 8630. Rod Courtnage had 8520 for fourth and $10. Vance Butler won $5 for his fifth high score of 8340. Karla Whetham had low of 5210 for $5. Vance and Linda Schwarzbach had the highest round score of 2210 which included 1000 aces! Lowest was a 0 (zero) for Karla and Linda...
