Week of March 11, 2026
Week of March 11, 2026
The 25-26 winter has been a series of false springs, relatively few hard freezes, and little snowfall. For locals, these sorts of weather trends inevitably lead to discussions and speculations as to how the weather fluctuations will affect the coming growing season, weeds, disease, and insect populations. According to Tyler Lane, the Agriculture and 4-H Agent for the Montana State University Extension Office in Chouteau County, the larger impact of the false springs should be minimal in terms of crops, insects, and diseases. “So as long as... Full story
In a small town like Big Sandy, a pickup truck can be more than just a vehicle. It can carry decades of memories, stories, and community history. One such truck—a 1959 Willys pickup—is now getting a brand-new chapter thanks to the efforts of the Big Sandy Rotary Club and the determined work of Rotary President Shon Tester. The truck, originally purchased brand new in April of 1959 by Steve Kalanick, has remained part of the Big Sandy community ever since. Over the years it passed through...
The Sunshine Snippers 4-H Club is bringing Easter fun to the community once again with their third annual "Egg My Yard" fundraiser, this year supporting the Chouteau County Cancer Support Group. Each year, the club chooses a local organization to benefit, making this fundraiser a tradition of giving back and spreading joy in the community. As part of the fundraiser, 4-H members offer an "Egg My Yard" service for families in the area. Instead of parents staying up late filling and hiding Easter...
Rouge That Doesn’t Rub Off and Serving Dinner in a Dress Every time I travel back to Lonesome Prairie, I am so acutely aware of its appropriate name. Growing up there didn’t seem all that lonely, as it was what we knew, and of course, school and activities made a difference. I respect the women who live in these remote areas and I think of their unique challenges when it comes to healthcare, childcare, connections, and the multitude of tasks on their plates. It makes me grateful for the farm and ranch women who paved the way. My mom told...
2026 Chouteau County Invitational Shoot Results The 4-H Shooting Sports 2026 Chouteau County Invitational Shoot was held February 28 in Fort Benton with 75 members registered to shoot. Participants were mostly from the Golden Triangle counties. Other counties participating were Liberty, Hill, Pondera, Cascade, Toole, Flathead, Lewis and Clark, Glacier, Teton, Wheatland and Gallatin. Medals went to the following Chouteau County participants: REGULAR TARGET Name Division Award Score Bradshaw, Theodore Bare Bow (ages 9-10) gold 215.00 Brown,...
100 Years ago March 11, 1926 Part of the Agricultural Department program at the Big Sandy High School was to secure better seed grain for farmers of the community, an effort aimed at improving crop quality after several difficult seasons. An Old Time dance was held at the M.G. Lidstone Ranch in honor of the Old Timers. The event was well attended and greatly enjoyed. Music was furnished by Leslie Miller and Richard Bush, and the floor was reported to be excellent. Among those attending Ladies Aid at Kenilworth were Mrs. Oscar Marty, Mrs. A....
Sunday, March 1st twenty players met at the Mint family room to compete in six rounds of pinochle. Roberta Whetham had the highest score of 8210 earning her $25. Second high of 7360 went to Rebecca Wiehe giving her $20. Frank Moravec earned $15 for third high score of 6300. Ending with 6290 for the day was Dan Leader for fourth and $10. In fifth with 6050 was Joe Landinger for $5. Linda Schwarzbach had low of 3460 for $5! Maggie Cline and David Schwarzbach had the highest round score of 1760 followed closely by Roberta and Frank with their...
Gail Eileen (Jenkins) Behan of Kenmore, Washington, surrounded by family, passed away peacefully at home on March 1, 2026, one week before her 80th birthday. Gail was born on March 8, 1946, in Havre, Montana to Alvin Jenkins and Gertrude Ophus Jenkins Underdal. She attended Big Sandy schools and graduated from Big Sandy High School in 1964. She attended Montana State College in Bozeman, then worked in various jobs in Great Falls and Missoula before moving to Helena, where she met her husband...
