DPHHS urges Montanans to participate in lifesaving health screenings This January, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is urging Montanans to take control of their health with life-saving cervical cancer screenings and prevention tools. Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer diagnosed among women under the age of 50 in Montana. On average, 38 women in Montana are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and nine lose their lives to the disease each year. Most cervical cancers are preventable. Nearly all cervical cancer...

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that eight Montana towns, cities and counties will share more than $300,000 of grant funding to help plan significant community development projects. The funding is through Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Planning Grant Program. “Commerce’s planning grants help Montana communities produce future growth plans, studies and training to advance crucial infrastructure and community development projects while creating and retaining good paying jobs for local...

The annual program aims to make communities in Montana more livable for people of all ages Helena, Mont., Jan. 7, 2026 -- AARP Montana invites local eligible nonprofit organizations and governments to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program, now through March 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time. AARP Community Challenge grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and more. Now in its tenth year, AARP will double its...

On Feb. 1st, 16 pinochle players showed up at the Mint in Big Sandy to play 7 rounds of pinochle. Here are the scores. 1st place: Rebecca W. Score 8230 $25.00 2nd place: Rod C. Score 7560 $20.00 3rd place: Renee H. Score 7280 $15.00 4th place: Shawn W. Score 7120 $10.00 5th place: Maggie C. Score 7070 $5.00 Low: Frank M. Score 4810 $5.00 back High hand of the day was 1580 played by Roberta W. and Bill R. Our next 2 playing dates are: Feb. 15th – March 1st – March 15th and March 29th At the Mint, Big Sandy. 2:00 PM Please try to be there...

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) is now accepting applications for over $2.7 million in federal funding available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant (SCBG) program. The purpose of the SCBG program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, peas, lentils, dried fruits, as well as horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture. State and/or local organizations, government entities, producer associations, academia, community-based organizations,...

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and Montana State University (MSU) today announced a significant platform update for ParentingMontana.org, a premier digital resource for Montana families. The update features a redesigned layout and an expanded suite of practical tools. As a partnership between DPHHS and the Center for Health and Safety Culture (CHSC) at MSU, this project enhances user experience, boosts resource accessibility, and provides essential support to Montana parents and caregivers. “ParentingMontana.org...

Darla Tyler-McSherry

The wind REALLY does stress us out. This winter, the wind is a huge discussion topic. In many places across the country, it’s been intensely windy and lasting for days at a time. Here in Montana, much of the state, to date, has had an “open” winter, meaning very little to no snow cover or moisture of any significance. This weighs heavily on the minds of farmers and ranchers as they ponder the health of their fall planted crops and are relying on ample snowpack and generous spring rains to ready the soil for spring crops. If you are...

Tyler Lane

Winter Tree Management During Drought Conditions Peter Kolb (PhD) MSU Extension Forestry Specialist sent this email to Extension Agents last week. It is very timely for winter tree management in drought conditions. Such warm weather events are not entirely uncommon across Montana. Most of our native tree species need a minimum chilling period before they are able to break dormancy. There is a chance that this freezing requirement has not yet been met. Studies have shown that delays do take place in the breaking of tree dormancy. Some tree...

100 Years ago February 11, 1926 Christ Johnson hosted a large number of neighbors Friday night in honor of his birthday. The Ladies Aid Society met at the home of Mrs. W.L. Kulbeck, with about thirty-five present. Mrs. Kulbeck distributed material for garments as members prepared for their bazaar. A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Tyke Willis of Eskay. The local Masonic Lodge received an invitation from the Fort Benton Lodge to attend a Washington memorial program. Wilbur Livers returned from a six-week visit to Indiana and reported farming...

Your Accidental Journalist

Every February 14, hearts appear in shop windows, candy boxes line the counters, and handwritten notes find their way into backpacks and mailboxes. Valentine’s Day, now synonymous with romance and affection, has roots that stretch far deeper than chocolate and roses. The holiday is named for St. Valentine, a figure—or possibly several figures—shrouded in legend. One popular story traces Valentine’s Day to a Roman priest in the third century who secretly performed marriages for young couples when Emperor Claudius II banned weddings,...