Week of August 19, 2026
Week of August 19, 2026
By Erk Sietsema Visitors to the Big Sandy Historical Society Museum are greeted by a display of arrowheads as they walk down the ramp into the larger display area. The framed array of triangular, notched stone artifacts sits alongside Native American clothing and other objects collected in the Big Sandy area. A small printed sign beneath the display notes that the assortment was “Collected on the Lonesome Prairie by Glenn and Anita Cook.” I’ve walked past that exhibit for more than a...
By Melanie Schwarzbach If you’ve lived in Big Sandy for any length of time, chances are you have memories of summers spent at the community pool. For generations, it has been a place where children learned to swim, teenagers gathered with friends, families cooled off on hot afternoons, and lifelong memories were made. Today, a group of dedicated volunteers is working to ensure those memories can continue for future generations. The Big Sandy Pool Committee has embarked on an ambitious effort to construct a new community pool, one that will...
By Your Accidental Journalist Living in a small rural community comes with an advantage that is increasingly rare: we know one another. We recognize the person behind the counter at the bank. We know the business owner whose name appears on a check. We recognize our neighbors’ voices on the telephone, and we often know the people working at our schools, clinics, pharmacies and local government offices. Unfortunately, criminals have learned how to take advantage of that trust. Fraud and forgery have changed dramatically. The person trying to...
From NMH A third-year medical student is back in Havre and back at Northern Montana Hospital, completing the first of his clinical rotations required to finish his medical degree. Spencer Obresley, a 2014 graduate of Havre High School, is a third-year student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in Great Falls. He said he is excited to complete his elective clinical rotation back in Havre, at the hospital where he was born, and is learning a lot while working with Dr. Cameron Scranton...
By Your Accidental Journalist A new school year brings fresh possibilities—new friendships, new lessons, new goals, and new opportunities to grow. It can also bring early mornings, busy schedules, unfamiliar routines, and plenty of emotions. As our Pioneer community begins this journey together, let’s remember that success is not measured only by grades, attendance, or completed assignments. It also means protecting our mental health, finding joy in the experience, and supporting one another along the way. For students, returning to...
Thanks to Our Chouteau County 4-H Club Organizational Leaders The Chouteau County Fair concluded for the 4-H members on August 16, However, the work continues for our Chouteau County organizational leaders. Chouteau County MSU Extension would like to give special recognition to our 4-H organizational leaders for guiding and preparing our 4-H youth through meetings, competitions, workshops and the fair. The Chouteau County 4-H club organizational leaders include Kelly Crowder (Arrowhead), Justina Merja and Chandee Bomgardner (Stir Stitch...
100 Years Ago — Aug 26, 1926. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bitz welcomed an 11-pound daughter on August 25. Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Collins of Loma welcomed a son. And Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Green of Seattle welcomed a 13-pound son on August 16. The Greens were temporarily staying in Big Sandy at the home of Mrs. Kate Robertson. Mrs. George Dillman of Swan Lake was visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Linn of Kenilworth. Big Sandy had reason for a little countywide pride when Miss Ruth Gebart of Fort Benton was named the winner of Chouteau County’s...
Sixteen players played seven rounds of pinochle on Sunday, August 9th in the Mint family room. Mary Landinger had the top score of 7680 earning $30. Next high of 7500 was played by Sue Knight for $25. $15 went to Ken Darlington for his 7130. Rebecca Wiehe cashed in for $5 with her score of 6530. Rod Courtnage had low of 4100 for $5. Ken and Roberta Whetham had the highest round score of 1580. Lowest was a negative 110 for Roberta and Karla Whetham. Next play dates will be August 23rd; September 13th & 27th; and October 11th & 25th (always...
Alan Lee Merrill born May 2, 1951, passed away August 11, 2026. There will be no public service. Obituary will be published at a later...
