News

Soul, stoles, and big goals

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In a building that began as the “Down Below” bar on Main Street in Winifred, sisters Stacey Heggem and Brooke James have started Big Sky Soul, a Christian-based gift shop. They’re aware of the apparent irony, and most certainly ok with it.

“Christian bookstores are going by the wayside in a lot of communities,” James said. “We’re a different kind of Christian bookstore. We’re faith-based, but we’re trying to be positive and affirming and all-welcoming. We want to bring happiness and joy.”

‘A ministry of presence’

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Supporting law enforcement and emergency responders is something Russell Epperson has been passionate about most of his life. Now he’s figured out a new way to do it, through a non-profit organization, Chaplains of Central Montana.

For the past four years, Epperson has served as chaplain to the Fergus County Sheriff’s Office.

Primary ballots mailed to voters this week

Voting is underway for the June 7 primary election, which features local, state, and national races. Ballots were sent to voters this week, while early, in-person voting has also begun.

“Ballots were delivered to the bulk mail facility in Great Falls on Wednesday and mailed Thursday,” said Fergus County Clerk and Recorder Janel Tucek. “Some people have already received their ballot. Even though they were metered for postage May 6 or 9, the ballots were not sent out until Thursday.”

Progress made on Winifred School project

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Work on the Winifred School project has continued, with crews making progress on the new additions to the school building over the spring.

According to Jason Feeler, Quality Control Manager for Dick Anderson Construction and one of the project’s foremen, most of the exterior work has been completed.

“There’s still some roofing to do, but we’re mostly working on the interior now,” Feeler said.

Even the interior work, though, is quickly progressing.

Big ‘eyes

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Walleye spawning – it’s more complex than you might think. 

According to Heath Headley, fisheries biologist at Fort Peck, a number of factors influence the timing and success of spawning. Some years are better than others.

To ensure more consistent success – and more walleyes in Montana waters – Headley spearheads a massive annual effort to collect fertilized walleye eggs for the Fort Peck and Miles City hatcheries. 

After 16 years, he knows the procedure well, but the outcome, as always, is up to Mother Nature, as is the success of natural spawning.

New animal shelter making progress

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Central Montana is inching closer to having an animal shelter, according to Peggy Butler, executive director for SAFE. Next month the non-profit animal welfare group will host its third annual Feast and Flowers fundraiser, with the proceeds going toward planning for the future shelter.

“We started as a rescue group in about 2013 and the past couple of years we’ve been seriously working toward building an animal shelter,” said Butler. “The idea is taking root, and our group is getting bigger and bigger as word gets out.”

‘The days are long but the years are short’

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“Hey mom, how do you spell ewe?”

Homeschooling was well underway for the morning as Jessica Osmundson waited on standby to answer any questions her kids might have about their schoolwork. 

“Y-O-U,” Jessica replied.

“No, like the sheep,” her second-to-youngest son clarified. 

It’s part of the daily routine for the former legislator’s wife and mom of 10.

Happiness is a warm blanket…or bus barn

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It’s not just people that need to stay warm in the winter – vehicles need some warmth too, but putting a sweatshirt on a van isn’t particularly effective. This problem is particularly relevant for the Central Montana Shuttle, which has been storing its vehicle fleet outside during the winter. To combat the cold and the toll it can take on vehicles, the Fergus County Council on Aging, which runs the Shuttle, is building a transportation depot across the street.

School levy fails by 81 votes

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The Board of Education for Lewistown Public Schools is set for the next year, with Whitney (Miller) Brady and incumbent Phil Koterba each set to serve a three-year term after emerging as the top two vote-getters in a four-person race. Meanwhile, the proposed elementary levy failed by a narrow margin.

Camp Maiden

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Vacations cost so much these days – what if there was an inexpensive way for a group to enjoy Central Montana’s beautiful outdoor setting without breaking the bank?

Well, there is: Camp Maiden. Located in the Judith Mountains north of Lewistown, Camp Maiden offers a rustic cabin setting for community groups, church groups or even private family reunions. Not only is the Camp oddly affordable, but it is unique in another way: Camp Maiden is owned and operated by a board of volunteers called the Fergus County Recreation Association.