Week of January 28, 2026
Week of January 28, 2026
Cut Bank School District is proud to announce that on Monday, Jan. 21, at the Montana High School Association's annual meeting, Mr. Don Paulson was inducted into the Athletic Director's Hall of Fame. Don's list of accomplishments and honors are long and distinguished but more importantly, his constant dedication and loyalty to Cut Bank Athletics and the student athletes are what set him apart. Even in retirement, we can count on Don to help us with tournaments and special...
At Conrad's Jan. 21 City Council meeting Mayor Cates announced the appointment of Sgt. Andy Lund to the position of acting Chief of Police until a permanent chief is appointed. The Council unanimously approved the decision. Lund has been with the department since Feb. 2, 2021. Prior to that he served as a deputy sheriff in Pondera County for over eight years. Lund has already begun to implement some changes in the department, such as working on officer safety, working toward...
Looking for a fun gift? A collector of unique knickknacks? Or maybe looking for a fun, crafty afternoon or evening with friends? JT Creations, owned by Jay and Tammy Dusterhoff, is definitely something you want to check out! This new Shelby business is located at 147 Main Street, right next to the Elks Lodge, and offers a fantastic selection of unique 3-D printing and wood working items. What started out as a hobby for Jay, woodworking, ended up being a great business for the...
Linda Kuka continues to run an eclectic program at the Valier Senior Center, giving senior citizens opportunities to do more than stop in for a tasty meal. In addition to nutritious lunches and camaraderie, seniors are invited to participate in a variety of enrichment activities that stimulate the body and the mind. Most recently, members took part in two craft projects led by Cathy Brandvold, Valier's Public Librarian. Brandvold commemorated National Rubber Duck Day 2026...
The following cases were heard in Glacier County District Court Law and Motion Day on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, before the Honorable Judge Gregory L. Bonilla. State of Montana, Plaintiff, v. Steven J. Barcus, Defendant. Status/Hearing on Motion. Motion to dismiss denied. Trial still going. State of Montana, Plaintiff, v. Kyle Richard Ostler, Defendant. Initial Appearance on Petition to Revoke Suspended Sentence. Defendant admitted to the allegation. Disposition is set for Feb. 11. State of Montana, Plaintiff, v. Gabriel...
The following are the dispositions settled in Toole County Justice Court from Jan. 16 - Jan. 22, by the Honorable Judge Donna Whitt. Mitchell R. Tolbert, seatbelt violation, $20 fine; contempt of Justice Court, $100. Kevin R. Grant, no log book in possession, $235 fine. Kamaljeet Singh, exceeding the max gross weight allowed any group of axles, bridge formula, $385 fine; contempt of Justice Court, guilty. Sunghyuk Son, tire ply or belt material exposed, $135 fine. Brian J. Bess, operating without over-dimensional size...
The following are the dispositions settled in Shelby City Court from Jan. 16 - Jan. 22, by the Honorable Judge Donna Whitt. Josue Chavez, speed, exceeding restricted speed limit established by local authority, 63/35, $105...
The following local students have been named to the Dean’s List at Carroll College for Fall 2025. This appointment is a significant accomplishment, as this designation requires a grade point average of 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale for a minimum of 12 credits completed in a semester. We take great pride in giving public acknowledgment of these students’ academic achievements. Dayne Barbie, of Cut Bank. Claire Bucklin and Nicole Nau, of Sunburst. Randon Richman, of Shelby. Kathryn Stokes, of Conrad. Karson Thomas, of...
Thursday, Nila, Bret, Juanita, Bev, Danny, Myra, Peggy, Sharon, Claudia, Ray, Georgia, JeanAnn, Myrt, John, Gladys, Norm, Joan and Marian participated in Resident Council with Lisa Leck, Administrator / RN, about any issues or concerns they may have. Claudia, Sharon, Gladys, John, Myrt, JeanAnn, Ray, Georgia, Peggy, Myra, Ila, Bev, Pat, Bret and Nila played Bingo with Breelle Hurt, CNA. Friday, Ray, Myrt, Bret, Marian and Joan started their morning off Sittersize with...
Mayor Cates called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. After approval of the last meeting minutes and claims, he called for public comment. Hearing none, he asked for Department reports. Library In December there were program cancellations due to short staff from accident or illness and the wind storm. Director Tiffany Christensen gave the council a Year in Review report, showing numbers and outreach programs. There were minor updates to library policies that are posted on the library’s website. The policies were updated to...
On Monday, Jan. 19, Alicia Harris, co-owner of Health Dragon posted the following on Facebook: "Healthy Dragon will be closed for the short unforeseen future. On Sunday, Jan. 18, Perry left this life to return to his Father in Heaven. Please be patient while we navigate this new journey." The sudden and unexpected passing of Perry Harris was a shock to those who knew him. He and his wife, Alicia, reopened the Harvest Home Health store under a new name, Healthy Dragon, in...
JAN. 29 10 a.m. County Commissioners meet at the Courthouse FEB. 3 6 p.m. City Council Meeting at Conrad City Hall FEB. 4 10 a.m. County Commissioners meet at the Courthouse FEB. 5 11 a.m.- 5:15 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive at Conrad Mission Church FEB. 6 Free Community Meal at First Presbyterian Church FEB. 7 4 p.m. Basketball CHS vs. Rocky Boy in Conrad FEB. 8 Winterfest at Glacier Bible Camp Grades 7-12 Contact Jane Arends 406-450-4163 FEB. 9 7 p.m. Pondera History Assn. Meets at Transportation & Historical Museum FEB. 11...
The Cut Bank City Council met for their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, Jan. 19. Mayor Curtis Harper called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with Council members, Doug Vermulm, Maynard Nygaard, John Reynolds and Kacie Gibson all present. City Attorney Whitney Bugni, City Superintendent John Damberger, Police Chief Mike Schultz, Building Inspector Kory Sandon and City Clerk/Treasurer Donni Schultz were also in attendance. There were no additional items for discussion not on the agenda and no public comment was made....
Logan Health – Shelby will relocate physical therapy, occupational therapy, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, respiratory therapy and sleep lab to the facility’s former care center wing. Services in the new location will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. The new entrance is in front of Park Avenue, the main hospital entrance, offering a covered drop-off area, allowing patients to be dropped off close to the door while remaining protected from rain, wind and winter weather. “For years, patients accessing therapy services...
Independence Bank is pleased to announce the promotion of Bailey Spicher to the position of Ag/Commercial Loan Officer at the Shelby branch. Bailey joined Independence Bank in the summer of 2023 as an intern credit analyst while completing his education. He graduated from Montana State University in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a minor in Finance. Following graduation, Bailey began his full-time career with Independence Bank in May 2024 as a lender, where...
Eighth Grade Straight ‘A’ 4.0 GPA Dominik Erikson, William Harrill, and Ellie Sommers ‘A’ Average 3.5 – 3.99 GPA Landen Barnes, Hugh Bradley, Tyber Chaplin, Addison Conway, Oscar Gannon, Kimber Heagy, Mecca Kipp, Layla Mireles, Malaya Olson, Alyssa Raines, Cidney Ramson, Thunder Redhorn, Gabe Schultz, and Mykee Waller ‘B’ Average 3.0 – 3.49 GPA Cayton Blackman, Hailey Ferrise, Miles Geer, Aidan Grimm, Dahnai Hillock, Lydia Juarez, Sean Kincaid-Park, Myla Losing, Khloe Price, Kaden Rios, Skyla Rose, Parker...
York University, York, Neb. announced the students named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 term. 180 students were recognized with this distinction. Academic excellence continues to grow, as the Dean’s List recognition has increased by nearly 84% in the last seven years. To be named to the Dean’s List, students must carry 12 or more graded hours and achieve a semester grade point average of at least 3.75 with no incomplete grades and no grade below “C” for the semester. ** denotes a 4.0 cumulative GPA Penelope...
The Sunburst Refiners split their games this weekend, defeating Power/ Dutton/Brady 81-37, but losing a close game to Saint Patrick's Academy 48-42. Coach Nate Ashcim commented, "This weekend we had a fun bunch of games. We played Power/Dutton/Brady on Friday night before hosting the St. Patrick's Academy Wolfhounds on Saturday. Both games were fast paced, but drastically different. Friday, the Refiners came out on fire, scoring 16 first quarter points, felt like a throwback...
The CJI Hawks played their second week without leading scorer Ryland St John. After going 1-1 for the week they sit at 9-2 overall and 6-0 in conference to lead the 10C District. Thursday afternoon the Hawks traveled to Geraldine to face the always-tough DGSG Bearcats in a non-conference matchup. The Hawks jumped out to an impressive 20-4 lead after the first period of play, but the Bearcats began to turn the tide as they outscored CJI 11-10 in the second period to trail...
The Shelby Coyotes lost two conference games over the weekend, 68-41 to Cut Bank, and then 44-28 to Chinook. Thursday the Cut Bank Wolves came to town, and the battle began. The score was tied 16-16 at the end of the first quarter. Cut Bank managed to eke out a two-point advantage at the half, 25-23. The Wolves pulled away in the third quarter, and continued to the victory, 68-41. The young Coyotes never gave up, but stalled in the second half. Scoring for the Coyotes was...
The Sunburst Lady Refiners had a tough weekend, losing to Power Dutton Brady 47-19, and then to Saint Patrick's Academy 55-39. Friday the Lady Refiners battled hard, but had a hard time getting their shots to fall, and trailed PDB, 17-5 at the end of the first quarter. The lady Refiners struggled all night to score, and lost the game 47-19. Scoring for the Lady Refiners was Ali Nau nine, Kaley Sandon seven, and Cheyenne Miller three. Saturday the Lady Refiners battled St....
The Shelby JV Boys basketball team lost both games this last weekend when they played host to Cut Bank on Thursday and then took to the road to battle the Sugar Beeters at Chinook on Saturday. Thursday vs Cut Bank the boys got outrebounded and struggled to score consistently as we struggled with full court pressure. Final score of 29-51. Scoring: Trenton Fugle - 8, Jonah Clark - 7, Leland Postma - 6, Brody Ballantyne - 2, Landyn Richard - 2, Corin Scarborough - 2, and Lucas Rogers - 2. Saturday at Chinook the boys were in a...
Shelby Coyotes Junior High A team hosted Fairfield and Chinook on Saturday. The Shelby Coyotes came out strong against Fairfield and never let off the gas. With every member of the team contributing in scoring it was led by Flesch (16) and White (13). The Coyotes defeated the Eagles 45-16. Their second game against the Sugarbeeters was a tough battle, although the Coyotes battled and won the second half they fell just short of a victory losing 26-29. White (10), Gray (7) led the Coyotes in scoring and P Lamb added a pair of...
First Team Offense: Carsen Sullivan, Running Back Trapper Kinamon, Offensive Line First Team Defense: Carsen Sullivan, Defensive Back Tegan Jones, Linebacker First Team Special Teams: Reece Taylor, Kicker Class B All-State Selections: Trapper Kinamon Carsen Sullivan Second Team Offense: Tegan Jones, Running Back Second Team Defense: Reece Taylor, Defensive Back Trapper Kinamon, Offensive...
The Shelby Lady Coyotes picked up two conference wins last week, defeating the Cut Bank Wolves 83-45, and then went to Chinook Saturday and defeated the Beeters 31-28. Thursday night the Lady Coyotes welcomed the Cut Bank Lady Wolves to Shelby. The Coyotes jumped out quickly with Preslee Flesch scoring nine and Eleanor Heaton and Elly McDermott each scoring six to help the Coyotes to an early 22-11 first quarter lead. In the second quarter the Lady Coyotes lit it up, hitting...
Last week the CJI Lady Hawks faced their toughest competition of the season in a battle of undefeated teams in the Geraldine gym on a snowy Thursday evening. The DGSG Lady Bearcats are a top-ranked team who have played a lot of tough competition this year, and they have significant talent at all positions. From the opening tip-off CJI, who has been accustomed to taking huge first-quarter leads all season against weaker teams, found themselves at a huge disadvantage against...
The Conrad Cowboys and Cowgirls wrapped up a busy weekend of wrestling with Senior Night celebrations, the Conrad Duals Tournament, and the Golden Eagle Girls Invitational in Lewistown. The weekend highlighted individual achievements, team success, and the leadership of our seniors. Team Highlights First off, a BIG THANK YOU to all that came out to support our wrestlers this weekend! Thursday night was Senior Night, where our wrestlers - McKenna Jones, Tegan Jones, Ava Krings, Blaine VanDyke and managers - Kyron Alford and...
Conrad Business Professionals of America (BPA) competed at the Regional Competition held at CMR in Great Falls on January 19, 2026, and our students had an outstanding day! All students who attended qualified for the State BPA Competition in Billings, March 7–10, 2026. First Place Small Business Management Team – Nolan Seidler, Lily Bingaman, Kyron Alford Advanced Spreadsheets – Reece Taylor Database Applications – Nolan Seidler Health Insurance & Medical Billing ...
Last Wednesday as I was driving back to Cut Bank after delivering the newspapers in Browning, I realized I was around the spot where, as kids when driving home from the family cabin in Essex, one of us would shout, “First one to see the airport!” Now we couldn’t actually see the airport, but what we could see was the beacon that sat on top of the hangar at the Cut Bank Airport. It flashed alternately green and white lights. It was there to help pilots locate the airport. To us kids, it was there so we could be the...
Dear Dave, Our daughter is 30, and she used to live a completely irresponsible lifestyle. This irresponsible behavior extended into the way she handled her finances, too. While she was in college, she took on $20,000 in student loan debt against our advice. About a year ago, she was in a bad car accident. She has recovered, but the experience really changed her. Her outlook on life, her finances and spiritual matters, in particular, are so much more mature. We were thinking about paying off the remainder of her student...
In April of this year, I will have been writing this column for two years. For those of you, who may not have seen my first few articles and may have questioned what my column was about, the 10,000 reasons refers to all of the blessings God bestows upon each of us throughout our lives. The idea for the title came from the song of the same name by contemporary Christian singer Matt Redman and by the old hymn “Count Your Blessings” by Johnson Oatman, Jr. It was my thought to share a bit of positivity with my readers,...
