We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
2025 was a year full of milestones, achievements, and memorable moments across Blaine County. From Chinook to Turner, Harlem, and Hays-Lodge Pole, communities came together to honor tradition, celebrate accomplishments, and embrace both local history and the future. Below are the top two most read stories of each month in 2025.
January 1, 2025
Milk River Churches of Chinook Celebrated Joint Christmas Eve Worship
By Steve Edwards
The Milk River Churches continued their joint Christmas Eve tradition at Chinook Methodist Church. Led by Certified Lay Pastor Theresa Danley, the service brought together three Chinook congregations and the First Presbyterian Church in Havre. A refurbished church bell was rededicated, symbolizing unity and comfort for the community.
January 8, 2025
St. Mary/Milk River Receives $46.5 Million in Continuing Resolution
By Marko Manoukian
Federal, state, and local leaders celebrated $46.5 million in funding for repairs to the St. Mary and Halls Coulee siphons. Officials noted ongoing concerns for the St. Mary Canal, which will need additional funding to fully support agricultural and municipal water needs.
February 19, 2025
This March 1st Celebrate
Blaine County Day
By Cody McCracken
Residents were encouraged to honor the county’s creation in 1912, celebrating a history of growth, civic pride, and community determination.
February 19, 2025
Cornfield Bomber Landed Itself After Pilot Ejected 55 Years Ago this Month
By Erik Sietsma
The story revisited the legendary 1970 F-106 Delta Dart incident near Big Sandy, when an unmanned fighter jet made a near-perfect landing after its pilot ejected. The aircraft later became a museum piece and inspired a stage play.
March 5, 2025
Turner High School Recognizes Seniors During Last Home Game
By Diana Maloney
Turner High School celebrated nine seniors during a basketball doubleheader, honoring their contributions and accomplishments as they prepared for graduation.
March 12, 2025
Four Youth Win Awards in Americanism Essay Contest
By Donna Miller
Four Turner students earned first-place honors in the 2025 American Legion Auxiliary Americanism Essay Contest. Their essays explored themes of service, sacrifice, and patriotism.
April 2, 2025
Local Business Sees New Ownership
By Donna Miller
Kamas Ag Chemical transitioned to new ownership under Christopher Skoyen, Travis Skoyen and John Skoyen, maintaining the business’s focus on agricultural services while emphasizing customer service and growth.
April 16, 2025
Chinook Junior High Academic Olympians Take Top Honors
By BCJ News
Chinook Junior High’s Academic Olympic Team won first place at the regional competition. Cynnloch earned top honors in the written contest, showcasing dedication and teamwork.
May 7, 2025
Amy Stiffarm, PhD, MPH, Director of Native American Initiatives
By ANC
Dr. Amy Stiffarm served as the 2025 commencement speaker at Aaniiih Nakoda College, honoring graduates across diverse fields including ecology, health sciences, and industrial trades.
May 28, 2025
DePriest Signs with Stanford
By Donna Miller
Chinook High senior Dentin DePriest celebrated acceptance to Stanford University, earning scholarships and planning to study Urban Studies while joining the Club Swim Team.
June 4, 2025
After 59 Years, Pikes Will Retire
By Donna Miller
John and Karen Pike retired from Pike Construction after decades of service on county projects and irrigation work. They reflect on family, hard work, and the legacy they leave behind.
June 25, 2025
Chinook Lions Centennial Year Honored in Blaine County Museum Exhibit
By Steve Edwards
The Chinook Lions Club celebrated 100 years with a museum exhibit highlighting contributions to the community, including the Bear Paw Battlefield, skate park, and Blaine County Fair Pronto Pup stand.
July 9, 2025
Small Town, Big Reunion: Turner - Hogeland All School Reunion – 2025
The Turner and Hogeland All-School Reunion celebrated shared memories, community spirit, and enduring friendships.
July 9, 2025
Young Medicine Movement Scholars Accepted to Northern Arizona University CARE Program
By Bobby Pourier – Program Director
Five graduates of the Young Medicine Movement joined NAU’s CARE Program, gaining hands-on STEMM and healthcare experience while strengthening cultural identity.
August 6, 2025
Cederberg Retirement from Montana Wheat & Barley Committee
By Montana Wheat and Barley
Max Cederberg retired from farming and his service on the MWBC, leaving a legacy of research collaboration and agricultural innovation.
August 13, 2025
Chinook High School Class of 1985 Celebrates Forty Year Reunion
By Donna Miller
Classmates reconnected through meals, school tours, and shared memories, reflecting on accomplishments over four decades.
September 10, 2025
Dr. Joe Nemes Honored by Colleagues and Community
By Steve Edwards
Dr. Joe retired after 24 years of practicing medicine, celebrated for his kindness, professionalism, and passion for music and the outdoors.
September 24, 2025
American Prairie’s New 67,960-Acre Purchase Raises Tensions in Blaine County
By Special Submission
American Prairie expanded its conservation holdings in Blaine County, sparking debate between conservation goals and traditional ranching livelihoods.
October 1, 2025
Zurich School Teachers Share a Status Update
By Donna Miller
Zurich Elementary opened the 2025–26 school year smoothly, hosting 18 students and focusing on multi-grade teaching, community engagement, and upcoming events like Fire Prevention Day and a holiday play.
October 8, 2025
TIME CAPSULE FOUND: Tracking Down the Harlem Time Capsule
By Cody McCracken
Harlem rediscovered its 1976 bicentennial time capsule, prompting plans for a ceremony connecting past and present generations.
November 5, 2025
Meet TJ Reynolds
By Donna Miller
TJ Reynolds joined Chinook Public School as a Physical Education teacher and coach, bringing energy and experience to support students’ health and athletic growth.
November 26, 2025
Montana’s Poet Laureate Visits the Hi-Line
By Donna Miller
Chris La Tray, Montana’s Poet Laureate, visited Blaine County for Native American Heritage Month, sharing readings, music, and storytelling while inspiring the community to engage in reflection and creativity.
December 10, 2025
Area Teams Excited to Start Basketball, Wrestling Seasons
By George Ferguson
Harlem, Turner, and Hays-Lodge Pole schools kicked off winter sports. Harlem’s basketball teams returned strong, while Turner and HLP focused on growth. Wrestling squads competed with standout athletes leading the way.
December 17, 2025
100 Years Later: How Chinook Got Their Sugar Beet Factory
By Cody McCracken
The Chinook Sugar Factory celebrated its 100th anniversary. Decades of campaigning led to its selection by Utah-Idaho Sugar Company in 1925, creating a massive factory that transformed Milk River Valley sugar beets into 3,000 bags of sugar daily. The grand opening marked a new era of growth and optimism for Blaine County.
2025 highlighted the strength, pride, and resilience of Blaine County communities. From historic milestones to personal achievements, athletic triumphs, and celebrations of culture and education, the year showed the enduring spirit and unity of life along the Hi-Line.
