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Articles from the January 20, 2023 edition


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  • Following the 2023 session?

    Amanda Eggert, montanafreepress.org|Updated Jan 20, 2023

    When the Montana Legislature gaveled in two years ago, COVID-19 served as a major disruptor that added a layer of stickiness to an already complex — and occasionally opaque — process. But the pandemic also facilitated technological adaptations that let Montanans say their piece to the legislators shaping state law on their behalf without making the winter drive to Helena. Members of the public with telephone service or a stable internet connection will again be able to testify before House and Senate committees remotely in...

  • 'Dogs fall to Cougars

    Updated Jan 20, 2023

    Fewer games were on the slate for CCHS basketball teams over the last week, with only games in Plevna on January 14. The Bulldog JV boys lost to Plevna 47-64. Two players finished the game with double-digit points for Blue; Preston Jensen and Kaleb Frye each had 10. Kaeden Oberlander was the top scorer for the game with 19. CCHS JV went 6 of 13 on free throws. The ‘Dogs led by 4 after the first quarter but were outscored over the other three frames. CCHS JV 15 21 30 47 Plevna JV 11 33 48 64 CCHS JV: Kaleb Frye 10, Preston J...

  • Conversations with God

    Updated Jan 20, 2023

    Hello God, it’s me, Mara: You know, Lord, it’s only a few days into the New Year and how fun to snuggle under a nice thick blanket in my quiet-time chair, looking forward to these silent moments with You, Lord, in the wee hours of a, so far, untouched year. The fireplace dances a gentle glow into the room’s darkness. In the dim light, shelves filled with photos, books, mementos and other things, are reminders of an abundant life. Sitting now with You, Lord, it’s interesting to review the year that has just passed. We go over...

  • Legislative Report

    Jerry Schillinger|Updated Jan 20, 2023

    1-13-23 Friday evening already, another busy week in the bag. I may have failed to mention last week, I carried 2 bills for the Department of Transportation. The first bill I presented to the Transportation Committee was to simplify the reporting process individuals must go through to claim gas and fuel tax refunds for use in off road activities. Summaries of account activity generated by the retailer may be used as evidence of purchases rather than having to produce copies of...

  • Ekalaka – A Montana east of the mountains outpost

    Rick and Susie Graetz|Updated Jan 20, 2023

    A historical sign on the edge of town states Ekalaka was established in 1885 by a bison hunter who set out to erect an "edifice for the eradication of ennui." His wagon became stuck in the snow, and that's the point where he started the underpinnings of a community. His explanation was "Hell, any place in Montana is a good place for a saloon." He unloaded the lumber he had in the wagon and commenced construction on the spot. However, the town wasn't named after this initial...

  • Cooking in the West

    Susan Metcalf|Updated Jan 20, 2023

    This past weekend, I attended a natural cheese making workshop presented by Allison Cooley Agee, and the take-away for me is that cheese making is extremely labor intensive. There are so many steps and so many pitfalls to avoid that my cheeses would have to sell for at least $20.00 per pound to make it a profitable venture. I applaud people like Allison who make amazing raw milk cheeses, but since I am basically lazy, I think I will just stick to buying cheese instead of making it. The experience did remind me of an old...

  • Monthly precipitation totals in Ekalaka since 2019

    Updated Jan 20, 2023

    The bar graph at left shows precipitation totals for each month in Ekalaka over the last four years, as well as the all-time average precipitation for each month in Ekalaka since 1896 (shown in red). Total yearly precipitation in Ekalaka was 25.41 inches in 2019, 13.75 inches in 2020, 12.89 inches in 2021, and 18.33 inches in 2022. The all-time average yearly precipitation total for Ekalaka is 15.31 inches....

  • Over 40 attend initial public meeting for Ekalaka Community Plan

    Updated Jan 20, 2023

    Two representatives from High Plains Architects of Billings were at Carter County Museum in Ekalaka on Tuesday to discuss a community plan with over forty members of the public in attendance. A Montana Main Street Project grant of $40,000 that was awarded last calendar year is providing the largest percentage of the funding for the plan. Randy Hafer, High Plains Architects president, and John Sanford, project designer, showed a slideshow including preliminary ideas of what...

  • Lady Bulldogs defeat Lady Cougars

    Updated Jan 18, 2023

    The Lady Bulldogs won handily in Plevna on January 14, 58-11. CCHS jumped out to an early 13-point lead at the end of the first and outscored the Cougars in the second, 24-4. Eight Lady ‘Dogs scored in the game, led by Nasya O’Connor with 17. She also led the team in rebounds with 7. Blue had 10 turnovers, 17 assists, and 11 steals as a team. They out-rebounded the Cougars, 23-20. Free throw shooting was at a minimum on both sides as Ekalaka went 3-6 and Plevna was 3-8. CCHS shot 48 percent from the field. CCHS 17 41 54 58...

  • Memories

    Loyd Townsend|Updated Jan 18, 2023

    I am going to continue on the old Ekalaka business places, people and locations. My next business on main street was the Pickard Market owned by Charles and Victoria Pickard. I am going to spend some time on this family which is given in Shifting Scenes Vol. II pages 689-690. If you have this book, read it. Charles was born in England and at age 16 came to the United States. In 1910 he decided to go West and reached Belle Fourche, South Dakota where he found no employment. He...

  • Catherine Rose Kennedy Whitney

    Updated Jan 18, 2023

    Catherine Rose Kennedy Whitney, 97, slipped from this life January 8, 2023. Our family lost an amazing lady. She was the last of her generation. Catherine was born on her grandmother's ranch in Carter County Montana to Wilfred and Roselthy Winchell Kennedy on July 16, 1925. She grew up in and around Ekalaka Montana and graduated from Carter County High School. After high school she went to Portland Maine to live with her grandmother while working in the shipyard during World...