Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

Together We Can

The aftermath of the Elk Fire in Wyoming will be evident for decades. The fire, which engulfed close to 97,000 acres on the east side of the Big Horns…

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

Fighting the Elk Fire

Jeff Barron, Fire Chief of the Tongue River Volunteer Fire Department in Ranchester, Wyoming, realized early that this year’s fire season was going to be a long one.

Read More
Amy Grisak Amy Grisak

Stocking Up the Pantry

Our only security is what we can provide for ourselves. It takes preparation to create a well-stocked food storage plan, and the best time to start is now.

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

The Generosity of Sweet Grass County

Only days before school commenced for the 2024 – 2025 school year, the superintendents of Sweet Grass County High School and Big Timber Grade School had to deliver the news that the hot lunch program would not be available.

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

The Boys of Fall

Tristan Buerkle, Weston Buerkle, and Jordan Paul reflected back as they sat on the metal bleachers. The three teenagers, dressed in jeans and cowboy boots, looked like typical Montana ranch kids, but less than an hour prior…

Read More
Jean Peterson Jean Peterson

Jean’s Cuisines - Fall Soups

On many cold days, our kitchen is filled with inviting scents bubbling from the homemade soups I leave to slow cook during the day. The thyme, cumin, and peppers nestled in the simmering broths…

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

Gardening Year Round

Like all farmers, Zach Buchell worries about the weather, pests, costs, profit and loss, and having enough hours in the day to accomplish all his work. There is little room for error when it comes to what to plant and when.

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

Publisher’s Note - Fall 2024

With Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations approaching, we pray you are filled with hope and peace. Please remember to show your appreciation to a veteran, farmer, rancher, or small business owner and others…

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

Much Ado About Mutton

That was how “Bachelor Daze” began in Reed Point, Montana, in 1980. Several bored, yet colorful, “regulars” were gathered at the Waterhole Saloon and started brainstorming visions of community entertainment…

Read More
Carolyn Fraser Carolyn Fraser

A Drover’s Journal

The predawn sky cast a pink hue on the pine-covered hills. In the distance, a low rumble shook the still, cold air. Outlined atop a hill, a slicker-clad rider appeared.

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

The Trail Boss’ Son Looks Back

The Great Montana Centennial Cattle Drive was globally watched by millions as the caravan of several hundred wagons full of families, friends and thousands of horses and riders trekked across the Montana prairie…

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

The Drive Behind the Drive

Two years prior to the 1989 celebration of Montana’s Centennial preparations were being made across the state, but by far the most ambitious event planned was the Centennial Cattle Drive. 

Read More
Charlie Denison Charlie Denison

There’s Music in the Mountains

Every great song starts with the songwriter, often while pouring out their heart with a guitar in hand. This process is personal, emotional and – at its most honest – cuts to the core of the human experience.

Read More
Jean Peterson Jean Peterson

Jean’s Cuisines - Summer 2024

My husband was an amazing camp cook. He knew exactly how many briquette coals it would take to heat up the Dutch oven, and just when to pull the meal away from the fire to serve. Since his passing in April, these recipes mean even more to me.

Read More
Amy Grisak Amy Grisak

Preserving the Harvest

It’s that time of the year – people lock their car doors and check their front step for illicit zucchini dumping activity. As summer winds down, while an abundant harvest is welcome, the seasons end can be overwhelming.

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

Publisher’s Note - Summer 2024

Thirty-five years ago, Montana celebrated its 100th Birthday.  Part of the celebration was the Centennial Cattle Drive. Since many of our readers were just children when it happened, we felt like it was timely to showcase a few different aspects of the event.  

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

“The Good Ol’ Days”

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to realign our priorities, count our blessings, and focus on what matters.  And sometimes, it takes an afternoon recollecting our upbringings to really understand our character. 

Read More
Cyd Hoefle Cyd Hoefle

Living High on the Hog

On a warm spring afternoon at the Grindheim Ranch near Roy, Montana, the 10th Annual “Jordie’s Show Pigs” production sale was in full swing.

Read More
Amy Grisak Amy Grisak

Winning the War on Weeds

Fortunately, there are a number of non-chemical strategies to knock down, or even eliminate weeds and while these are not one and done treatments either, with consistency, it’s possible to gain a handle…

Read More