Publisher’s Note

You might wonder about the cover of this issue – it’s a two-lane highway - no Pure Prairie League pun intended.  The point is that these two-laners connect the dots of a lot of little towns scattered across Eastern Montana and one of the features in this issue is about small-town general stores, and the heroes that run them. These stores, scattered across our prairies, provide an invaluable service to their communities and save the locals a whole lot of windshield time looking at scenes like the one on our cover. 

On the subject of small towns, we take a close look at the community of Denton, which suffered an unprecedented tragedy in early December when a wildfire raged through the town destroying dozens of homes and businesses. Within days of the aftermath, folks began banding together and stepping up to help. Communities throughout Montana and beyond sent truckloads of goods and weeks after the tragedy, donations continue to pour into Denton ensuring that the community rebuilds stronger and better.

We visited with Kendra Joyce of Cutting Fences, who is making big strides in her cause to help disabled farmers and ranchers across the state adapt to a lifestyle that was unexpectedly thrust upon them as they recover from the trauma of an accident.

Through all our story gathering we found exceptional people. People making a difference one person at a time, or a community at a time, giving their heart and sole to make this place we call home a better place to live.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trail, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12