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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…

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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. 

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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.  

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“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. 

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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.

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Billings Logan International Airport

The April 19 ribbon cutting and unveiling of Concourse B at the Billings Logan International Airport was a significant step in the airport’s Master Plan, which began nearly twenty years ago.

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Publisher’s Note - Spring 2024

Tough times aren’t new. Everyone faces them. A pastor once said most everyone is either in the midst of a trial, just coming out of one, or soon headed into one. While that isn’t encouraging, it is, unfortunately, true…

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When Calving and Cold Collide

When January’s weeklong cold snap sent temperatures and wind chills plummeting to well below zero, many Montana ranchers were relieved calving season was still several months away.  But for the L Bar W Cattle Company…

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Hats off to the Hatter

The cowboy hat is one of the most defining statements of a cowboy’s image. First introduced in the mid-1800s as head protection from the elements, the cowboy hat has evolved into an iconic expression in the world of western wear. 

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Feb 2024 Pub Note

Last year we had so much fun partnering with PBR that we’re doing it again! Check out the ad for details. One lucky RITW reader will win a package worth $1000 for the weekend of April 13th…

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Finding Heaven Under the Big Sky

Tenderhearted and compassionate, yet relentless and determined, Scott Miller loves getting to the heart of the matter, whether it’s a friend in turmoil, or a community in crisis.

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Riding High in the Saddle in Sidney

In addition to Julie, the cowgirls, ranging in age from 64 to 77, consist of Charlene Netzer, Kathy Wyman and Cherie Gatzke, and all live on ranches within five miles of each other.

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