In 2006, the USDA coined the term “food insecurity,” as an official designation of not only hunger but also the lack of access to nutritious food. Fast forward to 2020 when food insecurity was running rampant because of the pandemic. Grocery stores, unable to keep stock on their shelves due to unstable food chains, forced many to turn to food banks to tide them over, causing extra strain on the system.  

Alli Allen, Miss Rodeo Montana 2025, recently returned from nine intense, activity-filled days at the Miss America Rodeo pageant in Las Vegas. She ended her year-long reign as a top ten finalist in the pageant and made her last public appearance at the Montana Circuit Finals in January.  

Gusts of Big Timber has been a community anchor on main street for over 75 years. Located on the corner of 2^nd Ave and McLeod Street in Big Timber, the brick building is as familiar to customers as Sweet Grass County High School’s Sheepherder mascot.  

As the last notes of an 80’s rock song faded, Les King’s smooth voice surfed out across the airwaves. He greeted his listeners, announced the time, talked about the weather, and followed up with a short synopsis of the latest news before moving to the promotion of a local business.  

A life of many occupations and diversions… learning to sew while growing up on a North Dakota ranch, earning a master’s degree, serving in corporate America, and owning a small business… Barbara Wells says the winding road her life has followed prepared her for where she is today.

As Christmas and the New Year draw near, we’re determined to do what we can to remind shoppers of the importance of spending their shopping dollars with local businesses. Studies say that for every dollar spent locally, it is turned over seven times in the local economy. When you support a small, local business; that money continues to support families, jobs, schools and the local economy.