Donna Miller

On Thursday, October 10, students from across the Hi-Line will converge on Montana State University–Northern (MSUN). At various locations around the campus, TekNoXpo & ShowCASE events will be taking place. Check-in for the event begins at 8:00 a.m. and sessions start at 9:00 a.m.

Montana Actors' Theatre (MAT) announced the launch of its 33rd season and wishes to inform the public of the upcoming shows as well as some changes in time and cost. They have ten shows and various special events on the schedule for the coming year. The curtain will rise for their season opener, An Enemy of the People on October 17.

Eight chapters from across the Milk River District of the Montana FFA gathered at the Blaine County Fairgrounds on October 1 for 2024 Fall District competition hosted by the Chinook Chapter of the FFA. Chinook's Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor, Mitzi Cecrle not only reported various contest winners but shared gratitude with the numerous community members who assisted in making the event possible.

Members from two local FFA Chapters attended the Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) this past week at MetraPark in Billings. In the NILE Meats Evaluation Competition Junior Division, Chinook saw two members gain top ten status: Gus Buck and Bryce Elliot. In addition, the Meats Team from the Big Flat was ranked 12th. These judging contests took place on Tuesday, October 15.

One of the most impressive displays of the Northern Lights observed in the past 20 years occurred on October 11 across Montana's Hi-Line. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the aurora borealis spectacle that dazzled many who were fortunate enough to step outside that night was due to a severe geomagnetic storm.

The University of Montana's Maureen and Mike Mansfield Center has developed a free program called Big Sky LEAD (Leadership, Engagement, and Development) for high school students from across Montana.

Seven members from the Chinook FFA Chapter attended the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo that was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 23-26, 2024. Those in attendance not only heard a keynote address from Kevin Wanzer but also participated in various academies to advance their learning. The National FFA Convention and Expo showcased more than 300 exhibitors representing agriculture, colleges, fundraising, the U.S. Armed Services, and auto and truck manufacturers.

During September, which is recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention Month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. In that spirit, the Blaine County Health Department sponsored a coloring contest. Winners were announced in mid-October, and among those winning artists were three Turner Public School (TPS) students: Natalie Richman, Evelyn Handran, and Tessa Cowan.

On Monday, October 21, Turner Public School students attended the second performance in the Big Sky Series curated by the Northeastern Arts Network. The group traveled to Dodson to hear The Lucky Valentines (TLV).

Following Election Day on November 7, Savannah Wendeln, Blaine County Election Manager and Grant Coordinator, reported that Blaine County had staffed nine precincts within five polling locations throughout the county.