Donna Miller

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.

The Hi-Line of North Central Montana played host to a jazz ensemble from Atlanta, Georgia, on November 5, and the students of Turner and Dodson schools were recipients of the talent of the Jazz Legacy Project (JLP). The group was the third in the Big Sky Series presented by the Northeastern Arts Network.

A sea of blue jackets inundated the campus of Montana State University-Bozeman (MSU) from November 14-16. With 1,900 registered attendees, the university hosted high school and middle school students from across the state for the annual Montana FFA Ag Expo. Members from both Chinook High School (CHS) and Turner Public School (TPS) competed in FFA activities, such as quiz bowls and livestock judging. Events were hosted not only on Bozeman's campus but also at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.

.R. Brown, a senior at Turner Public School (TPS), has been selected to participate in the prestigious Big Sky LEAD Program. Brown is among the fifteen students from across Montana who were chosen. He will travel to Missoula December 4-5 to meet with Montana politicians, University of Montana professors, and nonprofit leaders to build skills for civic engagement. An acronym for Leadership, Engagement, and Development, LEAD is a program focused on empowering Montana's Future Leaders.

Although Montana Actors' Theatre (MAT), with sponsorship from Gary and Leo's IGA, opened with a production of The Sound of Music this past weekend, there are additional opportunities to see the show on December 13-14 and December 19-21. at 7:30 p.m. The curtain will also rise for matinee performances on December 14 and 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the theatre on the campus of Montana State University-Northern.