Will Briggs

Eager to get an early start, a couple of hikers load up their car and get on the road, making their way to the trailhead as dawn arrives. They wind their way through forested switchbacks for a few miles, catching glimpses of the view out from the mountain as they go.

Philip Page, a cowboy musician, songwriter, and storyteller, bases much of his music around the life and work of Charlie Russell. Photo courtesy of Philip Page

Lewistown celebrated its 35th Chokecherry Festival Saturday. Events throughout the day included the annual Chokecherry Run, culinary contest, entertainment by the Fergus County Courthouse, the Trails and Ales fundraiser, and the Snowy Mountain Challenge Rodeo.

of 2 A number of Lewistown residents walked out their door on Sept. 7 on their way to the Chokecherry Festival and were greeted by

TORCH board members Laurie Sweeney and Peggy Twedt celebrate the organization’s seven-year contract with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, which will allow the substance use disorder recovery group to significantly expand its services in Lewistown. Will Briggs Editor

Central Montanans who live in House District 78 will also have their choice in state senator on the ballot in November, with Republican Wylie Galt of Martinsdale and Democrat Bruce Shultz of Raynesford squaring off for a four-year term in Senate District 39. The newly-constituted district combines western portions of Fergus County, along with Judith Basin and Wheatland Counties, with Meagher County and parts of Cascade and Sweet Grass Counties.

Voters Judith Basin and Wheatland Counties, along with areas western Fergus County including Denton and Moore will see two names on their ballot in the race for House District 78 in the Montana House of Representatives on Nov. 5: Randyn Gregg (R) of White Sulphur Springs and Glenn Lambert (D) of Raynesford. Whoever wins the election will take the place of Rep. James Bergstrom of Buffalo, who Gregg defeated in the Republican primary in June.

With the November 5 elections rapidly approaching, Central Montana voters have a lot to think about before dropping their ballot in the mail or entering the voting booth. While the national and statewide elections tend to attract all the attention, local races and levy questions are just as, if not more important.

As it continues renovations on the building that will house its first Lewistown facility, German manufacturer VACOM is ready to start its first round of hiring for its Montana operation.

Roy’s Alizae Howard is an avid reader who plans to pursue a career as an electrical technician. Photo courtesy of Alizae Howard