Week of May 6, 2026

Colby, Doyle & Valdez

Shantel Cronk

The 2026 Blaine County Primary will have three candidates on the ballot vying to be elected for the 4-year term of Justice of the Peace. They are incumbent Judge Jim Doyle, Sheriff John Colby, and Monty Valdez. Incumbent, Judge Jim Doyle, has presided over the court since 2024 when he was appointed to fill a partial term by the Blaine County Commissioners following the retirement of the prior judge, Perry Miller, who stepped down in December of 2023. This is Doyle's first time on the ballot....

Benson and Horn:

Shantel Cronk

For the first time in 24 years Blaine County's District 1 will have a new commissioner. Currently the position is held by Delores Plumage who is not seeking reelection after serving consecutively since 2002. The June 2nd primary has two Democratic candidates running for the position: Carletta Benson and Curtis Horn. Benson and Horn have many similarities. Both candidates are lifelong residents of Blaine County. Both are interested in tribal and civic politics and have taken time to sit in on...

  • For the Record

    Havre Police Department Thursday, April 23, 2026 Wyatt James Caplette of Rocky Boy, 24, was arrested on charges of non-aggravated partner or family member assault, criminal destruction of or tampering with communication device, unlawful restraint and criminal mischief or vandalism by officers responding to a call from the 1900 Block of First Street Northeast at 3:54 p.m. – Mariah Lynn Hoops of Havre, 32, was arrested on a charge of criminal contempt and on a State District Court felony warrant by officers at the police station at 7:08 p.m....

  • HED Northern Montana Health Care hosts its third Community Baby Shower

    Tim Leeds

    Expectant mothers and young families took advantage of a wealth of information April 24 at Havre's Holiday Village Mall during Northern Montana Health Care's third annual Community Baby Shower. Local, regional, and statewide organizations and businesses were at the mall to show new and expectant parents what is available to them to help support their parenting journey. The shower included raffles, free gifts, and a chance to connect to other parents and expectant families, as well as local...

  • Havre Northstars' season is now underway

    George Ferguson

    The Havre Northstars American Legion baseball team has a new head coach this season, and that season is now underway. Head coach Ben Mader's team began its 2026 season with two tough losses to the Helena Reps in the final weekend of April. Then, last Sunday, the Northstars took on the Glasgow Reds at Legion Field. In game one against the Reds, the Northstars won a wild affair, 12–11. Havre had fallen behind 9–1, only to storm back by scoring five runs in the fourth inning and five more in...

  • Law Enforcement Torch Run® Brings the Flame of Hope Across Montana

    Amy Bliss Sr. Director Special Olympics Montana

    Each year, law enforcement officers from across Montana lace up their running shoes, carry torches through their communities, and unite for a mission far greater than the miles ahead of them. The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) serves as the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising movement for Special Olympics around the world, helping create opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to train, compete, and thrive. Throughout the spring and summer, officers from...

  • Havre Middle School Quarter 3 Honor Roll

    6Th Grade Allen, Willa Bekker, Bentley* Blackiston, Sakura Bradbury, Samantha* Carnes, Ella Chagnon, Gannon* Corner, Jackson Cote, Nox De La Vega, Isaac Donoven, Grayce Dugan, Carter Dugan, Elliot Evans, Isabella Fredrickson, Christopher Gauer, Rhaegan* Golden, Bryson Granell, Mesa* Groff, Andrew Haas, Courtney Harrell, Ronan Hartman, Arianne Hipple, Asics Hoff, Emma Holzworth, Joon Houston, Lucy James, Drake* Johnson, Trey* Jones, Peyton Kalayjian, Hannah Keller, Easton* Kuhr, Wyatt Kuszmaul, Olivia Ladenburg, Jace* Lorang, Andrew* Mangold,...

  • Havre track teams sweep Lions Invitational

    George Ferguson

    It wasn’t an overly big field, but it was a competitive one. And still, the Havre High track and field teams dominated their own home meet. Last Saturday, the Blue Ponies played host to the Havre Lions Invitational at the Havre Middle School Track, where the HHS boys scored 130 points to place first, while the Havre girls scored 140 points to also take first place. Malta was second on both sides. In the girls meet, Havre star Macy Brandon finished second in the 100 meters, while Liv Cole was fourth, Cassidy Leeds was fifth, and De’Shaene...

  • Havre tennis teams grind in Glendive

    George Ferguson

    It was a bust last week for the Havre High boys and girls tennis teams. The Blue Ponies started their week off last Tuesday with duals at Class AA Great Falls High and CMR, before heading to Glendive last Friday and Saturday, where the Ponies took on a bevy of Eastern A rivals. The Havre boys started the weekend off with a tough loss to Hardin on Friday, but the Ponies bounced right back to beat Billings Central. Havre closed out the first day with a close loss to Miles City, before returning...

  • Looking Out My Backdoor

    Sondra Ashton

    We don’t have Robins here. We do have a similar bird, similar in coloring, larger, a Rufous-collared Thrush. Unlike the Robin, herald of spring, the Rufous-collared Thrush is here year-‘round. He’s a tyrant of the Lantana bushes with their multi-colored flowers and seeds like blackberries. He’s a bit of a bully, plowing out his territory with swagger. Ah, Spring. While up North it is snowing one day and melting into the 70s the next day, here in Etzatlan, we have entered our hottest two months, roughly mid-April through mid-June, when...

  • Pastors Corner: National Day of Prayer; Thursday, May 7th, 2026

    Each year, the President signs a new proclamation for National Day of Prayer, and each year has a slightly different theme or focus. The theme of the 2026 National Day of Prayer is “Glorify God Among the Nations – Seeking Him in All generations,” based on the scripture I Chronicles 16:24, which reads this way: “Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deed among all the peoples.” In Havre we observe the National Day of Prayer by meeting in the town square. We start the observance with worship music from 11:30 a.m.-12:00...

  • Havre resident to receive the Tom Scott Excellence in Leadership Award

    Kelly Heaton

    (HAVRE/HELENA) — The Leadership Montana Board of Governors is pleased to announce the selection of Debbie Vandeberg-Henry, as the recipient of the 2026 Tom Scott Award for Excellence in Leadership. Named in honor of Leadership Montana’s founder, the Tom Scott Award is the organization’s highest distinction, presented annually to an individual who has made significant, sustained, and meaningful contributions to the mission and success of Leadership Montana. Each year, the Board of Governors selects a recipient who exemplifies outstanding...

  • Grief Poem: One last ride

    Two gals raced by - were having fun, on Scooters this Spring Day. They mentioned Gram and Aunt Emma – and how they liked to play. Aunt Em and Gram, they were twin gals, like these two on sidewalk. Aunt Emma’s death, to all her kin, was really a huge shock. She’d always said, ‘Growing old’s not fun’, but I want one last ride!’ ‘When I was three, I ‘rode’ a calf, Dad laughed, and then we cried.’ Dear Sister Rose liked green tractors and Uncle Ted’s Red Jeep. We rode horses and vehicles, but NEVER ANY SHEEP! Our...

  • Keep the spring blood supply strong: Give blood now

    GREAT FALLS, Mont., April 22, 2026 — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood now to help hospitals and transfusion centers stay prepared to help all patients. Donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the first time are encouraged to book an appointment in the coming days or weeks ahead. In addition to the return of outdoor activities and warmer weather, spring vacations can interrupt blood donation patterns. When plans shift away from normal routines, even small disruptions can lead to a quick drop in available...

  • Havre Area Church Services

    Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Havre Ward 1315 Washington Ave. Bishop Casey Pratt - (406) 265-2811 Missionaries - (406) 696-7364 St. Jude Catholic Church 624 Fourth Street. | (406) 265-4261 Father Daniel Wathen Saturday Mass - 5:00 pm Sunday Mass - 9:30 am Church of Nazarene 2229 5th Ave. (HRDC Building) (406) 262-7032 Pastor Joshua Woods Morning Worship & Childrens Worship Sunday - 12:00 pm Living Water Church (Asselmbly of God) Corner of Laredo Road. & Little Box Elder Road (406) 395-5983 Pastor Michael Vohs Sunday Worship -...

  • MSU-N Rodeo finishes the Big Sky season in Missoula

    George Ferguson

    The Montana State University-Northern Rodeo teams wrapped up the 2026 Big Sky Region season with the University of Montana Rodeo last weekend in Missoula. The MSU-Northern women scored 135 points to finish fourth, while the Northern men were also fourth with 130 points. Northern’s Kendra Statham finished fourth in the women’s all-around for the Skylights to lead the way. Kellan Statham also had a great showing in the steer wrestling, finishing second for the Lights. In the barrel racing, Northern’s Brooklin Baukol was fifth for the...

  • Havre About Town

    For the most up-to-date, real-time information, be sure to check out the “Havre Local” Facebook page. Monday April 6 – May 15, 2026 • Hill County Public Cemetery Spring Cleanup – Spring cleanup began April 6 and continues through May 15 at 5 PM. All decorations and memorials must be removed so crews can maintain the grounds. Items left may be stored or disposed of depending on type. Thank you for your cooperation. Friday May 1 – May 13, 2026 • Havre Pool Closure – The pool will be closed for maintenance and seasonal...

  • Hello God - It's me, Mara

    You know, Lord, the lovely blue sky and the fluffy white clouds were lovely, then Jill popped over and said, “Today reminds me of way back in College Days when walking from classrooms, back to the dorm; we’d pause in the nearby park and rested a bit. Way back then, ‘Lilly’ came out about the same time; we’d sit, take it in, admiring the beauty of God’s creation, almost feeling the stress seeping away from us. ‘Lilly’ usually said: “God! Your creation is so beautiful and restful. Help me to make it a priority to stop right...

  • Chinook, Harlem Turner all shine on the track in Havre

    George Ferguson

    The annual Havre Lions Invitational brings together all of the best track and field programs on the Hi-Line every year, so this past Saturday was no different. At the Havre Middle School Track, the Harlem boys were fourth with 60 points, while the Chinook boys scored 56 points to finish fifth. Turner's boys finished ninth with four points. In the girls meet, Turner was fifth with 53 points, while Harlem was seventh with 25 points, and Chinook was eighth with 17 points. Plenty of individual...

  • Spring is winding down for Chinook golf, tennis teams

    George Ferguson

    The Chinook High School spring sports season is coming down to the wire. This weekend, the Chinook tennis teams will be traveling to Helena for the Helena/Townsend Invitational, which is one of the last two meets of the season for the Sugarbeeters. The Beeters are getting ready for the postseason, which will be May 21–22 with the Northern Divisional Tournament in Great Falls. Meanwhile, the Chinook golf teams are also gearing up for the final rounds of their season. Last week saw Chinook have a couple of meets cancelled, so the Beeters are...

  • Journal Jots

    Blaine County Library Monday: Home School Hour 1:00-2:00, Middle School Meet-up (Grades 6-8) 3:45-4:45. Tuesday: Story Time 10:30-11:00, Kid Zone 3:45-4:45 (Grades 3-5). Wednesday: Teen Scene 5:30-6:30. Thursday: LEGO Club 3:45-4:45. Friday: Movie 1:00-2:30 p.m. Zurich School Zurich School has old basketball jerseys and cheer uniforms that we’d like to give to Zurich alumni that wore them. They will be given away on a first come, first served basis. Call the Zurich School at (406)357-4164 and ask for Brooke. The last day to claim a jersey...

  • Health Department Will Facilitate Walk with Ease Program

    Donna Miller

    Beginning on May 4, Blaine County Health Department is holding a program called Walk with Ease. With a target goal of walking for better health, improved fitness, and less pain, sessions will run through June 12. The classes will meet from 10:00-11:00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the Library Meeting Room. This evidence based program offers a series of guided walks infused with practical advice on how to walk safely and comfortably. Specialists will also share strategies for keeping active. Designed for all ages and all fitness...

  • Chinook Senior Center

    Ginger Hansen

    Hello From the Chinook Senior Center Remember to fill out your ballots and get them in before the deadline! Our voices count to move our schools forward. Our 3rd Annual Mother's Day Brunch will be held this Saturday, May 9th. This, as always, is by reservation only. We ask that no children under the age of 18 attend, and since this is for ladies, no men, please. I know how hard mothers work, because I am a mother! Our work is never truly done. There is always another load of laundry, a meal to...

  • Blaine County Area Church Services

    American Lutheran 537 Ohio Street Service at 9:30 AM (406) 357-2373 Assembly of God 113 4th W. Street Service at 10:00 AM (406) 357-2425 Missionary Alliance 101 2nd Street Service at 10:30 AM (406) 357-3544 If you would like your church’s services and information included in the directory, please call the Journal at (406) 357-3573, and we’ll be happy to assist you. Please contact your church for...

Harlem Library

This past Monday, Book Club began their last discussion until the fall with the book Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by author Jesse Q. Sutanto. If you’d still like to join, pick up your copy at the library today! May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the book challenge for May is to read a book about disease, addiction, or mental health. The library will be showing short films every Friday at noon this month. This week, we will be showing “My Depression,” a short film...

  • Letter to the Editor

    Dear Editor, We would like to report the deaths of several Chinook High School graduates, who grew up in Chinook and lived their adult lives in different parts of the United States. Royal Wisch, 74, of Lone Tree, CO died September 18, 2018 Jim Speers, 80, of Valrico, FL, died May 7, 2024 Jerry Gene Isbell, 81, of Gahanna, OH, died March 17, 2025 Robert H. Leeds, 83, of Spokane, WA, died November 16, 2025 JoLynn Sprinkle Anderson, 80, of Miles City, MT, died March 6, 2026 We are hopeful that some members of the community remember these...

  • Getting Involved in Local Leadership

    Julianne Snedigar

    We live in a great part of the state. Most of us can attest that we live here for a reason. We enjoy the things that we have here. However, strong communities don’t happen by accident. They are built by people who step up, get involved, and work together to make a difference. Local boards, committees, and volunteer leadership groups play a critical role in shaping the future of our towns, schools, and community spaces. Serving on a board or committee can feel intimidating at first, but it’s one of the most impactful ways to contribute....

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