Montana
Montana silversmith finds joy in teaching others
BILLINGS — Sweet Pea Custom Silver hosted a beginner silversmithing class at Mazevo Coffee on 38th Street West on Sunday. Watch:
Montana silversmith finds joy in teaching others
“Jewelry is very intimate, especially rings,” said Meagan Anderson, owner of Sweet Pea. “Our hands are just, probably, the more intimate parts of our bodies.”
One of the students in the class, Sara Champlin, said that jewelry, such as her fiance’s birthstone in her wedding band or a ring from her parents for her eighteenth birthday, represent the things that matter most to them.
“Having something precious, it makes you feel special, I think, and cared for or loved,” said Champlin.
Originally from Kodiak Island in Alaska, Meagan now calls Judith Basin County her home.
She began silversmithing with her grandmother after following hand-written instructions on how to make a ring left behind by her great-grandfather, who passed away before she was born.
Before working with semi-rare stones and metals, Anderson worked with her hands for most of her life.
“I started working for my dad’s construction company at about 12. Then commercial fishing at 16; (I) dropped out of high school a couple times,” said Anderson. “It still is funny to me that I’ve gone back and got a college degree.”
She said she finds more value in the sentiment behind jewelry, than a piece’s monetary value.
“You can’t tell the difference between a diamond and piece of glass unless you’re a professional,” she noted, adding that she likely could not tell the difference between the two.
Meagan said she appreciates the personal value on display when others dress themselves in jewelry.
“They’re taking time out of their day to adorn themself, probably not for other people’s enjoyment, but for their own, and I think that that’s super precious,” said Anderson.
Meagan hosts classes for groups and individuals, and also sells her jewely at craft shows around Montana.
For upcoming classes and to learn more, click here to visit her website; click here for her Facebook page.
MTN News
BUTTE — Butte’s annual Montana Folk Festival is drawing crowds to six stages set up across Uptown Butte, bringing art, food and music — along with some high temperatures.
WATCH: Heat can’t stop the Montana Folk Festival in Butte
Montana Folk Festival brings heat along with music, food, and art
Reggae artist Prezident Brown and his band iSound are among the performers taking the heat in stride. Brown said the dry mountain climate is nothing compared to what he’s used to back home.
“I can honestly say hundred degrees in Jamaica is a whole different story.”
When asked how he’s staying cool, Brown kept it simple.
“Yeah! I just do what I do. I drink water…orange juice!”
The Legendary Ingramettes, a gospel group from Virginia, are also finding Butte’s climate agreeable.
“We have a lot of humidity, and Butte does not. So, I’m enjoying the heat! The dry air!!”
MTN NEWS
With temperatures peaking around 90 degrees, food vendors are feeling the warmth more directly. Bozeman-based vendor Vickie Backus is working over a hot grill, serving pierogies, a food originating in Eastern Europe.
I ask her how she is keeping cool.
“You know? I’m not. I’m drinking lots of water. I have sunscreen on and I’m just leaning into it.”
Festival-goers wandering between the six stages are largely dressed for the heat — big hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses. At least one person is going barefoot —first-time festival attendee Sean Villere from Missoula says the pavement doesn’t phase him.
MTN NEWS
“It’s not that hot yet. I think it might get hotter, but it’s okay right now.”
Villere said he hasn’t worn shoes in a couple of years, including through two winters, and the callouses he’s built up protect his feet from the hot pavement.
Over the years, extreme weather has impacted festival attendance, but this year most people seem comfortable with the conditions.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 10, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from July 10 drawing
02-39-44-46-56, Mega Ball: 23
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from July 10 drawing
10-13-23-30, Bonus: 02
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 10 drawing
14-42-46-47-57, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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