Montana

The foods that really make a Montana summer | Opinion

Published

6 months ago

June 14, 2025

Press Room

The foods that really make a Montana summer | Opinion

Lisa Schmidt
| Special to the Great Falls Tribune

Summer celebrations in Montana queue up like cows on winter hay.

This past weekend, the line was long.

I couldn’t help but notice that food was at the center of all of these celebrations.

Friday night, my daughter, Abby, my mom and I enjoyed Whoop-Up burgers at the Conrad Whoop-Up rodeo.

Thin, gray, chewy patties topped with mushy grilled onions are required fare at every outdoor party in Conrad and the rodeo is no exception.

A food critic would take one bite then throw the rest to a dog, but something about these burgers is as integral to enjoying the rodeo as watching Z-Man the clown save tiny, innocent children from the ravages of mutton-busting.

Yes, years ago, I, too, sadistically signed up my sweet, 35-pound daughter to cling to a panicked ewe dashing and dodging in front of a cheering crowd.

Fortunately, Z-Man grabbed her belt before she hit the hard-packed dirt or I would still be hearing about the repercussions of this tradition.

On Friday night, we chewed — and chewed — on Whoop-Up burgers as we gleefully watched the next generation of torture victims.

Somehow, magically, both the burgers and action were delightful.

By Saturday morning, we were parked at the first Great Falls Farmers Market of the summer, touting our beef and lamb.

The street was packed with people who had waited all spring to stroll among booths, visit with neighbors and nibble on pork on a stick, fruit bowls and cupcakes so pretty a person hesitated to desecrate them.

But only momentarily.

Then temptation won and teeth sank into mounds of colorful frosting.

By Saturday evening, I resolved to only eat more nutritious food.

My resolution would have to wait.

Sunday afternoon was reserved for a celebration of the life of a friend who left too soon.

Six months ago, Bob didn’t know cancer was consuming his pancreas and liver.

He was hunting elk and hugging his wife, Le Ann, worried only about the next step in remodeling their winter home in Arizona.

Bob and Le Ann played an integral role in raising my kids.

Le Ann introduced my son, Will, to retired fighter pilots.

Those two colonels paid it forward, outlining the steps Will needed to take so he, too, could fly 1000 miles an hour in a jet loaded with an arsenal.

Bob and Le Ann came to every one of Abby’s birthday parties, endured every one of my attempts to provide an edible dinner and birthday cake.

They soon learned to have food waiting in their fridge at home, just in case my efforts failed.

In my defense, one time I followed the actual recipe for lamb ribs.

Against my better judgment.

I couldn’t understand how those ribs would be cooked in 15 minutes, but I’m not a food scientist. What did I know?

With one bite, Bob, Le Ann, the other guests and I all came to the same conclusion: I should have trusted my instincts.

All of us trusted our instincts after that single bite and gave those raw ribs to the chickens.

Now, an invitation to dinner at my house implies that guests have other food waiting at home, just in case.

That story was just one of many that I could have shared at Bob’s memorial service while we all enjoyed the cookies Bob loved.

As Abby and I drove home, I thought about the integral link between food and celebrations.

Feelings are heightened when bites are taken.

Gray burgers, frosted cupcakes and chocolate chip cookies strengthen bonds of shared experiences.

Food wraps each of us in the culture of the West, traditions and memories.

But food is better when it is cooked.

Lisa Schmidt raises grass-fed beef and lamb at the Graham Ranch near Conrad. Lisa can be reached at L.Schmidt@a-land-of-grass-ranch.com.

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Montana

Great Falls woman competing for ‘Ms Wheelchair America’ title

Published

8 hours ago

December 9, 2025

Press Room

Great Falls woman competing for ‘Ms Wheelchair America’ title

Great Falls resident Liz Alford was recently selected as Ms. Wheelchair Montana. The national program is not a beauty pageant; it focuses on elevating the voices of women with disabilities and empowering them to advocate within their communities.

“It’s a chance to educate and advocate within our state,” Alford said. “I wanted to make change not just for myself, but for others.”

Madison Collier reports – watch the video here:

Great Falls woman competing for ‘Ms Wheelchair America’ title

Alford, who has an incomplete spinal cord injury, says accessibility issues in Montana are far more common than many people realize. Something as simple as a cracked sidewalk, tight doorway, or blocked parking access line can make everyday tasks significantly harder, and often impossible for wheelchair users.

“If the sidewalks are messed up and you can’t get into certain businesses… suddenly you’re not independent anymore,” she said.

Alford shared one example from a recent doctor’s appointment: someone parked on the striped access lines next to her van, leaving no space for her wheelchair ramp to deploy. She couldn’t get into her vehicle until staff helped move it.

“That one small decision can trap us,” she said. “Education would make a huge difference.”

Shyla Patera, Policy and Peer Coordinator for North Central Independent Living Services, says the disability community has been raising concerns for years.

“Sometimes accessible projects don’t become reality quickly,” Patera said. “Lack of sidewalks forces many of us into the street.”

She adds that accessibility is not simply a convenience; it’s a civil right guaranteed under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“People with disabilities have the civil right to live in and access their community,” she said.

As Ms. Wheelchair Montana, Alford hopes to spark more conversations and real changes throughout the state. Some of her goals include:

Improving sidewalks and downtown accessibility
Expanding accessible parking spaces
Advocating for more disability education in schools

She says the heart of her mission is restoring independence.

“If I can help people get even a little bit of independence back, that’s all I want,” Alford said.

Alford will represent Montana at the Ms. Wheelchair America national competition next August. Until then, she plans to travel the state, work with local leaders, and continue building a program Montana hasn’t had in more than 30 years.

Her message is simple: Make Montana accessible.

You can follow Alford on Facebook.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Dec. 8, 2025

Published

20 hours ago

December 9, 2025

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 8, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 8 drawing

08-32-52-56-64, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 8 drawing

11-14-28-30-41, Lucky Ball: 11

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 8 drawing

07-10-32-33-35, Star Ball: 03, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Dec. 8 drawing

18-19-22-24, Bonus: 10

Check Big Sky Bonus 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.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

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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Montana

Final guided bison hunt lottery on Blackfeet Reservation closes Jan. 5

Published

1 day ago

December 8, 2025

Press Room

Final guided bison hunt lottery on Blackfeet Reservation closes Jan. 5

MISSOULA, Mont. — The last drawing for a guided bison hunt on the Blackfeet Reservation is coming up Jan. 5, and hunters can still purchase chances for $10 each. There’s no limit on how many chances an individual can buy.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says the lottery is part of its ongoing partnership with the Blackfeet Tribe to support shared fish and wildlife management and expand hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.

The drawing is open to all hunters — tribal members and nonmembers, Montana residents and nonresidents. Those selected will be guided by Blackfeet Fish and Game buffalo program staff and can choose the animal they want to harvest. Successful hunters will have a three-week window to complete the hunt, starting the day after the draw, and may keep the bison’s head, hide and meat.

Entries can be submitted at fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply, or purchased through a license provider or any FWP office. For more information, contact the Blackfeet Fish and Game office at 406-338-7207 or the FWP tribal liaison at 406-750-3574.

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