“No Bull”

Published by BS Central
515 2nd Ave. S • Glasgow, MT 59230
406-228-4558 • fax: 406-228-4578
[email protected]

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hursday, Febru

The Pearl of the

Treasure State
(Note from the Buzz: this is a
wonderful article written by Stratford
Donnell, Jr. a tribute to Pearl Nickels)
The winter of 2012-2013 was
the worst winter of my life back here
in North Carolina!
The two hundred plus year
old farm I was caretaking was on
the market for immediate sale, my
hunting camp of forty plus years
was being purchased by a rich city
slicker and our lease was not to be
renewed, and I was experiencing
horrific gastro and throat issues
on an irregular basis several times
a month. The causes could not be
identified, yet the doctors assured
me it was not Cancer related. I
was terrified that it was some form
of cancer, as I had recently been
cleared of Prostate Cancer issues
via fifty two radiation and hormone
therapy treatments in 2011.
During these gastro nightmare
episodes, my son in law suggested to seek possible issues, and within a and every hunting camp calls for
I have an allergy blood test, as he week’s time the gastro nurse cat1ed Porterhouse and burgers regularly,
had just found out his tummy with the shocking news that I was six but waking up at three AM purging
issues were caused as a result of limes the minimum allergic levels my stomach afterwards, had made
being allergic to pork. Of course I to beef! Hamburgers and steaks no connection.
immediately called for a blood test were my go-to bachelor meals, continued on page 2
 Reasonable Prices
Accounting & Bookkeeping The Pearl continued from front
Monthly Reports
Quarterly Reports • Payroll I immediately ceased all beef consumption, but
Tax Preparation within two years I was back on the “Beef! That’s what’s
Individual • Partnership for supper!” trail. The allergy was caused by the many
Corporation
Non-Profits • All State Returns tick bites I had over my years of being a woodsman-
330 Hinsdale Rd N hunter, and the University of Virginia had only recently
Hinsdale, MT 59241
Monday-Thursday 9 to 3 discovered the connection between tick bites and
Amy Rutherford mammalian grass eaters.
(406) 230-0380 Once I regained my strength and positive attitude,
things began to really heat up on the positive side! The
doctors started setting me up for a surgical procedure
Lovin’ it that would repair most of the permanent damage to my
esophagus and tummy portal entry and let me enjoy
eating again. My friend and cohort who I worked with
in the mid-’90’s to produce a screen play for North
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 48. West Carolina’s premier outdoor writer, Robert C. Ruark,
northwest wind 11 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 had moved to Big fork, and was once again offering
mph. me a cabin to stay in and his assistance in getting me
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. West started on writing a time­-line collection of my life’s
northwest wind 11 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21
adventures.
mph.
I accepted his invite for the fall of ’13 arrival, yet
Friday: Sunny, with a high near 49. West wind 10 to 18
after I had followed the Corps of Discovery’s Trail in
mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
September up to Great Falls, where t would cross over
Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 29. West
to his side of the Rockies. This trip and my life in a log
wind 11 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
cabin on the west side of “The Bob” got me gut-hooked
Saturday: Partly sunny, with a high near 46. West
on Montana!
northwest wind 17 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31
mph. I returned east in March, with visiting stops in
Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South
Saturday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26.
Northwest wind 6 to 10 mph becoming south after Carolina to spring gobbler hunt, arriving home in early
midnight. April. I planned my Montana Trail return all the while
Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high near 47. South for the next year!
wind 10 to 16 mph becoming west southwest in the After water fowling in Canada in October 2015,
afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. I and my female black Lab partner dropped down
Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain before to north central Montana to resume my Corps Trail
11pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Southwest route, and to seek lands other than BLM and Block
wind 13 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Management to upland bird hunt. After gathering up
Monday: A chance of rain after 11am, mixing with arms full of information from the wonderful Montana
snow after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Glasgow, I began my
Southwest wind 13 to 20 mph becoming west northwest quest for access to the level grounds adjacent to the
in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. River. I had not a clue how to begin, so we mapped
Chance of precipitation is 30%.
our way here and there until I located Nickels Road.
Monday Night: A chance of rain and snow before 8pm, It was here that I met a man driving a beige, full-
then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around
sized, dust-covered Marquis, who stopped me as I was
2. North northwest wind 17 to 20 mph, with gusts as
high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. prepping to exit the right of way and hunt up a merge of
coulees towards the river. He was a small fellow, dressed
Tuesday: A 20 percent chance of snow. Partly sunny,
with a high near 18. North wind 13 to 16 mph, with in a nice pair of stacks and a white shirt with full length
gusts as high as 24 mph. tie, which was tied tight around his open collared formal
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 6. shirt. His first question after a “Howdy” was:
continued on back page
Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 37.
 BUZZIFIEDS
BUZZ with market depending on experience. Benefits available after probation-401k
Male German Shepherd. 1 year old, neutered. Looking for forever home. with match, Optical dental savings with match, health insurance partially
CALL406-263-7271 company paid. 5 day week-weekends off. 8-5 workday. Continued training
BUZZ through Ford Motor Company to keep up with the continuous changes in
FOR SALE Butcher Hogs for sale. Half or whole. CALL RJ 406-263-8700 technology. Small town living with many outdoor recreational activities. Submit
BUZZ resume to email [email protected] CALL IN FOR QUESTIONS JOSH AT
SPACIOUS APT. FOR RENT: 2 bed, 1½ bath 950 sq. ft. Laundry room, A/C. 406-228-2141 OR 866-528-2141
QUIET, City of Glasgow. Small pets considered. $750/mo. 360-750-6746 BUZZ
BUZZ HI-LINE FORD INC in Glasgow MT is looking for a Diesel Mechanic to add to
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF GLASGOW is looking for families of 3 our crew. Diagnose faults in vehicles using diagnostic equipment to successfully
or more to qualify for units. Applications available on our website at repair or replace defective parts. Technical and mechanical experience. Be
housingauthorityofglasgow.com or at our office. Our hours are 8a-4p Mon-Thurs able to use diagnostic equipment. Be a productive team player. Be able to
and 8a-3p Fridays. CALL FOR DETAILS 406.228.4942 work to meet deadlines and targets. Be self-motivated and organized. Have
BUZZ valid driver’s license. Pay is competitive with market depending on experience.
EZZIES WHOLESALE INC. Is hiring a fulltime Book Keeper. Looking to find Benefits available after probation-401k with match, Optical dental savings with
someone that is self-motivated, Works well with others in an office setting and match, health insurance partially company paid. 5 day week-weekends off. 8-5
has good customer service skills. Must have some bookkeeping experience. This workday. Continued training through Ford Motor Company to keep up with
full time position has full benefits, Medical, Dental, Vision and 401k after 90 days. the continuous changes in technology. Small town living with many outdoor
APPLICATIONS CAN BE PICKED UP AT EZZIES WHOLESALE OFFICE. recreational actives. Submit resume to email [email protected]. CALL IN
BUZZ FOR QUESTIONS JOSH AT 406-228-2141 OR 866-528-2141
BLEND 10 IS HIRING! Pick up application at anytime during business hours! BUZZ
Must be able to work in a fast paced environment, have good customer service, COTTONWOOD INN Full or part time Front Desk. Represent the hotel
& be a quick learner! Must be able to work week days & some weekends! Join throughout all stages of the guest’s stay. Determine guest’s reservation status
our team! 319 KLEIN AVE and identify how long the guest will stay. Help guests complete sign-in sheets
BUZZ and assign rooms, accommodating special requests whenever possible.
VALLEY VIEW HOME is looking for a full-time Activities Aide to work with Verify the guest’s method of payment and follow established credit-checking
our residents on daily activities and outings. As an Aide you will be joining a procedures. Place guest and room information in the appropriate front desk
unique and awesome department that works like a family while working with rack. Position is full time, including weekends. Starting wage is $15.00.APPLY
you on building your schedule. PLEASE VISIT VALLEY VIEW HOME FOR AT COTTONWOOD INN & SUITES
AN APPLICATION BUZZ
BUZZ COTTONWOOD INN Part time, 3 nights a week Night Audit Position. Represent
POSITION OPEN at Valley County Health Department: Registered Nurse. Work the hotel throughout all stages of the guest’s stay. Determine guest’s reservation
toward a healthier Valley County through disease prevention, health promotion, status and identify how long the guest will stay. Help guests complete sign-in
immunizations, communicable disease investigation, Cardiac Ready Community, sheets and assign rooms, accommodating special requests whenever possible.
maternal/child outreach, family planning, tobacco use prevention, and other Verify the guest’s method of payment and follow established credit-checking
project areas as assigned. Strong written and oral communications skills are procedures. Place guest and room information in the appropriate front desk
necessary, and experience with Microsoft Office is essential for creating and rack. Check hotel accounting records for accuracy and, on a daily basis,
managing professional outreach. Will work independently managing multiple summarize and compile information for the hotel’s financial records. Track room
projects. Requires a registered nursing license eligible to work in Montana and revenue, occupancy percentage, and other hotel operating statistics. Prepare a
a driver’s license. Full time is preferred but will consider hiring a candidate at summary of cash, check, and credit card activities, reflecting the hotel’s financial
30-40 hours per week. This position offers a FULL BENEFIT package with pay performance for the day. Post room charges and room taxes to guest accounts
$28.50 - $33.50 per hour depending on experience. Please contact Valley County including guest transactions not posted during the day by the front desk staff.
Health Department at 501 Court Square #11, Glasgow, MT 59230 or CALL Starting wage $17 APPLY AT COTTONWOOD INN & SUITES
406-228-6261 FOR A COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION. BUZZ
BUZZ VALLEY COUNTY TRANSIT has an opening for a part time employee that
HELP WANTED: Must be able to work nights and weekends. Wage $12+/hr. could become full time. Benefits include sick, vacation and holiday pay. Must
APPLY AT SUBWAY IN GLASGOW. be able to obtain a CDL within 90 days of hire. People skills and good driving
BUZZ record are required. Will be subject to preemployment drug test, criminal and
JOB OPENING: The Housing Authority of Glasgow has a job opening for a driving record check. CALL 406-228-8747 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
full-time General Laborer position- 7:30 am to 4:00pm with a lunch break. This BUZZ
position offers retirement, medical and PTO benefits with paid holidays, vacation POSITION AVAILABLE Blade Operator Position. The Valley County Road
time and sick leave. Must pass background check. Please come to the office Department is looking to hire Permanent Equipment Operator. Information and
for a full description of the position and/or to turn in a generic application and details can be obtained stopping by or calling the VALLEY COUNTY ROAD
resume at 435 Division St Glasgow MT. or CALL 406-228-4942 DEPARTMENT AT 406-228-4233
BUZZ BUZZ
HI-LINE FORD INC is looking for a Parts Salesman to add to our crew. Look up MILK RIVER, INC Has positions open for Day Shift and Night Shift. APPLY
parts, stock deliveries, pull parts and add to work orders. Work with mechanics AT MILK RIVER INC. 406-228-8412
to aid in the repair of vehicles. Organize and keep a clean efficient parts area. BUZZ
Deliver parts when needed. Technical and mechanical vehicle knowledge. VALLEY VIEW HOME is looking for CNAs for day shift. High paid wage for
Be able to use computer programs to look up and order correct parts. Be a CNAs with long term care experience. We can train and certify anyone who
productive team player to all departments. Be self-motivated and organized. Be wants to become a CNA as well. Starting wage for trainees is $15.00 hourly.
able to lift and do physical work. Have a valid driver’s license. Pay is competitive PLEASE SWING BY VALLEY VIEW HOME ADMIN OFFICE FOR AN
APPLICATION AND JOIN OUR TEAM!
Shed Hunting
By April Wamhoff
My seasonal organizational
chart is starting to swing. I believe
my patience for cold weather and
winter in general is limited so when
we get past Valentines Day I start
thinking about more springy things.
I think about side by side rides, out
and about: looking for the elusive
and very coveted, antler shed!
Shed hunting has become a
much more popular spring pastime
in the past few years, with the sheds April’s companion Echo out shed hunting. Ha!
being worth a fair amount if you decide to sell them. Luna might be in for it. Nibs has actually brought home
When I started this hobby a number of years ago that a couple of antlers. Gotta love a lab nose. And then
wasn’t necessarily the case. I put shed hunting in a watch out! I’d be 2 dog noses strong. No doubt, I’d be
resume once under hobbies and the boss later told me unbeatable in the shed hunting lottery. Right?
he didn’t think it was all that difficult to find sheds. After Spring must be close. I’m ready. So with all the
all, you can buy them almost anywhere and have them stealth that me in a side by side and 3 dogs can possess,
built right in your back yard. I got the job, by the way. we will head out on our seasonal search. And whether
At a sporting goods store..... we find any or not, we’ll be wildly successful just
According to the all knowing internet, and my because we are out and about. You know, searching out
source of unlimited knowledge, deer and elk shed the elusive and highly coveted antler shed.
their antlers as early as January in Montana. Exactly ATTENTION DUCKS UNLIMITED SUPPORTERS
when they do is dependant on a few factors including Your Missouri/Milk River Chapter of Ducks Unlimited is pleased to announce
lowering levels of testosterone, nutrition and injury. Of that they will be conducting a special “Sponsor Only” fundraising event
course actually searching them out and finding them
on March 2, 2024 beginning
depends on some different factors including snow pack
at 5 P.M. at the Cottonwood Inn
and the ability to get around before the grasses grow up
around them. This chapter has been challenged again by Dr. Grant Brees to raise as many
dollars possible through our sponsorship program at the $250/$500/$1,000
I think shed hunting is my all time favorite outdoor
level. Dr. Brees will match each and every person’s sponsorship contribution
activity. I love being outside, in just regular spring time at this event. For each increment of $250 contributed, you will receive 1
clothes, with the dogs. Pack a little lunch, including dog entry into the Sponsor drawing.
treats, and then share your sandwich anyway. And off
What’s in it for me, you might ask? The night of: for an additional $25/person
you go, with a backpack you hope to fill. I never do. you will receive a seated Prime Rib Dinner served by the Cottonwood Inn.
Watching for a little prong, or 2 or 3 sticking up. Maybe, The Committee will be offering: 1) 1:10 chance to win a gun on the Sponsors
a little later on, you get a peek at a really early wildflower. table. 2) 1:5 chance at winning a coveted DU merchandise item from the
Oh yeah! Sponsors table. 3) Unlimited Guns and Gear raffle opportunities.
If you think I enjoy it so much because I’m wildly 4) Live Auction with Guns. 5) Silent Auction with Guns.
successful, well, that isn’t it. When I’d go with a friend 6) One year membership in Ducks Unlimited and 7) The knowledge of
of mine, we’d bet on who could find the first one, the knowing that your contributions are making a difference in our North
biggest one and the most sheds in a day. I was smart American Ecosystems.
enough to only bet a dollar for each, so I’d only loose Ducks Unlimited will also be providing a great line-up of merchandise to be
three bucks. But I’d keep trying! taken home via the Live and Silent auctions as well as raffles.
Every year, about this time, I start thinking about Please go to www.glasgowdu.org to buy your tickets or donate online.
training the dogs to hunt for sheds. Never mind getting For more information about Ducks Unlimited go to ducks.org
a jump on that, huh? I’m certain Echo, my husky, would Questions, please contact Ken Jansa at 406-228-2031 or 406-263-8030
think that whole plan would be nonsense but Nibs and OR Evan Guenther at 406-690-6782.
 Jake is struggling through a bus station with two Family Pack Boneless Skinless
huge and obviously heavy suitcases when a stranger CHICKEN BREAST ...................... $1.99 lb
Rana 12.5-15 oz. Sauce or 20 oz. Select Varieties
walks up to him and asks “Have you got the time?” PASTA ..................................... $5.49 ea
Jake sighs, puts down the suitcases and glances 40 Knots 1 lb. pkg. 26-30 ct.
at his wrist. “It’s eleven minutes to six,” he says. FEBRUARY 14 - 27, 2024 COOKED SHRIMP ......................$7.99 ea
Kingsford 16 oz. Select Varieties
“Hey, that’s a pretty fancy watch!” exclaims the Family Pack Certified Angus Beef® 93% Lean
ENTREES.................................. $6.99 ea
GROUND BEEF .......................... $4.49 lb
stranger. Certified Angus Beef® Philadelphia 7.5-8 oz. Select Varieties
Jake brightens a little. “Yeah, it’s not bad. Check CHUCK POT ROAST .................... $5.99 lb CREAM CHEESE ........................ $3.49 ea
Family Pack Certified Angus Beef® Boneless Cache Valley 6-8 oz. Select Varieties
this out” - and he shows him a time zone display not LONDON BROIL STEAKS............. $1.99 lb SHREDDED CHEESE ......................2 / $5
just for every time zone in the world, but for the 86 Family Pack Certified Angus Beef® Boneless Montana Legacy Ranch 8 oz. Select Varieties
largest metropoli. TOP SIRLOIN STEAKS................. $7.99 lb GROUND BEEF PATTIES.................2 / $7
Boneless Pork Tyson 40 oz.
He hits a few buttons and from somewhere on the COUNTRY STYLE RIBS ................ $1.99 lb CHICKEN BREASTS ................... $6.99 ea
watch a voice says “The time is eleven ‘til six” in a very Family Pack Boneless Kraft 16 ct. Select Varieites
PORK LOIN CHOPS .................... $2.99 lb CHEESE SINGLES ...................... $3.99 ea
West Texas accent. A few more buttons and the same Prairie Fresh 40 oz. Select Varieties Seasoned Land O’ Frost 10-16 oz. Select Varieties
voice says something in Japanese. Jake continues PORK ROASTS........................... $6.99 lb LUNCH MEAT ........................... $5.99 ea
“I’ve put in regional accents for each city”. The display
is unbelievably high quality and the voice is simply GOOD LUCK ICE DAWGS
astounding. Knights of
The stranger is struck dumb with admiration.
“That’s not all,” says Jake. He pushes a few more Columbus
buttons and a tiny but very hi-resolution map of New
FFiddd
York City appears on the display. “The flashing dot
Fiii
FFF
shows our location by satellite positioning,” explains
Jake. “View recede ten,” Jake says, and the display
changes to show eastern New York state.
“I want to buy this watch!” says the stranger. FRIDAY, February 23
“Oh, no, it’s not ready for sale yet; I’m still working at
out the bugs,” says the inventor. “But look at this,” and St. Raphael’s Parish
he proceeds to demonstrate that the watch is also a 5:00-6:30pm
very creditable little FM radio receiver with a digital Eat in or Take out
tuner, a sonar device that can measure distances up to Adults – $18
125 meters, a pager with thermal paper printout and, Kids 6 - 12 – $15
Under 5 yrs. Eat FREE!
most impressive of all, the capacity for voice recordings 442 3rd Ave. N • Glasgow Ain’t that for sure...
of up to 300 standard-size books,” though I only have
32 of my favorites in there so far” says Jake.
“I’ve got to have this watch!” says the stranger.
Reproductive Health Services
“No, you don’t understand; it’s not ready.” Family Planning
“I’ll give you $1000 for it!” Birth Control • Wellness Exams • STI Testing
“Oh, no, I’ve already spent more than...”
“I’ll give you $5000 for it!” All services are confidential between you and a clinician.
“But it’s just not....” Low cost or no cost and are provided to everyone
“I’ll give you $15,000 for it!” And the stranger pulls regardless of ability to pay.
out a checkbook. Jake stops to think. He’s only put
Call 406-228-6261 or Text 406-263-8194
about $8500 into materials and development, and with
$15 000 he can make another one and have it ready for an Appointment.
for merchandising in only six months. The stranger

&
frantically finishes writing the check and waves it in
front of him. “Here it is, ready to hand to you right here Performance
and now. $15,000. Take it or leave it.” Jake abruptly Concrete
makes his decision. “OK,” he says, and peels off the Construction
watch. They make the exchange and the stranger • Residential &
starts happily away. Commercial Concrete
“Hey, wait a minute,” calls Jake after the stranger, Fort Peck, Montana • New Construction
who turns around warily. Jake points to the two Cell 406-263-8054 & Remodels
Fax: 406-367-5257
suitcases he’d been trying to wrestle through the bus [email protected] Rod Lambert
station. “Don’t forget your batteries.”
Valley County Pioneer Museum
will be hosting another
STEAK FRY
“Local History Program” Friday, Feb 23
February 27th @ 6 pm 5pm~7pm
Boy Scouts will be hosting
Featuring a depiction of Tampico, provided by Paul Etchart in
collaboration with Judy Michael and many others.
Guest speakers from the Tampico area will be at the museum
reminiscing about the Good Ol’ Days!
Follow us on Facebook or call 406-228-8692 for current information
Steaks are served the
way you like them.
The public is welcome.
It’s all happening
at
the VFW
Got Lutefisk?

Lutefisk
Dinner
Sunday, February 25
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
First Lutheran Church
641 2nd Ave. N • 406-228-4862
Menu: Lutefisk, Meatballs,
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy,
Coleslaw, Lefse, Sherbet
Tickets:
Adults $20 • K-6 Grade $10
Proceeds go to “Lifting to New Levels” campaign
Supplemental funding by Thrivent Financial

FRIDAY
SOUPS: Clam Chowder ∙ Chili
SPECIALS:
Fish Burger
Club Sandwich

Dine at the “O”

228-8006
Blinking Lights, Montana Sheriffs
Prepping For Multiple Threats
by Aaron Flint, Montana Talks
We had a couple callers recently ask about a big
meeting involving sheriffs from all across the US, and
an apparent meeting with the FBI Director. Apparently
they were told to brace and prepare for all sorts of
threats facing this country.
That didn’t sound too surprising to me, especially
since the FBI Director himself testified before Congress
about the “blinking lights”- the threats- he is seeing
EVERYWHERE right now.
Either way, I wanted to get the take of a Montana
sheriff. Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter joined
us on the radio to talk about the recent lockdown at
Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls.
Sheriff Slaughter: It’s just common sense. I mean,
if you look at what happened at the southern border,
you’re seeing a lot of military aged males from all over
the world come in. The data that I’ve gotten is, women
and children usually don’t survive the trip, they’re
oftentimes sold into sex slavery, sold off, all sorts of
things to pay the cartels to go to get to the southern 28’ X 96’ 8-unit storage building with 10’ commercial
border, and unfortunately the women and children doors. Bathroom that incl. deep sink and electric
on demand hot water, 6” thick concrete with full 12’
become the currency...You’re seeing a lot of military age apron, dawn/dusk lights, Built in 2012 with 200 amp
males come into this country. Why are they coming into power, Full occupancy and low maintenance.
this country? Are they here to do us harm? Or what are Perfect for a 1033 exchange
they here to do? And I think you’re seeing that and that’s Call for info 406-263-8183 $225,000
your obvious sign that bad times could be coming.
I also got a chance to catch up with a local Disaster
and Emergency Services coordinator to cover the same
topic, AND what you can do to prepare and help your
community respond to a potential emergency.
Full audio of our chat with Sheriff Slaughter and KC
Williams, the director of Yellowstone County’s Disaster and
Emergency Services can be found at montanatalks.com.
(Note from the Buzz, it was a very interesting conversation
with Sheriff Slaughter — cool name by the way — and
Montana Talks host Aaron Flint.)
Feeling overwhelmed?
Moving to Prairie Ridge, The
Manor, or Valley View?
LET US HELP.
Helping Senior Adults with their move
RATES:
$100/hr: Room to room in the same location
$200/hr: Moving from home to Prairie Ridge,
The Manor or Valley View
$250/hr: Moving from home to a different house
Call Shawn Beard • 230-1025
The Pearl continued from page 2 her hands on her hips. She was faded-dungaree full-
clad, including denim waist coat and plaid flannel shirt,
“You seen three semi-loaded hay trucks come this and resting above well-worn and pot-marked cowboy
away?” boots.
“What?” I responded. “How are any semis going Without so much as a slight howdy, she squawked
to get along on this pit-marked gravel- snaking path?” down to me: “Well who are you and what do you want?”
“I don’t know either!” He smiled, and said he was I stammered my name and the reasons why me
going down this state road until it merged at the locked and Pu were hereabouts from NC, and was hoping to
gate to the Nickels Ranch, which he was told was almost gain her permission to chase some pheasants and such
ten miles off the blacktop we had entered from. His along her river pastures and fields.
last comment was that he had traveled from Billings to “I’ll get back to you after 1 get these hay bales
complete an insurance transaction with the Nickels. placed, so if you wait here, we’ll have a visit.”
After a couple of hours of pushing the bush for The two unloaded hay flats shortly appeared in
birds, I he”3rd some intermittent rumblings that were puffs of dust, and rumbled creepingly by me with tipped
getting closer which stopped me to focus westward. caps and smiles.
Sure enough, here comes a semi loaded to the hilt with When the business at hand was completed and she
huge hay rounds that were hanging off the sides and bounced back and passed me, I got in my rig and eased
rear. It growled on by and disappeared with only dust thru the gate behind her. As she rolled towards the ranch
and engine breaks interrupting the silence of the hills. HQ which was visible about a mile away, I secured the
Within the next hour I heard rumblings, and once again gate hardware and began the “green mile” to the Nickels
here comes two more hay loads crawling up and down Ranch compound. At every fence post and tree I passed,
the gravel path headed eastward. At this I deemed it my head was spinning as to... what was gonna happen ...
necessary to follow up and down River! Well sir, Pearl and her cattle dog partner “Boots”
In a few switch-back miles I came upon a barb came outta the garage to greet us, and she invited me in
wired and cattle gate combo, holding two “Private to meet her husband Jack and have a cup of coffee. We
Road: No Trespassing” signs and a couple of skull and three sat to coffee around their kitchen table for the next
crossbones figures painted in white on the fence posts. couple of hours, sharing tales and trails and snacking on
I eased across the cattle gate in my Dually, and her delicious, pre-prepped and thawed-out chocolate
proceeded slowly down the snake trail until I came to cupcakes; to what has become a traditional welcoming-
a hay truck parked beside an abandoned ranch stead, greeting for me every year since.
with a man and a woman having their picnic lunch, all The history of Jack and Pearl’s life is fascinating, to
full of smiles for me and my partner as we stepped outta’ say the least! Awhile back this couple entered the fourth
our ride and approached them. Wes and his friend quarter of their lives; and as the years have gone by, their
proceeded to share with us a little bit about the Nickels five hundred plus head of cattle and farming duties have
family ranch, and that the boss mare, Pearl, was up at the been managed by just these two and some part-time
ranch’s HQ hay station unloading the other two trucks, ranch hands. At his century mark, Jack passed, and his
and that when done, she’s be along to unload them. I bride Pearl, Boots, and now full-time Top Nickels Ranch
thankfully said my goodbyes and me and Happu got Hand, Robert, have the spread under close supervision
aboard our truck and eased along the path tilt we came and production.
to another barbed wire gate topped with pink engineer The Nickels Family stories are fascinating and far-
ribbons and bordered by gate post reaching, stretching back to the early 1900s. They are
“Private Road” signs. I parked the truck off to the full of amazing dynamics that can only occur in ranch
side, unleashed the gate, and got back in the truck to country Montana. Their tales could fill up a tanned
meet-n-greet Pearl. buffalo robe’s “Winter Count”, and perhaps one day an
Well sir, it wasn’t too long before I saw this huge, artist rendition will tell some of them?
multi-wheeled, green tractor coming my way, adorned Without a doubt, Pearl Nickels is truly the “Pearl”
with giant hay pincers bouncing in frontal assault style. of the Treasure State!
It stopped short of the opened gate and hissed a second Funeral services for Pearl will be at 10:00 a.m. on
or two, before the mounting platform door opened, and Friday, February 23, 2024 at Our Redeemer Lutheran
a smooth-­tanned and silver-haired cowgirl popped onto Church in Nashua. A reception will follow at the
the deck, tilted back her ball cap to address me, and put Cottonwood Inn in Glasgow at noon.