11 August 2022

Share

Share

Share

Culbertson’s Leno  Earns Rankin Grant

Culbertson’s Leno Earns Rankin Grant


The Jeannette Rankin Foundation has awarded three $2,500 National Scholar Grants to Nicole Leno from Culbertson, Brenda Valerio from Helena and Ahwahne Williams from Ronan. Created at the bequest of America’s first congresswoman and Montana native, Jeannette Rankin, the foundation has furthered the legacy of its namesake by granting more than $4 million since 1976 to women 35 and older pursuing

Share

Share

Share

Share

Pat Drescher

Pat Drescher


Pat Drescher was born in Longmont, Colo., on Jan. 11, 1931, to Paul Lynn and Jessie Mae Drescher. Shortly after birth, Pat moved to Arizona where his parents farmed in Oak Creek Canyon near the town of Cottonwood. During grade school, Pat attended Oak Creek School, which was a two-room country school near the ranch. At age 16, Pat moved to Reno, Nev., where he graduated from Reno High School in 1949. He attended the University of Nevada Reno for two years pursuing a pre-legal degree before entering the Air Force to become a fighter pilot on Feb. 9, 1954. Upon completion of pilot training, he returned to the Nevada Air National Guard and served as a F-86 fighter pilot assigned to the Air Defense Command until his discharge on May 31, 1956. After separation from the military, he became owner/ operator of a small antique and pawn shop until 1962 when he was employed by the City of Sparks Fire Department where he served for 28 years. Pat’s primary assignment was fire prevention and investigation. He attended the Western Nevada Community College for two years and graduated with an associate of arts degree in fire science. After retiring from the fire service on April 15, 1990, at the rank of Fire Marshal/Battalion Chief, he spent approximately 10 years as a private investigator specializing in fire investigation. In February of 2000, Pat moved to Amidon, N.D., where he operated “Firehouse Antiques” for three years and, then in 2003, moved to Sidney, Mont., where he married Mavis Schledewitz and enjoyed total retirement. Pat was very active in scouting throughout his lifetime. He spent many years as a scoutmaster, serving on Woodbadge training staff while in Nevada. He was also active in Kiwanis for over 30 years and served as club president in Sparks, Nev., and Lt. Governor of Division 23 of the Nevada-California-Hawaii District. After serving his term as Kiwanis Lt. Governor, he received the Distinguished Lt. Governor Award for his exceptional leadership and devoted service. He brought his passion for serving children with him to Sidney where he has served as Lt. Governor of Division 5 of Montana District Commissioner for the Badlands District of the Boy Scouts of America. In 2013, Pat was awarded the Montana District Scouting Award of Merit. Pat and Mavis moved into the Lodge in September of 2018. In September of 2021, Pat and Mavis moved to Culbertson to live by family. He passed away on Saturday, July 30, 2022. Pat is survived by his wife, Mavis; and their many family and friends. Pat’s memorial service was held at 10 a.m. (MDT) on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at the Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home Chapel in Sidney, Mont. Pastor Alton Hillesland officiated. A luncheon immediately followed the service. Pat was laid to rest at 2 p.m. at Hillside Cemetery in Culbertson, Mont. Fulkerson-Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney is assisting the family. Friends may sign the on-line register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com. (Paid Obituary)

Share

Fair’s Livestock Auction Set For Friday

Fair’s Livestock Auction Set For Friday


The livestock auction should be a good one at the Roosevelt County Fair this year. The auction is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 12. Ardis Oelkers, Extension agent, said tentative numbers for the livestock sale include 18 market beef, eight market lambs, 17 market swine, a couple of goats and one in the poultry category. “It’s pretty much the same as last year,” Oelkers

Share

Bernie “Butch” Finnicum

Bernie “Butch” Finnicum


Bernie W. “Butch” Finnicum, loving brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend, peacefully left this world on Aug. 3, 2022. Butch was born on Jan. 14, 1945, to Bernie and Montana Finnicum. Throughout his years growing up in Culbertson, he kept his parents on their toes; however, he always looked out for his younger siblings. After graduating from Culbertson High School, he met the love of his life, Christina Vallejo. They married on July 4, 1969. After a short stint in the Army, Butch and Chris returned to Culbertson to work in the family businesses, where Butch remained until he retired. They raised two daughters, Monika and KayCee. Butch loved cars … admiring them, driving them (preferably very fast), buying them and selling them. He also loved playing cards with the guys, playing dominos with his family and eating all the healthy foods like cheeseburgers, ice cream, popcorn and candy. However, his greatest love was his family. Everything Butch did was wrapped up in family, whether it be his job or his hobbies. He was an amazing son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, forever taking care of all of us in his own quiet way. He had a great love of the Lord. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his grandkids. He would often initiate and partake in many a trip to the pumpkin patch, go carts, water park or wherever a fun time could be had with his grandkids. He spent lots of time watching all the sports his grandkids played. He was incredibly proud of his daughters and his grandkids, never missing an opportunity to brag about them. Butch was preceded in death by his parents and his grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Chris; daughters, Monika (Ward) Feldmann and KayCee (Scott) Murray; six grandchildren, McKenzie, Bridger, Braxton, Collin, Kayson and Maecyn; brothers, Paul (Lynne) Finnicum and Bill (Vicki) Finnicum; sisters, Diane (Steve) Hampton, LaVonne (Scotty) Scotson, Nancy (Tom) Hansen, Susan Finnicum and Bonnie (Jack) Hellweg; his Aunt Effie; Uncle Glen (Patty); and several cousins, nieces, nephews, Larry Birch and the guys and numerous friends. Butch was laid to rest at the Hillside Cemetery in Culbertson. A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. The family would like to thank all of the staff at St. Vincent’s in Billings who provided such great care for both him and his family. Anyone who wishes to honor Butch is requested to make a contribution to Ike’s Fishing Pond. Donations can be mailed to Culbertson Lions Club, PO Box 425, Culbertson, MT 59218. Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home of Sidney, Mont., is assisting the family. Friends may sign the online register and give their condolences at www.fulkersons.com. (Paid Obituary)

Share