The Montana Department of Commerce has named recipients of $86,500 in funding to support the growth of 14 Native American-owned small businesses through the Tribal Tourism Digital Business Development Grant. Redbyrd Designs of Glasgow was the recipient from the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes. Redbyrd owner Byrdie Larsen describes the company as an online home-based small business.

Wolf Point Pound Puppies volunteer Tina Bets His Medicine told the Northern Plains Independent at press time that the organization has three animals — one kitten and two dogs — available for adoption by responsible individuals and families. According to the Pound Puppies website, Pepper is a 1½-year-old spayed female terrier/heeler mix and she’s ready for her forever home. She’s up

A couple who has constantly displayed the importance of volunteering in the community has been selected as the grand marshals for this year’s Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede. “It’s over-the-top shocked,” Jerald Petersen said about him and his wife, Louise, being named grand marshals. “I’ve always enjoyed the Stampede,” Jerald said. “It’s a busy weekend for us. We enjoy

Katie Lynn Kraus is the 202021 Miss Rodeo Montana. Due to a change in the timing from spring to fall for newly-crowned Miss Rodeo Montanas to begin their reign, Kraus will be making a return appearance at the Wild Horse Stampede. Born and raised in Livingston, she grew up in Paradise Valley, where she enjoyed going for trail rides into Absaroka mountain rage or taking a soak at Chico Hot Springs.

Jeff Marn will serve as the announcer at this year’s Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede. As a former contestant, Marn is the new generation of western sports announcers. Jeff and Cassidy live in Belt with their two beautiful children, Jett and Presley. Marn was born and raised in Belt, He started riding bulls at a young age, and had a very successful career in the rodeo arena. He qualified

Dakoda Simmes, of Sunburst, will join J.D. Harrell in the arena for the 2021 Wild Horse Stampede rodeo as a bullfighter ready to jump between a cowboy and 1,500 pounds of danger. This will be the Simmes’ second appearance at the Wild Horse Stampede. In the blink of an eye, a bull ride can go from good to catastrophic, and it’s the bullfighters’ jobs to keep their own nerves in check and be

Central Montana bullfighter J.D. Harrell will perform at the 2021 Wild Horse Stampede rodeo Thursday through Saturday, July 8-10. His career as a bullfighter goes back to his time competing in high school rodeo in Roy, north of Lewistown, where he grew up and still lives. Harrell found that bullfighters were needed at high school rodeos. He would compete in the bullriding event, then go on to protect