Shepherd
Shepherd, MT · LATEST NEWS
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Craft fairs and maker's markets help small vendors keep creating
Billings, Mont. — Holiday markets give small vendors a chance to meet shoppers and bring in money that help keep their businesses going.At the makers market at the Billings Public Library on Saturday, vendors said the events meant more than a single day of sales. For some, those markets made up a major share of their work each year. Miles City artist Shelley Freese, who has been painting since 1994, made the trip to Billings for the market. She estimated events like this accounted for more than half of her business at Dancing Cow Studio each year.“They are a lifeline. And it’s a lot of effort to drive and to set up and then to tear down and drive home but is well worth it to meet the public and connect directly with people who appreciate the work,” she said.Many new businesses also start out at markets. Billings-based Made Together is just two and a half months into business and used the market to show handmade ornaments while also introducing customers to its bouquet and flower crown bars.“We’ve been picking up business, really trying to get our name out. We really want to hit more private event scene. So like
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Suicide prevention program offers safe storage for firearms
A suicide prevention program that helps people safely store firearms and medications is expanding statewide. Safer Communities Montana started near Helena about seven years ago. The program’s aim is simple, help people lock up guns and medications so they’re harder to access during a crisis. That pause can save lives,...