Snowpack brings hope to Hi-Line

Recent snowfall may cause slippery streets and the need to shovel sidewalks, but it is a bright spot for local agricultural producers and for the local economy.

"It's got people's spirits up. People have to move around in it, work in it, but nobody's complaining," said Brad Ruhkamp, owner of Wild Horse Seeds north of Havre.

Snow has blanketed the state the day after Christmas. The Havre forecast calls for a chance of precipitation and highs in the 30s and 40s over the weekend, with cooler temperatures and a possibility of more precipitation next week.

The snowpack, in the plains and valleys as...