Havre sets new record with weekend's rainfall

A record-setting rain is soaking into the ground and raising farmers' hopes.

Havre on Sunday reported the highest one-day precipitation for May 23 in its history, with 0.99 of an inch recorded.

"It's been a gold drop from heaven, I guess, for all the farmers and ranchers," said Doug Erhard, who farms southwest of Havre. "It was desperately needed. We were in real dire straits from the drought."

Erhard, who is raising winter wheat, lost his entire crop last year to a hailstorm.

As of May 10, Havre had recorded no precipitation for the month. After a two-day snowstorm that week, a half-inch was...