Our History
Approaching 30 years in publication, the Free Trader owes its longevity to superb customer service and continuing innovation. The Free Trader has a proven track record for connecting Buyers and Sellers for almost three decades. Published bi-monthly and directly distributed FREE to over 12,000 P.O. Boxes, rural routes, and mailboxes throughout Philips, Valley, Roosevelt, McCone, Richland, and Daniels County. In addition 2,000 counter copies are mailed or dropped off, giving advertisers increased advertising circulation. Michelle (Clayton) Johnson is the owner and CEO of the Free Trader. Born and raised in Wolf Point, Michelle understands the perseverance, passion and detail needed to run a business. Michelle graduated from Wolf Point High School in 1994, and from Rocky Mountain College in 1998. She was the CEO of the Wolf Point Federal Credit Union for 10 years before acquiring the Free Trader in 2015.
Additionally, Michelle is very involved with her community. She is a member of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, Board of Director for the Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce, sits on the Board for the Wolf Point Federal Credit Union, Northeast Montana Health Services Charitable Foundation and Director of LOGO’s at the First Lutheran Church.
Above all Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. As a family they enjoy; traveling, fishing, camping, BBQ’s, sports and spending any time they can at the Fort Peck Lake.
Michelle will continue the Free Trader’s finest print and paper practices while simultaneously taking the paper to an even larger, on-line audience.
Our Staff
Jerrelynn Whitmus soon to be Mansfield – Proofreader
Jerrelynn was born and raised in Wolf Point, MT and graduated from Wolf Point High School in Wolf Point. She graduated college with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Jerrelynn wears many hats and is currently a Crop Hail Insurance Agent working with her dad. Sales Rep for Nerium and too many miscellaneous jobs to list. She is an animal lover and currently has 2 dogs and a cat. Jerrelynn is very active in the community, and in her spare time, she enjoys cardio dancing and crafts.
Barb Flo – Proofreader
Barb was born in Lewistown, MT and lived most her childhood in Judith Basin County. Barb moved to Wolf Point, MT in 1975. Barb is a graduate from MSU Billings. She retired after 33 years of teaching 2nd grade at Poplar Middle School. She is the mother of one daughter Amy and grandmother to grandson Jhett. Barb loves, baking, puzzles, letter writing and traveling with her friends.
Anna Mae Whitmus – Proofreader
Ann Mae was born and raised in Mile City, MT. She married the love of her life Don in 1968, and they have 4 children: John, Jeff, Justin and Jerrelynn. Anna Mae graduated from MSU Billings. She is a retired school teacher. Retired, is really an understatement as she is busier now than she was when working full time. She enjoys, painting, quilting, grandkids and helping where she is needed.
Bonnie Wemmer – Proofreader
Bonnie was born in Billings, MT and grew up most her childhood life in Rosebud, MT. She married her husband Dave in 1971. Together they have two children: Paul and Janice. She is a retired RN. She takes pride in watching her grandchildren in anything they do. Bonnie enjoys gardening, reading, traveling and camping.
