Wednesday, July 30
Summer art camp hosts finale
Last Saturday a small crowd gathered in the Hot Springs Senior Center to see the grand finale art show to the Hot Springs Summer Art Camp.
Piranhas send 7 to state
The Plains Piranhas had quite a showing at the Divisional Swim Meet in Conrad this past weekend. The team took nine swimmers to divisionals and seven were able to qualify for the State Swim Meet in Fort Benton this weekend. On top of that the team placed third out of 11 teams.
Don't 'pander' to NRA
The proposal of several U.S. Senators to allow transporting of firearms in National Parks is political pandering to the NRA. Common sense citizens should voice their objections to these changes to the National Park Service (NPS) before the August 5 deadline. Send Senators Tester and Baucus a copy.
Eight bridges under repair on I-90
Those traveling through Mineral County on Interstate 90 should continue to expect delays on a stretch of the road near Haugan.
Dixon trades old fire engine for a new one, courtesy of the DNRC
Jamie Doran
$4,500 from music
If you take a large helping of live bluegrass and country music, add some tender barbecue and then throw in a live and silent auction for a good cause, you'll end up with one savory recipe for a good time.
Explanation
In light of the recent alleged physical confrontation against the Mineral County Planner Tim Read, perpetrated by Ollie St. Clair, I am compelled to submit for publication, a letter (dated July 16, 2008) I previously forwarded to the Mineral County Commissioners in support of Mr. Read.
Superior locals attack the courts
The summer heat hasn’t kept local tennis players from hitting the courts.
Hope from ashes
The air has a pungent smell of ash. Dark streaks rise along the walls. Debris covers the floor and countertops. Soot envelopes everything else, from broken windowpanes, to tin cans, to door knobs, to the charred and twisted remains of melted appliances.
Tim Read efficient, professional
I am forwarding this letter to lend my support to Tim Read. My family has on occasion used the services Mr. Read provides as the County Planner. Our interactions with Mr. Read have always been positive experiences and he has always performed his duties politely, efficiently and professionally.
Strength of body, Strength of character
A group of professional athletes called the Strength Team visited St. Regis this week to talk with local church-goers and show off some amazing feats of strength.
Robert Bob Barrie
Robert (Bob) Barrie was born to Benjamin and Rhoda Barrie on one of the coldest days of 1919, November 28, in Seattle, Wash. They moved to the east side of Lake Washington where he grew up in Kirkland. He attended and graduated from Union A High School. Bob was drafted into the field artillery but enlisted in the Army Air Corp for 4 years. He served his country in World War II and was honorably discharged with the rank of Tech Seargent. Bob worked for the Lake Washington School District for 25 years and retired as Supervisor of School Bus Maintainance in 1977.
No child left behind test scores due soon
No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test results are expected any day now and with that comes anticipation as schools in the area wait to see whether or not they have improved from last year and what that means for their students. The school districts announced they expect to receive the results in the next week or so.
Veterans deserve quality transportation
Keeping in touch
Brew Crew pours on the pain
There was excitement in Noxon this past Saturday as the town played host to the Sanders County Women’s Summer Softball League Tournament.
Mary Madeline Kaye
Mary Madeline Kaye, known as "Madge", 88 of Plains passed away Monday, July 28 at Lake View Care Center in Big Fork, MT. She was born January 16, 1920 in Plummerville, AR to Roy & Ann O'Roark Venable. During the War she worked alongside her mother in the shipyards in Portland, OR. as a welder. Madge was a war widow with three children when she met and married Walfred J. Kaye in Portland, OR on July 1, 1950. He adopted the three children and provided love and nurture to them the rest of his life. They started out in Malta, spent a brief time in Bozeman and finally settling in Missoula. They moved to Superior in the early 1980's and later to Plains in 1995.She was an excellent seamstress and was involved in many organizations alongside her husband. She is survived by two sons: Daniel Kaye of Port Angeles, WA and Gerald (Beverly) Kaye of Big Fork, MT. 14 Grandchildren, 33 Great Grandchildren, 8 Great Great Grandchildren. Memorial Services will be Monday, August 4 at 11AM at the Plains United Methodist Church, Arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Hills Funeral Homes in Plains.
From father to daughter, a home stays in the family
People in Plains got quite a sight Wednesday as a house moved through the streets, filling two lanes of traffic.
Don Burrell wins community service award
Thompson Falls resident Don Burrell said he was completely stunned to find out that he had won the 2008 Sanders County Community Service Award.
Meeting ends in assualt charges
A meeting with Mineral County Commissioners to discuss the future of the county’s planning office turned ugly Wednesday when an angry developer physically confronted county planner Tim Read.
All-stars face tough tournament
Jamie Doran
Benjamin Gus Myrstol
Benjamin Gus Myrstol died Wednesday, July 23rd at his home in Plains, Montana. He was 78 years old. Born in Big Timber, MT, he moved to Plains at the age of 5.
Wednesday, July 23
Quilting all night for cancer
Jamie Doran
Energy independence and forest health
Montana Viewpoint
Harold Vaught
Harold Duane Vaught, 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Thompson Falls on Tuesday, July 15th. He was a dear and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and will be greatly missed by his family.
Superior considers Superfund status
Representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency met with the Superior Town Council Monday evening to talk with them about the possibility of Superior becoming a Superfund site.
Car show draws more than 100 entries
The 9th Annual Show and Shine Car Show offered fun with flair last weekend in Thompson Falls with a Rally Run and the Show and Shine.
Reaching new heights
Jamie Doran
School Board discusses pay for play
Jason Shueh
Young wrestlers take to the mats for practice
Nick Ianniello
Fire drill heats up
Outside the Superior Fire Hall, there is a tractor trailer covered with scorch marks from previous fires, and a team of three Superior Volunteer Firefighters are about to go in and set a blaze just so they can put it out.
Keith Alan McDonald
Reverend Keith Alan McDonald, resident of Keenesburg, Colorado, passed away July 9, 2008 at Denver General Hospital in Denver, Colo. following an automobile accident at the age of 50. Keith was born to Desmond and Bernice McDonald on September 4, 1957 in Spokane, Wash. He was married to Yong Hui Lee on November 15, 1978 in Korea. Keith's family moved to Drummond where his father worked for Federal Aviation Administration. The family moved farther up the Rattlesnake, he attended Rattlesnake Grade School and graduated from Hellgate High School in 1975. After graduating, Keith joined the United States Air Force. After basic training in San Antonio, Texas, he was sent to language school in Monterey, Calif. and then was sent to Osan Air Base, Korea where he was stationed until being discharged from the Air Force in 1979.
Fire preparedness
Jamie Doran
All-stars raise $8,417 for Regionals trip
The Clark Fork Valley Minors All-stars are on their way to Meridian, Idaho today for the regional tournament. The tournament starts tomorrow with pool play, and, if the All-stars win they’ll move on to the Cal Ripkin World Series in Maryland next month.
Of parasites and politicians
Typewriter Tales
Corinne Keenie Cone Christopher
Corinne "Keenie" Cone Christopher of Polson, was gifted from heaven January 23, 1936 in Plains to George and Frances Cone along with big brother, Wyatt. Followed by baby brother, Clancy. She married the love of her life, Richard J. Christopher, from Great Falls on June 15, 1957. Serendipity moved them to Polson in June 1963 where they began a legacy at Hubbard's Pharmacy, later renamed Harbour Pharmacy. After 45 years of service to the community, Keenie and Dick retired to their garden and church in 1999. She is survived by her life work, four children. Kim presides over the Twentieth Judicial District; Jeff practices Physical Therapy at St. Joseph's Hospital; Courtney teaches Art at Hellgate High School in Missoula; Tiara shared her mother's love of family and nurtures the extended family Dick and Keenie created. Kim has three boys, Nick in San Diego, Remington and Isaac. Jeff married Julie Smith and has two girls, Bryn and Jacey. Courtney enjoys his daughter Kaleigh. Tiara married Dr. Justin L Knowles and lives in Missoula with their sons, Roman, Ramsey and Christian. Most of Keenie's activities have been God-centered and children-oriented. A fountain of unconditional love she benefited every life she touched. Keenie brought joy to her interests in Community Concert, the Bell and Choral Choirs with Presbyterian Church, PEO and bridge. She will be dearly missed; few lives have benefited so many others. She is also survived by her brothers, Clancy Cone, MD and his wife Bev and Wyatt Cone, PhD and his wife Vera and numerous nieces and nephews. Keenie passed away on July 18, 2008 at 5:50 a.m. in Polson. The celebration of her life will be at the First Presbyterian Church, 301 — 4th Ave. E. Polson at 10:30 a.m. on Friday July 25, 2008. Arrangements are being made through Grogan Funeral Home, 883-2808. Donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Copeland Memorial Ringers.
At what cost athletics?: Gas prices leave teams in the dust
Jamie Doran
Editor,
Regarding the impending budget cuts for Sanders County, I wish that the Sanders County Commissioner would place the blame where it actually belongs.
Railroad days gave good fun
Hundreds of people gathered in Alberton Saturday to celebrate Railroad Day and the 100-year anniversary of the first train to pass through Alberton.
Ford gets new dealership in Plains
Country Ford-Mercury in Plains has been selling cars for a long time, but now, after two-and-a-half decades, the car dealership has finally outgrown their current location on East Railroad Street and moved last Thursday to their new spot, about a mile from Plains toward Thompson Falls.
Mineral County gets a taste of the south with the Dixie Dandies
Nick Ianniello
Grainry celebrates 4-year anniversary
The Grainry in Plains is celebrating its 4-year anniversary and are planning on expanding into a new wing in the next couple of weeks.
Saturday, July 19
Car crash kills one and injures five
PLAINS - A 65-year-old Wenatchee, Wash., man died Wednesday in a one-vehicle rollover accident north of Plains. Four of his teammates, part of an auto-racing team, were injured in the accident.
Wednesday, July 16
Vets get new van, transport for disabled vets
What if you were disabled, stranded, unable to drive yourself to the veterans’ hospitals that could take care of you?
All-stars take State
The Clark Fork Valley All-stars minor team took home the state championship on Sunday at the softball complex in Polson. This is the first time the minors have won the state championship.
T-Falls beats Plains in softball showdown
Jamie Doran
James Wesley Ward
James Wesley Ward passed away on June 28th at his home in Thompson Falls. He was born May 24, 1938 n Hamilton, Montana to James J. and Alma Rennaker Ward. His family moved to the mouth of Thompson Fiver in 1947. He attended school in Thompson Falls graduating from TFHS in 1956. He is survived by his wife Ginger, son Cody and granddaughter Kati on the Ward Ranch and daughter Tracy and granddaughters Jenni and Kari of Rathdrum, Idaho. During the years their children were in school the Ward's had several children in need of a place to live stay with them. One being Regan Holden and she now lives in France.
Jamie Doran/Valley Press
Drew Klasson throws down at “Comp Hole” on the Clark Fork River underneath Triple Bridges and above the Alberton Gorge Wednesday afternoon. While there are many world class waves on the Alberton Gorge section of the Clark Fork River, Comp Hole only appears when the river has between 10,000 and 20,000 cubic feet per second running through it. Comp Hole disappeared Sunday when the river dropped below 10,000 cfs, and it will most likely not return until the next snow melt. For those that still visit the gorge, there are several other play spots that will continue to change as the water level drops.
Corvallis - Marlene (Clark) Johnson, 73
Corvallis - Marlene (Clark) Johnson, 73, of Corvallis passed away Wednesday, July 9, 2008 at home with her husband Myron by her side after a battle with cancer. She was delivered by her Grandma Haley on July 12, 1934 in Stevensville the daughter of Clayton Boone and Helen Mabel (Haley) Jenkins.
Dribbling in his father's footsteps
Almost two decades after Horseman Royce Johnston put down his basketball and accepted his high school diploma, Johnston, 36, still holds Plains High School’s all-time record for most points scored in single game — 57, to be exact.
Ellen Beverly Basque-Aldwych 1934-2008, Thompson Falls
Ellen was born to Perry and Florench Aldrich in Chicago, Ill. on January 31, 1934. An only child, at age 14, she married Edward Basque and lived in California where they had six children. She worked for Lockheed and then Loma Linda Hospital until she went off a mountain cliff in her car one snowy night where she was paralyzed on the left side of her body for four years. In 1976 they moved to Alberton. After divorcing Edward (of 34 years), she moved to Stevensville, then Dixon, then Superior and Thompson Falls. After battling chronic pneumonia after having a brain aneurism in 2000, and after many hospital stays through the eight years, her heart finally wore out when she passed away in the Plains hospital on July 2, 2008.
What can you expect from a human rights organization that promotes killing humans?
Editor,
Restore Multiple Use by Coordination
Have you ever tried to determine what "multiple use" of our National Forests really means? Here is my stab at making a comprehensive list of uses: timber harvest (green trees and salvage), commercial mining (minerals), architectural rock mining, recreational mining, firewood gathering, berrypicking, mushroom picking, harvest of beargrass, fishing, hunting, guiding/outfitting, ranching (grazing), water for irrigation, farming, haying, water use, hydroelectric power, fire lookouts, electronic sites, snowmobiling, riding trails on vehicles such as ATVs and motorcycles, sightseeing from cars and trucks, hiking/backpacking, camping, boating, birdwatching, photography, rockclimbing, historic artifacts and archeological preservaton, wildlife viewing, other recreational activities.
Budget cuts could affect schools, roads
When Sanders County passes its 2009 fiscal budget, it will likely be short a substantial amount of money normally used to fund schools and roads.
Local residents defend planner
A group of Mineral County residents spoke with county commissioners in defense of planner and sanitarian Tim Read at a meeting in Superior Tuesday.
Governor tours fishing site in Paradise
Gov. Brian Schweitzer met with local Sanders County officials last Wednesday to tour the new Paradise Fishing Access site located near the bridge that passes over the Clark Fork River in Paradise.
A hiker's nightmare: stranded for hours after tearing a tendon
A local hiker’s trip on the Fourth of July turned quickly from a morning hike into an ordeal that has shaken his confidence in Mineral County’s Search and Rescue.
Bring back Mad Max
Dear Editor,
Spelling errors frustrating
Dear Editor,
Young people should be involved in politics
Editor,
After 12 years, Symes owners are moving on
After 12 years of ownership by Leslie and Dan Smith, the historic Symes Hotel in Hot Springs is up for grabs on the real estate market.
Crazy Woman Kayaks opens its doors for business
Growing up in Norway, Sissel Robertson developed an early passion and love for kayaking, something that she has held on to over the years. Now, she’s using her passion to open up her own kayak rental business in Thompson Falls.
Joan Ilene Frick, 72
Joan Ilene Frick, 72, of Plains died June 29, 2008 at her home. She was born January 23, 1936 in Challis, Idaho to Earl F.Crawford and Phyllis Loveland. Joan lived in the area most of her life. She is preceded in death by her parents and son Raymond. Survivors include 4 sons, David of Virginia, Charles of Plains, Rober and Gary of Olympia, WA and one daughter, Sandra of Tennessee.
Hot Springs New Mayor
After more than two months of waiting, the Hot Springs city council elected Randy Woods, owner of Spring Auto Care and the current Hot Springs Fire Chief, to be the town's new mayor last Wednesday at the city hall.
Local golfers pick up win at Trestle Creek
A local pair took first place at a Trestle Creek Golf Course golf tournament this weekend that was largely played by out of state teams.
Lunch on the Lot a success for fifth year in row
Relay for Life Teams and other community members gathered out on the lawn beside Mullan Trail Bank in Superior Friday to enjoy the beautiful weather and make money for a good cause during their annual Lunch on the Lot event.
PLAINS - Murrill L. McNeil
Murrill L. McNeil, 63, of Plains passed way June 28, 2008 in Missoula, MT.
Unemployment extension may brighten local economy
Unemployment extensions could help local people down on their luck and boost the Sanders County economy.
Wednesday, July 9
Five suspected drug traffickers plead not guilty
Five suspected drug traffickers who allegedly smuggled ecstasy into Mineral County pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute in their initial court appearance July 2. The maximum penalty for the offense is up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $50,000.
All-stars clinch nail-biter
The Clark Fork Valley All-stars added a win to their column on July 2 with a come-from-behind victory won off the momentum they acquired in the third inning.
Plains Piranhas snap 10th at swim meet
The Plains Piranhas competed at a meet in Columbia Falls this past weekend, and while they didn’t have as many swimmers go to it as have gone to meets the past two weeks, Coach Derek Danhof felt that they performed pretty well.
Former Superior Mayor honored for his life of service
Out in front of the Mineral County Courthouse Friday, a group a people gathered to remember one of Mineral County’s most devoted public servants and Superior’s former mayor.
Under the rockets' red glare
As dusk set on the St. Regis Park Friday, the Fourth of July sky came alive with fireworks from proud Americans throughout the town.
Keeping July 4 cool in Hot Springs
Guitars chords vibrated and barbecues smoked under the banner of the American Flag as Hot Springs residents gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July at the Symes Hotel.
Taking a whack at re-enactment
Arguably the biggest draw at David Thompson Days: A Community Rendezvous was the re-enactment camp, which was set up at the Rose Garden along Main Street. Visitors to the camp were sent back to the early 1800s as re-enactors showed them how to make authentic beaded jewelry, how to throw a tomahawk and how to cook with the tools of the day. The camp also displayed a 25-foot-long replica of the canoe David Thompson used to travel the rivers on the area when he was first exploring.
Plum Creek purchase
More than 40,000 acres of Mineral County land will be part of a multimillion dollar conservation purchase made by the Nature Conservancy and the Trust for Public Land that was announced last week.
Analysis and ramifications of the Plum Creek land deal
What does this massive 320,000-acre Plum Creek Forestland sale actually mean? It is claimed that the deal between the nation’s largest private property owner, The Nature Conservancy (the world’s largest land trust), and The Trust for Public Land, will set a precedent, an example for land transfers throughout the country.
Backwards biker raises awareness about homelessness, AIDS and medical marijuana
Drivers speeding down Interstate 90 through Mineral County Friday may have had to do a double-take as they saw a 37-year-old man riding a child’s BMX bike along the road backwards.
Please allow me to introduce myself
Typewriter Tales
Deer damages deputy's car
A Mineral County Sheriff’s Deputy got a big, hairy, antlered surprise when his patrol car struck a deer while driving down Interstate 90 last month.
Smear campaigns, trust and the public good
The election season in Montana is off to a pretty rocky start, at least if civility matters to anyone. First the Montana primary election saw the “conservative” wing of the Republican Party defeat the “socialist” wing in a smear campaign pretty much unprecedented in my experience; then Republican State Representative John Sinrud took a shot at “environmental radicals and their pet politicians”, meaning Democrats. At least Sinrud was targeting the political opposition. I don’t recall reading of the Democrats eating their own, but just because it didn’t make the news doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.
Thompson Days mixes history with fun
When all was said and done and the last musical notes played Saturday night, David Thompson Days: A Community Rendezvous was deemed a success by people who were involved. Organizers hope it will grow and expand in years to come.
Mud boggers cause more than $16,000 in damages
The Jones Ranch Bench area, just off of Little Thompson Creek Road near Plains, used to be a green, open field. Now it looks a little like a war zone. Grass and plants have been replaced by mud pits filled with empty beer cans and tire tracks veining out from the center.
Sparks fly at Firecracker Softball Tournament
The annual Fourth of July Firecracker Softball Tournament took place this weekend with teams from all over the northwest competing for trophies from the St. Regis Volunteer Fire Department.
Chainsaws tossed for charity
Sweat, sawdust and steel filled St. Regis Park Friday afternoon as logging competitors from all over the county and state showed their metal at the St. Regis Logging Games.
Wednesday, July 2
Finding the road to the Buffalo
It’s been almost two centuries since David Thompson first set foot into Sanders County, and now, as Thompson Day approaches next week in Thompson Falls one author wanted to revisit where the illustrious Canadian explorer once walked.
Back in the swing of things
The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament made its comeback Saturday at the Trestle Creek Golf Course in St. Regis with sunny weather and teams from all over Mineral County.
Sanders County Yard Sale-ing returns for 2nd year
Last Friday and Saturday people came out in droves to check out all of the special finds, knicknacks, antiques and just plain interesting items that the Sanders County Yard Sale-ing event had to offer.
Food banks feeling impact from recession
With the price of gas going up almost daily and the economy showing little improvement, food banks in the area have been hit hard with donations and the price of gas to be able to deliver food.
Plains youngsters learn the ABCs of basketball
There’s no escaping basketball. It’s hoops and courts dot our American landscape from the east coast to the west, and even spill outward, past international borders and cultures. Today, basketball has become a staple within the definition of sport and a familiar athletic experience.
T-falls host uncoventional olympics
Last Thursday the first Thompson Falls Cross Country Un-Olympics was held at Thompson Falls High School track and hosted a collection of unconventional cross country events to raise money for the Thompson Falls high school cross country running program.
FFA takes away wings from local flyer
It’s a bright Friday afternoon, and Tom Seliga is putting together a six foot long model airplane that can soar over 400 feet in the air and fly as far as the eye can see. But unfortunately, Seliga and his plane have been grounded.
Fireworks not allowed in Superior parks
With the Fourth of July fast approaching, local firework stands have opened up to sell fireworks to eager Mineral County celebrators.
Thompson Falls Market opens up
Baked goods, fresh eggs, crafts, artwork, quilts to kayak tours, the Thompson Falls Market had a bit of everything last Saturday.
Residents weigh in on Superior salvage yard
Concerned citizens and landowners met with the Mineral County Commissioners Tuesday to discuss a proposed salvage yard in Mineral County.
