Wednesday, October 29
Savage Horsemen pick up third win
While it wasn’t quite the season the Savage Horsemen had envisioned, they were able to end it on a high note, defeating the Mission Bulldogs during their final game, which also just so happened to be Homecoming.
Vote Gail Gutsche
Dear Editor,
Vote smart
Energy issues we face are a matter of national security. Our country faces one of the biggest challenges our nation has seen since World War II. As we send $700 billion dollars overseas per year to buy oil from people who don’t like us, our “do nothing” democratic congress stopped our ability to drill within 50 miles of our coastlines, which holds the majority of our oil and natural gas. We have to come to grips with our dire need to develop our natural resources in a responsible way. Nationally we have enough resources in a responsible way. Nationally we have enough resource to meet our demand. With gas prices pushing $3.50 to $4.00 a gallon the Democratic majority leader in Congress wants us to make sure our tires are inflated at the proper pressure so we can save fuel. Hello, is any body out there?! (NEED I SAY MORE)
St. Regis man pleads not guilty to 8 charges
A St. Regis man pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Mineral County District Court Wednesday morning to eight charges ranging from aggravated burglary to assault with a weapon and violation of a protection order.
Thompson Falls benefit raises more than $40,000 for Ty Damaskos
On Oct. 19 the Thompson Falls community joined together in the Thompson Falls high school gymnasium to raise funds for one for one of a local Thompson Falls cancer survivor.
Taking a bite out of drug use
It wasn’t the match of the century, but it was fun to watch — Plains teacher Thom Chisholm facing his son across the foam arena of the inflatable jousting ring. When the referee reminded Chisholm not to hit his son in the head with the padded stick, Chisholm jokingly shouted, “I can do what I want! I own him!”
Thompson Falls loses shot at playoffs
It was tough Friday night for the Bluehawks Football team as they battled Troy for a spot in the Playoffs.
Sue Cooperman serves community
We have nothing against new people relocating to our beautiful county and finding jobs, in fact some of our favorite people are relative newcomers. When it comes to running for public office, we do admire people like Sue Cooperman. She has served the county residents very effectively for a long time in the County Attorney’s office. Without leaving her job or the county and at her own expense she found a way to continue her education to better serve our citizens. Sue’s professionalism and promptness was always appreciated each time we asked for assistance from the County Attorney’s office. We’ve heard this same opinion from numerous citizens over the years. We think Sue has earned the opportunity to serve this county as Justice of the Peace and has our support.
Support hemp legalization
Call MT USA Representative Denny Rehberg today — requesting a YES VOTE on the bill [HR1009] federally legalizing cultivation of Industrial hemp in the USA changing jurisdiction from the DEA to the Department of Agriculture.
Plains school board studies 4-day school week
The Plains School Board met Monday Oct. 20 and one of the main issues they discussed was the possibility of implementing a four day school week in the future.
Plains drops tough game to undefeated Eureka
Attrition was the name of the game last Saturday afternoon at the Plains volleyball game against Eureka.
Train crash dumps 1,456 tons of soybeans
Waves of soybeans rolled into the Clark Fork River after a train derailed and dumped 19 cars along the bank. The accident happened at 5:22 a.m. Oct. 22 about 2.5 miles west of Plains. One train car was partially submerged in the water and several others were severely damaged. According to a company spokesperson, there were no injuries and no hazardous wastes dumped.
No to property tax increases
One item that is to be voted on Nov. 4 is the request to increase our property taxes in support of college expenses. I recommend that we vote no to approve an increase on our property taxes for the following three reasons:
Superior breaks Lincoln 50-6
At the end of the Superior Bobcats last home game of the regular season Friday night, teammates huddled together for pictures on the field and head coach Dan Lucier shivered with pride.
Blow smoke somewhere else
All I have been hearing these days is how bad the economy is and how the political runners are going to change it. Yet I get these big cards in the mail (all the time) wanting me to vote for this person and that person. How many of us really read these giant postcards! I wonder how many thousands of dollars goes into taking the pictures that appear on them,printing them and mass mailing them. How many kids could have been sent to college with that money? Most of us already know who we are going to vote for. I hear Oprah spouting off about how terrible it is to be paying for the war we are in. Yet she and others totally endorsed Obama, Clinton or McCain,with no problem on the MILLIONS they each spent on the campaigns! It was reported that in January and February of this year Obama and Clinton raise $52 million dollars for their campains not a cent was spent on anything but giant postcards — TV ad after TV ad telling us nothing new — and air flight to there and here — and a fancy scarf or two or a tie that had the right look for the right state. If anything we should be shouting to those that are running for office — “why don’t you make a change while you are in the running?” I know, how about this: the one to get his or her platform accross the cheapest wins a chance to spend the money that they saved on someone who needs it. Believe me there is nothing that feels better then to know you have just blessed someone.
Superior hosts open house
Parents and students visited Superior Elementary School last Tuesday evening for an opportunity to check out what is going on in the school’s classrooms.
Speed limit questioned
The Mineral County Commissioners met with a representative from the Montana Department of Transportation Wednesday morning to discuss the possibility of lowering the speed limit on Highway 135 near St. Regis.
Clear choice; if based on substance, not rumors
I have known Sue Cooperman for 14 years and proudly call her my friend. I recently hd the privilege of working with her in the County Attorney’s office for nearly a year and witnessed, first hand, her skill and compassion in her dealings with people who sought the assistance of our office. I do not know, if in fact, her co-workers (as stated in a recent letter to the editor) have not come out in her support, but I do know that in the time I was working in the County Attorney’s office I experienced how Sue genuinely reached out and helped everyone both personally and professionally. I saw how she gave her time to those who needed and asked for her help and how she strove to promote a congenial working relationship with all individuals and agencies that interacted with our office.
Sue Cooperman professional and ethical
Dear Editor,
Support Sue Cooperman & Jim Elliott
Dear Editor,
Tony Cox for Commissioner
Tony Cox has the local experience with a centrist view. He has been a well-respected Montana Highway Patrolman, listens more than he talks and has a college degree in business. These are qualifications we sorely need in our county commissioners.
Support John McCain
Why vote for John McCain?
Lady Panthers make come back win
The Alberton Lady Panthers know what it means to stage a comeback.
Debate heats up for Sen. District 7
Voters from across Mineral County gathered in at Superior High School Wednesday evening for a Lincoln-Douglas style debate that gave people a chance to hear what issues are most important to the candidates.
Pumpkin contest draws kids
Trying to walk through the Mineral County Library Wednesday afternoon was like trying to swim though a pool of oatmeal, with dozens of children, parents and library volunteers filling the building to the brim for the annual pumpkin-decorating contest.
Support Hinkle, Strine and Ingraham
We know Greg Hinkle. We have worshipped with him, studied with him and we’re sorry, but he has the values we agree with. We will state that¬Ýwe have argued strongly with Greg about some theological issues but we have never doubted where he stood morally. So, although we don’t always agree with him, we know his heart!
Rock Creek Mine under DEQ control? I don't think so!
Editor,
Editor's note:
It is the last issue before the election and candidates won’t have the ability to respond to critical letters. For this reason, any letters with criticisms directed against specific candidates by name were either edited or not run.
Hot Springs hosts Homecoming
It was a beautiful Friday for a Hot Springs homecoming. The sun shone, the birds chirped and the young men donned dresses for a beauty pageant. Yes, it was definitely homecoming in Hot Springs.
Wednesday, October 22
One dead in Noxon crash
A high-speed crash in Noxon early Sunday morning left one man dead and another injured. The accident occurred in the westbound lane on Broadway Street at 2:20 a.m. Sunday morning.
Program aims to reduce alcohol abuse
It’s a frightening statistic.
Strine refreshing
Something I have never witnessed before, right here in T.F.!
Bazaar raises funds for Help Line
The Mineral County Help Line held their second annual bazaar to raise money at the St. Regis Community Center Saturday with 14 vendors offering different kinds of crafts and wares.
Devils terrorize Tigers
The Noxon Lady Red Devils played two Mineral County teams last week and split their matches, losing to Superior, but beating St. Regis.
Ingraham supports small businesses
Letter to the Editor:
Two Alberton men get bail after misdemeanors
Two Alberton men are out on bail after being arrested on warrants issued in August stemming from misdemeanor assault, misdemeanor criminal mischief and misdemeanor disturbing the peace charges.
Retain Judge Strine
Dear Fellow Voters:
Lady Bobcats grab win over Noxon
The Superior Lady Bobcats pulled off a strong win against the Noxon Lady Red Devils in a home game Friday evening.
Jim Elliott listens
Editor:
Jr. Bobcats take Tigers 40-30
The Superior Bobcats junior varsity football team came out on top in a home-town face-off against the St. Regis Tigers with fans of both teams cheering them Saturday afternoon.
Missed Ingraham at debate
Dear Editor,
Carl E. Diesen
PLAINS - Carl E. Diesen went home to heaven on Oct. 14, 2008. He was born July 29, 1938 in Minnewaukan, ND to Harold & Ella Diesen. In 1952 the family moved to Glasgow. From there they moved to Whitefish and Eureka. In 1962 Carl moved to Seattle.
Don't base votes on rumors
Letter To The Editor,
Superior beats Noxon 51-7
The Superior Bobcats had another spectacular game, racking up 44 points in the first half against the Noxon Red Devils on the Red Devil’s home turf. By the end of the first quarter, the Bobcats had already taken home two touchdowns and a field kick. The 32-yard field kick Akkarapong Sribenjakul scored three seconds into the second quarter was just icing on the cake. Noxon did manage to pass it down the field in the third quarter for a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough, and Superior won 51-7.
EPA speaks about water fears
Despite their best appeals to justify the clean-up of the Milltown Dam and its release of sediment, the Environmental Protection Agency wasn't able to placate Thompson Falls residents angry at higher levels of arsenic in the Clark Fork River.
Savage Horsemen win
The field in Hot Springs was good to the Savage Horsemen Friday night as they beat the Deer Lodge Wardens 36-0.
Forest Service plans fuel reduction
The Plains-Thompson Falls Ranger District held a field trip last Thursday up on Cox Gulch Road to look at doing a fuels reduction in and around the Antimony Mine area.
Former death row inmate speaks out
It was a night of great emotion and strong conviction in the Thompson Falls St. William Parish on Oct. 6 after two men had taken to the pulpit to denounce the death penalty.
Setting the record straight
Dear Editor,
Lane King/To the Valley Press
A train derailed 2.5 miles west of Plains at 5:22 a.m. Wednesday morning, spilling soybeans into the river. Most of the soybeans have been contained in a back eddy. There were no injuries and no hazardous materials released. The highway could be closed, possibly until tomorrow, while they clear the scene. There is a detour. Officials from Montana Rail Link are requesting people not stop as spectactors have been creating a traffic hazard. For more coverage, see the article in the Oct. 29 Valley Press.
Juvenile arrested in Hot Springs carjacking
An attempted carjacking near Hot Springs on Highway 28 Monday morning left one woman shaken, but relieved to be safe and sound.
Judy Stang drops out, endorses Clark
After a considerable amount of thought I have decided to withdraw my name from consideration for election to the Montana Senate and endorse Paul Clark for Senate District 7. I would like to thank the people and organizations that supported me over the last few months.
DeLores Elizabeth (Nygren) Becker
Our dear mother and sweet friend, DeLores Elizabeth (Nygren) Becker passed on Oct. 16, 2008, surrounded by loving family. She was the daughter of Montana homesteaders, Madeline (Barnett) and Walter Oehmcke. She was born on Nov. 7, 1924 in Spokane, Wash. Her beginning years were spent in Eastern Montana and her early education was in a one room prairie school house. Her later years of schooling were at North Central High School, Spokane Junior College and Whitworth College in Spokane. An educator, she taught and assisted teaching in many grade schools in Spokane. She was a proud member of the Washington Educators Association and the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW in Plains. She also volunteered for C.O.P.S. Northeast in Hillyard for several years. During WW II she worked at Galena Field (Fairchild) rebuilding damaged bombers back from combat in Europe, including the famous Memphis Belle. DeLores lived in Plains from 1956-1963 where she formed many deep life-long friendships. She was preceded in death by two husbands and one son, Roger Lee Nygren. She is survived by three daughters, Mari Anne Derrick, Patricia Packard, Jeanne Becker and one son, John Becker and 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, numerous cousins, friends and neighbors. Viewing for DeLores will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home 1306 N. Monroe. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2008 in the Alwin Chapel at Hazen & Jaeger Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Elliott against timber
To the Editor:
Wednesday, October 15
Lawrence James McCarthy
Lawrence James McCarthy left his home at Beara West for the last time on the night of Monday, Sept. 29, 2008. Born in Butte to Frances and Jack McCarthy on May 30, 1933, Larry was a force of nature from the get-go. Always enterprising and full of ingenuity, he lived life full of “vim and vigor.”
Ingraham endorsement
Sometimes choosing a candidate to vote for is not easy. Sometimes there is more than one veteran candidate in one political race. Your community has one of those races, long time Clerk and Recorder and incumbent Representative Pat Ingraham and termed out Senator Jim Elliott.
School act passes
Concerns that the Secure Rural Schools Act would not pass and Mineral County would be forced into a tenuous financial situation were alleviated when the act passed as part of the economic bailout plan recently signed by President Bush.
Wining, dining and fighting cancer
Yellow butterflies have a special meaning to Plains resident Megan Beason. One of her good friends had breast cancer. Just before she died, Beason’s friend was sitting on her porch when she saw a yellow butterfly settle near her.
Business equipment tax hurts economy
Dear voters,
The six mill levy
On Nov. 4 voters will make a FOR or AGAINST choice to reauthorize a six mill levy for the Montana University System (MUS). Its 2008 budget is $ 1,181,000,000. Montana’s total for the six mills is $ 11,840,000. That’s 1 percent of the MUS budget, 1 percent! Is raising a $1.2 billion enterprises’ revenue by 1 percent urgent? And, this figure does not include Grants, Endowments, Fund raising and other MUS net receipts. The U of M just raised $172,000,000 from alumni and private donors. A prodigious feat for one of the 14 (soon to be 15) MUS units.
A letter to politicians
An open letter to Montana State politicians — previous, incumbents and candidates. How do you answer these questions?
Support Pat Ingraham
Voters of Sanders County — I have served in the Montana Senate and Montana House of Representatives with both candidates for HD 13. From that experience, I would urge the re-election of Representative Pat Ingraham to the Montana Legislature.
Joseph Parsons pleads guilty to dealing meth
Joseph Wade Parsons, of Thompson Falls, pleaded guilty Oct. 7 to supplying a methamphetamine derivative drug to four youth this past June at various times at his place of residence in Thompson Falls.
Homecoming hits Alberton
Students at Alberton School got together for homecoming last week to support their athletes and show some school spirit.
HD 13 candidates face off in debate
Two of the candidates for Montana House District 13 participated in a Lincoln Douglas style debate. Jim Elliott, the Democratic candidate and Renn Bodecker, the Constitutionalist candidate participated. The incumbent Republican candidate Pat Ingraham was invited but did not attend.
First Lady talks education
While standing in the rain Oct. 6, St. Regis students spent some time learning about the natural world with Montana’s First Lady Nancy Schweitzer.
Letter shows misconceptions
Editor,
Hunting alone for the first time
My oldest son, Rob, was born in April ‘86. We started hunting together that fall. Bundled in a snowsuit, he’d ride along in a backpack, lulled to sleep by my stride.
Teacher uses nature's classroom
At 9 a.m. Thursday morning, Alberton teacher Maureen Froehlich gave a new, perhaps more effective, meaning to the phrase, “no child left behind.”
Don't be reckless with taxes
Dear Editor,
Sports
The Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat had a victorious weekend at home winning all three of their matches over Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Charges deferred against former police chief
Plains Mayor Dan Bates appointed a new police commissioner at their regular Oct. 6 meeting, but the council didn’t confirm his appointment.
Students prepare for life after school
Despite the turn-table economy with omens of hard times trumpeting from the television, the Plains chapter of Jobs for Montana’s Graduates Program is looking hopefully into the future.
Not our campaign calls
Dear editor,
Homecoming hawks in flight
The Bluehawks busted out a buffet of activities to celebrate their 2008 homecoming last week.
Wednesday, October 8
Horsemen homecoming
Plains homecoming activities couldn't have been more colorful.
Plains wins first match
Jason Shueh
Logging truck overturns
A red ‘69 Kenworth truck carring logs was heading southbound on Highway 382 when it overturned Monday afternoon at approximately 4:30 p.m knocking down a nearby powerline.
Secure Rural Schools Act passes through Congress
The Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act got new life breathed into it when it was added to the economic bailout plan.
No place like homecoming
Friday night was a bad time to be in the crosshairs of the undefeated Superior Bobcats football team, with the entire team excited and ready to please the crowd on homecoming night in Superior.
Gideons celebrate first Bible
Dozens of Superior locals and members of Gideons International gathered in front of the Wells Fargo Bank in Superior Saturday evening for a ceremony commemorating the first set of bibles donated by the group in 1908.
Scientist tests Thompson water
Along the banks of the Thompson Falls Resevoir Thursday, University of Montana Geomorphologist Johnnie Moore bent down to take several sediment samples from the property of Thompson Falls resident, Jon Sonju. Moore was searching for contaminants that washed downstream from the Milltown Dam, breached last March. Sonju, a geologist, invited Moore to test the sediment after he noticed a green discoloration of the water near his home at the edge of the river. Moore has conducted previous research in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey and PPL Montana, which owns the Thompson Falls hydroelectric dam on the Clark Fork River.
St. Regis Tigers host homecoming celebration
Last week was homecoming week for the St. Regis Tigers, and their cheering and team spirit helped to fire the Lady Tigers Varsity Volleyball team up enough for a tough win against the Superior Bobcats Thursday night.
Black and Blue
Large crowds filled the sidelines to watch a heated game last Friday night in Plains as the Thompson Falls Bluehawks battled the Savage Horsemen to come away with a 12-6 victory.
'ÄúPush polls'Äù illegal
Dear Editor,
Planning czar?
To the editor,
Revett'Äôs proposed copper mine
Should we hide Yellowstone? Is this area’Äôs Ross Creek Cedar Grove in danger of being clear cut? Some of our last, best remaining protected places are being threatened. Some people view any part of our planet as another place to make money. They interpret protection as failure. The rest of us call pristine ground a gift for our souls, a blessing, and proof of good accomplishments.
Rangers tour new forest service projects
The Plains-Thompson Falls Ranger District along with the Superior Ranger District hosted a field trip Oct. 3 through the Cutoff Viewshed of Lolo National Forest, which runs down Highway 135.
Beware deceptive telemarketers
I don't often write letters to the editor but I wanted to relay a incredibly deceptive telemarketing call I just received. While sitting in my office at home, the phone rang and my caller ID said Private Number. Hmm, who could that be? When I answered I was informed by a pleasant young woman stating that she was calling in behalf of the Breast Cancer Relief Foundation that worked to provide support so that women across America could have access to mammograms. I have to admit that my interest was piqued. I work in the medical field and I had honestly never heard of such an organization. More importantly, if there was a way that women in Western Montana could benefit I wanted to know more. “How are they benefited”, I asked. After a very awkward pause the woman said “with the nationwide effort.” Really, “How can they access this assistance” I responded. Another incredibly long pause, then “I would be happy to give you a phone number or the Web site for you to better understand.” “Great”, I responded!
Tigers trump Bobcats
It was homecoming week for both the St. Regis Lady Tigers and the Superior Lady Bobcats and it showed as they both played strong in their match at Superior Thursday night.
Homecoming
Superior High School wrapped up their homecoming week with a grand parade and a pep rally to cheer their football team on to victory Friday afternoon.
Candidates debate economy
Candidates for both the State House District-13 seat and the State Senate-7 seat gathered at the Llano theater in Plains Monday night to discuss issues facing mainly dealing with the economy.
Alberton Panthers take Tigers
The Alberton Panthers came out on top in a face-off on Tiger territory Wednesday evening.
Dan Drewry
Dan's Column
Thankful to Republicans
Once the Republicans told us’Ķ’ÄùIt’Äôs morning again in America.’Äù
New vet in Plains
After 33 years the Lynch Creek Veterinary Clinic is going through a changing of the guard.
Wednesday, October 1
Open house highlights kids
Members of the St. Regis community got together with school officials, teachers and students for a chili-feed/potluck supper and school open house Wednesday evening to get to know different members of the community and explore the exciting things the students of St. Regis school are doing.
Face off
Cindy Iversen and Tony Cox, County Commissioner candidates for the west end of the county, met for the second time Monday night to discuss the issues facing the county should they be elected to the six-year term.
Tigers rush Red Devils
The St. Regis Tigers football team had a strong showing last Monday evening, battling through a tough game against the Noxon Red Devils for a victory on their home turf.
Heat take second at tournament
The Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat competed at the Mineral County Shootout last Saturday, and although they made it to the championship match, they lost in two games in what Head Coach Bonnie Franklin called “petering out.”
School/road funding hung up in House
Just weeks after the Mineral County Commissioners passed their final budget a struggling piece of legislation threatens to take even more money from the county.
Support Chuck Baldwin
Support Chuck Baldwin
Bobcats win tight fight with Falcons
The Superior Bobcats are on a roll, just ask the Twin Bridges Falcons.
Tournament draws 12 teams
Twelve volleyball teams from throughout Western Montana came to Superior and St. Regis Saturday to compete in the Mineral County Shootout Volleyball Tournament.
Layoff leaves futures in doubt
In the wake of severe layoffs by the Tricon Timber Company, many former employees are considering leaving Mineral County in search of employment.
Childhood screening today
St. Regis children will have an opportunity Wednesday to get a free early childhood screening at the St. Regis School.
High school student talks with CIA Director
Not many high school juniors get the opportunity to tour the nation’s capitol and speak with former CIA directors, however that is exactly the chance offered Cody White of Thompson Falls High School.
Jean Doty update
Dear friends and family of Jean Doty,
Politics as usual
Typewriter Tales
Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?
Library patrons and their children got together to celebrate the remodeling of the library and the creation of the Sesame Street children’s room with a Sesame Street-themed party Friday afternoon.
Wilderness myths
Wilderness support is not as welcome as some may think. As I see many petitions across the state against it.
Demo cars ugly
Dear Editor,
Questions regarding crisis
Dear Editor:
50 years of family fishing
Secrets can come in all shapes and sizes. For the McAllister family, their biggest secret just happens to be the size of a lake.
Homicide prosecution moved to Flathead
Charges against a Polson man suspected in the shooting death of his father were filed Thursday in Flathead County.
Hawks score but drop 7-28 to undefeated Loyola
Two unstoppable forces crashed Friday night as two undefeated teams, the Thompson Falls Bluehawks and the Loyola Rams, clashed for the first time during the season.
