Ellington

Up and down week for Alberton

Panthers defeat St. Regis before falling to Drummond

The Alberton boys came from behind last Thursday to beat the St. Regis Tigers.

Lady Panthers land win

The Alberton girls claimed their first win of the season last week in a game against county rival St. Regis. The Lady Panthers came out strong and shut off the Lady Tigers from the basket with a secure defense.

Lady Tigers learn from losses

The St. Regis girls had two losses this week, but Coach Janelle Pruitt said that there were also some positive things to celebrate in the midst of them.

Alberton wrestles take on two tournaments

Two Alberton wrestlers headed out to two different tournaments on Saturday. Roy Schutter went over to the Eureka Tournament on Saturday and Cody Ishler headed to the Holiday Classic in Great Falls.

Bobcats win at home

The Superior boys nabbed a victory last week when they played Darby at home on Tuesday.

Concert fills house

‘Twas a few days before Christmas and all through the gym, not a seat was left open as parents and grandparents filed to watch their children perform in the annual Christmas program.

Students shop for other

Fourth grade students took some time out of school last week to head down to the local pharmacy in Superior and the hardware store to do some much needed Christmas shopping. But the students weren’t shopping for themselves, their parents or for anyone they knew. The students were buying toys for the baskets that the Lions Club and Women in Timber deliver to needy families in the area.

Hayes and Yarnall sworn in

Staci Hayes and Mary Yarnall were sworn in last Wednesday at the commissioners’ meeting. Candidates had a few dates to choose on which to take their oath of office. Hayes and Yarnall chose to recite the oath together and after stumbling over a few words were officially ready to step into their new positions on January 1.

A reminder about winter wildlife

Feeding of wildlife places the animals at risk and puts them on a collision course with humans. The problem of feeding wildlife has become such an issue across the state that the 2009 Montana Legislature revised the state law  (MCA 87-3-130) governing the feeding of wildlife to specifically prohibit the feeding of ungulates—deer, elk, moose, and antelope—and mountain lions.  FWP Warden Captain Lee Anderson noted that  most people’s intentions are good, but it is against the law to feed most wildlife and probably not the best thing for the wildlife in the long run.  He also reminds people that the recreational feeding of birds (song birds, turkeys, pheasants, etc) can also be unlawful if it attracts ungulates or bears.” Anderson noted that anyone wishing to report a violation can call 1-800-TIPMONT (-1-800-847-6668) or FWP at 752-5501.

Performing sensation remembers roots

Up and coming singer/songwriter has family ties to the Clark Fork Valley

When MacKayla Hunter was growing up, she would spend her summers with her grandparents at either end of Sanders County, soaking up warm days in the Clark Fork River Valley.

Neighbors share their Christmas spirit during the Tour of Homes

The Plains Woman’s Club held their annual Christmas Tour of Homes event last Saturday, Dec. 11. The event was planned as a way for members of the community to get in the Christmas spirit and enjoy the decorations of other homes.

Lions Club delivers Christmas baskets

After stopping at Castles bright and early on Saturday, three trucks headed out into the different areas of Mineral County carrying food baskets and toys for families in need. One went east and one went west while a third stayed in the Superior area. Santa Claus also rode along to deliver presents to the children.

Plains school filled with the sounds of Christmas

The sounds of Christmas filled the Plains School on two occasions last week, the first time on Tuesday, Dec. 14 with the High School Christmas Concert, and for a second time on Thursday, Dec. 16 with the Elementary Christmas Concert.

Hot Springs teacher recognized

Busy week for Superior

The Superior wrestlers had a packed schedule last week. They wrestled at Noxon on Tuesday against Noxon, Thompson Falls and Eureka. Then, on Thursday, they wrestled against Darby and Thompson Falls. Finally, on Saturday, they were up in Deer Lodge to wrestle at the Ron Fuhrman Memorial meet.

Lady 'Cats win two

Twenty-nine seemed to be a magic number for the Superior Lady Bobcats last week. They beat both Darby and Troy by 29 points.

Wreaths fundraiser wraps up

With Christmas just a few days away, those who entered to win one of the wreaths from the Mineral County Medical Foundation and won, will have a nicely decorated item to place inside their home or outside on their front door.

Donations help area food banks

For the second year in a row, a donation by Plum Creek will help local food banks deal with continuing impact of the economic recession:  historically high numbers of individuals and families who need help this holiday season.

Storytelling series begins

Visit Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo to honor and celebrate the age-old Salish tradition of sharing history through stories during the winter months. Programs take place from 11:00 a.m. until noon on Saturdays during January, February and March at the Holt Museum and Visitor Center at Travelers’ Rest

Concerns about water rates

Last week, Judy Woolley wrote an excellent article laying out the foundation of the current proposed Water and Sewer Ordinance from the Town of Plains, and how that would affect her rental property.

Keeping in Touch: session approaching

While these December days are filled with bazaars, shopping plans, baking (and eating), decorating, singing carols, gathering together with friends and families, school programs, opportunities to help others and time to count your blessings, for me and other Legislators it is also a time to prepare for the upcoming 62nd Legislative Session which  begins on January 3, 2011 when we are sworn into office.

Dinner theater a hit

Audiences got the chance to take a trip back to Bethlehem during the Christmas dinner theater performance of “In Bethlehem Inn,” which was organized by the Plains United Methodist and ELCA Lutheran churches.

Lady Devils begin conference play

Noxon wins two and loses one in District 14-C

The Noxon girls continued their turnaround season by defeating Troy on the road 41-39 on Thursday, claimed a forfeit victory versus Two Eagle River on Friday and then fell on the road to Charlo, 26-30, on Saturday. The Lady Devils are now 3-2 overall, 1-1 in conference.

Long week for Devils

The Noxon Red Devils dropped three straight last, extending their losing streak to four-straight. First, a 35-53 loss at Troy, then a 44-45 nail-biter versus Two Eagle River and finally a 29-55 defeat at Charlo. The Red Devils are now 1-4 overall, 0-2 in conference.

Two Bluehawks medal at Corvallis

On Saturday, the Bluehawks racked up 128 points to finish third as a team, while two wrestlers, Shawn Sacchi and Erik Hilety, medaled at the Corvallis Invitational meet.

Hot Springs hoops gets first win

Hot Springs came away with their first win of the season, defeating Philipsburg 53-43 at home on Saturday. The loss came after a 40-55 loss at Plains the previous day and ended a three-game losing skid.

Ladyhawks break even

The Lady Hawks broke even last weekend defeating Troy on the road, 44-41, on Friday before falling, 26-35, to Eureka at home on Saturday. Thompson Falls is now 2-2 overall, 1-1 in conference.

TFalls drops two

After an impressive pre-season, including a Sanders County Tip-off Tournament Trophy, the Bluehawks have struggled to an 0-2 start in their District 7-B conference schedule, giving them a 2-2 overall record and an 0-2 conference mark.

'Heat in hot water

It was a brutal week for Hot Springs girls as they dropped two games, a 17-44 route at Plains on Friday, and then a 35-40 contest at home versus Philipsburg on Saturday. The Savage Heat remain winless, 0-4, on the year.

Wrestlers compete at Buz Lucey

On Saturday, the Savage Horsemen and Red Devils battled a competitive field at the Buzz Lucey Memorial Wrestling Tournament in Eureka, earning a combined five medals.

Horsemen heating up

Two wins give Plains three-straight

With a pair of wins over the weekend the Horsemen extended their winning streak to three games. First, Plains up-ended Hot Springs, 55-40, on Friday and then on Saturday, they out-lasted Darby, 67-54.

Food bank looks to new location in the new year

January 2011 will see the Mineral County Food Bank in a new location to better aid the growing need in the community. The food bank has been feeding those in need since 1976. The Mineral County Food Bank is a non- profit and its board is comprised of un- paid volunteers: Mary Mc Clammy food bank manager has made the food bank the largest part of her life and donates hundreds of hours yearly to make the food bank the successful resource that it has become. Marlene Adair, food bank president and Mary’s right hand assistant is the glue that holds the day to day running of the food bank together and running smoothly. Lorna Sharkey, vice president, is the go to girl. Her research and computer skills have landed several grants for the food bank. Those skills have brought the food bank back from the brink and kept the doors of the food bank open. Lonna Hayes, Treasurer, keeps a close eye on the monetary needs of the food bank and worries about the bottom line. Lonna is the food bank’s inspiration in times of need. Rose Duncan, secretary and fund raising coordinator keeps track of records past and present and has been active in searching for new quarters for the food bank for several years. Barbara Johnson, new to the food bank volunteers has been a valuable asset and has taken on the role of construction coordinator for the new building. Robert Lyons is the idea guy, food bank muse and puts the “fun” into fund raising. Patty Woodland is the busiest bee in the food bank on distribution day. Her fellow workers know to keep out of her way because no one else can keep up. Last but not least are the on call volunteers who work regularly every Friday and the volunteers who help unload the delivery trucks; are invaluable to the running of the food bank. These dedicated volunteers have made the expansion of the Mineral County Food bank possible.

Tree lighting shines despite uncooperative weather

A very large tree standing out the DeBorgia Historic School house was officially lit last week on Friday. Several exciting things were planned for the event, but with the weather acting up plans ended up being scaled down.

Congradulations for local store

The Sanders County DUI Task Force Board wishes to congratulate the employees of the Plains Town Pump for successfully passing the recent compliance checks. Compliance checks train clerks to consistently request identification for alcohol sales from individuals that appear to be under the legal age and to refuse to sell alcohol to individuals without appropriate identification. Compliance checks are a key prevention strategy.  Reducing the availability of alcohol in commercial outlets and limiting its availability at parties are critical to reducing underage binge drinking in the community.

Lady Tigers lose opener at Clark Fork

The St. Regis girls ended up losing to Clark Fork in their opening game last Tuesday, but Coach Janelle Pruitt thought that they played a good game.

Superior girls begin season

The Superior Lady Cats had a tough opening schedule this weekend, but their Coach Jeff Schultz said last week that he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Alberton wrestlers claim titles

Alberton native Cody Ishler who co-ops with the Frenchtown Broncs wrestling program was one of five Broncs who captured an individual title at the Superior Invitational on Saturday.

Panthers lose fight against Charlo, St. Ignatius

Coach Chris Clevenger knew that the Alberton boys were in for a showdown this weekend when they were matched up to play two tough games, one against St. Ignatius on Friday and Charlo on Saturday.

Sheriff cautions residents about mail scam

Please be aware that a mail scam is occurring in the U.S. and some residents in Mineral County have been targeted! A similar scam has been used in the past.

Christmas program brings spirit

It’s hard to describe the sounds of the Community Christmas Program in words. Local people with loads of talent took the stage, each performing a selection of some kind. If you weren’t in the spirit of the season before entering through the doors of the church, you were sure to when you left.

Ski-Snowboard Club holds talent show

It was a small show, but it was packed full of talent. The St. Regis Ski-Snowboard Club held a talent show last Saturday for the community to raise funds for a trip that they are planning.

Library opens in DeBorgia

The building that served as the old post office in DeBorgia now has a new purpose serving as the small community’s library, the DeBorgia/ Cooper Library. And though it is small in size, it is serving a large role in the town. There’s also no shortage of books. From romance to Louis L’amour, with self-help and plenty of fiction to choose from, the newly opened library is sure to become a popular spot for those seeking a good read.

Shooting results in fatality

A fatal shooting occurred over the weekend in Mineral County. Officers responded to a call during the early morning hours on Dec. 12 that came into 911 as a domestic dispute. Dispatch was told that shots were fired and officers were sent to the site in the DeBorgia area.

Trout netting study delayed

A draft environmental review for a lake trout netting project on Flathead Lake has been delayed but should be released sometime this winter, an official with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes said last Thursday.

Local crafts on display at bazaar

Christmas Bazaar serves community as well as cause

Vendors and holiday shoppers from all over the county made their way to the Thompson Falls High School gym last Saturday, Dec. 4 for the annual Christmas Bazaar. The gym was packed as shoppers perused the locally made crafts and gifts on display at the event.

Local long shot hits bullseye

Thompson Falls graduate Nicole Hagedorn set a National Record by shooting a 431-5X in the junior, open category of the F-Class Long Range Regional at the Deep Creek Range in Missoula on Sept. 24-26.

Tfalls wrestles twice

In a busy week, the Blue Hawk wrestling team went on the road to duel Mission on Thursday before competing in the Superior Invitational on Saturday.

Four Red Devils medal

Red Devil Wrestlers participated in the Superior Invitational last weekend racking up 65 team points and four medal winners in a competitive field of 14 teams.

Thompson Falls boys take tip-off tourney

At Plains, the Blue Hawks exploded with a 22-point first quarter and never looked back as they ran away with the Sanders County Tip-off Tournament Trophy, by defeating Noxon 60-49 on Saturday evening.

Plains wrestlers get first taste of tournament

Kenneth Beech, Cole Goodwin and Ted Beech left their mark at the Superior Invitational arriving at the medal stand in their first tournament of the season held last Saturday. The Savage Horsemen scored 46 team points to finish 12th in a field of 14 teams.

Trotters take off at tourney

In a match-up of cross-valley rivals, Plains defeated Thompson Falls 35-26 in the championship game of the Sanders County Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday.

Food for thought: The holidays-a time for joy, a time for forgiveness

This is an article that I wrote last year.  Some of you have asked me to print it again for the Christmas season.

Boy Scouts hold flag ceremony

The Plains Boy Scout Troop held a flag retiring ceremony with members of VFW Post 3596 on Pearl Harbor Day, last Dec. 7. The ceremony was held behind the Plains VFW Post, as was attended by members of the community, as well as area veterans.

We the people: a question not asked... until now

A few weeks ago I was talking with Hot Springs area rancher Kim Baker, President of Montana Cattlemen’s Association, about depredation of livestock.  Since we have seen an increase in wolf depredation in Montana I was wondering if there was a relationship with other predator livestock losses.  Kim told me she would see if those figures were available from predator control specialists. I wanted to compare the preceding years with current statistics.  Kim went to John Steuber, State Director/Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services) to have a look at those figures.  I have received those figures for 2006 and 2010.  What I see is more than alarming and it is a side of the wolf issue that has not been adequately addressed.

Truck fire gives driver a scare

On Thursday morning at approximately 10 a.m. a truck, traveling eastbound on Highway 200 just west of plains, caught fire due to a mechanical failure.

Man robs Town Pump

A Hot Springs man has been arrested after committing an armed robbery at the Town Pump in Plains, which occurred at 2:10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 9. This incident comes just three days after the same man committed a robbery in Missoula.

First time skiing at Lookout offers challenges, rewards

Airport plans fly-in

Tour of Homes launches Christmas celebration

Plains Woman’s Club again invites the public to launch the Christmas season on Saturday, Dec. 11 by touring four homes all decorated for Christmas, some with traditional decorations, some with many handmade ones. Begin the tour by picking up tickets at the Antler Creek Artists’ craft show and sale, at 204 Willis Street (the old Little Bitterroot Thrift Store, which is behind the Town Hall and in front of the Laundromat). Then tour homes in any order, enjoying refreshments at each house. Homes on the tour are those of Joyce Dougan & Kathy Miller, Daphne & Kevin Boles, Darrell & Deanna Lapierre Amidon, and JoAnne & Russ Baker. At the Dougan/Miller home, visitors will see many hand made decorations as well as beautiful blown glass ornaments which catch light from outside and light the inside of the home. At night these ornaments reflect light from inside to the outside. This wonderful rustic home was last on the tour in 1999, but is well worth another look. The Boles home will be decorated with a collection of nativity sets and other traditional decorations, with lots of trees. At the Amidon home, visitors will find country style decorations inside and out, including a nativity scene and several snowmen. Home made decorations and family heirlooms will be featured at the Baker home, evoking many family memories, and perhaps reminding visitors of their own Christmases past. Hours of the tour are from 12 noon until 6 p.m. The last tickets will be sold at 4 p.m., ensuring that all ticket purchasers will have time to tour all the homes. Tickets may be bought on Friday afternoon or on Saturday morning beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Antler Creek Artists show.

Layer up to beat the cold this winter

It’s that time of year when you can’t just throw on the bath robe and run outside for the mail. You can’t walk your dog in your slippers and you can’t survive more than a few minutes before you’re iced over from your fingers to toes.

MHSA conference proposal is in

The Montana High School Association has shuffled the deck for classifications next year, with seven schools making moves both up and down.

Food for thought: what do do about the holiday blues

Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with the holidays.  Many people feel stressed and unhappy in response to the demands of shopping for gifts, spending large amounts of money, attending parties and family gatherings, and entertaining house guests.  It is not uncommon to react to these stresses with excessive drinking and eating, difficulty sleeping, and physical complaints.  The result is the holiday blues.

Think about shopping locally

“Thank You” to our friends, Margaret at Bearly Read Books and Lisa at Auntie Pamela’s Antiques for urging all of us to shop locally.

Silent auction ends well

The Thompson Falls Library Silent Auction came to a close on last Saturday, Dec. 4, after a very successful run, according to event organizer Karen Harlan.

Hospital board meets about grant

The Mineral Community Hospital board of directors and members of the Mineral Regional Health Center board met jointly last week to discuss the community health center and to discuss where they were with the application of the New Access Point grant, whose funds are made available by the Affordable Care Act, will be awarded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

St. Regis hosts fall sports banquet

Superior girls excited for season

Slow start for Superior

Hendrick turns attention to upcoming session

Alberton co-ops with Frenchtown

Alberton might not have a wrestling program of its own, but three Alberton students are traveling over to Frenchtown to co-op with the Broncs wrestling program. Cody Ishler, Roy Schutter and Jacob Beckwith are wrestling for the Frenchtown Broncs this season.

Red Devils rev up for basketball

Despite a successful 14-10 overall finish, including a solid 7-3 conference mark last season, the Red Devil’s are raising the bar in their expectations for the upcoming basketball season.

Tfalls wrestling under way

The Thompson Falls Bluehawks kicked off their 2010 wrestling season at the Polson Invitational on Saturday.

Savage Horsemen mix things up

Despite two no-shows in the form of Libby and Superior the Savage Horsemen got their wrestling season underway on Friday as they took on Corvallis in Plains.

Tournament preview

This weekend basketball season will officially kick off as all four Sanders County teams, Plains, Thompson Falls, Noxon and Hot Springs will meet in the county basketball tournament.

Plains preps for county tournament

By Mike Miller

Plains woman killed in crash

Wednesday, Dec. 9, at approximately 10 a.m. a three-car collision occurred several miles East of Plains on Highway 200.

Coping choices: loneliness-normal or not?

Coping Choices – Loneliness – Normal or Not

Plains teacher receives grant

Kids in Kathee Hojem’s fourth grade class were surprised by a news camera in their room on Friday, Dec. 3. That afternoon, the Missoula TV news station KPAX, in collaboration with Allegiance Benefit Plan Management, presented Hojem with a classroom grant as part of their “One Classroom at a Time” program.

Art students spread Christmas cheer

Any other time of the year, it would have been graffiti, but when kids from Plains High School traipsed around town, painting the windows of many local businesses last Friday, Dec. 3, it was just part of spreading Christmas cheer.

Tigers take to the courts

Winter trails being prepped

The Missoula Snowgoers plan to begin grooming snowmobile trails in the Lolo Pass, Granite Pass and Gold Creek areas as early as December 1, depending on snow conditions.

Whitetail harvest ends on high note

Whitetail deer harvest picked up considerably during the final weekend of the deer and elk hunting season, as snow and the rut combined for ideal hunting conditions. 

Students explore their future

Elks Lodge gets facelift

It began nearly four years ago…the dream of enlarging the Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls. It was apparent we had outgrown the facility we were in. It was increasingly more difficult to hold functions for members, let alone conduct significant fund raisers for the community. Then it began coming together. You know how it is working with committees…no matter how dedicated each one is. But, work together everyone did! And successfully!

Local pilot questions safety of airport due to misuse

Federal Aviation safety requirements are violated at the Mineral County Airport: it is not a safe place to fly an aircraft.

County seeks funding for clinic

Mineral County residents may soon be looking at a health center that meets the basic needs of each citizen--old or young, rich or poor--without raising local taxes.  

Superior boys get ready for season

Lady Tigers jump into basketball season

Layups, jump shots and passing technique was just the tip of the iceberg as the Lady Tigers jumped into the 2010-2011 season of basketball. Practice started over at St. Regis for girls’ basketball on Nov. 22. Coach Janelle Pruitt said that the first few practices went well though she noted that some of the girls need to catch up on a few things.

Annual Christmas Stroll planned

With Thanksgiving over and the leftover Turkey in the fridge, thoughts are now turning to Christmas and what’s going to be under the tree. The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its third annual Christmas Stroll on December 17 in Superior.

Drawing a success

Commissioners decide on two projects for FAA money

County commissioners voted last Wednesday to move forward with two projects that would continue to improve the county’s airport. Several projects were discussed, but the commissioners chose to go forward with an AWOS weather system and a revenue generating hanger and to submit them for them for the 2011 Federal Aviation Administration grant money and the state for five percent match money.

Sanders County Sheriff's Report

11/21

Tips for safe driving this season

When the snow flies, keep these hints in mind

Sanders County residents saw a consistent snow fall early last week as winter weather arrived and temperatures dropped. Between Friday, Nov. 20, and Monday, Nov. 22, the Montana Highway Patrol responded to 596 car crashes. Troopers responded to a car crash every eight minutes after frigid, snowy weather descended on the state.

Tree of Life symbolizes memories

When you picture a decorated tree in December, you’re usually thinking about presents and mistletoe, but the Clark Fork Valley Hospice Tree of Life represents something different altogether.

Landyn Anthony Bierwagon

Landyn Anthony Bierwagon was born on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2010. He weighed eight pounds, two ounces and was 21.5 inches long. His mother is Jessica Meacham of Thompson Falls, and his maternal grandparents are Tony and Lynn Bierwagon of Thompson Falls.

Winterfest kicks off holidays

'Unstung Heroes' cash in

Basketball begins

Turn around for trotters

As practice began last week, the Trotters were eager to turn the page on last year’s 3-17 record. Exactly what this new chapter of basketball will hold for Plains, however, has yet to be written.

Food for thought: recognizing a verbally abusive relationship

This is the second part of a two part series on Verbal Abuse. In this article I will address some ways to manage verbal abuse.

Tree of Hearts helps less fortunate families

They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. With kids jingle belling

First half of fundraiser a success

In an effort to raise money and a little Christmas cheer, Plains-Hot Springs wrestlers are helping locals decorate their homes for the holidays by selling Christmas trees.