Ellington

Man survives after truck falls down cliff

A Kalispell man survived being trapped in his dump truck for over an hour after the truck fell approximately 50 feet over a cliff in Heron on Wednesday morning.

Graduation party report released

PLAINS – The Montana School Board Association (MTSBA) has

MTSBA releases details of graduation party investigation

The Montana School Board Association released the details of its investigation during a special meeting on Tuesday and although they have determined that alcohol was present at a Plains pregraduation party at the Sanders County Fairgrounds on May 29, but found no evidence that minors were drinking or being given alcohol at the party.

Kids work at theater over summer

It was just before six o'clock on Friday night and Brendan Parrish, 14, was the first to arrive at The Historic Strand Theater for his work shift. Alyissa Hollenback, 16, quickly joined him. Brendan, who just moved into town from Arizona, started working at the theater about a week ago, where as Alyissa has been working at the theater for a couple of weeks. Upon arriving, Alyissa and Brendan were joined by Rhiannon Hobbs, 9, and Michael Perkins, 10.

Fire season off to slow start

On Monday, approximately 50 fires had burned throughout all five districts of Lolo National Forest for the season. Boyd Hartwig, the public affairs officer for Lolo National Forest, said that typically they respond to around 200 fires in a season. He said the number that they've responded to this year is somewhat low.

Students talk to lawmakers about underage drinking

A week of exciting, fun activities is at hand for the community of Superior. Several activities including a kids' camp, nightly barbecue, a pig roast and a special musical presentation have been planned for the week of August 1 through August 5. Superior Community Church along with a team of youth and their leaders of Christ Church of Federal Way will be presenting these events and working throughout the week to bless the local community.

Ministry coming to Superior

A week of exciting, fun activities is at hand for the community of Superior. Several activities including a kids' camp, nightly barbecue, a pig roast and a special musical presentation have been planned for the week of August 1 through August 5. Superior Community Church along with a team of youth and their leaders of Christ Church of Federal Way will be presenting these events and working throughout the week to bless the local community.

St. Regis hosts boy's basketball camp

For two weeks, players were dribbling basketballs up and down the gym court in St. Regis this week and last as part of the boy's high school basketball camp. Passing, shooting and rebounding were only a few items on the agenda.

Summer basketball

Superior girls attend camp and battle Mullan

Candidate files as write-in for sheriff race

With the primaries over, voters and candidates are looking forward to the November elections. Tim Vulles, democrat, and Ernie Ornelas, republican, were the two candidates in the sheriff's race to move forward out of the primaries. However, a third individual has expressed his intention to contend them in the race, running as a non-partisan and write-in candidate.

Mud Days a blast

"It's just fun."

Music on the lawns

After being postponed the week before due to a low turnout from nasty weather Jim Stauffer got a chance to let his music shine under the bright skies in front of the Plains Library on Tuesday.

Council on Aging holds special day for seniors

Gwen Hanson, Director of Council on Aging (COA) in Hot Springs, believes doing things socially is the best way to keep a person healthy.

Olfert files for write-in

Ron Olfert has heard from a lot of supporters since he lost the Republican nomination for County Commissioner to Glen Magera, 1,111 votes to 1,892 votes for Magera.

Bike mission completed

The new pastor for the Plains/Paradise United Methodist Church, Thomas Hall, has already made a strong example on the local community when it comes to residents getting physical.

Naegelis hold first ranch run

Growing up on a ranch, Jacob Naegeli has always had a lot of chances to run across his property.

Piranhas excel at divisionals

The small swim team from Plains kept up their big time swimming this past weekend when they traveled to Conrad for the Divisional Swim Meet.

A test of will

Fighting through a mysterious illness was the final test Plains Heather Earhart had to pass before moving on to college ball

For most high school basketball stars senior year is supposed to be the best, where the stars shine the brightest and lead their team to plenty of victories and deep into the postseason.

Supreme Court candidate stops in TFalls

Montana Supreme Court republican candidate Judge Nels Swandal stopped in Sanders County on Thursday to meet residents and speak on his candidacy at Thompson Falls High School.

Plains vandal summoned to court

Sanders County attorney Colleen Magera summoned Jason Gohl, of Plains, to county court for vandalizing seven storefronts in Plains on June 15. Gohl was officially charged in the middle of July with felony criminal mischief for causing over $3,000 worth of damages to seven businesses in downtown Plains. Gohl was set for judgment hearing in front of Judge McNiel on Tuesday, July 27.

Thompson Falls discusses indoor pool

A small group of Thompson Falls residents presented the idea of implementing an indoor swimming pool to the city council on Monday night.

Staying cool as summer heats up

The last week I've been trying to spend as much time in the river as possible in order to cool down as temperatures in Sanders County soar well above 90, but a girl can't spend all day in the river.

4-H girls receive sewing lessons

It seemed like everybody was calling Mariah Naegeli's name on Thursday at the Plains Methodist Church. The Thompson Falls' senior, known for her community service in 4-H, was doing what she does best. She was helping.

Petacular

TFalls hosts first annual Pet Fest on Saturday

It's always a shame when a proud pet owner has to leave their furry friend behind for a day of shopping at the market. However, in Thompson Falls, leaving behind pets is unnecessary as they are more than welcome at the Thompson Falls market every Saturday throughout the summer.

Siegel fire in patrol status

The Siegel Fire that erupted last week Monday is now in the monitoring status as the majority of the flames have been contained.

Hot Springs Telephone Co. turns 75 years

When Grant Preston first purchased the Telephone Company in 1935, little did he know that 75 years later the business he built would still not only be going strong, but still in the family.

Treatment begins on watermilfoil

Task Force began herbicide treatment last Wednesday of Eurasian watermilfoil

The treatment of the Cabinet Gorge and Noxon Rapids reservoirs for Eurasian watermilfoil, an aquatic invasive weed, began last Wednesday just as specialists arrived in Trout Creek for the annual Sanders County Aquatic Weed workshop that took place on Monday.

Mineral County properties part of large online auction

A sudden wave of yellow and black auction signs has sprung up across western Montana, signaling the start of what may be the largest online land auction in the state's history. A forward-thinking Montana real estate broker, Al Dunlap of Regent Realty in Missoula, has partnered with the LFC Group of Companies, industry leaders in online marketing, to sell 30 properties. Twenty-four of the properties alone reside within Mineral County.

Vehicle rollover kills one in car crash

A Paradise woman was killed in a fatal car crash East of Paradise on Tuesday morning.

Local teen attends 2010 reACT summit

Annual event teaches students how to effectively fight corporate tobacco

Dylan Francesconi, of Plains, joined nearly 100 teens from throughout Montana at the reACT Teen Summit to learn effective ways to take action against corporate tobacco companies and their deceitful tactics.

Toastmasters news

On Thursday, July 1, Immediate Past President and past Area Governor, Mary Lou Hermes presided over one of the largest meetings of the Plainly Speaking Toastmasters group in the last year.

Thompson Falls Market preparing for Pet Fest

Thompson Falls, MT - Pets are welcome at the Thompson Falls Market, that's what the market manager wants the community to know. "We are a rare market, one that embraces pets and promotes that pets are welcome.

Sanders County sheriff's report

7-11

For love of the game

More than just fundamentals, Thompson Falls girls learn to love to play basketball

It was the last day of the Thompson Falls girls' basketball camp for kindergarten through sixth graders on Wednesday, and Ladyhawks high school girls' coach Jason Reimer wanted to make sure that all the girls were ready to finish the day working hard and having fun.

Going down in history

Plains-Hot Springs Coach Seth Pettit: “[Reiley Winebrenner] will be remembered.”

Editor's Note: This is the third article in a series of profiles of Sanders County' graduating athletes who will be competing in college next year.

Local youth compete at 4-H Congress

Nine Sanders County youth attended the 80th Annual 4-H Congress held on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman, July 6-9.

Trying to stay afloat

I first learned about the power of an eddy when I did a story with Plains Mayor Michael Brinson concerning the increasing amount of land that was eroding away by the town's sewage cleaning ponds due to a strong eddy.

Fire moves danger level to high

The wildland fire that broke out last Monday in the north fork of Murr Creek towards Highway 2 and up Thompson River was finally contained around 8:00 p.m. Thursday night.

Chicken Jamboree hits TFalls

"This isn't for us, this is for Jesus," said Kim Roberts, volunteer at the Chicken Jamboree at the PPL park in Thompson Falls on Saturday.

Classic cars shine for the show

It was all about variety at the 11th Annual Show and Shine Rods and Classics car show at Ainsworth Field in Thompson Falls on Saturday as cars, both young and old, filled the field.

Local school turns 100

Paradise school set to celebrate centennial in August

It has been a summer of centennial celebrations in the small, unincorporated town of Paradise and Paradise Grade School is no exception when it comes to turning 100 years old.

Run across the high bridge

Busy day in Thompson Falls as runners hit the pavement for 4-H

Thompson Falls was booming on Saturday as people filled the streets for the Thompson Falls market, car show, chicken jamboree and the first annual Go Green Run.

Little guy wrestlers hit mats

A tow-day summer camp brings the young wreslters back to the mats

'First responders' host day of demonstrations

First responders spend day educating public about who they are and what they do

Savenac hosts 15th reunion

Two distinguished speakers highlight history and the role Savenac played following 1910 fire

ATSDR conducts testing

A federal agency working with the Mineral County Health Department tested 63 people in Superior this month for lead and arsenic in their blood and urine.

Rafting the river

As a child, I spent most of my time in man-made swimming pools. The only recreation I remember out on a real body of water was spent in a lake (and if my memory is right, it too, was man-made). I was probably about seven or eight when we headed up to the lake one summer with my uncles and aunts. They tied a rope to an inner tube and threw it out the back of the boat and me and brother and sister took turns being pulled behind the boat, while in the tube with one of our uncles. And while it was fun at the time, it was nothing like I experienced this weekend.

St. Regis hosts volleyball camp

Volleyballs and kneepads, as well as a net, were the needed equipment last Thursday as the first day of a three-day camp for St. Regis girls, ages fifth through eighth grade got underway.

Superior resident wins library scholarship

The Montana State Library is pleased to announce that 17 Montana residents will receive full scholarships to pursue either a master's degree in library and information science or school library media endorsement credentials.

Planning for the future

Patrick Low, superintendent of St. Regis School District, sat in an empty room Saturday. A meeting was scheduled to discuss the third draft of the school's strategic plan. And while no one showed up to offer any comments on the plan, Low said that board members as well as himself have received input on the plan in passing, whether at the grocery store or at sports camps.

Vulles announces pick for undersheriff

In the race for sheriff, Democrat Tim Vulles has announced that Rick Field would serve as his undersheriff should he be elected. Field, who currently works in Coeur d'Alene as a patrol sergeant, has worked in the law enforcement field since 1986.

Chamber golf tournament to be held

Golfers who were planning on playing in the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce golf tournament this Saturday, June 26, will have a few more weeks to practice and perfect their swing. At the meeting last Tuesday, chamber members discussed changing the date because of a conflicting tournament taking place on the same day.

Relay for Life

Celebrate. Remember. Fight back. These three words the epitome of the 12th Annual Mineral County Relay for Life event, which was held in Superior last Friday, beginning at 6 p.m. and running until 7 a.m. on Saturday morning. Throughout the night, participants celebrated the lives of those that have survived the battle with cancer, remembered those who have lost their lives and fought back by raising money to fund cancer research and programs.

Fair commission awards recipients

The Sanders County Fair Commission is pleased to announce that Thompson Falls couple Neil and Dixie Carman have been selected as the 2010 Sanders County Community Service Award recipients.

Hot Springs Elementary PTO eyes improvements

The HSEPTO (Hot Springs Elementary Parent Teacher Organization) has taken on the project of improving both the safety and effectiveness of the Elementary parking lot.

DNRC responds to wildland fire

The DNRC responded to a 20-acre wildland fire on Monday that broke out in the north fork of Murr Creek towards Highway 2 up Thompson River.

Local senators receive pro-business awards

Mineral County legislator Rep. Gordon Hendrick (R-Superior) and Senate District 7 Sen. Greg Hinkle (R-Thompson Falls) have been given a "Champion of Small Business" award for their pro-small business voting record in the 2009 Legislative Session.

Seeds of jealousy planted at young age

Jealousy is a very complex emotion. It is estimated that 20 percent to 35 percent of all murders involve a jealous lover.

Sanders County Sheriff's Report

7-4

A man from the past

Superior man builds historical firearm’s and doubles as professional mountain man

Matt Denison, of Superior, is a firearm's enthusiast. He loves guns. He studies guns, and he makes them.

Town looks to cut cost on pool

Plains Mayor Brinson says town is not looking to close down pool

It was an unorthodox swim practice for the Plains piranhas on Tuesday night. Instead of practicing their backstroke in the pool all the swimmers on the team from the oldest to those as young as five years old, walked to Plains town hall where they sat in on the town council meeting.

Plains Piranhas keep practicing

None of the swim team members were able to make the long trek this week to Shelby, but Coach Kelli Nance has at least one swimmer heading to the next meet in Cutbank this weekend and the Piranhas were hard at work in the pool working on their conditioning in preparation for the divisional meet in two weeks, where many of the swimmers are expecting to make a big splash on the awards platform.

Taking on the boys

Plains graduate reflects on wrestling career, ready to wrestle in college

In the sport of wrestling, the field is dominated by the boys and Crismore sticks out like a sore thumb, stuck out so much that she was offered a scholarship to wrestle on an all-female college team in Jamestown, North Dakota.

Chicken talk on the menu

Plains residents will have the chance to give public opinion on chicken issue

Chickens found their way back onto the town council agenda last Tuesday night, and now the town council is looking to know what the public thinks about allowing chickens inside city limits.

Coroner releases report on plane crash deaths

The Lake County Coroner's office says four people killed in a small plane crash near the National Bison Range last week died of blunt force injuries.

Billy Hill determined to stay in sheriff race

After losing the primary race to sheriff candidate Tom Rummel, Trout Creek resident Billy Hill has not conceded to defeat just yet.

Fire burns down barn

Camas Prairie fire destroys barn, trailer and several vehicles

A log barn, trailer and several vehicles were destroyed on Wednesday afternoon in a fire near the junction of Highway 328 and 200 on Wednesday.

Probe of graduation party continues

The investigation, led by the Montana School Board Association (MTSBA), into the pre-graduation party in Plains on May 29 continues with the hope that a report will be available by the end of July.

Women take on the outdoors

Women brave the rugged outdoors as part of the women in the outdoors workshop

Outdoor recreation is not unique to most Montanans, but a ‘Women in the Outdoors Workshop' is.

Danielle's column

Fourth of July confusion

The Fourth of July was my absolute favorite holiday growing up, albeit for my own selfish reasons.

Noxon tradition put on hold

Noxon Fourth of July fireworks cancelled one year after serious injury

Celebrating the Fourth in style

Residents go back in time at David Thompson Days in TFalls

Residents go back in time at David Thompson Days in TFalls

Change in the water

Town Council to discuss late fees and water rates

The Plains water/waste water committee held a public meeting last Tuesday night to discuss changes to the town's water system.

Celebrations in Paradise

Paradise held a double celebration this Fourth of July, celebrating not only America's birthday, but Paradise's 100th birthday.

Swim results

Girls Results

New 5k walk and run set for high bridge

Go Green 5k Run launched by Sanders County 4-H Club, set for July 17

SANDERS COUNTY, MT - The Sanders County 4-H will be hosting a 5K run and walk on Saturday, July 17th.

Piranhas head up to Colombia Falls

After hosting their home swim meet last week, a smaller Plains Piranhas team traveled to Colombia Falls this weekend. Despite their youth and small size, the team competed very well.

All according to plan

Plains graduate, Trent Thompson, set to play basketball in college

Editor's Note: This is the first of a series of profiles of Sander's County graduating athletes who will be competing in college next year.

Sheriff's Report June 27-July 3

6-27

Keep in touch

On June 24th and 25th, I attended the State Administration and Veterans Affairs (SAVA) Interim Committee meeting in Helena where we discussed two of the state's retirement programs as directed by House Bill 659. There were also a number of requests by various stake holders and state agencies brought before the committee in an effort to get our input on their requests and our support in requesting bill drafts on their behalf.

DNRC training for fire season

Thanks to spring rain and cool days, it's been about one and a half months since the Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) in Plains has had to respond to a wildland fire.

Fire season delayed by rains, cooler weather

Before the county entered the month of July, it seemed like the days of rain would never come to an end, but as of late they have. Jim Ward, from the Superior Ranger District, said that although they had a good rainy season, they are still anticipating and preparing for a fire season that could potentially be bad.

Barn burns down in Camas Prairie

A log barn, trailer and several vehicles were destroyed on

Plains trustees vote for investigation into graduation party

The Board of Trustees of the Plains School District unanimously voted to conduct a fact-finding investigation into a graduation party held on May 29, 2010, at the Fairgrounds.

Drop-in center adds garden; hopes to contribute to community

As part of the Superior Mental Health's drop-in center, Stephanie Quick, wanted to find ways to bring people together and out of their homes as the goal of a drop-in center is to provide a positive support system for those with co-occurring illnesses to hang out.

Retired fire truck finds new home

It can be hard to determine the value of a used fire truck. With their use being much more than a normal vehicle, fire trucks typically can lose half of their monetary value within the first five to seven years of use according to an article found on Fire Trucks Plus Web site. However, it might be even harder to determine the value of one "retired" fire truck from the fleet of Superior's volunteer fire department.

St. Regis to host volleyball camp

It's the middle of summer and the last thing on one's mind may be the upcoming volleyball season this fall, but for St. Regis Coach Janelle Pruitt spiking diving and hitting balls is at the forefront of her mind. Next week, July 5 through the 8, she's conducting a volleyball camp for girls aged fifth through eighth grade that attend and will play for St. Regis in the fall.

ATV ride sees good turnout

Around 200 hundred riders brought their ATVs out on Saturday for the fourth annual ATV Poker Run in the West End. Dave Jones, who organized and brought the event to the county said that the event went well.

St. Regis schools to celebrate centennial this weekend

For those planning the St. Regis centennial celebration, the long months of putting together all the addresses of former classmates and teachers, as well as organizing activities for them to enjoy, is over. This weekend, St. Regis schools will celebrate 100 years. And while the district is actually 110 years old as it was chartered in 1900, the board is hoping for a great turnout, as this may be a long time before another event similar to this one is planned.

Hospital celebrates employees; unveils new mission and vision statements

The warm sunny weather last Thursday, June 24, was welcomed by several Mineral County hospital employees as they moved out onto the lawn at noon for a barbeque. Tables, chairs and plenty of food were set up under tents on the lawn.

Relay team hosts community game night

The game of pool is usually played with a stick and on a table with six pockets. Eight balls, striped and solid are usually placed in the middle and the first shooter must break the ball rack apart. However, on Friday, June 25, the pool game at community game night was a little different.