Ellington

Plains pool looks to save funds

The Plains Park and Recreation Board held a public meeting Monday night to discuss ways for the public pool to save and make more money each summer season due to the thousands of dollars lost in operational fees each year.

Two bears euthanized

The black bear responsible for injurying Washington camper has been euthanized

Valley Press brings home awards

The Valley Press wins state-wide awards for journalistic excellence

The Valley Press was awarded for their journalistic excellence bringing home a slew of first place awards this past weekend at the annual Montana Newspaper Association's Better Newspaper Contest in Bozeman.

MI wins state-wide awards

The Mineral Independent was awarded for their journalistic excellence, bringing home a slew of first place awards this past weekend at the annual Montana Newspaper Association's Better Newspaper Contest in Bozeman.

Local agency now state approved

Choices for Change Counseling (Nancy M. Smith) has been certified as a State Approved Agency by DPHHS, Addictive and Mental Disorders Division. Choices has also been designated by the Mineral County Commissioners to receive 100 % of the Mineral County earmarked alcohol tax monies for the provision of chemical dependency treatment and prevention services in accordance with MCA 53-24-206.

Burn permits extedned until end of June

Fire Managers are extending all burn permits issued from the Superior Ranger Station through Monday June 28, 2010. "Predictions of precipitation for the next couple weeks should give homeowners more time to get their spring cleaning done," says Jim Ward, AFMO. After June 28th, all burn permits will be voided and no burning will be allowed. Already, this burn season, Volunteer Fire Departments and Forest Service have responded to three burns that escaped the homeowner's control.

Practicing river safety

Summer staff at Camp Bighorn learn the ropes of river resscues

"Catch the rope, not the bag."

'Informed Montana Patient' Web Site enlightening

While serving on the Public Health and Human Services Standing Committee during the last session, many bills regarding health related issues came before us. One bill addressed the need for disclosing any financial interest that a referring health care practitioner might have associated with a referral. While no law was enacted, the disclosure concern was addressed by placing the information on the Montana Informed Patient Web Site.

Public pool a staple in community

It came to my attention in the last couple of weeks that the Plains Pool was being filled late. Being a strong pool supporter for the last 30 years, this bothered me. When we first moved to Plains, the pool was one of the big drawing points for our family. After our four children spent many wonderful years competing on the Plains Swim Team, I knew I had to investigate the late pool opening.

Thanks to Mineral County Community Foundation

I would like to thank the Mineral County Community Foundation, especially Mr. Hendrick, Mr. Carlson and Mr. Berneking for devoting the car show in memory of my husband Archie Ireland.

Ready to win

Current and future Trotters work hard for next basketball season

It was all about paying attention to detail on Thursday at the Plains girls basketball camp.

Thompson Falls market set to open this weekend

The third season of the Thompson Falls Market launches this Saturday, June 26th from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on the west lot of the Falls Motel.

Plains city court report

William A. Noel (47)

Bear injures camper by St. Regis

Washington man receives 21 stitches after black bear bites his ear

A Washington man was injured early Monday morning by a black

Plains minors win county tournament

After being ranked second during the regular season the Plains minor league team had a great tournament in Noxon two weeks ago to win the tournament and take first among county teams.

Pool opens for summer

Perhaps some of the fondest memories of childhood are those spent splashing around in the town's swimming pool. Whether jumping off the diving board or doing belly flops, the community pool is the spot where children beg their parents to take them.

Horse riders clean trails

Five trucks rolled into Superior on Saturday, June 12, each with a horse trailer in tow. The vehicles were headed up to the Thompson Creek Trailhead just outside of Superior. But these horsemen and women from around Ronan didn't come all the way down just to go for a leisurely horseback ride. Rather they had come to spend the day clearing branches off the trail and spent the day working to open the trail up for other users.

Arkansas students lend a hand

The New Day Fellowship church in Haugen that serves the area from St. Regis to the Idaho state line had some welcomed help last week. A group of 18, 13 youth and five sponsors, traveled two days on a bus from Springdale, Arkansas, to provide assistance and encouragement for New Day Fellowship, which was launched back in August under the leadership of Dr. Alan Damron and his wife, Sarah. The group, which came from the New Hope Fellowship church, came to help out with tasks around the church in Haugen as part of their summer mission trip.

Choices Counseling now state approved

Choices for Change Counseling (Nancy M. Smith) has been certified as a State Approved Agency by DPHHS, Addictive and Mental Disorders Division. Choices has also been designated by the Mineral County Commissioners to receive 100 percent of the Mineral County earmarked alcohol tax monies for the provision of chemical dependency treatment and prevention services in accordance with MCA 53-24-206.

Burn permits end, fire season begins

With wildland fire season approaching and the wet spring of 2010 finally coming to an end, fire control officials in Sanders County have announced the conclusion of open burning as of the end of June.

TRACS holds annual yard sale fundraiser

It was a perfect day for the annual Thompson River Animal Care Shelter's yard sale fundraiser on Saturday as it was greeted with warm and sunny weather.

The show must go on

Despite cancellations Saturday, the boat show went on as planned Sunday

The tremendous efforts it took to bring the hydroplane races to Trout Creek over the weekend were almost for naught as the races had to be cancelled Saturday due to dangerous debris floating in the water that can wreak havoc on the hydro boats.

High participant total for Sanders Sale-ing

Following the annual spring-cleaning, residents of Sanders County fill their yards with unwanted or excess clothes, knick-knacks and treasures for the annual Sanders Sale-ing event.

Locals take a drive for school

Hosting a fundraiser does not have to be a lot of work, sometimes it is as simple as taking a leisurely drive.

Hot Springs gunman files guilty plea

Following police standoff back in May, man pleads guilty to criminal endangerment

A Hot Springs man filed a guilty plea last Thursday in District

Boat inspections now mandatory

In a joint collaboration between the Department of Agriculture and Fish Wildlife and Parks, it was decided last week that the inspection stations designed to prevent the spread of Eurasian watermilfoil, an aquatic invasive species, in Plains and Troy are now mandatory for all boat goers traveling to and from Cabinet Gorge and Noxon Reservoirs.

Plains vandal to be charged with felony

Coming into work early in the morning is never an easy feat, but for seven business owners in Plains last Tuesday, June 15, the morning was made even more difficult as they were greeted by a slew of vandalism on the outside of their business fronts.

Plains Day comes with fun and sun

Plains Day is not just a day to celebrate the town, but a day when people of all ages; young, teens and adults can gather together to share their fondness for the community they call home.

Homesteader Days celebrates 61 years

In 1949, the first homesteaders came to Hot Springs, signing the official registry for the town.

Thanks to those who helped at walk and run

The organizers of the Find Your Fun Walk and Run would like to thank all those who took part in and helped with the diabetes awareness event on May 22nd. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans enabled us to make this a free and community based program through a grant. They also provided volunteers who helped with food, setting up and distributing information to the public.

The 'rule of law' in Sanders County

In the light of the Primary Election, it is good to have learned, at the April 28th JBS Sheriff's forum, that neither of the remaining candidates will take on battles with the federal government. When the United States enacts a law that is repugnant to the US Constitution and the Montana Constitution, both candidates promised to not interfere. Rather, they will defer to the Montana Attorney General or to the Governor.

Ranchers set to take on hoppers

Several Hot Springs ranchers pool together to fight grasshopper problem

The six men sat around the table huddled in close peering at a number of maps detailing land all over the Little Bitteroot. The group of ranchers, covered with day's work of dirt and grime, marked special spots on the map including water holes, rivers and wells, while one of them crunched numbers of acreage.

Babe Ruth Action

The Plains Babe Ruth Team beat the Ronan Mustangs on Thursday 6-5, lost to the eventual Babe Ruth Tournament Champions Mission Valley Rockies on Friday 16-6 and lost to the Polson Griz on Saturday 7-1.

Plains Piranhas back in action

As we all know, summer season is here, which means the Plains Piranhas are back in action.

Plains-Hot Springs players compete at Class B All-Star Game

Saturday's Class B All-Star game was the perfect ending for two Plains-Hot Springs Savage Horsemen after a great high school career. Brian Green from Plains and Reiley Winebrenner were both selected for the game and helped the Northern squad to a come from behind victory, 13-10.

Serious about fundamentals

Thompson Falls hosts summer basketball camp for grades 1-12

There was some heavy debate going on between team blue as they watched team yellow and team black battle on the basketball court, perched atop the backed-up bleachers in the Thompson Falls high school gym.

Plains City Court

Joy A. Larson (32)

Plains/Paradise Senior News

Meals for the coming week are:

Rehberg staff to hold traveling office hours

Missoula, MT - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, announced his congressional field representative, Larry Anderson, will be conducting traveling office hours in Plains, Wednesday, June 23, at 11:00 a.m., at the Plains City Hall, 101 West Lynch Street.

Rehbein Ford hosts Drive One 4 UR School

Plains, MT - Ford Motor Company and Rehbein Ford will be partnering to help raise money in support of local high schools as part of Ford's Drive One 4 UR School program.

Montana Tobacco Quit Line to continue four-week 'patch' promo

The Montana Tobacco Quit Line is extending its May promotion of four weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (patches, gum or lozenges), the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced Monday.

James, Alexander to vie for Justice of the Peace in Nov.

Four Justice of the Peace candidates put their name on the ballot, but only the two who received the most numbers of votes will go on to compete in the general election. Wanda James and Muriah Alexander will vie for the nonpartisan position in November.

Shooters prepare for national competition

Three of the four students on the Monatana team are from Mineral County

Levy fails in primary; sheriff candidates prepare for general election

The county commissioners had said that the public safety levy would be a hard sell and it was. In the primaries on Tuesday, June 8, voters decided not to increase the mill levy for the sheriff's department. The issue on the ballot proposed increasing the levy by 25 mills and voters declined it, 651 votes to 525 votes.

Dining out

Relay for Life team faced stormy weather during their outdoor fundraising event Lunch on the Lot

St. Regis pavilion ready for summer use

Even if you're planning to hang around home this summer there's going to be plenty to do. The St. Regis Community Council has plenty to offer and with the newly constructed pavilion ready for use, they're planning to bring the community a summer of fun.

Students raise money for worthy cause

For many, a penny is considered worthless. After all, there's not much you can buy with a penny. However, overseas a penny can be of high value. And a collection of them might just help to build a school.

Deputy Balenger faces interdiplinary charges

The following is a letter released to media outlets from Sheriff Hugh Hopwood.

Sex offender gets 99 years in prison

Judge cites seriousness of crime, extreme conduct and attempt at concealment for sentence

Convicted sexual offender Robert Fishbaugh, 54, of Thompson

Danielle's column: What goes around comes around

We've all heard the old adage "what goes around, comes around." I never really put much thought into it as I figured it was just my parents' way of scaring me out of stealing my brother's toys or pinching him when I was little.

Junior firefighters can handle it all

For some Plains High School students, community service through the Plains/Paradise Rural Fire District is an exciting way to gain experience while serving the town they grew up in.

Election results

Rummel wins Republican nod for sheriff, Non-partisan initiative passes

The election results are in and with a few surprises. Mark French from Paradise will not be moving on to the general election as Denny Rehberg and Michael McDonald will be on the ballot to compete for the congressional seat during the general election in November.

Seven stores vandalized in Plains

Seven businesses on Main Street in Plains were vandalized late

Graduates awarded 4-H scholarships

Four outstanding Sanders County 4-Hers were recently recognized for their achievements and goals with scholarships totalling $2,250. Graduating seniors Beca Gunderson, Thompson Falls; Ethan Snell, Thompson Falls; Charlene Johnson, Hot Springs; and Abi Mitch, Plains each received a scholarship to help further their education.

Months seek to bring awareness to skin cancer, sun safety

The most diagnosed type of cancer in the United States is also the cancer that is not only treated the most successfully, but also the type of cancer that is perhaps the most preventable. According to Terry Egan, cancer control program coordinator for region one (Missoula, Mineral and Ravalli counties) for the Montana Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (MCCCP), a supporting partner to the Montana Cancer Control Coalition (MTCCC), over one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the states this year.

Students receive honor

Four students from St. Regis were selected to be inducted into membership of the Jerald D. Alexander Chapter National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society. The ceremony was held in the school cafeteria on Wednesday, May 12 at the St. Regis School.

New program supports parents

A new program is being offered at the Superior Mental Health Department. The program, Oasis Family Support Project, will include both parents and children and seeks to provide support to parents who are raising children. The program is being funded by a grant for $5,490 from the Early Childhood Comprehensive System, which supports early childhood development projects and is funded by a segment of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Summer reading programs planned for Alberton, Superior

With summer weather directly in front of us and school no longer in session, it can be easy to forget about all the adventures that books have to offer. And while you're making a splash in the pool, the Mineral County Library would like to invite all the children of Mineral County to not only make a splash in the pool, but to "make a splash" in reading.

Missing Superior teenager found in Wash.

It was a happy ending to a scary ordeal for Kelsey Ray's parents, Monica and Kevin, after their daughter was reported missing early last week. Sixteen-year-old Ray was picked up by police in Kirkland, Washington early Monday morning at 1 a.m. according to Hugh Hopwood.

Graduates awarded 4-H scholarships

Four outstanding Sanders County 4-Hers were recently recognized for their achievements and goals with scholarships totalling $2,250. Graduating seniors Beca Gunderson, Thompson Falls; Ethan Snell, Thompson Falls; Charlene Johnson, Hot Springs; and Abi Mitch, Plains each received a scholarship to help further their education.

Furry felines everywhere

TRACS would like to reach out to our public here in Sanders County and find out how we might be able to help them with the stray and feral cat populations we have in some areas. TRACS is hoping to get some financial help from a large national organization and has a very good chance of getting this money, which is designed to help reduce stray cat populations by controlling their reproduction. Stop the babies being made, and the populations will automatically be reduced.

A look into the past

Church of Jesus Christ in Plains offers assistance in searching for family history

It’s a detective game, a genealogical hunt for the past made possible by two Plains residents willing and capable to help people search for their personal family history.

County residents headed to polls Tuesday

With campaign signs and window stickers, the citizens of Mineral County have been acknowledging who they'd like to see in office. Yesterday, June 8, they took one of the first steps to making that happen as they joined many Americans across the country by heading to the polls to cast ballots in the primary election. Of course, others voted earlier, choosing to vote through the mail. Clerk of Court Recorder Katherine Jasper said that a good percentage of the absentee ballots have been returned.

Bicycling down to the border

New pastor embarks on humanitarian mission before starting in Plains

The Plains/Paradise United Methodist Church has a new pastor in town, but you may have missed him. After arriving from the Philadelphia area to settle in the Plains/Paradise community last week, Pastor Thomas Hall hit the road once more, but this time by bicycle.

School's out for summer

Plains students have last hoorah at school before summer starts

The steady rainfall paused on Thursday, just in time to help the Plains school children celebrate the end of the school year and beginning of summer.

Plains looks to equalize water meters

The town of Plains is currently looking for ways to equalize the water usage among all the residences throughout town.

2010 Primary results for Sanders County

The election results are in and with a few surprises. Mark

2010 Primary Results for Mineral County

On Tuesday, the voters said no to the 25-mill increase on the public safety levy with a 55-45 percent margin. The overall vote was 651 against to 525.

Museum opens fire display

A hundred years ago, on August 20 and 21, one of the largest forest fires burned across three million acres, taking the lives of 86 individuals. Dry conditions and high winds helped to accelerate the fire, which has become known widely as The Big Burn or Big Blowup, which burned through northern Idaho and western Montana, including Mineral County.

Superior girls medal at state

The Superior girls were seeing a lot of success as the track season was rolling to a close. They came in second at divisionals and had a group headed to state in numerous events. Yet only two girls took medals at the state track meet that was held this last weekend in Laurel. And it was in the long jump and the triple jump where the two girls shined.

Burn permits extended

The period for which to apply for a burn permit has been extended until June 15 according to Robert Derleth with the Superior Ranger District.

Learning at state

Going to state was a huge accomplishment in itself. At divisionals, sophomore Jake Thompson was the only individual out of twelve from Alberton that was able to stamp a ticket to state track. At divisionals, Thompson jumped 39-7, a whole two and a half feet farther than he had ever jumped before. However, at state, Thompson ended up jumping a little over 38 feet.

Lunch on the Lot

For most people, the common place to eat lunch is inside at the kitchen table and when the weather is warmer, some people will head outside to have a picnic in the park where they will often sit at picnic tables or on a blanket laid across the grass. On June 9, however, Mineral County residents are invited to eat lunch in a lot that is vacant.

Superior honors those who have fallen in war

Unofficially, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer for many American families, but the holiday has a much more significance than this.

Choices for change counseling

‘Circle of Security’ Offers Help to Parents

St. Regis honors graduates

The names of fourteen students were called to receive their diplomas Saturday evening at the St. Regis High School graduation commencement ceremony. Diana Gingerich, one of four individuals to address the graduates, recalled when they first entered her class in the sixth grade and found two bookmarks on their desk: one with the word respect, the other with the word responsibility.

Rain doesn't dampen flea market

Rather than singing in the rain, people were shopping in the rain on Saturday.

Retirement program alternatives

On Wednesday, May 19th, I was in Helena for my State Administration and Veterans Affairs (SAVA) Interim Committee meeting. Our day was dedicated to working with Dave Slishinsky and Doug Fiddler, Consulting Actuaries from Buck Consultants.

Cost too high for Healthy Kids Initiative

I must respond to Judy Reall's letter in last week's Ledger chastising Representative Pat Ingraham's "no" vote on funding for the Healthy Kids Initiative (HB157 was the funding bill).

The true meaning of Memorial Day

This past weekend was Memorial weekend. I watched and listened to so many different people talk about the plans they had for the long weekend. It has become a recreational holiday for most.

Things to consider when casting your vote

The big question of the days is "who gets my vote? Who do I support?"

Remembering Linda

Wildhorse Plains Back Country Horsemen honor former BCH member

Seven Wildhorse Plains Back Country Horsemen gathered with Hot Springs' resident Randy Andrews and family in the mountains north of Plains on Saturday, May 22, to spend a few minutes remembering Randy's wife Linda, a former BCH member, who passed away unexpectedly in September of '09.

From tragedy to triumph

Noxon's Jensen wins state shot put crown

After six weeks of refusing to fall down, Noxon's Derek Jensen stood tall atop the medal podium on Saturday, crowned as the state Class C shot put champion; a storybook ending to a struggle that began with the passing of his mother in April.

Oh so close!

Thompson Falls boys barely miss out on state crown

Coach Randy Symon has seen this story before. With only the mile relay standing between his team and the state Class B track title, fortune frowns on the Bluehawks and the chips fall the way of the opponent denying them the crown and leaving them with the second place trophy.

Living a dream

Ladyhawks take out Columbus to win first championship

Break out the virgin margaritas, it's time to celebrate. The Ladyhawks are 2010 B-C Softball champions.

Two-time champion

Dillon Fryxell ended his high school track career the same way he spent a majority of it, out jumping all of his competition.

Three place at state for Hot Springs

The three senior stars that have shined all year long on the track all have some hardware to show off proving that they are among the state's best.

Montana Patient Protection Act

I have introduced the Montana Patient Protection Act which prohibits physician-homicide and physician-assisted suicide ("aid in dying"). The Act is in response to the Supreme Court decision Baxter v. State of Montana. This Act is based on Montana's public policy to prevent elder abuse and to value all citizens.

Plains-Paradise Senior News (June 2)

The computer internet class held May 27 was a huge success. The class was put on by Leif Nyquest of Blackfoot Telephone Co. and Denise Trip-Loran of Watercolor.

Sanders County sheriff's report (June 2)

5-23

Trap club results week six

After the six weeks of shooting the results were Plains and Noxon tied for 1st place with 1012 points. In number third place was the Denton Club

Summer hours at the National Bison Range

National Bison Range wtiched to 15 hour days last week

Come Memorial Day weekend, the National Bison Range changed to its longer summer hours of operation. Starting Saturday, May 29, 2010, the Refuge will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Visitors should remember that they will need to start Red Sleep Mountain Drive no later than 7 p.m. to be finished before the main gates close (this closing time is 6 p.m. until May 29). The Refuge is closed at night to all public use.

Rodeo results

Jessica Read once again competed in Montana High School Rodeo this past weekend. On Saturday, she took 8th in goat tying, with a time of 11.85 seconds and 11th in barrel racing with a time of 19.03 seconds.

A few locals find fun in mud

Who knew the simple mixture of dirt and water could turn into a weekend of entertainment.

In memoriam

One man’s silent quest to honor fallen soldiers in Iraq pauses in Paradise

It is one man's silent vigil, marked only by the sound of his footsteps on the pavement. The only evidence of Mike Ehredt's journey across the Unites States is the tiny American flag placed meticulously at every mile marker along various highways throughout the Unites States.

Battling invasive weeds

Mandatory boat checks up for debate

The Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) task force in Sanders County has worked tirelessly to keep Eurasian watermilfoil, a nonnative, noxious and rapidly spreading weed, at bay. In the past few years, the EWM task force has managed to keep the weed contained within the Noxon Rapids and Cabinet Gorge Reservoirs.

A time of remembrance

Sanders County honors the fallen by celebrating Memorial Day

Residents of Sanders County and members of the VFW Plains Post 3596 gathered at various sites in Plains and Thompson Falls on Sunday and Monday to honor those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms and rights of United States citizens as part of their Memorial Day services.