Ellington

Diabetes Month increases awareness

Attention, awareness and education about diabetes is always at the forefront, but this month special attention was given to the diabetes as November serves as National Diabetes Month.

Tough season for Alberton volleyball

Coming out of the 2009 volleyball season, Coach Rachel Clevenger said that this year the team had pans to work on improving in the areas of serving and passing. Both of those areas, she said, were the two biggest areas that they needed to improve upon and were also two critical skills to putting together a great game of volleyball.

Food for thought: Can you recognize emotional abuse?

This is a two part series on emotional abuse.  Today I will examine how to recognize emotional abuse.  Next week I will discuss the symptoms in men and women who abuse and how to stop it.

Great turnout at Hot Springs Art Gala

Art aficionados and interested community members from all parts of the area crammed into a meeting room at the Symes Hot Springs Hotel in Hot Springs for the Hot Springs Arts Society’s Art Gala, which was held on Saturday, Nov. 13. The event is the organization’s main fundraiser for the year, and featured a wine, cheese and chocolate bar for attendees to taste, and a silent auction, consisting of several works of art from local artists, as well as arts and craft items from area businesses.

Food bank cashes in on frendly rivalry

Football fans took their friendly competition off the sidelines and turned it into a way to help out the food bank in Mineral County last week that led into the showdown between the University of Montana Grizzlies and the Montana State Bobcats on Saturday.

Strong season for Lady Bobcats

The Superior girls started the volleyball season off with a bang. On Saturday, they won their first tournament of the season at Troy where they battled against Troy, Thompson Falls and Noxon for the tournament win.

Lady Tigers learn through season

Low numbers weren’t going to be enough stop the St. Regis Lady Tigers volleyball squad. Eight girls showed up to practice willing to work hard and put in the time and effort. After running through warm-up drills, the girls got busy hitting, passing and serving.

Ski run boasts deep powder, early opening

If it’s going to be cold, there might as well be snow on the ground. And if there is going to be snow on the ground then there ought to be enough to enjoy the outdoor recreation of activities such as skiing and snowboarding.

Baskets for those in need

Roger Kesting has been helping the Lions Cub distribute food baskets since he came to the area in 1981. Back then, no more than 15 baskets were distributed to needy families in the areas. As the numbers started to grow, the Women and Timber also became a part of the effort to put together and deliver food baskets to needy families.

Knapweed requires community solution

If you would like to be part of the solution you can register to participate in a pilot project that will address Knapweed infestation in Eastern Sanders County on a watershed level.

Community spirit abounds at lunch

The line for lunch in St. Regis extended down the hallway last Wednesday. Community members and senior citizens had been invited over to join the students in a pre-Thanksgiving Lunch.

Higgins pleads guilty

Eighteen-year-old Jay Higgins appeared in court on Monday, Nov. 8 for a status conference and to change his plea in relation to charges filed against him.

Coping choices- Signs of discontent

Dear Choices:  How can I be more productive?  I get frustrated every night when I feel I have been overwhelmed with things to do, but never seem to accomplish what I set out to do……Life is hard

Wrestlers raise funds

Come help out local athletes and celebrate the holidays at the same time by purchasing a Christmas Tree from the Plains-Hot Springs Savage Horseman Wrestlers.

Dinner and auction to help fund the Camas Prairie School

Anyone who has traveled through the beautiful Camas Prairie Valley has had the opportunity to admire the Camas Prairie School and Gymnasium. Even though the school is no longer in operation, there are big plans for the future of the institution.

Gridiron Glory

District 7-B All-Conference Teams Announced

It was a tough year for Sanders County football as neither the Savage Horsemen nor the Blue Hawks reached the playoffs. In fact, the two teams suffered to a combined record of 2-13.

Food bank lends helping hand

For most of us the holidays mean celebrating with friends and families, eating good food and giving out presents.

Former Plains player makes it big

After a storied high school career, three-time Trotter MVP Heather Earhart has taken her game to the next level. Literally.

Trotters win trophy

Everyone knows that the hoister of the Lombardi Trophy, the Stanley Cup or a gold medal has achieved athletic greatness. The Sanders County Tournament Trophy might be on a smaller scale, but you wouldn’t know it by watching the girls’ basketball tournament last weekend in Plans.

Wrestling under way

It’s that time of year again and winter sports practices are starting up. Each time has a lot to accomplish in the limited time before their first match and Plains-Hot Springs wrestlers are no different.

Silent auction raises funds for library

The Friends of the Thompson Falls Library will be holding their 10th Annual Silent Auction in the Library Annex until Saturday, Dec. 4. The auction opened last Tuesday, Nov. 23. 

Local quilters make a difference

Christmas is right around the corner, and that means one thing: children all across Sanders County are getting their lists ready for Santa. Unfortunately, some of them, naughty or nice, won’t be getting a stocking this year.

Knapweed requires community sollution

If you would like to be part of the solution you can register to participate in a pilot project that will address Knapweed infestation in Eastern Sanders County on a watershed level.

Keeping in touch

Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. 

Christmas starts with a bang at fairgrounds

Christmas season started with a bang at the Sanders County Fairgrounds, where the Annual Fairgrounds Lighting, and its accompanying fireworks display, was held last Sunday, Nov. 21.

Up in smoke?

On Friday evening near the Plains Grainry a suspicious fire was intentionally set in a storage box underneath a broken window.

Thanksgiving dinner available for those without families

With the holiday season upon us, many families will be looking for that perfect turkey that is just the right size to feed a house full of family and friends as well as leave a few leftovers on the table. For people who are single, live alone and have no place to go during the Thanksgiving celebration the season can be a bit depressing. But Hyrel Walsh is hoping that it doesn’t have to be that way.

Ernest Ornelas inducted as sheriff

“Do we have a new sheriff in town?” Commissioner Clark Conrow asked last Wednesday as he stood up before the audience that had gathered in the commissioner’s room. “Would he please come forward?”

Woman admits to drug charge

Charged with criminal possession of dangerous drugs, 20-year-old Amanda Dragoo, of Silverdale, Wash., was sentenced in district court on Nov. 8. With no reason for sentencing to not be pronounced, the court handed down a three-year deferred sentence on the condition that Dragoo undergoes and completes treatment.

Plains pool in trouble

The Plains Parks and Recreation Board met last Friday, Nov. 19 to discuss the fate of the Plains community pool. The pool, which is in need of several repairs after years of service, could potentially be closed if funds do not come through for repairs.

Blues guitartist performs in Superior

“You’re in for a great performance tonight,” Jim Goss, treasurer of MCPAC (Mineral County Performing Arts Council), announced as the crowd settled into the hall of the Superior Baptist Church last Thursday night.

St. Regis man to pay drug fine

Forty-nine year-old Donald Dean Glade, of St. Regis, was sentenced for two charges in district court on Monday, Nov. 8. Glade faced charges of resisting arrest and criminal production of dangerous drugs. In a plea agreement, Glade pled guilty to both counts back on Aug. 25. Glade initially pled not guilty at his initial appearance on Aug. 11 to both counts.

Gearing up for Christmas program

Nancy Garcia is once again in the process of organizing the Superior-St. Regis sponsored annual Christmas Ecumenical service in December. The event, which saw 190 attendees last year, started more than 50 years ago when the Methodist ladies started getting together to hold Christmas parties in the church basement.

Tigers have a tough season

The St. Regis Tigers knew how to play football, but this season they had to relearn some stuff when they switched from an eight-man game down to a six-man game.

A glance back at the Superior football season

The goals this year for the Superior Bobcats were the same as in years prior that included putting the team first and to have great practices because the team will play like they practice.

Superior students celebrate Veterans Day

American flags hung from businesses and the expanse of the memorial bridge in Superior was lined with red, white and blue ribbons. A sign placed by Wells Fargo read, “We honor and thank our veterans.”

Runners recognized at end of season banquet

The Plains Cross Country Team held their end of season banquet on Tuesday night, recognizing the achievements of the Horsemen and Trotter student-athletes in the 2010 season.  After a pot luck dinner, Head Coach Tony Banovich started the ceremony by showing a video of the season’s highlights.  This was followed by Banovich thanking Junior High coach Gena Ferlan and her outstanding management of the next generation of PHS harriers.  Next, was the recognition of the hard work of the Junior High athletes:  Ryan Ovitt, Carley VonHeeder, Sheridan Martin and Sera Boggess.

Ensembles perform at high school

The Plains High School Gym was filled with sound as the school’s music ensembles performed during their Fall Concert last Tuesday evening. The concert featured performances by the High School Band, the Middle School Band, the Percussion Ensemble and the High School Choir. The ensembles are directed by music director Brittany Majerus.

Ceremony honors flag, veterans

The Plains High School honored Veterans Day last Thursday by holding a ceremony in front of the school by the flagpole. The ceremony, which involved veterans from the Plains VFW Post 3596 and was attended by all of Plains’ student body, was intended as a way for the school to replace its flags and take a moment to remember those who have served in the Armed Forces.

Soles for Souls raises awareness

In order to save someone’s life, you need a red cape like Super Man, a doctorate degree in cardiology, or an old pair of shoes.

Support for a senator

Thank you Senator Hinkle.  Thank you for taking the time to come to every public gathering you are able to attend just for the opportunity to speak to the many citizens in the District you represent.

Observations on the election of county attorney

I would like to offer some observations regarding the recent election of our County Attorney. It has been my privilege to live in Mineral County for 42 years, and to practice law here for 35 years. This encompasses the 31 years that Shaun Donovan has served as County Attorney. For many years, since I was the only other resident attorney in the area,  I accepted a multitude of court appointments in criminal, juvenile and abuse and neglect cases. I have also dealt with Shaun on civil matters such as land use and school issues.

Veterans honored with dinner

If actions speak louder than words, then veterans in Sanders County heard a resounding thank you from community members in Hot Springs as the senior center hosted it’s annual Veteran’s Day Dinner last Thursday.

The end of an era

For the past ten seasons Hot Springs and Plains have shared not only a football team, but all of the passion, sense of community and pride that go with it. In 2011, however, each will have to find their own grid-iron identity as the two will be on different sidelines for the first time in a decade.

The Big Read comes to Plains

It’s not everyday a New York Times Bestselling Author comes to Plains, but last Wednesday night as part of Sanders County’s first Big Read, that’s exactly what happened.

Roy. O. Hanson

Roy O. Hanson, 64, succumbed to a valiant six-year battle with cancer in his sleep during the early morning hours of Nov. 11, 2010.

John E. Miller "Pappa John"

John E. Miller, 83, died Friday, Oct. 1, 2010 in Powell, Wyo.

Grant awarded to hospital and schools

Mineral Community Hospital (MCH) announced today that they received an award of a $175,000 grant from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) towards a planned woody biomass system.

Airport to receive boost

The BitterRoot Economic Development District, Inc (BREDD), the federally designated economic development district for Western Montana Region covering Ravalli, Mineral, and Missoula counties, was awarded $627,000 of grant money from a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to help communities in Montana create jobs and boost local economies.

Fun and games in AWANA program

Twenty-eight students, aged kindergarten through sixth grade, caught a special bus last Thursday after school let out. Rather than heading home after school let out, the kids were bussed over to the Superior Community Church for the weekly AWANA program.

Humor for all ages in "The Real Legend"

Many of us know the Legend of Sleepy Hollow, the tale of Ichabod Crane, a Connecticut schoolmaster, who competes for the love of a young woman named Katrina Van Tassel against one Brom Bones, the town tough guy. When Bones learns of Crane’s superstitious nature, he regales Crane with the story of the Headless Horseman, the ghost of a Hessian soldier who lost his head during a battle of the American Revolution. Bones tells Ichabod of how the Horseman rides through the Sleepy Hollow, searching for a replacement for his lost head. Terrified, Crane begins to make his way back to his lodging, only he is never seen or heard from again. Brom Bones, on the other hand, marries Katrina Van Tassel. But when the story of Ichabod Crane is told, Bones tends to take on a very knowing look, as if he knew exactly just what happened to Crane.

Coping Choices-resilient people

Dear Choices:  I have been told I am too rigid.  How can I learn to be more resilient?......Stuck

Doctor presents on "aid in dying"

Death is often something people avoid speaking about at all costs. But for others, it is a stark reality, something that is coming sooner rather than later. For the latter, deemed terminally ill, a choice in how to spend their last days is of utmost importance, said Dr. Thomas Preston, who visited Polson and St. Ignatius last Wednesday to discuss the issue.

Christmas Tree Permits on sale

Christmas tree permits are now available at all Lolo National Forest Ranger District offices. Permits are limited to three per family and cost $5 each.

Cougar season closes

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana Hunting District 123, which includes portions of Sanders County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, November 6, 2010.  This hunting district will re-open for the hunting of all mountain lions for the winter season beginning December 1, 2010.

Local teen hopes to study art in Japan

Tiphanie Eriksson can’t remember the first time she picked up a pencil to draw, but if you take a moment to look at some of the artwork she’s done, you’d think it was shortly after she was born.

Food for thought: emathy-is it important and should parents be teaching it?

Empathy is being aware of and showing concern for another person’s situation or feelings.  Empathy and concern for other people allow us to appreciate what we have and how we can help others. Not being empathetic can lead to people doing what they like regardless of how it affects others and this can lead to petty and major crimes against others.  Children who show no feelings of empathy are often found bullying or habitually teasing other children.

Dinner-N-Dance a good time

It’s hard not to smile when visiting Jackie’s Home Cookin’ in Superior. When the cook, Mike Perotti, is dancing behind the counter with a third eyeball painted on his forehead, you can’t help but have a good time.  And a good time is exactly what Mike and his wife Jackie, owners of Jackie’s Home Cookin’, cooked up for families on Oct. 16.

New candidates prepare for terms

The elections are over and newly elected candidates are now preparing to step into their offices and getting ready for what’s ahead. The elections saw a pretty good voter turnout. With 2,770  registered voters, 1,864 of them cast a ballot for a 67 percent turnout.

Making the grade

Following are the Hot Springs Elementary honor roll students for the first quarter of the 2010-2011 school year. Their name will be followed by their grade point average.

Because you care, there's Energy Share!

Recent media headlines have been full of bad news about our economy.  More Montana citizens are now getting federal assistance to help them pay for groceries than ever before.  Twelve percent of the state’s population gets benefits from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).  Food Banks are serving 30 percent more children now than they were last year.  Many times it feels like life is anything but good.

Bosslift recognizes Montana employers

Sailboat enthusiasts enjoying the calm waters of Flathead Lake in Montana last week were a little startled to have a pair of UH-60 Black Hawks and a CH-47 Chinook come thumping down the lake and drop down between the snow dusted peaks of the majestic Mission Mountains.  Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) capped off National ESGR week, September 19-25, with an employer BOSSLIFT out of Kalispell Montana.  A BOSSLIFT allows employers an opportunity to learn what their National Guard and Reserve members do on a drill weekend…including training in a Black Hawk or Chinook helicopter.

Keeping in Touch

Now that the General Election is over, it is time to begin preparing for the start of the 2011 Legislative Session which begins on January 3rd.  On November 15th I am headed to Helena to begin that preparation.  The following day I’ll be attending a Legislators’ forum, sponsored by the Montana Policy Institute, which will be covering property rights, fiscal responsibility in Montana and promoting free enterprise.  On Wednesday, November 17th through the 19th, I will be attending the orientation and continued training sessions for new and returning legislators sponsored by the Legislative Services Division. 

Deer and elk population down

Hunting season is well under way this year, and it for those who have been out and about it should come as no surprise that deer and elk numbers appear to be down this year in the lower Clark Fork River Valley.

Dates for delivery by Christmas

The Superior Post Office announces the below recommended mailing dates for delivery by Christmas to our U.S. military troops serving overseas at APO/FPO ZIP Code addresses.

Thanksgiving dinner for troops overseas

Fall has arrived and we will soon look forward to getting together with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. Typically these holidays are celebrated with a shared meal. But some of our family and friends will not be with us this holiday season. They are our dedicated men and women serving in our country’s armed forces. I understand the importance of that special package from home any time of year, but especially during the holiday times of the year.

MCPAC extends artistic boundaries

The Mineral County Performing Arts Council is just getting the 2010-2011 season performances underway. The group, which has been in existence for just over a few years, continues to extend musical and geographic boundaries.

Lady Bobcats finish strong at divisionals

Volleyball divisionals flew into Superior last week and the competition heated up on the courts from Thursday through Friday. The home team played against Eureka on Thursday. Fans packed the gym decked out in red, white and blue. The team’s teddy bear even had a seat in the front row.

Bobcats lose to Eagles

The Superior Bobcats came up against Fairfield last Saturday in a quarterfinal playoff game on Saturday. As they have all season, the Bobcats trailed the team into the second, third and fourth quarters, but this time they weren’t able to clench a win. They lost 54-21.

"Gathering of the Wreaths" inspires Christmas spirit

The Mineral County Medical Foundation held the first annual “Gathering of the Wreaths” on Saturday. A decorated cardboard gingerbread house on the 4-H building’s door beckoned individuals inside to a Christmas themed showing.

Helpline event a success

For twenty-one years, the Mineral County Helpline has been fulfilling a need in the county and helping women when they find themselves in times of crisis.

Elaine Patrice (Patty) McClenahan

Elaine Patrice (Patty) McClenahan passed away on Nov. 6, 2010 at the age of 56, in Kalispell, Mt.

Lois Virginia Oliver

Lois Virginia Oliver, 75, passed away Sunday October 31st, 2010, at her home in Plains, Mt.

Savage Heat opt out of co-op

For the first time since 2001, the Hot Springs Savage Heat will field their own football team, as the Hot Springs School Board voted to end the cooperative agreement with Plains last night at their monthly meeting.

Lady Hawks humbled at divisionals

The Lady Hawks’ season ended last weekend at the Western B Divisional Tournament last weekend in Superior, but not before Thompson Falls left it’s mark on the field, both winning and losing two matches to finish in fourth place.

Plains man recalls Vietnam

U.S. Marines are said to be the few and the proud. If that’s true, then members of the Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance (Force Recon) are fewer and prouder still.

Veteran of Korea re-lives experience

The Korean War is often referred to as the “Forgotten War” or the “Unknown War” because it was smaller in scale than its predecessor, World War II, and less controversial than its successor, Vietnam. To the men who served in Korea, however, it is anything but forgotten.

Plains Ambulance connects with community

Preparations are underway at the Plains Ambulance as volunteers prepare for an open house, which will be held on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. The open house was planned as a way for Plains Emergency Medical Services volunteers to meet and greet members of the community.

Church offers free classes

You might expect someone with an associate degree, two bachelors degrees, two masters degrees and a Ph.D. to go by Dr., Mr., or even sir, but, in this case, something much more informal will do.

Veterans Day

I want to thank all the men and women that have served this great nation. You are a huge part of what makes the United States a great place to live. I have been present when people have spoken their anger at the service men and women that have put their lives on the line for all of us, including the ones who have no reverence for our Armed Forces or the Nation. Of course me being me, I did not hold my tongue, but I believe the following is true:

Veterans eat for free

What better way is there to honor America’s favorite sons than with a hot meal and a patriotic salute?

Rummel tentative winner for sheriff

It has been over a week since Election Day, and one part of the ballot still remains undecided. Voting for the role of Sanders County sheriff ended last week with Republican Tom Rummel leading Independent Doug Dryden by a mere six votes. The closeness of this race has meant that a recount is automatically factored in, and preparations for that recount began in the beginning of this week.

Elroy the Elk visits

Elroy the Elk visited the Paradise School for a rally last Friday afternoon, Oct. 29 as part of the Clark Fork Valley Elks’ initiative to increase drug awareness in the community.

Arlee changes schedule

Three years ago, Arlee wrestlers missed seven Fridays of school in a row and in total 54 class periods because they were traveling to sports events.

Group works toward sustainable future

A new project is growing in Hot Springs, and it promises to bring about positive change for the community. The Hot Springs Sustainability Project was started by Hot Springs resident Shaun Martinz, and is intended to support environmentally-conscious problem solving in the area.

Firefighter shatters record

An important training milestone for a firefighter is completion of the Firefighter One course. This course includes a combination of physical skills and technical knowledge. One of the most physically rigorous ways to obtain Firefighter One certification is to attend a training academy put on by the Montana State University Fire Service Training School in Great Falls. This approach requires the candidate to engage in difficult physical activities such as second floor rescues and pitched roof ventilation in full gear including air packs. Unlike local training this process occurs over nine successive days.

Lady Panthers lose to Granite, Lincoln

Plains library hosts author

New York Times best-selling author Matthew Pearl will give a presentation at the Plains Library on Wednesday, November 10 at 6 pm.   Mr. Pearl will be speaking about his novel, The Poe Shadow, as well as his research into the life of great American author Edgar Allan Poe.  The presentation will be followed by an author signing.  Books will be available for purchase at the event.  Mr. Pearl will also be presenting at the Little Theater in Libby on Tuesday, November 9 at 7 pm.  These events are a part of the Lincoln County Public Libraries’ 2010 Big Read of Great Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe.  The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) designed to restore reading to the center of American culture. The NEA presents The Big Read in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and in cooperation with Arts Midwest. Support for The Big Read is provided by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Practice makes perfect

Practice makes perfect when it comes to a golf swings or oil paintings, but for members of the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District, practice might make the difference between life and death.

Sarah's Place, a place to heal

Members of the law enforcement, medical, legal and child advocacy communities came together last Wednesday, Oct. 27 to commemorate the foundation of Sarah’s Place, a child advocacy center intended to give victims of abuse the tools they need to stop abusive relationships and begin the process of healing.

Brothers record debut album

They haven’t topped the music charts, but the Zylawy Boys have certainly become familiar to those living in Mineral County. Roman, Kenley and Wyatt have been playing throughout several events in the county this past year as well as at one or two in Missoula.

Superior girls heading into divisional playoffs

The Superior Lady Bobcats took third this last weekend in districts and will play at noon on Thursday of this week. The girls are hosting volleyball divisionals for the district.

Superior trumps Troy in playoffs

They were down 12-7 in the fourth quarter, but the Superior Bobcats weren’t about to let the playoff win slip away from them.

Mineral County celebrates Halloween

The early traditions of Halloween date back about 2,000 years. The holiday was originally called Samhain and marked the beginning of the Celtic New Year. In ancient times, the holiday marks the transition from the “light” part of the year to the “dark” portion, as daylight hours became shorter and the weather grew colder. The first ‘jack o’ lanterns’ were carved out of turnips and beets as pumpkins weren’t native to Europe.

Residents cast ballots in election

Voters headed to the polls yesterday to cast ballots to elect county officials. Several seats were open this year and several of the positions that hadn’t been challenged in the past had two people seeking to fill them. It was an election year that generated a lot of interest as forums across the county gave voters the opportunity to ask questions of the candidates and get answers.

Charles Lester “Charlie” Burnham

Charles Lester “Charlie” Burnham, 81, died quietly at his home in Skagway on Oct. 12, surrounded by his family. Charlie was born on Dec. 26, 1928 in Plains, Mt to John and Dicie Mae Burnham. he worked summers with his dad in mines around that area. He graduated from Plains High School in 1947, and went to work in a sawmill.

Sanders County Sheriff's Report

10/24

Lady Hawks soar to divisionals

In an improbable year, with only two seniors, three sophomores and a freshman comprising the varsity squad, the Thompson Falls Lady Hawks have silenced their doubters by advancing to the divisional round of the post-season.

Trotters end season at districts

Sports are often explained as a metaphor for life, and as the Trotters volleyball season drew to a close at the District 7-B tournament in Thompson Falls last weekend, that was never more true.

Bighorn hosts Red Ribbon Week

It’s not everyday that high school students have an excuse to get out of the classroom and help each other navigate through a low ropes course, a mine-field full of mouse-traps, and even climb through a tractor tire eight feet off of the ground, but that’s exactly what Plains High School students did this year as they celebrated Red Ribbon Week at Camp Bighorn.

The price of power

Montana and the nation are at the crux of a changing energy future. What that future will look like depends on the choices we make now. These choices will require some tough decisions by both electricity consumers and the regulators of our utilities at the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC).  Regulated electric and gas utilities in Montana include Northwestern Energy (NWE) and Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) in the eastern part of our state. Electric co-ops are not regulated by the PSC. The challenge for electricity providers and regulators is how to incorporate alternative forms of energy such as wind, biomass, solar and geothermal into our system as a long term investment towards clean energy and energy independence. As with most investments, the payoff comes over time, perhaps even over a lifetime. Judith Gap, Montana’s first wind farm, came on line in 2006, and customers are already seeing the benefits. The 135MW facility supplies 8% of NWE’s energy needs at a cost of about $40/MWH, considerably less than the cost of electricity produced at the coal fired power plant in Coalstrip ($54/MWH).

Mineral County Election Results

The Mineral County Elections are finally over. Below are the results of the race:

Road to recovery full of challenges

For alcoholics and addicts, the road to recovery is one that is often the hardest and longest to take. But for Donny Watson, it was a road that he was willing to walk.

Pool leaks will be investigated

Plastic pipe lines are the reason the Superior swimming pool leaked.

New bath unveiled at hospital

After raising money to replace the old tub at the Mineral County Hospital, workers have run into a problem with the new state-of-the-art bath.

Keeping in Touch: Ideas to support veterans on Veterans Day

With Veterans Day, November 11th, just around the corner, it’s never too early to begin reflecting on the sacrifices our military men and women make on our behalf while defending, guarding and protecting our traditions of liberty and freedom, those unalienable rights which ensure justice for all.

Needles, insulin, and excercise collide

Jokes about being scared of needles and poking fingers quickly made their way into the chatter last Wednesday night in the basement of the Tamarack Clinic.

Trout Creek Altacare program receives award

Here is some exciting information about Altacare at Trout Creek School.  Trout Creek School Altacare Program was awarded the North Western Program of the Year from Altacare/Acadia of Montana.  This was a great honor as Trout Creek School is one of the smallest schools in the state with Altacare.  The entire student body will celebrate with a Root beer Float Party during an awards ceremony next week.

Emergency alert update

A few years ago, when the fires blazed in the Quartz-Flat Creek area in Mineral County, firefighters and officials had to go door-to-door to let residences know of the impending danger. Before the implementation of a new 911 emergency alert system, dispatchers had to call one house individually.

Lions club serves hot dogs on Halloween

Halloween spooks and scares are right around the corner, but before letting your kids fill their bellies with an abundance of candy, why not enjoy a free dinner first?