Thursday, September 30
Dustin Frank Black
Dustin Frank Black was born in Bismarck, North Dakota in 1974 to Debbie and Denver Black. He was the oldest of five children. He went to school in North Dakota and graduated from Flasher High School in 1993. After high school he moved to Plains and worked for Thompson River Lumber. He then moved back to North Dakota to work on his uncle Ron and grandparent’s ranch.
Denver "Denny" Black
Denny Black was a man on the go. He couldn’t ever just do one thing. If he wasn’t snowmobiling off cliffs, then he was jumping off bridges with a rope around his ankle.
A lil' backcountry ingenuity
r. Michael Righetti’s day job prepares him pretty well for the unexpected medical emergencies he may encounter as a backcountry horseman. The St. Joseph’s Medical Center orthopedic surgeon knows that a little ingenuity can go a long way when limited resources and wilderness isolation force you to think outside the box to save a life.
Bowling results: Tuesday senior mixed league
In the team standings, Colyer Oil stole the show, winning all four of their matches as the other teams, B and B Storage, Woodchucks, McGowan and Country Kids all split their matches, finishing 2-2.
Another first day
The first day of kindergarten is always a big adjustment for students and parents, but this year at Wild Horse Elementary, it was an adjustment for the teacher as well.
Plains runners excede hopes
Wow, what a day! That’s the thought that kept coming back into my mind as the Plains Cross Country teams made their way back from the Ronan Invitational cross country meet this past Saturday. Coming into the meet, I had been careful not to get my hopes up. The training load for the team had been pretty significant during the past couple of weeks; and, many of the kids on the team had been fighting colds or minor illness. But, on a bright and sunny day, the kids more than exceeded my expectations. With five high school boys and three girls competing, personal records (PR’s) were set or equaled by six of the athletes.
Monday, September 27
'Cats come close
Last week, Coach Dan Lucier said that in order for the Superior Bobcats to win against Florence, they’d have to bring their best game to the field.
Lady Tigers win one, lose two
The St. Regis Lady Tigers had three games of volleyball last week, facing Noxon, Arlee and Seeley.
Hinkle speaks at meeting
Physician-assisted suicide was the main topic of Senator Gregoray Hinkle’s talk during last Friday’s St. Regis town council meeting.
Ornelas to convene selection board for undersheriff pick
In a small rural community like Mineral County, there is always some sort of rumor that makes its way around. Republican Ernie Ornelas, who is running for sheriff in November, knows this all too well to be true.
ESGR plans event
Employers from across Montana will be invited to participate in an event in Kalispell on Sept. 25, which will be put on by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The event is intended to recognize employers who have been especially supportive of their National Guard and Reservist employees, and will consist of an informational tour of Fort Harrison, a National Guard meal, and a flight in an actual National Guard helicopter. Working within the organization as a volunteer and chair in ESGR is Plains resident and retired Reservist Ken Matthiesen.
Class of 1960 reunited
Alumni from as far away as Texas will be making their way back to Plains as the Plains High School class of 1960 reconvenes for its 50-year reunion. Festivities will begin on Sept. 18, and will continue through the 19th.
Riding the Hiawatha
Last Wednesday, I decided, on a whim, to ride a portion of the 15 mile Route of the Hiawatha bike trail, just off of I-90 along the Idaho-Montana border.
Noxon Devils lose two matches
Noxon came up short in a pair of matches last week, first at home versus St. Regis, and later on the road at Hot Springs.
Friday, September 24
Questioning qualifications
My name is Ruth Cheney and I am the daughter of former Sanders County Game Warden and Sheriff, Lon Cheney. I try to stay out of politics, but when my dad’s name and reputation are repeatedly used to establish the credentials of Billy Hill for Sheriff, I feel the need to set the record straight.
A warning against underage drinking
I have served this community for 14 years and I have been privileged to be a part of the lives of many of the residents of our county in some manner, often at one of the darkest times in your life. I serve as the general surgeon at Clark Fork Valley Hospital and cover trauma services at St. Pat’s on a regular basis. I have been witness to many tragedies that are overtly related to alcohol in our community and I feel I have some authority to weigh in on the conversation we have been engaged in this past summer.
A response
In response to letters written in rebuttal of my claim that Billy Hill has never been a sworn law enforcement officer, peace officer or reserve deputy, I shall attempt to clarify the issue.
Investigation as positive
I would like to make a brief statement in rebuttal to Mike Hashisaki’s editorial comment of Sept. 15 in the Valley Press regarding the expenditure of funds from the Plains schools budget to investigate any wrong-doing regarding alcohol consumption by minors at a graduation party.
Support of Candidate
When I first heard that Ron Olfert was going to run as an Independent, my first comment to one of his supporters was that I would have advised him not to run as a “spoiler.” In other words, I was thinking that his political future could be put in jeopardy if his write-in votes as an independent were to cause the so-called “nominated” Republican to lose to the Democrat; that Republicans would remember that as a betrayal and never support him in any future races.
More information on the issue of airport hangar leases
In response to the letter to the editor from Gerald Geske complaining about the decision of the Mineral County Commissioners and County Attorney concerning his “ground lease” at the Mineral County Airport in Superior, we offer the following reply:
Optimistic for future of sheriff's department
A retirement, an election year and budgetary challenges have made this an interesting and difficult year for the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department. In spite of the current difficulties, I want to assure the residents of this county that their sheriff’s department is doing all it can to provide the best service possible and will continue to do so.
Copper Mountain Band performs
It was a warm evening last Saturday and residents from around St. Regis and Mineral County gathered in the St. Regis Community Park for a concert to mark the end of summer.
4-H results
The fair is over, the exhibits are put away and sighs are heard from parents and 4-H members.
Chamber to hold forums
The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring six “Meet the Candidates” forums for Mineral County and State House District 14 candidates during the month of October. The events will be held at the St. Regis Community Center Oct. 5 and 21; Alberton School Oct. 7 and 12; and the Superior High School Multipurpose Room Oct. 18 and 19.
Alberton football falls to Augusta
Even with an early lead, the Alberton football team (1-2) lost 57-21 to Augusta.
Lady Bobcats fall to Mission, Florence
The Lady Bobcats had slow games on the volleyball courts last week, but the games moved at a fast pace. They played Mission on Tuesday at home and then traveled to Florence on Saturday, losing both games in three sets.
Lady Panthers lose three
It was another tough week for the Alberton Lady Panthers volleyball team. They played Arlee on last Tuesday and then played a game against Victor on Saturday.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Is anger worth the hangover?
Whether your anger is justified or not, anger can be very harmful unless you can appropriately express it and let it go. Letting go of anger is not an easy task. Although anger may give you power and make you feel like it is something important to hold on to, it is no life jacket. In fact, anger and stress can hurt your physical and mental health. High levels of hostility are responsible for heart disease and increased blood pressure. It can lower your immune system and leave you open to an array of diseases and health problems. It drains energy from your life and doesn’t make you feel well.
Planned burning begins
With summer over, fall prescribed burning will begin as soon as treatment areas are ready.
Home in the works for family in need
With help and financial support from the community, the progress on James and Bryan Hodge’s house is underway.
EPA work on hold
The summer cleanup of soils contaminated with heavy amounts of lead and arsenic is over.
Art council holds concert
Music reverberated the rafters at the United Methodist Church in Plains as two talented classical musicians performed works from the Baroque and romantic periods of music. The concert comes as a part of work done by members of the Sanders County Arts Council, as a way to bring artistic events to Plains.
Payton Rhlyee Steinebach, and Paige Rachelle Steinebach
Rob Steinebach and Charlene (Missy) Hould are proud to announce the arrival of their twin girls, Payton Rhylee and Paige Rachelle, they were born August 31st, 2010 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. Payton weighed 5lb 3oz and Paige weighed 5lb 2oz. They join siblings, Amanda, Anthony, Jazmine and Ashton.
Hiawatha to close early
The Route of the Hiawatha, a popular rails-to-trail bike path located on the scenic Bitterroot Divide along the Montana-Idaho border, will be stopping daily operations a week early this year. The last day of operations is Sunday, Sept. 26. While the world-famous trail usually is open for bike riders and hikers through the first weekend of October, it will be closing early this year to allow for various USFS construction projects in the area. Those projects include construction of 139 new parking spaces at the Taft trailhead, to accommodate the record number of visitors that flock to the trail each year.
Devils win homecoming
The Noxon Red Devils entered their matchup with the winless Seeley Swan Blackhawks undefeated, and at the other end of a 60-0 blowout they remained that way.
Thompson Falls loses to Rams
Thompson Falls fell to third ranked Loyola-Sacred Heart 40-6 on Friday. The undefeated Rams bettered their record to 3-0, while the winless Bluehawks fell to 0-3.
Plains runners improve times at Mountain West Classic
It had all the makings of a miserable day. As the Plains and Thompson Falls cross country team bus approached Arlee and Evaro last Saturday, they were met with a wall of clouds, rain, lightning and thunder. With the teams headed towards Missoula for the annual Mountain West Classic cross country meet, the mood on the bus was getting somber as the kids and coaches were thinking that the day was going to be long, muddy, wet and cold. But, as the bus approached the University Golf Course on the south end of the University of Montana campus, the rain quit, the clouds thinned and a bit of sun began to poke through. That turn of good fortune was a signal of the day to come for the Horsemen and Trotter harrier squads.
Lady Hawks bump Trojans
The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks had an up and down week, both winning and losing matches. First, defeating Troy on the road Tuesday, 3-2, and then losing to Mission in straight sets at home on Saturday to fall to 1-4 in conference, 1-5 overall.
Classics convene in Trout Creek
Hillborn fuel injector stacks, triple-deuce carburetors set atop cast aluminum Edelbrock intake manifolds, drop-top goats and flawless barn finds—just a sampling of what could be found at the Cool Summer Nights Car Show in Trout Creek on Sept. 11. Cars from all over, accompanied by their proud owners, gathered in front of the Lakeside Motel to share, gawk and brag, but mostly to get to know one another.
Thursday, September 23
Thompson Falls Market holds challenge
The Thompson Falls Market will close the 2010 market season with the much anticipated Cinnamon Roll Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the west lot of the Falls Motel.
Horsemen fall to Vikings
A slew of injuries and a number of penalties were the difference on Friday as Plains fell to Bigfork 42-7 on Friday in their conference opener. The loss drops the hosting Savage Horsemen to 0-3, while the visiting Vikings advance to 2-1, having not lost since their season opener versus Loyola.
Sanders County Fair results
4-H HORSE CLASS
Wednesday, September 22
Plains library participates in grant
The Plains Public LibraryDistrict, in conjunction with the Lincoln County Public Libraries, today announced that it has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to host The Big Read in Lincoln and Sanders counties. The Lincoln County Public Libraries and their partners are one of 75 not-for-profits—including arts and cultural organizations; libraries; and universities—to receive a grant to host a Big Read project between Sept. 2010 and June 2011. The Big Read gives communities the opportunity to come together to read, discuss, and celebrate one of 31 selections from U.S. and world literature. The Lincoln County Libraries have participated in two previous sessions of The Big Read. This year, the libraries have partnered with two Sanders County libraries, the Plains Public Library District and the Thompson Falls Public Library, for an even more exciting experience. The Big Read in Lincoln and Sanders Counties will focus on the stories and poems of Edgar Allan Poe, with activities scheduled to take place in Oct. and Nov. 2010.
No charges filed in party incident
After reviewing the investigation of possible underage drinking at a graduation party held last spring at the Sander’s County Fairgrounds, the Montana State Attorney General’s Office has decided not to press charges.
Friday, September 17
Eric Bryce
Eric Bryce, of Missoula, a Plains resident for more than 60 years, passed away in Missoula on Sept. 5. Until his retirement, Eric was a partner in the Flodin Lumber Company with his uncles, Swan and Walter Flodin, and his brother Millar Bryce.
Allestad graduates from basic training
Army Pvt. Cody Allestad graduated form basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri on August 19.
Rose Wagoner opens business
As if being a mother of two, and wife wasn’t enough to juggle, Rose Wagoner has decided to start her own business.
Plains high school graduates celebrate 50th anniversary
Alumni from as far away as Texas will be making their way back to Plains as the Plains High School class of 1960 reconvenes for its 50-year reunion. Festivities will begin on Sept. 18, and will continue through the 19th.
Trotters struggle on the road versus Eureka
In a pair of road losses, Plains fell to both Mission, on Thursday, and Eureka, on Saturday, in straight sets, to fall to a 1-2 conference mark.
Road loss drops TFalls Football to 0-2
On the road versus Thompson falls Fairfield proved why they are the number one ranked class B football team in the state, as they won 42-7. The loss sank the Bluehawks record to 0-2.
Plains xc excels at Eureka Invitational
It’s said that we remember many of the “firsts” in life: first day of school, first kiss, first car and first deer. If that’s the case, Plains High School’s Carter Montgomery will certainly remember last Friday’s Eureka Invitational Cross Country Meet. It was at that meet, held at Indian Springs Ranch Golf Course, when Montgomery scored his first high school cross country victory. Breaking free from the pack within the first quarter-mile, Montgomery had a 35 second lead by the mile and extended it from there. By the end of the three mile race, he had a 57 second margin of victory over teammate Kenneth Beech. According to head coach Tony Banovich, “we thought that this was going to be a good opportunity for Carter to get his first victory. So, our race plan called for him to get our hard, break from the pack as soon as possible; then, push the pace as best he could. He executed perfectly and had just a fantastic race.”
Undefeated Superior Bobcats Best Plains Savage Horsemen
The Superior Bobcats came out of the gate with a 21-point first quarter and never looked back as they defeated the hosting Plains/Hot Springs Savage Horsemen on Friday night 49-24. The win pushed the undefeated Bobcats to 2-0, while the Savage Horsemen slid to 0-2.
TRACS first annual river wine festival a hit
surgically re-constructed knee couldn’t dampen Thompson River Animal Care Shelter president and co-founder Wanda Thorpe’s spirits last Saturday evening as more than one hundred Clark Fork Valley locals showed their support for TRACS by attending its First Annual River Wine Festival. All proceeds from the fundraiser, hosted by the Rocky Point Ranch, will go to support TRACS.
Marjorie Tiffney
Marjorie B. Tiffney, an eight year resident of Colville, Wash. passed away on Sept. 10, 2010 in Spokane at the age of 93. Marjorie was born on Jan. 22, 1917 in Dayton, Idaho, and is the daughter of Willard and Nora (Atkinson) Boden.
Picking Huckleberries
Back when I first came to Montana, one of the things that struck me was the amount of attention given to huckleberries.
Lightning causes headache for DNRC
Early Saturday morning a single snag was struck by lighting, causing a small wild-fire to ignite off of Mclaughlin Creek Road, one mile East of Paradise.
Runaway logging truck blocks Hwy. 28
Early Tuesday morning a logging truck slid off of the road, dumped its load of logs, and blocked the south-bound lane of highway 28 for most of the morning.
