Ellington

No injuries, little damage as a result of stove fire

Sanders County city and rural fire departments responded to a possible chimney fire call on Lyla Lane off of Lower Lynch Creek Road in Plains on Monday afternoon.  No one was injured.

Speech classes offered: "Speech Craft" helps locals gain confidence

Courtesy of Ellen Childress

Sanders County Sheriff Report

2/13/11 2:29 a.m.  - A resident on Buffalo Meadows Lane said that he woke up to a revving engine, and when he went outside he saw a red Honda stuck in the ditch.  The man offered to help pull the male driver out, but could see he was highly intoxicated.  The driver was yelling at the responding man and told him he was going to burn his garage down later.

Keeping in touch

As legislators, we have had some long days and short nights as we head to the midway point of the session, the transmittal deadline for all non-revenue bills.  With transmittal ending on February 24t, we have been hearing an increased number of general bills both in committee and on the floor.

Letters to the Editor

HB 332

Poker Run riders raise funds

More than 250 riders completed the 56-mile course during the 20th Annual Cabinet Ridge Riders’ Poker Run last Saturday in Trout Creek.

Obert Lofthus

Obert Lofthus

Kim McNeil and Shawna Hoffman have a dam wedding

Kim McNeil and Shawna Hoffman have begun their joyful journey as husband and wife. The couple were  married on Valentine’s Day  February 14, 2011 at the Thompson Falls Dam  in Montana. The newlyweds will make their home at the McNeil Ranch in Plains, Montana.

Leah Swedberg graduates from basic training

    Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Leah L. Swedberg graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.

Relay for Life kick-off slated

The 12th annual American Cancer Society Sanders County Relay For Life will be held at the Sanders County Fairgrounds in Plains the first weekend in August. Each year the planning committee sets goals for the approaching Relay. For 2011, the committee hopes to raise $40,000, register 30 teams, have 75 survivors walking the opening lap, and sell 1,000 luminaries to honor those diagnosed with cancer.

Late lead evaporates as Lady Hawks lose

A 15-point lead with 7:00 to play at divisionals had the Lady Hawks thinking one thing: a divisional birth.

Lady Heat, Lady Devils fall

By Mike Miller

Bluehawks place second

Thompson Falls made good on its second place seed in districts, advancing to divisionals as the second seed.

Devils and Heat done

Despite winning three of their four games at districts, the Red Devils failed to advance to the Divisional tournament.

Horsemen advance to divisionals

Heading into the District 7-B Tournament, two things seemed certain: Bigfork would continue their dominance and Plains would quickly be shown the door. Neither would happen as the two teams met in a peculiar pairing in Saturday’s consolation game.

Trotters take third at districts

A new coach, new team and a new attitude made all the difference last weekend as the Trotters finished third in the District 7-B Tournament last weekend.

On my honor...

For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America have been fulfilling their motto to help others, by serving their country and God.

Cakewalk in Paradise

By Tess McEnroe

Ferry found

A runaway ferry, which broke free of its mooring two weeks ago, has finally been secured according to Sanders County Sheriff Tom Rummel. 

Winter Storm Warning for Plains, MT

According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning is in effect until Thursday at 11 a.m. for the Plains area.  Moderate to heavy snow and strong winds will make driving conditions hazardous, with visability reduced. Eight to twelve inches of snow is reported to fall in the Clark Fork Valley area, with 12 to 18 inches over Lookout Pass and other high mountain terrain.

"Art on the Walls"

Tara Mathers is a Montana cowgirl.  She has grown up in Plains riding horses, going to rodeos and bull riding. Although she looks the part of a rugged, young cowgirl; she lights up when she talks about her future. 

Hot Springs celebrates Chinese New Year

Community members in Hot Springs celebrated the Chinese New Year with a parade that featured a 30-foot dragon dancing down Main Street on Saturday afternoon, followed by an Asian potluck dinner and family lantern event at Circle Square Park.

School nurse earns asthma grant

Del Zetterberg, RN, has been named a recipient of the School Nurse Mini-Grant Program by the Montana Asthma Control Program, a program within the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.  The amount of the grant is $500.

Libraries cure winter blues

There’s a lot happening at the library in Superior and everyone’s invited to be a part of it.

"Through With Chew Week" upcoming

“Through With Chew Week” is an annual event designed to prevent and reduce chew tobacco use.

Relay for Life coming up in August

Once again the Sanders County Relay For Life Core Committee members are attending monthly meetings, and assigning tasks to their committee members for the upcoming Sanders County Relay For Life. It takes a lot of people, work, time, and commitment to pull off a Relay; but this nucleus of men and women gladly make the effort in pursuit of their ultimate goal: a cure for cancer.

Status quo in Flathead Lake

Deep-water divers, genetic scrutiny, and rigorous examinations with high powered microscopes have failed to turn up any evidence of exotic mussels in Flathead Lake near Woods Bay, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials announce.

Keeping in touch

We completed our 35th legislative day on Saturday, February 12, 2011.  The transmittal deadline for non-revenue bills to pass between the House and the Senate is Thursday, February 24th.  Bills which have no revenues attached to them must be passed out of committee by Friday, February 18th so that they may heard on the floor of  the House in order to be voted on by the House and complete the process in the lower chamber.  Then the bills which pass 2nd and 3rd readings advance to the Senate for another thorough vetting.  The bills which successfully complete the process in the Senate are then transmitted to the Governor’s office to be signed into law. 

Week 6 at the State Capital

HB 161, sponsored by Speaker of the House Mike Milburn, passed 2nd reading in the Montana House of Representatives this past week with 63 out of 100 House members voting for repeal.

Ed Norton Big Band to perform

Are you sick of the weather? Looking for something fun to do? Want to hear some great music? Maybe even do some dancing?

Plains Horsemen beat Eureka Lions 63-59 in OT

The Horsemen pulled ahead over the Lions in overtime for a win in the District 7-B Boys' Basketball Tournament on Thursday evening.  Horsemen senior guard Taylor Firestone had a team - high scoring 19 points, five of those in overtime.

Memorial fundraiser pays off

Over $2,400 was raised last Saturday night, as nearly 300 Sanders County residents attended the fifth annual Shelton’s Memorial Fundraiser at the VFW hall in Plains.

Hot Springs to celebrate Chinese New Year on Saturday

Hot Springs community members are celebrating the Chinese New Year this Saturday with a parade featuring a hand made 25 foot dragon dancing down Main Street. 

Artist raises awareness of domestic violence

Painting, poetry and pain took on new meaning for Jane Lattus Emmert after her sister, Amy, was murdered eight years ago by an abusive boyfriend.

Karissa Marie French

Karissa Marie French was born to parents Gretchen and Beau French of Paradise, MT on February 12, 2011 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains, MT.  Karissa weighed 8 pounds 1 ½ ounces and measured 21 ½ inches long. 

Donald Allan Sheppard

Don Sheppard, 83, of Plains, MT, on January 22, 2011, returned to his heavenly music while at home with family.  Born in Oakland, CA, Don began piano at age four and pursued music as a classical pianist throughout his early lifetime, winning every music composition contest he entered in college.

Robert Lee Mathews

Robert Lee Mathews died January 19,2011, in Elkhart, Kan. Mathews, 84, the son of the late Edgar and Grace Mathews, was born June 8,1926, in St.Francis, Mo.

Sanders County Sheriff Report

2/6/11 9:13 p.m. A Plains woman called police stating that she and her boyfriend had gotten into a fight and he left her residence intoxicated in her car without her permission to take the car.  The woman later reported the car stolen.

Bluehawks hinder Horsemen

A 22-4 advantage in the third quarter helped the Bluehawks complete their sweep over Distrit 7-B rival Plains on Thursday. Thompson Falls emerged with a 57-37 victory and finished the regular season in fourth place at 5-5 conf., 9-9 ovr.

Regular season wraps for Lady Cats

Superior girls ready for Divisionals next weekend in Hamilton

The Superior Lady Cats finished out the regular season last week, 3-7 and 9-9. They fell to Loyola on Thursday when they played at home. The Lady Cats lost 34-62.

Alberton girls end on high note

The Alberton girls had a strong finish to their regular season last week with two wins. They bested Arlee by one point, 39-38, and Lincoln, 52-37.

Bobcat wrestlers fair well at state

The Superior wrestlers finished out their season last weekend at the B-C State Wrestling Tournament in Hamilton.

Trotters finish third

The ultimate competition would include two rivals in a playoff atmosphere each with something to prove. Fitting, then, that Plains and Thompson Falls were matched up in their regular season finales to determine which would enter the District 7-B tournament in third and fourth place.

Superior boys fall to Loyola

Superior finished out their regular season last week with a single game against Loyola. The boys lost 43-68 to the Rams, finishing the season 2-8, 2-16.

Tigers drop two to end season

The last season of regular basketball is over for the St. Regis Tigers. They played Charlo and Victor last week and failed to come out of either of those games with a win for the regular season.

Four wrestlers place at state

Four wrestlers from Sanders County placed at the state meet last weekend in Hamilton as they met a competitive field made up of B-C schools throughout the state.

Red Devils scorch Hot Springs

Three months of regular season basketball officially concluded this weekend as a pair of Sanders County teams are ready for the District 14-C tournament.

Superior Idol showcases young talent

Can you twirl a hula hoop going while standing on one foot? How about while doing the Macarena dance? What about card tricks or singing?

Francis “Frank” Maynard Kielty

Francis “Frank” Maynard Kielty (“Toodles”), 82, passed on Feb. 2 in Riverside, CA, after a long fight with cancer. He was born Aug. 5, 1928, in Olympia, WA, to Maynard and Olive Kielty.

TRACS gives old building new life

Thanks to the generosity of a local business, Thompson River Animal Shelter (TRACS) now has a new healthy cat adoption center.

New twist for fair favorite

The Lions Club has announced a new set of rules for their 2011 demolition derby to be held during the Sanders County Fair next fall. The rules were approved to improve driver safety, increase parody between competing cars, and improve viewer satisfaction during the event.

Plains Drama Club advances to Nationals

The Plains Drama Club earned the opportunity to compete at the national level with their compelling performance of “Our Diamond” at the state-wide Thespian Festival earlier this month.

Vicki 'Higgs' Foster

Ms. Vicki ‘Higgs’ Foster passed away on Friday, February 11, at 9:07 a.m. at the Mineral Community Nursing Home in Superior. Vicki was born March 16, 1965 in Paonia, Colorado.

Flower ship celebreates first year

It’s been a year since Jackie Callison opened up Jackie’s Gifts and Flowers in Superior and she said that she can’t believe how quickly time has gone by.

Study to examine elk calves in bitterroot valley

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) will begin a study this week that will evaluate factors affecting elk calf survival in the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot Valley. 

Tips from a local Game Warden

Originally from Odessa, Texas, Mineral County Game Warden Justin Singleterry, moved up to Montana in December 2002.

A report from the Montana Legislature

Montana has by far the highest workers’ compensation rates in the country, with costs over 160 percent above the national median. An overhaul of the system is essential to prevent the exodus of employers who find it more cost-efficient to conduct business in nearby states. House Republicans introduced a bill this past week that addresses our state’s burdensome workers’ comp costs and will allow employers to keep jobs in Montana. Representative Scott Reichner (R) Bigfork, the primary sponsor of the bill stated “Bottom line, this is a jobs bill. It allows more earnings to stay in the hands of the private sector, which they can then use to hire new employees and for reinvestment in local economies,”

4-H building needs facelfit

The 4-H building that sits on the fairgrounds in Superior is in need of some repairs, but there’s no money in the budget.

Junior shooters look forward to tourneys

Mineral County’s junior shooters have entered the New Year at a fast pace with four tournaments in January and more ahead in February. Even with all the competitions, they’ve also been maintaining their edge with practices in between. 

Clerk and recorders offer scholarship

Applications are being accepted for the annual $1000.00 scholarship given by the Montana Association of Clerk & Recorders.  Applicants must be graduating seniors who plan on attending an in-state college or university.

How to avoid blight this spring

Gardening tips for a potentially poor growing season

As this year’s gardening season approaches, local farmers and agricultural experts want to urge home gardeners to be aware of the risk of late blight, a devastating disease that reared its ugly head in the valley last year. Characterized by black colored wounds or abnormalities on the leaf and stem, late blight is the same devastating pathogen responsible for the Irish potato famine of the late 1840s. In the Mission Valley, tons of potatoes were lost last year, Montana State University extension agent Jack Stivers said.

Keeping in touch: recent legislation

Some of last week’s actions both in the committees and on the floor created quite a stir in some circles, which resulted in a flurry of emails, phone messages, letters and even letters to the editor on one of the bills I sponsored.

"Ban the Blues" cures winter ills

Seasonal affective disorder, more commonly referred to as the winter blues, was first described and named in 1984. With shorter days, less light and colder temperatures all you may want to do is stay inside and curl up in your bed.

Local students testify for bill

Three students from Superior testified before legislators on behalf of House Bill 20 back in January. Kalyn Plouffe, Savannah Moore and Sarah Wuebkes, along with other high schoolers from Montana, testified for the bill, currently in the senate, which would authorize county social host liability ordinances.

Letters to the editor

What’s in a year?

Quilters sponsor raffle

   The Cabin Fevers Quilters Guild is once again sponsoring their raffle quilt fundraiser. The money raised will be given to a Mineral County Nonprofit Organization. This organization must have an IRS 501(c)3 nonprofit designation. This year, the raffle quilt will depict the past ten years of the Guild’s existence. If your organization is  nonprofit and you want to be the recipient of the Cabin Fever Quilters 2011 raffle quilt please submit an application and letter of interest to the Cabin Fever Quilters Guild, PO Box 296, Superior, MT 59872.

Lady Bocats top Eagles

The Superior Lady Cats battled the Valley Christian Eagles at home on Thursday night and traveled to play Deer Lodge on Saturday.

Five Bobcats make state

Seven Bobcat wrestlers competed at divisionals last weekend and five of them stamped tickets to the state competition to be held this Friday and Saturday.

Lady Panthers break even last week

Last week, the Alberton girls had one win and one loss.

Broncs place third at divisionals

The Frenchtown Broncs weren’t able to grab another divisional title this year, but they managed to score 204 points, good enough for a third place finish.

Panthers slam Seeley Swan

It was a week of one loss and one win for the Alberton boys. The Panthers beat Seeley at home on Friday night and lost to Hot Springs on Saturday.

No charges filed in shooting

The Mineral County Sheriff’s Department has finally released more details about the shooting that occurred back on December 12, 2010, in DeBorgia which claimed the life of Jack Finley.

Hot Springs girls win back-to-back

A 52-43 win over Arlee on Friday gave Hot Springs its their first back-to-back wins all season. Although a 36-51 loss to Alberton would stop The Savage Heat’s momentum the following day, they appear to be peaking at the right time as they approach the District 14-C tournament.

Lady Hawks lose to Lady Devils

The Lady Devils and Lady Hawks were two teams heading in different directions last weekend as Noxon knocked off Thompson Falls 62-43 on Thursday. The Lady Devils have now won four straight while Thompson Falls is on a four-game losing streak.

Horsemen a lock to finish sixth

With two more losses this week, the Horsemen (0-8 conf., 4-12 ovr.) have cemented their position at the bottom of the District 7-B conference heading into the upcoming tournament.

Trotters play for second place

The Trotters are in position to compete for the second seed of the District 7-B tournament heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

Noxon tops TFalls

Noxon avenged an early season loss over their cross-class, inter-county rival Thompson Falls with a thrilling, 62-59 overtime win on Saturday. Each team is now gearing up for their respective district tournaments as they head into the final weekend of the regular season.

14 advance to state

Fourteen Sanders County wrestlers will advance to the State Tournament next weekend in Hamilton after impressive showings at the Divisional meet last weekend in Arlee.

Savage Heat top Panthers again

With a win over Alberton on Saturday, The District 14-C Savage Heat (2-4 conf., 7-9 ovr.) have clinched the fifth seed heading into Divisionals. Hot Springs will have a chance to tie Two Eagle River (4-5, 7-10) at fourth with two league games remaining.

Barbecue to benefit local charity

A new spin for annual Shelton's Music Festival

If you enjoy good barbecue, country music, old-fashioned family fun, or helping local families in need, then you’ll love the fifth annual Shelton’s Memorial Fundraiser to be held this Saturday, Feb 12 at the VFW hall in Plains.

Moise range withdraws funding appeal

A federal appeals court allowed the U.S. Justice Department last Wednesday to withdraw its appeal of a September decision that rescinded an Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) between the federal government and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, an integral piece of the oversight puzzle for the National Bison Range in Moiese.

Soles for Souls shoe drive a success

Last week, Sanders county residents compiled 55 pairs of gently used shoes culminating a four-month long shoe drive to raise awareness of the dangers of using tobacco products and to stress the need for continuing education.

Lookout hosts Bavarian Fest

Dust off your lederhosen and join us for our Annual Bavarian Brews, Brats & Music Fest this coming Sunday, January 30th.

Superior students serve as pages

Two Superior students got a look at the government back in January. For the first week of the legislative session, Savannah Moore and Michele Reinalt headed up to serve as legislative pages.

Friends of the Library hold a fling

For the Friends of the Library, their mission is all about taking up the slack where funds are not available to do something. Leslie Heppe, Friends’ president, said that they step in when something needs done that the county is not able to do or the budget does not allot for to protect the future of the library.

Hunting classes start

Spring Hunter Education Classes have been scheduled for Columbia Falls, Whitefish, Bigfork, and Libby in northwest Montana. All hunter education classes are free of charge and open to hunters and non-hunters alike.  By state law, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must have completed the Hunter Education Course to buy a hunting license in Montana.  The minimum age for hunting in Montana is 12 (11-year olds who turn 12 by January 16 of the license year can qualify, see regulations).  A parent or guardian must accompany students under 18 to sign the registration form.

Support TRACS

TRACS is participating in a state-wide shelter challenge that, if they win, means they will receive $1000 much needed dollars.  Currently, they are in second place, second to Roundup, MT.  Roundup, MT?!  How is it that Roundup, with 6 sheltered animals at the moment, is beating us?  TRACS needs a vote “surge” and here’s how you can help provide it.

Chamber takes on project

The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce is undertaking a new project.

Volunteers learn defensive driving

Emergency vehicles from Plains and other communities converged at the old airport in Plains Saturday afternoon, Jan. 29, for defensive driving exercises. Ambulances, search and rescue trucks, brush trucks and one old yellow fire engine tore up and down the cracked and weathered tarmac, negotiating their way through bright orange traffic cones and getting a feel for what their vehicles can and cannot do.

Strombo-Graham and Beaton

Kimberly Strombo-Graham was married to Warren H. Beaton Dec. 10, 2010 in Wellington, New Zealand.

Bobcats head to divisionals

The Superior Bobcats will be headed to Arlee on Saturday for the divisional tournament.

Tigers lose two games

The St. Regis boys had two losses last week. They lost to Lincoln on Friday and fell to Hot Springs on Saturday.

Lady Tigers struggle

Once again, the St. Regis girls were taking on teams with extra players on the bench while they had no one to sub to get the players on the court a break. Juliana Spencer, Brogan Teeters, Shelby Berg, Gabby Moeller and Arianna Jones were the only players to suit up for the Lady Tigers.

'Best week' for Alberton girls

Coach Jim Baldwin summed up last week by saying that it was the “best week of basketball for our team.”

New undersheriff selected

After nearly a month in office, Sheriff Ernie Ornelas now has a new undersheriff. Deputy Mike Boone was selected as the new undersheriff by the board that Ornelas convened.

Plains City Court

Austin J. Fugleberg, 17

Lady Devils seek revenge after loss

The Noxon girls proved they were a force to be reckoned with this week, after defeating a pair of class B teams in Valley Christian, 40-39 on Thursday, and Troy, 42-27 on Friday. The nonconference wins helped the Lady Devils improve to 9-3 on the season.

Wrestlers ready for divisionals

Local wrestlers earned the respect of fans and their opponents last weekend as 16 athletes from Sanders County earned medals at the Darby Invitational. This was the final tournament before all three county teams will wrestle in the divisional tournament this Saturday in Arlee.

Hot Springs girls get win

The Savage Heat halted their season long, six game losing streak by defeating St. Regis, 50-32 on Saturday. The long awaited victory came after a loss the previous day to Charlo, 20-40. Hot Springs is now 2-4 conf., 2-11 ovr.

Blueahwks grounded

Thompson Falls dropped a pair of games against Columbia Falls, 29-78 on Friday, and Bigfork, 51-85 on Saturday this week, dropping their record to 3-5 conf., 6-8 ovr.

Red Devils play up

The Red Devils took a break from conference play, falling twice against Class B opponents last week against Valley Christian, 39-52 on Thursday and Troy, 44-52 on Friday. The losses marked the second longest losing streak of the season at three games for the District 14-C Red Devils (4-10).

Trotters top Troy

The Trotters tallied their third consecutive win for the second time this season af ter defeating District 7-B foe Troy, 57-38 on Saturday. The win was the Trotters second over the Trojans in as many tries this season after a 34-27 victory earlier in the season.

Horsemen corraled by Trojans

The Horsemen are still looking for their first  District 7-B win after a 40-54 loss against Troy on Saturday. Plains is now 0-6 conf., 4-10 ovr. with four conference games left on their schedule before the district tournament.

Ladyhawks fall behind early in losses

A pair of slow starts killed the Ladyhawks momentum, snapping their season long, two-game winning last week. On Thursday, Class A Columbia defeated Thompson Falls 32-45 at home. Two days later, the Ladyhawks would fall again, this time versus District 7-B foe Bigfork, 21-62. Thompson Falls is now 4-4 conf., 5-9 ovr.

Savage Heat handle Tigers again

History repeated itself as the Savage Heat lost to Charlo, and bested St. Regis for the second time this season. Hot Springs (2-5, conf., 6-8 ovr.)  has now won three of their last four games heading into the heart of their conference schedule with only two weeks remaining until districts.

Possible pool closure

Last week, while at work as a Radiologic Technologist at Clark Fork Valley Hospital, I overheard a conversation about a meeting going on regarding the possible closure of the Plains swimming pool. I couldn’t believe my ears. It brought back so many memories from when I was ages five through thirteen. I was part of the Chester, Mont. Lions swim team and attended many swim meets here in Plains over the years. I remember thinking this place was so beautiful, surrounded by mountains and rivers and a wonderful park surrounding the swimming pool. We would get to the swim meets on Friday night and stay through Sunday. The park surrounding the pool was full of kids and families from all over Montana. I can only imagine that it brought great business to Plains on the weekends that the meets were held here. I can’t imagine there not being a swimming pool in such a wonderful small town. I am a small town girl myself and my childhood memories were mostly around the swimming pool in the summer. What is a small town without a summer pool? The pool creates some of the greatest memories with friends and family in a safe environment for all ages. We were all able to have those memories growing up in and around the pool as youngsters—why take that away from our future generations? Pools are a great way to help kids and adults alike blow off steam, cool down on hot summer days, get exercise, entertain, and have a great time in the sun. Let’s all do what we can to keep this pool around. Let’s make memories.

Save our pool

People have favorite charities. People have things they believe in. People have an idea of what values, traits, and culture a town should have. We, the City of Plains and surrounding areas live in a beautiful valley; we have a beautiful pool and two parks. We need to believe in our community. We need to keep our town alive.

Stay involved in politics

One could ask that as the elections of 2010 are behind us, are we done with politics?  The answer would be a resounding no.

End of an ordeal

Volunteers move last animals off of defunct sanctuary

Volunteers brought a 42-day ordeal to a close last Monday at the now-defunct Montana Large Animal Sanctuary and Rescue in Niarada after moving the last 150 animals from the property. The effort, lead by AniMeals of Missoula, has been called one of the largest animal rescue operations ever carried out after what has come to be known as one of the largest cases of animal neglect in history.

Keeping in touch: A look at worker's comp

Montana has by far the highest workers’ compensation rates in the country, with costs over 160% above the national median. An overhaul of the system is essential to prevent the exodus of employers who find it more cost-efficient to conduct business in nearby states.  House Republicans introduced a bill this past week that addresses our state’s burdensome workers’ comp costs and will allow employers to keep jobs in Montana.

Influenza season is here early

Influenza season has arrived earlier than usual in Sanders County. A young male was diagnosed with Influenza A and many school age children in Plains are reporting influenza like illness according to Cindy Morgan, RN, Health Officer.  The health department had been anticipating the first Influenza case in the county since Montana has confirmed influenza activity in 15 counties, primarily in the central and western portions of the state. Influenza activity is continuing to escalate around the state but remains slightly below the seasonal baseline for this time of year according to public health officials in Helena.