Ellington

Food Bank plans activities

The public is invited to an open house to tour the new Community Food bank building on Monday, Jan. 31, noon to 2 p.m., at 308 Pine in Superior, and join the staff for coffee and treats.  Visitors are asked to use the alley access from 4th Ave. and park on the South side of the building.

Committee accepting proposals

The Mineral County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will begin accepting project proposals this month for implementation in 2011 or 2012. Projects must provide benefit to National Forest System lands and ecosystems within Mineral County. The RAC will allocate approximately $110,000 in project funding during this process.

Snowmobilers prep for Poker Run

Riders convene in Haugen for trip to benefit charity event

Snowmobilers are getting excited. This Saturday, the Silver Dollar Bar in Haugen, in conjunction with the Montana Nightrider’s Snowmobile Club, is going to be hosting its 23rd Annual $1,000 Super Poker Run on the West End of Mineral County.

Alberton breaks even

The Lady Panthers found themselves with one win and one loss this week.

Broncos wrestle in Dillon

The Broncs headed up to Dillon last week on Thursday and did very well. Coach Bob Henderson said that there’s a lot of energy within the team.

AirMail Special coming to Superior

The Mineral County Performing Arts Council is proud to present AirMail Special tonight, January 26, at 7:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Baptist Church in Superior.

Zylawy boys releasing first album

The Zylawy Boys didn’t know when their cd would be ready to be released back when they were first interviewed in November. However, production has wrapped up. The boys will release their first cd with a release party and celebration this Sunday, January 30. The event will be held at Superior Mountain Mudd, which is located in the old school building in Superior from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ladyhawks heat up

Weekend victories over Troy, 43-19, and Eureka, 44-36, gave the Thompson Falls girls their first back-to-back wins this season. With a victory in either of their final two conference games, the Ladyhawks can guarantee they will enter the District 7-B tournament in no lower than third place.

Lady Devils fall to Vals

The Vikings kept their District 14-C record perfect as they halted Noxon’s five-game winning streak, by defeating the Lady Devils, 35-23, on Saturday.

Bluehawks win two in conference

The Bluehawks earned their first back-to-back conference wins all season by defeating Troy, 49-45, on Friday and Eureka, 56-49, on Saturday.

Wrestlers impress at Ted Kato Tournament

All three Sanders County Wrestling teams were among the 15 competing at the Ted Kato Tournament in Thompson Falls over the weekend. Each school had multiple wrestlers take the mat in the medal round.

Trotters take two wins

As the Plains squared off against the Savage Heat, either the Trotter’s three or Hot Springs’ five-game losing streak had to end.

Red Devils excel in double OT

The Red Devils continued their up and down season with a thrilling, 82-77 double overtime win over Two Eagle River on Friday, before falling, 42-55, against second ranked Charlo on Saturday. The 3-4, 4-8 Red Devils have yet to post consecutive wins this season.

Keeping in touch: News from committees

On Friday, January 21st, the Health and Human Services Committee which I serve on held a hearing on House Bill 68.  HB 68 is “an Act Revising the Medical Marijuana Act to Create a Licensing and Regulatory System for People Who Grow, Manufacture, Distribute or Sell Medical Marijuana; Requiring Montana Residency to Obtain a Registry Identification Card or a License; Clarifying Requirements for Physicians Who Provide Written Certification; Providing Local Government Authority to Regulate Medical Marijuana Licensees; Establishing Prohibitions on the Medical Use of Marijuana by People; Expanding the Limitations on the Medical Use of Marijuana; Providing Definitions; Providing Rulemaking Authority; Creating a Special Revenue Account; and, Appropriating Funds.”

Triumphs and tribulations for the Plains Precent Committee People

How fortunate we are in Sanders County to have 2 stalwart defenders of liberty like our Plains Precinct Committee people, Judy Woolley and Pat Legard.  Over the last 10 days, these 2 have travelled twice to Helena, on their own dime, to testify before Legislators on some very key bills.

Hello from the Capitol

Hello from the capitol. This marks the end of week three which was a very busy one for all of us. I introduced three bills so far:  HB119, a bill to revise laws related to volunteer firefighter compensation; HB20, a bill to authorize a county social host liability ordinance and HB253, a bill to provide for recovery of costs for DUI conviction.  There are at least seven more in the hopper. All bills have to be introduced and heard in committee before Feb. 21st and heard on the floor before Feb. 24 or they will die, so as you can see I have my work cut out for me. Last week the hearing of HB20 was one of the highlights of my career; to watch all those kids testify on this bill was a sight to behold. I would like to thank Denyse Traeder of Superior and all the other people for all the hard work they did to put this bill together.   Committee member Liz made a special comment on the integrity and character of all the students who testified.

We the People

We are now through the third week. I will give a synopsis of some of the legislation that may be of interest.  We voted today on HB1, which is known as the “feed bill”.  This bill funds the legislative session plus the first couple weeks of the 2013 session.  There was a 5% reduction in this bill. I might add that, regardless of what you may have seen in the media, the legislature did not vote for a pay raise. That would be in violation of Constitutional law. No legislature can vote a pay raise for that session and there has not been an increase in six years. The per diem we get to pay for housing and food was raised by about $1.50.

Train cars derail in Plains

Two cars jump tracks causing delays

Two railroad cars came off the tracks last Saturday evening at 10:15 near the Willis Street railroad crossing in Plains.

Residents protest on Roe anniversary

Dozens of protestors gathered in front of the Sanders County Courthouse on Saturday, commemorating the 38th anniversary of the controversial 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which effectively legalized abortion nationwide.

Publishing difficulties arise

Food for thought: Staying positive in the winter months

Now that the holidays are over, the decorations taken down, the credit card bills arriving and the extra pounds showing, it is no wonder that many people are experiencing a let down. The colder weather and the shorter, darker days don’t help much either. However, you don’t have to fall victim to the winter blues. Look at this time of the year as an opportunity to evaluate different areas of your life and incorporate changes that would enrich or develop personal growth.

St. Regis students get pleasant surprise

St. Regis students received a surprise this week after they finished taking their semester tests on Monday. Yearbooks are a creative outlet that commemorates an important time in your life. While making them is hard work, the result is a fun way to document life and hold onto good memories. On Monday, thanks to the support of businesses from around the county, last year’s juniors, sophomores and freshmen all received a free year book. The seniors of class 2010 also received a free book.

Alberton kids enjoy story time

Books on bears and stuffed teddy bears to compliment them were set out on a table last week in Alberton’s senior center. Connie Acker waited patiently for moms to arrive with their young children in tow so the first story time of the New Year could get underway. As you might have guessed, bears were the theme and books featuring bears were on tap to be read.

Committee meetings underway

Regular committee meetings got under way this week with a few bills being brought to the floor. Republicans supported SJ 1, which lengthens the amount of time proposed referendums can be introduced in the 2011 Legislature. An amendment offered by House Democrats to lessen the time, claiming laws shouldn’t be passed unless they have the Governor’s blessing, was rejected by House Republicans.

Noxon girls schorch Hot Springs

The Lady Devils continued to make winning look easy with wins of 56-38 over Hot Springs, and 37-33 over Arlee, proving that they were a force to be reckoned with in District 14-C basketball.

Red Devils best Heat

In their first matchup this season, the Red Devils left Hot Springs smoldering as they ran away with a 53-30 win over the hometown Savage Heat on Friday night.

Five place at Choteau

Sanders County Wrestlers made a splash in the 30-team field at the Choteau Classic tournament this weekend with five grapplers earning medals.

TFalls topples Trotters

It’s been said that records don’t mean matter in rivalry games and that was certainly the case as the Ladyhawks, who entered Tuesday’s game with a lackluster 2-6 overall record, upended the 6-2 Trotters 45-39 in a District 7-B contest.

Blulehawks soar past Horsemen

On Friday night, there seemed to be more bark than bite to the District 7-B inter-county rivalry between Plains and Thompson Falls, as the Bluehawks soared to a 59-40 victory over the Horsemen.

Committee kicks off fundraising

Music lovers filled the Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls for a fundraiser kickoff held by the Thompson Falls Beautification Committee. Attendees got the chance to enjoy chili and all the fixings, as well as live music by local musicians High Strung with guitarist Nat Burgess. After everyone finished eating, dessert came in the way of a bake sale, with pies, cakes and other sweets being auctioned off.

Kids learn to stay healthy at college

Kids were at the Plains High School bright and early on Saturday morning, but a different kind of learning awaited their arrival than what usually occurs during the week. Members of the Upward Bound program showed up that morning on Jan 15 to learn healthy habits as they make the transition to college life. The event came as part of a series of events for students in the Upward Bound program ,where they learn skills to get them ready for college.

Chamber changes date of Plains Day

The Plains Chamber of Commerce met last Wednesday, Jan. 12, and the main topic on the agenda was the date of Plains Day this year.

Keeping in Touch

With contact from constituents regarding the lack of the presence of the State Highway Patrol in Sanders County, I wanted to relate some information I recently received in case some of our residents, themselves, might want to be a part of the solution for returning State Highway Patrol coverage to Sanders County.

Superior wrestlers lose edge

The Superior Bobcats headed into Missoula last week on Friday for the Rocky Mountain Classic. The tournament features large schools from throughout Montana and also brings in competitors from Washington and Idaho.

Hard times hit Tigers this week

It was a tough week for the St. Regis boys. They had a hard game against Charlo early in the week and then struggled against Victor on Saturday.

Lady Bobcats end week with a win

The Superior girls lost one game last week against Loyola and won a game against Alberton. On Tuesday night, the girls fell to Loyola, 14-60. On Thursday, they battled county rival Alberton in an away game and won, 76-43.

Panthers trounce Bobcats

The Alberton Panthers had an exciting game on Tuesday night as they played against county rival Superior in Superior.

Hair salon opens in Superior

With thirteen years of experience, Kristi Scott opened her new business last week, Mineral County Hair Company. Her business partner, her six-year-old daughter Kassidi, was right by her side.

Bobcats can't claw out win

County rivals Alberton and Superior met last week. The Bobcats jumped out to an early lead, but failed to hang on, losing 21-32 on Tuesday night.

Lady Panthers fall behind

It was a fast-paced game Thursday night at home as the Alberton Lady Panthers took on the Superior Lady Bobcats. Fans on one side of the gym were dressed in maroon and white, while the Superior fans were donned in red and blue. It was a clash of the two county teams and Superior would be the victor.

Ornelas taking care of business

For eight weeks, Sheriff Ernie Ornelas has been heading up the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department. Of those eight weeks, he was gone for two weeks for trainings up in Helena.

Keeping in touch

One of the bills you’ve seen discussed on television news lately is a bill I am carrying on behalf of the Secretary of State’s office, a bill which has long been an important bill to the Election Administrators of Montana, House Bill 130.  HB 130 is an “Act revising procedures for conducting mail ballot elections; requiring elections other than school elections to be held by mail; provides for training of Election Administrators and Election Judges; revises procedures by which Election Administrators confirm Electors residence and mailing addresses; revises procedures for reactivating an Electors registration; revises certain absentee ballot provisions; requires counties to pay for ballots returned with insufficient postage; revises procedures for creating and approving a written election plan; provides for notice to inactive electors; provides  requirements for voting booths; provides requirements for places of deposit and official drop boxes for ballot returns: revises procedures for handling and counting returned ballots; and, repeals the requirement that Election Administrators provide for proportional voting in certain elections (13-19-302 MCA regarding votes to be cast in proportion to ownership or other factor other than one vote per person).  

Icy roads cause school closure

 Due to Wednesday night’s freezing rain, Trout Creek School was canceled on Thursday, Jan. 13.

Lady Panthers break even

The first round of basketball games are over for the Alberton Lady Panthers and before too long they’re going to start playing some teams that they saw earlier in the season, which will give them a chance to see how much they’ve improved and a chance to cleanup mistakes they might have made in the first game.

Bobcats bested by Valley Christian

Back from Christmas break, the Superior boys had a rough game against Valley Christian coming back into the season after a week of practice.

Panthers return with win

After a week of practice and no games, the Alberton Panthers stepped back out on the court last week with two games. They played Seeley on Tuesday and won, 34-23, and played Hot Springs on Saturday, but lost, 39-37.

Food bank gets new location

Last Thursday was moving day for the Mineral County Food Bank located in Superior. Volunteers were on hand to help load food into trucks to be transported over to the new building, which is located off Fourth Street, just across the way from S & S Foods.

Groups meet to review cleanup

The commissioners met with representatives involved in the EPA’s cleanup of Superior last month and decided that sometime this spring, in March or April, a meeting with the public would be held to go over what’s been accomplished, results and what still needs to be completed.

New pastor in Superior

After nearly a year without a full-time pastor, the Superior Assembly of God has finally found someone to lead.  Albert Johnson, who goes by Al, was hired just a few days before Christmas back in December, nearly a year after Pastor Ken Claflin left.

Plans underway for TFalls park

The Thompson Falls Beautification Committee held an open house at the Library Annex in Thompson Falls on Tuesday, Jan. 4 as a way to obtain community feedback for their plans for improving the Rose Garden Park. The committee has been looking at ways to make the Rose Garden Park more attractive, safe, and family friendly, according to organizer Jennifer Fielder.

Lady Bobcats lose two close games

The Superior girls’ basketball team had two close games last week as they went up against Valley Christian and Deer Lodge. The girls lost to Valley by two, 44-46, and lost to Deer Lodge by three, 36-39.

Superior wrestlers 'knock off the rust'

The Superior boys had a short week with only a chance to get in a few practices after coming back from break. On Tuesday of last week, the boys wrestled against Drummond and Mission.

Tigers lose two straight

The St. Regis Tigers played against Two Eagle and Noxon last week. Against Two Eagle River, the boys struggled defensively and ended up losing 40-69.

Lady Tigers lose big

The St. Regis Lady Tigers had a rough game against Noxon coming out of Christmas break last week as they returned to the courts. Coach Janelle Pruitt called it a “very hard” game for the team. The girls ended up losing 11-62.

Broncos head into duals

The Frenchtown wrestlers battled against Corvallis last Tuesday before heading to the Ronan Duels on Friday and Saturday.

Ladyhawks lose three

Three losses last week give District 7-B Thompson Falls five straight as they dropped to 1-2 conf., 2-6 ovr. The Lady Hawks’ last win was nearly three weeks ago as the Ladyhawks edged Troy, 44-41, on Dec. 14.

Lady Devils win three in a row

Christmas break couldn’t have come at a better time for Noxon, as the Lady Devils rebounded from a loss to rattle off three consecutive wins giving them an impressive 1-1 conf., 5-2 ovr. start to a season in which little was expected of them outside their own locker room.

Horsemen hit wall

The Plains Horsemen, 0-3 conf., 3-5 ovr. have yet to hit their stride as they fell in a pair of District 7-B games last week, extending their winless streak to four.

Slow start for Heat

They say pride comes before the fall, and two-straight District 14-C championships have earned the Hot Springs girls plenty of it in recent years. However, four losses by fewer than ten points have left the defending champions with a 1-7 record.

Devils finish 1-2 on week

Things are finally looking up for the District 14-C Red Devils as they welcomed back injured starter Banks Stocking and claimed their first victory in a month after defeating St. Regis, 65-25 on Friday.

Bluehawks soar past Seeley-Swan

The Bluehawks won their first game since sweeping the Sanders County Tip-off Tournament in early December by crushing Seeley-Swan 90-58 on Friday at home. The win was sandwiched between losses to Charlo, 54-58, on Thursday and Loyola Sacred Heart, 62-76 on Saturday.

Wrestlers compete at Western Duals

Both the Savage Horsemen of Plains-Hot Springs and the Bluehawks of Thompson Falls stepped onto the matt last week, first in a mixer on Tuesday in Eureka, and then in Ronan, on Saturday, at the Western Montana Duals.

Trotters snap streak with league win

The Plains Trotters ended a two game skid with a come from behind victory over Eureka, 37-29, on Saturday. The win came after a 23-58 pounding from the Bigfork the previous day. The Trotters now sit at 2-1 conf., 6-2 ovr.

We the People: Taking back local control

There is so much to write about I am not sure where to start. Today we had a morning where business owners from across the state here to tell legislators what needed to be done to revitalize Montana’s economy. This is the first time an event like this has ever occurred during a session. All information was given by the public. Legislators listened, some took many notes. I was in a group of the latter.

Technology seminar keeps students safe

In recent years, public schools have assumed responsibility not only to teach students reading, writing and math skills, but have also tackled issues like drug and alcohol use, safe sex, and now in 2011, even cyber safety.

Committee plans to save pool again

Members of city council and community business owners met with the Committee for Safe Swimming on Friday, Jan. 7 to discuss plans for saving the Plains swimming pool from being closed this summer. The pool is facing problems as its filtration system is in need of replacement and could potentially fail, leaving water quality at a level unsafe for swimming.

Kids get introduced to basketball

It was seven in the morning on Monday, but that didn’t stop a group of third and fourth graders from heading to the gym to practice their basketball skills with Coach Jeff Schultz. The girls were signed up with the YMCA league in Missoula and have played a total of six games.  Schultz also took time to coach the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grader prior to the regular season of junior high basketball.

Superior drops two

The Superior boys played against two tough teams before Christmas break. They went up against Arlee on December 21 and also battled Florence the following evening.

Lady Panthers split games

After a week of practice, the Alberton girls will be back on the courts this week playing against Seeley and Hot Springs. But before they took a week to hone their skills during Christmas break, the girls faced defeat against Victor, losing 38-41, but netted a victory against Phillipsburg.

Tigers can't take Heat

The St. Regis Tigers faced a loss before Christmas break. They were up against Hot Springs in a home game and ended up falling behind. They lost 29-63.

Busy week for Babcat wrestlers

The Superior Bobcat wrestlers had a busy week before Christmas break rolled around back in December. They wrestled Monday, Dec. 20 against Florence, went up against Plains, Arlee and Thompson Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 21 and then finished the week at the Mission Tourney on Thursday, Dec. 23.

Lady 'Cats lose one, win one

The Superior girls picked up one win and one loss with games against Arlee and Florence the week before break. The girls won against Arlee on Tuesday, 62-47, and then lost to Florence on Wednesday, 34-51.

Students take home stockings

With all the gifts unwrapped and the New Year’s holiday celebration behind us, it’s time for the Christmas decorations to once again be put away into storage until it is once again time for them to come out.

Food bank opened

The food bank in Alberton opened last year in June and is meeting a need within the community. The idea for a food bank came up a couple years ago when the Horizons Group came to Alberton and asked what they might need.

Students excel in regional competition

Students from St. Regis, Alberton and Superior competed last Monday, December 13, in the Business Professionals of America regional competition in Missoula at the University of Montana.

Family compiles cookbook to raise funds

When an area man developed a rare form of cancer, his friends and family decided not to sit idly by. Rather, loved ones of Chad “Butch” Schwank decided to pool their creative resources and compile a cookbook, which they would then sell, raising money to support Schwank’s treatment.

Ski classes begin

Lookout Pass Ski Area, I-90 Exit -0-, Mullan, Idaho,  January 2, 2011 - On Saturday, January 8, 2011 the Lookout Pass Free Ski School will begin its 71st year of offering free ski and snowboard lessons to children ages 6 to 17.  Throughout the years, this nationally recognized school has taught over 40,000 students both the skills and etiquette for a successful and lifelong skiing experience.  The Free Ski School is a non-profit organization run by a group of dedicated, volunteer instructors who operate the program with donations received from businesses and individuals throughout the area.

Post Office and letter carriers ask public's help with mailbox access

Winter storms and the cold, snow and ice are here, making it more challenging for letter carriers to deliver your mail. The Plains Post Office reminds postal customers to always clear a safe, accessible path to your mailboxes. Please follow these steps.

Master Gardener classes to start

Master Gardener courses have been rotated annually since 1996 between Noxon, Thompson Falls, Plains and last year in Hot Springs. During that period, over 250 people have attended all or part of the program.  In 2009, MSU State Horticulturist, Toby Day reorganized the Montana Master Gardener program into three levels with level 1 similar to the curriculum taught for many years in counties across the state. Level 2 is more in-depth and level 3, an on-campus intensive 3 day short course offered in Bozeman this coming summer (2011).

A thank-you for getting the word out

I want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Rep. Pat Ingraham for her “Keeping in Touch” piece of December 8, 2010, “Honoring Veterans”.  As the Commander of Thunderbird Mountain Composite Squadron here in Sanders County and the Montana Wing Legislative Liaison Officer for the Civil Air Patrol, one of my responsibilities is to get the word out about Wreaths Across America and the contribution that program makes toward recognizing the ultimate sacrifice that our fallen heroes and their families make to the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Changes in 2011 taxes

According to Terry Stevens, the new manager at Bratz & Associates, CPAs, more than a few taxpayers may have a delay in the filing of their 2010 tax returns.  The start of the 2011 Income Tax filing season is here for the majority of taxpayers.  The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 were signed into law on December 17th, 2010.  According to the IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman, there will be a delay of processing of the following types of returns, as the IRS is in the process of reprogramming their processing systems.

Keeping in Touch: Legislature starts up

On Monday, January 3, 2010, the 62nd Legislature will convene at noon in both the House and Senate Chambers. At this time, 100 House Representatives and the newly elected Senators will officially be sworn into office.

Thompson Falls woman releases novel

Thompson Falls resident Terri Drake Stoltz takes readers to a simpler time with her newly-released book, “Remember When: Recollection from a Montana Generation X-er.”

A great day for a dip

A shock to the system brings in the New Year for many locals

With the sun shining and temperatures hovering around 15 degrees, people from all over the area convened in Thompson Falls to bring in the New Year with a dip in the Clark Fork River. Over 40 people made the plunge, and several more congregated on the snowy banks at Goose Landing to watch.