Stories for December 2012

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Thursday, December 20

December 20, 2012 5:11 p.m.

Mineral County Community Calendar

Trestle Creek Meeting

Superior fire hall
December 20, 2012 5:09 p.m.

Superior fire hall

A proposal will be sent to the CDBG to cover the estimated $14,000 cost of moving Superior town offices into the new Fire Hall.

Proposal will be sent to CDBG for Superior town offices
December 20, 2012 5:03 p.m.

Proposal will be sent to CDBG for Superior town offices

Superior Volunteer Fire Chief John Woodland reported he received advice to submit a proposal to the Community Development Block Grant program with regards to creating town offices in the fire hall.

Dolce Canto conccert
December 20, 2012 5:01 p.m.

Dolce Canto conccert

The choral ensemble Dolce Canto performed at the Superior Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The concert featured many holiday favorites and utilized vocals as well as several instruments.

Choral ensemble Dolce Canto performs "Serenity and Stillness"
December 20, 2012 4:57 p.m.

Choral ensemble Dolce Canto performs "Serenity and Stillness"

When the choral ensemble Dolce Canto first visited Mineral County, they were a small act with only eight members but on Thursday the ensemble returned over 30 strong to perform there “Serenity and Stillness” holiday show at the Superior Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Panters basketball
December 20, 2012 4:55 p.m.

Panters basketball

Senior Natasha Ball was instrumental in the win against Granite.

Panthers fight hard and get conference win in league opener
December 20, 2012 4:51 p.m.

Panthers fight hard and get conference win in league opener

The Alberton Lady Panther Basketball team faced off against two teams this week, including county rival Superior as well as Granite County.

Lady Tigers
December 20, 2012 4:49 p.m.

Lady Tigers

St. Regis freshman Pilar Cantrell-Field scored 14-points in the fourth quarter to elevate the Tigers over Charlo.

St. Regis Lady Tigers win critical games
December 20, 2012 4:45 p.m.

St. Regis Lady Tigers win critical games

St. Regis Lady Tiger Head Coach Damian Droessler has set a goal for his team – to get to the last four minutes of the game and take control.

Superior Bobcats
December 20, 2012 4:42 p.m.

Superior Bobcats

Superior Bobcat Jarrod Tippens had a huge 26-point game against Arlee Friday.

Superior Bobccat boys claim critical win
December 20, 2012 4:37 p.m.

Superior Bobccat boys claim critical win

SUPERIOR - A post-season like energy was felt throughout the Superior High School Gym on Friday night when the Arlee Warriors came to town to face off against the boys basketball squad.

December 20, 2012 4:36 p.m.

US transportation secretary launches holiday DUI crackdown

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Launches ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Holiday Crackdown

December 20, 2012 4:34 p.m.

Enjoy the holidays intacct: Drive sober or don't drive, Mineral County Sheriff's Office increases patrols through beginning of year

Mineral County, Mont. — As Montanans celebrate this festive season with holiday parties and end-of-year celebrations, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office is increasing patrols through January 1, 2013, to deter impaired, unsafe driving and keep the public safe on Montana roads.

December 20, 2012 4:33 p.m.

A personal account of the origins of the Superior Lions Club food and gift program

Last Christmas in a story about the Superior Lion’s Club’s Christmas food and gift program you asked the Lion’s how it started.  Since the program began just after Christmas in 1957 or 58, all of the current Lion’s were too young to remember.  

December 20, 2012 4:31 p.m.

St. Regis School District included on Governor Brian Schweitzer's budget for the 2015 Biennium Quality School Grant

St. Regis, Montana, November 27, 2012 -- St. Regis School District is included on the Governor’s budget for Quality School Grant funds as requested by the district earlier this year. St Regis a K-12 school district in Mineral County submitted a proposal for ADA upgrades to the library restroom, gym seating, ADA access to the stage and locker rooms in a budgeted amount of $185,837. The district approved up to 20% in matching funds to pay for ineligible costs such as legal, audit, and administrative fees. Superintendent Hanson explained the written letters of support from individuals, business owners, community agencies, and our state representative Gordon R. Hendrick were certain to have played a large part in the district’s success.

St. Regis Sixth Graders
December 20, 2012 4:29 p.m.

St. Regis Sixth Graders

Marshall Green Jack Mitchell and Emma Hill explain a map of Egypt

St. Regis sixth graders give community a taste of ancient Egypt
December 20, 2012 4:25 p.m.

St. Regis sixth graders give community a taste of ancient Egypt

For the students in Diane Gingerich’s sixth grade class, at St. Regis Elementary, fun is a four-letter word.

December 20, 2012 4:23 p.m.

Questions raised over Balenger's use of vehicle while on leave

Mineral County Undersheriff Mike Boone was present at a regular meeting of the Mineral County Commissioners Dec. 12 to field questions regarding the paid administrative leave of Jim Balenger.

Wednesday, December 19

December 19, 2012 11:41 a.m.

Holiday safety tips

With the holidays fast approaching this might be a good time to review some crime prevention tips that will keep you, your family and property safe this season. Remember that the holidays are a prime time to be victimized by criminals.

December 19, 2012 11:40 a.m.

Thompson Falls ambulance trains on ice

  On December 9th 2012 Thompson Falls Volunteer Ambulance Co. conducted a winter driving training course at the Thompson Falls High School in the main parking lot. Robert Cirolia the driving instructor gave an over view of the course to the members and told them what obstacles to look for. The parking lot was covered in ice so it was ideal for winter training. The ice made it just that much more of a challenge to conduct quick stops and turns.

Della Marie Spindler
December 19, 2012 11:35 a.m.

Della Marie Spindler

Della Marie Spindler

December 19, 2012 11:34 a.m.

Sanders County Community Calendar

Open Gym at Plains

December 19, 2012 11:33 a.m.

Savage Heat take out TERS, fall to Arlee

HOT SPRINGS - In their District 14-C opener of the regular basketball season, the Savage Heat came out big against Two Eagle River on Friday night.

December 19, 2012 11:31 a.m.

Lady Savage Heat get a Friday win

HOT SPRINGS - At home Friday night, the Lady Savage Heat got their first win of the regular basketball season over Two Eagle River.

Horsement basketball
December 19, 2012 11:14 a.m.

Horsement basketball

Senior post Jeremiah Crawford powers up for a basket Friday night against the Troy Trojans. Crawford had 22 points to the game.

Horsemen put up tough fight
December 19, 2012 11:13 a.m.

Horsemen put up tough fight

PLAINS - The Horsemen came out strong against the Troy Trojans Friday night with some breakout performances, but were unable to seal the deal with a win.

Thompson Falls basketball
December 19, 2012 11:09 a.m.

Thompson Falls basketball

Baptiste Seynaeve, the lead scorer for Thompson Falls goes to put up some points during the game against Loyola.

Thompson Falls basketball plays with pride
December 19, 2012 11:07 a.m.

Thompson Falls basketball plays with pride

THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawks played their hearts out on Friday against Loyola, a very tough opponent.

Red Devils basketball
December 19, 2012 11:02 a.m.

Red Devils basketball

Senior Red Devil Austin Tucker takes control of the ball at the half time buzzer with the score at 21-16 Noxon during the game against Troy.

Red Devils strong, Lady Devils came up short
December 19, 2012 11:01 a.m.

Red Devils strong, Lady Devils came up short

NOXON – The Red Devils faced off Troy on Saturday in a close game that resulted in a 48 – 41 win.

Symes Christmas knit footwear
December 19, 2012 10:58 a.m.

Symes Christmas knit footwear

Ruthie Israel knits a pattern to make one of her knitted-felt shoes. Israel has made the "very comfortable" footwear for 15 years.

Symes Christmas pot holders
December 19, 2012 10:57 a.m.

Symes Christmas pot holders

Bernadette Hall holds up one of her handmade "Amazing Pot Holders" at the Christmas at the Symes holiday bazaar. Hall makes just 30 pot holders each year for the event.

Symes Christmas Santa
December 19, 2012 10:45 a.m.

Symes Christmas Santa

Robert Dobrovolyny as Santa Claus greets guests of the Christmas at the Symes celebration in Hot Springs on Sunday.

Bank Christmas music 5
December 19, 2012 10:44 a.m.

Bank Christmas music 5

Cooper Spurr hesitantly gives Santa Claus a high five.

Bank Christmas music 4
December 19, 2012 10:43 a.m.

Bank Christmas music 4

Rackel Wrobleski fills Rocky Mountain Bank with music during her performance.

Bank Christmas music 3
December 19, 2012 10:42 a.m.

Bank Christmas music 3

Martin Wrobleski plays the piano while his little sister Katherine observes him.

Bank Christmas music 2
December 19, 2012 10:40 a.m.

Bank Christmas music 2

Hallie Corbin, 6, anxiously speaks with Santa Claus at the Rocky Mountain Christmas Open House.

Bank Christmas music 1
December 19, 2012 10:31 a.m.

Bank Christmas music 1

Piano teacher Heidi Mac plays the recorder while her student Audrey Brown plays the piano.

Thompson Falls Concert - Jingle Bells
December 19, 2012 10:26 a.m.

Thompson Falls Concert - Jingle Bells

Thompson Falls Elementary first and second graders sing a classic holiday favorite, "Jingle Bells" Monday night at the annual Christmas concert. Grades kindergarten - fifth and sixth grade choirs and band performed Christmas holiday songs for adoring parents and relatives.

Thompson Falls Concert 2
December 19, 2012 10:24 a.m.

Thompson Falls Concert 2

The third and fourth graders perform Christmas songs for a packed gym at the Thompson Falls Elementary Christmas concert.

Thompson Falls Concert Santa
December 19, 2012 10:21 a.m.

Thompson Falls Concert Santa

Santa Claus came to visit the younger kids handing out gift bags.

Thompson Falls Concert
December 19, 2012 9:51 a.m.

Thompson Falls Concert

The sixth grade band performs for the audience at the Thompson Falls Elementary School gym during the Christmas concert on Monday night.

Calvert
December 19, 2012 9:43 a.m.

Calvert

Calvert

Trotters vs. Trojans 4
December 19, 2012 9:37 a.m.

Trotters vs. Trojans 4

Senior Trotter Jessica Hansen (#40) looks for the fastbreak as teammate Sami Kinzie (left) knocks out the ball from the Lady Trojans' possession.

Trotters vs. Trojans 3
December 19, 2012 9:36 a.m.

Trotters vs. Trojans 3

Sophomore Trotter Hailey Phillips handles with care going into the offensive play against Troy.

Trotters vs. Trojans 2
December 19, 2012 8:58 a.m.

Trotters vs. Trojans 2

Felicia Earhart and a Lady Trojan race to get the ball after a turnover Friday night.

Trotters vs. Trojans 1
December 19, 2012 8:57 a.m.

Trotters vs. Trojans 1

Carley VonHeeder gets her defensive guard up against a Lady Trojan Friday night.

Trotters make comeback against Lady Trojans for win
December 19, 2012 8:50 a.m.

Trotters make comeback against Lady Trojans for win

PLAINS –After a lackluster start against the Lady Trojans in clutch game of basketball, the Trotters were the comeback kids of Friday night after pulling through with a win.

December 19, 2012 8:48 a.m.

Montana Food Network receives grant from Avista; Support will benefit the Sanders County food banks

 For some residents of Sanders County, Mont., feeding their families can be one of the biggest challenges they face each month. Six community food banks in Sanders County will have a bit more money to stock their shelves in the months ahead as the result of a $2,400 grant made by the Avista Foundation.

December 19, 2012 8:46 a.m.

USFS Priscilla Peak Prescribed Fire project seeks comments

PLAINS - The Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District, Lolo National Forest, is soliciting public comment on the proposed Priscilla Peak Prescribed Fire project between the Thompson River and West Fork Thompson River northeast of Thompson Falls on Dec. 14.  This project is located in T 22 N, R 28 W immediately adjacent to Priscilla Peak.  This project began in 2006, but has been on hold for several years, because 6 years have elapsed an additional comment period is warranted.

December 19, 2012 8:43 a.m.

Letter to Editor - Dec. 19, 2012

Melanie Crowson
December 19, 2012 8:42 a.m.

Melanie Crowson

Melanie Crowson

Melanie's Christmas Column: Channeling the spirit of Christmas every day
December 19, 2012 8:40 a.m.

Melanie's Christmas Column: Channeling the spirit of Christmas every day

Every Christmas season, the feelings that evoke the pleasantries of home, family, love and good tidings are amplified by the holiday cheer. The main streets in the little towns are brighter, the smiles on everyone’s faces bigger. Christmas brings that out in all of us, and it starts from an early age.

Pat Ingraham
December 19, 2012 8:39 a.m.

Pat Ingraham

Pat Ingraham

Keeping in touch with Rep. Pat Ingraham
December 19, 2012 8:35 a.m.

Keeping in touch with Rep. Pat Ingraham

December is a time when days are filled with bazaars, shopping plans, baking, eating, decorating, singing carols, gathering together with friends and families, school programs, opportunities to help others as we celebrate Christmas.  It’s a time to count our many blessings.  For legislators such as me, it also is time to prepare for the upcoming 63rd Legislative Session which will start on January 7th when we are sworn into office.

December 19, 2012 8:27 a.m.

Trappers reminded of domestic dog capture precautions

With standard furbearer seasons underway and wolf trapping set to begin on December 15, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds pet owners to be mindful that there could be trapping activity in the woods.

December 19, 2012 8:25 a.m.

FWP offers reminders for wolf trapping season

With Saturday’s opening of Montana’s first wolf trapping season Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers important reminders for trappers and all winter recreationists.

Calvert allegedly stabbed victim 54 times
December 19, 2012 8:22 a.m.

Calvert allegedly stabbed victim 54 times

THOMPSON FALLS - The preliminary hearing of Nathan Lee William Calvert scheduled for Dec. 17 at 4 p.m. at the Sanders County Justice Court was vacated because charges against Calvert were brought forth by County Attorney Zimmerman.

Hwy 135 Rollover 2
December 19, 2012 8:18 a.m.

Hwy 135 Rollover 2

Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District assistant chief Lee Mercier looks for the location of the battery while Lt. Pat Erving secures the scene.

Hwy 135 Rollover
December 19, 2012 8:16 a.m.

Hwy 135 Rollover

Assistant Chief Lee Mercier and another firefighter from Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District examine the vehicle.

Vehicle rolls over on Hwy 135, none injured
December 19, 2012 8:11 a.m.

Vehicle rolls over on Hwy 135, none injured

PARADISE - At approximately 3:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, a one-vehicle rollover was reported on Highway 135 near mile marker 19.

Monday, December 17

December 17, 2012 9:10 a.m.

Sheriff's Report

Sanders County Sheriff’s Report for 12/2 – 12/8

December 17, 2012 8:56 a.m.

Senior News

Dixon

Della Spindler
December 17, 2012 8:54 a.m.

Della Spindler

DEATH NOTICE: Former Plains resident Della Spindler, 93, passed away Monday Dec. 10 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. Services will be held Friday, Dec. 14 at11:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ronan at a later date. Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. A full obituary will follow next week.

December 17, 2012 8:43 a.m.

Plains Post Office to close early Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve

PLAINS - Post Offices nationwide will be open Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24, and New Year’s Eve, Monday, Dec. 31. The Plains Post Office will shorten retail lobby hours and close at 2:30 pm on these dates. Regular mail delivery will be unaffected by the change.

December 17, 2012 8:24 a.m.

Pavlik to appear in January

THOMPSON FALLS - What was originally set to be his initial court appearance on Dec. 11 has been changed to Jan. 8 due to a motion filed by accused offender Lance Pavlik’s lawyer, Lance Jasper.

Friday, December 14

Connolly grapples
December 14, 2012 4:22 p.m.

Connolly grapples

Caleb Connelly against Mission-Charlo's Zach Daniels at 285 pounds. Connelly won by pin at 1:20.

Air
December 14, 2012 4:15 p.m.

Air

Noxon guard Neal Jopling soars in for a layup during the Sanders County Tip-Off Tourney boys championship game against Thompson Falls in Plains on Saturday night. Jopling was named MVP for the tournament.

Tiger Basketball
December 14, 2012 4:13 p.m.

Tiger Basketball

Senior Spur Hill was a consistent threat on offense and led the Tigers in scoring against Alberton.

Staff Meeting
December 14, 2012 4:09 p.m.

Staff Meeting

Thom Chisholm gets Ayda Griffin to draw the lucky ticket for a prize at Monday's Plains staff metting.

Lady Tigers
December 14, 2012 4:08 p.m.

Lady Tigers

St. Regis freshman Pilar Cantrell-Field played huge on offense in the Tiger Tail Tournament, averaging 24.5 points a game.

CPR practice
December 14, 2012 3:55 p.m.

CPR practice

Hillary Stevens practices CPR techniques on a training dummy.

Tree of Life
December 14, 2012 3:49 p.m.

Tree of Life

Janice Barber, CFVH Home Health and Hospice Manager welcomes everyone to the Hospice Tree of Life event.

Santa Claus
December 14, 2012 3:48 p.m.

Santa Claus

Saunta Claus puts smiles on onlookers' faces with ease as his snowy ride pulls in to the DeBorgia Schoolhouse parking lot.

Multi-Event Centet
December 14, 2012 3:44 p.m.

Multi-Event Centet

A computer model of the proposed Superior Multi-Event Center that will feature a pool and gym.

Dustin Goebel
December 14, 2012 2:19 p.m.

Dustin Goebel

Dustin Goebel

Missing person in Mineral County
December 14, 2012 2:17 p.m.

Missing person in Mineral County

MINERAL COUNTY - The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the communities help in the search for 21-year-old missing person Dustin Goebel. 

Thursday, December 13

Rollover
December 13, 2012 4:05 p.m.

Rollover

MHP and Plains-Paradise Rural Fire investigate the scene on Hwy 135 Dec. 13.

Vehicle rolls over on Highway 135
December 13, 2012 3:06 p.m.

Vehicle rolls over on Highway 135

PARADISE - At approximately 3:00 p.m., a one-vehicle rollover was reported on Highway 135 near mile marker 19.

Wednesday, December 12

Alice Lacy
December 12, 2012 10:45 a.m.

Alice Lacy

Friday, December 7

UPDATE: One dead, one critical after home invasion in Dixon
December 7, 2012 1:30 p.m.

UPDATE: One dead, one critical after home invasion in Dixon

DIXON - One person is dead and another one is in critical condition after a home invasion occurred in the Dixon area on Thursday night.

Wednesday, December 5

Bazaar
December 5, 2012 2:57 p.m.

Bazaar

JoEllen Godin of Superior puts the finishing touches on a necklace at the St. Regis Christmas Bazaar.

Clinton Oliver Spindler
December 5, 2012 2:42 p.m.

Clinton Oliver Spindler

Clinton Oliver Spindler

St. Regis Gift Shop
December 5, 2012 2:40 p.m.

St. Regis Gift Shop

Twin Sisters Laura and Marie decorate for the holidays. The sisters have over 50 years of combined experience at St. Regis Gift Shop.

Blanche B. Brackett Richardson
December 5, 2012 2:37 p.m.

Blanche B. Brackett Richardson

Blanche B. Brackett Richardson

Lady Bobcats
December 5, 2012 2:31 p.m.

Lady Bobcats

Bobcat senior Myranda Kuhl drives the ball against fellow senior Nicole Stoot during a scrimmage on Saturday night.

Post Up
December 5, 2012 2:30 p.m.

Post Up

Brady Ovitt passes the ball beneath Wyatt Winbrenner's legs Saturday during the Horsemen Basketball white-vs-black team scrimmage.

Superior Bobcats
December 5, 2012 2:27 p.m.

Superior Bobcats

Superior senior Adam Kay elevates on a fast-break attempt during a scrimmage between the varsity and junior varsity squads on Saturday. The Bobcats start their season on the road this Friday.

Mayor Brinson
December 5, 2012 2:21 p.m.

Mayor Brinson

Town of Plains Mayor Michael Brinson speaks with the town council Monday, Dec. 3.

Ed Hollenback
December 5, 2012 2:15 p.m.

Ed Hollenback

Ed Hollenback thanks attendees gathered at Mineral Community Hospital to honor service in the community and on the MCH board.

Santa Comin' to Town
December 5, 2012 2:10 p.m.

Santa Comin' to Town

Santa Claus tosses candy to the antipating children during the Thompson Falls Christmas on Main Street Light Parade Chamber Event on Saturday, Dec. 1.