Ellington

Grand Champion - by Brian Iseminger

Alesha Evans, 12, stands by her horse Lakota before starting the 4-H Horse Showmanship competition. Evans took home the Grand Champion title.

Extinguishing the flames

The Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department work to extinguish a fire that was caused by a vehicle that went off of Lower Lynch Creek Road.

Car accident on Lower Lynch causes fire

PLAINS – On Wednesday, August 28, a vehicle on Lower Lynch Creek Road swerved off the road, hit a tree and ignited a fire.

Local athlete named All-State First Baseman

PLAINS – After dedicating his entire summer to baseball – living and breathing the sport, a local Plains athlete now has the title to show that his hard work paid off.

Dixon Melon Days provides entertainment for all

DIXON – In a “perfect melon year” with an abundant crop of mouthwatering melons, the annual Dixon Melon Days celebration hit the streets of Dixon on Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24.

Dixon Melon Days 8

Chauntay Cripps, 13, helps sell melons during the annual Dixon Melon Days celebration. Cripps said this year had been a great year for melons.

Dixon Melon Days 7

Adilyn Croft, 3, gets her face painted by Dottie. Facepainting was a popular activity at the event.

Mutton Bustin' at Melon Days - by Justyna Tomtas/Valley Press

Kids took to the Mutton Bustin' competition held at the Lil-Buck-a-Roo Rodeo held at the end of the day Saturday in Dixon. The kids tried their luck against the sheep, many of them lasting a few seconds before their ride came to an end.

Dixon Melon Days 3

Wacey McClure, 12, takes to the melon eating contest. McClure devoured the melons in hopes of becoming the champion in his division.

Dixon Melon Days 1

Kai O'Brien sinks his teeth into a melon.

Fair prep

Hank Franzen tosses hay around the holding pen for his horses. The animals will be performing during the rodeo events at the Sanders County Fair this week in Plains.

Last-minute fair preparations take place in Plains

PLAINS- With the start of the 2013 Sanders County Fair only hours away, last minute entries in arts and crafts, ticket sales, rodeo preparations and other details were in full swing at the fairgrounds in Plains on Monday. More and more people gradually began to file onto the fairgrounds before events began on Tuesday.

Chicks n' Chaps

A Chicks N' Chaps participant rides a fake bull during the rodeo clinic last year at the county fair.

Chicks N' Chaps fundraiser teaches women about rodeo

SANDERS COUNTY- A group of women from Sanders County known as Cowgirls Kickin’ Cancer who raise money for cancer patients is hosting an event at the annual fair this coming week. The Chicks N’ Chaps event at the Sanders County Fair combined with an entry in the demolition derby will raise much needed money that will stay in the county.

Utilizing and preserving our national forests

Part Two in a Series

Saturation of I-90 a success for MHP

Montana Highway Patrol focused a large amount of personnel and resources to the Mineral County area last week in an effort to reduce accidents and look for criminal activity.

MRHC board meeting draws a crowd of criticism

What the Mineral Regional Health Center Board meeting lacked in information regarding misallocated funds from a $10.5 million federal grant it made up for in fireworks.

Local Forest Service numbers decrease

SANDERS COUNTY – With fire season in full swing, the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District is experiencing a lull in their numbers, with many forest service officials out of the area fighting wildfires or returning to college.

Lil-Buck-a-Roo Rodeo Winners from Dixon Melon Days

Barrel Racing- 12-18

An update from Rep. Schwaderer

Timber management in Mineral and Sanders Counties can see a revenue benefit to local services, as well as the economic boost of increased work and wages. The local revenue is known as “county payments”, which are traditionally 25 percent of gross revenues paid to the state, allocated to the county based on forest acreage. These payments help make up for the fact that counties miss out on control and revenue on these lands but still have to provide basic services for the entire area.

Letters to the Editor - Aug. 28

Bowhunters need to be bear aware

A bowhunter needs to be sneaky, with “no-scent” on, and camouflaged to look like a bush. While that’s what it takes to get close enough for a good shot with a bow and arrow, that hunter is making it hard for a bear to notice him or her.

Numbers for archery season are holding strong, improving

SANDERS COUNTY – With archery season only ten days away, hunters are out scouting their favorite spots, practicing their calls and making sure their bow is on point, in hopes of finding that prize winning six-point bull to bring home.

Hospital Biomass System

Plant Services Manager Dennis Bursell and Steve Marshall from the United States Forest Service look at the quality of material used in the biomass system.

USFS officials tour hospital's biomass system

PLAINS – The Clark Fork Valley Hospital had a special visitor on Thursday, August 22.

Sky Lantern

A sky lantern - the structure lifts into the air by igniting a suspended candle or fuel cell.

Released sky lanterns remind people of extreme fire conditions

PLAINS – On Monday, August 19 two sky lanterns landed on the forested land of the P-hill in Plains. The sky lanterns are structures designed with a thin paper shell and either a suspended candle ignites a fuel source or a fuel cell composed of a waxy flammable material – essentially having an exposed flame.

USFS funding could affect local contracts

SANDERS COUNTY – Plains/Thompson Falls Forest Service Ranger, Randy Hojem, said the forest service is doing their best to minimize local effects of the budget shortfall the U.S. Forest Service is currently experiencing.

Fly-In offers community a look inside airport

In an effort to familiarize the community with the Mineral County Airport, the board organized a Fly-In event with festivities throughout the day Saturday.

Private plane

Eleven private aircraft flew into the Mineral County Airport on Saturday to be a part of the Fly-in event.

Fly-in plane

Life Flight King Air F-90

Helicopter

A Life Flight Helicopter.

Classic car

Eighteen classic cars were on display.

Soaring above the clouds

One of the eleven planes that participated in the Mineral County Airport Fly-in sours above the airport prior to departure on Saturday afternoon.

New equipment offers increased patient care

Two new pieces of equipment, an operating microscope for the diagnosis and treatment of ear disease as well as a new ultrasound machine have recently been incorporated into the services offered by Mineral Community Hospital.

New hospital equipment

Registered Medical Sonographer Deena Buchanan demonstrates the new ultrasound machine at MCH.

Trestle Creek League Results

Summer League Club Champions:

Noxon football practice

Noxon Red Devils football team members practice agility and strength drills during the first practice of the season. The first game of the season is against Granite on Saturday, August 31.

Noxon Red Devils prepare for season opener against Granite

Every new year brings new challenges for Noxon Head Football Coach Josh Patterson. New players and the loss of seasoned veterans continuously brings a fresh dynamic to the team. Patterson said the trick is learning how to utilize new talent and mesh that with old talent.

Hot Springs football practice

Hot Springs football players loosen up during the first practice of the season.

Hot Springs Savage Heat have first practice of the season

The Hot Springs Savage Heat had their first practice of the season on Monday as athletes and coaches gathered on the gridiron behind the high school. About 20 players attended the practice designed to provide coaches with an early look at what they will have to work with during the 2013-2014 season.

Lady Red Devil practice

Lady Red Devil Jessica Camara gets ready to volley the ball during practice.

Noxon High School volleyball team prepare for St. Regis

NOXON - With the fall season quickly approaching, the Noxon Lady Red Devils were hard at work setting up their team structure. According to Head Coach Teri Wilkinson, this year the team has three returning players, with one being a senior, and two juniors.

Lady Savage Heat first practice

Players for the Lady Savage Heat warm up during the first practice of the year.

Lady Savage Heat ready for season opener

HOT SPRINGS- The Lady Savage Heat volleyball team gathered for the first practice of the year at the Hot Springs High School gym on Monday to begin preparations for the upcoming season. About a dozen athletes attended the practice to give coaches their first glimpse of the talent they will have this year.

Plains Track and Field team hits academic high

PLAINS - The 2013 spring sports season may be over; but, the honors keep rolling in for the Plains High School Track & Field team. The Montana High School Association, in cooperation with the Montana Army National Guard, recently announced their 2013 Spring Sports Academic All-Team Awards. And, right at the top of the list for the Class B Boys and Girls squads were our very own Horsemen and Trotters.

Hydro boat racing

The annual Trout Creek Regatta was held on Friday, Aug. 23rd to Sunday, Aug. 25th. On Friday, the day started at noon with hot laps testing and a boat show that started at 6 p.m. followed by karaoke. Saturday consisted of stock/mod hydros flat bottom races starting at 10 a.m. and a pig roast at 6:30 p.m. Sunday capped off with another stock-mod hydros flat bottom race from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Trout Creek holds annual hydro boat racing regatta

TROUT CREEK- The sport of hydroplane racing barreled into Sanders County over the weekend as the annual Trout Creek Regatta took place on the Noxon Reservoir. Thrill-seekers from around the region gathered to test the limits of their machines as well as their nerves in the popular spectator sport.

Billow of Smoke

While manning a lookout, the ones in charge are responsible for catching the first glimpse of a fire. Often times what they are looking for is a billow of smoke to lead the way.

Awaiting the smoke... the story of unsung heroes manning the lookout towers

SANDERS COUNTY- While the rest of the country is beginning to recognize the daily heroics of wildland firefighters, residents in Sanders County have known what these men and women do on a daily basis for decades. Due to international coverage of the many fires burning throughout the west and the tragic deaths of 19 brave firefighters in Arizona, mainstream media has brought to light what we already know. Wildland firefighters risk their lives to protect us and our property.

School board ties up loose ends before first day

PLAINS – The Plains School Board of Trustees met on Monday, August 19 to provide updates and help tie up any loose ends before the school year began.

Concerned citizen speaks out against city ordinance

PLAINS- The Plains Public Works Committee met on Monday to discuss the plight of a single resident. Local business owner and property owner Randy Garrison met with the council to confer about a water bill.

Plains schools host successful open house

PLAINS – Eager children and parents filled the hallways of the Plains schools, foreshadowing the beginning of school on Monday, August 26 for the annual Plains School Open House.

Open house

Kids filled the hallway during the open house held on Thursday, August 22.

Lightning ignites fire north of Tarkio

As of publication on Tuesday, the Nemote Fire - located near Tarkio - has burned between 20-25 acres. The fire started Sunday night after a series of lighting storms hit western Montana.

Mineral County Court Report - Aug. 12-23

Mineral County Court Records from August 16 to August 23

Mineral County Community Calendar - Aug. 28

DAV

4H Prep for fair

Sage and Sydney Jackson demonstrate the proper way to "brace" a lamb during competition. The two will be putting their best foot forward during the 4H judging at the Sanders County Fair.

4H participants set to show off animals at county fair

SANDERS COUNTY - With the Sanders County Fair rapidly approaching, young people involved with the organization known as 4-H are preparing themselves for one of the most important agricultural events of the year. Kids from around the area are grooming their animals and putting the finishing touches on arts and crafts projects before the competition in late August.

Recycling

The Plains Woman's Club recycled 11 bags of plastic bottles at last year's fair.

Plains Woman's Club brings recycling to fair

PLAINS - Once again Plains Woman’s Club will make it possible for fairgoers to participate in a plastic recycling project by depositing their plastic water and pop bottles in specially marked garbage cans, which will be placed near containers for other garbage. The Woman’s Club will be responsible for keeping the recycling cans emptied and relined as they fill.

DAV to raise money at fair

PLAINS – A new organization in part with the DAV Volunteer Transportation Network has taken on a different way to fundraise this year for a replacement van to help veterans get to their VA medical appointments.

Braun announced as this year's Community Service Award recipient

PLAINS - The Sanders County Fair Commission and Board of County Commissioners are proud to announce that Sally Braun of Plains has been selected as this year’s Sanders County Community Service Award recipient.

Coeur d'Alene Diamond Cup to be held this weekend

COEUR D’ALENE - The Diamond Cup and H1 Unlimited Hydroplane racing return to Lake Coeur d’Alene Labor Day weekend. The Diamond Cup is the seventh stop on the H1 Hydroplane Circuit. Drivers and teams from all over the country will be battling for the National High Point Championship on one of the fastest race courses H1 has to offer.

Sanders County Sheriff's Report Aug.18-24

Excerpts from the Sanders County sheriff’s report 8/18 to 8/24.

Sanders County Court Records - July 30-August 19

Sanders County Justice Court weeks of 7/30 to 8/19

Chow Down Time - by Justyna Tomtas/Valley Press

Keke Tenas, 4, and Kai O'Brien, 4, chow down on some melons during the annual melon eating contest at Dixon Melon Days.

Be fire aware while hunting

Montana’s hunting seasons for most upland game birds, including grouse and turkey, open Sept. 1. The state’s archery-only hunting season for deer, elk, antelope, black bear, wolf and mountain lion opens Sept. 7. The bighorn sheep archery season begins Sept. 5.

Hunting access: ask early, don't wait

Montana’s millions of acres of private land offer some good hunting opportunities—the only catch is gaining the landowner’s permission to hunt.

Sanders County Community Calendar - Week of Aug. 28

Open Gym at Plains

Getting ready for school

Dana Diehl prepares materials for the incoming kindergarten class. The school year is rapidly approaching and teachers are readying themselves for the incoming students.

With a new year comes change

SANDERS COUNTY- With elementary through high school classes set to begin in less than one week, teachers, school administrators and other staff are getting ready for the influx of students about to descend upon learning institutions across Sanders County. The inevitable end of summer means the beginning of another year of mathematics, science and homework for students fresh off the euphoria of summer break.

Shakespeare in the Park

Actor Jonathan Altman helped narrate the play. Altman is in his first summer with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks comes to Plains

PLAINS – In its 41st season, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks came to Plains yet again to entertain the crowds on the lush green grass of the Sanders County Fairgrounds.

Getting ready for fair

Fair Manager Mike Hashisaki paints lines on the pavement for handicap parking. Plains underwent efforts to ready themselves for the Sanders County Fair.

County efforst to gear up before fair strikes

PLAINS- With the Sanders County Fair less than two weeks away, organizers and staff are working hard to prepare for the event that is expected to draw thousands from around the region. With flags waving in the air, fresh paint on the roads to designate handicapped parking and freshly mowed lawns, signs of the impending festival are already evident.

Powered by Timber: Part One in a Three Part Series examining timber in Mineral County

For three generations, Mineral County Commissioner Duane Simons’ family has worked in the lumber industry. When he moved to the county in 1972, he said you could walk out of your door on any given day and get work.

MRCH board audit reveals misallocation of federal grant funds

Mineral Regional Health Center CFO Karen Sullivan elaborated on the audit process for a $10.5 million federal Health Care Innovation Award received by MRHC from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation.

Dept. Balenger asks for executive session

Deputy Jim Balenger was at the Friday meeting of the Mineral County Commissioners for an agenda item labeled “MCSO Budget Review and Brady Disclosure Discussion.”

Luau laughs

Art Rohrbach and Bajin Smith share a laugh after Smith challenged Rohrbach to a wheelchair race.

MCH Nursing Home and Assisted Living goes to the islands

For nine years Activities Director at the Mineral Community Hospital Nursing Home and Assisted Living Center Cathy Jones has thrown a luau for residents to mark the end of summer.

Community outreach donates to Mountain View Assisted Living

On the second Thursday of every month a small group of women meet at the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce office. And each month they decide what they can do to make their community a healthier place to live. Some, in fact most, go unnoticed, but they know that providing just one event could possibly change or make the difference in how or where they see their health care.

Judge James investigation nears completion, subsitutes named

According to Anastasia Burton, Deputy Communications Director with Montana Attorney General Tim Fox’s Office, the investigation of Mineral County Justice of the Peace Wanda James is nearing completion.

MCSO joins national crackdown to reduce drunk driving fatalities

Mineral County, MT – From mid-August through Labor Day, local police will be out in force as part of the annual nationwide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on drunk driving. The crackdown, which will include high-visibility enforcement throughout Mineral County, will run from August 16 through September 2, 2013.

Haircut-a-thon

Lucy Privett smiles as she gets her hair cut during the first annual "Haircut-a-thon" on Monday at the Plains Elementary School. Karli Volkman, behind Privett, was part of the team assembled by Josie Schuster to volunteer to cut hair for the event.

Haircut-a-thon raises money for student needs

PLAINS- Counselors for Plains Schools held the first annual “Haircut-a-Thon” fundraiser on Monday to help residents trim back their locks and raise money for the counseling program. Organizers said they were pleased with the turnout as people waited in line for a new look before school starts.

Parking at fairground to raise money for DAV van

PLAINS – A new organization in part with the DAV Volunteer Transportation Network has taken on a different way to fundraise this year for a replacement van to help veterans get to their VA medical appointments.

Guest opinion: One person's opinion by Pam Reed

Should decisions by our local county commissioners be based on fact or fiction? Should the county commissioners be given all the facts available before a decision is made or deal with the consequences of not considering all the facts at a later date?

Letters to the Editor - August 21

An update from Rep. Ingraham

The Legislative Fiscal Report of the 2013 Legislative Session was recently published which reflects the fiscal impacts resulting from legislation passed during the last session. While the entirety of the fiscal impacts as found in the report can be assessed by going to the legislative website at http://leg.mt.gov, I thought I’d share a few of the highlights. Even though the Legislature is no longer in session, the decisions we made during the session are effecting you as we speak, at least until at least the next legislative session where things undergo, once again, change!

BOW kayaking

Participants in the Saturday morning class practice their hand positioning before hitting the water.

BOW event doubles in size from last year

THOMPSON FALLS – The Beyond Becoming an Outdoor Woman Event saw more than twice as many participants as last year at the annual Learn to Kayak event, more than doubling the amount of attendees.

Sanders County Sheriff pullover

A Sanders County Sheriff's Deputy stops a car on Highway 200 for a minor traffic violation.

Sanders County Sheriffs patrol region

SANDERS COUNTY- I would imagine that most law enforcement officers have experienced the feeling at one point in their career that they are in a “thankless” profession. Many people probably do not appreciate what these men and women go through on a daily basis. Until they need their help. But for some such as Sanders County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Josephson, it is just part of the job.

Blood drive

Kristi Tranter of the American Red Cross prepares Wayne Rummell of Plains to donate blood.

Red Cross blood drive attracts donors in Plains

PLAINS- The VFW facility in Plains hosted a blood drive earlier in the month administered by the Missoula branch of the American Red Cross Blood Services unit. The crew of medical professionals travel extensively throughout the region gathering blood donated from citizens as part of the ACRs continuing effort to provide supplies to the nation’s health care system.

McNeil to retire as District Court judge

POLSON — In April of 2013, Judge C.B. McNeil announced his retirement as District Court judge of the 20th Judicial District. On Sept. 5, he will officially step down from the bench.

Avista golf tournament

Participants in the annual Charity Golf Scramble ready themselves for a day of golfing. Proceeds from the event went to benefit the Sanders County Coalition for Families.

Annual Avista golf tournament supports SCCFF

THOMPSON FALLS – The annual Charity Golf Scramble held by Avista filled up quickly, providing revenue and support for the Sanders County Coalition for Families.

Glow tournament - by Colin Murphey

The annual Benefit Glow Ball tournament stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning, where glow sticks lit up the last half of the tournament, which was played in the darkness.

Benefit Glow Ball tournament yields crowd

PLAINS – The Wild Horse Plains Golf Course held the 2013 Benefit Glow Ball tournament on Saturday. The event, which started out much like a normal tournament, later turned into a dark frenzy lit up by glow sticks and glow in the dark golf balls.

Keith's Column: Storylines to look for this fall sports season

This week the halls of the three Mineral County Schools will fill with students and teachers as the 2013-2014 school year begins. Along with the beginning of school comes the beginning of fall sports and this year is set to be an exciting one for football and volleyball in the county.

Timber in Mineral County 12

The remains of cut logs are piled to be utilized for other products.

Timber in Mineral County 11

A concentrating employee runs an outdoor log cutter from an air-conditioned room.

Timber in Mineral County 9

A Tricon Timber employee ensures cut timber is up to specifications at the mill in St. Regis.

Timber in Mineral County 6

A bulldozer carries logs to a sorting pile at the mill in St. Regis.

Timber in Mineral County 5

Tricon Forester Mike Lilly observes operations at the Little Beaver land management project just outside of Thompson Falls.

Timber in Mineral County 3

Alex Smith operates a machine that enables him to cut and trim lodge pole.

Timber in Mineral County 1

Mike Lilly (right) discusses the Little Beaver project with one of the machine operators on site.

FWP announces new region 2 supervisor

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) announces that Randy Arnold will assume its top post in FWP Region 2, headquartered in Missoula.

Death Notice: Edward Staskey

St. Regis - Edward Staskey, 64, passed away early in the morning, Saturday, August 17, 2013, at the St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Mineral County Court Report - Aug. 9 - 16

Mineral County Court Records from August 9 to August 16

Mineral County Community Calendar - Aug. 21

DAV

Bluehawks gear up for the season

THOMPSON FALLS – After losing seven seniors, the Thompson Falls Bluehawks football team is ready to take on the season despite a young team.

Plains Horsemen prepare for first game of the season

PLAINS- After the first practice of the season, the Horsemen of Plains are ready to rebound from a disappointing 2012-2013 season. Coach Juan Lulack is busy preparing the team to take the field for the first game of the season against rival Thompson Falls on August 31. If the coaches have their way, the Horsemen will have a few surprises in store for their opponents this season.

The Trotters dig deep for volleyball season

PLAINS- The Trotters of Plains had their first practice of the season on Monday in the gym at the high school. As athletes flew through the air, spiking balls with a velocity normally reserved for ballistic projectiles, Head Coach Kim Earhart took the girls through a series of drills in order to ascertain where his team stands.

Lady Hawks serve it up

THOMPSON FALLS – The Lady Hawks Volleyball team started their first day of practice on Monday, August 19, discovering what their team is capable of.

TF Cross Country practice

THOMPSON FALLS – The Thompson Falls Bluehawk Cross Country team is shaping up to be pretty solid, although coaches are still figuring out the skill levels of those participating.

Runners take to Plains

PLAINS- The Plains High School Cross Country team gathered with coach Tony Banovich at the Sanders County Fairgrounds for the first official practice of the season. The team has only a few weeks before the first competition of the year.

On Thin Ice

PABLO – With scores of trips to remote corners of the Arctic and sub-Arctic, it’s safe to say that Dr. Frank Tyro is the “polar” opposite of a snowbird.

Plains volleyball practice

Corle Morefield spikes the ball during a recent practice for the Trotters of Plains.

Horsemen football

Players for the Plains Horsemen put their backs into it against the sled during a recent practice. The team is set for a showdown against rival Thompson Falls.

Plains football practice

The Plains football team run sprints during practice. The team is gearing up for the new season with a new approach to the game.

Lady Hawk volleyball team

The Lady Hawks of Thompson Falls pose for a group shot during a recent practice.

Lady Hawk volleyball

Some of the Lady Hawks pose during practice.

Bluehawk football practice

The boys in blue do drills for football practice.

Thompson Falls Bluehawks football

The Thompson Falls Bluehawks practice for the upcoming first game of the season against Plains.

Thompson Falls football

The Thompson Falls Bluehawks run agility drills during practice. The team is preparing for the first game of the year against Plains on August 31st.

Cross Country stars

Runners on the Plains High School Cross Country team practice on Monday off of River Road West.

Kendall Alyce Spurr

PLAINS - Kendall Alyce Spurr was born on July 30, 2013 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. She weighed seven pounds and 8.5 ounces. Her parents are Whitney Tanner-Spurr and Steve Spurr. Maternal grandparents are Marvin and Margo Tanner. Paternal grandparents are Rob and Lisa Spurr and Cammie and Jim Hawkins. Great grandparents are Lois Tanner and Norma and Betty Spurr.

Sanders County Community Calendar - Aug. 21

Open Gym at Plains

Sanders County Senior News

Dixon

Death notice: Caroline A. Holyk

PLAINS: Caroline A. Holyk, 89, died August 14, 2013 at Clark Fork Valley Long Term Care in Plains. A family Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Sunset Hills Funeral Home in Plains is handling the arrangements.

Sanders County Court Report - July 30 - August 12

Sanders County Justice Court weeks of 7/30 to 8/12

The boys of fall - by Colin Murphey

The Plains Horsemen hit the sled during their first practice of the season Friday morning.

New technology at hospital

Russell Logan shows how patients will sign in electronically on the digital pad at the front desk.

CFVH has new technology

PLAINS- According to Russell Logan Executive Director of Customer Service for the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains, the facility recently overhauled their computer system, implementing software that will forever change the way patients in Sanders County receive health care.

Lightning strikes illuminate skies, cause fires

Superior Ranger District Fire Fighters are currently fighting 11 approximately one-tenth-acre fires as a result of over 400 lightning strikes since Sunday evening.

MCSO Deputy Balenger back on duty

Mineral County Deputy Jim Balenger has returned to active duty for MCSO following a paid administrative leave that began Oct. 3, 2012. During that time period, the Montana Department of Criminal Investigations conducted an investigation into unknown allegations regarding Deputy Balenger.

Huckleberry Homesteader Pentathlon

Dan Handlin of Marion, MT struggles to saw a chunk off a log during the Huckleberry Homesteader Pentathlon. The Huckleberry Festival was held last weekend in Trout Creek attracting thousands of people from around the region.

Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek

TROUT CREEK- Thousands of people flocked to the small lakeside community of Trout Creek over the weekend for the 34th annual Huckleberry Festival. While the huckleberry may be the state fruit of Idaho, the plant is celebrated in Sanders County with a festival that draws vendors and crowds from around the region.

Fire near Plains

Marlin Cooper douses a hotspot with a hose at a fire near Dog Lake just north of Plains on Sunday.

Fire contained near Plains

PLAINS- A small ten-acre wildfire was extinguished just north of Plains and south of Dog Lake on Saturday. Crews took no chances with the hot, dry weather conditions during recent months calling helicopter support and approximately 25 personnel.

Bike and Build

Riders with the "Bike and Build" program stop off in Paradise on Tuesday. The riders are on their way to Spokane where they will build affordable housing. It will be the eighth time during the journey that they have assisted others in construction projects.

Cyclists ride across Sanders County on their way to help

PARADISE- Riders with the program known as “Bike and Build” passed through Sanders County on their way to Seattle on Tuesday. The riders stopped off in Paradise to rest before continuing on a journey that started in Providence, Rhode Island and will eventually end on the West Coast.

Ride Idaho mechanic

Bike mechanic Jason Leathers tend to one of many bikes that need attention following a 70-mile ride.

Ride Idaho tour crosses into Sanders County

THOMPSON FALLS- The annual seven-day bicycle tour known as “Ride Idaho” cruised into Sanders County on Tuesday with 380 riders making their way into Thompson Falls. Cyclists camped at Ainsworth Field and PPL Park after logging approximately 70 miles during the day.

Plan set for a series of forest management meetings

Angelo Ververis, of Tricon Timber LLC and the Mineral County Resource Committee, was on hand at the Aug. 9 meeting of the Mineral County Commissioners to discuss recent developments with the commissioner’s request for Regional Forester Faye Krueger’s presence at an upcoming meeting.

Mineral County Buckle Up offers tips for teen drivers

A driver’s license and the car keys – it’s every teenager’s dream, and many parents’ biggest fear. While mom and dad cringe as their baby backs out the driveway – alone – for the very first time, the teen’s heart races with the sudden freedom to go where he wants without the parents hovering over him in smothering, over-protection.

Green Thumb: A Garden Column

A Stitch in Time...

Outdoors - floating the river

Mineral Independent reporter Keith Cousins was joined by Craig Cousins and Valerie Hanich for a float on the Clark Fork River.

Summer floating on the Clark Fork

“Keith you’re terrible at floating,” my brother, Craig, screamed at me from quite a distance – bringing me out of the trance that sitting in the slowly bobbing tube on the Clark Fork River brought about.

Peaceful elk - by Justyna Tomtas/Valley Press

A herd of elk stand in the creek at the Moise National Bison Range.

Jeanne Jolly music

Singer/songwriter Jeanne Jolly of Raleigh, NC prepares her set list before her performance at the Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls. Jolly is currently on tour in support of her debut full length album, "Angels."

Live music arrives at Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls

THOMPSON FALLS- The Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls played host to a live music performance on Saturday as the facility was packed to capacity to support a venue that was recently in danger of falling into obscurity. Organizer Randy Roberts helped set up the event as a way to continue utilizing the building.

Charity golf tournament to be held in Noxon

NOXON - You don’t have to be a golfer in order to participate in the silent auction in this year’s Avista’s 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Aug. 17 to benefit the Sanders County Coalition for Families. This year, you’ll be able to call a special phone number during the live auction and place your bid. This new phone-in feature will expand the number of people in the community who can get involved with the fundraising event.

Plains town council talk civic improvements

PLAINS – Plains Town Council met on Monday, August 5 to discuss plans for improvements around the town as well as the possible construction of a veteran memorial park.

Sanders County Community Calendar - Aug. 14

Open Gym at Plains

Sanders County Sheriff's Report

Ambulance:

Live at the Library music

Mya Zeiler plays the mountain dulcimer as the audience looks on. Zeiler was playing with a group that included her grandfather John Meckler as well as Leena and Ashlynn Meckler.

Live at the Library ends on high note

PLAINS – Cliff Stephens hit the library on July 30, providing humorous songs and entertainment to the crowd lining the grass.

MCSO to begin school resource officer program

In the past, several deputies with the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office have tried to start a School Resource Officer program, however with limited staff and funding it was a challenge to have an officer working solely with the three schools in Mineral County.

Extension office ceiling

The ceiling of the Mineral County Extension Office, part of the library building, collapsed in June.

Conflict arises in wake of extension office collapse

In the middle of June, the ceiling in the extension office portion of the Mineral County Library building collapsed. A claim was promptly filed with the Montana Association of Counties and the entire building was closed due to observations that ceilings still intact in the building were sagging.

FWP sets time restrictions for Clark Fork anglers

In an effort to protect fish from the stress of low stream flows and high water temperatures, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will prohibit fishing from 2p.m. until midnight on parts of the Clark Fork and all of the Bitterroot Rivers, excluding the East and West Forks, beginning Thursday, July 25.

Tips from Buckle Up on talking to teen drivers

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for U.S. teens, and the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is the deadliest season for teen drivers. We encourage the parents in our county to talk with their teens about safe driving.

Commissioners discuss making the hard choices

Mineral County resident Dennis Hildebrand utilized the public comment portion of Thursday’s meeting of the Mineral County Commissioners to discuss his viewpoint on the meeting with Reed Mountain Construction that took place earlier in the day.

Mineral County Community Calendar - August 14

Free Gaelic Lessons

Mineral County Court Report - July 26-August 9

Mineral County Court Records from July 26 to August 9

Community at the Fair

The Mineral County Fair and Rodeo has one common theme that ties it together: community. Whether it's sharing your love of quilting or getting into the arena with friends and milking wild cows.

Keith's Column: The heart of the fair and rodeo

It’s taken almost this entire week to recover from the all-out attack on the senses that is the Mineral County Fair and Rodeo – from the thrill of watching bronc riding to the horrifying hilarity of the wild cow milking to the efforts of 4H students and Cabin Fever Quilters, the fair is truly something special.

Grateful citizens honor area veterans

Thompson Falls, MT – “God and Country” was the theme as grateful citizens honored area veterans during a Patriotic Picnic in Thompson Falls last Sunday.

Lightning never strikes twice - By Colin Murphey

Reporter Colin Murphey captured this breathtaking image near the bridge in Plains.

Judge James under state investigation

The Division of Criminal Investigation at the Montana Department of Justice is currently investigating Mineral County Justice of the Peace Wanda James.

Christmas Light display to return next year

PLAINS – The Christmas Light Display at the Sanders County Fairgrounds has been canceled for this year and the Plains Community Market banded together in an effort to help bring them back for next year.

Relay for life

Survivors and caregivers complete the inaugural lap during the Relay For Life celebration in Thompson Falls. The event helped raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Relay For Life inspires hope

THOMPSON FALLS - The annual Sanders County Relay For Life fundraiser was held at the Thompson Falls High School on Friday as members of the community rallied together to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. Multiple events took place beginning Friday evening and continued throughout the night into Saturday morning.

Wanted

MCSO is looking for this man, William Slusher.

Commissioners adopt Stage 1 fire restriction resolution

The Mineral County Commissioners officially adopted Resolution No. 7-31-13 at their regular meeting on July 31, which implements Stage I Fire restrictions throughout the county.

County commissioners request details on forest management

The Mineral County Commissioners sent a letter to Regional Forester Faye Krueger on July 31, requesting her presence at an upcoming meeting.

Walleye debate continues on Noxon Reservoir

NOXON - Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has announced that a revised environmental assessment will be prepared to respond to overwhelming opposition about a proposal to suppress the population of walleye in Noxon Reservoir. The proposal would be conducted over a period of six years and concerns a species that they consider undesirable and illegally introduced.

Pig roast

Noxon residents prepare to lift the main dish out of the pit.

Noxon residents cook up feast for community

NOXON - Residents of Noxon gathered at the park on the banks of the Clark Fork River for the annual pit barbecue feast of seasoned pork and beef accompanied by live music and other entertainment. The chefs in charge of the food said the meat had been cooking since midnight the previous day.

Letters to the Editor - Aug. 7

My son and I live in San Francisco and come up here for the summer to visit family. Back home, I have had the hardest time helping my son learn to swim! The lessons are incredibly expensive and there are long waiting lists for classes. Well, I signed him up for lessons at the pool in Plains and it has been an amazing experience! I am so grateful to Laurel and her team for their patience and consistency. They are great instructors, and after one week, my boy is swimming with all the other fishes. Thank you so much!

Guest opinion: Compact proponents keep promoting failed documents

Editor,

Blues Festival

Michelle Taylor takes the microphone as she plays with her band the Blues Junkies. The band came to the Blues Festival from Seattle.

Rhythm and Blues Festival descends upon Noxon

NOXON - The fourth annual Big Sky Blues Rhythm and Blues Music Festival was held at the park near the Clark Fork River in Noxon over the weekend. Musicians from around the region and as far away as Seattle gathered to provide the audience with the soulful yearnings of the popular musical genre.

Despite wet conditions, fire danger still high

Despite recent rain and cooler temperatures that provided an opportunity for local fire fighters to make solid progress containing and controlling most fires in west central Montana, wildland fire agencies continue to respond to human-caused fires, and caution the public that the recent cool weather only provided short-term relief. Today, fire officials lowered the fire danger only slightly: from EXTREME to VERY HIGH. The fire danger rating is largely determined by current and expected weather conditions and how those conditions affect the expected intensity of fires that start.

Fire danger high

Jon Airhart, Forest Service official, fights a small grass fire on the side of Highway 200 Monday afternoon. The fire was quickly contained but shows that dry conditions still exist in the area.

Mineral Co fair & rodeo 14

A cowboy competes in the tie-down roping event on Friday night.

Mineral Co fair & rodeo 13

Lions Club Rodeo Queen Ashley Blaylock does a lap around the arena.

Steer Wrestling - by Keith Cousins

A cowboy finalizes his jump off his horse and onto a steer during the steer wrestling competition at the Mineral County Fair.

Mineral Co fair & rodeo 10

Rachel McGillivary sings the National Anthem prior to the rodeo.

Mineral Co fair & rodeo 9

Rodeo Clown "Danger Dave" kept the crowd hyped throughout the rodeo with a variety of antics.

Mineral Co fair & rodeo 7

Cowboys swap notes while preparing for the start of the rodeo.

Mineral Co fair & rodeo 4

With the hometown crowd cheering him on, Kevin Ryan of Superior, competes in the saddled bronco riding event.

Mineral Co fair & rodeo 3

Jake Bauer of Superior competes in the bareback bronco riding event at the annual Superior Lions Club "Go for the Gold" Rodeo over the weekend. Several county residents competed this year.

Mineral Co fair & rodeo 2

A cowboy holds on for dear life to a bronco during the bareback riding event at the Lions Club Rodeo.

Wild Cow Milking

The beginning moments of the wild cow milking contest are chaotic but ultimately some teams triumph and are able to wrangle and milk their wild cows.

Residents take their shot at milking a wild cow

At each of the three nights of the Superior Lions Club Rodeo teams of three signed liability waivers in order to try to milk a wild cow in front of a charged rodeo audience – and maybe win some money in the process, if the cow cooperated.

Cabin Fever Quilt show

Visitors to the Cabin Fever Quilt Guild show examine some of this year's entries.

Cabin Fever Quilters celebrate thirteenth show

Over 460 visitors attended the thirteenth annual Cabin Fever Quilt show, which takes place every year alongside the Mineral County Fair and Rodeo.

4H auction at fair

Fifteen Mineral County 4H students participated in this year's livestock auction - where they presented cows, pigs and sheep to bidders. All of the funds go directly to the students who raised the animal.

4H students earn money, gain confidence at auction

Recent graduate of Superior High School Nicole Stroot can still recall her first entry into the 4H Livestock Auction a decade ago.

Fighting Crohn's disease

Jack Chambers, left, shares a laugh with cousin Nick Roach after eating a lunch at McDonald's in Kellogg before continuing their 1,300 mile journey from Gardiner, Mont., to Bellingham, Wash.

Channeling the pioneer days to fight Crohn's Disease

With solar panels for cell phone charging and stops at Wi-Fi hotspots to update their blog, Jack Chambers and Nick Roach are well aware they aren’t exactly Lewis and Clark.

Mineral County Community Calendar

Free Gaelic Lessons

Plains Piranhas

Genevieve Deschamps swims the backstroke during a meet in Plains. The Plains home meet earlier in the season was the first opportunity for some swimmers to race the competition.

Piranhas pull out wins at state meet in Sydney

SYDNEY- The Plains Swim Team spent a good deal of time this season working on the fundamentals and getting the team used to what competition feels like. The team tirelessly practiced flip turns, starts and technique during a season that only lasts a few months giving swimmers little time to adapt and learn.

Cougar Peak Lookout

Cougar Peak lookout seen from just below the summit.

Fire lookouts provide a unique perspective

SANDERS COUNTY- When I think of what it takes to have an adventure, I typically imagine an activity that involves a small degree of self-endangerment combined with a touch of recklessness topped off with a sprinkle of disregard for ones personal safety. I might even add a dash of “what the heck am I thinking?” to the recipe.

Trap Shoot

A participant at the annual Bruce Frye Memorial Shoot takes their best aim at clay pigeons that are launched into the air. The trap shoot competition tests one's aim, reaction time and overall gun handling experience.

Annual Bruce Frye Memorial Shoot draws crowd

PLAINS – The annual Bruce Frye Memorial Shoot brought in a good crowd to the Plains Trap Club over the weekend with 11 squads on Saturday and 13 squads on Sunday.

Sanders County Senior News

Thompson Falls

Sanders County Court Records - July 23-29

Sanders County Justice Court week of 7/23 to 7/29

Sanders County Community Calendar

Open Gym at Plains

Raymond E. Tooker

Plains, MT - Raymond E. Tooker, 86, formerly of Superior, passed away in the morning, Friday, August 2, 2013, at the Clark Fork Valley Nursing Home in Plains.

Louis R. LaRock

Louis R. LaRock passed away June 28, 2013 at his home. There will be a memorial on Saturday August 17, 2013. It will take place at PPL park at 3 p.m. in Thompson Falls, MT. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the Thompson Falls Library.

Lindsey Renee Botstein

PLAINS - Lindsey Renee Botstein was born on July 25 at 12:17 a.m. at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. She weighed six pounds. Mother is Susan Valerie Botstein of Hot Springs.

Elsie Callan St. Germaine

Elsie Callan St. Germaine, 75, of Plains, MT, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2013. Born on October 16, 1937 in Sisseton, SD, she was raised by Roy and Ila Vorce of Hot Springs, SD.

Local Hot Springs student takes part in leadership training program

Nashville, TN. – More than 7,000 Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) members, advisers, alumni, and guests from across the country gathered in Nashville for the FCCLA 2013 National Leadership Conference. The conference is based on the student-originated theme “Discover Your Voice.” Sadee Miller, a senior at Hot Springs High School, was among the members and took part in the Leadership Academy program.

Keeping in touch with Pat Ingraham

It’s been awhile since I have had the opportunity to share with you a couple of resources that might be of value to you in helping to alleviate some of your medicinal concerns and struggles.

Avista's 5th annual Charity Golf Tournament expands participation

Noxon - You don’t have to be a golfer in order to participate in the silent auction in this year’s Avista’s 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Aug. 17 to benefit the Sanders County Coalition for Families. This year, you’ll be able to call a special phone number during the live auction and place your bid. This new phone-in feature will expand the number of people in the community who can get involved with the fundraising event.