Ellington

Accident

Three vehicles were twisted together after a fatal traffic accident on Interstate 90. Two of the vehicles' drivers lost their lives in the the late-night accident Friday.

Two killed in three-vehicle accident

ST. REGIS – Late Friday night on December 27, an accident claimed the lives of a good Samaritan and another man on Interstate 90, approximately 12 miles west of St. Regis.

With a new year comes changes

SANDERS COUNTY – The year 2014 is sure to bring change to Sanders County, perhaps most notably with the community leaders.

Mayor Eitelberg

Soon to be mayor, Greg Eitelberg sits in his living room armchair surrounded by family.

Greg Eitelberg - the man the people chose

PLAINS - New mayor Greg Eitelberg enjoyed the holiday in his festively decorated home. Eitelberg seemed content in his cozy Christmas sweater surrounded by his loving family. It was the calm before the storm of taking office.

Mackenzie Specnce

Mackenzie Spence ran a booth at the Alberton winter bazaar to raise money for her trip to Europe. The booth was one of many fundraising activities she has held.

Alberton student raises funds for European trip

ALBERTON – In recent weeks, the Alberton community has gathered around one Alberton High School student in support of her efforts to raise money for a trip to England.

Commissioner presents plaque

Commissioner Roman Zylawy presents Roni Phillips with a plaque of appreciation to commemorate her 20 years of service as an employee of Mineral County.

Commissioners voice appreciation of services

SUPERIOR – When Roni Phillips went to the Mineral County Courthouse Friday, she thought she would meet her daughter for lunch. But when she entered the County Commissioner’s meeting room, she found her coworkers gathered to show appreciation for her 20 years of service to the county.

Be Safe This New Year - Don't Drink and Drive

We all know it happens. People test themselves after drinking to see if they’re able to walk a straight line or say the alphabet backward. Truth is, if you’re at the point where you’re testing yourself or a friend to see if you’re impaired, you likely are. That’s why planning a ride before you start drinking is so important.

Guest opinion: There is a way

Dear Editor,

Farewell, 2013: It wasn't all bad

It’s easy to say good riddance to 2013.

Packing boxes

Ben Gorham unloads orange juice while Carl Pope loads them into the boxes. Pope delivers the boxes every week to those who are unable to pick them up.

Different generations come together for cause

PLAINS – Two very different generations came together for the same cause on Thursday as high school students worked together with senior citizens to pack boxes of food for people in the community.

Christmas concerts flood Sanders County

SANDERS COUNTY – A week before Christmas and all through the county, the children were stirring to provide musical bounty. In Plains High School on Dec. 17, students dressed in their holiday best poised their silver and brass instruments ready to begin the Christmas jubilation. The Plains High School and Middle School Christmas Concert began with a flourish as the band played Fanfare on the First Noel, a unique holiday arrangement by Travis J. Weller. According to music teacher Brittany Majerus, they attempt to mix it up from year to year.

Town attempts to get on track with ordinance

PLAINS – The Town of Plains held a public hearing on Wednesday, December 18 to discuss an ordinance that has gone unexecuted for quite some time.

Homeschool Co-op play

Miss Ruby Mae (played by Taralee Ryan) sings to Sheriff Buck Ridges (played by Jubal Ryan) in the performance

Play highlights the true meaning of Christmas

PLAINS – As the lights dimmed and music filled the air, the first ever Clark Fork Valley Homeschool Co-op play began.

Brain Bash

Sami Jo Kinzie rushes against the clock in an attempt to color coordinate her Skittles.

Brain Bash gears Plains kids up for winter break

PLAINS – What do Jenga, sundaes, movie quotes and IQ tests have in common? Brain Bash.

Hot Springs lights

Hot Springs visitor Matt Miller walks the Luminous Labyrinth during the Hot Springs Winter Solstice Festival.

Hot Springs festival brings light to winter night

HOT SPRINGS – The annual Winter Solstice Festival took place Saturday in Hot Springs. The elaborate celebration included many unique festivities

Christmas Crossing Guards - by Trace Ward

The crossing guards of Plains dressed up right before the holidays to provide the kids with some Christmas cheer.

Christmas packages

Ashley Cardenas, Ameris Velez, Alesha Evans, Karen Evans, Mandy Velez, Alexis Carter, Brian Iseminger, Brianna Reichert and Jim Hanson stand with the nine packed holiday boxes.

Packages aim to spread cheer to Trout Creek

TROUT CREEK – Members of the Trout Creek Seventh-day Adventist Church came together right before the holidays to ensure those less fortunate also got a surprise on Christmas.

Noxon girls fall short

NOXON – The Lady Red Devils came head-to-head with Two Eagle River in a game on Thursday, barely giving up a win to their opponents. The ladies were five points short and lost the game 32 to 37.

Hot Springs girls come out victorius against TER

Meara Schmiedbauer shoots for three in an earlier game. Schmiedbauer had 11 points in the game against Two Eagle River.

Hot Springs girls come out victorious against TER

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat were victorious over Two Eagle River 41-32 on Saturday night. Two Eagle River just couldn’t handle the pressure put on them. Head Coach Robert Kearney was pleased with the way the girls played, especially when he had little indication of what might transpire.

Court records

Sanders County Justice Court week of 12/10 to 12/16.

Senior news

Dixon

Mineral County deputy gets top marks at academy

SUPERIOR – At the Montana Law Enforcement Academy’s graduation ceremony on December 13, two Mineral County deputies were among the graduates, one of whom left with top honors.

Fourth grade class gives back to community

SUPERIOR – Fourth graders from Superior Elementary School received a lesson in generosity Tuesday, December 17, when the class went to shop for the less fortunate as part of a community service project.

The Christmas story brought to life in Alberton

ALBERTON – In a one-night-only performance, the Christmas story was brought to life Saturday, December 14, as the Northwest Indian Bible School held a live nativity scene in Alberton.

Sweet Adelines present barbershop Christmas

Members of a Missoula-based chapter of Sweet Adelines performed barbershop-style numbers in Superior for a holiday show sponsored by MCPAC.

St. Regis Senior Center to open in early January

ST. REGIS – The first meal in the new St. Regis Senior Center was pushed to the start of January 2014, due to delays with the last parts of the building’s construction.

Spreading the Christmas spirit - Justyna's Christmas column

There is no better time than the holidays to reflect on what you are thankful for and I have a lot to give thanks for.

Bobcats beat Panthers in county rivalry game

Superior's Jarrod Tippens dribbles the ball as he looks for an opening past Alberton player Nick Turnbull at their game last Tuesday.

Tigers look forward to games in new year

ST. REGIS – The St. Regis Tigers had difficult games last week as they faced defeat against the Charlo Vikings and the Lincoln Lynx.

Superior wrestlers continue to shine on the mat

SUPERIOR – The Superior Bobcat wrestlers all performed well in the round robin matches at the Deer Lodge tournament Saturday, December 21.

Lady Bobcats see victory in county match up

SUPERIOR/ALBERTON – In a county face-off, the Alberton Lady Panthers were defeated by the Superior Lady Bobcats in their game Thursday, December 17.

St. Regis Lady Tigers claim victory and defeat

ST. REGIS – The St. Regis Lady Tigers took one victory and one defeat in their games against the Lincoln Lady Lynx and the Charlo Lady Vikings.

Forest Service explains new objection policy

SUPERIOR – At the weekly meeting of the County Commissioners, Forest Service representatives detailed a new system for how to voice objections to projects.

MRHC and MCH announce operational changes

MINERAL COUNTY -- Mineral Regional Health Center –the clinic- is making changes to ensure the long term sustainability of the clinic for Mineral County.

ALC works to put public land in the states control

SUPERIOR – At a December 12 meeting, the County Commissioners and members of the public learned about the issues, which surround federal versus state public land and how it affects Montana residents.

Chamber of Commerce elects new board members

Anita Bailey, Ann Troutman and Janet Updike prepare to start monthly meeting of the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce.

Community calendar

Open Gym at Plains

Death Notice

DEATH NOTICE - Virginia L. Schneider, 96, passed away in the night, Friday, December 20, 2013, at the Mountain View Village Assisted Living in Superior.   

Court report

Excerpt from the Mineral County Justice Court week of 12/13 to 12/20

Deputy Case resigns from Sheriff's office

SUPERIOR – Shortly after his graduation from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy, December 13, Deputy Tim Case tendered his resignation from the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office.

Santa visits

Ian Estill greets the crowd in his Santa Claus outfit at the Hot Springs Christmas Concert.

Christmas concerts flood Sanders County

Basketball throwdown

Aaron Baker receives a pass from one of his teammates during the game against Noxon.

Master griller

Bob Brown grills hot dogs before the parade for the Men's Prayer Breakfast group. Brown has been cooking for the event for at least ten years.

Concert

Missoula native and renowned jazz and classical pianist David Morgenroth performs at Plains United Methodist Church.

Party

Chief Joe Sheppard and party organizer Joann Mathers share a laugh as they enjoy their prime rib dinner.

Tattoos

Sarah Tackett who specializes in make-up, permanent cosmetics and body piercings, holds still as her husband tattoo artist Philip Tackett does his work.

Operation Christmas Joy

Mary Lou Hermes looks at the map as Glenda Wolverton explains some of the locations.

Singing Christmas cheer

Grant Applehans joins in during the caroling festivities that took place Saturday evening at the Plains United Methodist Church.

PJ giveaway

Teacher Kathy Fitchett stands with her first grade class amongst the numerous pajamas donated to children in need.

Money, money, money

Jeannine Woods throws her hands in the air after finding 50 $1 bills in one of the presents she obtained during Hot Springs third annual Town Christmas Extravanganza.

Earhart

Plains student Felicia Earhart poses with an award she received at a leadership conference held in Washington D.C.

St. Regis girls

Junior Gabby Moeller cuts through the Victor offense as she goes for a lay up during the home tournament Friday.

Panthers

Senior David Stafford passes the ball during a game against CDA Charter Academy.

Wrestling

Blaine Parkin grapples with Lena Babcock from Thompson Falls during the Superior Invitational Tournament Saturday.

St. Regis Tigers breaking losing streak at home

ST. REGIS – The St. Regis boy’s basketball team broke a 78 game streak of losses last weekend as the Tigers went 1-1 against Victor and Alberton.

Going in for the shot

Senior Dallas Lewis leaps to make a basket as Victor player attempts to interfere during the Tiger Tail Tournament on Friday.

Santa arrives

Santa Claus arrived in DeBorgia on the back on a fire truck Thursday evening for the Old Schoolhouse's Christmas event.

Tree lighting welcomes holidays and honors deceased

ALBERTON – The building festivities of the holidays saw the community gather to spark the Christmas season and honor passed loved ones Friday, as the Alberton community held a Christmas tree lighting and tribute at the Alberton Community Center.

Haugan weigh station reopens

HAUGAN – After approximately five months closed down, the Montana/Idaho weigh station on Interstate 90 has reopened after the facility saw a major remodel.

Santa comes to town

DEBORGIA – T’was two weeks before Christmas and DeBorgia began holiday festivities, even the smallest baby gave no cries. Then from outside came a siren’s wail to break the silence of the snow, and everyone ran outside to see what there was to know. Then the wondrous eyes saw where upon a fire truck he sat, Santa Claus with his bright red coat and hat.

Mineral County schools receive grants for upgrades

SUPERIOR/ST. REGIS – Two Mineral County schools were recently awarded the Quality School Project Grant by Governor Steve Bullock, in order to make upgrades to some of the systems and facilities of the schools.

MRHC helps people understand new healthcare policies

SUPERIOR – With the application deadline just around the corner, county residents were invited to the Mineral County Library in Superior to learn more about new healthcare options.

Keeping the Paradise school building alive

Community members united to discuss how to keep the building operational

Helping Hands Auction

Kristy Thistle holds up a handful of books while auctioneer D.K. Mitchell rattles off bids. The Helping Hands of Alberton auction aimed to bring presents to children of Christmas.

Auction helps children

ALBERTON – Calls of ‘sold!’ and the rapid-fire chatter of an auctioneer filled the restaurant of the River Edge Resort in Alberton for the annual Helping Hands of Alberton auction on Saturday.

MRHC physician assistant prepares to leave area

SUPERIOR – Mineral Community Health Center personnel were described as shocked last week when a letter announcing the departure of Physician Assistant Wade Holden was sent around.

Flag retirement

VFW member Don Lynch pauses before he retires a flag on Saturday. Saturday was Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and Boy Scout Troop #46 along with Horse Plains VFW Post #3596 teamed up for the annual retirement ceremony.

Retired with honor

PLAINS – A number of people braved the cold on Saturday during Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day to retire flags brought in by the local community.

Mayor Brinson

Mayor Michael Brinson is currently finishing up his second term as mayor and will retire from the position come January.

Mayor Brinson reflects on his time in office

PLAINS – After eight years as mayor, Michael Brinson is finally ready to step down from his position and start focusing on himself and his business.

St. Regis senior center nears completion

ST. REGIS – After almost 30 years of renting other properties, the senior citizens of St. Regis will have a brand new, dedicated senior center to call home.

Approval granted on driveway length

SUPERIOR – Among other business in the monthly two-part meeting, the County Commissioners were joined by the public to discuss concerns with a proposed subdivision.

DeBorgia holiday bash just around the corner

DEBORGIA – The old schoolhouse in DeBorgia will be alight with holiday cheer Thursday evening at the town’s annual community Christmas celebration.

An update from Rep. Schwaderer

Boy, did my jumper cables get a workout this past week.

Letter to the Editor - Dec. 11

Mr. Elk - by Jerrie Bullock

Mr. Bull Elk reflects on how good life is and how thankful he is that he survived another hunting season.

Tree of Life

Laura Lanfear holds up candles in remembrance of those who have passed while the reading of the names takes place.

Tree of Life spreads a message of remembrance

PLAINS – As thousands of holiday lights twinkled on a tree bedecked with angels, the Clark Fork Valley Hospice team took time on Tuesday to honor those people who have passed this year and in years prior.

Blood drive ignites competition

PLAINS – The Plains High School joined Thompson Falls High School in a competition to collect the most blood through a drive.

Weather thrwarts much of Christmas on Main Street

THOMPSON FALLS – Cold weather forced the rescheduling of many of the popular events of Christmas on Main Street, however, some continued on as scheduled.

Nativity scenes and music unite to bring cheer

PLAINS – The church of Latter Day Saints held an event that aimed to keep the spirit of Christmas alive, filling the church with both nativity scenes and musical performances.

Lakeside Motel expansion

The new gift shop and sporting goods addition to the Lakeside Motel and Resort just recently opened to the public.

Motel and resort completes two expansions

TROUT CREEK – After two years in the works, the Trout Creek Lakeside Motel and Resort has just recently finished an expansion they have been hard at work completing.

Gone a matter of hours

At approximately 4 a.m. a call came over the scanner that a property on Upper Lynch Creek Road was completely engulfed in flames. Plains-Paradise Rural Fire and Plains City Fire responded to the call. The house was completely destroyed while some of the garage managed to be saved. According to Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Captain, Pat Erving, firefighters were on scene fighting the blaze for five hours. The occupants were able to escape the house without injury. According to Erving, everything above ground fell into the basement are where it continued to smolder for hours. A cause remains unknown.

Thompson Falls basketball

All-State athlete Logan Beckman will return to the court this year for another season of basketball. Beckman is expected to present some tough competition.

Coach returns to teach Lady Hawks once again

THOMPSON FALLS – Head Coach Courtney Burky is back from what she called a six-year hiatus to once again coach the Lady Hawks basketball team.

Plains basketball

Plains Trotter Carley VonHeeder follows through on her three-point shot during one of last year's games.

Plains Trotters to be tough force on court

PLAINS – The Trotters have been gaining confidence throughout their practices and according to Head Coach Richard Griffin, the girls are getting used to handling a basketball again.

Noxon girls ready for season to get underway

NOXON – As the young Lady Red Devils gear up for their first bit of action this season, the team expects their games to be a learning experience.

Lady Bobcat scrimmage match

Junior Jordan Meuller dribbles the ball down the court as sophomore Danielle Ewoniuk guards her during the scrimmage game Saturday.

Lady Bobcat apply training in scrimmage match

SUPERIOR – In what could be likened to a final dress rehearsal for theater, the Lady Bobcats basketball team played against one another during one of the final practice sessions before the games begin.

Superior basketball scrimmage

Senior Tanner Smith prepares to pass the ball as junior Vicente Guerrero moves to guard him.

Superior Bobcats battle their own on the court

SUPERIOR – The Superior Bobcats basketball team waged a small civil war Saturday as members played against each other in a scrimmage match for one of the last practice sessions before the season begins.

Superior wrestling

Senior Anthony Parkin grapples Taylor Martin of Polson during the Polson Tournament on Saturday.

Superior wrestlers perform well in Polson

SUPERIOR – In the first tournament of the season, the Superior Bobcats wrestling team members all took second or third in their weight categories at the Polson Tournament.

Missoula a capella group to come to Superior

SUPERIOR – This Saturday the Mineral County Performing Arts Council will play host to the Five Valley Chorus of the Sweet Adelines International, a barbershop-style a capella group out of Missoula.

Students to perform concerts for the holidays

MINERAL COUNTY – To celebrate the holiday season, students from the schools in St. Regis, Alberton and Superior will each hold a special Christmas concert for the enjoyment of the community.

Highway Patrol urges safe driving

SUPERIOR – Over 200 people packed into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints last week for the annual Mineral County Ecumenical Christmas Concert, put on by a multi-faith group of people from across the county.

Thompson Falls wrestling

Colton Bray competed at 145 pounds and took fourth place at the Polson Invitational on Saturday, December 7.

Bluehawks exceed expectations at first tournament

THOMPSON FALLS – With their first tournament under their belt, the Bluehawk wrestlers are looking to be a strong, competitive force this year.

Sanders County Senior News

Dixon

Sanders County Community Calendar - Dec. 11

Open Gym at Plains

Superior churches come together for holiday concert

SUPERIOR – Over 200 people packed into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints last week for the annual Mineral County Ecumenical Christmas Concert, put on by a multi-faith group of people from across the county.

St. Regis holiday bazaar

Vicki Kraft works a transaction with Gayle Hendrick at the St. Regis Christmas Bazaar on Saturday.

Holiday shoppers come to St. Regis bazaar

ST. REGIS – The main room of the St. Regis Community Center was turned into a miniature mall Saturday as the Community Council held its annual Christmas Bazaar and Raffle.

Death Notice: June Antos

June Antos, 80, of Missoula passed away December 5, 2013. A full obituary will follow. A viewing will be held at Livingston Malletta and Geraghty Funeral Home on Thursday, December 12, 2013 from 3 to 6 p.m. with a memorial service to follow at the St. Regis Community Center Friday, December 13th at 4p.m.

Mineral County Court Records - Nov. 29-Dec. 6

Excerpt from the Mineral County Justice Court week of 11/29 to 12/6

Mineral County Community Calendar - Dec. 11

Road to Recovery

Eleanor (Betty) Rohl

Eleanor (Betty) Rohl, at 94 died on December 4th in her sleep, at home which was her desire. She was born in 1919 in Buffalo, Minnesota to Charles (Hank) and Elva LaVine, and lived in Minnesota until the age of 80. At that time when her second husband died, she was offered by her daughter Carol Fryxell and husband Wayne to move into their private upper-level duplex west of Plains; and so she did for the last 14 years. In her totally new atmosphere her life changed to become really alive; and she made many friends in the area. She was known as Miss-Betty, and for an upbeat and fun spirit, enjoying people, and always had a smile and conversation for everyone. Betty never did drive herself, but here in Montana she enjoyed sight-seeing road-trips, bowling, dancing, playing cards, sitting by the creek in the summer and fireplace in the winter, and for sure visiting company. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, one brother, both husbands, and sons Earl Sweet and Kevin Rohl. She is survived by daughters Carol Fryxell and Phyllis Rohl, son-in-law Wayne Fryxell here in Montana; and sons Wayne and Eugene Sweet, and step-daughter Pam Beaushay. Grandchildren include Troy Fryxell, Shauna Firestone, Deanna Johannson. Also, Randy, Jerry, Colleen, Laura, and Ramon, Phil, Nathan, Virginia, Charity, Timothy, Todd. Great-grandchildren are, Jake, Brandon, and Taylor Firestone, Cody and Dillon Fryxell, Brady Johannson, plus many other great-grandchildren in Minnesota and Florida. At Betty’s request there is no memorial service, but there will be a celebration of her life in the spring. She was a 40+ year Member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW, and in lieu of flowers donations can be sent to the VFW Post in Plains, P.O. Box 831, who will forward it to the National Home For Children. We will miss Betty, but know we’ll see her again at the resurrection-of-the-dead.

Jennine Mae (Rummel) Robbins

THOMPSON FALLS – Jennine Mae (Rummel) Robbins went to be with the Lord on December 6, 2013 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital with her family by her side after a valiant and courageous two year battle with cancer.

Edward William Nettleton

Edward William Nettleton of Plains, passed away on December 5, 2013, at the age of 87.

Sanders County Court Records - Nov. 26-Dec. 2

Sanders County justice court week of 11/26 to 12/2

Tandy Martin

Tandy Martin won the rifle for his 4x4 bull elk.

Winner announced in annual rifle contest

SANDERS AND MINERAL COUNTIES – The end of another hunting season signifies the end of the annual rifle contest held by the Clark Fork Valley Press and Mineral Independent newspapers.

Bad roads claim life of Plains resident

Plains resident, Patricia S. McDougall, died in a two-vehicle crash that took place near the National Bison Range on Monday morning. McDougal died at the scene of the crash at mile marker 6 at 10:50 a.m. 

An update from Representative Ingraham

December means cool (and I do mean cool) winter breezes are ushered in, snowflakes make their appearance and for most of us, we begin the look forward to celebrating Christ’s birth on December 25th.  In preparing for the Christmas celebration, many of us begin by decorating our homes, looking for that perfect Christmas tree and hanging a wreath upon our door.  The wreath’s shape has been used symbolically for centuries.  The circle or ring shape is symbolic of eternity or eternal life, because the shape has no beginning or end.

EPA completes cleanup of mine waste in Superior

MINERAL COUNTY -  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the completed cleanup of contaminated mining waste within the town of Superior that began on September 8, 2013.  As part of this project, mining waste containing heavy metals including antimony, lead and arsenic that exceeded human health thresholds was removed from 38 residential properties and the Mineral County Airport and placed at a repository in Wood Gulch.  

Plains Public Library burglarized

PLAINS – The Plains Public Library was broken into sometime on Thursday, November 28.

Community Thanksgiving

Wiley Scribner, 12, and Judy Brengle prepare a Thanksgiving dish during the annual Community Meal provided by the Shekinah Soup Kitchen in Plains.

Community gives thanks

PLAINS – The community came together for a Thanksgiving feast on Thursday at the Shekinah Soup Kitchen.

Sheriff's office warns of new scam

MINERAL COUNTY – The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning to county residents to be wary of phone scammers who pose as utility company bill collectors this winter.

Alberton BPA

Alberton BPA members get ready to make a delivery after their food drive.

Alberton BPA members raise half a ton of food

ALBERTON – Approximately 900 pounds of food were collected by students at Alberton Pubic School for the third annual Business Professionals of America food drive.

Kristen Josephson

Kristen Josephson won the monthly drawing for the Bs or Better program.

Program gives students incentives to perform well

PLAINS – Recently the Plains High School has started a new program – one that gives kids more of an incentive to do well in school.

Williamson

Animator Matthew Williamson's work can be seen in the movie

From a small town to the big screen

PLAINS – From a little western Montana town to the big screen, one former local of Plains has his name splattered throughout movie theaters across the nation.

Trout Creek kids give back

Megan Cline and Ashton Rasmussen display the pillows they made along with books and calendars donated for Lincoln Elementary children.

Trout Creek kids ban together to bring relief

TROUT CREEK – The kids of the Trout Creek After School Program recently came together to spread help to some other students their age who were affected by the tornadoes in Washington, Illinois.

MCH field trip

Fourth grader Tanner Eggers looks at blood cells through a microscope with the assistance of Sara Buchanan as Kylie Wood and Heath Edison wait their turn. The field trip was the closing element to the unit about the human body.

Fourth graders learn about the body on MCH trip

SUPERIOR – Classroom discussion was given life when fourth graders from Superior Elementary took a field trip to tour Mineral Community Hospital while learning about the human body.

Thanksgiving dinner in St. Regis

Marlee Logan and Angela Wright share a laugh while having Thanksgiving dinner at the St. Regis Community Center.

St. Regis dinner brings community together for Thanksgiving

ST. REGIS – Community members without family in the area, and those who were passing through, did not have to be alone for Thanksgiving as a special holiday dinner was held at the St. Regis Community Center.

Letters to the Editor - Dec. 4

An update from Rep. Schwaderer

Throughout the day I end up reading a good number of political articles, letters and updates from politicians and the like- and I’ve noticed something. The lion’s share of dialogue coming from elected officials is generally negative in nature- looking for the bad in society rather than the good. This week I would like to focus on some really amazing things happening right now that positively benefit every Montanan.

Strengthening the local voice: update from Senator Jennifer Fielder

Should local citizens have more influence over the governance of public lands, waters, and wildlife within the county in which they reside? I think so.

Accident

Emergency responders investigate the scene of a one vehicle accident that occurred on Highway 28.

Conditions cause multiple accidents in one day

PLAINS – As the weather turned cold and the roads got slick, conditions turned risky for many people commuting throughout Sanders County.

VFW to hold spaghetti feed and flag retirement

PLAINS – VFW Post #3596 will honor all veterans on Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day with a free hot meal.

Christmas on Main Street to hit Thompson Falls

UPDATES: Thompson Falls' Christmas on Main Street parade as well as the Christmas Concert at the Rex Theatre has been postponed until Wednesday due to the cold, harsh weather. The parade will now take place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 11 and the musical performances will be at 5:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. the same day.

Tree of Hearts

Tree of Hearts can be found at a handful of Sanders County businesses.

Tree of Hearts helps bring holidays to those in need

SANDERS COUNTY – For many, the holiday season is one filled with presents and cheer. But for some, Christmas time is unnerving – it becomes a time when some families realize how little they have.

Packages for troops

A volunteer prepares packages for veterans. In all the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Club sent 29 packages.

VFW ladies send almost 30 packages to veterans

PLAINS – Twenty-nine veterans will be provided with Christmas packages this year courtesy of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

Mayor Brinson participates in his last town council meeting

PLAINS – Mayor Michael Brinson presided over his last town council meeting as mayor on Monday, December 2. The meeting was kept short and straight to the point. The council approved the minutes of both the special and regular meeting and moved on to reports.

Transfer of federal land to state to be explored

THOMPSON FALLS - A public meeting to explore transfer of federal land to the states will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, December 12 at the Rex Theater in Thompson Falls.

Mineral County Commissioners meeting

County Commissioner Duane Simmons, Cindy Grimm and Dennis Hildebrand look over a series of letters to be delivered to the Forest Service. The letters were composed by MCRAG and addressed the commissioner's concerns about the West Mullan Fire cleanup and the Cedar Thom project.

Commissioners review letters to Forest Service

SUPERIOR – A series of letters to the Forest Service regarding various projects and concerns of the County Commissioners were the topic of discussion at the commissioner’s final meeting of November.

Alberton Public School to receive KPAX grant

ALBERTON – One of the teachers at Alberton Public School was recently selected as a recipient of the Allegiance Benefit Plan Management and KPAX “One Class at a Time Grant.”

Lady Bobcats

A Lady Bobcat goes up for a layup against the offense at a game last season.

Largest Lady Bobcat team begins winter practice

SUPERIOR – As winter settles into Mineral County, the varsity girls of Superior High School begin preparations for the 2013-14 basketball season.

St. Regis basketball

A St. Regis player takes a jump shot at a home game last season.

Tigers basketball starts up for winter season

ST. REGIS – With winter settling over the county, the boys of St. Regis High School’s sports teams go indoors for the basketball season.

Bluehawk basketball team

The Bluehawks basketball team prepares for the 2013-2013 season. The team is expected to be strong and has a lot of experience outside of the regular season. Their first game will be at the Sanders County Tip-Off Tournament on December 13 against Hot Springs.

Bluehawks bring outside experience to the court

THOMPSON FALLS – As the winter sports season begins in full swing, the Bluehawks boys basketball team prepares for their first tournament.

Plains basketball

Horseman senior Brady Ovitt's size is predicted to be an advantage to the basketball team this year.

Horsemen start season off in excellent condition

PLAINS – With the beginning of basketball season underway, the Horsemen impressed their coach this year, returning in better shape than ever.

Noxon basketball

Senior Oliver Grupenhoff is predicted to be a strong force on Noxon's team this season.

Noxon Red Devils young buy have experience

NOXON – The Red Devils are tearing up the court and with only a handful of practices due to Thanksgiving break, the team is starting to find its groove.

Small team will not slow Alberton boys down

ALBERTON – Last week the Alberton Panthers basketball team began training sessions for what could be a challenging winter season.

Lady Panthers

An Alberton Lady Panther dribbles around an opponent from Superior in a game last season.

New coach prepares Lady Panthers for season

ALBERTON – As winter settles in, the Lady Panthers basketball team takes to the court in practice for the 2013-14 season.

Lady Tigers begin practice for winter season

ST. REGIS – Last week the Lady Tigers of St. Regis began training sessions for the new basketball season.

Bobcat basketball practice

Senior Jarrod Tippens lines up a shot to the basket during a Superior Bobcats' practice session.

Superior Bobcats begin winter training sessions

SUPERIOR – With the fall sports season now finished, the Superior Bobcats basketball team has begun training for the winter season.

All-conference and state football for 7-B

**Sanders County kids are listed in bold

Dennis Ruff

Dennis Ruff, 70, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 29th. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, two daughters, Jean and Chip, and two grandchildren, Joe and Madison.Services will be held on Saturday, December 7th at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Plains, Montana. A small gathering to celebrate Dennis’ life will follow the service.

James A. "Jim" Holland

Few people are able to live a dream---Jim Holland was privileged to be one of those few.

Sanders County Community Calendar - Dec. 4

Open Gym at Plains

Sanders County Senior News

Thompson Falls

Sanders County court records - Nov. 19-25

Sanders County justice court week of 11/19 to 11/25.

Holiday Bazaar

Ruth Johnson and Sue Braatten stand by as Jerry Dalton looks over the selection of handmade woodcarvings for sale.

Holiday bazaar benefits Alberton Food Pantry

ALBERTON – With Thanksgiving over, the Alberton Food Pantry started off the holiday season with the town’s annual craft fair bazaar.

Mineral County Transportation bus

The Mineral County Transportation bus is currently at a shop being repaired but routes will continue as usual.

Accident will not hinder transportation schedules

MINERAL COUNTY – Despite damage to the bus after a collision with a deer, the Mineral County Pioneer Club and Transportation Team bus service will not be delayed in performance of its usual routes.

Rifle contest winner soon to be revealed

MINERAL AND SANDERS COUNTIES – The end of another hunting season signifies the end of the annual rifle contest held by the Mineral Independent and Clark Fork Valley Press newspapers.

Harvest ahead of last year as season ends

NORTHWEST MONTANA - At the six northwest Montana check stations, whitetail deer harvest finished ahead of last year’s totals as the season wrapped up on Sunday.

Mineral County court report - Nov. 22-29

Mineral County Justice Court week of 11/22 to 11/29

Mineral County Community Calendar - Dec. 4

Road to Recovery