Ellington

Teams join together to save Christmas display in Plains

PLAINS - The Sanders County Community Market is proud to announce they have Partnered with Missoula’s Eagle Satellite in a bid to save this year Christmas lights at the Sanders County Fair Grounds. The “Drive Through Santa” Christmas display has brought families and friends together for years with a fantastic festival of light the whole community loves.  But the ever increasing expense to run the light display has led to the potential black out this year – unless action to save them is taken now.

American Legion burns down

Deputy State Fire Marshal Pat Clinch assesses the scene at the American Legion after the post burned down early Wednesday morning. The investigation of the cause of the fire is ongoing. 

Sanders County Court Report

Sanders County justice court week of 7/16 to 7/22.

Sanders County Community Calendar

Open Gym at Plains

Randy Joseph McCrea

RONAN - Linsay Burgner is proud to announce that his little brother, Randy Joseph McCrea, was born July 23, 2013, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. He weighed 7 pounds 7 ounces.

Dorothy Joan Levina (Vacura) Noll

Dorothy Joan Levina (Vacura) Noll (1926 – 2013)

Bass fishing

Lucas Burt holds up part of his catch during the Tri-State Bass Tournament held last weekend in Trout Creek. Burt, who is originally from Trout Creek, made the trip from his home in Portland, Oregon to fish in the competition with his father.

Bass tournament in Trout Creek attracts anglers

TROUT CREEK- The Noxon Reservoir was the site of the annual Tri-State Bass Tournament held in Trout Creek over the weekend. Anglers from Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana converged on the reservoir beginning on Saturday to try their luck at catching small and large-mouth bass.

Preparation for state

Piranha Logan Benson does the breaststroke in a meet earlier this year. The Piranhas took 29 swimmers to the tournament. 

Plains Piranhas prepare for state swim meet

PLAINS - The Piranhas of Plains had another solid meet at the divisional competition in Hamilton over the weekend. The team took 29 swimmers to the tournament with 21 making it to the finals on Sunday.

Scrimmage

Plains and Mission high school football teams scrimmage on Monday as part of a joint effort to keep athletes warmed up for the upcoming 2013-2014 season.

Local teams gather in Plains to scrimmage

PLAINS- Football teams from Mission, Hot Springs and Plains met at the football field at Plains High School to scrimmage and run drills in preparation for the upcoming fall season. The teams took turns on defense and offense, practicing running and throwing the ball into the end-zone.

Music at the library

Dakota Butcher, 11, plays On to Joy as Syd Connolly watches on.

Piano students showcase their talents at library

PLAINS – Music flooded the lawn of the Plains Public Library on Tuesday, July 16 as Syd Connolly and her students played for a crowd of spectators perched on blankets and chairs in the green grass of the library.

Graudate from Air Force

Air Force Airman 1st Class Allen M. Havens graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

60th reunion brings old high school friends together again

PLAINS - The Plains High School class of 1953 celebrated their 60 year reunion Tuesday, July 23 at the home of graduate Mary Lou Hermes.  Eleven of the 21 students in that graduating class were able to attend the party. Pictured are: back row, Myra Marjerrison Lindborg, Glen Rummel, Henry Larum, Walt Pickering, Rae Johnson Proctor, Bob Proctor, Roxie Vacura Brothers; front row, Darlene Gingery Jolly, Peggy Helterline Garrison, and Mary Lou Flodin Hermes. Owen Dickerson also attended the party, but is not pictured. 

You have been flocked

Elisabeth Weedeman, Jonny Felix and Clint Weedeman help "flock" a yard for the upcoming Relay For Life event. 

Summer camp

Students perform before a live audience during the final day of the summer arts camp in Hot Springs. The two-week program teaches kids visual as well as performing arts. The camp is annually sponsored by the Hot Springs Artists Society.

Timing is everything - a garden column by Green Thumb

Gardening is much like most of life. Lawyers and realtors write, “time is of the essence” in contracts, meaning that the participants in the contract need to hurry up because “Time is money.” Many say, “no time like the present” and I would agree with that, unless the weather is so unbearably hot that outdoor and garden chores need to wait until early morning and late at night. Which hot weather makes it somewhat impossible to do things “in a timely manner.”

Summer camp enriches lives in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS- Participants in the 2013 Hot Springs Summer Arts Camp demonstrated what they had learned in the previous two weeks during a show and exhibition at the senior center on Friday. Visual arts were on display as about a hundred audience members filed into the facility to watch a presentation by the performing arts students.

Guest opinion: Water law and the compact

As Flathead Irrigation District farmers and ranchers, as irrigators who make their living from the land, we have some grave concerns about the misinformation that is circulating about the proposed Water Use Agreement and the Flathead Reservation Compact.

Letter to the Editor

Henry V

Dan Toot, Miriam Reuter and Nile Hawver perform in the 2013 summer production of Henry V, which will be in Plains on August 16.

Shakespeare in the park to arrive in Plains

PLAINS - Shakespeare in the Parks is coming once again to Plains on Friday, August 16. The traveling troupe of professional actors will perform Shakespeare’s Henry V at the Sanders County Fairgrounds in Plains with the performance beginning at 6 p.m.

Baroque

Greg Ewer plays the violin during the Baroque Festival last week held near Paradise. The festival was celebrating its tenth year.

Record turnout for 10th annual Baroque festival

PARADISE – The 10th annual Montana Baroque Music Festival hit Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort and brought in record numbers.

Extreme fire conditions

Forest Service Helicopter Manager Grady Wilson supervises the helicopter. The helicopter was brought to the Plains DNRC facility as a precaution for the extreme conditions.

Fire danger reaches extreme conditions

SANDERS COUNTY- With the official fire danger level set to “extreme,” emergency services throughout Sanders County are on high alert and taking additional measures to respond in the case of a wildfire. At the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation facility in Plains, two helicopters were on stand-by last week to respond should the need arise.

Mineral County Court Report

Mineral County Court Records from July 19 to July 24

Mineral County Community Calendar

Free Gaelic Lessons

One of four calls

The SVFD responded to four calls in June including to the pictured structure fire at Coleman's Corner.

Superior Town Council determines no primaries are needed

SUPERIOR - At the July meeting of the Superior Town Council, it was determined that no primary ballots will be necessary for upcoming elections.

Quilt

This year's raffle quilt which is based on county history.

Cabin Fever Quilters show set to open alongside fair

MINERAL COUNTY - When Cabin Fever Quilter Nicki Clyde was asked to be the featured quilter at this year’s quilt show by Susan Charles she used what she admits is a technique borrowed from her two-year-old granddaughter.

Superior Lions Club continues to improve annual rodeo

SUPERIOR - Twenty years ago the Mineral County Fair Board asked the Superior Lions Club if they could help revitalize the rodeo.

Lady Bobcats

Superior Bobcat Jordan Mueller drives to the basket during last Tuesday's away game against Thompson Falls. Mueller had a solid summer and was often the team's leading scorer.

Bobcats wrap up summer league

SUPERIOR - The Superior Lady Bobcats played more summer league basketball games the Head Coach Jeff Schultz has ever scheduled this year and in those 37 games the team has grown and matured to a point the coach doesn’t even recognize his team anymore.

Disney Duals All-Star tournament

Superior High School wrestlers Anthony Parkin and Bridger LaPierre recently returned from the Disney Duals All-Star tournament in Florida where they faced off against the best wrestlers in the country.

Superior wrestlers compete in national tournament

SUPERIOR - Superior Bobcat wrestlers Anthony Parkin and Bridger LaPierre recently returned from the Disney Duals All-Star tournament in Florida, where they competed against top wrestlers from around the nation.

MCSO seeks public aid in determining cause of West Mullan Fire

MINERAL COUNTY - The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office is seeking any information from the public that may help identify how a fire started near the junction of Mullan Road West and Pardee Creek Road, just west of the Town of Superior Montana. The fire was reported on Sunday, July 14th at approximately 5:00 p.m. in the evening and may have started as early as 4:30 p.m. The fire has now burned over 6,100 acres and the estimated cost of fighting this fire is over $7 Million.

Stage one fire restrictions begin August 1

On August 1, Stage I fire restrictions will be in effect throughout western Montana.

Mop up efforts

Firefighters will continue to mop up the West Mullan Fire under the direction of local authorities. 

Efforts continue to mop up West Mullan Fire

MINERAL COUNTY - On Sunday night, Northern Rockies Incident Management Commander Tom Heintz turned over operations on the West Mullan Fire to a Type III management team from the Superior Ranger District.

Challenge accepted

William Buchanan of Superior is given a challenge by Nick Merth of the Wenatchee River Type II Firefighter team to lift a firefighter's pack.

Giving and receiving thanks in wake of fire

In the midst of the West Mullan Fires, Tim and Sara Buchanan received questions from their two children, 11-year-old Wesley and eight-year-old William, regarding the fire – wondering if they and the town would be safe.

Rodeo Queen

Superior Lions Club Rodeo Queen Ashley Blaylock rides her horse during the Fourth of July parade.

Mineral County Fair and Rodeo hits Superior

SUPERIOR - The Mineral County Fair and Rodeo holds a special place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike. It is a time to relax, a time to take in bull-riding and wild-cow milking with friends and family. A time to celebrate the efforts of the county’s 4-H participants.

American Legion Post #129 burns down

UPDATED Wednesday, July 31 at 11:30 a.m. 

Cooling off - by Colin Murphey

Jim and Jean Murphy's springer spaniel Hunter retrieves a stick from the Noxon Reservoir.

Survivor helicopter crash

Emergency responders transport a victim of the helicopter crash near Prospect Creek outside of Thompson Falls. The victim was loaded into a waiting ambulance and transported to the Thompson Falls Airport where they were met by Life Flight out of Missoula.

One dead, one critical and one injured in helicopter crash

THOMPSON FALLS - A Robinson R442 helicopter crashed with a crew of three in the Prospect Creek area on Saturday, July 27 leaving the pilot dead, one in critical condition and one injured.

Clark Fork River and all fishing access sites reopened

MINERAL COUNTY - Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reopened today an eight-mile stretch of the Clark Fork River and two Fishing Access Sites (FASs) that were closed last week due to danger from the West Mullan Fire.

Fire mop up

Two Forest Service Firefighters work on mopping up the southwest side of the West Mullan Fire on Monday. The process involves checking for and eliminating hotspots.

Search and Rescue training

Sanders County Search and Rescue conduct a training session on the Clark Fork River near the fairgrounds in Plains.

Search and Rescue takes to the water for training

PLAINS- Sanders County Search and Rescue personnel were on hand in Plains on Sunday on the bridge spanning the Clark Fork River to practice a scenario involving a victim in the water. Two teams were involved, one on the banks of the river ready to retrieve the victim with the aid of a boat and the other on the bridge to drop the “victim” into the water.

Babe Ruth fields

James Farrier installs setting posts for the two new Babe Ruth Fields being constructed on Old Airport Road.

WSA Babe Ruth Fields make progress

PLAINS - Progress continues on the Wildhorse Sports Association-sponsored baseball and soccer field complex in Plains this week as a company hired to install fencing has broken ground on the site. Work will go on throughout the summer and fall to prepare the complex to be usable next year.

Mop up begins on West Mullan Fire

(Tuesday July 23, 8:00am) SUPERIOR --- Despite the West Mullan Fire reaching 6,090 acres on Monday night, mop-up operations are underway.

Joey Logan

Tom and Debbi Logan carry this collage in honor of their late son.

"Fallen Six" project takes root in Mineral County

Debbi Logan was doing dishes at her home in Texas on January 19, 2012 when there was knock on the door. Looking out the window she excitedly ran to wake her husband.

"Great Water Debate" continues

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Water Compact is a 1,200 plus page document that if passed by the state senate or through the courts could have a permanent impact on water rights throughout Montana.

Chicken Jamboree

Bob Butte and Wally Gibe man one of the grills at the annual Chicken Jamboree where 350 pounds of chicken were consumed. The annual event helps raise money for the Men's Prayer Breakfast Group in Thompson Falls.

Annual Chicken Jamboree dishes out the goods

Around 200 Sanders County residents came out to the Pennsylvania Power Park in Thompson Falls on Saturday to consume over 350 pounds of barbecue chicken during the annual Chicken Jamboree. The event was sponsored by the non-denominational Men’s Prayer Breakfast Group from Thompson Falls.

Herb Gathering

Susun Weed taught a class at the Montana Herb Gathering that occurred in Hot Springs over the weekend.

Annual Herb Gathering held in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS- Hot Springs was the setting for the annual Montana Herb Gathering over the weekend. The festival drew vendors, teachers and attendees from around the country to participate in an event designed to celebrate and educate people about medicinal plants.

Neighborhood Watch program offers tips for business owners

Business Owners and Managers: Fraud, forgeries, scams and counterfeiting are on the increase. Fraud artists have 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to dream up ways to cheat you.

American Red Cross of Montana mourns the passing of volunteer Janet Kathleen Duffner at age 53

Bozeman, July 21, 2013 —Montana Red Cross lost one of their own on July 15th when Kathy Duffner, a much-valued volunteer, died in a car accident on her way home from a Red Cross shelter in Superior where she and husband John had been working that day.

GEAR UP program hosts activities to increase interest in science

Next week, middle school students from some of Montana GEAR UP’s 18 partnering school districts will take part in activities designed to increase their knowledge of, and interest in, science through the avenues of nature, poetry, and art when they attend spectrUM Discovery Area’s Science Camp. Arlee School District will host the faculty and staff who will travel from the Missoula campus to show camp participants how to engineer puppets with moving parts, create robots using a variety of technologies, and explore chemistry through cooking.

FWP seeks comment on proposed ice fishing contests

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on fishing contests proposed for the winter season of 2013-2014.

An update from Rep. Ingraham

I recently received information from the Montana Healthcare Foundation regarding their search for five trustees to oversee the $40.2 million proceeds from the sale of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana that I wanted to bring to your attention. Montana Code Annotated (MCA) §50-4-720 prevents public officials such as myself and anyone who is an officer, director, or staff member of either Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana or Health Care Service Corporation from serving as trustees. Others, such as yourself, who might have a strong interest in healthcare programs and services in Montana may want to consider such an undertaking.

An update from Rep. Schwaderer

Over the past week and a half the community overcame a difficult time where a raging fire north of Superior threatened the very homes of many people in our community. Thanks to the hard work of firefighters and various organizations locally and form out of town (at the time of this writing) no structures have been damaged and evacuations in much of Superior have been lifted.

GUEST OPINION - DNRC disclaimer

Live off the Rez? Not worried about Reserved water rights? Well the DNRC is, as you may read below.

Art camp

Kids paint pictures during the Hot Springs summer arts camp sponsored by the Artists Society.

Arts camp provides creative outlet for youth

HOT SPRINGS- The Hot Springs Artists Society is holding its annual two-week summer arts camp for young people to learn visual and performing arts. The camp is divided into two sections, one for visual arts such as painting and the other for performing arts such as theater.

4-H demonstration

Mahala Sweet of the South Side Sparks 4-H Club (Plains) demonstrates how to spin using a top whorl drop spindle during her first place demonstration at Montana 4-H Congress. Photo by Sarah Naegeli

4Hers compete at congress

Eight Sanders County youth attended the 83rd Annual 4-H Congress held on the Montana State University campus in Bozeman July 9-12. “4-H in Action” was a perfect theme for the event at which youth gained skills in the areas of technology, leadership, communication, community service and team work; powerful tools that will benefit them on their journey through life.

Relay for Life to kick off with BBQ

Famous Dave’s is coming to Thompson Falls on Friday, Aug. 2.

Chamber of Commerce discusses upcoming events

THOMPSON FALLS- The Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce met on Friday at the Rimrock Lodge just outside of town to discuss the effectiveness of past events and the potential for upcoming events. About 10 members including Mayor Carla gathered in the scenic lounge overlooking the Clark Fork River for the meeting.

Critical review of CSKT water compact released

On Thursday June 27, 2013, several Montana state legislators, and Concerned Citizens of Western Montana, released a critical review of the existing reserved water compact for the Flathead Reservation, and an alternative comparative compact to demonstrate what a reasonable and equitable compact should have looked like. Senator Verdell Jackson, Kalispell, Representative Jerry O’Neil, Columbia Falls, Representative Keith Regier, Kalispell, and several other legislators, including former legislators are involved in this initiative.

Alberton celebrates 28th annual Railroad Day

ALBERTON – The town of Alberton celebrated the 28th annual Railroad Day celebration, a day that celebrates Alberton’s rich railroad past.

Eating watermelon

Gabe Kelly, 11, chows down on his watermelon during the watermelon eating contest. Kelly took first place in his division.

Disney the magician

Evan Disney, a magician from Missoula, wowed the crowd with his magic tricks during one of his two performances at Railroad Day.

Watermelon winner - by Justyna Tomtas

Baliey Fehlberg, 5, proudly stands by his eaten watermelon after he won in his division during the popular watermelon eating contest.

High Noon Shootout

John Zunski participates in the High Noon Shootout. Zunski and his team robbed a stagecoach that pulled into town during the event.

Saloon characters

A pardade float full of old-time saloon characters made its way down the street. The characters took place in the two shoot outs featured during the day.

Salish Voiture train

The Salish Voiture train takes to the main stretch in Alberton for the annual Railroad Day parade.

Leading a llama

A participant in the parade cools off bystanders as she marches her llama down the main strip of Alberton.

G. Whiz chemistry show

Garon Smith otherwise known as G. Whiz demonstrates some chemistry tricks at the annual Railroad Day celebration in Alberton. Smith is a Chemistry professor at the University of Montana.

Swimming the distance

Kendra Newman swims the breaststroke during a meet in Fort Benton earlier in the season.

Piranhas swim laps around the competition

CONRAD- The Piranhas of Plains continued improving their performances during the swim meet in Conrad over the weekend. The team has only one more competition before the state meet in Sidney. The divisional tournament will take place this weekend in Hamilton.

The light at the end of the tunnel

Exiting the dark Eddy Creek Mine, the light from outside radiates into the dingy tunnel.

A blast from the past: A trip to the Eddy Creek Mine

PLAINS – In the early 1900s the Plains mining district located in Sanders County saw activity in two major mines around the area – one in Swamp Creek and the other in Eddy Creek.

Sanders County Community Calendar - July 24

Open Gym at Plains

Sanders County Senior News - July 24

Elise May Heath

PLAINS – Elise May Heath was born June 17 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. She weighed 5 pounds and 16.5 ounces. The mother is Crystal May Heath of Plains.

Richard "Dick" Blanchard

Richard “Dick” Blanchard

Evert Miller Behmerwohld

Evert Miller Behmerwohld, born in Dilo, Montana on May 2, 1928 to Hones and Bertha (Hughes) Behmerwohld died July 14, 2013 at his home in Hot Springs, Montana. Evert wed the love of his life, Bettie McKinney on November 22, 1949. They were married for almost 50 years. He leaves behind three daughters, Linda and Jerry Reilly, Lola and Jim Mascorella and Leta Behmerwohld and Frank Owens, eight grandchildren, Chad and Sheri Reilly, Derek Mascorella, Aime’e Hanley, Brett and Jana Reilly, Layla and Gene Riffle, Ryan and Kerry Hanley, Lindsay Engel and Lacey Engel. He also leaves nine great grandsons, Logan Reilly, Dillon Riffle, Darian Reilly, Will Reilly, Easton Hanley, Justin Riffle, Evan Reilly, Ripken Hanley and Kamden Hanley. He is survived by three brothers, Harry Behmerwohld, Walt and Donna Behmerwohld and Manford and Marvel Tempero. He was preceded in death by his wife Bettie in 1999 and their youngest daughter Lana in 1995.

Sanders County Court Records - July 9-15

Sanders County Justice Court week of 7/9 to 7/15.

Lady Bobcat basketball

Anesa Ruiz not only led the Bobcats in rebounding on Tuesday against Charlo, but made many athletic plays to the basket as well. The Bobcats swept Charlo and Arlee in two hard-fought games at home.

Stepping up to the competition

Superior Lady Bobcat basketball Head Coach Jeff Schultz rarely schedules summer league games against Class C. The result is his squad playing larger schools and tougher competition, which strengthens his team going into the regular season.

Throttle controls

The throttle controls require two pilots to operate the helicopter. Monday marked the sixth day King and the Firehawk team have been on scene.

Snorkel

The helicopter utilizes a 900-gallon bucket with a snorkel. "You can fill it up in a shallow creek and suck all the water up into it," Firehawk Carded Mechanic Todd King said.

Heavy Helicopter

One of the heavy helicopters working the West Mullan Fire is a UH-70 Civilian Model Blackhawk.

Ping-pong tactics

Aerial ignition utilizes a hopper loaded with Potassium Permanganate filled ping-pong balls. Prior to being dropped the ping-pong balls are needle injected with ethylene glycol-based antifreeze. Twenty seconds later the balls ignite, providing a reliable means of controlled burning. "It's a pretty safe, simple device," Borgen said.

SVFD Mutual Aid request brings much needed support

Montana Mutual Aid was established in 1995 by the state legislature in an effort to allow fire departments without existing mutual aid agreements in place to assist each other without the worry of liability issues.

Keith's Column: Hug a firefighter and pray for rain

I was standing in the backyard of my grandparent’s house on Saturday morning along with the rest of the male members of my sister’s bridal party when a light rain began in Southern California.

Mineral County Community Calendar - July 24

Free Gaelic Lessons

Mineral County Court Report - July 9-19

Mineral County Court Records from July 9 to July 19

West Mullan Fire day 7: Blaze drops to 5,230 acres

(UPDATED: Saturday at 8 p.m.)

West Mullan Fire day 7

A helicopter takes in water from the Clark Fork River to fight the West Mullan Fire.

West Mullan Fire Day 6

An airplane drops fire retardant to the side of the West Mullan Fire to help control the burn area.

West Mullan Fire Day 6: Fire blazes at 4,550 acres

SUPERIOR – The mandatory evacuation of several areas in Mineral County were lifted Friday after the West Mullan Fire forced many to leave their homes earlier this week.

West Mullan Fire team focuses on securing fire to protect the community

Areas of Clark Fork River closed due to West Mullan Fire

West Mullan Fire Update

July 18, 1305 Hour - The Mineral County Sheriff has extended the existing mandatory evacuation order to residents of the Keystone area near the West Mullan Fire.  Residents along Keystone and LaVista Roads are being notified to evacuate. A roadblock is being established off of I-90 at Exit 43, Dry Creek exit.  Access will be allowed to Sloway Road through this roadblock.

West Mullan Fire on the move due to rolling debris

SUPERIOR - The West Mullan Fire is advancing down a hill very close to Superior. "Essentially the fire is rolling down slope, moving down slope," says Missoula Field Office Group Leader Gregg DeNitto. "We are adding a little bit of fire down below it just to basically straighten out the line." 

Name of victim released in one-vehicle rollover on Highway 200

PLAINS - The name of the victim in a one-vehicle rollover has been released. Kathy Duffner, 63, passed away at the scene of the crash late Monday night.

Harvest numbers keep rising

THOMPSON FALLS – Fish Wildlife and Parks met with the Sanders County Commissioners on Wednesday, providing an update on the past hunting season, bear activity, fishery and wolves.

Black bears euthanized

Several black bears were euthanized because of their food conditioned states.

Noxon woman charged for feeding bears

SANDERS COUNTY - The woman suspected of feeding seven bears in the Heron/Noxon area last year in October, which were later euthanized has been charged in Sanders County Justice Court.

Thompson Falls Players

Elizabeth Babcock and Dave Oliver took to the stage with the rest of the Thompson Falls Players after a two year absence. The group performed "Maid to Order" at the Rex Theater in Thompson Falls this past weekend.

Thompson Falls Players return to stage after absence

THOMPSON FALLS – After two years of absence from the stage, the Thompson Falls Players banded together to present the community a theatrical performance of “Maid to Order.”

State to assess federal land management

Montana State Senator Jennifer Fielder was on hand at the regular meeting of the Mineral County Commissioners on Friday to discuss Senate Joint Resolution 15 and its importance to the county.

An update from Rep. Schwaderer

One of the lesser celebrated legal characters in modern-day United States is Sir Edward Coke. His contributions to the development of common law and the rule of law are very important to the society we enjoy today.

A wicked problem

As Montana’s top natural resource administrators laid out the grim forecast for this year’s fire season, it became clear that many Western states face the worst wildfire conditions in recorded history. Fuel loads are so high in some areas we are literally just one spark away from record setting catastrophic disaster. All of Montana is vulnerable. Southwest Montana is in particularly high danger this year.

Bobcats summer basketball

Josh Benda makes a move to the basket.

Bobcats continue to dominate summer competition

The Superior Bobcats had another solid week of summer basketball – going 2-0 on Tuesday night at home and 2-1 on Saturday in Thompson Falls. Charlo and Victor came to town Tuesday night and the Bobcats began the two game evening with a convincing victory over Charlo followed by a blowout win against Victor.

BOW course

Sonya Provazink of Missoula learns how to handle the rope during the basic roping course in the morning.

Twentieth annual BOW event hits Plains

PLAINS – The annual Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshop was held in Plains on Saturday, providing ample opportunity for ladies who were interested in becoming outdoor savvy.

Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce takes stock of events

HOT SPRINGS- The Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting took place at Fergie’s Pub on Tuesday to discuss previous and future events in the community. Five members of the committee took turns talking about what worked in the past and what needed to be done concerning upcoming events to increase the likelihood of success.

Calvert's trial rescheduled

SANDERS COUNTY – Nathan Lee Calvert’s trial date has been delayed for approximately 60 days and is now rescheduled for September 16 at 9:30 a.m. The trial date was originally set for July 15, 2013, however according to the court motion, the prosecution is exerting their right to have the defendant examined, a process that cannot take place until approximately July 17.

Plains golf course to undergo a facelift

PLAINS- Plans are underway to upgrade the facilities at the Plains Golf Course over the next several months. Repairs to the clubhouse, the course itself and a proposal to establish a recreational vehicle park at the site are all moving forward with a tremendous amount of help from local residents.

Clark Fork Classic

A player from Superior is swarmed by Thompson Falls defenders during the Clark Fork Classic on Saturday.

Basketball players tune up for next season

THOMPSON FALLS- The first annual Clark Fork Valley Classic basketball tournament took place on Saturday at the Thompson Falls High School gym in front of a crowd of about 75 fans. High school teams from Florence, Thompson Falls, Kellogg and Superior squared off on the court during the inaugural competition.

Piranhas swimmer

Hondo Ryan works out at the EL Johnson Memorial Pool as part of the Piranhas Swim Team. The team from Plains will next compete in Conrad this weekend.

Plains Piranhas rule the seas in Fort Benton

PLAINS- The Piranhas of Plains continue to drop seconds from their times as the team swarmed into Fort Benton over the weekend with 24 swimmers competing. According to Swim Coach Rachel Cremer, the team keeps upping the ante against stiff competition from more experienced teams around the region.

Hot Springs Blues Festival

John Kelley plays the guitar at the Hot Springs Blues Festival that took place over the weekend.

Sanders County Community Calendar - July 17

Open Gym at Plains

Sanders County Court Report - July 2-July 8

Sanders County Justice Court week of 7/2 to 7/8.

Fishing for a tale

A Superior sixth grader searches for his own fish tale.

Catching a fish tale hook, line and sinker

It’s not uncommon to find 11-year-old Superior resident Jake Lapinski casting his line off of the bridge in Superior on a summer’s day alongside his mother Michelle.

Western Montana Mental Health Center names Phillip Barrett as new director

Superior, MT- Western Montana Mental Health Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Phillip Barrett, MSW, as Director of the Superior office. WMMHC would like to recognize Thomas Hodgetts for serving as office Director for the past eight years, as he will be transitioning to a position in Lake County.

Moustache Festival participant

Mick Copley of DeBorgia won for Full Beard Freestyle.

First Annual Western Montana Beard and Moustache Festival a success

The DeBorgia Historic Schoolhouse Foundation and co-producers O-Aces Restaurant and the Beer, Beard & ‘Stache Club of DeBorgia are pleased to announce the successful completion of the Western Montana Beard and Moustache Festival over the previous weekend of July 12-14.

Moreine Johnson

Moreine Johnson was 95 years old, and was born in Roanoke Virginia on 27 September 1917, to James and Martha Elizabeth Wilks. She had five brothers and four sisters. Moreine grew up in Virginia, married Ernest Knuckles, and had three children, Pat, Charlotte, and Milton. She and Ernest later divorced. Milton lives in Helena, Montana, and her two oldest daughters are deceased. Moreine moved to Idaho when her children were young, and subsequently met and married her second husband, Evert Johnson. They moved to DeBorgia, Montana, and had a daughter Jean Elizabeth, who resides in Dillon,Montana with her husband Don Rice. Moreine and Evert built a beautiful log home that is still occupied by a family today. She and Evert spent many hard years cutting down pine trees and building their home from the ground up.

Howard Curtis Martin

Howard Curtis Martin, 62, went to be with the Lord on June 19, 2013 in St. Regis, Montana. Born March 22, 1951 in Keyser, West Virginia to the late Harvey Leonard Martin and Ruth Pauline Keplinger Martin.

Mineral County Court Report - June 28-July 12

Mineral County Court Records from June 28 to July 12

West Mullan Fire 8

As of Monday, six helicopters were on scene—filling at key points along the Clark Fork.

West Mullan Fire 7

Forest service helicopters made drops throughout the day Monday.

West Mullan Fire - by Keith Cousins

The West Mullan Fire as seen from I-90.

West Mullan Fire 3

A Forest Service helicopter makes a water drop over the West Mullan Fire early Sunday evening.

West Mullan Fire 1

The West Mullan Fire began Sunday at approximately 5:00 pm and quickly grew to over 300 acres. Currently the wildifre is at 1,800 acres and Forest Service crews are fighting the blaze around the clock.

Air Support

A Sikorsky Sky Crane heads towards the Clark Fork River to refill on Tuesday afternoon.

UPDATE: One death confirmed in one-vehicle rollover on Highway 200

UPDATE: One death has been confirmed in the one-vehicle rollover accident that occurred between Paradise and Plains on Monday night at mile marker 81. Names of the victims have not yet been released.

Helicopter crews battle West Mullan Fire

Forest Service helicopter crews have been battling the West Mullan fire since Sunday afternoon. The fire has reached 700-acres and a helicopter crew was also working on several spot fires that broke out in the area. 

West Mullan Fire reaches 700-acres

Residents of Superior gathered outside of the Mineral County Courthouse Monday night, where county and Forest Service officials briefed them on the current status of the West Mullan Fire.

Wildfire

A Forest Service Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) prepares to dump water on a 20-50 acre wildfire just west of Superior Sunday evening. 

West Mullan Fire burns 20-50 acres in Superior

UPDATED 9:02 PM ---According to area sources, several homes have been evacuated and authorities are currently recommending other evacuations in the area below the West Mullan Fire. 

Multiple agencies respond to train cause fire on Highway 135

Firefighters from the Superior Ranger District, as well as St. Regis Rural Fire Department and Sanders County Ranger District, responded to four separate fires Tuesday on Highway 135.

Fire

Plains-Paradise Rural Firefighters responded to a small but tenacious fire at the Sanders County Fairgrounds on Friday, July 5.

Debris fire ignites fairgrounds

Poetry fills the library

A poetry reading filled the library last Tuesday as participants read off original works as well as more well known pieces.

Accident

The motorcycle involved in a two-vehicle accident outside of Plains sits perched in front of the scene of the accident. Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department responded to the accident.

Robert Hoyem

Robert Hoyem, a Thompson Falls graduate and world renowned opera singer fills the United Methodist Church in Plains with his voice.

Starting a fire

Morgan Jarvis demonstrates how to start a fire using nesting material, charcoal cloth, flint and steel.

Piranha

Cooper Saafik competes earlier in the season at the home meet in Plains. It is Cooper's first year swimming for the Piranhas.

Lighting up the sky

Shakira Brien enjoys the fireworks from the top of a truck at the Sanders County Fairgrounds. The public fireworks display began at 11 p.m. and lasted 30 minutes.

Bobcats

Incoming Bobcat senior Jarrod Tippens is constantly improving his game inside the paint - averaging double digit rebounds in the tournament this weekend in Dillon.

Olympian

Ken Miller cuts the ribbon along with Shana Duffalo, Sheila Wesselman and Tawnya Brummet.

Severe storm warning for Sanders & Mineral Counties

The National Weather Service in Missoula has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Sanders & Mineral Counties until 3:15 pm.

View from above - by Colin Murphey

The town of Plains seen from the air during a DNRC helicopter training flight. Firefighters from around the region trained on how to coordinate ground efforts with the aircraft.

DNRC trains personnel on helicopter tactics

Department of Natural Resources and Conservation firefighters from around the region gathered outside Plains on Thursday to train with a helicopter crew from Kalispell. Firefighters were taught the proper methods for attaching equipment to the helicopter as well as radio protocol for calling in a water drop.

Inspection

Brenda Fryxell of Plains examines a boat and trailer during routine inspections outside Thompson Falls near the Noxon Reservoir. Efforts are underway to reduce invasive species in local waters.

County works to reduce aquatic invasive species

A task force gathered at the Montana State Offices in Thompson Falls on Wednesday to discuss efforts to reduce the population of the invasive species known as Eurasian Water Milfoil in Sanders County waters. Eurasian Water Milfoil was introduced in North America in the 1940s and is largely viewed as a noxious, undesirable weed.

St. Regis VIC up and running in spite of funding issues

Glenn Koepke of the St. Regis Community Council was on hand during the public comment portion of the county commissioner meeting to inform the commissioners about the current state of the St. Regis Visitor’s Information Center.

Salaries frozen for elected officials in county

Representatives of the Mineral County Salary Board were on hand at the county commissioners meetings on Friday to discuss the salaries of elected officials in the county.

SRS cuts to county will create a need for new policies

Mineral County Road Foreman Jason McLees was on hand at the county commissioners meeting on Friday to inform the commissioners about how the loss of Secure Rural Schools funds would affect his department.

Night of hope comes to county

On Friday evening members of the community gathered at the Superior High School track to participate in the annual Relay for Life.

Memory tent gives relayers chance to reflect

Four years ago the Memory Tent became a permanent part of the Mineral County Relay for Life.

Mineral Relay for Life 10

Members of the Superior VFW lead survivors in the opening lap.

Mineral Relay for Life 9

The Memory Tent has been an important part of the Mineral County Relay for Life for the past four years.

Mineral Relay for Life 8

Members of the relay team "Rocky's Rockets" walk in the opening of the Relay for Life.

Mineral Relay for LIfe 6

Cancer survivors and their caregivers receive words of encouragement and high-fives as they participate in the first lap of Mineral County Relay for Life.

Mineral Relay for Life 2

16-month-old Aleisa Snow is currently battling cancer and her family walked for her.

Yard Salers

Liam Lyman, 5, sells Gatorade outside his home during the county-wide yard sale event. According to his mom Shari, Liam had been keeping busy all day.

Yard sales take over Sanders County

SANDERS COUNTY – Trucks, trailers and cars could be spotted loaded to the brim with bargains and great deals during the county-wide yard saleing event.

Back Country poker ride

Organizer of the Poker Ride, Cindy Ray, marks the trail with green flags a day prior to the ride. Ray said the event was very successful with nearly double the attendees of last year.

Annual Poker Ride deemed successful

PLAINS – Forty-four riders took to a trail mapped out on Jones Ranch for the Wild Horse Plains chapter of the Back Country Horsemen’s 3rd annual Poker Ride.

Troy Mine lays off employees

THOMPSON FALLS – Employees of Revett Minerals met with the Sanders County commissioners on Thursday to provide an update on both the Troy and Rock Creek Mines.

Memorail attended by hundreds to honor victims

PLAINS- Hundreds of mourners from all over Sanders County and beyond gathered at the gym at Plains High School on Saturday to pay tribute and respects to three Plains residents who perished in a tragic car accident on Friday June 14.

An update from Rep. Schwaderer

The Montana Legislature only meets in session for 90 work days every other year, so our next session will commence in January, 2015. In between those sessions is referred to as “the interim”, and some Representatives and Senators are given appointments during that time to sit on an interim committee.

A garden column by Green Thumb

Smart plants

The War for Independence

By the time independence was declared July 4, 1776, colonial Americans had already endured decades of heavy handed British rule. The war actually broke out 14 months prior when 700 British regulars secretly dispatched under cover of darkness to capture colonial arms at Concord. Tensions had been building for years, but it was this military action of April 18, 1775 that triggered Paul Revere’s famous midnight ride -- calling fellow citizens to arms.

Library percussion lesson

Grant Applehans teaches participants at the Plains Public Library how to play Afro-Caribbean instruments.

Library offers hands on percussion experience

PLAINS – Afro-Caribbean percussion instruments hit the library on Tuesday as eager participants waited to get their hands on different instruments to learn more about each one.

Don Dixon

Don Dixon demonstrates the Bob Ross technique for a group of students at the Grange in Plains on Saturday, June 29.

Famous painter's method taught in Plains

PLAINS- The legacy of Bob Ross, known worldwide as the creator and host of the popular television show “The Joy of Painting,” came to Plains on Saturday. Instructors trained in techniques used by Ross gathered with students at the Grange to put on a workshop for would be artists from Sanders County.

Art on the Walls opens at Clark Fork Valley Hospital

The latest installment in the “Art on the Walls” series at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital was unveiled on Thursday featuring the talents of area artists. A wide variety of styles and mediums graced the walls down the hall from the main entrance to the hospital.

Pat's Knob repairs are a success

According to Sanders County Sheriff Department Radio Technician Cody Best, the damage to communication equipment on Pat’s Knob sustained during a winter storm earlier in the year has been repaired. Sanders County Emergency Services had been relying on a back-up system for several months before the damaged equipment could be replaced.

Firearms enthusiast

Matt Boudreau looks over his inventory at a gun show in Plains on Saturday, June 29. Bourdreau said this was the first gun show he had ever participated in as a vendor.

Firearms enthusiasts gather in Plains

PLAINS- Weapons of all shapes, sizes and calibers were on display at the VFW on Saturday as the venue played host to a gun show. Vendors laid out rifles, shotguns, pistols and more on their tables as potential buyers made their way around the room.

Miss Huckleberry Pageant

Contestants in the Miss Huckleberry Pageant line the stage in an earlier year. The competition hosts girls from 5 to 15 years of age.

Contests, theater at 34th Huckleberry Festival

TROUT CREEK - This year’s Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek is rapidly approaching, and the weekend will include both old favorites and new events to keep festival attendees entertained.

Rival basketball 7

A Lady Cat dribbles against the Tiger defense.

Rival basketball 6

Marissa Koke makes a strong post play against the Tigers defense.

Rival basketball 5

A Lady Tiger drives to the basket.

Rival basketball 4

A Lady Tiger dribbles down the court with three Lady Cats hot on her heels.

Rival basketball 3

A fast break by Lady Tiger Arianna Jones wasn't uncontested by the Lady Cats.

Rival basketball 2

Pilar Cantrell-Field goes up for a three-point shot while being defended by Michele Smith.

Rival basketball 1

Two Tigers descend on Danielle Ewoniuk as she drains a long two during Thursday's game.

Cabin Fever Quilters show looks at places in the heart

“Places in the Heart” will be the thirteenth annual quilt show held by the Cabin Fever Quilters of Mineral County, Montana on Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3.

Tips to keep your neighborhood safe and secure from county watch program

Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program, which has a thirty-year history, engages volunteer citizen action to enhance security within our community by encouraging citizens to report suspicious activity in their immediate neighborhoods. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the need for strengthening and securing our communities has become even more critical, and Neighborhood Watch groups have taken on greater significance. In addition to serving a crime prevention role, Neighborhood Watch can also be used as the basis for bringing neighborhood residents together to focus on disaster preparedness as well as to focus on evacuation drills and exercises.

Mineral County Community Calendar July 3

Free Gaelic Lessons

Hunters Education course to take place this month in Superior

A Montana Fish, Wildlife and, Parks Hunter Education course will be offered this month in Superior at the junior high school and fairgrounds. The five nightly classes take place from 6 to 9 p.m., July 22 through July 26 at the junior high. Saturday’s session (July 27), is from 9 am to 4 pm during which a field course, live firing, and the final test are administered. Lunches are advised for Saturday. Class requirements, rules, and registration are finalized at the mandatory orientation on Monday, July 15 at 7 pm at the 4-H building (Mineral County fairgrounds).

Mineral County Court Report June 18-28

Mineral County Court Records from June 18 to June 28

Piranha swimmer

Cole Dubois prepares to swim the backstroke during a meet earlier in the season. The start involves a reverse, blind takeoff from the starting block.

Plains Piranhas chew through the opposition

CHESTER- The Piranhas of Plains may sound like an oxymoron but the swimmers on this team are proving that their place is in the pool. Coaches Rachel and Jake Cremer took eight swimmers to the meet in Chester over the weekend where every one of them posted season best times.

Camp Bighorn training provides a rush

PLAINS – From kayaking, to rock climbing, and a high element ropes course, Camp Bighorn has it all. With the adrenaline churning activities available, training becomes an important part of the process, ensuring everyone’s safety.

Dominating the River - by Justyna Tomtas

A kayaker maneuvers through the Cascade Rapids during his trek down the river at Camp Bighorn.

Taking the First Step

A climber tackles the first part of the high element rope course. The course provided numerous obstacles for the participants.

Leading the Blind

Participants were blindfolded for the Broken Body event, an event that focused on teamwork.

Tackling the rope course

A climber attempts the Indiana Jones bridge on the high element rope course. The obstacle was a favorite among trainees during the Camp Bighorn training week.

Sanders County 4th of July

The Micklon family makes tough choices at Ginny Dyer's fireworks stand outside Thompson Falls in preparation for the Fourth of July holiday.

Sanders County ready for Fourth of July celebration

As residents of Sanders County prepare for the Fourth of July holiday, people were busy decorating their towns and opening the doors on firework stands to celebrate the nation’s independence.

Reminder: No fireworks on FWP lands

It’s nearly time to celebrate America’s birthday and fireworks stands are open for business. But it’s important to remember fireworks are illegal on all Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ lands.

Sanders County Senior News

Palmer Renee Revier

PLAINS – Palmer Renee Revier was born at 9:41 p.m. on June 4 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. She weighed 8 pounds and 7.5 ounces. Parents are Tonya and Jack Revier of Plains. Paternal grandparents are Gary and DeeDee Revier of Plains, MT. Maternal grandparents are Tom and Wendy Schirmer of Oregon City, OR. Great-grandparent is Elsie Callan of Plains, MT.

Weston Dean Haun

Ashley Devol and Jonathan Haun welcomed son, Weston Dean Haun, Saturday May 25th, 2013 at 2:30 am at Community Medical Center in Missoula. He weighed seven pounds 14 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Weston joins brother Elijah.

Sanders County Community Calendar - July 3

Open Gym at Plains

Sanders County Court Report - June 11-24

Sanders County Justice Court from 6/11 to 6/24.