Ellington

Discus

Emily Riddle throws discus for Superior at the Arlee Invitational. 

Superior track has stellar invite

Superior-Alberton wins at home

SUPERIOR – The Superior-Alberton girl’s tennis team hosted Philipsburg at Superior High School April 26, sweeping them 6-0. 

St. Regis Track competes at Seeley-Swan

St. Regis/Superior golf compete at breezy Plains

Rural Fire Department and Hospital Election canceled

SANDERS COUNTY – Due to a limited amount of nominations, the Rural Fire and Hospital Election that would have been held on May 6 has been canceled.

Folk music

Missoula's Tumble-home kicks off their set at the Symes on Friday, April 18. The group kicked off the weekend in Hot Springs with their unique style and impressive harmonies. 

Missoula folk group makes stop in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS – In canoe terminology, to have tumblehome refers to a design that makes paddling the craft easier, due to the flared out sides of the vessel, which deflect water in a more economical way than traditionally designed canoes.

Hurdles

Keir Sanzano of Alberton jumps over some hurdles in the sixth annual Brian Bachmeier Memorial Meet in Arlee on April 26. 

Plains elementary students jump rope for the American Heart Association

PLAINS - This week students will be jumping for a cause, as the Jump Rope for Heart Campaign kicks off at Plains Elementary.

Western lawmakers get serious about transferring federal lands to states

Winkler

Ruth Winkler poses with some of the actors in a previous production of Aladdin. Winkler said she continues to do it for the kids. 

A legacy of theater, drama and plays

Alberton track faces-off at Seeley-Swan Invite

ALBERTON – The Alberton boys and girls track teams headed to Missoula April 26 to compete in the Seeley-Swan Invitational at the Missoula County Stadium.

Letter to the Editor: YOU need to VOTE

Editor,

Letter to the Editor: Mr. Ringmaster

Editor:

Letter to the Editor: Proud to be American

I’ve been noticing a few more flags flying around the town of Plains. I hope that people take a few minutes every once in a while to realize just how fortunate we are to live under our read, white and blue flag.

Letter to the Editor: No to big government

It’s campaign season and we’ve found an HD-13 candidate who is a true fiscal conservative. This candidate actually studies and understands the issues rather than taking orders from a shadowy PAC. And, this candidate shares our unease over governments creeping intrusion in our lives.

Majors

Sage Brummett throws a strike for the Superior Rockies who were defeated by the Plains Pirates in their season opener April 26 in Superior. 

Emergency drill

Karen Dwyer assists Barry Fowler in filling out his paperwork at the first station.

First responders participate in emergency drill

THOMPSON FALLS – What if an epidemic was to hit Sanders County? Would the county be ready?

Superior battles Plains in season opener

Sanders County sends out voter confirmation cards

SANDERS COUNTY – With elections approaching, all voter confirmation cards have now been sent out to voters who are registered under an “active” status.

Library celebrates National Library Week

PLAINS - April 13 to April 19 marked the celebration of National Library Week at libraries in towns and cities across the nation. As in years past the Plains Public Library once again took part in the annual event.

Trophy bear

Sam McCreary poses with his team of guides who helped him hunt down a Montana black bear as part of the Catch-A-Dream program.

The hunt of a lifetime

PLAINS – In a dream come true, one boy was able to experience a hunting trip of his lifetime. In a trip that took a community to organize, Sam McCreary was able to check an accomplishment of a lifetime off his bucket list.

County awarded funds for relief

SANDERS COUNTY – One of the fifteen counties made privy to disaster relief funding, Sanders County has already initiated the process of receiving federal funds to assist in cleanup and recovery efforts.

The battle for the prize

Kids at the annual Easter Egg hunt at Fred Young Park took off towards their eggs. In the chaos that ensued, the kids battled it out until they found the prize egg. 

The search for the egg is on

SANDERS COUNTY – As Easter Sunday came upon the county, kids filled with anticipation awaited the moment they would be able to scour the lawns of local parks in search of the greatest prize of the day – Easter eggs.

Scarlet May Moll

PLAINS – Scarlet May Moll was born April 10 at 4:20 p.m. at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds and 1 ounce and was 21 ¼ inches long. Parents are Kayla and Kevin Moll of Plains. Maternal grandparents are Chris and Valerie Hertz of Charlo. Paternal grandparents are Bob Jr. and Amy Groom of Charlo. Great-grandparents are Betty Hertz of Charlo, Carolyn Shuemaker of Pablo, John and Nancey Swope of Lonepine and Sharon Broom of Charlo. Great great grandma is Nina Dunks of Hot Springs.

Doris Marie (Sorenson) Marjerison

Doris Marie (Sorenson) Marjerison (64) of Stevensville passed away on March 31st after living her life with cancer for the last 13 years. She was born on May 20, 1949 in Dillon, Montana, the daughter of Elmer and Thelma Sorenson. Doris was raised in Dillon, Twin Bridges and Butte, Montana, and Boston, Massachusetts. She graduated from Butte High in 1967 and earned her associate degree in Business in 1994.

MCSO sells drug dog

MINERAL COUNTY – The Mineral County Sheriff’s Department has sold its drug and police dog, according to the department.

Superior Schools to hold informational sessions

Alberton group focuses attention on area youth

ALBERTON - A group of Alberton women stopped by the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce meeting April 16 at the senior center, to explain to attendees why the new group is so important.

Bear

With warmer weather in the area, county officials urge those in Mineral County to watch for bears. 

Bears exit hibernation, expert says to clean-up

Car Show

Plans are underway for the 2014 Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show. 

Car show will rock June

Sixteenth Relay For Life returns for cancer fight

SUPERIOR - The Relay for Life Planning Committee and team captains are already behind the scenes furiously preparing for this year’s event to help fight cancer.

MCPC offers bus transportation

Forest Service

Tawnya Brummett, district ranger with the Superior Ranger District, addresses those who came out to the meeting on April 17. 

Second Forest Service meeting takes place

Spring Concert

Superior Elementary students perform their annual spring concert Wednesday, April 16 in front of a packed crowd of family and friends. 

Superior Elementary performs annual concert

Timber

Timber awaits processing at the Tricon plant in St. Regis. 

Tricon Timber looks towards future

ST. REGIS - Tricon has been producing timber in Mineral County since the early 1990s, and would love to continue that strong community tradition. 

Rural Fire Department and Hospital Election canceled

SANDERS COUNTY – Due to a limited amount of nominations, the Rural Fire and Hospital Election that would have been held on May 6 has been canceled.

Soaring for the frisbee

Skeeter Johnston of Plains goes for the frisbee in the Ultimate Frisbee tournament Saturday at Mission Valley Christian Academy in Polson on Saturday, April 19. There were four teams at the tournament including the MVCA Sting Varsity, MVCA Sting Junior Varsity, MVCA Middle School/family and staff and the Plains Dark Horses. 

Plains Golf competes in Ronan

RONAN – Mission Mountain Country Club played host to student athletes from across northwestern Montana as the Ronan High School Golf Invitational took place on Tuesday, April 15.

Golf

Alan Ihms, of Plains, watches his tee shot sail through the rain Tuesday.

Lady Hawks falls short

THOMPSON FALLS – On Tuesday, April 15, the Lady Hawks went up against Loyola Sacred Heart. The game ended 0-14, with Loyola taking the win.

Thompson Falls Golf makes history at Ronan

THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawk golf team had a strong performance at the Ronan Invitational, winning the tournament for the first time ever and beating Loyola for the first time in a handful of years.

Full force

Nate Gray heads to the finish, followed closely by his teammates. 

Savage Heat place fourth at TF Invitational

THOMPSON FALLS – The Hot Springs boys track and field team placed fourth at the Thompson Falls Invitational on Thursday April 17.

Shot put

Noxon looks forward to busy week

NOXON – The Red Devils traveled a relatively short distance and competed at the Thompson Falls Invitational on Thursday, April 17.

Trotters

Kimberly Earhart and Demi Horton springs towards the finish line at the Thompson Falls Invitational. 

Trotters finish on top of competition again

THOMPSON FALLS – The Plains girls track and field team had an impressive day at the Thompson Falls Invitational, finishing in first place, with a team score of 182 points.

Clearing the bar

Joe Lundberg took fourth place in the pole vault competition with a height of 10-6.

Thompson Falls takes first, second at home

THOMPSON FALLS – On their home turf, the Bluehawk track and field team secured first place, while the Lady Hawks were able to take second place.

A time for turkeys

Ron Stortz Jr. of Superior shows off the turkey he harvested.

Mineral County Court Report

Mineral County Justice Court week of 4/4 to 4/11

Mineral County Community Calendar

Road to Recovery

Superior Track takes on Thompson Falls invite

THOMPSON FALLS - The Superior High School Track team struggled at the Thompson Falls Invitational April 17, where nine other schools participated.

Superior/Alberton Tennis cancelled due to rain

RONAN - When it rains, it pours.

St. Regis Track

Gibson Lowry throws shot put at the Thompson Falls Invitational on Thursday, April 17.

St. Regis' Jones, Moeller lead girls track team

THOMPSON FALLS - The St. Regis High School Track team took on the Thompson Falls Invitational April 17 in nearby Sanders County.

Superior Golf

Superior's Sierra Brunning putts onto the eight green in Ronan on April 15.

Superior, St. Regis golf teams face-off at invite

ST. REGIS - Three high school golf teams competed at the Trestle Creek Golf Course April 17.

Mineral County Healthcare

Roger Brown, chairperson of Mineral County Medical Foundation Inc., and Amy Farris, chairperson of Mineral Community Hospital Board.

Funds returned to MCH

SUPERIOR - The Mineral Community Hospital is at it again, this time receiving a return of funds from a company the hospital has a working relationship with.

Mineral County runaway found

SUPERIOR - At approximately 8:30 Tuesday, April 22, the Mineral County Sheriff's Office received a call of a child runaway which occurred at the Town Pump in Superior.

The e-book or paper book debate

SUPERIOR - Young children and even older adults have started migrating to many electronic forms of reading texts, which has caught the attention of school and library professionals.

Annual health and information day takes place

SUPERIOR - Many people, young and old, came out to support the annual health and information fair at Superior Elementary School.

Lookout Pass to hold meetings

MINERAL COUNTY – The Idaho Panhandle National Forests and Lolo National Forest will be hosting three public scoping meetings for the proposed Lookout Pass Ski Area Expansion Third-Party Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Airport board discuss funds

SUPERIOR – The chairman of the board for the Mineral County Airport stood before the county commissioners on April 10 asking for approval on several items.

Plains Woman's Club exceeds expectations

PLAINS – Breakfast and rummage typically wouldn’t mix well, but the Plains Woman’s Club did just that at their annual fundraiser and it was a success.

Rummage sale

Stephanie Hopkins looks through the books at the annual Plains Woman's Club rummage sale. 

Recycle

Dusti Johnson from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality shows a piece of fractured glass. 

County hosts recycling meeting

THOMPSON FALLS – In an effort to increase recycling efforts throughout the county, a recycling meeting was held at the Sanders County Courthouse on Tuesday, April 8.

Studs

Joel Collett stands in front of his newly purchased business. Studs Building and Home is the new name for what Plains formerly knew as Brinson's True Value. 

New owner takes over

PLAINS – Under new ownership, Brinson’s True Value is no more. The business has been renamed after Joel Collett, and wife Wendy, purchased it from Michael Brinson.

Date for Stand Down announced

Discus

Noxon girls placed second at the Dave Tripp Invitational and had multiple girls compete in the discus competition.

Noxon takes second and third place

NOXON – The Red Devils Track and Field team saw two meets this week. In the Dave Tripp Invitational in Hot Springs, Noxon girls secured second place with 84 points, while the boys took third place with 78.

Thompson Falls, Plains compete at Bigfork Invite

Crossing the finish line

The Savage Heat boys took first place in the Dave Tripp Invitational, beating out their competition by an impressive 291 points. 

Hot Springs boys win by a landslide

HOT SPRINGS – In the case of the Savage Heat Track and Field team, home advantage truly does exist. Or maybe it’s the amount of incredibly talented kids the Hot Springs boys team has this year.

Raffle quilt

The Flat-Iron Quilting Guild created an original design for their raffle quilt.

Quilting Guild hosts 25th annual show

THOMPSON FALLS – Patterns, stitches and quilts will be on everyone’s minds as the 25th Flat-Iron Quilting Guild’s annual quilt show hits Thompson Falls.

Thompson Falls, Plains golf travel to Bigfork Invite

On the mound

Pitcher Tia Thompson was a huge part of the Trotters' success as she struck out a large number of girls. Thompson also helped the team with two hits and three RBIs.

Trotters swing into victory

PLAINS – In what started as a beautiful Saturday game day, the Trotters faced off Eureka at home.

County geography bee winner returns from Billings

PLAINS – One hundred students from all across the state sat full of anticipation in their designated quiet room. They listened carefully to each question, testing their own knowledge, as they anxiously awaited their turn. They handled the stage fright and pressure well for their young ages.

Clark Fork River

Fog rolls across the Clark Fork Valley. Spring has brought warmer weather to the area. 

FWP announces fisheries sampling on walleye on Noxon Reservoir

NOXON - FWP will be initiating walleye research on Noxon Reservoir beginning in early April. Biologists will collect data to determine population demographics, reproductive potential, dietary habits and PCB concentrations within edible portions of walleye. The information will be used in the revised draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and determine if additional consumption advisories are necessary for Noxon’s sport fish.

Town passes intent to raise water rates

Time to beautify

Lindsey Davis helps spruce up the Main Street hedge roses near the railroad tracks. 

Thompson Falls beautifies town

THOMPSON FALLS – The community of Thompson Falls came together last week to help beautify their town. The goal of the annual event is to spruce up, clean up and pick up the town.

Easter in Cricket County

Jubal Ryan gets into character as Oswald in Clark Fork Valley Christian Homeschool Co-op's presentation of Easter in Cricket County. 

Alberton Track excels, awaits next opponent

Superior long jump

Superior High School Track and Field performed at the Dave Tripp Invitational in Hot Springs on Thursday, April 10. 

Superior track competes at Tripp Invitational

Tennis

Superior's Alise Ruthford goes for the ball as Eureka was swept, 6-0. Superior's next meet will be against Ronan. 

Superior-Alberton shuts out Eureka 6-0

Tricycle race

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO: The Talking Bird Saloon held their annual tricycle race on Saturday, April 5. 

St. Regis bar hosts eleventh annual tricycle race

Forest Service answers questions

Sanders County Community Calendar

Open Gym at Plains

Mineral County Community Calendar

Road to Recovery

Bear season kicks off

Montana’s spring black bear hunting season opens Tuesday, April 15.

Sentencing

Melvin Madplume, Jr. (center) and his legal team, Jessica Polan (left) and Noel Larrivee (right) listen to Madplume's sentencing on Tuesday. 

Away for life

Graduation

Thompson Falls P.D. Officer Bob Thornhill and Plains P.D. Officer Ethan Harvey graduated from Montana Law Enforcement Academy Basic Course 152. The men completed an intensive 12 week course at MLEA in Helena and are now back in Sanders County working.

Thompson Falls senior news

Third defendant sentenced for Subway burglary

THOMPSON FALS – The third defendant in a case regarding the burglary of the Subway in Plains was sentenced on April 8.

An update from Rep. Schwaderer

I grew up on Diamond Match road, originally built by the company that used to operate the mill at the end of the road that is now home to several local woods products employers. I learned to drive a four-wheeler with family on Plum Creek private timber land. In Kindergarten (I was the last year to attend the Old School in Superior), we learned how to tell the difference between a Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine based on foliage (roughly half the class already knew the difference). My dad, brother, extended family and I have conducted our summerly firewood gathering for the last 22 years of my life like most folks in this neck of the woods.

Letter to the Editor: St. Regis Levy

On May 6th the St. Regis School District is running a technology levy. This is a levy that needs to be renewed every ten years. As you decide whether or not to support this levy please consider a few things.

An update from Rep. Ingraham

On Wednesday, April 23rd we will be observing the 62nd anniversary of “Administrative Professionals Day.” This is a day set aside to recognize and celebrate the work of secretaries, administrative assistants and other office professionals for their growing and diverse contributions to the workplace, who at some point in time impact our daily lives in some manner as we use services that employ this valuable work force.

Mineral County Chamber Chatter

Hey, we missed you at the Pizza and Pop Brainstorming Session the other day, but 14 of us round-tabled many ideas and they were then presented to our county commissioners. Nothing earth shattering or extremely unique that hasn’t been tossed around before, but, we’re all talking and that’s all I wanted this discussion to do.

Rail Head Sporting Goods closes doors suddenly

SUPERIOR- Rail Head Sporting Goods is no more after the owner ordered the manager to close the business down right away.

Hoop shoot

Superior held their second annual hoop shoot, which hosted 24 teams. 

Superior hosts weekend hoop shoot

SUPERIOR- The second annual hoop shoot hosted 24 teams from around the area over the weekend, and some students came from as far as Butte and Wallace, Idaho to participate.

Lisa Brown

Hunter Ed Instructor Lisa Brown poses next to her hunting wall. Brown was recently recognized by the Game Warden Association. 

Hospital board hears draft audit report

SUPERIOR - During its March 27th meeting, the Mineral Community Hospital Board received a draft audit report showing a $196,448 operating loss for last fiscal year. Tom Dingus, Spokane CPA who presented the report, noted the hospital had 28 days of cash at the end of last fiscal year compared to 66 days of cash for Critical Access Hospitals in the western U.S.

Hunter Ed instructor receives honors

PLAINS – During a Hunter Education class packed to capacity, instructor Lisa Brown was given a surprise by Game Warden Tom Chianelli. In front of her pupils, peers and fellow instructors, Brown was recognized for her dedication to Hunter Education by the Game Warden Association.

Royalty

Noxon's Prom King Austin Johnson dances with Prom Queen Julia Segal.

Shooting

Richard Hogt, left, receives one-on-one training from Tom Ewing at his shooting range in St. Regis. 

St. Regis shooting class offers tactical training

ST. REGIS- Hidden in the depths of the mountains between St. Regis and the Sanders County line, you will find Tom Ewing and his shooting range.

Superior proclaims National Service Recognition Day

SUPERIOR - This week history was made, as one of more than 1,760 mayors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico united in support of national service. Together, we represent more than 110 million Americans, or one-third of the U.S. population. In Mineral County Tuesday marked the second annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service. In Montana 36 Montana mayors participated including Mayor Roni Phillips. RSVP Coordinator for Mineral County Mary Jo Berry, welcomed members of the community and Thanked all the volunteers who are essential to the success and strengthening of countless programs and services in the community.

School asks for $3.99 million

SUPERIOR- This year’s harsh winter revealed something to Superior Public Schools Superintendent Scott Kinney - the junior high school should be torn down to preserve the safety of students.

Bluehawks bring home second

THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawk Track and Field team showed a strong performance at the Jim Johnson Invitational in Missoula, bringing home a second place finish. The boys finished with a score of 72.5, almost 13 points ahead of Hot Springs who landed in third place.

Trotters dominate Jim Johnson Invitational

PLAINS – The Trotters and Horsemen traveled to the Jim Johnson Invitational track and field meet on Thursday, April 3 at Dornblaser Field to compete against 13 other Class B and C schools. The invitational was named for Panthers coach and teacher Jim Johnson and was co-hosted by Alberton and Drummond.

Hot Springs track makes it on podium at Jim Johnson

HOT SPRINGS – Hot Springs athletes sizzled past teams much bigger than their own to place well at their second track and field meet of the season. They competed their way onto the podium to show what talent small towns can hold.

Dedication

Plains Superintendent and Grand Master of the Grand Lodge Thom Chisholm and acting Grand Chaplain Alan Frohberg say reverence during the Plains Elementary School addition dedication.

Grand Lodge dedicates school addition

PLAINS – Fifty years in the making was completed in less than an hour as the Plains Elementary School addition received a rare honor.

Burn

A controlled burn went out of control and advanced up a hill near Paradise on Thursday, April 3. 

Officials urge safe burning practices after fire ignites

SANDERS COUNTY - It only takes a few seconds to lose control of a fire.

Mineral County to host diabetes awareness open house

SUPERIOR - Mineral County Community Support will be hosting a diabetes awareness open house, April 15, 7 p.m. at the Superior Ambulance Station.

Softball action

Trotter Shaira Caldwell swing at the ball during the game against Thompson Falls. 

Lady Hawks, Trotters meet on field

PLAINS – The girls wore shades under their helmets in preparation for the sunny day out in the field. The light breeze carried the smell of hotdogs roasting next to the concession stand. The crowd grew quiet as the first batter stepped up to the plate while her teammates cheered her on.

Counties warned of IRS phone scam

SANDERS AND MINERAL COUNTY - As tax season comes to a close, consumers need to be aware of sophisticated phone scams targeting individuals throughout the country. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer.

Six - the lucky number

Sanders County golf competes at Loyola

Time to bid

Auctioneer Gene Johnson calls out to the packed house for bids. Johnson auctioned off a variety of items for the annual Fireman's Ball. 

Fireman's Ball sees success

PLAINS – Men and women in red shirts and matching red hats navigated their way through the winding aisles between tables to serve food to the jovial crowd. Friends, family and neighbors dined together to enjoy good food, good company and donate to a good cause.

Workers

Experience works members Paul Perkins, Deb Pauli, Katherine Dewitt and Thompson Falls Mayor Carla Parks (seconds from right).

Thompson Falls recognizes senior workers

THOMPSON FALLS – Finding work in these hard times has been difficult but the elderly population has struggled the most. Since the recession, thousands of seniors have been laid off. When businesses need to downsize, the workers that may be lacking in physicality or technical savvy are some of the first to go.

Interstate 90 reopens after landslide

MINERAL COUNTY - The cleanup of the landslide that closed Interstate 90 west for several hours on March 31 is progressing, but drivers in that area could still see some restrictions, according to the Montana Department of Transportation.

Alberton track competes at Jim Johnson Invitational

ALBERTON - Both Alberton high school boys and girls track and field competitors placed among the top student athletes at the Jim Johnson Invitational April 3 in Missoula.

Officials urge safe burning practices

ST. REGIS-At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a possible forest fire in the mountains behind the OK Cafe in St. Regis.

Superior, St. Regis golf compete in Loyola

LOYOLA - The Loyola Invitational in Missoula was a success for Superior High School, as one of their own placed in the top ten where over 100 players from other area schools also participated in the event.

Donation

Radiology Manager Chris Watson and Larry Putnam, interim CEO for the Mineral Community Hospital, show a plaque from the Helmsley Charitable Trust's previous donation. 

Helmsley Trust donates money to county

SUPERIOR - The American Heart Association in Missoula received a generous grant late last month, in an effort to improve survival rates of heart attack patients in rural Montana.

Spring has sprung

With spring in the air, colorful birds are flocking to the warm temperatures of the Clark Fork Valley.

Fire

On Thursday, April 3, a controlled burn escaped and ignited a hillside bordering the Clark Fork River valley near Paradise. 

After fire ignites, officials urge safe burning

SANDERS COUNTY - It only takes a few seconds to lose control of a fire.

Letter to the Editor: Circus revisited

A recent issue of the Valley Press had an interesting letter by Carl Haywood: Circus back in Town. As a self-appointed circus Ringmaster, Haywood held forth on some things he obviously knows nothing about. While he did rightfully challenge one of two candidates for office for lack of knowledge of the Democratic Party platform, he neglected to note that many of the party faithful share that same lack.

Letter to the Editor: Support for James

Editor:

Wednesday Nite Bowling League scores

PHS Drama Club presents Ladies, Sigh No More

Shayna Burgess plays Kate in the play

Ed Hollenback

Ed passed away after a courageous 2 year battle with cancer. Ed went peacefully to be with the Lord on March 22, 2014 in the presence of his loving wife Eleanor, five children, and numerous grandchildren and close family members. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, sister Mary Lou, infant son Brian Keith, infant daughter Lynn Marie and grandson Parker Joseph.

Donna Jean Burr

June 11, 1949 - March 25, 2014

Mineral County Community Calendar

Town to perform compliance checks

PLAINS – After noticing issues with the town’s septic system last year, the town is ready to act in an effort to ensure that a town ordinance is being followed.

Sanders County Community Calendar

Sanders County Justice Court

Sanders County Justice Court week of 3/25 to 3/31.

Public comment sought on draft EA near Thompson Falls State Park

THOMPSON FALLS - Montana State Parks (stateparks.mt.gov) announced today that public comments are being sought on a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to relocate the public latrine at the Flat Iron public access site on the Lower Clark Fork River.

Candidates unanimous in opposition to USFS, Obamacare, and CSKT Water Compact

Dixon senior news

Rehab

Pulmonary rehabilitation provides hope and perspective on health

PLAINS - Now that she doesn’t have to have her oxygen tank and cords at her side all hours of the day, Jo Moore, Thompson Falls resident, is excited to catch up on all the things she has been missing since she suffered a Pulmonary Embolism in 2013. Moore, one of four patients to be part of the first class offered through Clark Fork Valley Hospital’s (CFVH) newly launched Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program, has gone from using her oxygen tank 24 hours a day to using it only while she sleeps after only four course sessions.

Person of interest in rape case found dead

William Riley Baldwin, the DeBorgia man sought for an alleged rape in Mineral County, was found dead on Friday.

Dodgeball

The Superior High School Business Professionals of America held its annual dodgeball fundraiser. 

Practice time

Athletes practice their throws for the shot put during an Alberton Track and Field practice. 

Superior Track

Wyatt Zylawy, Nathan Lapinski and Bridger Lapierre jump between holes in a rope ladder during warm ups before a practice session for Superior's track and field team.

Spaghetti feed

Michele Parkin stirs a pot of spaghetti at the Superior 4-H building during the shooting sport spaghetti feed. The event was a fundraiser to send two shooters to the NRA National Championship.

Road work

The Public Works crew has been busy filling in potholes throughout the town of Plains. Most of the main streets have been taken care of and the crew is now working on side streets. 

Town of Plains uses 25 tons of patch to fix roads

PLAINS – The roads of Plains have felt the wrath of the harsh winter weather the county recently experienced and in an attempt to repair the roads, the Public Works Department has used 25 tons of patch to fill in potholes.

School addition to be dedicated by Grand Lodge

PLAINS – The foundation walls of the new school addition are securely in place and as the project progresses a dedication ceremony is not far away.

New playground

David Greer of Plum Creek Timber awards Erin Alt and Jen Christensen a $2,500 check to fund the new playground at Hot Springs Elementary School. 

PTO works hard so kids can play

HOT SPRINGS – Mulch spreads across an empty schoolyard where a rotting wooden playground once stood. Blue benches face the vacant space with nothing save a blacktop with cracks that continue to grow.

Dr. Seuss

Shaira Caldwell puts some finishing touches on the Grinch for the Dr. Seuss themed mural in the school library. 

Plains art students honor Dr. Seuss

PLAINS – It was dark in the little school library over the weekend save for a single spotlight shinning on a white wall. There a student, poised on the platform, stood tracing the projected image with her face an inch away from the canvas.

Madplume sentencing delayed

POLSON — Ronan resident Melvin Madplume, Jr. will have to wait awhile longer to learn his fate after a delay in his pre-sentencing psychosexual evaluation caused his sentencing to be pushed from March 28 to April 8.

Workshop to teach about grieving process

PLAINS – Often times after the loss of a loved one, grief can become overwhelming and disabling. A hole remains in one’s life that is hard and sometimes seemingly impossible to fill. In a way to help those suffering with grief, the Clark Fork Valley Hospice is holding a free bereavement support group.

An update from Rep. Ingraham

The State Administration & Veterans Affairs Committee (SAVA) will be meeting on Wednesday, April 9th in room 172 of the Capitol Building beginning at 10:00 a.m. for those of you interested in following the work of the committee, especially in regards to their work on elections and the Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices. This is, once again, an opportunity for you, the public, to listen in as proceedings are unfolding or personally attend the meeting for those who are able.

Fifty legislators request review of CSKT Water Compact

Letter to the Editor: School in serious need

As Superior’s newest superintendent, it is extremely important to me that this community understand that our schools are your schools. As such, I believe it is vital that we are transparent in the way we address District concerns and share information. To that end, I am writing to inform you of a serious situation that we are dealing with as the end of the year approaches. This past Wednesday evening at a Special Board Meeting, the Superior Schools trustees were presented with a bond levy proposal. The original proposal came about because the District received a $23,500 planning grant from the Montana Department of Commerce. The purpose of this grant was to perform an energy audit that would consider the long-term financial benefits of replacing the LP gas and fuel oil heating systems located in our three schools. McKinstry, the company that provided the initial assessment, found that the cost savings of an improved heat plant with other cost saving measures (like replacing windows, lights and control systems), would generate savings enough to pay for nearly 75 percent of the cost over the next twenty years, reimbursing nearly $1.3 million of the $1.8 million price tag.

Trotters track finds stride

PLAINS – The Plains High School Track and Field team traveled to Ronan for their first meet of the season. As the returning state champions, the Trotters had a lot to live up to in the face of their competitors.

Javelin

Senior Shasta Wilson prepares to throw the javelin in a practice earlier this season. 

Bluehawks soar past competition

THOMPSON FALLS – The track and field team started the season on the right foot as the Bluehawks boys team took first place at the Ronan Invite.

First base

Junior Jenna Peterson slides into home base in the Trotter's first game of the season, a doubleheader against Troy. 

Trotters softball slides to victory

PLAINS – It was a cool but sunny day as a group of girls took to the field with their helmets, gloves and bats. Winter’s recent passing was still evident in the pale green grass and the snow atop the distant mountain peaks. But the sound of ball on bat and the smell of roasting hot dogs signaled the arrival of spring.

Golf

The Superior Golf team took to the course and practiced their swings. The team is preparing for the Loyola Invitational, which will take place April 3 and 4. 

Plains golfers on par for start of season

PLAINS – Rain drizzled off and on from the blanket of gray clouds covering the rolling green hills. On this day, a group of students and their coaches took to the footpath with their bags in tote. They diverged, chose their clubs and teed off. Their eyes followed their golf balls as they soared towards the horizon.

Flying high

Savage Heat senior Jarod White practices the triple jump event for the first track meet of the season. 

Savage Heat light up track at first meet

HOT SPRINGS – Athletes battled the biting wind and spitting rain to run, throw and jump their way to the top. The Hot Springs Track and Field team traveled to Ronan on Saturday, March 29 to compete in their first track meet of the season.

Thompson Falls golf tees off

THOMPSON FALLS – Even though the Bluehawk Golf team did not have access to their golf course, the team has been working hard to prepare for their first meet this weekend.

Art on the Walls

Joe Ducharme of Plains shows onlookers his wood turned art at the grand opening of Art on the Walls. 

Art on the Walls show branches out

PLAINS – As the Clark Fork Valley Hospital patients and employees walk through the central hallway, they can experience the beauty of their Montana backyard or the beauty of lands a world away. Their long days can be brightened by the dazzling hues and fantastical painted images. They can see the native bison or eagle staring back at them through space and time.

Lucy the Spinone Italiano

Lucy the Spinone Italiano dog models the dog beds up for auction and attracts customers to the Huckleberry Hounds booth during the Sanders County Expo. 

Sanders County Expo helps business

PLAINS – Sanders County citizens lined up to see what the local vendors had to offer in the Plains High School gym. They walked around looking at the floor samples provided by Buckingham Hardwoods or the handmade blankets from Demarle At Home. Many enjoyed “Lucy” the Spinone Italiano dog making good use of the cozy dog beds available.

Spaghetti served for shooters

SUPERIOR – Two Superior 4-H shooters have been granted the chance to go to the National Rifle Association National Championship. As part of preparations, a spaghetti feed, bake sale and auction was held to raise money for the trip.

Wanda James cleared of all charges

SUPERIOR – After over a year of investigation by the Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Mineral County Justice of the Peace Wanda James has returned to duty on the bench.

Road construction begins on I-90 near Alberton

ALBERTON – On Monday, March 31, commuters crossing from Missoula County into Mineral County on Interstate 90 had to slow down for a road construction project going from Alberton over the county line.

Alberton schools request tax levy for $50k

MCGRAG sends letters to county commissioners

Landslide closes I-90 West, traffic redirected

Senior project seeks disc golf course

Superior Bobcats meet the competition in Ronan

First meet sees strong victories for Alberton

Superior golfers tee off to begin spring season

Alberton softball player competes in Frenchtown

BPA dodgeball fundraiser a success

Little guy wrestling ends; four competitors place

Education day

Plains student Chayton Lulack stays after the presentation to ask TSGT Joshua Holderman questions. 

Sanders County students prepare for future

THOMPSON FALLS – According to recent statistics, 60 percent of college graduates fail to find jobs in their field of study. On average, college graduates find themselves $27,200 in debt to student loans and 70 percent of graduates end up living with mom, are unemployed or working a minimum wage job.

Roberts

Susan Faye Roberts has dabbled in writing, dance and theater for many years. She knew she wanted to be a writer since she was six years old. 

Renaissance woman shares love for the arts

HOT SPRINGS – Stacks of paper envelope the house. With them, there is the occasional piece of newspaper or napkin complete with scribbles. Amidst the notes a woman writes, her mind consumed with the voices of characters. Hot Springs local Susan Faye Roberts has been dabbling in the arts since she was a little girl. When she was around six years old, Roberts wrote, directed and starred in an original play with her classmates.

Drum circle to hit Trout Creek

TROUT CREEK – Students, teachers, friends, families and communities sit down and form a circle and each member of the circle has a drum. They begin to play, softly at first but the music steadily grows. Each individual listens to the others as they work together on the beat, united in rhythm.

CASA members to be sworn in

SANDERS COUNTY - Due to the increase in the number of abuse and neglect cases filed in Montana, CASA of Lake County has been working with local organizers to expand its services into Sanders County. Local organizers include Betty Boehler, Polly Cavill, John Thorson, Marissa Ilac, Peg McCarthy, County Commissioner Carol Brooker and Leslye Baldwin Mackelwich. The new organization is known as CASA of Lake & Sanders Counties and will serve the 20th Judicial District Court of Montana.

Bookmobile announces spring schedule

Senior news

Mineral County athletes named All-Conference

Sanders County Community Calendar

Robert Joseph Elrod

Robert Joseph Elrod was born on March 16 at 6 pounds 6 ounces and 19 inches long. The mother is Diana Lynn Elrod of Plains. Maternal grandparents are Ellen and Duane L. Elrod of Plains. Great grandparents are Teri and Liz Lewis of Gridley, CA.

Louis George Hannum IV

Louis George Hannum IV was born on March 20 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. He weighed 8 pounds and 7 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. Parents are Sarah and Zach Hannum of Trout Creek. Maternal grandparents are Joe and LeeAnn Bache of Plains. Paternal grandparents are Louis and Jean Hannum of Trout Creek.

Free Throws Shootout sends girls to camp

Community calendar

Forest Service to conduct prescribed burns

SANDERS COUNTY - The Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District plans to conduct several prescribed burns this spring on U.S. Forest Service lands in Sanders County. Depending on when burning prescription conditions are met, these burns could occur over the next several weeks.

Lozeau Lodge: Renovated and ready for success

County fights pet overpopulation

Larry Michael Courser

Larry Michael Courser passed away on March 26th 2014 at the age of 64 following a short battle with cancer. Larry was born on May 2nd to Lawrence and Mary (Woods) Courser. Larry grew up in Montana and North Idaho, graduating from high school in Superior Montana. He spent much of his adult life logging with his father and farming on the family homestead located on Upper Pack River Rd. Larry had a great love for his family, gardening and his animals. He was often found working in his garden or relaxing with his dogs enjoying the sunshine, or working on a new project around the home. Larry is survived by his wife Nancy, two sons, Austin and Ethan, three daughters, Genda, Grace and Ruby, 4 grandsons and 3 granddaughters; his ex-wife Darlene Boyce Courser, one brother, Chris (Kim), seven sisters, Kaci (Hank) Courser Warren, Teri (Bob) Heinrich, Laura Courser, Judy (Randy) Wakefield, Tamara (Rex) Romagnolo, Leona (Jack) Knaggs, Lenor (Joe) Dupont, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Larry was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence and mother, Mary. A small graveside service to celebrate his life was held on Friday, March 28 at the family gravesite located at 3676 Upper Pack River Rd. Larry’s family would like to thank Auburn Crest Hospice, Heather House (Sandpoint Cancer Services) and the Kootenai Cancer Center for their gentle caring and continued support during his brief illness. Donations in his name can be made to the Sandpoint Cancer Services, Heathers House or to the Panhandle Animal Shelter. Email condolences can be sent to trollwaterworks@gmail.com. “I bequeath myself to the dirt, to grow from the grass I love. If you want me again, look for me under your boot soles” Whitman~

Open burn season underway for Mineral County