Ellington

Nolan Mandery Birth Announcement

THOMPSON FALLS – Brandy Mandery of Thompson Falls gave birth to a baby boy on Friday, November 27 in Clark Fork Valley Hospital.

Birth

Linda, Elise and Ella Dupuis are proud to announce the arrival of their little sister, Katie Anna Dupuis.

Tackle 2

Zach Osborne sacks the Box Elder quarterback as Jack Dolson comes to assist.

Basketball

Haley Wilson catches the ball as it falls short of the basket during the Lady Hawks' game against the Libby Lady Loggers.

Catch

Trent Brouillette catches a pass during a game against the Noxon Red Devils. The game was the second of Plains' wins this season after a five season losing streak.

Tackle

Jase Sorenson tackles a Bigfork Viking during the Thompson Falls homecoming game. The Bluehawks finished the game 21-14.

District Champions

The Plains Trotters volleyball team pose with their championship plaque after coming out on top of the District 10C Volleyball Tournament in Superior

Looking back at sports in 2015

Lookout

A Department of Natural Resources and Conservation firefighter stares out of a helicopter during a helicopter training class.

Homecoming

Plains High School Seniors perform cheers during the Homecoming Bon-Fire.

Bear Play

Two young bears talk with a group of bats as they look for their home during a play by Plains second graders as part of their arts integrated science curriculum.

Rodeo

A cowboy is thrown from a bronc during the Homesteader's Day Rodeo.

Donkey Basketball

Noxon Seniors and Faculty play rounds of Donkey Basketball.

First Grade Singing

Hot Springs first graders sing Deck the Halls during the Hot Springs Elementary School's Christmas concert

A look back at 2015

Connie H. Blanchard

Polson – Connie H. Blanchard – Baird, age 76, passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2015 at her residence in Polson. She was born on May 24, 1939 in Plains, Montana the daughter of Harvey and Jean (Howery) Mathias.

Structure lost in Plains blaze

PLAINS – Smoke billowed into the sky above Plains, Tuesday morning, when a fire consumed a residence on River Road East.

Blood Drive at Alberton School

New federal policy supplants No Child Left Behind

Montana Gov. Steve Bullock supports the new federal education initiative called the Every Student Succeeds Act and says it is a much-needed policy update that will allow Montana schools flexibility to support innovation in schools and student achievement

Trapping continues to be challenged

Over 100 accidents reported along I-90 in one day

Alberton Children Love New Hats

For over 30 years, Rae Deschamps has knitted hats and mittens for the grade-school children at Alberton School. Monday, Dec. 14, was no exception. Armed with a basket full of colorfully knitted apparel, Rae visited kindergarten, and grades one through three.

Alberton students shop at school for parents

Alberton grade-school students got to go shopping at school last week. The school’s PTA opened a small “store” in one of the classrooms, filled with an assortment of small gifts. 

Mineral Independent and Valley Press get new building

Clark Fork teams lose to Seeley-Swan, Arlee

The Clark Fork Mountain Cats squared off against Seeley-Swan on Friday, Dec. 18, with Seeley-Swan overtaking Clark Fork in both the girls and boys basketball games. The girls lost 53-30 and the boys 43-39.

Arlee Charges over Clark Fork

The Clark Fork Mountain Cats played the Arlee Warriors on Saturday, Dec. 19, in Arlee. Both the Clark Fork Mountain Cats boys and the girls basketball teams lost by a wide margin — the boys 76-29 and the girls 54-26.

Charlo Girls Squeak by St. Regis

The St. Regis Tigers faced the Charlo Vikings on Friday, Dec. 18, in Charlo. The boys lost soundly with an 81-45 defeat. Brock Cantrell-Field was high scorer with 25 points. 

St. Regis teams beat Lincoln, lose to Charlo

St. Regis had a good night against Lincoln on Saturday night at St. Regis. The Lady Tigers took an early lead and held onto it for a 55-15 win. Madison Hill was the evening’s high scorer with 25 points, followed by Courtney Cheesman with 12. The boys went head to head with Lincoln, beating the Lynx 55-49. Brock Cantrell-Field took charge in the fourth quarter, scoring 16 of his game total 39 points. 

Everyone has a favorite Christmas song

Two tons of food donated to local food banks

Star Wars, the excitement continues

New fire chief to start January 4

Police respond to threats against police in Dixon

Thompson Falls Schools present musical Christmas

THOMPSON FALLS – The Thompson Falls schools brought holiday cheer to the community last week as they performed their annual Christmas concert.

Sanders County Wrestling results

Plains at Buzz Lucey Memorial Tournament – 104

Holiday shopping with cookies hit Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs community gathered at the Symes, last week, to celebrate the holidays and get a start on holiday shopping lists.

Lady Hawks Basketball

Lady Hawks fight hard against Libby Lady Loggers

Bluehawks Basketball

Bluehawks edge out Libby, defeated in Florence

Horsemen get big wins against Charlo and Troy

PLAINS – The Plains Horsemen claimed a huge 71-44 victory against the Charlo Vikings, Saturday, bringing an end to their winning streak.

Horsemen Basketball

Trotters Basketball

Trotters overpower Lady Vikings

PLAINS – The Trotters came away with a victory and a loss last week, after their Friday and Saturday games against Charlo and Troy.

Tab Contest

Kindergarten on top of pop top collecting contest

PLAINS – Last week, the community’s efforts to support the Ronald McDonald House came to fruition as the Plains School announced the winners of the Pop a Top for Franklin contest.

Construction

Hot Springs Concert

Hot Springs school celebrates holidays with music

Hot springs businesses offer customers Christmas cheer as show of appreciation

HOT SPRINGS – Hot Springs residents gathered at Wall Street Place last week, to enjoy a festive atmosphere and for the businesses to show the customers their appreciation.

Appreciation

Noxon school gives winter road safety advice

NOXON – With more severe winter weather spreading through the area, road safety has become more concerning; to help with this, the Noxon schools distributed safety tips for going out on the road.

Reception Santa

Rocky Mountain Bank shows holiday appreciation to customers

UPDATE: Law enforcement stand down in Dixon situation

DIXON – A stand down order has been issued to law enforcement personnel responding to the threats coming from Dixon.

Police Respond to Dixon

DIXON – Law enforcement personnel gathered in Dixon, early Saturday afternoon, in response to threats against the police.

Superior hosts Bob Kinney Invitational

Fundraiser for new school equipment almost complete

PEAK holds annual tree lighting

The PEAK Foundation in Alberton held its annual tree lighting event on Friday. 

Frenchtown School closed due to flooding

'Tis the season... for the flu

St. Regis Annual Christmas Bazaar

Helping Hands celebrates 20th annual auction

Extravaganza

Hot Springs comes together for Christmas gift giving

Old Jail Museum 2015 Gingerbread Display Results

The gingerbread men from the Thompson Falls Grade School Kindergarten class were once again the top draw for the 18th Annual Gingerbread Contest at the Old Jail Museum.  Guests also enjoyed viewing and voting for their favorite Gingerbread entries.  Twelve talented and creative entries were judged by the community.  The favorite overall vote getter and winner of the “Auntie A Award”, was the “Christmas Dreams” entry by Madison Suttorp of Thompson Falls.  This talented young lady has entered the contest the last four years.  The category winners were all Thompson Falls residents: Adult (19+) Robin Hagedorn; Family/Group, Oliver Owusa-Barfi and Thomas Pate; Youth 9-18, Jessica Bronner and Child (ages 8 and under) Shiann Hall.

Trotters 1

Trotters start season with two wins 57-25 and 41-38

Trotters

Painting 1

Painting

Plains students bring the holidays to local businesses

Melodrama 1

Melodrama

Melodrama signals start of old Paradise School resurrection

PARADISE – The Paradise School opened its doors recently to show a melodrama before a packed house and make some special announcements about the school’s future.

Mitten Tree

First Security Bank collecting warm clothes from community for the holiday season

Noxon: 37 Charlo: 55

Former Plains student named Teacher of the Year

Hot Springs school board fight poor performance

HS School Board

Chris Rosler explains the student council's plan to bring in water bottle refill stations to the Hot Springs School Board.

Sudden snow storms lead to numerous accidents

Plains: 43 Arlee: 58

PLAINS – The Plains Horsemen took a defeat in their Saturday game against Arlee, after fighting to pull back ahead.

TFalls: 57 BTimber: 62

THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawks came short of victory after a close game last Saturday, when they travelled to Big Timber for a game against the Sheepherders.

TFalls: 60 Shelby: 66

Cats vs Tigers in Finale

The finale game during the Tip-Off Tournament in Frenchtown last weekend matched the boys Clark Fork Mountain Cats against the St. Regis Tigers at 9:30 p.m.

Fire permits discussed

A Hindu Wedding: Local resident keeps traditions alive

New gallery space opens in Alberton

Sealants for Smiles helps local children

Visiting loved ones in care facilities over the holiday season

Freezing rain closes I-90 for ten hours

Women in Timber help kids find gifts for parents

Red Bucket donations for a good cause

It’s a sunny Saturday morning and Robert Lyons is standing in the middle of Main Street in Superior, holding a red bucket.  He’s a volunteer with the Lions Club and is hoping cars will stop and make a donation.  

Lady Tigers Win Over Victor Pirates

The St. Regis Lady Tigers took on the Lady Victor Pirates on at 12:30 pm on Friday at the Frenchtown Tip-Off Tournament.  The game was close, and St. Regis was behind going into the fourth quarter with a 30-25 score.  However, Courtney Cheesman and Anna Sanford each had two triples and Maddie Hill scored nine points in the final eight minutes of the game.  Giving St. Regis the 48-35 win over Victor.

Local teams kick off season in Frenchtown

Local teams kicked off their basketball season this past weekend with games in Frenchtown.

Dancers

Gingerbread House

Santa Float

Playing music

Santa

Plains second graders show off science knowledge through art

Second Grade Play

Hospice nurses recognized during Tree of Life Reception

Changes coming to Chamber Scrip

PLAINS – The Plains Business Association discussed the future of their Chamber Scrips program during their quarterly meeting last week as well as when they will meet going forward.

Horsemen open season with win in Frenchtown

Hot Springs girls open season at Frenchtown tournament

HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat kicked off the basketball season over the weekend at the Class C kick-off tournament in Frenchtown.

Hospital Bazaar

Holiday Bazaar brings hospital residents future activities

Lady Hawks take on Hamilton

Lady Red Devils take out Victor Lady Pirates

NOXON – The Noxon Lady Red Devils started off the season with a win against the Victor Lady Pirates when they went to Frenchtown for the Class C basketball kick-off tournament.

Raugust released from prison

THOMPSON FALLS – Richard Raugust was released from prison, Friday, on a bond as he awaits a new trial for the 1997 murder of Joe Tash near Trout Creek.

Freezing rains close schools, create hazardous conditions

MINERAL/SANDERS COUNTY – Schools around the area were closed or delayed Friday after freezing rains left the roads too hazardous for buses to safely manage.

EPA starts testing at Smurfit Stone Mill

On November 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in a press release that there is a final agreement to investigate contamination at the Smurfit Stone Mill Superfund site, located near Frenchtown.  

Cyber Monday predicted to out pace Black Friday sales

26th annual Alberton craft fair

Diet tips for holiday parties

It’s the Holiday Season, and for people watching their weight, it can be the season of dread.  Office parties, family gatherings, and other events, offer plates of cookies, candy, appetizers, and drinks.  Things that can tempt even the most rigorous dieter. 

Millions of packages to be shipped this holiday season

UPS, FedEx, and USPS, all needed to retool last year to keep up with the ever increasing demand of online shopping.  Every year, cyber shoppers become more prevalent, and shipping companies must keep up with the demand in order for packages to be under the tree by December 24.

Alberton laser machine teaches kids work skills

LED Christmas lights can cut utility bills

Low income energy assistance available to residents

In Mineral County, almost 30 percent of the population between ages 18 and 64, lives in poverty.  And as the temperatures drop, some people may not have enough money to heat their homes. Luckily the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and Weatherization is available to low income residents who need help with their heating bills.  LIEAP is federally funded through the Department of Health and Human Services.

Local ski report

Lookout Pass opened Thanksgiving Day, and stayed open until the Nov. 29.  They will open up again on December 4 through the 6, with snow forecast starting Wednesday.  As of Nov. 29, there was 6” at the base and 14” at the summit.

St. Regis students learn about Montana tribes

Superior announces football awards

Superior’s Aaron Kelly and Bridger Lapierre have been selected to play in the Class C All-Star game next summer.

Class C Football championships

Arlee played Chinook for the 8-Man Class C football championship on November 23.  Chinook won the season title, 44-20.

St. Regis and Clark Fork set to square off at tournament opener

Superior wrestling kicks off at Polson tourney

Superior Bobcat Wrestling will start with a tournament in Polson, this Saturday, December 5. The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. and runs all day. This will be the first meet for the Bobcats. Their next tournament will take place in Superior on their home mats. That event will take place December 10 and 11.

Fire

Firefighters from the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District blast water into a burning structure.

Thanksgiving traditions

From six to 60, that’s how big or small gathering were this Thanksgiving holiday in Mineral County. Many venues hosted dinners from local churches, to community centers and schools.

Paradise fire put out by joint department effort

PARADISE – The Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District responded to a structure fire in Paradise, late Tuesday morning, cutting into the upper floor of the building to douse the flames.

County schools receive EEE awards

St. Regis FFA attends expo in Bozeman

Future Farmers of America, or FFA, held their annual statewide expo in Bozeman on November 11 through the 14. Members from over 50 chapters attended the John Deere Expo, where students interested in agriculture and leadership met for four days to compete, and get to know each other.

SC fairgrounds light up the night with holiday cheer

PLAINS – The Sanders County Fairgrounds was lit up for the holidays, Saturday, during their annual Christmas lighting as well as the Sanders County Cancer Network’s luminary ceremony.

Crafters gather for holiday fair

Lady Hawks dedicated to a great basketball season

Thompson Falls boys bring great experience to the basketball court

Crowd

Chains

Sorting

Lights

Block

Lady Hawks v Trotters

Basket

Members

Filling

labels

Turkey Bowl

Students and teachers come together for first annual Turkey Bowl

Thompson Falls prepares for holiday festivities

Noxon basketball readies for 2015-16 sports season

Construction

Relics found in construction point to history of newspapers

Friday accidents close Hwy 200 for two hours

Thanksgiving

Community gives thanks at community meal

SC Fair Board considers funding

Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts learn about medicine during CFVH visit