Friday, January 30
Senator's message
By Senator Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls
Bullock expands Obamacare
Americans for Prosperity Montana Director Zach Lahn released the following statement after Governor Bullock announced his plans to expand Medicaid under Obamacare:
Problematic wildlife
FWP should start helping landowners with problematic wildlife
Standing up for principles
The Politics of Personal Destruction
Mental health issues a top priority
Improving the lives of Montanans who are suffering from mental health issues will be a top priority for the legislature this session. A current shortage of care is impacting our Montana families and communities, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that all Montanans suffering from a mental illness have access to adequate care in the community and, for those who need it, at our state acute care facilities. When addressing the state’s mental health needs, it is vital that we focus on the entire continuum of care, including community treatment options, improving our state facilities, investing in youth diversion, and, perhaps most importantly, passing the governor’s Healthy Montana Plan.
Keystone Pipeline generating controversy
Can the Nebraska Supreme court declare a state law unconstitutional? This was the legal question when their Governor approved a pipeline to cross that state passing through the Nebraska Sandhills. Major public concern is that a rupture in that pipeline would extensively damage the Ogallala Aquifer underlying most of Nebraska, primarily its vast Sandhills and parts of neighboring states: MT, WY, SD, CO, KS, OK, NM and TX. Nebraska sand-filtered waters are perhaps the purest anywhere in the world with its very low population, virtually no industry or manufacturing and abundant, lake-filled sandhills grasslands. Such high quality water is itself highly saleable in today’s national and international markets.
Becoming an Outdoors Woman
Participants in the BOW 2015 snowshoeing workshop pose during their hike near Prospect Creek west of Thompson Falls last Saturday.
BOW workshop well attended
THOMPSON FALLS – A group of active residents spent last Saturday, Jan. 24, enjoying the mild weather of Sanders County through a snowshoeing workshop near Thompson Falls.
Earl Eisenbacher
Earl Eisenbacher grinds flour using one of the restored machines at his workshop near St. Regis.
Hidden museum in St. Regis
ST. REGIS – From the outside, St. Regis resident Earl Eisenbacher’s workshop looks like any other building one might see throughout Mineral County with an unassuming appearance that betrays the treasure trove within the walls.
Montana Nightriders Snowmobile Club
Snowmobiles gather at one of the stops along the route of the 27th annual Montana Nightriders Snowmobile Club last weekend near Haugan. The event raises funds for club operations and trail grooming.
Hundreds gather for snowmobile event
MINERAL COUNTY – Snowmobilers from across the region gathered in the west end of Mineral County last weekend for the 27th annual Montana Nightriders Snowmobile Club Poker Run, an event that raises money for club affairs and which featured two days of fun in the snow.
White-out to erase bullying
Students and adults get into the groove during halftime of the Thompson Falls and Libby basketball game last Friday. The participants in the halftime show combined to show their support against bullying.
Wednesday, January 28
Obituary; BillieJean Eitelberg-Ovitt-Pronovost
BillieJean Eitelberg-Ovitt-Pronovost- She went to be with our Lord Thursday January 15th 2015 at 8:04 p.m.
Bluehawks
Senior guard Dalton Hooten heads towards the basket during the Bluehawks win over Libby.
Bluehawks run to victory
THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawks of Thompson Falls rolled through their competition last weekend downing the Libby Loggers to improve to 8-3 on the season.
Lady Hawks win over Falcons
THOMPSON FALLS – The Lady Hawks of Thompson Falls secured a win at home last weekend, defeating Florence 49-33 on Saturday at Thompson Falls High School.
Savage Horsemen
Savage Horsemen Jake Lile battles a Thompson Falls wrestler during the Ted Kato Invitational.
Savage Horsemen prep for busy week
ST. IGNATIUS – The Savage Horsemen traveled to the Mission Valley over the weekend to take on area wrestling teams at the Mission Mountain Tournament.
Lady Red Devils
Noxon sophomore Hilary VanVleet moves past a defender during an early season game.
Noxon finishes strong
NOXON – The Noxon Lady Red Devils hosted the Troy girls basketball team last Friday evening.
HS wins thriller
HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Savage Heat hosted the Two Eagle River Eagles last Friday and came out on top after a competitive game against their District 14-C opponents.
Horsemen
Aaron Vonheeder prepares to pass during the game against Bigfork last week.
Plains Horsemen fight to the end
Thursday night’s game between the Plains Trotters and the Bigfork Valkyries was an intense game that was a roller coaster for the girls of Plains High School. At certain points in the game, emotions ran so high that the it was hard to hear yourself think over the cheers and yells from the bleachers. The Trotters themselves yelled, frustration, joy, exhaustion and strain could be seen on their faces as they played the very strong Valkyries from Bigfork.
Trotters
Jade Ladeaux drives toward the hoop during Thursday's game against the Bigfork Valkryies.
Trotters win by close margin
Thursday night’s game between the Plains Trotters and the Bigfork Valkyries was an intense game that was a roller coaster for the girls of Plains High School. At certain points in the game, emotions ran so high that the it was hard to hear yourself think over the cheers and yells from the bleachers. The Trotters themselves yelled, frustration, joy, exhaustion and strain could be seen on their faces as they played the very strong Valkyries from Bigfork.
Protests
Pro-life demonstrators march down Highway 200 through the business district of Thompson Falls, on Thursday, Jan. 22.
Demonstrations mark divisive court decision
Thursday, January 22, 2015, was the 42nd anniversary of the historic Roe v Wade Supreme Court Case, which focused on the issue of abortion.
Bowl and Blast
Participants get ready to shoot during the blast portion of the Bowl and Blast last weekend at the Plains Trap Club.
Tuesday, January 27
Obituary; John "Bob" Crabb
January 19, 2015
Bobcats defeat cross county rivals
SUPERIOR – The Superior Bobcats, like their Lady Bobcat colleagues, played Arlee and Alberton last week and much like their counterparts came away with mixed results.
Lady Bobcats
The Lady Bobcats are 7-5 so far on the season. Marissa Koke goes for a layup during practice earlier in the year.
Lady Bobcats win on the road
SUPERIOR – The Lady Bobcats came away with mixed results last week, dropping one match to Arlee but coming away with a victory against cross-county rival Alberton.
Cedar Thom project moves forward
MINERAL COUNTY – The supervisor of the Lolo National Forest paid a visit to the weekly Mineral County Commissioner’s meeting last week to keep decision makers in the loop on what’s happening with a project that has been trying to get off the ground for several years.
27th Annual Montana Nightriders Snowmobile Club
A snowmobile enthusiast arrives at one of the stops along the route of the 27th annual Montana Nightriders Snowmobile Club's Poker Run.
Friday, January 23
Obituary; Kenneth Kennedy
Superior – Kenneth Kennedy, 86, passed away at his home on Jan. 12, 2015. Kenneth was born in Middleburgh, NY on April 6, 1928 to Adam and Lottie (Rorick) Kennedy. Kenneth served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in 1948. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and son Kevin. Survivors include his children Kim Sawyer of NY, Vernon (Dale) of NY, Mitchell of MT, Tracy Anderson of MT, Mark of WA, daughter-in-law Karen (Kevin) of NY, several grandchildren, great–grandchildren and numerous friends.
Drama Production
John Zunski, far right, reads from a script during auditions for a drama production in Alberton.
Auditions held for murder mystery production in Alberton
ALBERTON – Alberton will be the site of murder, mystery and all the intrigue and drama that goes along with a theatrical production next month after auditions were held last week to cast the roles of the skit.
Business Professionals of America
The entire region of BPA chapters which includes the three Mineral County schools pose for a photo at the regional competition in Missoula last week.
Mineral County BPA teams celebrate victory
MINERAL COUNTY – Mineral County Business Professionals of America teams returned to Alberton, Superior and St. Regis last week after displaying their skills and talents for the judges at the regional BPA competition in Missoula.
Family Night
Shawn Farris creates an original sculpture using homemade play dough during the family event in St. Regis.
St. Regis celebrates family night
ST. REGIS – An event at the St. Regis elementary school gym last week featured an organization dedicated to helping parents better understand child development and makes sure parents have access to important resources.
A good deal for Montana residents
A Good Deal for Montanans
Republicans positioning for 2016 election
It amazes and amuses me to hear many of the talking heads acting like there is anything but total confusion within the Republican party. Their almost freakish positioning of the parade of possible candidates for president in the 2016 general election is downright strange.
Wolf controversy continues
http://www.thewildlifenews.com/…/kathie-lynch-yellowstone-…/
Art on the Walls
A mix of art from grades kindergarten through 12 from varying Sanders County schools cover the walls of the main entrance hallway of the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains.
Student art covers walls of hospital
It started in October of 2007. Patient Gayle Keeny was in the hospital with pneumonia and trying to walk to recover. While walking in a hallway she noticed a large blank wall. Keeny, being a member of the Sanders County Arts Council (SCAC), thought to herself, why isn’t there art on the wall. Within two weeks, she and another Council member worked with the hospital to start the first art show on the wall.
Relay for Life continues prep
THOMPSON FALLS – Sanders County Relay for Life is already prepping for the organization’s big summer event in Sanders County.
Wolf Patrol
From left to right Clarence Gilmer II, Rod Coronado and Matt Almonte of Wolf Patrol plan out their day over the weekend outside of Trout Creek.
Activists monitor wolf hunt in Trout Creek
TROUT CREEK – The organizers of a wolf trapping event may not have been aware but they were being monitored over the weekend as approximately ten animal rights activists descended upon the area in an attempt to keep an eye on the proceedings.
St. Regis superfan honored
Nadine Worley was honored for her loyalty to the St. Regis Tigers at a game last weekend. Worley, who graduated from St. Regis High School in 1948 received recognition from the Montana High School Association.
Wednesday, January 21
Savage Horsemen take fifth
CHOTEAU – The Savage Horsemen wrestling team had a big weekend and came away from the tough Choteau Invitational Tournament with a top finish in the competition.
Horsemen
Sophomore guard Aaron VonHeeder delivers the basketball to an open teammate during last week's win against Ronan.
Horsemen battle competition
PLAINS – The Horsemen earned a hard fought home win last week against the Ronan Chiefs.
Bluehawks
Tanner Laws, is fouled during the last seconds of the team's fourth quarter game against Bigfork.
Bluehawks fight to the end
Thursday nights game between the Thompson Falls Bluehawks and the Big Fork Vikings game started off slow for Thompson Falls and continued until the fourth quarter. When it looked like the game was going to finish with the Vikings defeating the Bluehawks with a huge point lead, the Hawks dug deep down and gave the Vikings a run for their money.
Obituary; James Earnest Stoneback
James Earnest Stoneback, 77, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2015 in Hayden, Idaho. Private family services will be held on Sunday, January 18, 2015.
Savage Heat
Nate Gray, of the Hot Springs Savage Heat heads towards the basket against St. Regis last week.
Savage Heat continue to impress
CHARLO – The Hot Springs Savage Heat rolled to their seventh win over the weekend, besting the Charlo Vikings on the road.
Trotters have big week
LIBBY – The Plains Trotters continue to hit their stride as two wins last week improved the team’s record to 8-2.
Guilty verdict handed down in trial
MINERAL COUNTY – A resident of Thompson Falls in Sanders County was convicted last week of the abuse and exploitation of an elder in Mineral County after a four day jury trial.
Activists monitor wolf hunt in Trout Creek
David Martin scans along road ways and snow embankments for signs of wolves during the group's first day of patrolling last weekend.
Friday, January 16
Revised compact deserves support of legislature
By Scott Reichner
Event draws opposition
What type of people delight in the torture and killing of other creatures? And why do we allow these people access to our lands to maim and murder our wildlife? These animals belong to all of us, so why do a select few – for a nominal fee – get to slaughter them and profit off of it?
Insuring the energy future of the family farm
One of the hardest parts of ranching or farming a multi-generational agricultural entity is the constant knawing sensation that a perfect storm of weather problems and low livestock or crop prices may stress the operation to the point that the bank won’t even offer an operating loan. Rural Montanans know that feeling or know someone who does.
Congress cuts conservation
By Traci Bruckner, tracib@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs
An update from Senator Fielder
Just like farmers, we reap what we sow. This age-old “law of the harvest” never changes.
Study addresses Paradise School's future
A number of coordinated studies are now underway to explore various scenarios for preserving and repurposing the Paradise Elementary School. The century-old, red brick structure and adjoining gym closed in 2013 due to insufficient enrollment. The school trustees have until June 2016 to decide on the building’s future.
Senior Night
The Savage Horsemen wrestling team honored their seniors last week during a quad meet against Arlee, Bigfork, Superior and Noxon. The seniors for the 2015 Plains-Hot Springs wrestling team are Anthony Byrns, Dusten Henning and Russell Kujala.
Thursday, January 15
Mineral County BPA groups head to Missoula
MINERAL COUNTY – The next generation of business tycoon headed to Missoula this week to put their skills to the test against teams from across the region during the annual regional Business Professionals of America competition.
County educators evaluated
MINERAL COUNTY – Teachers across the state of Montana and in Mineral County will be evaluated for educational proficiency using a new system this school year and one local administrator said the new system should compliment past methods for judging how educators perform.
Little guys shoot hoops
During halftime at a basketball game in St. Regis, youngsters get a chance to show off theirs skills to the crowd.
Wednesday, January 14
Trotters
Hailey Phillips of the Plains Trotters shoots against the Hot Springs Savage Heat.
Trotters win big
The match between the Plains Trotters and the Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat Friday night was a night of both celebration and defeat. The final score was Plains with 57, Hot Springs with 17.
Red Devils face tough competition
NOXON – The Noxon Red Devils competed against area teams last week.
Obituary; Myranda DeWinter Kuhl
Myranda DeWinter Kuhl, age 19, of Superior, Montana, died in the early hours of January 13th, 2015, at University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado with her family by her side.
Lady Hawks
Logan Beckman of the Thompson Falls Lady Hawks shoots against the Plains Trotters in Thursday night's game.
Game decided in fourth quarter
The game between the Plains Trotters and Thompson Falls Lady Hawks was a close match throughout the night. Eventually, in the fourth quarter the two teams were neck and neck, but a few key plays allowed the Trotters to pull ahead.
Bluehawks win
Thursday’s night game between the Plains Horsemen and the Thomson Falls Blue hawks quickly became a one-sided match, with Thompson Falls taking the lead and holding it throughout the night.
Horsemen fight to get back on track
Plains finally got back on the winning track Friday night after a series of losses. The game, Plains Horsemen vs. Hot Springs Savage Heat, was a very physical game that left both teams exhausted.
Noxon wins on the road
HOT SPRINGS – The Noxon Lady Red Devils earned their first win of the season on the road last weekend, earning a 39-16 road victory against the Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat.
Bluehawks Wrestling
Austin Cooper and the Thompson Falls Bluehawks had a big weekend taking first place in the Ted Kato Invitational.
Wrestlers battle at tournament
THOMPSON FALLS – Sanders County wrestlers wrestled well over the weekend earning top spots for their teams at the Ted Kato Invitational in Thompson Falls.
"Blackbeard the Pirate"
Sam Ricci applies makeup to Jessica Land, who was a sailor in "Blackbeard the Pirate," which was performed at Trout Creek School last Friday. The Missoula Children's Theater directed the play.
Theatre visits Trout Creek
Put together in just four days, an entire, hour-long musical was put on in the gymnasium of the Trout Creek school, Friday night. The Missoula Children’s Theater led the school in the production of, “Blackbeard the Pirate,” an adaptation of the children’s story. Auditions for parts were held Tuesday, and by Friday night parents and residents were given the treat of a complete, full length theater production.
Bull Trout Redd Counts
The 2014 count in the lower Clark Fork River and its tributaries was 95 bull trout redds. This total is very similar to the annual average observed during the last decade.
Tuesday, January 13
Lookout Pass
Superior students receive lessons last week on the slopes of Lookout Pass.
Superior students hit the slopes
LOOKOUT PASS - Over a thirty day period, Superior Elementary fifth and sixth grade had an opportunity to sell raffle tickets for a ski trip to Lookout Pass on the Idaho/Montana border.
Mineral County Basketball
Pilar Field drives to the basket during a game earlier in the season.
Mineral County teams see more action
MINERAL COUNTY – Mineral county boys’ and girls’ basketball teams were busy last week, mostly on the road.
New and familiar faces sworn in
Mineral County Commissioner Laurie Johnston, right, swears in the new MCSO Sheriff Tom Bauer at the beginning of the year.
Utility coming to Superior
SUPERIOR – An idea over a decade in the making is finally coming to fruition in Mineral County after federal grant money was allocated last week to providing a type of power source it is hoped will entice businesses to make the county their future home.
Friday, January 9
Lady Savage Heat
Junior Jewel Huntsman moves the basketball up the court during Hot Springs game against Seeley-Swan last weekend.
Commissioners decide on canine question
MINERAL COUNTY – Mineral County commissioners recently made a decision about an issue that has lingered for several months regarding employees who work in the emergency dispatch center and whether they are allowed to have canine companions with them while they work.
Letter to the Editor
The ‘Varmint Derby’ which was quickly renamed the ‘Great Montana Coyote and Wolf Hunt’ is coming to Sanders County this month. Originally this event was going to be hosted at the Lakeside Resort in Trout Creek, with support of the ‘Sportsmen of Sanders County’ (whoever they are).
An update from Senator Fielder
What do you suppose would happen if each of us did more instead of expecting someone else to do all the good things that need to be done? What if we each did all we can do to help ourselves and help others? Charity would become contagious, popular, and ironically, maybe even less necessary. To those of you who already give instead of take, encourage instead of criticize, or even smile instead of scowl, thank you! These are shining examples of the kinds of Faith, Hope, and Charity we need more of year round. Charity isn’t just about money. It’s a form of love through selfless giving of time, kindness, or resources.
Lantern Launch
RuBea Privett watches as a lantern takes flight on New Year's Eve during the Cancer Network of Sanders County's annual launch event at the fairgrounds.
Lanterns launch on New Year's Eve
PLAINS – On New Year’s Eve the Sanders County Fairgrounds were filled with light as the Cancer Network of Sanders County hosted the Fourth Annual Lantern Launch last Wednesday evening.
Polar Bear Plunge
Boys from the Wolf Creek Academy participated in the Clark Fork Running Club's 5K, 2K races and the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day.
Taking the plunge
THOMPSON FALLS-Tens of runners awoke Thursday morning to pit themselves against single digit numbers in a frigid race and polar bear plunge, despite the night before everyone was staying up late and celebrating the coming of 2015.
Thursday, January 8
Lantern Launch
Christian Tidd gets ready to launch a lantern during the Cancer Network of Sanders County's annual New Year's Eve Lantern Launch.
County officials sworn in
County officials were sworn in at the Sanders County Court House in Thompson Falls last weekend.
Wednesday, January 7
Horsemen
Kyle Revier shoots a fade away against the Loyola Sacred Heart Rams Friday night.
Plains Horsemen fight until the very end
Friday night’s Horsemen basketball game against the Loyola Sacred Heart Rams was a fight to the end, but some fundamentals of basketball were missed, which lead to an increasing gap in points throughout the night.
Trotters
Hailey Phillips, drives the lane against the Loyola Sacred Heart Breakers during the Friday night game.
Plains Trotters make a valiant fight
The Plains Trotters vs. Loyola Sacred Heart Breakers game got off to a slow start Friday night. Not until Sami Kinzie, made the first shot at 4:36 minutes left in the first quarter.
TFalls boys off and running in 2015
SUPERIOR – The Thompson Falls Bluehawks went on the road to battle the Superior Bobcats last Saturday.
Savage Heat roll through weekend
HOT SPRINGS – The Savage Heat improved to 4-2 on the year after a big home win over the Seeley-Swan Blackhawks.
Noxon plays Charlo
NOXON – The Noxon Red Devils hosted the Charlo Vikings over the weekend as the team continued their basketball season after the holiday break.
Savage Horsemen compete in Ronan Duals
RONAN – The Savage Horsemen wrestled their way through the Ronan duals last weekend, as the team resumed their season following their holiday break.
Superior stays with the competition
SUPERIOR – The Superior Bobcats hosted the Thompson Falls Bluehawks last Saturday as the winter basketball season moved into 2015.
Alberton competes on the road
LINCOLN – The Alberton Panthers traveled to Lincoln over the weekend to face off against the Lynx in their first game of 2015.
Obituary; Alice Louise Wrightsman
Alice Louise Wrightsman 89, as good of a wife, mother, and human being as ever graced this earth, passed away on December 9th, at the Hot Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center in Hot Springs, Montana. Born on March 2, 1925 to John and Nora (Stroup) Landis, in Shelby, Ohio, she graduated from Shelby High School in 1943.
Mineral Community Hospital looks to the future
SUPERIOR – The new chief executive officer at Mineral Community Hospital may have only been on the job for a few months but he and the rest of the staff are already well into reshaping the facility on numerous fronts.
Holidays come to a close in Mineral County
From left to right; Jim Tisdale, Michael Stepan and Gary Woodson play music inside Castles grocery store in Superior in the days leading up to the Christmas holiday.
Friday, January 2
Message of gratitude
I would like to send home a sincere message of gratitude to the ladies of the Horse Plains V.F.W. Auxiliary for the thoughtful care package that I received in the mail this Christmas. I have received several of these packages over the years and each one is a meaningful reminder that the great folks back home are thinking of us during the holidays. Thank you all for your loyal support to Soldiers!
Preparedness begins at home, and results in stronger communities
By Sharon Loper
CSKT Compact creates water market
CSKT COMPACT CREATES WATER MARKET
Letter to the editor
Recently, an editorial declared a compromise should be sought by the incoming Montana legislature over Medicaid funding stating that during the previous 2013 session the “matter was tarried back claiming long term obligations for supporting the program were unknown.” This measure certainly appeared to be a sound and responsible decision to me.
A look back
Tanner Ovitt gets ready to lasso another calf at the Holland branding. The branding took place on Saturday, April 26 at the Holland Ranch.
2014 in Sanders County
Jan. 8, 2014
Year in Review
Celebrating Independence Day: Fireworks burst above the Sanders County Fairgrounds on Friday, July 4 as the town partook in their annual fireworks display.