Friday, July 31
National Forests in danger
U.S. Senator Steve Daines
Lessons to be learned
Reconnecting with our strengths
Thanking a local business
How to begin to thank Ordelheide Dental? I have lived here for 3 years, moving from the stress of Seattle working with 44,000 people at Boeing to some culture shock. I am learning that this small town living, is what life is supposed to be! I moved here to marry my husband (Buddy), and be welcomed by the most wonderful in-laws anyone could ever ask for (Pat and Ed Farmer). I left my family behind to have that faith and family embrace me. Within 2 years my sister, her husband and 3 kids moved out here and my parents will retire out here in just a few weeks. Us “large town” newbies are starting to learn what town fellowship really mean. The owners and staff of Ordelheide Dental have today proven to me what community is all about. They opened their doors to the town of Plains for much needed free dental help. Yes our town may be small, but it is mighty and coming together like this with the help of the Womens Club made today a memory to hold forever! It’s hard to find work out here, and even harder to find benefits, so when a business a true family business can give so much knowing the struggles we have, goes above and beyond and has made this the most memorable experience not only for me, but my family as well. Thank you Ordelheide Dentist for making a believer in me and bringing so much pride to our community.
Regarding safe and accurate food labeling
Dear Mr. Zinke,
Preparations begin for Sanders County Fair
PLAINS - The preparations have begun for the Sanders County 2015 Fair, which will be held from Thursday, September 3rd through Sunday, September 6th.
Dentistry from the heart
Volunteers helped patients throughout the day at last Friday's free day of dental care put on by Ordelheide Dental in Plains.
Ordelheide Dental hosts day of care in Plains
PLAINS – Ordelheide Dental in Plains took time last week to give back to the community, hosting a free dental care day at their office in town last Friday.
Artists in Paradise
Barbara Mullins works on a ceramic bear at last week's art show in Paradise.
Paradise School becomes artist gallery
PARADISE - The Paradise multipurpose room, and part of the first floor of the school, was packed with attendees at the 2nd annual Artists in Paradise Show, held last Thursday through Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Task force battles Eurasian Watermilfoil
THOMPSON FALLS – The Sanders County Aquatic Invasive Plant Task Force came together for their monthly meeting at the Sanders County Court House last week.
Plains athletes take second at Polson tournament
The Long Shots, (from left to right) Kimberly Earhart, Ryan Ovitt, Carley VonHeeder and Aaren VonHeeder pose for a photo at the 3 on 3 tournament in Polson.
Thursday, July 30
Historical site in Mineral County to be repaired
MINERAL COUNTY – A historical site in Mineral County is getting some protection from the elements soon after it was discovered the roof of the Louisville/Cinker jailhouse built in 1869 had collapsed.
Senator's representative meets with county commissioners
SUPERIOR – A representative from the office of U.S. Senator Steve Daines met with Mineral County commissioners last week to hear some of their concerns regarding issues within the county.
Mineral County 4-H members build new facility
A bird's eye view of the 4-H booth under construction at the county fairgrounds in Superior.
Wednesday, July 29
Obituary; John Andrew Gagnon
John Andrew Gagnon, 77, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2015 at his home in Columbia Falls, after a long battle with Cancer.
Local cowboy travels for big competition
TROUT CREEK - Local cowboy, Jason Helvey, traveled to Nampa, Idaho this weekend to compete in the, Extreme Mustang Makeover.
Tri-State Tournament
Zane Carter (left) and TJ Carter (right) hold up two of their fish at the Tri-State Tournament last weekend.
Tri-State Tournament held in Trout Creek
TROUT CREEK - Over the weekend the Annual Tri-State Tournament took place in Trout Creek.
Thompson Falls trail project receives substantial RTP grant
THOMPSON FALLS – Montana State Parks recently announced grants to various community projects through its annual Recreational Trails Program.
Hot Springs jams through the weekend
Peter Barberio (left), Jordan Demander (center) and Paul Philips (right) of the band Zeppo, open the group's set during the Hot Springs Blues Festival at the Symes Hotel in Hot Springs last Saturday.
Tuesday, July 28
Obituary; Mary Mellen
Mary Mellen of Superior MT passed away July 1,2015 at the family home.
Obituary; Walter L. Robb Jr.
Walter L. Robb Jr.
Obituary; Michael James Worrall
St. Regis – Michael James Worrall, 66, passed away July 7, 2015 at his home in St. Regis with his wife and kids there for him.
Obituary; Tamara Ann Parenteau
Tamara Ann Parenteau, age 56, of Glendive, Montana, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2015 due to a tragic car accident. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date and will be announced when completed. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Stage 1 fire restrictions remain
MINERAL COUNTY - Despite some precipitation last week, the fire danger level in Mineral County remains very high and stage 1 fire restrictions remain in effect until further notice.
Preparations underway for Mineral County Fair
Emma Hill looks on as construction of the 4-H booth takes place last weekend at the Mineral County Fairgrounds.
Saturday, July 25
Shift in legal authority of government
Observations and Analysis of Shifts in Government:
Is this how we honor our military?
I have witnessed a despicable attitude by a Commander In Chief as a result of the murder of 5 American servicemen who were on duty unarmed at a training base in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The solution that this ‘woodstock’ generation came up with is an even greater insult. They say ‘Do not dress in uniform as this will insult someone, somewhere, some place at any time.
Montana's infrastructure and economy linked
MONTANA VIEWPOINT©
County RAC accepting applications for new members
SANDERS COUNTY – The Sanders County Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) is accepting applications for new members to serve on the volunteer committee.
Free dental care day in Plains
PLAINS – This week Ordelheide Dental will be hosting a free dental care event at the company’s office in Plains.
Artists in Paradise comes to town
PARADISE – Later this week local artists and their works will fill the Paradise Elementary School.
Dark Horse
Bridger Clinkenbeard sits and watches the band, Dark Horse, play classic rock and country music for the Court Appointed Special Advocates barbecue last weekend.
Plains Pool Park becomes site of community event
PLAINS - For the first time ever in Sanders County, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) held a special barbecue Saturday evening at the Plains Pool Park to raise money for the program.
Fire danger lowered but dry conditions remain
MINERAL COUNTY - Authorities lowered the fire danger in Mineral County to very high after some precipitation fell on the region early last week but cautioned that dry conditions persist in wooded areas and the public should still exercise caution.
National Bison Range
A bison enjoys the last rays of evening sunshine last week.
Thursday, July 23
Obituary; George Ellis McEachran
George Ellis McEachran, 83, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at his home.
Obituary; Lorene (Lori) McCoy
It is with a very heavy heart we formally announce Lorene (Lori) McCoy’s passing on January 3, 2015. She was surrounded by her family at Shoshone Medical Center in Kellogg, Idaho, where cancer finally won the hard fought battle.
Isabelle Washburn
Isabelle Washburn has been volunteering at the historic Savenac Nursery near Haugan for the last 20 years.
Two decades at Savenac
HAUGAN – For the past twenty years, the historic Savenac Nursery near Haugan has welcomed volunteers who come to the facility for one week in the summer to help maintain a place that was instrumental in rebuilding forests in the area after the devastating fire of 1910 swept through the region destroying nearly everything in its path.
Railroad Day
Face painting was one of the popular activities at the annual Railroad Day celebration in Alberton last weekend.
Alberton celebrates railroad heritage
ALBERTON - The community of Alberton celebrated the 30th annual Railroad Day last weekend and one of the organizers said it was the best edition of the event in its history.
Small fire extinguished near St. Regis
Firefighters quickly extinguished a small blaze near St. Regis last week. There was little damage from the blaze.
Wednesday, July 22
Cool Summer Nights
Jack Shiplett prepares his 1929 Ford for the road following the Cool Summer Nights car show in Trout Creek. Shiplett made the trip to the car show from Idaho.
Cool Summer Nights car show rolls through Trout Creek
TROUT CREEK – Last weekend Trout Creek was full of vintage automobiles as the Cool Summer Nights car show was held on the shores of the Noxon Reservoir at the Lakeside Motel.
Sanders County in drought region
SANDERS COUNTY – Several counties in western Montana were designated as natural disaster areas last week as the region continues to experience drought following a mild winter with low snowpack and an early summer without much precipitation.
Annual Chicken Jamboree Held
Jayden Anderson plays during last weekend's chicken jamboree in Thompson Falls.
Tuesday, July 21
Fire danger lowered but dry conditions remain
MINERAL COUNTY - Authorities lowered the fire danger in Mineral County to very high after some precipitation fell on the region early last week but cautioned that dry conditions persist in wooded areas and the public should still exercise caution.
Annual softball tournament held in Superior
Runners attempt to advance on an infield hit during a game in Superior.
Friday, July 17
Interesting presidential election ahead
By Lee H. Hamilton
Who is responsible for military interventions?
State of the Nation
No greater community service
Wow! This TV interview hit my hot button. The guest was Lisa Miller, PhD, Professor of Psychology at Teachers College Columbia University. Prof. Miller is the author of “The Spiritual Child. The New Science of Parenting for Health and Lifelong Thriving.”
Legislature catches Bullock's billion dollar error
Legislature catches Bullock’s billion dollar error
Animal Wonders Incorporated
Augusto Castaneda holds a golden tegu for students to pet during the outreach zoo's visit to Trout Creek.
Outreach zoo visits Trout Creek
TROUT CREEK - As a part of the Trout Creek School’s after school summer program, the participating students have had a summer full of animal adventures.
Thompson Falls Dam
NorthWestern President and CEO Robert C. Rowe welcomed attendees to the Thompson Falls Dam's centennial celebration last Friday at the power park.
Thompson Falls celebrates centennial event
THOMPSON FALLS – Since the summer of 1915 the Thompson Falls Dam has been generating hydroelectric power on the Clark Fork River in Sanders County.
Hot Springs receives water bids
HOT SPRINGS – The town of Hot Springs received bids on the community’s upcoming water project last week at the town hall.
Fish ladder sees record numbers
The fish ladder at the Thompson Falls Dam has transported a record number of fish including trout, bass and pike this year.
Thursday, July 16
Obituary; Wanda Sverdsten Rickett
Wanda Sverdsten Rickett died June 24th 2015 of natural causes in Coeur d Alene, ID.
Lightning strikes result in multiple small fires over the weekend
Volunteers from the West End monitor one of the five reported fires last weekend in Mineral County.
Wednesday, July 15
Obituary; Douglas D. Copley
Plains, MT: Douglas D. Copley of Hot Springs, MT passed away July 4, 2015 due to complications of Pancreatic-Liver Cancer at the age of 70. Doug was born June 7, 1945 to Leo and Hazel Copley of Sandpoint, Idaho. Graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1963 and joined the U.S. NAVY. He was stationed in Long Beach, CA and Norfolk, VA on the USS America, CVA 66 and moved to Missoula, MT after the service. In 1969 he moved to Denver where he completed the Harry C. Longs school of bartending and began a career of mostly working in the food and beverage business for over 35 years in 10 states. In 1972 Doug returned to Sandpoint and worked in many of the local establishments such as the Edgewater Lodge, Mitzys, the Elk’s Lodge, Green Gables, the Cowgirl Corral, Bert’s Place and the 219 Lounge. He also bartended in North Dakota, Utah, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Montana, Nevada and Minnesota. Doug enjoyed downhill skiing and mountain biking and making crafts out of driftwood. He spent 5 years working at the Symes Hotel in Hot Springs, MT until his cancer diagnosis in 2013. He is survived by his daughter, Allison and granddaughter Maya of Eugene, OR. Brothers Harry Copley of Anaconda, MT. and Larry Copley of Bonners Ferry, ID. and Dennis Copley of Boise, ID. Sister Linda Hayes of Bonners Ferry, ID. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences can be left at Sunsethillsfuneralhomes.com. Sunset Hills Funeral Home in Plains, MT are entrusted with the arrangements.
Community Project
Members of the Thompson Falls Woman's Club pass on a check to members of the Sanders County Coalition for Families last week.
Thompson Falls Woman's Club helps out
THOMPSON FALLS - Friday morning at 10:30am, a generous gift was donated to the Sanders County Coalition for Families (SCCFF).
New CT scanner at CFVH
PLAINS - Thursday afternoon the staff at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital celebrated a new member of the facility with an open house reception. The new member: a new General Electric Optima CT660.
Chamber meets in Hot Springs
HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce came together for their July meeting last weekend on Main Street.
Fish Ladder
A trout gets some assistance as it moves through the fish ladder at the Thompson Falls Dam. The fish ladder has seen record usage this year.
Quarterly wildlife meeting held
THOMPSON FALLS – County commissioners and regional wildlife experts assembled for their quarterly wildlife meeting last week at the county courthouse.
Crews battle forest fire near Graves Creek
SANDERS COUNTY – On the evening of Monday, July 6 a suspected human-caused fire started above Graves Creek near the base of Cougar Peak in Sanders County near Thompson Falls and Forest Service firefighters from Mineral County were on hand to help deal with the sitaution.
Piranhas take bite out of competition
Grace Gamboa competes in the 100-meter butterfly event at the Plains swim meet. Gamboa took third in the event with a time of 2:28.46.
Tuesday, July 14
Railroad Day coming to Alberton
ALBERTON - The event known as Railroad Day is set to kick off in Alberton this weekend and not only will the community be celebrating its rich, railroad heritage, it will also be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the occasion.
Aerial attack crews called in due to steep and rugged terrain
A small fire on top of a ridge near Interstate 90 south of DeBorgia took several hours and multiple retardant drops to contain over the weekend.
Friday, July 10
Stance against WOTUS
Senator Tester needs to take stand against WOTUS
Grassroots politics
Do you ever get so frustrated with an ongoing situation that you give up trying to resolve it? Such a national frustration is being called to attention with great clarity and interest in America as we speak. This involves Sen. Bernie Sanders campaigning for president on the Democratic ticket. On July 1, Sen. Sanders drew 10,000 people into the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Madison, Wisconsin. This was the largest crowd drawn by any candidate in 2015.
Montana must seek independence from CSKT
Montanans Must Seek Independence from CSKT Water Compact
Eddy Mountain Lookout
Craig Phillips watches out of the Eddy Mountain lookout tower for possible wild land fires last week.
The fire watch begins
SANDERS COUNTY - From down below in the valley, as you drive along Highway 200 heading from Plains to Thompson Falls, if you stop along side the road you may be able to peer up to the top of Eddy Mountain and see a tiny glimmer of light. At approximately 7,000 feet there sits a small tower. Looking out across the valleys and mountains is a man whose job it is to watch for damaging fires.
Thompson Falls State Park
Region One Park Manager Dave Landstrom explains the planned improvements to the Thompson Falls State Park's fish pond following the ribbon cutting ceremony last week.
Ribbon cutting held at state park
THOMPSON FALLS – Montana State Parks hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony held at Thompson Falls State Park last week to honor the permanent easement purchase at the park.
Piranhas take on competition
Grace Horton of the Piranhas swim team nears the finish line during the 50-meter breaststroke competition at last weekend's Plains Invitational Swim Meet. Horton took second in the event with a time of 50.88. The Piranhas took fourth at the meet compiling 284 points.
Superior Fire Chief charged with child sex abuse
SUPERIOR – Superior resident and chief of the Superior Volunteer Fire Department Richard Miller made his initial appearance in court today at the Mineral County Courthouse on charges of sexual abuse of children and multiple counts of tampering with evidence.
Thursday, July 9
Big Sky Motel
Staff members of the Big Sky Motel in Superior display their certificates of excellence.
Local business receives award of excellence for third year in a row
SUPERIOR - One local business in Mineral County is celebrating three straight years of excellence after they were recognized recently by a well known travel website as one of the best in the business.
Fire danger at extreme
MINERAL COUNTY - As temperatures continue to hover around 100 degrees during Mineral County afternoons combined with the lack of precipitation over the last several weeks, authoroties decided last week to raise the fire danger level to extreme.
Annual Firecracker Classic Softball Tournament held in St. Regis
Softball players race for the ball during a game at the fields in St. Regis as part of the annual Firecracker Classic.
Wednesday, July 8
Obituary; Joseph Caligiuri
God gave us Joe Caligiuri on March 28, 1951 and on June 19, 2015 he called him home to ride in Heaven’s pack.(FTW and Ride it like you stole it.) An unfortunate sudden heart attack took our Shifty, Hippie, Biker friend from us all way to soon. That’s just the way it is, baby. Born to Peter Caligiuri and Alice Nahm Caligiuri, Joe was raised in Columbus, Ohio before serving a tour in Vietnam with the U.S. Army. Throughout his life, Joe was many things to many people - son, husband, father, brother, grandpa and friend/brother. And what we all knew was that underneath the long hair, great mustache and crazy tattoos, Joe had a heart of gold and enough love to go around. He was there when we needed him, armed with a big smile, a quick joke, and a helping hand to those in need. Joe was protective, generous, thoughtful, funny, caring, loving and well... a little crazy. A great carpenter, he was also a Meals on Wheels volunteer for twelve years. Preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Lars, and too many “great brothers”. He is survived by his wife Bernice, sons - Pete (Casey), Evan (Jenn), and Shane and three beautiful and amazing grandchildren - Kassidy (9), Shawn (8) and Emma (6) and “just waiting for the next one!” Survivors also include sisters - Gloria (Bob) and Terie and brothers Gary (Park Ranger), Johnie (Belinda), Dominic, Mike and Vincent and of course, mother-in-law Viola and many nieces and nephews. We’re going to miss you, Joe. Honey, I will love you forever, miss you until we meet again, and there will never be anyone twenty four-seven like you. See you on the other side. What a sucker for animals, just don’t push it! While Vinnie and Dyna are kind of blue, I know that Paulie and Angel were there to meet you. A memorial will follow at a later date - likely September. Memorial ride details...later. Sorry for any miscommunication on the viewing and advertising. 10 - 4... Over and Out.
Piranhas
Danika Whitcomb pushes off the wall during the 100-meter backstroke competition at last weekend's swim meet.
Piranhas swim at home meet
PLAINS – Swimmers crashed through the water and churned out laps during the annual Plains Invitational Swim Meet over the Fourth of July weekend at the EL Johnson Memorial Pool Park.
Basketball Camp of Champions
This year's basketball camp at Plains High School was hosted by a group of alumni including Royce Johnston and Andy Swanson.
Plains alumni return to teach basketball camp
PLAINS - Monday through Wednesday of last week the Plains High School (PHS) gymnasium was filled with the sounds of dozens of basketballs being dribbled and shot. Starting at 9:00am and finishing at 11:30am, first graders through seventh graders participated in the 2015 Basketball Camp of Champions. From noon to 3:00pm grades eighth through twelfth participated in the camp.
Grasshoppers infest area
HOT SPRINGS- Lake and Sanders counties are seeing one of the worst grasshopper problems in recent history.
Sanders County celebrates Fourth of July
Viewers watch fireworks at the Sanders County Fairgrounds in Plains last weekend.
Tuesday, July 7
Obituary; Shannon Lee Anderson
MISSOULA - Shannon Lee Anderson, 73, died due to natural causes, Friday, May 15, 2015, at the Riverside Nursing Home Missoula, MT
Stage 1 restrictions in effect
MINERAL COUNTY - According to information supplied by Superior Ranger District Fire Prevention Officer Jim Ward, stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in effect this week in Mineral County.
Mineral County celebrates Fourth of July
Fireworks show attendees kick back in their lawn chairs during the event at the community park in St. Regis last weekend.
Friday, July 3
Two Tales of Independence
By Senator Jennifer Fielder
CSKT compact still contingent
July 4th celebrations are a time for recalling the birth and exceptionalism of our great nation. The United States of America has remained a unique global experiment in government: political, social, economic, scientific, philosophical and legal. We have enjoyed, promoted and defended our human rights, freedoms, individualism and, especially, our private property. This 4th of July is particularly noteworthy, because it is the 240th year since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and the 800th year since signing the English Magna Carta.
Donald Safford
Donald Safford demonstrates the technique of flint knapping using a piece of man-made glass.
You're never too old to learn a new skill
HOT SPRINGS - You are never too old to learn something new, whether it is a craft, a new skill or perhaps a field of study and Donald Safford of Hot Springs has proven that to be true. At the age of 75, Safford not only has invested himself in the art of flint knapping, but also in the throwing of atlatl darts. All of this was done because of an interest in digging in dirt.
Carol Morden
Donna Mallery (left) gets a copy of Carol Morden's new book, "Dry Bones," signed by Morden (right).
A new author holds a special book signing
PLAINS - Tuesday night a very special guest returned home to the Plains Public Library. From 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Carol Morden, a new writer on the scene, held a book signing in the seating area of the library. Her book is titled, Dry Bones. Morden, who once lived in Plains and has since left to greener pastures, returned to Plains for a son’s high school reunion and a family reunion. Along the way through Plains to her reunions, the library asked her to have a book signing in what she refers to as her first and most important library.
Sanders County Dog Training Club
Members of the Sanders County Dog Training Club were in Thompson Falls for the county wide yard saleing event last weekend.
Yard Sale held across county
SANDERS COUNTY – The annual Sanders County Yard Saleing Event brought treasure hunters to locations from Heron to Hot Springs last week.
New manager announced
PLAINS – The Sanders County Fair Board came together for their June meeting last week at the county fairgrounds in Plains.
A night under the big top in Thompson Falls
A trapeze artist performs during the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus last Wednesday.
Thursday, July 2
Commissioners' resolution declares Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Sanders County
SANDERS COUNTY – The Sanders County Board of Commissioners voted on Wednesday, July 1, to enact Stage 1 fire restrictions in Sanders County as of 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, July 2.
Patricia Gaston
Patricia Gaston holds up her certificate announcing her as a Presidential Merit Scholar.
Local scholar awarded scholarship
SUPERIOR – According to a report by the Institute for College Access and Success, nearly 70 percent of seniors graduating college in 2013 had an average debt of nearly $30,000. In Montana alone, 66 percent of graduating seniors will leave college with an average of nearly $28,000 in debt.
Relay For Life
Relay For Life participants walk the track at Superior High School last week to celebrate those who have survived cancer and remember those lost to the debilitating disease.
Event celebrates life in Mineral County
MINERAL COUNTY - Dozens of people gathered last week to take part in an annual event that celebrates the lives of those who have survived cancer and to remember those lost to the debilitating disease.
ATV enthusiasts ride for a good cause
The ATV ride in St. Regis was designed to raise money for a local cause. This year, the 'Wheelin for Healin' event raised $8,000 to be given to an individual in need in Mineral County to be determined at a later date.
Wednesday, July 1
Weekend fire at Tricon Timber causes damage
ST. REGIS - The Tricon Timber Mill in St. Regis was the site of a small fire on Sunday, June 28 that was quickly extinguished by firefighters with the St. Regis Volunteer Fire Department and other agencies.
Chamber of Commerce tournament held
Golfers celebrate at the Chamber of Commerce Tournament at the Trestle Creek Golf Course in St. Regis.
