Tuesday, March 31
Honor society returns to county school
SUPERIOR – For the last several years, the Superior High School has been without any National Honor’s Society members but all that changed this year as school administrators and staff along with students brought a chapter back to the facility.
I Love to Read Month
Jack Clevenger gets experience weaving during a medieval style fair last week in Alberton during "I love to Read Month."
Alberton schools celebrate reading
ALBERTON - Students, teachers and administrators at Alberton schools took time out of their busy schedules last week to celebrate an event that fosters an enjoyment of reading in young people.
Wildcats
MacKenzie Spence prepares for a shot during a tournament against Granite and Troy last weekend.
County tennis team braves the elements
SUPERIOR - The Superior/ Alberton Wildcat girl’s tennis team saw their first action of the season after the weather decided to cooperate and not rain them out last weekend.
Superior Bobcats
Bridger LaPierre kicks up a cloud of dirt as he lands in the pit during the long jump event last week.
County teams compete in first meet
SUPERIOR - All three Mineral County teams came together for the first meet of the season in Superior last week with Bobcats, Tigers and Panthers all vying for cross-county bragging rights.
Alberton celebrates prom 2015
Pictured from left to right: Jared Huff, Kierstan McConnell, Jonah Iverson, Devyn Dutt and Olivia Taylen. Huff was crowned prom king and Taylen was crowned prom queen.
Saturday, March 28
CSKT Water Compact
While it may be true that - and lawful for - a tribal member of the CSKT Corporation to serve as a Legislator in Montana, it is NOT true that the privilege of being a “Tribal Council Person” confers governmental authority or power over any NON-tribal matters, or NON-tribal lands or other resources. That is plain, simple logic.
Farmers have decisions to make
By Bruce Nelson
A thank you
I would like to thank Senator Jennifer Fielder of Thompson Falls for carrying an important privacy bill (Senate Bill 50) brought by my office.
Compact sets dangerous precedent for Montana
While there are many questions associated with the contentious and complex CSKT Water Compact, here are some known details:
Songstick Shop
Leslie Handell works on a bead project last weekend. It was her first double needle project during a class in Hot Springs.
Artist visits Hot Springs to teach classes
HOT SPRINGS - The Songstick shop in Hot Springs had a very special visitor Sunday afternoon. Rachel Bowers, a celebrated Native American beader, held the first part of a two class session on two needle style beading.
Albert Williams
Albert Williams and his accompanying pianist Dixie S. Hall, receive applause as they take the stage last Friday in Hot Springs.
Hot Springs High School student performs recital
HOT SPRINGS – Residents of Hot Springs had the opportunity to see a local student perform an opera recital last Friday evening.
Hot Springs holds meth meeting
HOT SPRINGS - Tuesday night marked the tenth meeting Hot Springs residents have had in the Public Library to start combating what they see as a prevalent meth/drug problem in the area.
School board moves forward with sale
PLAINS – The Plains School Board moved forward with the sale of the Wildhorse School property at last week’s meeting.
Kick Butts Day in Dixon
DIXON - Friday was, “Kick Butts Day,” at the Dixon Elementary School and it was a day was dedicated to giving tobacco the kick.
Little Guys Wrestling
Kort Craft of Plains escapes from a Frenchtown opponent during last weekend's wrestling tournament in Thompson Falls.
Thursday, March 26
John Pienciak
John Pienciak, right, walks down the hall of St. Regis High School with Superintendent Judy McKay.
St. Regis school maintenance engineer making a difference
ST. REGIS – As the students and staff at the St. Regis High School go about their daily tasks like taking tests, giving tests, studying for ACTs and SATs, worrying about who to take to prom and all the other things that happen on a daily basis at this school, it might be easy to take for granted the work of one man who arrives at the building before they even get to the bus stop or their parking spot.
Senator's representative visits Mineral County
SUPERIOR – A representative from Montana State Senator Jon Tester’s office was in Mineral County last week at the weekly commissioners meeting to listen to their concerns regarding a variety of issues.
Commissioners hope land transfer bill is revived
MINERAL COUNTY – Mineral County Commissioners expressed hope last week that a bill to study the transfer of some level of local control of a percentage of federally owned land could be revived by the Montana State Legislature.
Local BPA team excels at state competition
BILLINGS – The Superior High School Business Professionals of America team had the opportunity to showcase their talents two weeks ago at the state competition in Billings.
Hospital to hold meetings about levy
MINERAL COUNTY – A few have already been held but Mineral Community Hospital representatives plan to hold more meetings across Mineral County to make their case for a levy that will come up before voters during the next election.
St. Regis track teams prepare for season
Gibson Lowry of the St. Regis Tigers track and field team launches a shot put during practice.
Wednesday, March 25
Obituary; Jean Lapham
Jean Lapham, age 87, passed away of natural causes, March 17 at Clark Fork Retirement Home after a lifetime devoted to the Lord.
Obituary; Helen "Lenore" Kephart
Helen…Lenore as she liked to be called was born in Boulder, Colorado to Fred and Wilma Gardner. When Lenore was past 10 years old her mother and father were divorced. Wilma took Lenore to Los Angeles, California to live. Lenore went through school as a model student and graduated Venice High School in 1944. Lenore later married her sweetheart Edgar “Bruce” Kephart on January 28, 1945. Edgar liked to be called “Bruce” all his life! In the following eight years they lived in several states wherever there was work for Bruce. California, Oklahoma, Kansas and back to California. In this time four sons were born. David Bruce in 1946 in California, Jackie “Jack” Lee in 1948 in California, Larry Carl in Kansas in 1950, and last Donald George in Oklahoma in 1951. The family finally settled in Venice, California in 1953.
Obituary; Darlene Peggy Rummel
Remembering Darlene...On March 17th, 2015, “Mom”, Darlene Peggy Rummel, went home to be with the Lord while surrounded by her loving family. Mom passed away due to complications from heart disease and pneumonia.
TRACS
The band "OC DC," performs at TRACS ninth annual, "Pretty Darn Good Variety Show and Fundraiser."
Talent show brings in funds
THOMPSON FALLS - The Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS) hosted its 9th annual, “Pretty Darn Good Variety Show and Fundraiser,” in the Rex Theater in Thompson Falls last week. The show was held to raise funds to help supplement the funds needed for the upkeep of the only animal shelter in Sanders County which is also a no kill shelter.
Comfort in the face of adversity
THOMPSON FALLS - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, according to the ALS Association, “Is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to death.” This means that as the body’s muscles lose connection with the brain, the person with ALS will go through atrophy and eventually lose his or her muscles and eventually become paralyzed and die.
Dixon students take part in "Kick Butts Day"
Dixon students spend last Friday learning about the dangers of consuming tobacco products.
Tuesday, March 24
Superior Alberton co-op team
Lenaya Simpson prepares to lob the tennis ball back to her opponent during a recent practice at the courts near Superior High School.
Mineral County tennis teams hit the courts
MINERAL COUNTY - As athletes across the state prepare to throw javelins, shot puts and the discus in addition to training themselves to push their bodies further and faster than they ever imagined, the Superior Bobcats Track and Field team is preparing to host the first meet of the season.
Alberton couple locate victim
MISSOULA COUNTY – The Rausch family from Alberton only intended to spend the day cutting firewood just across the county line in Missoula County but what they came upon while driving home last Sunday, March 22 would change their course of action dramatically.
Superior celebrates Prom 2015
Superior prom king Craig Stortz and prom queen Mary Donnally have the first dance at the 2015 Superior celebration.
Friday, March 20
Invest in Montana, not Wall Street
By: Sen. Rick Ripley
Bills to combat benefit fraud
Combating benefit fraud frees up resources for those in need
Bills would help Montana's students
Jim Stipcich, president/CEO Student Assistance Foundation
Invest in Montana's rural school districts
We are writing today as leaders from across Montana’s rural school districts.
CSKT Compact
Passing Compact is the Fiscally Responsible Choice
Plains Patrol Officers
Dustin Curry completes the PT Test of the application for the position of Plains Patrol Officer last Saturday.
Recruits take physical tests
PLAINS - Saturday morning, as a cool wind blew over the Plains High School track, four applicants for the position of Plains Patrol Officer participated in a required PT test.
Alumni look to restore P Hill
PLAINS – A group of alumni from Plains High School are looking to renovate the P Hill and they need the community’s help to ensure the project is successful.
Obituary; John A. 'Jack' Brookins
“Jack” Brookins, 78, of Superior, died March 12, 2015 in his home surrounded by family.
Book program comes to Mineral County
MINERAL COUNTY – A new program in Mineral County plans to bring the joy of reading into the homes of children who might not otherwise might not be able to afford quality books and the source of the program is one some county residents might already be a fan of.
Superior resident killed in car crash
SOUTH DAKOTA - A Superior resident was killed in a car crash last week after his vehicle was struck by a garbage truck as he was apparently trying to execute a u-turn.
Business Professionals of America
The St. Regis BPA team poses for a photo after a successful competition last week in Billings.
County BPA teams compete
MINERAL COUNTY – The next generation of business magnates descended upon Billings last week to compete against opponents from across the state of Montana in a series of events designed to test their mettle under pressure.
Mineral Community Hospital
Connie Schoening gets a hug from Mike Stager after a raffle drawing at MCH last week.
A culture of compassion
SUPERIOR – Employees at the Mineral Community Hospital are used to helping patients with their medical needs but recently they had the opportunity to help one of their own who will soon be evaluated for a liver transplant.
Local church turns 100
SUPERIOR – A church in Mineral County is celebrating its centennial this year, just one year after the county held the same celebration.
Skier killed at Lookout Pass
MINERAL COUNTY – An Idaho skier was found dead of suspected blunt force trauma on the Montana side of the Lookout Pass Ski Resort last week after she was reported missing by family members.
A Creative Outlet
Bob Crowder shapes out a hatchet from a pattern welded rod. Crowder will use different types of metal to bring out designs in his work.
Wednesday, March 18
Obituary; Sally Elaine Marple (Stevenson)
Sally Elaine Marple (Stevenson), age 75, of Plains, MT, formerly of Cut Bank, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 6, 2015. She died peacefully surrounded by family and friends.
Obituary; Betty Irene DeLong
Betty Irene DeLong, 87, of Polson, passed away on March 6, 2015, surrounded by her family at St. Joseph’s Medical Center due to a stroke. Betty was born April 10, 1927 in Keystone, Idaho to Victor and Eleanor (Barker) Benson. She joined one sister and one brother.
STEAM
Jenna Freeman creates the outline for her faux stand glass art project.
Students mix art and science after school
TROUT CREEK - Once a week the after school students of Trout Creek School sit down after eating a snack and create artwork as part of a required Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) program, a nationwide movement to transform school curriculum to prepare students for the 21st century. This past Thursday, the oldest students, six in total, were allowed to create a special project, faux stained glass.
Parade
The Trotters ride down Railroad Avenue in a parade held prior to the school's pep rally.
Horsemen give Trotters a big send off to state tournament
PLAINS - Tuesday night, the Plains Trotters were treated to a very special Pep Rally, with dancing, singing, speeches and the chance to ride down Railroad Street in a small parade.
Wolf season closes
SANDERS COUNTY – The state’s hunting season for wolves came to a close last weekend in Sanders County, officially closing on Sunday, March 15.
State Tournament
Carley VonHeeder shoots over a Columbus defender Friday afternoon in loser out action at the girls' Class B state tournament in Great Falls. In 1987, her father, Derek VonHeeder competed in the same arena during the boys' state tournament for the Plains Horsemen.
A basketball tradition
GREAT FALLS – Last week the Plains Trotters were in Great Falls, competing in the State B Girls’ Basketball Tournament.
Track and Field
Athletes on the Plains Track and Field team got in some javelin practice during last week's practice.
Track and Field Team gets ready to go
PLAINS – The Plains Horsemen and Trotters track and field teams kept busy last week, prepping for the upcoming spring sports season.
State B Tournament
Sami Kinzie drives against Columbus defender Kayla Rouanne during loser out action at the Class B state tournament in Great Falls.
Plains Trotters fight in State Tournament
GREAT FALLS – The Plains Trotters traveled to Great Falls last week to take part in the State B Girls’ Basketball Tournament.
House destroyed in Paradise
A firefighter douses a two-story house in Paradise. The blaze occurred on Monday, March 9, there were no injuries.
Hot Springs looks to citizens for review
HOT SPRINGS – Last June the voters of Hot Springs voted through a local government review to examine the current process of governance used by the town’s local government.
Friday, March 13
A call to action
Dear Montanans,
Water compact continues to generate controversy
Dear Editor,
CSKT water compact
Editor,
Energy companies need to pay up
In Montana, we believe in fairness and a level playing field. But right now, oil and gas companies extracting Montana resources are not paying their fair share. From 2008 to 2014, these companies received a tax break of more than $126 million, costing local communities and the state critical revenue to meet infrastructure, social service, and public safety needs.
Bluebird birdhouse
Kyle Lawson works on assembling the top to his bluebird birdhouse.
Hot Springs students build birdhouses for Bluebirds
Hot Springs - Hot Springs Elementary’s fifth grade teacher, Bart Granlund, is leading his class on a noble cause to help one of Montana’s smallest creatures, the Mountain Bluebird.
Chamber meets in Hot Springs
HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce assembled for their March meeting last week, beginning their preparations for the busy months of the spring and summer season.
Missoula Children's Theatre
Megan Wiltshire of the Missoula Children's Theatre paints the face of Odin Max.
Start to finish in five days
It started on Monday and ended 7:00pm Friday night. The Hot Springs Elementary School with help from the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT), held tryouts, rehearsed and put on two performances, Friday at 2:30 and 7:00.
Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force Meets
THOMPSON FALLS – The Sanders County Aquatic Invasive Species Task Force met on Wednesday, Feb. 25, with a major point of emphasis placed on watercraft inspection stations.
Board moves to accept offer
PLAINS – The Plains School Board of Trustees came together for a special meeting last Friday, March 6, at Plains High School to discuss the future of a facility that had been a part of the district for over 70 years.
Dr. Seuss Day
Plains Elementary students play a game called, "Popcorn," in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday.
Thursday, March 12
Group works with landowners
MINERAL COUNTY – For more than 75 years, the Natural Resources Conservation Service has been helping private landowners develop and sustain natural resources on their land and the work continues to this day in Mineral County.
Breakfast program recognized as one of the best
ST. REGIS – The school breakfast program in St. Regis was recently recognized as one of the most effective in the state at providing an essential service to young people in the community.
Art students visit clinic
SUPERIOR – Students from the Superior High School were afforded the chance last week to hone their artistic skills at a clinic in Missoula that focused on ceramics.
Event kicks off the Relay for Life season
SUPERIOR – The Relay for Life season kicked off two weeks ago as an event to raise awareness about the cause and some important changes to the Mineral County relay was held in Superior.
Burn regulations released to public
MINERAL COUNTY – The Superior Ranger District recently released information regarding the annual open burning season and it includes what the public can and cannot do when it comes to burning.
Locks of Love
Carol Bidwell reacts after her ponytail was cut off last week at a local barber shop.
An act of love
SUPERIOR – Because of one Superior resident’s act of compassion last week, somewhere a child suffering from long-term hair loss due to a medical condition will receive a quality hair prosthetic.
Clean up to be completed
MINERAL COUNTY – As of last week, commuters traveling westbound on Interstate 90 in the west end of Mineral County were still dealing with the effects of a rock slide that temporarily shut down traffic flow nearly four weeks ago.
Annual dodgeball tournament held in Superior
Dodgeball players converge at the start of a game last week in Superior.
Wednesday, March 11
Obituary; Beverly Anne (Stutchman) Trull
Beverly Anne (Stutchman) Trull died Friday, February 27, 2015 at Plains Hospital in the loving company of family. She was 85.
Trotters
Kayla Holmes and the Plains Trotters will conclude their 2014-15 campaign this week at the state basketball tournament in Great Falls.
Trotters gear up for State Tournament
PLAINS – With many athletes across the county preparing for the spring athletics season, the members of the Plains Trotters basketball team are still on the court, prepping for this week’s state tournament in Great Falls.
Hot Springs students assemble birdhouses for bluebirds
Ava Erny uses a scroll saw to cut a piece of wood used to hold a latch shut on a birdhouse.
Tuesday, March 10
Charges filed
SANDERS COUNTY – Charges against a Plains resident accused of embezzling from a local business owner were reinstated last week by Sanders County Attorney Robert Zimmerman according to information supplied by Plains Police Chief Shawn Emmett.
Fire in Paradise results in total loss
On Monday evening, a fire in Paradise completely engulfed a two-story structure and temporarily shut down Highway 200.
Friday, March 6
Read between the lines
Re your headline from last week: CSKT Compact Passage will prevent litigation
Rural America: It's complicated
By Brian Depew, briand@cfra.org, Center for Rural Affairs
Technology can help protect Montana children
By: Sen. Roger Webb
Against the CSKT water compact
By Elaine D. Willman, MPA
Camo Ball
Michael Bedick stands in line during the best tie contest at the ball.
First Annual "Camo Sweetheart Ball"
Trout Creek - Montana Woods N Water hosted the first annual “Camo Sweetheart Ball” Saturday, at the Lakeside Resort and Motel.
GFWC continues to raise funds
PLAINS - A very special guest gave the Women’s Club of Plains a very special visit Friday. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Montana (GFWC) President, Joyce Rogers, and the President-elect, Joyce Hooper, attended the club’s lunch meeting. Their purpose in attending was to introduce their special guest, Anne Loveless, the President’s Special Project Chairman: Heart Monitors.
Reading Month
From left to right, Principal Larry McDonal, Superintendent Thom Chisholm and Tyrel Allen participate in a blue jello, whip cream and Swedish Fish eating contest last week in the school's gymnasium.
Plains school celebrates reading
PLAINS - Wednesday, the Plains Elementary School celebrated the end of “Reading Month,” with games and rewards, which got the whole school rolling over with laughter.
MOSSE
Georgia Uski (left) talks to Matt Mattes, a MOSSE employee.
Hot Springs hosts neuroscience night
HOT SPRINGS - What is MOSSE? It stands for Montana spectrUM Science Experience. It is a traveling exhibition that is a run by the University of Montana, which hosts science programs for community schools in Montana. 75% of the schools which MOSSE visits are in rural communities.
Paradise School
Philip Maechling, a member of the consultant team assisting the Paradise Preservation Committee with the ongoing feasibility study, presents the building's floor plans at the workshop.
Ideas put forth in Paradise
PARADISE – The Paradise Elementary School was buzzing with activity last weekend as a community input session was held within the historic building.
Business association moves forward
PLAINS – The Plains Business Association, formerly the Plains Chamber of Commerce, opened up their first meeting of the year with a little brainstorming session.
Sanders County Spelling Bee
From left to right, Yvonne Baty, Sarah Detlaff and Ethan Brown, placed at the county spelling bee last week in Thompson Falls.
County still waiting on SRS
MINERAL COUNTY – Federal funding that Mineral County relies on for schools and for road maintenance, among other services, still has not been approved by Congress according to Mineral County Commissioners and they are worried about the future.
Thursday, March 5
Kylie Quick
Kylie Quick, a fourth grader fro Superior, was recently awarded third place in the annual Energy Share Art Contest.
Local artist takes third in state contest
SUPERIOR – A local artist was recognized last week after she finished tied for third place in a statewide art contest sponsored by an organization that works to educate the public about energy needs in the state of Montana.
Commissioners urge land management study
MINERAL COUNTY – Mineral County Commissioners passed a resolution at their weekly meeting last week urging state law makers to begin to study the feasibility of transferring control of federal land in the county to the state and possibly the county.
Chuck Seward
Chuck Seward points to CDs of artists he has recorded in his professional audio recording studio just outside Superior.
Music to the ears
SUPERIOR – Tucked away in an unassuming building in Mineral County on the property of Superior resident Chuck Seward is a facility that has helped to bring the talents of local musicians and singers to the attention of the masses.
MCH to ask public for help
MINERAL COUNTY – Representatives from the Mineral Community Hospital were given the green light last week by county commissioners to ask Mineral County voters for help in keeping the facility a part of the community.
Spelling Bee
Clara Davis and Alexea Kelsey were the winners of the Superior School Spelling Bee.
Wednesday, March 4
Obituary; Robin Lee Ovitt
Robin Lee Ovitt went to be with her Lord on Feb. 22, 2015, surrounded by her loving Family. She firmly believed she was going to a better place.
Horsemen
Junior Trent Brouillette of Plains moves past a Ronan defender during an early season game.
Marathon Matchup
KALISPELL – The Plains Horsemen closed out their season at the Western B Boys Divisional Tournament last weekend at Flathead High School in Kalispell.
Bluehawks
Tanner Laws moves through the Plains defense during a regular season game.
Bluehawks win in overtime
KALISPELL - The Thompson Falls Bluehawks won in double overtime against the Plains Horsemen Friday.
Trotters
Jade Ladeaux makes a jump shot during a game in January against Bigfork.
Trotters go to State Tournament
KALISPELL - Friday night, the Trotters went head to head with the Bigfork Vals. The first half of the game went to Bigfork with a 19 to 17 advantage, but the Trotters were close behind. In the second half of the game Big Fork charged ahead and finished with 43 points, Plains with 34. The game lasted well past 11:00pm in the Flathead High School gymnasium.
Lady Hawks go to OT
KALISPELL – The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks battled through the Western B Divisional Tournament in Kalispell last week.
Residents dress in camo for cause
Attendees of the first annual "Camo Sweetheart Ball," at the Lakeside Motel and Resort in Trout Creek, mingle before dinner.
Tuesday, March 3
Mineral County Spelling Bee
Taylor Haskins, left and Xavier Milton were the winners of the county spelling bee.
Lady Bobcats
Marissa Koke goes up for a layup during a game earlier in the season.
Superior teams end season on high note
BUTTE – Both Superior basketball teams made it to the divisional tournament in Butte last weekend making them the only representatives from Mineral County to get that far this year.
Major crime ring busted in Mineral County
MINERAL COUNTY – A crime ring in Mineral County responsible for numerous felonies including theft and illegal drug production is in the process of being dismantled thanks to the efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies including the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office.
