Ellington

Ian Farris from St. Regis wins county spelling bee

Ian Farris, an eighth-grader at St. Regis, won County Spelling Bee held at St. Regis school on Feb 24.

Student rapscallions and ne'er-do-wells roam school's hallways in hunt for books

Baylar Baughman, a second-grader, sports his pirate outfit during the “I Love to Read Month” celebration on Thursday at Alberton School.

Pirates love to read

Pirates Laraiah Conrad, Brogan Hatcher, Noah Miller and Dawson Gladden have fun with costumes they made as part of “I Love to Read Month” at Alberton School. See the story on A4. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral County Independent)

Decker Milender wins Superior spelling bee

On a cold, wet day in Superior, Montana, a spelling bee was about to begin. All of the 17 contestants were very nervous to start spelling in front of the whole school. The contestants consisted of fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-graders.

Odell wins Alberton spelling bee then earns second place in county competition

Photo courtesy Zelma Kromrey

Local physicians assistant earns national recognition

Frank Towsley was recently awarded a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Emergency Medicine. He is one of only six certified PAs in Montana to earn a CAQ. (Photos courtesy of MCH)

St. Regis team competes at the Academic World Quest

On Feb. 23, nearly 300 high school students from around the state competed at the 12th annual Academic WorldQuest competition organized by the Montana World Affairs Council.

County OKs big motor coach project

Superior residents might have some new neighbors rolling into town this summer with their RVs and top-of-the-line “motor coaches.”

Opposition expressed to resettlement of Syrians

A hearing in Ravalli County that drew nearly 500 people to discuss a proposed letter opposing the settlement of Syrian refugees hosted by the Ravalli County commissioners sparked discussion in Mineral County about a similar proposal.

Bluehawks take second at 7-B tournament

THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawks came in at second place after a loss against Bigfork with a final score of 37-50 in the District 7-B Tournament’s championship round.

Lady Hawks end season just short of District Tournament

Lady Savage Heat

Hot Springs: 39, Two Eagle: 46

Savage Heat 2

Savage Heat

Hot Springs boys take third during tournament

HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Savage Heat came in third place after defeating Charlo with a final score of 62-52.

New Building

Horsemen 2

Horsemen

Horsemen take second place at District Tournament

County prevention specialist says hello to community

Preparedness Day

First Preparedness Day hits far above expectations

PLAINS – Residents from Sanders and Mineral Counties gathered in Plains, Saturday, for a series of presentations during Emergency Preparedness Day.

Severe drought conditions continue in county

SANDERS COUNTY – According to recent water condition reports, Western Montana is still experiencing severe drought conditions.

Trotters Champions

Trotters named District 14-C Champions

PLAINS – After a close game, pushed into overtime, the Plains Trotters edged out Arlee’s Lady Scarletts to claim the championship during last week’s District 14-C tournament.

Donna L. Baker

PLains:  Donna L. Baker, 86 of Plains, died Sunday February 21, 2016.  Funeral Services will be Saturday February 27, 2016 at the Plains LDS Church at 11:00 AM.  Sunset Hills Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.

Spring's approach means greater bear awareness

SANDERS COUNTY – With February coming to an end, and warmer temperatures starting to arrive, wildlife will soon begin waking up from their winter hibernations and residents will need to take precautions.

Claire "Mac" McDougle

Hot Springs:  Claire “Mac” McDougle, 94, died Sunday February 14 at his residence in Hot Springs.  Private Services will be held at a later date.  Sunset Hills Funeral Home in Plains are handling the arrangements.

C. Benjamin Jones

Everett L. Young

Shirts Presentation

Hug

Ranney

Football

Sister

Blake

Biker and musician promote drug awareness and anti-bullying at Dixon School

DIXON – A guitarist and biker redefined what it meant to be cool in Dixon, Friday, during an anti-bullying, drug and alcohol awareness assembly through Bikers against Bullying.

Final Five

Participants

Rosli

Hot Springs students spell their way to victory

Chamber 2

Chamber

City plans outlined for Thompson Falls chamber

THOMPSON FALLS – Mayor Mark Sheets presented an update on the city’s upcoming water projects during the February meeting of the Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Environmentalist group has hands in the federal cookie jar

Mineral County Justice Court (Feb. 12-19, 2016)

Mineral County Justice Court (Feb. 12-19, 2016)

St. Regis Tigers end their season in Pablo tourney

14C districts were played last week in Pablo at the SKC Joe McDonald Gym, where the St. Regis Lady Tigers met Noxon in their first game on Thursday afternoon. The girls charged through the game neck-and-neck until the final buzzer, with Noxon taking a slim win over St. Regis, 43-40.

Clark Fork Mountain Cats lose their chance at divisionals

@Photo Cutline:Clark Fork Mountain Cat, Connor Voll, goes for a layup in their first round of games during districts last week against Seeley-Swan. Neither the boys or girls made it to the Western C Divisional in Hamilton later this week. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral Independent)

Local students attend Elevate conference in D.C.

Five students from Mineral County attended the annual Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America conference in Washington D.C. where they met with Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines, who support funding for the program, which is an anti-drug coalition for teens. (Photos courtesy of Chuck Sandeford. )

Students educating others about drug dangers

“Youth getting a voice in policy to fund and uphold prevention is vital to me,” said Taryn Ververis, when asked about his recent trip to Washington, D.C., as part of Elevate Montana.

Weyerhaeuser and Plum Creek complete merger

Plum Creek Timber and Weyerhaeuser consummated their merger on Friday, Feb. 19, according to a press release by Weyerhaeuser. The $8 billion deal was announced last November, but shareholders only approved it on Friday.

Band teachers: MSU alumni and old friends

Alberton music teacher Mike Wolfe plays bass for the pep band at a basketball game. His co-band leader, Superior’s music teacher Amber Winter, plays the clarinet to the right of Wolfe. (Kathleen Woodford/Mineral Independent)

Alberton residents raise new flag

:Alberton residents helped to raise a new flag last week. The old one was looking tattered from years of flying above the town’s Community Center. (Photo courtesy of Donna Bullock Perkins. )

Prescription drug abuse on the rise

Prescription drug overdose deaths are on the rise across the country, including in Montana, which ranks third in the nation for teen abuse of prescription pain relievers. Between 2011 and 2013, prescription drug overdoses were responsible for at least 369 deaths and more than 7,200 hospital inpatient admissions and emergency department cases, according to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Epidemiology and Scientific Support.

Trotters Driver Recognition

Savage Heat: 71, Tigers: 24

HOT SPRINGS – In their final game of the season, the Hot Springs Savage Heat came out on top against the St. Regis Tigers with a final score of 71-24.

Hot Springs: 31. St. Regis: 50

Hot Springs Board

Hot Springs School Board discuss drug use and student rewards

Sanders County wrestlers travel to Billings for state

CLASS B-C

Agency may transfer refuge to tribes

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has begun negotiating a possible transfer of the National Bison Range to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

TFalls Seniors

The seniors of the Thompson Falls Bluehawk and Lady Hawk basketball teams were recognized during their final home game of the regular season. Shey Hannum, Brooke Jacobs, Tanner Laws, Corey Tessier, Josh Wulfekuhle, Joe Lundberg, Trais Hoisington, Joe Fields, Max Birkholt and Tyler Riffle stand with their escorts at Friday’s game.

Lady Hawks close out season against Lady Dawgs

TFalls Senior Night

Thompson Falls takes on Whitefish on senior night

THOMPSON FALLS – In one of their final games of the season, the Thompson Falls Bluehawks claimed a victory against the Whitefish Bulldogs.

Intersection

A Chinese dragon circles around an intersection of Hot Springs during their Chinese New Year Parade.

Musicians

Musicians play drums and symbols during the procession of the Hot Springs Chinese New Year Celebration.

Dragon

Year of the Monkey comes to Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS – The Year of the Monkey and Chinese culture were celebrated in Hot Springs, Saturday, during the community’s annual Chinese New Year Celebration and community dinner.

Valentines Day

Valentines Day brings big business to area flower shops

Plains v Noxon

Plains Senior Night

Trotters overpower Noxon 55-35 on senior night

Trotters: 60, Lady Eagles: 34

Horsemen: 54, Two Eagle River: 20

PLAINS – In their final game of the regular season, the Horsemen claimed a decisive victory against the Two Eagle Eagles.

Noxon School Board negotiates with teachers, plans to replace doors

Horsemen Seniors

Horsemen defeat Noxon Red Devils 45-27

PLAINS – In Friday’s Senior Night home game, the Plains Horsemen defeated the Red Devils of Noxon with a final score of 45-27.

Hot Springs student perseveres to late graduation

Early gosling sightings a trend for populations in coming season?

SANDERS COUNTY – Warm temperatures have been coming to the area recently, leading to some distinctly spring-like conditions turning up earlier than expected; one of these has been reports of goslings in some areas.

Locals line up for colorful caramel apples

@Photo Credit:Photo by Stacy Conrow-Ververis

Local Emergency Planning Committee meets to discuss projects

The Mineral County Local Emergency Planning Committee held its monthly meeting on Feb. 11 in Superior. John Bennett with the Montana Highway Department updated the group on two projects that will start in March and last until October. Both will be located on I-90. The first project, called Tarkio East, will involve resurfacing the highway. This project will start east of Superior near Cedar Creek to about a mile west of Alberton.

Clark Fork Lady Cats win big over Eagles and Tigers

The Clark Fork Mountain Cats mirrored each other when they faced the Valley Christian Eagles in Missoula on Feb. 9. The boys lost to the Eagles 59-31, while the girls won, 57-26.

Clark Fork Lady Cats in big over Eagles and Tigers

Mountain Cat, Aaron Kelly defends against Darby player, Andy Smith in Thursday evenings game. Cats won and secured a third place seed in districts to be held in Hamilton next week.

Veterans frustrated over Choices Program

Duane Cunningham and Todd Dunlap with the Montana VA office, along with Chad Campbell, Regional Director with Senator Jon Tester’s office, listen to Mineral County veterans experiences with the Choice Program on Friday in Superior.

Veterans frustrated with Choices Program

The frustration in the room was palpable as Mineral County veterans expressed their concerns about the Veteran’s Choice Program, implemented in 2015. Representatives from Senator Jon Tester’s office were in Superior Friday to listen to what local vets had to say about the program. The vets, along with medical administrators, told stories of long wait times to get in contact with people to schedule appointments; their inability to get medical appointments scheduled and of bills not paid.

James L. Schreckendgust

On February 8, 2016, James L. Schreckendgust left this earth in search of a more heavenly place to harvest timber.

Clark Fork Mountain Cats head into districts with high hopes

Districts for 13C basketball will be held this week in Hamilton from Feb. 17 through Feb. 20. The Clark Fork Mountain Cats boys will go into the tournament in third place. They are tied with Philipsburg, who is the number two seed. Missoula’s Valley Christian will go into the tournament with one loss.

St. Regis first graders celebrate Valentine's Day

Mrs. Cheesman’s first grade class at St. Regis school shows a lot of heart with their glittery Valentine’s Day pictures. From left to right is Conner Lulis, Isaac Antos, Joseph Farris, Madison Downing, and Jessy Hostetler.

Alberton Principal Kyle Fisher gets a pie to the face

The crowd cheered as Kyle Fisher got smacked with two whipped cream pies for receiving the most money in a contest among Alberton’s teachers to help raise funds for new school playground equipment.

Trotters

Kassidy Kinzie shoots for the basket over the head of one of the St. Regis Lady Tigers.

Trotters: 56, Lady Tigers: 25

PLAINS – The Trotters gained a decisive victory, Friday, in their home game against the St. Regis Lady Tigers.

American Legion

Paradise American Legion almost rebuilt

PARADISE – Almost three years after it was completely destroyed in a fire the American Legion Post in Paradise is well on its way to completion.

I Love to Read Month kicks off, encouraging kids and community to enjoy books

SANDERS COUNTY – The start of February this week also marks the start of I Love to Read Month with a variety of activities set to begin at the county’s schools.

Plains Police Department welcomes new officer

PLAINS – The Plains Police Department brought on a new officer, Tuesday, bringing their force back to full strength.

TFalls: 42, Eureka: 61

THOMPSON FALLS – While they put up a strong fight, the Lady Hawks came away with a loss in their Saturday game against the Eureka Lady Lions.

Bluehawks: 57, Lions: 24

THOMPSON FALLS – The Thomspon Falls boys basketball team came away with a solid victory after their game against the Eureka Lions.

Noxon students named to Honor Choir

NOXON – Two Noxon High School students were selected to sing in the Montana State University’s Honor Choir, joining high schoolers from around the state at the Missoula campus.

Children's Theater comes to Noxon

NOXON – The Missoula Children’s Theater is coming to the Noxon schools this week to perform a production of the musical The Jungle Book, starring the students themselves.

Extreme snow sports and poker collide for weekend event

TROUT CREEK – Cards, betting and extreme snow sports will merge, this Saturday, during the Cabinet Ridge Riders’ 25th annual poker run.

Conference

Montana women enjoy retreat, leadership talks during Women's Conference

PARADISE – Women from around the area came to Sanders County over the weekend for the fourth annual Montana Farmer’s Union Women’s Conference at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort.

Sanders County wrestlers place high at Florence

By ADAM ROBERTSON

HSvP 2

HSvP 1

Trotters defeat Lady Savage Heat 61-17

HOT SPRINGS – The Plains Trotters claimed a strong victory against their county rivals from Hot Springs, Saturday, with a final score of 61-17.

HS Boys

Plains: 69, Hot Springs: 67

Cole

Benson

Plains Horsemen take out St. Regis Tigers 79-39

PLAINS – The Plains boys basketball team won a decisive victory against the St. Regis Tigers, claiming a win with a score of 79-39.

HS Chamber

Hot Springs Chamber discuss drug awareness

HOT SPRINGS – During their February meeting, the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce discussed their plans for the Chinese New Year and heard an update on the Community Awareness group.

Elks Drugs

Elks, Sheriff team up to prevent drug abuse

THOMPSON FALLS – The Thompson Falls Elks Lodge teamed up with the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office for a spaghetti dinner and update on the county’s drug enforcement and awareness.

Public comments sought for local environmental projects

The Mineral County Resource Coalition held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 2 in Superior. MSU Extension Agent, Kevin Chamberlain, chaired the committee. He said that he was glad to see people from several different departments and industry at the table.

James L Schreckendgust

James L Schreckendgust, 81, of St. Regis, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2016. A full obituary will follow. Arrangements have been under the care of Cremation & Burial Society of the Rockies.

Tester staff launches Veterans' Choice Outreach Tour to rural communities

Senator Jon Tester is sending his staff to 28 rural Montana communities to hear directly from veterans about the issues they are experiencing with the Veterans’ Choice Program.

Superior's Zylawy receives top honors at Coast Guard graduation

Older brother, Roman Zylawy, Jr., presented Wyatt with awards he received during Coast Guard basic training graduation ceremonies on January 22, 2016 in Cape May, New Jersey.

Alberton Principal Kyle Fisher gets a pie to the face

Jenn Zimmerman laughs as she get splattered with whipped cream. Zimmerman and Lisa Thiele coordinated the ‘Pie-in-the-Face’ fundraiser to raise money for playground equipment for Alberton School.

Clark Fork Mountain Cats crush Pirates

Montanna Baughman, of the Clark Fork Mountain Cats, goes in for a lay-up against the Lady Pirates on Friday. The Cats won big with a 48-14 lead.

Clark Fork Mountain Cats hammer Trojans in Superior

Mountain Cat Danielle Ewoniuk makes a basket against the Lady Trojans, who won 39-33.

Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day, a day of hearts, candy, and flowers. When couples express their undying love for one another. When a friend tells a friend that they care, or a child tell their parents they love them. A day full of sentiment and expressions of caring. One of the most popular ways to show those emotions are with flowers, roses to be exact. According to aboutflowers.com, 250 million roses will be bought on Valentine’s Day. Americans will spend $2.1 billion on flowers. It’s the number one holiday for florist.

Paraprofessionals honored during Recognition Week

St. Regis paraprofessionals are surrounded by students during a breakfast to honor them during Paraprofessional Recognition Week, Feb. 1-5.

Benefit dinner to be held for long-time St. Regis resident Jimmy Jones

Long-time St. Regis resident, Jimmy Jones, was diagnosed with throat cancer and had been undergoing treatment. Jones, who’s 53, has worked at Tricon for 15 years, and has been a member of the volunteer fire department for over 20 years. Now, the man who has helped so many other people, is in need of their help.

'Through with Chew Week' brings awareness to the harmful effects of smokeless tobacco

“Through with Chew Week” is February 14-20 and health officials, dentists, and physicians use the week to call attention to the use of smokeless tobacco.

Mineral County Court Jan 31 - Feb.4, 2016

Bond Forfeited

Two Superior wrestlers headed to state tourney

This past weekend, the Superior Bobcat wrestling team traveled to Florence for the Class BC Western Divisional tournament. After it was all said and done, two Superior wrestlers advanced to the state tournament in Billings this weekend. Bridger LaPierre had a great tournament and finished it off with a first place finish in the 160 weight class by pinning his opponent from Bigfork. Jack Mitchell will also be headed to Billings thanks to a fourth place finish in the 120 weight class. He was defeated by Cole Gilleard of Mission/Charlo for third place.

Circle break in under investigation

PLAINS – The Plains Police Department are investigating a break in at the Circle Restaurant, after money was discovered missing Wednesday morning.

Birth Announcement

Plains BBall

Plains: 61 Arlee: 70

PLAINS – After an intense game, the Plains Horsemen came away with a loss against the Arlee Scarlet Warriors, holding a final score of 61-70.

HS Boys

Hot Springs: 32 Victor: 19

HS Girls

Hot Springs: 26 Victor: 43

Trotters

Plains dominates Scarlets in 39-36 home game

Plains senior day 1

Plains senior day

Savage Horsemen perform well during senior day

On Saturday Plains/Hot Springs hosted their senior night mixer. Teams in attendance were the Arlee warriors, Superior bobcats and the St Ignatius/Charlo bulldogs.  It was a fairly quick day but the kids got some quality matches in before heading in to the post season week.  Daniel Uli went 3-0 on the day and continues to improve.  He is getting better by the day and is really looking good for going in to the divisional tournament. Terrence Caldwell went 0-2 on the day but wrestled a couple decent matches. You can always count on Terrence to work exceptionally hard and never give up and Saturday was no exception to that. Josiah Vanderwall was 1-2 on the day and despite a nagging elbow injury wrestled very well. Josiah always brings a ton of energy and positive attitude to the team.

TFalls senior night 2

TFalls senior night

Bluehawk wrestlers come out on top for senior night

THOMPSON FALLS – During Thompson Falls Wrestling’s senior night quad match, Thursday, the guys had some great wins, making a strong goodbye to their time wrestling in the home gym.

Waters

Hot Springs resident makes career from hobby

Plains schools review education laws

PLAINS – During their January meeting, the Plains School Board discussed their obligations to have a curriculum with Native American education at the school.

Geo 2

Geo 1

Hot Springs students challenged to show geography knowledge

Plains residents enjoy chili and pies to help children

CASA

Cowboys come to Thompson Falls Rex Theater

THOMPSON FALLS – Traditional country music will be coming to Thompson Falls this week as the High Country Cowboys perform at the Rex Theater.

Keith Anton Ebelt (1935-2016)

Superior-Keith Ebelt passed away on Saturday January 9th in Superior, MT. He was born October 10th 1935 in Glendive MT. Keith is survived by Ann Marie Ebelt his loving wife of 62 years. His daughters Linda (Bob) Stibor of Taft CA, Valerie (Jeff) Baldwin of Las Vegas NV, and son Rod (Shawn) Ebelt of Spokane Valley WA. Six Grandkids, Nikki Ann, Cody, Jill, Kristen and Kyle. And a bunch of Great Grandchildren and Great Great grandchildren.

Mineral County Justice Court

Mineral Independent

Operation Hygiene

A Mineral County school counselor contacted Monte Turner at the Mineral Community Hospital in December and asked if they had any hygiene products they could donate to the school. The counselor explained that, though they teach hygiene to their students, it continues to be a big problem.

'Elibomwons' smiles on Nightrider's poker run

Snowmobilers starts down the 50 mile route, the first stop is in Taft where players receive their next poker hand.

Eva Horning Park to receive equipment upgrade

Long-time Superior resident and park namesake, Eva Horning, would be proud of what the Mineral County Community Foundation (MCCF) is planning to do with the Eva Horning Park. For the first time, the MCCF approved to earmark $5,000 of its annual distribution of funds as seed money to fund a community project to upgrade and expand the playground at the park.

Railroad Day in need of a new engineer

After many years as the ‘engineer’ for Alberton’s Railroad Day, Richard Werst is stepping down as the festival coordinator. Though he will continue to help out with festivities, the committee is in need of some ‘fresh blood’. On Saturday, Alberton resident Glenda Wallace called a meeting asking for fellow community leaders to help if they want to keep the day ‘on track’. Some area residents stepped up to the table and have started discussions as to what Railroad Day may look like this summer. Several more volunteers have also expressed an interest in helping out. At the meeting, it was decided that Bob Worthen and Wallace will co-chair the committee. Other committee members include Brooke Worthen, Matt Sibert and Anna LeDuc. A lot of innovative ideas were discussed, including bringing in a magician, expanding children’s activities, and having more bands play throughout the day. This will be in addition to current activities like the morning parade and Wild West Show put on by the Sportsman Bar. Railroad Day is held in mid-July and this year will be the event’s 31st year. Residents who are interested in volunteering can find information on Facebook or on the web at http://www.albertonmontana.com/railroad_day.htm

Musical trip around the world

Area residents and students received a musical treat on Friday afternoon when The Valinor Quartet held an assembly and workshop in the Superior school gym with a “musical tour around the world”.