Sunday, July 31
Thompson Falls Wildfire 7/31/16
Smoke from the Thompson Falls wildfire seen from Plains on Helterline Lane.
Thompson Falls wildfire burning in large area
A large wildfire burning in Thompson Falls, near Hwy. 200 to the east.
Saturday, July 30
South Tamarack Fire
Smoke rises from the burning area six miles north of St. Regis near Tamarack Creek on Friday night.
100 firefighters battle St. Regis blaze
SOUTH TAMARACK — Firefighters are battling a 13-acre blaze six miles north of St. Regis using air and ground resources to set a perimeter around the area. Forest service officials estimate the fire is at five percent containment as of Saturday morning.
Wednesday, July 20
Great burn area off limits to snowmobiles
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest still plans to close the Great Burn area to snowmobiling according to the most recent Draft Record of Decision for travel management. The latest decision was published on July 5, 2016 in the Lewiston Tribune.
F-15s fly over area in honor of war hero
Quiet summer skies were interrupted on Monday, July 11 when two low flying F-15’s flew overhead at 2 p.m.
Fun on the track
The Alberton Feed Store had a wagon in the Railroad Day parade. Free wagon rides were provided to people throughout the day.
Mineral County court report
Bond Forfeited
Sheriff's Report
July 8, Vehicle Theft, 402 ½ Pine
Pokémon Go hits streets of Mineral County
Pokémon Go has taken the country by storm, and Mineral County is no exception. Locals can be seen wandering around the area as they attempt to capture various viral Pokémon characters, which may be found in and around buildings and streets.
Officials focus budget priorities line-by-line
Department heads and commissioners spent two grueling days dissecting the books as they worked to cut the fat on an already lean county budget.
Tuesday, July 12
July 4 spectacular in St. Regis
Colorful, patriotic floats decorated the streets of St. Regis during the town’s annual Fourth of July parade. (Photo courtesy of Carol Lynn Grunhuvd Wilson)
Blueberries take spill on I90
Two men escaped injury after a semi-truck carrying blueberries overturned in the median on I-90 on July 2.
Officials discuss public water safety
There was a Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting on Thursday. At the meeting, Shelly Nolan with Montana Rural Water Systems, reported that she has been working on an initial assessment of the county’s water systems. With the information she’s gathered, the next step would be to create a management plan with local communities.
Money problems lead to job cuts
After weeks of contract discussions with no discernible progress between county officials and employees, Mineral County Commissioners voted last week to reduce positions in certain departments, in an effort save money.
Power surge causes three fires under power poles
Four small fires were reported over the past week, according to Josh Stroot with the Forest Service.
Redd Bull Rhapsody
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to wildlife — it’s not just what animals or plants we see, but what we don’t see. Especially when you get to see it up close and personal, as a recent tour of a forest service project over the weekend that local residents attended.
Wednesday, July 6
Community assessment spotlights problems, possible solutions
The 2016 Community Assessment report for Mineral County is now available for public viewing to be used by residents and officials alike. The information will be used for Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER). It will provide household-level information and helps to assess the effect if a disaster were to hit the area. The information is also used to assess the health and basic needs of Mineral County.
New playground, new adventure await Alberton students this fall
New playground equipment was installed at Alberton School last weekend, thanks to the efforts of Jenn Zimmerman and Lisa Thiele.
Sheriff report June 24-30
June 24, Ambulance, Mullan Rd. West
Mineral County Justice Court June 24-30
June 28, Ian Apostol, Fail to follow conditions
Community Notes
Adult Softball
Reporters Notebook: Historic tour of Cedar Creek a real Montana treat
One of the items on my bucket list is to hike into as many of the lakes in Mineral County as possible. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but wasn’t sure where they were located, or how hard it would be to hike into them. When the Mineral Community Hospital offered free hikes with Jim Cyr as the guide, I jumped at the chance.
Campaign aims to curb noxious weeds threat
Oxeye daisy may look like a pretty wildflower, but it is actually a noxious weed. The Montana Noxious Weed Education Campaign has created a new campaign to educate the public about the threats that noxious weeds pose. Credit: Photo by Marinella Zepigi
Suspect apprehended near Superior with stolen car
Jonathon Gordon Johnson was arrested on June 11, for being in possession of a stolen vehicle, driving with a suspended driver’s license, which was his ninth offense, and obstruction of a peace officer.
Gianforte talks new industry in Mineral County stop
Gubernatorial candidate, Greg Gianforte, attended a luncheon in St. Regis last week and discussed the need for jobs in Mineral County.
Woman fires rounds during altercation with teen
A woman was charged with assault with a weapon last week after discharging rounds during an altercation with a teenage family member.
Salary freeze recommended for Mineral County officials as mediation continues
Mineral County officials are in talks to lock down firm dates for mediation in the ongoing salary dispute between the county government and its workers.
Lightning storm ignites Superior wildfires
A helicopter was called in to drop buckets of water onto the wildlife located near Thompson Creek, west of Superior on Wednesday, June 29.