Ellington

Open burning season ends April 30, permits will be required

Open burning season in Sanders and Mineral counties officially ends April 30, and burn permits will be required until fire season begins.

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Respectfully. The biggest issue of the Montana special election is the Montana mail-in ballot. Risking defeat by doing the right thing is the very definition of courageous. And in this case what’s right was profoundly clear, unequivocal and laid squarely in the hands of one Republican candidate, Greg Gianforte - a failure in this test of courage.

Merle J. Farrier

1. I graduated from Charlo High School in 1965 and have lived in the Hot Springs area since 1969. I began teaching in Hot Springs in 1969 and have enjoyed living here ever since.

Candidates vie for school board positions in Sanders County

Several schools in Sanders County are holding elections for District Trustee positions and the Clark Fork Valley Press sent all candidates a list of questions regarding the elections.

Nick Lawyer

1. I was born at Clark Fork Valley Hospital, and I am lucky enough to get to work here and raise my family in the same town I grew up in.

Ryan J. Frields

1. I moved to Trout Creek in 1991 and graduated from Thompson Falls High School in 1995. After 10 years of living in Bozeman, my wife and I moved back to work in the family business in 2005.

Cole leads Plains with top-10 finish at Thompson Falls Invitational

Plains’ golfer Alec Cole has made a habit to regularly finish in the top 10 of golf tournaments.

Rep. Loge: Legislature speeding up as session winds down

One week to go?

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Work continues at the Flat Creek-Iron Mountain Mine Superfund cleanup site located 4 miles northeast of Superior. According to an April 10 report, the focus of the work is on gathering slash and burning. There are plans to begin tailings excavation soon and will start with the stockpiled tailings on the west side of the road at the mill site.

Sanders County 911 launches text-to-911 option

Most citizens in Sanders County can now send a short message service (SMS) text message to 911 for emergency help when unable to make a 911 voice call. This new public safety service has been brought to Sanders County by PSAP Manager Shawna Chenoweth and is available to wireless customers of T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon Wireless cell phones.

StoryCorps comes to Alberton

Elementary students in Alberton have been working on a community service project, designed to bring people closer together. It’s “Alberton Stories: A Collection of Stories from Alberton Montana.” Based on a nonprofit organization called StoryCorps, these students interviewed community members and then shared their stories.

Ronald G. Warren

1. Born and raised in Montana. Graduated from Plains High School.

Alberton residents join Science March

A group of Alberton residents joined thousands for the Science March Saturday. Over 600 cities around the world rallied and marched to promote that “science is based on facts, and facts are not partisan.”

Plains' Thompson qualifies for Western Montana Top 10 invite

Plains trackster Jess Thompson is a dual sport spring athlete balancing time between track and softball, and Thompson is excelling in both, according to her track coach Denise Montgomery.

Ayla Rose Blasius

1. I came to Hot Springs in 2005 to live with my Father and never looked back, I graduated in Hot Springs and left to serve in the Army NG for 6 years, after my service was complete I returned to Hot Springs to raise my 4 children, (2 school age and 2 younger) with my husband, and to serve my community.

Ellen P. Childress

1 & 2. I was born and raised in Montana and first came to Plains to work as a Fire Lookout where I met my future husband. After our marriage his job took us to several other Forests until we returned in 1989 to be closer to my parents and have lived with my family in Plains since then.

Eight locals pass EMT class and are ready for state exams

Eight local residents recently passed their EMT class and are now ready to take the state exams. Superior teacher, Beau Servo; St. Regis teacher, Laura Jarvis; Superior High School student’s Matt Buchanan and Nathan Lapinski; Mineral Community Hospital employee, Jess Hope; AEMT, Anita Parkin; ambulance driver, Michael Bowen; and Brendan McEldry.

Bluehawks' boys, girls golf capture second in Thompson Falls

Thompson Falls’ boys, girls golf coach Mike Bates continues to see his teams make progress as both groups captured second place in the Thompson Falls Invite Saturday at Rivers Bend Golf Course.

John Wilson

1. My wife and I have lived in Thompson Falls for 20 years and have been married for 22 this year. I grew up in Kalispell and graduated from Flathead high School in 1994. We chose the area because of the ease of access to the outdoors and quieter way of life. We also felt that a small school district would be beneficial for children to experience. My oldest daughter graduates from Thompson Falls this year and will head to Bozeman in the fall. My youngest daughter is currently in the 8th Grade at Thompson Falls Jr. High.

Horsemen tracksters excel at Seeley-Swan

Plains head boys, girls track coach Denise Montgomery continues to place an emphasis on her team performers reaching their personal best.

Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District announces 2017 burn plans

The Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District plans on prescribed burning in several areas when the correct conditions are met, either this spring or in the fall.

St. Regis School works kinks out of new 'Summit Basecamp' teaching platform

Outside of Superintendent Joe Steele’s window is a pen full of chickens, “It’s part of the FFA program,” he explains, “we used to have a rooster, boy he was a noisy thing.”

Mud bog and country music event set for June

A new mud bog and country music event is scheduled to be held in St. Regis this summer. It is a three-day event from June 23 through the 25 put on by Shannon Anderson. He purchased property on the north side of St. Regis and is building an amphitheater and other accommodations for the event.

Mineral County athletes shine at Seeley-Swan Invitational

Seeley-Swan Track Invitational

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Why use Mineral Community Hospital?

You’re familiar with slogans supporting use of local businesses, right? “Support Your Local Businesses”; “Your Local Merchants are your Tax-Paying Neighbors. Buy Local!”, etc. Communities all over the country are running campaigns like this to support “Main Street” businesses. These campaigns exist because there is wide recognition that “Main Street” contributes far more to a community than place to obtain a product or service.

Plains golfer Shayna Burgess qualifies for state tournament

Plains golfer Shayna Burgess doesn’t have to relive the feeling of not qualifying for the state golf tournament.

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Radio station looks to expand content, plans pig roast

KJFK-LP, a low frequency FM station, will host its annual pig roast and fundraiser with the initiative to raise money and community awareness, and expand its station Friday starting 4 p.m. at the Camas Recreation Center.

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Injuries hamper Savage Heat in Polson

The Hot Springs boys and girls track team entered the 2017 Dave Trip Memorial track meet Thursdayat Polson High School and struggled because of injuries.

Plains track does well at Dave Tripp in Polson

The Plains track team entered the 2017 Dave Tripp Memorial track meet Thursday at Polson High School at less than full strength.

Sanders County Sheriff's Log | April 9-15

April 9

Thompson Falls girls, boys make impact at Dave Tripp track meet

Thompson Falls’ Ember Schwindt captured first place in the 100-meter relay Thursday afternoon at the Dave Tripp Memorial Track meet at Polson High School.

Sanders County Justice Court

For week of April 3-10

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Osprey Easter

St. Regis to hold mill levy election for Technology Fund

St. Regis School is holding a mill levy election on May 2 with two polling places in St. Regis and DeBorgia.

Good ski season melts into good spring river flows

It was a record breaking year for Lookout Pass Ski area, according to President and CEO, Phil Edholm. They set an all-time skier visit record of approximately 68,700. The old record was 65,600 set during the 2013-2014 ski season and last winter they received 59,700 skiers. The ski area also received 422 inches of snow fall to-date.

West End Fire District holding mail ballot election

The West End Fire District is holding a mail ballot election for board members for the May 2 election.

Annual Easter Egg hunt warms chilly morning in St. Regis for dozens of kids

It was a chilly 37 degree morning when residents across Mineral County prepared for annual Easter egg hunts. They were held in Alberton, sponsored by the Alberton Ridgerunners, and by the Mineral County Search and Rescue in Superior. In St. Regis the hunt took place in the town park and was sponsored by the local community council. Kassie Perkins sat at a picnic table and wrote kids names on tickets for two bicycles to be raffled off. The bikes were donated by Tricon Timber, and the Lincoln $50,000 Bar and The Gift Shop in St. Regis donated a lot of the other gifts which lined tables under the covered picnic area. Perkins said other businesses in the area, as well as in Missoula also donated items for the event. The St. Regis Community Council also donated $300 for gifts.

Prescribed burns to begin in Petty Creek area

On Wednesday, April 12, a public meeting was held by the Ninemile Ranger District to discuss the Petty Creek Big Game Ecosystem Management Burn Project. The meeting was held in the Alberton cafeteria where residents were brought up-to-date on activities and were able to ask questions about the project located just south of Alberton.

Superior School Board trustee election is May 2

Superior School will be holding a mail ballot election for school board of trustee positions on May 2, 2017. Ballot were mailed out last week for two open positions. Current board member, Kate DiGiando, is stepping down and Michelle Parkin, who is the current board chair, is running for re-election.

Sports roundup: Track and field, etc.

The Clark Fork track team travelled to Polson on Thursday, April 13 for the Dave Tripp Memorial meet. Where Charlo placed first in girls team scores at 122.5 and Clark Fork placed ninth with 31.

Several elections set for May 2

Mineral County Election Administrator Staci McGrew said that ballots for upcoming school board trustees and the West End Board of Directors will be mailed out by Friday. The Superior School Board trustee election and the West End election will both be mail-ballot elections. The St. Regis tech levy election will be at a polling place, with absentee ballots mailed out by Friday. Election day is May 2 for all three elections. If residents do not receive their ballots, contact the election office at (406) 822-3521.

Legislative Update: Week 14

This past week, the House had a full agenda of bills. Most days we had over 20 bills to take action on during the House floor session. Those bills were either Senate or House with Senate amendments.

Geese make splashy return to the area

Watching the flight of Canada geese overhead is a tell-tale sign that spring has finally arrived. Nesting mates will soon be leading their goslings to the water. Within 24 hours after they are born, they will learn how to swim.

Golf, track and tennis action gets underway

There was lots of sports action in Mineral County last week as golf, tennis, track and field got underway for high school athletes. Two tennis matches were played in Superior against Ronan and Granite, score were unavailable.

County music students score big at Districts in Missoula

The District Music Festival was held in Missoula at Sentinel High School on April 7-8. The St. Regis Band received an excellent rating on both their prepared pieces and sight reading. The choir performed for comments only and so there was not a score, according to music teacher, Derek Larson. Also, McKenzie Stortz and Krystina Thompson received excellent ratings on their vocal solos.

Special election continues to be mired in confusion

“What is better for democracy than to put a ballot in the hands of every registered voter?” was the prominent headline on an April 7 press release by Governor Steve Bullock. He issued an amendatory veto to House Bill 83, and added language that would allow counties to conduct the special Congressional election by automatic absentee mailing.

Montana aims to join FirstNet emergency network

When disaster strikes, communication is key for emergency responders. However, communication devices and coordination continues to be a challenge, especially in rural areas like Mineral County. Currently, George Gupton chairs the Mineral County Local Emergency Planning Council and Bryce Nordgren chairs the Emergency Communications subcommittee and is the Amateur Radio Emergency Service coordinator, and these are the topics regularly addressed at their monthly meetings.

Clark Fork Little Guy Wrestling awards banquet to be held on Wednesday

Scores from the WMLG State in Columbia Falls, March 24 and 25. There will be a Clark Fork Little Guy Awards Banquet on April 12 from 6-7 p.m. at Superior High School.

Bikes, books make for a big morning in Alberton

A roomful of Alberton elementary students waited in anticipation last Thursday morning as School librarian, Carole Carlstrom held up a basket filled with red tickets. One by one, the tickets were drawn and a name read as the students won a variety of prizes.

'Maid to Order' big hit for Superior drama students

In Superior, parents and community members were treated to an evening of dinner and theatre thanks to the Superior Drama Department, taught by Angie Christiaens. First patrons enjoyed a prime rib dinner followed by the play “Maid to Order” written by Matthew Begbie March 24 and 25.

Alberton play puts twist on Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'

It was a “kid’s cautionary tale concerning greed, power, mayhem and other current events” as students from Alberton took to the stage for a unique variation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth last week. On April 5, parents and other community members filled the Alberton cafeteria/theater for a short play which only lasted about 30 minutes.

Mineral County suffers power outage due to storm

Strong winds, rain and hail descended on Mineral County on Friday, April 7, knocking power out in the county from Alberton to Lookout Pass.

Hospital receives $400,000 grant for diagnostic tool

Across from the front door lobby at Mineral Community Hospital, there’s a room with an ominous yellow warning sign with red letters which reads, “Caution: Do Not Open, Radiation Area”. What’s behind that closed door is a large donut shaped machine with a gurney-style bed called a “scanning couch”.

Plains High School students perform Pre-Festival concert

Approximately 60 people were in the Plains High School gym April 3 to listen to flutes, clarinets, guitars, the Marimba, soloists, duets, a concert choir and a concert band. All of those were involved in the Plains Pre-Festival Concert.

The music of love in Plains

Love was the theme of much of the music that two very talented professional musicians brought to Plains on Wednesday, April 5. Katherine Calcamuggio Donner, who is a mezzo-soprano and Nicolas Shaneyfelt, on the piano performed for over an hour at the Plains United Methodist Church to about thirty people. The music and vocals were from German, Italian, Spanish, and American composers. They performed a total of 16 pieces of music, with both musicians giving some background information about the music, lyrics, the composers, as well as their own journey into the music profession.

Rep. Loge: Legislature talks infrastructure

This past week saw the House having a full agenda of bills every day. Most days we had over twenty bills to take action on during the House floor session. Those bills were either Senate bills or House bills with Senate amendments. Friday was day seventy-three, so time is running out for new bills to be able to come out of committee and cross both floors. My committees have only one session scheduled for each, scheduled for Tuesday. Unless a bill goes back to a committee for discussion or amendments, committee meetings will wind down this coming week. Other activites this past week are the heavy negotiations on infrastructure, bonding, appropriations, gas tax, and the overlooked aquatic and invasive species funding. These negotiations may make the final tweek of bills in committees before they make it out on the respective floor sessions. Day ninety is scheduled for the last day but many are in hopes the work will be done sooner. That prediction is wishful thinkers and time will tell the story.

Young golfers take to the greens at Plains Golf Invitational

While the Masters event was going on in Georgia, young golfers in Plains were busy on the greens here at Plains. On Saturday, April 8, the Plains Golf Invitational was held at the Plains Golf course. A total of 11 schools participated in the annual event, including Plains, Thompson Falls, Libby, Bigfork, Seeley Swan, Ronan, Loyola, Florence, Eureka, Florence, and Clark Fork.

Trotters struggle, come up short vs. Loyola, Libby

The Plains/Hot Springs softball squad had a tough week, falling to Loyola Sacred Heart 9-5 Thursday before dropping both games of a double header against Libby Saturday.

Military flags raised at Plains cemetery

There are six new flags flying high at the Plains cemetery. The last two years, five of the the flags were being purchased by the Plains VFW Post 3596. At 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 4, the Plains cemetery sexton Ken Jones raised the American flag, an MIA flag and five military flags; Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard. Four employees of the Gambles store in Plains made this possible through their generosity and in memory of family members who have served in the United States military. Denise Newman, John Lemro, Brittany Cook, and Margaret McNeil bought the flags that are now flying at the Plains cemetery. They contacted Joe Eisenbrandt, who knows where the American made flags can be purchased and ordered them. A local family has decided to buy the American flag for the cemetery for the next several generations of the family. This is the first time that there has been a MIA flag flying at the cemetery. McNeil spoke about the purchase of the six flags by herself and the other employees.

Plains students create patriotic works

Each year, high school students in Plains have the opportunity to express their views, ideas, and beliefs around patriotic themes using art, the written word, and an audio essay. Every year the annual theme for each of the three contests is different than the previous year.

Drug task force makes presentation at Chief's Briefing luncheon

Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic (FVCDC) and the Sanders County DUI Task Force held a Chief’s Briefing luncheon April 7 at the Plains-Paradise Senior Center to recognize and show their appreciation to local law enforcement officers for the work they do on helping keep alcohol and drugs away from children in Sanders and Mineral counties.

Gertrude Martha Steele

Gert Steele completed her life’s journey on Saturday, January 28th, 2017. She was born August 6, 1927 in Crow Rock, Mont. to Gustave and Helen Neiffer. In 1932, the family moved to Miles City, Mont., where Gert spent the balance of her formative years. She attended Custer County High School and was a member of the graduating class of 1946. After Graduation, Gert worked for the Met Café in Miles City for a time before moving to Great Falls, Mont. In Great Falls, Gert found employment at Malmstrom AFB, where she worked in the NCO club on base. It was there she met her future husband, Dick Steele, and they were married on May 14, 1952. During their time in the Air Force, Gert and Dick were stationed at Malmstrom AFB Montana, Westover AFB in Massachusetts, Hickam AFB in Hawaii, Goose Bay Air Base in Labrador, and McGuire AFB in New Jersey. Upon Dick’s retirement from the Air Force, they moved back to Dick’s home town of Paradise, Mont. After arriving in Paradise, Gert worked for a short time at the D & L Café in Plains. Then she was hired by the American Legion Club in Paradise and served for many years as club Manager before retiring in 1989.

Convenience store goes modern

Imagine being able to walk around a convenience store that is not crowded with narrow aisles, having quality lighting, and a larger choice of the food items that can be purchased. What if the selection of hot and cold deli foods at the store was larger and had more variety? Imagine being able to select from more hot and cold beverages at one location in the store, rather than hunting for those drinks.

Sanders County Justice Court, March 27 to April 3

Charles Clayton Denny, 33, Speeding-Exceed Restricted/Special Zone Speed Limit Established by Department, Driving 50 in a 35 mph zone, Fined $30, Paid $35 in court costs.

Carol 'Footie' (Bates) Bonness

Carol Bonness was born January 11, 1943 in Plains, MT. She grew up in Plains, and attended Plains High School. Carol married Ken Grazier and had two sons: Lance and Sean. She was given the nickname “Footie” because she walked around barefoot all of time.

Mail ballot bill defeated, county scrambles for special election

Last Friday there was a final attempt to hold a mail ballot election in May for Montana’s vacant seat in Congress. But the attempt to revive the bill failed in the House with only 51 votes. The motion needed 60 out of the 100 House members in order to pass.

Pink Moon will invade April sky

In April, all five bright planets are in the night sky. Mercury and Mars can be seen at dusk, Jupiter all night long, Saturn from midnight until dawn and Venus before sunrise. Another night sky observation to note is that Jupiter will be at its brightest and the closest to the Earth on April 7. With the use of binoculars, sky viewers will be able to see the planet’s four largest moons: Ganymede, Callisto, Io and Europa.

Legislative update: Week 13

A very controversial bill came on March 31. It was a blast motion to get SB 305, changing our present voting system to mail-in ballots for this special election, on to the House floor for debate and a vote. It was brought by a blast motion which requires 60 votes to bring it out of committee. It failed to receive the votes. There was much discussion on the floor debate. Counties were in favor of the bill due to a cost savings in mail ballots. The reservation populations were very much against the bill due to the fact that the voter mailing lists are not accurate.

Civil War veteran Elias Albert Miles recognized

Superior’s RSVP and Community Outreach group will honor Mineral County veterans again this year on Armed Forces Day on May 20. To honor present and past veterans, family and friends have dug through archives, and interviewed relatives to find out more about the men and women who have served our country.

St. Regis track team heads to Corvallis for Gene Hughes Invitational

The St. Regis track team travelled to Corvallis for the Gene Hughes Invitational on Saturdy, April 1. Where Madison Hill took third place in both long jump, with 15-7, and in the 100 meter dash with 13:23. Madison Kelly took fifth in the 800 with 2:43.40, and sixth in the 3200 with 13:43.97.

Clark Fork's Hailey Kelly first in javelin at Ronan Invitational

Clark Fork’s track team traveled to the Ronan Invitational on Saturday, April 1. They pitted themselves against several area teams including Eureka, which placed first in the boy’s team results, and Arlee which placed first in the girl’s results.

Court Report, Mar. 25-31, 2017

Mar. 31, David Patrick Abell, speeding

Mineral County happenings

Cub Scout Pack 4953 of St. Regis held an award ceremony on April 1. Weblos, Ben Lohman and Shane Honeycutt, along with Wolf’s, Cameron Anderson and Micheal Kelley received badges, pins and a belt loop for their participation.

State health officials offer Zika prevention tips for travelers

This time of year, many Montanans will be traveling to and returning from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central or South America after enjoying some fun in the sun.

Lincoln-Reagan Dinner to be held on April 29

The Mineral County Republican Central Committee, will hold its 10th annual Lincoln- Reagan dinner on April 29 at St Regis Community Center.

Huge forest project values public comment Large crowd turns out to learn about, discuss Redd Bull project south of St. Regis

A slide came up on a screen at a recent public meeting, showing a blue triangle that read, “Proposal Development – Collaboration” on one side; “Environmental Analysis – Scoping” on another side; and “Implementation” on the third side.

Mineral County RSVP volunteers honored at luncheon

A nice luncheon celebrating the accomplishments of the Mineral County RSVP members was held a few weeks ago. A group of 19 volunteers gathered at the River Edge Resort and were greeted with a festively decorated room, and by one another. This tight-knit group has been working side by side for years and friendships have been forged throughout that time. The program is under the direction of Mary Jo Berry, and she coordinated the event to honor their top volunteers.

Jim Johnson meet kicks off track season St. Regis, Clark Fork athletes in top slots

The snow has finally melted on the fields, just in time for track season to begin at area high schools. Athletes from St. Regis, Superior and Alberton packed their gear and headed to Frenchtown for their first meet of the season, the Jim Johnson meet. Johnson is a retired teacher from Alberton and started the tournament nine year ago. He was there again this year, with his stop watch, timing runners as they crossed the finish line.

Everyone enjoys a nice piece of pie

Two great American pastimes converged into one fun event at the Mineral County Library, pie and reading. On March 25 the library celebrated with a pie contest and they offered a free download of the book, “Art of the Pie” as part of The Big Read.

The birds of spring arrive at Freezeout Lake

Each spring and fall, flocks of white geese make their way to Freezeout Lake located near Fairfield, Montana. They are migrating from southern wintering grounds to nesting areas in the far north. As far as Wrangel Island, Russia. Last weekend, there were a reported 15,000 geese flying through the area, landing on any one of the six ponds and lake which cover the Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area. However, as many as 300,000 snow geese and 10,000 tundra swans have been observed in the area at one time. They usually arrive around mid-March, and in late October of each year.

Plains-Paradise Senior Center menu

Plains- Paradise Senior Center

Craft fair held at the Paradise Center

The multipurpose room was in use at The Paradise Center on Apr. 1 with a dozen different tables selling a variety of items; hand made jewelry, hand made wooden signs, items from the Pampered Chef, photography, stone jewelry, and etched glass.

Plains VFW fire recalled 40 years later

Four decades ago, the fire that burned VFW Post 3596 changed the community of Plains. The fire may have began around 8:30 p.m. on Mar. 31, 1977. The newspaper at that time, “The Plainsman,” covered the fire on the front page. The initial findings from the Kalispell fire marshal indicated that the fire might have been caused by arson. There were two black and white photos, one showing Leonard Larson and Phil Crismore fighting the fire. There were several things lost in the fire. The losses included many of the belongings and one cat belonging to Tress Evins, who was a bartender there and lived in the apartment above the VFW. Fortunately she was not at home when the fire began. There was a long history to the original VFW building that went back to 1949, when the property was purchased for $4,100. The money was raised from the sale of a small building and a $3,500 loan from the Polson VFW. One very large piece of history that was lost had dated back to 1904. It was a Brunswick bar and back bar that was once part of the old Pendergast Hotel in Plains, which was located on Main Street. The mahogany fixtures once were in another town during the years of Prohibition in the 1930s. Once Prohibition was repealed, the bar and back bar were returned to the VFW. There was a six-lane bowling alley in the basement, where many went during the cold winter months. The fire changed the meeting locations for many groups and organizations; the Girl Scouts, Senior Citizens, CBers, Jaycees, and Weight Watchers.

Sanders County Sheriff's log - week of March 26 to April 1

March 26

Sanders County Justice Court

Week of March 20-27

Legislators discuss voting by mail

In a recently published Op-Ed titled “A house without walls,” a local former legislator attacked President Trump for failure to fill vacancies in his cabinet and various federal offices. Perhaps this self-appointed political expert failed to note that the nominees have been opposed by his brethren on both sides of the aisle since President Trump is not one of the old guard establishment.

Class of 2035 getting off to early start

The start of a school year can be an interesting challenge for children and parents. The class of 2035 began their academic introduction early as they took part in the Kindergarten Roundup in Plains March 30. There were 22 young boys and girls going in and out of two kindergarten classes at Plains Elementary to go through many different tests. There were many adults there in the two classrooms checking the future kindergarteners for a variety of skills, abilities, including counting, building a three block tower, standing on one foot, identifying the letters of the alphabet, having their eyes checked, and a nurse getting information on their current health.

Plains Horsemen and Trotters hoping for successful track season

The Horsemen and Trotters have a team of boys and girls that could very well surprise many competing against them this year. Even though the team had five seniors graduate last year and go on to compete in colleagiate track this year throughout the western region, Plains remains a contender to place high in track this year. There are nine boys on the track team this year, eight more than the previous year. Some of the members of the team are new to track, as Head Coach Denise Montgomery discussed during a recent practice.

April opens with Ronan Invitational

With a brief rest after the Jim Johnon track meet in Frenchtown, the Plains, Hot Springs, and Thompson Falls track teams were in action again on April 1 at Ronan for the Ronan Invitational.

T. Falls boys second at Jim Johnson

Spring has arrived and with it the track and field meets in Montana. The first big track meet for many Sanders County teams was recently held and tested the athletes abilities and agility in many different events; running, relays, discus, javelin, hurdles, high kump, pole vault, triple jump, and shot put. The Plains, Hot Springs, Thompson Falls and Noxon track teams were in action on Mar. 30 in Frenchtown at the Jim Johnson Invitational.

Third quarter honor rolls

Plains High School

Recapping last week in the Legislature

This week saw a lot of activity and controversy in the House chambers. What is classified as the infrastructure bill failed to pass the House and will not be passed on to the Senate. This is slightly decieving however, since there is almost two hundred million dollars that is in the plans appropriated to go throughout Montana for infrastructure. One bill of interest is HB 224, that allows for tax exemptions for veteran organizations of land and property. This bill passed out of the House and is in the Senate taxation committee. This bill hits home, since it directly affects one of our local organizations, the St Regis American Legion. A yes vote in the committee and on the Senate Floor is needed to pass this bill. This week also had the passage of the gas tax out of the House and on to the Senate. All house bills from this session had to be transmitted to the Senate this week. Senate bills or amendments will be the work of house committees and house chamber from now on.

Jerry (Gerald) E. McCartney

Jerry (Gerald) E. McCartney, passed away early Sunday morning March 26, 2017 at CFVH in Plains, MT of lung complications. He is survived by his wife Sherry (Sharyn) of 47 years, sons Brian (wife Catherine) and grandson Alex of Sacramento, CA. Blaine (fiancé Jobena) of Eugene, OR and Bruce with granddaughters Darien and Breanna of Eugene, OR and nephew John Clark of Plains, MT. Shannon Clark of Portland, OR and Shawn Clark of Clarkston, WA. Jerry gave 10 years of service to his country serving in the US Navy as a medic. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. To his family he will be remembered for his warmth, his smile, and the unconditional love he gave to all. May you rest in peace now.

Special election could cost thousands

The special election to replace former Montana Rep. Ryan Zinke has already begun to make big news in Montana. The financial impact to each county could affect already tight budgets cause even more challenging adjustments for the remainder of 2017. Many of the counties have created their budgets for this fiscal year and have very little room for major changes or extra expenses that they had not been taking into consideration in the previous year. The special election is the unexpected expense that Sanders County has to work on in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Dale Dean Dursma, 73

Dale Dean Dursma, 73, passed away at his home in Plains Saturday April 1.

Church volunteers clean two-mile stretch of Montana 200

Wednesday, March 29 was rainy and cold, which was a typical spring day for Plains and Sanders County. What is not typical on a spring day is seeing nine or ten people on the side of the highway picking up trash and putting it into large black colored plastic trash bags. Who are they? Why are they out there in the rain, walking or standing beside the longest and busiest state highway in Montana?

Hunter education class held at Plains Trap Club

There are thousands of adults and children in Montana who have successfully completed a Hunter Education class. The class takes at least two days and 12 hours in length. What takes place is very accurate and detailed learning about how to safely hunt, hunting ethics, specific laws on hunting in Montana, following a blood trail, what to do if lost, firing a .22 caliber rifle, and firing a shotgun. Once the class is successfully completed, the written test has been passed, and the field course has been done, the individual will receive a Montana hunter education certificate. The certificate is honored in all of North America.

New hunter education policies not received well by local instructors

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) Hunter Education Instructors in Sanders County are very concerned about several new policies that could have an impact on how the Hunter Education program will be done. Several of the instructors have expressed their dissatisfaction at the new rules and at least ten of the instructors may not be returning to the program next year.

No headline

Samuel Raymond Lovell

Firefighters train for spring season

Spring has brought warmer weather and many people are starting the process of spring-cleaning, which for some who live in the rural parts of Sanders County, includes the burning of their brush piles, old leaves, and other things. If the timing of that burning is not correct, a fire can easily and quickly get out of hand. That is why the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire conducts regular trainings to sharpen their skills and make sure the equipment is working properly.