Ellington

Sunrise Fire over 60 percent contained

Residents can breathe a small sigh of relief as the Sunrise Fire moves to more than 60 percent contained after burning over 25,500 acres since July 16.

History takes shape at local restoration

Work never ends for Joe Sheppard and Joann Mathers as they continue to restore the old yellow house on Garber Street in Plains.

Lightning sparks new fire between Plains and Thompson Falls

**FIRE UPDATE SANDERS COUNTY**

Legals August 30, 2017

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Twin 40's Fire Salvage Timber Permit INVITATION TO BID The Plains Unit, of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, is offering sawtimber for bid. Location of the permit area is approximately 33 air miles north of Plains, MT, on Section 14, T25N, R27W. An estimated 850 tons (145 MBF) of sawtimber is offered for sale to the highest bidder. Sealed bids will be accepted at the Plains Office until 2:00 P.M., Thursday, September 14, 2017. Bids will be opened and the award made at the Plains Office at that time. For Permit Prospectus, Bid Forms, and other pertinent information regarding terms and requirements of the purchaser, contact: Dale Peters Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation P.O. Box 219 Plains, Montana 59859 telephone (406) 826-4722 email dpeters@mt.gov Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on August 30 and September 6, 2017. MNAXLP

Autumn brings aggressive hornets

By KATHLEEN WOODFORD

Request made for post-fire salvage on Sunrise Fire

The Sunrise Fire is only about 60 percent contained but the Mineral County Resource Coalition has already drafted a request to Lolo National Forest Supervisor, Tim Garcia, to begin plans for post-fire salvage operations.

Our readers, our eclipse

On Aug. 21, people gathered in town parks, neighborhoods and on mountain tops to witness one of nature’s biggest phenomenon, the eclipse of the sun. One has not been seen in North America since 1979 and it was the first time that the path of totality crossed the entire continental United States since 1918.

Montana Aussie adventures with Erin-Jay

The count down is on … to the Fair and also for the start of the School year.

Zella Mae Baltz, 77

Zella Mae was born Oct. 27, 1939 to Cora and Leonard Tucker in Mobridge, South Dakota. She had three sisters; Helen, JoAnne and Dixie; along with three brothers; John, Marvin and Charles.

Plains Swim Team wraps up season with fantastic results

The local swim team in Plains made an appearance at the recent state titles in Lewistown with great success.

Local golfers 'Tee' up for charity

The recent Avista Charity Golf Tournament in Thompson Falls has been hailed a huge success by organizers.

How Shakespeare rocked the park

Shakespeare in the Park was of ‘Macbeth’ proportions for local Plains residents that attended.

Fireman's Ball turn-out equalled white hot success

The Plains Fire Department held their annual Fireman’s Ball this past Saturday night at the Plains VFW Hall.

Locals saving lives one pint at a time with Red Cross

Wednesday, Aug. 16, saw locals flock to the Plains VFW building to give blood for the Red Cross Blood Drive.

Hot Springs to go without football team in 2017

Just as the high school football season is about to begin, Hot Springs High School had to make a heart-breaking decision on the impending season.

G.B. Shaw comedy hits the stage in Superior

George Bernard Shaw’s Comedy “You Never Can Tell” came to the stage at the Mineral County Fairgrounds on Wednesday evening. Jim Goss with the Mineral County Performing Arts said they were worried about holding the event outside because of the smoke from area wildfires. However, when show time came at 6 p.m., the afternoon breeze had cleared the air and people brought lawn chairs, blankets and sat on bleachers to enjoy the show.

Lack of recruits means no varsity football for St. Regis

St. Regis High School may not be able to field a football team this year.

Rattlesnakes active as temperatures remain high

Recently I was walking my dogs along the Point of Rocks trail located west of Alberton, when suddenly two of the dogs stopped and growled. Just ahead of us, a rattlesnake was coiled up next to the trail with its tail shaking violently. Its head was raised as his tongue flickered toward us.

St. Regis teacher nominated for LifeChanger of the Year

St. Regis Elementary School sixth-grade teacher Tim Yeager has been nominated for the 2017-18 national LifeChanger of the Year award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Mineral County Justice Court, Aug. 11-18, 2017

Aug. 11, Meshari Saad Alghamdi, speeding

Cancer survivor dinner takes place of traditional Relay for Life

Despite a lower turnout from community members and less funds raised, the Cancer Survivor Celebration was a success, said event organizer Peggy Temple. The celebration was held on Thursday, Aug. 17 where around 30 cancer survivors turned out for a dinner and fundraiser held at Superior High School.

Billon-dollar rocket saved thanks to Superior alum

A searing heat pounded down on a fire crew as winds pulled flames 70 feet into the air and caused an archway over the road above them. Power lines burst overhead in the rising flames. In the distance they heard explosions and saw trees blow up as unexploded ordnance, or UXO’s, ignited from the fire. On an air force launchpad located 800 yards away sat an Atlas Five rocket carrying a Google Satellite worth nearly $1 billion.

Kids get special visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog

Clifford the Big Red Dog, a beloved mascot for Montana PBS, was a special guest at the Alberton School on Tuesday, Aug. 8. He gave high-fives and hugs as kids participated in a variety of activities based on the theme, “Building Community.”

Mountain Cats ready to rumble against Wallace in season opener

By KATHY WOODFORD

Sunrise Fire grows to 25,000 acres

Blaze reaches Trout Creek

Area to see unhealthy air quality today

Current Situation and Today’s Forecast

Dottie Sandkuhle, 86

Dottie Sandkuhle, 86, passed away peaceably on 5 August 2017 in Plains. She was born in McFarland, California on 25 January 1931 to Gladys Woodford (Jack Woodford) and Wayne Richards (Geraldine).

Trout Creek celebrates 38th Huckleberry Festival

The Huckleberry is used for so many dishes, the taste is one that can be hard to describe. Yet it’s the Festival in Trout Creek each year that brings Huckleberry lovers together for a weekend of indulgence.

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Another exciting week in Sanders County! From meeting the Superintendent of Plains School to meeting out-of-towner’s that attended the Huckleberry Festival.

Plains town meeting addresses variety of issues

Plains officials gathered at the local courthouse on Monday, August 7 for their monthly town meeting.

Demo Derby set to return

Arguably one of the biggest highlights to the annual Sanders County Fair is the all exciting, adrenaline-pumping Demolition Derby.

Plains School, teachers, sports teams gearing up new year

A good school is like a good team it comes down to communication and the same end goal.

Weekend thunderstorms spark more wildfires

Storms that passed through the region over the weekend sparked 18 new fires that saw all hands on deck to get them under control.

Train spills coal along Clark Fork River

A Montana Rail Link (MRL) train with approximately 30 cars derailed Aug. 13 with full load of coal along the Clark Fork River.

Legals August 16, 2017

NOTICE SARA HOPE ANDERSON The State of Tennessee, Department of Children's Services, has filed a petition against you seeking to terminate forever your parental rights to your daughter A.D.F.A. born 6/13/2006. It appears that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are hereby ORDERED to appear in the Juvenile Court of Sullivan County, Tennessee at Kingsport, Tennessee on the 9th day of October, 2017, at 1:30PM to personally answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights. Failing to appear for the hearing on this date and time, without good cause will result in the loss of your right to contest the petition to terminate your parental rights to the children listed above; you must file a written Answer to the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights within thirty (30) days of this notice and if you fail to do so, a default judgment may be taken against you pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-117(n) and Rule 55 of the Tenn. R. of Civ. P. for the relief demanded in the Petition. You must respond to, and may view and obtain a copy of the Petition and any other subsequently filed legal documents at the Juvenile Court Clerk's Office, Kingsport, Tennessee. Entered Pursuant to Rule 58 T.RC.P. /s/ Raymond C. Conkin Jr. JUVENILE COURT JUDGE APPROVED FOR ENTRY: /s/ Aaron I. Guinn Aaron I. Guinn, BPR 024456 Attorney for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on July 26, August 2, August 9 and August 16, 2017. MNAXLP

Charles V. 'Charlie' Harrold, 68

Superior — Charles V. “Charlie” Harrold, 68, July 14, 1949 – Aug. 11, 2017, passed away surrounded by loving family. 

Talent show wows crowd during fair

A talent show was held during the Mineral County Fair where five brave contestants wowed crowds with performances. On Saturday, Aug. 5, Gordon Henrick announced the acts. There were several age groups and first, second and third prize was awarded in each age group.

Exhibits show increase at this year's fair

There were 200 entries in this year’s Mineral County Fair exhibits, said fair board secretary Deb Davis-Quitt, which was 14 more than last year. Participants competed for blue, red and purple ribbons and also received $100 special premiums for outstanding entries. Special premium funds were donated from local businesses and individuals.

Bikes, fishing poles big hit at county fair

Kids of all ages gathered in anticipation for their number to be called during this year’s Living Water Bible Study Group bike raffle. It was held on Saturday, Aug. 5, during the Mineral County Fair at 3 p.m.

Fire camp turns Tarkio field into equivalent of small town

Dozens of small, colorful pop-up tents dot a field along a dirt road off the Tarkio exit located 14 miles east of Superior. The tents are part of the fire camp set up to fight the Sunrise and Burdette fires burning just across Interstate 90. The fires started on July 16 and have grown to be top national priorities.

Sunrise Fire tops 18,000 acres

By Sunday, Aug. 13, the Sunrise Fire had grown to 18,629 acres and was 20 percent contained. The fire was moving down Verde Creek and Trout Creek. Stage III evacuation orders went into place on Aug. 9 for Cougar Gulch, to join Quartz Creek and Verde Creek Zones. The fires growth continued in all directions except to the west with possible structure damage. If southwest winds prevailed it would threaten traffic along Interstate 90, Montana Rail Link, transmission lines and homes.

Mineral County court report, Aug. 5-11, 2017

Aug. 8, William Ralph Anderson, fail to purchase trip permit

New superintendent takes the helm in Alberton

Alberton School has a new superintendent this year after Clay Acker retired last spring. Steve Picard is returning to the area after teaching in Roy, Montana, a small town 35 mile northeast of Lewistown.

Quilters show their flair for art in 17th annual show

The Cabin Fever Quilters held their 17th Annual Quilt Show, “Home Sweet Home, Montana,” on Aug. 4 and 5.

Rodeo fun is highlight of Mineral County Fair

The Superior Lions Club returned for two nights of action during the Mineral County Fair on Aug. 4 and 5 with the “Go For the Gold Rodeo.”

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

It’s amazing how quickly this year has passed by us.

Ronald William Wachsmith, 80

Ronald William Wachsmuth, 80, passed away July 19, 2017, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula with his family by his side.

Plains hosts softball tournament fundraiser

Players converged to the Wild Horse Sporting Complex over the weekend for the Plains Softball tournament.

MT West Dentist gets set to crown new building

The new building across from The Circle has been going through a bit of a face-lift this past week.

Extension office declares 4-H member exchange success

Sanders County 4-H extension agent Juli Thurston is hailing the first 4-H member exchange a glowing success.

Exchange students looking for host families

Nancy Winebrenner has successfully placed 40 exchange students from around the world with host families in Sanders County since 2010.

Recycling program is back in Sanders County

Since being reinstated, the Sanders County recycling baler has been working hard to keep the community more environmentally friendly.

Court decision gives hope to proposed Hecla Mines

May 30, 2017 saw the District Court in Missoula rule in line of conservation groups to put a hold on the proposed Hecla Mines in Sanders and Lincoln Counties.

Local k9 unit showcases talents during training session

The Sanders County K9 unit is more than meets the eye. Last week, the Valley Press accompanied Sanders County Sheriff’s Office K9 Handler Lynn Lanzoni, K9 officer Max and retired LAPD officer Blaine Blackstone to one of their regular training sessions.

Legals August 9, 2017

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Letter of Intent PUBLIC NOTICE The Montana DNRC, Plains Unit is notifying the public as to our intent to harvest dead and dying timber damaged by the Lazier Creek 3 Fire. The project, referred to as the Twin 40's Fire Salvage, is located approximately 33 air miles north of Plains, Montana, Section 14 T25N R27W. This fire salvage sale would most likely involve 50 acres on two 40 acre parcels of State Trust Lands, in the Twin Lakes Creek drainage. A total volume of approximately 100 mbf or 600 tons of timber would be harvested. The objective is to salvage fire killed timber before it loses merchantability. This timber harvest would likely be accomplished in the fall/winter of 2017-2018. Should you have any questions or concerns, contact: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation PO Box 219 Plains, Montana 59859 Attn: Dale Peters (406) 826-4722 E-mail: dpeters@mt.gov Published in the Valley Press on August 9, 2017. MNAXLP

No headline

Residents warned of false evacuation orders

Mineral County Sheriff Tom Bauer was reminding residents that only uniformed law enforcement officers or fire officials will ask them to evacuate. The warning is the result of a report last week from a resident in the Lozeau area who was allegedly approached by an individual who told them they needed to evacuate immediately. However, he did not appear to be an official with law enforcement or the fire department.

Mineral County joins American Forest Resource Council

The Mineral County Commissioners moved to join the American Forest Resource Council. The annual membership is $600 and they will join Lincoln County in Montana as well as counties in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and California. Members also include manufacturers and companies that work directly in or represent the forest products industry.

Rick Lee Galloway, 68

Rick left us on July 31, 2017, for another adventure; this time in heaven with his daughter, Hannah Lee, and all the others that went before him. He was born into this world in Clarkston, Wash. on April 13, 1949.

Air quality rated unhealthy near Sunrise Fire

The valleys of Mineral County have seen increased smoke as the Sunrise and Burdette fire continue to grow east of Superior. Air monitoring stations have been set up in Superior and the Quartz Creek Campground with links to the inciweb.com online page. According to the Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program, there were periods of thick and some poor visibility along Interstate -90 last week. Also periods of unhealthy conditions in Superior and Quartz Creek areas. Other areas including Alberton and St. Regis were experiencing hazy conditions with reports of moderate air quality.

Mineral County Court July 28-Aug. 4

July 28, Keyaresh Valizadeh Afshari, speeding

Sunrise Fire grows to more than 13,000 acres

By Saturday, Aug. 5, the Sunrise Fire burning east of Superior had grown more than 3,000 acres in the past week to more than 13,000 acres. It was still one of the nation’s top priority fires. A meeting was held on Saturday at the Lozeau Lodge which has been hosting the public fire informational meetings. The lodge owners were awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by the Type II Team commanded by Shawn Pearson. Pearson’s group had been working the fire over the past two weeks and on Sunday, a Type I team took over. It is headed by Doug Turman along with the new public information officer, Kim Nelson. The Type I team has more members and “is more complex,” said the outgoing public information officer, Jill Cobb.

Helicopters stand ready to fight area wildfires

Helicopters of various sizes and shapes sit ready at the Mineral County Airport near Superior. Six have been called in to-date to help fight the Sunrise and Burdette fires burning east of Superior. With a moment’s notice any one of them will spring into action and make the trek to the fires.

'Flat Broke Fair' parade hits town

The Mineral County Fair Parade began promptly at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5 on River Street in Superior. Floats, horse riders and cars crossed the bridge into town waving to the crowd and throwing candy to kids. The theme this year was “Flat Broke Fair” and the theme was the result of a shaky start this year’s fair board experienced. The budget was tight going into this year’s fair, explained the fair board secretary, Deb Davis-Quitt. However, thanks to some fundraising efforts and a $1,500 grant from Blackfoot Telephone the fair went on without a hitch.

4-H members see their hard work pay off at auction

Every year the 4-H Livestock judging and auction takes center stage at the Mineral County Fair and this year didn’t disappoint. Members from Superior Rustlers and St. Regis Camo Critters chapters showed pigs, sheep, steers, horses, chickens and bunnies. Twenty-two businesses and individuals supported members at the auction held on Saturday, Aug. 5, including a chicken threesome going for $553 each.

Locals come together to help woman with rare illness

How do you explain to someone that you have a depilating disease that they cannot see, but it is the reason why you can’t stand up to shake their hand? One local Plains woman could come close to explaining just how close to the truth that scenario is.

Locals advised to be drug aware in their community

Drug Awareness within the local community is one area that needs attention. Sanders County Undersheriff Lanny Hensley is passionate about ensuring everyone knows just how it can really effect locals and their families.

Sanders County Court Report

Local Justice Court cases seen in the Thompson Falls Court room by Judge Donald Strine this past week are as follows:

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Another week, another day in paradise…I know there are many of you that feel the same way.

George F. Siegel, 83

George F. Siegel, 83, Mandan, passed away July 23, 2017 at Marion Manor in Glen Ullin.

Dignata Missionary changing lives around the world

In any community you can usually find a missionary chapter of some kind; but Thompson Falls residents James and Shannon Doherty have created a world wide business that is changing lives in magnificent ways.

Anna Hafner dreams of farm to fork

Anna Hafner has big dreams of being a successful cattle producer and she’s getting her start through the South Side Sparks 4-H club.

No headline

Montana Governor Steve Bullock issued an official state of emergency on Sunday, July 23, 2017.

Symes Hot Springs Hotel hosts annual Blues Festival

The eighth-annual Symes Hot Springs Blues Festival this weekend brought new names, but that still had the same great Blues music locals and tourists have come to love.

Sanders County 4-H horse group readies for fair

Those driving past the Sanders County Showgrounds on Tuesday evenings have likely noticed a group of kids on horseback riding in the outdoor arena.

Legals August 2, 2017

NOTICE SARA HOPE ANDERSON The State of Tennessee, Department of Children's Services, has filed a petition against you seeking to terminate forever your parental rights to your daughter A.D.F.A. born 6/13/2006. It appears that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown. You are hereby ORDERED to appear in the Juvenile Court of Sullivan County, Tennessee at Kingsport, Tennessee on the 9th day of October, 2017, at 1:30PM to personally answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights. Failing to appear for the hearing on this date and time, without good cause will result in the loss of your right to contest the petition to terminate your parental rights to the children listed above; you must file a written Answer to the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights within thirty (30) days of this notice and if you fail to do so, a default judgment may be taken against you pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-117(n) and Rule 55 of the Tenn. R. of Civ. P. for the relief demanded in the Petition. You must respond to, and may view and obtain a copy of the Petition and any other subsequently filed legal documents at the Juvenile Court Clerk's Office, Kingsport, Tennessee. Entered Pursuant to Rule 58 T.RC.P. /s/ Raymond C. Conkin Jr. JUVENILE COURT JUDGE APPROVED FOR ENTRY: /s/ Aaron I. Guinn Aaron I. Guinn, BPR 024456 Attorney for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on July 26, August 2, August 9 and August 16, 2017. MNAXLP

Evacuations ordered for Sunrise Fire

An eerie orange glow crept between the summer sun and a dark plume of smoke on Quartz Loop Road late Wednesday afternoon on July 26. It left a feeling of impending doom as the column of smoke rose higher into the hazy sky. Forest Service crews cast a wary eye toward the ridge overlooking Meadow Creek Road, on the east side of the Sunrise Fire. A horse-shoe shaped fire which had been burning in the area since Sunday, July 16.

How the Sunrise Fire grew to over 6,400 acres

By Sunday morning, July 30 the Sunrise Fire had grown to 6,400 acres and was only 5 percent contained. As a result of continued hot, dry weather and westerly winds. Some 60 homes were threatened by the fire and residents were ordered to evacuate from the Sunrise and Quartz Flats areas with Verde Creek remaining at Stage 2 orders to be ready to evacuate. The area terrain is steep and hard to reach with hand crews in most areas.

Burdette Fire update

Superior voters asked to fund new school facilities

Superior School is hoping voters will pass a levy on Sept. 28 to construct an addition to the current high school.

More than 60 homes threatened as evacuation orders go into effect

Over 60 homes have been threatened by the Sunrise Fire burning east of Superior. Last week several areas including Sunrise Creek, Quartz Flats and Quartz Creek were given Stage 3 evacuation orders. Other areas, including Verde Creek, remained on Stage 2 evacuation warning. While the Rivulet area located northeast of the fire is on Stage 1 Evacuation Alert.

Mineral County Court Report July 21-28, 2017

July 24, Allen Jay Armstrong, improper passing in a no-passing zone