Ellington

Shirley J. Schierding Garr, 78

Saltese — Overcome by the joy of her Valentine’s Day present of new flooring, Shirley passed away at her new home in St. Regis on February 15th, 2017. Born September 19, 1938 in Metaline Falls WA to Will and Millie Schierding the family settled in Superior where she graduated from Superior HS. Shirley was preceded by her sisters Sylvia Parkin and Norma Parkin and leaves behind her beloved husband of 59 years Donal Garr. She has two children having forgot their names from a very young age, eldest daughter Dawn aka Sis; son Matty aka Matt Boy, Rusty, Scruffer and four grandchildren, Duane aka Dunker Man, Duane O; Davina aka Gooby; Gavyn aka Lil-G and Brayden aka Matt.

Local resident's relatives recount trips - Religions Classics

Horsemen finish second at District, Trotters take fourth

Both the Horsemen and Trotters made a strong showing at the District 14C Tournament in Pablo over the weekend as the Plains boys finished second to top-ranked Arlee while the girls finished fourth.

Sanders County Fair Commission meeting

On Wednesday, Feb. 15 the Sanders County Fair Commission held their monthly meeting to discuss the last meeting, non-agenda items, old business, new business, and the current financial situation. Present for the meeting were; Fair Manager Dede Steinbach, Vice Chairman Jenny Garrison, Chairman Chris A. McGuigan, Wade Rehbein, Secretary Ruth Hamilton, Jim Newman. Roberta Smith was not present for the meeting.

Noxon teacher honored for excellence

Mrs. Teri Burt has been given the Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Health and Physical Educators of Montana (SHAPEMT). Noxon teacher Mrs. Teri Wilkinson nominated Burt for the award. Burt was surprised and not used to the attention.

Plains Public Library hosts free crafts day

On Wednesday, Feb. 15 the Plains Public Library held a free crafts event that was open to adults and children from 4:30 to 5 p.m. There were six children and one adult working on creating a Beaded Heart Shaped Keychain, a bracelet, or a small box to hold toy cars.

Whitefish Credit Union donates to Thompson Falls Booster Club

On Wednesday, Feb. 15 the Whitefish Credit Union made a large doanation to the Thompson Falls Booster Club. Paula Widner accepted the oversized giant check from Vice President of Marketing, Eldon Tilley and Branch Manager Pam Yeager of the Thompson Falls branch of the credit union. The donation is part of the School Spirit Debit card campaign, which raised over $12,000 for eight schools in western Montana. Paula Widner stated, “This is great and it will really help the school and the students.” Paula was informed that the oversized check can be kept at the school if they wanted. Paula Widner discussed what the Thompson Falls Booster Club does for the school and many of the students, “The Booster club donates money for the school to help out with ban. If there is a student who needs uniforms for any of the sports, we give the school money. We als donate money to help with scholarships for the students who are graduating. In November we always have a large fundraiser to get money for the school and students. We are at the games and show our support for the school and the students.” The Thompson Falls Booster Club has a page on Facebook and welcomes anyone who is interested in joining them to support the Thompson Falls public schools and show their school spirit.

Sanders County Sheriff Log | Feb. 12-18

Feb. 12

Sanders County Justice Court | Feb. 6-13

Nancy Jo Howarth, Age 78, Change of Lanes When Unsafe to do So, Fined $50.00, Paid $35 in court costs.

Library board meets

On Thursday, Feb. 16 the Plains Public Library held its monthly board meeting at the library at 7 p.m. Board members present for the meeting included Chairman Andrew Gonzalez, Vice Chairman Lisa Fried de Reyes, Don Stamm, Judy Hawley and Library Director Carrie Terrell.

Savage Heat win district consolation game, Noxon boys finish 1-2

The Hot Springs boys went 3-1 at the District 14C tournament in Pablo over the weekend to earn the consolation championship and a chance to challenge Plains for a trip to Divisionals in Butte this weekend.

Sanders County Visual Artists hold monthly meeting

On Saturday Feb. 18 the Sanders County Visual Artists held their monthly meeting to discuss the upcoming events, activities, and the renovation of the Paradise Center. In attendance at the meeting was President Karen Thorson, Public Affairs officer Joy Nelson, Rick Harter, Ilene Littlefield, and Shirley Proctor.

Local resident's relatives recount trips - Peace Studies

Local legislative report

By Denley Loge

Girls Scouts troop enjoys visit from mayor

The Superior Girl Scouts, Troop 3802, had a Presidents Day treat when they hosted Superior’s mayor, Roni Philips, at a recent meeting. Mayor Philips discuss government, democracy, and women in leadership to 14 of the grade school girls in attendance.

Montana Highway Patrol commissions 12 new troopers

HELENA – The Montana Highway Patrol commissioned 12 new troopers on Feb. 17, at the 61st Advanced Academy Graduation ceremony.

Community Notes

The Mineral Community Hospital Health Fair will be held on Saturday May 20th in the Superior Elementary School Gymnasium. A full schedule of events will be posted on the Mineral Community Hospital Community Calendar at http://www.mineralcommunityhospital.org in May. Events will include discounted lab draws, and there will be a strong focus on the reason it’s important for everyone to have a primary health care provider, said the event coordinator, Monte Turner

Ice jams not a concern in Mineral County

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation warned residents of possible flooding and ice jams as a result of the warming temperatures.

New taxi service heading to Mineral Co.

A new taxi service will soon be available in Mineral County. Superior resident, Michael Bowen, is starting “Bowen Family Transport”, and will provide services throughout the county.

Digging out

Seasonal temps exempt from Forest Service hiring freeze

Job seekers who want to work for the Forest Service as seasonal employees received some good news on February 14, when the agency announced that their hiring freeze had been lifted. In January it was unclear as to whether the Forest Service would be able to hire summer seasonal employees due to President’s Trump’s federal hiring freeze.

Questions asked and answered Senior citizens health fair held on Saturday

A Senior Health and Information fair was held on Saturday in the Superior Elementary School Gym. Mary Jo Berry organized the event and said 25 vendors were on hand to answer questions and promote their businesses and organizations.

Award-winning author visits library

A cozy mystery is defined as a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence is downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection takes place in a small, socially intimate community.

Mineral County Justice Court, Feb. 10 through Feb. 17

Feb. 13, Timothy John Butterfield, speeding

Alberton School dips into eBook library database

Schools across Montana, including Alberton, this month launched a shared digital collection, a collaborative eBook platform that enables two or more schools or districts to borrow eBooks and audiobooks via a single, easy-to-use website.

Roaring Lion timber salvage project underway

The Roaring Lion timber salvage project is underway in the Bitterroot National Forest. Falling snags near the trailheads of Roaring Lion, Sawtooth and Ward Mountain pose a public hazard. Crews are working to harvest 45 acres of the fire-killed timber, as the result of the Roaring Lion fire which consumed over 8,700 acres of National Forest and private land, along with several homes, last summer.

Lady Tigers and Lady Mountain Cats make it to championship round during district play

Both Mineral County girls varsity basketball teams made it to the championship round during districts last weekend. In District 14-C, St. Regis (16-5) jumped over Two Eagle on Thursday during tournament play in Pablo, 57-17. On Friday they won against Plains, 58-42. Leading up to the championship game where they were pitted against Arlee (16-4) late Saturday afternoon. Arlee led at half way mark, 24-15 and in the third quarter they only managed to put two points up to the Tigers six. But in the third quarter, they came back and pounded St. Regis with 12 more points for the win. Anna Sanford was team high scorer with 9, Madison Hill had 7, Madison Kelly 3 and Justice Tate 2.

Senior Night celebrated at high schools

Saturday was Senior Night for area high schools. Three seniors were honored in St. Regis, including Madison Hill, who plans on attending Montana State University after she graduates. Courtney Cheesman, who wants to go to North Idaho College, and Trevor Lowry, who has plans to attend the University of Montana.

No headline

Two Eagle River travelled to Superior from Pablo on Tuesday, Feb. 7 for a close 59-57 win in varsity boy’s basketball. The Clark Fork Mountain Cats took an early 15-6 lead in the first quarter. Clark Fork still had the lead at the half, 32-25. In the third quarter, the game tipped in the Eagles favor and they jumped ahead, putting 21 points up to the Cats 12. Both teams scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, leaving Two Eagle with the win. Nick Turnbull and Michael Spence led Clark Fork with 13 points each while Bryan Mask and Carson Callison both had 11 and Drake Neill added two points.

Mineral County Court Report, Feb. 3 – Feb. 10, 2017

Town Court of Superior

Romance is big business for small flower shop on Valentine's Day

By KATHLEEN WOODFORD

Superior's got talent!

T?he gym was alive with song, dance and more, during the Superior Elementary Talent Show held on Feb. 10. More than 30 students from grades three through six showed off their special abilities for their fellow classmates, parents and the public.

47 traffic accidents reported as severe weather hits

Icy, snow-covered roads caused a number of the accidents earlier in the week, while melting snow and slush compounded driving conditions toward the latter part of the week. In total, 47 incidents were reported by the Montana Highway Patrol in Mineral County and near Frenchtown, between Feb. 6 and Feb. 11.

Light pole crashes down near grocery store

A lamp pole fell next to Valley Grocery in Alberton at approximately 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 9., prompting the Frenchtown Fire Department to close down Railroad Avenue until Northwestern Energy crews could cut the power to the pole.

Alberton students take first place at Math Counts competition

Sixth and seventh graders travelled to Missoula to participate in the regional Math Counts competition for junior high students. The Alberton Team took first place for the Class C division. Team members include Violet Claxton, Natalie Clevenger, Sorren Reese, Zoey Zimmerman, Molia Dao and Lyssah Kromrey. The team was led by teacher, Liz Stuker.

Community Notes

Senior health and information day will be held on February 18 at the Superior Elementary. The public is welcome to come out and visit vendor booths which incudes: Mineral Co Sheriffs Dept. who will be disposing of your old drugs. Learn about insurance that Life Flight Is offering. Alberton resident Parris Jan Young will be reading and signing his book. There will also be lunch and door prizes.

School closures and power outages add to weather woes

The weather took a radical change of direction last week, causing havoc around western Montana, including Mineral County. The week started with temperatures dipping into the freezing range and heavy snowfall. By Thursday, temperatures rose up to 44 degrees with rain, causing wide spread snow melt which resulted in flooding.

Whitefish Credit Union donations support local schools

Whitefish Credit Union is donating more than $12,000 among eight local high schools this month through its School Spirit Debit Card campaign.

Miles Williams Sr., 87

Miles “Everette” Williams Sr. joined Grandma (Gladys) in Heaven Feb. 5, 2017.

Sanders County Sheriff's Log | Jan. 5-11

Feb. 6

Horsemen, Trotters win against Two Eagle River

The Plains Trotters began the first quarter with a quick start, putting 23 points on the board and keeping the Two Eagle River players to score only three points. The Plains girls continued to keep the lead through every quarter and only allowed 10 points total for the Lady Eagles. Lindsay Laws scored a total of 19 points and Jessica Thompson had 16 points. The Two Eagle Lady girls struggled, as there were no double-digit scores by any player.

DeTienne earns state title for Savage Horsemen

James DeTienne won his weight class at the all-class state wrestling tournament in Billings over the weekend as the Savage Horsemen finished fifth as a team.

Thompson Falls boys, girls fall to Bigfork

The Thompson Falls Bluehawks faced the Bigfork Valkyries on Saturday. Thompson Falls was outscored quickly and often, as it would be almost five minutes until the Bluehawks could put any points on the board. Thompson Falls fans were very vocal about the game, often commenting at the referees to “Call the fouls at both ends of the court.” The referees often ignored the vocal fans, though did comment once, “There was no contact.” Lexy VanElswyk was held to scoring 10 points, and Gillian Nelson scored a total of eight points. Shae Anderson of the Vals scored 16 points, with Abby Lembke scoring 10 points. The defense of the Vals often double teamed the main Lady Bluehawks and kept them from getting too close to the basket.

Sanders County Justice Court

Jan. 30 to Feb. 6

Snow, ice create major headaches

The middle of February has seen a very dangerous mix of snow and ice for many local homes, sidewalks, roads and highways. Several individuals have been seen around Plains on ladders and roofs working to reduce the weight of snow and ice building up in an effort to lessen the chance of damage to the structures. Many area roads, streets and highways were also seriously impacted from the warming temperatures, rain, and the melting ice and snow.

Boys, girls basketball scores

BOYS

Smokey Bear goes to school

On Friday, Feb. 10, the Plains Elementary classes, kindergarten through sixth grade, had a visit from Smokey Bear during the ‘I Love to Read’ month of activities. Smokey Bear had help from Plains Elementary counselor Molly Tingley and Kate Airhart from the Lolo National Forest, Plains Ranger Station. Both women gave pencils and colorful stickers to students as they waited to meet Smokey. Many students walked up to Smokey and gave high fives and hugs. Tingley encouraged the students, “Keep reading, we are almost half way through February.”

Rosemary Elizabeth Hampton-Colver, 89

Rosemary was born to Ruth and Victor Hampton October 8, 1927 at 12,718 feet elevation in Siglo Veinte (Llallagua), Bolivia. Coming into the world at that elevation must have been the catalyst for her love of the outdoors. She was raised among the native Bolivian populace while her father was operating a tin and silver mine as an Engineer. Her mother was a Baptist missionary and teacher. Rosemary, her sister Marquita and brother Ronnie learned Spanish and English simultaneously at an early age. Rosemary was schooled in Bolivia, Chile, Ontario Canada and New York. By 1940 the family moved back to the US and ended up in Texas where she started college in Dickinson. Circumstances led Rosemary and her siblings to Montana in the early 1950’s. Rosemary enrolled at Eastern Montana College and Quita taught school in remote Wilsall, MT. Ronald headed back to Texas by way of college in Salt Lake City.

Ranger reports on USFS personnel changes, timber sales

There have been several personnel changes within the Superior Ranger District recently, reported District Ranger, Carole Johnson at a recent Mineral County commissioners meeting.

Flooding Advisory Mineral and Sanders Counties

The National Weather Service office located in Missoula has issued a Flooding Advisory for Mineral County and southern Sanders County. This is in effect until 11:15 p.m. Mountain Standard Time on Friday, Feb. 10. Combinations of the warmer than normal temperatures, rain, snow and ice melt may impact many of the roads and highways. Areas impacted could include the following; fields, poor drainage areas, and storm drains that may become blocked with melting snow and ice. Some homes may experience flooding in the basements if the foundation is in poor condition, have leaks, and doesn’t have adequate drainage. Standing water on roads and highways are dangerous and it takes only a small amount of water to stall your vehicle. Please report flooding to your local law enforcement agency after you have moved to a safe location.

Plains boys, girls rout Hot Springs

The Plains Trotters played against the Hot Springs Savage Heat Friday night and won 59-34.

No headline

Sanders County Sheriff's Log

Jan. 29

Sanders County Justice Court

Brandy Tania Crowe, 42, Criminal Contempt, Dismissed by Prosecution.

Cabinet Ridge Riders giving back to the community

The Cabinet Ridge Riders have been in existence for the last 26 or 28 years, depending on whom you ask. The group is very active within Sanders County with their generosity from their fundraising and several recreational events in the great Cabinet Mountains near Trout Creek, Thompson Falls, and Noxon.

Plains students celebrate 100 days in school

Plains school kindergarten and first graders dressed up like they were 100 years old to celebrate 100 days of being in school. The students brought canes, glasses and some even grayed their hair. All day long, activities were done to learn about the number 100, including making groups of 10 different things to make 100, trying to make a tower of 100 cups, and playing hopscotch to 100. The students were all very excited for the day, because they have been counting up to 100 Day party since the first day of school. The students pictured are from Miss Nagy, Miss Hillerman, Mrs. Junge and Mrs. Montgomery’s rooms.

Elections office request of Sanders County voters

Election Deputy for Sanders County, Bobbi Christenson, is reminding all voters in Sanders County to be certain their correct and current mailing address is on file with their office well before any election. Informing the Sanders County Clerk & Recorder Office after a move or change of mailing address, ensures ballots are more likely to arrive during the first mailing of ballots.

Weekly basketball roundup

GIRLS

Noxon schools 'I Love to Read' activities

According to Noxon School Librarian Rhonda Horner, the school has many activities going on during “I Love to Read Month” in February.

Sanders County residents attend public lands rally

A busload of supporters from Sanders County (the home county of land transfer proponent State Sen. Jennifer Fielder) joined over 1,000 other Montanans at the Public Lands Rally in Helena Jan. 30. Brandishing signs emblazoned with “Sanders County”, including one that read “Shame on Senator Fielder”, forty people made the long journey from the sparsely populated county near the Idaho border and joined with several others from Sanders County in the Capital’s rotunda. The bus started picking up passengers from Bull River Junction, about ten miles from Idaho, at 6 a.m. Riders represented many small towns, from Heron to Hot Springs.

Savage Horsemen sending six to state

The Savage Horsemen will be sending six wrestlers to the state meet in Billings this weekend after the team earned fourth at the divisional meet in Arlee Saturday.

Rehwalt 'Ray' Eric Jorgenson, 95

Rehwalt ‘Ray’ Eric Jorgenson passed away Jan. 28, 2017, in the Seattle area. Ray was born Feb. 7, 1921, in Portland, Oregon, to Melissa Rehwalt Jorgenson and Eric Jorgenson.

Thompson Falls wins one against Eureka

The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks had a challenging night against the Eureka Lions, as it seemed that they were just a few steps behind at the basket in a 42-36 loss.

Toby the Noxon Bunny

Phil may be the most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania on Groundhog Day, but Noxon has Toby, the 2-year-old Lop-Eared bunny.

Plains Elementary begins 'I Love To Read' month

The Plains Elementary began I Love to Read month on Friday, Feb. 3. The first activity was a visit by Goldilocks (Elementary Counselor Molly Tingley) and the Three Bears (High School Counselor Tyrell Allen was Momma Bear, Elementary Principal Jim Holland was Pappa Bear, and High School Principal Kevin Meredith as Baby Bear). Their first stop was the kindergarten class, where Goldilocks asked students, “Are there any readers here?” Many of the students raised their hands very high enthusiastically as Momma Bear and Baby Bear held books in their hands. The first, second, third and fourth grades were also visited that morning by Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Basketball Roundup

On Friday night, the Cats faced the Pirates in Victor with a pair of victories. The boy’s varsity won of 55-50 and the girls won 44-34. The Pirates led at the half with 28-24 but the score was tied by the end of the third quarter, 41-41. In the fourth quarter, the Cats pounded back and managed to put 14 points on the board to the Pirates 9 for the win.

Local groups work to tackle top county health issues

In the spring of 2016, the Mineral County Health Department, the Mineral Community Hospital and the Public Health and Safety Division collaborated to identify the most serious health issues facing Mineral County.

Helena Legislature after Week 5

The hustle and bustle of the Legislature is in full swing. We are busy in committees from 8 a.m. until as late as 6 p.m. on some days. Our House floor sessions run daily from 1 to 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Bills are coming through to the House floor from the Senate and our House bills are now being read on the Senate floor. We have acted on bills ranging from gun laws to water rights, title insurance to bicycle rules.

Snowfall blankets Northwest Montana n Severe driving conditions, accidents, school closures reported throughout region

A severe winter storm caused havoc in Western Montana oon Monday, but the impact was widely varied.

The other sign of winter: Flu hitting hard this year

The flu has hit hard this year with 3,318 cases and 369 hospitalizations reported so far across Montana. Six deaths have also been reported, with adults over age of 65 hit the hardest. In February, flu season is still going strong, with 781 cases reported last week, according to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services.

Events and Updates

There will be a Montana Hunter Education Classroom Course held in Alberton on starting on March 28 for five days. Class will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. at the school. Registration is currently open at register-ed.com.

Mineral County Justice Court, Jan. 27 to Feb. 3

Feb. 2, Michelle Lee Schumacher, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs

Special Olympics create special memories for two Alberton teachers

Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics were held on Jan. 24 at Lost Trail Ski Area and two staff members from Alberton School were there to help celebrate the events 35th year. Kim Garding, a paraprofessional and kindergarten teacher, Cori Miranda have both worked with kids who have intellectual disabilities.

Local veterans, leukemia patient receive comfort quilts from Cabin Fever Quilt Guild

Two lucky local veterans received comfort quilts, complements of the Cabin Fever Quilt Guild. Guild member, Birdie Warnken, recently paid a visit to Kenton Lewis and his brother, Tim Lewis who are both Navy veterans. She presented them with two quilts, one was white with brightly colored, crystal star type work surrounded by a beautiful blue border. The other was checkered with forest green squares and images of pine trees, bordered with a light red design.

February is Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month and the campaign slogan this year is “Sugar Wars.”

Semi jackknifes near Fish Creek; no injuries reported

A truck jackknifed and went over the guardrail and down an embankment on Sunday morning, west of Fish Creek Exit 66 on Interstate 90.

Superior second-grader places third at State Elks Hoop Shoot

A Superior School second-grader placed third overall at the State Elks Hoop Shoot Championships in Livingston. Carson Toivonen out shot 30 other participants to take home the bronze trophy on Feb. 4.

February 2 is Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is celebrated in the United States each year on Feb. 2. Tradition says that on this day the groundhog awakens from its long winter’s nap, and goes outside of his den to see if he sees his shadow.

Mineral County Justice Court: Jan. 20-27

Bond Forfeited

House fire breaks out in Superior

The quick action from a member of the Superior Fire Department helped to save a home on Thursday, Jan. 26. Calvin Berry was driving by a home on the east side of Superior near Mineral Community Hospital when he noticed smoke coming from inside.

Legals February 1, 2017

LEGAL PUBLIC NOTICE This is to notify all interested parties that the Sanders County Council on Aging will be requesting financial assistance from the Montana Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration. The Council on Aging is applying for a Transportation Administrative/Operating grant in the amount of $145,292. The Council on Aging is also applying for capital funds to purchase an ADA accessible, 6-passenger ADA accessible minivan in the amount of $42,000 and a 7 passenger minivan ($30,000) for the Sanders County Transportation to utilize in its public transportation services. The grant is funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and administered by the Montana Department of Transportation. The application is on file at 203 Main Street, Hot Springs, MT. If requested, a public hearing will be held and public notice indicating the location, time and date of the hearing will be provided. For more information or for those who require accommodations for disabilities, contact Erin Alt at the Council on Aging, 203 Main Street, PO Box 339, Hot Springs MT, Telephone: 406-741-2343, or Department of Transportation Helena MT 406-444-4210 (voice) or 406-444-7696 (TTY). Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on February 1, 2017. MNAXLP

Dallas Mariha Davis

Dallas Mariha Davis, recently of Missoula, passed away on Dec. 26 in a Salt Lake City hospital from a virulent infection.

Trooper narrowly escapes injury while on accident call

A semi-truck smashed into a highway patrol car on I-90 while the patrolman was investigating an accident. Trooper Jordon Gulick was out of his patrol car west of Alberton near mile marker 64 on Jan. 18. It was a one vehicle rollover and Gulick has parked his car in the median with his emergency lights activated.

Clark Fork wrestlers travel to Thompson Falls for matchup

Thompson Falls Triangular at Thompson Falls, January 26

'Our Diamond' students and coaches honored in Plains

Several former Plains High School drama students were honored at the performance of “Barefoot in the Park” last week.

Sanders County Justice Court - week of Jan. 16

— Alexander Dale Heatwole, 26, Basic Ruke-Reasonable and Prudent-1st Offense, Deferred Imposition of sentence.

New postmaster in Superior

The Superior Post Office has a new postmaster. Liz Asay, who had been acting postmaster for two years, was recently promoted as full-time postmaster. She will assume her new duties on Feb. 4. Asay is taking the place of Jeff Shauvin, who had been detailed to the Lolo post office four years ago and recently took the position as the postmaster for that office.

Clark Fork Mountain Cats celebrate Senior Night

Clark Fork Mountain Cats celebrated Senior Night on Friday. Flowers were presented to the parents as seniors escorted them onto the gym floor. Their future goals were then announced, along with their high school accomplishments.

Hot Springs celebrates Chinese New Year

The community of Hot Springs held its seventh annual Chinese New Year parade on Saturday, Jan. 27. The parade featured approximately 40 adults and children carrying banners. Several people played homemade drums and there were homemade wind instruments. Several men and women helped move a large Chinese dragon and some people were dressed as a black and white sheep. The parade began in front of the Camas Organic Market worked up and down Main street and then back up and down a second time down to stop at the barbershop, where there were several bonfires, drinks, and Asian style food for anyone who was interested.

Students learn the importance of properly washing their hands

Infection control specialists from Mineral Community Hospital visited Superior Elementary School on Thursday for handwashing demonstrations.

Sanders County Sheriff's log for Jan. 22-27

Jan. 22

Woman who set bobcat free at Frazier Fur Farm sentenced

The second of a pair of animal rights activists who terrorized the fur industry during a cross-country rampage in 2013, including setting a bobcat loose at the Frazier Fur Farm in Plains, was sentenced to 21 months in prison last week.

Standoff in Alberton ends peacefully

An Alberton man was arrested on Friday without incident after a night-long standoff involving a Missoula SWAT team. Leonard Upton, 33, shot out his neighbor’s window with a bb gun and brandished a .38 revolver, according to Mineral County Sheriff, Tom Bauer.

Hot Springs hosts National Geographic Bee

The Hot Springs School held its annual National Geographic Bee for the fourth through eight graders Jan. 26. Eighth-grader Jesse Uski, a returning geography bee champion, took first place, with fourth-grader Weston Slonaker coming in second and sixth-grader Sydney Viegut winning third place. Each class held its own competition and the top two contestants went on compete in the school-wide bee.

Local high school basketball scores and stats

Girls Basketball Scores

'Barefoot in The Park' performed in Plains

The Jean Morrison family and the Plains Public Schools brought the Montana Repertory Theatre to Plains Monday, Jan 23 to begin their 50th Anniversary tour. The professional acting company first stopped in Plains with “The Rainmaker in 1989, making this the 28th year Plains has been the first stop on the national tour. Jean Morrison, Plains Public Schools and Montana Repertory Theatre helped bring the production of “Barefoot in the Park” to life. The play is a delightful and sometimes uncomfortable look at the struggles of a recently newlywed couple and the people they meet in their New York brownstone apartment.

Prep basketball roundup

On Thursday night in Superior, Class C, Clark Fork Mountain Cats challenged themselves with non-conference games against Class B, Thompson Falls. The Cats took a big loss, 70-30, as the boy’s faced their towering adversaries, with half the team over six foot tall, including six foot, five-inch McKenzie Holt. Cat eighth grader, Carson Callison at five feet, ten-inches, was no match during the game starting tip-off against Holt.

Mineral County Library celebrates the arrival of many new books

The Mineral County Library had a celebration on Saturday complete with a cake and storytime for the kids. They were celebrating a Children’s Book Project grant award received from the Pilcrow Foundation. Hal Berenson and Laura Ackerman donated 24 math and science books as part of the project.

Events and Updates

As part of a campaign to address the issue of lack of exercise and obesity’ substantiated in the Community Health Improvement Plan taken in Mineral County last spring, Mineral Community Hospital initiated a hiking program focused on getting people outdoors to enjoy the wonderful trails, lakes and vistas that make up the majority of our landscape. 2016 was the first year and consisted of a core group of 8-10 for the five hikes that were completed (two were rained out). However, by the end of the season, other people heard about this group and asked to be involved in 2017.

Roy Milton 'Pat' DeLong, 94

Roy Milton “Pat” DeLong, 94, passed away on Dec. 28, 2016, surrounded by his family at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, Montana.

Arlee hands Horsemen first loss of season

The Plains High School Gym was full to capacity Friday evening as the the second-ranked Arlee Warriors came to town to face the top-ranked and undefeated Horsemen in one of the most anticipated Class C basketball matchups of the season. The teams fought a close battle in the first half before Arlee pulled away in the third quarter and went on to hand the Horsemen their first loss of the season.

Trotters beaten by Arlee Scarlets

The Trotters went into Friday’s nights game with a much larger crowd in the gym than usual and the air was heavy and thick with the anticipation of a very close game. The first quarter of the game belonged to the Scarletts, though by a narrow margin. Plains led 12-6 after one quarter of play.

Savage Horsemen seniors recognized

The Savage Horsemen Wrestling Team recognized its seniors on Saturday.

Savage Horsemen host wrestling mixer; five grapplers win twice

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Savage Horsemen wrestling team hosted a five-team mixer at the Plains High School. The five teams attending the mixer were Arlee, Mission/Charlo, Superior, Libby and Plains/Hot Springs.

400 snowmobilers participate in 29th annual poker run

The Montana Nightriders snowmobile club held their 29th annual Redneck Backwoods Hillbilly Throwdown $1,000 super poker run Saturday. The event is said to be the biggest poker game in Mineral County. Traditionally over 400 participants from all over the Northwest converge on Haugan’s 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar.

March for Life draws dozens in Thompson Falls

Approximately 35-40 adults and children sang, carried banners and participated in the March For Life on Saturday Jan. 27 in Thompson Falls.

Seasonal visitors

Routine traffic stop results in meth bust

A routine traffic stop ended in a drug bust on I-90 on Jan. 23. Mineral County Sheriff Tom Bauer said Sergeant A.J. Allard and Deputy Eric McMurray pulled over a vehicle for speeding near DeBorgia on Monday night. Two men were in the vehicle and there were reportedly indications of drug trafficking.

Over 30 students head to BPA state competition

Business Professionals of American (BPA) held regional competition in January, where 30 students from St. Regis and Superior High Schools qualified to go to State. The competition was held in Missoula and students competed in business related categories ranging from spreadsheet applications to human resource management.

PBA makes 2017 plans

The Plains Business Association (PBA) met for its annual strategic planning for 2017 last week. Approximately 20 business owners met Tuesday Jan. 24 at 7:00 p.m. to discuss what will be kept, changed, or added this year. The board retained many of its officers from last year and is looking for one member. There were three presentations during the meeting, one by Kenton Pies, one by Karen Thorson, and the third was from John Thorson.