Ellington

'TAKING FLIGHT' Plains singer-songwriter's music soars

Polly Cavill is a woman you will not soon forget after you have met her the very first time. She has an infectious big smile and an amazing energetic and calming presence. She may be singing, dancing, smiling or possibly doing them all when you meet her.

Horsemen, Trotters take down Charlo

The Plains Horsemen remain undefeated in conference play this season after picking up an 80-38 District 14C win over Charlo at home Saturday.

Plains radio station in need of local help

Plains radio station KWHP-LP may soon have to shut its doors if it does not get help from its listeners.

Sanders County Justice Court

From the bench of Justice Donald Strine:

Savage Horsemen finish second at Ted Kato Invitational

The Savage Horsemen traveled to Thompson Falls Saturday to participate in the 23rd annual Ted Kato Invitational Tournament. Many of the wrestlers began by warming up, running laps, stretching or by practicing their moves with their fellow team members. A total of 12 teams were at this tournament and matches started at 9:30 a.m. and were completed around 3 p.m.

Plains schools seek new football, volleyball coaches

The regular meeting of the Plains School Board was held at 7 p.m. on Jan 16 in the library of Plains High School.

4-H members hold event with state legislators

Members and leaders of the Sanders County 4-H program helped to host the biennial 4-H Legislative Breakfast and Citizenship Seminar in Helena on Jan. 15-17. The following members participated: Tressa Lyscio, Lydia French, Claire McAllister, Elena McAllister, Josey Neesvig, Elsie Brown and Ben Croft.

Plains woman gives heart for life

It has been 44 years since the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision made abortion legal in the United States. For 25 of those years, Plains resident Terrie Woods has shared her passion about life with local residents.

Sanders County Sheriff's Office call log

Jan. 16

Man rescued from Clark Fork River

A Superior resident was pulled from the Clark Fork River on Friday evening, and was near death before being rescued. What started as a typical afternoon of fishing ended in near-tragedy after Jeramy Wilson, 40, went fishing near his home located northwest of town.

St. Regis J.H. girls basketball team raises funds for Zaylee

Fundraising efforts continue for 6-year-old Zaylee, who is fighting leukemia.

Wrestling Ted Kato Invitational in Thompson Falls

Ted Kato Wrestling Invitational was held in Thompson Falls on Saturday, Jan. 21. Where Ronan came in first with a score of 186. Plains-Hot Springs landed second at 118, Flathead JV, 104; Thompson Falls, 103; Florence, 88; Superior/Alb. Clark Fork Mountain Cats, 71; Bigfork, 52; Missoula Big Sky JV, 46; Mission-Charlo, 43; Missoula Sentinel JV, 32; Drummond-Philipsburg, 25; Arlee, 20.

Man rescued from Clark Fork River near Superior

A Superior resident was pulled from the Clark Fork River Friday evening, and was near death before being rescued. What started as a typical afternoon of fishing, ended in near-tragedy, after Jeramy Wilson, 40, went fishing near his home located northwest of town.

John Ledford, 86

John Ledford, 86, passed away at his home in Mattawa, Wash. Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017.

Community Notes

From “The Thing About Jellyfish” to “Call of the Osprey”; from “The Bear and the Piano” to “Feathers: Not Just For Flying” — these are just a few of the new children’s books available at the Mineral County Library thanks to a Children’s Book Project grant award from the Pilcrow Foundation.

Freezing rain delays school in Alberton

By Mineral Independent

Mineral County Justice Court, Jan. 13-20, 2017

Deferred Imposition

St. Regis School thinking of a four-day week

St. Regis School is meeting with parents to discuss the possibility of a four-day school week.

Local youth participates in '4-H Grows True Leaders' event in Helena

Carter Jasper of the Mineral County Camo Critters 4-H program, helped to host the Biennial 4-H Legislative Breakfast in Helena on Jan. 17.

Mineral County Chamber of Commerce relocates to River St.

The Mineral Independent

Winter coat drives keep area kids warm this winter

There are coats everywhere at Superior and St. Regis schools, thanks to the efforts of local individuals who want to make sure area students stay warm this winter. Mineral Community Hospital maintenance worker, Cory Billet collected donations which resulted in three large bags being brought to the Superior Elementary School, and two sent to St. Regis School. The Superior National Honors Society also spearheaded a drive to collect coats, through January 30 as a community service project.

Seatbelt law voted down in legislative session

“Lauryn’s Law”, a bill that would establish a primary seatbelt law in Montana, was struck down by a 7-4 vote in committee a few weeks ago during legislation in Helena. The law stems from the death of a 15-year-old Fairfield girl who died when the truck she was riding in rolled. Her name was Lauryn Goldhahn and the accident occurred near Fairfield last August.

Basketball roundup

Cross county rivals, St. Regis Tigers and the Clark Fork Mountain Cats, squared off in a Thursday night girls basketball matchup. The Tigers edged in for the win in double overtime, 55-53 while in St. Regis. Both teams are high ranked, with St. Regis 8-3 overall, and Clark Fork, 8-2.

Bootlegger Bar is quietly bringing quality acts to area

The Bootlegger Bar in Superior sprang to life on Friday night as singer-songwriter, Rick Brantley took the stage. Brantley, from Macon, Georgia, lit up the stage with his acoustic solo performance of lively country tunes.

Father speaks about daughter's death and importance of seatbelts

Buckle Up Blue Ribbon Campaign assemblies took place last week at Mineral County high schools. Pat Goldhahn gave a tearful reminder to student’s at all three schools to buckle up when driving, even if it’s a short drive down the street.

Retirement dinner held for Roman Zylawy in St. Regis

A retirement party was held for Roman Zylawy on Friday, Jan. 20 at the St. Regis Community Center.

Veterans Transportation awarded 2016 Ford van

Mineral County Veterans Transportation members now have a new van, thanks to the Veterans Administration in Helena. They awarded the Mineral County group with a 2016 Ford Flex to replace their aging vehicle, which sustained $3,000 worth of damage in an accident last year.

Mineral County Justice Court 1/13/2017

Jan. 10, Edward Francis Allen, speeding

Meet Mineral County's new attorney, Ellen Donohue

Ellen Donohue is the new Mineral County Attorney, replacing Marcia Boris, who left at the end of last summer. Donohue was hired for the position by a selection committee, and will work for the rest of Boris’ term, which ends in 2018.

Community Notes

The article, “6-year-old St. Regis girl fighting leukemia” in the January 11 issue listed Rosemary Simkins as the contact for donation items. This was incorrect, Stacey O’Neil and Taunya Erikson are coordinating the spaghetti feed and auction to be held on February 25. If you have items to donate, contact Taunya at (406) 207-5242.

Lawmakers table bill calling for stricter seat-belt law

HELENA (AP) — A day after hearing emotional testimony in favor of a stricter Montana seat-belt law, the bill was tabled by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Area schools compete at BPA regionals in Missoula

The next generation of business men and women, went to Missoula last week to put their skills to the test against teams across the area, during the annual regional Business Professionals of America competition.

Schools rely on fundraising to secure band instruments

Throughout the year, area schools delight audiences with concerts that celebrate spring, the holidays, and other special times. But making beautiful music is expensive. A trombone can set musicians back $700, a flute, $500, a tuba can run $3,000 or more.

Lozeau famous for I-90 exit and 1869 gold rush

While recently visiting with his grandfather, Superior High School Principal, Chris Clairmont, found out something new about his ancestors. His great, great grandfather was Adolph Lozeau, originally pronounced Adolphe L’Oiseau. He was of Canadian descent and homesteaded what is now called the Lozeau exit, located between Superior and Alberton.

Superior Color and Lumber relocating

A long-time business, Superior Color and Lumber, is moving to its new location on River Street.

Health service professionals meet to share reports

The Mineral County Community Coalition held their regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 10, in Superior.

Coalition focuses on timber industry, county economics

It was a packed room as representatives from the federal, state, and county government met with local business owners and residents to discuss timber industry issues and the economic plight facing Mineral County. The meeting which brought the parties together on Jan. 3, was the Mineral County Resource Coalition, and has been organized monthly by Kevin Chamberlain, with the extension office.

Even in cold weather, get out and play!

With frigid temperatures outside, it may be hard to get motivated to bundle up and get some fresh air with your kids. This can result in a bad case of “cabin fever”. Outdoor play is not only essential for healthy brain development in children, it is also fun. But even though many parents believe outdoor play is beneficial, fewer children are spending time outside. Researchers have looked into this and have identified several reasons parents “keep” kids indoors including safety concerns and time constraints.

Wrestling Roundup

The Clark Fork Mountain Cats wrestling team hosted their final meet of the season with the Superior Mixer in Superior on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Teams from Libby, Dillon, and Mission participated in the match-up. It was also Senior Night for Superior, where team manager, Catherine Shope was honored.

Basketball Roundup

Boys

Legals January 18, 2017

NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The Lower Calico Fire Salvage Timber Sale is located within Sections 4 and 10, T22N-R27W on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 9,020 tons, consisting of mixed conifer sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on January 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Bids may be hand delivered or mailed and will be accepted any time prior to the bid opening. DNRC recommends that bidders contact the Trust Land Management Division (406-542-4300) prior to the bid opening to ensure that your bid has been received. Bids must be accompanied by a deposit of $5,913.00, representing 5% of the minimum bid value of the sale in cashier's check, certified check, bank money order or bank draft to be applied to the first sale invoice for the successful bidder. Bid bonds will be accepted and, for the successful bidder, will be closed upon execution of the Timber Sale Contract and Timber Sale Bond. The sale will be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. Award of the timber sale is conditional upon approval of the timber sale by the State Board of Land Commissioners at their January 17, 2017 meeting. If the successful bidder is unable to execute the contract within 21 calendar days from the date the sale is awarded, the bid deposit will be retained by the Department as liquidated damages. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. Prospective bidders can obtain the sale prospectus, sale contract and bid forms from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Trust Land Management Division, in Missoula (406-542-4300), the Northwestern Land Office in Kalispell (406-751-2257), or the Plains Unit Office in Plains, MT (406-826-4722). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Valley Press on December 28, 2016, January 4, 11, 18, 2017. MNAXLP

Louis Joseph Johnston Jr.

Louis Joseph Johnston Jr., also known as “Roc,” lost his battle with kidney failure Jan. 7, 2017.

Horsemen rout Noxon, remain undefeated in conference

By DOUGLAS WILKS

Evan G. 'Tac' Hammer, 89

Evan G. “Tac” Hammer, 89, passed peacefully on Dec. 27, 2016. He was 89 years old.

Savage Horsemen win Choteau Classic

Last weekend the Savage Horsemen wrestling team traveled to the other side of the mountains for the Choteau Classic wrestling tournament, the largest class B tournament held in the state.

Sanders County Sheriff's Log for Jan. 1-14

A fight was reported east of the Courthouse in Thompson Falls.

Dale Earl Allred, 45

Dale Earl Allred, 45, of Gladwin, Michigan, formerly of Plains, passed away at his home on Dec. 30, 2016.

Student art show opens at hospital

Many local students are getting the chance to show off their artistic skills as the Student Art Show reception was held on Jan. 10 at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital near Plains.

Local students hone culinary skills

Several Hot Springs students are getting a taste of the culinary world as they participate in the Prostart Program.

First 2017 baby in Sanders County

Christine Anne Fisher was born Jan. 9, 2017, at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. She weighed 6 pounds, 12.5 ounces and was 18.75 inches long.

Chamber's Jan. 5 meeting tackled social media, advertising

The Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce held its first meeting of 2017 at the new meeting room in Camas Organic Market on Jan. 5. The meeting had approximately 20 people in attendance, with many being business leaders, owners and several residents. Leslie Smith, who is the owner of Symes Hotel and the President of the Chamber of Commerce, led the meeting by reviewing the agenda. Hot Springs businesses and residents discussed ways to improve Hot Springs visibility and attract more people.

New reporter, photographer joins Clark Fork Valley Press staff

The Clark Fork Valley Press has a new face as Plains native and long-time resident Douglas Wilks has taken over as reporter and photographer.

Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department conducts training

The Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department, Plains Volunteer Fire Department, and the Plains Community Ambulance crews were hard at work last week as they conducted training on lift assists and loading the new hydraulic cot into the ambulance properly. The training was held at the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department building, located at 20 Old Airport Road in Plains.

Legals January 11, 2017

LEGAL NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The Mudd Creek Fire Salvage Timber Sale is located within Section 18, T22N-R26W on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 7,295 tons, consisting primarily of Douglas-fir sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on January 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Bids may be hand delivered or mailed and will be accepted any time prior to the bid opening. DNRC recommends that bidders contact the Trust Land Management Division (406-542-4300) prior to the bid opening to ensure that your bid has been received. Bids must be accompanied by a deposit of $5,103.00, representing 5% of the minimum bid value of the sale in cashier's check, certified check, bank money order or bank draft to be applied to the first sale invoice for the successful bidder. Bid bonds will be accepted and, for the successful bidder, will be closed upon execution of the Timber Sale Contract and Timber Sale Bond. The sale will be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. Award of the timber sale is conditional upon approval of the timber sale by the State Board of Land Commissioners at their January 17, 2017 meeting. If the successful bidder is unable to execute the contract within 21 calendar days from the date the sale is awarded, the bid deposit will be retained by the Department as liquidated damages. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. Prospective bidders can obtain the sale prospectus, sale contract and bid forms from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Trust Land Management Division, in Missoula (406-542-4300), the Northwestern Land Office in Kalispell (406-751-2257), or the Plains Unit Office in Plains, MT (406-826-4723). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on December 21, 28, 2016 and January 4, 11, 2017. MNAXLP,

Hoyt Michael Hutchings

Hoyt Michael Hutchings, son of Mary and Jason Hutchings of Thompson Falls, was born on Dec. 22, 2016, at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. He weighed 9 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 22 inches long.

AMBER Alert test set for January 13

The Montana Department of Justice has announced that a statewide test of the Montana AMBER Alert System has been scheduled for National AMBER Alert Day, Jan. 13, at approximately 10 a.m. This will be an end-to-end live system test and will include cell phone alerting.

Plains council focuses on burning permits

The Plains town council meeting on Jan. 3 focused on the issue of burning within the city limits.

Imara Freedom Mooney

Imara Freedom Mooney, daughter of Amanda and Jacob Mooney, was born on Dec. 20, 2016, at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces, and was 21 inches long.

High speed chase ends in Alberton

A high-speed chase took place along Interstate 90 on Friday night, leaving a man behind bars.

Superior youth to compete at state free-throw tourney

A Superior youth will compete in the Montana State Championship Free Throw competition in Livingston next month.

Earl Henry Eisenbacher, 77

Earl Henry Eisenbacher, 77, passed away Jan. 2, 2017, at his home in St. Regis, with family members at his side after a valiant battle against cancer.

Two men survive plane crash near Paradise; were headed to Seattle

Two men walked away from an airplane crash near Paradise on Tuesday, January 3.

Frozen propane, frigid temperatures don't stop the chef at the River Edge

Last week’s frigid weather took its toll on the River Edge restaurant in Alberton, but that didn’t stop the restaurant from cooking up some tasty food.

AMBER Alert test set for Jan. 13

The Montana Department of Justice has announced that a statewide test of the Montana AMBER Alert System has been scheduled for National AMBER Alert Day, Jan. 13, at approximately 10 a.m. This will be an end-to-end live system test and will include cell phone alerting.

BigSky Direct coming to Sanders County

BigSky Direct, an internet service provider, is coming to Sanders County.

Snowplow etiquette important for safety

So far this season, the Montana Department of Transportation has reported several of their snowplows have been struck by drivers who are following too closely.

Basketball Roundup

——————

Western Montana Duals held in Ronan

Western Montana Duals were held in Ronan on Friday and Saturday. Saturday’s championship bracket included Columbia Falls, Hamilton, Ronan, Polson, Frenchtown, Flathead JV, Glacier JV, and Corvallis.

Two survive plane crash near Paradise

Two men walked away from an airplane crash near Paradise on the morning of Jan. 3.

Trotters, Horsemen rout Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS — Saturday’s game for the Hot Springs Savage Heat against the Plains Trotters was a battle, as the girls of Hot Springs seemed to be struggling on both offense and defense in a 47-25 Plains win.

Plains rolls past St. Regis

PLAINS — This game was fierce down to the final seconds, with Plains grabbing a 45-43 win over St. Regis in the final 50 seconds of the game.

Mineral Conty Justice Court Dec. 23 – Jan. 6, 2017

Dec. 23-Jan. 6

Community Notes

•Public meeting planned for Soldier-Butler project

Community steps in to help 6-year-old St. Regis girl fighting leukemia

While most St. Regis children are spending their winter months enjoying the snow and attending classes, 6-year-old Zaylee has spent the past several weeks lying in a hospital bed. Last year she was diagnosed with acute-lymphocytic leukemia (type B cell).

Man who killed stepmother to be paroled from prison

A man convicted along with his father of bludgeoning and suffocating his stepmother to death in De Borgia on Nov. 28, 1995, has been approved for parole from his 60-year prison sentence.

Arctic blast causes severe issues

Last week Western Montana watched as the thermometers dipped well below zero, as an arctic blast covered the area. According to reports, a record low was set on Jan. 3 in Missoula when temperatures dropped to minus-8 degrees. The lowest recorded temperature prior to this was 3 degrees set in 1959.

Copper King fire erupts; Savage Heat win state football title

JULY 6

Montana Legislature to convene 65th session

HELENA (AP) — Monday, Jan. 2 was a largely ceremonial day, starting with the inauguration of statewide elected officials.

Community Notes

Business workshop planned for this month

BLM finalizes rule to make land use plans more responsive to community needs

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued an updated rule, called Planning 2.0 that will make its land use planning more accessible to the public, more responsive to the changing conditions on the public lands, and more efficient. It incorporates the most current data and technology into Montana land use planning.

Mineral County Court Report

Bond Forfeited

Superior woman's body found on bank of Clark Fork River in Missoula

On Dec. 21, Amy Dixon’s body was found on the north bank of the Clark Fork River behind Taco Johns, located on Broadway in Missoula. The 44-year-old woman lived in Superior and may have been in Missoula for a medical procedure, according to friends who knew the woman.

Holiday travel breaks records for 2016

More than 103 million Americans were expected to travel for the year-end holidays, according to American Automobile Association (AAA). That’s the highest number ever recorded. The reason for the increase is a result of improvements in the labor market and rising wages. Additionally, low gas prices and increased consumer optimism prompted more Americans to travel for the holidays.

Epic snowstorm coats Mineral County over Christmas holiday

It was not just your imagination if you think the snow over Christmas was an epic event. Meteorologist Bob Nestor with the National Weather Service office in Missoula reported that Missoula had 13 inches of snow on the ground over a 36 hour period.

Winter Wonderland

Zylawy retires after 27 years as a Montana Highway Patrolman

On Dec. 23 Mineral County Commissioner Roman Zylawy was sworn in by Commissioner Duane Simons. With his characteristic cowboy hat and vest, the mustached, 52-year old raised his right hand and took an oath to uphold the laws and rules of the office he was about to hold for the second time.

Big changes in Mineral County District Court

Kathleen Brown was sworn in as Mineral County Clerk of District Court by Judge Robert Deschamp on Dec. 29. She ran unopposed for the position in the Nov. 8 elections and will serve a four-year term. It’s a position she has held since 2006 and was happy to be re-elected. “I love my job and what we do here,” she said.

DUI Task Force hopes to curb highway fatalities

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has severe and sometimes, fatal consequences. There were 187 fatalities on Montana roads in 2016, with 94 of those accidents relating to impaired driving, according to a Montana Department of Transportation report. In Mineral County, 61 people have been either killed or seriously injured due to impaired driving between 2006 and 2015. Some reports even say that Montana’s I-90 is one of the most dangerous roads in the nation in terms of drunk driving fatalities.

Exerise and weight loss No. 1 New Year's Resolution

New Year’s Eve is steeped in several traditions. It’s a time to gather with families and friends and ring in the New Year with a celebration of food, drink, and rousing sing-along of “Auld Lang Syne.” It’s also a time to reflect on the events of the past year, and look at what the new year will bring. A part of looking forward is the tradition of having a New Year’s resolution. In which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice.

Hospital drops assisted living services

This spring Mineral Community Hospital will no longer offer assisted living service in Mineral County.

Legals January 4, 2017

LEGAL NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The Mudd Creek Fire Salvage Timber Sale is located within Section 18, T22N-R26W on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 7,295 tons, consisting primarily of Douglas-fir sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on January 20, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Bids may be hand delivered or mailed and will be accepted any time prior to the bid opening. DNRC recommends that bidders contact the Trust Land Management Division (406-542-4300) prior to the bid opening to ensure that your bid has been received. Bids must be accompanied by a deposit of $5,103.00, representing 5% of the minimum bid value of the sale in cashier's check, certified check, bank money order or bank draft to be applied to the first sale invoice for the successful bidder. Bid bonds will be accepted and, for the successful bidder, will be closed upon execution of the Timber Sale Contract and Timber Sale Bond. The sale will be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. Award of the timber sale is conditional upon approval of the timber sale by the State Board of Land Commissioners at their January 17, 2017 meeting. If the successful bidder is unable to execute the contract within 21 calendar days from the date the sale is awarded, the bid deposit will be retained by the Department as liquidated damages. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. Prospective bidders can obtain the sale prospectus, sale contract and bid forms from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Trust Land Management Division, in Missoula (406-542-4300), the Northwestern Land Office in Kalispell (406-751-2257), or the Plains Unit Office in Plains, MT (406-826-4723). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on December 21, 28, 2016 and January 4, 11, 2017. MNAXLP,

No headline

Sanders County Sheriff’s Office

Polson's fifth annual FLIC film festival on tap Jan. 20-22

The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) is unspooling its fifth annual winter film festival during the weekend of Jan. 20 to 22 at the Showboat Cinema on Main St. in Polson.

No headline

This is a very busy and exciting time in my life. By the time you read this, I will have been sworn in as your representative to the Montana House District 14.

First half of year included Jake Ryan's capture, Plains' state track title

A look back at the stories, people and events who shaped life in Sanders County from January through June 2016. Part two of this series will be published in the Jan. 11 edition.

January menu at Plains-Paradise Senior Center

Schedule information

CAROL N. 'FOOTIE' BATES, 73

She was born on Jan. 11, 1943, at home in Plains to Harold Bonness and Wilma Cox. She was named Carol Norris but went through life with her chosen nickname of Footie. Her parents divorced, and when Wilma later married Bill Valentine, Footie took his last name as her own.

Two survive plane crash near Paradise

Two men walked away from an airplane crash near Paradise on Tuesday morning.