Ellington

Circus performers bring smiles of delight

First-time circus visitors were obvious if not by their mere age, then by their eyes brightened with cautious curiosity at the new sights, sounds, and smells as they waited in line to enter the Big Top in Thompson Falls last week. As the audience built in numbers, the circus performers interacted with the kids both outside the tent and inside. Although many spectators may not have been aware, those working at the pony ride and bouncy houses as well as those painting faces and selling circus popcorn, cotton candy and souvenirs were the same members of the Culpepper and Merriweather troupe who entertained in the circus ring.

Noxon launches Road to the Buffalo Festival

Drivers on Highways 200 or 28 have likely noticed the brown and white road signs indicating the “Road to the Buffalo.” In total, there are 12 signs that mark what fur trader, David Thompson, who was the first documented fur trader to come to the Thompson Falls area, referred to as the “Saleesh (phonetic spelling) Road to the Buffalo” in his numerous journals.

Summer Art show opens at Clark Fork Valley Hospital

Visitors to the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains may very well have noticed the beautiful artwork that lines the main hallway off the entrance. In 2007, patient Gayle Keeny had the wonderful idea to bring art displays to the waiting walls. She put action to her inspiration by working with the Sanders County Arts Council and the hospital administrator to begin what is now an on-going display of local artists’ works.

Kickoff gets summer off to a great start in Plains

The Sanders County Summer Kickoff offered fun and games for all ages in what is anticipated to become an annual event. Simple Simon’s Pizza owners, Shawn and Shawna Purkeypule organized the kickoff, which was centered at the Plain’s fairgrounds. Other activities occurred at various venues around town.

Hot Springs football player overcomes adversity to achieve college dreams

Hot Springs standout running back and middle linebacker Kane Lawson never had time to mull over inspirational sports cliches when his high school career became a revolving door of injuries and rehab.

Thompson Falls Trap Club experiences 'youth movement'

Thompson Falls Trap Club President Digger Powell noticed an existing pattern that started to take shape with the Thompson Falls and Noxon Trap Clubs.

Plains Piranhas helps generate interest in the sport of swimming in Plains

Plains Piranha’s swim coach Danika Whitcomb is not only trying to cultivate young swimmers, but also allow her team the opportunities and life lessons she received through swimming for a club for 13 seasons.

Clear Creek Fire burning west of Thompson Falls

Fire crews from the National Forest Service and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) are battling a fire in the Clear Creek Area west of Thompson Falls.

Legals June 28, 2017

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Sanders County is now reviewing a request for a floodplain development permit in the 100 year floodplain of the Clark Fork River. The project is for construction of a storage shed in the floodplain, located at 1500 River Rd. W., Section 30, T21N., R27W. Any person with questions, wanting further information or wishing to submit comments about this project, please contact the Sanders County Floodplain Administrator at the Land Services Department in the County Courthouse, PO Box 519, 1111 Main Street Thompson Falls, MT 59873, Phone 827-6965 or kmaudrone@co.sanders.mt.us. Comments must be received by July 14, 2017. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on June 28, 2017. MNAXLP

Mineral County Disaster Emergency Services coordinator steps down after 18 years on the job

Reaching retirement is like being a kid and getting the last bowl out of a box of sweet cereal. That last bowl has all the sugar that fell off the grainy nuggets and its super sweet. Retirement is enjoying the sugary rewards from a lifetime of dedication and hard work. Rewards like sipping a cup of coffee on a long summer morning, vacations that never end, and not having to take calls.

Mineral County Airport wins $216,000 in funding

On June 12, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines announced $738,430.00 in critical funding for five Montana airports in Terry, Baker, Superior, Ekalaka and Circle.

Safety first with Fourth of July fireworks in St. Regis

The largest July 4 fireworks display in Mineral County is held in St. Regis, and it offers a perfect way to celebrate the national holiday while helping to keep the community safe from devastating fires.

Savenac Pond welcomes young anglers

It was a day of sunshine, fun and fish on Saturday, June 17 as Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) hosted “Kids Fishing Day at Savenac Pond”.

Mineral County Justice Court

June 16, Efren Diaz Suarez, fishing without license

End of era for Alberton dump site

On the west end of Alberton, there are two parcels of land perched on the north side of Interstate 90 that contain neighboring dumps.

Alternate Montana license can be used for Real ID, but it will cost you extra

Gov. Steve Bullock has signed a bill giving Montanans the option to buy a state driver’s license or identification card that can be used to board flights and access federal facilities.

T-Falls to host Bluehawks' summer basketball camp

Thompson Falls’ athletic director Jake Mickelson and Lady Bluehawks’ coach Doree Thilmony will host a youth basketball camp June 19-22 at Thompson Falls High School.

Former Horsemen to pass down basketball knowledge at upcoming summer camp

Former Plains Horsemen basketball players Andy Swanson and Royce Johnston are hoping to help aid in carrying on the basketball tradition that is well-established in Plains.

TF volleyball standout signs with University of Great Falls

Thompson Falls volleyball standout Ember Schwindt initially had a difficult adjustment as she entered her senior year.

Stanley Joseph Kosel

Gifts From Above Midwifery Care is pleased to announce the arrival of Stanley Joseph Kosel on June 1, 2017 at 4:02 p.m. Stanley weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. Proud parents are Bill and Merici Kosel of Plains. Happy siblings are Angela, William and Elaine Kosel. Paternal grandparents are Andrew and Margaret Kosel of Red Lodge. Maternal grandparents are Robert Epperson of California and Yvonne Epperson of Thompson Falls.

Woman's Club thankful for help restoring schoolhouse

The Plains Woman’s Club wishes to thank the community at large for support of our project of re-shingling the first log school built in the area. Letters of Support for a Montana History Foundation grant application were written by the Thompson Falls Historical Society, Gregg Eitelberg, Mayor of Plains, Lori Rehbein, 4th grade Plains School Teacher and the Plains Business Community.

'Drive 4 Ur Community' to benefit Cancer Network of Sanders County

While you are out having fun at the Sanders County Garage Sale-ing, make a quick stop at Rehbein Ford in Plains on June 24. This is your opportunity to test drive a brand new Ford vehicle and donate to Cancer Network of Sanders County at the same time. Want to know how easy and fun it is to donate that $20? Just show up at Rehbein Ford sometime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., fill in a short survey and take a new Ford car or truck for a test drive. Only one person per address qualifies and you must possess a current driver’s license. Ford Motor Company will send us $20/person for your efforts. They offer up to $6,000 for this event, so we could really use 300 people to do the test drive! Being able to host this event is kind of a big thing, Ford Motor Company does not back this event for just any Ford dealership. Rehbein Ford had to apply for this event months ago. Our past success and enthusiastic participation in the community is one reason why we are able to make this an annual event.

Spring burning season nears end

The spring burn season is officially drawing to a close in western Montana, and several land agencies in charge of administering burn permits have already stopped issuing permits as of Monday, June 12.

Dixon celebrates annual 'Demon Days'

Relative newcomers to the area may not know that when Dixon had a high school, the school mascot was a ‘Demon’. Some may also not remember that, until fairly recently, Dixon hosted the Dixon Melon

Cyclists in Thompson Falls Saturday were 'pedaling with a purpose'

Montana is a popular destination for cyclists who want to experience the beauty of nature up close, but some of those cyclists also ride for other motivations. This year marks the 30th anniversary that members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, from chapters across the country, have pedaled across the U.S. working to raise funds for “The Ability Experience,” which supports people with disabilities. The 38-member team—30 riders plus eight crew, that was making its way from Thompson Falls to Missoula on Saturday is one of three cohorts traversing from the West to the East coast. The fraternity anticipates raising $650,000 through their “Journey of Hope” philanthropy this year.

Out of the ashes come mushrooms: 2017 brings good crop

Mushroom buyers have been in Sanders County for about a month now as both locals and professional commercial pickers collect the morels from the vast area burned last year in the Copper King Fire. According to Dena Wiley and Robin Daems, two of the buyers out of Washington State, the Conicals are reaching the end of their season while the Greys are just coming in. At the peak of the season pickers were bringing in about 1000 pounds per day while now the take is about 200 lbs.

Woman's Club project puts new roof on Old Schoolhouse

Hard work and generous donations have helped preserve history in Plains as the oldest schoolhouse in Sanders County has a new roof.

Clark Fork Cougs capture Mission Valley championship

Clark Fork Cougs’ manager Brandon Fisher admitted the 2017 season was the most fulfilling year of baseball he ever had as a coach or a player.

Helping generate a new generation of pilots

Pilots and car enthusiasts landed in Plains this past Saturday to share their gleaming vehicles of air and road with over 300 admiring fans of all ages. The event also drew a crowd for a pancake breakfast that was a fundraiser supporting a $500 scholarship given annually to a student wishing to pursue a career in aviation—as a pilot or mechanic. That scholarship, sponsored by the Sanders County Hanger group of the Montana Pilots Association and overseen by Dan Lilja, awarded this year’s scholarship to Cuahtemoc Rivera of Heron, Mont. who wants to pilot long range, hauling airplanes.

Legals June 21, 2017

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT Sanders County is now reviewing a request for a floodplain development permit in the 100 year floodplain of the Clark Fork River. The project is for placement of fill in the floodplain, located at 716 S. Central Ave., Section 27, T20N., R26W. Any person with questions, wanting further information or wishing to submit comments about this project, please contact the Sanders County Floodplain Administrator at the Land Services Department in the County Courthouse, PO Box 519, 1111 Main Street Thompson Falls, MT 59873, Phone 827-6965 or kmaudrone@co.sanders.mt.us. Comments must be received by July 7, 2017. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on June 21, 2017. MNAXLP

New signs unveiled at Eva Horning Park

The Eva Horning Park in Superior got some new signage and was marked with a Play in the Park unveiling event held on June 4. Folks gathered around as Liz Gupton and friends pulled blue tarpa off of three signs.

Elks provide funding for emergency equipment

Mineral Community Hospital received a gift on Wednesday, June 14, when Dennis Cooper, a Trustee with the Montana State Elks Association presented hospital CEO Ron Gleason with a check for $2,700. Cooper drove over from Deer Lodge to present the check, which was the result of grant application made by the hospital.

Yard sales invade Mineral County

Yard sales invaded Mineral County last weekend as St. Regis held a town yard sale on June 16 and 17. The West End Annual Yard Sale also took place at the DeBorgia Historic School House. This included their Cowboy Breakfast of biscuits and gravy, sausage and drinks.

Baseball Beach Party celebrates end of season with carnival fun

St. Regis Youth Baseball players congregated in Saint Regis Park on Saturday for an afternoon of carnival fun to celebrate another successful season. This is the third year the young players, along with siblings and parents gathered for their annual “Baseball Beach Party” to enjoy a day of play, food and awards.

New shop brightens Superior's main street

Hungry Horse Montana is down one shop owner and Superior now has her. Artisan Stephanie Dahl moved to DeBorgia last year with her family and opened The Outpost in December. The bright yellow shop is located across the street from the Old School House and holds treasures from local and regional artists.

Hearings held in Mineral County Court

Hundreds of runners participate in Trail Rail Run

Over 300 hearty racers lined up at designated stations on the west-end of Mineral County to participate in the fifth annual Trail Rail Run. Event coordinator, Tyler Cheesman said the turnout was about 100 more runners than they had last year.

Mineral County Justice Court, June 9-16

June 15, John Conrad Adams, throw match/cigarette on roadway

Thompson, Gray receive post-season softball honors

Mission Valley area teams reaped ten players acknowledged with postseason all-conference recognition that included a trio of all-state honors.

Savage Heat's Paro, Lawson excel in all-star football showcase

Former Hot Springs Savage Heat player Trevor Paro capped his high school football career at the Class-C, 6-man All-Star Game a couple of weeks ago at Custer.

Hot Springs STEAM team qualifies for national competition in Texas

Last year, the Hot Springs Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math team’s aspiration to qualify for Nationals grew exponentially when the team fell three points short of making it to the STEAM National competition held in Austin, Texas.

Lady Savage Heat squad defeats alumni

HOT SPRINGS — The Hot Springs High School girls basketball team was searching for more than just another victory or working on their game in the summer months when they took on their Alumni team Friday night at the Hot Springs Gymnasium.

Alumni retain 'bragging rights' in annual basketball game

HOT SPRINGS — The Hot Springs boys basketball alumni game was an action-packed game that included reunions, dramas and good-bye’s Friday night at the Hot Springs Gymnasium.

More than one way to serve

One of the highlights of the Hot Springs Homesteader Days Car Show was a giant truck—a 1986 American General Model 923 A-1 to be exact. Formerly a crew carrier for the U.S. Army, the truck is now owned by Nick Laverl of Thompson Falls, who has outfitted the truck with flags and other memorials honoring our veterans. Due to physical disabilities, Nick was not able to serve in our armed forces, but has made it his life’s purpose to pay tribute to our veterans.

Former Plains resident Henretti and family cycling across America

Three bicycles, his family and an open road – Joe Henretti is living his dream.

Mineral County Justice Court, June 2-9, 2017

June 6, Kotwal Aditya, seatbelt violation

'Old highway guys,' plus many others, getting roads repaired

Recently, Superior maintenance crews, supervised by Kevin Managhan, were resetting a recently collapsed expansion joint on the eastbound I-90 Clark Fork Bridge at St. Regis. Meanwhile, Riverside Contracting out of Missoula was milling and repaving one of winter’s leftover sprawling potholes on the south side of Superior interchange. Whether private contractors or government maintenance crews, hard working men and women are out in full force repairing bridges and roads this summer.

Lots of cars, loads of fun at 18th annual car show

116 cars rolled into the 18th Annual Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show in Superior on June 2 and 3.

Long-time teachers retire as school year ends

The careers of several area teachers came to a close with the recent ending of the 2016-17 school.

County is part of multi-state outbreak linked to live poultry

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) confirmed last week that 14 Montanans in 11 counties have been diagnosed this spring with salmonella after coming in contact with live poultry.

Superior water rate increase goes into effect July 1

Residents of Superior will soon see an increase in water rates of approximately 21 percent to the Base Rate Charge. The rate increase is meant to repay outstanding bonds, to cover operation and maintenance fees and to establish a reserve fund.

St. Regis trio heads to Alaska for teaching opportunities

“North to Alaska” now has more meaning to three St. Regis teachers than just a 1960s John Wayne movie as they pack their bags and head to Unalaska, Alaska. The adventurous trio secured jobs at the schools at The Port of Dutch Harbor. Current high school teacher and BPA supervisor, Chad Eichenlaub; Kindergarten teacher Mallery Mceldery; and fourth grade teacher Laura Jarvis will all be on the ferry from Homer, Alaska to the small island around July 19. Mceldery and Jarvis will finish up teaching summer camps and then move.

Alberton seeks city candidates

The deadline is drawing near to file for the open seats on the Alberton Town Council said a post by Glenda Wallace on the Alberton, Montana Community Facebook page. Alberton’s current mayor, Josh Acker is not seeking re-election which also leaves the mayor’s seat open. All of the Council Members seats are up for re-election. “A rare occurrence due to some previous resignations and special elections,” says Wallace.

Fourth-grade rock stars (and barbers!)

Small fire started at St. Regis School

On May 31, St. Regis School experienced a small fire when a trash can caught fire in the little boy’s bathroom in the elementary wing. The school’s fire alarm went off around 3 p.m. and fourth grade teacher, Laura Jarvis located the fire and put it out with a fire extinguisher.

Jean Twichel, 89

Jean Twichel, 89, of Billings, formerly of Missoula and Plains, Mont. passed away Saturday, June 3, 2017 of natural causes.

Garland R. Slider, 72

Garland R. Slider died peacefully in his sleep Tuesday, June 6 at his home at 7 Eagle Valley Lane, Plains, MT. Born in Brownwood, TX December 29, 1944, he is survived by his wife Charlotte, a brother from TX, two stepsons and a daughter. Garland was a career railroad engineer and retired to his much loved Montana in 2005. A memorial luncheon will be announced at a later date.

Copper King Fire salvage project decision issued

Plains, MT. – The Lolo National Forest is proceeding with salvage of burned timber on the Copper King Fire after a decision was signed June, 6 by Forest Supervisor, Timothy Garcia, which authorizes timber salvage and roadside hazard tree removal on approximately 1,761 acres. The decision also approved three miles of temporary road construction, 88 miles of road maintenance, 6,000 acres of tree planting, and motorized use restrictions on 5 miles of trail. Road and watershed stabilization work will commence this month, with burned tree salvage beginning in July after award of timber sale contracts.

Thompson Falls to host annual E-Waste event June 17

Area residents will get the chance to properly dispose of their used electronics from 9 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. June 17 as the Sanders County Transfer Site in Thompson Falls hosts its annual E-Waste event.

VonHeeder reaches new heights in freshman season with Bobcats

Former Plains track star Carley VonHeeder has a fundamental approach to success that earned her two high school state championships. She has taken that approach with her as she is now throwing javelin at Montana State University.

Donations fund Plains Cemetery upgrades

Those in attendance at Tuesday’s Memorial Day service at the Plains Cemetery got to see first-hand they new upgrades to the facility.

Legals June 7, 2017

PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO PROTEST ONE NEW MONTANA ALL-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES LICENSE Blue Night, LLC. (Member: Shawna Purkeypyle) has applied for Transfer of Ownership of Montana All-Alcoholic Beverages License No. 35-859-7233-001 to be operated at The Office Bar & Casino (formerly known as High Plains Saloon), 102 E Railroad Avenue, Plains, Sanders County Montana. The public may protest this license transfer in accordance with the law. Who can protest this license? Protests will be accepted from residents of the county of the proposed location (Sanders), residents of adjoining Montana counties (Lincoln, Flathead, Lake, Missoula, Mineral), and residents of adjoining counties in another state if the criteria in 16-4-207(4)(d), Montana Code Annotated (MCA), are met. What information must be included? Protest letters must be legible and contain (1) the protestor's full name, mailing address, and street address; (2) the license number (35-859-7233-001) and the applicant's name (Blue Night, LLC.); (3) an indication that the letter is intended as a protest; (4) a description of the grounds for protesting; and (5) the protestor's signature. A letter with multiple signatures will be considered one protest letter. What are valid protest grounds? The protest may be based on the applicant's qualifications listed in 16-4-401, MCA, or the grounds for denial of an application in 16-4-405, MCA. Examples of valid protest grounds include: (1) the applicant is unlikely to operate the establishment in compliance with the law; (2) the proposed location cannot be properly policed by local authorities; and (3) the welfare of the people in the vicinity of the proposed location will be adversely and seriously affected. How are protests submitted? Protests must be postmarked to the Department of Revenue, Office of Dispute Resolution, P.O. Box 5805, Helena, Montana 59604-5805 on or before June 19, 2017. What happens if the license is protested? Depending on the number of protests and the protest grounds, a public hearing will be held in Helena or Plains. All valid protestors will be notified of the hearing's time, date and location. Hearings typically are scheduled within 90 days. A protester's hearing testimony is limited to the grounds in the protester's letter. Following the hearing, the Department of Revenue will notify the public whether the license transfer is approved or denied. How can additional information be obtained? The cited MCA statutes are online at leg.mt.gov/bills/mca_toc/. Questions may be directed to Mike Sell, Compliance Specialist for the Department of Revenue's Liquor Control Division, at (406) 444-3505 or MSell@mt.gov. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on May 31 and June 7, 2017. MNAXLP

No headline

Reunion for 1958, 1959 Superior classes held in Oregon

Twenty-five current and former Mineral County residents headed for the Whispering Woods Resort at Welches, Oregon for a class reunion. The reunion was for Superior High School classes of 1958 and 1959 with friends. It was held on May 15-18 near Mt. Hood and was hosted by Gaylord and Marcia Green. This was the first time for some but the second and third time for others and the event is always hosted by the Greens. The first evening we all met for dinner and got re-acquainted again.

Burn season closing June 11

The Superior Ranger District will stop issuing burn permits for all debris burning, including burn barrels, on June 11.

If your graduating senior is looking for work, the outlook is good

The job market is looking bright for this year’s graduating seniors. In Montana, April’s jobless rate is hovering around 3.8 percent compared to the national rate of 4.4 percent. With Montana’s unemployment rate it can make hiring difficult for employers to find the skilled workers they may need to grow and expand their operations, said Pam Bucy, Labor and Industry Commissioner in a recent news release. “Tight labor markets also have benefits for workers because of rising wages and ample job opportunities.”

Four county athletes bring home some medal from state track

Class C State Track and Field took place on May 26 and 27 at the Laurel Sports Complex near Billings. Six Mineral County athletes traveled the 770 mile round trip to compete against over 30 other schools. Four students came home with some medal including Clark Fork’s Emma Duboise who pole vaulted her way to second place and tied with Maddy Thompson from Fort Benton with a jump of 9-0.

Juneau praises rural schools at Alberton graduation

Denise Juneau who served as Superintendent of Public Instruction for Montana from 2009 until January of this year, was the guest speaker for Alberton’s graduation on May 28. She ran against Republican Ryan Zinke for the US House of Representatives in the 2016 elections and is currently taking a look at the job description as President for the University of Montana. A job vacated by Royce Engstrom last December.

Mineral County Court Report, May 26 through June 2

June 1, Sam Marcel Castro, exceeding the max gross weight allowed on axles

Mineral County Roundup

Brian Coon won a truckload of fire wood donated by Tricon Timber. It was a raffle held by the Clark Fork Mountain Cats football team with proceeds used to benefit the team. Coach Jeff Shultz and the team wanted to thank Tricon for their donation and for supporting the team.

Superior students receive valuable welding certificates

The demand for welders is putting a spark in the U.S. job market due to increased construction and because within five years 25 percent of the skilled welders will be retiring. All this with a welder’s earning potential matching those of a mid-level executive of a Fortune 500 company. That’s why students in Superior’s welding class were excited and nervous for the opportunity to take national tests for welding certification.

Graduating classes head toward bright futures

It was another proud day for Mineral County students, teachers and parents as the 2017 graduating classes took their victory march down the aisle toward the podium where their diplomas waited. Superior and Alberton held their graduations on Sunday, May 28, and St. Regis had theirs on Tuesday, May 30.