Ellington

Paro, DeTienne showcase talent at state

All season the Hot Springs boys’ track team has been filled with individual accolades.

Schroeder pole vaults way to top of podium to lead Thompson Falls at state track meet

Throughout the entire track season, Thompson Falls’ pole vaulter Losha Schroeder has become accustomed to finishing in one place at events: first.

Thompson earns second state title

Plains standout Jessica Thompson has managed to juggle playing multiple sports simultaneously since the age of four.

Hot Springs native serves with elite Navy Honor Guard

By KAYLA GOOD

Sanders County Sheriff's Report

The following incidents were taken from the Sanders County Sheriffs Report

Plains does well at state track meet

Plains High School track and field continued its tradition of excellence in spite of having only five qualify for the Class-C state track meet held Thursday through Saturday at Laurel Sports Complex at Laurel High School.

Legals May 31, 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

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Mineral County roundup

May is a busy month for local schools as end-of-the-year activities fill the calendar. Mrs. Crabb’s Superior School fourth grade class spent Thursday, May 25, learning about pond ecology, and how to cast a fishing pole. They also went on a nature walk around Savenac and toured Tricon Timber.

Gianforte received nearly 60 percent of Mineral County vote

Montanan’s can finally take a sigh of relief as the special election for Montana’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives is over. After 85 days of campaigning, Republican Greg Gianforte won with 50% of the vote with 189,473 ballots cast in his favor. Democrat Rob Quist received 44% with 166,483 votes, and Libertarian Mark Wicks received 6% with 21,509 votes.

After nearly 50 years, students still enjoy Outdoor School

If you were a student, which would you rather do-sit in a classroom and stare at a whiteboard or be outside enjoying some spring sunshine? Luckily, the sixth grade students in Superior didn’t have to answer that question. Because they were at Outdoor School all last week. Twenty-seven students along with teachers and staff members headed up to Savenac Historical Nursery for a week of outdoors games and education.

Dreams come true in Orlando for BPA students from local schools

Students from St. Regis, Superior and one from Alberton, joined nearly 400 members of Montana’s delegation for the National Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. Over 5,800 students from 23 state associations attended the week-long event which started on May 9.

Jam Cracker project gets green light to proceed

Forest Supervisor Tim Garcia signed the final Decision Notice for the Jam Cracker project in the Lolo National Forest on May 22, 2017.

Recent deer and elk counts show increase in numbers

Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) biologist, Liz Bradley gave a presentation at a recent Mineral County Commissioners meeting. Every spring she does elk and deer surveys in Mineral County for Hunting Districts 200-203, 260 west, and 283 west for Region 2. This is her third year of flying with Mark Musick of Minute Man Aviation. Musick has been doing these surveys since late 80s and she commented that it was nice to have that consistency with same pilot for so many years.

Noteworthy

Clark Fork Mountain Cat tennis player, Alise Rutherford placed second in divisionals and traveled to Missoula for the State meet where her team, along with Granite and Troy scored 4 points.

Court Report for May 19-26, 2017

May 19, Patricia Helen Bass, speeding

Lucille Sansom

Lucille Murray Sansom passed away May 18, 2017 in Missoula just eight days before her 90th birthday. Lucille was born May 26, 1927 in Superior. She was the only daughter of Bert and Dorothy Murray of Rivulet.

Sanders County students win big in wildfire prevention art contest

Several Sanders County students were big winners as the Keep Montana Green (KMG)Association announced the winners of its 56th-annual Wildfire Prevention Art Contest.

Plains track prepares for state meet

Plains boys, girls track coach Denise Montgomery said the end of the track season is always a “bittersweet” time because of the mixture of successes and failures culminated with the ending of another season.

Hot Springs tracksters qualify for state

The Hot Springs girls, boys track team qualified for six races for the Class-C track and field track May 26-27 at Laurel Sports Complex at Laurel High School.

Thompson Falls golf captures all-state honors

The Thompson Falls girls golf team came back from their state experience with some hardware at the Class B state golf tournament Tuesday through Thursday at Marias Valley Golf and Country Club.

Hot Springs Artists Society hosts show

More than 50 original photos are on display at Wall Street Place at the On The Wall Gallery as the Hot Springs Artists Society celebrates the winners of its Juried Photography Show.

Make each day count National Prevention Week was May 15-20

Alcohol and drug use by young people is extremely dangerous, both to themselves and to society. It is directly associated with traffic fatalities, violence, suicide, educational failure, alcohol overdose, unsafe sex and other problem behaviors, even for those who may never develop a dependence or addiction.

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- Heather Hotchkiss, 26, was arrested on July 1, 2016 for criminal possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. She has been released to Tracy Bullard of Superior without posting bond. She has to wear a drug patch and will be subject to random UA testing. Her sentence is set for July 10, 2017.

Plains boys, girls teams struggle with conditions at state

Plains boys, girls state qualifiers Alec Cole, Fame Lopez, and Shayna Burgess entered the Class-C State golf tournament Tuesday and Wednesday with an abundance of confidence.

Hazel (Rada) Search-Craft, 86

Hazel (Rada) Search-Craft passed away at the age of 86 on May 18, 2017 surrounded by family at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. She was preceded in death by her soulmate Raymond (Bob) Craft, her son Theodore Craft, and her five siblings. She is survived by her four remaining children, Linda Keirn (Garry), Patricia Garcia (Pete), Margaret Leichtnam (Mike), and Barbra Nutter (Bill), along with her 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Hazel was a caring, strong, loving woman who worked as a nursing assistant for many years before retiring to enjoy life. She was more known for her culinary skills, as she was a cook for several years before being a nursing assistant. Her biscuits and gravy were definitely something to write home about. She was also a very lively woman who enjoyed dancing, crocheting, needle point, gardening, traveling, and finding the best corn dogs at the fair. Her sense of humor was sassy and everyone who met her knew she was a spitfire. While she resided at the Hot Springs Health & Rehabilitation Center she would keep the staff on their toes, letting them know exactly how everyone took their drinks or who needed what, and so on. Hazel never stopped caring or helping those around her. She had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was beyond infectious. So to celebrate her life and the light she brought into this world, there will be a memorial service for her on June 3, 2017 at the Hot Springs Bible Church at 1p.m. All are welcome to come and remember Hazel for the amazing woman she was and the woman she will continue to be in our hearts. There will be a potluck dinner in the basement of the church following the service.

Montana residents urged to prepare for fire season

All residents throughout Montana are encouraged to participate in Wildfire Awareness Month this May. The purpose is to raise awareness about wildland fire safety, community preparedness, hazardous fuels mitigation, and fire prevention.

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Crazy Cup, Cute Kid

Plains-Hot Springs misses state by one run

The Plains-Hot Springs softball team’s quest to clinch a Class B-C state title bid fell one run short when they lost to Loyola Sacred Heart 12-11 at the Class B-C Western softball Divisional tournament Friday and Saturday at Libby High School.

Yes, Porsche drivers, Montana does have a speed limit

Porsche drivers cruising through Mineral County were in for a surprise when some drivers in the group were pulled over for speeding.

Superior honored as a 'Playful City USA'

National non-profit KaBOOM! is honoring the town of Superior with a 2017 Playful City USA designation for the first time.

Mineral County Justice Court May 12-19, 2017

May 17, Donald Paul Almquist, violation in a construction zone

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Doug and Dana Austin were in for a sweet reward on Friday, May 19 when the Mineral County Library Board and the Friends of the Library presented them with a beautiful plaque, cake and gift card to Quinn’s Hot Springs for almost ten years of volunteer service. A small reception was held at the library on Friday, May 19 where attendees got to enjoy a piece of yummy cake to commemorate the event.

Armed Forces Day honors two local residents

For the second time, the Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) paid homage to local veterans on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20. Veterans from World War I were honored, along with veterans from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Veterans, along with family and friends gathered in the Superior High School gym at 1 p.m. Rep. Denley Loge was the emcee for the afternoon, with musician Jack Gladstone and Army Sgt. Maj. Michael Jarnevic as guests.

Health fair jumping with high energy

By KATHLEEN WOODFORD

Six athletes will travel to Laurel for state track and field

A long season of track and field has culminated into a trip to Laurel, Montana for six Mineral County athletes who have qualified for State to be held May 26 and 27. Clark Fork’s Hailey Kelly, Griffin Pluth and Emma Duboise will join St. Regis’ Brandon Managhan, Madison Hill and Brock Cantrell-Field. The top five competitors qualify for State.

Kinney named Western Montana superintendent of year

Superior School Superintendent Scott Kinney has been named the Western Montana Superintendent of the Year and the school held an assembly Wednesday afternoon to present the award to Kinney.

Shirley May Williamson, 91

Shirley May Williamson died on November 2, 2016 at Crestview Manor in Webster City.

Spring Rendezvous celebrates historic trading post

One of Montana’s oldest structures came to life last weekend, as history enthusiasts gathered for the annual Spring Rendezvous at Fort Connah outside St. Ignatius.

Warren Richard Shuttle

Warren Richard Shuttle was born April 28, 2017 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. He was 20 inches and weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces.

Commissioner Carol Brooker honored for volunteer service

For her hard work and dedication to the people of Sanders County, Commissioner Carol Brooker will be making the trip to the state capitol in Helena next month to accept the 2017 ServeMontana Award.

Flat Creek cleanup nears completion after 15 years

The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Environmental Quality hosted a site tour of the Flat Creek-Iron Mountain Mine tailing cleanup on May 10. Members of the Superior Technical Assistance Committee (STAC) and the public met in Superior and drove up to the site north of town. It gave interested parties the opportunity to ask questions and present ideas or concerns to the departments involved with the cleanup.

Russell Norris Grunhuvd

Edna and Stanley Cummings

By Mary Jo Berry

Clark Fork River high from melting snowpack

Judge Leslie Halligan's court, May 9, 2017

- Superior resident Gary Robert Rutherford, 65, was given a 10-year suspended sentence for two counts of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to distribute and for possession of drug paraphernalia plus fines and fees, from a Dec. 4, 2015 arrest.

Mineral County Justice Court, May 5-12, 2017

May 12, Aaron D. Becker, violation in construction zone

Kindergarten class gives moms a special treat

Mrs. Labbe’s kindergarten class hosted a special Mother’s Day celebration on Friday morning in Superior. Mother’s were treated to cookies and other treats as the nineteen member class read individual cards explaining why their mom was special.

Mineral County Roundup

Mr. Yeager’s sixth-grade class at St. Regis School is planning an end-of-the-year project to donate backpacks to kids in need. The backpacks will be filled with school supplies for next fall. They are currently accepting cash donations and will have a booth, “Mineral County Makes a Difference” at the three-day flea market in St. Regis over Memorial Day weekend.

Athletes make good showing at Seeley-Swan Kim Haines Memorial Track Meet

The Seeley-Swan Kim Haines Memorial Track Meet was held on Saturday, May 6 at Frenchtown High School. Both St. Regis and Clark Fork Mountain Cats participated in the event which draws teams from all over western Montana.

Mineral County DUI Task Force picks logo winner

St. Regis Senior, Madison Hill won the DUI Task Force logo contest. Her artwork was chosen by the taskforce committee a few weeks ago and last Thursday she was awarded $100 for her entry. The logo is an outline of Montana with DUI letters which look like a highway and Mineral County is starred.

Gianforte visits Superior group to discuss local issues

The Mineral County Republican Central Committee hosted a meet-and-greet for Greg Gianforte last Friday, May 5 at the Mineral County Fair Grounds. He is running for the vacant seat in congress against oppenent Rob Quist and addressed many issues facing voters today including management of the national forests, healthcare, vets and the economy.

Supaman flies into local schools with message of hope and respect

There are very few, if any, other people who combine the modern sound of Hip Hop with traditional Native American music.

Students gather for annual Mineral County Fun Run

“This is absolutely my favorite day of the year,” said Barb Jasper, Mineral County Public Health Nurse, as she tallied up times at the finish line during Mineral County’s Annual Fun Run. “I like the energy and all the kids come out and realize that fitness is fun. They have a great time every year and the staff has a good time. We always try to do something that’s healthy afterwards and this year Supaman will come out and spread a positive message and it should be a good way to wrap it up.”

Official results from school elections

Dan Hazlett and Michelle Parkin won the two open seats on the Superior School Board.

Local veteran suffered through Bataan Death March

Superior firefighters respond when shed burned incautiously

Mineral Independent

Legals May 10, 2017

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Requests Input for a Proposed Road Easement PUBLIC NOTICE The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Plains Unit, is considering an easement request. Roger Bergmann has applied for easement on an existing road through State Lands in Section 36, T26N, R28W, a Common Schools Trust (CS), approximately 36 air miles northwest of Plains, Montana. The easement would provide access to 200 acres of privately owned land in Section 1, T25N, R28W for a single-family residence. The project may involve the construction of approximately 600 feet of new road construction on State lands. We are evaluating and identifying environmental and social concerns. We are asking your assistance in this process by letting us know issues or concerns you may have with regard in the area. To ensure your comments are included in the planning process, please submit them to the Plains office by Friday, May 26, 2017. Please direct oral or written comments to: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation PO Box 219 Plains, Montana 59859 Attn: David Olsen (406) 826-4724 E-mail: dolsen@mt.gov Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on May 10, 2017. MNAXLP

Square dancers in Plains hit the big time

The media descended on a small group of square dancers in Plains last Saturday night. Television crews from both “Backroads of Montana” and “Under the Big Sky” were at the dance located in the basement of the First Security Bank.

Horsemen, Trotters track teams continue to improve in Frenchtown

In virtually every track event, Plains boys, girls track members gleefully run to coach Denise Montgomery and inform her about their PRs.

Bluehawks excel at Archie Row

Thompson Falls discus thrower McKenzie Holt captured first place at the Archie Row Invitational Saturday at Legends Stadium in Kalispell.

Beckman, Brown first at Trestle Creek

Thompson Falls’ Dylan Beckman is one of several Bluehawk, Lady Bluehawk golfers that has created a sense of optimism for the TF program’s future according to boys, girls golf coach Mike Bates.

Savage Heat boys, girls track set personal records at Frenchtown

The Hot Springs boys track team turned in several solid performances that included several PRs from some of their top-caliber performers in the Kim L Haines Memorial track meet Saturday at Frenchtown High School.

Plains-Hot Springs softball wins sixth straight

The Plains-Hot Springs softball team hasn’t peaked yet, according to assistant Coach David Thompson.

Unofficial school trustee election results

Here are the unofficial results on school elections held Tuesday in Plains and Hot Springs. Final results will be provided when availabvle.

Mineral and Sanders counties to benefit from gas tax revenue

The Montana Legislature wrapped up its session on Friday. There will be interim committees to study options for the next session in 20 months.

Local veteran groups remember Thomas B. Castles

Superior’s RSVP and Community Outreach group will honor Mineral County veterans again this year on Armed Forces Day May 20.

Political parties gear up for special May election

The Mineral County Democratic Central Committee held a potluck dinner and auction on Saturday, April 29, in Plains to raise funds for Rob Quist, Democratic candidate for the vacant seat for the U.S. House of Representatives.

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St. Regis athletes Hill and Cantrell-Field win big in track

Two St. Regis athletes made it into the top six slot at the 19th Annual Russ Pilcher Western Montana Top 10 track and field meet in Missoula. Top athletes from all over Montana met at the Dornblaser track on April 25 to compete. Brock Cantrell-Field broke St. Regis School’s old discus record of 142 feet, 2 inches. Cantrell-Field threw 148 feet, 4 inches and took sixth place on Tuesday.

RZ Feeds opens in Superior

There’s a new feed store in Superior called RZ Feeds. Local owners Pete Ratzlaff and Doug Hutchins opened the doors a few weeks ago and offer a variety of bird and animal feed.

Students shine 'Under the Stars'

Students shimmered and shined during Alberton’s 2017 Prom with the theme “Under the Stars”. The dance was held on Saturday, April 29, in the school cafeteria. Kindergarteners Marley Fredette and Ben Evans were the crown bearers.

Students learn that science is everywhere

Designing pressure suits and parachutes were just a few lessons learned for a group of Alberton students when they had an opportunity to work with NASA.

This little piggy...

Mineral County 4-H members showed up on a drizzly Sunday afternoon to get their pigs weighed and tagged for this year’s summer fair.

Mineral County Justice Court April 22 – April 28

Bond Forfeited

'Era of Megafires' reveals plight facing forests

It’s good news for the timber industry as some environmentalists are beginning to dial back their push against commercial logging.

Burn season begins

On Monday, May 1, fire season officially began and burn permits will be required for all outdoor burning in Mineral County. Burn permits are available from the Superior Ranger District by calling 822-4233/822-3933 or by stopping by the District office at 209 West Riverside in Superior.

Grange contest winners announced

The winners of the Grange Coloring Contest have been announced.

Potatoes grow $1,600 for local museum

A delicious time was had by all that attended the LaRue-Hot Springs Museum’s Annual Spud Fest and Silent Auction on April 23 at the Senior Center in Hot Springs.

Plains JMG students take top honors

Jobs for Montana’s Graduates students at Plains High School recently returned from the state competition with a number of first-place awards.

Sanders County Sheriff's log

April 23

'Music for Mom' starts fundraising season

The