Ellington

Savage Horsemen help bring the Christmas cheer to Plains

As the calendar creeps quickly toward another Christmas, the Savage Horsemen Wrestling team are once again selling locally sourced Christmas trees and sreaths for anyone in need.

Principal explains school policy

Thompson Falls Police are investigating threatening comments allegedly made by a student last week at Thompson Falls High School.

A dream fulfilled

The brand new Andre J Melief lodge at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort is now officially open for guests to book a stay in one of the luxurious rooms.

2 dead, 1 injured in Trout Creek shooting

One woman is dead and a man was sent to the hospital after a shooting near Trout Creek over the weekend.

Sheriff Bauer quits; Boone takes interim post

Mineral County was stunned on Monday, Nov. 13, when Sheriff Tom Bauer turned in his letter of resignation to County Commissioner Chairman Roman Zylway.

Tricon mill sold to Idaho Forest Group

The Idaho Forest Group, one of the nation’s largest lumber producers has entered into a binding contract with Tricon Timber’s sawmill in St. Regis, one of Mineral County’s largest employers.

Jailers, dispatch receive salary increases

After seven months the Mineral County Sheriff’s office contract negotiations are complete. With jailers and dispatch employees receiving a $1.80 hour increase in their salaries. County commissioners met with union business representative Shawn Fontaine and employees on November 20 to discuss the over-due contract.

Previous story didn't correctly cite sheriff candidate Mike Toth's full work experience

In the Nov. 22 issue of the Mineral Independent, the article, “Sheriff Bauer Quits: Boone takes interim post” Mike Toth was reported to have applied for the acting sheriff’s position at a recent commissioners’ meeting.

St. Regis FFA teams place in top 15 at John Deere Ag Expo

The St. Regis FFA (Future Farmers of America) had three teams place in the top 15 at the John Deere Ag Expo in Bozeman. The Expo was held at the Montana State University Campus on Nov. 9-11 and approximately 1,500 FFA members came from around the state.

Hunters have highest success rate since 2007 as big game season comes to an end

Sunday marked the close of the 2017 general big game hunting season with west-central Montana check stations reporting the highest harvest in four years and the highest hunter success rate since 2007 according to a report by Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Montana will decommission most airway beacons

HELENA — The Montana Department of Transportation has reached a decision regarding the future of the Airway Beacon Program.

Public comment deadline on two big salvage projects is Dec. 1

The deadline for public comment period for a proposed tree harvest by the Lolo National Forest for the Sunrise and Sheep Gap fires is December 1, 2017. The Sunrise Fire Salvage project is located on both the Superior and Ninemile Ranger Districts about 7 miles southeast of Superior, primarily within the Verde, Sunrise, Meadow, and Quartz Creek drainages.

'Lights On' Afterschool programs celebrate successes

From learning how to sew a button onto a shirt to designing a spacesuit for NASA, afterschool programs across Mineral County offer a wide array of activities for students.

Letter to the editor

The week of Nov. 13 was a very memorable and busy week for me. The governor called the Legislature back to town on Monday to help fix the budget deficit. I am on the House Business and Labor Committee and we were scheduled to meet jointly with the Senate Business and Labor. I missed the Monday meeting with a higher priority — my mother’s funeral service was that afternoon.

Arthur Steven Case, 66

Arthur Steven Case passed away Sunday, November 19, 2017, surrounded by his family in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

High Country Cowboys swing back into Sanders County

The High Country Cowboys trio were at Quinn’s Hot Springs last week for a two-night performance.

Cancer Network hosts lantern lighting

The lighting and releasing of lanterns for cancer has become a worldwide tradition to not only remember those that are lost but those that have survived.

Women make stockings for families in need

The Plains Woman’s Club has been creating hand-made Christmas stockings for families that are associated with the Sanders County Coalition for Families for nearly a decade.

Turkey B-I-N-G-O fun at Hot Springs

Sanders County locals turned out to Hot Springs for Turkey Bingo.

Hot skillet sparks house fire

A skillet left on a stove was the cause of a house fire on Sunday.

Spiekermeier on his way to D.C. with Capitol Christmas Tree

Larry “Hollywood” Spiekermeier, as he has been affectionately named by his pilot crew, is well on his way to Washington, D.C. with a special Christmas tree in tow.

Legals November 22, 2017

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Letter of Intent PUBLIC NOTICE The Montana DNRC, Plains Unit is notifying you as to our intent to harvest dead and dying timber damaged by the Sheep Gap Fire. The first proposed sale will be known as the Sheep Gap Fire Salvage. This proposed sale is located approximately 6 air miles west of Plains, MT, in the Deaf & Blind Trust Section 22, Township 20 North, Range 27 West. This sale would likely sell this fall, and is projected to generate approximately 155 thousand board feet of timber from 45 acres. The Sheep Gap Fire Salvage is in the earliest stages of planning, but would most likely involve seed tree harvests, with ground based logging systems, and may require and would include some minor improvements on existing roads. The second proposed sale will be known as the Swamp Ridge Fire Salvage. This proposed sale is located approximately 4 air miles west of Plains, MT, in the Common Schools Trust Section 36, Township 20 North, Range 27 West. This sale would likely sell this early winter, and is projected to generate approximately 800 thousand board feet of timber from 120 acres. The Swamp Ridge Fire Salvage is in the earliest stages of planning, but would most likely involve seed tree harvests, with ground and cable based logging systems. They may require new and/or reconstruction of roads and would include some minor improvements on existing roads. Should you have any questions or concerns, contact: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation PO Box 219 Plains, Montana 59859 Attn: Dale Peters (406) 826-4722 E-mail: dpeters@mt.gov Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on November 22, 2017. MNAXLP

Author shares her writing experience during library visit

Much like the heroine in her new novel, author Robin Gainey’s adventures transcend most people with exploits of business and travel. From living on a boat in the wild Canadian Inside Passage to studies in Rome, her life is anything but ordinary. She shared her new book and experiences as a writer on Monday, Nov. 13 at the Mineral County Library.

Detention-center administrator part of deal to get jail reopened

Discussions continued on Monday, Nov. 13, regarding the closure of the Mineral County jail. After dealing with the resignation of Sheriff Tom Bauer, the Mineral County Commissioners meeting turned to the task of getting the jail reopened.

Letters (poetry) to the editor

Poems submitted by Alberton resident Dick Darne.

Courthouse statue proposal on hold

Discussions continued on Friday regarding the installation of a new steel statue on the Mineral County Courthouse lawn. A group of Superior citizens presented the idea to the county commissioners a few weeks ago.

Bank's donation to food drive will help reach $5,000 match

Mineral County food bank dollars just got stretched a little further thanks to a grant from Well’s Fargo. The bank’s district manager, Dan Paulsen, traveled from Missoula to present a $2,000 check to Bonnie Fuller from Lucky Lil’s/Town Pump for their matching food drive on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Mineral Community Hospital applied for the grant and then donated the funds to the food drive.

Band students entertain crowd at the Mission Valley Band Festival

By KATHLEEN WOODFORD

Blackfoot offering more bandwidth and lower rates in Mineral County

Blackfoot Telecommun-ications is now offering better internet services at lower prices to Mineral County customers.

Small Business Saturday helps support local shops

Mineral County is filled with small business from Haugen to Alberton. Shops include restaurants, gift shops, antique and grocery stores, service shops and much more. In honor of small businesses, American Express founded Small Business Saturday which will be held November 25. The day is designed to help support independently owned businesses.

Mueller and Mask selected for all-state in Class C Volleyball

Clark Fork Mountain Cats Superior senior Kenzie Mueller and Madison Mask, a junior, were named to the Class C all-state volleyball team from western Montana, while Alberton senior Montanna Baughman was selected as second team all-conference.

Community Notes

Rock Creek Mine gets partial approval

A long-gestating mining plan for the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness has been drawn out further.

Alberton man helps restore communications after Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico

When Alberton resident Bryce Nordgren heard about Hurricane Maria he didn’t think he would get a front row seat to the disaster that struck Puerto Rico on September 20. But two weeks later was standing on a highway which had been pummeled by 154 mph winds.

REACH helps fill 1,300 health-care jobs in Montana

Students examined a 3D image of a salmon, imitated a video game on human teeth, and solved a murder mystery using real human blood — all part of an annual trek to Mineral Community Hospital last Wednesday to participate in REACH.

Zinke proposes increasing Glacier Park entrance fees

The National Park Service Oct. 24 announced it was proposing to more than double entrance fees to several national parks, including Glacier National Park, to pay for deferred maintenance.

Statue proposed for Superior courthouse lawn

Private group would raise funds

Hospital facing new financial challenges

After several years of hard work to get Mineral Community Hospital’s budget back on track it is once again faced with financial challenges with state budget cuts and Blue Cross Blue Shield pulling out of the Medicare Advantage program.

St. Regis School celebrates local heroes at breakfast ceremony

“On Veterans Day, we pause to remember and honor the enduring sacrifice of our men and women in uniform and their families, the bravery they showed in service to our nation and the unwavering responsibility we have to them when they return from war,” said U.S. Sen. Jon Tester in a message last Friday.

Mineral County Sheriff quits

In a shocking turn of events Mineral County Sheriff Tom Bauer turned in his resignation Monday afternoon to Commissioner Chairman, Roman Zylawy.

Deborah Lee Denson

Deborah Lee Denson passed away Oct. 26, 2017 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital after an extended illness.

Clara Haven Loge

Clara Haven Loge, born on Dec. 30, 1917, in the homestead home of her Norwegian immigrant parents, Nilla and Mathias Haven, on the snow-covered prairie of rural McHenry, North Dakota, died in Dillon on Oct. 24, 2017, a few weeks short of her 100th birthday.

Lady Cats season comes to an end after being defeated at Divisionals

The Clark Fork Mountain Cats volleyball team’s season came to an end on Saturday during Divisional play held at Manhattan Christian, Churchhill.

Elk and deer harvests for local region are up from past seasons

Mineral Independent

Mineral Co. Court Report

Oct. 31, Abdulmuhsen A. Ahajeri, seatbelt violation

Trotters move on to Western C tournament

The Plains Trotters were successful at the recent 14C District volleyball tournament in Charlo over the weekend, securing a trip to divisionals as the No. 2 seed.

Fundraising night at VFW benefits Plains Cemetery

It was a Friday night out to enjoy some homemade tacos with friends and support the annual Plains Cemetery Fundraiser.

Highlighting survivors: Sandy King

As Breast Cancer Awareness month fades until next October, it is important for both men and women to keep up with annual check ups.

Plains mourns loss of coach killed in crash

The town of Plains is mourning the loss of a teacher and coach who was killed in a car wreck last week.

Plains' Spiekermeier to haul Capitol Christmas Tree

It’s been around 30 years since the Capitol Christmas Tree represented the state of Montana, and now local hero Larry Spiekermeier will be putting more than Sanders County on the map.

Trotters end successful season

The Plains Trotters volleyball team finished the season at the Class C Western Divisionals, taking third place over the weekend.

4-H members clean up Plains Trap Club before winter

Some of the local South Side Sparks 4-H kids got together to help out the Trap Club recently.

Spooky and cute on Halloween

Halloween has come and gone, but not before the last autumn leaf becomes hidden by snow.

Winter driving tips from Plains police chief

Plains Chief of Police Shawn Emmett offers local residents some winter driving tips:

Pizza shop helps raise funds for Marjerrison family

Local pizza shop Simple Simons is rallying Plains residents to support the family of Kenny Marjerrison.

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Halloween has come and gone, and the snow has made its way to Sanders County.

Slick roads blamed for crashes

Slow down. That’s the message from law enforcement as snow and ice have already begun to plague local roads, with more than a few wrecks beginning to add up.

Community gathers to remember beloved coach

Plains came together Sunday to honor Kenny Marjerrison one last time and support his family as they prepare to move on without him by their side.

Team assesses damage from Highway 200 Complex

The 2017 wildfire season is in the books, however now is the time for some Forest Service workers to assess the damage that was done.

Legals November 8, 2017

Blackfoot provides local phone and broadband services in many Montana communities at reasonable and affordable rates. A federal program designed to promote "universal service" to all areas of the nation makes affordable rates possible. Companies participating in this program are required to advertise theses services on an annual basis. As a participant in the universal service program, Blackfoot provides access to single line phone service, emergency services (911), directory assistance (411), operator services (0+), long distance limitation services, as well as broadband internet access services. For questions or to order new services please call Blackfoot's customer care team at 406-541-5000 or visit us at www.blackfoot.com. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on November 8, 2017. MNAXLP

Girl Scout troop hosts Halloween carnival

On Saturday, October 28, the Superior Girl Scouts troop 3802 hosted their Halloween carnival at the Superior Elementary School Gym from 2 until 3:30 p.m. Little goblins and princesses participated in fun games and activities including a mock jail. There was also a haunted hallway created and run by the high school Business Professionals of America club.

Loge honored for service to the community

Denley Loge was recently recognized for his 16 years of service on the Board of Supervisors by the Mineral Conservation District and the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Denley retired from the Conservation District last year after he was elected into the Montana House of Representatives for District 14, where he represents Mineral and Sanders Counties.

Community Notes

“Getting to Know Blackfoot” will be a panel conversation and open questions with Blackfoot Telecommunications representatives on Nov. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the St. Regis Community Center. Sponsored by Mineral County Economic Development Corp. and the local Chamber of Commerce. Discussion includes issues regarding phone and internet service in Mineral County. Contact Sharon at 406-280-0252 with questions.

Witches, Goblins and Bears, oh my!

Despite temperatures dipping in the low 30s, goblins, witches and ghouls along with a few princesses and super heros trekked down the streets in towns across Mineral County to grab gobs of candy.

County food drive underway with goals of $10,000 and 5,000 pounds

Mineral Community Hospital’s mission statement is “to improve the health and quality of life of our community” and their annual food drive is a step in that direction according to Monte Turner who helps to organize the annual event.

Programs and tips to stay warm this winter

This year’s winter forecast is calling for above average precipitation in the Northern Rockies with the onset of La Nina according to the National Weather Service. This will be coupled with colder than average temperatures plus the Climate Prediction Center has reported a “good chance of La Nina developing early this winter”.

St. Regis School looks at random drug testing

St. Regis School is looking at implementing random drug testing for students who participate in extracurricular activities including sports and clubs like FFA.

Several accidents mark the beginning of an early winter driving season

The Montana Department of Transportation incident report page blew up with tiny red markers over the past few days. Each marker indicates an accident and they spread over the page of Montana highways like confetti at a New Year’s Eve party.

Superior band students get to be 'rock stars' during Bobcat game

Last weekend high school band students from all over the state gathered to experience the thrill of playing before a stadium full of football fans. They joined up with the Montana State University marching band and played with them during the Bobcat versus Idaho State game on October 28.

Committee formed to get county jail reopened

Discussions continued on Friday at the Mineral County commissioners’ meeting regarding the closure of the county jail. It closed the previous Friday due to insufficient staffing. After a jailer was let go and two more quit over the past few weeks, it left only two jailers to staff the facility.

Mineral County jail closed due to staffing issues

By KATHLEEN WOODFORD

Legals November 1, 2017

REQUEST FOR BIDS The City of Thompson Falls is requesting bids for the purchase of two dump trucks equipped with snow plows and sanders. Bids are to be for a fixed price contract for the described items. Detailed specifications can be obtained from the City Office by phone at 406-827-3557 or email at tfpworks@blackfoot.net. Sealed bids are to be delivered to the City of Thompson Falls Office at P.O. Box 99, 108 Fulton Street, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873. Bid receipt date is November 9, 2017 at 3PM. Bid opening will follow immediately after. All bids will be reviewed and award made on November 13, 2017. The City of Thompson Falls reserves the right to reject any or all bids. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on October 18, October 25 and November 1, November 8, 2017. MNAXLP

Jail closed due to staffing issues

The Mineral County jail has been closed due to insufficient staffing, with inmates being transferred to other facilities or released.

Fredrick Edwin Gillott

ST. REGIS — Fredrick Edwin Gillott, 69, of St. Regis, Montana, died at 11:03 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, in Clark Fork Valley Nursing Home of Plains, where he had been a patient for one day.

Kenny Lee Marjerrison

Kenny Lee Marjerrison, 34, passed away on Oct. 25th, 2017, at 4:30 p.m. during a fatal collision outside of Arlee. He was born in Plains, one of three children born to Jerry Marjerrison and Yvonne Roesler on May 9, 1983.