Ellington

Mineral County Court Report

Oct. 16, Michelle Young Atterberry, no insurance

'Be a Hero and not a Zero': Red Ribbon Week message

Students from all three Mineral County schools got together last Tuesday, Oct. 24 to listen to a motivational speaker as part of the drug awareness Red Ribbon Week. The Superior High School bleachers were full as a few students from all three schools started the afternoon with a little skit put together by Kris Minard from Montana Office of Public Instruction.

Pumpkins pop with delight at weekend party

Children and parents gathered in droves at the Mineral County Library in Superior to enjoy its annual Pumpkin Party.

Local mills and fires highlighted during Forest Products Week

Montana Forest Products week was Oct. 15-21 which is an annual event started by the Montana Legislature in 2011 to honor the forest products industry and its appreciation for providing locally made wood products, stewardship of Montana’s public and private forests, and employment.

Stapleton visits Mineral County, talks business

Montana Secretary, Cory Stapleton, spent a few days in Mineral County last week as part of his “Things that Matter” tour. Along with a few members from his office, Stapleton has set a goal of visiting all 56 Montana counties during his four-year term.

Volleyball Roundup

In District 14C, Arlee took home the conference title after defeating Plains in the championship game on Friday. The Scarlets beat Charlo in the championship semifinals and the Vikings placed third. During play Noxon beat St. Regis 25-20; 21-25; 25-21; 25-20. St. Regis also fell to Arlee on Thursday, 25-17; 25-16; 25-11. Their stats were not available by press time.

Ghosts haunt Alberton School for Halloween

Alberton Student Council members hosted their annual haunted house on Saturday night in the elementary school. Classrooms were made into scary settings where dolls and teddy bears talked. Ghosts and goblins haunted the stairs and a scary clown along with his ghoulish friend chased visitors through the halls and into the cafeteria which was turned into a cobwebbed tunnel of screaming delight.

'Choose to be healthy,' motivational speaker tells county's high school students

“Leaders choose to believe in themselves; leaders choose to outsmart the bullies; leaders choose to set healthy boundaries; leaders choose to forgive and move forward,” these were the four tools motivational speaker, Jessie Funk told a gym full of high school students last week as part of Mineral County’s Red Ribbon Week.

Plains coach killed in U.S. 93 crash

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

Hunting season has begun; numbers look promising

Montana’s general deer and elk season opened on Oct. 21 and hunters are grabbing their rifles and orange gear and heading into the mountains. Fish, Wildlife and Park reports indicate that mule deer numbers are up and whitetail populations are beginning to recover after severe winter weather in the past.

Hidden Charm, more than just charming

The town of Plains has welcomed a brand new shop opening right along the main street, offering a unique flavor of modern antiques that will suit any style of home.

Volleyball roundup: Hot Springs sweeps Clark Fork

This past week has been a continuation of great volleyball action around the county.

Junior athlete highlight: Jessica Bronner

Jessica Bronner of Thompson Falls is this week’s Junior Athlete Highlight.

Horsemen ready for state playoffs

The Plains Horsemen football team heads into the state playoffs this week and head coach Eddie Fultz couldn’t be prouder.

Valley Press kicks off 'Reporters Contest' for high school students

The Clark Fork Valley Press is kicking off a ‘Reporters Contest’ for high school students in Sanders County.

Quilt of Valor - honoring a veteran

Plains man Richard Beller, who recently turned 93 years old, is one of many within Sanders County who fought proudly for flag and country.

Back Country Horsemen recognized for contribution to Sanders County

The Wild Horse Plains Back Country Horsemen (BCH) are a local chapter that aims to keep forest trails accessible and open for livestock use around Sanders County.

Highlighting survivors: Audrey Kolbeck

Each week this month we have visited with a breast cancer survivor, and each story has been as unique as the woman herself.

Thompson Falls Police Department back in full swing

The Thompson Falls Police Department has welcomed two new officers to town as Mayor Mark Sheets officially swore in Jacob Winslow and Luke Hauke on Friday.

Fairgrounds dims its holiday twinkle

The Sanders County Fairgrounds won’t be lit up this winter like its has been in past years — the Grinch of time has taken its hold on old twinkle lights.

Wind storm causes power outage in Plains

Wind gusts that were predicted for the area Oct. 17 proved to be a warning worth listening to.

Officers give Trick or Treat safety tips

Local law enforcement want to ensure that all kids that will be heading out to trick or treat come home safe and sound.

Legals October 25, 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

Getting to know the next possible Alberton mayor

Mineral County Parents as Teachers receives national recognition as a 'Blue Ribbon Affiliate'

The Mineral County Parents as Teachers program successfully completes the Quality Endorsement and Improvement process with the Parents as Teachers national office

Senior night in Superior

Saturday was Senior Night for the Lady Clark Fork Mountain Cats in Superior. Before their game, four seniors were escorted onto the floor and recognized for their high school achievements. Alberton’s Montanna Baughman was escorted by her little sister, Emmah Baughman who also plays on the varsity team. After graduation she plans on attending the University of Montana and study business. She play also plays basketball, and is in BPA and on the student council.

Students study glaciers up close during trip to Glacier

Superior geology students were able to see with their own eyes the glacially carved features of Glacier National Park and learned about long, deep lakes like Lake McDonald and Bowman.

Drug dealers sentenced after Mineral County arrests

Defendants from two separate drugs busts which occurred in Mineral County were sentenced by the U.S. District Courts earlier this month. Hector Ricardo Gonzales, 30, from Kennewick, Washington was arrested on January 20 along with codefendant, Christian Jesus Ruiz, for 20 pounds of methamphetamine after being pulled over by sheriff’s deputies. On Oct. 12 in Helena, U.S. District Court Judge Sam Haddon sentenced Hector to 260 months in prison with five years supervision after his release.

Mineral County Justice Court, Oct. 14 - Oct. 20

Oct. 16, Michelle Young Atterberry, no insurance

Mineral County prep roundup

The Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats leapt over the Lincoln Lynx during Saturday night’s matchup taking them to first place going into 13C District playoffs next week in Missoula. They won all three sets 25-13, 25-22, 25-10 with senior Kenzie Mueller leading the pack in kills with 9 out of 26, 2 out of 3 blocks and 6 aces out of a team total of 15. Montanna Baughman led in digs with 8 out of 31 and Madison Mask had 21 out of 23 assists.

'Don't give up,' says local cancer survivor

After eight months, Terri Decker’s husband, Mark Rimmer had lost his battle with leukemia. Then, one short year later, she was diagnosed with lymphoma.

When things go bump in the night, beware!

Halloween is a night of scary monsters, skeletons, witches and tall tales about demons and ghosts. It’s the time of year that we allow ourselves to be frightened of things that go “bump” in the night and let our imagination run wild about unexplained phenomenon. Here are a couple of stories submitted by Mineral Independent readers who dare you to read their tales from the beyond.

St. Regis football comes to premature end

Due to players who were injured or quit the team, St. Regis varsity football came to a premature end. Head Coach Jesse Allan struggled to put a team together at the beginning of the season due to lack of participation. He then managed to pull together enough to fill the roster for the 6-man team. They were able to play a few games this season including a win against Lima.

Where do spiders go in the winter?

They’re creepy and they’re crawly and, aside from plastic replicas set out as a Halloween decoration, they are not wanted in the house. They are spiders and as the weather starts to cool, they scurry to warm places including homes.

Experts assessing Sunrise Fire damage

A few green plants have already sprung up past the charred earth of the Sunrise Fire, which burned just 13 miles east of Superior. On a sunny autumn day, the black soil is littered with tiny rusty pine needles in areas where a few still cling to the half-burned trees. Other areas are just blackened sticks bearing a ghostly reminder of the wildfire that raged through the area last summer, consuming over 26,000 acres.

Runners help cancer patients 'Fuel The Fight'

Colorful balloons representing different types of cancer adorned the finish line at Frenchtown Pond State Park on Sept. 30 at the second annual Fuel the Fight 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run. The event is a fundraiser to provide pre-paid fuel cards to help cancer patients in rural communities around Missoula off-set the costs of traveling to and from their treatments.

Gobble, Gobble

Five candidates vying for four positions on Alberton Town Council

There are five candidates running for four council member positions for the Town of Alberton. Elections will be held on Nov. 7 with mail-in ballot arriving in resident mailboxes by the end of the week.

Hospital employees donate 729 pounds of food to Superior School

Prep roundup for local schools

St. Regis Lady Tigers played in Plain last Tuesday and lost all three sets. During play Anna Sanford secured 4 of the 16 Kills as well as 6 of the 11 Digs and all 6 Aces. Chloe Cielke helped by take 4 of the 16 Kills, Justice Tate secured 4 of the 6 Blocks. Total Digs recorded were 41 with Baylee Pruitt taking 16 and Emma Hill 15.

Mineral County Court Report Oct. 6 - Oct. 13, 2017

Oct. 12 Bakher Al Shemary, speeding

Legals October 18, 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

Craft show helps those in crisis

The Mineral County Help Line held their annual craft show on Saturday, Oct. 7, in the 4-H building in Superior. The Help Line is a 24 hour crisis line with an emphasis on women who are victims of domestic and sexual violence.

Arts Council brings creole music to Mineral County

The Mineral County Performing Arts Council presented Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole who performed French Creole music on Oct. 4 in Superior.

Superior Fire Department

280 free smoke alarms installed in more than 100 homes

Shirley Mancini had only one smoke alarm in her Superior home.

Recycling comes back to Alberton

Citizens find their own solution

The big blue Republic recycling bin is back in front of the Alberton Feed and Supply store thanks to a small group of community minded citizens who want to see recycling continue in this small town. The bin originally was put into place about four years ago as the result of a senior project by Shawnda Rohrbach. At that time Allied Waste owned the garbage business for Mineral County and the bin was donated to the community.

Superior starts quest for new pool with a mad dash

Despite rainy skies over 60 runners showed up for the “Run for the Pool” 5K race held on Saturday, Oct. 7, in Superior. The race started at the Old School and circled near the Eva Horning Park and up past the Mineral Community Hospital.

Despite rain, the Oktoberfest show goes on

The weather just didn’t cooperate last Saturday while the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce hosted a day of festivities for Oktoberfest at the Old School House in Superior. The day was filled with family activities, food vendors and music. The Superior Swims committee also hosted a beer garden to raise funds for a new town swimming pool.

Prep Roundup

During a cross county rival match the Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats scratched out a win against the St. Regis Lady Tigers during a Tues. October 3 matchup in St. Regis 25-17, 25-15, 25-21. Cat senior Montanna Baughman led the team in kills with 5 out of 17, as well as in digs making 9 out of 37 and in aces with 4.

Mineral County court report

Oct. 5, Vincent Mark Alcorn, 14 hour driving rule

Delegation says climate change is cause of wildfires

A group of delegates traveled to Washington, D.C., recently and met with their legislators to discuss climate change and proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Golf tournament helps pay for local medical needs annual tournament

The Mineral County Medical Foundation hosted their 35th Annual Golf Tournament at the Trestle Creek Golf Course on Sept. 30. There were 11 teams that participated in the Foundation’s largest fundraiser, with players from Mineral County and Missoula.

Lloyd Byron Redmond

Lloyd Byron Redmond passed away suddenly at his home Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. He was born April 24, 1941 in Enderlin, N.D. to Jesse and Lucille (Henderson) Redmond.

Russell “Norris” Grunhuvd, 92

Russell “Norris” Grunhuvd, 92, of Superior, passed away at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on Sept. 21, 2017.

Thompson Falls High School helps students 'reach higher'

Montana students are encouraged to “reach higher” in their post secondary education, and Thompson Falls High School is aiming to help local students get there.

Sanders County Court Report

Justice Court cases seen in the Thompson Falls Court room by Judges Douglas Dryden, Donald Strine this past week are as follows:

Montana Aussie adventures with Erin-Jay

Another week of cooler weather has welcomed us here in Sanders County, and though I may already be cold, I love the fall weather.

Birth Announcement

Gifts From Above Midwifery Care is pleased to announce the arrival of Kimberly Nicole Byler on Sept. 14, 2017 at 2:43 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 15 ounces. Proud parents are Jesse and Rhonda Byler of Plains. Happy siblings are Megan, Natalia and Tristan Byler. Paternal grandparents are Sam and Naomi Byler of Plains, and maternal grandparents are James and Carol Wengerd of Noxon. Congratulations!!!

Highlighting survivors: Cheri Minemyer

Just like millions around the world, Cheri Minemyer knows first hand the emotions of being told she has breast cancer.

Blue Hawks football blanked by Bigfork at home

It was a tough home game for the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks as they were at the mercy of the Bigfork Vikings on Friday.

Horsemen can't hold off Charlo at home

It wasn’t the game the Plains Horsemen were hoping for as they head into their homecoming week.

Plains, Hot Springs spikers dominate court

With volleyball season delving further toward tournament time, teams around Sanders County all played last week.

Hospital recognized for cardiac care

The Sanders County Clark Fork Valley Hospital was recognized recently at the Cardiac and Stroke Awards in Billings Montana.

Kinder Kareer Day at Plains School

Plains School came alive last Friday as two kindergarten classes indulged into career day, learning about different community helpers.

Chimney safety important as weather turns cold

The Chimney Safety Institute of America, a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to chimney and venting system safety, has issued a reminder that saving money in the short term by delaying routine maintenance may mean additional expense in the long run.

Verizon to continue to offer service across state

Montana’s congressional delegation successfully defended Montanans from Verizon’s attempt to terminate contracts.

Flat Creek superfund site nears completion

After nearly 15 years the Flat Creek-Iron Mountain Mine superfund cleanup site is coming to an end. A handful of local residents, along with personnel from the Department of Environmental Quality, Forest Service, and Environmental Protection Agency gathered for a site tour on Wed. Sept. 27. With weather permitting, they hope to have this phase of the cleanup completed by mid-November.

Community Notes

Mineral County Performing Arts will host some old time Cajun/Creole music this Wednesday, Oct 4th. First, Dennis Stroughmatt et l’Esprit Creole will conduct a workshop/assembly at the Superior High School gym from 2:30 to 3:30, with the public encouraged to attend. Then the formal concert will be at the LDS church in Superior at 7:00 PM. This is supported in part by a grant from the Montana Arts Council, an agency of the State Government.

Mineral County Justice Court

Sept. 18, Dectrick Javon Banks, fail to keep vehicle under control

Superior Superfund site gets EPA 5-year review

The Environmental Protection Agency conducted a five-year review of Superior last week. Residents were interviewed and EPA officials explained their review process of ongoing protectiveness of Superior’s cleanup and soils displacement regulation at their office located in the Old School on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

Superior school levy passes handily, 462 to 331

Faculty and staff at Superior High School were doing the happy dance on Friday after a $3.2 million levy was passed to put an addition on the present high school to allow junior high students to be moved into the facility. The unofficial vote was a whopping 462 to 331, a 131-vote lead in favor of the project.

Top 1 percent St. Regis senior named National Merit semifinalist

In the spring, the National Merit Scholarship Corp. announces the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to compete for over 7,500 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $32 million, which will be offered in the spring of 2018.

Homecoming festivities invade both ends of Mineral County last week

Maroon, silver and blue flowed freely down Railroad Street in Alberton on Friday as the students celebrated Homecoming Week. A week of festivities culminated with a 4 p.m. parade followed by a 7 p.m. varsity football game against Seeley. It was also Senior Night and Homecoming royalty and seniors were introduced during half-time.

Daniel John Smith, 59

Daniel John Smith, 59, passed away Sept. 19, 2017, in Hot Springs, Montana.

Kathryn Mary Sweeney, 68

Surrounded by family and resting comfortably, Kathryn Sweeney passed away in the early morning hours of Sept. 21, 2017.

Thomas 'Tommy' 'Tom' Henry McCrea, 97

Thomas “Tommy” “Tom” Henry McCrea, 97, a dedicated husband, father, farmer, cowboy, rancher, jig and square dancer, and storyteller, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 18, 2017 in Plains, Montana.