Wednesday, September 27
Sunrise Fire, West Fork Fish Creek Fire reforestation project begins
Just a stone’s throw from Alberton in 2015, the West Fork Fish Creek Fire burned through 11,845 acres of local recreational wilderness, causing extensive damage to both the forests and infrastructure within the area. This year, local residents have watched as 26,310 acres burned in the Quartz Creek area in the Sunrise Fire.
DeBorgia home 'luckily' saved from chimney fire
A chimney fire threatened to burn down a DeBorgia retired couple’s home Friday, Sept. 22. The West-End Volunteer Fire Department responded at 10:30 p.m. and doused the flames before they could consume the home.
St. Regis School closed briefly after bomb threat
ST. REGIS — Teachers and students at St. Regis School were evacuated on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 4:20 p.m. due to a bomb threat. According to Superintendent Joe Steele, the threat was made on a written note and left in the locker room. A student found it in a locker while changing out for football and alerted administration.
Weekly prep roundup
On Friday, Sept. 22 Noxon took home the honors with a win over St. Regis Lady Tigers 25-16, 28-26, 26-24. The games were close with a nail-biter in the second match where Noxon finally won out in overtime. During the evening Anna Sanford led in assists with 11 out of 21 and with three of 10 aces. Justice Tate and Emma Hill both has 7 kills out of a team 28 and both had 2 each out of 4 blocks. Baylee Pruitt had 12 of 27 digs.
NorthWestern Energy to restore Point of Rocks trail
Representatives from Northwestern Energy on Sept. 15 provided county commissioners with plans to start restoration work on the Point of Rocks monument trail located west of Alberton.
Students enjoy Talk (and Walk!) Like a Pirate Day
It was all hands on deck at the Mineral County Library’s first Talk Like a Pirate Day program held on Sept. 19 after school. Around 30 landlubber hearties gathered and played games, walked the plank, drew their own treasure maps and drank pirate punch.
Legals September 27, 2017
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Twin 40's Fire Salvage Timber Permit INVITATION TO RE-BID The Plains Unit, of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, is offering sawtimber for bid. Location of the permit area is approximately 33 air miles north of Plains, MT, on Section 14, T25N, R27W. An estimated 850 tons (145 MBF) of sawtimber is offered for sale to the highest bidder. Sealed bids will be accepted at the Plains Office until 2:00 P.M., Thursday, October 12, 2017. Bids will be opened and the award made at the Plains Office at that time. Permit Prospectus, Bid Forms, and other pertinent information regarding terms and requirements of the purchaser, are only available at the Plains Unit Office. Please contact; Dale Peters Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation P.O. Box 219 Plains, Montana 59859 telephone (406) 826-4722 email dpeters@mt.gov Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on September 20 and September 27, 2017. MNAXLP
Ladine Pidgeon
Our angel passed on to join her family and the Lord on Sept. 14.
Friday, September 22
Sharron Mitchell Noyes, 64
Sharron Mitchell Noyes, 64, passed away Friday September 8, 2017 in Kalispell due to complications with pneumonia. She was born March 06, 1953 in Aberdeen, Washington to Isadore Jackson Mitchell and Jane Agnes (Whitworth) Mitchell.
Quentin Richard Schwartz, 87
Quentin Richard Schwartz of Eugene, Oregon died Sunday September 3, 2017 at home. Per his request, no services will be held.
Donna Pressey, 91
Donna Pressey, 91, died Sept. 11, 2017, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Thursday, September 21
Air attack stops two fires on Highway 135
On Sept. 12, Highway 135 had two fires that burned 9 acres between them.
Sheep Gap Fire still burning, makes run towards Plains
Sheep Gap fire made a run for the town last week, but thanks to quick thinking from fire fighters and the Sheriffs Department no one was hurt.
4-H riders prepare for State Horse Show
Laura Bakker made the trip from Missoula to help local county riders prepare for their state show appearance in Lewistown later in the week.
Wednesday, September 20
Legals September 20, 2017
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Twin 40's Fire Salvage Timber Permit INVITATION TO RE-BID The Plains Unit, of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, is offering sawtimber for bid. Location of the permit area is approximately 33 air miles north of Plains, MT, on Section 14, T25N, R27W. An estimated 850 tons (145 MBF) of sawtimber is offered for sale to the highest bidder. Sealed bids will be accepted at the Plains Office until 2:00 P.M., Thursday, October 12, 2017. Bids will be opened and the award made at the Plains Office at that time. Permit Prospectus, Bid Forms, and other pertinent information regarding terms and requirements of the purchaser, are only available at the Plains Unit Office. Please contact; Dale Peters Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation P.O. Box 219 Plains, Montana 59859 telephone (406) 826-4722 email dpeters@mt.gov Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on September 20 and September 27, 2017. MNAXLP
Tuesday, September 19
Tarkio man nearly dies in single-vehicle accident
A 71-year-old Tarkio man nearly died on Sept. 2 when his white 1993 Subaru Legacy jumped through the median on Interstate 90 and crashed down an embankment near Tarkio.
Medication disposal bags hope to combat opioid crisis
State agencies are working alongside each other to provide at-home medication disposal bags. There will be 1,000 of them, called Deterra Medication Disposal Bags, available in Mineral County, according to Prevention Specialist Stephanie Quick at last week’s Healthy Communities Coalition. The bags will be distributed to the Mineral County Pharmacy, Partnership Health Center in Superior, law enforcement agencies, the county health department and school nurses.
Debris burning at Cyr halted due to dry conditions
Cyr residents were in for a surprise last Monday when Forest Service personnel from the Ninemile Ranger District began burning debris in the Mineral County gravel pit located up Saw Mill Gulch. The debris was from the Quart Creek Fire and was allowed to be moved to the pit with the understanding that it would be burned later this fall or winter when temperatures drop and the threat of wildfires subsided, said county commissioner Roman Zylawy.
Health nurse receives prestigious award
At last week’s Healthy Communities Coalition meeting, Mineral County Public Health Nurse, Barb Jasper, was in for a surprise when she received a congratulatory cake and announcement that she has been awarded the 2017 Montana Public Health Association’s Exemplary Service Award for the region.
'Operation Scrubs' helps Houston nurses
Hospital personnel in Houston dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey received some welcomed relief from Mineral Community Hospital in Superior. Nurses were working around the clock to keep up with victims of the hurricane and found themselves short of scrubs.
Homecoming spirit invades Superior
It was homecoming for Superior last week with daily fun leading up to the culmination of a parade and football game on Friday, Sept. 15. Students were asked to dress up each day starting with Dynamic Duo on Monday, Patriotic Day on Tuesday, Wednesday was Color Day and Thursday was Camouflage Day and Friday was Spirit Day.
Mineral County Justice Court; Sept. 1-15
Sept. 8, Joshua Cade Johnson, speeding
Sports Roundup
St. Regis took to the home field on Saturday, Sept. 16 to face West Yellowstone in six-man football only to meet defeat with 42-0. West Yellowstone had put up 36 of those points in the first half with the final six in the fourth quarter. Score information not available.
Thursday, September 14
Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat fall to Noxon
A whirlwind week for the Hot Springs Savage Ladies Volleyball team saw a loss and forfeit.
Trotters come up short against Arlee Scarlets
The Plains Trotters hosted the Arlee Scarlets on Thursday evening for a hometown showdown.
Frances Ewen, 91
Frances Arlene (Osmond) Ewen died in Missoula, Montana on August 30, 2017 at the age of 91 years. She was born prematurely at home in Worden, Montana on October 26, 1925 to Wilma Elizabeth (Jones) Osmond and Washington Percy Osmond. She joined brother, Byron. She was a fighter right from the beginning. Since she was less than three pounds at birth, she was put inside the oven of her parent’s wood stove to keep warm. She was unable to suck, so was fed barley water from an eye dropper.
Lews Roy, 92
Lewis Roy, 92 died at home in Roseburg, Oregon April 16,2017 with wife Frances of 70 years, oldest son Daren and friend Rosie at his side.
Clark Fork Adventure Challenge cancelled
Greetings All,
Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay
Well, I have survived my first Sanders County Fair and what a fair it was.
Sanders County Commissioners activate emergency fund
The Sanders County Commissioners invoked the emergency fund for the county so money is available to be distributed where needed.
City councils hold funds as county untangles Plains, Thompson Falls library levy payments
Levy funds are stuck in limbo while the county treasurer looks to correct a mistake that has complicated the finances for both Thompson Falls and Plains.
Quick response keeps fire damage minimal
As the last of the crowd was headed out the gate of the Sanders County Fair on Aug. 31, local fire crews were rushing in to the 4-H pavilion where a fire had broken out.
Classics on display at local hospital fundraiser
The annual Car and Bike Show at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital was still hailed a success even though the smoke from forest fires lingered in the air on the day of the event.
Groups helps haul for Montana ranchers in need
The Sanders County “hay boys” got together to do their part in helping out the Eastern Montana ranchers with some much-needed hay for livestock.
4-H exhibitors turn out in droves for fair
Seven clubs and more than 100 young people exhibiting their animals, projects and all in-between turned out at the recent fair.
Type II team continues to fight area fires
As the fires continue, the smoke is thickening within the county; not just from the active fires within, but also from fires burning in Washington and Oregon.
Wednesday, September 13
Weekly roundup
On Sept. 9 the St. Regis six-man football team traveled to White Sulphur Springs for their season opener, only to be defeated 56-13. White Sulphur Springs came out strong in the first quarter and put 44 points on the board. St. Regis was unable to get the ball into the end zone until the fourth. The Tigers suffered from a late start this season due to lack of participation. They were able to pull together seven players a few weeks ago. Head Coach Jesse Allan said the team has had some light practices and some in the gym last week due to hazardous air-quality conditions.
Bikers bring powerful message about bullying
Faces of the kids ranging from pre-kindergarten to high school seniors lit up when three Harley motorcycles rolled onto the playground at Alberton School last Thursday. Bikers Against Bullies riders, Flash!, Dave Withrow and Jared Blake also rolled in with a heartfelt message to raise awareness and empower the community to fight the terrible effects of bullying on young people.
Last public meeting held for Sunrise Fire
Last Wednesday, Sept. 6, the last public meeting for updates on the Sunrise and Burdette fires was held by local fire crews.
Sen. Daines issues warning about wildfires
As flames dance around the region and the state’s $30 million wildfire budget has been depleted, Montanans have been left wondering how long they will be suffering from the effects of the fires and what can be done to improve fire conditions.
Tuesday, September 12
Crews battling spot fires on Hwy 135
Clark Fork Valley Press reporter Erin Jusseaume is on scene on Hwy 135 at approximately MM 6 which is blocked by Montana Highway Patrol as USFS and air attack are working on two spot fires. No further information is available at this time.
Thursday, September 7
Trotters sweep Noxon in home opener
The Plains Trotters opened up the home portion of their volleyball season with win Saturday as they swept Noxon in three games, 25-20, 27-25 and 25-19.
Hot Springs opens season with win over Plains
It was a close game when looking at the scoreboard for three of the four games in Tuesday night’s match. The Hot Springs Lady Savages came out with a 3-1 win against the Plains Trotters.
Mixed bag for local high school teams
Volleyball
Thank you, firefighters
On Sunday, July 14, 2017, lightening struck and the Sunrise Fire took off down the mountain and then continued to burn throughout several drainages (including Sunrise, Verde Creek, Quartz Creek, and finally into the Trout Creek area), forcing many families to evacuate their homes.
Sunrise Fire 90 percent contained
The Sunrise Fire which swept across the mountains 11 miles east of Superior is finally 90 percent contained as of September 1. Almost all residents have been able to return to their homes except those in the Quartz Creek area.
Plains plays host to annual Sanders County Fair
For 32 years, Hank and Lori Franzen have worked the Sanders County Fair rodeo. They took it from a little rodeo in North West Montana to one of the best PRCA rodeos the state has.
Superior woman dies in I-90 rollover
Bonita Fricke, 68, from Superior died when her car rolled on Interstate 90 near Tarkio on Tuesday, August 29.
Highway 135 project completed near St. Regis
The Highway 135 Beautification and Safety Enhancement Project located north of the 4-way stop in St. Regis was recently completed. The projected was funded with the St. Regis Resort Tax, an $85,000 Community Transportation Enhancement Program Grant, a $465,000 Transportation Alternative Program Grant and an $8,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for trees.
Hot Springs family helped by local fundraising effort
Hot Springs locals are banning together to help a family that began the month with a near fatal car accident that has seen Sarah Loraas in a Seattle Hospital recovering.
Former St. Regis student honored as Army commissioned officer; stationed at Fort Meade
On August 4, 2017, Tomi J. Thompson of St. Regis, was promoted to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Three (CW3).
Caretaker for Savenac tree nursery dies
By KATHLEEN WOODFORD
Simple Simon's Pizza more than just a slice
County residents who love to indulge in a slice of pizza would remember just a few weeks ago that Simple Simon’s restaurants in Plains and Thompson Falls were taking donations ahead of the school start.
Cantaloupe, anyone?
A trailer full of Forestburg melons made their way to downtown Alberton last Thursday. Forestburg is a small town in South Dakota which claims to be the state’s watermelon capital.
Buggy horse makes a stop in front of the Valley Press
A local Amish family member rode his buggy horse through Plains doing some shopping and picking up some supplies.
Sheep Gap Fire threatens homes near Plains
The afternoon of August 28th a lightening storm that passed through the Plains and Thompson Falls area’s ignited approximately 20 fires. One fire being the Sheep Gap blaze that is still un-contained by firefighters at time of print.
1,500 wildfires have burned over 937 square miles of Montana
Wildfires continue to plague Montana with several new lightning-caused fires in the Plains and Thompson Falls area on August 31. In Seeley, schools were closed and evacuation orders were made throughout the area as the Rice Ridge Fire has torn through 37,300 acres.
Governor Bullock visits Alberton Preschool
It was only the second day of class in their little lives and the students in the Alberton Preschool had already gotten the attention of Montana’s governor, Steve Bullock. He was visiting 17 schools around the state who had qualified for the STARS Preschool grant, one of which was Alberton. On Aug. 31 he met with the school principal, Kyle Fisher, Superintendent Steve Picard and preschool teacher Sue Dallapiazza to welcome them back to school. He also visited Franklin Elementary School in Missoula earlier that day.
Wednesday, September 6
Legals September 6, 2017
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Twin 40's Fire Salvage Timber Permit INVITATION TO BID The Plains Unit, of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, is offering sawtimber for bid. Location of the permit area is approximately 33 air miles north of Plains, MT, on Section 14, T25N, R27W. An estimated 850 tons (145 MBF) of sawtimber is offered for sale to the highest bidder. Sealed bids will be accepted at the Plains Office until 2:00 P.M., Thursday, September 14, 2017. Bids will be opened and the award made at the Plains Office at that time. For Permit Prospectus, Bid Forms, and other pertinent information regarding terms and requirements of the purchaser, contact: Dale Peters Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation P.O. Box 219 Plains, Montana 59859 telephone (406) 826-4722 email dpeters@mt.gov Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on August 30 and September 6, 2017. MNAXLP
Root cause of fires?
A root cause is an initiating cause of either a condition or a causal chain that leads to an outcome or effect of interest. Commonly, root cause is used to describe the depth in the causal chain where an intervention could reasonably be implemented to improve performance or prevent an undesirable outcome.
