Stories for April 2018

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Thursday, April 26

April 26, 2018 5:34 p.m.

Red Devils have strong turnout at T-Falls Invite

The Noxon Red Devils’ boy’s track team had a total of 15 top-five finishes at the Thompson Falls Invitational Thursday afternoon at Thompson Falls High School.

April 26, 2018 5:33 p.m.

T-Falls softball aiming for divisional bid

The Thompson Falls softball team is still experiencing the effects of being a team comprised mostly of freshman as they prepare to enter the second half of the season.

April 26, 2018 5:33 p.m.

Trotters, Horsemen excel at T-Falls, Big Sky track meets

The Plains High School girls have some of the best throwers in the state and they were able to showcase their abilities at the Big Sky Invitational Saturday afternoon at Missoula.

Plains-Hot Springs wins seven straight
April 26, 2018 5:33 p.m.

Plains-Hot Springs wins seven straight

When Plains Hot-Springs coach Michelle Bangen was asked how her team’s 8-1 record sounded to her, she didn’t have too much to say.

Plains plays host to soccer tournament
April 26, 2018 5:33 p.m.

Plains plays host to soccer tournament

The Amundson Sporting Complex came alive in Plains recently with soccer enthusiast all over converging at the fields for the annual tournament hosted by Wildhorse Youth Soccer.

Torch run event looking for runners
April 26, 2018 5:33 p.m.

Torch run event looking for runners

Sanders County Sheriff Departments Deputy Roy Scott is heading this years Montana Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

April 26, 2018 5:33 p.m.

Thompson Falls Rex Theatre to host Fly Fishing Film Tour Saturday

The Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls is set to showcase the 12th annual Fly Fishing Film Tour for local anglers on April 28.

Gloria Gene McGann
April 26, 2018 5:33 p.m.

Gloria Gene McGann

Mom, Gloria Gene (Goelitz) McGann was born to Walter and Hazel Goelitz in Rochester, NY on October 21, 1920. She spent her growing up years in Rochester and later, Long Island, NY. She also spent one year at Colby College in Maine, before marrying Douglas McGann. Mom and Dad worked in the family candy business, Goelitz Confectionary, whose specialty was candy corn, and which later became the Jelly Belly Candy Co.

Baldy Mountain Tire: New location, same great service
April 26, 2018 5:32 p.m.

Baldy Mountain Tire: New location, same great service

Plains local business Baldy Mountain Tire has now moved to their new location in a brand new building off Highway 200 next to First Security Bank.

April 26, 2018 5:32 p.m.

Thompson Falls receives federal grant

Thompson Falls is one of six cities in the state to receive funding from the Montana Department of Commerce.

Paradise Cemetery accidentally locked
April 26, 2018 5:32 p.m.

Paradise Cemetery accidentally locked

The Paradise Cemetery gates were accidentally locked after an Easter service event preventing loved ones from access to the grounds recently.

Semi rolls over on Perma Bends
April 26, 2018 5:32 p.m.

Semi rolls over on Perma Bends

Last Wednesday afternoon, a semi traveling west on Highway 200 rolled over causing congestion at the Perma Bends for more than four hours.

April 26, 2018 5:32 p.m.

Demo Derby to still highlight Sanders County Fair

The Sanders County Fair board members recently convened at the fair grounds in Plains to get the wheels in motion for the upcoming fair this summer.

April 26, 2018 5:31 p.m.

Former Heron resident sentenced to ten years in Federal Prison

The United States Attorney’s Office announced today that Jason Morris was sentenced to 132 months in prison, lifetime supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Chief U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen presided over the hearing.

Wednesday, April 25

April 25, 2018 4:50 a.m.

Legals April 25, 2018

NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The 28 Mile Timber Sale is located within Section 36, T25N-R27W, on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 20,795 tons, consisting of Douglas-fir sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on May 2, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Bids may be hand delivered or mailed and will be accepted any time prior to the bid opening. DNRC recommends that bidders contact the Trust Land Management Division (406-542-4300) prior to the bid opening to ensure that your bid has been received. Bids must be accompanied by a deposit of $30,766.00, representing 5% of the minimum bid value of the sale in cashier's check, certified check, bank money order or bank draft to be applied to the first sale invoice for the successful bidder. Bid bonds will be accepted and, for the successful bidder, will be closed upon execution of the Timber Sale Contract and Timber Sale Bond. The sale will be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. Award of the timber sale is conditional upon approval of the timber sale by the State Board of Land Commissioners at their April 16, 2018 meeting. If the successful bidder is unable to execute the contract within 30 calendar days from the date the sale is awarded, the bid deposit will be retained by the Department as liquidated damages. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. Prospective bidders can obtain the sale prospectus, sale contract and bid forms from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Trust Land Management Division, in Missoula (406-542-4300), the Northwestern Land Office in Kalispell (406-751-2257), or the Plains Unit Office in Plains, MT (406-826-4723). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Valley Press on April 4, April 11, April 18, and April 25, 2018. MNAXLP

April 25, 2018 4 a.m.

Predators may be closer than you think

Do you feel safe in your home? Well, I did, until I was recently educated about sex trafficking, which I thought occurred mostly in larger cities. Wrong! It is happening anywhere there is access to Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media.

Two St. Regis FFA members receive State Degree
April 25, 2018 4 a.m.

Two St. Regis FFA members receive State Degree

The Future Farmers of America State Convention took place April 4-7 in Billings where students from chapters all over Montana gathered to compete, learn and have fun. Nine St. Regis students participated with teams in Farm Agribusiness Management, Livestock Judging and Ag Mechanics. Chapter advisor, Chera Antos said the highlight of the trip was two of their State Degree recipients, Anna Sanford and Jacob Jasper, were recognized at an award banquet with family members present to share their achievements.

It's always 'Sunny' at Alberton school, thanks to therapy dog
April 25, 2018 4 a.m.

It's always 'Sunny' at Alberton school, thanks to therapy dog

Meet Sunny, a 5-year-old golden Labrador retriever who, like her namesake, brings warmth and happiness to students and staff at Alberton School. Her owner is Alberton music teacher Mike Wolfe, who started bringing her to school earlier this year, and it’s been a love affair with the students ever since.

Ore to Oar Mineral County Historical Art Monument Project
April 25, 2018 4 a.m.

Ore to Oar Mineral County Historical Art Monument Project

A group of Superior residents would like to install a monument on the front lawn of the Courthouse located in the middle of town.

Forum held for hospital board candidates
April 25, 2018 4 a.m.

Forum held for hospital board candidates

Questions posed to Mineral County Hospital Board member candidates during a forum last Wednesday followed six topics they had previously received. Topics included their qualifications and reasons for running; challenges the board and the hospital are facing; and what is needed to assure success for the hospital.

April 25, 2018 4 a.m.

Recycling bin and Cleanup Days offered in St. Regis

St. Regis Resort District is making the town a little greener this year by bringing a recycling bin for residents to use, free of charge. With funds provided by the 3 percent luxury tax, the group will pay the $500 per “pull” of the bin which is usually about once per month.

Tuesday, April 24

April 24, 2018 10:15 a.m.

Community Notes

The Mineral County Medical Foundation will be holding their annual spring fundraising event on May 12 and will feature local historian, Hal Stearns giving his talk entitled, “Montana Towns: Then, Now, Tomorrow.”

Wednesday, April 18

April 18, 2018 4:50 a.m.

Legals April 18, 2018

NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The 28 Mile Timber Sale is located within Section 36, T25N-R27W, on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 20,795 tons, consisting of Douglas-fir sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on May 2, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Bids may be hand delivered or mailed and will be accepted any time prior to the bid opening. DNRC recommends that bidders contact the Trust Land Management Division (406-542-4300) prior to the bid opening to ensure that your bid has been received. Bids must be accompanied by a deposit of $30,766.00, representing 5% of the minimum bid value of the sale in cashier's check, certified check, bank money order or bank draft to be applied to the first sale invoice for the successful bidder. Bid bonds will be accepted and, for the successful bidder, will be closed upon execution of the Timber Sale Contract and Timber Sale Bond. The sale will be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. Award of the timber sale is conditional upon approval of the timber sale by the State Board of Land Commissioners at their April 16, 2018 meeting. If the successful bidder is unable to execute the contract within 30 calendar days from the date the sale is awarded, the bid deposit will be retained by the Department as liquidated damages. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. Prospective bidders can obtain the sale prospectus, sale contract and bid forms from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Trust Land Management Division, in Missoula (406-542-4300), the Northwestern Land Office in Kalispell (406-751-2257), or the Plains Unit Office in Plains, MT (406-826-4723). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Valley Press on April 4, April 11, April 18, and April 25, 2018. MNAXLP

Trotters softball on a roll in early portion of the season
April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Trotters softball on a roll in early portion of the season

The Plains-Hot Springs softball team is a much-improved team from the team that came up two runs shy of qualifying for the MHSA Class B-C state softball tournament last season and thus far, their record is indicative of their improvement.

April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Hecla should have known better

Montana’s “Bad Actor Law” was enacted to hold accountable mining executives who walked away from environmental disasters they caused in our state. The law gives the state – and taxpayers – tools to keep those executives from any future mining here until they reimburse us for cleanup costs, pay penalties and interest and remediate the problems they left behind.

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay
April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

So another week in the gorgeous northwest part of the state, and I found one of the best roads to drive down.

Hot Springs holds kindergarten round-up
April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Hot Springs holds kindergarten round-up

The Hot Springs Elementary saw 12 upcoming kindergarten students come through the doors Thursday to meet their new teacher.

Trotters, Horsemen shine at Tripp Memorial
April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Trotters, Horsemen shine at Tripp Memorial

The Plains Trotters have developed a reputation for throwers and the Horsemen, who now have additional players from the football team, are carving a niche of their own in the jumping events.

Good turnout for fundraising 5k at Whiskey Trail Ranch
April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Good turnout for fundraising 5k at Whiskey Trail Ranch

Hot Springs cross-country runner Elena McAllister held a 5K race at her family’s ranch last weekend to help raise funds for her upcoming trip to Australia to compete in the Gold Coast Marathon.

April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Letter to Editor

Political wisdom; “Never put in writing what you can communicate by speaking, and never speak when you can make your point with a wink and a nod.”

April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Bluehawk runners shine

Thompson Fall’s runner Danny Hoisington once again excelled in the Florence-Darby Invite Tuesday afternoon.

Thompson Falls gets an urban tree health check
April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Thompson Falls gets an urban tree health check

A statewide tree inventory has recently taken place by the Department of Natural Resource Conservation gathering vital information on urban forests, including in Thompson Falls.

Thompson captures first place at Missoula Invite
April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Thompson captures first place at Missoula Invite

Plains senior track athlete Jessica Thompson’s name is becoming synonymous with first-place finishes in throwing events, especially in shot put.

April 18, 2018 4 a.m.

Young Lady Bluehawks steadily improving

With each passing game and week, the young Thompson Falls High School girl’s softball team continues to improve and the strides Lady Bluehawks’ coach Jared Koskela has witnessed has him excited about the prospects of the future of his young club.

Tuesday, April 17

April 17, 2018 2:12 p.m.

Local athletes shine at Dave Trip Invitational

The Dave Trip Invitational hosted by Hot Springs was held in Polson on Friday, April 13.

Elk herds on the move around county
April 17, 2018 2:11 p.m.

Elk herds on the move around county

There are reports of large elk herds seen around Mineral County. Jill Pestana who lives in St. Regis, recently reported seeing several separate herds throughout the valley. During this time of year herds move from wintering grounds into spring calving areas.

$350,000 grant awarded to fix roads in Mineral County
April 17, 2018 2:11 p.m.

$350,000 grant awarded to fix roads in Mineral County

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines announced on April 10 that the Department of Transportation has granted $350,000 to repair federally owned roads in Mineral County that were impacted by severe storms, flooding and landslides.

Local engineer receives prestigious national award
April 17, 2018 2:10 p.m.

Local engineer receives prestigious national award

Nate Kegel, a Forest Service engineer with the Superior Ranger District on the Lolo National Forest, was recently selected for one of the agency’s national Engineer of the Year awards.

Mountain Cats join Kick Butts Day
April 17, 2018 2:10 p.m.

Mountain Cats join Kick Butts Day

A group of Alberton students, spearheaded by two sixth-graders, has led to the formation of the Tobacco-Free Mountain Cats.

Arlee moves to Class B in basketball; stays C in football
April 17, 2018 2:09 p.m.

Arlee moves to Class B in basketball; stays C in football

As basketball and football seasons wind down, the Montana High School Sports Association is warming up with changes to team class and championship games.

April 17, 2018 2:09 p.m.

Golf season starts on a soggy note at Plains Invitational

Around 56 Varsity and JV golfers hit the links last Saturday at the Plains Golf Invitational held on April 7.

Missing man's body recovered
April 17, 2018 2:08 p.m.

Missing man's body recovered

On Sunday, April 8, the body of 46-year-old Daniel Downing was found up Petty Creek, near Alberton.

Communications trailer is now available when disaster strikes
April 17, 2018 2:08 p.m.

Communications trailer is now available when disaster strikes

Mineral County emergency preparedness personnel were able to tour the Department of Public Health and Human Services communications trailer last Monday when it was parked at the Mineral Community Hospital.

Kelly headed to State in javelin with top score at Darby/Florence meet
April 17, 2018 2:07 p.m.

Kelly headed to State in javelin with top score at Darby/Florence meet

The Darby/Florence Invitational track meet was held in Corvallis on April 10 where Clark Fork Mountain Cat Hailey Kelly got herself a trip to State by placing first in women’s varsity javelin with a throw of 118-02.

April 17, 2018 2:06 p.m.

Community Notes

The Mineral County Medical Foundation will be holding their annual spring fundraising event on May 12 and will feature local historian, Hal Stearns giving his talk entitled, “Montana Towns: Then, Now, Tomorrow.”

Thursday, April 12

A high schooler's guide to laughter
April 12, 2018 4:52 p.m.

A high schooler's guide to laughter

The Plains High School Drama Club presented a gym full of laughter to all who attended last week’s production of “High Schooler’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

Thompson Falls Kindergarten Round-Up
April 12, 2018 4:51 p.m.

Thompson Falls Kindergarten Round-Up

Little ones from around Thompson Falls braved the wet weather for the annual Kindergarten Round-Up on Thursday at the elementary school.

Change of ownership at Dew Duck Inn
April 12, 2018 4:51 p.m.

Change of ownership at Dew Duck Inn

Charlotte and Eric Buljung have bid farewell to the Dew Duck Inn on the outskirts of Plains.

Youth artist wows in local art contest
April 12, 2018 4:51 p.m.

Youth artist wows in local art contest

Plains High School student Malachi Paulsen has once again wowed locals with his artistic talents.

April 12, 2018 4:51 p.m.

Clark Fork Valley Hospital receives award

LifeCenter Northwest, a local organ procurement organization recently announced the Clark Fork Valley Hospital as the recipient of the 2017 Tissue Donation Referral Achievement Award.

April 12, 2018 4:50 p.m.

Tourism conference to include Road to Buffalo project

Local group Women for a Better Sanders County recently secured an invite to present their project Road to the Buffalo at the upcoming Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Recreation this month.

April 12, 2018 4:50 p.m.

Montana lawmakers rally around mining company

More than 50 state legislators voiced support for Hecla Mining Company in a letter sent Friday to Governor Steve Bullock and Montana Department of Environmental Quality Director Tom Livers.

Shannon Renae McBee
April 12, 2018 4:49 p.m.

Shannon Renae McBee

Shannon Renae McBee, 44, died Monday, April 2 in a car accident. Shannon was born in Missoula on Sept. 2, 1973.

Wednesday, April 11

April 11, 2018 4:50 a.m.

Legals April 11, 2018

NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The 28 Mile Timber Sale is located within Section 36, T25N-R27W, on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 20,795 tons, consisting of Douglas-fir sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on May 2, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Bids may be hand delivered or mailed and will be accepted any time prior to the bid opening. DNRC recommends that bidders contact the Trust Land Management Division (406-542-4300) prior to the bid opening to ensure that your bid has been received. Bids must be accompanied by a deposit of $30,766.00, representing 5% of the minimum bid value of the sale in cashier's check, certified check, bank money order or bank draft to be applied to the first sale invoice for the successful bidder. Bid bonds will be accepted and, for the successful bidder, will be closed upon execution of the Timber Sale Contract and Timber Sale Bond. The sale will be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. Award of the timber sale is conditional upon approval of the timber sale by the State Board of Land Commissioners at their April 16, 2018 meeting. If the successful bidder is unable to execute the contract within 30 calendar days from the date the sale is awarded, the bid deposit will be retained by the Department as liquidated damages. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. Prospective bidders can obtain the sale prospectus, sale contract and bid forms from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Trust Land Management Division, in Missoula (406-542-4300), the Northwestern Land Office in Kalispell (406-751-2257), or the Plains Unit Office in Plains, MT (406-826-4723). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Valley Press on April 4, April 11, April 18, and April 25, 2018. MNAXLP

April 11, 2018 4 a.m.

PILT isn't equitable for smallest Montana counties

As the chair of the Federal Land Payments Subcommittee of the National Association of Counties, I feel it my duty to write this letter after hearing and reading about Mineral County sending a tax bill to the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture. This letter and tax bill was stimulated by the delay in the funding by Congress of two very important programs for local government: Secure Rural Schools and Payment in Lieu of Taxes.

April 11, 2018 4 a.m.

Mineral County court report

March 27, Amanda Ann Adams, careless driving

Edna Cummings, 105
April 11, 2018 4 a.m.

Edna Cummings, 105

Edna Cummings passes away April 4, 2018 in Superior, Montana. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her over her 105 years.

April 11, 2018 4 a.m.

Superior Ranger District to conduct prescribed burns

The Superior Ranger District is planning on conducting several prescribed burns across the county this spring. Potential burn units are located in Cedar Creek, Thompson Creek, Mill Creek, Patrick Creek and Rock Creek. The exact timing of the burns will be contingent upon weather, fuel conditions, soil moisture and other environmental factors.

Tuesday, April 10

Spring wolf sightings reported in area
April 10, 2018 6:25 a.m.

Spring wolf sightings reported in area

Prior to 1990, there were very few people in Montana who may have heard the howl of a wolf. By 1925 the species was eradicated from the state and remained virtually extinct until recovery efforts began.

April 10, 2018 6:25 a.m.

Ambulance service members explain why they are running for hospital board

People in Mineral County are wondering, “Why are five members of the Superior Area Ambulance Service running for the Hospital Board?” To prevent the rumor mill from taking over, we will address this question. Our primary motive is to improve patient care. We understand the financial aspect of the hospital is very important, but do not believe it should supersede patient care.

Local teams hit the Superior Hoop Shoot target
April 10, 2018 6:24 a.m.

Local teams hit the Superior Hoop Shoot target

Elementary students from all over the are descended on Superior last weekend to participate in the Superior Hoop Shoot. There were 31 teams made up of boys and girls from grades five through eight who met up on the courts in the high school and elementary school gyms to shoot-it- out. Teams were grades 3/4; 5/6; and 7/8.

April 10, 2018 6:23 a.m.

Community Notes

Monthly community hearing service provided by Hearing Aid Institute at Alberton Senior Center April 12, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Montana's epic ski season coming to a close
April 10, 2018 6:22 a.m.

Montana's epic ski season coming to a close

Ski areas across the state are reporting epic snowfall and a historic ski season with an earlier than usual opening date and snow late into April. Lookout Ski Resort located on Lookout Pass on Interstate-90 is no exception with reports of new powder almost every day. They also were listed as one of the top ten deepest snow packs of any ski area in the country according to Matthew Sawyer, a spokesman for resort.

New Superior fire chief ready for challenges
April 10, 2018 6:22 a.m.

New Superior fire chief ready for challenges

When Rob Torrey stepped down as the Superior Volunteer Fire Department Chief last December, it left people wondering who would fill this critical community position. That’s when long-time Superior resident and volunteer firefighter, Steve Temple stepped up to become the next chief in February after serving as the assistant fire chief.

Art brightens the halls of Community Hospital
April 10, 2018 6:21 a.m.

Art brightens the halls of Community Hospital

On March 28 fifth graders from Alberton School traveled to the Mineral Community Hospital for an art reception. For the last few years, art students have had their work displayed on a wall in the lobby to brighten things up for staff, residents and visitors.

Destination Imagination team places first in state competition
April 10, 2018 6:20 a.m.

Destination Imagination team places first in state competition

Move over Rodgers and Hammerstein, there’s a new team in town who could rival the world of musical theatre. The Hamsteaks from St. Regis took first place during the Imagination Destination State Tournament for their musical challenge. As a result of their win, the Hamsteaks will be traveling to Knoxville, Tennessee to compete in the Global Finals in May.

Monday, April 9

April 9, 2018 4:55 p.m.

Plains council tackles clean-up issues

The recent Plains Town meeting saw Mayor Danny Rowan speak with council members on some light, yet important issues at hand.

Friday, April 6

April 6, 2018 4:52 p.m.

Trotters softball has 'mixed' results in opening week

The Plains Hot-Springs softball team knew the opening portion of their season schedule against Thompson Falls and Florence would provide an immediate challenge.

April 6, 2018 4:52 p.m.

Lady Bluehawk softball showcases improvement

Thompson Falls softball coach Jared Koskela knew his team would get an initiation back into high school softball after their program’s one-year hiatus when they opened up with defending Class B-C champion Florence.

Thursday, April 5

April 5, 2018 12:56 p.m.

Thompson Falls Police welcome academy graduate

Jacob Winslow of the Thompson Falls Police Department recently completed his training with the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.

April 5, 2018 12:55 p.m.

Candidates set for Sanders County election

Filing recently closed for candidates to enter this year’s Sanders County elections. The commissioner position is a six year term, with all other voted positions four-year terms.

Plains Elementary holds Kindergarten Round-Up
April 5, 2018 12:55 p.m.

Plains Elementary holds Kindergarten Round-Up

Around 30 soon-to-be kindergarten students recently made their way to Plains Elementary School to meet their teachers.

April 5, 2018 12:55 p.m.

Plains student Mariah Mormah honored in Duck Stamp competition

On March 23, 144 student art entries for the 2018 Montana State Junior Duck Stamp Contest from all across Montana were judged at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in Stevensville.

Easter bunny stops in Sanders County
April 5, 2018 12:55 p.m.

Easter bunny stops in Sanders County

Kids young and old, took to the ready with their baskets before they hunted the Old Paradise School in Paradise to see who would get the most Easter eggs this past Sunday.

April 5, 2018 12:54 p.m.

Chihuahua missing after stolen car crashes

Montana Highway Patrol responded to an accident on Montana 135 on March 24 involving a stolen car.

April 5, 2018 12:54 p.m.

Organizers needed for Plains Clean Up Day

The upcoming Plains Clean Up Day is in need of volunteer organizers to help with beautification projects in town.

April 5, 2018 12:54 p.m.

Prescribed burns planned this spring

The Plains and Thompson Falls Ranger District plans on conducting prescribed burns in several areas this spring and fall.

Plains-Hot Springs softball fundraiser a grand slam
April 5, 2018 12:54 p.m.

Plains-Hot Springs softball fundraiser a grand slam

The Plains-Hot Springs High School softball team turned out an All-American styled barbecue dinner for their annual fundraiser last week.

Training night
April 5, 2018 12:54 p.m.

Training night

The Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District took to a property on River Road West to take advantage of some structure fire training last week.

April 5, 2018 12:53 p.m.

Sanders County track runners excel in Frenchtown

Thompson Falls track member Danny Hoisington was one of several Sanders County track participants that had stand-out performances in the Jim Johnson meet Thursday afternoon at Frenchtown High School.

April 5, 2018 12:53 p.m.

Sanders County girls tracksters make immediate impact at Jim Johnson

Plains High School track star Jessica Thompson picked up right where she left off last year after capturing two state titles in the MHSA Class C state track meet.

April 5, 2018 12:53 p.m.

Wildhorse Youth Soccer kicks off season

Wildhorse Youth Soccer Association kicked off the competitive spring soccer season Saturday in Stevensville.

Wednesday, April 4

April 4, 2018 5:27 p.m.

Soccer youth brave freezing temperatures for season opener

Wildhorse Youth Soccer Association kicked off the competitive spring soccer season last Saturday in Stevensville. Soccer players from Thompson Falls, Plains, St. Regis, Paradise, and Hot Springs braved 20 mile per hour winds and starting temperatures hovering above freezing in a friendly match against Bozeman and a league match against Libby. Only the under-17 aged team saw early season action as the younger teams don’t start the season until April 14th.

Pe contest benefits library
April 4, 2018 5:26 p.m.

Pe contest benefits library

Everybody likes nice piece of pie, and the proof was in the pudding (of the Chocolate Cream Pie). It was the annual Pie Contest held by the Mineral County Public Library in Superior on March 24, where people crowded in between stacks of books to sample savory favorites.

April 4, 2018 5:26 p.m.

Community Notes

There will be a forum for candidates running for the Mineral Community Hospital Board. Four current board members are up for re-election and all positions are contested. It will be held on Wednesday, April 18 in the multipurpose room at the Superior High School. The time has not been announced yet.

Jim Johnson Track Meet kicks off the season
April 4, 2018 5:25 p.m.

Jim Johnson Track Meet kicks off the season

The annual Jim Johnson Track Meet was held on Thursday, March 29, kicking off the 2018 season. Teams from 17 schools met up at the Frenchtown fields to go head-to-head in track and field competition where Frenchtown led the boys with a score of 174 and Fort Benton topped the girls with 101.

St. Regis could become first town in state powered by renewable energy
April 4, 2018 5:25 p.m.

St. Regis could become first town in state powered by renewable energy

Can St. Regis become one of the first towns in Montana to be powered by renewable energy? That’s a question George Bailey posed to a group of local residents on March 27 along with a discussion on how that concept could become a reality.

Final Four-legged fever hits county
April 4, 2018 5:23 p.m.

Final Four-legged fever hits county

Final Four-legged fever hit Mineral County last week as donkeys hit the floor boards in the St. Regis gym. The junior high school class brought the floppy-ear critters to town through Donkey Sports Inc. as a fundraiser where students and staff from St. Regis and Superior faced-off for braying rights.

April 4, 2018 5:22 p.m.

Permissive levies passed; no voter approval required

All three Mineral County school boards have opted to increase permissive levies in order to meet current needs in the districts.

April 4, 2018 4:50 a.m.

Legals April 4, 2018

NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The 28 Mile Timber Sale is located within Section 36, T25N-R27W, on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 20,795 tons, consisting of Douglas-fir sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on May 2, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Bids may be hand delivered or mailed and will be accepted any time prior to the bid opening. DNRC recommends that bidders contact the Trust Land Management Division (406-542-4300) prior to the bid opening to ensure that your bid has been received. Bids must be accompanied by a deposit of $30,766.00, representing 5% of the minimum bid value of the sale in cashier's check, certified check, bank money order or bank draft to be applied to the first sale invoice for the successful bidder. Bid bonds will be accepted and, for the successful bidder, will be closed upon execution of the Timber Sale Contract and Timber Sale Bond. The sale will be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. Award of the timber sale is conditional upon approval of the timber sale by the State Board of Land Commissioners at their April 16, 2018 meeting. If the successful bidder is unable to execute the contract within 30 calendar days from the date the sale is awarded, the bid deposit will be retained by the Department as liquidated damages. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. Prospective bidders can obtain the sale prospectus, sale contract and bid forms from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Trust Land Management Division, in Missoula (406-542-4300), the Northwestern Land Office in Kalispell (406-751-2257), or the Plains Unit Office in Plains, MT (406-826-4723). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Valley Press on April 4, April 11, April 18, and April 25, 2018. MNAXLP

George Marion 'Doc' Holliday
April 4, 2018 4 a.m.

George Marion 'Doc' Holliday

George Marion Holliday “Doc” passed away from natural causes on March 14, 2018 at Rocky Mountain Care Center in Helena.