Ellington

Blackfoot voice & data communications in western Sanders County restored

Blackfoot Telecommunications crews worked throughout the day New Year’s Eve to lay a ground-based cable restoring voice and data communications after a two-day outage to western Sanders County.

Damage to Blackfoot line causes communications outage in western Sanders County

A large team of specialists, including cable and fiber-optic technicians and engineers, was assembling along the Clark Fork River on New Year’s Eve to solve a major communications disruption in Thompson Falls and west to the Idaho border.

A look back at 2018

A reporter’s perspective

Horsemen defeat Blue Hawks; T-Falls cruises by Troy

It was not a conference game, but the enthusiasm was certainly there last Friday night when Thompson Falls hosted Plains in varsity boys’ basketball.

Lady Hawks rally past Plains; top Troy in 14C opener

Thompson Falls picked up two victories in girls’ basketball last week to head into the holiday break while Plains suffered a pair of losses.

Savage Heat drop decisions to Mission and Valley Christian

Mission just had too much firepower for Hot Springs in a boys’ basketball contest Tuesday, Dec. 18 as the Bulldogs coasted to an 88-57 victory.

Red Devils give superlative effort in loss to Charlo

Playing without their most productive post man Rylan Weltz, Noxon fell just short of Charlo last Friday in Noxon, despite an excellent effort by the Red Devils. The Vikings took home a 62-52 conference win.

Members of 10,000 Shot Club honored

In each of the last three years, Thompson Falls Athletics has offered an opportunity for all K-12 student-athletes to continue to build his or her basketball skills by offering the 10,000 Shot Club.

A Christmas memory: Serenity and solitude at the Mike Patrick place

It was early Christmas morning, around 5 o’clock. I had woken up and looked out the window to see a clear, moonlit night. A good time for a walk, I thought. I was sixteen years old — almost, my birthday was the next day — and I rose and dressed quietly so as not to wake my parents. I went very slowly down the back stairs from my bedroom, trying to avoid the steps that creaked, found a coat and hat and unlocked the back door. Outside, I discovered that it would be an even better walk than I thought. There was about a foot of snow, which would have been slow walking, but it had crusted overnight and was hard enough to walk on. It was very easy going.

Margaret French

Margaret Rose French died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 90 on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018. She was born in Dillon, Mont., on Aug. 11, 1928, the daughter of John and Ellen Laden. Margaret was the youngest of six children.

Sanders County: The Year in Review (Part 1)

It was a year filled with a variety of local news in Sanders County in 2018, beginning with Dan Rowan being sworn in as mayor of Plains and pre-Christmas activities.

Winter Wonderland

Pre-holiday Brain Bash at PHS

Toys for Tots serves 175 kids in Sanders County families

U.S. Marine Corps League, Detachment 1041 out of Polson, has completed its 2018 Toys for Tots drive in Sanders County.

Five-truck crash on I-90 leaves two dead o Responding crews say crash was worst they had ever seen

Superior Fire Chief Steve Temple arrived at a predawn emergency call on Interstate 90 and saw one of the most horrific wrecks he had ever witnessed. At the bottom of an icy hill just west of the Quartz Creek Rest Area, five semi-trucks were knotted into a pile of twisted metal.

Red Devils top Troy, Two Eagle River

Noxon ran its win streak to start to the season to 6-0 with wins over Troy at home last Thursday, and Two Eagle River on Friday in Pablo.

Savage Horsemen win 12 of 15 matches at the Arlee Mixer

Twelve wins in 15 wrestling matches is a good percentage, at any level.

Stokes charged in truck theft

A man who was on the Montana Department of Corrections most-wanted fugitives list earlier this fall is now sitting in the Flathead County Jail after he led police on a chase Monday, Dec. 10 west of Kalispell.

one down, four to go Pies erects first Wild Horse of Plains prototype

It’s an ongoing, five-step process for Kenton Pies, whose Wild Horses of Plains project has cleared the first hurdle.

Open house to introduce MCH clinic Thursday

SUPERIOR — Mineral Community Hospital in Superior has announced the opening of the Mineral Community Hospital Clinic, a department of MCH, on Jan. 2, 2019.

Icy roads, snow cause wrecks on I-90

Severe winter weather hit the region last week causing several mishaps, especially on the west end of Mineral County on Interstate 90. There were reports of snow and ice from Haugan to Lookout Pass on Monday, Dec 10 in the evening hours. Around the region, Noxon, Thompson Falls and Superior were included in the winter weather advisory, as well as several other passes, including Marias Pass, which was under a blizzard warning with 80 mph winds and several inches of snow.

Superior fourth-graders get good experience about 'giving back'

With cash in hand, Superior school fourth-graders went to local stores for their annual shopping trip for families in need. Mrs. Crabb’s class works to raise funds each year to purchase the gifts that are then donated to the Women in Timber Superior group.

Community Notes

St. Regis’ Christmas concert will be Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 7 p.m.

Mineral County court report

Dec. 11, Danielle Elain Alger, speeding

Butch Talbitzer

Butch Talbitzer passed away on Nov. 26, 2018, at his home in Arlee, Mont., surrounded by his loving family and dog, Mellie.

New county planner begins work on Jan. 2

Andy Short has been hired as the new Mineral County Planner and Sanitarian. He is replacing Tim Read who retired last September, and will start his new position on Jan. 2, 2019. Short currently works as a Land Use Planner, Environmental Health Specialist and the Missoula Branch Manager for Territorial-Landworks in Missoula. He was hired out of a short stack of applicants in November, according to Mineral County Commissioner Roman Zylawy.

False rumor of lock-down hits Alberton School

Alberton School was the victim of a rumored lock-down last week. There were reports of a student bringing a gun to school and the school having a lock-down.

We Care Foundation teams up with Shyrock Motorcoach & RV Park

The Mineral County We Care Foundation got a huge shot-in-the arm when they recently teamed up with Shyrock Motorcoach & RV Park, located in Superior. The We Care Foundation has been around the area for eight years, helping families meet their needs for things like housing, fuel, medical bills and car repairs.

Green leads Mountain Cat grapplers at Corvallis tourney

Superior’s Trey Green took home first place in The Glen Brawley Wrestling Tournament held in Corvallis on Saturday, Dec. 15.

Helping Hands raises funds to help local families

Lake County CDC looking for new director

The Lake County Community Development Corporation (LCCDC) is looking for a new executive director.

Computer crash delays 12-team Bob Kinney Classic in Superior

The annual Bob Kinney Classic wrestling tournament held in Superior came to an abrupt halt Saturday morning when the tournament program crashed. That left event representatives scrambling to get the teams back on the mats. The program, Trackwrestling, is used nationally and is an event management system for tournaments.

Clark Fork teams, St. Regis girls win

In basketball, the St. Regis Lady Tigers took an early lead against Noxon last Friday on the road. They jumped out in the first quarter to put 11 points on the board, leaving the Lady Red Devils down by eight points. The remainder of the matchup was fairly close, but Noxon couldn’t pull ahead, leaving the Tigers with the win, 31-23.

Blue Hawks eighth, Savage Horsemen tie for ninth, Clark Fork 11th at Bob Kinney Classic

Despite taking only four wrestlers, Thompson Falls/Noxon finished in eighth place at the 12-school annual Bob Kinney Classic held Saturday in Superior.

Red Devils go to 4-0 with pair of wins

Noxon extended its varsity boys’ basketball mark to 4-0 with a pair of victories last week.

Horsemen offense sputters in loss to Darby in home opener

Plains put up a fight defensively in last Saturday’s non-conference boys’ basketball game against Darby in the Horsemen’s home opener, but came up short on the offensive end in a 47-39 loss.

Resource Coalition talks about habitat improvement efforts

It was a full house on Tuesday, Dec. 4 as members of the Mineral County Resource Coalition held their monthly meeting. Representatives from government agencies, wildlife conservation organizations, business owners and community leaders met to discuss ongoing, as well as new projects and programs facing Mineral County.

Bertha Smith

Bertha Helen (Een) Smith, 96, entered into heaven Dec. 3, 2018, passing in Spokane, Wash. She was delivered by her father at the family farm in Black Coulee, Mont., (near Rudyard) July 15, 1922, and had eight siblings.

Quilts of Valor and VFW flag retirement ceremonies

Cookies by the pound . . . Worth their weight in sugary delight

There were plenty of holiday delights at the annual Mineral County Public Library Fundraiser Christmas Bazaar last Saturday. The Superior Elementary gym was filled with Christmas music, thanks to Bear from the Nightliners band, as well as Patsy Foote and George Regan.

Superior Fire Department 'heats up' during training in winter

The Superior Volunteer Fire Department had the opportunity to do some live fire-fighting exercises on Sunday, Dec. 2. Volunteers met at Sloway Frontage Road where Isaiah McGuffey donated an abandoned building to the department. It was a 5,000-square foot raw wood building that was intended to be a house, but was never completed, said Fire Chief Steve Temple.

Family Fun Christmas events slated Saturday

It will be something for everyone at the Family Fun Community Christmas Event on Saturday, Dec. 15 in downtown Plains.

'Partridge in a Palm Tree' presented by Plains School Drama Department

Thompson Falls students hold 'peaceful protest' of bullying

Students in Thompson Falls exercised their First Amendment right of freedom of assembly last week when they organized a “peaceful protest” to raise awareness of bullying and harassment issues.

Ceremonial Honor Guard Hot Springs' Anthony Byrns serves as casket bearer during President Bush's interment

Anthony Byrns is only 22 years old and already has one of those memories that will last a lifetime.

Rams butt heads during aggressive rut, FWP reports

“Bighorn sheep are undoubtedly one of the most iconic and revered wildlife species in Montana, yet in comparison to most big game animals, relatively little is known about their population,” stated a 2013 Fish, Wildlife & Parks report. There are roughly 6,000 bighorns in Montana with approximately 700 living in Region 2 of the Fish, Wildlife & Parks map which includes herds up Petty Creek near Alberton and near St. Regis. Over the years, the numbers grew to 1,500 with the 1970s herd producing trophy-size rams.

Hugh Butler

Hugh Randolph Butler, 93, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 26, 2018. He was born on a farm near Lingle, Wyo., on Sept. 10, 1925, to Hugh A. and Helen [Randolph] Butler. He was the third of nine brothers. He was drafted into the Army during his senior year in high school in January 1944 to serve in combat as a radio man and later in charge of German prisoners in the World War II European Theater. He was honorably discharged May 4, 1946, as a sergeant in the Army.

Historical Society presents gingerbread display awards

Original interpretations of creativity and “sweet” equity were the driving forces shown off at the Sanders County Historical Society’s 21st Annual Gingerbread Contest on Saturday.

Flockerzi facing five felonies in Trout Creek incident

A Trout Creek man remains in the Sanders County Jail on $100,000 bond while facing several felony charges in relation to a recent incident where he is accused of arson and firing a gun.

Thilmony captures title at Owen Invite

What a way to kick off you high school wrestling career …

Lady Heat breeze by Lincoln, Seeley-Swan

Holding their first two opponents to an average of just 25 points per game, the Hot Springs girls posted two wins in the Western C Tip-Off Basketball Tournament last weekend in Frenchtown.

Horsemen split Tip-Off tourney games

Plains split its first two varsity boys’ basketball games of the season at the Western C Tip-Off Tournament in Frenchtown, falling to Drummond 53-47 and rebounding to earn a 54-32 victory over Valley Christian.

Montana medical savings account can help you save on income tax

People who had medical expenses so far this year that weren’t covered by their health insurance policy, a flexible spending account (FSA) or a Federal Health Care Savings Account (HSA) can get expenses covered according to Marsha Goetting, Montana State University Extension Family Economic Specialists.

Department of Transportation proposes rebuild at Quartz Flats

SUPERIOR — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) would like to notify the public and seek comments on a proposal to rebuild the Quartz Flats Rest Area on Interstate Highway 90 (I-90) near Superior in Mineral County.

Christmas tree permits are now available free to fourth-graders

Cutting down a Christmas tree can be a festive outing for families to begin the holiday season. With the “Every Kid in a Park” Forest Service Program, Mineral County fourth-grade students can get a free permit for their family to harvest a tree.

Students can participate in Montana Legislature as pages

The Montana Legislature offers a unique opportunity for young people to participate in the legislative process through its Legislative Page Program.

Drivers warned to slow down in winter conditions

The Superior Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a car crash on Sunday, Nov. 25 where a tow truck was recovering a vehicle on Interstate 90. During the process, an SUV plowed into the towing apparatus due to slick roads and low visibility. Department personnel posted on Facebook, warning drivers to slow down and remember to yield to emergency vehicles. The wreck occurred near Mile Marker 60 at around 1:30 p.m., and no injuries were reported.

De-Stress this holiday season and you can avoid distress

The holidays can be a stressful time and Nancy Smith with Choices Counseling in Superior offered tools and words of advice how to “De-Stress ­— not Distress.” The luncheon was hosted by Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Superior and Mineral County Licensed Addition Counseling (LAC) on Nov. 30 at the Choices Conference Center in Superior.

Hospital CEO receives two-year contract extension

Last week, the Mineral Community Hospital Board of Directors extended hospital CEO Steve McNeece’s contract for another two years. They also extended CAH Solutions Group, Laura Austin, for two years. Both McNeece and Austin have been working on a number of improvements to the hospital since June. Austin’s focus is on the finances while McNeece has been working with the hospital board, employees and department directors to define and work toward priorities and goals for the hospital.

Grinch makes appearance in Alberton

As people gathered in the Alberton community center to enjoy an evening of games and a potluck dinner late last week, a peculiar character was perched in the corner of the room. It was a green furry fellow, with a pot-belly and snub-nosed dressed in a Santa suit. Dr. Seuss fans would immediately recognize the popular 1957 character from the story “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” ­— the famous Grinch himself.

Green, Lapinski, Buchannen place at Owen Invite tourney

The Clark Fork Mountain Cats Superior/Alberton co-op had three place-winners at the Owen Invitational wrestling tournament held at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo last weekend, hosted by Polson High School on Friday and Saturday. Medals were awarded to the top six in each class. Overall, the Mountain Cats came in 15th in the 20-team field.

St. Regis girls shine at Tip-Off Tournament

Teams from Western Montana gathered in Frenchtown on Friday and Saturday for the 2018 Western C Basketball Tip-Off Tournament. Sixteen boys and girls teams matched up to start their season and check out the competition. Both Mineral County schools, the Clark Fork Mountain Cats Superior/Alberton co-op and the St. Regis Tigers, played in two games, one on each day.

Community Notes

The Trinity Lutheran Church in Superior began Advent Sunday, Dec. 2. Their midweek services will occur on Thursdays, Dec. 6, 13 and 20 with soup supper at 6 p.m. and worship at 7 p.m.

Mineral County court report

Nov. 26, Oscar Ruben Benitez, no log book

De-stress for the holidays

Relax, slow down, and enjoy the holiday season and learn some new tools for the rest of the year, too. When stress is at its peak, it is hard to bring it down; try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past. Start now and relax later. Here are 40 ways to try to get ahead of it: