Ellington

St. Regis School not going to four-day week

Local Facebook activity blew up after the St. Regis School Board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21, when parents incorrectly thought the school had voted to implement a four-day school week.

Snow tires

Alberton principal put on administrative leave

Last week, the Alberton School’s principal, Kyle Fisher, was put on administrative leave for an indefinite amount of time. Superintendent Steve Picard said the investigation into allegations against Fisher were to be completed on Monday, Feb. 26, and he should be able to release a more complete report early this week.

Two homes lost to fires in two months

Two house fires hit the west end of Mineral County within weeks of each other. Near Haugan, Ruschel Sage and Todd Oatman’s new home burned to the ground on Jan. 21. Nearly a month later, on Feb. 19, Shawn and Amy Cielke’s home also burned and was completely destroyed.

Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats continue march toward State

The Clark Fork Mountain Cats lost their first matchup at Divisionals in Hamilton, Feb. 22-24. They faced Arlee on Thursday and experienced their first loss of the season, 57-49. This moved Arlee to play Twin Bridges and pushed the Cats into a loser-out game against Lone Peak on Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Boone to run for full term as Mineral County sheriff

Mineral County Sheriff Mike Boone has decided to run for the office in this upcoming election. Boone took over as acting sheriff after Tom Bauer resigned on Nov. 14, 2017. He was appointed the position by the county commissioners and will finish out Bauer’s term until January 2019.

Weather brings record breaking lows and accidents

Last Tuesday a record-breaking cold wave hit the region sending temperatures into the negative degree range in some areas.

Recycling bin coming soon to Superior

The town of Superior will soon have a new recycling bin, thanks to the efforts of Alberton resident Loreen Green.

Lady Tigers, Clark Fork Boys, take third in Districts

The St. Regis Lady Tigers entered District tournament play with a 9-9 regular season and managed to make their way up the brackets to finish third place in Pablo. During a Thursday, Feb. 15, game against Noxon the Tigers won 36-27.

Daines stops in Superior, but last-minute schedule change leaves some folks miffed

By KATHLEEN WOODFORD

Mineral County court report

Jan. 1, Kaitlyn Anne Mataya, speeding

Community Notes

A GoFundMe page has been created for the St. Regis Music Department to try and raise money for a vibraphone. The page reads that the department has “begun to work on their first percussion ensemble piece and we only need one more instrument to make our mallet section complete. Yamaha makes great instruments for a reasonable price and we are excited to fill out our percussion section with the cool sounds that this instrument adds. Help us out and donate to a wonderful growing music program in small-town Montana!”

Common sense solution

Just what is the common sense solution to stopping the killing of children in our public schools regardless of the weapon used?

Winter fun for Sanders County snowmobilers

The Cabinet Ridge Riders had a snow packed fun day at their recent poker run event in Trout Creek.

Plains Trap Club gears up for annual Turkey Shoot

The Plains Trap Club is in full swing with their winter league, and shooters are getting geared up for the annual Turkey Shoot.

Plains pets get some swagger

Local cats and dogs can now get some serious swagger about their looks with the recent grand opening of Wagn Tails pet grooming.

Riding with Montana Highway Patrol

Last week offered an eye-opener as I rode along with Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Steve Spurr. What began as a brisk day turned into a wider look into what troopers do on a long shift around Sanders County.

Protect our river

Proposed copper mines in the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness area. Why would anyone harm the best we have in our northwest corner?

Derry Lee Bellinger, 69

It is with great sorrow that we report that our beloved husband, father and friend Derry Lee Bellinger, age 69, passed away in his sleep on February 9th, 2018, in Plains, Montana.

Blue Hawks wrap up solid season

The Thompson Falls Blue Hawks did not have the farewell they had hoped for after the weekend’s postseason tournament.

Warriors take Horsemen in final showdown

The Plains Horsemen took one last step on the court for the finale of the Western C Class Basketball finals against Arlee in true Wild Horse Plains fashion.

Plains Police make unexpected drug bust

On Feb. 11, Plains Police Officer Ethan Harvey stopped a 45-year-old Yakima, Washington woman suspected of driving with a suspended license.

Snowpack brings cautious optimism

Sanders County may be in the so-called banana belt, but it doesn’t mean it has missed out on snow in the mountains.

Former fire department secretary charged with theft

Former Hots Springs Rural Fire Department secretary and bookkeeper Lara Aldridge has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony theft.

Hot Springs students get 'ghosted'

Sometimes the best way to learn good judgment when faced with peer pressure is using the shock factor. This is what the JMG students of Hot Springs High School have done for their “Ghost Out” event.

Local scholarships now available

Two local scholarships are now available for graduates in Sanders County, including one from Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and another from the Bob Marshall Music Fesvial.

Mineral County court report

Jan. 19, Tasha Maria Anderson, speeding

Mineral Community Hospital reaches agreement with Humana

Last week Mineral Community Hospital CEO Ron Gleason announced that the hospital had reached a contract agreement with Humana. The announcement came just days before the Feb. 28 deadline for people to make a decision about their Medicare coverage.

No headline

Regardless of what the score is, our kids are winners all the way! I would like to thank our Teams for the way they represent our school. I have been so proud of our kids: Their heart, courage, determination, and attitude as they present the very best of their ability in each game.

Quilt Guild gets visit from Gianforte

Members of the Cabin Fever Quilters Guild had a special guest during their monthly meeting in St. Regis on Saturday. Montana’s U.S. House Rep. Greg Gianforte, along with his wife Susan, stopped in for a brief visit.

Senior Night held at county high schools to honor graduating athletes

Building blown up at old Smurfit-Stone Mill site as deconstruction continues

Explosions could be heard for miles around near the old Smurfit-Stone Mill site located 11 miles northwest of Missoula. Crews set off the explosives to remove one of the buildings being deconstructed on the site on Feb. 1.

'Unwelcome' snow storms hits region

A late winter snow storm dumped a foot of snow in areas of Mineral County starting Friday night. By Saturday evening travelers were faced with flakes of heavy wet snow that pounded Interstate 90 all night and into Sunday.

Mountain Cat boys shine at District tourney, but end up 3rd

By KATHLEEN WOODFORD

St. Regis Lady Tigers march to 2nd-place in District tourney

Fifth-seeded St. Regis Lady Tigers marched through 14C District play to face third-seeded Charlo in the championship game on Saturday night in Pablo. They landed in second place after a loss, 37-17. The Tigers surprised the top-seeded team, Plains, on Friday with a win, 44-36.

Legals February 21, 2018

PLAINS PUBLIC SCHOOLS #1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) Internet Services - E-Rate Category 1 Plains School District #1 is accepting proposals for internet services to serve the schools in the district as well as the district office. Two separate connections are required. The bid should specify the service classification for each connection as either Internet access, ISP services only, Internet access and transport bundled, or Leased lit fiber internet services. Proposals may be emailed to Ginny Holland at ginny.holland@plainsschools.net and Nicole Jones at njjrwj@midrivers.com. Proposals will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on February 28, 2018. Contact either Ginny Holland or Nicole Jones to receive the complete RFP and related documents. Questions regarding this bid should be directed to Nicole Jones, E-Rate Consultant, at 406-934-6668. Dated this 2nd day of February, 2018 Ginny Holland, Business Manager/Clerk Plains Public Schools #1 P.O. Box 549 412 Rittenour Street Plains, MT 59859 (406) 826-8600 Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on February 7 and February 21, 2018 MNAXLP.

The St. Regis basketball teams are winners!

Regardless of what the score is, our kids are winners all the way! I would like to thank our Teams for the way they represent our school. I have been so proud of our kids: Their heart, courage, determination, and attitude as they present the very best of their ability in each game.

Thelma (Virginia) Butler

Thelma (Virginia) Butler, 90, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 31, 2018, surrounded by her family and friends. Virginia was born July 31, 1927 in Boone County Missouri and grew up there until the age of 7 when her father came to Hot Springs to work for her Uncle Noble LaRue at the Hot Springs Mercantile. She graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1945. She immediately started working in Hot Springs for Holt Motor Sales and later for Cobeen Conoco Service, Ashcraft Lumber Co, City Drug Store, Hot Springs Mercantile and eventually substituting at the Town Hall.

Trout Creek couple fined for wildlife violations

A Trout Creek couple were fined after investigations found they had violated multiple wildlife hunting violations.

No headline

The lady behind the smile

Rhonda Flemmer was named the Clark Fork Valley Hospital employee of the year for 2017, and she has sure made an impact on her co-workers as well as her community.

Horsemen take second in District Championship

The weekend was full of teams from Sanders County looking to come away with a solid triumphant win from the basketball season.

Icy roads blamed for two-car wreck

As the Monday morning commute began, one local Plains driver struggled to stop on the icy roads.

Museums create fun for local families

Good news is coming from the University of Montana for low-income families in Sanders County with the ability to enjoy the museums in Missoula for free.

We should all be tested for HIV and Hep C

The Centers for Disease Control released a predictive study titled “County-level Vulnerability Assessment for Rapid Dissemination of HIV or HCV Infections among Persons who Inject Drugs” in summer 2016 that was intended to identify potential locations where an outbreak could occur. Mineral County ended up on this list based on the risk factors they looked at. Mineral County has risk just like any other county or tribal jurisdiction, but fortunately we have not experienced any increase in acute Hepatitis C or HIV infections.

New look for City Hall in Plains

The Plains City Hall front desk has a brand new look.

U14 softball season gets set to kick off

Local athletes are dusting off their mitts from winter storage as softball season has just kicked into gear.

Undefeated Clark Fork Mountain Cat girls win at District

The Clark Fork Mountain Cat girls swept through the 13C District tournament with an undefeated season to take home the championship trophy. The Cats faced Seeley-Swan in the Saturday evening game with a stellar win, 57-41.

Local veteran receives service award from Rep. Gianforte

By KATHLEEN WOODFORD

Sanders County no longer recycling plastics

Due to China no longer accepting U.S. recycling waste, Sanders County has been forced to discontinue taking plastics.

Nona M. Crichton

Nona M. Crichton, 96, passed on peacefully at her home Feb. 4, 2018. Nona is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Albert James Crichton Jr. and her son David James Crichton. She leaves behind daughters Leona Crichton of Superior, Montana and Kathy Carr of Santa Barbara, California, 9 grandchildren and 21

Next steps for Rock Creek Mine taking shape

Hecla Montana says the next steps for the Rock Creek Mine in the western part of Sanders County is starting to take shape.

Thompson Falls Honor Roll

12th Grade

Hunter education classes announced

The first hunter and bowhunter education classes of 2018 are open to registration across northwest Montana.

County spelling bee coming up

The Sanders County Spelling Bee is just around the corner with schools getting prepped for the competition.

School archery program coming up

The National Archery in Schools Programis getting set to kick off this coming March.

Local firefighters secure hazmat training

The second training installment for hazmat awareness operations took place last week at the Plains-Paradise Rural fire house.

CASA fundraiser a big hit

The weather was a warm 55 degrees last Thursday but it didn’t keep locals away from the CASA chili event in Plains.

Plains teams have momentum heading into postseason play

This past week saw the end of the regular season before teams across the county begin to head into the postseason on the courts.

District tournament standings

Standings as the district tournament kicks off later this week.

Hospital gives update on Humana progress

Over the past two weeks Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) has been working with Humana to expedite a contract to help those residents affected by the Medicare Advantage cut.

Legals February 14, 2018

The Sanders County Educational Services Cooperative will soon destroy special education/speech-language therapy records of former students who have been out of school for approximately 8 years, or who will reach the age of 26 by June 1st, 2018. Former students may contact the Sanders County Educational Services Cooperative, P.O. Box 1448, Thompson Falls, MT 59873 within sixty days of this notice if they wish to obtain the information contained in them. Please be reminded that these records may be needed for social security benefits or other purposes. The information to be destroyed shall NOT include data collected on a routine basis that is maintained on all school children (such as the student's name, address, telephone number, grade level completed/year completed). The data to be destroyed shall include information regarding identification, location, evaluation, and other items directly related to special education services which the student received. Persons having questions about this process or wishing to request that special education/speech-language therapy records be destroyed may contact the Sanders County Educational Services Cooperative at 406-827-3007 for assistance. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on February 14 and February 21, 2018. MNAXLP

Bonnie Mae White

“Her Wings Were Ready, Our Hearts Were Not.”

Sanders County welcomes home two wrestling champs

This past weekend saw two Sanders County wrestling teams head to Billings to battle it out with a couple hundred fellow wrestlers to see who would be crowned a state champion.

Linda Rae Weinberg Letcher

Linda Rae Weinberg Letcher, 76, passed away peacefully at her home in Superior, Montana, on Jan. 26, 2018.

Through with Chew Week February 18-24

Mineral County Health Department Tobacco Prevention Specialist

Thanks for the support following fire

To Our Friends in Mineral County and Beyond:

Clark Fork Junior High Girls win basketball championship

The Clark Fork Mountain Cats Varsity Girls Basketball aren’t the only girls team to go undefeated this season. The Mountain Cats Junior High team also was undefeated with a 12-0 season and won their championship game on Saturday, Feb. 11.

Seniors recognized at their final home game

It was the last time Mineral County senior basketball players would step onto their home court when they suited up to play last week. Many of the players had been going to school with their teammates since kindergarten. Not only did they take many steps together on the court, but also in their everyday lives. Now, the next step is a big one, a step into their future.

Little guys (and gals) entertain during Senior Night

Candy for your Dandy?

Basketball Roundup

St. Regis Lady Tigers walked away with a win on Feb. 8 against the Hot Springs Savage Heat, 41-35. It was Senior Night in St. Regis as Seniors Kystina Thompson, Justice Tate, Anna Sanford, Jacob Jasper and Ryan Teeter, made their final plays as high school basketball players. During the game, Emma Hill led the girls team with 19 points, Tate had 11, Madison Kelly 5, Thompson 4, and McKenzie Stortz, 2.

Community Notes

Lenten lunches will begin Feb. 20 at the Senior Center in Superior. These are open to everyone and are free of charge. There will be a free-will basket at the check-in table. These donations will be distributed at the end of Lent to non-profit organizations such as We Care, Food Bank, Women in Timber or other recipients determined by the committee. One year we donated to the swimming pool.

St. Regis to receive $250,000 literacy grant

St. Regis School was the recipient of a $250,000 grant through the Office of Public Instruction. On January 31 it was announced that 21 Montana school district were being awarded Montana Comprehensive Literacy Project grants. These grants are funded through the federal Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program. The purpose of the grant is to advance reading, writing, and digital literacy skills in students, with an emphasis on disadvantaged children.

With OSHA cards in hand, students are ready to work

Seven Superior students are a step closer to entering the workforce after completing a class to receive their OSHA 10 cards. The cards are through the Department of Labor and Industry and teaches students common job-related safety and health hazards.

Medicare Advantage contract still under negotiation

As the deadline for people to make a final Medicare Advantage plan coverage decision looms, local hospitals are still negotiating with Humana as a possible provider. People have until February 28 to make a decision and Monida, which does contract negotiations for a number of Montana hospitals including Mineral Community Hospital, has not reached a final deal.

Commissioner Johnston seeks re-election

Current County Commissioner Laurie Johnston has thrown her hat in the ring once again for a re-election bid. After serving as commissioner for the past five years, of her six-year term, Johnston said the job has really opened her eyes to the problems facing Mineral County.

Nightriders Poker Ride draws 300 participants

Once again members and friends of the Montana Nightriders Snowmobile Club revved up their engines for the 30th annual $1,000 Poker Ride held on Jan. 27. This year 353 riders from all over the Northwest gathered at the 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar in Haugan to participate in the 50 mile ride located at exit 16 off I-90.

Colstrip takes State in B-C wrestling

At the State B-C Wrestling Tournament in Billings, Feb. 9-10, Colstrip won its third championship in five years.

Trifecta moon invades local skies

It was trifecta of sorts when the moon started to set on Jan. 31.

Detention Center expected to reopen by mid-February

Several people who attended the Mineral County Commissioner meeting on Friday, Jan. 26 had the opportunity to tour the newly remodeled jail cells in the Detention Center. County Commissioners, Roman Zylawy, Duane Simons, and Laurie Johnston, along with County Attorney, Ellen Donohue; videographer, Mary Furlong; and Administrative Assistant, Kasey Feasel were able to see the newly painted cells and refurbished floor as well as the dispatch center.

Localized wind gusts cause property damage

Strong winds whistled down Petty Creek canyon near Alberton on Monday night, Jan. 29 causing damage to some property located 11 miles up the road. Alicia Gregory was staying at her parents place when she went outside around midnight and found several lodge pole pine trees had blown down over their barbed wire fence.

Former Mineral County escapee arrested in Missoula

Missoula law enforcement spent Tuesday, Jan. 30, going door-to-door in East Missoula looking for a man wanted on outstanding federal warrants. William “Billy” Dale Newhoff was captured in a mobile home after leading officers on a chase in a stolen pickup truck which he crashed into a house and tree and then fled on foot.

District ranger provides update

Superior District Ranger Carole Johnson met with Mineral County Commissioners on Jan. 19 with an update of current projects her department has been working on. The update included information about salvage projects in the area, the upcoming large mushroom harvest as a result of the fires, and personnel issues facing the department.

Better Business Bureau warns: Beware of tax identity theft this season

The Better Business Bureau Northwest & Pacific is warning the public about the dangers of tax identity theft this tax season.

Miss Montana visits local schools to share her message about 'gift of service'

Miss Montana 2017, Maddie Murray paid a visit to Alberton and Superior Schools last week to spread her message, “Gift Your Gift of Service”. Maddie was crowned on June 17, 2017 and represented Montana in the 97th Miss America Competition on ABC in Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 10th. She performed “God Help the Outcasts” from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Wrestling teams descend on Superior as school hosts first divisional tourney in 18 years

By KATHLEEN WOODFORD

Basketball roundup

The Lady Tigers faced Plains on the road on Feb. 2 with a loss, 46-33. The two teams kept pace with each other throughout most of the game with the Trotters out front after the first quarter by 6 points, 14-8. By the half the Trotters were only up by one point, 21-20. In the third quarter both teams put up 10 points and the Trotters maintained their one point lead. But in the fourth quarter they got a lucky break and managed to throw up 15 points to the Tigers 3 for the win. Tiger Madison Kelly had the lead in points with 12, Emma Hill had 9, Anna Sanford 6, Kylee Thompson 4 and Justice Tate 2.

Alberton Library fundraiser gives a 'passport' for fun

The Alberton Library tried something a little different as a fundraiser this year. It was called “Armchair Traveler Passport” and offered participants the opportunity to raise a glass of wine with their neighbors and friends. On Sat. Jan. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. over 50 people crowded into the Alberton Community Center and tasted wine paired with different nuts, cheese and various other hors d’oeuvres.

Legals February 7, 2018

PLAINS PUBLIC SCHOOLS #1 REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) Internet Services - E-Rate Category 1 Plains School District #1 is accepting proposals for internet services to serve the schools in the district as well as the district office. Two separate connections are required. The bid should specify the service classification for each connection as either Internet access, ISP services only, Internet access and transport bundled, or Leased lit fiber internet services. Proposals may be emailed to Ginny Holland at ginny.holland@plainsschools.net and Nicole Jones at njjrwj@midrivers.com. Proposals will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. on February 28, 2018. Contact either Ginny Holland or Nicole Jones to receive the complete RFP and related documents. Questions regarding this bid should be directed to Nicole Jones, E-Rate Consultant, at 406-934-6668. Dated this 2nd day of February, 2018 Ginny Holland, Business Manager/Clerk Plains Public Schools #1 P.O. Box 549 412 Rittenour Street Plains, MT 59859 (406) 826-8600 Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on February 7 and February 21, 2018 MNAXLP.

Kids get into Geography Bee at Hot Springs

Hot Springs Schools recently crowned its Geography Bee winner.

The road to divisionals for the Savage-Horsemen

It’s been a season for Savage-Horsemen wrestling where coaches and wrestlers alike had no idea what would unfold after the sudden loss of former head coach Kenny Marjerison.

Gary Bryon Thomas

Gary Bryon Thomas went home to be with our Lord Jesus at approximately 3 a.m., Jan. 11, 2018. A graveside service is to be determined at a later date.

Savage-Horsemen wrestling sends six to state

The Savage-Horsemen put up a great showing at divisionals last weekend.

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Happy February Sanders County readers!

Shania Lynn Raymond

Shania Lynn Raymond was tragically taken from us while at her residence in Miles City on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018. She was born Sept. 28, 1996 to Jimmy Raymond and Shela (Silverthorn) Herring in Plains. Shania graduated from Lake City High School in June 2015.

Southside Spark takes top 4-H award

Local Southside Spark Holly Stratford recently took a top 4-H state award — the Symbol of Excellence swine carcass contest.