Ellington

Officials to craft conservation plan for bison range

BILLINGS (AP) — Federal wildlife officials have agreed to prepare a conservation plan for Montana’s National Bison Range as part of a settlement in a lawsuit brought by an environmental group.

Plains boys, girls second in conference

It was a bumper week for basketball as the Plains Horsemen and Trotters hit the road to Arlee then back in their home corral to head up against the Hawks.

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.

Mary Lois Hurd Wonder

Mary Lois Hurd Wonder of Paradise and Plains passed away from a stroke on Jan. 27, 2018.

Anton Johnson

Our wonderful father, Anton Johnson, died peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 22, 2018 at the age of 94.

Thieves want to steal our legacy

Montanans: Thieves want to steal our legacy.

Thankful for support

As the newspaper said, Jake was sentenced to one year and one day, $10,000 restitution, and three years supervised probation.

Plains-Paradise Rural District earns grant

Just like the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office, the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Phillips 66.

Mindy Ferrell honored for work promoting outdoors, education

Trout Creek resident Mindy Ferrell has been recognize for her big impacts in the community.

Road to the Buffalo project receives boost

The Noxon Senior Citizens (NSCI) along with the Women for a Better Sanders County (WBSC) were recently awarded a grant from the Montana Office of Tourism.

Legals January 31, 2018

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Requests Input For Proposed Timber Sales PUBLIC NOTICE The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Plains Unit is proposing to harvest timber on the following state-owned parcel: Section 26, Township 24N, Range 31W. The Beaver Creek Bay Timber Sales are proposed and located 17 air miles northwest of Thompson Falls, MT. The objective of these timber sales is to generate revenue for their associated Trust Funds, improve forest health by reducing the possibility of insect and disease activity, to reduce excessive fuel loading and the related risk of wildfire, and to reestablish and promote timber types historically found in these areas. The stands would be monitored for natural regeneration and planted if necessary. The Beaver Creek East Timber Sale would have one harvest unit of approximately 46 acres and would produce an estimated 1,000 mbf through a seed tree prescription. The Beaver Creek West Timber Sale would have three harvest units of approximately 42 acres and would produce an estimated 500 mbf through seed tree and/or shelterwood prescriptions. These proposed harvests would contribute to the DNRC's sustained yield as mandated by state statute 77-5-222. There would be approximately 0.5 miles of temporary roads constructed to access the standing timber. These stands would be monitored for natural regeneration and planted if necessary. These stands would also be monitored for noxious weed and sprayed when needed. The DNRC is in the scoping phase of the project environmental assessment so all volumes, acreages and road distances are preliminary estimates. In preparation for this project, specialists such as wildlife biologists, hydrologists, soil scientists, and archeologists would be consulted. The Montana DNRC invites written comments and suggestions concerning this proposal. Please respond by March 1, 2018. Please direct oral or written comments to: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation PO Box 219 Plains, Montana 59859 Attn: Dale Peters (406) 826-4722 E-mail: dpeters@mt.gov Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on January 24 and January 31, 2018. MNAXLP

County Health Department assures there are no cases of HIV or Hepatitis C

n Federal report had misleading information

Recent news reports have had the Mineral County Health Department personnel scrambling to explain why the county showed up on a report from the Centers for Disease Control as being at high risk for HIV.

County students make college honor rolls

Three Mineral County students rocked the honor roll list for the Montana State University 2017 fall semester. Students must complete a minimum of 12 degree-eligible credit hours to be on either the president’s list, which is a 4.0 GPA, or the dean’s list with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Valley Press and Independent introduce new digital access model

As the publisher of your community newspapers, I am partly in the business of reporting on change, and nothing has changed more than the news business in the past two decades.

Military mom/author is first guest speaker

Winter months can feel long and boring, which is why a group of local citizens decided to bring back Community Pot Luck dinners in January, February and March. The first pot luck was held on Jan. 10 at the 4-H Building at the Mineral County Fair Grounds in Superior.

Community Notes

The Feb. 10 Community Pot Luck will feature Josh Stroot of the Forest Service, who will speak about the local fires of last summer and precautions for the spring runoff. Dinners will be held at the 4-H Building at the Mineral County Fair Grounds at 6:00 pm. Coffee and lemonade will be provided along with the plates, napkins and utensils so we ask those who participate to bring an entrée, dessert or salad to share. For more information, call 822-3545. The final speaker will be on March 10.

Over $3 million in Superior school bonds sold out

Over $3 million in Bonds were issued on January 10, 2018 for a Superior K-12 School improvement project and were scooped up almost immediately by investors reported D.A. Davidson Senior Vice President, Public Finance Baker, Bridget Ekstrom, who handled the sale. The estimates on the interest costs also came in lower than expected which will be a savings to taxpayers.

Letter to the Editor

Cyr-Iron Road should remain open to public

Roni Phillips takes helm as new jail administrator

Roni Phillips has been hired as the new Mineral County Jail Administrator. A position created by a special jail committee after the county’s Detention Center closed on Dec. 3, 2017 due to a shortage of detention officers. Several steps have been taken to get the jail reopened, including the hiring of Phillips for this new position.

Local honey business hopes to receive $10,000 Kiva loan to complete expansion

Local entrepreneurs, Kavita and Justin Bay, will be featured at the 2nd Annual Farm Fresh Pitchfest hosted by the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition.

Nicholas James Phillips

On March 24th, 1986 at 3:24 in the afternoon our family celebrated the birth of Nicholas James Phillips in Bellevue, Washington. Nicholas was born with a chromosome disorder and medically fragile he faced many special needs throughout his life, but it was all taken in stride with the attitude that his disabilities were going to teach us new abilities. With a life expectancy given to us of 6 months to 1 year, life was a roller coaster in the beginning and then became the new normal to which we, his family, proudly adapted.

Hospital acquires new health record system Athenahealth

Mineral Community Hospital will soon have a new electronic health record vendor to replace the existing Electronic Health Record (EHR) software system (Nextgen) according to a recent hospital press release. The new system, Athenahealth, will simplify patients admission process, exam, and billing completion.

Bonnie M. White, 80

Bonnie M. White, 80, died Sunday Jan. 21, at her residence in St. Regis. Family services will be held later. Sunset Hills Funeral Home and Crematory in Plains is assisting the family.

Shooting victim ID'd as Plains native

MILES CITY — The 21-year-old woman who was shot to death Jan. 25 in Custer County has been identified as Shania Raymond, a native of Plains who later moved to Idaho.

Shania Lynn Raymond

Shania Lynn Raymond was tragically taken from us while at her residence in Miles City, Montana, on the morning of Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018.

Basketball Roundup

In St. Regis the Tigers faced the Noxon Red Devils with a set of loses. The girls lost in a close game, 34-29. The Tigers held the lead at the half, 15-13. But the Red Devils bounced back in the third quarter putting in an extra bucket with the teams tied at 23-23. In the fourth quarter the Tigers dropped back and Noxon gained another 11 points to 6 for the win.

Superior firefighters practice life-saving techniques

Mineral Independent

Community Notes

On Jan. 31 there will be a free workshop for “Taking Your Food Business From Concept to Consumer” held at the Ponderosa Building at the Mineral Community Hospital in Superior. The workshop will cover a wide-range of topics including cottage food laws; food product development; business plan development; marketing food products and more. Class will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. To register call Jan at 406-676-5901. The class is part of the Lake County Community Development Corporation.

Lunar eclipse set for Jan. 31

Resident should set their alarms to 5:52 a.m., MST, on Jan. 31 if they want view a total lunar eclipse. According to EarthSky, it’s not just a lunar eclipse, it’s a super Blue Moon eclipse — a phenomenon that has not taken place in America in 150 years.

St. Regis football looking to play with Mullan, Idaho

St. Regis football players may be changing their colors next year from green and gold to purple and white as the school looks to co-op with Mullan, Idaho. Over the past several years the St. Regis football program has had a difficult time filling their roster. Last year the team had to cancel the season with only a handful of players available to make up a team.

Behavior Initiative Program proving to be a success at Superior Elementary School

Students at Superior Elementary School dug out their snow boot and sleds for a fun day enjoying the snow. It was all part of the Quarter Celebration where students who receive less than two referrals per quarter get to participate in the fun.

Flat Creek/Iron Mountain Superfund plans discussed before government shutdown

Superior Technical Assistance Committee environmental consultant Steve Ackerlund reported last week that he had met with Department of Environmental Quality Project Manager Joel Chavez and U.S. Forest Service representative Bob Wintergerst regarding how plans were coming for this spring regarding the Flat Creek/Iron Mountain Mine and Mill Site Superfund site located north of Superior.

Cats double win over Tigers in cross-county matchup

The cross-county boys basketball matchup between the St. Regis Tigers and the Clark Fork Mountain Cats proved to be an even match during the first half of the game, but by the end of the game, it was a Cats win.

State Government scraps Regional Hazmat funding

By ERIN JUSSEAUME

Potential government shutdown would include Forest Service in Mineral County

The government officially shut down on Friday, Jan. 19 at midnight when lawmakers were unable to agree on a spending bill.

School seniors hoping to open small machine shop in Alberton

During their senior year, Alberton students are required to do a “Senior Project”. The project they chose must have a community service component to it and two seniors, Isaac Warren and Gerald Peterson decided to build a small engine shop. Not a small task considering the entire project will cost around $20,000.

Superior resident Diane Magone to run for House

Candidates from all over Montana started to file for seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate over the past few weeks.

Daines recognizes former owners of Mineral Pharmacy

Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, has recognized Curtis and Marlys Schwaderer of Superior as the “Montanans of the Week” for their many years of service as owners of Mineral Pharmacy. Last week the following statement was submitted by Daines to the Congressional Record:

Joseph (Joe) Benson, 69

Joseph (Joe) Benson, 69, passed away peacefully in his home Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018 surrounded by his loved ones.

Dorothy Mae Davis

Dorothy Mae Davis, 82, passed away on Jan. 4, 2018 at Edgewood Vista Memory Care in Kalispell, Dorothy was born in Kalispell to Paul Lynn and Irene (Weast) on March 31, 1935.

Legals January 24, 2018

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Requests Input For Proposed Timber Sales PUBLIC NOTICE The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Plains Unit is proposing to harvest timber on the following state-owned parcel: Section 26, Township 24N, Range 31W. The Beaver Creek Bay Timber Sales are proposed and located 17 air miles northwest of Thompson Falls, MT. The objective of these timber sales is to generate revenue for their associated Trust Funds, improve forest health by reducing the possibility of insect and disease activity, to reduce excessive fuel loading and the related risk of wildfire, and to reestablish and promote timber types historically found in these areas. The stands would be monitored for natural regeneration and planted if necessary. The Beaver Creek East Timber Sale would have one harvest unit of approximately 46 acres and would produce an estimated 1,000 mbf through a seed tree prescription. The Beaver Creek West Timber Sale would have three harvest units of approximately 42 acres and would produce an estimated 500 mbf through seed tree and/or shelterwood prescriptions. These proposed harvests would contribute to the DNRC's sustained yield as mandated by state statute 77-5-222. There would be approximately 0.5 miles of temporary roads constructed to access the standing timber. These stands would be monitored for natural regeneration and planted if necessary. These stands would also be monitored for noxious weed and sprayed when needed. The DNRC is in the scoping phase of the project environmental assessment so all volumes, acreages and road distances are preliminary estimates. In preparation for this project, specialists such as wildlife biologists, hydrologists, soil scientists, and archeologists would be consulted. The Montana DNRC invites written comments and suggestions concerning this proposal. Please respond by March 1, 2018. Please direct oral or written comments to: Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation PO Box 219 Plains, Montana 59859 Attn: Dale Peters (406) 826-4722 E-mail: dpeters@mt.gov Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on January 24 and January 31, 2018. MNAXLP

Humana contract negotiations fail with local hospital

The chief financial officer of the Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) had officially advised those patients under the previous Medicare Advantage program that the hospital had been unsuccessful in recent negotiations.

Thompson Falls confident heading into second half of season

Head coach Jake Mickelson of the Thompson Falls varsity Hawks says he is pleased with the progress his team is making this season.

Letter to Editor

When I read the news that the United States government had shut down my first thought was, “How can they tell?”

Savage Horsemen wrestling going strong

The Savage Horsemen are continuing a strong season.

Funding scrapped for regional hazmat

Hazmat incidents aren’t things that residents usually think of, however with the state government scrapping the funding for regional hazmat, there are more then a few questions left unanswered.

Sanders County Fair Board discusses year ahead

The Sanders County Fair Board met last week to kick off the 2018 season.

Paradise rally more than just Cliven Bundy

News quickly spread across the state that Nevada rancher and Constitutionalist Cliven Bundy was to visit Sanders County last weekend. The Bundy family got national attention for its 2014 armed confrontation with federal authorities in Nevada.

Hot Springs runner to compete in Australia

Hot Springs cross-country runner Elena McAllister is getting set to represent her home town and county in Australia this coming summer.

Glenna Marie Winebrenner

Glenna Marie Winebrenner of Hot Springs passed away Thursday, Jan. 11, 2018, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan at the age of 85.

Cold, snow can't stop Clark Fork Runners Club

Participants with the Clark Fork Runners Club aren’t afraid of a little cold and snow as they had some fun racing in the New Year.

Ripples ranked one of state's top ice cream shops

Local Plains business Ripples Ice Cream Parlor has been named one of the best ice cream shops in Montana.

Tracey A. Brannam, 53

ALBERTON — Tracey A. Brannam, 53, passed away due to cancer the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, at the Hillside Manor in Missoula. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory is caring for the family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.

Managing your heating bills

As the temperatures continue to be crisp and cool, the Montana Public Service Commission Chairman Brad Johnson is urging utility customers to brace for higher heating bills this winter.

Plains boys pick up two wins

Plains Vs Noxon

Sanders County adopts permit program for wells

A permit program for wells drilled within Sanders County will be phased into sanitation practices beginning this month.

Trotters cruise to big win over Two-Eagle

It was a busy week for the girls basketball teams around the county.

Young artists showcased in annual Art on the Wall

The Sanders County Arts Council teamed up once again with Clark Fork Valley Hospital to help young artists showcase their art work in the halls of the hospital.

Birth

Ariel Marie Jordan was born Dec. 18, 2017 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. She was 5 pounds, 14 ounces and 20.5 inches long.

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Another fantastic week ahead here in Sanders County, and I have to say though I am consistently cold, I sure loved being introduced to the winter sports fun you have here in Montana.

Letter to Editor

Democrats constantly wonder why so many working people vote “against their own economic self-interests.”

Sheriff's Office receives $10k donation

Phillips 66 recently donated $10,000 to the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office as part of their Philanthropic Community Program.

Filing opens for 2018 elections

House District 14 Rep. Denley Loge (R) traveled to Helena last week to file for the Legislature in 2018. All of the House seats and half of the Senate seats are open. Loge said he was excited to be involved in the last legislative session.

Students make good showing at Regional BPA

Business Professionals of America (BPA) held its Regional Leadership Conference at the Missoula College in Missoula on Jan. 8. All three Mineral County High Schools sent teams to the conference with an overall good showing. Top placing students will go to State held in Billings in March.

Superior pool to stay closed; repair costs studied

The Superior swimming pool is in bad shape and the Town Council recently voted to keep the pool closedl until testing can be done to determine whether it can be sufficiently repaired. During the Dec. 11 Superior Town Council meeting, Public Works Supervisor Roger Wasley explained that over 2 million gallons of water was added over the 10 weeks the pool was open last summer.

Bozeman is No. 1 at Rocky Mountain Wrestling Classic

The Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic was held in Missoula Jan. 12 and 13 at Sentinel High School where 32 teams from all over the region competed. Bozeman took top honors with 238 points on Day 2. The Clark Fork Mountain Cats finished with 11 points.

Piano concert entertains audience in Superior

The Mineral County Performing Arts Council welcomed pianist and Montana native Amy Grinsteiner last Tuesday to perform at the LDS Church in Superior. She was joined by local pianist and composer, Scott Billadeau. The duo performed two piece by their former University of Montana teacher, Dennis Alexander.

Basketball Roundup

On Jan. 11 the St. Regis Tigers faced Hot Springs where the lady’s put a check mark in the “win” box, 50-28. The Tigers came out on top in the first half putting 26 points on the board to the Lady Savage Heats’ 10 points. Though the Heat managed to tighten the gap in the third and fourth quarter with 18 points it wasn’t enough to overcome the Tigers additional 24 second half points for the win.

Whipped Up serves good, old-fashioned meals

“Making every day delicious!” is inscribed on the new signs posted outside the Whipped Up Cafe in Superior. The signs are accurate if a person is in the mood for good, old fashioned comfort food like grandma used to make.

Long-term care resident at hospital dies from influenza

A resident of the Mineral Community Hospital’s long-term care who had influenza passed away on Jan. 9, according to a statement from the hospital.

Holiday has huge impact on landfills and environment

The holidays are over and all the Christmas packages have been unwrapped and most people have taken down the tree and packed up their decorations for next year. Looking back at the 2017 season, what is the total impact on utility bills, the economy and local landfills?

Aussie thoughts with Erin-Jay

(EDITOR’S NOTE: New monthly column edition where Erin-Jay not only continues her Aussie Adventures, but has now included an “Aussie Thoughts” opinion column about other news from around the world)

Clark Fork Mountain Cats travel to Ronan for Western Montana Duals

Western Montana Duals were held Jan. 5 and 6 in Ronan where 18 teams met to challenge each other on the mats. Frenchtown took top honors, followed by Ronan, Columbia Falls, Libby, Thompson Falls, Mission/Charlo, Broadwater and Flathead.

Member of meth conspiracy sentenced to 30 years in prison

The defendant from a drug bust made in Mineral County was sentenced by the U.S. District Court on Jan. 3, 2018. Chase Ryan Storlie, 33, of Deer Lodge was convicted as part of a conspiracy to distribute up to 20 pounds of methamphetamine through Deer Lodge each month between January 2016 and January 2017. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison with five years supervised release and $100 surcharge for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute the drug.

Basketball team meets UM Grizzlies

The St. Regis boys basketball team had a special treat last week when they had the opportunity to visit the University of Montana’s Grizzly basketball team in Missoula. The boys attended one of the Grizzly’s practices on Jan. 3 and had a chance to talk with the coach and players. The also got to shoot around on the UM basketball court.

Former TV anchor's home catches fire in Frenchtown on Dec. 30

On Saturday, Dec. 30, Frenchtown resident and former KPAX television anchor Mark Holyoak reportedly awoke to the smell of smoke and found that his house was on fire. At 7:40 a.m. the Frenchtown Volunteer Rural Fire Department responded to his 911 call on Coyote Lane. Additional support was made from the Missoula Rural Fire District and the firefighters were able to put the blaze out within 40 minutes.

Eagle flies high in winter sky

Mineral County court report

Dec. 26, Guy Beauplan, operate vehicle without traction devices when required

Basketball roundup

St. Regis basketball teams faced Plains teams on the road on Jan. 4 where both succumbed to their opponents. The Lady Tigers had a great showing and met defeat by only two points with a final score of 50-48.

Influenza hits Mineral County; hospital visitors restricted

There has been a spike in the cases of influenza hitting Montana communities over the past few weeks, with 359 new cases reported from 36 counties as of Dec. 30, 2017. Four of those cases were reported in Mineral County and Mineral Community Hospital was forced to post large red “warning” signs on their doors and restrict visitor activity.

Legals January 10, 2018

NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The Tornilla Creek Timber Sale is located within Section 26, T26N-R27W, on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 17,360 tons, consisting of mixed conifer sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on January 17, 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 $15,884.00, 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. 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 (406-826-4725). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on December 20, December 27, 2017 and January 3 and January 10, 2018. MNAXLP

Plains Police Department seeks new patrol car

Plains Police Chief Shaun Emmett spoke to the town council at their recent meeting on the importance of the police department upgrading their vehicles.

Two new deputies in Sanders County

The Sanders County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed two new deputies to the department.

Savage Horsemen hold strong at Western Montana Duals in Ronan

The Savage Horsemen travelled to Ronan at the end of last week for the 2018 Western Montana Duals.

Plains Horsemen vanquish St. Regis

By ERIN JUSSEAUME

Mayor Danny Rowan kicks off first term as mayor of Plains

Plains Mayor Danny Rowan kicked off his first official town meeting this past Monday as the new mayor.

Mary Tracy (McAtee) LaPointe Lappe

In the early hours of Dec. 31, 2017, Mary Tracy (McAtee) Lappe passed to her eternal reward.

Legals January 3, 2018

NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The Tornilla Creek Timber Sale is located within Section 26, T26N-R27W, on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 17,360 tons, consisting of mixed conifer sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on January 17, 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 $15,884.00, 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. 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 (406-826-4725). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on December 20, December 27, 2017 and January 3 and January 10, 2018. MNAXLP

Plains Fire Department gets new equipment

Plains City Fire Department celebrated a successful year of achievements within the department recently at the VFW in Plains.

Vonheeder selected for East-West Shrine Game

The Senior of Plains High School was the only football player in Sanders County that was selected for the upcoming 72nd Annual Montana East-West Shine Game.

Superior Fire Chief Rob Torrey resigns

Superior Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rob Torrey has quit the department effective Dec. 31, 2017. Torrey took the helm from retiring fire chief John Woodland in January 2016. Torrey has worked in the fire service field for more than 30 years and took the part-time position in order to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.

St. Regis student graduates from Montana Youth Challenge Academy

The Commencement Ceremony for Class 37, Montana Youth Challenge Academy, was held on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 on the campus of the University of Montana-Western in Dillon. Seventy-four cadets graduated during the formal ceremony, including Daryl McDonald of St. Regis.

Montana Highway Patrol reminds drivers to slow down near plows, emergency responders

Winter weather advisories had been issued for the entire western half of Montana starting last Tuesday and continued throughout the week of Dec. 26. Numerous vehicle accidents were strewn across Interstate 90, as well as surrounding areas, as a result of the hazardous driving conditions, including a collision between a passenger vehicle and a Missoula County plow truck on Dec. 28 near mile marker 87.

A most influential mentor

Snowmobiler injured on Lookout Pass Dec. 23

Emergency crews responded to an injured snowmobiler at Lookout Pass on Dec. 23. The West End Volunteer Fire Department along with the Superior Ambulance Crew responded to the scene at about 3 p.m. where the snowmobiler had an injured knee and was hauled off the mountain.

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

WOW, 2018 is here ! Can you believe we are here already…and there is so much to achieve with this ‘new slate’ that sits before us.

Sheriff's office welcomes new deputy

The Mineral County Sheriff’s Office welcomed its newest deputy, Bry Townsley, to the force last month. Deputy Townsley has been working in Missoula County as a detention officer for the past three years and prior to that served in the United States Navy.

Bobbi Rose Mathes, 81

Bobbi Rose Mathes, 81, passed away of natural causes on Dec. 5, 2017, at Mineral Community Nursing Home in Superior.

Missoula International Airport gains two more direct routes

Sanders and Mineral County residents can get excited as Missoula International Airport is set to pick up two more direct routes.

New Year brings new mayor for Plains

As the New Year was about to clock over, former Mayor Greg Eitelberg handed over the reins of Plains to newly sworn in Mayor Danny Rowan.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks to hold public meetings on hunting regulations

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) will hold a number of public meetings throughout the state in January to provide information, answer questions and gather input on the tentative 2018-19 hunting regulation proposals adopted by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission earlier in December.

Getting through a rough patch

[This has nothing to do with Christmas (which I hope was wonderful) or New Years, (which I hope is great), but often at this time of year folks could stand a good laugh, which I hope this delivers.]

Community Notes

The Alberton branch of the Mineral County Library is holding a fundraiser on Jan. 27 called “The Armchair Traveler Wine Tasting.” It’s from 4-7 p.m. at the Alberton Community Center. Tickets are currently available. The event will include a wine and cheese/chocolate pairing, with wine provided by Hidden Legends Winery, Ten Spoons Winery and Missoula Winery.

'Pineapple Express' hits area with winter wallop

A winter storm blowing through the northwest was being called the “Pineapple Express” and consisted of Pacific moisture moving across the area. This moisture teamed up with a very cold Arctic air mass which developed across the Continental Divide according to National Weather Service reports.

Train collides with semi; no injuries reported

A Montana Rail Link train loaded with coal collided with a semi-truck and trailer on Dec. 27 at Frenchtown. The unidentified driver was trying to get his truck unstuck from the tracks when the train approached at about 45 mph. He was able to escape the vehicle without injury. The area was snowpacked at the time.