Ellington

'The crown jewel of all trail-rail adventures'

Tunnel 20 is an ominous, dark hole that swallows up bikers for 1.8 miles and is called the Taft Tunnel. It’s one of eight tunnels that stretch along the 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha bike trail. The sound of bikers echo off the cement walls that drip with water, and the air is cold and damp. There is a crown in the center of the tunnel, and ditches along the sides needed to drain water that runs at 3,000 gallons per minute.

Crews working on railroad to improve safety in county

“I’ve been working on the railroad. All the live long day, I’ve been working on the railroad, Just to pass the time away.”

Mineral Community Hospital welcomes physical therapist

Mineral Community Hospital has a new physical therapist, Renee Gibson. She is from Missoula, and has 15 years of clinical experience providing strong manual-based orthopedic skills.

Energy Partners in Superior under new management

Energy Partners in Superior has a new general manager, Garth Riebe. He stepped in after long-time manager Kirby Smith left Energy Partners to pursue other opportunities. Kirby had been with the company for over 30 years and the transition is a big one, Riebe said.

Mineral County court report

June 13, Jennifer Kay Bickel, violation in a construction zone

Bank swallows populate area stream banks, bluffs

The skies are full of birds this time of year - swooping and diving as they catch insects for themselves and their hungry babies that fill nests throughout the mountains.

Community Notes

Free pancake breakfast served at the St. Regis School cafeteria from 8-10 a.m. Donations accepted. Followed by a parade through town which starts at 11 a.m. Free food and fun for all ages in the park from noon-3 p.m. Free fireworks on display in the park, beginning at dusk. Bring chairs or blankets,

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

A lot can happen in a year. For me, I was living in Arizona, and as of June 27, 2017, I was in Montana.

Hot Springs' McAllister 'turns it up' at rodeo finals

Jack McAllister is the current 2018 Junior High School Montana State Tie-down Roping Champion. And he is set to step it up at the Junior High School Finals Rodeo in South Dakota.

Mineral Community Hospital highlights brain injury display

A new display from the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana is featured in the lobby of the Mineral Community Hospital in Superior. The display contains five across rows of different masks painted by brain injury survivors. Some are colorful and artistic, some are dark and grim, and all tell the story of a traumatic brain injury survivor.

Church youth enjoy day of activities

Members from the Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Superior offered local children a day of fun activities last Friday, June 22. Kids turned out during a four-hour period and did some face painting and beading, and made slime and other crafts and activities. They also took a break for lunch and played some outdoor games.

Spring burn season coming to an end in western Montana

The spring burn season is officially drawing to a close in western Montana as several land agencies in charge of administering burn permits have already stopped issuing permits, and the remaining agencies in this area will also soon stop issuing permits as well.

Graduating seniors earn Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness $300 Scholarships

Each year, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness (FSPW) gives graduating seniors from the high schools within the three counties the proposed wilderness lies in a chance to write about their favorite experience in the wild.

Kunzer Memorial ATA Shoot a success for local Trap Club

Fifteen squads registered for the recent Tom Kunzer Memorial Firecracker at the Plains Trap Club grounds over the weekend.

Annual MT West Dentist Free Dental Day a success

MT West Dentist once again held their annual free dental day in Plains, and people came out in droves to take advantage.

Pastor Carol Seilhymer puts on fun Vacation Bible School in Plains

Pastor Carol Seilhymer of the First Lutheran Church in Plains recently held a Vacation Bible School for local kids.

Cowboy Johnny

Johnny Thompson of Paradise is keeping the that old western cowboy lifestyle alive in the Northwest with his old school approach to breaking in and re-training horses.

Clark Fork Hospital is all about being baby friendly

Recently Terry Miller of the Department of Public Health and Human Services visited with officials from the Clark Fork Valley Hospital(CFVH) to welcome them into the Baby Friendly Initiative program.

Public comment sought for Sheep Gap Salvage Project

Plains residents and those surrounding Plains are being encouraged to attend a public comment which is now being accepted on the Sheep Gap Fire Salvage Project Environmental Assessment (EA) being put on by the US Forest Service.

Sanders County to receive Clean Water funding through government grant

U.S. Senator Jon Tester recently delivered a $2.5 million investment to protect clean water in Big Sky Country.

Highway 200 collision

Tuesday morning June 5, at approximately 9:05am a small Honda sedan was involved in a collision on Highway 200 out side the Elk Den in Plains situated at approximate mile marker 76.

U.S. to assist ranchers affected by wildfires

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced it will make disaster payments of up to $2.36 billion, as provided by Congress, to help America’s farmers and ranchers recover from hurricanes and wildfires.

Independent wins awards at newspaper convention

Mineral Independent reporter Kathleen Woodford won three first-place awards and two third-place awards in the Montana Newspaper Association’s 2018 Better Newspaper Contest. The awards were announced Saturday at the group’s 133rd annual convention held in Billings..

Zylawy-Bashaw

Wyatt Zylawy and Anneliese Bashaw announce their plans to marry on Aug. 11, 2018, at the Zylawy home near Alberton.

Hats off to dads in honor of Father's Day

Sunday, June 17, was Father’s Day and families celebrated by taking their dads out to dinner or hosted a gathering at home. Fathers received cards with phrases of gratitude and many received gifts from sons and daughters. Through it all, it is fair to say that dads are the unsung hero of our time.

Whitewater rafting begins as water levels drop

After severe flooding this spring, water levels on the Clark Fork River are finally moderating and people are starting to recreate.

Groups band together to help reforest Sunrise burn area

Looking over the terrain of Sunrise Mountain swaths of black tree stands are a stark reminder of the wildfire that ravaged the area last summer. The fire chewed through 27,000 acres which was primarily Lolo National Forest Land. The area is a mix of conifer forest on steep mountainous terrain and affected a number of drainages including Trout, Cougar, Verde, Sunrise, Meadow, and Quartz Creeks.

Super Saturday not dampened by drizzly sky

A wet Saturday didn’t dampen people’s enthusiasm as a number of events took place throughout Mineral County. From yards sales to tournaments, people braved the chilly weather with frequent rain showers to get together and enjoy some community activities.

Community Notes

The Summer Program at the Park is for all children and starts on June 14 at noon in the Eva Horning Park in Superior.

Mineral County court report

June 4, Christopher Jeffry Linkenbach, speeding

Life is a puzzle, at least for a retired Superior couple

Due to several health issues, Joanie and Bill Merriman can no longer travel in their retirement years, with Bill approaching the age of 90.

New sign in DeBorgia important for drivers' safety

Residents in DeBorgia were thankful to get a traffic sign reinstalled for the intersection of Thompson-DeBorgia and DeBorgia-Haugan Frontage Roads. Michelle Lower who lives in the area, said Jack Robertson who is the head of maintenance for the Lookout rest areas provided information for Russell Carneline with the Department of Transportation. Carneline then took the steps necessary to get the signs installed.

Poor landscaping can cause damage along rivers

Homeowners with property along the river or streambeds sometimes landscape their lawns too close to the high water mark. This can spell disaster to their beautifully manicure lawn as well as to the river bank, warns Mineral County Conservation District Board Chairman, Charlee Thompson.

Sunrise Fire salvage project OK'd

On June 1 the United States Department of Agriculture announced that the acting forest supervisor had signed the Sunrise Fire Salvage Decision Notice.

320 racers take to the trails west of St. Regis

Saturday was a beautiful day with mild temperatures and perfect for a run through the mountains. This is where nearly 320 racers were for the annual Trail Rail Run. The race offers 50 mile to 5K races, starting at 7 a.m. (Montana time) at Mullan, Idaho and end in St. Regis. The event is sponsored by the St. Regis Community Council and Tyler Cheesman is in her second year as the Race Director.

Community Notes

The US Forest Service will hold its annual Kids Fishing Day at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery located at Haugan on June 16. Starting at 9 a.m., with hot dogs provided by the Friends of Savenac and fishing pole and tackle available.

Woman dies in motorcyle accident near St. Regis

A 54 year-old woman died in a motorcycle crash near St. Regis last Wednesday, June 6 near mile marker 27. She was traveling in the westbound lane and around 3:15 p.m. she lost control of her motorcycle and crashed into the guardrail. Though the unidentified woman was wearing a helmet, she died from her injuries.

Longtime Alberton School secretary honored

After 27 years, Alberton School secretary, Anne Styles is retiring. And despite her modest desire to retire without fanfare, that was exactly what she received during Alberton’s graduation ceremony held on May 28.

Seminar on poverty issues offered on June 18 in Superior

The Mineral County Health Department and Parents as Teachers Program is offering a free seminar on June 18 entitled, “Communication Across Barriers”. The seminar is to help communities deal with poverty and break barriers for those in need. Dr. Donna Beegle will be holding the seminar and she works directly with children and adults currently in poverty, as well as with professionals who want to make a difference for those living in the crisis of poverty.

Donna M. Winson

Donna M. Winson, 80 of Superior, Montana, formerly of Maddock, ND passed away on Sunday, June 3, 2018.  

Frances M. Brookins

Frances M. Brookins, aka Fran or Frankie, age 80, passed away surrounded by her family on May 28, 2018. 

Donald V. Gull

Donald V. Gull passed away June 8, 2018 at home in Superior.

River access sites closures lifted some restrictions remain

Flood waters have receded enough that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) was able to reopen all west-central Montana fishing access sites (FASs), Council Grove State Park and the Blackfoot River, from Weigh Station to the confluence with the Clark Fork, today.

2018 Unofficial Primary Election Results for Sanders County

State Representative-House District 14

Superior minors deliver dual titles

Over the weekend, the Superior minors baseball team capped an undefeated season by sweeping through the competition to claim the Clark Fork Cal Ripken Baseball Tournament Championship. The Bobcats culminated the event by defeating host Noxon twice on June 2 to finish 11-0.

Burn season closed starting June 3

The Superior Ranger District stopped issuing burn permits for all debris burning, including burn barrels, on June 3. In accordance, after this date, burning will be closed.

Officials still waiting for results on possible river contamination

Flooding on the Clark Fork River has officials concerned regarding the former Smurfit-Stone landfill in Frenchtown. A dark stream of water could be seen from outside the berm that separates the river from the landfill. The dark plume shows the underground movement of water from the berms to the river, but state and federal officials said it just might be sediments that were churned up from the high flows.

Steve Trollope has been hired as new Mineral County undersheriff

Steve Trollope has been hired as the new Mineral County undersheriff and started in his new role on May 1. Previously, he worked for the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation Narcotics Bureau for eight years. He covered cases with the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department and got to know the deputies including Sheriff Mike Boone. He also worked with Boone in the Missoula police department where Trollope worked for 23 years.

Re-route work to begin in June for Fish Creek Road

Construction of a permanent re-route on a section of Fish Creek Road on the Ninemile Ranger District that experiences frequent flooding and erosion is expected to begin the first week in June.

Rabies danger increases during summer, health officials warn

State and local public health officials are reminding Montanans to be aware of the risk for exposure to rabies as summer approaches. Encounters between humans and wild animals often increase in spring and summer months because of the time spent hiking and engaging in other outdoor activities. Rabies is a fatal disease. The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of infected warm-blooded mammals and is usually transmitted to people and other animals through a bite.

Memorial Day remembrance

Mineral County Community Foundation gives scholarships

Three graduating seniors from Mineral County high schools have been chosen to receive college scholarships. To qualify a graduate must submit an application which is reviewed by the MCCF Board. Selections are made based on five factors; (1) community service, (2) leadership qualities, (3) scholastic achievement, (4) extracurricular activities and (5) overall character.

Mineral County court report

May 29, Tyler Randy Carlson, fail to use retractable axle when weight exceeds max axles

Forest Service rebuilds after 2015 Clearwater Crossing fire

In 2015 the West Fork Fish Creek Wildfire swept through the area, burning over 12,000 acres. This was in the southern portion of the Ninemile Ranger District where flames crossed over the ridge above the Hole in the Wall Lodge and into the Clearwater Crossing campground. It burned five U.S. Forest Service buildings including the bunkhouse and storage sheds.

Curtin leaves car show on a high note

It was another record breaker for the annual Old Schoolhouse Rock Car show, something which committee chairman Mike Curtin can be proud of as he announced his retirement from the event during the show on Saturday.

Community Notes

Monthly community hearing services will be provided by the Hearing Aid institute at the Alberton Senior Center on June 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. which includes free clean and checks on all hearing instruments (Walk-in) and free check on ears for wax build up (Walk-in).

Introducing the graduating classes of 2018

It was a weekend of celebrations for 30 Mineral County high school graduates over Memorial Weekend. St. Regis and Superior held graduations on Sunday and Alberton held theirs on Monday.

Science club explores southwest MT from hot pots to dinosaurs

The Superior Science Club took a trip at the end of April “that will not be forgotten any time soon” said their advisor Beau Servo. After a year of fundraising, seven students went to Yellowstone National Park, the Ringing Rocks outside Butte, Quake Lake, and the Museum of the Rockies.

Letter to Editor

Unlike most government agencies, which are funded by tax dollars, the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is funded almost entirely by a combination of hunter and angler license sales and federal excise tax dollars on guns, ammunition, fishing tackle and related gear. While complicated, this system, which is over 80 years old, has been responsible for the recovery and management of our state’s unmatched wildlife resources.

Clark Fork Cougs get ready for a second half run

Clark Fork Cougs’ manager Shawn Sorenson and his coaching staff are continuing the process of building a program.

Thompson concludes a successful high school career at Plains Signs with BYU

Former Plains High School four-sport athlete Jessica Thompson admits she is used to staying busy and her rigorous schedule in high school should adequately prepare her for future endeavors at Brigham Young University.

MSU spring honor roll

An asterisk follows the names of students with a 4.0 gpa.

2018 graduates earn multiple scholarships

Noxon High School

Summer art fun for Sanders County kids

Kids from all over will get the opportunity to delve into the arts this coming summer vacation as the Sanders County Arts Council puts on their first Summer Arts Camp.

Cowboy Youth Camp just around the corner

The Silver Lining Youth Ranch in Heron is getting set for their boys youth camp this July.

Plains officially gets new judge

Plains Mayor Danny Rowan says the town has found a new judge to replace recently retired judge Joe Eisenbrandt.

Thompson Falls narrows superintendent finalists

The Thompson Falls Board of Trustees has selected four finalists for superintendent of Thompson Falls Public Schools.

Information sought on Grizzly shooting near Libby

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking information on the shooting death of a sub-adult male grizzly bear found dead on Forest Road 4859 in the Kootenai Forest, north of Libby in Northwest Montana.

Plains Day Parade

The big Plains Day parade may have moved from Main Street to Lynch Street, but the crowds didn’t get smaller.

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Sunshine and spring rains are making for a great continuation of the warmer weather.

Plains Day celebrations a big hit

The two big events for Plains Day celebrations outside of sports, was of course the ever popular Turtle Races and the Lions Dunk Tank.

Denley-Magone will vie for House District 14 seat in November

The primary election was held on Tues. June 5, determining which candidates will appear on the November general election ballot. Unofficial election results determine that Republican Denley Loge will face Dem. Diane Magone in the fall. Incumbent Loge beat James Mortenson with 78 percent of the vote to his challengers 22 percent. Magone was unopposed on the democratic ticket.

Red Devils, Lady Red Devils have multiple top-five finishes

Noxon High School competitor Levi Brubaker has consistently found himself in the top five in multiple track categories and at the Class 14-C Western District, he continued his trend of success.

Plains sends seven to MHSA Class track

The Plains High School boys, girl’s track team qualified seven individuals that will participate in various track events at the Montana High School Activities Association Class AA and C schools May 25-26 at Great Falls.

FWP: No evidence of bear attack at Thompson River

Last week social media was abuzz with reports of an apparent bear attack at Thompson River.