Ellington

Sculptor Pies creating a 'region of art'

When Kenton Pies moved to Sanders County in 2005, it was his goal to create an “art mecca.” Not to be confused with the Muslims, the Webster third definition calls “mecca” “anything that one greatly desires or tries to achieve.”

Tree of Hearts program underway

Fruit grows on trees, in season, all around the world. But the tree that is now in season in Sanders County is the Tree of Hearts.

New Town Pump in Plains begins operation Dec. 5

Construction is wrapping up on the new Plains Town Pump and Lucky Lil’s Casino. Over the next week, Plains team members and other Town Pump associates will be setting up the new convenience store and casino with an opening date of Wednesday, Dec. 5.

Spawning the imagination Students get lively view of science from fish biologist

Grade-school students gathered around bubbling tanks in the St. Regis science classroom as Brooks Sanford dumped about 250 of squirmy orange alevin into the water from a net container. Alevin are newly spawned trout still carrying their yolk sac. Some students squeal with delight as they drop down into the pea gravel below.

Hunting harvest shows decline

General rifle season ended on Nov. 25 and a report for Region 2 during the third week of hunting by Fish, Wildlife & Parks showed a decline in the number of hunters and harvest. The total number of hunters in 2018 was 8,027, down from 9,317 for the same time period last year, with a total of 616 animals harvested compared to 818 in 2017.

Basketball, wrestling teams gear up for successful seasons

As soon as high school students hung up their cleats and volleyball pads, basketball practice started with tournaments this weekend. Basketball players will be at the Western C Tip Off Tournament in Frenchtown on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Meanwhile, wrestlers will be at the Owen Invite, hosted by Polson.

Forest Service streamlines projects as budget cuts deepen

Forest Service projects with the Superior and Ninemile districts are slowing down as winter sets in and fire crews are leaving the area District Rangers, Carole Johnson from Superior and Ann Hadlow from Ninemile reported at a recent Mineral County Commissioners’ meeting held on Nov. 16.

Community Notes

A Holiday Fair will be held in the Old School House Gym in Superior at 100 River St. on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Shop local small businesses and learn about Mineral County non-profit organizations. Contact Whipped Up at 406-272-5874 for details.

Mineral County court report

Nov. 19, Abdul Atiik Abukari, fail to purchase trip permit

Storm keeps Highway Patrol busy over holiday weekend

Montana Highway Patrol had a busy Thanksgiving holiday week with approximately 460 incident reports throughout the state from Nov. 21 through Nov. 23, and with about 20 of those incidents occurring in Mineral County.

New 4-H officers elected

Jack Connolly, 4-H Reporter

Becky Magone re-opens barbershop after many years away

After closing her shop in Superior several years ago, Becky Magone is back. She reopened her barbershop, Becky’s Superior Cuts and Emporium. It’s located in the old post office at 101 ½ River Street. In the space that used to be the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce office. Becky has been cutting hair for 43 years and 30 of those had been in Superior.

St. Regis school board one of two recognized statewide

The St. Regis School Board was recognized as one of two School Boards of the Year in Montana for its efforts in policies, facilities, and programs at St. Regis. School Superintendent Joe Steele, who nominated the board for the award, said he has been impressed with the school board’s vision, and those past board members who initiated their vision.

Mineral Community Hospital Clinic ready to open on Jan. 2

The Mineral Community Hospital Clinic is getting ready to open its doors on Jan. 2, 2019 in Superior. The clinic will be located in the same building as the Mineral Regional Health Center which shuttered its doors in 2015.

Elks Hoop Shoot champs crowned at the local level

Six Sanders and Mineral county youth advanced to the district level of the Elks National Hoop Shoot in January with first-place finishes at the Clark Fork Valley Elks Hoop Shoot held Sunday, Nov. 11 at Thompson Falls High School.

Elks Hoop Shoot champs crowned

Six Sanders County youth advanced to the district level of the Elks National Hoop Shoot in January with first-place finishes at the Clark Fork Valley Elks Hoop Shoot held Sunday, Nov. 11 at Thompson Falls High School. The event was sponsored by the Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge.

County hoop, wrestling teams preparing for season openers

Most Sanders County high school basketball and wrestling teams are halfway through their preseason practices in preparation for their 2018-19 seasons.

Hot Springs Lions Club hosts fundraiser

Lions Club International chapters around the world have a great reputation for serving communities in need, and the Hot Springs Lions Club got excellent support during their OGNIB fundraiser Sunday afternoon and evening at Hot Springs School. The multi-purpose room was filled to capacity as game players vied to take home items that filled the stage.

Veterans get quilts - just in time for the colder weather

Mineral County veterans gathered for a meal, camaraderie and a quilt show last Saturday. The Cabin Fever Quilters hosted the event to honor local veterans and gave each one a quilt made by a guild member.

Food pantries vital in Montana

About half a dozen volunteers stood in an assembly line putting cans, boxes and bags of food into paper grocery sacks last weekend: 132 bags to be exact. These were bags of food to be distributed to local families in need so they can enjoy a nice Thanksgiving dinner.

St. Regis/Mullan team enjoys success

The St. Regis/Mullan co-op football regular season ended in second place in the White Pine League and fourth overall in their eight-team division. Both junior Ian Farris and freshman Adam Ball were All-League selections, and Farris may possibly receive All-State, said head football coach Jesse Allan. All-State award winners will be announced on Dec. 3. Farris was also in line for Most Valuable Player, and came in second to the team’s quarterback.

Community Notes

Join DBSA Superior and Mineral County LAC for a free lunch and learn to use some tools for making this holiday season one of peace and joy. Share ideas how to avoid chaos, stress management and slowing down to make this year one of the best seasons you’ve ever had. Friday, Nov. 30, noon to 1 p.m. at Choices Conference Center at 310 Spruce in Superior.

No headline

Montana appears well down the road to becoming a one party Republican, deeply conservative state, like the states that surround us. Jon Tester’s survival was an anomaly best explained by his personal popularity and his opponent’s weakness.

Need for healthcare workers continues to grow in area

For several years Mineral County high school students have been able to spend a day at Mineral Community Hospital to explore careers in health care. Working with the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and Research and Explore Awesome Careers in Healthcare, or REACH, students can explore a number of careers. Including lab work; X-rays; CT or computed tomography scanning; dentistry; public health; nursing; and emergency medical training.

Mineral County Court Report

Bond Forfeited

Brian Alexander

Brian Matthew Alexander of Superior, Mont., passed away on Oct. 26, 2018, of a heart attack at the age of 62.

Flu season has arrived

(SUPERIOR, MT) Mineral Community Hospital reported 27 cases of influenza A in Montana so far this season with five of the cases in Missoula County.

Local schools' band members join Band Festival in Ronan

Mineral County students had the opportunity to play in a special performance last week as part of the Mission Valley Band Festival. On Tuesday, Nov. 13, St. Regis and Superior band members traveled to Ronan to play at the Performing Arts Center.

Clark Fork athletes honored at year-end banquet

Student athletes from Alberton and Superior met in the Superior High School gym on Wednesday, Nov. 14. They gathered with family and friends to celebrate their accomplishments during football and volleyball seasons. The boys ended their season 6-4 with a playoff game in Great Falls. The girls were District 13C champions and traveled to Divisionals.

Loreli Jane Mowery, 63

Loreli Jane Mowery, 63, of Plains, passed away in the loving arms of her husband on Sunday, November 18, 2018 at St. Patrick Hospital, of complications related to cancer.

Thanksgiving travel expected to increase over '17 numbers

AAA is projecting that more than 54 million Americans will travel nationwide over this Thanksgiving holiday, a 4.8-percent increase over last year, or 2.5 million travelers. This is also predicted to be the highest Thanksgiving travel volume since 2005. This is despite higher gas prices at the pump with the national average at $2.79 as of Nov. 1, a 31-cent increase over this same time last year.

Trout Creek man jailed after lengthy standoff

A team effort by Northwest Montana law enforcement agencies helped put a suspect in a Trout Creek shooting incident behind bars Friday.

Trout Creek man jailed after shooting and standoff

A Trout Creek man was ordered held on $100,000 bail Friday after an hours-long predawn standoff earlier Friday, Sanders County authorities said.

Loge optimistic for upcoming session

Denley Loge has worn many hats throughout his career, including 45 years working for the Montana Department of Transportation; he raises cattle; is the co-founder of the famed Missoula Maggots rugby club; plays trombone for the University of Montana Alumni Band; and served on several committees, including the Mineral County Conservation Board and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 2 Citizens Advisory Committee.

Sanders & Mineral county election results

With higher than average Montana voter turnout for the 2018 Midterm Election, incumbent Democrat Sen. Jon Tester slipped past Republican Matt Rosendale to retain his seat in the U.S. Senate. Tester received 50 percent of the Montana vote to Rosendale’s 47 percent. Libertarian Rick Breckenridge received 3 percent. All totaled it was 251,611 votes for Tester and 227,036 for Rosendale, a difference of 24,575 votes. Greg Gianforte was declared the winner over Kathleen Williams with 51 percent compared to her 46 percent.

Man fires gunshots in Trout Creek

At approximately 5:35 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, Sanders County Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call that a male subject was attempting to start a fire at the Lakeside Motel in Trout Creek. The male had also reportedly pointed a firearm at another individual.

Community Notes

The 43rd Annual Great American Smokeout! will be Thursday, Nov. 15. The Mineral County Health Department encourages everyone to commit or recommit to healthy, smoke-free lives. Information is available at cancer.org/smokeout or call 800-227-2345, or call Barb Jasper, RN, at MCHD at 406-822-3564.

Mineral County Justice Court Report

Nov. 5, Grace Bush Abbey, speeding

A day at The Paw Spa

Let’s face it, dogs stink. They roll in foul smelling things they find in pastures, mountain trails, and even their own back yard. The smellier, the more they seem to enjoy it. They also enjoy romping through the mud and thistles and can end up pretty messy by the end of the day. Despite these habits, people love their dogs. As of 2017 over 60 million U.S. households owned a dog and $69.5 billion was spent on these furry family members, according to an American Pet Products Association survey.

Election lost, but Magone's fight continues

With elections over it leaves the candidates who ran for office and lost contemplating, “What’s next”? Diane Magone ran for House District 14 as a Democrat against incumbent Rep. Denley Loge and wasn’t surprised when she didn’t win.

Lacy assumes role as Thompson Falls mayor

It’s a very familiar face in the position as new mayor of Thompson Falls.

Clark Fork Valley Hospital getting orthopedic surgeon

Robert E. Blease planning to begin services in January

Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains has announced that the facility will add a new orthopedic surgeon in January 2019.

Hot Springs Artists Society raises funds with art auction

You never know whom you’ll encounter when you visit the soothing mineral waters at Symes Hot Springs Resort, located in Hot Springs in Sanders County, or to go there for art-related events.

Construction underway on MT 200 east of T-Falls

THOMPSON FALLS — Starting this week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is making safety improvements to Highway 200 in Sanders County.

Kinder Cafe at Plains School features fun 1950s theme

Katie Hillerman’s kindergarten classroom at Plains School was transformed into a 1950s-style diner called Mrs. Hillerman’s Kinder Cafe last Friday, and it was a very “fun day” for all of her students, and their teacher.

Lookout Ski Area prepares to open, but little snow on ground

Lookout Ski area has only reported a trace of snow, but management is hoping that with cooler temperatures and snow in the forecast, they will be opening soon. The three-month forecast is showing below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures.

Pumpkin Auction raises $7,500

What started out as a way for fellow employees to help each other has now turned into a several thousand dollar annual event.

Veterans honored at annual breakfast

“Scott Burrows, Navy, 1961 through 1965, Vietnam.” “Ernie Ornelas, Navy, 1972 through 1998.” “John Cheesman, Army, 1963 through 1965, Vietnam.” These military veterans stood up and introduced themselves during a breakfast at St. Regis School. The annual event is held Nov. 8 for local military personnel in honor of Veterans Day.

Earl Kellberg

On Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, Earl Thomas Kellberg’s life ended in a tragic accident at the age of 36. Earl was born Jan. 4, 1982, in Spokane, Wash., two months early weighing only 3 pounds, 10 ounces. Earl was a fighter from day one!

Loge retains HD14 seat over Magone

With higher than average Montana voter turnout, incumbent, Democrat Jon Tester, slipped past Republican Matt Rosendale to retain his seat in the US Senate Race. Sen. Tester received 50% of the Montana vote to Rosendale who had 47% and Libertarian, Rick Breckenridge received 3%. All totaled it was 251,611 for Tester and 227,036 for Rosendale, a difference of 24,575 votes. Greg Gianforte was declared the winner over Kathleen Williams with a 51% lead to her 46%.

Trotters eliminated at C Divisional

Plains’ varsity volleyball team put up a fight at the Western B Divisional Tournament last week at Manhattan Christian High School, but was unable to advance far enough in the bracket to challenge for a state tournament berth.

Lady Hawks just short of state B qualification

All a high school volleyball coach can realistically ask from his or her players is to be playing your best when tournament time rolls around, and to “leave it on the floor” each time you go out to compete.

Mustangs stampede to 74-57 victory over Hot Springs

Murnion quintet leads Jordan to semifinals against Richie-Lambert

Mustangs are known for their wild and sometimes unruly behavior. And the Mustangs of Jordan were too tough to tame for the Hot Springs Savage Heat in the second round of the Class C 6-man football state playoffs on a cool and sometimes windy afternoon in Sanders County.

Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan featured at Nov. 8 meetings

Sanders County is initiating the five-year update to their Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, and two public meetings have been scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 8 in the county.

Your complete election results in Mineral County

With higher than average Montana voter turnout for the 2018 Midterm Election, incumbent Democrat Sen. Jon Tester slipped past Republican Matt Rosendale to retain his seat in the U.S. Senate. Tester received 50 percent of the Montana vote to Rosendale’s 47 percent. Libertarian Rick Breckenridge received 3 percent. All totaled it was 251,611 votes for Tester and 227,036 for Rosendale, a difference of 24,575 votes. Greg Gianforte was declared the winner over Kathleen Williams with 51 percent compared to her 46 percent.

Red Ribbon Week focuses on preventing substance abuse

The battle against drugs and alcohol use among teenagers seems to finally be on a winning streak — with use holding steady at their lowest level in over two decades, according to a 2017 survey by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. The survey includes the attitudes among eighth-, 10th- and 12th-grade students across the nation and found, “a general decline in perceived risk of harm from using a number of substances and declining disapproval of people who use them.”

An Alberton tradition

Stella’s delicous dinner enjoyed at Catholic church for 19th year

It may have been a rainy, cold autumn day but inside the St. Albert the Great Catholic Church in Alberton, the room was warm and full of cheer. Oct. 28 was Stella’s 19th Annual Harvest Dinner and people from all over Mineral County, Frenchtown and even Missoula, came down to enjoy a hot turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

Students' artwork decorates hospital walls

In late October, Alberton third graders along with art teacher Jo Nasvik visited Mineral Community Hospital where their artwork has been put on display.

Heidi Miller Mancini Hotchkiss

On Saturday night, Oct. 20, 2018, Heidi was freed from the clutches of Frontal Temporal Dementia.

Ghost Stories (continued)

Clark Fork Lady Cats fall short of state tourney

The Western 13C District champion Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats traveled to Manhattan Christian for Western C Divisionals on Nov. 1-3. The Cats faced Manhattan Christian in match 1 and were defeated, 25-11, 25-16, 25-14. On Friday, they faced Western C 14C District champion Plains, and lost in a five-set matchup: 25-22, 25-19, 15-25, 18-25, 15-10. The loss knocked the Lady Cats out of the tournament.

Community Notes

The MineralIndependent goes to press on Monday and will not have full election coverage until the Nov. 14 issue. However, election results will be posted on the Mineral Independent/Valley Press Facebook page and online at vp-mi.com.

Mineral County Justice Court

Oct. 26, Iona Alisa Ashby, speeding

Elks Hoop Shoot set for this Saturday in Thompson Falls

Youngsters from throughout Sanders County, plus Mineral County, will gather Sunday, Nov. 11 for the annual Elks Lodge No. 2757 Hoop Shoot in the Thompson Falls High School gym. Competition begins at 2 p.m.

Plains Lions Club Halloween Costume Contest

You never know what unique costumes to expect for Halloween each year, worn by either adults, teenagers and youngsters. Here is a sample of the attire worn by those who participated in the Plains Lions Club Halloween Costume Contest last Wednesday, Oct. 31 at Fred Young Park in Plains. Look for more photos of costumed participants in the Nov. 7 issue of the Clark Fork Valley Press. The photos on this website were taken by Lisa Larson of the CFVP staff.

Murders in Agency, Missoula under investigation

Sanders County Sheriff’s Office stays firm on public safety after backlash resulting in a Missoula double homicide to which some have said the sheriff’s office is to blame.

Goodwin benefit raises $20,000

Sanders County folk, and many others from outside the area, turned out in droves for a Spaghetti Benefit Dinner last Saturday evening, Oct. 27 at the Plains VFW.

Noxon eliminated from C playoffs with loss to Geraldine-Highwood

The Red Devils of Noxon High School knew they had their collective hands full when they traveled to Highwood to challenge Geraldine-Highwood in the first round of the Class C 6-man football state playoffs last Saturday.

Savage Heat host Jordan after 49-24 win over DGS

It’s like climbing a challenging ladder for the Hot Springs High School football team. The Savage Heat made it to the first rung by earning the No. 1 seed from the West Division in the Class C 6-man state playoffs.

Plains captures District 14C Volleyball Tournament title

Sometimes the strength of a conference in high school volleyball does not really show until you get into postseason play. That was exhibited in the District 14C Tournament last Thursday and Friday at Hot Springs High School.