Ellington

Idaho Forest Group to close St. Regis sawmill

Despite favorable market conditions last year, the facility has consistently failed to meet production goals.

Mullan Road conference returns to St. Regis

The annual Mullan Road Conference returns to its birthplace as the original gathering was held when the John Mullan statue in St. Regis was rededicated in 1989.

McKay takes reins as St. Regis School begins new year

Parents and guardians have already gotten the kids out the door and have received information from Principal Shaun Ball.

Nolan Thomas Frankhauser

Nolan Thomas Frankhauser was born at 1:37 a.m. Monday, July 12, 2021, at Clark Fork Valley Hospital to mother Natalie Frankhauser and father Jason Franhauser, of Plains. Nolan joins Josie Frankhauser. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and measured 20 inches. Nolan’s maternal grandparents are Thomas Ruzicka, of Sacramento, Tracy Ruzicka, of Big Spring, Texas. His maternal great-grandparent is Dewey Sigmon, of Lockhart, South Carolina. Nolan’s paternal grandparents are Tom Price, of Seattle, Diane Price, of Tacoma, Washington, and great-grandparent Lillian Gravseth, of Tacoma, Washington. Dr. Ronald Block was the delivering physician. (Photo courtesy Clark Fork Valley Hospital)

Sanders County Justice Court

Alexander Joseph Blair, driving a motor vehicle while privilege to do so is suspended or revoked.

Richard Beller

At 16, he went west to Haugen logging camp, followed by guiding fall bear hunts in the Nine Mile.

Mineral County law roundup

Wildland Fire, I-90, French Town Units, West End Units and Forest Service responded.

Noxon Red Devils will follow lead of VanVleet

The Red Devils will rely heavily on senior running back Cade VanVleet, a three-year starter in the offensive backfield and an equally imposing anchor on the defensive line.

Hot Springs football squad happy for 2021 season

Like so many teams that battled the chaos caused by the dreaded Covid calamity, Hot Springs faced cancellations and rescheduled games like they were an airport in a power outage.

St. Regis/Mullan gridders look for deep playoff run

Or will they run into another buzzsaw team from the Idaho flatlands? One thing is for sure, the two-state Tigers are locked and loaded again this year as they ready for what they hope will be a championship run.

Food for Thought: What are signs that a person will be happy in retirement?

This is a question that many people ponder, especially the baby boomers who are starting to look at retirement.

Legals for August, 25 2021

Rain helps Thorne Creek firefighters improve containment to 80%

According to fire officials, between 1 and 3 inches of rain fell on the region and an infrared flight Sunday resulted in a significant increase in containment to 80 percent.

County health board member extols virtues of vaccinations

I started this letter a few days after our July board of health meeting and am submitting it now in response to continuing concerns and questions by local citizens.

Ruth Melvina Bebee Charlton

Ruth Melvina Bebee Charlton left this world to be with Jesus on Aug. 23.

Mack Days fishing tournament begins Sept. 16

The event is used as a management tool to reduce numbers of nonnative lake trout in Flathead Lake.

Cancer Network of Sanders County holds first luminaria

The display featured more than 100 luminarias which were placed along the sidewalk.

War veteran receives warm welcome in Superior

Waters retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Army in 2017 after 30 years.

Veteran St. Regis volleyball team has high hopes

All the returning starters from the 2020 team, which showed solid improvement from the year before, are back for the 2021 campaign.

Thompson Falls Lady Hawks have lofty expectations

At least 23 girls reported for practice, including one of the best volleyball players in Northwest Montana in the form of Avery Burgess, who transferred from Noxon this summer.

State approves new wolf hunt, trap regulations

The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks received more than 26,000 public comments on the proposal.

Searchers recover body of kayaker from Flathead Lake

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said deputies from his department and divers from the Flathead County Sheriff's Office recovered the body of 29-year-old Nicholas Lockwood on Thursday.

Hopes are high for experienced Plains volleyball team

Coach Jesse Butcher welcomed approximately 20 players who turned out for the sport this past week.

Superior-Alberton sports co-op sees some changes

Superior athletes will once again be called the Bobcats during the upcoming school year.

Veteran squad has Noxon volleyball thinking big

The Red Devils are counting on the explosive play of returning senior Riley Richter, as head coach Dana Grupenhoff is busy preparing the squad for what will be her 31st year of coaching volleyball.

Plains Horsemen ready to turn page on 2020 season

New coach Ryan Hart, a rookie to the coaching ranks after a high school playing career in Shelby, will lead Plains in 2021.

Talent still plentiful for Thompson Falls Blue Hawks

But state champion wrestler Trae Thilmony who also earned all-state honors as a running back/linebacker last year, returns with a solid, experienced group from the 2020 campaign.

Conditioning will be a key for Hot Springs volleyball team

Six players are on the court during a match, leaving the Hot Springs crew with just one substitute.

Battle continues for Thorne Creek firefighters

More hot and dry weather with enough wind has driven the Thorne Creek Fire over 32,000 acres.

Chisholm pleased with new Plains School addition

In addition to the sports court, which is identical in size to the existing gymnasium and comes with electric, roll-out bleachers, the building provides prized new space for the school’s arts program.

Don't forget about the chokecherry

These tart natural gems aren’t sold in the form of tasty treats at gift shops across the state, or displayed on highway signs at local fruit stands. But they might just be one of the most important and historical plants around.

Nonpartisan solutions for wildfire prevention and forest restoration

Even if you don’t see the flames, the smoke and poor visibility is hard to ignore. Yet, ignoring the issue and letting politics get in the way of action is exactly the problem in Washington, D.C.

Mineral County Crisis Mapping Workshop seeks to help others

With that in mind, on July 20, multiple Mineral County agencies participated in a Crisis Mapping Workshop put on by the Healthy Communities Coalition.

Superior Bobcats hope to fill big shoes of Mask, Waddle

Every year, some holes caused by graduation need to be filled by underclassmen brimming with enthusiasm and hope.

Montana Viewpoint: The enemy is us

The ways we are currently dealing with Covid and global warming may validate that belief sooner than later. It was once commonplace to distinguish humans from other species by saying humans were rational thinkers.

Food for Thought: Why am I so anxious?

All of us know what it is like to feel worry, nervousness, fear, and concern.

Paradise sewer meetings continue

With the proposed $4.5 million sewer project halted in its tracks by a determined group of sewer foes...

Public warned about virtual kidnapping scams

No one has been physically kidnapped in these schemes, but they are often traumatic for everyone involved.

Polson man accused of impersonating federal marshal

Pernell Dionne, 36, appeared in Lincoln County Justice Court last week on a single count of impersonating a public servant. He was initially held on a $5,000 bond, according to a story in the Western News.

Church members in Superior not happy with property damage

Sometime during the evening of Aug. 6, the rope fence around the immaculate lawn at Trinity Lutheran Church on 6th Avenue and Pike Street in Superior was taken down.

Sanders County Justice Court

Kay Sigrid Silverman, improper passing in a no-passing zone, speeding.

Montana Red Cross opens evacuation center in Thompson Falls

The Red Cross evacuation center is located at the Thompson Falls Community Center, 410 Golf St.

Mineral County Sheriff's Office honors man for life-saving efforts

At this point, Drazen stepped in and tried to diffuse the situation with the impaired patron by quietly talking with him, but to no avail.

Veteran Superior volleyball squad has high hopes

The three seniors, all of whom have excelled in other sports during their high school years, bring size, quickness and pure athletic ability to the cause as Superior looks to rebound from a mildly disappointing 2020 campaign that was marred by Covid related situations across the state.

Mineral County law roundup

Animal, Diamond Match Road, Superior, Dispatch notified Fish and Game of a bear in the area.

Hot Springs' Jack McAllister competes in the Go for Gold Rodeo

Hot Springs’ Jack McAllister lassoes a calf in the tie down roping event last Friday at the Mineral County Fair Superior Lions Club “Go for The Gold” Rodeo. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

A good time at the Go for Gold Rodeo

Kora Berg is the apple of her father’s eye last Friday at the Mineral County Fair Superior Lions Club “Go for The Gold” Rodeo. Kaehl Berg is the owner of Deer Lodge’s Red Eye Rodeo, which provided the stock and pickup men for last weekend’s rodeo. (Scott Shindledecker/Mineral Independent)

Thorne Creek firefighter threatened; evac notices lifted

Thompson Falls Police Chief Chris Nichols addressed the threat as well as the efforts of Montana National Guard members and fire crews.

State has new online dashboard for Montana wildfires

The state has experienced nearly 1,800 fire starts this year.

Conservation groups challenge DEQ over ending ‘bad actor’ lawsuit

In a filing Aug. 2 in Lewis and Clark County District Court, the groups said they were “disappointed” by DEQ’s recent decision not to label Hecla president Phillips Baker, Jr. a “bad actor” for failing to clean up the Zortman-Landusky gold mine.

Plains man pleads guilty to burglary in Flathead

A plea deal calls for Raymond to receive a 5-year sentence to the state Department of Corrections on the burglary charge.

Montana groups work to make wilderness accessible

The trip brought eight participants into the 1.5 million acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

Sanders County Justice Court

Johnathan Earl Boehme, exceed 34,000 pounds tandem axle weight limit.

Gov. Gianforte announces deals to improve Clark Fork River flows

Governor Greg Gianforte announced Thursday agreements that secure water releases to improve stream flows in the Clark Fork River.

Glen {Barney} Rummel

Dad was born Oct. 17, 1933, in a cabin in Revias Creek just outside of Dixon.

Cabin Fever Quilting Guild supports its community

The Cabin Fever Quilting Guild has worked hard for two decades to support its communities and last weekend at the in Mineral County Fair the members were able to share the fruits of their labor.

Hoot-owl restrictions a necessary inconvenience for area anglers

Warm water, low flow levels, and high temperatures have prompted fishing restrictions on several rivers across western Montana this summer.

Paradise sewer project on hold, for now

Instead of a new sewer retention facility carrying sewage from the small, unincorporated town in southern Sanders County, deer and bighorn sheep are the primary users of the land.

Food for Thought: I have everything I want, why am I not happy?

You don’t need a degree in psychology to know when you’re off-track, sometimes it can just creep up on you.

Mineral County Youth Shooting Sports Cornhole Tournament Aug. 14

The tournament starts at about 11 a.m. and should be finishing up at 6 p.m. They will have burgers, hot dogs, water and Gatorade on site for purchase.

Trout Creek's Huckleberry Festival Aug. 14-15

The Miss Huckleberry and Huck Finn Talent contest will be held Saturday evening.

Tensions rise at meeting, but rain helps on Thorne Creek Fire

Nevertheless, no structures, such as homes, cabins or outbuildings, have been reported lost in the lightning-caused fire despite its rapid growth between July 23 and Aug. 1.

Northwest Montana private timberlands closed due to fire danger

The closures began Monday on timberlands owned by Green Diamond Resource Co., Southern Pine Montana, Flathead Ridge Ranch, MKH Montana and F.H. Stoltze Land and Lumber.

Writer takes exception to lack of access at local event

Blame the press because a few people may not agree with their viewpoint.

Montana Viewpoint: Rights and responsibilities

But for almost every right, there is a qualifier that is as important as the right itself.

Cowbirds, nature's ultimate parasite

Ticks and mosquitoes come to mind, but do you think of a bird as a parasite?

Mineral County Fair Schedule

Rodeo tickets will be sold at NAPA, Ace Hardware, or the Lions Club beer booth.

Mineral Pharmacy is a family business

Andi and Justin Holmes have kinfolk behind the counters in all their locations.

Mineral County Rodeo Royalty

Here are the members of the Mineral County Rodeo royalty, all students at Superior High School. From left, are Heather Haskins, Mineral County Rodeo Princess. Her horse is Cedar. Sixteen-year-old Darby Haskins, Mineral County Rodeo Queen. Darby was the Princess last year. Her horse is Spirit. Baily Hansen, Mineral County Rodeo Junior Princess. Her horse is Oz. Their tiaras are paid for by the $50,000 Silver Dollar Bar in Haugan each year. They are made by Montana Silversmiths. The Superior Lions Club presented each with a check last Thursday. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)

Plains youths enjoy Vacation Bible School

The theme for this year was “Treasured by God.”

Living Water Worship Center plans kids' giveways at county fair

Ten brand new bikes, eight fishing poles, four tents, four skateboards, four sleeping bags, eight scooters...

DeBorgia Cemetery columbarium dedication set for Aug. 11

But this 1.5 acre resting place is well kept with an underground sprinkler system that works like a champ...

Thorne Creek Fire official lost her home in Colorado blaze

Olson is also the assistant fire chief in Grand Lake, Colorado, which has approximately 30 volunteers and 5 full time employees.

How to cope with wildfire smoke

Hazy skies have plagued the region since early July when a storm system produced hundreds of lightning strikes across western Montana.

Sanders County Justice Court

John Ogalvee Bennett, driving under the influence of alcohol-second offense

Stella Patricia Beck

Stella Patricia Beck, 92, of Superior, passed away Wednesday, July 28.

Limberlost Brewery open in Thompson Falls

Two Northwest Pennsylvania natives — Zach and Kate Whipple-Kilmer — learned from a close friend how to brew beer more than a decade ago.

Food for Thought: Are you really OK?

The last 18 months were rough and people had high expectations for a good summer.

Missing woman's dog found dead in Clark Fork River

In a July 26 social media post, Toth reported the dog had been found dead in the Clark Fork...

Mineral County law roundup

Mineral County Sheriff’s Office worked in conjunction with other agencies in the continued efforts to locate Rebekah Barsotti and her dog. Sadly, the animal was located deceased.

Shakespeare in the Park returns to Mineral County Aug. 26

This summer’s highly anticipated return performance is slated for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, in its customary venue at the Mineral County Fairgrounds.

Oregon blaze a real-world experiment in forest management

As the massive inferno half the size of Rhode Island roared into the Sycan Marsh Preserve, firefighters said the flames jumped less from treetop to treetop and instead returned to the ground.

Affordable housing fuels labor shortage

A commission tasked with distributing part of the $900 million in federal coronavirus relief that Montana received has named affordable housing...

Authorities say Thompson Falls sex offender violated probation

A child sex predator is locked up in the Flathead County Detention Center after authorities say he violated his probation by viewing online pornography.

Celebrating the urban chicken craze

While many have just recently hopped onto the backyard chicken bandwagon, others have doing it for decades.

Community calendar

The Mineral County Talent Contest will be held Saturday, Aug. 7 at the county fair.

Alberton School changing model of teaching

Without a doubt, this past year of education has been the most challenging for students, teachers, administrators and parents.