Ellington

Sanders County Justice Court

Grace Jeannette Kast, fail to keep vehicle under control on mountain highway, unlawful possession of open alcoholic beverage container in motor vehicle on highway.

Mineral County Treasure: Cabin Fever Quilting Guild

It’s not that the Cabin Fever Quilting Guild has leisure time to practice their art, but they do it because they are passionate, and they make the time to quilt together.

Biden plans new rule to aid smaller farmers

The new rule that will make it easier for farmers to sue companies they contract with over unfair, discriminatory or deceptive practices.

Mineral Co. Fair Board honoring Ornelas

A Mineral County resident since 1998, Emily touched the hearts of many in our small community.

State imposes fishing restrictions in hot, dry weather

The restrictions include what are commonly known as "hoot owl" restrictions, which mean fishing is prohibited from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. Some waters are closed to fishing at all times of day.

Montana Red Cross opens evacuation center in Thompson Falls for those displaced by wildfire

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

Noxon volleyball team car wash

Members of the Noxon volleyball team held a car wash and baked good sale last Saturday in Trout Creek to help raise money for new uniforms. There was no shortage of takers for either as chocolate treats tempted patrons to the Trout Creek Local Store and plenty of dusty and muddy vehicles received some tender loving care. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

Food for Thought: Anger avoidance

You pay a huge price when you ignore your anger.

Trout Creek welcomes back Cool Summer Nights Car Show

It’s also a great place to hear the remarkable stories behind the vehicles and their owners.

Red Pill Festival touts need for changes in America

The Red Pill Festival in the St. Regis Community Park opened with the singing of the National Anthem followed by a prayer.

Clifford Leroy Bajumpaa

Clifford Leroy Bajumpaa, 72, was the kind of friend we would all like to be.

Mineral County law roundup

Found Animal, Hunter Lane, Superior, Sheriff Office advised unable to remove animal as it is free range territory.

Plains enters voluntary water restrictions

According to Mayor Dan Rowan, the capacity drawdown of the water tank and the overtaxing of the pumps has reached a critical point.

Three Mineral Co. residents to be honored at county fair

The honoree will be Mary Jo Berry. She has lived in Mineral County for 27 years.

Gun owned by Danielle Wood found in Clark Fork River

The serial number on the gun matched one bought by Wood a few months before the shooting death of Matthew LaFriniere. LaFriniere and Wood had a child together and prosecutors alleged dur

Clark Fork's Reese, Pereira heads to U.S. Junior Olympic Nationals

Both compete with Missoula-based Mountain West Track.

Search continues for missing Mineral County woman

According to county Sheriff Mike Toth, 33-year-old Rebekah Barsotti and her dog haven’t been seen since the afternoon of Tuesday, July 20.

Sheriff's Office orders evacuations for Graves Creek area residents

According to information from West Lolo Complex officials, the areas under the evacuation order are described as “from Cougar Creek south to the intersection of Blue Slide Road and River View Lane.”

Lolo National Forest road and trail closures on Stateline Complex Fire

The Stateline Complex is burning on the St. Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, to the south and west of the Idaho-Montana state line, and about 6.5 miles southwest of St. Regis.

Forest Service seeks public comment on Deemer-Henry Environmental Assessment

The Deemer-Henry project area is located about four miles east of Plains and proposed plans in the project would decrease wildfire intensity.

Sanders County Justice Court

Christopher James McCallum, driving a motor vehicle while privilege to do so is suspended or revoked...

Great Burn Conservation Alliance seeks volunteers

The ‘Trail Ambassador’ program is being conducted with collaboration between the Forest Service and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks as all three entities joined forces to make this work.

West End Volunteer Fire Department hosts open house Aug. 1

The day will include events for kids, too, and lunch will be provided.

Local man jailed after fracas with deputies

He allegedly was armed with a crowbar. She said he threatened to break down the door.

State program introduces youths to sport of archery

Archery continues to increase in popularity by leaps and bounds and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has a program designed to help youth and educators learn a sport which has been practiced for thousands of years.

Advocating for Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act

If passed by the U.S. Senate, the act would support a 15-year coalition of ranchers, loggers, conservationists, timber companies, citizens, businesses and outdoor enthusiasts.

Mineral County law roundup

Fire, MT Highway 135 MM 8, Dispatch took information from Sanders County, advised concerned citizens who were calling that we are aware and Forest Service is on scene.

Montana drops 'bad actor' case against Hecla Mining Co.

The decision prompted conservation groups involved in the case to allege political interference by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.

Wesley “Wes” Gene Linder Jr.

He was born on Aug. 27, 1969 in Fresno, California, to Gene and Barbara Linder.

Legals for July, 21 2021

'Better Together" seeks equality, inclusion

Magone organized the event after reading about the Red Pill Festival taking place in the same location Saturday, July 24.

Passport in Time volunteers keep historic Savenac Nursery pristine

Keeping this treasure in pristine condition comes mostly from volunteers, with the lion's share of help from Passport in Time.

Trout Creek celebrates "Bob Green Memorial Playground"

Last Saturday, Green was honored for his years of dedication and service with the renaming of the Bob Green Memorial Playground.

A helping hand: Mineral Moms Support Group

Along with these huge life adjustments many mothers also find that in the social media, pandemic times we live in, isolation can sometimes be the tender topping on the cake of motherhood.

Friends of Scotchman Peaks plans trail work events

Next up is a trail day at Ross Creek set for Sunday, July 25. Then comes more work at Star and Napoleon Gulch on Friday, July 30.

DNA confirms ID of Ovando killer grizzly

The same grizzly DNA also was detected in samples from two chicken coops the bear had raided.

First female grizzly in 40 years collared in Washington

The grizzly, along with her three cubs, were released to help biologists learn more about the endangered animals.

Food for Thought: Keeping anger under control

Let’s take a look at what causes people to become angry and how they can respond to stressful situations more productively.

Weather conditions continue dire fire forecast

Stage II restrictions went into effect last Friday in Lincoln, Sanders, Mineral and Lake counties, meaning all campfires are strictly prohibited.

Frances Ida Higgs

Francie was born Dec. 26, 1937, in Peonia, Colorado.

Fire officials hosting meeting tonight in Thompson Falls

Local and federal officials will provide updates to the status of work being done on wild fires scattered throughout the county.

Plains homesteaders share secrets in local tour

The tour kicked off with a cow milking demonstration.

Briggs Matthew Bache

Briggs Matthew Bache was born at 1:37 a.m. Tuesday, June 15, at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. The son of Gabrielle Marie Bache and Adam Michael Bache, of Plains, weighed 8 pounds, 3.9 ounces and measured 19.5 inches. Briggs joins older brother Rafe Michael Briggs. His maternal grandparents are Jim and Robin Hamilton, of Novi, Michigan. His paternal grandparents are Joe and LeeAnn Bache of Libby, Montana. (Clark Fork Valley Hospital photo)

Evelyn Alice Simkins

Evelyn Alice Simkins was born at 9:58 p.m. Thursday, June 17, at Clark Fork Valley Hospital. The daughter of Abigail Dellinger and Drew Simkins, of St. Regis, weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 21 inches. She joins 12-year-old Emric Simkins. Evelyn’s maternal grandparents are Shann and Tiffany Dellinger and her paternal grandparents is Syleena Simkins. She was delivered by Dr. Valentine. (Clark Fork Valley Hospital photo)

Mark Allen Magone

Born to Joseph and Edris (Huckaba) Magone, Mark joined his four siblings, Diane, Karen, Margaret and Dale at their home on Trout Creek.

Mineral County law roundup

Body Found, Dena Mora Rest Area, Deputy Coroner responded, on-going investigation at this time.

Colorado wolves have six pups

Officials last year confirmed the presence of the small pack of wolves in northwestern Colorado after a number of sightings since 2019.

Officials kill Ovando grizzly; Bear attacks runner in Idaho

A grizzly bear that pulled a California woman from her tent and killed her this week was fatally shot early last Friday.

St. Regis woman makes tack with flair

Tack is equipment or accessories outfitted on horses and other equines in the course of their use as domesticated animals.

Sanders County Justice Court

Yvonne Marie Shahan, unlawful possession of open alcoholic beverage container in motor vehicle on highway

Lolo National Forest issues multiple road, trail closures within West Lolo Complex

Due to increased fire activity, closures will be in place for public and firefighter safety.

'Better Together' and 'Red Pill' festivals coming to Mineral County

A planned appearance by one group of people in Mineral County has spawned a festival by another on the opposite end of the political spectrum.

Food for Thought: Is empathy important and should parents be teaching it?

Empathy and concern for other people allow us to appreciate what we have and how we can help others.

Coping with smoke from wildfires

The resulting smoke endangers the health of everyone, particularly for vulnerable people such as those with existing heart or lung disease, children, older adults and pregnant women.

Blackhawk firefighting helicopter

Two crew members work on the tail rotor of one of seven Blackhawk helicopters last Friday at the Superior County Airport. The team came from the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)

Legals for July, 14 2021

Sanders County will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions

In the county, the National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures in the mid 90s through next Monday with south winds at 10 to 15 mph and gusts as high as 25 mph.

Lolo National Forest Issues Closures for Two Mile Fire

The Lolo National Forest has issued road and trail closures for the Two Mile Fire.

Fire meeting planned Sunday evening at MIneral Co. Fairgrounds

This meeting will be open to the public and streamed live on the West Lolo Complex Facebook page.

Firefighters battle several lightning-caused blazes in Western Montana

U.S. Forest Service firefighters worked with local crews on the Lolo while Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal personnel continued to actively battle several fires after last Wednesday’s thunderstorms.

Food for Thought: Living in the present

Life is filled with distractions, some positive, some negative.

Northwest lawmakers seek progress on Columbia River Treaty

The treaty, which took more than 20 years to negotiate, came together after a 1948 flood washed away what once was Oregon's second-biggest city, Vanport.

Local fire danger rating raised to high level

Along with several other states in the Northwest, Montana has been riding out an impressive heat wave.

Washington man accused of trafficking fentanyl into Montana

Aaron Ramirez Espinoza, 36, faces four charges, including three felony counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute.

Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority to host meeting July 13

Enter the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority which was developed by Missoula County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier.

Feds complete transfer of Bison Range to CSKT

The federal wildlife refuge carved from the center of the Flathead Reservation more than a century ago was returned to tribal control under bipartisan legislation that Congress passed in December.

Fentanyl-related deaths on rise in Montana

The state crime lab reported 41 fentanyl-related deaths in 2020, more than double the 19 deaths a year earlier.

Idaho camper kills attacking moose

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game said in a statement that the incident happened last week when the camper was at Harrison Lake, north of Sandpoint.

Songbird, hummingbird feeders need care in extreme heat

If you are a feeder of birds, this unusual heat is a red flag.

Alberton residents dive into storage container home build

John and Elena are not manufacturers, contractors or plumbers. They’re not electricians, roofers or have much knowledge in pouring cement.

Northwest Montana man restores Greenlee Variety Woodworker

For nearly 40 years it sat collecting dust in a field outside of Chester on Montana’s Hi-Line.

Legals for July, 7 2021

Montana Viewpoint: Renting the armed forces

Specifically, I am talking about a $1 million gift from Tennessee billionaire Willis Johnson to the state of South Dakota to cover the costs of Gov. Kristi Noem sending National Guard troops to Texas to help “secure” the U.S.-Mexican border.

Human remains found near Interstate 90

Montana authorities are investigating the origin of human remains found...