Wednesday, June 30
Plains' VonHeeder competes in U.S. Olympic Trials
Montana State's Carley VonHeeder, the state javelin champion from Plains and a Big Sky champion with the Bobcats, competed in last Friday’s U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.
Montana Viewpoint: The Arizona Fraudit
Well apparently, they’re going to finish it in Montana at a mystery location near Bigfork.
Judge's ruling retains abandoned railroad right of way for public access
A ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in an ownership dispute of an abandoned railroad right of way near Noxon...
State mailing property appraisal notices
These notices are not tax bills. They include the department’s determination of market or productivity value for your property and will be used by your county treasurer to determine the property taxes owed.
Families enjoy Savenac fishing derby
The weather could not have been better for the annual Kids Fishing Derby held at the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery.
Food for Thought: Does worrying help?
Worry is defined as a state of mental and emotional agitation and distress resulting from undue concern over something impended or anticipated.
New load postings issued by state for Clark Fork River Bridge
Montana Department of Transportation issues new load postings for the Clark Fork River Bridge in Mineral County.
Pin-Up Girls treat Plains veterans to unforgettable show
Last Saturday night, the Pin-Up Girls came to Plains and put on a show few will forget at the VFW Post 3596.
St. Regis School Honor Roll
Students from elementary to high school.
Old Jail Museum in Thompson Falls shares history
Open since Memorial Day, the building was completed in 1907 and was the home for what its name indicates.
Forecasters predict record heat for Western Montana
Meanwhile, places like Lincoln, Sanders and Mineral counties could see 106, while North Central Idaho locations could climb to 113.
Church arsonist pleads guilty, receives deferred sentence
Denim Renee Howard was accused of setting a fire that caused extensive damage to the United Methodist Church in Alberton.
Legals for June, 30 2021
Former Superior, St. Regis school students enjoy reunion
Former and current residents from Superior and St. Regis schools spent four days at a reunion...
Railway bill may help North Coast Hiawatha line
The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority recently announced that an amendment introduced and included in the Surface Transportation Investment Act of 2021, which passed out of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee by a bipartisan 25-3 vote...
Eric E. Lindbo
Eric E. Lindbo, 66, of Jamestown, passed away on June 21, 2021.
St. Regis July 4 parade route altered
The temporary parade route for this year will travel north on Main Street...
Sanders County Justice Court
Lucas James Macmillan, violation in a construction zone...
Wednesday, June 23
Mineral Co. driver's education teachers are dedicated
To become a certified driver's education instructor, there is a big commitment to make and an even larger amount of studying and testing.
Montana Highway Patrol graduates 71st class
Thomas Tafoya, of Key Largo, Florida, will be stationed out of Superior.
Camping Tips for the Lolo National Forest
Some campgrounds and rentals will remain closed due to seasonal conditions and will open later in the summer.
Legals for June, 23 2021
Victoria Elena Haugen
Victoria Elena Haugen passed away Dec. 28, 2019.
Spokane woman dies in motorcycle crash
The driver and passenger, whom were not wearing helmets, were thrown from the cycle.
Plains artist Williams to be featured in documentary
Dave Williams served in the U.S. Navy from 1980-1984 and will tell you that where he is today is not what he wanted, but it’s where he is meant to be.
Locals welcome return of West End yard sale
Since the mask mandate ended and social distancing was removed, a pattern has emerged.
Food for Thought: What is EMDR?
EMDR alleviates physical and emotional complaints resulting from traumatic or upsetting experiences.
VonHeeder will compete in U.S. Olympic trials
Plains native Carley VonHeeder will be competing in this week's U.S. Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.
Alfred "Butch" Nance
Alfred ”Butch” Nance passed away on May 30, 2021.
Mineral County Library shares "Tails and Tales" in Superior
Invited guests will bring an animal for the group to meet as an explanation of the species will be shared and then an age-appropriate book will be read to them, usually about the critter.
Sanders County Justice Court
Kenneth Allen Berge, improper passing in no passing zone, violation in a construction zone.
More Sanders Co. rental properties are smoke-free
During June, which is National Healthy Homes Month, I would like to commend three local entities for providing housing that is healthier, safer and cleaner because they are going tobacco-free.
St. Regis nonagenarian bags an elk
It had been a few years, maybe 10, since St. Regis resident John Cochran last killed an elk during hunting season.
Plains artist plays by her own rules
Paulsen grew up in central Minnesota and then spent 20 years living in various areas in Southeast Alaska.
State biologist shares elk, deer survey results
We’ve added some extra opportunity to harvest cow elk...
Tuesday, June 22
Man arrested in alleged knife assault in St. Regis
A former member of Montana State University’s Native American Studies program was recently accused of threatening two men with a knife in Mineral County.
Wednesday, June 16
Trail Rail Run Harvey family
Cameron Harvey from the husband and wife relay team “Lightning Fast Duo,” reached the Ward Creek aid station mid-afternoon on Saturday to catch his breath and trade off with his wife Lesley Harvey. The couple is from Spokane but Lesley grew up in Bigfork. Cameron stated, "For many years we've talked about doing this race especially with the drives back and forth we see this route along the way, I'm glad we finally did it." The Harveys completed 50 miles from Mullan, Idaho to St. Regis as part of the longest running course the Trail Rail Run offers. Trading off every 10 miles or so Lelsey shared, "Cameron did the 8 miles up the mountain to Lookout Pass, and then I did the next 9 going back down." Lesley then finished off the duo's tag team efforts crossing the finish line at the St. Regis park completing the race in 6:45. (Amy Quinlivan/Mineral Independent)
Robert “Bob” Linwood Higgins
Bob passed away Sunday morning June 6, 2021, of natural causes.
Richter new chief at West End Volunteer Fire Dept.
After many years of service, previous chief Dick Hughes recently resigned.
Gwendolyn Luree’ (Cline) Esler
Gwendolyn Luree’ (Cline) Esler was born New Year’s Day, 1937, to Roy and Ann Lane in Gurley, Nebraska.
Superior resident lends helping hand to hummingbird
She saved and revived a tiny hummingbird that...
County resident accused of shooting father in Trout Creek
A Thompson Falls man is lodged in the Sanders County Jail after authorities say he tried to kill his father during a recent domestic incident.
Hecla forging ahead with Northwest Montana mines
Officials with an Idaho-based mining company developing two large copper and silver mines in Northwest Montana said they are undeterred by a recent ruling...
RCA Montana Rodeo Queen Megan Tutvedt carries U.S. flag
Real Cowboy Association Montana Pro Rodeo Queen Megan Tutvedt carries the U.S. flag while she rides around the arena before the Hot Springs Rodeo began last Saturday. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)
Sanders County Justice Court
Trenton S. Wilhelmsen, nonresident license or permit offenses-unlawful purchase of or apply for resident license by nonresident, all hunting, fishing and trapping licenses suspended: 18 months
Brad Richard Hutchins
Brad Richard Hutchins was born on July 29, 1972, in Whitefish, Montana.
Wednesday, June 9
Plains High School graduate will serve her country in the U.S. Navy
Plains High School graduate Mykenzi Blood is entering the U.S. Navy. (Adam Lindsay/Valley Press)
Plains VFW, Auxiliary remembers those who served
On Sunday, May 30, members of the Plains VFW Post 3596, the VFW Auxiliary, and members of the community gathered to remember and honor the members of the military who had given their lives in service to their country. The group first assembled at the Plains Cemetery, and then went to the bridge to remember those lost at sea. (Adam Lindsay/Valley Press)
Sanders County Justice Court
Logan Wyatt Buckner, leave scene of accident resulting in property damage over $1,000 w/o permission from law enforcement, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, fail to give notice of accident by quickest means/apparent damage over $1,000-first offense, driving without a valid driver's license-has never possessed.
Superior Fire District considers Tarkio annexation
Steve Temple, Superior Volunteer Fire Department Chief, was approached by some residents east of town on the possibility of their area being annexed into...
Trout Creek Fourth Quarter Honor Roll
Trout Creek School Fourth Quarter Honor Roll
Mineral County law roundup
Drugs, Tiger Street, St. Regis, Deputy issued three citations and released student to their mother.
State judge rules Hecla subject to bad actor law
State District Court Judge Mike Menahan in Helena said in a recent ruling that Hecla Mining Company and Chief Executive Officer Phillips Baker, Jr. are subject to the state’s “bad actor” law that blocks individuals and companies who don’t clean up their old mines from starting new ones.
Olin “Wayne” Rose
Olin “Wayne” Rose rode off into his final sunset in Superior, Montana, on Friday, May 28, 2021
St. Regis Memorial Day parade
Members of the American Legion Ray Welch Post 13 marched from the John Mullan Square down to the St. Regis River on Memorial Day and tossed a flower wreath in the waters below. The Memorial Day commemoration ended at the St. Regis Cemetery. (Amy Quinlivan/Mineral Independent)
Superior car show scholarship winners
The 22nd Annual Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show was recently held in downtown Superior. The show set a new record with 128 cars, trucks and campers which competed for 25 trophies. Proceeds from the event went to five $650 scholarships to five graduating seniors from Mineral County high schools. From left, are car show organizer David Mirisch, scholarship winners Andrew Stanford (St.Regis), Bailey Milender (Superior) and Carson Callison (Alberton) and Mike Curtin, president of the Old School Rockers. Not available were Bryan Mask and Danner Haskins (Superior).
Superior High School golf team third at state
The team had a score of 275 at the state finals at the Riverside Country Club in Bozeman last month.
Heron man dies in motorcycle crash
According to information from Montana Highway Patrol, the 59-year-old man was driving a 2006 Honda motorcycle north on Four Corners Road...
Food for Thought: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of life-threatening...
Plains Day a welcome return to Clark Fork Valley
If you had a lump in your throat watching the Plains Day parade, you weren’t alone.
Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority adds another member
The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) grew a bit larger this week when its board of directors approved...
Three Missoula area residents admit meth trafficking crime
80 pounds of meth stored at one defendant’s residence.
Superior celebrates its high school graduates
The 2021 graduating class of Superior High School was like any other group of adolescents...
Wednesday, June 2
Thompson Falls' Burk is a state champ in shot put
All year, Thompson Falls senior Cody Burk has been among the best throwers in Montana and Saturday at the Class B state championships in Laurel, he cemented that status with a state title in the shot put.
Angler catches new state record walleye
Johnson's fish weighed in at 18.02 pounds on a certified scale, measured 32.25 inches in length and 22 inches in girth
Mineral County law roundup
Property Found, River Street, Superior, Deputies took possession of a speed bicycle.
Thompson Falls woman honored by state
EMS for Children Pediatric EMS Award, Victoria Good, Thompson Falls Ambulance
Clark Fork's Reese is a state champ in the javelin
Reese won the event at the Missoula County Stadium after delivering a personal best throw of 128 feet, 3 inches.
Noxon's Morgan headlines Sanders County performances at state
Three Sanders County athletes had plenty to celebrate after several medal-winning performances.
State seeks info on snapping turtles
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking for help from the public in reporting snapping turtle sightings in west-central Montana.
Old Schoolhouse Rock car show set for June 5
Chairman of the board for the Old School Rockers car club and the car show itself Mike Curtin anticipates a promising turnout this year.
Full day of fun planned for Plains Day
Event organizers have planned events beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday through nightfall at 10:30 p.m.
St. Regis youth helps in battle against cancer
Was Wally Crosby thinking this direction when he asked his fellow seventh through 12th grade students at St. Regis School to save just the pop-tabs?
Murphy Creek Rec Area dedication set for June 5
National Trails Day is held on the first Saturday in June and with activities and family events taking place all over the country, an exciting day is on tap for everyone who attends the Murphy Creek Recreation Area for its official dedication.
Lynne Anne Shotwell
Lynne Anne Shotwell passed away on Dec. 28, 2020, after a courageous three-year battle with lung cancer.
Wayne Weatherly
Wayne Weatherly passed away at his home on May 14, 2021.
Food for Thought: Trauma bonding
The term trauma bonding refers to strong emotional ties that develop between two people when one person intermittently harasses, beats, threatens, abuses or intimidates the other.
Sanders County Justice Court
Deborah H. Cheethman, driving under the influence of alcohol-first offense
Murder charge dropped against woman accused of killing ex-husband
A judge on Tuesday permanently dismissed a charge of deliberate homicide against Bellesen, who maintains she was acting in self-defense when she killed Jacob Glace on Oct. 8.
Cattle-killing grizzly euthanized near Avon
Authorities in Montana have trapped and killed a grizzly bear after it killed yearling cattle on a ranch near Avon.