Wednesday, October 27
Wildfire burn scars affect West's drinking water
In “burn scars,” where fires decimated forest systems that held soil in place, an increase in droughts followed by heavy rainfall poses a different kind of threat to the water supplies that are essential to the health of communities.
Hot Springs tips St. Regis in five sets
Hot Springs and St. Regis went the distance in a tight Class C volleyball match Oct. 23, with the Savage Heat taking the victory in the final set 16-14.
Hyatt leads Bluehawks at state meet
Thompson Falls runner Will Hyatt finished eighth overall at the State B cross country meet Saturday in Missoula.
Busy opening weekend in west-central Montana
Big game hunting season in west-central Montana got off to a good start over the weekend with steady hunter traffic through the region’s four hunter check stations and a harvest on track with last year’s opener.
Hot Springs, Noxon end regular season with defeats
In 6-man football action, Hot Springs and Noxon each suffered defeats last Friday, but both will be in this weekend’s playoffs.
Blue Hawks complete perfect regular season
Quarterback Eli Ratliff ran for two touchdowns and threw for another as the Blue Hawks improved to 9-0.
Voices in the Wilderness: Don Otis
My Mom will tell you that when I was a kid, I would beg and plead with her to drop me and my adventure-seeking friends at the base of a canyon somewhere.
Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission meetings Oct. 27-28
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a work session and meeting to discuss several matters, include black bear hunting with hounds and final decisions on wolf trapping regulations.
Jean Frances (Gaslin) Patton
Jean was born in Coquille, Oregon, to Charles and Frances Gaslin. She attended college in Eugene and Portland, Oregon.
Sanders County Justice Court
Daniel Brandon Luciano, violating speed limit near school or senior citizen center
Mineral County law roundup
Warrant Served, Missoula County, Forest Service located male wanted on outstanding warrant, male transported to Mineral County Jail.
A small, but meaningful gesture
A 50/50 was held with half of the money going to help with breast cancer research and the other half to a lucky individual who purchased a ticket that evening.
Commissioner Brooker announces her resignation
Brooker, a commissioner for 27 years, addressed a letter dated Oct. 13 to her fellow commissioners, Glen Magera and Tony Cox, announcing her decision.
Hecla CEO ready to move on after 'bad actor' ruling
A three-year “bad actor” case against the president and CEO was recently dismissed. As far as Baker is concerned, it was overdue.
Superior sailboat skipper David Asay
Skipper David Asay stands with his official certification logbook after completing the American Sailing Association 101 course this past summer with Go Sail Flathead Lake. (Photos courtesy David Asay)
Superior couple loves the sailing life
In a sailboat, however, you become a much greater function in order to harness the energy that propels you forward.
Idaho reaches deal to reimburse hunters who kill wolves
Idaho officials will make available up to $200,000 to be divided into payments for hunters and trappers who kill wolves in the state through next summer.
Small farmers, farmer's markets eligible for pandemic relief
If you operate a small farm producing specialty crops whose annual revenue is less than $1 million, run a farmer's market...
$31 million available to Montana child care providers
The latest data on child care deserts shows a 73 percent supply gap across the state – meaning there is only capacity to serve 27 percent of children under the age of six in licensed or registered child care.
Wednesday, October 20
Sanders County Justice Court
Brandon Richard Noble, owner permitting operation of vehicle without liability insurance.
St. Regis Lady Tigers top Trotters in four sets
But after it was 23-20, St. Regis put an end to it with back-to-back kills by Brooke Filek and Taylor Hurd.
Northwest Montana man shares Elk Foundation's message
While many may want Meehan's job and may think they could do it, he possesses some skills that make him a perfect fit.
State says Infant cereal tested above safe arsenic levels
The recalled infant cereal was distributed nationally through Walmart stores and online.
Loud noise, bear spray effective deterrents for bears on private property
Loud noise, such as banging pots and pans, using an air horn or car alarm, or even shouting, is a simple, effective way to deter a bear on private property.
Grizzlies found in Bitterroot River East Fork country
Preliminary information gathered by cameras used in the study has revealed the presence of two grizzly bears near the headwaters of the east fork of the Bitterroot River in southwest Montana.
Rolland “Rollie” J. Larson
A Graveside service will be held at the Potter Cemetery on at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, in Potter, Nebraska.
Patricia Johnson England
Pat was born July 20, 1949, to Otto Howard and Dorothy Johnson.
Linda Lou "White" Horn
Linda Lou "White" Horn was born March 15, 1964 to Roger and Lou White in Hamilton, Montana.
Mineral County law roundup
Controlled Burn, First Creek Lane, Superior, Dispatch took information regarding controlled burn.
Virginia Clair Thomson (Ginny)
She was born in Bellingham, Washington, to Louis and Joyce Owens on March 31, 1952. She asked the Lord into her heart at the age of 10.
Mullan/St. Regis slams Charlo, 64-20
Senior running back Adam Ball was honored before the game during St. Regis’ senior night.
St. Regis jewelry makers are a creative couple
Being resilient and a bit innovative has come in handy for Matilda Sink over the years.
Nine Mile Community hosts apple cider festival
It’s a festive party that marks the definite arrival of fall by making apples the center of attention.
Cash available for Sanders Co. junk car removal
A den for feral cats, packrats, skunks and other ill wanted animals we’d rather not have to deal with near our homes.
America's Sweethearts come to Superior
A trio of New York City-based ladies delighted an audience recently.
Montana Viewpoint: Time to put the election to rest
Mike Lindell has had much more success in attracting people to his point of view than he has had in finding evidence to support it.
Bighorn sheep mating season
A bighorn ram pursues a ewe last Saturday in Sanders County. Bighorn sheep are in the midst of their mating season. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)
Clark Fork River rock skipping
A Northwest Montana family practices their rock skipping skills last Saturday on the Clark Fork River in Sanders County. Warm temperatures saw many campers and anglers enjoying time outdoors last weekend. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)
Blue Hawks stay unbeaten with 61-6 win over Plains
Thompson Falls is scoring 53.9 ppg. and allowing just 11.8.
TFalls, Noxon volleyball teams collect wins
The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks swept both matches last week, beating Bigfork in four sets and Mission in three.
Kirk Douglas Bauer Sr.
Kirk Douglas Bauer Sr. was born in Goodland, Kansas, to Dwaine Delbert and Mary Elaine Bauer on May 3, 1960 and went to be with Jesus on Oct. 8, 2021.
Daniel Abolos
Daniel Abolos was born June of 1944 in Del Rio, Texas, and passed away Oct. 7, 2021.
Wednesday, October 13
Plains football Denny Black
Plains football player Denny Black wrapped up a Troy ball carrier during last Thursday’s game. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)
Timothy Lewis
Timothy was happily married to Pamela Lewis for 43 years.
Noxon, Charlo volleyball teams each beat Superior
The Red Devils had strong serving performances with 20 aces overall.
Plains Horsemen fall to 0-4 after loss at Troy
The Plains Horsemen are experiencing a season which is all too familiar to last week’s opponent, the Troy Trojans.
Mabel (Mae) Fried
Mae was born Oct. 19, 1936, in Upham, North Dakota to Robert and Adeline Gomke.
State chamber group seeks students' innovative business ideas
This collaborative initiative invests in Montana’s students while developing a mentorship platform to connect with business and community leaders.
Prepare now for winter home heating
Some of the most important chores on the fall to do list involve maintenance on heating systems, gathering firewood, and splitting and stacking your supply.
Alleged California meth trafficker arrested
Carlos Guatimea Aguirre, 35, of Fresno, California, and Missoula, is facing charges of possession with intent to distribute.
Clark Fork Valley Hospital gets help from National Guard
Between Sept. 30 and Oct. 7, Sanders County has had at least 54 new cases while Mineral County has had 46.
Superior Bobcats smash Seeley, 74-20
Lucas Kovalsky scored twice on scoring runs of 21 and 22 yards. He also caught a TD pass from quarterback Orion Plakke.
Mineral County community helps one of its own
The pile of wood in their yard had been there since last year when Brad Hutchins brought it home from the IFG lumber mill.
Plains native Griggs appears on 'Price is Right'
But last week, Plains native Debbie Griggs became known as the small-town woman who made an appearance on “The Price is Right.”
Sanders County cross country runners prepare for postseason
For the girls team, Thompson Falls' Faith Palmer placed fourth in 21:28.
George Regan
He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and uncle who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Superior woman starts home floral business
This peaceful outdoor space chock full of an incredible palette of flowers provided VanRimsun with the means of starting her very own small scale floral business this year.
Mineral Co. Resource Committee talks mill closing
More campsites will be discussed for the Quartz and Sloway Campgrounds, and it appears the on-line reservation campsite program is working well.
John Walter “JW” Marrinan
John Walter “JW” Marrinan was born May 9, 2009, in Polson, Montana.
Thompson Falls resident advocates for wilderness protection
The wilderness is extremely special for reasons in every direction.
Area residents named to state boards
Several of the appointees are from Northwest Montana.
Commissioner Brooker says she supports public health
One person and maybe 150 followers aren’t going to take my good works away from me.
Sen. Daines pushes for increased logging and mining
U.S. Senator Steve Daines is calling on the U.S. Forest Service to do more to reach its timber harvest goals in Montana after falling short by 30% in fiscal year 2021.
406 area code required for local calls starting Oct. 24
That will change this month due to a Federal Communications Commission order designating 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Flu shots available at state VA clinics
The flu vaccine gets updated annually, and veterans should get a flu shot each year.
Mineral County law roundup
Traffic Stop, Railroad Avenue, Alberton, Deputy took suspect into custody for out of area outstanding warrant and transported them to Mineral County Jail.
Sanders County Justice Court
Sept. 28, Nahshon Adam Anderson, operating without liability insurance in effect-first offense, speeding.
An opportunity to build the workforce Montana needs
If there aren’t Montanans who are trained and ready to get to work on these projects, those good-paying jobs will go to out-of-staters.
Wednesday, October 6
Hot Springs bounces back with rout of Gardiner, 58-0
Senior Kyle Lawson scored on pass plays of 72, 34 and 29 yards.
Drummond-Philipsburg rolls over Superior Bobcats
Orion Plakke threw two touchdown passes to Decker Milender.
Noxon gridders pick up forfeit win over West Yellowstone
When the injury occurred with 3:17 left in the first quarter, the Red Devils were leading 8-0 after a VanVleet 21-yard touchdown run.
Noxon celebrates Homecoming
Noxon High School celebrated Homecoming at last Friday's football game vs. West Yellowstone. From left, are princess Jaedyn Murray, Nathan Cano, queen Riley Richter and king Cade Van Vleet. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)
Noxon takes Clark Fork, Idaho, to the limit
Noxon was playing just its third match of the season while Clark Fork played its ninth (8-1).
Plains Homecoming parade
Plains students ride on a float during last Thursday's Homecoming parade. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)
It's time to get serious about health and wellness
Health was on the minds of many at last Saturday’s Clark Fork Valley Hospital’s annual Health and Harvest Fair at the Sanders County Fairgrounds in Plains.
Plains football player Mason Elliott
Plains football player Mason Elliott tries to evade a Charlo tackler during Saturday's game. (Adam Lindsay/Valley Press)
Plains football player Donny Nelson
Plains football player Donny Nelson looks for room to run Saturday against Charlo. (Adam Lindsay/Valley Press)
Garry Joe Kane
He stayed at home from that time until his death with short hospital stays as he was taken care of by his sister, Ramona.
Sanders County youth to celebrate national 4-H week
The theme for this year’s National 4-H Week, FindYourSpark, is a campaign that was created by National 4-H Council to rally support for Cooperative Extension’s 4-H program and identify solutions to eliminate the opportunity gap that affects 55 million kids across America.
Firefighters prepare for fall prescribed burning
Both underburning and pile burning will be conducted this fall in previous treatment areas to eliminate slash/woody debris and promote nutrient recycling in the soil.
Elizabeth L. "Beth" Smith
Raised in Plains, Montana, Beth was a wild child from day one by all accounts.
Noxon Public School announces free, reduced-price lunch policy
The complete policy is on file in the central office and may be reviewed by any interested party.
State offering wolf snaring clinics
Western Montana Trapping Education Clinics to Focus on Responsible Techniques for Snaring Wolves.
Plains crowns Homecoming King and Queen
Plains Homecoming Queen Lillian McDonald and King Levi Blood were all smiles during the festivities Saturday night at halftime of the football game against Charlo. (Adam Lindsay/Valley Press)
Sanders County Justice Court
Kim Wayne Braaten, seatbelt violation, driving under the influence of alcohol-first offense.
VanVleet helps Red Devils roll over Gardiner
The 6-1, 260-pound VanVleet, blocked, ran and tackled with the effectiveness of a bulldozer last Tuesday as Noxon thumped the Gardiner Bruins 44-20.
Lady Hawks sweep Troy
It was a given that the Lady Hawks would start and finish strong.
Legals for October, 6 2021
Joint Operation Mariposa brings awareness to suicide prevention
Twenty-two veterans take their lives by suicide every day in the United States and September was National Suicide Prevention Month.
Search for missing Mineral Co. woman yields no new info
Rebekah Barsotti was last seen at about 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at the Town Pump in Superior.
Joe R. Wolff
Joe was proud of his service as an Army veteran.
Letter writing still in vogue at Mineral County Library
Technology can’t help you express the emotion behind the communication, from the choice of stationary to spending hours in the card aisle.
Old DeBorgia Schoolhouse crew bakes up a storm
The assembly line in the Old DeBorgia Schoolhouse worked the same amount of time but as volunteers, however, their perks were laughter, ribbing, homemade fudge and banana bread as they cranked out about 75 apple pies last Thursday.
Northwest Montana man faces rape charge in Idaho
A Northwest Montana man accused of rape in Idaho is also facing federal charges for his alleged involvement in car theft and gun running conspiracies across the northwestern United States.
Northwest Montana couple shares love of cowboy action shooting
The couple enjoys spending their free time traveling the state and the country to shoot beside those whose speed and accuracy with period firearms is as impressive as their variety of colorful nicknames.