Stories for October 2021

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Wednesday, October 27

Wildfire burn scars affect West's drinking water
October 27, 2021 midnight

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.

October 27, 2021 midnight

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
October 27, 2021 midnight

Hyatt leads Bluehawks at state meet

Thompson Falls runner Will Hyatt finished eighth overall at the State B cross country meet Saturday in Missoula.

October 27, 2021 midnight

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.

October 27, 2021 midnight

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
October 27, 2021 midnight

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
October 27, 2021 midnight

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.

October 27, 2021 midnight

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
October 27, 2021 midnight

Jean Frances (Gaslin) Patton

Jean was born in Coquille, Oregon, to Charles and Frances Gaslin. She attended college in Eugene and Portland, Oregon.

October 27, 2021 midnight

Sanders County Justice Court

Daniel Brandon Luciano, violating speed limit near school or senior citizen center

October 27, 2021 midnight

Mineral County law roundup

Warrant Served, Missoula County, Forest Service located male wanted on outstanding warrant, male transported to Mineral County Jail.

October 27, 2021 midnight

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
October 27, 2021 midnight

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
October 27, 2021 midnight

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
October 27, 2021 midnight

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
October 27, 2021 midnight

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
October 27, 2021 midnight

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.

October 27, 2021 midnight

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...

October 27, 2021 midnight

$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

October 20, 2021 midnight

Sanders County Justice Court

Brandon Richard Noble, owner permitting operation of vehicle without liability insurance.

October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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.

October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

Patricia Johnson England

Pat was born July 20, 1949, to Otto Howard and Dorothy Johnson.

Linda Lou "White" Horn
October 20, 2021 midnight

Linda Lou "White" Horn

Linda Lou "White" Horn was born March 15, 1964 to Roger and Lou White in Hamilton, Montana.

October 20, 2021 midnight

Mineral County law roundup

Controlled Burn, First Creek Lane, Superior, Dispatch took information regarding controlled burn.

Virginia Clair Thomson (Ginny)
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

America's Sweethearts come to Superior

A trio of New York City-based ladies delighted an audience recently.

October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

Blue Hawks stay unbeaten with 61-6 win over Plains

Thompson Falls is scoring 53.9 ppg. and allowing just 11.8.

October 20, 2021 midnight

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.
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 20, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

Timothy Lewis

Timothy was happily married to Pamela Lewis for 43 years.

October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

Mabel (Mae) Fried

Mae was born Oct. 19, 1936, in Upham, North Dakota to Robert and Adeline Gomke.

October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

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.

October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

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'
October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

Sanders County cross country runners prepare for postseason

For the girls team, Thompson Falls' Faith Palmer placed fourth in 21:28.

George Regan
October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

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.

October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

John Walter “JW” Marrinan

John Walter “JW” Marrinan was born May 9, 2009, in Polson, Montana.

October 13, 2021 midnight

Thompson Falls resident advocates for wilderness protection

The wilderness is extremely special for reasons in every direction.

October 13, 2021 midnight

Area residents named to state boards

Several of the appointees are from Northwest Montana.

October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 13, 2021 midnight

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.

October 13, 2021 midnight

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.

October 13, 2021 midnight

Flu shots available at state VA clinics

The flu vaccine gets updated annually, and veterans should get a flu shot each year.

October 13, 2021 midnight

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.

October 13, 2021 midnight

Sanders County Justice Court

Sept. 28, Nahshon Adam Anderson, operating without liability insurance in effect-first offense, speeding.

October 13, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

Hot Springs bounces back with rout of Gardiner, 58-0

Senior Kyle Lawson scored on pass plays of 72, 34 and 29 yards.

October 6, 2021 midnight

Drummond-Philipsburg rolls over Superior Bobcats

Orion Plakke threw two touchdown passes to Decker Milender.

Noxon gridders pick up forfeit win over West Yellowstone
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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.

October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

Elizabeth L. "Beth" Smith

Raised in Plains, Montana, Beth was a wild child from day one by all accounts.

October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

State offering wolf snaring clinics

Western Montana Trapping Education Clinics to Focus on Responsible Techniques for Snaring Wolves.

Plains crowns Homecoming King and Queen
October 6, 2021 midnight

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)

October 6, 2021 midnight

Sanders County Justice Court

Kim Wayne Braaten, seatbelt violation, driving under the influence of alcohol-first offense.

October 6, 2021 midnight

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.

October 6, 2021 midnight

Lady Hawks sweep Troy

It was a given that the Lady Hawks would start and finish strong.

October 6, 2021 midnight

Legals for October, 6 2021

Joint Operation Mariposa brings awareness to suicide prevention
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

Joe R. Wolff

Joe was proud of his service as an Army veteran.

Letter writing still in vogue at Mineral County Library
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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
October 6, 2021 midnight

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.