Ellington

Wildfire races across Montana 28 at Niarada

A wildfire west of Elmo raced across Montana 28 on Sunday, leaving a scorched swath of 5,000 acres in its wake.

Delivering income and property tax relief

As I meet with Montanans in every corner of our state, I hear the same concern often — taxes are too high. And they’re right. Taxes are too high and need to be reined in.

Montana property taxes explained

By now, most Montana property owners have opened their 2023 property classification and appraisal notices, and many have been surprised by the Montana Department of Revenue’s estimate of their property’s market value.

“Big fruit year” say cherry growers

Flathead cherry season is here, and lots of sweet, juicy cherries are ripe and ready to eat. “Big fruit this year,” said Bruce Johnson, a board member of the Flathead Cherry Grower’s Co-op. “Lots of size, and lots of stands are open.

Mule deer quotas adjusted in response to spring surveys

While mule deer populations remain steady in portions of the state, spring green-up surveys conducted by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologists showed populations in some parts of the state remain lower than desired, and as a result, licenses available to hunters in those areas have been cut back.

Stage 1 fire restrictions in place across Northwest Montana

Northwest Montana fire managers decided to enact stage 1 fire restrictions across the region.

Cyr's Bonnie Goodrich is featured quilter at fair

"American Country" will be the theme of the 22nd annual quilt show held by the Cabin Fever Quilters of Mineral County on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 4 and 5. This popular attraction is held in conjunction with the Mineral County Fair in Superior which is Aug. 3-5.

Big Sky football: Griz, Cat coaches chew on preseason predictions

When you look at the 2023 Big Sky Conference football preseason polls, it's important to know that in 2022, the Montana Grizzlies were the pick, and finished 8-5. Montana State, picked second and third by the media and coaches, and Sacramento State were co-champions.

Legals for July, 26 2023

Blindfolded side-by-side racers find their way on Thompson Falls course

Thompson Falls Clark Ford Valley Elks Lodge #2757 sponsored the second annual Blindfold Side-by-Side event on a sweltering hot Saturday, this past weekend.

Plains event focuses on family heritage

Families and friends filled Fred Young Park in Plains in celebration of pioneer heritage on Saturday.

Plains welcomes new school superintendent; board reviews bus contract

Plains School Board of Trustees welcomed the new District No. 1 Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh during their July meeting.

Fresh doughnuts served up at senior center

Whether its travelers headed North to Glacier, or locals stopping in for coffee and morning banter with friends, Johanna Stuart, at the St. Regis Senior Center wants people to drop by and try out her handmade donuts.

Warrior Expedition cyclists pass through Mineral County

“This is day 65 and 3,200 miles so far with maybe two weeks left before I finish the journey. I’m shooting for the first part of August,” shared Tim Davis last Tuesday evening under the shaded Douglas fir picnic area at Savenac Nursery.

Roads opened for firewood gathering on Superior District

The Superior Ranger District has opened several roads for firewood gathering through Sept. 1, with the caveat that a piece of paper is required.

I-90 sealing project to cause traffic delays

Midway through summer and the orange-cone season is continues to bloom. The next batch or orangeness is on I-90 going west is from Saltese to Lookout Pass.

Mineral County Fair to offer new events

"Always Fun in the 54" is the theme of the 48th Mineral County Fair set for Aug. 3-5, with many favorite events but a whole sack-full of new stuff.

Perma bridge work begins this week

The Montana Department of Transportation and Frontier West expect to begin work rehabilitating the Perma bridge over the Flathead River on July 24.

Preparation, storage of morels likely cause of illnesses at Bozeman restaurant

An investigation into what killed two people and left more than 50 others sick who ate at Dave’s Sushi in Bozeman earlier this year found morel mushrooms, and possibly their storage and preparation, were the likely causes of the illnesses, according to a report released Wednesday.

Woman killed in grizzly bear attack near West Yellowstone

The Custer Gallatin National Forest closed the Buttermilk area west of West Yellowstone during the weekend after a woman hiking alone there was killed by what wildlife officials believe was an adult grizzly bear.

Montana property taxes explained

By now, most Montana property owners have opened their 2023 Property Classification and Appraisal Notices, and many have been surprised by the Montana Department of Revenue’s estimate of their property’s market value.

3-on-3 tourney draws hundreds of hoopers

you are a died-in-the-wool basketball fan, this may have made you think you had passed and gone to hoop heaven.

COLUMN: Dog Days

Don’t know if they officially begin in August or if July qualifies, but regardless, “they” are here.

Cool Summer Nights Car Show revs up Trout Creek

Even in the heat of the summer, “cool” is the rule.

CARD Clinic ordered to pay $6 million in fraud case

BNSF Railway, upon behalf of the United States government, brought the suit in 2019 under the False Claims Act. The act allows private parties to sue on behalf of the federal government.

Flathead Lake's low water level prompts disaster declaration request

Flathead County commissioners asked Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday to issue a disaster declaration for Flathead and Lake counties owing to the repercussions of Flathead Lake’s diminished water level.

Dealing with Chinese economic coercion

What are gallium and geranium? Earlier this month China announced that effective Aug. 1, it will put export bans on these two seemingly obscure metals.

Zinke targets Glacier National Park ticketed entry system with legislation

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke’s latest attempt to roll back the vehicle reservation system in Glacier National Park is coming in the form of legislation.

Patriot Front members jailed, banned from downtown Cd'A

A Kootenai County judge sent five members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front to jail Friday and banned them from the city's downtown area for a year, following their conviction for conspiracy to riot, a misdemeanor.

Fishing restrictions possible on Flathead River due to low flows

State wildlife officials may implement fishing restrictions in Northwest Montana as rivers and streams run at or near historic lows for late July.

Grizzly euthanized after spate of conflicts in Glacier National Park

Glacier National Park officials on July 20 euthanized an aggressive and food-conditioned grizzly bear suspected of charging at a picnicking family near Swiftcurrent Lake Boat Launch earlier in the week.

Missing Koocanusa cliff jumper found dead

A missing Lincoln County man was found dead in Lake Koocanusa on Wednesday evening.

Montana adds protections for kids in private residential treatment programs

As a teenager attending Chrysalis Therapeutic Boarding School for Girls, a private, alternative therapeutic program in Eureka, Montana, from 2001 to 2004, Meg Appelgate was subjected to emotional abuse and not given medical care for injuries from physical labor such as baling hay, chopping wood, and moving rocks, she said.

Teen drug prevention focus of Superior presentation

Opioids are a class of drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine and several others.

Passport in Time, YCC volunteers visit Savenac Nursery

Keeping the Savenac Nursery in Haugan in pristine condition comes mostly from volunteers, with the bulk of help from Passport in Time.

Alberton celebrates its history at Railroad Days

At an elevation of 3,055 feet, Alberton sits on I-90 at the southern tip of Mineral County with a rich history of railroads.

ATV riders meet at West End for annual poker ride

The West End ATV Association is an ATV club made up of locals primarily from DeBorgia, Haugan and Saltese.

PHOTO: Pioneer celebration dinner at Plains

The community is invited to a free dinner that will be taking place at Plains Fred Young Park, July 22, from 5:30 – 8:30, in celebration of our pioneer heritage.

Sanders County Fair Board finalizes details

Sanders County Fair Board was busy at last Wednesday’s meeting making final preparations for the fair, carnival and rodeo.

99-year-old WWII veteran surprised with flight in Miss Montana

Local 99-year-old World War II veteran, Betty Meyer, was honored Saturday for her service with the Women’s Army Corp.

30th Chicken Jamboree takes place in Thompson Falls

Several hundred Sanders County residents participated in the 30th annual Chicken Jamboree last weekend.

COLUMN: Getting in laps

For me, it was “several shaky steps for dude, not much of a leap for mankind.”

Paradise Legion Club in need of new septic

During the well-publicized Paradise sewer project battle, the American Legion Club, one of two businesses in the town and the largest producer of sewage, had to walk a fine line.

Burgers and Bows shootout pulls in 80 archers

Archery, including bow hunting, is alive and well in Northwest Montana.

Pickleball craze hits Montana courts

The dude in the pickle costume marching in the Plains Day parade might have been a harbinger of things to come.

Glen E. Neville, 84

Glen E. Neville, 84

Legals for July, 19 2023

Bill aims to ease path to homeownership for volunteer firefighters

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester recently introduced a bill aimed at increasing affordable housing for volunteer firefighters and other first responders to bolster recruitment and retention.

Plan to raise Flathead Lake level torpedoed by water management team

A regional water management team on Friday opted not to alleviate Flathead Lake’s low water level by increasing flows out of Hungry Horse Reservoir.

Plan to raise Flathead Lake level torpedoed by water management team

A regional water management team on Friday opted not to alleviate Flathead Lake’s low water level by increasing flows out of Hungry Horse Reservoir.

Tranel says Zinke’s ‘extremism’ makes him vulnerable in 2024

Missoula Democrat Monica Tranel is confident in her chances of winning Montana’s western district U.S. House seat in the 2024 election.

COLUMN: Monkey bars

It started early for me. I’ve always been a scavenger of one sort or another.

Montana GOP grew government, raised taxes

Less government and lower taxes. You hear that political slogan from Republican candidates early and often while they are campaigning.

Montanans are getting their money back

Nearly all working-age Montanans, more than half the state’s total population, are getting some welcome news this month: the state is sending them money.

Pat's Knob Lookout reopened for fire season

Forest Service crew members Wesley Buchanan, AJ Jermyn and Tanner Ovitt made the long drive to the top of Pat’s Knob to open the historic Patrick’s Knob Lookout for the 2023 fire season.

Gary Novakovitch, 76

Gary Novakovitch, 76

Reinstalled sign draws visitors to Paradise Legion club

Like the phoenix rising from the ashes in literary lore, a piece of Paradise has returned to its perch, symbolically and literally rising from the ashes of past tragedy.

Volunteers clear old wire on Hiawatha to help protect wildlife

The fourth annual Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation wire-pull on the Montana/Idaho border had fewer volunteers this summer, but the enthusiasm for the project hasn't changed.

First responders hone skills in active-shooter drill

With increasing social instability creeping through the nation, more doors are being locked, car keys are no longer left dangling from the ignition, and security cameras are being installed nearly everywhere.

Legals for July, 12 2023

Zinke endorses political newcomer Sheehy for Senate

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke on Wednesday threw his support behind Navy SEAL veteran and businessman turned U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, joining other prominent Montana conservatives in endorsing the Bridger Aerospace CEO.

Legals for July, 12 2023

PHOTO: Stuck semi snarls traffic at Superior

A semi gets stuck on the eastbound on-ramp of I-90 on Thursday after refueling at Town Pump. Traffic was snarled for about 90 minutes. “This happens more often than you’d imagine,” explained an employee with Superior Towing. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)

Noxon fireworks trailer destroyed in post-Fourth blaze

You can see it in his eyes, even though he tries to suppress the hurt.

Fourth of July festivities light up Sanders County

Oh beautiful, for Big Blue skies, for forests, hills and Plains.

Plains horse sculpture discussed by town council

Few attended the July Plains Town Council meeting scheduled one day before the July 4 holiday. No public comments were made during the meeting.

Stories shared at Paradise School reunion

Former Paradise School students gathered before the Fourth of July for their third annual class reunion.

Conservation license now required to access some state lands

A new rule that went into effect over the weekend requires all outdoor enthusiasts to secure a conservation license to access some state lands previously open with few restrictions to the public.

PHOTOS: St. Regis Fourth of July parade

St. Regis Fourth of July parade

Fugitive recaptured after manhunt in Plains

A fugitive who reportedly slipped out of his handcuffs and escaped custody July 9 in the Plains area was recaptured by local law enforcement officers July 10.

Michigan homicide suspect escapes custody in Sanders County

A Michigan man wanted for a 2011 homicide escaped from custody Sunday morning in the Plains area.

Family brings 'glamping' experience to Paradise

Camping, like so many things, has evolved from the days of the Old West.

G Joan "Joanne" Gregory, 81

G Joan "Joanne" Gregory, 81

COLUMN: Pro payday

So let me get this straight: you get good, real good, really good at putting a ball through a hoop 10 feet off the ground and you can be set for life?

PHOTO: Mineral County Rodeo Royalty

Mineral County Rodeo Royalty

Legislative districts modified for state elections

As the dust continues to settle on the last legislative session, boundaries that affect Mineral and Sanders counties have had some modifications.

State wants comments on new elk management plan

Elk hunters who are interested in how the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks manage elk have the opportunity to weigh in on the new draft elk management plan.

PHOTO: Electric vehicle charging station in St. Regis

Electric vehicle charging station in St. Regis

PHOTOS: St. Regis Liberty Bash Softball Tournament

St. Regis Liberty Bash Softball Tournament

Community calendar

Community calendar

PHOTOS: 'A Boomer's Story' book signing event

'A Boomer's Story' book signing event in Superior.

Legals for July, 5 2023

Helen Ruth (Malone) Jacobs, 93

Helen Ruth (Malone) Jacobs, 93

New K-12 private school to open near Thompson Falls

It’s not just parents who are dissatisfied with public education these days. There are also teachers who want a better way for their students to learn.

New fitness gym takes shape in Plains

It could be said the “Warrior” spirit is being infused into the site of what will be the Warrior Fitness gym in Plains.

Residents get sticker-shock from property appraisal notices

The sticker-shock of estimated property taxes to residents of Mineral County hit a nerve when assessments arrived in mailboxes Friday or Saturday.

Firefighters knock down garage fire in Plains

Fire crews from Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District and Plains Fire Department were on scene for a garage fire late Friday afternoon.

Asbestos clinic leaders say verdict won’t halt efforts

A federal jury’s decision that the Center for Asbestos Related Disease in Libby committed fraud has left clinic leadership undeterred.

Patriot Front trials set for July in Coeur d'Alene

More than a year after their arrest for allegedly planning to violently disrupt a Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene City Park, six members of white nationalist hate group Patriot Front are expected to stand trial.

Fighting the fentanyl crisis in Montana

Families and communities across Montana are being devastated by illicit fentanyl — a drug so powerful that just 2 milligrams, the amount that would fit on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially fatal dose.

Montana FWP releases draft administrative rules to manage grizzlies if delisted

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks issued its first look last week at draft rules for how the state plans to manage grizzly bears should the federal government agree to delist them as endangered species in areas of Montana.