Wednesday, July 31
Portion of Clark Fork River reopened after storm cleanup
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reopened all portions of the Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers that were closed late last week due to danger from power lines in the river after the July 24 severe storm.
Lady Hawks play in Veterans Memorial tourney
The honors keep rolling in for a pair of Thompson Falls High softball players.
FWP seeks members for Citizen Advisory Committee
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking applicants to fill volunteer positions on the northwest Montana (FWP Region 1) Citizen Advisory Committee.
Montana Viewpoint: Respect
I asked a friend of mine if he had ever known a man named Bat O’Callahan who lived in Trout Creek years ago and was married to my good friend Jessie O’Callahan. Whether that marriage ended because Bat left town or died, I never did know, but since Jessie had remembered him so fondly, I thought he must have been a good man.
Mineral County DUI Task Force provides rides at fair
The Mineral County DUI Task Force has contracted with Superior Taxi to provide free rides home from the fair on Friday and Saturday nights for adults who have had too much to drink.
Rediscovering home: Superior Ranger District
Ranchers carefully select their herds for the best genetics. Who knew that the Forest Service does much the same with trees.
Legals for July, 31 2024
Sanders County students take part in 4-H Congress
More than 190 4-H members from across the state visited Montana State University last week for the Montana 4-H Congress, an annual event offering competitive events, workshops, entertainment and social events.
Road work planned on Main Street in Thompson Falls
The Montana Department of Transportation and its partner Razz Construction Inc. plan to begin repairs in the Thompson Falls-Urban project area this week. This work is part of the project’s warranty period.
Plains softball coach tearfully resigns
During a special Plains School Board session, longtime softball coach Kati Mitchell tearfully resigned as head softball coach.
Possibility of wildlife-to-human crossover heightens concerns about Chronic Wasting Disease
Each fall, millions of hunters across North America make their way into forests and grasslands to kill deer. During the winter, people chow down on the venison steaks, sausage, and burgers made from the animals.
Griz top preseason Big Sky polls, Cats 2nd
SPOKANE, Washington — Coming off a trip to the FCS national championship game in January, Montana was picked to win the Big Sky Conference for a second consecutive season in both the media and coaches preseason polls Sunday.
1 injured in fire that destroys Plains home
Tragedy struck a Plains family last week with the total loss of their home and all its contents.
Blue Hawks looks to get 'stronger and faster'
If effort coupled with condition and desire are key building blocks of a football team, Thompson Falls appears to be, no pun intended, good shape.
Blade runners: Lawn mower races return to Thompson Falls
The only particles in the air Saturday were clouds of dust flying off the tires of the crowd-pleasing riding lawn mowers.
COLUMN: Rugby Sevens
The first bit of the 2024 Paris Olympics landed in my living room this past weekend.
Small fires remain active around Western Montana
Extreme fire danger continues on the Lolo National Forest with stage 2 restrictions in place.
Food bank seeks donations for new building
This weekend is possibly the time when more people come to County 54 with the Mineral County Fair taking place.
Locals get a look at I-90 bridge projects
Fall, winter, spring and road construction are Montana’s four seasons, many will tease. But summer is when the big projects must take place, so the rule of thumb is to plan for the commute to take longer.
Superior recycling program races funding shortfall
There is a danger of the recycling program in Superior of shutting down due to the lack of adequate donations to cover the costs for the bin pulls.
Friday, July 26
UM center blazes trail with course about living with fire
With extreme wildfires doubling in the past 20 years, many residents in the Western U.S. have smoldering concerns for their future safety and wellbeing. To help take wildfire management to the next level in the era of climate change, the FireCenter at the University of Montana has piloted a course to provide solutions for living alongside this growing threat.
Thursday, July 25
Postal Service abruptly ended negotiations with Alpine Air in Montana
The U.S. Postal Service abruptly stopped air service in Montana this week even after Alpine Air, its air cargo contractor in the state, offered a roughly $3 million reduction in its contract, according to the company CEO.
Wednesday, July 24
Local basketball teams wrap up summer play
One thing is clear as the summer local high school basketball season winds down: there will be some improved teams as several long-anticipated, talented classes enter their junior and senior seasons.
Clark Fork Trout guide shop has a new owner
Steve and Peggy Temple purchased Clark Fork Trout from Brooks Sanford about 10 years ago. They grew the business into a highly respected fishing guide service predicated on customer service with amazing fishing experiences.
Stage 2 fire restrictions in place in Mineral County
Rumbles of thunder were an unwelcoming sound throughout Mineral County around 3 a.m. on July 18.
Volunteer group holds back-to-school drive
In just a few short weeks the lazy carefree days of summer will transition into back-to-school preparations. Families buying new clothes and gym shoes, backpacks and binders, pencils and pens. But for some Mineral County students it can be a financial strain acquiring all they need as they enter those hallways once again.
Volunteers take on Heart Lake trail maintenance
One of the more popular hikes in Lolo National Forest follows the South Fork Trout Creek to Heart Lake and then Pearl Lake in a cirque basin.
Legals for July, 24 2024
Rediscovering home: St. Regis Resort District
The rivalry in Mineral County was a real cat fight. The Tigers, Panthers and Bobcats hated to lose to each other. It was like brothers, and now sisters, going at each other in the backyard.
Mineral County Sheriff's Office report
Mineral County Sheriff's Office report for July 7-13
Stage 2 fire restrictions in place in Sanders County
Rumbles of thunder were an unwelcoming sound throughout Mineral County around 3 a.m. on July 18. Going on a three-week stretch of 90-plus degree temperatures and no precipitation, Thursday mornings early hour lightning strikes sparked several fires around the mountains of St. Regis and Superior.
COLUMN: Dream Team
One of the sports highlights of my younger days was watching the USA Olympic basketball team take to the court and beat the best of the rest of the world with our top college players.
Plains VFW getting a makeover
It is a building that in one way or another has been serving the Plains community for several decades.
Berneking is Grand Marshal, Duncan is Fair Lady
This is really a real honor and a privilege to be the grand marshal,” said Herman Berneking. “They had a lot of people to choose from and I’m humbled they chose me.”
PHOTOS: Alberton Railroad Days
PHOTOS: Alberton Railroad Days
Tuesday, July 23
High temperatures trigger widespread fishing restrictions
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has implemented fishing restrictions on 13 western Montana rivers that are exceeding temperature thresholds following an underwhelming snowpack and a heat spell last week that broke records in some parts of the state.
Monday, July 22
1 dead in officer-involved shooting in Mineral County
Mineral County law enforcement officers on Sunday shot and killed a suspect who was allegedly involved in a stabbing and kidnapping earlier in the day.
Wednesday, July 17
Mineral County Sheriff's Office report July 7-14, 2024
Mineral County Sheriff's Office report July 7-14, 2024
Chris Ziegele, 69
Chris Ziegele, 69
Remembering Rebekah Barsotti
As we mark the third anniversary of the disappearance of Rebekah Barsotti and her beloved Belgian Malinois, Cerberus, we reflect on a journey of courage, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of justice.
Locals reflect on the beginnings of the fair and rodeo
The Mineral County Fair and Rodeo has been the premier three days of socializing for at least 50 years, with this year's edition set for Aug. 1-3.
West End car show
Michael Stepan and Sue McLees with his 1937 Plymouth and 1967 Shovelhead with a ’57 straight leg frame on the trailer that he and his son restored. This entry took 3rd Place at the West End Volunteer Fire Department BBQ and Car Show in DeBorgia Saturday.
Superior Cemetery gets upgrades
The land for the Superior Cemetery up Flat Creek was donated by A.P. Johnson, who is considered the "father" of Superior by many residents.
Thompson Falls Council reviews zoning law and dog kennel request
Thompson Falls monthly council meeting saw tensions rise after the second reading of a new zoning ordinance, with other discussions centering on whether dog kennels should be allowed in city limits.
Elk Meadows Bridge on Lolo Forest to be replaced this summer
The bridge on the scenic Elk Meadows Road, Lolo National Forest System Road 451, that goes along the Bitterroot Mountains from the Lolo Pass Visitor Center on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests to the Lolo National Forest near Lolo, Mont., will be replaced this summer.
Lee Creek Campground to be closed for water system updates
The Lee Creek Campground and Forest Road 699, Lee Creek Road, on the Lolo National Forest will be closed from July 18 to August 30, 2024, for water system updates.
Cool Summer Nights car show draws classic fleet to Trout Creek
Like all of the owners in the field of polished classic cars, Connie Leech could not resist.
Heat wave brings more fishing restrictions in Montana
Angling restrictions on several rivers in Montana went into effect July 12 due to warming temperatures and low flows. Hoot-owl restrictions prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. These closures and restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve.
COLUMN: The weight room
I will never forget the memory, no matter how hard I try or how much “Mental Floss” I use.
Red Devils use off-season for strength and conditioning
Brian Risch looked up from the weight lifting bench, several pounds of metal weights in his hands.
Hot Springs bulks up for return to gridiron
Players and coaches at Hot Springs High are looking for a rebound season after they went 8-1 last year.
UM Library makes historic aerial photos available online
Some of the state’s earliest known aerial photography now is available online courtesy of the University of Montana Mansfield Library.
Legals for July, 17 2024
Friday, July 12
US, Canada reach deal to renew Columbia River Treaty
After years of negotiations, the United States and Canada have reached a tentative agreement renewing the Columbia River Treaty.
Wednesday, July 10
Legals for July, 10 2024
Mineral County Sheriff's Office report
Mineral County Sheriff's Office report
Delbert "Bubba" Bennett, 70
Delbert "Bubba" Bennett, 70
Two Lady Hawks selected for softball classic
The honors keep rolling in for a pair of Thompson Falls softball players.
COLUMN: Artificial intelligence
The following “broadcast” is brought to you by the fine folks at Artificial Intelligence, Inc. (Aiiiii).
Plains Class of 74 gathers for reunion
David Proctor knew he had a big task ahead.
Plains celebrates Independence Day
Plains celebrated the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4,1776 with a full day of activities for all ages.
St. Regis Independence Day parade
Photos from the annual Fourth of July parade in St. Regis on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Sales pick up at Saltese Swap Meet
The weather was ideal and the mix of vendors had the shoppers/browsers thoroughly entertained at the Saltese Swap Meet and Flea Market last week.
River Street Festival floats on this weekend
The second annual River Street Festival Great Montana SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) Sprint is next up for family excitement in Mineral County. The name has become larger, but then the event has certainly grown in accordance.
Gail Lewis selected as featured quilter
“I saw it on Pinterest,” is often heard as Gail Lewis displays her colorful pieces of art at the of the Mineral County Cabin Fever Quilters Guild monthly meetings.
Montana gets federal grant to retrain laid off lumber workers
A grant from the U.S. Department of Labor is providing $2 million to the State of Montana to provide workforce retraining and other services to lumber workers losing their jobs because of the closures of two lumber companies in western Montana.
Church celebrates local couple's long marriage
They met at the Missoula Mercantile in 1955.
Wednesday, July 3
Superior sandwich shop settles into new location
Longtime Superior residents recall KC Sullivan Management/Tax Preparation, The Strand Theater, The Rocking Rodeo Bar & Grille, and Sully’s on the 100 block of River Street.
Road work begins on highways 200 and 135
Montana 135 between St. Regis and Paradise is a 21.5-mile-long route known as the cut-off road. From 1960 to 1978, it was a connection between U.S. 10 and US 10A and later Montana 200.
Legals for July, 3 2024
Mission team wins Passing League title
The eighth edition of the Superior Passing League football experience came to a head last week with the five-on-five passing group from Mission High claiming the championship in Superior.
Recipe for success: Hot Springs hires new basketball coach
Ingredients and the blend. Those, according to new Hot Springs High School boys basketball coach Jim Benson, are the keys to success.
COLUMN: Olympic marketing
Speaking of France... We weren’t? Is anyone, especially when it comes to the 2024 Summer Olympic games?
Joan Helene Carroll, 84
Joan Helene Carroll, 84
Tyler’s Kitchen project proposed on Lolo Forest
The Forest Service invites the public to provide feedback on the proposed Tyler’s Kitchen Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Project on the Missoula Ranger District, located southeast of the confluence of Rock Creek and the Clark Fork River in Granite and Missoula counties.
Veterans retreat expands near Thompson Falls
On a peaceful mountain retreat in Thompson Falls, close to 100 people gathered recently to celebrate the acquisition of a new 60-acre facility for a veterans group called, Patrol Base Abbate Return to Base.
Practice makes perfect for Sanders County 4-Hers
Tuesday night was an evening for members of local 4-H groups to perfect their showmanship for the upcoming goat and sheep competition during this year’s Sanders County Fair.
Plains Library earns state recognition
For their hard work and dedication, Plains Public Library, staff, and volunteers received the Excellent Library Service Award (ELSA) by the Montana State Library Commission.
Spotlight on the Arts: Zoe Denson
“Spotlight on the Arts” by The Paradise Center honors and encourages students in the arts by highlighting their talent and acknowledging the support they receive through their schools and teachers.
New archery range opens at Big Arm
Archery shooters have a new public range along Flathead Lake.
Bargain hunters peruse Yard Sale stops
Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives.
Testa celebrates long career with Mineral Community Hospital
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Baby Boomer women on average hold 12.1 jobs in their lifetime, while men hold 12.5 jobs. According to Zippia, a national job search engine, the average American worker has 12 jobs throughout a lifetime.
Monday, July 1
St. Regis ignites for Independence Day celebrations
There’s nothing quite like celebrating the Fourth of July in a homegrown, small town, with streets lined with Old Glory, ice cream smiles, fireworks and U.S. pride. If you’re looking for some Yankee Doodle Dandy fun, head on down to St. Regis for Independence Day.
Locals compete for Junior Princess
“I don’t know how many years I’ve been doing this (judging), but this might have been the most difficult year to choose the Junior Princess. It almost came down to a coin toss,” said Shawn Heyer with the Superior LIONS Rodeo Committee.
PHOTO: Red, white and boom
Tifani Amberson is on her sixth year selling fireworks in Superior at the KCB Creations stand in the Durango’s parking lot.
