Wednesday, October 30
Hot Springs sweeps Victor in volleyball
With the state volleyball playoffs getting underway this weekend, the Hot Springs Savage Heat will come into the post-season with a 3-0 sweep at home over Victor this past week hopefully giving them some playoff momentum.
Horsemen cap season with win over Arlee
For the Plains Horsemen, the road game against Arlee was a microcosm of their B-8 player football season.
Hot Springs' offense lights up Noxon
It was a long-awaited, much-anticipated showdown in the world of Montana six-player football.
Bobcats miss playoffs with loss to Seeley
Experience is often a priceless commodity.
Lady Hawks sweep Troy
It was a good week and a good test for the Thompson Falls volleyball team, which will host the Western 7B district playoff tournament this Saturday.
Trotters notch win heading into district tourney
In the topsy-turvey world that is the Western 7B volleyball conference, there’s good and not-so-good.
Blue Hawks earn No. 4 seed in playoffs
The Thompson Falls Blue Hawks football team completed their third regular season among the ranks of Class B-11 player schools with a 23-0 win over the Whitehall Trojans Friday night in T Falls.
St. Regis volleyball drops two
It was a hard week of volleyball for the St. Regis Lady Tigers, who faced a pair of volleyball powers this one, losing in Drummond, 3-0, then falling at home to Charlo, also by a 3-0 score.
Tigers secure playoff spot with win over Troy
There was a playoff spot on the line for the St. Regis Tigers football team and they showed the wanted that spot at the expense of Troy.
Tulloch scorches XC course for state title
It was a good day for Sanders County’s two high school cross-country teams. And with the youth of the runners from both squads, the future looks bright indeed.
Kvelve's Comments: It's playoffs time
And just like that, someone flipped the regular season off-on switch, and the Montana high school sports regular season was done.
Playoff action begins this week
The Montana high school Fall sports playoffs are about to begin.
West-central Montana hunters enjoyed mild weather and good success on opening weekend
The 2024 Montana big game general hunting season opened Saturday, Oct. 26, and hunters in the west-central part of the state enjoyed mild weather and harvest numbers up from last year’s opener, according to data collected at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife check stations near Anaconda, Bonner, Darby and Fish Creek.
Plains Drama Club brings 'Dracula' to life
The Plains Drama Club shows off their talent with the latest play “Dracula,” a who-done-it play with everyone knowing who did it.
Fall festival and costume parade held in Thompson Falls
Little goblins and ghouls haunted Ainsworth Park in Thompson Falls this past Saturday during the Fall Festival, which is celebrating its 4th year.
Fall festival and costume parade held in Thompson Falls
Little goblins and ghouls haunted Ainsworth Park in Thompson Falls this past Saturday during the Fall Festival, which is celebrating its 4th year.
Plains School Board earns statewide recognition
Plains School Board members have received statewide recognition from the Montana School Boards Association.
Patsy Maylene Duncan, 78
Patsy Maylene Duncan, 78
Karen Nanette Dunlap, 73
Karen Nanette Dunlap
Wolf trapping season will be limited in western Montana
Montana’s wolf trapping season will again run from Jan. 1 through Feb. 15 in western and most of central Montana – the same as last year’s season following a federal court order – and from Dec. 2 through March 15 for regions 6 and 7 in eastern Montana, according to a proposal on which the Fish and Wildlife Commission will vote on Nov. 12.
PHOTOS: St. Regis Fall Festival
St. Regis gets in the Halloween spirit with annual Fall Festival.
DeBorgia Schoolhouse hosts annual spaghetti dinner
“The dinner has always been called The DeBorgia Schoolhouse Spaghetti Dinner,” Naomi Stevens explained, who is involved in most everything in the west end of Mineral County.
Cyr Bridge on Highway 10 reopens
When the Montana Department of Transportation reported that the Cyr Bridge off I-90 would be closed all summer, they weren’t fibbing.
Award-winning author to talk about her novel at Superior library
Celebrated author Leslie Budewitz returns to the Mineral County Library in Superior on Saturday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. to talk about her latest book "The Real-Life Mary Fields."
Entrepreneurs team up to open new store in Superior
Christine Wharton and Janeen Willis have each been in the "fun stuff" business for a few years and recently partnered up with Superior retail store The Classy Bee’s Gift Shop at 204 4th Avenue.
Legals for October, 30 2024
Wednesday, October 23
County attorney explains water rights notice
The Montana Water Court recently issued a decree for the Clark Fork River between the confluences of the Blackfoot and Flathead rivers which goes through most of Mineral and Sanders counties.
Legals for October, 23 2024
PHOTOS: Superior homes go spooky for Halloween
Superior residents dress up their homes for a spooky Halloween.
Mineral County prepares for Election Day
Mineral County Clerk and Recorder Kelann McLees (left) and Deputy Clerk and Recorder Kasey Feasel are accepting absentee ballots and gearing up for Election Day. Registered voters can request an absentee ballot until noon on Nov. 4 or vote at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5. McLees and Feasel are available to answer any questions regarding the upcoming election.
Field burn offers firefighters a chance to train
A recent planned burn in Tarkio on Jim and Mary Jo Lommen’s property was considered a a win-win.
St. Regis runs past Plains, 48-24
St. Regis amassed 425 total yards of offense in a 48-24 win over Plains last week.
Loss drops St. Regis to 4-4 in conference action
If the volleyball match between St. Regis and Lincoln this past Saturday is any indication, the upcoming Western 13C District tournament ought to be a humdinger.
Unbeaten Lady Lions sweep Superior
There was little left to be determined following Eureka’s convincing 3-0 sweep of Superior this past week.
Hot Springs tips St. Regis in volleyball matchup
For the Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat volleyball team, this has been an uncharacteristically tough season.
Noxon takes care of business at Gardiner
The Devil went down to Hot Springs, he was looking for a 6-player title to steal.
Lady Devils suffer two losses on week
It was not a good week for Noxon’s Lady Devils volleyball team.
Lady Hawks sweep Trotters in volleyball rematch
In the volatile world of the Western 7B Volleyball conference, there is a sports fan’s paradise on the horizon. Intense competition, down-to-the-wire games played and games to come.
Hot Springs dominates Alberton in 6-man matchup
It was a matter of a long-time, long-successful team going up against a team new to varsity play without being part of a co-op.
Superior wallops Arlee for 4th straight win
After uncharacteristically beginning the season with a 1-2 record, the young talent that permeates the Superior High football lineup began to gel into a dangerous team.
Undefeated Florence-Carlton topples Blue Hawks
Yet another tough road game faced the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks football team.
Local teams dominate divisional XC meet
Boy, oh boy, this could be good.
Kvelve's Comments: Hunting state titles
I want a champion, or a championship.
FWP: Hunters are essential to managing CWD
Hunters play an important part in helping Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks learn where chronic wasting disease (CWD) is and how it spreads.
Health officials warn respiratory illness season underway in Montana
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services on Tuesday sent its annual warning to Montanans to prepare for the respiratory virus season, as the first influenza cases and the first hospitalization of the year have been reported during the past two weeks.
PHOTO: Western Montana Agency on Aging
Most locals refer to this kindness as simply "commodities" which is serviced by the Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging in Polson. The every-other-month food supplement served 90 Mineral County residents over age 60 that met the requirements of receiving the groceries. The volunteers are a dedicated group, and the St. Regis Senior Citizen's Center operates the program at the county level. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
Plains refuse site gets $200k makeover
After years of neglect and complaints from residents, the Plains refuse site recently had a major upgrade.
Zinke vows to find funding for Noxon bridge
Congressman Ryan Zinke stopped in Sanders County last week to discuss progress on efforts to replace the Noxon bridge.
Monday, October 21
Saltese shooting suspect remains at large
A Washington man suspected in an Oct. 13 shooting in Saltese remains at large after he ditched his vehicle on a road south of the rural community in Western Montana.
Thursday, October 17
The Western Way: Lonnie Metzger inducted to Cowboy Hall of Fame
Ronan rancher Lonnie Paul Metzger was recently inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame for District 10, which includes Lake, Flathead Lincoln and Sanders counties. He’ll be honored, along with other members of the 17th class, on Feb. 8 during an induction ceremony and Western Heritage Gathering at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls.
Wednesday, October 16
Montana’s threat of catastrophic property destruction by wildfires ranks No. 2 in the nation
Furthermore, Montana is one of the western states that hasn’t adopted a collection of building codes for areas where housing touches wilderness.
Kvelve's Comments: Can you feel the heat?
The excitement of what is coming down the local sports pipe is the stuff of which legends are made
County airport names Silverman as new manager
Mineral County commissioners on Friday approved the recommendation of Jim Silverman for the Mineral County Airport manager and chairman of the board of directors.
Jazz Legacy Project to perform in Alberton, Superior
Mineral County students and the public will have the chance to take in a jazz concert and music appreciation class later this month.
Elena Evans for PSC
We are retired Montanans living in all seven counties within District 4 of the Public Service Commission. Most of us are on fixed incomes. Some of us are Republicans and some are Democrats. But all of us are voting for Elena Evans, an Independent candidate for the PSC.
Plains, Superior centenarians honored by governor
Montana centenarians were honored by the governor last week in Billings during a special luncheon.
Sanders County ranch transforms into fall festival
Nestled along Montana 200, a short distance off the highway, a small ranch with large aspirations shares their success with residents of Sanders County.
Dossett appointed to Plains Council, replacing Foust
Longtime local resident John Dossett was appointed to the Plains Council last week, replacing outgoing Ward 1 Councilor Connie Foust.
Plains farmers market donates to senior center
During the last Plains farmers market of the year, organizers Chuck Haugen and Linda Wilson donate $1,000 to the Plains Paradise Senior Center.
Anton “Tony” Alexander Pearson, Jr.
Anton “Tony” Alexander Pearson, Jr.
Superior Bobcats rout Charlo, 60-12
After dropping two of their first three games of the season, the young Cats are on a roll that has them in contention for a playoff berth.
Blue Hawks fall to Missoula Loyola
Loyola of Missoula was looking to establish momentum early during their game in Thompson Falls Friday night at Previs Field.
Soccer teams cap inaugural season
With rare exception, starting a new business or fielding a new team in an established, power-laden league, requires willingness to invest in many things, including experience.
Trotters rebound with wins over Mission, Superior
Following their first loss of the season the week before to league leading Eureka, the Plains Trotters volleyballers were no doubt anxious to get back on the court.
Lady Hawks find their form as post season nears
It is almost always best to “peak” as post-season possibilities begin to take shape.
Lady Tigers swept in match with Seeley
The St. Regis Lady Tigers put up a tough fight against the always-tough Lady Blackhawks in Seeley-Swan this past week, but it was not enough to overcome the tall, talented home team in a 3-0 Seeley sweep.
Noxon volleyball falls to Troy
The Noxon volleyball team had a “devil” of a time in Troy where they faced the Lady Trojans this past Thursday.
St. Regis keeps playoff aspirations alive
As regular season, close to post-season crucial games, this one was a must win for both Darby and St. Regis.
Lady Hawks place 5 in top 30 at Pablo race
The Thompson Falls girls and Plains' outstanding sophomore runner continued to represent Sanders County well at the recent Mission Shadows Duels cross country meet at Silver Fox Golf Course in Pablo.
Top-rated Valley Christian shuts out Horsemen
Valley Christian is, as Plains head football coach Mike Tatum recognized, “as good as advertised.”
Savage Heat notch road win at Gardiner
The good teams, football purists note, are the ones who bounce back from disappointment and take it out on their next opponent.
Legals for October, 16 2024
Monday, October 14
Mineral County deputies search for shooting suspect
Mineral County law enforcement officials on Monday were searching for a suspect involved in a shooting in Saltese the prior day.
Friday, October 11
Log truck driver rescued following Highway 56 wreck
Numerous first responders and others worked to get the man out...
Thursday, October 10
Mack Days: Helena angler lugs in three-foot-plus lake trout
Anglers are on the downhill side of the nine-week long Mack Days competition with just four weekends left in the event that ends on Sunday, Nov. 3.
Wednesday, October 9
Wolverines nip Noxon, 48-45
The worst thing about the football game between Gardiner and Noxon this past Saturday in West Yellowstone was that it had to end.
Eureka volleyball escapes Plains with win
If Thursday’s match between unbeaten Eureka and unbeaten Plains was any indication, and it definitely was, the Western B volleyball playoffs this year are going to be awesome.
Thompson Falls improves to 6-3 in win over Troy
After starting their week of volleyball action with a sweep of Troy, the Thompson Falls Lady Hawks journeyed to Eureka for a match with the unbeaten conference leading Lady Lions.
Lady Hawk harriers win Hatchery Run
In what could well be a preview of post-season battles to come, Thompson Falls girls edged Plains girls by one team point in the Arlee Hatchery Run this past Friday.
Horsemen hold off Trojans on homecoming night
When Atlas, the Greek mythological figure often shown holding the planet on his shoulders, carrying the weight of the world was probably not the only thing on his mind.
Superior dominates Victor in homecoming win
It could become a new tradition, making the Pirates walk the plank on Homecoming night.
Gardiner Bruins maul Alberton Panthers, 40-6
Gardiner made the long trip from their home turf (308 miles) to Alberton hoping the hours-long drive in a bus was worth the effort.
Legals for October, 9 2024
Blue Hawks get first soccer win
This was a big week for high school soccer in the Sanders and Mineral counties area.
Blue Hawks fall to top-rated Lions
One thing is for certain: the Western B 11-player football conference is a tough league.
Lynx put damper on Hot Springs homecoming
It was a dark and stormy night, as many aspiring novelists may have written.
Kvelve's Comments: Charlie Hustle
One of the greatest of all-time departed the bonds of Earth the other day.
'The Works' offers a hilarious look at farm life
The Paradise Players hit another homerun with their latest comedy “The Works.”
Training day simulates hazmat accident
More than 30 first responders assembled early Saturday morning at the Sanders County Fairgrounds to conduct a simulated emergency event.
Event introduces students to agriculture in Sanders County
The Third annual Ag Day saw third graders descend from all corners of Sanders County for a day of fun and learning.
Fundraiser supports 'everyone’s favorite garbageman'
Lyle Batt grew up in Frenchtown and he is one of those guys that everyone loves.
Baked goods on the rise at Senior Center
If at 3 a.m. you see the lights on at the Superior Senior Citizens Center don't be alarmed but be ready for fresh baked goods.
Group discusses natural resources in western Montana
The Mineral County Resource Coalition is a diverse group of citizens who find resolutions to the complex issues facing natural resource management on public lands in Mineral County and other areas in western Montana.
PHOTO: Alberton Homecoming Pep Rally
During the Alberton School Homecoming Pep Rally, one challenge was having teams compete to see which class could gather the most balls when released on the gymnasium floor.
Alberton's McKenna Akane honored for 'impactful teaching'
McKenna Akane has earned an Outstanding Teacher Award from Project Lead The Way, which recognizes teachers who inspire, engage and empower their students with transformative classroom learning experiences.
October packed with community gatherings
To quote L.M. Montgomery the author of Anne of Green Gables, “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” This month is full of changing leaves, cozy sweaters, soups and ciders, harvest time and winter preparations. But it is also full of exciting community events and gatherings all around Mineral County.
PHOTOS: Superior Homecoming Parade
Superior Homecoming Parade
Tranel represents the Biden-Harris economic failures
It’s the definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.
Jimmy Dean Wheeler, 70
Jimmy Dean Wheeler, 70, passed away Sept. 27, 2024 in Plains.
Lolo Forest OKs project on 6,400 acres near St. Regis
The Lolo National Forest issued a final decision notice last week for the remaining portion of the Redd Bull Project, located on the Superior Ranger District.
Wednesday, October 2
Rediscovering home: The Bellevue Hotel gets a new life
The iconic lady on the hill is full of life once again.
Legals for October, 2 2024
Bobcats volleyball team falls at Mission
Not only did the Superior Bobcats volleyball team run into the conference co-leaders this past week, they also had to deal with a power outage.
Tulloch fourth at Mountain West Classic
There are big cross country meets, and there is the Mountain West event each year in Missoula.
Soccer teams face tough matches at Columbia Falls
With just one match this week in their inaugural varsity season, the Thompson Falls-Plains co-op Blue Hawks continued to build on improvements they have seen.
Lady Savage Heat sweeps Two Eagle River
It was a mixed bag of matches for the Hot Springs Lady Heat volleyballers, who won two matches and lost one this past week.
Lady Tigers get volleyball win over Victor
After losing to unbeaten Plains this past Tuesday, the St. Regis Lady Tigers were looking for a solid volleyball win.
Trotters volleyball improves to 7-0
To say the Plains High Trotters volleyball team is playing well would be like saying the surface of the sun is hot.
Laura Acker honored as Parent Educator of the Year
Laura Acker grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was the tenth of 11 children. She and her husband, Josh, moved to Alberton in 2004 and she is a parent educator with the Mineral County Health Department.
PHOTO: Old DeBorgia School apple pies
Westend residents Naomi Stevens, Susan Carles, and Bob Kortuem are part of the annual Apple Pie Factory of volunteers who make over 300 pies as a fundraiser for the Old DeBorgia School. Most pies have been pre-sold but there might be a few for sale at their Fall Spaghetti Feed in the school on Friday, October 25.
PHOTO: Fibertell optic line
Fibertell out of Idaho continues to lay optic line along Montana 200 and Highway 135 between St. Regis and Paradise. 3-large colored cables are being trenched and spliced but when operational, only 1 of the cables will be used. The other 2 are for future needs that are unknown at this point, but ready to launch.
Lady Hawks win third straight
The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks are on a volleyball roll. This past week they won a pair of Western B conference matches to increase their winning streak to three and boost their season record to 5-3.
Hawks shut out Anaconda, 28-0
After a grueling and challenging beginning to the 2024 season, the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks return from playing four of their first five football games on the road.
Red Devils cruise past Alberton in shutout win
While no game is “easy” in the world of football (that’s where they get the term ‘on any Sunday’), not going down to the wire every time out can be a good thing.
Bobcats beat host Plains, 60-28
It’s probably enough to make a grown football coach get misty-eyed: running backs with track speed and wrestler physicality.
PHOTO: Halloween decorations
Dylan (left) and Shelbie Ritchie at 205 Pine Street in Superior garnered attention when their Halloween themed home looked like the headquarters for a National Missing Children’s organization. Shelbie is a huge fan of Stephen King’s It so the main character, Pennywise, is featured with the balloons, ‘We all float down here’ signs along with posters of the children’s characters went on display. Animatronics are to be added soon.
Hot Springs posts another shutout
There is an interesting parallel between nature and Montana 6-player football.
Kvelve's Comments: The half-way point
This time fly's thing boggles my mind.
Seeley-Swan outlasts Tigers on homecoming night
Speed, it has been said, kills. When you add power to velocity, it often creates some intense collisions.
PHOTO St. Regis homecoming royalty
St. Regis High School's homecoming king Ayden Rael and queen Avery Burnham. (Chuck Bandel/MI-VP)
PHOTOS Big tomato
Joey Vigue, his wife Lauralee, and kids Leyna, Roczen and Layla, grew a huge 2.6 pound tomato this summer.
Sanders County Justice Court
Sanders County Justice Court
CARD Clinic loses appeal in fraud case
The Center for Asbestos Related Disease said in a recent news release it is disappointed by the recent decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a lower court ruling related to a lawsuit brought against it by BNSF Railway.
Plains couple runs popular Island Noodles stand
With just two options — vegan soba noodles and teriyaki chicken soba noodles — the menu is straightforward, allowing the chefs to master the art of the wok stove
