Monday, June 30
CSKT issues fish consumption warning for three rivers
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are advising all tribal members to avoid consuming all species and sizes of fish harvested from the lower Clark Fork River from the Bitterroot River near Missoula to the Flathead River near Paradise.
Two firefighters slain in North Idaho ambush
Hours after two firefighters were ambushed and fatally shot while responding to a blaze on Canfield Mountain Sunday, authorities said that the suspected shooter was found dead on the burning mountain.
Wednesday, June 25
Legals for June, 25 2025
I-90 flagged as wildlife collision hotspot
Between 2008 and 2020, nearly 30,000 reported collisions involving large animals occurred in Montana, resulting in 54 human fatalities.
Zinke says Noxon bridge replacement a top priority
Congressman Ryan Zinke visited the Noxon bridge last week after requesting $10 million in the federal appropriation bill to replace the historical span.
Soccer camp a kick for dozens of kids
Noxon Youth Soccer began last fall as part of the Clark Fork Soccer Association, which graciously incorporated our program alongside other Sanders County communities such as Plains, Thompson Falls, Trout Creek, and Hot Springs.
Water quality study bridges U.S.-Canada divide
This summer, researchers are slated to begin a new $4.9 million transboundary study aimed at promoting “a common understanding” of longstanding pollution concerns in the Kootenai River system.
West wins 5th straight Shrine Game
Merek Mihelish hit Helena Capital teammate Dylan Almquist with a 26-yard touchdown pass late in the first half, Florence’s Mason Arlington made a goal-line interception late and the West defeated the East 14-7 in the 78th East-West Shrine Game Saturday.
Gianforte signs law cracking down on illegal hiring
During a stop in Evergreen on Wednesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into law a bill that expands the state’s authority to police illegal hiring practices.
Voices of the valley: Paperwork
Paperwork. My first experience with paperwork beyond the signature line on the page bottom occurred in the Army in 1968 when I unfolded the infamous Standard Form 86.
Fort Connah Rendezvous is a step back in time
A trapper by the name of “Teaspoon” finished first in the annual Trapper’s Run – a contest of grit and physical stamina held during the 24th anniversary of the Fort Connah Rendezvous, June 14-15 at the historic outpost north of St. Ignatius.
Community representation a key attribute for rodeo princess
To be eligible to participate to become the Junior Rodeo Princess for the Superior LIONS Go for the Gold Rodeo at the Mineral County Fair, young ladies must be between 13 and 20 years of age.
PHOTOS DeBorgia Schoolhouse Yard Sale and Flea Market
DeBorgia Schoolhouse Yard Sale and Flea Market
Trail Rail runners breeze through rainy weather
The rain held off for most of race day Saturday as the 13th annual Trail Rail Run commenced up and over the pass near Mullan, Idaho.
Kvelve's Comments: A chance to live the dream
One of the things I always wanted to be growing up was a sportswriter.
Governor touts effort to streamline small-scale forestry work
A ceremonial signing of HB 79 took place last week at Big Sky Forest Products in St. Regis.
Wednesday, June 18
Energy Keepers to adjust dam operations to help raise Flathead Lake water level
The Interior department on Friday approved a request by Energy Keepers, Inc. to raise the water level in Flathead Lake this summer by adjusting minimum flows at the SKQ Dam.
Motorcyclist killed in crash near Thompson Falls
A Hot Springs man died Tuesday in a motorcycle crash in Sanders County.
Zinke backs 15 Western Montana projects for federal funding
U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke has requested federal funding for 15 projects in Western Montana to improve infrastructure, economic development and law enforcement capabilities..
PHOTO 4-H Fashion Revue winners
From left, Katherine Wrobleski, Hannah Olson, Ailie Avilla, Anaelle Avilla at the Sanders County 4-H Fashion Revue. Judging is based on presentation of the ensemble (fit, grooming, poise and accessories), construction and an interview. In the Sewing & Textiles category, Anaelle Avilla placed first, Ailie Avilla earned a blue ribbon and Hannah Olson a red ribbon. In quilting, Ailie Avilla placed first, and in knitting Katherine Wrobleski placed first. (Photo provided)
Summer reading and lunch program kicks off in Superior
Eva Horning Park in Superior has great family attractions with the playground, skate park, picnic tables with plenty of green space to burn off energy for kids. And during the summer it naturally becomes busier, especially with two programs that make the manicured property even more enjoyable.
Mineral County Sheriff's Office report
Mineral County Sheriff's Office report
PHOTO: Flag Day ceremony in St. Regis
Ray Welch American Legion Post 13 in St. Regis held a small flag retirement ceremony on Flag Day, Saturday, June 14 at their headquarters on Mill Creek Road. It was a solemn event but important to the membership for the honor in which they all had served their country. (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)
Rena Mary Johnson, 72
Rena Mary Johnson
Rodeo takes center stage at Homesteader Days
It was in some ways like trying to navigate in a dust storm.
Legals for June, 18 2025
State officials to make decision on Bull River boating restrictions
Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission members will decide at its Thursday meeting in Helena on whether to implement changes involving motorized boats on the Bull River.
PHOTO Soccer and Art camp
Plain's Alliance Church held its Soccer and Art Camp last week with about 109 kids registered. Kids could choose soccer or art for the week. The school provided the snacks, The Mangie Moose donated art supplies and the Plains Soccer Association donated use of their equipment. Studs also donated supplies. (Photo provided)
Vendors bring variety to the Alberton Community Farmers Market
If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for at the Alberton Community Farmers Market this week, don’t worry, your favorite vendor might be back next time.
Kvelve's Comments: Summer is for swimming
Water and sunshine mix.
Voices of the valley: Planning for growth
Summer 2025. The Clark Fork and Flathead Rivers merge near Paradise in the eastern valley where my family lives.
Bobcats win MSU summer football camp tournament
It is as early as it can get to be excited about the upcoming local high school football season.
Hot Springs heats up for Homesteaders Days
For another year, the Homesteader Days festival in Hot Springs has come and gone with happy campers all around.
Wednesday, June 11
Crews nearly wrangle Banana Lake Fire
More seasonal weather last week has aided efforts to wrangle the Banana Lake Fire in Sanders County.
New horse sculpture installed on the Plains greenway
A new horse has arrived in Plains — but this one doesn’t gallop.
Stakeholders show off possibilities for Fish Creek recreation
Within days of the application deadline for Montana residents to be considered for a position on the new Fish Creek Collaborative, a ‘sort of’ VIP field trip took place.
Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show revs up a big crowd
Dan Clemts may be the main Gearhead for the annual Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show, but he is the first to point fingers and praise to all the volunteers, businesses and sponsors to make this a legendary event in Superior.
Kvelve's Comments: Time to saddle up
Yeeee-haaaaw! It’s time, once again, for rodeo season.
Legals for June, 11 2025
Plains Farmers Market opens with big turnout
On a warm, sunny Friday evening, the Plains Farmers Market kicked off its season with a big opening day turnout. Twenty-seven vendors from Plains, Paradise, Hot Springs and Thompson Falls set up under the shade trees at Fred Young Park, displaying a wide array of local products.
PHOTO: Kari's Garden
Superior Elementary School kindergartens stand with a new sign dedicating a garden in Kari Labbe's memory. Labbe was a kindergarten teacher for decades. (Photo provided)
Local stars take talents to the next level
The youth movement among local (Sanders/Mineral counties) high schools has made an impact on the list of those who have received athletic scholarships to continue their sports careers in college.
Local rodeo events heat up with summer
It promises to be a summer packed with rodeo action this year, beginning with this coming weekend’s Homesteader Days rodeo, a two-day extravaganza in Hot Springs.
Plains Day 2025: A celebration of community and tradition
Months of preparation, countless volunteer hours and the support of Plains Day coordinators Blair Blizzard and Clark Fork River Radio owner Raf Viniard all came together Saturday for the 2025 Plains Day celebration. Additional support came from the Sanders County Chamber of Commerce, Em’s Café and the Plains Park and Recreation Department.
Headwaters Foundation gives progress update in Superior
Headwaters Foundation was established in 2016 as a steward of community resources following the sale of Community Medical Center in Missoula, which led to the creation of its endowment.
Louise Robb Miles, 91
Louise Robb Miles
Wednesday, June 4
State championship athletes recognized
One of the main goals for high school athletes as they prepare for an upcoming season is making it to the big dance, the state championships.
Locals play in annual 6-man, 8-man football games
Just when you thought football was a long way off, local athletes engaged in gridiron warfare in two distant, Montana all-star football games this past weekend.
Plains High School graduates celebrate new beginnings
Graduation day at Plains High School marked a proud and emotional milestone as 29 seniors gathered one last time to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. For these students, graduation isn’t an ending — it’s the start of many new adventures.
Rediscovering home: A raptor on the mend
A bridge needing a facelift, a young man and an historic bar no more, and a couple more bird stories.
Jimmie Kelly is Going to the Nationals
The 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships is held each June in Grand Island, Nebraska, at the Heartland Public Shooting Park.
Lady Hawks' Koskela gets All-State nod
The fast pitch softball honors keep rolling in for Thompson Falls’ dynamic senior duo of Sarah Koskela and Olivia Fitchett.
Mineral County Sheriff's Office report
Mineral County Sheriff's Office report
Plains Day theme: 'Not just community, We are Family'
This coming weekend, June 7, Plains will host the much-anticipated annual Plains Day.
PHOTOS Memorial Day Tributes
PHOTOS Memorial Day Tributes
Kvelve's Comments: Charlie Hustle and Shoeless Joe
Sometimes, it takes a while to right a wrong.
PHOTO Alberton High School Class of 2025
PHOTO Alberton High School Class of 2025
Patricia Brockway, 96
Patricia Brockway, 96
Louise Robb Miles, 91
Louise Robb Miles, 91
Spotlight on the Arts: Kyrie Carr
“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.
PHOTOS Superior High School graduation
PHOTOS Superior High School graduation
Jasper appointed to Board of Regents
The Board of Regents is charged with supervising, coordinating, managing and controlling the Montana University System.
New law benefits small timber projects
For landowners, loggers, sawmills and those who manage the state’s natural resources, Montana House Bill 79 is an all-around win. Passed in April, this new bill creates a small timber sale exemption primarily for property owners to clear landings for a homesite, reduce wildfire risk by thinning, or clean up damage after wind events.
