Ellington

Libby man jailed on negligent homicide charge in toddler's death

A Libby man has been arrested and charged in the shooting death of his 3-year-old son.

Records broken at State B track meet

It was a record-breaking day for two local track and field seniors at the Class B State High School championships this past weekend in Missoula.

The injury bug

There is a part of sports no one likes to deal with, but it is a factor almost every year on almost every team.

Superior Outdoor School marks its 57th year

The Savenac Nursery in Haugan has a tremendous history and welcomes visitors, but this year it’s closed.

Crystal Koepplin Maedche, 47

Crystal Koepplin Maedche, 47

Teresa Cheryl MacNair, 64

Teresa Cheryl MacNair, 64

Health fair held at St. Regis School

St. Regis School Counselor Tyler Cheeseman explained the reasoning was behind their health fair last week.

PHOTOS: Wild Horse Rendezvous

PHOTOS: Wild Horse Rendezvous

Standout performances on the track at State B meet

The 2025 Class B boys track and field championships quickly became the Trizten Avila show.

Cabin Fever Quilters taking entries for annual show

"American Beauty" will be the 24th annual quilt show held by the Cabin Fever Quilters of Mineral County on Aug. 1 and 2.

Legals for May, 28 2025

PHOTOS St. Regis Memorial Day Flea Market

St. Regis Memorial Day Flea Market

Noxon's Williams launches to new State C record

Noxon senior Ricky Williams has boldly gone where no one, at least no Montana Class C High School high jumper, has ever gone.

PHOTOS: Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles Flight

Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles Flight

PHOTO: Superior's Crabb medals at state tennis

Superior sophomore Josie Crabb (middle) poses with her sixth-place singles medal along with coaches Rick Berreth and Lanie Crabb at the State B-C tennis tournament in Missoula this past weekend. (Photo by Micki Tourtelotte)

St. Regis golfers among top finishers at state

For the St. Regis High boys’ and girls’ golfers, the Class C tournament this past week in Sidney was the second straight state championship appearance.

Mineral County Sheriff's Office calls May 11-17

Mineral County Sheriff's Office calls May 11-17

Community turns out for fire safety and fun in Plains

Fred Young Park in Plains was the place to be this past Saturday— especially if you were hoping to dunk your favorite Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) firefighter.

Lady Hawks eliminated at state softball

What turned out to be the final out of the season for the Thompson Falls-Noxon fastpitch softball season was in a way emblematic of the 2025 season.

Bridge of sacrifice: Dedication honors Libby veteran’s service during Vietnam War

In the early hours of Thanksgiving Day in 1969, Staff Sgt. Arthur J Rambo’s squadron command post suddenly came under an intense mortar attack in Vietnam. He was fatally injured in an attempt to protect his squadron.

Governor signs bill addressing Public Law 280

With little fanfare, Senate Bill 393 became law last week. The legislation, carried by Polson Sen. Greg Hertz, signals a major breakthrough in the funding and future cooperation surrounding law enforcement on the Flathead Reservation.

Citizen group looks at recreation at Fish Creek

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking individuals to serve on the new Fish Creek Collaborative, a citizen advisory group that will help guide the development of a multi-use trail plan for the Fish Creek area in western Montana.

Paradise Center hosts presentation on Confluence Project

The Paradise Center presents "The Art of Listening: Maya Lin's Confluence Project on the Lewis and Clark Trail" with presenter Don Snow at 2 p.m., Sunday, June 8.

Western C Divisional sees solid performances

The recently completed Western C Divisional track meet in Missoula produced some mild surprises, some expected results and more young athletic talent.

Mineral County Sheriff's Office report

Mineral County Sheriff's Office report

Plains Beautification Days kicks off with sunshine and service

Saturday morning couldn’t have started off better, weather-wise, for the 2025 Plains Beautification Days event.

Avila leads Bobcats in strong team performance at divisional meet

It would be an understatement indeed to say Superior senior Trizten Avila had a “good” day at this past weekend’s Western Divisional track and field meet in Missoula.

Oh baby! Oliver still reigns, Lainey leaps to No. 1 in Montana baby name rankings

Oliver was the most popular boys name for babies born in Montana last year, continuing its reign in the state.

Western 7B well represented in state softball tourney

While they didn’t win the big prize, a number one seed in this coming weekend’s State B-C Fastpitch Softball championships in Glasgow, the Western 7B conference will be well-represented.

Lady Hawks punch ticket to state

For the third straight year, Thompson Falls’ fastpitch softball team has made it to the big dance.

Freedom Caucus fought against tax relief

Montanans are being crushed under the weight of skyrocketing property taxes. Longtime residents are watching their tax bill soar as wealthy out-of-staters scoop up land and inflate home values across Montana.

Co-op baseball teams cap season

For the two high school baseball teams in Sanders County, Noxon-Thompson Falls and Plains-Hot Springs, the past week brought the end of the 2025 season.

Hazel Vacura, 77

Hazel Marie (Mildren) Vacura

Plains softball tops Eureka to get into divisional tourney

A season that was salvaged earlier in the week came to an end a few days later for the Plains Trotters fastpitch softball team.

Donation made to local nonprofits

Since its founding in 1993, Clearwater Montana Properties has emphasized community-building as a key component of its company culture.

Cowboy action shooting loaded with fun

Cowboy action shooting -- also known as Western action shooting, single-action shooting, cowboy 3-gun, and Western 3-gun -- is a competitive shooting sport that originated in 1981.

Legals for May, 21 2025

Plains High School art students shine at annual exhibition

Plains High School art students showcased their creativity and talent at this year’s annual Art Exhibition, featuring more than 250 pieces of student artwork. A few select pieces were also available for purchase.

Cat netters swat competition at divisional

It was a Deja Vuu week for the for the Superior Bobcat tennis team.

Sanders County Fairgrounds improvements move forward

The Sanders County Fair Commission focused on several much-needed facility upgrades during its May meeting.

Kvelve's Comments: Memory lane

One of the best things about sports is the memories they can generate.

Feds join fight to reopen asbestos clinic in Libby

Center for Asbestos Related Disease officials are fighting back against railroad giant BNSF Railway’s effort to seize its assets and shutter operations.

Local golfers post low scores at State B

The Jefferson High (Boulder) boys golf team won their second consecutive boys’ Class B state championship this past week in Shelby, while Florence girls reigned supreme in the girls’ team title chase.

Monitoring nest boxes offers insights in local bluebird population

Every spring, both mountain and western bluebirds return to Western Montana, delighting residents and nature lovers alike.

PHOTO St. Regis Class of 2025

The St. Regis High School Class of 2025 celebrated their graduation on Sunday, May 18 with 16 seniors receiving diplomas.

Sheriff's Office case becomes personal

One reader opined at a recent gathering: “I enjoy reading your column, but you lost me with that sheriff stuff.”

St. Regis hosts all-school fun run

At 9:48 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, all runners gathered on the playground to hear what was expected of them as participants and they were reminded that this was a fun event so they should enjoy themselves with the other runners.

Superior students create mural for hospital

For the past four years, Superior Elementary School has participated in National Small Business Week, held this year from May 4–10, with a student-led service-learning project.

Plains spring concert showcases budding talent and a new conductor

The bleachers of the Plains gymnasium were filled with proud parents and grandparents, eagerly anticipating the spring concert performance by the school’s budding musicians. This year marked a special first: the debut of high school senior Logan Steinebach as the high school band conductor.

University of Montana spring graduates

The University of Montana has more than 1,800 students who are degree candidates for spring semester 2025.

UM earns national No. 1 ‘Military Friendly’ rank

A national organization recently named the University of Montana the No. 1 “Military Friendly” college in the United States. The ranking is for top “tier-1 research institutions.”

Kvelve's Comments: Love of the game

I gotta say, I was impressed.

Local golfers qualify for state tournament

For at least eight local high school golfers, the dream is a reality.

Bison Stampede draws near-record turnout

A near-record number of racers from around the region got an early start to their Saturday morning for the ninth annual Dixon Stampede.

Spring Mack Days total smashes record

Spring Mack Days ended on Saturday, May 10 with a total haul that smashed the 2019 Spring Event record of 40,362 lake trout with a total of 60,138 entries turned in over the nine weeks of fishing on Flathead Lake.

Plains boys, Superior girls win 7B titles

Fueled by some strong individual performances from their top athletes, teams from Plains and Superior reigned supreme at the 2025 Western 7B District track and field meet this past weekend in Eureka.

Mobile pet clinic parks at St. Regis Senior Center

Starting in June, the St. Regis Senior Center will be hosting a mobile pet care clinic on the first Friday of every month, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Melanie McInroe, the owner of Mel’s Mobile Pet Care, is looking forward to bringing this service to the area.

Legals for May, 14 2025

Williams shines at 13C track meet

The inaugural District 13C track and field meet this past weekend in Missoula could have been named the Ricky Williams show.

Music students compete at state festival

The Superior High School music program has swelled in size and achievements since music teacher Debbie Merrill took over a few years ago.

PHOTO Stroots honored with small business award

Brent Donnelly, Small Business Association district director, and Justin Everette, SBA regional administer, straddle Jerry Stroot owner of Superior Meats and recipient of the Small Business Person of Montana. Jerry and his wife, Sandy's children and their spouses were in attendance with representatives from Gov. Greg Gianforte, Sen. Steve Daines, Sen. Tim Sheehy and Rep. Zinke offices. State Sen. Denley Loge spoke on his long and rewarding relationship with Superior Meats while customers and friends enjoyed lunch inside the retail section of the meat processing facility on Friday. May 4-10 was National Small Business Week.

Superior tennis duo wins at Panter Invite

With darkness creeping in on the courts, there was a sense of urgency for the Superior Bobcat doubles team of Perri Jasper and Cami Quick.

Trotters wrap up regular season with battle against Kalispell

One of the things that concerns coaches at this point of a season, with playoffs knocking at the door, is momentum.

Thompson Falls-Noxon heads into post season after road trip

A rare tie, a big win and a loss highlighted the last week of the regular season for the Thompson Falls-Noxon girls fastpitch softball team with post-season play coming into view.

Noxon-Thompson Falls baseball goes 1-2 for week

With one game remaining on their regular season schedule, the Noxon-Thompson Falls Red Devils baseball team will be looking for a sixth win of the season to close it out.

Planes help teach Plains science students

Physics classes are not just about math problems.

McCarthy wins Plains trustee election

Colleen McCarthy was elected to the Plains School District Board of Trustees in the May 6 election.

Plains-Hot Springs baseball wrap up season

A long season came to a conclusion this past Monday when the Plains-Hot Springs baseball team hosted Troy at Amundson Sports Complex in Plains. The game was played just beyond the Valley Press publication deadline.

Plains-Hot Springs' rally falls short

Close but no cigar for the Plains-Hot Springs baseball team which came within one run of season win number two when a rally fell one run short this past Tuesday in Troy.

Spring Mack Days enters final weekend

The 100 fish limit was on the minds of many anglers on Friday, May 1 at Spring Mack Days on Flathead Lake.

Noxon-Thompson Falls baseball notches wins

Back-to-back wins for the first time this season are evidence the Noxon-Thompson Falls baseball team is making progress in 2025.

I-90 bridges inspected near Superior

During May, the Montana Department of Transportation will be conducting bridge inspections on I-90. Inspections will be conducted on 13 bridges near Alberton and Superior, between mile markers 53 and 70.

Legislature wraps after months of work on taxes, health policy, education funding

The 69th Montana Legislature ended Wednesday after authorizing residential property tax relief and finalizing spending measures including a $16.6 billion budget bill to fund the state’s operations for the next two years.

Rediscovering home: Magnificent flyers

He soared in on crooked wings spreading about five feet across the blue sky, clutching in his talons a branch with black moss hanging from it like a shaggy haircut.

Standing firm for rural Montana friends and neighbors

The 69th legislative session has concluded — a session marked not only by strong convictions but also by a deep responsibility to speak up for the voices of rural Montana.

Hot Springs track teams flash speed at Top 8

The Hot Springs boys and girls continued their surge in local track performances with several high finishes at this past week’s John Cheek Top 8 Western B/C golf invitational in Anaconda.

Lady Hawks top rivals in Plains in softball

The Thompson Falls-Noxon Lady Hawks are on a roll.

Plains student places in statewide art contest

Kyrie Carr of Mr. Cole’s fifth grade classroom at Plains School placed second in the Keep Montana Green art contest.

Plains Elementary students shine in Beautification Days art contest

Students at Plains Elementary School recently showcased their creativity in the second annual Beautification Days art contest.

Kvelve's Comments: Special moments

It’s not, fortunately, a rare occurrence, especially in the world of sports.

In a broken mental health system, a tiny jail cell becomes the institution of last resort

When someone accused of a crime in this small northwestern Montana town needs mental health care, chances are they’ll be locked in a basement jail cell the size of a walk-in closet.

Plains softballers ready for divisional play-in

After an 0-3 week that could have been a 2-1 week, the Plains Trotters await word on their Western B-C division playoff opponent in what will be a “play-in” game to be part of the division tourney the weekend of May 16-17 in Florence.

Legals for May, 7 2025

Tigers roar at home golf tourney

It was a near sweep of both team titles for the host St. Regis golfers at this past week’s Trestle Creek Invitational in St. Regis.

Cherries growers hopeful for big crop after total loss in 2024

The rows of cherry trees at Buena Vista Orchard in Bigfork last week were flaunting thousands of buds of the delicate white flowers that will eventually turn to delicious fruit this summer.

Mineral County transit hub adds new 12-passenger bus

Near Mineral Community Hospital along I-90, a new transit facility for the Mineral County Pioneer Council is under construction. The project is on county land leased by the Mineral County Commissioners, whose agreement enabled full federal funding.

Trump signs executive order to expedite permitting of Hecla mine

The Trump administration announced last week that it would “expedite permitting” for 10 mining projects across the country, including an exploration beneath the Cabinet Mountains in Lincoln County.

Thompson Falls-Noxon fastpitch wraps up regular season play

Momentum in sports can be a fickle friend indeed.

Cats' Josie Crabb rallies for win

The "Road Warriors" continued their upward trajectory this last week playing in three invites in five days.

Local teams face top competition at Archie Roe

With a strong group of AA, A and B schools on hand, the Archie Roe Memorial track meet at Legends Stadium in Kalispell was a good barometer of Western Montana talent.

Local golfers tested at Anaconda Invite

The 2025 western Montana B-C golf season is rapidly becoming a case of who can catch Loyola’s Elsie Munding or Seeley-Swan's Mia Nicholas.

PHOTOS: St. Regis Family Science Night

St. Regis Family Science Night