Energy independence and forest health

Montana Viewpoint

Sanders County showdown

Thompson Falls and Plains squared off in a county-side civil war on Plains’ home court on Thursday night. The Blue Hawks walked away with the shut-out, winning 3-0.

Hot Springs man wants more clean air rules

The Hot Springs man who was against the town council's resolution to provide for a clean and healthful environment now plans to test the council on how devoted they are to cleaning up the air in the town.

Oficials plan for mine cleanup

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency met with local representatives in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room Tuesday to discuss the final cleanup of the Iron Mountain Mine Site.

Sawdust flies at crosscut

About 70 people gathered in front of the VFW Post 3596 to watch nearly 100 entrants try their hands at being lumberjacks for a couple of hours at the Plains Day Crosscut Competition.

Food for Thought: Stress and aging

Scientists have identified the first link between stress and aging...

Exerise and weight loss No. 1 New Year's Resolution

New Year’s Eve is steeped in several traditions. It’s a time to gather with families and friends and ring in the New Year with a celebration of food, drink, and rousing sing-along of “Auld Lang Syne.” It’s also a time to reflect on the events of the past year, and look at what the new year will bring. A part of looking forward is the tradition of having a New Year’s resolution. In which a person makes a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something slightly nice.

Open burning season ends, permits required

Open burning season in Sanders and Mineral counties officially ended April 30, and burn permits are now required until fire season begins.

De-stress, don't distress, over the holiday season

The holiday season can be a stressful time as people rush to buy gifts, bake, prepare meals, make travel plans, and ready themselves for guests. Finances can also add to stress levels if people are trying to buy gifts or make holiday arrangements on a tight budget. Also, added to the mix is the stress of sometimes dealing with relatives who may have too much to drink or are argumentative at family gatherings.

Mineral County RSVP volunteers honored at luncheon

A nice luncheon celebrating the accomplishments of the Mineral County RSVP members was held a few weeks ago. A group of 19 volunteers gathered at the River Edge Resort and were greeted with a festively decorated room, and by one another. This tight-knit group has been working side by side for years and friendships have been forged throughout that time. The program is under the direction of Mary Jo Berry, and she coordinated the event to honor their top volunteers.

Bluehawks hope to bounce back after shutout loss to Townsend

Thompson Falls head football coach Jared Koskela has cultivated a reputation for himself for carving out identities for teams that are lacking in experience, and getting them to forge together to make a mid- to late-season improvement.

Prescribed burns to begin in Petty Creek area

On Wednesday, April 12, a public meeting was held by the Ninemile Ranger District to discuss the Petty Creek Big Game Ecosystem Management Burn Project. The meeting was held in the Alberton cafeteria where residents were brought up-to-date on activities and were able to ask questions about the project located just south of Alberton.

Health coalition meets to discuss latest issues

The Healthy Communities Coalition is a group that meets every other month and advocates for the health and well-being of the Mineral County community through collaboration and shared resources. Representatives from several health departments and groups participated in the meeting held on March 13 in Superior. Several topics were discussed including the well-received presentation about Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACE, by Todd Garrison through the ChildWise Institute. His visit was organized by Amy Lommen with the Community Health Improvement Plan or CHIP and Stephanie Quick with Mineral County Health Department. An evening public presentation was held on March 14 at the St. Regis School. At the presentation Garrison spoke about his ground-breaking studies regarding child well-being and the gap between understanding complex emotional trauma, the expertise to treat it, and effective resiliency strategies.

Student art show opens at hospital

Many local students are getting the chance to show off their artistic skills as the Student Art Show reception was held on Jan. 10 at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital near Plains.

Montana Aussie adventures with Erin-Jay

The count down is on … to the Fair and also for the start of the School year.

Wildlands Fire Facebook page gaining popularity

After two intense years of wildland fires in Sanders County, and with 2018 shaping up to have a possible repeat, authorities have become proactive with getting information out to residents through a new Facebook page.

Why Thompson Falls High School stands out to me

[Editor’s note: Bennette King is the first of three finalists who took part in the Valley Press Reporters Contest. Each finalist was awarded $50 sponsored by Jay Knopp Pro Rodeo Announcing & Auctioneering USA as well as a calendar donted by No Holds Barred Australia.]

Residents petition to re-open CyrIron Mountain Road

Several concerned residents attended the Mineral County Commissioners meeting on Friday, May 13, regarding the closure of the CyrIron Mountain Road located east of Superior.

Hot Springs School Board discuss drug use and student rewards

Hot Springs food pantry sees clients up, donations down

Volunteers at the Hot Springs Food Pantry work hard to connect their clientele with food each month, and somehow they always make it.