Keeping in touch: News from committees

On Friday, January 21st, the Health and Human Services Committee which I serve on held a hearing on House Bill 68.  HB 68 is “an Act Revising the Medical Marijuana Act to Create a Licensing and Regulatory System for People Who Grow, Manufacture, Distribute or Sell Medical Marijuana; Requiring Montana Residency to Obtain a Registry Identification Card or a License; Clarifying Requirements for Physicians Who Provide Written Certification; Providing Local Government Authority to Regulate Medical Marijuana Licensees; Establishing Prohibitions on the Medical Use of Marijuana by People; Expanding the Limitations on the Medical Use of Marijuana; Providing Definitions; Providing Rulemaking Authority; Creating a Special Revenue Account; and, Appropriating Funds.”

Sanders County election results

Danielle Switalski

Lady Hawks humbled at divisionals

The Lady Hawks’ season ended last weekend at the Western B Divisional Tournament last weekend in Superior, but not before Thompson Falls left it’s mark on the field, both winning and losing two matches to finish in fourth place.

Geraldine/Highwood knocks out Alberton

In sports, it is difficult to beat an opponent twice in the same season. For the Alberton Panthers varsity football team, that trouble came true.

Drug court honors special month

For Teresa Simkins, the choice to enter Mineral County's drug court program was a needed step that allowed her to change her life for the better.

Food for thought: stress and aging

Scientists have identified the first direct link between stress and aging, a finding that could explain why intense, long term emotional strain can make people sick and grow old before their time.  The research demonstrates the mind can not be separated from the body.  Stress impacts health by modulating the rate of cellular aging.  In other words, stress damage to DNA is the culprit behind premature wrinkles, gray hair and diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular, insulin resistance and autoimmune disorders.

Burn permits end, fire season begins

With wildland fire season approaching and the wet spring of 2010 finally coming to an end, fire control officials in Sanders County have announced the conclusion of open burning as of the end of June.

Fundraising fun for Plains pool advocates

More than 70 volunteers gathered to make 350 dozen truffles, clearing over $6,000 for the Plains pool last week.

Reserve deputies volunteer time to help county

Danielle Switalski

Trotters take third at districts

A new coach, new team and a new attitude made all the difference last weekend as the Trotters finished third in the District 7-B Tournament last weekend.

Silent auction ends well

The Thompson Falls Library Silent Auction came to a close on last Saturday, Dec. 4, after a very successful run, according to event organizer Karen Harlan.

Letters to the Editor, September 30

Misleading Advertising

We the people: a question not asked... until now

A few weeks ago I was talking with Hot Springs area rancher Kim Baker, President of Montana Cattlemen’s Association, about depredation of livestock.  Since we have seen an increase in wolf depredation in Montana I was wondering if there was a relationship with other predator livestock losses.  Kim told me she would see if those figures were available from predator control specialists. I wanted to compare the preceding years with current statistics.  Kim went to John Steuber, State Director/Supervisory Wildlife Biologist (USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services) to have a look at those figures.  I have received those figures for 2006 and 2010.  What I see is more than alarming and it is a side of the wolf issue that has not been adequately addressed.

Meet the candidates: Tim Vulles

A native Montanan, Tim Vulles grew up in Sanders County, but has had family ties to Mineral County for several years, while living here and working here himself. Vulles is the fourth candidate to put his name in the running for sheriff.

Local torch rn supports Olympics

As spring approaches local riders, bikers and runners are preparing to lend their legs and their support to some special athletes.

Montana Aquatic Invasive Species Act

During the 2009 Legislative Session, we passed Senate Bill 343, an act creating the Montana Aquatic Invasive Species Act. It defines departmental responsibilities, encourages cooperation among public and private entities, grants rulemaking authority, authorizes the use of management areas to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, provides for the prevention and control of infestations, authorizes inspection of the exterior of vessels for aquatic invasive species, prohibits the transfer or transport of aquatic invasive species, and authorizes emergency declarations and provision for civil and criminal penalties.

Keeping in Touch: session approaching

While these December days are filled with bazaars, shopping plans, baking (and eating), decorating, singing carols, gathering together with friends and families, school programs, opportunities to help others and time to count your blessings, for me and other Legislators it is also a time to prepare for the upcoming 62nd Legislative Session which  begins on January 3, 2011 when we are sworn into office.

Retirement program alternatives

On Wednesday, May 19th, I was in Helena for my State Administration and Veterans Affairs (SAVA) Interim Committee meeting. Our day was dedicated to working with Dave Slishinsky and Doug Fiddler, Consulting Actuaries from Buck Consultants.

Punt, pass and kick competitors try to win trip

THOMPSON FALLS – Competition heated up on Sunday afternoon, as excited participants exercised their punt, pass and kick skills on Previs Field in hopes of getting a free trip to Seattle down the road.

Local school raises money to help end hunger