Texas parolee lands in hot water in Hot Springs

A Texas fugitive is facing several felony charges after two separate incidents in Sanders County.

Legislative misconceptions

As we get closer to the end of the 62nd Legislative Session, I would like to clear up some misconceptions about a host of hot-button legislation currently working its way through the process. Alarmists from all sides have taken many of these issues entirely out of context and portrayed them as something they are not.  I had a constituent stop by to express disappointment on my vote for Senate Bill 306.   I explained that I would be mad too if the only information I had was what was available in the press.  This has been totally misrepresented in the media as opening the door to new open pit mining.  Contrary to the misinformation put out by the bill’s critics, SB 306 does NOT overturn the 1998 voter-approved cyanide heap-leach mining ban. Under the 1998 initiative, a few mines were grandfathered in and allowed to continue using this method in a responsible manner. SB 306 simply states that if a new gold or silver mine wants to do business in Montana, they are allowed to truck ore to only these mines for processing.  This is one of the many Republican sponsored bills supporting legislation that will create opportunities for more jobs in Montana. It will essentially give the green light to new gold and silver mines that want to bring business and economic activity to our state and allow clean-up of abandoned mine sites by the State with processing of the low-grade ore to pay for the clean-up.  This bill is also supported by the DEQ and is on its way to the Governor after having passed both the House and Senate. Gov. Schweitzer has said he wants jobs legislation and that he supports responsible natural resource development, so it is my hope that he will sign SB 306 into law.

Guides and outfitters lament murky minimum wage rule

A newly-enacted executive order requiring an increased minimum wage for federal contract workers has left local outfitting and rafting companies scrambling as they try to determine what the new rule means for their future.

Public health officials remind Montanans to avoid potential rabies risks

State and local public health officials are reminding Montanans to be aware of the risk for exposure to rabies

Where are Montana's porcupines?

North American porcupines live up to 18 years and average 30 inches long and 20 pounds in weight. They are the second-largest rodent on the continent.

Final 4-H demonstrations showcased in Plains

Calvert to appear in court Tuesday

THOMPSON FALLS – Nathan Lee William Calvert will be appearing for his rescheduled omnibus hearing on April 16 at 10 a.m.

Mineral County Drug Court holds graduation

Andrew Waite

Big plan revealed at chamber meeting

The Thompson Falls Business Chamber Meeting was held last Friday at Minnie’s Montana Cafe. There was one large topic discussed during the meeting.

How to win hearts and minds in the Middle East

How to win hearts and minds in the Middle East

The future of our land and water

An update from Senator Fielder

Hot Springs looks to overcome injury bug

There are so many variables to the start of a new sports season, including the dreaded injury bug.

1,356 steps: Lapinski brothers take on firefighter challenge

On the morning of Sunday, March 12, two young men from the small town of Superior competed in Seattle at the 32nd annual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb in support of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Possibility of wildlife-to-human crossover heightens concerns about Chronic Wasting Disease

Each fall, millions of hunters across North America make their way into forests and grasslands to kill deer. During the winter, people chow down on the venison steaks, sausage, and burgers made from the animals.

Should barking dogs land you in the 'doghouse'?

If there’s anything a room full of Sanders County residents can agree on, it’s that our dogs are important to us. The May 23 county commission meeting to address a proposed ordinance about incessantly barking dogs was proof of that.

St. Regis School looks at random drug testing

St. Regis School is looking at implementing random drug testing for students who participate in extracurricular activities including sports and clubs like FFA.

406 area code required for local calls starting Oct. 24

That will change this month due to a Federal Communications Commission order designating 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

Fishing Through the Fog

There are few friendships among men more sacred than the “fishing buddies.” Like all friendships, it is a bond forged from the passage of time together. Most friendships develop from time spent together during an activity or social function or a shared class in college: doing something. Fishing buddies develop from doing nothing. That is what most fishing consists of, sitting in a boat or on the shoreline doing absolutely nothing but waiting for a fish to make a bad decision.

NorthWestern Energy to restore Point of Rocks trail

Representatives from Northwestern Energy on Sept. 15 provided county commissioners with plans to start restoration work on the Point of Rocks monument trail located west of Alberton.

PC Police have gone too far!

First of all, it’s awesome to be back!! I missed writing stories and this column and am really happy to be given the chance to spread a little Kvelve “wisdom and humor” to all of you in this amazing part of the world!