T-Falls track team visits Corvallis

The Thompson Falls track team opened their 2011 season in style last weekend at the Gene Hughes Invite at Corvallis.

Federal plan provides policy overview

County organizations to benefit

The Mineral County Commissioners approved the Emergency Operations Plan, which was prepared for the county commissioners as well as the Town of Alberton and the Town of Superior. The plan was prepared by the Mineral County Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) as well as the Mineral County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).

Alberton starts track practices

Alberton students are once again hoping for good weather as they try to get outside to practice for track. Coach Rachel Clevenger said that they spent the first few days of practice in the gym.

Pot plant bust in Superior

Last week, Mineral County Deputy Jim Balenger, along with two other officers, busted a marijuana operation near Superior.

We the People: firearm related bills

There are several firearms related bills awaiting executive action by the Senate Judiciary Committee.  It is anticipated we will be doing that on Monday, March 21st.   I will give a brief description of each bill.  House Bill 271: “Exception to concealed weapon offense if eligible to apply”, says that if you are eligible to apply for a concealed carry permit you may carry without an official permit.  If you are able to qualify for a permit by having completed a firearms training course or military training you may carry concealed, no permit required.  A hunter’s safety course is not adequate.   It also means that those who are ineligible may not carry concealed; felons, etc.  Basically under current law, you do not need a concealed carry permit outside of cities and towns, but you do when you cross the border line of a city or town.   The State of Vermont has a similar law.  I am supporting this bill. Judging by the correspondence I am receiving on this one, the overwhelming majority of Montanans want this bill passed.

Lady Cats celebrate their season

After a journey that took them to the divisional tournament, Superior girls basketball coach Jeff Schultz said that overall, he felt they came away with a successful season.

First pitch upcoming for Trotters

Despite difficulties last year, Trotter head coach Larry Rivinius is hoping to gain some ground this softball season.

Unacceptable, absurd and ridiculous

Perhaps the governor should look in a mirror. He is, in his words, acting and speaking as if he and his words are “unacceptable, absurd and ridiculous.” Look at his statements on the wolf issue alone.

TRACS Variety Show raises money

Well over 100 animal lovers gathered this weekend to have some fun and support a great cause as Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS) conducted its fifth annual fundraiser. The “Pretty Darn Good” Variety Show last Saturday and Sunday was the third of its kind for TRACS.

St. Regis track team starts practice

Students at St. Regis are once again outside and running. Track practice started last week on Monday and the first meet is scheduled for April 2, in Frenchtown.

The future of Plains' varsity football program

By Mike Miller

"They all have my heart"

Hundreds of people came to support the Black family on Saturday night at the V.F.W. in Plains, in the wake of the tragic death of Dustin and Denny Black.

A lesson in school funding

With the legislative session now past the half-way point, the proposed bills will transfer from one house to the other for more work.  This is the time when all school personnel and community members begin to see the first significant language on education funding.  Plains Public Schools and the Plains-Paradise community are watching carefully to see how legislative action will affect school budgets.  To help clarify the sometimes confusing issue of school funding, Plains Public Schools would like to outline two key components of educational funding in Montana. The actions taken by the legislature will impact both Basic Entitlement and ANB funding.

Relay for Life kick-off in Superior draws a crowd

It’s that time of year again.

We the people: Session half way over

We are now past the halfway point of the session, where all non-revenue bills which have passed the Senate have been sent to the House and all approved House bills sent to the Senate. One thing I have not heard much about in the discussions on state funding is the potential for global economic problems to have a negative influence on state funding; for example, we are at war in the Middle East, gas prices in the country are soaring, and Montana’s development is down.  The remainder of the session should be interesting, and I look forward to seeing how it all shakes out.

"I Love to Read" month wraps up in Alberton

The Alberton elementary school finished its annual “I Love to Read” month last week. On Wednesday, the library wrapped up the month with awards and activities for the students. The theme this year was about trains and railroads.

Panthers look back on season

The Alberton Panthers basketball season is over and though it didn’t end necessarily how they would have liked, Coach Clevenger felt that overall it was a successful season.

Letter to the Editor

I am writing one letter in response to the issues raised by Dave Bennett, Dave Lyman and Ernest Scherzer.

Community meets to address robberies

The message at the public forum hosted by Mineral County Neighbors for a Safe Community last week was to be aware.

Keeping in touch

With transmittal deadlines behind us, Legislators, after returning from a few, very much appreciated days off spent with family and friends,  again face a very hurried pace doing the peoples work, completing the 50th  legislative day on Saturday, March 5th.