Choices Counseling now state approved

Choices for Change Counseling (Nancy M. Smith) has been certified as a State Approved Agency by DPHHS, Addictive and Mental Disorders Division. Choices has also been designated by the Mineral County Commissioners to receive 100 percent of the Mineral County earmarked alcohol tax monies for the provision of chemical dependency treatment and prevention services in accordance with MCA 53-24-206.

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.

TRACS holds annual yard sale fundraiser

It was a perfect day for the annual Thompson River Animal Care Shelter's yard sale fundraiser on Saturday as it was greeted with warm and sunny weather.

The show must go on

Despite cancellations Saturday, the boat show went on as planned Sunday

The tremendous efforts it took to bring the hydroplane races to Trout Creek over the weekend were almost for naught as the races had to be cancelled Saturday due to dangerous debris floating in the water that can wreak havoc on the hydro boats.

High participant total for Sanders Sale-ing

Following the annual spring-cleaning, residents of Sanders County fill their yards with unwanted or excess clothes, knick-knacks and treasures for the annual Sanders Sale-ing event.

Plains Day comes with fun and sun

Plains Day is not just a day to celebrate the town, but a day when people of all ages; young, teens and adults can gather together to share their fondness for the community they call home.

Homesteader Days celebrates 61 years

In 1949, the first homesteaders came to Hot Springs, signing the official registry for the town.

Ranchers set to take on hoppers

Several Hot Springs ranchers pool together to fight grasshopper problem

The six men sat around the table huddled in close peering at a number of maps detailing land all over the Little Bitteroot. The group of ranchers, covered with day's work of dirt and grime, marked special spots on the map including water holes, rivers and wells, while one of them crunched numbers of acreage.

James, Alexander to vie for Justice of the Peace in Nov.

Four Justice of the Peace candidates put their name on the ballot, but only the two who received the most numbers of votes will go on to compete in the general election. Wanda James and Muriah Alexander will vie for the nonpartisan position in November.

Levy fails in primary; sheriff candidates prepare for general election

The county commissioners had said that the public safety levy would be a hard sell and it was. In the primaries on Tuesday, June 8, voters decided not to increase the mill levy for the sheriff's department. The issue on the ballot proposed increasing the levy by 25 mills and voters declined it, 651 votes to 525 votes.

St. Regis pavilion ready for summer use

Even if you're planning to hang around home this summer there's going to be plenty to do. The St. Regis Community Council has plenty to offer and with the newly constructed pavilion ready for use, they're planning to bring the community a summer of fun.

Students raise money for worthy cause

For many, a penny is considered worthless. After all, there's not much you can buy with a penny. However, overseas a penny can be of high value. And a collection of them might just help to build a school.

Junior firefighters can handle it all

For some Plains High School students, community service through the Plains/Paradise Rural Fire District is an exciting way to gain experience while serving the town they grew up in.

New program supports parents

A new program is being offered at the Superior Mental Health Department. The program, Oasis Family Support Project, will include both parents and children and seeks to provide support to parents who are raising children. The program is being funded by a grant for $5,490 from the Early Childhood Comprehensive System, which supports early childhood development projects and is funded by a segment of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Furry felines everywhere

TRACS would like to reach out to our public here in Sanders County and find out how we might be able to help them with the stray and feral cat populations we have in some areas. TRACS is hoping to get some financial help from a large national organization and has a very good chance of getting this money, which is designed to help reduce stray cat populations by controlling their reproduction. Stop the babies being made, and the populations will automatically be reduced.

County residents headed to polls Tuesday

With campaign signs and window stickers, the citizens of Mineral County have been acknowledging who they'd like to see in office. Yesterday, June 8, they took one of the first steps to making that happen as they joined many Americans across the country by heading to the polls to cast ballots in the primary election. Of course, others voted earlier, choosing to vote through the mail. Clerk of Court Recorder Katherine Jasper said that a good percentage of the absentee ballots have been returned.

Plains looks to equalize water meters

The town of Plains is currently looking for ways to equalize the water usage among all the residences throughout town.

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.

Oh so close!

Thompson Falls boys barely miss out on state crown

Coach Randy Symon has seen this story before. With only the mile relay standing between his team and the state Class B track title, fortune frowns on the Bluehawks and the chips fall the way of the opponent denying them the crown and leaving them with the second place trophy.

Living a dream

Ladyhawks take out Columbus to win first championship

Break out the virgin margaritas, it's time to celebrate. The Ladyhawks are 2010 B-C Softball champions.