Montana lawmakers rally around mining company

More than 50 state legislators voiced support for Hecla Mining Company in a letter sent Friday to Governor Steve Bullock and Montana Department of Environmental Quality Director Tom Livers.

Public Law 280 hearing draws some opposition

Two men who said they were members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes spoke Friday in opposition to two bills aiming to shift financial responsibility of overseeing felony offenses in the Flathead Reservation to the state.

Plains track prepares for state meet

Plains boys, girls track coach Denise Montgomery said the end of the track season is always a “bittersweet” time because of the mixture of successes and failures culminated with the ending of another season.

A message from Senator Fielder

By Sen Jennifer Fielder, R-Thompson Falls

Supporting Hot Springs & Plains teams

Sanders County was a hotbed of high school sports activity late last week. The Hot Springs Savage Heat defeated Denton-Geyser-Stanford 49-24 in the first round of the Class C 6-man football state playoffs Saturday. Hot Springs hosts Jordan next weekend in the state quarterfinals. The Plains volleyball team defeated Hot Springs in the semifinals of the District 14 Tournament at Hot Springs, then squeaked out a five-set victory over Charlo in the title match Friday evening, Oct. 26. That punched their ticket to the Divisional Tournament Nov. 1-3 at Manhattan Christian. Charlo will have the No. 2 seed from the District 14C Tournament. — Joe Sova/Clark Fork Valley Press

Veto override push on long-debated marijuana money bill falls short

A veto override effort on a much-debated marijuana revenue bill that initially passed the Montana Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support last year has failed, according to poll results released Friday afternoon.

T-Falls girls ramp up for state tourney

One thing you can’t help but notice when entering the gym at Thompson Falls High School for a girls basketball game or practice.

Air rifle team scores big at Nationals in Nebraska

The members of the Montana State 4-H Air Rifle Team ended their season on a high note in Grand Island, Neb., for Nationals where the team placed third. Mineral County 4-H Shooting Sports team members included Howie Edison and Bailey Milender. The other state team members were Lyndy Powers from Gallatin Valley Sharpshooters, and Margo Spaulding from Kalispell Shooting Sports. The team headed to Nebraska for the five-day tournament held June 24-29.

Dynasty

KALISPELL – Last week the Plains Trotters opened their quest for three consecutive state championships in track and field at Legends Stadium in Kalispell.

Shooting for the stars: Gilpin takes first at state

Federal funds made available for Sanders County

SANDERS COUNTY- Local parks and outdoor recreation facilities may receive a shot in the arm earlier this week following an announcement by Gov. Steve Bullock.

Keep in touch

On June 24th and 25th, I attended the State Administration and Veterans Affairs (SAVA) Interim Committee meeting in Helena where we discussed two of the state's retirement programs as directed by House Bill 659. There were also a number of requests by various stake holders and state agencies brought before the committee in an effort to get our input on their requests and our support in requesting bill drafts on their behalf.

US transportation secretary launches holiday DUI crackdown

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Launches ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Holiday Crackdown

Keeping in touch with Rep. Pat Ingraham

On Monday, January 28th, State Administration will be hearing House Bill (HB) 214.  This bill will require that the POW/MIA Flag be displayed with the flag of the United States of America at the State Capitol, any building that serves as the location of a state district court, any building that serves as the location of a city or town hall for an incorporated city or town and any building that serves as the main administrative building of a county.

Thompson Falls wrestlers earn All-American status

High school wrestling in this area, where Little Guy wrestlers get started at an early age, is often, quietly, the most successful local sport.

Energy companies need to pay up

In Montana, we believe in fairness and a level playing field. But right now, oil and gas companies extracting Montana resources are not paying their fair share. From 2008 to 2014, these companies received a tax break of more than $126 million, costing local communities and the state critical revenue to meet infrastructure, social service, and public safety needs.

Calvert appears for omnibus hearing

THOMPSON FALLS – After numerous attempts to hold Nathan Lee Calvert’s omnibus hearing, Calvert was finally present in the Sanders County Courthouse Tuesday morning.

FWP holds boat inspections at checkpoints across the county

THOMPSON FALLS – With the official start of summer Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks continues its ongoing battle to stem the invasion of non-native species to the lakes, rivers and reservoirs of western Montana.

Lady Hawks volleyball reaches state tournament

The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks volleyball team claimed third place at the ? in Anaconda to earn a spot in the Class B state tournament in Shelby.

Manhattan Christian wins C title

Manhattan Christian, Bigfork and Wolf Point captured championships at state basketball tournaments held last week.