Wolf count in Region 2 is up, but mostly stable

Following Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 2017 Annual Report release this spring, officials estimate 633 gray wolves reside in Montana, more than the previous five years.

Huckleberry girls shine at Miss Huckleberry pageant

Not every 14-year-old can win a pageant, much less organize one.

Revett provides update on Rock Creek and Troy Mine

Rock Creek Permitting

Detention Center's future remains a mystery

Mineral County officials met once again on Friday, April 26 to discuss the the Mineral County Detention Center’s fate — following its closure in February due to a detention officer shortage. The jail’s future remains a mystery; however, officials are getting closer to a decision, which could mean finally having the ability to hire the minimum number of officers. Other alternatives include using the jail as overflow for Lake County inmates or leasing the facility to Community, Counseling and Correctional Services, Incorporated (CCCS), a private, non-profit jail corporation. Staffing officers for the 28-bed jail is the county’s ideal option to reopen the facility but finding eligible applicants and retaining them is a problem. There are currently four eligible applicants to begin the hiring process, however they have not gone through a background check or an interview. The detention center also doesn’t have a supervisor at this time. “I don’t want to start hiring people if we don’t have supervisor,” County Commissioner Laurie Johnston said. “But you can’t open a jail without detention officers.” Officials discussed starting the initial process, meaning they could interview potential officers but couldn’t guarantee them a job. “I don’t want to put somebody in there dealing with inmates if they don’t know what they’re doing”, said Johnston. County Attorney Ellen Donohue suggested waiting to hire a supervisor, but potential detention officers won’t have a job until there’s a supervisor. “It’s a ripple effect,” Donohue said. If the county finds their five minimum detention officers, the budget becomes an increasing issue because Missoula detention officers would need to train new officers. “I don’t have it in my budget,” Sheriff Mike Boone said. “Their detention officers are making $36 an hour.”

Battle over Cyr Road closure continues

Diane Magone has continued to pound the drum at a steady pace regarding the nearly 6-year-old closure of the Cyr Iron Mountain Road. During the January Mineral County Resource Coalition meeting, she once again was on the agenda to keep the coalition members up to date on what is happening with its public access.

Superior Fire department warns about heating dangers

Heating season is here and the Superior Volunteer Fire Department wants you to have a safe winter. Regardless of the heating fuel you use, there are some simple safety precautions you should take. It is essential that you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you haven’t done so recently, make sure you replace the batteries and test the alarms. These devices save lives.

Legals for February, 8 2023

Legals for February, 15 2023

Legals for August, 2 2023

Legals for May, 11 2022

Plains track does well at Dave Tripp in Polson

The Plains track team entered the 2017 Dave Tripp Memorial track meet Thursday at Polson High School at less than full strength.

Horsemen tracksters excel at Seeley-Swan

Plains head boys, girls track coach Denise Montgomery continues to place an emphasis on her team performers reaching their personal best.

Application deadline for deer and elk permits is April 1

Application deadline for deer and elk permits is April 1

Legals for May, 22 2024

Trout Creek couple fined for wildlife violations

A Trout Creek couple were fined after investigations found they had violated multiple wildlife hunting violations.

Hospital to hold meetings about levy

MINERAL COUNTY – A few have already been held but Mineral Community Hospital representatives plan to hold more meetings across Mineral County to make their case for a levy that will come up before voters during the next election.

Community Calendar

The Plains Library is open from Monday - Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit the website and Facebook page for updates.

Legals for August, 16 2023

Resolution 'puts the bite' on vicious dogs Applies to attacks on humans as well as other animals

The County Commissioners recently passed a vicious dogs resolution for Mineral County. Prior to this ordinance, law enforcement officials had no real recourse for victims of dog attacks.

Red flags to look for in a dating relationship

Dating violence, like adult domestic violence, is about power and control.