Commissioners voice appreciation of services

SUPERIOR – When Roni Phillips went to the Mineral County Courthouse Friday, she thought she would meet her daughter for lunch. But when she entered the County Commissioner’s meeting room, she found her coworkers gathered to show appreciation for her 20 years of service to the county.

Energy policies

In an interview with the Missoulian last week, State Representative Pat Ingraham let slip that she wants us to pay higher energy bills.  She stated that she supports further deregulation of energy companies.  The lessons of the past are clearly lost on Mrs. Ingraham — when the state legislature deregulated energy in the late 1990s, Montana went from having some of the cheapest energy to having some of the most expensive.  Further deregulation of these big companies will only result in higher prices. 

Firestorm debate erupts over transfer of public lands

Stock animals winter at Ninemile Depot and Ranger Station

As the leaves change color and the geese fly south, Forest Service mules and pack horses arrive...

Mineral County Chamber Chatter

‘Volunteer Burn-Out’ (VBO) is rampant right now after this loooong snow packed winter. I’m going through it myself; just when I’m asking chamber members and residents to ramp-up for events. Taking on more than we can handle can be a curse to some, where others thrive with the challenge. My personnel philosophy is if I can do 2 things well, or 5 things semi-well, go with the 2 and keep my fingers crossed that I do indeed, do both of them well. My point is that we need to say “No” when asked which is extremely difficult for many of us as we want to people-please. “Passion” for the subject ought to act as a guiding force when you question if you should or shouldn’t step into the ring of volunteering. All of us have worked with volunteers who drop off the radar and the entire momentum stalls because of that person. When you raise your hand, be committed.

Mail ballot bill defeated, county scrambles for special election

Last Friday there was a final attempt to hold a mail ballot election in May for Montana’s vacant seat in Congress. But the attempt to revive the bill failed in the House with only 51 votes. The motion needed 60 out of the 100 House members in order to pass.

Election results

Rummel wins Republican nod for sheriff, Non-partisan initiative passes

The election results are in and with a few surprises. Mark French from Paradise will not be moving on to the general election as Denny Rehberg and Michael McDonald will be on the ballot to compete for the congressional seat during the general election in November.

Optimistic for future of sheriff's department

A retirement, an election year and budgetary challenges have made this an interesting and difficult year for the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department. In spite of the current difficulties, I want to assure the residents of this county that their sheriff’s department is doing all it can to provide the best service possible and will continue to do so.

Green Ribbon Award goes to Superior School

When Dawn Bauer saw the qualifications to become a Green Ribbon School she didn’t have to look far to see that Superior had all the right stuff.

Concerns raised over principal leave

Three weeks ago St. Regis Principal Tammy Demien was asked to leave campus and told she was being placed on administrative leave until an investigation by the Montana School Board Association is concluded.

Ronan Dealership donates two cars to Hot Springs police department

The Hot Springs Police Department acquired two police cars Aug. 11, through a donation by Ronan Dodge in Ronan. When asked how he got the cars, Hot Springs Fire Chief and Mayor laughed.

Invest in Montana's rural school districts

We are writing today as leaders from across Montana’s rural school districts.  

Forest Service keeps up on avalanche data

The hundreds of backcountry skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and hikers that enjoy the excellent snow and beautiful scenery that the Lookout Pass area has to offer, rely heavily on online avalanche information. For that, they have two Forest Service employees to thank.

Bluehawks: 57, Bigfork: 61; Bluehawks: 44, Whitefish: 48

A lesson from Montana: 'Manners make things easier for everybody'

I was thinking this morning of the shrill sounds, threats, and recriminations coming out of our nation’s capital. For some reason, perhaps because of the contrast, it reminded me of a meeting that occurred outside of Dillon, Mont., in 2007.

Mineral Community Hospital work continues

In early December, Mineral Community Hospital in Superior started construction on the facilities waiting room...

Mineral County Community Foundation scholarship winners

Established in 1994 when a generous donor gave $95,000 to the county, the Mineral County Community Foundation was established.

Byron Keith Bailey

Byron Keith Bailey of Superior, Mont, departed this world on Sept. 2, 2018, in the loving presence of his family.

All but Plains school levies pass

With a levy on every ballot in the school elections, the Plains High School and Elementary levies were the only levies to fail last Tuesday.

Mineral Pharmacy is a family business

Andi and Justin Holmes have kinfolk behind the counters in all their locations.