Brian Alexander

Brian Matthew Alexander of Superior, Mont., passed away on Oct. 26, 2018, of a heart attack at the age of 62.

Thanksgiving travel expected to increase over '17 numbers

AAA is projecting that more than 54 million Americans will travel nationwide over this Thanksgiving holiday, a 4.8-percent increase over last year, or 2.5 million travelers. This is also predicted to be the highest Thanksgiving travel volume since 2005. This is despite higher gas prices at the pump with the national average at $2.79 as of Nov. 1, a 31-cent increase over this same time last year.

Sanders & Mineral county election results

With higher than average Montana voter turnout for the 2018 Midterm Election, incumbent Democrat Sen. Jon Tester slipped past Republican Matt Rosendale to retain his seat in the U.S. Senate. Tester received 50 percent of the Montana vote to Rosendale’s 47 percent. Libertarian Rick Breckenridge received 3 percent. All totaled it was 251,611 votes for Tester and 227,036 for Rosendale, a difference of 24,575 votes. Greg Gianforte was declared the winner over Kathleen Williams with 51 percent compared to her 46 percent.

Community Notes

The 43rd Annual Great American Smokeout! will be Thursday, Nov. 15. The Mineral County Health Department encourages everyone to commit or recommit to healthy, smoke-free lives. Information is available at cancer.org/smokeout or call 800-227-2345, or call Barb Jasper, RN, at MCHD at 406-822-3564.

A day at The Paw Spa

Let’s face it, dogs stink. They roll in foul smelling things they find in pastures, mountain trails, and even their own back yard. The smellier, the more they seem to enjoy it. They also enjoy romping through the mud and thistles and can end up pretty messy by the end of the day. Despite these habits, people love their dogs. As of 2017 over 60 million U.S. households owned a dog and $69.5 billion was spent on these furry family members, according to an American Pet Products Association survey.

Election lost, but Magone's fight continues

With elections over it leaves the candidates who ran for office and lost contemplating, “What’s next”? Diane Magone ran for House District 14 as a Democrat against incumbent Rep. Denley Loge and wasn’t surprised when she didn’t win.

Lacy assumes role as Thompson Falls mayor

It’s a very familiar face in the position as new mayor of Thompson Falls.

Clark Fork Valley Hospital getting orthopedic surgeon

Robert E. Blease planning to begin services in January

Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains has announced that the facility will add a new orthopedic surgeon in January 2019.

Hot Springs Artists Society raises funds with art auction

You never know whom you’ll encounter when you visit the soothing mineral waters at Symes Hot Springs Resort, located in Hot Springs in Sanders County, or to go there for art-related events.

Construction underway on MT 200 east of T-Falls

THOMPSON FALLS — Starting this week, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is making safety improvements to Highway 200 in Sanders County.

Kinder Cafe at Plains School features fun 1950s theme

Katie Hillerman’s kindergarten classroom at Plains School was transformed into a 1950s-style diner called Mrs. Hillerman’s Kinder Cafe last Friday, and it was a very “fun day” for all of her students, and their teacher.

Pumpkin Auction raises $7,500

What started out as a way for fellow employees to help each other has now turned into a several thousand dollar annual event.

Your complete election results in Mineral County

With higher than average Montana voter turnout for the 2018 Midterm Election, incumbent Democrat Sen. Jon Tester slipped past Republican Matt Rosendale to retain his seat in the U.S. Senate. Tester received 50 percent of the Montana vote to Rosendale’s 47 percent. Libertarian Rick Breckenridge received 3 percent. All totaled it was 251,611 votes for Tester and 227,036 for Rosendale, a difference of 24,575 votes. Greg Gianforte was declared the winner over Kathleen Williams with 51 percent compared to her 46 percent.

Red Ribbon Week focuses on preventing substance abuse

The battle against drugs and alcohol use among teenagers seems to finally be on a winning streak — with use holding steady at their lowest level in over two decades, according to a 2017 survey by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. The survey includes the attitudes among eighth-, 10th- and 12th-grade students across the nation and found, “a general decline in perceived risk of harm from using a number of substances and declining disapproval of people who use them.”

Plains Lions Club Halloween Costume Contest

You never know what unique costumes to expect for Halloween each year, worn by either adults, teenagers and youngsters. Here is a sample of the attire worn by those who participated in the Plains Lions Club Halloween Costume Contest last Wednesday, Oct. 31 at Fred Young Park in Plains. Look for more photos of costumed participants in the Nov. 7 issue of the Clark Fork Valley Press. The photos on this website were taken by Lisa Larson of the CFVP staff.

Murders in Agency, Missoula under investigation

Sanders County Sheriff’s Office stays firm on public safety after backlash resulting in a Missoula double homicide to which some have said the sheriff’s office is to blame.

Noxon eliminated from C playoffs with loss to Geraldine-Highwood

The Red Devils of Noxon High School knew they had their collective hands full when they traveled to Highwood to challenge Geraldine-Highwood in the first round of the Class C 6-man football state playoffs last Saturday.

Plains captures District 14C Volleyball Tournament title

Sometimes the strength of a conference in high school volleyball does not really show until you get into postseason play. That was exhibited in the District 14C Tournament last Thursday and Friday at Hot Springs High School.

Sanders County traffic stop yields illegal drugs

On Friday, Oct. 26, Sanders County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Roy Scott stopped a vehicle on Highway 28 in Sanders County for a traffic violation. During the course of the stop, Scott observed indicaptors that the vehicle may be transporting illegal drugs. Further investigation revealed that there was methamphetamine, along with illegal marijuana in the vehicle. The driver was arrested and is being held in the Sanders County Detention Facility.

Two injured in Highway 200 crash

Two people were transported to Clark Fork Valley Hospital following a crash last week.