More than 60 homes threatened as evacuation orders go into effect

Over 60 homes have been threatened by the Sunrise Fire burning east of Superior. Last week several areas including Sunrise Creek, Quartz Flats and Quartz Creek were given Stage 3 evacuation orders. Other areas, including Verde Creek, remained on Stage 2 evacuation warning. While the Rivulet area located northeast of the fire is on Stage 1 Evacuation Alert.

Program brings Christmas relief to residents in need

The Sanders County Sheriff’s Office has kicked off its annual relief fund for families and residents this coming holiday season.

Super Saturday not dampened by drizzly sky

A wet Saturday didn’t dampen people’s enthusiasm as a number of events took place throughout Mineral County. From yards sales to tournaments, people braved the chilly weather with frequent rain showers to get together and enjoy some community activities.

Hot Springs chamber preps for events

HOT SPRINGS – Preparing for the final events of the summer and reflecting upon the season’s earlier events, the town of Hot Springs held its annual chamber of commerce meeting last week.

Humane Society clinic fixes area dogs and cats

ALBERTON – The Alberton Public Schools played host to the Humane Society of Western Montana last weekend in an effort to curb the number of unwanted pet pregnancies through a spay and neuter clinic.

Avista's golf tournament to support TRACS

THOMPSON FALLS - Avista will hold a four-person scramble at the River’s Bend Golf Course in Thompson Falls, Saturday, Aug. 16 at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome to be involved even if you are not a golfer.

MCH eliminates nine jobs to balance budget

SUPERIOR – In a meeting held on Thursday, January 9, the county commissioners heard an update on the status of the hospital’s budgetary changes.

Train traffic increases

SANDERS COUNTY – Recently the communities of Sanders County have seen a variety of different train loads coming through the area, leaving some questions unanswered. Where are these trains going and what products are they carrying?

Wild Cats end season best in the west

Hot Springs Savage Heat to advance to playoffs

ST. REGIS – Hot Springs football captured their sixth win of the season on the road against St. Regis/Alberton Friday night 67 -18. The win also secured the conference title for Hot Springs.

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.

Superior tennis loses first match to Townsend at Townsend Duals

Rainy weather brought a cancellation into the Superior tennis girls' schedule last week. They were supposed to play Valley Christian at home on Thursday, but the weather had other plans. On Friday, the girls were at Darby and beat the team 6-1. On Saturday, however, the girls incurred their first loss of the season at the Townsend Duals. The team lost 6-0 to Townsend. They tied 3-3 against Whitehall and Fairfield at the duals, but played strong against Choteau and won 6-2.

Plains Public Schools set levy ammounts

Local and state legislative timelines affect school funding decisions

Deadlines are a fact of life for most everyone, and our schools are no exception.  Many of the deadlines schools work with are determined by state law.  School elections, both trustee and levy, are outlined in Montana Code Annotated (MCA).  MCA provides detailed descriptions on the rules and mechanisms for conducting the business of elections in a fair manner for all.  Funding of our schools is affected by both election laws and traditional legislative action. Plains Public Schools would like to outline how these laws and traditions have influenced recent school funding decisions.

Baskets for those in need

Roger Kesting has been helping the Lions Cub distribute food baskets since he came to the area in 1981. Back then, no more than 15 baskets were distributed to needy families in the areas. As the numbers started to grow, the Women and Timber also became a part of the effort to put together and deliver food baskets to needy families.

Unacceptable, absurd and ridiculous

Perhaps the governor should look in a mirror. He is, in his words, acting and speaking as if he and his words are “unacceptable, absurd and ridiculous.” Look at his statements on the wolf issue alone.

We Care Foundation holds annual fundraiser

SUPERIOR – Autumn was heralded into Superior on Saturday during the fourth annual We Care Foundation Fall Festival fundraiser at the gym of the old schoolhouse.

Thompson Falls school board talks elections

CORRECTION - It was incorrectly stated that two board members were vacating their positions. According to Thompson Falls District Superintendent, Jerry Pauli, Elementary School Principal Maureen Simonson and Special Education Director Jennifer Cline are currently interviewing for other positions, however, the district is offering them a new contract for next year. Valley Press apologizes for the mistake or any confusion caused by the error. 

Plains cancels baseball season

They are, technically, one for two in baseball’s iconic jargon.

Superior Pool project remains alive and well

Our fliers showed the numerous grant applications we have submitted and a number of future grant applications.

Facebook page started to help those in need locally

The community of Plains is working to help those in need during the COVID-19, or coronavirus, pandemic.