Community gets speed limit reduced on Montana 135

How many times have you been entering St. Regis on Montana 135 and as you crest the hill the flashing sign reports you are going 50 or even 60 miles per hour?

Ladyhawks fall behind early in losses

A pair of slow starts killed the Ladyhawks momentum, snapping their season long, two-game winning last week. On Thursday, Class A Columbia defeated Thompson Falls 32-45 at home. Two days later, the Ladyhawks would fall again, this time versus District 7-B foe Bigfork, 21-62. Thompson Falls is now 4-4 conf., 5-9 ovr.

A response

In response to letters written in rebuttal of my claim that Billy Hill has never been a sworn law enforcement officer, peace officer or reserve deputy, I shall attempt to clarify the issue.

House burns before appraisal

It was supposed to be the beginning of the end. After a two-year long process of trying to sell his house Mark Bruell had his house scheduled to be appraised last Wednesday and the deal was scheduled to close on April 17.

Copper King wildfire burns 700 acres east of Thompson Falls

Local artist takes third in state contest

SUPERIOR – A local artist was recognized last week after she finished tied for third place in a statewide art contest sponsored by an organization that works to educate the public about energy needs in the state of Montana.

Thirty-five years in the making

PLAINS – The Savage Horsemen made history once again at the divisional tournament in Ronan. The team came in second place, with five champions and three more placers.

Lady Hawks stay hot in three wins

If you picked the trifecta for Thompson Falls’ Lady Hawks softball games last week you would be a winner.

Sanders County Sheriff's Report

3/20/11 12:41 a.m.- A reporting party called about a vehicle that slid off of Upper Lynch Creek Rd. with three females in the vehicle.  They women stated they were fine and just wanted a ride home from a deputy, but had to stay at the scene until an officer arrived. One woman was complaining of back and neck pain.

Wildfire burn scars affect West's drinking water

In “burn scars,” where fires decimated forest systems that held soil in place, an increase in droughts followed by heavy rainfall poses a different kind of threat to the water supplies that are essential to the health of communities.

St. Regis Fire Department buys a new water tender

The St. Regis Volunteer Fire Department is now the proud owner of a new water tender. It replaces an old tender, “that leaked more than it held,” said Assistant Fire Chief Kat Kittridge. The tactical tender brings water to fire trucks in the field that are engaged on a fire line. Plus they are equipped with other fire and medical equipment. The department also received new extrication gear, including the “Jaws of Life” and a “ram” extrication tool. This tool will be gifted to the Superior Volunteer Fire Department.

Kids learn fire safety at Plains Fire Department

If you squint hard and maybe stick your tongue out of the side of your mouth it makes it easier to hold on to the high pressure fire hose and direct its powerful spray of water toward the simulated flames of the target.

Update from Rep. Nicholas Schwaderer

Balenger fired for misconduct, previous instances of abuse arise

MINERAL COUNTY — Jim Balenger had a history of misconduct including excessive force and neglect of duty prior to joining the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, according to documents released by the department.

Burn permits end, fire season begins

With wildland fire season approaching and the wet spring of 2010 finally coming to an end, fire control officials in Sanders County have announced the conclusion of open burning as of the end of June.

Hot skillet sparks house fire

A skillet left on a stove was the cause of a house fire on Sunday.

Hawks capture title for 4th year

Taking top honors at the 8-B District Basketball Tournament never gets old, said Thompson Falls head coach Chadd Laws, whose Bluehawks finished in first place Saturday for the fourth consecutive year.

Bluehawk golfers win State Championship

BILLINGS – The county’s Class B golf teams were active in state tournament competition last week.

Community Notes

“Getting to Know Blackfoot” will be a panel conversation and open questions with Blackfoot Telecommunications representatives on Nov. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the St. Regis Community Center. Sponsored by Mineral County Economic Development Corp. and the local Chamber of Commerce. Discussion includes issues regarding phone and internet service in Mineral County. Contact Sharon at 406-280-0252 with questions.

Careless campers start fire along Rainbow Lake

SANDERS COUNTY - Though fire restrictions have been lifted and the days and nights are getting colder, fire season is still upon us and a simple unattended campfire can still strike a blaze.