Why does Thompson Falls need a growth policy?

I am at a loss as to why Thompson Falls needs a “growth policy.” What is it that is being planned out of view of the public that makes such a thing so dreadfully and drastically “important” to a city as small as this?

JAMES C. JONES

James C. Jones (“Jimmy,” “JJ”) died at his home in St. Regis, Montana on August 24, 2016. He passed away from cancer at 1:07 a.m. with all his family at his bedside. He will be missed so very much by many friends and family. He was a very important part of our family and he was loved so very much.

Kathryn Louise “Katie Lou” Johnson Rosenow, 78

Kathryn Louise Rosenow departed to be with her Lord and Savior on Oct. 31, 2016. She passed away peacefully with family in Kalispell.

Playground dedication ushers in new era for Eva Horning Park

Despite a forecast of rain or possible snow showers, the Mineral County Community Foundation (MCCF) held the dedication of the new playground equipment as scheduled on Nov. 17 at the Eva Horning Park in Superior. A lively group of kids and curious community members assembled near the bright green ribbon to see what had been installed behind the orange fence at the east end of the park. For those who came early, they were treated to a sneak preview — an invitation to check out the equipment before the ceremony. From the excited shouts of the kids, the “preview” met their expectations.

Veterans honored by students

Veterans Day was on Friday, Nov. 11 and several events took place in Mineral County to honor our local vets, including breakfasts at the school in St. Regis and at the Masonic Temple in Superior hosted by Eastern Star. Also in Superior, the elementary students held a special presentation in the gym.

ONE MORE TO GO

Hot Springs blows out Valier in semifinals, plays for school’s second state championship Saturday in Plentywood

HOT SPRINGS — The entire Hot Springs football season has been played with one goal in mind.

Republican candidates win big in Mineral County

Election results came in during the early morning hours Nov. 9 as polls closed across the nation. Republican candidate Donald Trump was named the next president of the United States, defying late polls showing Democrate Hillary Clinton as having the edge.

Multiple fires break out near Superior

Locomotive catches fire near Alberton

A Montana Rail Link diesel locomotive caught fire near Alberton on Tuesday, August 9. The fire was reported at 5:30 p.m. and several local emergency personnel responded. The train was located near the end of Plateau Road, just west of town. It was heading east when the fire broke out in the second engine.

Darby Haskins wins Round Robin Showmanship Award

Darby Haskins wins Round Robin Showmanship Award

Community Notes

Hike On

100 firefighters battle St. Regis blaze

SOUTH TAMARACK — Firefighters are battling a 13-acre blaze six miles north of St. Regis using air and ground resources to set a perimeter around the area. Forest service officials estimate the fire is at five percent containment as of Saturday morning.

Officials discuss public water safety

There was a Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting on Thursday. At the meeting, Shelly Nolan with Montana Rural Water Systems, reported that she has been working on an initial assessment of the county’s water systems. With the information she’s gathered, the next step would be to create a management plan with local communities.

Community Notes

Adult Softball

Reporters Notebook: Historic tour of Cedar Creek a real Montana treat

One of the items on my bucket list is to hike into as many of the lakes in Mineral County as possible. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but wasn’t sure where they were located, or how hard it would be to hike into them. When the Mineral Community Hospital offered free hikes with Jim Cyr as the guide, I jumped at the chance.

Hospital spearheads active living programs

Walking, running, dancing, anything that gets a person moving, is a good thing. Whether it’s moderate or vigorous exercise, people need to stay active in order to stay healthy. The Mineral Community Hospital Wellness Committee has set up programs to help area residents become a little healthier. They’ve set up a six-week program with participants walking 150 minutes per week.

Community Notes

Fourth of July celebrations will take place in Alberton, and St. Regis. In St. Regis there will be breakfast at the school from 8 to 11 a.m. and a parade at 11 a.m. Food and games at the park from noon to 4 pm, and fireworks at dusk.

Alberton school to install new playground equipment

Two Alberton parents, Jenn Zimmerman and Lisa Thiele, started a large project last year, to raise $60,000 for new playground equipment for the school. Last week, the final $15,000 check for the project was delivered to the school. Washington Foundation representatives Jim Bieber and Brittney Gardner, met with the school’s principal, Kyle Fisher, and superintendent, Clay Acker, to present the check. The Washington Foundation also contributed $10,000 toward the project last year.

Community Notes

Mineral County Relay for Life is holding their annual “Lunch in the Lot” fundraiser on Wednesday, June 8 next to the Trail West Bank in Superior from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Enjoy hamburgers, taco salad, nachoes, cookies, pies, lemonade and ice tea. Call Peggy at 822-0922 for more information. Relay for Life is a part of the American Cancer Society.

Legislation introduced for tax savings for FFA, 4-H student projects

The Montana Farm Bureau is urging Congressional support for S. 2774, the Agriculture Student EARN Act. The Act, introduced by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), would make the first $5,000 of income earned by students completing 4-H or FFA agricultural projects tax free. Farm Bureau also supports companion legislation introduced in the House by Representatives Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and Michael Conaway (R-Texas). That bill is H.R. 3255, the Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2015.