Emergency services a challenge in Mineral County

Providing emergency services in small rural areas like Mineral County can be challenging due to the lack of volunteers and other resources needed. However, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, headed by George Gupton, and the LEPC Subcommittee on Communications is aiming to help overcome some of these challenges.

Reunion for 1958, 1959 Superior classes held in Oregon

Twenty-five current and former Mineral County residents headed for the Whispering Woods Resort at Welches, Oregon for a class reunion. The reunion was for Superior High School classes of 1958 and 1959 with friends. It was held on May 15-18 near Mt. Hood and was hosted by Gaylord and Marcia Green. This was the first time for some but the second and third time for others and the event is always hosted by the Greens. The first evening we all met for dinner and got re-acquainted again.

How to cope with wildfire smoke

Hazy skies have plagued the region since early July when a storm system produced hundreds of lightning strikes across western Montana.

Superior churches come together for holiday concert

SUPERIOR – Over 200 people packed into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints last week for the annual Mineral County Ecumenical Christmas Concert, put on by a multi-faith group of people from across the county.

Highway Patrol urges safe driving

SUPERIOR – Over 200 people packed into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints last week for the annual Mineral County Ecumenical Christmas Concert, put on by a multi-faith group of people from across the county.

Community calendar

Community calendar

Community calendar

Community calendar

Community calendar

Community calendar

Blizzard affects Mineral County schools

MINERAL COUNTY – As blizzard-like conditions plagued the area last week, Mineral County schools were forced to concede to the weather and change their normal operations. On Monday, Feb. 24, the Superior and St. Regis schools declared a snow day. With icy roads, which were hazardous even after being plowed and sanded, the safety of the students took priority. Scott Kinney, superintendant of the Superior schools, said the call was always to close or delay the school day if there was ever any concern for safety. “With busses, they’re difficult enough to drive,” Kinney said. “We have ice on the road deck and then significant amounts of wind, a bus is essentially like a big sail. It makes it very difficult for the drivers.” On Friday, Feb. 28, the Superior schools closed again as heavy snows kept many people snowed into their homes. Icy conditions on the roads also caused safety to become a concern again. For Superior the decision to close the school was made Sunday and Thursday evening. Kinney receives updates from the weather service and road crews about the conditions. When it was determined the roads would be too questionable the superintendents were notified. With faculty coming to the area from as far away as Missoula it was important to get the word out quickly so people would not try to brave the roads. As Missoula was pounded by high winds and blizzard conditions, the city had largely shut down. When the decisions were made, word began to spread as the schools tried to get word out quickly. Monday morning in Superior an automated system sent out calls to parents and faculty telling them of the snow day. The school secretaries made calls to those families who were not registered to receive the message. The missed days will likely be made up at the end of the year. The schools will need to coordinate with the state on what needs to be done. It is possible the state will give a special waiver and declare the storm a natural disaster. If this happens, the schools will not be required to make up the missed days. While the Alberton Public School also dealt with bad weather on Monday, they were still open for the day. The Alberton schools and busses were delayed two hours, and school did not start until 10:00 a.m. Because of their four-day school week the Alberton students were not in school for Friday’s storm. The week was a special situation and the schools try to avoid closing the schools. If the roads are clear without much ice the schools will be open for the normal schedule. “As long as the roads are safe, we don’t have a problem,” Kinney said.

Drought conditions persist

SANDERS COUNTY – As warm temperatures and dry weather conditions continue to be the norm across northwestern Montana effects of the drought conditions are impacting Sanders County.

Is this how we honor our military?

I have witnessed a despicable attitude by a Commander In Chief as a result of the murder of 5 American servicemen who were on duty unarmed at a training base in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  The solution that this ‘woodstock’ generation came up with is an even greater insult.  They say ‘Do not dress in uniform as this will insult someone, somewhere, some place at any time.

Legals for May, 22 2024

Legislative update: Week 13

A very controversial bill came on March 31. It was a blast motion to get SB 305, changing our present voting system to mail-in ballots for this special election, on to the House floor for debate and a vote. It was brought by a blast motion which requires 60 votes to bring it out of committee. It failed to receive the votes. There was much discussion on the floor debate. Counties were in favor of the bill due to a cost savings in mail ballots. The reservation populations were very much against the bill due to the fact that the voter mailing lists are not accurate.

Rebuilding a life from ashes

eff Tautges does not like to linger in what is left of his charred second-story St. Regis apartment.

Jean Doty update

Dear friends and family of Jean Doty,

Community Calendar

Community Calendar

Forest Service tries to stay on schedule despite furlough

Despite the 35 day government shutdown, the Superior and Ninemile U.S. Forest Service offices have been working hard to remain on schedule. Superior District Ranger, Carole Johnson, and new Ninemile District Ranger, Eric Tomasik, gave an update report to the Mineral County commissioners on Feb. 22.

Redd Bull tour gives opportunity for group input

Tricon Timber hosted a meeting about Redd Bull on July 18 in St. Regis. The event was to give an update of issues impacting federal forest management and to take a field tour of the project area.

Speed limit changed for Highway 135

It’s been two years since the speed limit on Highway 135 was adjusted for safety reasons near Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort, and it’s about to change again.

Winter Storm Warning for Plains, MT

According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning is in effect until Thursday at 11 a.m. for the Plains area.  Moderate to heavy snow and strong winds will make driving conditions hazardous, with visability reduced. Eight to twelve inches of snow is reported to fall in the Clark Fork Valley area, with 12 to 18 inches over Lookout Pass and other high mountain terrain.