Mineral County Tea Party holds rally

They weren’t many in number and they weren’t standing outside the steps of the White House, but the people who took up signs last week to protest government over-reach, spending and taxes felt like they were getting their voices heard.

Food for Thought: Secrets of inner strength

Ever notice how some people manage to stay on track despite suffering a serious illness, financial setbacks or other problems that would derail other people?

Food for thought: How to develop your personal negotiation skills

Negotiating skills can help you manage different kinds of life situations, both at work and in your personal relationships.  Many family situations require negotiating with others.  Deciding which movie to see, planning how to spend money, choosing a vacation spot, and many other decisions work best when you have these skills.  Being a good negotiator enables you to get what you want more often without resorting to becoming aggressive or pushy.  Negotiating with others is more effective than simply demanding what you want or just caving in.   These skills enable you to stand up for yourself and get what you want more often without harming relationships with bosses and coworkers.  Negotiating a fair solution makes you feel good about yourself and increases people’s respect for you.

"Art on the Walls" returns to hospital

Thirteen local artists from Sanders County are now displaying their work at the new “Art on the Walls” exhibit in the halls of Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains.

Students tour hospital for career class

Six students from Thompson Falls High School toured Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains last Wednesday morning, as part their Medical Careers class.

Food for thought: stress and aging

Scientists have identified the first direct link between stress and aging, a finding that could explain why intense, long term emotional strain can make people sick and grow old before their time.  The research demonstrates the mind can not be separated from the body.  Stress impacts health by modulating the rate of cellular aging.  In other words, stress damage to DNA is the culprit behind premature wrinkles, gray hair and diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular, insulin resistance and autoimmune disorders.

Trenton Thomas Borntrager

Trenton Thomas Borntrager was born on March 24, 2011 to proud parents Barb and Norm Borntreger, of Plains.  He was born at Clark Fork Valley Hospital at 10:57 a.m. and was delivered by Dr. Williams. Trenton weighted 8 pounds, 4 ounces at 20 _ inches long.  Maternal grandparents are Jerry and Holley Pinney of Newport, Maine and paternal grandparents are Chris and Lydia Borntreger of Plains.

Plains students enjoy red carpet treatment

A years worth of dress shopping, match-making and planning finally paid off last Saturday evening for Plains High School students.

Hospital offers new services

Look no further than Mineral Community Hospital for your orthopedic surgery needs.

LIGHT shines in St. Regis

Dr. Alan and Sarah Damron have the intention to spread the gospel from St. Regis to the Idaho border.

"Through With Chew Week" upcoming

“Through With Chew Week” is an annual event designed to prevent and reduce chew tobacco use.

Study to examine elk calves in bitterroot valley

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) will begin a study this week that will evaluate factors affecting elk calf survival in the East and West Forks of the Bitterroot Valley. 

How to avoid blight this spring

Gardening tips for a potentially poor growing season

As this year’s gardening season approaches, local farmers and agricultural experts want to urge home gardeners to be aware of the risk of late blight, a devastating disease that reared its ugly head in the valley last year. Characterized by black colored wounds or abnormalities on the leaf and stem, late blight is the same devastating pathogen responsible for the Irish potato famine of the late 1840s. In the Mission Valley, tons of potatoes were lost last year, Montana State University extension agent Jack Stivers said.

Food for thought: Staying positive in the winter months

Now that the holidays are over, the decorations taken down, the credit card bills arriving and the extra pounds showing, it is no wonder that many people are experiencing a let down. The colder weather and the shorter, darker days don’t help much either. However, you don’t have to fall victim to the winter blues. Look at this time of the year as an opportunity to evaluate different areas of your life and incorporate changes that would enrich or develop personal growth.

Wreaths fundraiser wraps up

With Christmas just a few days away, those who entered to win one of the wreaths from the Mineral County Medical Foundation and won, will have a nicely decorated item to place inside their home or outside on their front door.

Food for thought: The holidays-a time for joy, a time for forgiveness

This is an article that I wrote last year.  Some of you have asked me to print it again for the Christmas season.

Boy Scouts hold flag ceremony

The Plains Boy Scout Troop held a flag retiring ceremony with members of VFW Post 3596 on Pearl Harbor Day, last Dec. 7. The ceremony was held behind the Plains VFW Post, as was attended by members of the community, as well as area veterans.

Food for thought: what do do about the holiday blues

Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with the holidays.  Many people feel stressed and unhappy in response to the demands of shopping for gifts, spending large amounts of money, attending parties and family gatherings, and entertaining house guests.  It is not uncommon to react to these stresses with excessive drinking and eating, difficulty sleeping, and physical complaints.  The result is the holiday blues.

Coping choices: loneliness-normal or not?

Coping Choices – Loneliness – Normal or Not

Students explore their future