Hello from the Capitol

Hello from the capitol. This marks the end of week three which was a very busy one for all of us. I introduced three bills so far:  HB119, a bill to revise laws related to volunteer firefighter compensation; HB20, a bill to authorize a county social host liability ordinance and HB253, a bill to provide for recovery of costs for DUI conviction.  There are at least seven more in the hopper. All bills have to be introduced and heard in committee before Feb. 21st and heard on the floor before Feb. 24 or they will die, so as you can see I have my work cut out for me. Last week the hearing of HB20 was one of the highlights of my career; to watch all those kids testify on this bill was a sight to behold. I would like to thank Denyse Traeder of Superior and all the other people for all the hard work they did to put this bill together.   Committee member Liz made a special comment on the integrity and character of all the students who testified.

Lady Panters prepare for tournament after final game

ALBERTON – In their final games of the season, the Alberton Lady Panthers played the Darby Lady Tigers and the Drummond Lady Trojans, gaining experience for the regional tournament.

Lady Tigers even record at 3-3

It was a tough way to start a week for the St. Regis girls basketball team, which was whacked by Charlo, 60-19 last Tuesday night in Charlo.

Lady Savage Heat edge Alberton

It was a hard fought week of volleyball for the young and improving Hot Springs volleyball team.

St. Regis sixth graders give community a taste of ancient Egypt

For the students in Diane Gingerich’s sixth grade class, at St. Regis Elementary, fun is a four-letter word.

Attacks call for needed response

 I'll respond to the attacks by the pro SCCFF people against me, in answer to Mary Curry's letter, I will address that one in much the same way that I would address the other two being that they are so similar. I will address those letters on a “point by point” basis.

COVID plans put to test as firefighters crowd camps

HELENA — Jon Paul was leery entering his first wildfire camp of the year late last month to fight three lightning-caused fires scorching parts of a Northern California forest that hadn’t burned in 40 years.

Spaghetti, softball, lots of sweets

Spaghetti and dessert were only two of the delectable treats offered by the Plains softball team, who spent Friday up to their elbows in tomato sauce trying to earn money for the upcoming season.

Bi-coastal cyclists make a stop in Paradise

Local golfers 'Tee' up for charity

The recent Avista Charity Golf Tournament in Thompson Falls has been hailed a huge success by organizers.

Bills would help Montana's students

Jim Stipcich, president/CEO Student Assistance Foundation

Clark Fork Soccer Alliance draws 300 kids

The sport with the highest player participation in Sanders and Mineral counties keeps on growing.

Superior tennis notches more wins

If tennis is your sport, Superior High is a good place to be.

Ranger reports on USFS personnel changes, timber sales

There have been several personnel changes within the Superior Ranger District recently, reported District Ranger, Carole Johnson at a recent Mineral County commissioners meeting.

Bluehawks run to victory

THOMPSON FALLS – The Bluehawks of Thompson Falls rolled through their competition last weekend downing the Libby Loggers to improve to 8-3 on the season.

Plains Royals close out regular season

Michael Alfred Smith, 74

Michael Alfred Smith

Girls gear up for hoop season

Superior, St. Regis have new coaches

What’s next in the push to restore southern Montana’s passenger rail service

Last week the Federal Railroad Administration announced that it awarded a $500,000 grant to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority to explore the feasibility of restoring passenger rail service along the North Coast Hiawatha route, which passed through many of Montana’s largest cities along its Chicago-to-Seattle route before the service was scrapped four decades ago.

St. Regis Park Board seeks members

A thriving community cannot function without a strong foundation of both leaders and volunteers.