COLUMN: Go, Joansie, go

Phone. For the love of God, where is my phone?

Plains XC coach expresses gratitude

Having just completed the cross country season, I wanted to take a minute to thank the residents of Plains and Sanders County for their support of our student athletes.  Seeing folks rallying around our youth is one of the true pleasures of living in a smaller community.  On behalf of Zoe Banovich, Kenneth Beech, David Damschen, Robert Earhart, Carter Montgomery, Garrett Horton, Daniel Damschen, Felicia Earhart, Teija Gill, Andrea Wood, Sera Boggess, Carley VonHeeder, Sheridan Martin and Ryan Ovitt -  Thanks to Gena Ferlan for volunteering to coach the junior high squad.  Thanks to all of the students, staff, and administration at Plains Public Schools.  Thanks to Thompson Falls Public Schools for sharing transportation with our squads. Thanks to McGowan’s and Plains Drug for helping with goodie bags for the state championship meet.  Thanks to the Montgomery, Damschen, Earhart and Cole families for decorating the bus and sending snacks for our trip to Helena.  Thanks to the Brooker and Naegeli families for all that they do in support of high school distance running in Sanders County.  Thanks to friends and alums who made the trip to Helena to watch the state meet – including Nathan Friesz (Plains H.S. shop teacher), Amber Harvey, and Tim & Carol Brooker.  And, mostly, thanks to the parents and families of these athletes.  It’s a big commitment to support and follow high school athletes; and, it’s much appreciated.

PEAK holds annual tree lighting

The PEAK Foundation in Alberton held its annual tree lighting event on Friday. 

Fire department get some 'sweet' donations

The Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department recently had a small fundraiser to help sweeten up their Junior Firefighter Scholarship Fund.

Officers give Trick or Treat safety tips

Local law enforcement want to ensure that all kids that will be heading out to trick or treat come home safe and sound.

Superior woman starts home floral business

This peaceful outdoor space chock full of an incredible palette of flowers provided VanRimsun with the means of starting her very own small scale floral business this year.

Treasures and trinkets at St. Regis Christmas bazaar

Some shoppers were there looking for the perfect present for Grandma, while at the same time some grandmothers were sitting at booths selling handmade gifts themselves. The annual St. Regis Christmas Bazaar was held on Saturday at the St. Regis Community Center. Over a dozen vendors set up tables offering a splendid variety of treasures, goodies, and trinkets.

Hummingbirds make welcome return

Don't drink and drive

Remember when you could drink and drive, you just couldn’t drive drunk? So, what is it going to take to get some people to quit drinking and driving over the limit? Is death going to be the answer? Your number will eventually come up in some form. Take a minor accident or DUI as a sign, maybe even a blessing.

Fairgrounds Christmas Lighting marks 20th year

A look at key legislation that could impact the privacy of Mineral County cell phone users

Although the House defeated a measure that would have defunded the bulk phone metadata collection program, the narrow 205-217 vote showed that there is significant support in Congress to reform NSA surveillance programs. Here are six other legislative proposals on the table.

Counties warned of IRS phone scam

SANDERS AND MINERAL COUNTY - As tax season comes to a close, consumers need to be aware of sophisticated phone scams targeting individuals throughout the country. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer.

Seidel family takes over Jackies Flowers

A local family has purchased Jackies Flowers, Gifts and Espresso in the old Superior School.

Mineral Co. Chamber seeks supporters

The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce needs a boost.

406 area code required for local calls starting Oct. 24

That will change this month due to a Federal Communications Commission order designating 988 as the new, nationwide, 3-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

SCCFF brings in the New Year helping families

THOMPSON FALLS – With a New Year well underway, Sanders County Coalition for Families continues their mission to bring help to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and stalking.

Sanders County Trade fair a success

Melissa Oyer

Fundraiser benefits Plains softball program

One of the great things about small-town living, most folks agree, is the generosity and hospitality that is often in abundance.

Senior News

Dixon

County encouraged to buckle up during summer

MINERAL COUNTY - Vacations have begun and desk chairs sit empty while co-workers enjoy their time away from the job. Phones are ringing off the hook, the copier has been jammed for two days and the office plants are wilting. You are scrambling to tend to the needs of your clients as well as those of your vacationing colleagues. Productivity is suffering. Thank goodness they’ll be back on the job soon. But what if they don’t return?