Hot Springs starting an FFA program for shop class

Last Thursday, the Hot Springs welding class met, at their normal time, between 11:15 and 12:15 to practice a skill that could benefit them throughout their lives in many ways.

Community Notes

Senior health and information day will be held on February 18 at the Superior Elementary. The public is welcome to come out and visit vendor booths which incudes: Mineral Co Sheriffs Dept. who will be disposing of your old drugs. Learn about insurance that Life Flight Is offering. Alberton resident Parris Jan Young will be reading and signing his book. There will also be lunch and door prizes.

Callers will soon need to dial 406 for all communication

The Montana Public Service Commission staff said that everyone should start using the 406-area code for all Montana calls starting April 24, 2021. Beginning Oct. 24, 2021, Montana calls without the 406-area code will not be connected.

Patriot Front trials set for July in Coeur d'Alene

More than a year after their arrest for allegedly planning to violently disrupt a Pride celebration in Coeur d’Alene City Park, six members of white nationalist hate group Patriot Front are expected to stand trial.

Mineral County community calendar

Tree lighting welcomes holidays and honors deceased

ALBERTON – The building festivities of the holidays saw the community gather to spark the Christmas season and honor passed loved ones Friday, as the Alberton community held a Christmas tree lighting and tribute at the Alberton Community Center.

Local resource coalition adds support to Liberty Fire salvage project

The Mineral County Resource Coalition recently added their support to the Liberty Fire Salvage and Restoration Project. The Liberty Fire is a project on the Seeley Lake Ranger District and burned 28,694 acres last summer. Of the acres burned 9,452 were on National Forest Service land, of which 5,766 were on Lolo National Forest System lands. Over 60 percent of these acres have been allocated to timber production in the Forest Plan.

Montana groups work to make wilderness accessible

The trip brought eight participants into the 1.5 million acre Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex.

State provides update on COVID-19 variants in Montana

State health agency continues to work with CDC on surveillance for variant strains...

Hot Springs' Rasmussen accepted into Merchant Marine Academy

U.S. Senator Jon Tester congratulated Hot Springs’ EmmaRae Rasmussen...

Family Fun Christmas events slated Saturday

It will be something for everyone at the Family Fun Community Christmas Event on Saturday, Dec. 15 in downtown Plains.

Sculptor Pies creating a 'region of art'

When Kenton Pies moved to Sanders County in 2005, it was his goal to create an “art mecca.” Not to be confused with the Muslims, the Webster third definition calls “mecca” “anything that one greatly desires or tries to achieve.”

Bill looks to exempt outfitters and guides from minimum wage rule

A new bipartisan bill proposed late last month by U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) hopes to support the outdoor economy by exempting outfitters and guides from what outdoor industry officials say are burdensome overtime requirements.

Students honor local veterans

PLAINS – A group of Plains students took time to honor veterans at Plains School last week, hosting a lunch for service members on Tuesday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

Yong Park, 85

Yong Park, 85

An update from Senator Fielder

The annual Patriotic Concert in Thompson Falls is such a special opportunity to gather with folks of all ages and all political persuasions to do one very positive thing together: honor our United States military service men and women.

Committee plans to save pool again

Members of city council and community business owners met with the Committee for Safe Swimming on Friday, Jan. 7 to discuss plans for saving the Plains swimming pool from being closed this summer. The pool is facing problems as its filtration system is in need of replacement and could potentially fail, leaving water quality at a level unsafe for swimming.

Plains teacher bags massive bighorn

For 30 years, Mike Tatum has been waiting for the chance.

Back Country Horsemen recognized for contribution to Sanders County

The Wild Horse Plains Back Country Horsemen (BCH) are a local chapter that aims to keep forest trails accessible and open for livestock use around Sanders County.

Alberton student raises funds for European trip

ALBERTON – In recent weeks, the Alberton community has gathered around one Alberton High School student in support of her efforts to raise money for a trip to England.