FFA members bust out in March

A team consisting of Jasper, Drobny, Dufresne participated in the State Agricultural Mechanics contest, and the Hill sisters debated and voted on new FFA policies for next year in the delegate sessions. Members also got to show their stuff on the dance floor and attend a hypnotist show. There was also a trade show where students had the opportunity to see a variety of different career opportunities in the agriculture industry. The group also went to the Museum of the Rockies, and the Bozeman Agricultural Research and Teaching Farm.Madison had to complete 25 hours of community service and dedicate 350 hours to her agricultural experience project. Her project was raising and showing steers at the county fair in Superior for 4-H and FFA over the past three years.“It’s the second most prestigious degree you can get,” said Nielsen.At the conference, members participated in several days of workshops, meetings, award ceremonies, and guest speakers including Senator Steve Daines. Over 90 other Montana chapters were in attendance. At the conference, Madison Hill received a State FFA Degree.Next, members were off to the 86th Annual Montana FFA State Conference in Bozeman from March 30 until April 2. Attendees were Madison Hill, Emma Hill, Jacob Jasper, Josh Drobny, Damon Dufresne, Chloe Goss, and Kaitlin Jackson.It was the first time the organization had this type of event and Nielsen said that it was a great success and that they hope to do it again. Another activity was a giant spider web made out of PVC pipes and yarn. There were several holes in the web and teams had to get all their members through the holes without touching the yarn. The kids also did Karaoke, danced, played with Nerf guns, and ate loads of food brought in by each student for a pot luck. “For example, we had teams of six people and they stood on two boards and had to walk together in order to move the boards forward. If the team isn’t coordinated, than it won’t work and you can’t move,” said Nielsen.The event went from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. and included several team building activities. The activities required skills that included good communication, team-work, and cooperation.The FFA Officer team consists of President, Madison Hill; Vice President, Anna Sanford; Treasurer, Emma Hill; Secretary, Nicole Orrison; Reporter Travis Jaquez; Sentinel Jacob Jasper.“It was to promote FFA and have a night of fun in a positive environment,” she said.The members then hosted a “Lock-In” at St. Regis High School on March 25, where they invited other students to join in the fun. FFA advisor, Hollie Nielsen, said that 29 students participated in the event where they played games, and stayed in the gym overnight. Madison Hill, Anna Sanford and Travis Jaquez’s team placed second in Agricultural Communications, and Emma Hill, Nicole Orrison, and Kaitlin Jackson’s team placed ninth. Also, Madison Hill placed third High Individual in Agricultural Communication. On the fourth, members traveled to Cascade Montana for the JAAM State Contest. At JAAM, teams competed in categories including job interview; agriculture issues; agriculture marketing, along with career development events. The St. Regis Future Farmers of America (FFA) youth organization had a busy March. The organization attended the JAAM State Contest, hosted a Lock-In, and attended the State Conference in Bozeman.

Deer In Plains Sight (a cautionary tale)

Prank goes horribly wrong on Edith Peak

A Two Bear Air Rescue team was called to the scene of an avalanche near Edith Peak by Huson. They located, and rescued an injured man who had ran his snowmobile through a steel gate. While returning to the mountain to retrieve the avalanche victims, they were told by the Sheriff Deputy that it was a hoax the injured man’s friends had pulled.

Opioid abuse spreads; Montana teen abuse numbers up

The problem of addiction has stretched across America for decades. Whether in rural communities, city centers, or the suburbs, addiction hits hard.

Opening burning starts this month

Opening burning started as of March 1 and no permits will be needed until May 1. According to a pamphlet provided by the U.S. Forest Service, from March until August, burners are responsible for determining favorable conditions. However, keep in mind that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality regulates smoke emissions from open burning to prevent and/or reduce air quality impacts.

Friends help Jimmy Jones

Jimmy Jones was feeling the love, as well as ‘a little off the top’ at a benefit dinner and auction which was held in his honor on Feb. 27. The event in his name occurred to help pay for some of Jones’ medical bills that have accumulated as the result of his treatments for esophageal cancer.

City plans outlined for Thompson Falls chamber

THOMPSON FALLS – Mayor Mark Sheets presented an update on the city’s upcoming water projects during the February meeting of the Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce meeting.

Environmentalist group has hands in the federal cookie jar

Prescription drug abuse on the rise

Prescription drug overdose deaths are on the rise across the country, including in Montana, which ranks third in the nation for teen abuse of prescription pain relievers. Between 2011 and 2013, prescription drug overdoses were responsible for at least 369 deaths and more than 7,200 hospital inpatient admissions and emergency department cases, according to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Epidemiology and Scientific Support.

Noxon School Board negotiates with teachers, plans to replace doors

Bluehawks: 69 Horsemen: 38

Plains City Council discuss water and deer issues

Final payments for Hot Springs water tank approved

Plains to see several water projects in 2016

New Thompson Falls mayor begins term in office with the new year

Looking back at sports in 2015

A look back at 2015

New fire chief to start January 4

Noxon school gives winter road safety advice

NOXON – With more severe winter weather spreading through the area, road safety has become more concerning; to help with this, the Noxon schools distributed safety tips for going out on the road.

Sharon Patterson to retire at end of year