Letters to the Editor - April 24, 2013

An update from Rep. Pat Ingraham

On Monday April 15th, the State Administration Standing Committee which I chair heard two Senate bills, Senate Bill (SB) 408 and SB 405, both presented by Senator Alan Olson (Senate District 23) of Roundup. You might already be aware of these bills as they caused a great deal of raucous and media attention on the Senate floor on Friday, April 5th.

Smokejumpers train for upcoming fire season

Members of a unique fraternity gathered on Wednesday in Missoula at the headquarters of the smokejumpers to practice their habit of jumping out of airplanes into wildfires. Some smokejumpers, including Dan Helterline of Plains, were not in Missoula having been deployed to a fire in Virginia.

MRL improves railroad tracks

Residents of Plains had to deal with the inconvenience of intersection closures at three locations while railroad workers repaired ties on the section of line that runs through the town Monday through Wednesday. According to gang foreman Dave Guptill, the three intersections were closed for about eight to ten hours a day per section as work was conducted.

A prescription for rejuvenation

Prior to the settlement of Mineral County, the forest would naturally burn every five to ten years – nature’s form of spring cleaning.

Rural Fire Department puts Plains under a torch

PLAINS – The temperature of the radiant heat raged 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit as the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department set properties around town up in flames.

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Mike Bowen oversees the burn, ensuring the fire remains in the perimeter created for it with the use of wet lines.

Battle on invasive watermilfoil in Noxon shows success

In 2012, the Sanders County Aquatic Invasive Plants Task Force waged the largest battle thus far in the war against two species of non-native weeds in the Noxon and Cabinet Gorge reservoirs -- Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) and curlyleaf pondweed (CLP). Noxon Rapids Reservoir contains the uppermost known infestations of EWM on the Clark Fork River drainage.

Commissioners express support for Medicaid expansion

Denyse Traeder from the Mineral Community Hospital, as well as other representatives from MCH, were at the regular meeting of the Mineral County Commissioners on Friday to discuss the expansion of Montana Medicaid.

Treasurer reports on the state of Mineral County finances

During the Feb. 22 meeting of the Mineral County Commissioners, County Treasurer Mary Yarnall was present to field questions about the current state of finances for the county.

Grant helps protect against fires

Sanders County received $40,000 of grant money to help create defensible space around structures and property starting in the month of February.

From your State Senate: with Sen. Jennifer Fielder

We are working on dozens of important issues in the legislature. My primary focus is on protecting our freedom, reviving our economy, and increasing local input in management of public lands and wildlife. Due to the number of concerns expressed regarding gun rights issues, several related bills are being introduced in the legislature this week. You can track all legislation at www.mt.leg.gov

Thirty-Six Charges Filed in Sanders County Big Game Poaching

 Three Sanders County residents were recently charged with multiple fish and game violations including hunting game during a closed season and unlawfully using artificial light to kill game animals.  Deputy County Attorney Amy Kenison filed 36 charges for violations based on FWP Warden Tom Chianelli’s investigation into a string of poaching that occurred in March/April of 2012 in the Thompson Falls area.

Keeping in touch with Rep. Pat Ingraham

Last week, the House Select Committee on Redistricting that I served on had their last meeting and took executive action on House Resolution 2. This bill will go the House Floor this week to be voted one, and then will be forwarded on to the Redistricting and Reapportionment Commission for their consideration on whether they accept the recommended changes. The Senate will send their own Resolution for changes on to the Commission for their consideration.

Paradise School board looks to uphold future for building

PARADISE - The Paradise School Board held a meeting last Tuesday night to discuss ideas and the timeline pertaining to the school’s closing at the end of the current academic year.

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St. Regis sophomore Andrew Managhan elevates to hit a perimeter shot during Friday's home game.

Tiger basketball continues to build a foundation for future

On Friday night the St. Regis boy’s basketball squad played what Head Coach Byron Quinlan called “three tough quarters” of basketball against a “solid” Noxon team.

St. Regis Lady Tigers step up and capture the moment

St. Regis Lady Tiger Head Coach Damian Droessler talked to his squad about capturing the moment when you are called to step up.

From your State Senate: with Sen. Jennifer Fielder

It was quite an honor to be sworn into office at the state capitol on January 7. I do not take the responsibility lightly. I’m in Helena now, working 6 days a week, often 12-14 hours a day and I’m fully committed to honoring my oath to serve you well. I have been appointed to three senate committees: Natural Resources, Judiciary, and Fish & Game.  

A personal account of the origins of the Superior Lions Club food and gift program

Last Christmas in a story about the Superior Lion’s Club’s Christmas food and gift program you asked the Lion’s how it started.  Since the program began just after Christmas in 1957 or 58, all of the current Lion’s were too young to remember.