Her favorite painting

Melinda Via of Thompson Falls holds one of her eight acrylic Americana-style painting prints. Titled, "Christmas on Main Street," this painting is Via's personal favorite and depicts a Christmas-time Thompson Falls in period turn-of-the-20th-century attire.

Mineral County brainstorms ideas for community center

After a survey conducted by the Mineral County Health Department showed that the number one desire for the county was a community center, officials began discussing the idea of building one. Mineral County officials met in the packed Senior Center in Superior on Thursday, May 9 to brainstorm ideas to build a community center. Superior Schools Superintendent Scott Kinney originally came up with the idea because he wants to relocate the wrestlers to different area to practice, but he has nowhere to send them. They currently train in the multi-purpose room where there is stage and sound equipment. “It truly is a multipurpose room,” Kinney said. He says the room gets beat up from the wrestlers and would like to see a new facility for the wrestlers and to also be used for the community. This triggered conversations with County Commissioner Roman Zylawy, who also believes the county should create a new, multiuse facility or a community center. The current 4H building, or Quonset hut, has seen a crumbling roof, plumbing and structural issues since its erection more than 60 years ago. “You just about have to turn sideways to get in the bathroom,” District Ranger Carole Johnson said. 4H activities could relocate to a new building, which could also be used for shooting sports, a performing arts center and a senior center. “The current building gets used almost every day,” Johnson said. It is already used for family reunions, receptions and 4H activities, however the Quonset hut has seen better days. Jim Goss, who represents several Mineral County nonprofits would like to see a new facility to host Mineral County Performing Arts Council (MCPAC) concerts. The LDS Church currently hosts concerts for MCPAC, but Goss would like to see a separate venue. Goss would also like to see the current Senior Center relocated to the potential community center. “The facility is showing its age and the kitchen is way too small,” Goss said. A commercial kitchen and larger space would better accommodate the county’s aging population. Goss says senior centers are compelling to grants and could help with applications. But none of this can happen without funding. That’s why Zylawy has researched the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), a program that provides communities with affordable housing and community development.

Trotters to face defending state champs

The Plains-Hot Springs softball team will experience two early tests as their team prepares to start the 2018 season playing Thompson Falls and the MHSA Class B-C defending state champions Florence in the first week of the season.

Homecoming bombardment

St. Regis senior Dallas Lewis does not forget last year’s heartbreaking St. Regis Tiger football loss to the West Yellowstone Wolverines in one of the teams few home games of the season.

Reject moderates

I am very concerned about people who believe that a “moderate” is an ideal choice.

Letter to the Editor: Support for James

Editor:

Mineral County contingent at Missoula Ag Banquet

A strong contingent from Mineral County attend the Missoula Chamber of Commerce’s 52 Annual Ag Banquet at the Holiday Inn last Thursday. From left, Harvey Mead, Willy Peck, Roman Zylawy, Curtis Cochran, Sean Heyer, Kevin Donally and Denley Loge. This event is a salute to the people in western Montana who ‘get their hands dirty’ producing the Number 1 staple of life. And love doing it! (Monte Turner/Mineral Independent)

New practices fills need for mental health services

Partnership Health Center closed their office location in Superior in December, inviting their patients to continue their health care at the Missoula location, 401 Railroad Street West.

Community Food Bank moving to new location

The Community Food Bank in Superior has had seven different homes over the last three decades. But starting next month it will open its door at its new permanent location, across the Clark Fork River in the old Bootlegger Bar.

ONE MORE TO GO

Hot Springs blows out Valier in semifinals, plays for school’s second state championship Saturday in Plentywood

HOT SPRINGS — The entire Hot Springs football season has been played with one goal in mind.

Missoula a capella group to come to Superior

SUPERIOR – This Saturday the Mineral County Performing Arts Council will play host to the Five Valley Chorus of the Sweet Adelines International, a barbershop-style a capella group out of Missoula.

Questions regarding crisis

Dear Editor:

Plains hospital saves $1.89 million on loan

The Montana Department of Commerce released good news about the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains.

Resident pitches idea of county advocate to commissioners

Mineral County resident George Regan was at the regularly scheduled meeting of the Mineral County Commissioners on Friday to discuss his ideas for creating a countywide advocate.

Five seniors to lead Trotters girls basketball

There is a quiet sense of optimism pervading the Plains High gym these days as the Trotters prepare for the upcoming girls basketball season.

Great Falls' Memorial Stadium filled with history

This weekend, the old lady hosted scores of highly active teenagers inside her home.

Reinstalled sign draws visitors to Paradise Legion club

Like the phoenix rising from the ashes in literary lore, a piece of Paradise has returned to its perch, symbolically and literally rising from the ashes of past tragedy.

Savage Horsemen hold strong at Western Montana Duals in Ronan

The Savage Horsemen travelled to Ronan at the end of last week for the 2018 Western Montana Duals.

Trout Creek's 39th annual Huckleberry Festival a big hit

The 39th Annual Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek last weekend was a hit for locals and tourists as the tiny Sanders County town once again celebrated.

Brain Bash 2019: The tradition continues

Every year since 1995, Plains High school releases its students for the last time of the year in a unique way.