Danielle's column

Fourth of July confusion

The Fourth of July was my absolute favorite holiday growing up, albeit for my own selfish reasons.

Obits for January 7

Jean Isabelle Shaner, born April 27, 1927 at Cattaraugus, NY quietly passed away at the Missoula Community Medical Center on Monday, December 28, 2009 with her friend and partner of 48 years at her side. Over a period of 4 weeks she suffered through a series of increasingly more debilitating strokes. Although particially paralyzed, she was fully cognizant of her status and retained her composure, dignity and humor until the end of her life. An extraordinary person.

Billy Hill is my choice for sheriff

Friday evening, Sept. 24, I attended an event billed as a debate between write in candidate for Sheriff Billy Hill and current Undersheriff Rube Wrightsman.  I was looking forward to hearing facts and evidence to help me with my decision making in this important race. While the debate did not happen, though Billy Hill was there and ready, I did learn much from hearing Billy Hill speak and present his case for why he should be the next Sheriff.

Mineral County athletes shine at Seeley-Swan Invitational

Seeley-Swan Track Invitational

There is a 'friendship in common'

One of my favorite expressions is “often wrong, never in doubt.” I like to think it doesn’t apply to me — at least the “often” part — but I do come under the category of being overly certain in my opinions or in an event I swear happened. For instance, in the latter category would be my memory of where I left a tool. I will be looking for — say a left-handed monkey wrench — and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it was last seen exactly where it now isn’t. Often that experience has to do with the passage of time. If I lay a key on the counter it takes me no time at all to forget where I put it; however, if I have not used a tool in 30 years I can go exactly to the spot where I think it should be, and lo, it is there. I just don’t have time to wait 30 years before I find the key, unhappily.

Chaos staged to sop the vote

In a desperate attempt to keep two ballot referendums from reaching the people of Montana, democrat senators staged unprecedented chaos at the state capitol on Friday. After an initial plot to disrupt proceedings failed, they resorted to mob rule -- yelling, ranting, raving, and slamming coffee mugs on their desks. They incited their allies in the audience, who in turn began hanging over the balcony rails to scream and stomp and jeer. They did everything, just short of riot, to disrupt the legislative process. It was unbelievable.

To the men and women who served our country

Dear Veterans,

Neighborly advice

Jim Elliott

Christmas time…oh my!

Danielle Switalski

Joseph L. Rickett

Joseph L Rickett of Missoula, Mt. passed away December 9th. 2012 in Thermopolis Co., Wyoming, thus ending a 65 year career in the logging industry.  He had worked in Wyoming for the past 2 1/2 years.

Endorses Funke for Mineral County sheriff

It is my privilege to write this letter of support for Sergeant Ryan Funke for Mineral County Sheriff

COLUMN: That's a wrap for fall sports

Wow! Can it really be three sports seasons have sped by in my retirement days of writing for the Valley Press and Mineral Independent?

A humble beginning turns into something larger

Last week, 15 chocolate lab puppies and 15 older labs were coated in feces and urine, in need of water and warmth. Today, they are in a giving, caring facility that is treating them for ailments and searching for the right owner who will give them the attention they need.

Spring break for a cause: Florida woman organizes clothing drive for Superior thrift

Spring break for college students is typically mid to late March. For the most part, it’s the disreputable week of jet-setting to warm weather locations, for young adults to decompress from their bookwork by engaging in some risky and questionable behavior.

Be bear aware in Mineral County

SUPERIOR – Students at one Mineral County school have a better idea of what to do in case of a bear encounter after a presentation last week with an expert in the field taught them some essential knowledge on the subject.

Riverdogs hang tough at Whitefish wood bat tourney

They most often play against teams from much bigger population areas, which means a deeper player pool in which to dive.

When hiking or handling outdoor chores, beware of ticks

Karyn Thornton, a physician assistant with Mineral Community Hospital in Superior, said it is typical to start seeing tick bites in the emergency room about this time of year.

Layer up to beat the cold this winter

It’s that time of year when you can’t just throw on the bath robe and run outside for the mail. You can’t walk your dog in your slippers and you can’t survive more than a few minutes before you’re iced over from your fingers to toes.

Delays likely for Fishtrap area

It may be a little more difficult reaching your favorite camping and/or fishing spot on the north end of the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District these next few months but, in the end, the delays should prove to be well worth the wait.

COLUMN: What is the deal with mascots?

You’d probably have to actually be in my mind, entangled in the web of electrons to even begin to wonder why I would ponder such a thing, but I’ve been wrestling with this question for years.