Controversy over walleye continues

Fishermen, biologists, and concerned citizens gathered on Tuesday at the Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department headquarters to meet with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials to discuss an environmental assessment released by the FWP regarding the walleye population in Noxon Reservoir. The public meeting was called by the FWP to inform the public about the proposal which would aim to reduce the numbers of walleye in the reservoir.

Roads opened for firewood gathering on Superior District

The Superior Ranger District has opened several roads for firewood gathering through Sept. 1, with the caveat that a piece of paper is required.

Letter to the Editor - April 17

To a large gathering of concerned residents in the courtroom last Thursday, Jennine Robbins and Bobbi Christensen from the Clerk & Recorder’s office, and the three commissioners informed the public of the proposal to consolidate several precincts, thereby, reducing the number of polling places.

2009 Fall Mack Days hits the fourth week

A total of 2,147 lake trout were entered in the fourth weekend of 2009 Fall Mack Days bringing the final number of the four weekends to 7,332.  Friday the weather was just right for the anglers with 1,017 entries coming  in.  Saturday brought more of the relentless windy weather the anglers have endured this fall and hardy anglers scurried to find bays or areas of the lake that were sheltered. It is not unusual for these anglers to put in 10-12 hour days.  Rough water makes  for really long days for the fishermen and ladies-they are amazing!! Saturday’s total entries were 327.  Sunday was much calmer and total entries were 803. Numbers will change quickly the next few weeks with the lake trout spawning and coming in closer. Fishing  tactics will change and areas where the fish are will change. Anglers will use their 12 best days out of 20 available for their average.  The last day is a separate day with special prizes- heaviest entry under 30”-and drawings from $300-$50. . 

Savage Heat opt out of co-op

For the first time since 2001, the Hot Springs Savage Heat will field their own football team, as the Hot Springs School Board voted to end the cooperative agreement with Plains last night at their monthly meeting.

Hunting harvest shows decline

General rifle season ended on Nov. 25 and a report for Region 2 during the third week of hunting by Fish, Wildlife & Parks showed a decline in the number of hunters and harvest. The total number of hunters in 2018 was 8,027, down from 9,317 for the same time period last year, with a total of 616 animals harvested compared to 818 in 2017.

Bighorns make the move to Plains

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently helped boost numbers of the local bighorn sheep herd in Plains.

Committee plans for Plains Beautification Day

Members of the Plains Beautification Day Committee spent Wednesday evening planning for the upcoming cleanup day, which will take place May 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Trotters searching for first conference win

After being soundly defeated earlier in the week by Florence-Carlton, the Plains Trotters volleyball team was hoping for some good vibes and Homecoming cooking.

Car show draws crowds despite cloudy conditions

TROUT CREEK - Clouds and threats of rain could not stop the 9th annual Cool Summer Nights Car Show in Trout Creek at the Lakeside Motel and Resort. Overcast skies looked to washout the car show, however by the start of the show at 10 a.m. the number of cars outdid the rainy expectation. Cars, trucks, pickups and motorcycles lined up on the grass, pavement and inside of the restaurant. In all, 36 vehicles lined up for the day with sunny to overcast skies. The voting for the people’s and driver’s choice awards were completed by spectators as well as the drivers. A deadline of 2 p.m. was established for votes, which allowed one hour to tally up the numbers and announce the winners by 3 p.m.

St. Regis misses first meet, will now have first go at Thompson Falls Invitational

With too many kids away for spring break, St. Regis ended up not attending the Jim Johnson Invitational last Wednesday in Missoula as was originally planned. Coach Maury Johnston said that rather they have added the Thompson Falls Invitational to their schedule for April 15 and that will be their first track meet of the season. The team has a small number of only five individuals. Johnston said that the challenges for the team remain the same.

Seedings set for divisional tournaments

First-round pairings are in for this coming weekend’s two Divisional tournaments for schools in Sanders and Mineral counties.

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)

Superior sixth-grader competes in Treasure State Spelling Bee

On Saturday, students from all over Montana traveled to Rocky Mountain College to compete in the Treasure State Spelling Bee. Superior student, Payton Milender had won the Mineral County Spelling Bee Feb. 22 and qualified for State. She was number 32 and joined 58 challengers in Billings vying for the grand prize.

Superior tennis downs Mission

It’s often referred to as Karma.

Six - the lucky number

Sunrise Fire now nations number one priority which grew to 3,700 acres overnight

The Sunrise Fire burning 11 miles east of Superior blew up overnight and grew another 1,000 acres. It now stands at 3,700 acres as of Thursday at 11 a.m. and is now the nation’s number one priority fire. For local fire crews this means more resources to battle the growing blaze.

Counties warned of IRS phone scam

SANDERS AND MINERAL COUNTY - As tax season comes to a close, consumers need to be aware of sophisticated phone scams targeting individuals throughout the country. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a pre-loaded debit card or wire transfer.

Kindergarten Roundup brings tots into Plains School

PLAINS – Parents from around the area came to Kindergarten Roundup on Thursday, April 11 at the Plains School to screen the upcoming kindergarteners developmentally.

Trap club results week six

After the six weeks of shooting the results were Plains and Noxon tied for 1st place with 1012 points. In number third place was the Denton Club