Planning for the future

Patrick Low, superintendent of St. Regis School District, sat in an empty room Saturday. A meeting was scheduled to discuss the third draft of the school's strategic plan. And while no one showed up to offer any comments on the plan, Low said that board members as well as himself have received input on the plan in passing, whether at the grocery store or at sports camps.

Spotlight on the Arts: Ava Bouquet

“Spotlight on the Arts” by The Paradise Center honors and encourages students in the arts by highlighting their talent and acknowledging the support they receive through their schools and teachers.

Plains wrestlers do well at Choteau Tournament

PLAINS – The Plains/Hot Springs wrestling team went to Choteau and came back placing three kids in a tough competition.

A fight for property, liberty and burial rights

Veteran Renn Bodecker, 90, continues a fight with the courts to keep what he believes is rightfully his. Not only is he fighting for his property but he is also battling to be buried next to his wife, a right that may be stripped from him.

Thompson Falls Council reviews zoning law and dog kennel request

Thompson Falls monthly council meeting saw tensions rise after the second reading of a new zoning ordinance, with other discussions centering on whether dog kennels should be allowed in city limits.

Open house held for new fire hall

Mail in ballots for the new Superior Fire Hall Bond are scheduled to be mailed out to voters on April 19. The Superior Fire Volunteer Fire District wants to make sure that voters have answers to any questions they might have. Two open houses have been scheduled to be held at the fire hall this week, which is located behind the courthouse in Superior on the corner of Cedar St. and Third Avenue E.

Groups target cleanup of Frenchtown mill site

The national conservation nonprofit American Rivers has named the Clark Fork River among the nation’s most endangered rivers, citing industrial pollution and flooding risks from the shuttered Smurfit-Stone pulp mill in Frenchtown.

Open Doors opens up

SUPERIOR – Representatives from an organization that had previously released little information about themselves and their plans to help revitalize one town in Mineral County was on hand last week to throw open the veil and reveal who they were and why they want to invest in the town of Superior.

COUPLE ARE THE NEW OWNERS OF TWO PLAINS EATERIES

Ripples has been a staple in Plains for and in September it came under new ownership.

Plains to drill new water well

Plains Council members unanimously voted to drill a new town water well at a special town council meeting last week.

The Mineral County Dixieland Band plays on

In the late 1970s, St. Regis School found itself without a band director. The obvious issue was that the students were not being taught musical instruments and a side effect was not having a pep-band at the football games.

Old theme, new plans

New plans set in motion for the Fort Thompson Project and updating the Rose Garden Park

Landscape Architect and President of Silverline Projects Jennifer Fielder has drawn up a detailed preliminary concept plan for the “Fort Thompson” Historical Park and Visitor Center, redoing what is currently known as the Rose Garden Park and Ron’s Service and U-Haul located in downtown Thompson Falls.

Healthy Communities Coalition wins $200,000 grant

When the Mineral County Healthy Communities Coalition (HCC) restructured itself a few years ago, members had no idea the impact this organization would have on the county and its residents. Now, members are seeing a huge growth in the programs it offers, as well as some very positive outcomes.

Panther volleyball continues to improve this season

The Alberton Lady Panther volleyball team squared off against Seeley and Lincoln this week in two hard fought matches.

Railroad Day in need of a new engineer

After many years as the ‘engineer’ for Alberton’s Railroad Day, Richard Werst is stepping down as the festival coordinator. Though he will continue to help out with festivities, the committee is in need of some ‘fresh blood’. On Saturday, Alberton resident Glenda Wallace called a meeting asking for fellow community leaders to help if they want to keep the day ‘on track’. Some area residents stepped up to the table and have started discussions as to what Railroad Day may look like this summer. Several more volunteers have also expressed an interest in helping out. At the meeting, it was decided that Bob Worthen and Wallace will co-chair the committee. Other committee members include Brooke Worthen, Matt Sibert and Anna LeDuc. A lot of innovative ideas were discussed, including bringing in a magician, expanding children’s activities, and having more bands play throughout the day. This will be in addition to current activities like the morning parade and Wild West Show put on by the Sportsman Bar. Railroad Day is held in mid-July and this year will be the event’s 31st year. Residents who are interested in volunteering can find information on Facebook or on the web at http://www.albertonmontana.com/railroad_day.htm

Ideas put forth in Paradise

PARADISE – The Paradise Elementary School was buzzing with activity last weekend as a community input session was held within the historic building.

VFW Auxiliary serves up home cooking to local veterans

It’s the sweet aroma that strikes you first, followed by the sight of busy cooks turning potential chaos into a delightful breakfast.

Support for a senator

Thank you Senator Hinkle.  Thank you for taking the time to come to every public gathering you are able to attend just for the opportunity to speak to the many citizens in the District you represent.

FWP seeks members for Citizen Advisory Committee

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking applicants to fill volunteer positions on the northwest Montana (FWP Region 1) Citizen Advisory Committee.

WSA to host German-style fundraiser for sports complex

PLAINS – The Wildhorse Sports Association will be hosting a German Oktoberfest-style celebration fundraiser this Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Plains. The event will raise money for the WSA sports complex currently under construction west of Plains near the airport.