City council discusses pool

The local pool was an item of interest at the Superior Town Council's meeting held on Monday, August 9. Scott Anderson, from Anderson-Montgomery Consulting Engineers in Helena, presented the findings of the evaluation he performed on the pool.

An update from Senator Jennifer Fielder

One of my major goals as a legislator is to find ways to ensure responsible management and access to our natural resources on the federally managed lands in Montana. We have the science and ability to strike a balance between protecting the environment, reducing catastrophic fire hazards, and harvesting renewable resources from the land. Achieving that balance will require a great deal of focus, but many something different needs to be done, and it will be well worth the effort.

Airport Board looks to expand business potential

SUPERIOR – The Mineral County Airport Board believes bringing three-phase power to the Superior area would have huge benefits to the businesses and economy of the area. They have begun plans to make this a reality. According to Kevin Chamberlain, a member of the board and Montana State University extension agent, three-phase power is one of the most common types of power used in industrial work. It uses three conductors to carry three separate alternating currents. It also generates more power. Where most households use single-phase power, three-phase could run an entire multiple-unit apartment block with power to spare. Chamberlain said it was often used by businesses to run big machinery. There have been discussions of bringing three-phase power to the area around the airport. Chamberlain felt this would be good for the area because the power’s presence could be used as a draw to bring new businesses in. He said there was the possibility of building an industrial park to expand the area’s businesses and the economy as a whole. “First thing businesses look for is natural gas, which we don’t have anywhere in the county,” Chamberlain said. “The second thing they look at is do you have three-phase power at the site?” There is already three-phase power in some parts of the county, such as St. Regis. However, these places are already occupied by other businesses. Chamberlain felt building an industrial park would be a good solution. He said there had been a couple businesses who looked at Superior and the airport area as a possible location for their business. Three-phase power was an important factor in their search. Chamberlain said the lack of it in Superior led the businesses to decide against relocating to the area. The overall goal is to provide a place for people to do business. Alternatively, local businesses could move into the park and take advantage of the power. The airport board felt the benefits of upgrading the power in the area made it worthwhile to open discussions with the commissioners and the Federal Aviation Administration. The groups would then discuss what could be done in the area and the potential to develop an industrial park. While the project is being arranged by the airport board, there will be no changes to the airport itself. Chamberlain explained the airport was there to be used for aircraft operations and nothing else. The areas nearby could still be used for other businesses. “The whole point of what we’re trying to do is provide a place for someone to do business,” Chamberlain said. He said the board could not estimate a timeline of progress on the project. Because everything needs to fit into the FAA’s policies and guidelines, all aspects need to be reviewed to see if they comply with regulations. As a result, it would be awhile before any projections could be made. Chamberlain said it was tough to bring new business to the area because conditions were far from ideal. Because of the difficulties, Chamberlain felt anything they could do to make things easier was worth it. The airport board has spoken with the Mineral County Commissioners and other organizations to get funds for the project. They are currently working with the Department of Commerce to get grant money. The board hopes to have a grant application ready to submit by April.

Sanders County receives land donation for new housing

The Sanders County Community Housing Organization, Inc. recently received a generous donation of land...

NorthWestern energy plan out for public comment, listening sessions planned

NorthWestern Energy said flexible natural gas is one of the resources it needs to provide electricity to customers in the next couple of decades — but the Montana Public Service Commission is holding listening sessions starting next week on the monopoly utility’s plan.

St. Regis FFA teams place in top 15 at John Deere Ag Expo

The St. Regis FFA (Future Farmers of America) had three teams place in the top 15 at the John Deere Ag Expo in Bozeman. The Expo was held at the Montana State University Campus on Nov. 9-11 and approximately 1,500 FFA members came from around the state.

Department of Transportation proposes rebuild at Quartz Flats

SUPERIOR — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) would like to notify the public and seek comments on a proposal to rebuild the Quartz Flats Rest Area on Interstate Highway 90 (I-90) near Superior in Mineral County.

Superior wrestlers prepare for divisionals

SUPERIOR – The Superior wrestling team got some time off last week after circumstances caused the Thompson Falls and Plains tournaments to be cancelled.

Mineral Co. driver's education teachers are dedicated

To become a certified driver's education instructor, there is a big commitment to make and an even larger amount of studying and testing.

Paradise sewer opponents continue fight against project

There’s been a lot of digging going on concerning the proposed Paradise sewer system but not a shovel...

Volunteers clear old wire on Hiawatha to help protect wildlife

The fourth annual Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation wire-pull on the Montana/Idaho border had fewer volunteers this summer, but the enthusiasm for the project hasn't changed.

CWD found in two Idaho mule deer

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game announced last Wednesday that the two mule bucks were killed near Lucille last month, and the hunters submitted the lymph nodes of the animals for testing.

St. Regis School District included on Governor Brian Schweitzer's budget for the 2015 Biennium Quality School Grant

St. Regis, Montana, November 27, 2012 -- St. Regis School District is included on the Governor’s budget for Quality School Grant funds as requested by the district earlier this year. St Regis a K-12 school district in Mineral County submitted a proposal for ADA upgrades to the library restroom, gym seating, ADA access to the stage and locker rooms in a budgeted amount of $185,837. The district approved up to 20% in matching funds to pay for ineligible costs such as legal, audit, and administrative fees. Superintendent Hanson explained the written letters of support from individuals, business owners, community agencies, and our state representative Gordon R. Hendrick were certain to have played a large part in the district’s success.

Legals for May, 17 2023

Montana Patient Protection Act

I have introduced the Montana Patient Protection Act which prohibits physician-homicide and physician-assisted suicide ("aid in dying"). The Act is in response to the Supreme Court decision Baxter v. State of Montana. This Act is based on Montana's public policy to prevent elder abuse and to value all citizens.

Garden Column: Best buddies

June first is upon us! The date that every gardener in Plains eagerly anticipates and almost equally dreads! Now everything can be planted – and should be planted as soon as possible to get the most growing season for everything. Hurry, hurry, hurry and get all those cute little baby plants and tiny life center seeds into the earth!

Food for Thought: Adrenaline junkies

Adrenaline is part of the “flight or fight” response our bodies experience when coping with acute stress.

Heather opens up about her hour of fame

PLAINS – The news came shortly after Heather Worrall was finished with surgery. As she had her procedure done, her husband Bob said her phone was ringing off the hook. Once Worrall checked her calls, she was in shock. It was the Food Network answering her plea.

St. Regis shows support for law enforcement after hostage incident

Around 100 people gathered in the St. Regis School gymnasium March 20 as a community assembly was called for those who may need counseling or just want to talk about the shooting incident March 18 where a suspect in an Idaho armed robbery was killed by law enforcement after shooting a hostage near the travel center.

Humana contract negotiations fail with local hospital

The chief financial officer of the Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) had officially advised those patients under the previous Medicare Advantage program that the hospital had been unsuccessful in recent negotiations.