COLUMN: Monkey bars

It started early for me. I’ve always been a scavenger of one sort or another.

Legals for July, 12 2023

First responders hone skills in active-shooter drill

With increasing social instability creeping through the nation, more doors are being locked, car keys are no longer left dangling from the ignition, and security cameras are being installed nearly everywhere.

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.

Conservation license now required to access some state lands

A new rule that went into effect over the weekend requires all outdoor enthusiasts to secure a conservation license to access some state lands previously open with few restrictions to the public.

Plains horse sculpture discussed by town council

Few attended the July Plains Town Council meeting scheduled one day before the July 4 holiday. No public comments were made during the meeting.

Fourth of July festivities light up Sanders County

Oh beautiful, for Big Blue skies, for forests, hills and Plains.

Noxon fireworks trailer destroyed in post-Fourth blaze

You can see it in his eyes, even though he tries to suppress the hurt.

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.

Pat's Knob Lookout reopened for fire season

Forest Service crew members Wesley Buchanan, AJ Jermyn and Tanner Ovitt made the long drive to the top of Pat’s Knob to open the historic Patrick’s Knob Lookout for the 2023 fire season.

Zinke endorses political newcomer Sheehy for Senate

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke on Wednesday threw his support behind Navy SEAL veteran and businessman turned U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, joining other prominent Montana conservatives in endorsing the Bridger Aerospace CEO.

Montana GOP grew government, raised taxes

Less government and lower taxes. You hear that political slogan from Republican candidates early and often while they are campaigning.

Montanans are getting their money back

Nearly all working-age Montanans, more than half the state’s total population, are getting some welcome news this month: the state is sending them money.

Fugitive recaptured after manhunt in Plains

A fugitive who reportedly slipped out of his handcuffs and escaped custody July 9 in the Plains area was recaptured by local law enforcement officers July 10.

State wants comments on new elk management plan

Elk hunters who are interested in how the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks manage elk have the opportunity to weigh in on the new draft elk management plan.

Legislative districts modified for state elections

As the dust continues to settle on the last legislative session, boundaries that affect Mineral and Sanders counties have had some modifications.

Residents get sticker-shock from property appraisal notices

The sticker-shock of estimated property taxes to residents of Mineral County hit a nerve when assessments arrived in mailboxes Friday or Saturday.

COLUMN: Pro payday

So let me get this straight: you get good, real good, really good at putting a ball through a hoop 10 feet off the ground and you can be set for life?

New fitness gym takes shape in Plains

It could be said the “Warrior” spirit is being infused into the site of what will be the Warrior Fitness gym in Plains.

New K-12 private school to open near Thompson Falls

It’s not just parents who are dissatisfied with public education these days. There are also teachers who want a better way for their students to learn.