U.S. declines to give Northern Rockies wolves protections

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Friday it will develop the first National Recovery Plan for gray wolves in the Lower 48 but declined to make any changes to their listing status under the Endangered Species Act, meaning Montana will continue to manage wolf populations here.

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.

Date for Stand Down announced

An open invitation to other candidates for a debate

We’Äôve all participated in candidate forums and know their importance in legislative races, but because of the large number of candidates and the limited time, forums really don’Äôt offer enough time for candidate to fully express their views and positions on issues important to them.

Lady Hawks start season with solid foundation of talent

Last year was a good year to say the least for the always strong Thompson Falls High volleyball team.

O Sole Trio performs April 13 in Paradise

Tickets are available now to attend the performance of “O Sole Trio,” the final event of Sanders County Arts Council’s 2018-19 Performing Arts Season.

Christmas program looking for participants

The Annual Community Christmas Program will be Monday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Superior.

Tribal, federal law enforcement pledge more cooperation with local agencies

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana and CSKT on Dec. 1 launched the pilot project in accordance with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons...

Superior soccer kicks off

Youngsters from around Superior got together Saturday for a full day of sun, fun and soccer.

Honesty and disclosure wanted

Nancy Keenan

Parking at fairground to raise money for DAV van

PLAINS – A new organization in part with the DAV Volunteer Transportation Network has taken on a different way to fundraise this year for a replacement van to help veterans get to their VA medical appointments.

No such thing as an early spring

It’s way too early to think about spring.

Plains/Hot Springs Spring sports season ready to take off

PLAINS/HOT SPRINGS - With spring high school sports just around the corner, athletes and coaches are gearing up for another successful season. Golf, track and field, and softball practice ibegan on Monday and coaches from Plains High School and Hot Springs High School were busy preparing for the arrival of their new teams.

Montana to participate in disaster drill

At 10:22 a.m. on October 22, 2014, more than 111,000 Montanans will join millions of people across the United States and around the world to “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” in the world’s largest earthquake drill.  

Burn plan outlined

Officials on the Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District have announced that they will initiate the 2011 spring burning program when the prescribed burning conditions are met in the coming weeks, and would like to inform the public as to where these burns will occur.

Superior golfers tee off to begin spring season

STAC to discuss environment

Students spend day on Flathead Lake

HOT SPRINGS – School may be out of session for the summer but there are still plenty of events going on at Hot Springs High School for students.

Food for Thought: Stress & aging

Scientists have identified the first direct link between stress and aging, a finding that could explain why intense, long-term emotional strain can make people sick and grow old before their time.

4-H competition showcases hobbies

Students from Sanders County gathered at Thompson Falls High School on Saturday morning to demonstrate their 4-H projects to a panel of judges.