Lady Hawks softball improves to 8-3

The Lady Hawks softball team started this past week by breaking the hearts of the Heart Breakers. Twice.

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.

Hot Springs teams primed for tourney time

It was a whirlwind week for the Hot Springs boys and girls basketball teams, with each team playing three games in three nights to wind up their regular season schedules.

All but Plains school levies pass

With a levy on every ballot in the school elections, the Plains High School and Elementary levies were the only levies to fail last Tuesday.

Lady Mountain Cats win Western 13C

There were cheers and tears as the Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats made history by winning the Western 13C District Volleyball Tournament on Saturday in Missoula. The Lady Cats killed, blocked and clawed their way through the brackets to meet their season nemesis, the Seeley-Swan Blackhawks.

Legals May 9, 2018

NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The Swamp Fire Salvage Timber Sale is located within Section 36, T20N-R27W, on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 4,790 tons, consisting of mixed conifer sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on May 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Bids may be hand delivered or mailed and will be accepted any time prior to the bid opening. DNRC recommends that bidders contact the Trust Land Management Division (406-542-4300) prior to the bid opening to ensure that your bid has been received. Bids must be accompanied by a deposit of $5,571.00, representing 5% of the minimum bid value of the sale in cashier's check, certified check, bank money order or bank draft to be applied to the first sale invoice for the successful bidder. Bid bonds will be accepted and, for the successful bidder, will be closed upon execution of the Timber Sale Contract and Timber Sale Bond. The sale will be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. If the successful bidder is unable to execute the contract within 30 calendar days from the date the sale is awarded, the bid deposit will be retained by the Department as liquidated damages. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. Prospective bidders can obtain the sale prospectus, sale contract and bid forms from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Trust Land Management Division, in Missoula (406-542-4300), the Northwestern Land Office in Kalispell (406-751-2257), or the Plains Unit Office in Plains, MT (406-826-4723). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on April 25 and May 2, May 9, May 16, 2018. MNAXLP

Rams butt heads during aggressive rut, FWP reports

“Bighorn sheep are undoubtedly one of the most iconic and revered wildlife species in Montana, yet in comparison to most big game animals, relatively little is known about their population,” stated a 2013 Fish, Wildlife & Parks report. There are roughly 6,000 bighorns in Montana with approximately 700 living in Region 2 of the Fish, Wildlife & Parks map which includes herds up Petty Creek near Alberton and near St. Regis. Over the years, the numbers grew to 1,500 with the 1970s herd producing trophy-size rams.

Legals May 16, 2018

NOTICE OF SALE Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Timber Sale The Swamp Fire Salvage Timber Sale is located within Section 36, T20N-R27W, on the State's Plains Unit. Approximately 4,790 tons, consisting of mixed conifer sawlogs, are offered for sale. Sealed bids will be opened at the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, Montana on May 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Bids may be hand delivered or mailed and will be accepted any time prior to the bid opening. DNRC recommends that bidders contact the Trust Land Management Division (406-542-4300) prior to the bid opening to ensure that your bid has been received. Bids must be accompanied by a deposit of $5,571.00, representing 5% of the minimum bid value of the sale in cashier's check, certified check, bank money order or bank draft to be applied to the first sale invoice for the successful bidder. Bid bonds will be accepted and, for the successful bidder, will be closed upon execution of the Timber Sale Contract and Timber Sale Bond. The sale will be awarded to the highest responsible bidder. If the successful bidder is unable to execute the contract within 30 calendar days from the date the sale is awarded, the bid deposit will be retained by the Department as liquidated damages. The right is reserved to reject any or all bids. Prospective bidders can obtain the sale prospectus, sale contract and bid forms from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation, Trust Land Management Division, in Missoula (406-542-4300), the Northwestern Land Office in Kalispell (406-751-2257), or the Plains Unit Office in Plains, MT (406-826-4723). Visit our website at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/trust/forest-management/timber-sale-information for upcoming sales and bid results. Published in the Clark Fork Valley Press on April 25 and May 2, May 9, May 16, 2018. MNAXLP

Still no deal to reopen Mineral County detention center

Following attempts to reopen the Mineral County jail with help from a nonprofit private corporation, the detention center will remain closed when both failed to reach an agreement.

Groups band together to help reforest Sunrise burn area

Looking over the terrain of Sunrise Mountain swaths of black tree stands are a stark reminder of the wildfire that ravaged the area last summer. The fire chewed through 27,000 acres which was primarily Lolo National Forest Land. The area is a mix of conifer forest on steep mountainous terrain and affected a number of drainages including Trout, Cougar, Verde, Sunrise, Meadow, and Quartz Creeks.

Plains artist named People's Choice

Problematic wildlife

FWP should start helping landowners with problematic wildlife

Sanders County resident sentenced in Mineral County elder abuse case

MINERAL COUNTY – A Sanders County man was sentenced to 20 years in the Montana State Prison with ten years suspended last week after he was found guilty in January of two felony counts of abusing and exploiting an elder.

Mini-clinics prepare for new Plains Day event

TRACS festival to bring good food and beverages

THOMPSON FALLS – If you are a fan of hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and entertainment, then Thompson River Animal Care Shelter has a place for you.

Comments sought on hunting and fishing license fee increases, land and water control; An update from Senator Fielder

Last week the legislative interim committees I am assigned to held three days of public hearings on a number of environmental issues including Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks’ (FWP) proposal to increase hunting and fishing license fees, ongoing analysis of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Water Compact, the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new rule seeking increased federal control over state waters,  and a draft report on SJ-15 Montana’s study of federal land management.

There are no small parts, only small actors

The Missoula Children's Theater performs Cinderella in Hot Springs

Bassmasters tournament stimulates local economy

TROUT CREEK- Small businesses in Sanders County received an early season boost as the 2014 B.AS.S Nation Western Divisional took place on Noxon Reservoir.

Pine Beetle populations not hindered by cold snap

MINERAL COUNTY – Over the last several weeks, members of the community have wondered about the status of Mountain Pine Beetle populations in response to colder than average temperatures in early December.

Hunter Education Class scheduled for Trout Creek

TROUT CREEK - Hunter Education Classes have been scheduled for a number of communities in northwest Montana. All hunter education classes are free of charge.  By state law, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must have completed the Hunter Education Course to buy a hunting license in Montana.  To attend class and become certified, students must be at least 11 years old.