Powered by Timber: Part One in a Three Part Series examining timber in Mineral County

For three generations, Mineral County Commissioner Duane Simons’ family has worked in the lumber industry. When he moved to the county in 1972, he said you could walk out of your door on any given day and get work.

Special election continues to be mired in confusion

“What is better for democracy than to put a ballot in the hands of every registered voter?” was the prominent headline on an April 7 press release by Governor Steve Bullock. He issued an amendatory veto to House Bill 83, and added language that would allow counties to conduct the special Congressional election by automatic absentee mailing.

Elected officials shouldn't run us down

Recently, Republican state representatives Pat Ingraham and Gordon Hendrick and state senator Greg Hinkle met with Sanders County school administrators to talk about the school funding challenges facing the 2011 legislature. The meeting was arranged by Sanders County Treasurer Carol Turk who is running for re-election on the Republican ticket along with Ingraham and Hendrick. All three of the state officials expressed their concern about school funding issues. I would find their concern a lot more credible if any of them had ever actually voted for state funding for education.

Alberton Senior Spotlight: Dick Darne

Name: Dick Darne

A photographer's life taken by pictures

Danielle Switalski

Unique Emporium to close doors for good in April

PLAINS- Raylene Katana loves antiques and she loves Montana. It would seem strange at first then to learn that she is leaving them both behind for the sunny shores of southern California. Raylene is closing her second hand collectible shop, the Unique Emporium in Plains, and is moving to San Diego to be closer to family.

Superior locals attack the courts

The summer heat hasn’t kept local tennis players from hitting the courts.

Hot Springs looks to citizens for review

HOT SPRINGS – Last June the voters of Hot Springs voted through a local government review to examine the current process of governance used by the town’s local government.

Letter to the Editor: School in serious need

As Superior’s newest superintendent, it is extremely important to me that this community understand that our schools are your schools. As such, I believe it is vital that we are transparent in the way we address District concerns and share information. To that end, I am writing to inform you of a serious situation that we are dealing with as the end of the year approaches. This past Wednesday evening at a Special Board Meeting, the Superior Schools trustees were presented with a bond levy proposal. The original proposal came about because the District received a $23,500 planning grant from the Montana Department of Commerce. The purpose of this grant was to perform an energy audit that would consider the long-term financial benefits of replacing the LP gas and fuel oil heating systems located in our three schools. McKinstry, the company that provided the initial assessment, found that the cost savings of an improved heat plant with other cost saving measures (like replacing windows, lights and control systems), would generate savings enough to pay for nearly 75 percent of the cost over the next twenty years, reimbursing nearly $1.3 million of the $1.8 million price tag.

Beware deceptive telemarketers

I don't often write letters to the editor but I wanted to relay a incredibly deceptive telemarketing call I just received. While sitting in my office at home, the phone rang and my caller ID said Private Number. Hmm, who could that be? When I answered I was informed by a pleasant young woman stating that she was calling in behalf of the Breast Cancer Relief Foundation that worked to provide support so that women across America could have access to mammograms. I have to admit that my interest was piqued. I work in the medical field and I had honestly never heard of such an organization. More importantly, if there was a way that women in Western Montana could benefit I wanted to know more. “How are they benefited”, I asked. After a very awkward pause the woman said “with the nationwide effort.” Really, “How can they access this assistance” I responded. Another incredibly long pause, then “I would be happy to give you a phone number or the Web site for you to better understand.” “Great”, I responded!

'Best week' for Alberton girls

Coach Jim Baldwin summed up last week by saying that it was the “best week of basketball for our team.”

Funke elected Mineral County Sheriff

Republican Ryan Funke was elected Mineral County sheriff in the Nov. 8 general election.

Alice Lacy

Letters to the Editor

I am asking for your vote to reelect Denley Loge as your State Representative in House District 14. As an advocate for Montana military and veteran issues for more than 35 years I have worked with many freshman legislators. Representative Loge is one of the best I have ever worked with on those issues. He is sensitive to the needs of our military and veterans and knows the wants and needs of his constituents in HD 14.

Piano students showcase their talents at library

PLAINS – Music flooded the lawn of the Plains Public Library on Tuesday, July 16 as Syd Connolly and her students played for a crowd of spectators perched on blankets and chairs in the green grass of the library.

Honesty and disclosure wanted

Nancy Keenan

Fire preparedness

Jamie Doran

A legacy of theater, drama and plays

Letters to the Editor - May 1, 2013

Obituaries for September 16

Linda Sue Andrews, 56, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Linda Sue Andrews, 56, passed away on September 2, 2009.