Rep. Pat Ingraham reflects on her time in the state House of Representatives

St. Regis board responds to community petition

In an unusually well attended meeting of the St. Regis School Board of Trustees on Jan. 9 a petition presented to the board during public comment addressed public concerns with the board and the administrative leave of Tammy Demien.

Buckle Up says Mineral County teens have the power to reduce crash rates

The report from The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm measured a 47 percent decline in teen driver-related fatalities over the past six years. Still, risky behaviors -- such as texting or emailing while driving, driving after drinking, and low seat belt use -- remain serious problems, and experts see specific opportunities to “apply the gas” to these common factors in crashes involving teen drivers. “When you see the needle move, as we have in this report, it’s time to apply the gas on programs that encourage safe teen passenger behaviors, as well as those that address what causes teens to crash.”

Reigning champs move to 11-man football

After coming off the top of the pile last season, Thompson Falls High football coach Jared Koskela will have a new, more daunting challenge this year.

Jury convicts Heron man of kidnapping son, fleeing to Costa Rica

A federal jury on Wednesday convicted a Heron man of kidnapping his son in violation of a parenting plan and taking him to Costa Rica, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

I’m thankful for Montana

As a fifth-generation Montanan, I didn’t choose Montana — Montana chose me.

Plains students raising funds for Skills USA conference

Many students from Plains High School recently participated in the Montana Skills USA state competition.

Flu cases on the rise in Montana

Influenza cases in Montana hit a sharp rise at the start of December, with nearly 1,000 new cases and more than 50 new hospitalizations reported statewide last week.

Sanders County Commissioners activate emergency fund

The Sanders County Commissioners invoked the emergency fund for the county so money is available to be distributed where needed.

Thieves want to steal our legacy

Montanans: Thieves want to steal our legacy.

Sanders County adopts permit program for wells

A permit program for wells drilled within Sanders County will be phased into sanitation practices beginning this month.

MCH exec appointed to state hospital post

Ron Gleason added another role to his position as Chief Executive Officer for Mineral Community Hospital. In August, he was appointed to the Montana Hospital Association comprised of 17 trustees, delegates, and officers from Montana.

St. Regis/Mullan team enjoys success

The St. Regis/Mullan co-op football regular season ended in second place in the White Pine League and fourth overall in their eight-team division. Both junior Ian Farris and freshman Adam Ball were All-League selections, and Farris may possibly receive All-State, said head football coach Jesse Allan. All-State award winners will be announced on Dec. 3. Farris was also in line for Most Valuable Player, and came in second to the team’s quarterback.

Letter to the editor

The week of Nov. 13 was a very memorable and busy week for me. The governor called the Legislature back to town on Monday to help fix the budget deficit. I am on the House Business and Labor Committee and we were scheduled to meet jointly with the Senate Business and Labor. I missed the Monday meeting with a higher priority — my mother’s funeral service was that afternoon.

Horsemen give Trotters a big send off to state tournament

PLAINS - Tuesday night, the Plains Trotters were treated to a very special Pep Rally, with dancing, singing, speeches and the chance to ride down Railroad Street in a small parade.

Olszewski campaigns in St. Regis

St. Regis residents had a very special afternoon this last Saturday as Dr. Al Olszewski, Republican candidate for governor, made a campaign stop Saturday.

Runners recognized at end of season banquet

The Plains Cross Country Team held their end of season banquet on Tuesday night, recognizing the achievements of the Horsemen and Trotter student-athletes in the 2010 season.  After a pot luck dinner, Head Coach Tony Banovich started the ceremony by showing a video of the season’s highlights.  This was followed by Banovich thanking Junior High coach Gena Ferlan and her outstanding management of the next generation of PHS harriers.  Next, was the recognition of the hard work of the Junior High athletes:  Ryan Ovitt, Carley VonHeeder, Sheridan Martin and Sera Boggess.

Partisan concerns

What’s up with Republicans these days? Take the recent primary race for Senator in Delaware to replace Joe Biden’s seat, for instance. Republican voters were faced with choosing old establishment  “moderate ideals” by casting their vote for candidate Mike Castle or taking a truly bold step by selecting Christine O’Donnell as their choice for a conservative reformer. The standard everyday Republicans are not going to “roll the current destruction” occurring in America today, in the halls of Congress in Washington, D.C., in the State legislative sessions amongst all fifty states, or even in hundreds of local courthouses of county governments.

Alberton boys wrestle with Frenchtown team

Alberton might not have a wrestling team at their own school, but that doesn’t stop three high schoolers from joining the Frenchtown team on the mat. Cody Ishler, Roy Schutter and Jacob Bestwick all wrestlers from Mineral County, travel over the county line to wrestle on Frenchtown’s team. Bob Henderson, who coaches the Broncs, said that he enjoys having them as part of the squad.

Plains XC coach expresses gratitude

Having just completed the cross country season, I wanted to take a minute to thank the residents of Plains and Sanders County for their support of our student athletes.  Seeing folks rallying around our youth is one of the true pleasures of living in a smaller community.  On behalf of Zoe Banovich, Kenneth Beech, David Damschen, Robert Earhart, Carter Montgomery, Garrett Horton, Daniel Damschen, Felicia Earhart, Teija Gill, Andrea Wood, Sera Boggess, Carley VonHeeder, Sheridan Martin and Ryan Ovitt -  Thanks to Gena Ferlan for volunteering to coach the junior high squad.  Thanks to all of the students, staff, and administration at Plains Public Schools.  Thanks to Thompson Falls Public Schools for sharing transportation with our squads. Thanks to McGowan’s and Plains Drug for helping with goodie bags for the state championship meet.  Thanks to the Montgomery, Damschen, Earhart and Cole families for decorating the bus and sending snacks for our trip to Helena.  Thanks to the Brooker and Naegeli families for all that they do in support of high school distance running in Sanders County.  Thanks to friends and alums who made the trip to Helena to watch the state meet – including Nathan Friesz (Plains H.S. shop teacher), Amber Harvey, and Tim & Carol Brooker.  And, mostly, thanks to the parents and families of these athletes.  It’s a big commitment to support and follow high school athletes; and, it’s much appreciated.