Keeping in touch

One of the bills you’ve seen discussed on television news lately is a bill I am carrying on behalf of the Secretary of State’s office, a bill which has long been an important bill to the Election Administrators of Montana, House Bill 130.  HB 130 is an “Act revising procedures for conducting mail ballot elections; requiring elections other than school elections to be held by mail; provides for training of Election Administrators and Election Judges; revises procedures by which Election Administrators confirm Electors residence and mailing addresses; revises procedures for reactivating an Electors registration; revises certain absentee ballot provisions; requires counties to pay for ballots returned with insufficient postage; revises procedures for creating and approving a written election plan; provides for notice to inactive electors; provides  requirements for voting booths; provides requirements for places of deposit and official drop boxes for ballot returns: revises procedures for handling and counting returned ballots; and, repeals the requirement that Election Administrators provide for proportional voting in certain elections (13-19-302 MCA regarding votes to be cast in proportion to ownership or other factor other than one vote per person).  

MONTANA VIEWPOINT

Only the little people pay taxes while big corporations slide by

Quartz Flats rest area reopens

The reopening ceremony at the westbound Quartz Flats rest area on I-90 was attended by several community members.

Thompson Falls event gets kids ready for summer biking

No one would likely have anything bad to say about a government-hosted event that actually benefits children in a really good way.

Bill Merriman turns 90

Bill Merriman of Superior had a warm reception when around 37 friends and family members surprised him with a 90th birthday party at Whipped Up! in Superior. His party was on Oct. 5 to celebrate his birthday, which was on Oct. 9, and in addition to cake and ice cream they enjoyed their choice of a chicken or roast beef dinner.

Forest Service burns CC Divide

MINERAL COUNTY – The Forest Service has been waiting years to burn a site measuring approximately 800 acres near St. Regis and last week the conditions were finally right to treat the area with a controlled, prescribed burn.

Mineral County offers emergency notification program

“Here’s an example of the way this works,’ explained Tifani Amberson, lead dispatcher at the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office.

Letter to the Editor: Mr. Ringmaster

Editor:

Lady Panthers break even last week

Last week, the Alberton girls had one win and one loss.

Money problems lead to job cuts

After weeks of contract discussions with no discernible progress between county officials and employees, Mineral County Commissioners voted last week to reduce positions in certain departments, in an effort save money.

Hiawatha to close early

The Route of the Hiawatha, a popular rails-to-trail bike path located on the scenic Bitterroot Divide along the Montana-Idaho border, will be stopping daily operations a week early this year. The last day of operations is Sunday, Sept. 26.  While the world-famous trail usually is open for bike riders and hikers through the first weekend of October, it will be closing early this year to allow for various USFS construction projects in the area. Those projects include construction of 139 new parking spaces at the Taft trailhead, to accommodate the record number of visitors that flock to the trail each year.

Students return from Helena

Task Force cracks down on illegal consumption

THOMPSON FALLS – The Sanders County DUI Task Force, a non-profit organization devoted to addressing alcohol issues, had much to discuss at their monthly meeting Thursday morning. The members had several ideas on how to make the county safer.

Parkins earns Volunteer EMS Provider of the Year Award

She had no idea whatsoever that Karyn ‘KT’ Thornton had nominated her for the award and always humble, Anita Parkin felt there were others more deserving.

Community Outreach bus to be terminated

MINERAL COUNTY – As of Thursday, November 21, Mineral Community Hospital will no longer offer the Community Outreach bus as a way for residents to go to Superior.

Montana Viewpoint: Infrastructure, hard and soft

There are two types of infrastructure, commonly called hard and soft.

Skatepark and more planned for Alberton

Ever since 2016, members of the PEAK Foundation in Alberton have dreamt of renovating the town park. Now, their dream will come true with an official ground breaking in early June. Armed with a $10,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation, the money can be added to the pot to fund the project. Once they reach $150,000, Montana State Parks will match that amount dollar-for-dollar to complete the $300,000 renovation.

Mineral County Community Calendar - Dec. 11

Road to Recovery

Legals for February, 19 2025

Plains locals brave snowy Turkey Trot

It has, over the years, become a Thanksgiving tradition.