Communication infrastructure overhaul planned for western Montana

As part of the 15-year plan to expand voice, broadband and fiber connected communications across western Montana, Blackfoot Communications continues to replace outdated infrastructure.

Plains community garden grows in second year

PLAINS – In only its second year, the Plains Community Garden experienced a very successful year renting all 60 of their plots.

Board discusses VoIP system

THOMPSON FALLS – The Sanders County 9-1-1 Advisory Board put an emphasis on emergency communications within Sanders County during their latest meeting in Thompson Falls.

Locals come together

PARADISE – Paradise School, which closed its doors in May 2013 due to an inadequate number of students, has potential for a second life. A group of interested individuals from Paradise and Plains have formed the Paradise School Preservation Committee. Their vision is to create a visitor center, arts center and community center in the century old historic building. The multi-use facility would serve the potential for creating economic opportunity within the community and Sanders County.

Alberton Community Center is beneficiary of a $4,940 grant

The cracked, rotted and leaking windows in the Alberton Community Center will soon be replaced after the town received a $4,940 grant earlier this month for the historic building.

Plains Community Garden to sponsor hands-on workshop

On Monday, April 22, the Plains Community Garden will sponsor a workshop for all gardeners in the local area, and for anyone who wants to learn to garden. The hands-on workshop will be on seed starting, and everyone who attends will be able to take home plants as well as seed starts. Milton Pierce, the owner of The Potting Shed in St. Regis, will be the workshop leader. A tour of the garden will also be given. The workshop is free, and will be held at the Plains Community Garden, 505 West 5th Street, at 7:00 PM. If the weather is too cold, the meeting will move inside.

5 candidates vie for Mineral Community Hospital board

The mission statement for Mineral Community Hospital reads: “Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of our community.

Community gathers for food, fun, fireworks

Over 100 people of all ages rang in the new year with food, music and fireworks at the St. Regis Community New Year's Eve Celebration Monday.

Sally Braun receives Community Service Award

PLAINS - The rodeo arena at the Sanders County Fairgrounds was the site of a special ceremony on Saturday to honor a citizen of Plains for her service to the community. Sally Braun was the 20th person presented with the Sanders County Community Service Award for her continuing contributions to Plains. The award is sponsored by the Sanders County Fair Commission.

The master plan has been released

THOMPSON FALLS - With much jubilation, the Master Plan for Thompson Falls was unveiled by the Downtown Planning Committee to the public last week in the Community Center. Light refreshments of cheeses, meats, fruit and hot beverages were provided to the attendees as the plan was introduced by Mayor Carla Parks and a community planner from a Charlo-based community planning company.

Community dance

Aaron Balantine and Dallas Burgess sit at the front table and collect money for the community dance.

Monida Shared Imaging serves rural communities

In January of this year, Monida Shared Imaging added a second mobile MRI Unit to serve more rural Montana communities. The new magnetic resonance imaging scanner is a state-of-the-art GE 1.5 Tesla Signa Voyager.

Alberton to hold first community theater production

ALBERTON - The PEAK Foundation (Promoting Excellence in Alberton-area Kids) is sponsoring Alberton’s first community theater production, Briar Rose. The performances will be held Friday, August 16 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, August 17 at 10 a.m. Both shows will be performed in the Alberton School Cafeteria. This comedy and musical is a spoof on the old Sleeping Beauty tale where a prince falls in love with a woman who falls into a 100-year sleep. PEAK is looking for kids and adults of all ages to participate.

Superior proclaims National Service Recognition Day

SUPERIOR - This week history was made, as one of more than 1,760 mayors in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico united in support of national service. Together, we represent more than 110 million Americans, or one-third of the U.S. population. In Mineral County Tuesday marked the second annual Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service. In Montana 36 Montana mayors participated including Mayor Roni Phillips. RSVP Coordinator for Mineral County Mary Jo Berry, welcomed members of the community and Thanked all the volunteers who are essential to the success and strengthening of countless programs and services in the community.

Plains Community Garden receives new well

Community Service Award

Randy Garrison, left, receives the Community Service Award, Saturday night. 

Wildfire Protection Plan open house

Mineral County has taken proactive measures to protect its communities and infrastructure from wildfire hazards developing an updated Community Wildfire Protection Plan for 2025.

Ed Hollenback

Ed Hollenback thanks attendees gathered at Mineral Community Hospital to honor service in the community and on the MCH board.

Community theater comes to Alberton

ALBERTON – Residents of Alberton will be witness to the thespian talents of their neighbors this weekend thanks to a local organization devoted to providing activities and events for area youth.

Mental health issues a top priority

Improving the lives of Montanans who are suffering from mental health issues will be a top priority for the legislature this session.  A current shortage of care is impacting our Montana families and communities, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that all Montanans suffering from a mental illness have access to adequate care in the community and, for those who need it, at our state acute care facilities.  When addressing the state’s mental health needs, it is vital that we focus on the entire continuum of care, including community treatment options, improving our state facilities, investing in youth diversion, and, perhaps most importantly, passing the governor’s Healthy Montana Plan.