Blue Hawks rout Park City; will play for state title on home field

The Blue Hawks will host this Saturday’s game at Previs Field against the defending 8-man champs, Drummond-Philipsburg. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.

Hydrogen-powered drones could patrol remote stretch of I-90

Imagine a system that could provide public safety, emergency medical services, law enforcement, fire abatement and communications in one small fleet of hydrogen powered UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) that are able to stay in the air up to 13 hours and to be on call day or night in any weather.

Air quality rated unhealthy near Sunrise Fire

The valleys of Mineral County have seen increased smoke as the Sunrise and Burdette fire continue to grow east of Superior. Air monitoring stations have been set up in Superior and the Quartz Creek Campground with links to the inciweb.com online page. According to the Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program, there were periods of thick and some poor visibility along Interstate -90 last week. Also periods of unhealthy conditions in Superior and Quartz Creek areas. Other areas including Alberton and St. Regis were experiencing hazy conditions with reports of moderate air quality.

Boy Scout helps ambulance for Eagle project

Eagle Scouts are expected to me many things, the Boy Scout Law states that a scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful and “reverent to name a few. Yet, if you had to define Valin Heward, Plains' next Eagle Scout, unpretentious would probably fit best.

Fire restrictions lifted after rainstorm

Two days of healthy rainfall and cool temperatures across Western Montana brought an abrupt end to fire restrictions, while some public closures and evacuation notices were lifted.

Forest Service to conduct prescribed burns

SANDERS COUNTY - The Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District plans to conduct several prescribed burns this spring on U.S. Forest Service lands in Sanders County. Depending on when burning prescription conditions are met, these burns could occur over the next several weeks.

Area wrestlers qualify for Montana Class B/C championships

Fifteen wrestlers from Sanders and Mineral counties punched their tickets...

Area to see unhealthy air quality today

Current Situation and Today’s Forecast

Legislative misconceptions

As we get closer to the end of the 62nd Legislative Session, I would like to clear up some misconceptions about a host of hot-button legislation currently working its way through the process. Alarmists from all sides have taken many of these issues entirely out of context and portrayed them as something they are not.  I had a constituent stop by to express disappointment on my vote for Senate Bill 306.   I explained that I would be mad too if the only information I had was what was available in the press.  This has been totally misrepresented in the media as opening the door to new open pit mining.  Contrary to the misinformation put out by the bill’s critics, SB 306 does NOT overturn the 1998 voter-approved cyanide heap-leach mining ban. Under the 1998 initiative, a few mines were grandfathered in and allowed to continue using this method in a responsible manner. SB 306 simply states that if a new gold or silver mine wants to do business in Montana, they are allowed to truck ore to only these mines for processing.  This is one of the many Republican sponsored bills supporting legislation that will create opportunities for more jobs in Montana. It will essentially give the green light to new gold and silver mines that want to bring business and economic activity to our state and allow clean-up of abandoned mine sites by the State with processing of the low-grade ore to pay for the clean-up.  This bill is also supported by the DEQ and is on its way to the Governor after having passed both the House and Senate. Gov. Schweitzer has said he wants jobs legislation and that he supports responsible natural resource development, so it is my hope that he will sign SB 306 into law.

Legislative update from Sen. Loge

This past week in the Legislature has been the busiest yet.

Old Jail Museum in Thompson Falls shares history

Open since Memorial Day, the building was completed in 1907 and was the home for what its name indicates.

Two vehicle crash leaves one injured

Melissa Oyer

Heavy rains lead to mudslides

SUPERIOR - There were no reported injuries or damage to private property after two separate mudslides struck near Superior Thursday night sending tons of mud, rocks, trees and other debris plummeting down hillsides.

County hoop, wrestling teams preparing for season openers

Most Sanders County high school basketball and wrestling teams are halfway through their preseason practices in preparation for their 2018-19 seasons.

Legals for July, 3 2024

Deadline nears for Women in Timber/LIONS gift program

Each basket will consist of food for a traditional Christmas dinner and a wrapped present for each child in the family. But the deadline to sign up is Monday, Dec. 6 and late applications will not be accepted.

Students compete in school wide track day

PLAINS - Wednesday, starting promptly at 9:00am out by the Plains School track, grades one through five gathered for the annual Elementary Track Day. Parents and even high school students were invited to come watch and cheer.

West End community establishes neighborhood watch

The West End Neighborhood Watch held its third organizational...

Chili cookoff draws support for West End fire department

With so many activities going on in St. Regis and at the taverns in Saltese and DeBorgia last Saturday, West End Volunteer Department Fire Chief Frank Magee was very appreciative of the turnout for the second Chili Cookoff.

Mineral County Pioneer Council seeks volunteer bookkeeper

This position is vital for the continuation of transportation to Missoula and medical appointments in Mineral County.