Renovated Whistle Stop is now Thompson Falls Laundry

When you think of a downtown renewal project, a laundromat might not be the first idea that comes to mind. But the Whistle Stop Laundromat is helping bring a fresh new feel to Thompson Falls’ Main Street.?

Superior student wins Keep Montana Green poster contest

Every year the Keep Montana Green Association holds a poster art contest and this year, Superior School’s Abigail Wheeler was the regional winner. She won in the intermediate division which is grades 4 through 6 for her poster.

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The Catholic Church in Superior will host Lenten lunches on Tuesdays until Holy Week (April 14-20). The first lunch was March 12 and then held on Tuesdays until April 9. Lunch is noon to 1 p.m. The Methodist, Assembly of God, LDS, Catholic and Community Churches will be responsible for each lunch. Donations will be accepted with proceeds supporting a local charity. Contact Nancy Wilson at 406-822-4548 for details.

4-H youth demonstrate talents and aplomb

The annual 4-H Communication Days kicked off last weekend in Thompson Falls and Hot Springs.

Poet Laureate Lowell Jaeger works to 'enliven your mind' at Arts Council event

Montana Poet Laureate Lowell Jaeger was the featured artist during the Sanders County Arts Council’s fifth event of its Tapestry Performing Arts Season for 2018-19.

Grizzly bear conflict-prevention specialist making a difference

Cabinet Resource Group (CRG), a grass-roots conservation watchdog group active since 1976 in northwest Montana, held its annual meeting Saturday, March 9 at Bighorn Lodge on the Bull River. The group uses this event every year to share issue updates with members, introduce like-minded groups in the region, give awards, and vote on board members.

CASA's chili feed fundraiser March 14

CASA is the acronym for court appointed special advocate, and the organization is very valuable to at-risk youth throughout the country.

America Saves Week addresses national 'savings crisis'

Military Saves Week also observed Feb. 25-March 2

The American personal savings rate is at its lowest level since the U.S. financial crisis in 2008, at 6.0 percent of disposable income, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is continuing a 60-year downward trend line.

Horsemen, Savage Heat, Devils fall short of divisional

Coaches in Class C boys’ basketball in Montana would likely agree that the 14C District, which includes Sanders, Lake and Mineral county teams, is arguably the top conference in the class — when you consider the quality from top to bottom.

New store brings warmth to lonesome Lonepine

On a bleak, winter drive down Highway 28 from Elmo to Plains, there is suddenly a small splash of color ahead in the gray. It is something you would take for granted in most places. But in Lonepine, a community about six miles north of Hot Springs that lost its zip code years ago, a sign that simply says “Open” is a welcome sight.

Snow blitz features 'Clayton Street Angel'

In a week where snow seemed to be the story in Sanders County, a severe outlook of neighborliness has broken out.

Superior Town Pump receives 'Most Improved' award

The Town Pump/Flying J Travel Plaza in Rocker was recently received the prestigious Diamond Dealer Award from Pilot/Flying J. This is the fourth year in a row that the Town Rocker Town Pump/Flying J has received this designation. The Town Pump/Pilot Travel Plaza in Lolo, Montana also received the Diamond Dealer Award. This was the first year the Lolo location received the award.

Lady Cats third at 13C District; CF boys in challenge

Basketball district tournaments are a time when high school memories are made, and Clark Fork Mountain Cat senior Korey Radford has one for his scrapbook. In the consolation game at the 13C District Tournament against Victor last Saturday, the teams were neck-and-neck throughout the game. With 34.7 seconds on the clock, Radford made a bucket, bringing the Cats within 53-52. Then Clark Fork sophomore Aaron Waddle got a steal on the inbounds pass, giving the Cats another possession. After a time out, Radford threw up the final basket with 16.2 second left for the win, 54-53.

Weekly Roundup

Wearing vintage Superior School uniforms, the Clark Fork Mountain Cats faced the Valley Christian Eagles on Feb. 5. It was Senior Night in Superior where graduating players were honored along with their parents. Seniors leaving the courts this year are Sophia Krutilla, Madison Mask, Margaret Parkin, all basketball players from Superior, as well as pep band member Jonna Warnken. Alberton players include Korey Radford and Michael Spence.

Library drops fines in exchange for food donations

As of Feb. 1, the Mineral County Library will no longer charge fines for overdue library items and all overdue books currently on patrons accounts have been removed. Instead, when books and other items are overdue, people are being asked to bring non-perishable food items to the library in lieu of fines. Which in turn will be donated to the local food bank. However, charges for lost or damaged books will remain the same.

Christina Haskell

Christina May Haskell (Chrissy) received her wings for heaven on Feb. 6, 2019.

Ze Merry Maries a capella group together for 10 years

“It all started with a story on NPR in 2008,” says Deb Achatz of Trout Creek, who first dreamed up the area’s long-time comedy a capella group, Ze Merry Maries. She was struck by a piece saying that performance art was not taught in schools as much as it used to be.

County snowplow fire may cause some plowing delays

A fire starting in the engine compartment of a parked snowplow truck destroyed that vehicle and caused substantial damage to the Beaver Creek county shop building and other snowplows Sunday, Jan. 27.

Basketball a 'thrill' for foreign students

The Clark Fork Mountain Cats Boys basketball teams experienced a unique situation this year with five foreign exchange students participating in the sport this season. For some it was the first time they ever held a basketball or stepped onto a court.

Housing shortage continues to plague Mineral County

There was an open house in Superior at Maple Street Cottages last week. The two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath rental units are available for seniors who are 62 years of age and older, and are on a fixed income. The hallway that leads from the front sitting room and kitchen are wide enough for wheelchairs and the shower is equipped for handicapped individuals. “We call these ‘aging in place’ units,” said Jim Morton with the Human Resource Council and he oversees programs in Mineral, Missoula and Ravalli counties.