Pumpkin Auction raises $7,500

What started out as a way for fellow employees to help each other has now turned into a several thousand dollar annual event.

Earl Kellberg

On Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2018, Earl Thomas Kellberg’s life ended in a tragic accident at the age of 36. Earl was born Jan. 4, 1982, in Spokane, Wash., two months early weighing only 3 pounds, 10 ounces. Earl was a fighter from day one!

Trotters eliminated at C Divisional

Plains’ varsity volleyball team put up a fight at the Western B Divisional Tournament last week at Manhattan Christian High School, but was unable to advance far enough in the bracket to challenge for a state tournament berth.

Red Ribbon Week focuses on preventing substance abuse

The battle against drugs and alcohol use among teenagers seems to finally be on a winning streak — with use holding steady at their lowest level in over two decades, according to a 2017 survey by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. The survey includes the attitudes among eighth-, 10th- and 12th-grade students across the nation and found, “a general decline in perceived risk of harm from using a number of substances and declining disapproval of people who use them.”

Ghost Stories (continued)

Clark Fork Lady Cats fall short of state tourney

The Western 13C District champion Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats traveled to Manhattan Christian for Western C Divisionals on Nov. 1-3. The Cats faced Manhattan Christian in match 1 and were defeated, 25-11, 25-16, 25-14. On Friday, they faced Western C 14C District champion Plains, and lost in a five-set matchup: 25-22, 25-19, 15-25, 18-25, 15-10. The loss knocked the Lady Cats out of the tournament.

Community Notes

The MineralIndependent goes to press on Monday and will not have full election coverage until the Nov. 14 issue. However, election results will be posted on the Mineral Independent/Valley Press Facebook page and online at vp-mi.com.

Elks Hoop Shoot set for this Saturday in Thompson Falls

Youngsters from throughout Sanders County, plus Mineral County, will gather Sunday, Nov. 11 for the annual Elks Lodge No. 2757 Hoop Shoot in the Thompson Falls High School gym. Competition begins at 2 p.m.

IFG celebrates Montana Forest Products Week

Mineral County students and community members were invited to the Idaho Forest Group (IFG) Mill in St. Regis on Oct. 24 for a tour. The invitation was in honor of Montana Forest Products Week celebrated Oct. 21-27. In addition to the tour, the group was given a drone demonstration.

Scary Halloween stories keeps readers up at night!

Community Notes

Parents as Teachers is holding a diaper drive from Oct. 29 to Nov. 9 to collect a goal of 300 packages of diapers for distribution to families in need in Mineral County. Parents as Teachers provides educational materials to parents about child development; screens children for potential delays; and offers general parenting support. Diapers will be distributed on the evening of Nov. 14 in St. Regis along with an educational event. More information is available at the Mineral County Health Department at 406-822-3564 or email April Quinlan at aquinlan@co.mineral.mt.us.

General election is Tuesday

General election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6 and voters will be tasked with making their choice on candidates and important issues facing Montana. Many voters have already cast their absentee ballot, which was mailed out on Oct. 12. According to the Montana Secretary of State, 1,363 absentee ballots were mailed to Mineral County residents.

Lady Mountain Cats win Western 13C

There were cheers and tears as the Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats made history by winning the Western 13C District Volleyball Tournament on Saturday in Missoula. The Lady Cats killed, blocked and clawed their way through the brackets to meet their season nemesis, the Seeley-Swan Blackhawks.

Superior Senior Night casts spotlight

It was Senior Night in Superior on Oct. 19 where Alberton students Michael Spence and Korey Radford were introduced, along with Superior’s Sophia Krutilla, who is one of the team’s managers. Sophia was escorted onto the field by Jeff, Kristy and Madison Mask, and her parents are Kirk and Jenny Krutilla. After graduation, she plans on attending the University of Montana to study physical therapy. “I want to thank my parents for all of their love and support. My friends for making my past four years unforgettable and the Mask family for letting me eat their food and take naps at their house,” she wrote in a statement.

CF volleyball team raises awareness, funds

During the Clark Fork varsity volleyball match on Monday, Oct. 8, the Lady Mountain Cats presented Mary Jo Lommen a check. They were dressed in pink T-shirts with “We Play 4 Judi” inked on the front. The check was for Judi Haskins and her family to help with medical expenses from her recent diagnosis of breast cancer.

Mineral County youth recognized for Symbol of Excellence

GREAT FALLS — The Montana Pork Producers Council and MSU Extension collect hog carcass data across the state for the Symbol of Excellence program annually. This year’s winners include two Mineral County 4-H members, Decker Milender and Heather Haskins.

Community Notes

The Mineral County Library will host their annual Pumpkin Decorating and Costume Contest on Oct. 27 from noon to 2 p.m. There is also a fall fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. with a bake and book sale, as well as hot dogs. The Chamber of Commerce will be there at noon, and Parents as Teachers will do a slime presentation. All events will be held on the library lawn located at 301 2nd Ave. E. in Superior. Call 406-822-3563 for information.

Calloway, Parkin named Superior king and queen during Homecoming

It was Homecoming for Superior School last week and Homecoming royalty made their way onto to the football field during halftime on Friday. Albeit half the court was absent with a no-show from freshman Mason Elliot and sophomore Kylee Pakke. Jasmine Savage represented the other half for the freshman, and Tim Galarneau represented the sophomore class. Juniors were Isaiah Kovolsky and Emma Hopwood and seniors Kade Parkin and Hannah Calloway. Parkin and Calloway were also announced as the 2018 Homecoming king and queen.

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.

'KO the Warriors' wins top Homecoming parade honors