Plains council faces tough decisions on sewer plant future

The Plains sewer lagoons are increasingly vulnerable to the encroaching Clark Fork River.

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.

In its 40th year, Montana Water Court future uncertain

HELENA — The Montana Water Court could soon reach a turning point once all its old water rights cases are settled.

SC Fair manager McGuigan moves on after 52 fairs

Chris McGuigan missed a Sanders County Fair once. He was away to college in Wyoming. All 52 others in his life, he attended.

Please pledge your support for E.L. Johnson Memorial Pool

Friends and neighbors:

Blue Hawks can't keep pace with Wardens, Falcons at Divisional

Thompson Falls had aspirations of turning some good recent performances into a boys’ state tournament berth, but the Blue Hawks were eliminated from the Western B Divisional Tournament last week at the Ronan Event Center without recording a victory.

Lady Hawks fall to Loyola, Eureka at Western Divisional

It was not a turnover plague that proved to be the downfall for the Thompson Falls girls at the Western B Divisional Basketball Tournament last week at the Ronan Event Center. It was inability to show consistent offensive production.

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.

Lawmakers to discuss slew of hot-button topics at mid-session

HELENA — The Montana Legislature is about to hit its hump day — on Saturday, March 2, the session is officially halfway through. Lawmakers will discuss a slew of hot-button issues this week, including sales tax, corporate media ownership, campaign mailers, surprise medical bills, and international trade wars. Here’s what to keep an eye on for Week 8:

This 'n That consignment shop in Superior is closing its doors

From clothes, to jewelry, knick-knacks and appliances all fill the tiny building located on the far side of the bridge in Superior. This ’n That is located at 104 River Street North and is closing its doors permanently on March 16.

Forest Service tries to stay on schedule despite furlough

Despite the 35 day government shutdown, the Superior and Ninemile U.S. Forest Service offices have been working hard to remain on schedule. Superior District Ranger, Carole Johnson, and new Ninemile District Ranger, Eric Tomasik, gave an update report to the Mineral County commissioners on Feb. 22.

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.

Trotters fall to Arlee in 14C District challenge game

Only two girls’ basketball teams from the 14C District advance to the second level of postseason play, and none of the three Sanders County were able to move on to the next level.

Blue Hawks face Deer Lodge to open divisional play

Defending state champion Bigfork and Missoula Loyola will have the No. 1 seeds going in the boys’ bracket in the Western B Divisional Basketball Tournament which unfolds Thursday morning at the Ronan Event Center. The tourney runs through Saturday night’s girls’ and boys’ championship games.

Lady Hawks tangle with Loyola in divisional opener

There is no “secret potion” for the Thompson Falls girls as they enter postseason play this week in the Western B Divisional Basketball Tournament at the Ronan Event Center. The Lady Hawks, seeded third from the 7B District, face talented and deep Missoula Loyola — for the third time this season — in the first round at 9:40 a.m. Thursday.

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.

Friends say goodbye as county worker Shirley Iwata retires

Shirley Iwata has been a familiar face around the Mineral County Courthouse for many years. Over that time, she’s held several positions and now she has added a new one to her list, that of being “retired”. Shirley is now 70 and officially retired on Jan. 31. She wanted to retire while she was in good health and could enjoy more of life’s adventures.

Medicaid expansion allows hospital to improve offerings Program set to expire in July unless renewed by Legislature

Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) President/CEO Dr. Greg Hanson is enthusiastic when he explains how the Medicaid Expansion plan passed by the 2015 legislature has benefitted service and health outcomes in Sanders County, and its economic impact county- and state-wide.

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.

Mineral County wrestlers 2nd at state

Trey Green from Superior took fourth place at 182 pounds at the All-Class State Wrestling Tournamnent at MetraPark in Billings last Friday and Saturday.