The price of power

Montana and the nation are at the crux of a changing energy future. What that future will look like depends on the choices we make now. These choices will require some tough decisions by both electricity consumers and the regulators of our utilities at the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC).  Regulated electric and gas utilities in Montana include Northwestern Energy (NWE) and Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) in the eastern part of our state. Electric co-ops are not regulated by the PSC. The challenge for electricity providers and regulators is how to incorporate alternative forms of energy such as wind, biomass, solar and geothermal into our system as a long term investment towards clean energy and energy independence. As with most investments, the payoff comes over time, perhaps even over a lifetime. Judith Gap, Montana’s first wind farm, came on line in 2006, and customers are already seeing the benefits. The 135MW facility supplies 8% of NWE’s energy needs at a cost of about $40/MWH, considerably less than the cost of electricity produced at the coal fired power plant in Coalstrip ($54/MWH).

Conflict arises in wake of extension office collapse

In the middle of June, the ceiling in the extension office portion of the Mineral County Library building collapsed. A claim was promptly filed with the Montana Association of Counties and the entire building was closed due to observations that ceilings still intact in the building were sagging.

Christmas, credit card fees

Now that Christmas is over and all the gifts unwrapped and being enjoyed, many of us will reluctantly turn our thoughts to having to pay for all that generosity. For most of us that means paying off the credit card bill. That also means paying interest on the balance if we don't pay it off in one payment; and possibly late payment fees, underpayment fees, balance transfer fees, and if you complain, a bad attitude fee.

HD-14 candidate Rep. Denley Loge

There will be two Republican candidates for the primary election on June 8 for the Montana House Representative from District 14. Both live in St. Regis, with Rep. Denley Loge as the incumbent and Randy Mitchell vying for the position. HD-14 covers areas in three different counties.

High value networks provide Montana business owners with a choice

By Richard Miltenberger

State starts criminal investigation of co-gen

The Montana Attorney General has started a criminal investigation into whether the owners of the co-gen plant near Thompson Falls provided fraudulent information to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality in order to obtain a nearly $1.6 million reduction in fines for repeatedly violating air quality standards.

Preparations plans for upcoming county fair

SUPERIOR – With the fair right around the corner, the Mineral County Fair Board has begun addressing maintenance preparations and concerns about the grounds for this year’s event.

Thanks for 'looming recession, highest ever gasoline prices

We have a lot to be thankful for. Here are just a few things I'm going to give thanks for starting with the June primary this year.

Glass artist seeks to help women in need

But if you’re more curious than in academia, you can take a four-hour class in Superior to see if it is of interest.

Energy independence and forest health

Montana Viewpoint

Some experts say Paradise sewer project price too high

With the embers of anti-sewer protest still glowing, a new development in the issue may further fan the flames of discontent in the small town of Paradise.

Anything for money

Revett Mining Company's recent ads in the newspapers concerning their proposed copper mine are trying hard to deceive residents, considering the amount of damage planned, they will need to extremely good at it. Most residents love being apart of such a wonderful place.

New Mineral County Sheriff Ryan Funke takes the reins

Some unexpected remodeling was waiting for newly elected Mineral County Sheriff Ryan Funke even before he officially was sworn into the position.

LTE-Plains man supports Tranel for Public Service Commission

The Public Service Commission is a critical race this fall.

Plains pool sees over $11K in improvements

PLAINS – Swimmers using the Plains Pool will notice a lot of improvements when entering the newly updated pool. The town has used a grant of over $11,280 to help bring the popular swimming area to code.

Housing project boosts local economy

In today’s struggling economy, it’s not hard to imagine a string of abandoned, run down trailers creating an eye-sore for neighbors and passers by. It would be no stretch of the imagination to envision local teens getting into trouble without supervision. Maybe graffiti or vandalism, maybe worse.

Letters to the Editor; Safety of our kids

4-H'ers prepare for Mineral County Fair shows

The Mineral County Fair is the highlight of the 4-H year. The 2022 theme "Fun Galore in the 54" invites all ages to join in the festivities Aug. 4-6, at the Mineral County Fairgrounds in Superior.

Revett'Äôs proposed copper mine

Should we hide Yellowstone? Is this area’Äôs Ross Creek Cedar Grove in danger of being clear cut? Some of our last, best remaining protected places are being threatened. Some people view any part of our planet as another place to make money. They interpret protection as failure. The rest of us call pristine ground a gift for our souls, a blessing, and proof of good accomplishments.

For love of books

The Mineral County Hospital Guild hosted a book fair Thursday to raise money for the hospital and give hospital employees and people in the community an opportunity to purchase books and other gifts at a discounted price.