MONTE TURNER
Mineral Independent
Recent Stories
Second phase of Flat Creek cleanup planned
It was 20 years ago that the Federal EPA came to Superior to investigate the possibility of soil contamination. That is when the first critical action removal was performed.
Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show revs up
When a family event grows in size a little bit every year, isn’t that a good sign people like it? That it’s fun, entertaining and even educational?
Parkins earns Volunteer EMS Provider of the Year Award
She had no idea whatsoever that Karyn ‘KT’ Thornton had nominated her for the award and always humble, Anita Parkin felt there were others more deserving.
New fire station in the works for Tarkio
The Mineral County Commissioners on March 26 approved a plan to add 66 parcels to the Superior Rural Fire District, which formalized the process that has been going on for over a year to build small fire department in the Tarkio area.
Gianforte gets a look at Superior Meats new technology
When Jerry Stroot started Superior Meats in 1996, he estimates that he butchered 50-60 cattle in a mobile unit that year. Today he does that many every week at his processing plant.
Junior Rodeo Princess applications sought
The Superior Lions Club needs you. That is if you’re a young woman between the ages of 13 and 20.
Local expert shares tidbits on how to 'spoil your horse'
If you’re new to the horse community, tricks of the trade should be pretty darn valuable.
DUI Task Force scholarships awarded
After 20 minutes of reading the scholarship applications, Jeff Crews, Alberton School Superintendent, looked up at the committee and said, “This is going to be impossible. All of these are exceptional and deserving of the award.”
5 candidates vie for Mineral Community Hospital board
The mission statement for Mineral Community Hospital reads: “Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of our community.
Mineral County candidate forums planned for May
The Mineral County Chamber of Commerce and the St. Regis Community Council are hosting three forums for voters to hear the candidates running for office. The dates and locations are as follows:
County removes massive stumps from DeBorgia Cemetery
The DeBorgia Cemetery is situated between DeBorgia and Haugan on the Frontage Road and is manicured to a park-like setting on 1.5 acres.
HD-14 candidate Randy Mitchell
There will be two candidates for the primary election on June 8 for Montana House Representative from District 14.
New Superior skatepark rolls into action
The weather was chilly, but the excitement was sizzling as the Superior Skate Park held its Grand Opening on Saturday, April 9.
The Empire Trio to perform in Superior
The Empire Trio to perform in Superior
Q&A with treasurer/superintendent candidate Merry Mueller
Q&A with treasurer/superintendent candidate Merry Mueller
Q&A with treasurer/superintendent candidate Jill Betts
Q&A with treasurer/superintendent candidate Jill Betts
Vigil held for woman who went missing on river
March 22 marked eight months since Rebekah Barsotti went missing after seen on the Clark Fork River near mile marker 71 known as St. Johns that has a sandy beach enjoyed by many during the summer.
Rough winter for semi wrecks on I-90
This has been a harsher winter with both snow accumulation and cold temperatures than the last few years. It has been especially noticeable when driving.
Q&A with Mineral County sheriff candidate Wayne Cashman
Q&A with Mineral County sheriff candidate Wayne Cashman
American Legion District 5 conference held in St. Regis
About 85 American Legionnaires and Axillary Legionnaires attended the District 5 Spring Conference at the St. Regis School Auditorium on Sunday, March 20.
Mission West roundtable sparks grand ideas
Every five years, stakeholders in Mineral, Sanders and Lake counties gather to redevelop an overall plan addressing the main issues the counties face together.
Superior students excited for European tour
One really can’t refer to them as "field trips" when the kids are flying seven time zones from home to Europe.
Jazz, funk and soul: Darby-Duffin to perform in Superior
"Do you know how to tell the difference between an extraordinary singer and one who is mediocre? The “ugly” face. You know, the kind that Patti (LaBelle) and Aretha (Franklin) make when nothing matters in the world except the love affair between the artist and the song. That is Dee-Dee Darby-Duffin."
Locals gather along I-90 to support Freedom Convoy
“I’m here in support of the truckers, as well as for America,” said Frank Magee of DeBorgia. “After hearing [President] Biden’s [State of the Union] speech last night, we have to have solidarity and bring everybody together.”
Mineral County auto auction slated for Saturday
On Saturday, March 5 at 11 a.m. on the Mineral County Courthouse steps, there will be an auction of six vehicles, four of which are former patrol vehicles that were used until the new patrol units were purchased and placed into service last year.
Applications for Youth Conservation Corps due March 11
The Youth Conservation Corps is a summer employment program for young men and women ages 15 through 18, who work, learn and earn together for eight weeks on projects that help conserve the natural resources of the U.S.
Trumpeter swans flock to Flathead River for winter
Even if you weren’t looking for them, there is no way you could miss all the swans on The Flathead River, especially between Dixon and Paradise.
New practices fills need for mental health services
Partnership Health Center closed their office location in Superior in December, inviting their patients to continue their health care at the Missoula location, 401 Railroad Street West.
Trumpeter flock to Flathead River for winter
Even if you weren’t looking for them, there is no way you could miss all the swans on The Flathead River, especially between Dixon and Paradise.
Humble and hardworking: Cowboy HOF inductee Hamel reflects on ranching, rodeo life
His folks bought the ranch in 1944, he thinks, and moved his brother and himself there from Dixon as they were getting into trouble and running with the wrong crowd.
Alberton Early Learning Center helps kids thrive
Affordable housing, affordable health insurance, and affordable child care can all be placed under the "staples of life" umbrella. Housing and health care have drawn national attention and have movements in action, but daycare is a rung down on the ladder.
Flushed pillowcase blamed for Alberton sewer backup
The city of Alberton on Dec. 31, 2021 became aware of a sewer system failure that created an issue of sewage backing up in a manhole on the west end of Parkway Drive. When the manhole became full, the sewage overflowed and was pushed back into at least one resident’s home.
Program assists landowners with wildlife damage
Between June 15 and July 15 each year, hunters can register to be on call if damage is being caused by deer, elk or antelope on private property.
Alaska couple open B&B retreat in Superior
Directly across the Forest Grove Fishing Access on East Mullan Road is a big, beautiful lodge that was built to be a bed and breakfast many years ago. It’s still a B&B, but the new owners have created this cozy setting into a retreat center like none other anywhere in the area.
Wanted fugitive arrested in Mineral County
A fugitive wanted after a series of burglaries and vehicle thefts in Washington and Idaho was arrested while hiding in a camper in Mineral County on Friday morning, according to Mineral County Sheriff Mike Toth.
Candidate filing opens for state and local elections
Most filing for state office occurs electronically in Montana, but candidates can file in-person at the Secretary of State Office. More than 60 legislative candidates had filed as of January 13, which was the first day candidates could file.
Sheriff's Office dispatch a rewarding and challenging job
Each week the Mineral Independent publishes the Mineral County Sheriff’s Report to help people paint a better picture of what deputies are doing during their shifts.
Local group assists veterans facing homelessness
At a recent meeting in Durango’s, a couple of local veteran organizations found out that honorably discharged veterans that are homeless or struggling with rent have a shoulder waiting for them to lean on.
Superior crow crowds something to caw about
Alfred Hitchcock revealed on the "Dick Cavett Show" (1968) that 3,200 birds were trained for the movie "The Birds."
Resource committee discusses local timber projects
The monthly Mineral County Resource Committee meeting that was held in the county commissioners conference room Jan. 4 was close to a 50-50 split with in-person and Zoom participants. It was even mentioned that so many people are "zoomed-out" and attending meetings in person is much more productive.
Longtime seamstress Betty Martel sells business
Her husband ran their North Dakota farm near Bottineau every day of the week. They had a young son with special needs who required 24/7 assistance as well as a few other family members who depended on help.
The year ahead for Mineral County Sheriff's Office
Dissecting the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, you have three departments that are intertwined, but each has separate specific responsibilities and duties.
New owners take over historic Bellevue Hotel
If you are a native of Mineral County or have lived here any time after 1908, you’ve driven by or perhaps even been a guest at the Bellevue Hotel at 110 Mullan Rd. West in Superior.
Speed limit lowered on busy section of Highway 135
Denise Moreth, General Manager of Quinn’s Hot Springs, says the process to lower the speed limit on Highway 135 near the resort was very slow, but professionalism and tenacity eventually paid off.
Mineral County Commissioners host Christmas Party
Mineral County Commissioners Roman Zylawy, Laurie Johnston and Duane Simmons (not pictured) hosted their annual Christmas Party for the employees of Mineral County in their Conference Room on Dec. 22.
Semi-truck involved in fatal wreck on I-90
Before 4 a.m. on the first day of winter Dec. 21, three separate semi-truck accidents occurred within a 4-mile stretch on I-90, including one fatality.
Where are Montana's porcupines?
North American porcupines live up to 18 years and average 30 inches long and 20 pounds in weight. They are the second-largest rodent on the continent.
Fundraising effort for family who lost home in fire
Clifford Johnson and Tami Copenhaver's Alberton family home was lost to a fire on Saturday, Dec. 4.
Ruana knives stand the test of time
Most people who own an earlier Ruana knife have it tucked away with their shotguns that can’t shoot steel shot and family heirlooms because they have become very valuable.
New way of learning comes to Alberton School
Jeff Crews has been the Superintendent of Alberton School for less than a year and admits that he came to this position in a roundabout way.