County geography bee winner returns from Billings

PLAINS – One hundred students from all across the state sat full of anticipation in their designated quiet room. They listened carefully to each question, testing their own knowledge, as they anxiously awaited their turn. They handled the stage fright and pressure well for their young ages.
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Trotters dominate Jim Johnson Invitational

PLAINS – The Trotters and Horsemen traveled to the Jim Johnson Invitational track and field meet on Thursday, April 3 at Dornblaser Field to compete against 13 other Class B and C schools. The invitational was named for Panthers coach and teacher Jim Johnson and was co-hosted by Alberton and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs track makes it on podium at Jim Johnson

HOT SPRINGS – Hot Springs athletes sizzled past teams much bigger than their own to place well at their second track and field meet of the season. They competed their way onto the podium to show what talent small towns can hold.
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Softball action

Trotter Shaira Caldwell swing at the ball during the game against Thompson Falls.
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Lady Hawks, Trotters meet on field

PLAINS – The girls wore shades under their helmets in preparation for the sunny day out in the field. The light breeze carried the smell of hotdogs roasting next to the concession stand. The crowd grew quiet as the first batter stepped up to the plate while her teammates cheered …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Time to bid

Auctioneer Gene Johnson calls out to the packed house for bids. Johnson auctioned off a variety of items for the annual Fireman's Ball.
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Fireman's Ball sees success

PLAINS – Men and women in red shirts and matching red hats navigated their way through the winding aisles between tables to serve food to the jovial crowd. Friends, family and neighbors dined together to enjoy good food, good company and donate to a good cause.
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Workers

Experience works members Paul Perkins, Deb Pauli, Katherine Dewitt and Thompson Falls Mayor Carla Parks (seconds from right).
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Thompson Falls recognizes senior workers

THOMPSON FALLS – Finding work in these hard times has been difficult but the elderly population has struggled the most. Since the recession, thousands of seniors have been laid off. When businesses need to downsize, the workers that may be lacking in physicality or technical savvy are some of the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

New playground

David Greer of Plum Creek Timber awards Erin Alt and Jen Christensen a $2,500 check to fund the new playground at Hot Springs Elementary School.
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PTO works hard so kids can play

HOT SPRINGS – Mulch spreads across an empty schoolyard where a rotting wooden playground once stood. Blue benches face the vacant space with nothing save a blacktop with cracks that continue to grow.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Dr. Seuss

Shaira Caldwell puts some finishing touches on the Grinch for the Dr. Seuss themed mural in the school library.
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Plains art students honor Dr. Seuss

PLAINS – It was dark in the little school library over the weekend save for a single spotlight shinning on a white wall. There a student, poised on the platform, stood tracing the projected image with her face an inch away from the canvas.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Trotters track finds stride

PLAINS – The Plains High School Track and Field team traveled to Ronan for their first meet of the season. As the returning state champions, the Trotters had a lot to live up to in the face of their competitors.
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First base

Junior Jenna Peterson slides into home base in the Trotter's first game of the season, a doubleheader against Troy.
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Trotters softball slides to victory

PLAINS – It was a cool but sunny day as a group of girls took to the field with their helmets, gloves and bats. Winter’s recent passing was still evident in the pale green grass and the snow atop the distant mountain peaks. But the sound of ball on bat …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Plains golfers on par for start of season

PLAINS – Rain drizzled off and on from the blanket of gray clouds covering the rolling green hills. On this day, a group of students and their coaches took to the footpath with their bags in tote. They diverged, chose their clubs and teed off. Their eyes followed their golf …
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Savage Heat light up track at first meet

HOT SPRINGS – Athletes battled the biting wind and spitting rain to run, throw and jump their way to the top. The Hot Springs Track and Field team traveled to Ronan on Saturday, March 29 to compete in their first track meet of the season.
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Flying high

Savage Heat senior Jarod White practices the triple jump event for the first track meet of the season.
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Art on the Walls

Joe Ducharme of Plains shows onlookers his wood turned art at the grand opening of Art on the Walls.
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Art on the Walls show branches out

PLAINS – As the Clark Fork Valley Hospital patients and employees walk through the central hallway, they can experience the beauty of their Montana backyard or the beauty of lands a world away. Their long days can be brightened by the dazzling hues and fantastical painted images. They can see …
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Lucy the Spinone Italiano

Lucy the Spinone Italiano dog models the dog beds up for auction and attracts customers to the Huckleberry Hounds booth during the Sanders County Expo.
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Sanders County Expo helps business

PLAINS – Sanders County citizens lined up to see what the local vendors had to offer in the Plains High School gym. They walked around looking at the floor samples provided by Buckingham Hardwoods or the handmade blankets from Demarle At Home. Many enjoyed “Lucy” the Spinone Italiano dog making …
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Education day

Plains student Chayton Lulack stays after the presentation to ask TSGT Joshua Holderman questions.
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Sanders County students prepare for future

THOMPSON FALLS – According to recent statistics, 60 percent of college graduates fail to find jobs in their field of study. On average, college graduates find themselves $27,200 in debt to student loans and 70 percent of graduates end up living with mom, are unemployed or working a minimum wage …
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Roberts

Susan Faye Roberts has dabbled in writing, dance and theater for many years. She knew she wanted to be a writer since she was six years old.
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Renaissance woman shares love for the arts

HOT SPRINGS – Stacks of paper envelope the house. With them, there is the occasional piece of newspaper or napkin complete with scribbles. Amidst the notes a woman writes, her mind consumed with the voices of characters. Hot Springs local Susan Faye Roberts has been dabbling in the arts since …
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Drum circle to hit Trout Creek

TROUT CREEK – Students, teachers, friends, families and communities sit down and form a circle and each member of the circle has a drum. They begin to play, softly at first but the music steadily grows. Each individual listens to the others as they work together on the beat, united …
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Healthcare

Certified Application Counselor Karen Dwyer navigates the Marketplace website at the enrollment event.
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County jumps on enrollment

SANDERS COUNTY – On Saturday, March 22, officials from Clark Fork Valley Hospital, Sanders County Health Department, Mineral Regional Health Center and Missoula gathered in building two of the hospital. These people were certified application counselors and they came together in a final effort to encourage the people of Sanders …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

fundraiser

The Tuxedo Tappers entertained the crowd by tapping to classic jazz at the TRACS fundraiser Saturday night. The members are Donna Curry, Chris Magdalene and Deb Oliver.
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TRACS fundraiser brings top-notch fun

TROUT CREEK – The night at the Oscars was complete with red carpets, show stopping outfits, lights, entertainment and awards at the Lakeside Resort and Hotel Convention Center over the weekend. The one thing the Academy Awards of Trout Creek had that the Hollywood version did not, animals. After all, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Sanders County Expo to hit Plains

SANDERS COUNTY – Members of local businesses, services and clubs will flock to the Plains High School gym by the dozens this weekend to display all they have to offer the people of Sanders County.
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Rulison reminisces

PLAINS – Unless one does track, springtime means the end of sports and the soon-to-end school year. If one is a senior, high school sports and high school as a whole end for good. This is the situation senior James Rulison finds himself now. Football and basketball are behind him …
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Long jump

Horsemen track and field athlete Jeffrey Marshall leaps through the air as he attempts to perfect his long jump technique.
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Plains track and field start off season

PLAINS – The Horsemen and Trotters paid homage to the Greeks by running, throwing and jumping across the track and field in preparation for the first meet of the season. The athletes, particularly the girls, have much to live up to this year.
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Trotters

Trotter Jenna Peterson takes a swing and makes contact in batting practice during the first week of softball.
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Trotter softball swings away

PLAINS – Despite the biting wind of winter’s end, girls laced up their cleats and donned their catcher’s mitts for softball practice. They threw and ran, slid and batted, all in preparation for the first game of the season.
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Hot Springs track overcomes small numbers

HOT SPRINGS – This week in Hot Springs there was jumping, running and throwing galore as the high school track and field team began practices. The athletes are in full preparation mode for the first meet of the season.
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Royalty

Prom Queen Nicole Rehbein and Prom King Wyatt Winebrenner pose with elementary students Catalina Mitchell and Sam Feliska after the crowning ceremony.
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Plains Prom anything but plain

PLAINS – Attendees walked up the painted cobblestone pathway past the antique lampposts to enter the pavilion. The room was showered in white and gold fabrics that sparkled. The center of the space was the ballroom and the outskirts an enchanted forest with balloon trees and fairy lights. A large …
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Fundraiser

The Feed the Food Bank Stew Feed was put on by the Women's Circle and they raised around $400 for the Plains Food Bank.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Feed food bank fundraiser fruitful

PARADISE – Church members, community members, family and friends gathered together in the little white building next to the little white church to enjoy each other’s company and good food. They also came together for a good cause.
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Carnival

National Honor Society member Ben Gorham helps a younger student play a balloon dart game at the student-run after school carnival.
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NHS carnival excites

PLAINS – Games and clowns and swords…oh my! Smiles were abundant in the Plains High School Gym Tuesday, March 11 at the carnival put on by the National Honor Society. The NHS members worked hard to provide the younger students with a good time.
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Trotter Thompson trains tirelessly

PLAINS – Whether she is just leaving practice, walking to the park with a ball in hand or watching ESPN, sports are never far from the mind of sophomore Leah Thompson. With volleyball, basketball, softball and track, Thompson has a full plate all year round. This week is the beginning …
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Presentations

Josh Wulfekuhle shows the judges his hurdling technique in his 4-H presentation. Wulfekuhle was a senior finalist.
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In honor of Dr. Seuss.

Plains Elementary School teachers Beth Junge, Denise Montgomery, Dana Diehl, Marie Errecart and Nichole Cockrell help students celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss.
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Lonepine Hall

Lonepine hall held a fundraiser to raise money for a new air-conditioning unit.
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Generations come together for Lonepine Hall

LONEPINE - No one was alone at Lonepine Hall Saturday evening. It was packed with familiar faces, friends and family who joined together as a community to raise money for a good cause.
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Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge recognized

SANDERS COUNTY – The Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge recently received a trophy from the State Veterans Committee in honor of their support and service of local veterans. The award is a representation of recognition from the Montana State Elks Association.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

4-H presentations prompt learning

SANDERS COUNTY – Over one hundred 4-Hers had a busy weekend of presentations. They rehearsed their speeches, practiced their chosen skill, finished their posters, loaded their props and tried to repress any nervousness. Some scored higher than others but all gained a learning experience.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Demonstrations

4-H member Tanner Ovitt demonstrates for the judges how to rope a bull in his presentation. The projects are given a rating of either excellent, good or needs improvement.
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Double teamed

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Chamber

The Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce discuss the success of the Chinese New Year Festival and the MCT production at their March meeting.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Hot Springs Chamber talks summer events

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Graduation Matters

Jobs for Montana Graduates class member Alex Green motivates younger students to take the pledge to graduate at the Graduation Matters Event.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Healthcare survey to hit Sanders

SANDERS COUNTY – Members of the Montana Office of Rural Health held a focus group on Thursday in Plains and Friday in Thompson Falls to discuss the major health concerns of the county. All comments were to be kept anonymous and will be used to collect data intended to implement …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Savage Heat stand tall in tournament

HOT SPRINGS – The Savage Heat competed at the Divisional Tournament this past week after a well-earned win in the Districts challenge game against the Valley Christian Eagles. Head Coach Ricky DePoe said making it to Divisionals at all meant a lot to the boys.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Trotters traverse Tournament

PLAINS – The Trotters had an action packed week at the Divisional Tournament. They competed against the Florence Falcons, Deer Lodge Wardens, Bigfork Vikings and Ronan Chiefs to try and earn a spot at State.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Trotters

Trotter Kimberly Earhart attempts to shoot the ball past her opposition. The Trotters ended their season at the Divisional Tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Lady Hawks

Shey Hannum dribbles the ball down the court in an earlier game. Hannum put up 15 points in the game against Ronan.
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Horsemen

Alec Cole dribbles down the court in an earlier game in the season. The Horsemen finished their season at the Divisional Tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

High hopes for Horsemen

PLAINS – The Horsemen accomplished their goal of competing at the Divisional Tournament last week. They faced off against the Loyola Sacred Heart Rams and the St. Ignatius Bulldogs. It was the first Divisional Tournament any of the current Horsemen had played.
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Schmiedbauers

Laurel and Meara Schmiedbauer stand with their parents at the Lady Savage Heat Senior Night.
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'Twin Towers' look to future

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Time to read

Theressa Miner reads to the children in Trout Creek School at Family Fun Night. Her son Fletcher Segura listens patiently at her side.
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Auditions

Writer and director Susan Faye Roberts of Hot Springs listens as the ladies auditioning perform their lines.
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The method of acting

HOT SPRINGS – A group of women gathered in the Sun Room of the Symes Hotel Sunday afternoon to audition for the production of Scarlet Ribbons. The playwright was done by Hot Springs local Susan Faye Roberts formerly of Butte, Montana.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS AGO

Missoula Children's Theater production

Elanore ‘Ellie’ Faye Buffo is all smiles during one of the musical numbers of the Missoula Children's Theater production of
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There are no small parts, only small actors

The Missoula Children's Theater performs Cinderella in Hot Springs
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ABC... it's as easy as 123

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Scholarship offers $1,000

SANDERS COUNTY – The chance to win $1,000 is close at hand. Student applications are currently being accepted for the annual Montana Association of Clerk and Recorders Scholarship.
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Trotters basketball

Trotter Hailey Phillips looks to grab the rebound in the District Tournament game against Eureka.
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Trotters tested in District Championship game

PLAINS – The District Tournament Semifinals took place Thursday night and the Trotters hosted the Eureka lions.
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Savage Heat seal fate

HOT SPRINGS – The Savage Heat met the Noxon Red Devils in Ronan for the first game of the District Tournament. Hot Springs battled to move forward to the next round and further their season.
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Thompson Falls vs. Plains

Horseman Kyle Revier drives through the Thompson Falls defense to lay the ball up.
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Horsemen rise to occasion

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Helen Ovitt

Helen Ovitt sits among co-workers and friends at her retirement party.
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Change is a part of life

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Lady Savage Heat season wraps up

HOT SPRINGS – In the first round of District Tournament play, the fifth-seeded Lady Savage Heat faced off against the fourth-seeded Superior Lady Bobcats. The Hot Springs girls fought hard to continue their season but the Lady Bobcats proved to be worthy adversaries.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Propane prices spike in county

SANDERS COUNTY – The rising prices of propane have caused some serious woes this winter. Local propane vendors explained why costs have been so high, how they feel about the situation and what the future may hold.
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Students bond at Graduation Matters Event

HOT SPRINGS – Little ones sat staring up wide-eyed at their idolized older peers as they proclaimed their future endeavors. One wants to be an engineer, another is joining the armed forces and the other wishes to be a dentist. Soon the elementary students found themselves thinking about what they …
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Graduation Matters

Teacher Vicky Nytes hands a diploma to Jane Rosler for successfully completing the Graduation Matters Event.
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Valentine's Day

Pastor Jim Sinclair gives his wife, Renee, roses at the Valentine's Day banquet.
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All we need is love...and good food

PLAINS – Love was in the air Friday night at the annual Church on the Move Valentine’s Day banquet. Community members gathered in the service hall to enjoy the company of their friends and loved ones while dining on a delicious three-course meal.
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Hot Springs basketball

Hot Springs Savage Heat player Nate Gray takes a shot in the Tuesday night game against the St. Regis Tigers.
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Savage Heat sear St. Regis

HOT SPRINGS – The Savage Heat had their two final games of the regular season last week. They hosted the St. Regis Tigers Tuesday night which also happened to be Senior Night. Jarod White and Jimmy Holland received balloons and praise from the crowd for their high school achievements.
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Trotter takeover

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Plains Horsemen basketball

James Rulison lays it up despite the Whitefish defenders in their game Thursday night.
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Horsemen take on Class A teams

PLAINS – The Horsemen hosted two nonconference games this past week. They played the Whitefish Bulldogs on Thursday and the Frenchtown Broncs on Saturday. These were their last regular games of the season before the District Tournament.
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Lady Savage Heat

Meara Schmiedbauer looks for an opening in the game against St. Regis.
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Lady Savage Heat look forward to fresh start

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat hosted the St. Regis Lady Tigers Tuesday night. It was also senior night for Rosa Dolson, Amanda Woods, Alex Green, Laurel and Meara Schmiedbauer. The girls received flowers, stuffed animals and applause for their four years of achievement.
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Sanders County CASA to kick off

SANDERS COUNTY – The national program Court Appointed Special Advocates will soon have a branch in Sanders County. The plan is to join with the already established CASA in Lake County. The newest local CASA member, Marissa Ilac is passionate about the program and what they do.
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Chamber discusses upcoming events

HOT SPRINGS – The Chamber of Commerce gathered for their monthly meeting Thursday, February 6 to discuss upcoming projects and events.
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TRACS animals receive extra TLC

THOMPSON FALLS – As one walks into Thompson River Animal Care Shelter they see puppies and kitties galore, each one lovingly cared for. It has a proud history of servicing animals in need and finding them new homes and doting owners.
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Frozen pipes threaten to flood local homes

SANDERS COUNTY – The bitter cold left many members of the community in need of professional assistance this past week. Pipes were freezing left and right, sometimes with unfortunate consequences. Luckily, local handyman Bill Newman was ready to help.
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Snowshoeing

Danice Thorne of Trout Creek takes her first step atop the wall of snow separating road from wilderness.
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Walking in a winter wonderland

THOMPSON FALLS – A line of cars cut through a sea of white that climbed higher and higher in elevation. The destination was a winter wonderland scene and the purpose was snowshoeing. Women band together to lace up their gear and embark on a journey through the Ponderosa Pines. The …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Beef high

McGowan Grocery Butcher Keith Steinebach arranges the different cuts of beef.
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Blue collar, white collar

SANDERS COUNTY – The ongoing Great Recession began in December of 2007 and took a turn for the worse in September of 2008. The recession caused significant debt, limited prospects for growth and high levels of unemployment.
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Up in the air

Bluehawk Dalton Hooten shoots over Aaron Baker's head in the rival game on Thursday, Feb. 6.
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Baller

Lady Savage Heat player Alex Green takes it to the net in a game against Plains last week.
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Clash

Savage Heat Tanner Hoff looks for an opening during the game against Plains last week.
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Trotter

Carley VonHeeder looks for an open teammate
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Snow plow

Batt Lulack busies himself with plowing the properties on Lynch Street in Plains on Monday. Lulack cleared a number of parking lots for local businesses.
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Winter conditions cause school closure

SANDERS COUNTY – Blistering winds and buckets of snow hit Sanders County this week and bitter cold is soon to follow. These weather conditions, courtesy of Jack Frost, forced the Hot Springs schools to close early Monday.
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Hot Springs Chinese New Year Festival 19

The Symes Hot Springs Hotel offered an Asian-themed menu including pork noodles and pot stickers.
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Hot Springs Chinese New Year Festival 16

Numerous local volunteers take the dragon around downtown Hot Springs.
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Hot Springs Chinese New Year Festival 15

Bella Ilac, Vivian Lazaro and Nevaeh Bowen lead the way for the dragon waving their red and gold pom-poms through the air and smiling.
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Hot Springs Chinese New Year Festival 14

Robert Dobrovolny and Paul Stelter took turns holding the heavy paper maché dragon head as they marched up and down Main Street.
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Hot Springs Chinese New Year Festival 12

Little Bella Ilac plays in the snow in front of the dragon before the parade starts.
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Hot Springs Chinese New Year Festival 9

Numerous local volunteers brave the cold and snow to hoist the handmade dragon over their heads and guide it down Main Street.
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Hot Springs Chinese New Year Festival 4

The Hot Springs drum circle gathered together to add a musical element to the Chinese New Year celebration.
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Hot Springs Chinese New Year Festival 3

Caitlyn Myton and Seaerra Denny help provide music for the dragon's dance.
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Hot Springs Chinese New Year Festival 2

Courtney Subatch lays out chopsticks in the dining room of the Symes Hot Springs Hotel.
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Hot Springs Chinese New Year Festival 1

Noble Barber joined in on the parade that took over downtown Hot Springs for the Year of the Horse festival. Barber was one of many who followed the dragon through the streets.
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Dixon donates to Pennies for Patients

DIXON – Dixon Elementary School will be devoting the month of February to raising money for the national charity Pennies for Patients. The charity raises funds for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
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Chris Borntreger

Chris Borntreger talks to employees and customers as he slices homemade Amish bread in the back of the local deli that he manages along with wife, Lydia.
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Breaking free

Chris Borntreger tells story of Amish past and present gifts
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Horsemen basketball

Horsemen Aaron Baker attempts to score inside the paint in the game against Deer Lodge.
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Quest for redemption

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The thrilling three-pointer

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Trotters find their stride in game against Eureka

PLAINS – The Trotters had a challenging weekend of games. They traveled with the Horsemen to Eureka in order to compete against the Lions. The night before, they were faced with the daunting task of taking on the No. 2 ranked team in the state, Deer Lodge.
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Lady Savage Heat fight through injuries

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat met the Lady Bobcats at Superior Friday night and then traveled to Seeley to play against the Lady Blackhawks on Saturday.
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Vehicle fire

On Friday, January 31, Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department responded to a fire in a privately owned field off Highway 28 between mile markers three and four. A vehicle had caught fire but the fire department stopped the flames from spreading.
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Anniversary of Roe v. Wade stirs up debate

THOMPSON FALLS – The morning of Wednesday, Jan. 22 was dreary but the sunlight peeked through the clouds and illuminated the people marching down Main Street. The protesters advocated their personal beliefs, either pro-life or pro-choice, in light of the 41st anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
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You can judge a book by its cover

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Happy Chinese New Year of the Horse

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Trotters basketball

Carley VonHeeder looks for the open Trotter to pass the ball in the game against Bigfork Thursday night.
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The right horse to bet on

The Trotters were victorious both games this weekend
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Hot Springs Savage Heat

Tanner Hoff goes in for a layup during the game against Arlee on Saturday.
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Savage Heat play with heart over weekend

HOT SPRINGS – Emotions ran high after a weekend of games for the Savage Heat. The boys played against Two Eagle River on Friday and Arlee on Saturday.
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Horsemen strive for success after weekend

PLAINS – The Horsemen met Bigfork and Troy on the courts away from home this past week. The Plains boys struggled to compete with the undefeated Vikings but matched up well against the Trojans.
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Lady Savage Heat show solid effort on court

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat played against Two Eagle River and Arlee this past week, experiencing both victory and defeat.
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SCCHO presents grant opportunities

THOMPSON FALLS – The public hearing of community needs took place Wednesday night on Jan. 22 in the Sanders County Courthouse. The meeting aimed to share different grants available to the public and how to obtain them.
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Taskforce

Sanders County DUI Task Force Coordinator Krista Standeford leads the January meeting along with Nichol Scribner, Charles Hammett and Valerie Borgmann.
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Task Force cracks down on illegal consumption

THOMPSON FALLS – The Sanders County DUI Task Force, a non-profit organization devoted to addressing alcohol issues, had much to discuss at their monthly meeting Thursday morning. The members had several ideas on how to make the county safer.
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Students participate in National Geography Bee

PLAINS – The Mackinaw Bridge connects the upper and lower peninsulas of which state, West Virginia or Michigan? This question started off the Sanders County Homeschool Co-op’s geography bee.
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Student Art on the Walls

First grader RuBea Privett poses next to her snowman illustration in the middle of the Art on the Walls Student Show.
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Student art brightens hospital in winter show

PLAINS – The stark white hospital hallways were covered in cheerful illustrations of snowmen, plants, animals and self-portraits in rainbow hues. Hospital patients, staff and visitors lined up, eager to view the art. The smiles on the caricatures reflected the smiles of viewers young and old, healthy and not.
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Camp Bighorn teaches survival

PARADISE – Jack Frost nipped at the fingers and toes of the students as they navigated the rough terrain. They always kept safety in mind and looked for potential dangers such as avalanches. The students slept in the snow and bonded over the shared experience.
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Trotters trample Whitefish

PLAINS - The Trotters came out ready to charge in the battle against Whitefish Friday night.
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Trotters basketball

Plains Trotter Hailey Phillips fights off Whitefish, defenders and looks for an opening to shoot.
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Savage Heat basketball

Savage Heat Team Captain Tanner Hoff drives the ball to the hole in a close game against Charlo.
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Savage Heat sizzle in game against Charlo

HOT SPRINGS – The Savage Heat came out strong against Charlo Saturday night and the intensity continued throughout all four quarters. The full house responded to the scuffles and scrapes of the physical game with roars of excitement.
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Lady Savage Heat

Lady Savage Heat player Meara Schmiedbauer leaps toward the basket in the game against Charlo.
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Lady Savage Heat plan to rise from ashes

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat competed against Charlo at home Saturday night.
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Horsemen struggle to get jump on competition

PLAINS – The Horsemen played a close game away against Whitefish Saturday night. Six points was the difference between victory and defeat.
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SCCHO receives $10,000 grant

SANDERS COUNTY – The Sanders County Community Housing Organization received the Community Development Block Planning Grant of $10,000 to go towards creating affordable independent senior housing. The upcoming public meeting is where the many of the details will be decided so the project can move forward.
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Kyle Johnson

Kyle and Whitney Johnson share a conversation with Plains Volunteer Fire Department Chief Joe Sheppard at the fire department Christmas party.
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Assistant fire chief to start new adventure

PLAINS – Forester and Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Johnson will soon be leaving the small town he has called home for the past 10 years. A job offer as a forester with the Bureau of Land Management is taking him to Coos Bay, Oregon.
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Hot Springs vs. Noxon basketball

Noxon's Grant Fitchett attempts to get the ball past Jimmy HOlland during the rival game.
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Hot Springs beat Noxon in sizzling overtime

HOT SPRINGS – The Savage Heat played a nail-biter of a game against the Noxon Red Devils. Both teams were neck and neck until the very end Friday night.
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Hot Springs vs. Noxon

Lady Savage Heat Alex Green prepares to go up for a shot while Noxon's Jenna Langdon attempts to block her.
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Lady Savage Heat beat out Lady Red Devils

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat were victorious against rival Noxon Lady Red Devils.
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Hot Springs chamber plans for promotion

HOT SPRINGS – The first Chamber of Commerce meeting of the year took place Thursday afternoon at the Symes Hotel. The items on the agenda were the success of the Christmas season and the current budget, but the focus of the meeting was the prospect of advertising with Anderson Radio …
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Hot Springs town council

Randy Woods takes the oath of office once again and Leslee Smith is nominated town council president.
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Hot Springs Town Council discuss changes

HOT SPRINGS – The first Town Council Meeting of the year took place Tuesday evening Jan. 7. The meeting began with Mayor Randy Woods taking the oath of office once again, and Leslee Smith was re-appointed Town Council President. The main topic of discussion was Public Works and town maintenance.
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New Year's Eve lanterns

Plains visitors Greg Schenavar and girlfriend Aly Piccolo release a sky lantern together to honor loved ones who have suffered from cancer.
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Releasing hope on New Years

PLAINS – The New Year’s Eve night sky was illuminated with every color of the rainbow. Sky lanterns were released at the fairgrounds to honor loved ones that have suffered from cancer. The lanterns seemed to be beacons of hope warding off the ever-present darkness.
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Dinosaurs

Volunteers help to relocate the 2,000 pound Brontosaurus from Piccadilly Park.
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Dinosaurs set free from Piccadilly Park

PLAINS – Piccadilly Park was once the recreation destination of a small town. People would come to enjoy the miniature golf course, the go-carts and the dinosaurs. Owner Les Wood remembers countless summer picnics under the wooden awning. Now the race track is cracked and crumbling. The putt-putt holes are …
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Rock slide

The initial rock slide occurred Friday morning but debris continued to fall Saturday morning making River Road East unusable.
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Severe rock slide blocks River Road East

PARADISE – A severe rock slide occurred late Friday night on River Road East in Paradise. Thousands of pounds of rock blocked traffic and completely covered the road. The affected section of River Road East remains closed.
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Polar Plunge 2014

Denton Long heads for shore after his second go at the 15th annual New Year's Day Polar Plunge.
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2014 jump starts with Fun Run and Polar Plunge

THOMPSON FALLS – The annual Fun Run and Polar Plunge took place Wednesday with 127 participants.
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New town dog kennel nears completion

PLAINS – The new Plains dog kennel is officially up and running thanks to the donations and labor provided by many community members. The new kennel will help save the town money and ensure the safety of both human and canine alike.
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Surprise farewell party

Mayor Greg Eitelberg and Michael Brinson share a laugh at Brinson's surprise farewell party.
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Surprise farewell party for Brinson a success

PLAINS - Former Mayor Michael Brinson was honored for his years of service to the town Monday, Dec. 30 at the VFW with a surprise party. The entire town was invited to come thank Brinson and to eat cake provided by the Butcher’s Nook. The atmosphere was jovial as the …
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Hot Springs Savage Heat scorch Seeley-Swan

HOT SPRINGS – The Savage Heat defeated Seeley-Swan in a scrappy nail-biter Saturday night. It was a close game with both teams tied at 43-43 going into the 4th quarter. Hot Springs managed to pull away with a final score of 54-48.
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Hot Springs basketball

Chelsea Ramstad goes up for the rebound during the game against Seeley-Swan.
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Lady Savage Heat look forward after tough week

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat suffered a loss on their home turf against Seeley-Swan Saturday night. Seeley took off in the second half making the final score 16-56.
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Plains Trotters step up to the competition

PLAINS – The Trotters defeated Eureka 50-22 with a solid all-round effort Saturday night. The girls really stepped up and fought to insure the win.
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Horsemen continue to learn and grow on court

PLAINS – The Horsemen played against Eureka at home Saturday night. The boys gave it their all but lost with a final score of 62-76.
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With a new year comes changes

SANDERS COUNTY – The year 2014 is sure to bring change to Sanders County, perhaps most notably with the community leaders.
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Mayor Eitelberg

Soon to be mayor, Greg Eitelberg sits in his living room armchair surrounded by family.
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Greg Eitelberg - the man the people chose

PLAINS - New mayor Greg Eitelberg enjoyed the holiday in his festively decorated home. Eitelberg seemed content in his cozy Christmas sweater surrounded by his loving family. It was the calm before the storm of taking office.
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Christmas concerts flood Sanders County

SANDERS COUNTY – A week before Christmas and all through the county, the children were stirring to provide musical bounty. In Plains High School on Dec. 17, students dressed in their holiday best poised their silver and brass instruments ready to begin the Christmas jubilation. The Plains High School and …
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Hot Springs lights

Hot Springs visitor Matt Miller walks the Luminous Labyrinth during the Hot Springs Winter Solstice Festival.
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Hot Springs festival brings light to winter night

HOT SPRINGS – The annual Winter Solstice Festival took place Saturday in Hot Springs. The elaborate celebration included many unique festivities
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Hot Springs girls come out victorius against TER

Meara Schmiedbauer shoots for three in an earlier game. Schmiedbauer had 11 points in the game against Two Eagle River.
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Hot Springs girls come out victorious against TER

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat were victorious over Two Eagle River 41-32 on Saturday night. Two Eagle River just couldn’t handle the pressure put on them. Head Coach Robert Kearney was pleased with the way the girls played, especially when he had little indication of what might transpire.
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Santa visits

Ian Estill greets the crowd in his Santa Claus outfit at the Hot Springs Christmas Concert.
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Christmas concerts flood Sanders County

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Concert

Missoula native and renowned jazz and classical pianist David Morgenroth performs at Plains United Methodist Church.
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Party

Chief Joe Sheppard and party organizer Joann Mathers share a laugh as they enjoy their prime rib dinner.
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Tattoos

Sarah Tackett who specializes in make-up, permanent cosmetics and body piercings, holds still as her husband tattoo artist Philip Tackett does his work.
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Singing Christmas cheer

Grant Applehans joins in during the caroling festivities that took place Saturday evening at the Plains United Methodist Church.
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