Henry Larum
Henry Larum shows his latest piece of work.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Woodcarver known for specialty
PLAINS - How many people can say when they were a 10 year old they found a life passion that would bring them recognition throughout the United States even from the President? When Henry Larum, a typical adolescent who looked up to his older brother, was 10 years old, he …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
The 4-H Horse Club
Members of the 4-H Horse Club ride around the arena at the Sanders County Fairgrounds.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Fine tuning before the Sanders County Fair
PLAINS - In the arena every Tuesday night from 6:30 p.m. to sometimes up to 9:00 p.m., the 4-H horse club members have been preparing for the upcoming fair. In addition, the members have been practicing their assessments in front of leader Nancy Beech.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
New kindergarten teacher in Plains
PLAINS - The Plains Elementary School will be welcoming a new Kindergarten teacher this fall; Katie Hillerman will be the newest addition to the Plains School faculty.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Relay for Life
Relay for Life participants walk around the track at Thompson Falls High School last Friday to kick off the annual event.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Sanders County celebrates Relay for Life
THOMPSON FALLS - The Sanders County Relay for Life was held at the Thompson Falls High School Friday evening. People from all over convened at the school to participate in the annual event to help raise funds, which would directly go to the American Cancer Society (ACS), which supports cancer …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Noxon hosts Big Sky Rhythm and Blues Festival
Polly O'Keary and Rhythm Method perform at the music festival in Noxon last Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Sanders County Fair
Madeline Snell, left, and Shayna Burgess, right, work together to clip a rabbit's nails during a 4-H meeting in Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
4-H rabbit members prepare for county fair
PLAINS - With the Sanders County Fair approaching, 4-H members from multiple categories are starting their weekly meetings to prepare their animals and work on their showmanship. The 4-H Rabbit members in particular are getting ready for the big three day event every Tuesday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Preparations begin for Sanders County Fair
PLAINS - The preparations have begun for the Sanders County 2015 Fair, which will be held from Thursday, September 3rd through Sunday, September 6th.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Artists in Paradise
Barbara Mullins works on a ceramic bear at last week's art show in Paradise.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Paradise School becomes artist gallery
PARADISE - The Paradise multipurpose room, and part of the first floor of the school, was packed with attendees at the 2nd annual Artists in Paradise Show, held last Thursday through Saturday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Local cowboy travels for big competition
TROUT CREEK - Local cowboy, Jason Helvey, traveled to Nampa, Idaho this weekend to compete in the, Extreme Mustang Makeover.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Tri-State Tournament
Zane Carter (left) and TJ Carter (right) hold up two of their fish at the Tri-State Tournament last weekend.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Tri-State Tournament held in Trout Creek
TROUT CREEK - Over the weekend the Annual Tri-State Tournament took place in Trout Creek.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Dark Horse
Bridger Clinkenbeard sits and watches the band, Dark Horse, play classic rock and country music for the Court Appointed Special Advocates barbecue last weekend.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Plains Pool Park becomes site of community event
PLAINS - For the first time ever in Sanders County, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) held a special barbecue Saturday evening at the Plains Pool Park to raise money for the program.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
National Bison Range
A bison enjoys the last rays of evening sunshine last week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Annual Chicken Jamboree Held
Jayden Anderson plays during last weekend's chicken jamboree in Thompson Falls.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Animal Wonders Incorporated
Augusto Castaneda holds a golden tegu for students to pet during the outreach zoo's visit to Trout Creek.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Outreach zoo visits Trout Creek
TROUT CREEK - As a part of the Trout Creek School’s after school summer program, the participating students have had a summer full of animal adventures.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Community Project
Members of the Thompson Falls Woman's Club pass on a check to members of the Sanders County Coalition for Families last week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Thompson Falls Woman's Club helps out
THOMPSON FALLS - Friday morning at 10:30am, a generous gift was donated to the Sanders County Coalition for Families (SCCFF).
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
New CT scanner at CFVH
PLAINS - Thursday afternoon the staff at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital celebrated a new member of the facility with an open house reception. The new member: a new General Electric Optima CT660.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Crews battle forest fire near Graves Creek
SANDERS COUNTY – On the evening of Monday, July 6 a suspected human-caused fire started above Graves Creek near the base of Cougar Peak in Sanders County near Thompson Falls and Forest Service firefighters from Mineral County were on hand to help deal with the sitaution.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Eddy Mountain Lookout
Craig Phillips watches out of the Eddy Mountain lookout tower for possible wild land fires last week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
The fire watch begins
SANDERS COUNTY - From down below in the valley, as you drive along Highway 200 heading from Plains to Thompson Falls, if you stop along side the road you may be able to peer up to the top of Eddy Mountain and see a tiny glimmer of light. At approximately …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Basketball Camp of Champions
This year's basketball camp at Plains High School was hosted by a group of alumni including Royce Johnston and Andy Swanson.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Plains alumni return to teach basketball camp
PLAINS - Monday through Wednesday of last week the Plains High School (PHS) gymnasium was filled with the sounds of dozens of basketballs being dribbled and shot. Starting at 9:00am and finishing at 11:30am, first graders through seventh graders participated in the 2015 Basketball Camp of Champions. From noon to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Sanders County celebrates Fourth of July
Viewers watch fireworks at the Sanders County Fairgrounds in Plains last weekend.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Donald Safford
Donald Safford demonstrates the technique of flint knapping using a piece of man-made glass.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
You're never too old to learn a new skill
HOT SPRINGS - You are never too old to learn something new, whether it is a craft, a new skill or perhaps a field of study and Donald Safford of Hot Springs has proven that to be true. At the age of 75, Safford not only has invested himself in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Carol Morden
Donna Mallery (left) gets a copy of Carol Morden's new book, "Dry Bones," signed by Morden (right).
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
A new author holds a special book signing
PLAINS - Tuesday night a very special guest returned home to the Plains Public Library. From 5:30pm to 6:30pm, Carol Morden, a new writer on the scene, held a book signing in the seating area of the library. Her book is titled, Dry Bones. Morden, who once lived in Plains …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
A night under the big top in Thompson Falls
A trapeze artist performs during the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus last Wednesday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
DNRC
DNRC flight crew member Jessica Fuqua rides as an extra pair of eyes during a training flight over the Clark Fork River Valley.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
DNRC spends Saturday completing helicopter training
SANDERS COUNTY - Saturday morning, members of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) conducted helicopter awareness training throughout the morning.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Plains mayor working on town's infrastructure
PLAINS - As of right now, Mayor Greg Eitelberg has on his agenda two types of matters that he is attending to, present projects and hope-for projects for 2016. On June 6th, Mayor Eitelberg will be proposing his budget to the town council to be passed.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Plains trap shooters win awards in Kalispell
SANDERS COUNTY - The weekend of the 13th and 14th a father and son competed in a trap shooting contest in Kalispell at the Flathead Valley Clay Target Club.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Tom Kunzer Memorial Trap Shoot
Alfred Jermyn takes aim during the Tom Kunzer Memorial Trap Shoot last weekend at the Plains Trap Club.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Memorial shoot held at Plains Trap Club
PLAINS - Over the weekend, the sounds of gun shots could be heard bouncing off the hills just outside of Plains. The Plains Trap Club was hosting a two day, all day trap shoot, which included not only a day full of shooting, but also camping, camaraderie and food. The …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
A view from above
Joe Renda, a DNRC member, looks out over the Clark Fork River Valley during a helicopter training class.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Maximizing the space available
PLAINS - In the town of Plains, one resident has proved that a small backyard garden can produce a viable, high yielding crop with a vast variety of fruits and vegetables.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
66th annual Homesteaders Days
Cowboy Dustin Morigeau of Dixon takes a break before the start of the weekend's rodeo in Hot Springs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Homesteaders Days draws crowds
HOT SPRINGS - Starting Friday at noon Hot Springs 66th Annual Homesteaders Days Celebrations kicked off and lasted till 2:00pm Sunday, ending with a rodeo.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Alumni Game
Competitors scramble for the basketball during the Fourth Annual Hot Springs High School Graduation Matters Alumni Game.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Alumni and students battle on the basketball court
HOT SPRINGS - Friday night in the old gymnasium the 4th annual Alumni Basketball Games were held in Hot Springs. At 6:30 it was the women’s alumni game and at 7:30 it was the men’s game.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Homesteaders Rodeo
A bronco removes a cowboy from his saddle during the 66th Annual Homesteaders Days Rodeo.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Mud and dust fly at rodeo
HOT SPRINGS - Over the course of two days, as part of the Hot Springs Homesteaders Days, there was a rodeo just east of the Hot Springs School that saw participants flying through the air, crashing into the dusty ring and dodging stampeding animals.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Homesteaders Days
Claire Wrobleskie stands at attention before walking in the Kiddy Parade last Saturday in Hot Springs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Home brewer tries his hand at just about anything
Bryan Brooks stands next to his five gallon glass carboy of French Saison beer he is brewing.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Continuing an ancient craft
PLAINS - According to a webpage by “The Ohio State University: Information Extension Research,” fermentation is a process by which cells break down sugars to create energy, when oxygen is not present, releasing carbon dioxide (CO2), energy, lactic acid and in some cases alcohol.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Loose bearing starts fire
Fire crews from the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department responded to and extinguished the fire east of Paradise.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Plains Elementary School hosts concert
The Plains School gymnasium was filled to capacity recently as the Elementary School hosted its “Having Fun with Music Elementary Spring Concert.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Track Day
Karter Johnson competes in the long jump during the Plains Elementary School Track Day last week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Students compete in school wide track day
PLAINS - Wednesday, starting promptly at 9:00am out by the Plains School track, grades one through five gathered for the annual Elementary Track Day. Parents and even high school students were invited to come watch and cheer.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
National Turkey Federation
Aaron Collins takes aim with a compound bow during the National Turkey Federation's Jake Shoot last Saturday at the Plains Trap Club.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
NTF holds Jake Shoot at Plains Trap Club
PLAINS - Just an hour prior to the thunderstorms that swept through the Clark Fork Valley on Saturday, teenagers between the ages of 12-16 gathered at the Plains Trap Club for an afternoon of shooting and instruction.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
A supportive dinner
PLAINS - Friends, family, past coworkers and acquaintances of Frank Ceely gathered in the Plains VFW hall Saturday evening to show their support for Ceely and his wife Michelle who are in need of some support after an emergency operation.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Memorial Day
Last Saturday, Justin Davis (left) and Victoria Twardokus (right) place flags upon the graves of veterans in preparation for Memorial Day last weekend.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Veterans and family members do their duty
PLAINS - The preparations for Memorial Day started last Thursday in the Plains cemetery with the Women’s Auxiliary that is connected with the Plains VFW Post 3596. The group placed flags on the graves of women who were members of the Women’s Auxiliary.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Volunteers beautify the Plains Cemetery
PLAINS - Wednesday, under a clear blue sky and a slight breeze, volunteers from the Plains community beautified and prepared the town’s graveyard in preparation for Memorial Day.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Hot Springs radio station
HOT SPRINGS - It started back in 2006. David Max, now a resident of Hot Springs, was living in Missoula and found himself in legal battles to try an create a radio station.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
On the road to recovery
PLAINS - Since Plains police officer, Frank Ceely, retired in January of 2015, he has gone through a gambit of life changing events that has changed his outlook and his approach to life. The most major one, which occurred April 8th, had perhaps the most profound effect on him.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Memorial Day weekend in Plains
From left to right, Dave Tupper, Charlie Oelschleger and Bill Beck walk along the Plains Cemetery to place flags on veteran's graves last Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hot Springs boy receives donated heifer
HOT SPRINGS - Coby Guenzler who lives in Hot Springs on his family’s ranch has been working for seven months on raising a yearlong heifer as part of a donor program called the Northern International Livestock Exposition, Merit Heifer Program .
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Jason Helvey
Using ropes and flags Helvey trains the mare, Starbuck, to become accustomed to unknowns and people.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
A feat of strength, patience and skill
SANDERS COUNTY - On a ranch off of Highway 200 between Thompson Falls and Trout Creek there is someone who has taken up a challenge involving a great feat of skill and perseverance. Jason Helvey for the past month has been breaking in a five year old wild mustang mare …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Troy Hinck
FWP Region 1 Game Warden Troy Hinck investigates a carnivore trapping site to make sure the trapper cleaned the site and removed the steel trap for the closed season.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Law enforcement appreciation week
SANDERS COUNTY- The new FWP Region 1 Game Warden, Troy Hinks, set out last week on Wednesday on a trip up a back country road to examine a set of animal trap sites that were found along some streams. His mission was to make sure that the trap sites were …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Noxon students ride donkeys in gymnasium
Left to right, Jared VanVleet and Gary Wadman wrestle over a basketball during the donkey basketball game.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Donkey basketball in Noxon
Noxon School seniors, teachers and community members played donkey basketball last Tuesday in Noxon.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Science fair
Brooke Jackson, a second grader from Hot Springs elementary school, catches fake lava from her and her partner's, Bella Ilac, science fair project.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Science fair held in Hot Springs
HOT SPRINGS - Wednesday night in the Hot Springs School multipurpose room, students from kindergarten to sixth grade showcased a month’s worth of scientific investigations and exploration to their parents, teachers and fellow classmates.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
School BBQ
Plains fifth and sixth graders who made honor roll and or perfect attendance in the third quarter of the school year celebrate with burgers.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Education celebrated in Sanders County
PLAINS - Outside, behind the Plains High School last Wednesday, the students from the fifth and sixth grade celebrated academic achievement over the third quarter with burgers and soda.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce meets
HOT SPRINGS - Over chicken alfredo and salad, the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce held its monthly meeting last Thursday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
"Music for Moms," held in Thompson Falls
THOMPSON FALLS - The Cancer Network of Sanders County (CNSC) held an evening concert for Mother’s Day in the Rex Theater, Saturday night. Titled, “Music for Moms,” the evening consisted of door prizes, music from different musical groups and a solo artist. The funds raised at the door all went …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Plains School
Student art work was displayed in the hallways of Plains High School.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Art students showcase works from semesters
PLAINS - Outside of the Plains School gymnasium on display there was an art exhibit of selected works of students from freshmen to seniors from last Monday to Wednesday. Works hung from the walls, were set up on pedestals, placed on tables or stationed to zig-zagging walls with black sheets …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Trout Creek
Charessa Elder leans over a bingo board during the last party for the Trout Creek after school program.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
After school program designed with all in mind
TROUT CREEK - The Trout Creek after school program celebrated its last day Thursday with pizza and bingo.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Thompson Falls Car Wash
The car wash helped to raise funds for the class' end of the year field trip to Silverwood Theme Park.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Eighth graders wash cars
THOMPSON FALLS - The Thompson Falls School’s eighth grade class held a car wash on Saturday to raise funds for their end of the year trip to Silverwood Theme Park in Idaho.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Trotters
Kassidy Kinzie pitches for the Plains 14U team during Saturday's game against Charlo.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
14U Plains win in overtime
PLAINS - Starting at 10:00am, Saturday, the Plains 14 and Under Plains battled against the Charlo Lady Vikings at the Plains field.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hot Springs and Noxon go to Polson
POLSON - Thursday, Noxon and Hot Springs track traveled to Polson for the 14-C track meet.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Madison Fitchett
Madison Fitchett of the Thompson Falls Lady Hawks, stands with her parents Michelle Fitchett-Pirker and Randy Pirker on senior day.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Thompson Falls Lady Hawk senior celebrated
THOMPSON FALLS - To begin the sunny, but blustery Tuesday game between the Thompson Falls Lady Hawks and the Loyola Sacred Heart Breakers, there was a special ceremony for one of the Lady Hawks players.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Live Chess Game
Ethan Brown (center) stands as a pawn during last week's chess game in Thompson Falls.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Thompson Falls students play large chess game
THOMPSON FALLS - The Thompson Falls Elementary and Junior High School gymnasium was turned into a giant chess board last Thursday for the last game of a school chess tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Seventh Annual Fireman's Ball
Jaime Ramos (left) and Wade Rehbein (right) look at auction items during last weekend's Fireman's Ball.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Fireman's Ball held at Plains VFW
PLAINS – Last Saturday night was the 7th Annual Fireman’s Ball, which was held in the VFW banquet hall. Chairs and tables filled the entire hall. In front of the tables and chairs there was a large line of auction items that were going to be auctioned off after the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Earth Day
Jane Rosler stands with a bag of trash found in a stream during the clean up.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Branding Day
Ryan Ovitt, Mike Holland and Dallas Deardorff work together to brand a calf, last Saturday, at the Holland Ranch.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hot Springs students celebrate Earth Day
HOT SPRINGS - In celebration of Earth Day, which started in 1970, the students of Hot Springs School tackled a very big project in their own community to help the environment, venturing out into the streets and alleyways of Hot Springs to clean up any detritus.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Branding Day at local ranch
PLAINS - As the sun was still rising over John Holland’s ranch Saturday morning, friends, family and cattle hands were already congregating around the pens to discuss the upcoming days events. It was branding day at the ranch, and for years it has been a day of hard-work and the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Rescue success
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Missing Ronan man found
A team of search and rescue organizations from throughout northwestern Montana took part in the rescue of Troy Akers. The search began on Sunday, April 26, and concluded Wednesday, April 29 at 4:15 p.m., when Akers was found alive in a dry creek bed.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Missing person found alive
DIXON-On Wednesday, April 26, 2015, after four days of searching for Troy Akers of Ronan, who had been lost in the wilderness that straddles Sanders and Lake County, he was found alive and coherent with only exposure injuries in a creek bed.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Missing person found alive near border of Sanders and Lake County
A helicopter takes off during the search and rescue mission earlier today. Troy Akers of Ronan, who was missing since Sunday, April 26, was found alive at 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 29. He was found in a creek bed near North Valley Creek Road.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Large turnout for school board meeting in Hot Springs
HOT SPRINGS - At noon this past Thursday, the Hot Springs School Board held its annual resigning staff and rehiring staff board meeting in the school library.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Rollover near Perma
A semi-truck carrying apples experienced a rollover near Perma on Tuesday morning.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
DNRC staff meet physical demands
PLAINS - According to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) official website, the agency’s mission is, “... to help ensure that Montana’s land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.” The forestry division is responsible for planning and implementing forestry and fire management programs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Event raises money for school
DIXON - Starting promptly at 10:00am, Saturday, students from the Dixon Elementary School, along with Dixon residents of all ages, ran in 2 mile and 5 kilometer (K) runs to help raise money for the school’s new playground. There was a total of 62 participants in the 5K race. The …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Thompson Falls
John Kaharl helps clear out a space where a picnic area will be placed.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Beautification Days come to town
THOMPSON FALLS - On Saturday groups of volunteers spread throughout Thompson Falls’ trails and parks to clean and build as part of “Beautification Days.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
New officer in town
PLAINS - The town of Plains has hired a new Patrol Officer. Randy Cavalea will begin patrolling the streets of Plains starting this week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Dave Oliver
Dave Oliver runs the live auction to help raise funds for the family.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Spaghetti dinner held for pastor and family
THOMPSON FALLS - For anyone who was in the Thompson Falls Elementary School cafeteria Saturday during dinner time, it was a time to bear witness to the power of compassion and giving. The night was the culmination of hours of work over the course of weeks to bring hundreds together …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Superintendent found in Washington
HOT SPRINGS - Thursday evening, the Hot Springs School Board conducted interviews for the position of superintendent.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Plains School puts on a production
Plains High School students act during the Spring production, "Maudie's Diner."
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Troy de Roche
Jacob Denny works beeswax into his flute as Troy de Roche walks around giving instructions to his class on the proper techniques for making a flute.
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Renowned musician calls Sanders County home
HOT SPRINGS - A man of great experience and knowledge gave Hot Springs eighth graders a very special treat this past week. Troy de Roche, owner of Songstick Gallery in Hot Springs, and world renowned Native American flutist, taught Candy Franklin’s Music Appreciation class about Native American flutes and how …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Easter egg hunt
Giada and Jacey Schall hunt for Easter eggs in Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Plains celebrates Easter
PLAINS - At one in the afternoon on Sunday, Plains’ youngsters flocked to the Fred Young Park to partake in this year’s Easter Egg Hunt held by the Plains Lions Club.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Lower Lynch Creek Road
The accident took place mid-day on Lower Lynch Creek Road outside of Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Accident outside of Plains sends one to hospital
SANDERS COUNTY - Approximately at 11:30am on Tuesday March 31, a call came out for Plains and Sanders County first responders to respond to a car crash on Lower Lynch Road outside of Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Meeting held about recent crime spree
NOXON - Tuesday night saw emotions run high as concerned citizens voiced opinions, asked questions and regaled fellow citizens and elected officials with personal stories about the rash of crime in the western section of Sanders County. A meeting that was originally planned for the fire hall in Noxon had …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Sanders County celebrates Easter
Sam McGonagle holds up her son Chad so he can grab a hidden Easter egg during the Plains Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by the Plains Lion Club.
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Trout Creek Talent Show
Sandy Bonney and Lilli Leisz do a hula hoop routine during the talent show.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Trout Creek puts talents on display
TROUT CREEK - Thursday evening in the Trout Creek School, students put on a talent show for friends, family and the community of Trout Creek.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Plains High School holds career fair
PLAINS - Recently in Plains during a Wednesday night there was a, “2015 Mock Interview Career Fair,” for the seniors of Plains High School. Planned by the Job’s Montana Graduates (JMG) and Business Essentials students, the fair was a, “professional event,” as Mrs. Griffin the administrator and teacher of the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Redneck Ball
The "Sons of Biscuits," perform during the Trout Creek Cabin Fever Redneck Ball on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Event raises money for worthy causes
TROUT CREEK - People let their redneck flag fly Saturday night at the Lakeside Resort and Convention Center to raise funds for the Trout Creek Community Improvement Association, which helps maintain the Trout Creek boat launch, hosts a haunted house during Halloween, works in partnership with the school and hosts …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Thompson Falls Senior Center hosts biannual craft fair
THOMPSON FALLS - The Thompson Falls Senior Center hosted its biannual craft fair recently at its location on Mount Silcox Road below the high school. It included both representatives from the Senior Center, for whom the fair is a fundraiser, and crafters and vendors from around the area who were …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Turkey Shoot
Al Jermyn shoots against adults during the Plains Trap Club's "Turkey Shoot" competition last Sunday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Plains Trap Club hosts shooting event
PLAINS - Despite the rain Saturday morning, the Plains Trap Club held its annual Turkey Shoot event at 10am.
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Having a ball in Trout Creek
"Milo and the Village People," perform a musical skit during the Trout Creek Redneck Ball.
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Songstick Shop
Leslie Handell works on a bead project last weekend. It was her first double needle project during a class in Hot Springs.
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Artist visits Hot Springs to teach classes
HOT SPRINGS - The Songstick shop in Hot Springs had a very special visitor Sunday afternoon. Rachel Bowers, a celebrated Native American beader, held the first part of a two class session on two needle style beading.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Hot Springs holds meth meeting
HOT SPRINGS - Tuesday night marked the tenth meeting Hot Springs residents have had in the Public Library to start combating what they see as a prevalent meth/drug problem in the area.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Kick Butts Day in Dixon
DIXON - Friday was, “Kick Butts Day,” at the Dixon Elementary School and it was a day was dedicated to giving tobacco the kick.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
TRACS
The band "OC DC," performs at TRACS ninth annual, "Pretty Darn Good Variety Show and Fundraiser."
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Talent show brings in funds
THOMPSON FALLS - The Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS) hosted its 9th annual, “Pretty Darn Good Variety Show and Fundraiser,” in the Rex Theater in Thompson Falls last week. The show was held to raise funds to help supplement the funds needed for the upkeep of the only animal …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS AGO
Comfort in the face of adversity
THOMPSON FALLS - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, according to the ALS Association, “Is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the …
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Dixon students take part in "Kick Butts Day"
Dixon students spend last Friday learning about the dangers of consuming tobacco products.
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Plains Patrol Officers
Dustin Curry completes the PT Test of the application for the position of Plains Patrol Officer last Saturday.
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Recruits take physical tests
PLAINS - Saturday morning, as a cool wind blew over the Plains High School track, four applicants for the position of Plains Patrol Officer participated in a required PT test.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
A Creative Outlet
Bob Crowder shapes out a hatchet from a pattern welded rod. Crowder will use different types of metal to bring out designs in his work.
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STEAM
Jenna Freeman creates the outline for her faux stand glass art project.
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Students mix art and science after school
TROUT CREEK - Once a week the after school students of Trout Creek School sit down after eating a snack and create artwork as part of a required Science Technology Engineering Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) program, a nationwide movement to transform school curriculum to prepare students for the 21st century. …
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Parade
The Trotters ride down Railroad Avenue in a parade held prior to the school's pep rally.
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Horsemen give Trotters a big send off to state tournament
PLAINS - Tuesday night, the Plains Trotters were treated to a very special Pep Rally, with dancing, singing, speeches and the chance to ride down Railroad Street in a small parade.
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Bluebird birdhouse
Kyle Lawson works on assembling the top to his bluebird birdhouse.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hot Springs students build birdhouses for Bluebirds
Hot Springs - Hot Springs Elementary’s fifth grade teacher, Bart Granlund, is leading his class on a noble cause to help one of Montana’s smallest creatures, the Mountain Bluebird.
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Missoula Children's Theatre
Megan Wiltshire of the Missoula Children's Theatre paints the face of Odin Max.
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Start to finish in five days
It started on Monday and ended 7:00pm Friday night. The Hot Springs Elementary School with help from the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT), held tryouts, rehearsed and put on two performances, Friday at 2:30 and 7:00.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Dr. Seuss Day
Plains Elementary students play a game called, "Popcorn," in celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hot Springs students assemble birdhouses for bluebirds
Ava Erny uses a scroll saw to cut a piece of wood used to hold a latch shut on a birdhouse.
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Camo Ball
Michael Bedick stands in line during the best tie contest at the ball.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
First Annual "Camo Sweetheart Ball"
Trout Creek - Montana Woods N Water hosted the first annual “Camo Sweetheart Ball” Saturday, at the Lakeside Resort and Motel.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
GFWC continues to raise funds
PLAINS - A very special guest gave the Women’s Club of Plains a very special visit Friday. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Montana (GFWC) President, Joyce Rogers, and the President-elect, Joyce Hooper, attended the club’s lunch meeting. Their purpose in attending was to introduce their special guest, Anne …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Reading Month
From left to right, Principal Larry McDonal, Superintendent Thom Chisholm and Tyrel Allen participate in a blue jello, whip cream and Swedish Fish eating contest last week in the school's gymnasium.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Plains school celebrates reading
PLAINS - Wednesday, the Plains Elementary School celebrated the end of “Reading Month,” with games and rewards, which got the whole school rolling over with laughter.
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MOSSE
Georgia Uski (left) talks to Matt Mattes, a MOSSE employee.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hot Springs hosts neuroscience night
HOT SPRINGS - What is MOSSE? It stands for Montana spectrUM Science Experience. It is a traveling exhibition that is a run by the University of Montana, which hosts science programs for community schools in Montana. 75% of the schools which MOSSE visits are in rural communities.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Sanders County Spelling Bee
From left to right, Yvonne Baty, Sarah Detlaff and Ethan Brown, placed at the county spelling bee last week in Thompson Falls.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Bluehawks win in overtime
KALISPELL - The Thompson Falls Bluehawks won in double overtime against the Plains Horsemen Friday.
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Trotters
Jade Ladeaux makes a jump shot during a game in January against Bigfork.
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Trotters go to State Tournament
KALISPELL - Friday night, the Trotters went head to head with the Bigfork Vals. The first half of the game went to Bigfork with a 19 to 17 advantage, but the Trotters were close behind. In the second half of the game Big Fork charged ahead and finished with 43 …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Residents dress in camo for cause
Attendees of the first annual "Camo Sweetheart Ball," at the Lakeside Motel and Resort in Trout Creek, mingle before dinner.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Washtub gets a make over
The Washtub Laundry on Willis Street recently got a make over. New owners Doug and Chari Wipplinger, who bought the laundromat, just last week began an overhaul of the entire business.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hot Springs Celebration
Keiko Amana participates during a drum circle that accompanied the Chinese New Years parade in Hot Springs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hot Springs celebrates Chinese New Year
Hot Springs - The community of Hot Springs came together Saturday afternoon to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Although the Chinese New Year was actually Thursday the 19th, the town decided to move their celebrations to Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Horsemen
Trent Brouillette keeps the basketball in-bounds during last week's play-in game.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Game decided at the very end
PLAINS - Tuesday night’s play-in game between the Plains Horsemen and the Troy Trojans was decided in the last minute of the game. The winning team would be going to the tournament in Columbia Falls on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Bluehawks
Dalton Hooten takes a jump shot during Thursday night's game in Thompson Falls.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Game decided with seconds left on the clock
THOMPSON FALLS - Thursday night’s game between the Thompson Falls Bluehawks and the Eureka Lions was determined in the last 15 seconds, a point that was a hard fight to get to, and no one saw coming.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Clark Fork River
Rip-rap leftover along the WWTP is creating an eddy that is eating away at the riverbank near the water treatment plant in Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
River poses substantial threat to town
PLAINS- As of late, a committee of four concerned citizens have been tackling what is in their minds a very viable threat to the town of Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Chinese New Year
A performer with The Spunout Hippies puts on a show last Saturday in Hot Springs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Clark Fork Valley Mud Run
Kris Nagel runs through the mud at the Clark Fork Valley Mud Run last Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Thompson Falls runners have fun in the mud
Thompson Falls - The sun was shining, burning off the early morning fog, and shining into 20 sets of eager runners’ eyes, who were ready to get dirty on Saturday.
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Clark Fork Valley League revamps
PLAINS - Matt Feliska, the new president of the Clark Fork Valley League, has big plans and is trying to create, in his eyes, a better Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth Baseball League.
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Savage Heat
Trevor Paro passes two Charlo defenders to make a shot during Saturday night's game.
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Savage Heat challenge Charlo
The Savage Heat game against Charlo was a neck and neck game most of the night, until the very end.
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Lady Savage Heat
Pia Heggelund shoots against Charlo during last Saturday's game.
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Lady Savage Heat play Charlo
Hot Springs - The Saturday night game between the Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat and Charlo started off with something very special. It was Senior night, which meant that before the game started, the players who were seniors were escorted out to center court by their parents.
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Horsemen
Kyle Revier collides with a Whitefish defender during last week's game.
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Plains Horsemen give it all they've got
The game Thursday night between the Plains Horsemen and Whitefish was a special night for the senior players of the team. It was Senior night, which meant that before the game started, the players who were seniors were escorted out to center court by their parents. An announcer read aloud …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Trotters
Hailey Phillips makes a drive towards the hoop against Whitefish during Thursday night's game.
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Trotters enjoy a sweeping victory
Plains - The Plains Trotters enjoyed a sweeping victory Thursday night over Whitefish. The entire game belonged to the Trotters, who held a major lead over their opponents throughout the game.
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Leading the Herd
John Holland (in his truck) looks into his rear view mirror as he leads his cattle along.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Reading month kicks off in Plains
The month of February is, “I Love to Read Month,” at the Plains Elementary School. Throughout the month activities will be held at the elementary school to promote reading, which the school sees as a means to furthering a child’s knowledge, imagination and self development.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Carvers Carve Together
Tom Collins continues to work on one of his projects during last week's woodcarving club meeting in Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lady Savage Heat
Pia Heggelund of the Lady Savage Heat fights through the Trotter defense.
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Trotters and Lady Savage Heat battle it out
HOT SPRINGS - To start off the Saturday game between the Plains Trotters and the Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat, the Trotters quickly gained a lead over the Heat. The Trotters gained 15 points by the middle of the first quarter, while the Heat worked on getting into form. Around …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Horsemen and Heat square off
HOT SPRINGS - Saturday night’s game between the Plains Horsemen and the Hot Springs Savage Heat ended in a twist, which left the stands going crazy in the fourth quarter.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Wood Carving Club
Jean Nemeth works on two fairy house carvings made from bark during the weekly Tuesday night Wood Carving Club's meeting.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Plains Community Ambulance
Bill Kosely of the Plains Community Ambulance receives first-aid during an EMT drill at E.L. Johnson Memorial Park in Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
EMTS practice life-saving skills
PLAINS- The Plains Community Ambulance volunteers began their bi-annual refresher course Friday night. The course continued on into Sunday afternoon, with classroom instruction and hands-on trauma practice.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
The Great Gatsby
Members of the Montana Repertory Theatre Company act out a scene from "The Great Gatsby" in the Plains High School gymnasium last Monday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Plains gym is transformed
PLAINS-Monday night Plains was treated to a full on professional production play. In a matter of just a day, the Plains High School gymnasium became a working theater with lighting, audio, props and an elegant backdrop. The Montana Repertory Theatre Company, based out of the University of Montana in Missoula, …
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Lady Savage Heat
Josey Carr, shoots against the Superior Lady Bobcats during Thursday night's game.
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Lady Savage Heat battle competition
The Thursday Night game between the Lady Savage Heat and the Superior Lady Bobcats was wrought with difficulty, but also perseverance in the face of adversity.
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Horsemen
Kyle Revier, goes for a layup during Saturday night's game against the Eureka Lions.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Horsemen game a tough fight
The Plains Horsemen verses the Eureka Lions game Saturday night was a close fight the whole night, with each team trading the lead. By the end of the game it was an all out brawl to see who would finish on top.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Bluehawks
Tanner Laws, of Thompson Falls, watches as the basketball goes through the hoop during Friday night's win against Superior.
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Bluehawks finish with 20 point lead
Friday night, the Thompson Falls Bluehawks came away with a big win against the Superior Bobcats.
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Trotters win big
The Plains Trotters verses Eureka Lady Lions was won decisively by the Trotters Saturday night.
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Horsemen
Aaron Vonheeder prepares to pass during the game against Bigfork last week.
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Trotters
Jade Ladeaux drives toward the hoop during Thursday's game against the Bigfork Valkryies.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Trotters win by close margin
Thursday night’s game between the Plains Trotters and the Bigfork Valkyries was an intense game that was a roller coaster for the girls of Plains High School. At certain points in the game, emotions ran so high that the it was hard to hear yourself think over the cheers and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Protests
Pro-life demonstrators march down Highway 200 through the business district of Thompson Falls, on Thursday, Jan. 22.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Demonstrations mark divisive court decision
Thursday, January 22, 2015, was the 42nd anniversary of the historic Roe v Wade Supreme Court Case, which focused on the issue of abortion.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Bowl and Blast
Participants get ready to shoot during the blast portion of the Bowl and Blast last weekend at the Plains Trap Club.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Art on the Walls
A mix of art from grades kindergarten through 12 from varying Sanders County schools cover the walls of the main entrance hallway of the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Student art covers walls of hospital
It started in October of 2007. Patient Gayle Keeny was in the hospital with pneumonia and trying to walk to recover. While walking in a hallway she noticed a large blank wall. Keeny, being a member of the Sanders County Arts Council (SCAC), thought to herself, why isn’t there art …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Wolf Patrol
From left to right Clarence Gilmer II, Rod Coronado and Matt Almonte of Wolf Patrol plan out their day over the weekend outside of Trout Creek.
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Bluehawks
Tanner Laws, is fouled during the last seconds of the team's fourth quarter game against Bigfork.
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Bluehawks fight to the end
Thursday nights game between the Thompson Falls Bluehawks and the Big Fork Vikings game started off slow for Thompson Falls and continued until the fourth quarter. When it looked like the game was going to finish with the Vikings defeating the Bluehawks with a huge point lead, the Hawks dug …
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Activists monitor wolf hunt in Trout Creek
David Martin scans along road ways and snow embankments for signs of wolves during the group's first day of patrolling last weekend.
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Trotters
Hailey Phillips of the Plains Trotters shoots against the Hot Springs Savage Heat.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Trotters win big
The match between the Plains Trotters and the Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat Friday night was a night of both celebration and defeat. The final score was Plains with 57, Hot Springs with 17.
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Lady Hawks
Logan Beckman of the Thompson Falls Lady Hawks shoots against the Plains Trotters in Thursday night's game.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Game decided in fourth quarter
The game between the Plains Trotters and Thompson Falls Lady Hawks was a close match throughout the night. Eventually, in the fourth quarter the two teams were neck and neck, but a few key plays allowed the Trotters to pull ahead.
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Bluehawks win
Thursday’s night game between the Plains Horsemen and the Thomson Falls Blue hawks quickly became a one-sided match, with Thompson Falls taking the lead and holding it throughout the night.
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Horsemen fight to get back on track
Plains finally got back on the winning track Friday night after a series of losses. The game, Plains Horsemen vs. Hot Springs Savage Heat, was a very physical game that left both teams exhausted.
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"Blackbeard the Pirate"
Sam Ricci applies makeup to Jessica Land, who was a sailor in "Blackbeard the Pirate," which was performed at Trout Creek School last Friday. The Missoula Children's Theater directed the play.
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Theatre visits Trout Creek
Put together in just four days, an entire, hour-long musical was put on in the gymnasium of the Trout Creek school, Friday night. The Missoula Children’s Theater led the school in the production of, “Blackbeard the Pirate,” an adaptation of the children’s story. Auditions for parts were held Tuesday, and …
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Polar Bear Plunge
Boys from the Wolf Creek Academy participated in the Clark Fork Running Club's 5K, 2K races and the Polar Bear Plunge on New Year's Day.
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Taking the plunge
THOMPSON FALLS-Tens of runners awoke Thursday morning to pit themselves against single digit numbers in a frigid race and polar bear plunge, despite the night before everyone was staying up late and celebrating the coming of 2015.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Horsemen
Kyle Revier shoots a fade away against the Loyola Sacred Heart Rams Friday night.
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Plains Horsemen fight until the very end
Friday night’s Horsemen basketball game against the Loyola Sacred Heart Rams was a fight to the end, but some fundamentals of basketball were missed, which lead to an increasing gap in points throughout the night.
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Trotters
Hailey Phillips, drives the lane against the Loyola Sacred Heart Breakers during the Friday night game.
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Plains Trotters make a valiant fight
The Plains Trotters vs. Loyola Sacred Heart Breakers game got off to a slow start Friday night. Not until Sami Kinzie, made the first shot at 4:36 minutes left in the first quarter.
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2014 in Sanders County
Jan. 8, 2014
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Keg Bowl raises funds for Blue Hawk scholarship
Despite the snow and cold on Saturday, a large crowd turned out to watch the annual Keg Bowl held at the Ainsworth Field next to the Town Pump in Thompson Falls. Hot dogs and beer were served to spectators as they stood next to metal drums with fires burning inside. …
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TRACS
Paul Perkins (left) and Barb Chisenhall (right) get a dog ready for its first walk outside at the Thompson River Animal Care Shelter in Thompson Falls. The dog was a recent arrival from a shelter in California.
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A humble beginning turns into something larger
Last week, 15 chocolate lab puppies and 15 older labs were coated in feces and urine, in need of water and warmth. Today, they are in a giving, caring facility that is treating them for ailments and searching for the right owner who will give them the attention they need.
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Christmas tree sale
Bryce Henning and Jake Lile move a Christmas tree into a truck during the team's tree and wreath sale.
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Wrestlers get into holiday spirit
PLAINS-Saturday and Sunday, members from the Savage Horsemen Wrestling team were selling Christmas Trees and Wreathes to raise money for their fund. “We are self funded.” explained Bryce Henning as he stood with his fellow teammates while they waited for a customer. Since 2010, the team has sold tre es …
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Dogs rescued
One of the dogs rescued last weekend is removed from a barn on the premises by volunteers with TRACS.
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House raided to rescue dogs
A house and barn were raided Sunday afternoon to rescue 30 dogs that were left in dilapidated and unsanitary conditions southeast of Plains. Details are scarce, but what is known is the resident of the home left this past Saturday with one dog and has disappeared. Volunteers and workers from …
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Care packages
Kelly Burch helps out at the Plains V.F.W. as care packages were assembled earlier this week.
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V.F.W. Auxiliary gets in holiday spirit
It all came to a head Monday as wives, widows, and daughters of servicemen, who have been working since October, prepared care packages to be sent to soldiers and units abroad and statewide. 24 boxes were put together, filled with magazines, hygiene items, snacks, candies, handmade letters from Plains Elementary, …
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Thompson Falls Senior Center holds annual craft fair
Several items were available at the craft fair, including these boxes made by Darlene Glover.
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Thanksgiving
Bobby Mayes puts the finishing touches on a ham during the Assembly of God Church's Thanksgiving celebration.
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Thanksgiving Dinner
Karen Porfitt, Bobby Mayes and Dave Adams prepare the Thanksgiving dinner at the Assembly of God Church in Plains last Thursday.
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Local church celebrates Thanksgiving
It was the mission of the Assembly of God Church to make sure that no one went hungry on Thanksgiving this past week. Anyone who was in need of a meal on Thursday was given a free dinner. Over two days, a full fledged classic style Thanksgiving dinner was prepared …
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