Burn regulations save resources and money

SANDERS COUNTY – Open burning started several weeks ago in Sanders County and officials tasked with dealing with fires that get away from residents are warning people to use extreme caution when burning.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

New rodeo princess crowned

SUPERIOR - Mineral County crowned a new rodeo princess on Thursday July 3 at the fairgrounds in Superior and her first responsibility as a representative for the area was met on Friday as she marched in the 4th of July parade in St. Regis.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Plains High School Homecoming

Juniors Jenna Peterson and Nick Barnes competed in the king and queen games to better their chances for being crowned.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Trotter volleyball

Junior Hailey Phillips goes up to spike the ball. In the game against Bigfork, Phillips helped control the net for the Trotters.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs grant

David Greer presents Hot Springs Athletic Director Chris Clairmont with the check from Plum Creek.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs High School receives numerous grants

HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs High School Athletics Department recently received two grants from an organization known as The Plum Creek Timber Company to repair the baseball field and purchase two IPads that will help coaches ensure the safety of their teams. Plum Creek Senior Manager for Planning David …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls games

Thompson Falls students get splashed with water during the water volleyball competition.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Homecoming week takes over Thompson Falls

THOMPSON FALLS – The festivities surrounding the 2013 Thompson Falls High School Homecoming kicked off on Thursday as the community gathered at the football field to watch students square off during the annual Olympic games.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

FWP announces decision to release revised walleye EA

NOXON – The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently released a notice of their intent to proceed with a proposal to suppress the population of walleye in the Noxon Reservoir. The proposal has generated controversy among anglers who flock to the area to fish for the elusive prey.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs debates

Vicki Nytes prepares her senior United States government class for their upcoming candidate debate.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Class of Hot Springs to host debates for candidates

HOT SPRINGS – A senior class at Hot Springs High School is taking the classroom outside the halls of the school and relating the lesson plan to some real world applications. The senior United States Government class taught by Vicki Nytes is planning to host a forum for the mayoral …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

WSA Oktoberfest

WSA President Cory Ovitt is doused because of the bean bag toss from Koby Carter during the Oktoberfest celebration at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

WSA holds Oktoberfest celebration in Plains

PLAINS – The Wildhorse Sports Association held their annual German-style Oktoberfest celebration and fundraiser on Saturday. Participants consumed a bratwurst dinner complete with potato and pasta salads and tasted a variety of micro-brewery style beers during the event that included games, a raffle and a water dousing chair.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs dominates the competition

WEST YELLOWSTONE – The Savage Heat football team from Hot Springs dominated their opponents away from home on Saturday easily dispatching the team 71 to zero. The team applied relentless pressure in the first half on offense and defense repeatedly stopping drives by their challengers and scoring touchdowns in the …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs improves on their season in Arlee tourney

HOT SPRINGS – The week started out in rough fashion for the Lady Savage Heat of Hot Springs but they finished with a solid performance at a tournament in Arlee full of stiff competition from around the region. The team lost in straight sets to Noxon 25-8, 25-14 and 25-12 …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

The Trotters come away with a win against Eureka

EUREKA – The Trotters of Plains came away with a victory in Eureka on Saturday. The volleyball team needed five sets to dispatch the young team on their home court.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains Horsemen continue to make strides during season

TROY – The Horsemen of Plains continue to meet some of their goals stated at the outset of the 2013 season. One of those goals was for the football team to put points on the board against opponents. Despite a loss at Troy on Friday, the team did manage to …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Cross country teams compete in prestigious tourney

MISSOULA – The Plains and Thompson Falls cross country teams both had exceptional performances at the Mountain West Classic meet in Missoula on Saturday. Over 1,800 athletes from as far away as Washington state gathered at the University of Montana Golf Course to run a course that will also be …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Homecoming festivities hit Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS – Homecoming festivities took hold of the town of Hot Springs and did not let go for several hours on Thursday as the community gathered to support the high school and its athletic programs. Events included a parade, a rally in the park and games between classes on …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Rachel Ibarra receives award

Mary Lou Hermes provides Rachel Ibarra with a certificate of achievement for a poem Ibarra wrote.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Local artist receives achievement award for poem

PLAINS – The Plains Woman’s Club recognized a local artist at their annual luncheon on Thursday at the United Methodist Church. Recent Plains High School graduate Rachel Ibarra was awarded a certificate of achievement for her poem entitled “Tin Man” that took first place in a statewide competition.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Friends of the NRA banquet

Chairman of the Sanders County Friends of the National Rifle Association Dennis Bursell mans a table with a surprise raffle item during the annual banquet.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

National Rifle Association banquet held in Plains

PLAINS – The annual Friends of the Sanders County National Rifle Association dinner was held in the pavilion at the county fairgrounds on Saturday. The event raises money for the county branch of the NRA.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs homecoming 7

From left to right: Joe DeTienne, Sam Hoff, Wyatt Carr and Lane Foster face off during the pie eating contest at the homecoming games in Hot Springs.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs homecoming 6

Senior Michael Locker strains to pull the rope during the tug-of-war contest in Hot Springs.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs homecoming 5

Kane Lawson holds tightly to the tug-of-war rope even in the face of defeat by upperclassman during the annual homecoming festivities on Thursday prior to the football game on Friday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs homecoming 4

Hot Springs High School seniors Jarod White and Colten Weirather compete in the tug-of-war competition against underclassman during the 2013 homecoming games on the football field.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs homecoming 3

The Hot Springs Savage Heat football team ride atop a fire engine during the homecoming parade on Thursday. The team went on to win the game on Friday in a landslide victory.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs homecoming 2

Senior Alex Green runs the gauntlet during the homecoming pep rally in Hot Springs.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

WSA sports complex sod

Football player Chayton Lulack helps roll out the sod at the Wildhorse Sports Association's sports complex.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

WSA to host German-style fundraiser for sports complex

PLAINS – The Wildhorse Sports Association will be hosting a German Oktoberfest-style celebration fundraiser this Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Plains. The event will raise money for the WSA sports complex currently under construction west of Plains near the airport.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Noxon volleyball

Nicole Zavoianu spikes the ball against Hot Springs during a recent game. Noxon would take the Lady Savage Heat the distance eventually losing two to three.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Noxon and Hot Springs battle in cross county match up

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat of Hot Springs and the Noxon Lady Red Devils faced off during a cross county volleyball match on Thursday as a prelude to homecoming festivities in Hot Springs.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Heat homecoming game

Tight end Jack Dolson dodges a tackle on his way to the endzone during the homecoming game in Hot Springs.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs gains a victory during homecoming game

HOT SPRINGS – The Savage Heat football team unleashed an offensive bombardment on the team from Lincoln on Friday during the 2013 Homecoming game in Hot Springs. The team defeated their opponents 59 to 0 during the one sided match that saw consistent defensive stops from Hot Springs and touchdowns …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains cross country takes on bigger schools in Polson

POLSON – The Plains High School cross country team faced some unique challenges at the Pirate Duels XC Meet in Polson last Saturday. Held at the Polson Rodeo Grounds, the course featured obstacles such as hay bales, steep hills and log jumps.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs Royalty - by Colin Murphey

Meara Schmiedbauer is crowned 2013 Hot Springs High School Homecoming Queen while Lane Foster was adorned with the King's crown.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Wonderful watermelon

Benjamin Grant eats watermelon during the community picnic at the Sanders County Fairgrounds on Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Community picnic brings people out to fairgrounds

PLAINS – The community picnic at the Sanders County Fairgrounds in Plains was not as well attended as organizers were hoping but according to coordinator Ken Jones, those who did come out had a good time. The picnic included elements of the farmers market, horseback rides for the kids, a …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Ride across the country for a good cause comes to an end

PLAINS – In June of this year, former Methodist Pastor Thomas Hall retired from his position as parishioner to his small flock in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Car show

Larry Kennedy shows off his specially modified car that can run on hydrogen at a car show in Hot Springs in Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Car show in Hot Springs features unique classic vehicles

HOT SPRINGS – The Second Home Restaurant in Hot Springs was the site of the annual customer appreciation celebration on Saturday. The lineup of activities included a car show, something that had not been done in previous years.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Rivals meet in volleyball match

Alex Green spikes the ball for Hot Springs while Hailey Phillips and Nicole Rehbein defend the net for Plains. The Trotters defeated the Lady Savage Heat in five games.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Cross county rivalry heats up between Plains and Hot Springs

PLAINS – The cross county volleyball rivalry between the Trotters of Plains and the Lady Savage Heat of Hot Springs was on full display in Plains on Tuesday. It would take Plains all five games to defeat the ladies from Hot Springs in a thrilling match that went down to …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls against Choteau

Bluehawk Tanner Laws makes it down the field during the Friday night game against Choteau. The team will go on to play Deer Lodge on Sept. 20.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains continues to develop on the gridiron

PLAINS – The Horsemen football team from Plains continue to gain experience against tough opponents this season. While the team has yet to come away with a win, they have been putting points on the scoreboard.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains Drug break-in

Plains Police Chief Shawn Emmett examines the damage at Plains Drug and Andi's Gifts.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Break-in & theft at pharmacy in Plains

PLAINS – Plains Drug and Andi’s Gift Store on Highway 200 in downtown Plains was broken into early Thursday morning resulting in the theft of a significant amount of drug products. A newspaper delivery person reported the break in to the Plains Police Department at 5:25 a.m.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Preparing the field

Cory Ovitt, president of the Wildhorse Sports Association, readies one of the baseball fields for the next step in the process. Next weekend, the field will be seeded - bringing the project one step closer to completion.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Preparing to plant the seed

PLAINS - Work on the Wild Horse Sports Association sports complex continued to progress on Saturday as members of the group and volunteers gathered at the site to prepare the baseball fields to be seeded next weekend. President Cory Ovitt was busy dragging equipment behind an all-terrain-vehicle to break up …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Mountain lion attack

Kent Stewart point to the claw marks left on his horse after she was attacked by a suspected mountain lion.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Suspected mountain lion attack near city limits

PLAINS – A suspected mountain lion attack occurred in Plains late last week. The victim, a four-year old mare named Missy was discovered by her owners Lisa and Kent Stewart with scratches on the left side of her hind quarters. While incidents like this are rare according to numbers from …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Chamber of Commerce meet in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS – Members of the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce met on Thursday at the Second Home Restaurant to discuss the success of past events and the possibilities of future events in the community. About 12 chamber associates and members of the public attended the meeting.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

RMEF banquet

Joe Bratz of Paradise peruses the items up for auction during the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation annual banquet in Plains on Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation holds annual banquet

PLAINS – The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation held their annual fundraiser banquet on Saturday at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Pavilion in Plains. The event raises money for the RMEF, a conservation group that promotes the sustainability of elk habitat through land management, herd restoration and research.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

New arrival in Plains brings her own voice to the pulpit

PLAINS – The new pastor at the United Methodist Church in Plains has only been in town for about a month but already the congregation is warming up to their new guide. According to the new member of the clergy, the fact that she is a woman has not affected …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

United Methodist pastor

Pastor Amanda Stamp prepares for a sermon during a service at the United Methodist Church in Plains on Sunday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs volleyball

Alex Green, left, of the Lady Savage Heat, prepares for a block off the shot from her teammate during a recent match in Hot Springs.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Lady Savage Heat cruise to victory in season opener

HOT SPRINGS – The Lady Savage Heat volleyball team dominated opponents Two Eagle River School from Pablo and the team from Superior last week winning both contests. The girls used size and strength to their advantage over teams that struggled against the offensive power and defense of the team from …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs football

Anthony Byrns is swarmed by Geraldine-Highwood defenders during the season opener in Hot Springs on Friday. The Savage Heat lost the game despite a valiant effort 59-51.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs handed a tough defeat in first game

HOT SPRINGS – The defending Montana class-C state champion six-man football team from Hot Springs were handed a loss to start the season on Friday. The Savage Heat led through most of the game before giving up the lead on a converted turnover in the third quarter to Geraldine-Highwood.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Trotters to face Hot Springs in a rival game

FLORENCE – The Trotters faced a tough opponent on their home court last week against the team from Florence. Despite strong showings from some veteran players, the Trotters were unable to hold off the bombardment from the opposing team.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Horsemen see best offensive game of season

PLAINS – The Horsemen of Plains made significant advances in team performance during their last outing against Shelby on Friday. Facing off with a team that Head Coach Juan Lulack said would most likely be a playoff contender, the Horsemen put 34 points on the board.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains puts up solid times during Eureka Invitational

EUREKA - Temperatures were a bit warmer than expected according to Plains High School Cross-Country Head Coach Tony Banovich during the Eureka Invitational meet on Friday. Banovich said with highs into the low 80’s combined with 15 to 20 miles per hour winds during the afternoon, the weather made for …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

On Top of the World - by Colin Murphey

Nathan Schraeder, Ryan Schraeder, and Jake Jacobson ride the ferris wheel at the Sanders County Fair. The ferris wheel was a popular ride and saw scores of kids.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Sally Braun

Sally Braun acknowledges the arena full of people after receiving the honors of the annual Community Service Award.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Sally Braun receives Community Service Award

PLAINS - The rodeo arena at the Sanders County Fairgrounds was the site of a special ceremony on Saturday to honor a citizen of Plains for her service to the community. Sally Braun was the 20th person presented with the Sanders County Community Service Award for her continuing contributions to …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

POW honored

Jeanne Crismore receives a flag from Congressman Steve Daines in honor of her stepfather, a prisoner of war during World War II.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Prisoner of War recognized by Daines in arena

PLAINS – The rodeo arena at the Sanders County Fairgrounds was the scene of an emotional ceremony on Saturday to honor and celebrate the life of a prisoner of war during World War II. Montana Congressman Steve Daines was on hand to present the Prisoner of War Medal posthumously to …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Cross Country time trial

Bluehawk Josh Wulfekuhle competes in the Plains time trial.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Time trial warms up cross country teams for season

PLAINS – The Plains High School cross-country team hosted a time trial on Friday at the Plains Bible Church. Thompson Falls and Plains both participated in the event that serves as a warm up for athletes and a preview for coaches of how their teams are shaping up.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Fair prep

Hank Franzen tosses hay around the holding pen for his horses. The animals will be performing during the rodeo events at the Sanders County Fair this week in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Last-minute fair preparations take place in Plains

PLAINS- With the start of the 2013 Sanders County Fair only hours away, last minute entries in arts and crafts, ticket sales, rodeo preparations and other details were in full swing at the fairgrounds in Plains on Monday. More and more people gradually began to file onto the fairgrounds before …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Chicks N' Chaps fundraiser teaches women about rodeo

SANDERS COUNTY- A group of women from Sanders County known as Cowgirls Kickin’ Cancer who raise money for cancer patients is hosting an event at the annual fair this coming week. The Chicks N’ Chaps event at the Sanders County Fair combined with an entry in the demolition derby will …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs football practice

Hot Springs football players loosen up during the first practice of the season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs Savage Heat have first practice of the season

The Hot Springs Savage Heat had their first practice of the season on Monday as athletes and coaches gathered on the gridiron behind the high school. About 20 players attended the practice designed to provide coaches with an early look at what they will have to work with during the …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Lady Savage Heat first practice

Players for the Lady Savage Heat warm up during the first practice of the year.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Lady Savage Heat ready for season opener

HOT SPRINGS- The Lady Savage Heat volleyball team gathered for the first practice of the year at the Hot Springs High School gym on Monday to begin preparations for the upcoming season. About a dozen athletes attended the practice to give coaches their first glimpse of the talent they will …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Trout Creek holds annual hydro boat racing regatta

TROUT CREEK- The sport of hydroplane racing barreled into Sanders County over the weekend as the annual Trout Creek Regatta took place on the Noxon Reservoir. Thrill-seekers from around the region gathered to test the limits of their machines as well as their nerves in the popular spectator sport.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Awaiting the smoke... the story of unsung heroes manning the lookout towers

SANDERS COUNTY- While the rest of the country is beginning to recognize the daily heroics of wildland firefighters, residents in Sanders County have known what these men and women do on a daily basis for decades. Due to international coverage of the many fires burning throughout the west and the …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Concerned citizen speaks out against city ordinance

PLAINS- The Plains Public Works Committee met on Monday to discuss the plight of a single resident. Local business owner and property owner Randy Garrison met with the council to confer about a water bill.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Open house

Kids filled the hallway during the open house held on Thursday, August 22.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

4H Prep for fair

Sage and Sydney Jackson demonstrate the proper way to "brace" a lamb during competition. The two will be putting their best foot forward during the 4H judging at the Sanders County Fair.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

4H participants set to show off animals at county fair

SANDERS COUNTY - With the Sanders County Fair rapidly approaching, young people involved with the organization known as 4-H are preparing themselves for one of the most important agricultural events of the year. Kids from around the area are grooming their animals and putting the finishing touches on arts and …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Getting ready for school

Dana Diehl prepares materials for the incoming kindergarten class. The school year is rapidly approaching and teachers are readying themselves for the incoming students.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Getting ready for fair

Fair Manager Mike Hashisaki paints lines on the pavement for handicap parking. Plains underwent efforts to ready themselves for the Sanders County Fair.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

County efforst to gear up before fair strikes

PLAINS- With the Sanders County Fair less than two weeks away, organizers and staff are working hard to prepare for the event that is expected to draw thousands from around the region. With flags waving in the air, fresh paint on the roads to designate handicapped parking and freshly mowed …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Haircut-a-thon

Lucy Privett smiles as she gets her hair cut during the first annual "Haircut-a-thon" on Monday at the Plains Elementary School. Karli Volkman, behind Privett, was part of the team assembled by Josie Schuster to volunteer to cut hair for the event.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Haircut-a-thon raises money for student needs

PLAINS- Counselors for Plains Schools held the first annual “Haircut-a-Thon” fundraiser on Monday to help residents trim back their locks and raise money for the counseling program. Organizers said they were pleased with the turnout as people waited in line for a new look before school starts.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County Sheriff pullover

A Sanders County Sheriff's Deputy stops a car on Highway 200 for a minor traffic violation.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County Sheriffs patrol region

SANDERS COUNTY- I would imagine that most law enforcement officers have experienced the feeling at one point in their career that they are in a “thankless” profession. Many people probably do not appreciate what these men and women go through on a daily basis. Until they need their help. But …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Blood drive

Kristi Tranter of the American Red Cross prepares Wayne Rummell of Plains to donate blood.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Red Cross blood drive attracts donors in Plains

PLAINS- The VFW facility in Plains hosted a blood drive earlier in the month administered by the Missoula branch of the American Red Cross Blood Services unit. The crew of medical professionals travel extensively throughout the region gathering blood donated from citizens as part of the ACRs continuing effort to …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Glow tournament - by Colin Murphey

The annual Benefit Glow Ball tournament stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning, where glow sticks lit up the last half of the tournament, which was played in the darkness.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Plains Horsemen prepare for first game of the season

PLAINS- After the first practice of the season, the Horsemen of Plains are ready to rebound from a disappointing 2012-2013 season. Coach Juan Lulack is busy preparing the team to take the field for the first game of the season against rival Thompson Falls on August 31. If the coaches …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

The Trotters dig deep for volleyball season

PLAINS- The Trotters of Plains had their first practice of the season on Monday in the gym at the high school. As athletes flew through the air, spiking balls with a velocity normally reserved for ballistic projectiles, Head Coach Kim Earhart took the girls through a series of drills in …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Runners take to Plains

PLAINS- The Plains High School Cross Country team gathered with coach Tony Banovich at the Sanders County Fairgrounds for the first official practice of the season. The team has only a few weeks before the first competition of the year.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Plains volleyball practice

Corle Morefield spikes the ball during a recent practice for the Trotters of Plains.

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Horsemen football

Players for the Plains Horsemen put their backs into it against the sled during a recent practice. The team is set for a showdown against rival Thompson Falls.

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Plains football practice

The Plains football team run sprints during practice. The team is gearing up for the new season with a new approach to the game.

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Cross Country stars

Runners on the Plains High School Cross Country team practice on Monday off of River Road West.

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The boys of fall - by Colin Murphey

The Plains Horsemen hit the sled during their first practice of the season Friday morning.

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CFVH has new technology

PLAINS- According to Russell Logan Executive Director of Customer Service for the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains, the facility recently overhauled their computer system, implementing software that will forever change the way patients in Sanders County receive health care.

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New technology at hospital

Russell Logan shows how patients will sign in electronically on the digital pad at the front desk.

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Huckleberry Homesteader Pentathlon

Dan Handlin of Marion, MT struggles to saw a chunk off a log during the Huckleberry Homesteader Pentathlon. The Huckleberry Festival was held last weekend in Trout Creek attracting thousands of people from around the region.

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Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek

TROUT CREEK- Thousands of people flocked to the small lakeside community of Trout Creek over the weekend for the 34th annual Huckleberry Festival. While the huckleberry may be the state fruit of Idaho, the plant is celebrated in Sanders County with a festival that draws vendors and crowds from around …

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Fire near Plains

Marlin Cooper douses a hotspot with a hose at a fire near Dog Lake just north of Plains on Sunday.

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Fire contained near Plains

PLAINS- A small ten-acre wildfire was extinguished just north of Plains and south of Dog Lake on Saturday. Crews took no chances with the hot, dry weather conditions during recent months calling helicopter support and approximately 25 personnel.

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Bike and Build

Riders with the "Bike and Build" program stop off in Paradise on Tuesday. The riders are on their way to Spokane where they will build affordable housing. It will be the eighth time during the journey that they have assisted others in construction projects.

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Cyclists ride across Sanders County on their way to help

PARADISE- Riders with the program known as “Bike and Build” passed through Sanders County on their way to Seattle on Tuesday. The riders stopped off in Paradise to rest before continuing on a journey that started in Providence, Rhode Island and will eventually end on the West Coast.

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Ride Idaho mechanic

Bike mechanic Jason Leathers tend to one of many bikes that need attention following a 70-mile ride.

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Ride Idaho tour crosses into Sanders County

THOMPSON FALLS- The annual seven-day bicycle tour known as “Ride Idaho” cruised into Sanders County on Tuesday with 380 riders making their way into Thompson Falls. Cyclists camped at Ainsworth Field and PPL Park after logging approximately 70 miles during the day.

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Jeanne Jolly music

Singer/songwriter Jeanne Jolly of Raleigh, NC prepares her set list before her performance at the Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls. Jolly is currently on tour in support of her debut full length album, "Angels."

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Live music arrives at Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls

THOMPSON FALLS- The Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls played host to a live music performance on Saturday as the facility was packed to capacity to support a venue that was recently in danger of falling into obscurity. Organizer Randy Roberts helped set up the event as a way to continue …

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Live at the Library music

Mya Zeiler plays the mountain dulcimer as the audience looks on. Zeiler was playing with a group that included her grandfather John Meckler as well as Leena and Ashlynn Meckler.

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Live at the Library ends on high note

PLAINS – Cliff Stephens hit the library on July 30, providing humorous songs and entertainment to the crowd lining the grass.

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Lightning never strikes twice - By Colin Murphey

Reporter Colin Murphey captured this breathtaking image near the bridge in Plains.

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Relay for life

Survivors and caregivers complete the inaugural lap during the Relay For Life celebration in Thompson Falls. The event helped raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

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Relay For Life inspires hope

THOMPSON FALLS - The annual Sanders County Relay For Life fundraiser was held at the Thompson Falls High School on Friday as members of the community rallied together to help raise money for the American Cancer Society. Multiple events took place beginning Friday evening and continued throughout the night into …

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Walleye debate continues on Noxon Reservoir

NOXON - Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has announced that a revised environmental assessment will be prepared to respond to overwhelming opposition about a proposal to suppress the population of walleye in Noxon Reservoir. The proposal would be conducted over a period of six years and concerns a species that …

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Pig roast

Noxon residents prepare to lift the main dish out of the pit.

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Noxon residents cook up feast for community

NOXON - Residents of Noxon gathered at the park on the banks of the Clark Fork River for the annual pit barbecue feast of seasoned pork and beef accompanied by live music and other entertainment. The chefs in charge of the food said the meat had been cooking since midnight …

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Blues Festival

Michelle Taylor takes the microphone as she plays with her band the Blues Junkies. The band came to the Blues Festival from Seattle.

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Rhythm and Blues Festival descends upon Noxon

NOXON - The fourth annual Big Sky Blues Rhythm and Blues Music Festival was held at the park near the Clark Fork River in Noxon over the weekend. Musicians from around the region and as far away as Seattle gathered to provide the audience with the soulful yearnings of the …

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Fire danger high

Jon Airhart, Forest Service official, fights a small grass fire on the side of Highway 200 Monday afternoon. The fire was quickly contained but shows that dry conditions still exist in the area.

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Plains Piranhas

Genevieve Deschamps swims the backstroke during a meet in Plains. The Plains home meet earlier in the season was the first opportunity for some swimmers to race the competition.

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Piranhas pull out wins at state meet in Sydney

SYDNEY- The Plains Swim Team spent a good deal of time this season working on the fundamentals and getting the team used to what competition feels like. The team tirelessly practiced flip turns, starts and technique during a season that only lasts a few months giving swimmers little time to …

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Cougar Peak Lookout

Cougar Peak lookout seen from just below the summit.

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Fire lookouts provide a unique perspective

SANDERS COUNTY- When I think of what it takes to have an adventure, I typically imagine an activity that involves a small degree of self-endangerment combined with a touch of recklessness topped off with a sprinkle of disregard for ones personal safety. I might even add a dash of “what …

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American Legion burns down

Deputy State Fire Marshal Pat Clinch assesses the scene at the American Legion after the post burned down early Wednesday morning. The investigation of the cause of the fire is ongoing.

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Bass fishing

Lucas Burt holds up part of his catch during the Tri-State Bass Tournament held last weekend in Trout Creek. Burt, who is originally from Trout Creek, made the trip from his home in Portland, Oregon to fish in the competition with his father.

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Bass tournament in Trout Creek attracts anglers

TROUT CREEK- The Noxon Reservoir was the site of the annual Tri-State Bass Tournament held in Trout Creek over the weekend. Anglers from Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Montana converged on the reservoir beginning on Saturday to try their luck at catching small and large-mouth bass.

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Plains Piranhas prepare for state swim meet

PLAINS - The Piranhas of Plains had another solid meet at the divisional competition in Hamilton over the weekend. The team took 29 swimmers to the tournament with 21 making it to the finals on Sunday.

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Scrimmage

Plains and Mission high school football teams scrimmage on Monday as part of a joint effort to keep athletes warmed up for the upcoming 2013-2014 season.

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Local teams gather in Plains to scrimmage

PLAINS- Football teams from Mission, Hot Springs and Plains met at the football field at Plains High School to scrimmage and run drills in preparation for the upcoming fall season. The teams took turns on defense and offense, practicing running and throwing the ball into the end-zone.

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Summer camp

Students perform before a live audience during the final day of the summer arts camp in Hot Springs. The two-week program teaches kids visual as well as performing arts. The camp is annually sponsored by the Hot Springs Artists Society.

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Summer camp enriches lives in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS- Participants in the 2013 Hot Springs Summer Arts Camp demonstrated what they had learned in the previous two weeks during a show and exhibition at the senior center on Friday. Visual arts were on display as about a hundred audience members filed into the facility to watch a …

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Extreme fire conditions

Forest Service Helicopter Manager Grady Wilson supervises the helicopter. The helicopter was brought to the Plains DNRC facility as a precaution for the extreme conditions.

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Fire danger reaches extreme conditions

SANDERS COUNTY- With the official fire danger level set to “extreme,” emergency services throughout Sanders County are on high alert and taking additional measures to respond in the case of a wildfire. At the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation facility in Plains, two helicopters were on stand-by last week …

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American Legion Post #129 burns down

UPDATED Wednesday, July 31 at 11:30 a.m.

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Cooling off - by Colin Murphey

Jim and Jean Murphy's springer spaniel Hunter retrieves a stick from the Noxon Reservoir.

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Survivor helicopter crash

Emergency responders transport a victim of the helicopter crash near Prospect Creek outside of Thompson Falls. The victim was loaded into a waiting ambulance and transported to the Thompson Falls Airport where they were met by Life Flight out of Missoula.

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Search and Rescue training

Sanders County Search and Rescue conduct a training session on the Clark Fork River near the fairgrounds in Plains.

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Search and Rescue takes to the water for training

PLAINS- Sanders County Search and Rescue personnel were on hand in Plains on Sunday on the bridge spanning the Clark Fork River to practice a scenario involving a victim in the water. Two teams were involved, one on the banks of the river ready to retrieve the victim with the …

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Babe Ruth fields

James Farrier installs setting posts for the two new Babe Ruth Fields being constructed on Old Airport Road.

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WSA Babe Ruth Fields make progress

PLAINS - Progress continues on the Wildhorse Sports Association-sponsored baseball and soccer field complex in Plains this week as a company hired to install fencing has broken ground on the site. Work will go on throughout the summer and fall to prepare the complex to be usable next year.

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Chicken Jamboree

Bob Butte and Wally Gibe man one of the grills at the annual Chicken Jamboree where 350 pounds of chicken were consumed. The annual event helps raise money for the Men's Prayer Breakfast Group in Thompson Falls.

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Annual Chicken Jamboree dishes out the goods

Around 200 Sanders County residents came out to the Pennsylvania Power Park in Thompson Falls on Saturday to consume over 350 pounds of barbecue chicken during the annual Chicken Jamboree. The event was sponsored by the non-denominational Men’s Prayer Breakfast Group from Thompson Falls.

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Herb Gathering

Susun Weed taught a class at the Montana Herb Gathering that occurred in Hot Springs over the weekend.

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Annual Herb Gathering held in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS- Hot Springs was the setting for the annual Montana Herb Gathering over the weekend. The festival drew vendors, teachers and attendees from around the country to participate in an event designed to celebrate and educate people about medicinal plants.

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Art camp

Kids paint pictures during the Hot Springs summer arts camp sponsored by the Artists Society.

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Arts camp provides creative outlet for youth

HOT SPRINGS- The Hot Springs Artists Society is holding its annual two-week summer arts camp for young people to learn visual and performing arts. The camp is divided into two sections, one for visual arts such as painting and the other for performing arts such as theater.

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Chamber of Commerce discusses upcoming events

THOMPSON FALLS- The Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce met on Friday at the Rimrock Lodge just outside of town to discuss the effectiveness of past events and the potential for upcoming events. About 10 members including Mayor Carla gathered in the scenic lounge overlooking the Clark Fork River for the …

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Piranhas swim laps around the competition

CONRAD- The Piranhas of Plains continued improving their performances during the swim meet in Conrad over the weekend. The team has only one more competition before the state meet in Sidney. The divisional tournament will take place this weekend in Hamilton.

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Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce takes stock of events

HOT SPRINGS- The Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce monthly meeting took place at Fergie’s Pub on Tuesday to discuss previous and future events in the community. Five members of the committee took turns talking about what worked in the past and what needed to be done concerning upcoming events to …

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Plains golf course to undergo a facelift

PLAINS- Plans are underway to upgrade the facilities at the Plains Golf Course over the next several months. Repairs to the clubhouse, the course itself and a proposal to establish a recreational vehicle park at the site are all moving forward with a tremendous amount of help from local residents.

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Clark Fork Classic

A player from Superior is swarmed by Thompson Falls defenders during the Clark Fork Classic on Saturday.

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Basketball players tune up for next season

THOMPSON FALLS- The first annual Clark Fork Valley Classic basketball tournament took place on Saturday at the Thompson Falls High School gym in front of a crowd of about 75 fans. High school teams from Florence, Thompson Falls, Kellogg and Superior squared off on the court during the inaugural competition.

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Piranhas swimmer

Hondo Ryan works out at the EL Johnson Memorial Pool as part of the Piranhas Swim Team. The team from Plains will next compete in Conrad this weekend.

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Plains Piranhas rule the seas in Fort Benton

PLAINS- The Piranhas of Plains continue to drop seconds from their times as the team swarmed into Fort Benton over the weekend with 24 swimmers competing. According to Swim Coach Rachel Cremer, the team keeps upping the ante against stiff competition from more experienced teams around the region.

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Hot Springs Blues Festival

John Kelley plays the guitar at the Hot Springs Blues Festival that took place over the weekend.

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Fire

Plains-Paradise Rural Firefighters responded to a small but tenacious fire at the Sanders County Fairgrounds on Friday, July 5.

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Debris fire ignites fairgrounds

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Poetry fills the library

A poetry reading filled the library last Tuesday as participants read off original works as well as more well known pieces.

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Accident

The motorcycle involved in a two-vehicle accident outside of Plains sits perched in front of the scene of the accident. Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department responded to the accident.

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Piranha

Cooper Saafik competes earlier in the season at the home meet in Plains. It is Cooper's first year swimming for the Piranhas.

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Lighting up the sky

Shakira Brien enjoys the fireworks from the top of a truck at the Sanders County Fairgrounds. The public fireworks display began at 11 p.m. and lasted 30 minutes.

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View from above - by Colin Murphey

The town of Plains seen from the air during a DNRC helicopter training flight. Firefighters from around the region trained on how to coordinate ground efforts with the aircraft.

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DNRC trains personnel on helicopter tactics

Department of Natural Resources and Conservation firefighters from around the region gathered outside Plains on Thursday to train with a helicopter crew from Kalispell. Firefighters were taught the proper methods for attaching equipment to the helicopter as well as radio protocol for calling in a water drop.

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Inspection

Brenda Fryxell of Plains examines a boat and trailer during routine inspections outside Thompson Falls near the Noxon Reservoir. Efforts are underway to reduce invasive species in local waters.

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County works to reduce aquatic invasive species

A task force gathered at the Montana State Offices in Thompson Falls on Wednesday to discuss efforts to reduce the population of the invasive species known as Eurasian Water Milfoil in Sanders County waters. Eurasian Water Milfoil was introduced in North America in the 1940s and is largely viewed as …

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Memorail attended by hundreds to honor victims

PLAINS- Hundreds of mourners from all over Sanders County and beyond gathered at the gym at Plains High School on Saturday to pay tribute and respects to three Plains residents who perished in a tragic car accident on Friday June 14.

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Don Dixon

Don Dixon demonstrates the Bob Ross technique for a group of students at the Grange in Plains on Saturday, June 29.

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Famous painter's method taught in Plains

PLAINS- The legacy of Bob Ross, known worldwide as the creator and host of the popular television show “The Joy of Painting,” came to Plains on Saturday. Instructors trained in techniques used by Ross gathered with students at the Grange to put on a workshop for would be artists from …

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Art on the Walls opens at Clark Fork Valley Hospital

The latest installment in the “Art on the Walls” series at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital was unveiled on Thursday featuring the talents of area artists. A wide variety of styles and mediums graced the walls down the hall from the main entrance to the hospital.

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Pat's Knob repairs are a success

According to Sanders County Sheriff Department Radio Technician Cody Best, the damage to communication equipment on Pat’s Knob sustained during a winter storm earlier in the year has been repaired. Sanders County Emergency Services had been relying on a back-up system for several months before the damaged equipment could be …

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Firearms enthusiast

Matt Boudreau looks over his inventory at a gun show in Plains on Saturday, June 29. Bourdreau said this was the first gun show he had ever participated in as a vendor.

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Firearms enthusiasts gather in Plains

PLAINS- Weapons of all shapes, sizes and calibers were on display at the VFW on Saturday as the venue played host to a gun show. Vendors laid out rifles, shotguns, pistols and more on their tables as potential buyers made their way around the room.

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Piranha swimmer

Cole Dubois prepares to swim the backstroke during a meet earlier in the season. The start involves a reverse, blind takeoff from the starting block.

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Plains Piranhas chew through the opposition

CHESTER- The Piranhas of Plains may sound like an oxymoron but the swimmers on this team are proving that their place is in the pool. Coaches Rachel and Jake Cremer took eight swimmers to the meet in Chester over the weekend where every one of them posted season best times.

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Sanders County 4th of July

The Micklon family makes tough choices at Ginny Dyer's fireworks stand outside Thompson Falls in preparation for the Fourth of July holiday.

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Sanders County ready for Fourth of July celebration

As residents of Sanders County prepare for the Fourth of July holiday, people were busy decorating their towns and opening the doors on firework stands to celebrate the nation’s independence.

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Flying high - by Colin Murphey

Simone Dykes soars high above the crowd during her trapeze routine in Thompson Falls on Saturday.

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Under the big top

Judy and Punchy the clowns sign a poster for Shiann Hall of Thompson Falls during intermission of the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus on Saturday. The company put on two shows before moving on to Libby on Sunday. The cast and crew produce two shows a day, seven days a week …

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Under the big top in Thompson Falls

THOMPSON FALLS- Clowns, trapeze artists, performers on tall unicycles and big cats under the big top entertained a standing room only crowd on Saturday in Thompson Falls. Dazzling the crowd with acts varying from humorous to dangerous, the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus made the stop for the only two shows …

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Tom Kunzer Memorial Trap Shoot

Jack Downward of Bigfork competes in the Tom Kunzer Memorial Trap Shoot over the weekend in Plains.

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Shooters gather in Plains to compete

The Trap Club in Plains played host to the annual Tom Kunzer Memorial Shoot on Saturday and Sunday. Three events were held during the competition named after Tom Kunzer who passed away in 2009 in a car accident outside of Plains.

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Lonepine History

John Bras reads from a newspaper article written about the 1942 Sanders County Fair held in Lonepine.

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Historical preservation underway in Lonepine

LONEPINE- Many residents of Sanders County may not know much about the county fair of 1942. Lonepine resident John Bras wants to change this and is aiming to do so by attempting to gather people together who were at the 1942 fair and tell their stories.

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Piranhas swim meet

Jacelyn Dubois swims the butterfly at the home meet in Plains earlier in the season. Dubois placed 5th in the 200-meter IM.

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Piranhas devour the competition in Columbia Falls

COLUMBIA FALLS- The Plains Piranhas went in search of prey over the weekend during the swim meet in Columbia Falls. 22 swimmers from the team competed over the weekend in their first meet on the road.

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MEGA Sports Camp

Noah Collett catches a pass from his football coach during practice on Tuesday. Collett was participating in the MEGA Sports Camp that is happening all week in Plains. The camp teaches young athletes life lessons through the play of sports.

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MEGA Sports Camp teaches kids about life

PLAINS- MEGA Sports Camp descended on Plains on Monday providing area youngsters the opportunity to hone their skills in a variety of sports. The church led camp uses sports to teach kids in first through sixth grade about character development.

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Potential budget cuts could affect roadways

According to Sanders County clerk and recorder Jennine Robbins the federal budget sequestration is likely to bring some serious repercussions for county residents. The Secure Rural Schools (SRS) funding was not attached to the latest Farm Bill resulting in a potential loss of $1.3 million dollars to the county road …

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Thompson Falls Flower show

Sherry Benton waters her plants during the Thompson Falls Flower Show on Saturday. Benton won two best-in-show awards.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Colors put on display during TF Flower Show

THOMPSON FALLS- The Sanders County Historical Society held their annual flower show on Saturday, showcasing talented green thumbs from around Thompson Falls. Vendors displayed their colorful wares for the public including Senator Jennifer Fielder who paid a visit to the show.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Elks celebrate Flag Day

THOMPSON FALLS- The Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls held their annual Flag Day celebrations on Saturday in commemoration of the adoption of the United States flag on June 14, 1777.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Roads in Hot Springs cause problems

HOT SPRINGS - Nearly a dozen concerned members of the community surrounding Hot Springs met with Sanders County Commissioner Glen Magera on Wednesday to discuss their concerns regarding a few stretches of county road. Magera listened to several accounts from citizens about the hazards posed by conditions on the roads.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Piranhas swim meet

Kara Altmiller swims the freestyle stroke at the Plains swim meet over the weekend.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Piranhas take a bite out of the competition

PLAINS- Young swimmers took to the water over the weekend as Plains played host to the annual swim meet at the EL Johnson Memorial Pool. Hundreds of swimmers, coaches and parents descended on the facility to cheer on their teams in the first meet of the season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Father's Day golf tourney

From left to right: Assistant Golf Coach Barry Fowler and Carl Benson look on as Cole Benson drives the ball off the tee during a fundraiser for the PHS golf team on Father's Day Sunday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Father's Day golf tourney raises money for team

PLAINS- The Plains golf course played host to a Fathers Day golf tournament on Sunday. The tournament was a fundraiser for the Plains High School golf team coached by Rich Magera and Barry Fowler.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

plains residents attempt to reunite baby deer with desperate mother

Duane Highcrane relocates a baby deer that had become stuck under planes of glass near a shed in Plains. The mother deer had been frantically trying to locate the fawn for three days before Highcrane and other residents found it and moved it to shade near the mother.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Search and rescue

Sanders County Search and Rescue attempts to locate a vehicle, which went off into the Clark Fork River late afternoon on Friday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Car crash into river results in three fatalities

PLAINS - Tragedy struck Sanders County on Friday when 63 year-old Kathy Legard, 13 year-old Jake Legard and 4 year-old Peytan Yoder were killed when the vehicle they were traveling in ran off the road and into the Clark Fork River.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Pastor Thomas Hall

Thomas Hall demonstrates the features of his specialized recumbent bicycle. Hall will be riding across the country in the coming months.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Former pastor set to ride accross the country for good cause

PLAINS- Pastor Thomas Hall of the Plains Methodist Church will be retiring soon from his position as parishioner to his small community flock.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

64th annual Homesteader Days takes over Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS - The 64th annual Homesteader Days celebration kicked off on Friday in Hot Springs with vendors setting up their booths and live music on Main Street. The festival is designed to celebrate the history and heritage of the original Native American and white settlers that chose to make …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Homesteader Days 6

The Glen family stayed busy throughout the day providing the crowds of people with fresh kettle corn.

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Homesteader Days 3

Dakota Gun Hammer performs a traditional Native American Dance during Homesteader Days.

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Rodeo riders put on a show in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS - Several hundred people flocked to the rodeo arena just outside of Hot Springs on Saturday and Sunday for the annual rodeo competition during the 64th annual Homesteader Days celebration. Competitors of all ages took to their horses and bulls to test their skills in multiple events.

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Homesteader rodeo action - by Colin Murphey

Shane Morigeau of Dixon takes a tumble during the saddle bronc event.

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Homesteader rodeo 7

Bull fighters Cody Morris and Tyler McDade assist a rider that was tangled up with the bull.

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Homesteader Days Car Show

Riley Larson and Todd Logan peruse the field of cars entered in the Homesteader Days car show.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Vintage car show returns to Homesteader Days

HOT SPRINGS- The turnout was impressive for the car show during the 64th annual Homesteader Days celebration in Hot Springs on Saturday. Around 30 owners displayed their vehicles for judging in an event that has been absent from the festival for several years.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Utility pole replacement

Hot Springs resident Bill Tuss examines a utility pole on his property that has been marked for replacement by the Mission Valley Power company.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Piranha swimmer

Jubal Ryan, a first-year swimmer, works out with the Plains Piranhas on Monday in preparation for the first meet of the season this weekend.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Piranhas gain experience before swim meet

PLAINS - Rachel and Jake Cremer are hard at work getting the Piranhas Swim Team ready for the first meet of the season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Zootown basketball clinic

Payton Fields participates in the Zootown basketball clinic held at Plains High School last week. The clinic aimed to help young players improve their sills on the court.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Basketball clinic aims to prepare area youths

PLAINS - The high school in Plains played host to a basketball clinic last week put on by former college level players from the Zootown Academy based in Missoula. Basketball players of all ages from Hot Springs, Thompson Falls and Plains gathered to learn what it takes to perform at …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs Alumni game

The annual Hot Springs High School alumni game took place on the eve of the 64th Homesteader Days.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Alumni game heats up before Homesteader Days

HOT SPRINGS - The high school played host to the annual Hot Springs alumni basketball game on Friday pitting the current team versus players from past teams. The event served as a fundraiser and as a fun lead up to the 64th annual Homesteader Days celebration in Hot Springs.

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Pat's Knob

A view of the equipment on Pat's Knob used by emergency responders to communicate.

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Emergency communication system in Sanders County to be reassesed

Hot Springs Mayor Randy Woods along with Sanders County Sheriff Tom Rummel and Sanders County Sheriff Department radio technician Cody Best met with the county commissioners on Wednesday. Woods voiced his concerns over the lack of redundancy in emergency communications around Hot Springs.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Homesteader Days Action - by Colin Murphey

A competitor lands on his target during the steer wrestling event at the Homesteader Days Rodeo in Hot Springs.

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A Race for the Win - by Colin Murphey

Children in the five and under category race down the stretch at the Fred Young Park in Plains during the annual potato sack race. There were three waves in all.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains Day 2

Participants in the Husband Calling Contest used their volume and wits in a creative way attempting to get the attention of their husbands.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Walking on Water - by Colin Murphey

Kids tested their bravery and their skills as they attempted to run across water in inflatable balls.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Wreck on Hwy 200

A tractor-trailer hauling lumber rolled over at the Perma Curves Monday. The driver had to be extracted from the vehicle but was conscious and alert.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Multiple accidents occurred on Hwy 200 within a few hours

Three accidents occurred within a few hours Monday afternoon all on Highway 200. The first was a few miles west of Dixon, the second was an overturned semi-trailer in the Perma Curves and the third happened near Paradise. All three accidents resulted in temporary closures of Highway 200.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Japanese doll show

Alan Pate of St. Ignatius gives a presentation on ningyos or Japanese dolls. Pate is one of the world's leading experts on these dolls.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Japanese dolls showcased in Plains

PLAINS - The Methodist Church in Plains played host to one of the leading experts in a unique art form on Friday. Alan Pate of St. Ignatius has been studying and working with ningyo or Japanese dolls for the better part of two decades.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Pro-life walk

Hannah Derocher, Robert Jennings, and Bora Le trek across Sanders County during their march.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Pro-life supporters walk across the nation

PLAINS - A group with a cause made their way across Sanders County on Friday. Crossroads, a pro-life group, will continue to make their way across the country walking over 12,000 miles from Seattle to Washington D.C.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls Farmers Market

Di Braun of Rocky Mountain Day Nursery and Landscaping tends to his table covered with a variety of different plants at the first farmers market of the year.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls hosts their first farmers market of the year

THOMPSON FALLS - The town of Thompson Falls celebrated the first farmers market of the summer with live music, a fun run, face painting for the kids, and a variety of booths from local businesses. Tables full of locally produced arts and crafts, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jams and …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Trotters Banquet

The Plains/Hot Springs softball team hosted their annual banquet, which helps raise funds for next year's softball team. The girls served up a spaghetti meal to those in attendance in an effort to raise money.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Trotters dish up delicious treats to keep team going

The Plains softball team held a spaghetti dinner fundraising event at the VFW on Friday as a way to generate funds to help the team continue representing Plains High School on the field. Parents, coaches and players all pitched in to support the team for another year.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Column: End of spring sports season leaves a void

There are few things I enjoy more than sports. I love watching all the major professional sports, college sports, tennis, soccer, Olympic events winter and summer, I have even forgiven Tiger and if he is playing well you might even find me watching golf. It is safe to say that …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Morel mushrooms prove to be an elusive prey

Okay Montana, you can stop looking at me like I am from Mars. You can stop arming yourself when I come to your door. You do not have to hold your children close and whisper when you see me walking down the street anymore. It is okay because I am …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Ripples Ice Cream

Tom Peterson makes ice cream in the background. Ripples Ice Cream Parlor opened on June 1.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

New ice cream, embroidery shop opens in Plains

Residents of Plains and tourists lucky enough to make a stop in Plains will be able to enjoy a new breed of ice cream this summer. Jacqui and Tom Peterson opened Ripples Ice Cream Parlor across from Town Pump on Saturday coinciding with the annual Plains Day celebration.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Go Green Run

Caleb Hamner runs toward the finish line back over the bridge that leads to the Island Park in Thompson Falls.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Participants race to the finish in the Go Green Run

The fourth annual Go Green Run was held in conjunction with the first farmers market of the year in Thompson Falls on Saturday. Approximately 50 runners participated in the event which started on the banks of the Clark Fork River and wound its way across the bridge over to Island …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains Graduation 2013

Valedictorian Alex Hagerman delivers his speech to the audience and the class of 2013 on Sunday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains graduates move on to the next step

PLAINS - All the glory associated with high school graduation was on display Sunday in the Plains High School gym. Packed with hundreds of parents, friends and family members, the stage was set for a ceremony to celebrate a benchmark in the lives of 28 young people.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs Graduation 2013

Salutatorian Michael Gray and fellow classmate Lyndsey Mae Felts walk into the graduation ceremony in Hot Springs.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs graduates receive diplomas

HOT SPRINGS - Adorned with ribbons, balloons and occupied by proud parents, teachers, friends and family, the gym at Hot Springs High School played host to the graduation ceremony for the class of 2013 on Sunday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains 8th grade graduation

Thom Chisholm shares a light moment with a student as he accepts his graduation certificate during the eighth grade commencement ceremony on Wednesday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains eighth grade students transition to high school

PLAINS - With a little pomp and circumstance, the eighth grade class at Plains Elementary School celebrated their graduation on Wednesday at the high school gym. Around 200 family, friends, and teachers and were in attendance to witness the end of one phase in life and the beginning of the …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Homesteaders to take over Hot Springs soon

The 64th annual celebration known as Homesteader Days will be held in Hot Springs on June 7, 8, and 9. The event will feature live music, street games, a rodeo, car show, food and vendors, arts and crafts and parades. The celebration is intended to honor the original homesteaders in …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Monkeying around

Bridger Bauer hangs out on the monkey bars on the playground at the Plains Elementary School on Friday. It was the last day of classes before summer vacation during the annual barbeque.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains Elementary School grills out last day

PLAINS- As the traditional aromas of barbeque wafted through the air, students from Plains elementary school lined up for hot dogs, hamburgers and other assorted fare during the annual end-of-the-year event behind the school.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Savage Heat track and field competes in Laurel

HOT SPRINGS - The Hot Springs Savage Heat boys track and field team scorched the field over the weekend in Laurel during the Class C State Track and Field Meet.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains girls return home as state champions

The girls of the Plains High School track and field team were oblivious to the reception waiting for them Saturday night after the Class B State Meet in Bozeman. They were sleeping on the bus when it pulled into town late in the evening.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Paradise School

Chloe Youde and Brenden Vanderwall sit in an almost empty classroom at the Paradise School Wednesday as their teacher Shana Smith walks them through the lesson plans. The school plans to close its doors on May 24 after over a century of providing education to its students.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Searching for Paradise

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American Legion

Adjutant Vice Commander Dave Koepllin stands behind the bar at the American Legion after its reopening on Thursday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

American Legion reopens its doors for business

After closing its doors for only a few days, the bar at the American Legion in Paradise reopened on Thursday. The bar had been closed after members voted to do so based on information supplied to them by the previous commanding officer.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

POPS concert

Plains High School Choir took to the stage during the Spring Pops Concert and performed songs from the popular show Glee.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains Spring Pops concert entertains the crowd

The Music Department at Plains High School held their annual spring pops concert on Tuesday in the gym. The choir, middle and high school band as well as guitar and percussion ensembles all performed before a large crowd.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Second graders learn about flora and fauna

PLAINS- The second grade class from Plains went on their annual spring field trip to teacher Ruth Hamilton’s land just south of town on Monday. The trip is designed to reinforce subjects studied in the classroom primarily regarding science and nature.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Students display artwork

PLAINS-Plains High School celebrated the artistic talents of students early last week, displaying works of art in a variety of mediums in the hall outside the gym. Paintings, sculptures, ink and pencil drawings adorned the walls during the three-day exhibit.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Hack n' Blast - by Colin Murphey

Barry Gilpin, right, heads to the back of the line after blasting a clay pigeon out of the sky during the annual "Hack n' Blast" tournament in Plains on Saturday. Gilpin's team took first place.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Participants hack and blast their way through Plains

Shots rang out at the trap club and the golf course on Saturday as Plains played host to the annual “Hack n’ Blast” event. Participants from as far away as Missoula, Kalispell and Libby competed in trap shooting and nine holes of golf during the unique event.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Award Ceremony

The band with no name performs before the student body prior to the annual Plains High School award ceremony on Monday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Student award ceremony held outside at PHS

PLAINS- Plains High School faculty honored student achievers on Monday during a ceremony held outside behind the school.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Track and Field

Mark Hamm competes in the long jump for Thompson Falls.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County track teams gear up for state

Wet conditions did not keep the Plains and Thompson Falls track and field teams from posting some solid results on May 17 at the Western B divisional meet in Missoula.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Lady Hawks & Trotters softball

Thompson Falls and Plains play each other in one of the last games of the season. Plains won the game in the fifth inning by a score of 12 to 2. Neither team qualified for the state matches.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

American Legion

David Koepplin served tacos at the American Legion in hopes to bring more customers in.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

American Legion Bar closes its doors

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Pat's Knob radio tower undergoes repairs

A radio tower on Pat’s Knob that suffered minor damage during a snowstorm will be repaired soon according to representatives from the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s Department Safety Communications Manager Cody Best stressed that communications capabilities are still at 100 percent capacity.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Forest Service burn

Bau Dobberstein and Rocky Wagoner refill the 55-gallon drum which hung beneath the helicopter. The heli-torch was used to light the prescribed burn.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Prescribed burn lights up Cougar Peak and Graves Creek

The Forest Service engaged in a prescribed burn on Tuesday near Thompson Falls. The burn was part of an on-going land management effort to minimize the amount of fuels available in the event of a wildfire event.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Mother's Day event held at local nursery

The Lynch Creek Nursery played host to the annual Mothers Day event where kids could plant flowers, learn about gardening and present their hard work to deserving mothers.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Mother's Day 2

Syris holds a flower during the Lynch Creek Nursery's Mother's Day event on both Friday and Saturday where kids were able to plant flowers for their mothers.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Mother's Day 1

Kayla of Plains holds her flower pot as she heads to present it during the Mother's Day event at Lynch Creek Nursery on Sunday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains track team competes at districts

PLAINS - The Trotters of Plains won yet another meet, this time it was the district meet in Eureka with a score of 195 on May 11. The Plains girls track and field team easily defeated the runner up Big fork with a score 131.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Savage Heat puts on a solid performance

HOT SPRINGS - The Savage Heat track and field team put on a solid performance at the 14C District meet in Polson on May 9.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Bluehawk Track and Field

Senior Bluehawk Dominique Holt gets ready to hurl the discus. Holt took fourth in the event during the district tournament.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Hailey Phillips

Hailey Phillips takes time out of a busy schedule to pose for a photograph for the Valley Press. Phillips is set to compete in the last two meets of the season including the state competition in Laurel on May 24 through 25.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Local athlete prepares for upcoming meets

According to coach Denise Montgomery, sophomore track athlete Hailey Phillips is notoriously humble about her accomplishments. Phillips prefers to let her ability on the track do the talking for her and when she takes the field, the voice is loud.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Horseback riding

David Collins rides Benny off Upper Lynch Creek Road. Collins is a guide trainee who recently moved to Montana from Pennsylvania.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

OUTDOORS - Horseback riding proves a rough but fun ride

I have not ridden a horse in quite some time. It has probably been ten to 15 years since I awkwardly threw my leg over a saddle and put my life in the hands of an animal that is probably a little indignant about having to haul around 170 pounds …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Geocaching

Members of the Freshmen class from Plains High School examine the contents of a container they found using GPS technology.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Freshmen class hunts for buried treasure

The Plains High School freshmen class, led by teacher Sandy Revier, engaged in the outdoor recreational activity known as “geocaching” on Wednesday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Jazz band concert

Thompson Falls Jazz Band performs "My Funny Valentine."

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Nerds and Jocks perform in Thompson Falls

The music department at Thompson Falls High School was decked out in costume for a rousing performance on Tuesday in the gym. The “nerds versus jocks” themed event included the choir, jazz combo and band directed by Rebecca Haag and Jennifer Haas with accompaniment from Haag on piano.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Baby ducks - by Colin Murphey

Colin Murphey headed up to the Hendry Farm on Upper Lynch Creek Road and found these new born ducks.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO

Science experiment

Harli Kinney demonstrates her model volcano for other participants in the Hot Springs Elementary Science Fair. After Harli mixed common household items, the volcano erupted with red colored foam.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Hot Springs science fair displays experiments

Volcanoes erupted, crystals grew and eggshells disappeared as the magic of science was on display in the elementary school gym in Hot Springs on Thursday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Sixth Grade Campout

Sixth graders from Plains play "tweezli-wop" during the annual sixth grade campout at the Bend Ranger Station. The game involves trying to knock the opponent off the log with a pillow.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Plains sixth graders get a lesson in the great outdoors

Sixth graders from Plains Elementary School were given a chance to get out of the classroom and into the wild during the annual campout at the Bend Ranger Station from Wednesday through Thursday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Thompson Falls nature path

Mayor Carla Parks walk the new trail system in Thompson Falls. The trail was created to help generate tourist traffic.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Thompson Falls economy promotes tourism

This is the second article in a four-part series, which looks at how local economics are doing throughout Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Torch run 2013

Members of the Little Bitterroot Special Olympics team parade down Highway 200 through Plains on Saturday as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run travels through Sanders County on way to Billings

Special Olympics athletes, riders on horseback and runners helped carry the torch through Sanders County on Saturday, starting near the Idaho border and ending just outside of Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Milton speaks to kids about drugs, alcohol, and bullying

Plains High School played host to a special guest on Monday as motivational speaker Milton Creagh made time in his busy schedule to speak to students, parents and teachers about a variety of important and timely subjects. Creagh spoke to students during the day and decided to stay to deliver …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Track teams compete in county meet

The Trotters racked up yet another impressive win at the Sanders County track meet on Thursday in Thompson Falls winning with a score of 123 points. Led by Hailey Phillips who won all five of her events, the Trotters easily outmatched the 35.5 points put up by Hot Springs.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Bluehawks track and field

Braxton Eubanks hurls the discus for the Bluehawks during the Sanders County meet held at Thompson Falls on Thursday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Destiny's Dive - by Colin Murphey

Destiny Roberts dives toward the plate attempting to get the ball to catcher Alex Green during a double-header against Florence.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Trotters struggle early but pull out a win

The Trotters had a tough few games against the team from Florence on Tuesday dropping both ends of a double-header at home. Plains lost the first game 21 to 13 and the second by a score of eight to three.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Plains Golf

Dallas Burgess shoots onto the green during the tournament in Thompson Falls. Burgess had one of his best days of the season at the Deer Lodge Tournament.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Plains golf team sees personal bests

Despite windy conditions that prompted Coach Rich Magera to remark, “We should’ve flown kites,” the Plains golf team had one of the best performances of the year so far in Deer Lodge.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Moose - by Colin Murphey

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Noxon Mercantile

Chris Hoge mans the Noxon Mercantile, a small grocery store being forced out of business due to a lack of customers.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

A look at the local economy - a four-part series

Chris Hoge estimates around 50 people have left the town of Noxon in the past few years. With the loss of the timber industry due in large part to the nationwide housing bust beginning in 2007 and a delay in the construction of the proposed Rock Creek Mine near Noxon, …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Walleye Derby

Paul Rossignol waits to signal the start of the first Walleye Derby on the Noxon Resorvoir on Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Derby and banquet raise money for local charities

The first annual Noxon Reservoir Walleye Derby kicked off Saturday as anglers gathered at the Flatiron boat ramp outside Thompson Falls to attempt to catch the elusive fish. Twelve two-person teams launched their boats and fished from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. before gathering at the Lakeside Motel in Trout …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Sprint

Shannon Diamond takes off in a sprint during the Thompson Falls Invitational. The county teams will compete once again in Thompson Falls on Thursday.

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Plains golf

Jade LaDeaux shot 124 points in the Thompson Falls Invitational on Saturday.

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Horsemen compete in Thompson

On an obstacle laced course on Saturday, the Plains golf team battled fast greens, sand traps, and fairways lined with pine trees as they competed in the Thompson Falls Invitational on the banks of the Noxon Reservoir.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Bobcat golf 2

Luke Boyce watches his shot fall during the tournament.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Suicide prevention class teaches intervention

A class designed to prepare people for the daunting task of suicide prevention was held at the Plains Bible Chapel on Tuesday and Wednesday. Organized by Lisa Talcot from Clark Fork Valley Hospital and taught by certified instructors Marty and Roxanna Colman-Herak.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

4-H Trap Shooters

Marsada Sweet, left, fires her shotgun at a clay pigeon as Taralee Ryan and Aaron Collins from left to right, look on during 4-H trap shooting practice.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

4-H trap shooters practice at Plains Trap Club

About ten 4-H participants gathered at the Plains Trap Club to practice blasting clay discs out of the air with shotguns on Saturday. Shotgun in hand, students as young as 11 years old stepped up to a microphone, yelled “pull” and fired 12 gauge rounds at a clay “pigeon” travelling …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

The pitch - by Colin Murphey

A Trotter softball player winds up for a pitch against Ronan.

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April snow storm

The heavy snow clings to a fence along River Road West Monday morning after the sun finally came out.

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April brings late storm into Sanders County

An unexpected winter storm Sunday afternoon dumped over four inches of snow in parts of Sanders County. There were a few reports of vehicles sliding on slushy roads but no serious accidents or injuries were reported.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Physics goes flying

Plains High School science teacher Carl Benson demonstrates aviation physics to from left to right: Jessica Hansen, James Wade, Aaron Balantine and Ashley Holmes.

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Physics class goes for a ride in the name of science

A science class from Plains High School received a real world demonstration of aviation physics from local pilot and businessman Randy Garrison on Tuesday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Fireman's Ball

Jon Koepke, left and Don Benson, right, wait in line to serve Mexican food to attendees at the Annual Fireman's Ball held at the VFW on Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Local firefighters change hats for one evening of fun

Plains City Firefighters took the night off from protecting citizens from wayward blazes but were still hard at work on Saturday as the annual Fireman’s Ball took place at the VFW.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Spudfest raises money for loacl history museum

The Hot Springs Senior Center played host to the annual Spudfest on Sunday as a fundraiser for the LaRue-Hot Springs Museum. President of the LaRue-Hot Springs Museum Association ,Gail Patton, said the event raises money for the continued operation of the history museum just outside of the town.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Hot Springs school hosts talent

The talent of kids from Hot Springs Elementary School was on display Thursday as the local Parent Teacher Organization held a Family Fun Night carnival in the gym. Held twice a year, the event served as a means to celebrate and share the gifts of kids with an aptitude for …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Proposal to reduce number of voting precincts

County Clerk and Recorder Jennine Robbins and Elections Administrative Assistant Bobbi Christenson have put the fate of voting precinct boundaries in the hands of Sanders County Commissioners for consideration.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Track and field teams show promise midway through the season

The Trotters track and field team continued their winning ways, taking first place at the Seeley Invitational on April 20 in Missoula. The girls dominated the competition with strong showings from multiple athletes across a wide array of events. Demonstrating the depth of the talent on the team, top finishes …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Trotters softball

Catcher Alex Greene gets ready to grab the ball in the game against Ronan on Tuesday during one of their double headers.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Trotters hit the field and come up with a win

The Trotters softball team came away with mixed results from their last few games versus Ronan and Deer Lodge. The ladies played a double-header against both teams coming away with one win and three losses. The solid offense generated by the team kept them in the games but was not …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Plains golf team shows up to play in home tourney

The Plains High School golf team came out strong in defense of their home turf on Saturday as they hosted the Plains Invitational. Teams from Thompson Falls, Ronan and Noxon showed up to challenge the Horsemen and Trotters on a sometimes rainy and chilly morning.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Plains golf

Dallas Burgess chips the ball onto the green on Saturday during the Plains Invitational. He finished the day with a score of 75.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Hot Springs Clinic holds grand opening

About 300 people attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception to celebrate the grand opening of the new medical clinic in Hot Springs on Wednesday. The clinic began providing care for patients a week prior to the event and was built largely with support from private donors across Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Hot Springs Clinic grand opening

The Eastern Sanders county Hospital District Board cuts the ribbon during the grand opening of the Hot Springs Clinic.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Hot Springs clinic hosts grand opening

It has been eight years since the Eastern Sanders County Hospital Board recognized the need for a new clinic in Hot Springs. Today at 4 p.m. the new clinic will celebrate their grand opening with a reception and ribbon cutting ceremony. Owing in large part to private donations and a …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Red Riding Hood

Red Riding Hood and the Three Little Pigs brave the treacherous forest.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Thompson Falls thespians entertain with Red Riding Hood

THOMPSON FALLS- Around 200 residents of Thompson Falls came out to support the performance of “Red Riding Hood” put on by children ranging in age from six years to 17 years of age. Organized by the Missoula Children’s Theatre, the play featured about 60 kids from Thompson Falls schools, directed …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Smokejumpers

Smokejumpers with the U.S. Forest Service go through a pre-flight briefing before boarding a DC-3 in Missoula for a practice jump.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Smokejumpers train for upcoming fire season

Members of a unique fraternity gathered on Wednesday in Missoula at the headquarters of the smokejumpers to practice their habit of jumping out of airplanes into wildfires. Some smokejumpers, including Dan Helterline of Plains, were not in Missoula having been deployed to a fire in Virginia.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Basic wildland class prepares local firefighters

Firefighters from Plains, Paradise, Thompson Falls and Hot Springs gathered at the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation facility in Plains on Saturday to take a class on basic wildland firefighting techniques.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Plains continues winning

The Plains High School softball team racked up two more wins in a double-header against Eureka on April 12. The Trotters started with a strong showing in the first game but faced a challenge in the second match.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Plains City Fire Department to host Fireman's Ball

The Veterans of Foreign Wars facility in Plains will play host to the annual Plains Fire Department Fireman’ Ball on Saturday April 20. The event serves as a fundraiser for the department.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Community dance

Aaron Balantine and Dallas Burgess sit at the front table and collect money for the community dance.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Dance raises money for cancer

The Plains High School Student Council responded to a challenge by their colleagues at Thompson Falls by hosting a community dance at the fairgrounds pavilion on Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Piatigorsky concert

Jeffrey Grossman accompanies Katharine Dain on the piano during the Piatigorsky Foundation hosted by the Sanders County Arts Council.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Sanders County Arts Council hosts Piatigorsky foundation

The harmonious sounds of classical music could be heard coming from the Plains United Methodist Church on Monday as the Sanders County Arts Council hosted the Piatigorsky Foundation artists, Katharine Dain and Jeffrey Grossman.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Plains Fire

J.C. McGee uses a drip torch to set a prescribed burn off Upper Lynch Creek Road.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Local firefighters set intentional fire on Upper Lynch Creek Road

Plains/Paradise Rural Fire Department and Plains City Fire Department members set an intentional fire off Upper Lynch Creek Road near the Plains Cemetery on Saturday. Using drip torches, firefighters burned off high grass and brush away from the edges of the cemetery and Upper Lynch Creek Road.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Plains track & field 6

Hailey Philips clears the hurdle. She finished second in the event.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Plains track & field 5

Hailey Philips lands in the sand pit at the end of the long jump competition. She placed second in the event.

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Plains track & field 3

Competitors from Noxon, Thompson Falls and Plains run in the boys 110 meter hurdles at the Thompson Falls Invitational.

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Plains track & field 2

Russell Kujala was one in front of the pack on his way to winning the 800 meter distance race.

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Plains track & field 1

Nicole Rehbein competes for the Trotters at the Thompson Falls Invitational on Thursday.

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Forest Service ignites Swamp Creek

Members of the local National Forest Service fire crew conducted a prescribed, controlled burn near Swamp Creek south of Plains on Tuesday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Swamp Creek Burn 5

Brandon Firestone, member of the local National Forest Service fire crew, works on a prescribed, controlled burn in the Swamp Creek area.

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Swamp Creek Burn 4

A member of the local National Forest Service fire crew works at the controlled burn at Swamp Creek.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Smokey Light - Photo by Colin Murphey

Sunbeams shine through smoke billowing from a prescribed fire set by a Forest Service burn crew near Swamp Creek on Tuesday. The effort was part of the Forest Service fire management plan.

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Swamp Creek Burn 2

A firefighter uses a drip torch at the Swamp Creek controlled burn.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Swamp Creek burn 1

Brandon Firestone uses a drip torch to set a prescribed burn near Swamp Creek on Tuesday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

MRL improvement

Fred Moodry operates equipment on the railroad tracks near the intersection of Hubbard Street.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

MRL improves railroad tracks

Residents of Plains had to deal with the inconvenience of intersection closures at three locations while railroad workers repaired ties on the section of line that runs through the town Monday through Wednesday. According to gang foreman Dave Guptill, the three intersections were closed for about eight to ten hours …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Bear season to open April 15

Black bear hunting season is set to open on April 15 in FWP Region 1 that includes Sanders County. Spring black bear hunters must purchase their licenses before April 14.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Rival Softball 8

The Plains catcher focuses on the ball while playing against Thompson Falls.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Rival Softball 7

The Plains Trotters gather for a motivational huddle before taking the field against Thompson Falls.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

JH Track

Students from all across Sanders County competed in a Junior High School track and field meet at Plains High School. Teams competed in events ranging from sprinting, to relay races, to the high jump.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Aspen Rude

Aspen Rude pitches a curveball to a Thompson Falls batter during the season opener for the Trotters.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Ace pitcher helps Trotters get first win of season

When it comes to how she treats batters at the plate, Aspen Rude lives up to her name. Off the mound, Aspen is a perfectly nice Plains High School senior. When she steps onto the softball diamond, things change.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

SCRCC holds biennial meeting in Plains

The Sanders County Republican Central Committee held it’s biennial meeting in Plains at the Grange on Saturday. The meeting, held once every two years, served as a means of updating local Republicans on party affairs, holding elections and promoting the GOP platform and ideas. Chaired by Katy French, the event …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Two-vehicle crash on Highway 200 and Highway 135

A two-vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of Highway 200 and Highway 135 near Paradise around 5 p.m. on Monday. A semi-trailer collided with a late model, light blue Subaru wagon while attempting a left turn heading south on Highway 135.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS AGO

Accident on Hwy 135

The Plains-Paradies Rural Fire Department responded to the accident, and examined the scene.

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Reading carnival fun

Kindergartener Nick McAllister goes up for a shot during the Hot Springs Reading Carnival Thursday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Reading carnival hosts fun

HOT SPRINGS - Hot Springs High School students hosted a carnival on Thursday to reward elementary student readers with an array of events from bowling to face painting to pie throwing. The event, intended to foster an appreciation of reading, created a festive setting for kids to celebrate their achievements …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Easter egg hunt SC 3

Cooper Spurr plays on the swings after the Paradise Easter egg hunt.

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Easter egg hunt SC - 2

McKenzie Rich added another egg to her collection during the Paradise Easter egg hunt.

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Easter egg hunt SC - 1

Nick McAllister awaits the start of the Paradise Easter egg hunt with pail in hand.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Walleye public comment extended into April

Montana Senator Jennifer Fielder weighed in on the debate over the proposal to suppress the walleye population in Noxon Reservoir during a visit to the Plains annual trade fair at Plains High School on Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Plains Town Council addresses mail-in ballots and pool

Plains Town Council met for their monthly meeting on Monday at the Town Hall. About 12 members of the public were in attendance. After hearing an update from Plains Volunteer Fire Department member Kyle Johnson on recent activities and a notice about the upcoming Fireman’s Ball on April 20, the …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Commissioners cover elections and road management

THOMPSON FALLS - Sanders County Commissioners met on Tuesday with Forest Service representatives and members of the Sanders County Elections Office to discuss a variety of issues concerning the community. Commissioners Tony Cox, Carol Brooker and Glen Magera convened for about two hours regarding road management responsibilities and the redistricting …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Sanders County track teams compete at Ronan

After only one meet, the Plains High School track and field team has put up some impressive numbers. Ben Gorham had his longest toss ever in the shot put with a throw of 45 feet, four inches. Gorham accomplished the feat under less than desirable conditions, throwing in a downpour …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Sixth grade science project

From left to right: Connor Sampson, Alex Thomas and Haley Josephson prepare to test their gravity car.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Sixth grade science project blends many fields of study

PLAINS - Sixth grade students got out of the classroom and into the Plains High School gym lobby to try out their designs for a self-propelled car, a project that combined physics, engineering and structural design.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Plains students clean up

From left to right: Kassidy Kinzie, Haley Josephson, Connor Sampson and Alex Thomas picked up trash along Highway 200 during an effort to help keep Plains beautiful.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Plains students undergo effor to help the environment

PLAINS - Students from Plains were on a beautification mission on Thursday, combing the edges of Highway 200 and other streets around the school and Clark Fork Valley Hospital.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Walleye Fishing

Paul Rossignol proudly holds up one of the several walleye he caught on the Noxon Reservoir.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Fishing Through the Fog

There are few friendships among men more sacred than the “fishing buddies.” Like all friendships, it is a bond forged from the passage of time together. Most friendships develop from time spent together during an activity or social function or a shared class in college: doing something. Fishing buddies develop …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Controversy over walleye continues

Fishermen, biologists, and concerned citizens gathered on Tuesday at the Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department headquarters to meet with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials to discuss an environmental assessment released by the FWP regarding the walleye population in Noxon Reservoir. The public meeting was called by the FWP to …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Red Riding Hood

From left to right: Kelsey Standeford as Red Riding Hood, the Three Little Pigs played by Izabella McQuiston, Tianna McGonagle, Alexis Helterline and Ranger Rooney portrayed by Jubal Ryan.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Plains youth perform "Red Riding Hood"

Around 150 residents of Plains came out to support the performance of “Red Riding Hood” put on by children ranging from six to 17 years of age. Organized by the Missoula Children’s Theatre and locally sponsored by the Plains Woman’s Club, the play featured about 60 kids from Plains schools, …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Hot Springs track and field

Savage Heat athlete Tanner Hoff elevates above the bar during the high jump practice for Hot Springs Track and Field team last week. The track team is gearing up for a good season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Hot Springs Track and Field team prepare for season opender

Head Coach Vicki Nytes had her hands full as the Hot Springs High School track and field team met for practice on Friday. With four returning state qualifiers, Coach Nytes, in her second year as head coach, was busy with “the largest team we’ve had in recent memory.”

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Chili feed

The head cook of Paradise School, Lisa French, dishes up some food during the chili feed on Friday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Paradise holds chili feed to fund lunch program

The school in Paradise is closing after this year but they still need to feed the kids that do attend classes. A chili feed was held on Saturday at the gym to help raise funds for the school lunch program. About 10 people attended the event that featured a light …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Flamenco dancing

Linda Bailey and Jennifer Corbin perform a Flamenco dance routine at the Symes Hotel in Hot Springs.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Dance Troupe brings Flamenco to Hot Springs

The Symes Hotel in Hot Springs was filled with the sounds of traditional Spanish dancing on Saturday as Flamenco Montana from Missoula displayed their talents for about 30 spectators.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

governor

Greg Hanson, CEO of Clark Fork Valley Hospital, talks with Montana Governor Steve Bullock. Bullock visited CFVH on Thursday to share his support of House Bill 590.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Governor visits Plains

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Car crashes at Perma curves

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Perma curves crash

Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department's Pat Erving assesses the one-vehicle accident on Highway 200 at the Perma curves with the help of a rescue member.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Suppression of walleye a hot-button issue

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Stan Risland

Resident of Plains, Stan Risland, gets ready to blow out his candles for his 95th birthday celebration.

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Local man honored with birthday celebration

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Dance group to demonstrate Flamenco in Hot Springs

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

4-H demonstrations

Josh Wulfekuhle demonstrates the equipment needed for waterskiing. Wulfekuhle is a member of the Thompson Falls Mountaineers.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Final 4-H demonstrations showcased in Plains

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Plains celebrates Prom

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Plains Prom

Prom Queen Mahala Harris and Prom King Dallas Burgess share a dance Saturday night.

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Soldier with the National Guard returns home

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Red Riding Hood

Kids audition for the Missoula Children's Theatre performance of Red Riding Hood on Monday.

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Spelling Bee

From left to right: third place Delaney Weltz of Noxon, second place Jaden Coston of Dixon and first place Derick Curry of Plains display their throphies.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Sanders County Spelling Bee crowns local champion

The 26th annual Sanders County Spelling Bee was held at the courthouse in Thompson Falls on Friday. Participants from Noxon, Dixon, Trout Creek, Thompson Falls, Plains, and Hot Springs competed for the privilege of representing the county at the state competition held at Montana State University in Billings in March.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

TFHS Drama Department pulls off "Once Upon a Mattress"

The Thompson Falls High School Drama Department’s production of “Once Upon a Mattress” went up for a three day run at the Rex Theatre downtown on Thursday. The musical comedy is an adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea. Directed by Jennifer Haas, Rebecca …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Drama production

The Thompson Falls High School Drama Department performed "Once Upon a Mattress" at the Rex Theater.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Plains Trotters softball

Aspen Rude was set and ready to field a ground ball during the first practice of the season for the Plains Trotters.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Plains/Hot Springs Spring sports season ready to take off

PLAINS/HOT SPRINGS - With spring high school sports just around the corner, athletes and coaches are gearing up for another successful season. Golf, track and field, and softball practice ibegan on Monday and coaches from Plains High School and Hot Springs High School were busy preparing for the arrival of …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Raylene

Raylene Katana fills out some paperwork while her loyal companion Charlie sits on the desk.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Unique Emporium to close doors for good in April

PLAINS- Raylene Katana loves antiques and she loves Montana. It would seem strange at first then to learn that she is leaving them both behind for the sunny shores of southern California. Raylene is closing her second hand collectible shop, the Unique Emporium in Plains, and is moving to San …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Bridge on Little Bitterroot Road to close for repairs

HOT SPRINGS - Christensen Bridge on Little Bitterroot Rd. about 3.5 miles from Hot Springs off of highway 28 will be closed for repairs from Mar. 18 to Apr. 8. The closure will affect school bus routes, the Christensen family who own a ranch that spans the bridge and the …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Grass fire on Upper Lynch

Firefighters battle a grass fire off Upper Lynch Rd. on Sat. March 9.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Singing Sons of Beaches

The Singing Sons of Beaches perform at the annual CFVH Foundation gala fundraiser at the Sanders County Fairgrounds on Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Foundation gala a success for CFVH

Turnout was higher than expected on Saturday for the Clark Fork Valley Hospital Foundation’s annual gala fundraising event held at the Sanders County Fairgrounds in Plains. About 75 people attended the tropical-themed event featuring a lavish meal prepared by the hospitals’ own resident chef, Pearce Milton, and entertainment provided by …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

love to read 7

First grader Gena Deschamps silly-strings superintendent Thom Chisholm.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

love to read 2

Top readers chosen to win bikes from Gamble's by local Plains Masonic Lodge stand with the chapter, Margaret McNeil of Gamble's, and Thom Chisholm.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Love to read 1

Mr. Benson shows students a science experiment on Friday for the I Love to Read Month celebration.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO