Hagadone News Network

Two injured in Highway 200 crash

Two people were transported to Clark Fork Valley Hospital following a crash last week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay: Final chapter?

Happy Hallothanksmas … I can’t believe how quickly it’s all going. It seems that every week is rolling closer and closer to the end of the year, especially with this cold weather.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

McConnell, Neesvig lead T-Falls at state XC meet

Thompson Falls Bluehawk nation hosted this year’s Western B/C Divisional cross country meet at the River’s Bend Golf Course on the second Thursday of the month.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Trotters prepare for District tourney after loss to Arlee

The Plains Trotters aren’t sitting in the most optimum position heading into this week’s District 14C Volleyball Tournament at Hot Springs High School. However, coach Jess Butcher is still optimistic they will come out better than they what they went in.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Guardian of the Herd donated to students, staff

Operations of Mariposa have recently donated the green “Guardian of the Herd” from the Wild Horse display in Plains to the students and staff of Plains Public Schools.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Many seek out information at Women's Health Fair in Plains

The Clark Fork Valley Hospital 2018 Women’s Health Fair once again returned for women from around the county to provide information to gain a full and healthy lifestyle.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

President Trump campaigns in Missoula

Missoula, Montana turned into a bustling rural city last Thursday as thousands awaited the arrival of President Donald J. Trump to address supporters in his third visit to the state.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Trump campaigns in Missoula

ººMissoula, Montana turned into a bustling rural city last Thursday as thousands awaited the arrival of President Donald J. Trump to address supporters in his third visit to the state.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls PD adds Scott to staff

Last week, Thompson Falls Police Chief Chris Nichols welcomed Deputy Roy Scott back to the department as a short-term worker.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County Emergency Alert System operational

Residents in all corners of Sanders County can now be updated via the newly installed Emergency Alert System.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Self checks advised to catch breast cancer early

Pam Vecchio, APRN, Hot Springs Family Medicine said there are a few things you can do should you find a lump, or already be diagnosed with breast cancer.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Former PTO board member faces theft charge

In September, papers were filed with the Hot Springs Police Department and Sanders County District Court against Ayla Rose Blasius, alleging she stole money from the Hot Springs Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (HSPTO).

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls seeking new mayor

The City of Thompson Falls is looking for a new mayor after Mark Sheets announced his resignation at the recent town meeting.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Foul play suspected in man's death near Dixon

Over the weekend, multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a shooting in Agency, just outside of Dixon in the eastern part of Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Farmers Street discussed by Plains Council

Plains Council recently met for their monthly meeting at Town Hall.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

CNSC Fall Extravaganza raises $18,000

A live band, silent auction and scrumptious meal topped off with a live auction and some raffles, this year’s Cancer Network of Sanders County (CNSC) Fall Extravaganza was a big hit.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

County's DUI Task Force sets goals for the next year

The Sanders County chapter of the DUI Task Force met last week in Thompson Falls for their last meeting of 2018, and begin prep for the next year.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Single-vehicle wreck at 382/200 junction

What was first called in to be a multi-vehicle wreck on the junction of highways 382 and 200 turned to be a single-vehicle crash with two occupants involved.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Local candidates sound off at forum

Sanders County residents had a chance to listen, ask and talk with multiple candidates running for local and state seats last week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

New physical therapist 'loving life' in Sanders County

Clark Fork Valley Hospital recently welcomed new physical therapist (PT) Kate Latorraca to the team, and she has hit the ground running.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Trotters get set for second half of season

The Plains Trotters had a week off of games after a hectic start to the season, but are set and ready to finish the second half strong.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Lady Hawks fall in five to Bigfork

The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks fall to the Bigfork Vals during their Homecoming varsity volleyball match-up last week. Match scores were 18-25, 25-10, 25-21, 25-27 and 15-11.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

NRA fundraiser banquet big hit in Sanders County

The annual National Rifle Association’s (NRA) fundraiser banquet returned to Sanders County last Tuesday night with an even bigger event.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Is it just me or have you also noticed the refreshing change in the weather, and the fall season rolling in quickly?

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Sanders, Lake county athletes compete at Thompson Falls Invite

The recent Thompson Falls Cross Country Invitational saw 29 schools drive into the water side golf course ahead of the meet.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Horsemen host Mission in Homecoming game

The Plains Horsemen took to the road last Friday night against Flint Creek and suffered a 68-0 loss.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Fall Extravaganza to benefit Cancer Network of Sanders County

Once again, Cancer Network of Sanders County (CNSC) is ready for their annual Fall Extravaganza. The event is their biggest each year and raises money for CNSC with this year’s theme celebrating the “Fall Season.”

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Cabinet District scheules prescribed burns

In a recent press release from the USDA Forest Service-Kootenai National Forest, locals around the Trout Creek area should be aware of the upcoming fall prescribed burning program.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

VFW taking entries in for Patriots contest

The VFW Post No. 3596 and the Auxiliary are looking for youngsters to join in the latest national contest that is coming up.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County Fair Board assesses successful '18 event

The Sanders County Fair Board met last Wednesday night for their “Fair Critique,” after another successful fair.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Trotters run win streak to four

The Plains Trotters are bounding forward as the volleyball season kicks into full gear, and the team is really starting to come together as head coach Jess Butcher tells.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Horsemen fall to Arlee; play at Flint Creek

The Plains Horsemen took a 54-24 defeat on their home field Friday night as they went up against the Arlee Warriors.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Wow, the weather is certainly getting that fall feeling about it and with that I know there are plenty of hunters ready to hit the Montana “outback” to get the tag of the season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside Resort brings 'Ale-xperience' to diners

The Lakeside Motel and Resort in Trout Creek has brought in guest chef Alex Mayberry from La Manzanilla, Jalisco, Mexico for two months to the local Trout Creek business.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Patriot Day: Uncommon Grounds support local emergency responders

Cynthia Boehler, owner of Uncommon Grounds coffee stop in Plains, said she wanted to recognize Sanders County’s emergency responders and what they do for the community, and what better day than on Patriot Day.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs Lumber and Feed here to stay

Hot Springs Lumber and Feed is here to stay after previous owners had decided it was time to say goodbye and enjoy the finer side of life.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Racers stride it out at Clark Fork Adventure Challenge

The third annual Clark Fork Adventure Challenge was seen as a huge success for organizers as numbers doubled for entries on Sunday at the Sanders County Fairgrounds.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Horsemen prep for Arlee on Friday

Over the weekend, the Plains Horsemen took a decisive loss to the Darby Tigers with the scoreboard finishing 54-6.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Trotters looking to hit their stride on VB court soon

The Plains Trotters are back on the courts with full steam ahead. Though they took a loss to the Charlo Lady Vikings on Friday night, the home crowd kept spurring them on through each set.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Wow — September is nearly half way done and I can’t believe fair has come and gone, Halloween is up next then Thanksgiving and of course Christmas will be here before we know it.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Wild Horse Plains Car and Bike Show sparkles

It was a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital car park as long term care residents along with plenty of locals turned out to the third annual Wild Horse Plains Car and Bike Show.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

T-Falls students inducted into NHS

Twelve Thompson Falls High School students from grades 10 and 11 will be inducted into Blue Hawk Chapter of the National Honor Society during a formal ceremony on Monday, Sept. 17 at the high school.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Multitude of crashes, one fatality in county

Last week saw emergency responders extremely busy with a number of call-outs, including multiple vehicle wrecks with one fatality.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County Fair brings out the best

The judges for the Sanders County Fair were in full swing Tuesday morning, Aug. 28 as they began to judge all entries for this year’s fair.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Plains Trotter spikers show promise at Mission Invite

Plains volleyball head coach Jesse Butcher said she is pleased with the 2018 team as they kicked off the season last weekend at the Mission Invitational.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lakeside Motel gets 'pontoon happy'

The Lakeside Motel and Resort in Trout Creek introduced a pontoon boat for rent earlier this summer.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Oh Deer: Driver OK after collision on Montana 28

With the change of seasons ready to come about, animals are still on the one during dusk and dawn hours and drivers should be vigil.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

American Legion in Paradise kicks off raffle

American Legion Post 129 in Paradise is officially back in full swing after the grand opening of the new building over the July 4 holiday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Paradise home destroyed in blaze

A house in Paradise went up in flames Tuesday, Aug. 21. Fire crews from Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department and Plains City Fire Department as well as Plains Ambulance were all in attendance at the residence on the corner of Central Avenue and First Street.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

4-H Fair Readiness Day a success

All four local 4-H clubs turned out to the Sanders County Fairgrounds last Saturday ahead of the 2018 fair to get their barns and grass area ready for the abundance of animals and spectators.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Drowsy driving causes vehicle wreck

A Montana Highway Patrol trooper attended a unique call out to River Road West on Wednesday, Aug. 8.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Garbage truck carries smoldering load

Wednesday, Aug. 8 saw a garbage truck on River Road West smolder its way to the Plains town dump, before the load engulfed itself in flames.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Farmer Street, chip seal, pool updates discussed

The recent Plains Town Meeting was a quick and efficient gathering with councilors in attendance as well as Mayor Dan Rowan.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County moves to Stage II fire restrictions

Sanders County moved into Stage II fire restrictions on Friday, Aug. 10, as advised by the Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Naegeli.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Blue Slide Road work addressed at MDT open house

The Montana Department of Transportation hosted an open house for Blue Side Road residents last week in Thompson Falls.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Mobile home involved in blaze at Weeksville

Sanders County dispatch took an emergency call last Friday afternoon, Aug. 10, of a trailer home on fire at a private residence along Highway 200 in Weeksville. The call came in about 2:50 p.m.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Trout Creek's 39th annual Huckleberry Festival a big hit

The 39th Annual Huckleberry Festival in Trout Creek last weekend was a hit for locals and tourists as the tiny Sanders County town once again celebrated.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Wildlands Fire Facebook page gaining popularity

After two intense years of wildland fires in Sanders County, and with 2018 shaping up to have a possible repeat, authorities have become proactive with getting information out to residents through a new Facebook page.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Plains Piranhas excel at Divisional Meet

The Plains Piranhas swam in style at the recent Divisional Swim Meet in Choteau, with several swimmers qualifying for the State Swim Meet in Conrad.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Bruce Frye Memorial draws bevy of shooters

Once again the sun shone down on the Plains Trap Club for the annual Bruce Frye Memorial ATA Shoot.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

CASA ice cream social 'keeps it cool'

The ever so popular CASA Ice Cream Social once again came to life this past weekend at the Sanders County Fairgrounds.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Sheep Gap Fire Salvage Project approved

Last week, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and Montana Rep. Greg Gianforte applauded the Forest Service on the signing of the Sheep Gap Fire Salvage Project in Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Riverside Park falls victim to vandals

Riverside Park located at the bridge next to the fairgrounds in Plains is falling victim to vandals.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Plains Piranhas hold fundraiser at pool

The Plains Piranhas swim team held the first of their two yearly fundraisers at the Plains Pool last week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

“Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd, Buy me some peanuts and crackerjack, I don’t care if I never get back...”

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Wildhorse Showdown co-ed tourney a big hit

The Fourth Annual Wildhorse Showdown Softball Tournament in Plains was a huge hit for local organizers over the weekend.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Fire danger increasing in county

As the summer days continue to heat up, the ground is drying out and the fire danger is creeping up.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Cool Summer Nights lights up Trout Creek

The 2018 Cool Summer Nights Car Show at the Lakeside Motel and Resort in Trout Creek last weekend pulled out all the stops for this year’s event.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Local logger recovering after workplace injury

Local logger Kevin Riley was recently injured in a workplace accident up near Kalispell.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Tester excited to help Plains secure new police vehicles

As it has been previously reported in the Valley Press, the Plains Police Department is on its way to acquiring new police vehicles, and now have had some extra help from U.S. Sen. Jon Tester.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Snell takes 4-H Congress 'one stitch at a time'

Madeline Snell, a 4-H member from Thompson Falls, recently took her skills to the Montana State Congress and came back a winner.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Paulsen earns 2nd in Patriotic Art Contest

Earlier this year, Plains High School student and artist Malachi Paulsen entered the local Patriotic Art Contest sponsored by the VFW Auxiliary.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Hurry to get your huckleberries

Huckleberry season is once again upon us, and with the weather coming just right they are ready to pick, if you can find them.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Plains Family Medicine welcomes new provider

Plains Family Medicine is welcoming another new provider to town with Dr. Drue Webb joining the team in just a few weeks.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Fair Board prepares for Aug. 30-Sept. 2 event

The Sanders County Fair Board recently met for its monthly meeting ahead of the 2018 Sanders County Fair, and they are well on their way to make this year’s event bigger and better.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Chicken Jamboree takes over Thompson Falls

Thompson Falls played host to the annual Chicken Jamboree under a warm summer’s day last Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Huckleberry Festival gets logo for 2018

Each year, Trout Creek’s annual Huckleberry Festival goes on the hunt for a new logo; one created by a Sanders County local that encompasses the spirit of the festival.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Did you know . . .

Did you know in the paper for July 20, 1933, there was lots of local news, including a proposed hospital for Hot Springs?

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Plains Lions Club makes benches for kids' pool

Plains Lions Club member Marvin Tanner loaded eight hours of love into building some benches for moms and dads to enjoy while at the kids pool in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Pool prices, budget topics during Plains Town Meeting

There were plenty of agenda items at last week’s Plains Town Meeting, with some updates, including the water leaks that appear to be getting better.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

White sandy beaches, tropical sunshine with magnificent views and, of course, the almighty Daintree; Queensland is known as the sunshine state back home and there are more than just a few reasons as to why.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Three wrecks, two fatalities in Sanders County

Thursday evening began a weekend of horror crashes in Sanders County as a single-vehicle wreck occurred along Highway 200 just outside of Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Summer Swim Meet returns to Plains

Hundreds of swimmers once again flocked to the Plains pool as the local Piranhas swim team hosted their annual meet.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Pilgeram Ranch marks 100 years

William Pilgeram, along with his two brothers, migrated from Germany nearly 100 years ago. Now, his descendants are celebrating the longevity of the Pilgeram Ranch near Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Slip, Slop, Slap keys for safe summer

It may have taken a little longer this year, but it seems as though summer has finally arrived — with warmer temperatures taking hold of Sanders County last week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County celebrates July 4

Independence Day 2018 was a county-wide party as locals converged on a number of events to celebrate the birthday of this great nation.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs' McAllister 'turns it up' at rodeo finals

Jack McAllister is the current 2018 Junior High School Montana State Tie-down Roping Champion. And he is set to step it up at the Junior High School Finals Rodeo in South Dakota.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Kunzer Memorial ATA Shoot a success for local Trap Club

Fifteen squads registered for the recent Tom Kunzer Memorial Firecracker at the Plains Trap Club grounds over the weekend.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Annual MT West Dentist Free Dental Day a success

MT West Dentist once again held their annual free dental day in Plains, and people came out in droves to take advantage.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Pastor Carol Seilhymer puts on fun Vacation Bible School in Plains

Pastor Carol Seilhymer of the First Lutheran Church in Plains recently held a Vacation Bible School for local kids.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Clark Fork Hospital is all about being baby friendly

Recently Terry Miller of the Department of Public Health and Human Services visited with officials from the Clark Fork Valley Hospital(CFVH) to welcome them into the Baby Friendly Initiative program.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Public comment sought for Sheep Gap Salvage Project

Plains residents and those surrounding Plains are being encouraged to attend a public comment which is now being accepted on the Sheep Gap Fire Salvage Project Environmental Assessment (EA) being put on by the US Forest Service.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Highway 200 collision

Tuesday morning June 5, at approximately 9:05am a small Honda sedan was involved in a collision on Highway 200 out side the Elk Den in Plains situated at approximate mile marker 76.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

2018 Unofficial Primary Election Results for Sanders County

State Representative-House District 14

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Summer art fun for Sanders County kids

Kids from all over will get the opportunity to delve into the arts this coming summer vacation as the Sanders County Arts Council puts on their first Summer Arts Camp.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Cowboy Youth Camp just around the corner

The Silver Lining Youth Ranch in Heron is getting set for their boys youth camp this July.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains officially gets new judge

Plains Mayor Danny Rowan says the town has found a new judge to replace recently retired judge Joe Eisenbrandt.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains Day Parade

The big Plains Day parade may have moved from Main Street to Lynch Street, but the crowds didn’t get smaller.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Sunshine and spring rains are making for a great continuation of the warmer weather.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains Day celebrations a big hit

The two big events for Plains Day celebrations outside of sports, was of course the ever popular Turtle Races and the Lions Dunk Tank.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

FWP: No evidence of bear attack at Thompson River

Last week social media was abuzz with reports of an apparent bear attack at Thompson River.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

110 Sanders County seniors graduate with Class of 2018

Thirteen years have come and gone, memories of triumphs, friendships and growing up, now as one door closed another has opened for seniors around Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains gets set to celebrate

Plains is set to celebrate their annual Plains Day like wild horses running across the valley.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Doug Browning takes the reins as new DNRC fire supervisor

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation just officially welcomed the new fire supervisor Doug Browning into the position.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Death still under investigation

ON May 3, 51-year-old Thompson Falls local Matt Lafriniere was found dead after a 911 call to Sanders County Office Dispatch Center

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains Poker Ride a big hit for local horseback riders

The Plains chapter of the Back Country Horsemen where thrilled to fill all 150 riding spots for their Spring Poker Ride.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Young athletes have fun at track day

The next generation of track and field athletes put on their best during the Plains Elementary track day.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Water levels expected to drop at Thompson Falls Reservoir

Northwestern Energy are advising recreation water users to be cautious, remove docks and boats as reservoir levels at Thompson Falls are set to drop.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Tick season is back; take precautions

As spring turns to summer, Montanans and tourists are beginning to venture farther into the outdoors to get away from that hustle and bustle of the work week; it is also signals the start of tick season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Trout Creek man dies in Memorial Day crash

Memorial Day weekend ended in tragedy with a fatal single-vehicle car wreck near Trout Creek.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Women's Club continues school house restoration

The Plains Women’s Club is once again picking up local projects, continuing the restoration of the old single-room school across from the Mangy Moose in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Butchers Nook celebrates at open house

The Butchers Nook of Plains recently celebrated with their second annual open house.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains Clean-Up Days hailed as a success

The inaugrual Plains Clean-Up Days was hailed a success by local council members.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Local team takes the win at Hack and Blast

Spring not only brings the warm weather and sunshine, it also brings the annual Hack and Blast to the Plains Trap Club.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

VFW places over 400 flags at Plains cemetery

This past Saturday members of the Plains VFW converged to the local cemetery to place flags at the graves of those who served and are now resting.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Drivers walk away from 2 serious wrecks

Last week saw two near major accidents on the roads of Sanders County within days of each other.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains High Honor Society students visit Oregon coast

Plains High School Honor Society students recently headed on a trip to the coast to enjoy a few days after a big year of hard work.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO

Plains High School student art show

The Plains High School recently transformed the hallway in front of the gym into an astounding art exhibit.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Plains Fire gets donation

Last week the Plains City Volunteer Fire Department hosted Eagle Satellite for an impromptu meet-and-greet that also resulted in a donation toward the local fire department.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Death in Thompson Falls under investigation

On May 3 at approximately 1:55 p.m. the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received a 911 call stating an adult male had been found unresponsive.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Bazaar season kicks off

The bazaar season has officially kicked off. The Plains-Paradise Senior Center hosted the first spring bazaar for the year.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Sunshine, rain, flooding… am I back in Australia?

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County gets behind Plains with flood water preparedness

Earlier last week, Sanders County Emergency Manager Bill Naegeli issued an Emergency Declaration for Flooding along the Clark Fork River near Paradise.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Garrigus selected to All-American trapshooting team

Jackie Garrigus was recently selected to the 2018 Lady II All-American trapshooting first team.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Fire department get some 'sweet' donations

The Plains-Paradise Rural Fire Department recently had a small fundraiser to help sweeten up their Junior Firefighter Scholarship Fund.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Council discusses flooding, new skid-steer, greenway

Last week, Plains Mayor Danny Rowan along with council members met at Town Hall for their monthly meeting.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Wildhorse Stampede split weekend action

The Wildhorse Stampede U17 soccer team split their weekend action in Helena with a 2-1 win against Great Falls and a 6-1 loss to Helena.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Clearwater Properties donates to Cancer Network

Clearwater Montana Properties in Plains recently donated money to the Cancer Network of Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Wildfire season: It's time to prepare, prevent, protect

All residents throughout Montana are encouraged to participate in Wildfire Awareness Month this May.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Savage Horsemen wrestling receives athletic grant

On Monday April 2, Plains School teacher Debbie Brown was informed that a grant she applied for on behalf of the late Kenny Marjerrison was awarded to the Plains/Hot Springs wrestling program.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Meet Whitney Tanner-Spurr - athlete, yogi, business owner

If you haven’t met Whitney Tanner-Spurr, there is a good chance you have heard her name.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

River erosion puts Plains wastewater ponds at risk

A Declaration of Emergency was issued May 3 as the banks of the Clark Fork River behind the wastewater treatment lagoons in Plains began to cut away due to recent rain and snow melt.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Sewage Lagoons in Plains are under threat

As the water in the Clark Fork began to rise the past few weeks due to recent rain and winter run offs, the banks began to cut away behind the water treatment lagoons in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Arrest warrant successfully carried out in Plains

Plains Police Department alongside the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office successfully executed a misdemeanor warrant arrest in Plains on Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Plains Business Association shifts gears

A recent letter to the public from the Plains Business Association has tackled recent rumors of the group shutting down.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Flat Iron Quilting Guild announces raffle winner

Flat Iron Quilting Guild recently drew a winner at the First Security Bank in Plains. The annual fundraiser raffle drew plenty of tickets this year with all the names just about over flowing out of a laundry size basket.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Washout closes Blueslide Road

Saturday April 28, the Blueslide Road just outside of Thompson Falls was shut down due to a road wash out.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County Torch Run a success

The 2018 Sanders County Law Enforcement Torch Run was another success for the statewide fundraiser that benefits Special Olympics.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Plains plays host to soccer tournament

The Amundson Sporting Complex came alive in Plains recently with soccer enthusiast all over converging at the fields for the annual tournament hosted by Wildhorse Youth Soccer.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Torch run event looking for runners

Sanders County Sheriff Departments Deputy Roy Scott is heading this years Montana Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Baldy Mountain Tire: New location, same great service

Plains local business Baldy Mountain Tire has now moved to their new location in a brand new building off Highway 200 next to First Security Bank.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Paradise Cemetery accidentally locked

The Paradise Cemetery gates were accidentally locked after an Easter service event preventing loved ones from access to the grounds recently.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Semi rolls over on Perma Bends

Last Wednesday afternoon, a semi traveling west on Highway 200 rolled over causing congestion at the Perma Bends for more than four hours.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Demo Derby to still highlight Sanders County Fair

The Sanders County Fair board members recently convened at the fair grounds in Plains to get the wheels in motion for the upcoming fair this summer.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

So another week in the gorgeous northwest part of the state, and I found one of the best roads to drive down.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Good turnout for fundraising 5k at Whiskey Trail Ranch

Hot Springs cross-country runner Elena McAllister held a 5K race at her family’s ranch last weekend to help raise funds for her upcoming trip to Australia to compete in the Gold Coast Marathon.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs holds kindergarten round-up

The Hot Springs Elementary saw 12 upcoming kindergarten students come through the doors Thursday to meet their new teacher.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls gets an urban tree health check

A statewide tree inventory has recently taken place by the Department of Natural Resource Conservation gathering vital information on urban forests, including in Thompson Falls.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

A high schooler's guide to laughter

The Plains High School Drama Club presented a gym full of laughter to all who attended last week’s production of “High Schooler’s Guide to the Galaxy.”

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls Kindergarten Round-Up

Little ones from around Thompson Falls braved the wet weather for the annual Kindergarten Round-Up on Thursday at the elementary school.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Change of ownership at Dew Duck Inn

Charlotte and Eric Buljung have bid farewell to the Dew Duck Inn on the outskirts of Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Youth artist wows in local art contest

Plains High School student Malachi Paulsen has once again wowed locals with his artistic talents.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Clark Fork Valley Hospital receives award

LifeCenter Northwest, a local organ procurement organization recently announced the Clark Fork Valley Hospital as the recipient of the 2017 Tissue Donation Referral Achievement Award.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Tourism conference to include Road to Buffalo project

Local group Women for a Better Sanders County recently secured an invite to present their project Road to the Buffalo at the upcoming Governor’s Conference on Tourism and Recreation this month.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Plains council tackles clean-up issues

The recent Plains Town meeting saw Mayor Danny Rowan speak with council members on some light, yet important issues at hand.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls Police welcome academy graduate

Jacob Winslow of the Thompson Falls Police Department recently completed his training with the Montana Law Enforcement Academy.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Plains Elementary holds Kindergarten Round-Up

Around 30 soon-to-be kindergarten students recently made their way to Plains Elementary School to meet their teachers.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Easter bunny stops in Sanders County

Kids young and old, took to the ready with their baskets before they hunted the Old Paradise School in Paradise to see who would get the most Easter eggs this past Sunday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Chihuahua missing after stolen car crashes

Montana Highway Patrol responded to an accident on Montana 135 on March 24 involving a stolen car.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Plains-Hot Springs softball fundraiser a grand slam

The Plains-Hot Springs High School softball team turned out an All-American styled barbecue dinner for their annual fundraiser last week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Training night

The Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District took to a property on River Road West to take advantage of some structure fire training last week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Display raises awareness of veteran suicide

The local Joint Operations of Mariposa group of Sanders County joined together Monday in Plains to remember fellow brothers- and sisters-in-arms who took their own life.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Fatal shooting suspect released from jail

The charges against a man accused of killing former Plains resident Shania Rayond have been dropped for now.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Trap shooters gobble up a fun day at Annual Turkey Shoot

The Plains Trap Club held their annual Spring Turkey Shoot at the club grounds Saturday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie adventures with Erin-Jay

I wonder how many kids around the county are as excited as I am about the Easter Bunny’s impending stop?

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County 4-H hosts leadership camp

4-H leaders from around the state converged on Thompson Falls High School over the weekend for a Rec Lab hosted by Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs students ready for National Leadership Conference

Hot Springs Chapter of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America joined together with fellow student leaders, members and advisers from across the state at the Billings Convention Center on March 18 to 20 participating in the annual State Leadership Conference.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO

Humana agreement finally reached

The Clark Fork Valley Hospital is excited for local residents with the agreement of Humana’s participation in their Medicare Advantage Program now in place.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Bighorns make the move to Plains

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks recently helped boost numbers of the local bighorn sheep herd in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Plains school teacher earns master's

Local Plains School teacher Katherine (Katie) Hillerman has received her Master of Science in curriculum and instruction from Western Governors University.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

4-H Communications day pulls in nearly 100 participants

Sanders County’s 4-H kids got together over the weekend at both Thompson Falls and Hot Springs high schools for the annual Communications Days contest.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Archery tournament takes aim

Young aspiring archers took to the Plains High School gymnasium for this year’s tournament.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

County spelling bee crowns new champion

The annual Sanders County Spelling Bee took place in the county Court House last Friday with 16 competitors vying for the top trophy.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Plains hospital saves $1.89 million on loan

The Montana Department of Commerce released good news about the Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Man dies at Quinn's Hot Springs Resort

A man died at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort on Saturday, Feb. 24.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Lady Hawks aim for redemption next season

After a tough divisionals, the Lady Blue Hawks of Thompson Falls are already looking to come back bigger and stronger next basketball season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Plains pets get some swagger

Local cats and dogs can now get some serious swagger about their looks with the recent grand opening of Wagn Tails pet grooming.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Riding with Montana Highway Patrol

Last week offered an eye-opener as I rode along with Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Steve Spurr. What began as a brisk day turned into a wider look into what troopers do on a long shift around Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Winter fun for Sanders County snowmobilers

The Cabinet Ridge Riders had a snow packed fun day at their recent poker run event in Trout Creek.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Plains Trap Club gears up for annual Turkey Shoot

The Plains Trap Club is in full swing with their winter league, and shooters are getting geared up for the annual Turkey Shoot.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Blue Hawks wrap up solid season

The Thompson Falls Blue Hawks did not have the farewell they had hoped for after the weekend’s postseason tournament.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Warriors take Horsemen in final showdown

The Plains Horsemen took one last step on the court for the finale of the Western C Class Basketball finals against Arlee in true Wild Horse Plains fashion.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Plains Police make unexpected drug bust

On Feb. 11, Plains Police Officer Ethan Harvey stopped a 45-year-old Yakima, Washington woman suspected of driving with a suspended license.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Snowpack brings cautious optimism

Sanders County may be in the so-called banana belt, but it doesn’t mean it has missed out on snow in the mountains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Former fire department secretary charged with theft

Former Hots Springs Rural Fire Department secretary and bookkeeper Lara Aldridge has pleaded not guilty to charges of felony theft.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs students get 'ghosted'

Sometimes the best way to learn good judgment when faced with peer pressure is using the shock factor. This is what the JMG students of Hot Springs High School have done for their “Ghost Out” event.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Local scholarships now available

Two local scholarships are now available for graduates in Sanders County, including one from Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and another from the Bob Marshall Music Fesvial.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

Horsemen take second in District Championship

The weekend was full of teams from Sanders County looking to come away with a solid triumphant win from the basketball season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

The lady behind the smile

Rhonda Flemmer was named the Clark Fork Valley Hospital employee of the year for 2017, and she has sure made an impact on her co-workers as well as her community.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

New look for City Hall in Plains

The Plains City Hall front desk has a brand new look.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Trout Creek couple fined for wildlife violations

A Trout Creek couple were fined after investigations found they had violated multiple wildlife hunting violations.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

U14 softball season gets set to kick off

Local athletes are dusting off their mitts from winter storage as softball season has just kicked into gear.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Icy roads blamed for two-car wreck

As the Monday morning commute began, one local Plains driver struggled to stop on the icy roads.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Next steps for Rock Creek Mine taking shape

Hecla Montana says the next steps for the Rock Creek Mine in the western part of Sanders County is starting to take shape.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

County spelling bee coming up

The Sanders County Spelling Bee is just around the corner with schools getting prepped for the competition.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

School archery program coming up

The National Archery in Schools Programis getting set to kick off this coming March.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Local firefighters secure hazmat training

The second training installment for hazmat awareness operations took place last week at the Plains-Paradise Rural fire house.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

CASA fundraiser a big hit

The weather was a warm 55 degrees last Thursday but it didn’t keep locals away from the CASA chili event in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains teams have momentum heading into postseason play

This past week saw the end of the regular season before teams across the county begin to head into the postseason on the courts.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

District tournament standings

Standings as the district tournament kicks off later this week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Hospital gives update on Humana progress

Over the past two weeks Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) has been working with Humana to expedite a contract to help those residents affected by the Medicare Advantage cut.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County welcomes home two wrestling champs

This past weekend saw two Sanders County wrestling teams head to Billings to battle it out with a couple hundred fellow wrestlers to see who would be crowned a state champion.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Kids get into Geography Bee at Hot Springs

Hot Springs Schools recently crowned its Geography Bee winner.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Southside Spark takes top 4-H award

Local Southside Spark Holly Stratford recently took a top 4-H state award — the Symbol of Excellence swine carcass contest.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Savage-Horsemen wrestling sends six to state

The Savage-Horsemen put up a great showing at divisionals last weekend.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

The road to divisionals for the Savage-Horsemen

It’s been a season for Savage-Horsemen wrestling where coaches and wrestlers alike had no idea what would unfold after the sudden loss of former head coach Kenny Marjerison.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains boys, girls second in conference

It was a bumper week for basketball as the Plains Horsemen and Trotters hit the road to Arlee then back in their home corral to head up against the Hawks.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Plains-Paradise Rural District earns grant

Just like the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office, the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Phillips 66.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Mindy Ferrell honored for work promoting outdoors, education

Trout Creek resident Mindy Ferrell has been recognize for her big impacts in the community.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Road to the Buffalo project receives boost

The Noxon Senior Citizens (NSCI) along with the Women for a Better Sanders County (WBSC) were recently awarded a grant from the Montana Office of Tourism.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs runner to compete in Australia

Hot Springs cross-country runner Elena McAllister is getting set to represent her home town and county in Australia this coming summer.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Paradise rally more than just Cliven Bundy

News quickly spread across the state that Nevada rancher and Constitutionalist Cliven Bundy was to visit Sanders County last weekend. The Bundy family got national attention for its 2014 armed confrontation with federal authorities in Nevada.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Funding scrapped for regional hazmat

Hazmat incidents aren’t things that residents usually think of, however with the state government scrapping the funding for regional hazmat, there are more then a few questions left unanswered.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls confident heading into second half of season

Head coach Jake Mickelson of the Thompson Falls varsity Hawks says he is pleased with the progress his team is making this season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County Fair Board discusses year ahead

The Sanders County Fair Board met last week to kick off the 2018 season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Humana contract negotiations fail with local hospital

The chief financial officer of the Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) had officially advised those patients under the previous Medicare Advantage program that the hospital had been unsuccessful in recent negotiations.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Savage Horsemen wrestling going strong

The Savage Horsemen are continuing a strong season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Another fantastic week ahead here in Sanders County, and I have to say though I am consistently cold, I sure loved being introduced to the winter sports fun you have here in Montana.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Managing your heating bills

As the temperatures continue to be crisp and cool, the Montana Public Service Commission Chairman Brad Johnson is urging utility customers to brace for higher heating bills this winter.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Sheriff's Office receives $10k donation

Phillips 66 recently donated $10,000 to the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office as part of their Philanthropic Community Program.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Trotters cruise to big win over Two-Eagle

It was a busy week for the girls basketball teams around the county.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Ripples ranked one of state's top ice cream shops

Local Plains business Ripples Ice Cream Parlor has been named one of the best ice cream shops in Montana.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Cold, snow can't stop Clark Fork Runners Club

Participants with the Clark Fork Runners Club aren’t afraid of a little cold and snow as they had some fun racing in the New Year.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Young artists showcased in annual Art on the Wall

The Sanders County Arts Council teamed up once again with Clark Fork Valley Hospital to help young artists showcase their art work in the halls of the hospital.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Plains Police Department seeks new patrol car

Plains Police Chief Shaun Emmett spoke to the town council at their recent meeting on the importance of the police department upgrading their vehicles.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Two new deputies in Sanders County

The Sanders County Sheriff’s Office has welcomed two new deputies to the department.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Mayor Danny Rowan kicks off first term as mayor of Plains

Plains Mayor Danny Rowan kicked off his first official town meeting this past Monday as the new mayor.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Savage Horsemen hold strong at Western Montana Duals in Ronan

The Savage Horsemen travelled to Ronan at the end of last week for the 2018 Western Montana Duals.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

WOW, 2018 is here ! Can you believe we are here already…and there is so much to achieve with this ‘new slate’ that sits before us.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Plains Fire Department gets new equipment

Plains City Fire Department celebrated a successful year of achievements within the department recently at the VFW in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Missoula International Airport gains two more direct routes

Sanders and Mineral County residents can get excited as Missoula International Airport is set to pick up two more direct routes.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Vonheeder selected for East-West Shrine Game

The Senior of Plains High School was the only football player in Sanders County that was selected for the upcoming 72nd Annual Montana East-West Shine Game.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

New Year brings new mayor for Plains

As the New Year was about to clock over, former Mayor Greg Eitelberg handed over the reins of Plains to newly sworn in Mayor Danny Rowan.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Arlee Warriors sweep Plains in varsity basketball

The Arlee Warriors were unstoppable as they took to the basketball court in Plains last week to take a win back home.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

City still waiting for tax money owed

The city of Plains is still waiting for money that was accidentally over paid to the Plains Library by the Sanders County Treasurer.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Academic standouts from around Sanders County

Rocky Mountain College just released their high honors list.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Fundraiser turns people away as locals turn out in droves

Clint Weedeman, a Plains local, received an outpouring of love from the tiny community as the fundraiser event held in his name had to turn people away.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Missoula airport gains two more routes

Sanders County residents can get excited as Missoula International Airport is set to pick up two more direct routes.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Relief fund packs some Christmas cheer around county

The Sheriff’s annual Relief Fund was kicking into high gear Thursday, Dec. 21 in the basement of the Valley Bank in Thompson Falls.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Lady Savage Heat bring hustle and grit to court

Once again the Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat are boasting a young team for this season on the basketball court.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Savage Horsemen on winning streak

The Savage Horsemen Wrestling team had another successful week on the road, with Daniel Uli remaining undefeated.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Sanders County Rodeo helps set up pros for National Finals

We may not have the big lights of Las Vegas, but Sanders County knows how to draw the big stars of rodeo.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Plains JMG students present check to Cancer Network

The Plains High School’s Jobs for Montana Graduates held a fun in-school fundraiser and decided the funds should be donated to the Cancer Network of Sanders County(CNSC).

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Santa hears wish lists at Ripples

Santa made one last visit to the kids of Plains on Saturday, and it would seem there were some last-minute additions to wish lists.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Tree lighting kicks off season

The Paradise Elementary School Preservation committee kicked off the Christmas Tree-Lighting event last week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Jermyn honored as National Coach of the Year

Plains native and Bozeman High School cross-country coach Casey Jermyn recently headed to Phoenix, Arizona to accept his award of National Cross-Country Coach of the year.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO

Junior athlete highlight: Jessica Thompson

The Thompson family of Plains have been firmly cemented in the small town for generations. Now, the youngest member of the clan is about to begin her last high school winter sports season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Marjerrison honored in Quad match at Plains

Fallen Savage Horsemen wrestling coach Kenny Marjerrison was honored at the recent Wrestling Quad match in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Hot Springs PTO put the Christmas in bazaar

The Hot Springs PTO group brought a lot of Christmas cheer to their annual fundraiser over the weekend.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Plains slower speed limit proposal passes

During the recent Plains City Council meeting, Rocky Mountain Surveyor’s Ron Warren requested the city extend the slower speeds leading out of town.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Remembrance tree added to hospice gala

The Clark Fork Valley Hospital put on another successful Tree of Life event for their hospice care at the Paradise Center last week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Council tables vote on road gate

To gate or not to gate, that is the question lingering over the Plains City Council.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Program brings Christmas relief to residents in need

The Sanders County Sheriff’s Office has kicked off its annual relief fund for families and residents this coming holiday season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Quilts of Valor

Once again local veterans were presented with a gift for their years of service. The Joint Operations of Mariposa presented a small number of men and women with handmade quilts as part of the Quilts of Valor project.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Horsemen bid farewell to a successful season

The Horsemen football team has bid farewell to a season that coaches say was a great foundation to build on.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Basketball season tips off at Frenchtown tourney

The 2017 basketball season has officially begun for schools in Sanders County as they all headed out to the Frenchtown tournament over the weekend.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Plains students help spread Christmas cheer

Students from Plains High School art classes scattered around town last week to paint a bit of Christmas cheer on local shop windows. A number of their art creations can be seen throughout the town. The week prior the local Lions Club helped hang holiday lights and decorations in town.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Distracted driver flips dump truck

A county truck making its way to off-load garbage at the dump last week ended up on its side after the driver reportedly reached for his cellphone.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Trout Creek shooter identified

The Sanders County Sheriff’s Office has released more information on the deadly shooting that occurred outside Trout Creek on Nov. 25.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Savage Horsemen help bring the Christmas cheer to Plains

As the calendar creeps quickly toward another Christmas, the Savage Horsemen Wrestling team are once again selling locally sourced Christmas trees and sreaths for anyone in need.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Principal explains school policy

Thompson Falls Police are investigating threatening comments allegedly made by a student last week at Thompson Falls High School.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

A dream fulfilled

The brand new Andre J Melief lodge at Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort is now officially open for guests to book a stay in one of the luxurious rooms.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

High Country Cowboys swing back into Sanders County

The High Country Cowboys trio were at Quinn’s Hot Springs last week for a two-night performance.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Cancer Network hosts lantern lighting

The lighting and releasing of lanterns for cancer has become a worldwide tradition to not only remember those that are lost but those that have survived.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Women make stockings for families in need

The Plains Woman’s Club has been creating hand-made Christmas stockings for families that are associated with the Sanders County Coalition for Families for nearly a decade.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Turkey B-I-N-G-O fun at Hot Springs

Sanders County locals turned out to Hot Springs for Turkey Bingo.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Hot skillet sparks house fire

A skillet left on a stove was the cause of a house fire on Sunday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Spiekermeier on his way to D.C. with Capitol Christmas Tree

Larry “Hollywood” Spiekermeier, as he has been affectionately named by his pilot crew, is well on his way to Washington, D.C. with a special Christmas tree in tow.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Trotters move on to Western C tournament

The Plains Trotters were successful at the recent 14C District volleyball tournament in Charlo over the weekend, securing a trip to divisionals as the No. 2 seed.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Fundraising night at VFW benefits Plains Cemetery

It was a Friday night out to enjoy some homemade tacos with friends and support the annual Plains Cemetery Fundraiser.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Highlighting survivors: Sandy King

As Breast Cancer Awareness month fades until next October, it is important for both men and women to keep up with annual check ups.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Plains mourns loss of coach killed in crash

The town of Plains is mourning the loss of a teacher and coach who was killed in a car wreck last week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Plains' Spiekermeier to haul Capitol Christmas Tree

It’s been around 30 years since the Capitol Christmas Tree represented the state of Montana, and now local hero Larry Spiekermeier will be putting more than Sanders County on the map.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Trotters end successful season

The Plains Trotters volleyball team finished the season at the Class C Western Divisionals, taking third place over the weekend.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

4-H members clean up Plains Trap Club before winter

Some of the local South Side Sparks 4-H kids got together to help out the Trap Club recently.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Spooky and cute on Halloween

Halloween has come and gone, but not before the last autumn leaf becomes hidden by snow.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Winter driving tips from Plains police chief

Plains Chief of Police Shawn Emmett offers local residents some winter driving tips:

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Pizza shop helps raise funds for Marjerrison family

Local pizza shop Simple Simons is rallying Plains residents to support the family of Kenny Marjerrison.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Halloween has come and gone, and the snow has made its way to Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Slick roads blamed for crashes

Slow down. That’s the message from law enforcement as snow and ice have already begun to plague local roads, with more than a few wrecks beginning to add up.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Community gathers to remember beloved coach

Plains came together Sunday to honor Kenny Marjerrison one last time and support his family as they prepare to move on without him by their side.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Team assesses damage from Highway 200 Complex

The 2017 wildfire season is in the books, however now is the time for some Forest Service workers to assess the damage that was done.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Plains coach killed in crash on U.S. 93

The town of Plains is mourning the loss of a teacher and coach who was killed in a car wreck Wednesday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Plains coach killed in U.S. 93 crash

The town of Plains is mourning the loss of a teacher and coach who was killed in a car wreck Wednesday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Hidden Charm, more than just charming

The town of Plains has welcomed a brand new shop opening right along the main street, offering a unique flavor of modern antiques that will suit any style of home.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Volleyball roundup: Hot Springs sweeps Clark Fork

This past week has been a continuation of great volleyball action around the county.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Junior athlete highlight: Jessica Bronner

Jessica Bronner of Thompson Falls is this week’s Junior Athlete Highlight.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Horsemen ready for state playoffs

The Plains Horsemen football team heads into the state playoffs this week and head coach Eddie Fultz couldn’t be prouder.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Valley Press kicks off 'Reporters Contest' for high school students

The Clark Fork Valley Press is kicking off a ‘Reporters Contest’ for high school students in Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Quilt of Valor - honoring a veteran

Plains man Richard Beller, who recently turned 93 years old, is one of many within Sanders County who fought proudly for flag and country.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Back Country Horsemen recognized for contribution to Sanders County

The Wild Horse Plains Back Country Horsemen (BCH) are a local chapter that aims to keep forest trails accessible and open for livestock use around Sanders County.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Highlighting survivors: Audrey Kolbeck

Each week this month we have visited with a breast cancer survivor, and each story has been as unique as the woman herself.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls Police Department back in full swing

The Thompson Falls Police Department has welcomed two new officers to town as Mayor Mark Sheets officially swore in Jacob Winslow and Luke Hauke on Friday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Fairgrounds dims its holiday twinkle

The Sanders County Fairgrounds won’t be lit up this winter like its has been in past years — the Grinch of time has taken its hold on old twinkle lights.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Wind storm causes power outage in Plains

Wind gusts that were predicted for the area Oct. 17 proved to be a warning worth listening to.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Officers give Trick or Treat safety tips

Local law enforcement want to ensure that all kids that will be heading out to trick or treat come home safe and sound.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls High School helps students 'reach higher'

Montana students are encouraged to “reach higher” in their post secondary education, and Thompson Falls High School is aiming to help local students get there.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie adventures with Erin-Jay

Another week of cooler weather has welcomed us here in Sanders County, and though I may already be cold, I love the fall weather.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Highlighting survivors: Cheri Minemyer

Just like millions around the world, Cheri Minemyer knows first hand the emotions of being told she has breast cancer.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Blue Hawks football blanked by Bigfork at home

It was a tough home game for the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks as they were at the mercy of the Bigfork Vikings on Friday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Horsemen can't hold off Charlo at home

It wasn’t the game the Plains Horsemen were hoping for as they head into their homecoming week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Plains, Hot Springs spikers dominate court

With volleyball season delving further toward tournament time, teams around Sanders County all played last week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Hospital recognized for cardiac care

The Sanders County Clark Fork Valley Hospital was recognized recently at the Cardiac and Stroke Awards in Billings Montana.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Kinder Kareer Day at Plains School

Plains School came alive last Friday as two kindergarten classes indulged into career day, learning about different community helpers.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Air attack stops two fires on Highway 135

On Sept. 12, Highway 135 had two fires that burned 9 acres between them.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Sheep Gap Fire still burning, makes run towards Plains

Sheep Gap fire made a run for the town last week, but thanks to quick thinking from fire fighters and the Sheriffs Department no one was hurt.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

4-H riders prepare for State Horse Show

Laura Bakker made the trip from Missoula to help local county riders prepare for their state show appearance in Lewistown later in the week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat fall to Noxon

A whirlwind week for the Hot Springs Savage Ladies Volleyball team saw a loss and forfeit.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Trotters come up short against Arlee Scarlets

The Plains Trotters hosted the Arlee Scarlets on Thursday evening for a hometown showdown.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Well, I have survived my first Sanders County Fair and what a fair it was.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County Commissioners activate emergency fund

The Sanders County Commissioners invoked the emergency fund for the county so money is available to be distributed where needed.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

City councils hold funds as county untangles Plains, Thompson Falls library levy payments

Levy funds are stuck in limbo while the county treasurer looks to correct a mistake that has complicated the finances for both Thompson Falls and Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Quick response keeps fire damage minimal

As the last of the crowd was headed out the gate of the Sanders County Fair on Aug. 31, local fire crews were rushing in to the 4-H pavilion where a fire had broken out.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Classics on display at local hospital fundraiser

The annual Car and Bike Show at the Clark Fork Valley Hospital was still hailed a success even though the smoke from forest fires lingered in the air on the day of the event.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Groups helps haul for Montana ranchers in need

The Sanders County “hay boys” got together to do their part in helping out the Eastern Montana ranchers with some much-needed hay for livestock.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

4-H exhibitors turn out in droves for fair

Seven clubs and more than 100 young people exhibiting their animals, projects and all in-between turned out at the recent fair.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Type II team continues to fight area fires

As the fires continue, the smoke is thickening within the county; not just from the active fires within, but also from fires burning in Washington and Oregon.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs opens season with win over Plains

It was a close game when looking at the scoreboard for three of the four games in Tuesday night’s match. The Hot Springs Lady Savages came out with a 3-1 win against the Plains Trotters.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Plains plays host to annual Sanders County Fair

For 32 years, Hank and Lori Franzen have worked the Sanders County Fair rodeo. They took it from a little rodeo in North West Montana to one of the best PRCA rodeos the state has.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs family helped by local fundraising effort

Hot Springs locals are banning together to help a family that began the month with a near fatal car accident that has seen Sarah Loraas in a Seattle Hospital recovering.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Sheep Gap Fire threatens homes near Plains

The afternoon of August 28th a lightening storm that passed through the Plains and Thompson Falls area’s ignited approximately 20 fires. One fire being the Sheep Gap blaze that is still un-contained by firefighters at time of print.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

History takes shape at local restoration

Work never ends for Joe Sheppard and Joann Mathers as they continue to restore the old yellow house on Garber Street in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie adventures with Erin-Jay

The count down is on … to the Fair and also for the start of the School year.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Plains Swim Team wraps up season with fantastic results

The local swim team in Plains made an appearance at the recent state titles in Lewistown with great success.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Local golfers 'Tee' up for charity

The recent Avista Charity Golf Tournament in Thompson Falls has been hailed a huge success by organizers.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

How Shakespeare rocked the park

Shakespeare in the Park was of ‘Macbeth’ proportions for local Plains residents that attended.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Fireman's Ball turn-out equalled white hot success

The Plains Fire Department held their annual Fireman’s Ball this past Saturday night at the Plains VFW Hall.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Locals saving lives one pint at a time with Red Cross

Wednesday, Aug. 16, saw locals flock to the Plains VFW building to give blood for the Red Cross Blood Drive.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Hot Springs to go without football team in 2017

Just as the high school football season is about to begin, Hot Springs High School had to make a heart-breaking decision on the impending season.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO

Trout Creek celebrates 38th Huckleberry Festival

The Huckleberry is used for so many dishes, the taste is one that can be hard to describe. Yet it’s the Festival in Trout Creek each year that brings Huckleberry lovers together for a weekend of indulgence.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Another exciting week in Sanders County! From meeting the Superintendent of Plains School to meeting out-of-towner’s that attended the Huckleberry Festival.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Plains town meeting addresses variety of issues

Plains officials gathered at the local courthouse on Monday, August 7 for their monthly town meeting.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Demo Derby set to return

Arguably one of the biggest highlights to the annual Sanders County Fair is the all exciting, adrenaline-pumping Demolition Derby.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Plains School, teachers, sports teams gearing up new year

A good school is like a good team it comes down to communication and the same end goal.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Weekend thunderstorms spark more wildfires

Storms that passed through the region over the weekend sparked 18 new fires that saw all hands on deck to get them under control.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Train spills coal along Clark Fork River

A Montana Rail Link (MRL) train with approximately 30 cars derailed Aug. 13 with full load of coal along the Clark Fork River.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

It’s amazing how quickly this year has passed by us.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

MT West Dentist gets set to crown new building

The new building across from The Circle has been going through a bit of a face-lift this past week.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Extension office declares 4-H member exchange success

Sanders County 4-H extension agent Juli Thurston is hailing the first 4-H member exchange a glowing success.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Exchange students looking for host families

Nancy Winebrenner has successfully placed 40 exchange students from around the world with host families in Sanders County since 2010.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Recycling program is back in Sanders County

Since being reinstated, the Sanders County recycling baler has been working hard to keep the community more environmentally friendly.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Court decision gives hope to proposed Hecla Mines

May 30, 2017 saw the District Court in Missoula rule in line of conservation groups to put a hold on the proposed Hecla Mines in Sanders and Lincoln Counties.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Local k9 unit showcases talents during training session

The Sanders County K9 unit is more than meets the eye. Last week, the Valley Press accompanied Sanders County Sheriff’s Office K9 Handler Lynn Lanzoni, K9 officer Max and retired LAPD officer Blaine Blackstone to one of their regular training sessions.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Locals come together to help woman with rare illness

How do you explain to someone that you have a depilating disease that they cannot see, but it is the reason why you can’t stand up to shake their hand? One local Plains woman could come close to explaining just how close to the truth that scenario is.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Locals advised to be drug aware in their community

Drug Awareness within the local community is one area that needs attention. Sanders County Undersheriff Lanny Hensley is passionate about ensuring everyone knows just how it can really effect locals and their families.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County Court Report

Local Justice Court cases seen in the Thompson Falls Court room by Judge Donald Strine this past week are as follows:

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Another week, another day in paradise…I know there are many of you that feel the same way.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Dignata Missionary changing lives around the world

In any community you can usually find a missionary chapter of some kind; but Thompson Falls residents James and Shannon Doherty have created a world wide business that is changing lives in magnificent ways.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Anna Hafner dreams of farm to fork

Anna Hafner has big dreams of being a successful cattle producer and she’s getting her start through the South Side Sparks 4-H club.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

No headline

Montana Governor Steve Bullock issued an official state of emergency on Sunday, July 23, 2017.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Symes Hot Springs Hotel hosts annual Blues Festival

The eighth-annual Symes Hot Springs Blues Festival this weekend brought new names, but that still had the same great Blues music locals and tourists have come to love.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County 4-H horse group readies for fair

Those driving past the Sanders County Showgrounds on Tuesday evenings have likely noticed a group of kids on horseback riding in the outdoor arena.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

I have to say, the weather has certainly started cooling down a little bit. That is great news since the county saw the high temperatures only a week ago.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Local K-9 unit receives $500 Walmart grant

Sanders County’s K-9 Officer, Max, just received a $500 Walmart grant, all thanks to his handler, Sanders County Sheriff’s Deputy Lynn Lanzoni.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Sanders County 4-H begins preparation for County Fair

The Sanders County 4-H club has kicked into high gear with the Fair just around the corner.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls native Morgan Molzahn experiencing North Queensland lifestyle

Thompson Falls native Lance Corporal Morgan Molzahn is getting a taste if life “down under.”

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Weekend CASA fundraiser a hit in Plains

Plains residents came out Saturday night to enjoy each other’s company at the CASA Fundraiser at Plains Pool Park.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Local artists wow with Paradise gallery show

What happens when a historical school closes down after nearly a century of nurturing students aspirations and dreams? Well, in the case of the Paradise School, it is now being turned into an Art Gallery, Information Centre and stop for travelling tourists and locals to enjoy.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Stage two fire restrictions come into effect Thursday

Sanders County Emergency Services are now moving to stage two fire restrictions for the area. The Sanders County Commissioners has now issued the following.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO

Junior Rodeo takes over Plains Arena

The South West Junior Rodeo Association of Montana took to the Sanders County Fairgrounds arena in force last weekend for their junior rodeo.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Flora Erotica opens at Hot Springs Gallery

The latest show for the On the Wall Gallery debuted July 7 with the opening of Flora Erotica.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls hosts 27th annual Chicken Jamboree

The annual Chicken Jamboree at Thompson Falls was once again a hit with the local community.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Classic cars invade Trout Creek for annual show

What better way to celebrate new ownership of the Lakeside Motel and Resort in Trout Creek than a one of a kind car show?

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Montana Aussie Adventures with Erin-Jay

Another glorious week in Montana, and still hard to believe that I now call this place home.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Local wild card team wins 3-on-3 age division title

The Wild Horse Sporting Complex held its second annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament this past weekend in Plains.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Lazier Creek Fire now 70 percent contained

Emergency crews are beginning to get the blaze that has been burning for little over a week at Lazier Creek under control.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Bunny Club puts on show in Plains

The Bunny Club recently hopped into Plains for the annual cotton tail camp out show.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Ride the heat waves with some cool tips

Sanders County is feeling the heat as extreme hot conditions take hold of the area earlier than expected.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Thompson Falls rings bell on the Fourth

The 2017 Independence Day celebrations of Thompson Falls saw a slightly different route this year for the small town, including a walk through history, with the Declaration Of Independence being read.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Plains kicks off celebrations on Independence Day

The Plains VFW kicked of the Fourth of July celebrations with a picnic in the park.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

All-American 4th of July celebrated in Paradise

Paradise turned out the “block party” of the county July 4. With families coming in from around the small town, attendees were greeted by music, kids playing games and the hamburgers hot off the grill.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Lazier Creek Fire UPDATE

There are no new major updates for the Lazier Creek 3 blaze.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Ride the heat waves with some cool tips

Wild summer weather continues, with temperatures reaching well past the 100 degree mark.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

Lazier Creek Fire now burning 1,000 acres

Sanders County Sheriff’s Office deputies are evacuating cabins and homes threatened by the Lazier Creek 3 fire, which is burning near the Bend Guard station northeast of Thompson Falls.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO

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