Superior Fire Dep't trains for high-angle rescues
The Superior Volunteer Fire Department has been involved with five high angle rescue accidents in 2018. Including the December 19 pileup on Interstate 90 which included a trucker driver who jumped over an overpass to avoid being hit by a semi-truck. As well as the rescue of Frenchtown Firefighter, Kyle …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Annual Hoop Shoot brings 41 teams to Superior
Nearly 400 people descended on Superior Schools last weekend to participate in the Annual Superior Hoop Shoot. A basketball competition for grades third through eight comprised of three divisions: third and fourth; fifth and sixth; seventh and eighth.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Mineral Community Hospital receives new portable X-ray machine
Patients at Mineral Community Hospital will soon benefit from studies using the latest in X-ray technology made possible through a grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust’s Rural Healthcare Program.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
A reporter's farewell: 'My Swan Song'
This issue of the Mineral Independent will be my “Swan Song.” After this, I will be heading into a new adventure where I will be moving to Conrad with my significant other, Gus Chambers. For those unfamiliar with the small town, it is located one hour north of Great Falls. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Where is the Taft cemetery?
“Bullet, belt buckle, button,” the metal detector’s screen reads various items buried some seven feet beneath the earth. Forest Service Archeologist Erika Karuzas continues to wave the detector over an area that most believe is the location of an old cemetery. Located on a hillside covered with 100-year-old lodge pole …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Locals visit Superior for Hoop Shoot
Nearly 400 people descended on Superior Schools last weekend to participate in the Annual Superior Hoop Shoot. A basketball competition for grades third through eight comprised of three divisions: third and fourth; fifth and sixth; seventh and eighth.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
19 MC students head to BPA nationals
Mineral County Business Professionals of America (BPA) students returned from the annual State Leadership Conference where 14 students placed. Eleven students from St. Regis and eight from Superior will continue on to the National Leadership Conference (NLC) in Anaheim, Calif., set for May 1-5.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Folks can get Whipped Up now in Alberton, too
Folks can now get Whipped Up in two locations. Whipped Up! Café in Superior recently expanded their business in Alberton. They opened in the old Sidetrack Café located across the street from the Alberton School. They’ve been open about a month and café owner, Michele VanTassel said business has been …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Superior High students in Italy visiting Rome
Jeff Schultz had always wanted to do some international travel. But between college football, marriage and children, he never had the opportunity. At least not until now.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Folks get Whipped Up in Alberton
Folks can now get Whipped Up in two locations. Whipped Up! Café in Superior recently expanded their business in Alberton. They opened in the old Sidetrack Café located across the street from the Alberton School. They’ve been open about a month and café owner, Michele VanTassel said business has been …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Statewide campaign fights tobacco and e-cigarettes
Ronnie Trentham stood in front of a gym full of junior high and high school students and explained why he no longer has a jaw bone. His face now deformed as a result of oral cancer caused by using chewing tobacco. It was a part of “Kick Butts Day,” a …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Dawn Bauer recipient of prestigious Hunger Hope Award
Superior School’s Elementary Administrative Assistant and Afterschool Coordinator Dawn Bauer has been recognized for her work in securing food for hungry children. She was presented with an award during the Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) event, The Taste, on March 8. This is an annual fundraiser for the food bank …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Skatepark and more planned for Alberton
Ever since 2016, members of the PEAK Foundation in Alberton have dreamt of renovating the town park. Now, their dream will come true with an official ground breaking in early June. Armed with a $10,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation, the money can be added to the pot to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Superior student wins Keep Montana Green poster contest
Every year the Keep Montana Green Association holds a poster art contest and this year, Superior School’s Abigail Wheeler was the regional winner. She won in the intermediate division which is grades 4 through 6 for her poster.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
No major flooding as snow thaws
“As the ground starts thawing, the rocks start falling,” was a post made on the Mineral County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook page last week. A photo accompanied the post of a big rock which had come down on Mullan Road East near the Big Eddy fishing access in Superior on March …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Superior qualifies for free hot lunch program
Thanks to the efforts of Superior School’s administrative staff, the school will qualify for the free hot breakfast and lunch program. Last week, the Mineral Independent reported that Alberton and Superior schools were slated to lose their status for the free hot lunch program. However, staff members reviewed the state …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Schools could lose free hot lunch program
Area schools are at risk of losing their free breakfast and lunch hot lunch programs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Resource Coalition continues to work on Saltese Trestle funding
The monthly Mineral County Resource Coalition meeting was held on March 5 with the main topic of discussion the restoration of the Saltese Trestle. The 100-year-old trestle is in need of repair and parties involved with the restoration project attended the meeting to talk about the next steps needed to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Arrive Alive! Don't Drink & Drive campaign underway
Last weekend, students helped the Mineral County DUI Task Force spread the word about the dangers of drinking and driving. The task force had reached out to local schools to see if they had students willing to do community outreach. Students from all three schools — St. Regis, Superior and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Eighth-grader Molia Dao is the S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G B-E-E winner
“P-O-R-T-E-N-T-O-U-S-L-Y” is what Alberton eighth-grader Molia Dao spelled to become the Mineral County Spelling Bee winner. Competition was held at St. Regis School on Monday, March 4. Molia beat out 30 contestants to take home top honors. Alternates were Skylar Knapp, an Alberton fifth-grader and Trizten Avila, sixth grade, from …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
RIP Stinky Renegade black goat dies after years in the wild
A legend died in Deborgia last week by the name of Colt (a.k.a. Stinky). A black goat who famously hung out on a rocky cliff off Interstate 90 near a cell tower. Marsha and Tom Hoag, who live below the cliff, often saw Colt since he would drink from their …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Local firefighter heading to Seattle stairclimb competition
“356, 357,” is what a breathless Nathan Lapinski counted a few days after he and fellow firefighter, Jake Sporna, climbed a combined total of 714 stairs. It was part of a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Where the two had pledged to climb a story for every …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Snowfall seen as worst in last 30 years
Last week, long-time Mineral County residents saw more snow than they’ve seen in 30 years. Estimates from the storm that hit last Monday, Feb. 25 were around 18 inches in Alberton, 12 in Superior and eight in St. Regis.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
This 'n That consignment shop in Superior is closing its doors
From clothes, to jewelry, knick-knacks and appliances all fill the tiny building located on the far side of the bridge in Superior. This ’n That is located at 104 River Street North and is closing its doors permanently on March 16.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Forest Service tries to stay on schedule despite furlough
Despite the 35 day government shutdown, the Superior and Ninemile U.S. Forest Service offices have been working hard to remain on schedule. Superior District Ranger, Carole Johnson, and new Ninemile District Ranger, Eric Tomasik, gave an update report to the Mineral County commissioners on Feb. 22.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Super Heroes and Princesses party in Alberton
Super Hero’s and Princesses gathered at the Alberton Elementary School on Saturday for a little tea party with games and entertainment. The program was hosted by the Alberton Afterschool Program, the PEAK Foundation and with funding from the Headwaters Foundation.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Alberton man's truck struck by BNSF train
A pickup truck was struck by a train just west of the Cyr Exit on Tuesday morning, Feb. 19. The incident occurred at the railroad crossing off Daigle Lane. The driver was Roy Shutter, who graduated from Alberton High School and joined the Navy in 2012.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Avalanche closes I-90 for 27 hours
While skiers at Lookout Pass Ski Area were enjoying nearly 50 inches of new snow last week, emergency crews were kept busy dealing with a series of avalanches along Interstate 90. The first two snow slides occurred on Wednesday, Feb. 13 — both in the westbound lanes. One was a …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Friends say goodbye as county worker Shirley Iwata retires
Shirley Iwata has been a familiar face around the Mineral County Courthouse for many years. Over that time, she’s held several positions and now she has added a new one to her list, that of being “retired”. Shirley is now 70 and officially retired on Jan. 31. She wanted to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Pickup struck my BNSF train west of Cyr Exit off I-90
A pickup truck was struck by a train just west of the Cyr Exit on Tuesday morning, Feb. 19. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. at the railroad crossing off Daigle Lane. An unidentified male was driving a white pickup truck when he was struck dead center and dragged a …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Nearly 50 traffic incidents reported in Mineral County
Nearly 50 incidents were reported by the Montana Highway Patrol in Mineral County from Feb. 4 through Monday morning on Feb. 11. Adverse weather continues to pound the area with heavy snow and high winds — creating hazardous driving conditions. There were also two-hour school delays for Mineral County schools …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Seniors say goodbye to home court
St. Regis held Senior Night last Saturday to honor athletes and parents for their dedication to school sports. One senior from the boys team and three girls shared the honor on the court in between the varsity girls and boys basketball game against Lincoln. Where Lincoln seniors also received balloons …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Library drops fines in exchange for food donations
As of Feb. 1, the Mineral County Library will no longer charge fines for overdue library items and all overdue books currently on patrons accounts have been removed. Instead, when books and other items are overdue, people are being asked to bring non-perishable food items to the library in lieu …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Solving puzzles could lead to Korean trip
“Jane is molistic and slatty,” is a nonsensical sentence, but what does it mean? This is just one piece of many puzzles presented to students who participate in the North American Computational Linguistics Olympiad (NACLO).
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Basketball a 'thrill' for foreign students
The Clark Fork Mountain Cats Boys basketball teams experienced a unique situation this year with five foreign exchange students participating in the sport this season. For some it was the first time they ever held a basketball or stepped onto a court.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Housing shortage continues to plague Mineral County
There was an open house in Superior at Maple Street Cottages last week. The two-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath rental units are available for seniors who are 62 years of age and older, and are on a fixed income. The hallway that leads from the front sitting room and kitchen are wide …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis Fire Department buys a new water tender
The St. Regis Volunteer Fire Department is now the proud owner of a new water tender. It replaces an old tender, “that leaked more than it held,” said Assistant Fire Chief Kat Kittridge. The tactical tender brings water to fire trucks in the field that are engaged on a fire …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Battle over Cyr Road closure continues
Diane Magone has continued to pound the drum at a steady pace regarding the nearly 6-year-old closure of the Cyr Iron Mountain Road. During the January Mineral County Resource Coalition meeting, she once again was on the agenda to keep the coalition members up to date on what is happening …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
4-H members set Montana Symbol of Excellence record for hogs
Two Mineral County 4-H members set a new record by becoming state champions in The Montana Symbol of Excellence (SOE) program. Superior students, 13-year-old, Decker Milender and Heather Haskins, 11, won the Montana State University Montana Symbol of Excellence for their commitment to excellence in producing quality pork products. Their …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Older unit at Hilltop Motel demolished
Last week, the owners of the Hilltop Motel began to tear down one of their older six-room units. The building had not been in operation for several years because of its deteriorating conditions. The motel has been owned by Nancy and Gary Hill for 26 years.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
County jail closes due to staff shortage
Once again the Mineral County Detention Center has been forced to close due to lack of staff. County commissioners met with Jail Administrator, Roni Phillips, Sheriff Mike Boone and County Attorney, Ellen Donohue on Friday, Jan. 18. Initially, the meeting was in regard to the detention center budget but quickly …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Sewer pipe breaks in Clark Fork River near St. Regis
A sewage pipe which crosses the Clark Fork River in St. Regis sprung a leak on Thursday, Jan. 10. Members of the St. Regis Sewer District immediately shut off the line with minimal spillage into the river. Chairman of the St. Regis Sewer District, Jerry Jones, said they acted as …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Pickup hits semi trailer, then flips
Simultaneous emergency calls went out the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 16 — causing crews with the Superior Volunteer Fire Department to jump into action.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Money train?Not quite $17,000 'mystery grant' caper solved
During the monthly Mineral County Resource Coalition on Jan. 8, co-chair Willy Peck announced that the county had received a $17,000 grant from the Federal Land Access Program. However, the grant was actually awarded two years ago, but the county did not know about it.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Superior senior hits the bull's-eye
Ever since grade school, Jonna Rae Warnken has had her eye on targets, both figuratively and as a fact of life. Now eight years later, she’s hit a big bulls-eye as she signed a letter to shoot for the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) division one team. Jonna …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Resolution 'puts the bite' on vicious dogs Applies to attacks on humans as well as other animals
The County Commissioners recently passed a vicious dogs resolution for Mineral County. Prior to this ordinance, law enforcement officials had no real recourse for victims of dog attacks.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Several wrecks plague I-90 so far this year
It has been a busy year so far for area emergency crews with several wrecks along Interstate 90. They include a morning semi-truck crash on New Year’s Day. The incident blocked one lane of traffic near Mile Marker 28 just 16 miles east of Haugan until 1:30 p.m. A semi-truck …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Alberton home burns; family pets perish
Several units from the Frenchtown Fire Department responded to a late-night house fire in Alberton. The home was located at 420 Railroad Ave., across the street from the Alberton Community Church.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Early morning fire quickly extinguished
Frenchtown Rural Fire Department crews extinguished an early morning fire on Dec. 26 on Railroad Avenue in Alberton. The home belonged to Suzanne Turner and started around the chimney area. The flames were quickly knocked out with only minor damage to the chimney area with smoke damage in the attic.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Mineral Community Hospital opens new clinic's doors
The Mineral Community Hospital Clinic opened its doors on Jan. 2, 2019. The highly anticipated facility held an open house on Dec. 20 where people could stop by and meet the providers and staff. It is located in the same building as the Mineral Regional Health Center, which shuttered its …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Lack of Superfund reports is problem for property owners
A meeting was held by the Superior Technical Assistance Committee (STAC) to update the public on the progress of the Flat Creek Superfund site, located north of Superior. The meeting included a report on available drinking water; concerns over the public getting adequate information regarding Superior property; and concerns over …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
County's Food Commodity Program opens in new quarters
The St. Regis Visitor Center has a new addition — thanks in part to residents, Glenn Koepke and Patti Curtin. The building is used for the Mineral County Food Commodity Program where boxes can be assembled and distributed to those in need.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Five-truck crash on I-90 leaves two dead o Responding crews say crash was worst they had ever seen
Superior Fire Chief Steve Temple arrived at a predawn emergency call on Interstate 90 and saw one of the most horrific wrecks he had ever witnessed. At the bottom of an icy hill just west of the Quartz Creek Rest Area, five semi-trucks were knotted into a pile of twisted …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Superior fourth-graders get good experience about 'giving back'
With cash in hand, Superior school fourth-graders went to local stores for their annual shopping trip for families in need. Mrs. Crabb’s class works to raise funds each year to purchase the gifts that are then donated to the Women in Timber Superior group.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
New county planner begins work on Jan. 2
Andy Short has been hired as the new Mineral County Planner and Sanitarian. He is replacing Tim Read who retired last September, and will start his new position on Jan. 2, 2019. Short currently works as a Land Use Planner, Environmental Health Specialist and the Missoula Branch Manager for Territorial-Landworks …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Green leads Mountain Cat grapplers at Corvallis tourney
Superior’s Trey Green took home first place in The Glen Brawley Wrestling Tournament held in Corvallis on Saturday, Dec. 15.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Icy roads, snow cause wrecks on I-90
Severe winter weather hit the region last week causing several mishaps, especially on the west end of Mineral County on Interstate 90. There were reports of snow and ice from Haugan to Lookout Pass on Monday, Dec 10 in the evening hours. Around the region, Noxon, Thompson Falls and Superior …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
We Care Foundation teams up with Shyrock Motorcoach & RV Park
The Mineral County We Care Foundation got a huge shot-in-the arm when they recently teamed up with Shyrock Motorcoach & RV Park, located in Superior. The We Care Foundation has been around the area for eight years, helping families meet their needs for things like housing, fuel, medical bills and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
False rumor of lock-down hits Alberton School
Alberton School was the victim of a rumored lock-down last week. There were reports of a student bringing a gun to school and the school having a lock-down.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Computer crash delays 12-team Bob Kinney Classic in Superior
The annual Bob Kinney Classic wrestling tournament held in Superior came to an abrupt halt Saturday morning when the tournament program crashed. That left event representatives scrambling to get the teams back on the mats. The program, Trackwrestling, is used nationally and is an event management system for tournaments.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork teams, St. Regis girls win
In basketball, the St. Regis Lady Tigers took an early lead against Noxon last Friday on the road. They jumped out in the first quarter to put 11 points on the board, leaving the Lady Red Devils down by eight points. The remainder of the matchup was fairly close, but …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Resource Coalition talks about habitat improvement efforts
It was a full house on Tuesday, Dec. 4 as members of the Mineral County Resource Coalition held their monthly meeting. Representatives from government agencies, wildlife conservation organizations, business owners and community leaders met to discuss ongoing, as well as new projects and programs facing Mineral County.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Superior Fire Department 'heats up' during training in winter
The Superior Volunteer Fire Department had the opportunity to do some live fire-fighting exercises on Sunday, Dec. 2. Volunteers met at Sloway Frontage Road where Isaiah McGuffey donated an abandoned building to the department. It was a 5,000-square foot raw wood building that was intended to be a house, but …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Rams butt heads during aggressive rut, FWP reports
“Bighorn sheep are undoubtedly one of the most iconic and revered wildlife species in Montana, yet in comparison to most big game animals, relatively little is known about their population,” stated a 2013 Fish, Wildlife & Parks report. There are roughly 6,000 bighorns in Montana with approximately 700 living in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Drivers warned to slow down in winter conditions
The Superior Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a car crash on Sunday, Nov. 25 where a tow truck was recovering a vehicle on Interstate 90. During the process, an SUV plowed into the towing apparatus due to slick roads and low visibility. Department personnel posted on Facebook, warning drivers …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
De-Stress this holiday season and you can avoid distress
The holidays can be a stressful time and Nancy Smith with Choices Counseling in Superior offered tools and words of advice how to “De-Stress — not Distress.” The luncheon was hosted by Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) Superior and Mineral County Licensed Addition Counseling (LAC) on Nov. 30 at …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hospital CEO receives two-year contract extension
Last week, the Mineral Community Hospital Board of Directors extended hospital CEO Steve McNeece’s contract for another two years. They also extended CAH Solutions Group, Laura Austin, for two years. Both McNeece and Austin have been working on a number of improvements to the hospital since June. Austin’s focus is …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Grinch makes appearance in Alberton
As people gathered in the Alberton community center to enjoy an evening of games and a potluck dinner late last week, a peculiar character was perched in the corner of the room. It was a green furry fellow, with a pot-belly and snub-nosed dressed in a Santa suit. Dr. Seuss …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Green, Lapinski, Buchannen place at Owen Invite tourney
The Clark Fork Mountain Cats Superior/Alberton co-op had three place-winners at the Owen Invitational wrestling tournament held at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo last weekend, hosted by Polson High School on Friday and Saturday. Medals were awarded to the top six in each class. Overall, the Mountain Cats came in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hunting harvest shows decline
General rifle season ended on Nov. 25 and a report for Region 2 during the third week of hunting by Fish, Wildlife & Parks showed a decline in the number of hunters and harvest. The total number of hunters in 2018 was 8,027, down from 9,317 for the same time …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Basketball, wrestling teams gear up for successful seasons
As soon as high school students hung up their cleats and volleyball pads, basketball practice started with tournaments this weekend. Basketball players will be at the Western C Tip Off Tournament in Frenchtown on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Meanwhile, wrestlers will be at the Owen Invite, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Forest Service streamlines projects as budget cuts deepen
Forest Service projects with the Superior and Ninemile districts are slowing down as winter sets in and fire crews are leaving the area District Rangers, Carole Johnson from Superior and Ann Hadlow from Ninemile reported at a recent Mineral County Commissioners’ meeting held on Nov. 16.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Storm keeps Highway Patrol busy over holiday weekend
Montana Highway Patrol had a busy Thanksgiving holiday week with approximately 460 incident reports throughout the state from Nov. 21 through Nov. 23, and with about 20 of those incidents occurring in Mineral County.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Becky Magone re-opens barbershop after many years away
After closing her shop in Superior several years ago, Becky Magone is back. She reopened her barbershop, Becky’s Superior Cuts and Emporium. It’s located in the old post office at 101 ½ River Street. In the space that used to be the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce office. Becky has …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mineral Community Hospital Clinic ready to open on Jan. 2
The Mineral Community Hospital Clinic is getting ready to open its doors on Jan. 2, 2019 in Superior. The clinic will be located in the same building as the Mineral Regional Health Center which shuttered its doors in 2015.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Need for healthcare workers continues to grow in area
For several years Mineral County high school students have been able to spend a day at Mineral Community Hospital to explore careers in health care. Working with the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and Research and Explore Awesome Careers in Healthcare, or REACH, students can explore a number of careers. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Veterans get quilts - just in time for the colder weather
Mineral County veterans gathered for a meal, camaraderie and a quilt show last Saturday. The Cabin Fever Quilters hosted the event to honor local veterans and gave each one a quilt made by a guild member.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Food pantries vital in Montana
About half a dozen volunteers stood in an assembly line putting cans, boxes and bags of food into paper grocery sacks last weekend: 132 bags to be exact. These were bags of food to be distributed to local families in need so they can enjoy a nice Thanksgiving dinner.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Local schools' band members join Band Festival in Ronan
Mineral County students had the opportunity to play in a special performance last week as part of the Mission Valley Band Festival. On Tuesday, Nov. 13, St. Regis and Superior band members traveled to Ronan to play at the Performing Arts Center.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis/Mullan team enjoys success
The St. Regis/Mullan co-op football regular season ended in second place in the White Pine League and fourth overall in their eight-team division. Both junior Ian Farris and freshman Adam Ball were All-League selections, and Farris may possibly receive All-State, said head football coach Jesse Allan. All-State award winners will …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Loge optimistic for upcoming session
Denley Loge has worn many hats throughout his career, including 45 years working for the Montana Department of Transportation; he raises cattle; is the co-founder of the famed Missoula Maggots rugby club; plays trombone for the University of Montana Alumni Band; and served on several committees, including the Mineral County …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Election lost, but Magone's fight continues
With elections over it leaves the candidates who ran for office and lost contemplating, “What’s next”? Diane Magone ran for House District 14 as a Democrat against incumbent Rep. Denley Loge and wasn’t surprised when she didn’t win.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 5 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Lookout Ski Area prepares to open, but little snow on ground
Lookout Ski area has only reported a trace of snow, but management is hoping that with cooler temperatures and snow in the forecast, they will be opening soon. The three-month forecast is showing below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Pumpkin Auction raises $7,500
What started out as a way for fellow employees to help each other has now turned into a several thousand dollar annual event.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Loge retains HD14 seat over Magone
With higher than average Montana voter turnout, incumbent, Democrat Jon Tester, slipped past Republican Matt Rosendale to retain his seat in the US Senate Race. Sen. Tester received 50% of the Montana vote to Rosendale who had 47% and Libertarian, Rick Breckenridge received 3%. All totaled it was 251,611 for …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Red Ribbon Week focuses on preventing substance abuse
The battle against drugs and alcohol use among teenagers seems to finally be on a winning streak — with use holding steady at their lowest level in over two decades, according to a 2017 survey by the National Institute of Drug Abuse. The survey includes the attitudes among eighth-, 10th- …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Clark Fork Lady Cats fall short of state tourney
The Western 13C District champion Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats traveled to Manhattan Christian for Western C Divisionals on Nov. 1-3. The Cats faced Manhattan Christian in match 1 and were defeated, 25-11, 25-16, 25-14. On Friday, they faced Western C 14C District champion Plains, and lost in a five-set …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
IFG celebrates Montana Forest Products Week
Mineral County students and community members were invited to the Idaho Forest Group (IFG) Mill in St. Regis on Oct. 24 for a tour. The invitation was in honor of Montana Forest Products Week celebrated Oct. 21-27. In addition to the tour, the group was given a drone demonstration.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Pumpkins, costumes and treats, oh my!
The Mineral County Library hosted their annual Pumpkin Decorating and Costume Contest on Oct. 27. Under clear autumn skies area children gathered in costumes from noon until 2 p.m. to enjoy games, treats and some pumpkin decorating.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Witch sweeps scarecrow contest
Every year the St. Regis Community Council holds the St. Regis Scarecrow Contest, followed by a community potluck dinner and dance. This year, 13 scarecrows were entered and lined the fence located on the frontage road off Highway 135 in St. Regis.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
General election is Tuesday
General election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6 and voters will be tasked with making their choice on candidates and important issues facing Montana. Many voters have already cast their absentee ballot, which was mailed out on Oct. 12. According to the Montana Secretary of State, 1,363 absentee ballots were mailed …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Old-fashioned Halloween fun
The PEAK Foundation and the Alberton Student Council hosted a Halloween Carnival and Haunted House on Saturday, Oct. 27 with the help of funding from the Headwaters Foundation. It was an old-fashioned Halloween festival where families enjoyed treats, games, a costume contest, crafts and a cake walk from 4 to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Superior Senior Night casts spotlight
It was Senior Night in Superior on Oct. 19 where Alberton students Michael Spence and Korey Radford were introduced, along with Superior’s Sophia Krutilla, who is one of the team’s managers. Sophia was escorted onto the field by Jeff, Kristy and Madison Mask, and her parents are Kirk and Jenny …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Ballot blunder for absentees in Mineral County
Instructions for the Mineral County absentee ballots mailed out from Oct. 12-16 have incorrect information, and is causing concern among county officials.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Peaceful protest offers counterpoint to Trump rally
Before Air Force One touched down at the Missoula airport for a historic visit from President Donald Trump on Oct. 18, a “Love Trumps Hate” protest rally took place in Missoula.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
CF volleyball team raises awareness, funds
During the Clark Fork varsity volleyball match on Monday, Oct. 8, the Lady Mountain Cats presented Mary Jo Lommen a check. They were dressed in pink T-shirts with “We Play 4 Judi” inked on the front. The check was for Judi Haskins and her family to help with medical expenses …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Sports Roundup
Clark Fork wins over Wallace during Pink Night
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Bill Merriman turns 90
Bill Merriman of Superior had a warm reception when around 37 friends and family members surprised him with a 90th birthday party at Whipped Up! in Superior. His party was on Oct. 5 to celebrate his birthday, which was on Oct. 9, and in addition to cake and ice cream …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS AGO
Clark Fork gets volleyball, football wins
The Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats plucked the Valley Christian Eagles during volleyball play in Missoula On Oct. 4, 26-24; 25-15; 26-24. In 24 team kills, Emmah Baughman led the way with 8. Madison Mask once again led in team assists with 16 out of 19 and Margaret Parkin had …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Alberton council experiences conflict over cardboard
There seemed to be more questions than answers during the Alberton Town Council meeting last Tuesday evening, regarding the local recycling program.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Procession honors tow truck driver
A procession of nearly 30 emergency vehicles, tow trucks, semis, pickup trucks and cars made their way down Interstate 90 on Saturday, Oct. 6, to honor William Mellen who passed away from a heart attack on Sept. 14.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Volleyball team raises awareness for breast cancer
Autumn in Montana ushers in an array of red, gold, and yellow colors, but another one is now added; that of pink.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
A nice piece of pie is all a person needs
The wonderful smell of apple pies baking in the oven is what greeted people as they stepped into the Old School House in DeBorgia over this past week. Members of the DeBorgia Historic School House Foundation were working as slick as a well-oiled machine, churning out nearly 300 pies for …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Green Ribbon Award goes to Superior School
When Dawn Bauer saw the qualifications to become a Green Ribbon School she didn’t have to look far to see that Superior had all the right stuff.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
El Nino predicted for winter weather
“See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest.” This is an old farmer’s saying, and if hornets’ behavior this fall holds true, there will be relatively less snow this winter. There have been a lot of reports of hornets flying close to the ground …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Short on numbers but big on enthusiasm
For a second year the “Run for the Pool” was held in Superior on Saturday, Sept. 29. Approximately 40 runners participated this year, down from nearly 100 last year. There were some conflicting events over the weekend, including a junior high football game and a local wedding.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
E-cigarette use reported 'on the rise' with area youth
On Sept. 11, members of the Mineral County Healthy Communities Coalition met in Alberton and discussed several issues facing county residents. One of those issues reported by Barb Jasper is the increased use of e-cigarettes by young people.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
How Global Positioning System, or GPS, changed the world
This invention “saves millions of lives every year; it saves billions of dollars in better farming and more efficient travel; it eliminated carpet bombing during war time; and the Internet would collapse under its own weight; real time banking transactions would be impossible without it; and cellphone usage would be …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
GPS inventor advises students to 'think outside the box'
On Sept. 12, Gaylord Green presented Mineral County with a scholarship check for $5,000 at a high school assembly in St. Regis. The check will be added to a nearly $14,000 account Green has set up in the county for qualifying graduates. The winner of the scholarship has the opportunity …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Mountain Cats roll past Victor, 56-0
The Clark Fork Mountain Cats scored big on the road in Victor on Saturday with a 56-0 football win over the Pirates.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lady Tiger, Cat spikers experience 'mixed bag'
The St. Regis Lady Tigers had a mixed bag over the week on the volleyball court with a loss to the Arlee Scarlets and a win over Victor.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
New propane store opens in Superior
A new Superior propane service company moved in just down the road from the longtime propane company company Energy Partners. The new business is Mineral Energy Co., and is owned by Energy Partners’ previous manager, Kirby Smith.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Owner going 'all out' to clean up the private Alberton dump
The 11-acre Alberton dump continues to be in the crosshairs of the Department of Environmental Quality sites. Currently, cleanup efforts seem to be coming to a close, and hopefully the case will be permanently closed. At least that’s what property owner Joe Hanson is hoping for.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis School receives rare accreditation
St. Regis School recently received its AdvancED Accreditation certification and is one of only 26 Montana school districts to have received it. St. Regis moved to a personalized learning system three years ago, and with the Measured Academic Progress or MAP test scores, the school has seen huge increases.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Alberton clothing designer 'inspired by nature'
Inspired by her love for the outdoors, Alberton resident Yana Robertson has created a growing businesses selling outdoor apparel, specializing in leggings and yoga pants. The name of her business represents her passion, called Pure Venatic. Venatic meaning in part, “people engaged in, or given to, hunting.” But, she says, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Superior man dies in truck crash on interstate
Thomas Hinderman, 71, of Superior died on Tuesday, Aug. 28 after his white Toyota Tundra went off the road and into the median. The accident happened around 4 a.m. east of Superior near mile marker 54 on Interstate 90.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Taxpayers saving as the St. Regis school budget less than expected
St. Regis Schools Superintendent Joe Steele was pleased to announce that this year’s budget came in $178,000 less than originally anticipated. That results in a tax savings for local residents.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Read retires as county planner, sanitarian
After nearly 15 years of service, Mineral County Sanitarian and Planner Tim Read has retired. His final day was Friday, Aug. 31, when a group of fellow employees and friends gathered in the commissioners’ meeting room to bid him farewell.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Mountain Cats win; St. Regis/Mullan falls short at Dreary
The Clark Fork Mountain Cats faced the Mission Bulldogs in a Friday home conference football game in Alberton, and the Mountain Cats earned a sound 60-44 win.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork spikers sweep Victor; St. Regis falls to Hot Springs in three
Clark Fork swept the Victor Lady Pirates in volleyball action Thursday, Aug. 30 in Victor, as the Mountain Cats rolled to a 25-15, 25-17, 25-6 victory.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Mountain Cats drop opener to Flint Creek
Butte will be the host for both the Bob Cleverley 8-Man football all-star game and the first-ever neutral site 8-Man football state championship game at this season’s end.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork, St. Regis spikers open at Drummond tourney
Drummond High School hosted the season opener with a volleyball tournament last Saturday where the Drummond Lady Trojans, Granite Lady Prospectors, Flint Creek Lady Titans, Clark Fork Mountain Cats, St. Regis Lady Tigers, Darby Lady Tigers, Lima, Victor Lady Pirates, and Seeley-Swan all squared off.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fatal crash, 100 mph chase in separate I-90 incidents
A 24-year-old Port Orchard, Wash., man was killed on Saturday when the vehicle in which he was traveling crashed near Saltese on Interstate 90, according to the Montana Highway Patrol dispatch.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Flat Creek fish habitat improvement focus of group
Just downstream from where a group of county and state agency officials had stopped to examine the work done on Cedar Creek was Superior resident Shawn Plakke, who was teaching his 13-year-old son, Orion, how to fly fish. A deep pool, created by logs installed last year through a habitat …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Alberton student honoring veterans with memorial
Every year, seniors at Alberton High School are assigned to do a “Senior Project” with the criteria that it has a community service component to it. However, junior Jordan Taapken asked if he could start his project early because of its magnitude. He has chosen to create a veterans memorial, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
New youth magazine focuses on local health issues
Last week, Mineral County residents received a new magazine in their mailbox called YC, Youth Connections. It was filled with articles for kids like “The Secret to Successful Kids” and “The 40 Developmental Assets: Positive Identity.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Althoff's historical statue well on its way to reality
Ore to Oar is a Mineral County Historical Art project spearheaded by Emily Ornelas, which will result in a statue gracing the front lawn of the courthouse in Superior. The artist, Dennis Althoff, along with Ornelas had a booth at the Mineral County Fair in early August to show the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Taft mountains hold 'secret' of missing cemetery
The mountains surrounding the legendary saloon town of Taft, Mont., holds a silent grip on its deceased residents. As the massive fires of 1910 swept through the canyons of Mineral County, the blaze took the town with it, including the cemetery. A cemetery with wooden markers which turned to ash …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Drinking water supply and stream work discussed at Superfund project meeting
The Superior Technical Assistance Committee continues to meet regarding the Flat Creek Iron Mountain Mine EPA Superfund project located north of Superior. The work on the $3.5 million project is nearing completion and on Aug. 7 the committee met in Superior where erosion from the spring flooding on Flat Creek …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
New principal to greet Alberton students Aug. 23
School doors open this Thursday, Aug. 23 in Alberton, and students will be met by a new principal, Mica Clarkson. However, she is not a new face at the school because Clarkson taught special education there last year. She is replacing Kyle Fisher, who stepped down as the school’s principal …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Back to school: Big changes in store for some
Kids are breathing their last few days of freedom while parents are breathing a sigh of relief, as school resumes across the county. Alberton’s first day will be Aug. 23, while both St. Regis and Superior begins on Aug. 27. Superior’s Pre-K and kindergarten start Sept. 4.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Backpack Program offers free supplies, food
Getting kids back to school can be a financial challenge for some parents who are on a limited income.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
DNRC gives water tender to Superior Fire Department
It’s hard to hear yourself talk when driving down the highway in the Superior Fire Department’s water tender. The giant vehicle only gets about four miles to the gallon, and is equipped with two 50-gallon fuel tanks. It’s loaded with 28,000 gallons of water and can rip up the mountains …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Trail signs installed - thanks to local Eagle Scout Mondava
Lolo National Forest trails received some additional signage — thanks to help from a local Boy Scout Neil Mondava, 17.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
17 fire starts kept under control by emergency crews
The Lolo National Forest is in Very High Fire Danger, and over the past few weeks several fires have started, including a five-acre burn near Cyr last Wednesday, Aug. 1. Hot wheel bearings from a semi-truck that lost a tire started the blaze near mile marker 71 on the north …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Air rifle team scores big at Nationals in Nebraska
The members of the Montana State 4-H Air Rifle Team ended their season on a high note in Grand Island, Neb., for Nationals where the team placed third. Mineral County 4-H Shooting Sports team members included Howie Edison and Bailey Milender. The other state team members were Lyndy Powers from …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Lolo Forest raises fire danger to 'very high'
The West Zone of the Lolo National Forest is currently in “Very High Fire Danger” as temperatures continue to rise into the 90s. Lush green grasses from a wet spring have begun to dry out, and fires can now start and spread easily, and “have a quick increase in intensity …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Phone line snaps, causing multiple incidents on I-90
Power poles snapped and cables as thick as a softball gnarled Interstate 90 on Tuesday, July 24. Vehicles just west of Superior swerved to dodge the debris littering both east and westbound lanes. Phone lines at the Superior Fire Department lit up with calls, and several members responded to the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Over 500 participate in WestEnd ATV event
More than 500 people turned out for the 13th Annual WestEnd ATV Poker ride in De Borgia on July 21. It was a new record for the group, which had 307 waivers signed. However, almost 80 percent of the riders had a side-by-side, which brought the number of participants up. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Tester discusses infrastructure during recent stop in Superior
While eating breakfast at a hotel last week in Kalispell, Montana U.S. Sen. Jon Tester looked up from his bowl of cereal and saw one of his ads on the lobby TV.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Softball tournament organizer Heimbigner steps down after 25 years
After 25 year, Steve Heimbigner, is hanging up his cleats and stepping down as the organizer for the annual S&S Foods and Nugget Lounge Softball Tournament held on July 20-22.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Ninemile District Ranger Phelps steps down
U.S. Forest Service Ranger for the Ninemile District, Erin Phelps, stepped down from her position in July. She moved back to Idaho to be closer to family. Ann Hadlow has been temporarily promoted to District Ranger until the position can be permanently filled, said Sara Mayben, Acting Forest Supervisor for …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis long-arm quilter featured at Cabin Fever Show
Every year, the Cabin Fever Quilt Guild holds their show in Superior during the Mineral County Fair. The show is right next to the county fairgrounds in Superior High School, where the halls and multipurpose room are lined with hundreds of colorful and beautifully made quilts.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Jackpot Barrels add to Family Fun Night at fair
Jackpot Barrels will bring some extra cash winnings to lucky riders on Thursday, Aug. 2 during the start of the Mineral County Fair in Superior. The event will be held on Family Night, and riders can test their skills in three different skill divisions from beginners to expert riders.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Healthy Communities Coalition wins $200,000 grant
When the Mineral County Healthy Communities Coalition (HCC) restructured itself a few years ago, members had no idea the impact this organization would have on the county and its residents. Now, members are seeing a huge growth in the programs it offers, as well as some very positive outcomes.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Horsewomen 'Peel-the-Apple' at the fair
From April until August, a group of women mount their horses and practice a bevy of maneuvers weekly in order to put on a special show once a year. he show is the Mineral County Fair, and the women belong to the horse drill team called the Skyline Drifters.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Preliminary county budget meetings begin
Mineral County Commissioners held preliminary budget hearings on July 13 as a first step for this upcoming fiscal year. Department heads from all of the offices, including maintenance, justice court, planning and health, the library, sheriff’s office and dispatch, and clerk and recorder scheduled time to meet and discuss their …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Passport in Time New and old memories merge during program
It was the 23rd annual Passport in Time Project at the Savenac Historical Tree Nursery located at Haugan during the weekend of July 13-15. During that time, more than 30 volunteers showed up from all over the United States to paint, build and landscape the area.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Emergency Planning Committee meets, adds several new members
Familiar faces with new titles were seen at the monthly Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting on July 12. Donna Richter has been named the new assistant fire chief. She is joining current Superior Fire Department Chief Steve Temple. Temple took over as fire chief from Rob Torrey earlier this year …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Superior Meats to use CDBG loan to expand business
At Superior Meats, an entire pig sits prepped and ready on a stainless steel table in the back room. Waiting to be roasted and become the celebrated main course at an upcoming wedding reception. Next to the table, employee Russell Anderson throws hams into a tumbler. The hams had just …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Firework burns embankment near Superior's Memorial Bridge
Fireworks continued to shoot into the air as approximately a dozen members from the Superior Volunteer Fire Department fought to put out a July 4 grass fire in Superior. The call came into Mineral County dispatch around 11 p.m., where Superior Fire Chief Steve Temple and volunteer Calvin Berry arrived …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Fourth of July was a 'blast' in St. Regis
Fourth of July festivities were in full swing — thanks to the support of the St. Regis Community Council. Events started with a free pancake breakfast at the St. Regis School cafeteria Wednesday morning. It was followed by a parade at 11 a.m. Grand Marshal Rick Jasper led a caravan …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
FWP to stock 432,000 trout in area lakes and ponds
Despite heavy budget cuts in the Fisheries Division of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), Mineral and Sanders counties will still see lakes and ponds stocked with approximately 432,000 fish over the next five years. Fish, Wildlife and Parks owns or operates 12 fish hatcheries and stocks 50 million fish …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hospital welcomes McNeese as interim CEO
Mineral Community Hospital welcomed interim Chief Executive Officer Steve McNeese to their team last week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Fourth of July 'is a blast'
July 4 is an American favorite holiday, full of family gatherings, barbecue dinners, apple pie and fireworks, lots and lots of fireworks.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Superior home gets a new paint job, thanks to local volunteers
Last week around 20 people showed up at an old house for a party in Superior. But this was no ordinary party, it was actually a painting party arranged by the United Methodist Women’s group. They decided to start an annual mission project to paint a house a year in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Redd Bull project tour held prior to scoping
The American Forest Resource Council along with the Idaho Forest Group hosted a tour of the Redd Bull project on June 29.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Beloved mail carrier retires after 40 years
More than 50 people gathered at the Mineral County Fairgrounds 4-H Building to wish Frances Higgs farewell at her retirement party on Saturday in Superior. After 40 years of delivering mail in and around Superior, Frances has decided to hang up her United States Postal Service mail bag. She just …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Mineral Community Hospital welcomes physical therapist
Mineral Community Hospital has a new physical therapist, Renee Gibson. She is from Missoula, and has 15 years of clinical experience providing strong manual-based orthopedic skills.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Crews working on railroad to improve safety in county
“I’ve been working on the railroad. All the live long day, I’ve been working on the railroad, Just to pass the time away.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Bank swallows populate area stream banks, bluffs
The skies are full of birds this time of year - swooping and diving as they catch insects for themselves and their hungry babies that fill nests throughout the mountains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
'The crown jewel of all trail-rail adventures'
Tunnel 20 is an ominous, dark hole that swallows up bikers for 1.8 miles and is called the Taft Tunnel. It’s one of eight tunnels that stretch along the 15-mile Route of the Hiawatha bike trail. The sound of bikers echo off the cement walls that drip with water, and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Energy Partners in Superior under new management
Energy Partners in Superior has a new general manager, Garth Riebe. He stepped in after long-time manager Kirby Smith left Energy Partners to pursue other opportunities. Kirby had been with the company for over 30 years and the transition is a big one, Riebe said.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Mineral Community Hospital highlights brain injury display
A new display from the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana is featured in the lobby of the Mineral Community Hospital in Superior. The display contains five across rows of different masks painted by brain injury survivors. Some are colorful and artistic, some are dark and grim, and all tell the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Church youth enjoy day of activities
Members from the Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Superior offered local children a day of fun activities last Friday, June 22. Kids turned out during a four-hour period and did some face painting and beading, and made slime and other crafts and activities. They also took a break …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hats off to dads in honor of Father's Day
Sunday, June 17, was Father’s Day and families celebrated by taking their dads out to dinner or hosted a gathering at home. Fathers received cards with phrases of gratitude and many received gifts from sons and daughters. Through it all, it is fair to say that dads are the unsung …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Whitewater rafting begins as water levels drop
After severe flooding this spring, water levels on the Clark Fork River are finally moderating and people are starting to recreate.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Groups band together to help reforest Sunrise burn area
Looking over the terrain of Sunrise Mountain swaths of black tree stands are a stark reminder of the wildfire that ravaged the area last summer. The fire chewed through 27,000 acres which was primarily Lolo National Forest Land. The area is a mix of conifer forest on steep mountainous terrain …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Super Saturday not dampened by drizzly sky
A wet Saturday didn’t dampen people’s enthusiasm as a number of events took place throughout Mineral County. From yards sales to tournaments, people braved the chilly weather with frequent rain showers to get together and enjoy some community activities.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Life is a puzzle, at least for a retired Superior couple
Due to several health issues, Joanie and Bill Merriman can no longer travel in their retirement years, with Bill approaching the age of 90.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Poor landscaping can cause damage along rivers
Homeowners with property along the river or streambeds sometimes landscape their lawns too close to the high water mark. This can spell disaster to their beautifully manicure lawn as well as to the river bank, warns Mineral County Conservation District Board Chairman, Charlee Thompson.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
320 racers take to the trails west of St. Regis
Saturday was a beautiful day with mild temperatures and perfect for a run through the mountains. This is where nearly 320 racers were for the annual Trail Rail Run. The race offers 50 mile to 5K races, starting at 7 a.m. (Montana time) at Mullan, Idaho and end in St. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Longtime Alberton School secretary honored
After 27 years, Alberton School secretary, Anne Styles is retiring. And despite her modest desire to retire without fanfare, that was exactly what she received during Alberton’s graduation ceremony held on May 28.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Officials still waiting for results on possible river contamination
Flooding on the Clark Fork River has officials concerned regarding the former Smurfit-Stone landfill in Frenchtown. A dark stream of water could be seen from outside the berm that separates the river from the landfill. The dark plume shows the underground movement of water from the berms to the river, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Steve Trollope has been hired as new Mineral County undersheriff
Steve Trollope has been hired as the new Mineral County undersheriff and started in his new role on May 1. Previously, he worked for the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation Narcotics Bureau for eight years. He covered cases with the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department and got to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Forest Service rebuilds after 2015 Clearwater Crossing fire
In 2015 the West Fork Fish Creek Wildfire swept through the area, burning over 12,000 acres. This was in the southern portion of the Ninemile Ranger District where flames crossed over the ridge above the Hole in the Wall Lodge and into the Clearwater Crossing campground. It burned five U.S. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Curtin leaves car show on a high note
It was another record breaker for the annual Old Schoolhouse Rock Car show, something which committee chairman Mike Curtin can be proud of as he announced his retirement from the event during the show on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Introducing the graduating classes of 2018
It was a weekend of celebrations for 30 Mineral County high school graduates over Memorial Weekend. St. Regis and Superior held graduations on Sunday and Alberton held theirs on Monday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Science club explores southwest MT from hot pots to dinosaurs
The Superior Science Club took a trip at the end of April “that will not be forgotten any time soon” said their advisor Beau Servo. After a year of fundraising, seven students went to Yellowstone National Park, the Ringing Rocks outside Butte, Quake Lake, and the Museum of the Rockies.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Denley-Magone will vie for House District 14 seat in November
The primary election was held on Tues. June 5, determining which candidates will appear on the November general election ballot. Unofficial election results determine that Republican Denley Loge will face Dem. Diane Magone in the fall. Incumbent Loge beat James Mortenson with 78 percent of the vote to his challengers …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Pilot survives airplane crash on Lookout Pass
A small experimental airplane crashed on Interstate 90 on Tuesday, May 22, around 2 p.m. on Lookout Pass near the Idaho/Montana border. The pilot appeared to be OK and walked away from the accident. However, he was taken to Mineral Community Hospital with back pain and some bruising.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
State of disaster declared by governor as flood worries persist
Gov. Steve Bullock declared a second executive order this month declaring a “disaster to exist in the state of Montana” on May 21. In the most recent declaration, Gov. Bullock stated that, “flood conditions persist and have worsened in many locations since I declared a state of emergency to exist …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Heath Fair won't be held next year due to low attendance
The Mineral Community Hospital Health Fair took place on May 12. People were able to snack on homemade cookies and visit with health care providers and specialists in the Superior Elementary School Gym in the morning until noon.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
I-90 closed for two hours due to elk collision
A small SUV hit an elk, causing a chain reaction on Interstate 90 on Thursday, May 24, that led to both lanes being closed for several hours. After hitting the elk, a pickup truck hauling a camper, rear-ended the SUV and then a semi-truck hit the camper and jack-knifed into …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
One of county's oldest vets reminisces on a 'good life'
Down a winding stretch of Diamond Road, east of Superior, is a small home nestled in a pine filled canyon just past the old Diamond Match Mill. It’s the home of Joe Magone and his daughter, Diane, where a hand painted sign greets visitors and mentions her Bengal cats she …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Vets honored on Armed Forces Day
Patriotism versus Nationalism was a poignant point made by Sargent Chuck Lewis during the Armed Forces Recognition Ceremony held in Superior on May 19. Lewis spoke to a group of veterans and community members in the Superior High School Gym about what it’s like to serve in the military.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Superior's pool closed for the summer due to leaks
The aging Superior pool located in Eva Horning Park is leaking and can no longer hold water. Roger Wasley, Public Works Supervisor, reported at the last Superior Town Hall meeting on May 14 that he tried to fix the leaks but the pool continues to drain itself. There was a …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Wells Fargo Bank in Superior closing its doors
The Wells Fargo Bank in Superior will be closing its doors this summer, according to a letter customers received on May 7. Customers were told they could transfer their accounts to Missoula Wells Fargo Banks, but for many Superior customers the 60 mile drive to Missoula is an inconvenience and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Flooding threat Clark Fork reaches highest level in 100 years
The Clark Fork River in Plains reached 16.26 feet feet over the weekend. Officials say this is the highest the Clark Fork has been in 100 years.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Levies fail narrowly in St. Regis school election
The levies on the St. Regis school election ballot narrowly failed on May 8.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Hospital Board trustee election results tabulated
Mail-in ballots were counted on May 8 for the Hospital District Trustee Election where Patrick Metzger and John Woodland won the 3-year term seats. Sue Hazlett was re-elected into the unexpired 3-year term and Anita Parkin won the unexpired 1-year term.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
United Way helps residents prepare for wildfire season
It was National Wildfire Preparedness Day last Saturday, May 5 and the Frenchtown Rural Fire Department teamed up with United Way of Missoula to pilot a community chip day. Crews were in the Sorrel Springs and Elk Meadows subdivisions near Frenchtown and Huson chipping brush and debris piled on the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Local recycling effort: Too much of a good thing?
St. Regis Community Cleanup Days on May 5 and 6 was cut short when bins were filled by 9 a.m. Saturday morning. Two 40 yard containers had been placed by Republic Services at Mullen Square and residents were welcome to bring recyclable items such as old furniture, tires, and appliances. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Girls Scouts thank local community for buying more than 2,700 boxes of cookies sold
Everyone seems to have their favorite Girl Scout cookie and it’s no wonder with the yummy selection offered each year. Thin Mints were the favorite sold by Superior Troop 3802, followed by the toasted coconut-covered caramel and chocolate Samoas. This follows the national trend where Thin Mints top the list …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis student receives 'Youth Achievement' award
After living in foster care for six years, 19-year-old Kaitlin Jackson has begun her journey to help other youth who are in the same system.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Dinner theater comes to St. Regis
St. Regis residents were treated to an evening of music and dinner on April 26, thanks to the school’s music department.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Students receive high scores at District Music Festival in Missoula
Mineral County students traveled to Missoula on April 20 and 21 to participate in the District Music Festival held at Sentinel High School.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Alberton Principal Kyle Fisher resigns
Staff and students started their week at Alberton School without their long-time Principal and Athletic Director, Kyle Fisher. He turned in his resignation last week and April 25 was his final day at the school. Fisher had been embroiled in issues regarding his leadership over the past few months. He …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Community Hospital CEO steps down
Mineral Community Hospital CEO Ron Gleason turned in his letter of resignation late last week. Gleason has been at the hospital for nearly four years and brought with him over 25 years of experience with small, rural critical access hospitals.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Ground broken for $3.3 million project at Superior High School
Students, staff and community members gathered around the Superior High School gym under sunny spring skies on April 25 to watch an historic ground-breaking for the new addition to the school.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Ferris wins 100m dash at Seeley Invitational
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Current Medicaid cuts not major impact on Mineral Community Hospital
On April 20, the Community Medical Center in Missoula announced the elimination of 16 employees due to state budget cuts at the rate of more than $6 million. The majority of those cuts were to the Medicaid reimbursement rate, which directly impacts hospitals across Montana. Kalispell Regional Healthcare is expected …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Two St. Regis FFA members receive State Degree
The Future Farmers of America State Convention took place April 4-7 in Billings where students from chapters all over Montana gathered to compete, learn and have fun. Nine St. Regis students participated with teams in Farm Agribusiness Management, Livestock Judging and Ag Mechanics. Chapter advisor, Chera Antos said the highlight …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Forum held for hospital board candidates
Questions posed to Mineral County Hospital Board member candidates during a forum last Wednesday followed six topics they had previously received. Topics included their qualifications and reasons for running; challenges the board and the hospital are facing; and what is needed to assure success for the hospital.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
It's always 'Sunny' at Alberton school, thanks to therapy dog
Meet Sunny, a 5-year-old golden Labrador retriever who, like her namesake, brings warmth and happiness to students and staff at Alberton School. Her owner is Alberton music teacher Mike Wolfe, who started bringing her to school earlier this year, and it’s been a love affair with the students ever since.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Local engineer receives prestigious national award
Nate Kegel, a Forest Service engineer with the Superior Ranger District on the Lolo National Forest, was recently selected for one of the agency’s national Engineer of the Year awards.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Arlee moves to Class B in basketball; stays C in football
As basketball and football seasons wind down, the Montana High School Sports Association is warming up with changes to team class and championship games.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Golf season starts on a soggy note at Plains Invitational
Around 56 Varsity and JV golfers hit the links last Saturday at the Plains Golf Invitational held on April 7.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Missing man's body recovered
On Sunday, April 8, the body of 46-year-old Daniel Downing was found up Petty Creek, near Alberton.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Communications trailer is now available when disaster strikes
Mineral County emergency preparedness personnel were able to tour the Department of Public Health and Human Services communications trailer last Monday when it was parked at the Mineral Community Hospital.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Kelly headed to State in javelin with top score at Darby/Florence meet
The Darby/Florence Invitational track meet was held in Corvallis on April 10 where Clark Fork Mountain Cat Hailey Kelly got herself a trip to State by placing first in women’s varsity javelin with a throw of 118-02.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Local teams hit the Superior Hoop Shoot target
Elementary students from all over the are descended on Superior last weekend to participate in the Superior Hoop Shoot. There were 31 teams made up of boys and girls from grades five through eight who met up on the courts in the high school and elementary school gyms to shoot-it- …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Montana's epic ski season coming to a close
Ski areas across the state are reporting epic snowfall and a historic ski season with an earlier than usual opening date and snow late into April. Lookout Ski Resort located on Lookout Pass on Interstate-90 is no exception with reports of new powder almost every day. They also were listed …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
New Superior fire chief ready for challenges
When Rob Torrey stepped down as the Superior Volunteer Fire Department Chief last December, it left people wondering who would fill this critical community position. That’s when long-time Superior resident and volunteer firefighter, Steve Temple stepped up to become the next chief in February after serving as the assistant fire …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Art brightens the halls of Community Hospital
On March 28 fifth graders from Alberton School traveled to the Mineral Community Hospital for an art reception. For the last few years, art students have had their work displayed on a wall in the lobby to brighten things up for staff, residents and visitors.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Destination Imagination team places first in state competition
Move over Rodgers and Hammerstein, there’s a new team in town who could rival the world of musical theatre. The Hamsteaks from St. Regis took first place during the Imagination Destination State Tournament for their musical challenge. As a result of their win, the Hamsteaks will be traveling to Knoxville, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Pe contest benefits library
Everybody likes nice piece of pie, and the proof was in the pudding (of the Chocolate Cream Pie). It was the annual Pie Contest held by the Mineral County Public Library in Superior on March 24, where people crowded in between stacks of books to sample savory favorites.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis could become first town in state powered by renewable energy
Can St. Regis become one of the first towns in Montana to be powered by renewable energy? That’s a question George Bailey posed to a group of local residents on March 27 along with a discussion on how that concept could become a reality.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Permissive levies passed; no voter approval required
All three Mineral County school boards have opted to increase permissive levies in order to meet current needs in the districts.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Local resource coalition adds support to Liberty Fire salvage project
The Mineral County Resource Coalition recently added their support to the Liberty Fire Salvage and Restoration Project. The Liberty Fire is a project on the Seeley Lake Ranger District and burned 28,694 acres last summer. Of the acres burned 9,452 were on National Forest Service land, of which 5,766 were …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
County detention center reopens
After months of being closed, the Mineral County Detention Center if finally back in full operation. On March 5, the center began accepting prisoners again after it was shut down in late October due to staffing issues.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
'West My Friend' entertains during Spring Gala
The Mineral County Performing Arts Council welcomed Canadian folk singers, “West My Friend” for their annual Spring Gala concert held on March 16 in the Superior Elementary School. The evening started with a stuffed pork loin dinner followed by the quartet at 7 p.m.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Congressional candidate Kathleen Williams visits
Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress Kathleen Williams made a stop in Superior on March 15 to talk about issues facing Montana voters. Six locals gathered around a table at Durango’s restaurant and shared a cup of coffee with her and told her what was on their minds with discussions ranging …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Daines, Gianforte introduce Wilderness Study Area bills
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate on March 6 in support of Montana Rep. Greg Gianforte’s introduction of the Protect Public Use of Public Lands Act in the House.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Hikes to start in April
After a successful Hospital Hiking program last year, the group has put together another one this year with approximately 30 hikes planned starting in mid-April until mid-September. The program is partnered with the Montana Wilderness Association and the Great Burn Study Group with hiking sticks available thanks to Roger Hearst.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
State's Brain Injury Help Line lost due to funding cut
State funding cuts have canceled the Brain Injury Help Line, which was part of the proposed funding in House Bill 336. The help line is through the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana, an organization that funds support groups throughout the state, as well as education and prevention outreach programs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Candidates file for 2018 election races
At 5 p.m. on Monday, March 12, last minute candidates filed for this year’s elections. In Montana, voters will be wading through 292 legislative candidates running for 100 seats in the House and 25 in the Senate. Of those open seats, 20 are already decided because only one candidate filed, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Students in Superior join protest against gun violence
Three junior high Superior students joined other students across Montana and the nation, to participate in a planned walkout last Wednesday, Mar. 14. The walkout was to demand action on gun violence one month after the Feb. 14 killing of 17 people at a high school in Parkland, Florida.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Health coalition meets to discuss latest issues
The Healthy Communities Coalition is a group that meets every other month and advocates for the health and well-being of the Mineral County community through collaboration and shared resources. Representatives from several health departments and groups participated in the meeting held on March 13 in Superior. Several topics were discussed …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis students heading to Nationals for BPA competition
In May, nearly 5,000 students from all over the U.S. will travel to Dallas/Fort Worth Texas to compete with other teens at the National Leadership Conference and competition for Business Professionals of America. This will include five students from St. Regis who won a chance at a national award during …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Alberton principal returns after administrative leave
Over 50 people packed a small classroom during the Alberton school board meeting to discuss the principal’s return after being placed on administrative leave for three weeks. Staff, community members, teachers, and students wanted information regarding Principal Kyle Fisher’s leave, which was from Feb. 19 to March 8.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County sends tax bill to Forest Service
The Forest Service will be receiving a property tax bill from Mineral County this year. County Commissioners Laurie Johnston, Roman Zylawy and Duane Simons signed the letter March 9 requesting property tax revenue for 2017. The “historic letter” as defined by Rep. Denley Loge, describes the plight Mineral County is …
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County sends tax bill to Forest Service
The Forest Service will be receiving a property tax bill from Mineral County this year. County Commissioners Laurie Johnston, Roman Zylawy and Duane Simons signed the letter March 9 requesting property tax revenue for 2017. The “historic letter” as defined by Rep. Denley Loge, describes the plight Mineral County is …
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Little Guy Wrestling hits the mats in Superior
The Valley Qualifier for Little Guy Wrestling was held in Superior on Saturday, March 10, where five teams gathered for the Valley Qualifier. Beginners, Novice and Middle levels competed, however Juniors did not compete at this event.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Superior School locked down briefly
Superior School experienced a brief lockdown when a student made disparaging remarks to the high school principal, Chris Clairmont on Friday, March 9. The remarks were concerning enough for Clairmont to take action for both the high school and the elementary school to be on lockdown for almost an hour.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Flat Creek Iron Mountain Mine Superfund project nearly complete
he Flat Creek Iron Mountain Mine Superfund project is nearing completion with just some reseeding, a few tailings and finding a source for alternative drinking water left to do, according to a report by Steve Ackerlund, the Superior Technical Assistance Committee consultant. Minor revisions are still being made to the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County sends tax bill to Forest Service
The Secretary of Agriculture who oversees the U.S. Forest Service, will be receiving a property tax bill from Mineral County this year. County Commissioners Laurie Johnston, Roman Zylawy, and Duane Simons signed the letter requesting property tax revenue for 2017. The “historic letter” as defined by House District 14 Representative, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Lady Cats take 3rd at Divisional with loss to Ennis, 54-33
The march to the state tournament by the Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats came to an end with a loss to Ennis, 54-33. The top-teams fought for second place and a trip to Butte during a challenge game on Feb. 26. The Lady Cats already placed their mark in the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Conor Toivonen wins county spelling bee
The word was “pueblo” and it won Superior fifth-grader Conor Toivonen a trip to Billings. He won the Mineral County Spelling Bee held in Alberton on Feb. 28. The runner-up was Liberty Gregory from Alberton.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Sewer system needs proper care to run efficiently
Alberton officials have warned that residents may be flushing their money down the drain — not literally, but close enough!
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Veterans help celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday
Local veterans and members of the VFW helped celebrate Dr. Seuss’ 114th birthday at the Mineral County Library on March 1. His birthday is celebrated across the nation in conjunction with Read Across America, which is an annual reading motivation and awareness program for children.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Quilter Guild gives homeowners comfort
The Cabin Fever Quilters Guild presented the Cielke family of Haugan with a keepsake quilt last week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Alberton students celebrate 'I Love to Read' month
Alberton students were “Reading for the Stars” last month as part of “I Love to Read Month.” For every 15 minutes of reading, they received a star in their “space passport,” which allowed their spaceship to move to the next planet. Once they reached the planet, they would receive prizes. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis School not going to four-day week
Local Facebook activity blew up after the St. Regis School Board meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 21, when parents incorrectly thought the school had voted to implement a four-day school week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Alberton principal put on administrative leave
Last week, the Alberton School’s principal, Kyle Fisher, was put on administrative leave for an indefinite amount of time. Superintendent Steve Picard said the investigation into allegations against Fisher were to be completed on Monday, Feb. 26, and he should be able to release a more complete report early this …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Two homes lost to fires in two months
Two house fires hit the west end of Mineral County within weeks of each other. Near Haugan, Ruschel Sage and Todd Oatman’s new home burned to the ground on Jan. 21. Nearly a month later, on Feb. 19, Shawn and Amy Cielke’s home also burned and was completely destroyed.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork Lady Mountain Cats continue march toward State
The Clark Fork Mountain Cats lost their first matchup at Divisionals in Hamilton, Feb. 22-24. They faced Arlee on Thursday and experienced their first loss of the season, 57-49. This moved Arlee to play Twin Bridges and pushed the Cats into a loser-out game against Lone Peak on Friday at …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Boone to run for full term as Mineral County sheriff
Mineral County Sheriff Mike Boone has decided to run for the office in this upcoming election. Boone took over as acting sheriff after Tom Bauer resigned on Nov. 14, 2017. He was appointed the position by the county commissioners and will finish out Bauer’s term until January 2019.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Weather brings record breaking lows and accidents
Last Tuesday a record-breaking cold wave hit the region sending temperatures into the negative degree range in some areas.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Recycling bin coming soon to Superior
The town of Superior will soon have a new recycling bin, thanks to the efforts of Alberton resident Loreen Green.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Lady Tigers, Clark Fork Boys, take third in Districts
The St. Regis Lady Tigers entered District tournament play with a 9-9 regular season and managed to make their way up the brackets to finish third place in Pablo. During a Thursday, Feb. 15, game against Noxon the Tigers won 36-27.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Mineral Community Hospital reaches agreement with Humana
Last week Mineral Community Hospital CEO Ron Gleason announced that the hospital had reached a contract agreement with Humana. The announcement came just days before the Feb. 28 deadline for people to make a decision about their Medicare coverage.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Quilt Guild gets visit from Gianforte
Members of the Cabin Fever Quilters Guild had a special guest during their monthly meeting in St. Regis on Saturday. Montana’s U.S. House Rep. Greg Gianforte, along with his wife Susan, stopped in for a brief visit.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Building blown up at old Smurfit-Stone Mill site as deconstruction continues
Explosions could be heard for miles around near the old Smurfit-Stone Mill site located 11 miles northwest of Missoula. Crews set off the explosives to remove one of the buildings being deconstructed on the site on Feb. 1.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
'Unwelcome' snow storms hits region
A late winter snow storm dumped a foot of snow in areas of Mineral County starting Friday night. By Saturday evening travelers were faced with flakes of heavy wet snow that pounded Interstate 90 all night and into Sunday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis Lady Tigers march to 2nd-place in District tourney
Fifth-seeded St. Regis Lady Tigers marched through 14C District play to face third-seeded Charlo in the championship game on Saturday night in Pablo. They landed in second place after a loss, 37-17. The Tigers surprised the top-seeded team, Plains, on Friday with a win, 44-36.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Undefeated Clark Fork Mountain Cat girls win at District
The Clark Fork Mountain Cat girls swept through the 13C District tournament with an undefeated season to take home the championship trophy. The Cats faced Seeley-Swan in the Saturday evening game with a stellar win, 57-41.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork Junior High Girls win basketball championship
The Clark Fork Mountain Cats Varsity Girls Basketball aren’t the only girls team to go undefeated this season. The Mountain Cats Junior High team also was undefeated with a 12-0 season and won their championship game on Saturday, Feb. 11.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Seniors recognized at their final home game
It was the last time Mineral County senior basketball players would step onto their home court when they suited up to play last week. Many of the players had been going to school with their teammates since kindergarten. Not only did they take many steps together on the court, but …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis to receive $250,000 literacy grant
St. Regis School was the recipient of a $250,000 grant through the Office of Public Instruction. On January 31 it was announced that 21 Montana school district were being awarded Montana Comprehensive Literacy Project grants. These grants are funded through the federal Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Program. The purpose of …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
With OSHA cards in hand, students are ready to work
Seven Superior students are a step closer to entering the workforce after completing a class to receive their OSHA 10 cards. The cards are through the Department of Labor and Industry and teaches students common job-related safety and health hazards.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Medicare Advantage contract still under negotiation
As the deadline for people to make a final Medicare Advantage plan coverage decision looms, local hospitals are still negotiating with Humana as a possible provider. People have until February 28 to make a decision and Monida, which does contract negotiations for a number of Montana hospitals including Mineral Community …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Commissioner Johnston seeks re-election
Current County Commissioner Laurie Johnston has thrown her hat in the ring once again for a re-election bid. After serving as commissioner for the past five years, of her six-year term, Johnston said the job has really opened her eyes to the problems facing Mineral County.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Nightriders Poker Ride draws 300 participants
Once again members and friends of the Montana Nightriders Snowmobile Club revved up their engines for the 30th annual $1,000 Poker Ride held on Jan. 27. This year 353 riders from all over the Northwest gathered at the 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar in Haugan to participate in the 50 mile …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Trifecta moon invades local skies
It was trifecta of sorts when the moon started to set on Jan. 31.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Detention Center expected to reopen by mid-February
Several people who attended the Mineral County Commissioner meeting on Friday, Jan. 26 had the opportunity to tour the newly remodeled jail cells in the Detention Center. County Commissioners, Roman Zylawy, Duane Simons, and Laurie Johnston, along with County Attorney, Ellen Donohue; videographer, Mary Furlong; and Administrative Assistant, Kasey Feasel …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Localized wind gusts cause property damage
Strong winds whistled down Petty Creek canyon near Alberton on Monday night, Jan. 29 causing damage to some property located 11 miles up the road. Alicia Gregory was staying at her parents place when she went outside around midnight and found several lodge pole pine trees had blown down over …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Former Mineral County escapee arrested in Missoula
Missoula law enforcement spent Tuesday, Jan. 30, going door-to-door in East Missoula looking for a man wanted on outstanding federal warrants. William “Billy” Dale Newhoff was captured in a mobile home after leading officers on a chase in a stolen pickup truck which he crashed into a house and tree …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
District ranger provides update
Superior District Ranger Carole Johnson met with Mineral County Commissioners on Jan. 19 with an update of current projects her department has been working on. The update included information about salvage projects in the area, the upcoming large mushroom harvest as a result of the fires, and personnel issues facing …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Miss Montana visits local schools to share her message about 'gift of service'
Miss Montana 2017, Maddie Murray paid a visit to Alberton and Superior Schools last week to spread her message, “Gift Your Gift of Service”. Maddie was crowned on June 17, 2017 and represented Montana in the 97th Miss America Competition on ABC in Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 10th. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Alberton Library fundraiser gives a 'passport' for fun
The Alberton Library tried something a little different as a fundraiser this year. It was called “Armchair Traveler Passport” and offered participants the opportunity to raise a glass of wine with their neighbors and friends. On Sat. Jan. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m. over 50 people crowded into the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Over $3 million in Superior school bonds sold out
Over $3 million in Bonds were issued on January 10, 2018 for a Superior K-12 School improvement project and were scooped up almost immediately by investors reported D.A. Davidson Senior Vice President, Public Finance Baker, Bridget Ekstrom, who handled the sale. The estimates on the interest costs also came in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Local honey business hopes to receive $10,000 Kiva loan to complete expansion
Local entrepreneurs, Kavita and Justin Bay, will be featured at the 2nd Annual Farm Fresh Pitchfest hosted by the Community Food and Agriculture Coalition.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
County Health Department assures there are no cases of HIV or Hepatitis C
Recent news reports have had the Mineral County Health Department personnel scrambling to explain why the county showed up on a report from the Centers for Disease Control as being at high risk for HIV.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Roni Phillips takes helm as new jail administrator
Roni Phillips has been hired as the new Mineral County Jail Administrator. A position created by a special jail committee after the county’s Detention Center closed on Dec. 3, 2017 due to a shortage of detention officers. Several steps have been taken to get the jail reopened, including the hiring …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Military mom/author is first guest speaker
Winter months can feel long and boring, which is why a group of local citizens decided to bring back Community Pot Luck dinners in January, February and March. The first pot luck was held on Jan. 10 at the 4-H Building at the Mineral County Fair Grounds in Superior.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis football looking to play with Mullan, Idaho
St. Regis football players may be changing their colors next year from green and gold to purple and white as the school looks to co-op with Mullan, Idaho. Over the past several years the St. Regis football program has had a difficult time filling their roster. Last year the team …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Behavior Initiative Program proving to be a success at Superior Elementary School
Students at Superior Elementary School dug out their snow boot and sleds for a fun day enjoying the snow. It was all part of the Quarter Celebration where students who receive less than two referrals per quarter get to participate in the fun.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Cats double win over Tigers in cross-county matchup
The cross-county boys basketball matchup between the St. Regis Tigers and the Clark Fork Mountain Cats proved to be an even match during the first half of the game, but by the end of the game, it was a Cats win.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Potential government shutdown would include Forest Service in Mineral County
The government officially shut down on Friday, Jan. 19 at midnight when lawmakers were unable to agree on a spending bill.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
School seniors hoping to open small machine shop in Alberton
During their senior year, Alberton students are required to do a “Senior Project”. The project they chose must have a community service component to it and two seniors, Isaac Warren and Gerald Peterson decided to build a small engine shop. Not a small task considering the entire project will cost …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Superior resident Diane Magone to run for House
Candidates from all over Montana started to file for seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate over the past few weeks.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Filing opens for 2018 elections
House District 14 Rep. Denley Loge (R) traveled to Helena last week to file for the Legislature in 2018. All of the House seats and half of the Senate seats are open. Loge said he was excited to be involved in the last legislative session.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Students make good showing at Regional BPA
Business Professionals of America (BPA) held its Regional Leadership Conference at the Missoula College in Missoula on Jan. 8. All three Mineral County High Schools sent teams to the conference with an overall good showing. Top placing students will go to State held in Billings in March.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Superior pool to stay closed; repair costs studied
The Superior swimming pool is in bad shape and the Town Council recently voted to keep the pool closedl until testing can be done to determine whether it can be sufficiently repaired. During the Dec. 11 Superior Town Council meeting, Public Works Supervisor Roger Wasley explained that over 2 million …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Piano concert entertains audience in Superior
The Mineral County Performing Arts Council welcomed pianist and Montana native Amy Grinsteiner last Tuesday to perform at the LDS Church in Superior. She was joined by local pianist and composer, Scott Billadeau. The duo performed two piece by their former University of Montana teacher, Dennis Alexander.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Whipped Up serves good, old-fashioned meals
“Making every day delicious!” is inscribed on the new signs posted outside the Whipped Up Cafe in Superior. The signs are accurate if a person is in the mood for good, old fashioned comfort food like grandma used to make.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Long-term care resident at hospital dies from influenza
A resident of the Mineral Community Hospital’s long-term care who had influenza passed away on Jan. 9, according to a statement from the hospital.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Holiday has huge impact on landfills and environment
The holidays are over and all the Christmas packages have been unwrapped and most people have taken down the tree and packed up their decorations for next year. Looking back at the 2017 season, what is the total impact on utility bills, the economy and local landfills?
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork Mountain Cats travel to Ronan for Western Montana Duals
Western Montana Duals were held Jan. 5 and 6 in Ronan where 18 teams met to challenge each other on the mats. Frenchtown took top honors, followed by Ronan, Columbia Falls, Libby, Thompson Falls, Mission/Charlo, Broadwater and Flathead.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Basketball team meets UM Grizzlies
The St. Regis boys basketball team had a special treat last week when they had the opportunity to visit the University of Montana’s Grizzly basketball team in Missoula. The boys attended one of the Grizzly’s practices on Jan. 3 and had a chance to talk with the coach and players. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Former TV anchor's home catches fire in Frenchtown on Dec. 30
On Saturday, Dec. 30, Frenchtown resident and former KPAX television anchor Mark Holyoak reportedly awoke to the smell of smoke and found that his house was on fire. At 7:40 a.m. the Frenchtown Volunteer Rural Fire Department responded to his 911 call on Coyote Lane. Additional support was made from …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Influenza hits Mineral County; hospital visitors restricted
There has been a spike in the cases of influenza hitting Montana communities over the past few weeks, with 359 new cases reported from 36 counties as of Dec. 30, 2017. Four of those cases were reported in Mineral County and Mineral Community Hospital was forced to post large red …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Snowmobiler injured on Lookout Pass Dec. 23
Emergency crews responded to an injured snowmobiler at Lookout Pass on Dec. 23. The West End Volunteer Fire Department along with the Superior Ambulance Crew responded to the scene at about 3 p.m. where the snowmobiler had an injured knee and was hauled off the mountain.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Superior Fire Chief Rob Torrey resigns
Superior Volunteer Fire Department Chief Rob Torrey has quit the department effective Dec. 31, 2017. Torrey took the helm from retiring fire chief John Woodland in January 2016. Torrey has worked in the fire service field for more than 30 years and took the part-time position in order to spend …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis student graduates from Montana Youth Challenge Academy
The Commencement Ceremony for Class 37, Montana Youth Challenge Academy, was held on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017 on the campus of the University of Montana-Western in Dillon. Seventy-four cadets graduated during the formal ceremony, including Daryl McDonald of St. Regis.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Montana Highway Patrol reminds drivers to slow down near plows, emergency responders
Winter weather advisories had been issued for the entire western half of Montana starting last Tuesday and continued throughout the week of Dec. 26. Numerous vehicle accidents were strewn across Interstate 90, as well as surrounding areas, as a result of the hazardous driving conditions, including a collision between a …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
'Pineapple Express' hits area with winter wallop
A winter storm blowing through the northwest was being called the “Pineapple Express” and consisted of Pacific moisture moving across the area. This moisture teamed up with a very cold Arctic air mass which developed across the Continental Divide according to National Weather Service reports.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Train collides with semi; no injuries reported
A Montana Rail Link train loaded with coal collided with a semi-truck and trailer on Dec. 27 at Frenchtown. The unidentified driver was trying to get his truck unstuck from the tracks when the train approached at about 45 mph. He was able to escape the vehicle without injury. The …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
First hard storm hits the area as Christmas turns white, cold
A winter storm out of Canada descended on Western Montana on Monday, Dec. 18, with additional storms hitting the area over the next week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Norma's display lights up Superior's holiday season
What started with two collectable Salvation Army dolls has grown into a collection with countless dolls, thousands of lights and an impressive holiday display. Friends claim the display is the best in the county. Norma Stephens said she loves Christmas and enjoys decorating for the holiday and those dolls were …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Elderly Superior couple lose everything in house fire
Just as people are ramping up to enjoy a holiday season filled with gifts, family and sitting around a brightly lit Christmas tree, Superior residents Rose and Glen Beissel are counting their blessing that they are still alive.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Year in Review 2017:
The year 2017 was ushered in on the back of an epic snow storm which dump nearly a foot of snow on the valley in early January. It was just one of many natural disasters and phenomenon which dominated headlines throughout the year.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Mountain Cats tame the Tigers in boys and girls action
St. Regis suffered a double defeat as cross county rivals came face-to-face in the Alberton gym on Friday night. Both the Lady Tigers and the Lady Clark Fork Mountain Cats are at the top of their 14C and 13C Districts.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Superior students learn about the joy of giving
Mrs. Crabb’s fourth grade students at Superior Elementary School got into the spirit of things and raised funds to purchase gifts for families in need this holiday season. With the help of some local businesses and students they raised $888.04 to purchase the gifts from local businesses.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Alberton Food Pantry receives extra help thanks to River Edge employees
The Alberton Food Pantry received a 1,744-pound surprise last week from the River Edge Steakhouse in Alberton. Employees brought in food and toiletries to help local residents get through the Christmas holiday. The fundraiser was the idea of Janet Meyer and Jenna Hagle.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Local author's Montana book series was inspired by a dream
Mabel Ebner, 71, didn’t realize she was going to become an author late in life. But then she visited her brother near Corvallis. One day while at his cabin located in the Sapphire Mountains, she looked around at the scenery and thought, “wow, this would make a good book someday.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
De-stress, don't distress, over the holiday season
The holiday season can be a stressful time as people rush to buy gifts, bake, prepare meals, make travel plans, and ready themselves for guests. Finances can also add to stress levels if people are trying to buy gifts or make holiday arrangements on a tight budget. Also, added to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Detention Center on track to reopen
Steps are being taken to get the Mineral County Detention Center back in operation after it was forced to close on Dec. 3 due to lack of staff. A jail committee was quickly put into place and several recommendations were approved by the county commissioners to get the facility back …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Bob Kinney Wrestling Classic held in Superior
Thompson Falls won the Bob Kinney Wrestling Classic held over last Saturday, Dec. 9 with a team score of 184.5. Teams from all over the western Montana traveled to Superior to participate at the annual tournament. Though the number of teams remained about the same, Superior’s head wrestling coach, Charlie …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mineral Pharmacy in Superior under new ownership
People who drive by the Mineral Pharmacy in Superior may have noticed the marquee that reads “Welcome Brian and Kami.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis Holiday Bazaar continues to thrive
With more years than they can remember, Ilene Wolff and Kathy Koepke said the St. Regis Community Council has been putting on the Annual Holiday Bazaar. This year they had more tables than in the past with 38 which is 10 more than last year said Wolff.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mike Boone appointed as new sheriff
In a unanimous decision, Mineral County Undersheriff Mike Boone was appointed county sheriff during the commissioners meeting last Friday, Dec. 8. Three applicants submitted their resumes for the position including Mike Toth who was previously a Mineral County deputy and another man who had recently retired with a law enforcement …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lady Tigers off to good start at Western C tournament
The St. Regis Lady Tigers dominated play during the Western C Tip-Off Tournament in Frenchtown on Friday and Saturday with duel wins against Valley Christian and Darby.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling season begins with Owen Invitational
Wrestling began last weekend with the Owen Invitational in Polson where 18 regional teams competed in the two day tournament. There are 13 wrestlers out this year for the Clark Fork Mountain Cats, mostly sophomores and freshmen.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lady Cats, short but mighty, win big at tournament
The Clark Fork Mountain Cats 13C ladies started out their season opener with a double win at the Western C Tip-Off Basketball Tournament in Frenchtown last weekend. The team has four seniors with three returning and one transfer this year, along with seven juniors to round out the 13 player …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Flat Creek Superfund site closed for winter
Work on the Flat Creek-Iron Mountain Mine Superfund site has ended for the year as winter weather moved into the area. Some of the work on the nearly $4 million site which is located north of Superior, has been completed while other projects will need to wait until next spring …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork Mountain Cats have got passion for the game
With 15 players rounding out the Clark Fork Mountain Cats 13C roster the team has some power house players and some strong freshman up-comers. There are three seniors this year: Drake Neill, Connor Voll, and Evan Hall. Neill is the lone returning senior and he was voted team captain.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis Tigers boys young with a lot of potential
With just two seniors and an overall young team the St. Regis Tigers 14C boys team has a tough road in front of them this season. Returning senior, Ryan Teeter was unable to play last year due to a torn ACL and the other senior, Jacob Jasper, hasn’t played basketball …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Holiday spirit has broken out in Mineral County
From pointsettias to cookie castles, December 2 started the holiday festivities in Mineral County with several events including crafts shows, visits from Santa Claus and fundraisers for families in need over the season of giving. Over the next couple of weeks there will be community and school concerts, more craft …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Women in Timber host Parents Gift Table
Tables were filled with gifts at the Parent’s Gift Table on Dec. 2. Local children could come into the room at the Superior Volunteer Fire Station and pick from hundreds of items, unaccompanied by their parent, of course.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Library Craft Bazaar lifts holiday spirits
The Annual Friends of the Library Craft Bazaar and Book Sale was held on Dec. 2 at the Superior School Elementary Gym. Vendors lined the room as patrons wandered around looking at jewelry, lotions, sweets, and other items.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Helping Hands Auction gives boost to families over holiday season
After eating a belly full of fish and chips at the River Edge on Saturday, people gathered around auctioneer D.K. Mitchell to begin the Helping Hands Auction. Mitchell along with several helpers including Kristi Thistle, showed gifts baskets filled with booze, treats, art, trips, clothes, power tools and pretty much …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Third annual Western C Tip-Off Tournament held in Frenchtown
It was the third annual Western C Tip-Off Tournament held on Friday and Saturday in Frenchtown on Dec. 1 and 2. The tournament is hosted in part by Alberton Principal and Athletic Director, Kyle Fisher.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff Bauer quits; Boone takes interim post
Mineral County was stunned on Monday, Nov. 13, when Sheriff Tom Bauer turned in his letter of resignation to County Commissioner Chairman Roman Zylway.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Tricon mill sold to Idaho Forest Group
The Idaho Forest Group, one of the nation’s largest lumber producers has entered into a binding contract with Tricon Timber’s sawmill in St. Regis, one of Mineral County’s largest employers.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Jailers, dispatch receive salary increases
After seven months the Mineral County Sheriff’s office contract negotiations are complete. With jailers and dispatch employees receiving a $1.80 hour increase in their salaries. County commissioners met with union business representative Shawn Fontaine and employees on November 20 to discuss the over-due contract.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis FFA teams place in top 15 at John Deere Ag Expo
The St. Regis FFA (Future Farmers of America) had three teams place in the top 15 at the John Deere Ag Expo in Bozeman. The Expo was held at the Montana State University Campus on Nov. 9-11 and approximately 1,500 FFA members came from around the state.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Public comment deadline on two big salvage projects is Dec. 1
The deadline for public comment period for a proposed tree harvest by the Lolo National Forest for the Sunrise and Sheep Gap fires is December 1, 2017. The Sunrise Fire Salvage project is located on both the Superior and Ninemile Ranger Districts about 7 miles southeast of Superior, primarily within …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
'Lights On' Afterschool programs celebrate successes
From learning how to sew a button onto a shirt to designing a spacesuit for NASA, afterschool programs across Mineral County offer a wide array of activities for students.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Author shares her writing experience during library visit
Much like the heroine in her new novel, author Robin Gainey’s adventures transcend most people with exploits of business and travel. From living on a boat in the wild Canadian Inside Passage to studies in Rome, her life is anything but ordinary. She shared her new book and experiences as …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Detention-center administrator part of deal to get jail reopened
Discussions continued on Monday, Nov. 13, regarding the closure of the Mineral County jail. After dealing with the resignation of Sheriff Tom Bauer, the Mineral County Commissioners meeting turned to the task of getting the jail reopened.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Courthouse statue proposal on hold
Discussions continued on Friday regarding the installation of a new steel statue on the Mineral County Courthouse lawn. A group of Superior citizens presented the idea to the county commissioners a few weeks ago.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Bank's donation to food drive will help reach $5,000 match
Mineral County food bank dollars just got stretched a little further thanks to a grant from Well’s Fargo. The bank’s district manager, Dan Paulsen, traveled from Missoula to present a $2,000 check to Bonnie Fuller from Lucky Lil’s/Town Pump for their matching food drive on Wednesday, Nov. 15. Mineral Community …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Blackfoot offering more bandwidth and lower rates in Mineral County
Blackfoot Telecommun-ications is now offering better internet services at lower prices to Mineral County customers.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Small Business Saturday helps support local shops
Mineral County is filled with small business from Haugen to Alberton. Shops include restaurants, gift shops, antique and grocery stores, service shops and much more. In honor of small businesses, American Express founded Small Business Saturday which will be held November 25. The day is designed to help support independently …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
REACH helps fill 1,300 health-care jobs in Montana
Students examined a 3D image of a salmon, imitated a video game on human teeth, and solved a murder mystery using real human blood — all part of an annual trek to Mineral Community Hospital last Wednesday to participate in REACH.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Mueller and Mask selected for all-state in Class C Volleyball
Clark Fork Mountain Cats Superior senior Kenzie Mueller and Madison Mask, a junior, were named to the Class C all-state volleyball team from western Montana, while Alberton senior Montanna Baughman was selected as second team all-conference.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Alberton man helps restore communications after Hurricane Maria hits Puerto Rico
When Alberton resident Bryce Nordgren heard about Hurricane Maria he didn’t think he would get a front row seat to the disaster that struck Puerto Rico on September 20. But two weeks later was standing on a highway which had been pummeled by 154 mph winds.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Hospital facing new financial challenges
After several years of hard work to get Mineral Community Hospital’s budget back on track it is once again faced with financial challenges with state budget cuts and Blue Cross Blue Shield pulling out of the Medicare Advantage program.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Mineral County Sheriff quits
In a shocking turn of events Mineral County Sheriff Tom Bauer turned in his resignation Monday afternoon to Commissioner Chairman, Roman Zylawy.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Programs and tips to stay warm this winter
This year’s winter forecast is calling for above average precipitation in the Northern Rockies with the onset of La Nina according to the National Weather Service. This will be coupled with colder than average temperatures plus the Climate Prediction Center has reported a “good chance of La Nina developing early …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
St. Regis School looks at random drug testing
St. Regis School is looking at implementing random drug testing for students who participate in extracurricular activities including sports and clubs like FFA.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Committee formed to get county jail reopened
Discussions continued on Friday at the Mineral County commissioners’ meeting regarding the closure of the county jail. It closed the previous Friday due to insufficient staffing. After a jailer was let go and two more quit over the past few weeks, it left only two jailers to staff the facility.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Several accidents mark the beginning of an early winter driving season
The Montana Department of Transportation incident report page blew up with tiny red markers over the past few days. Each marker indicates an accident and they spread over the page of Montana highways like confetti at a New Year’s Eve party.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
County food drive underway with goals of $10,000 and 5,000 pounds
Mineral Community Hospital’s mission statement is “to improve the health and quality of life of our community” and their annual food drive is a step in that direction according to Monte Turner who helps to organize the annual event.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Loge honored for service to the community
Denley Loge was recently recognized for his 16 years of service on the Board of Supervisors by the Mineral Conservation District and the Natural Resource Conservation Service. Denley retired from the Conservation District last year after he was elected into the Montana House of Representatives for District 14, where he …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Superior band students get to be 'rock stars' during Bobcat game
Last weekend high school band students from all over the state gathered to experience the thrill of playing before a stadium full of football fans. They joined up with the Montana State University marching band and played with them during the Bobcat versus Idaho State game on October 28.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Jail closed due to staffing issues
The Mineral County jail has been closed due to insufficient staffing, with inmates being transferred to other facilities or released.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
'Be a Hero and not a Zero': Red Ribbon Week message
Students from all three Mineral County schools got together last Tuesday, Oct. 24 to listen to a motivational speaker as part of the drug awareness Red Ribbon Week. The Superior High School bleachers were full as a few students from all three schools started the afternoon with a little skit …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Local mills and fires highlighted during Forest Products Week
Montana Forest Products week was Oct. 15-21 which is an annual event started by the Montana Legislature in 2011 to honor the forest products industry and its appreciation for providing locally made wood products, stewardship of Montana’s public and private forests, and employment.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Stapleton visits Mineral County, talks business
Montana Secretary, Cory Stapleton, spent a few days in Mineral County last week as part of his “Things that Matter” tour. Along with a few members from his office, Stapleton has set a goal of visiting all 56 Montana counties during his four-year term.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Ghosts haunt Alberton School for Halloween
Alberton Student Council members hosted their annual haunted house on Saturday night in the elementary school. Classrooms were made into scary settings where dolls and teddy bears talked. Ghosts and goblins haunted the stairs and a scary clown along with his ghoulish friend chased visitors through the halls and into …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
'Choose to be healthy,' motivational speaker tells county's high school students
“Leaders choose to believe in themselves; leaders choose to outsmart the bullies; leaders choose to set healthy boundaries; leaders choose to forgive and move forward,” these were the four tools motivational speaker, Jessie Funk told a gym full of high school students last week as part of Mineral County’s Red …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Hunting season has begun; numbers look promising
Montana’s general deer and elk season opened on Oct. 21 and hunters are grabbing their rifles and orange gear and heading into the mountains. Fish, Wildlife and Park reports indicate that mule deer numbers are up and whitetail populations are beginning to recover after severe winter weather in the past.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Senior night in Superior
Saturday was Senior Night for the Lady Clark Fork Mountain Cats in Superior. Before their game, four seniors were escorted onto the floor and recognized for their high school achievements. Alberton’s Montanna Baughman was escorted by her little sister, Emmah Baughman who also plays on the varsity team. After graduation …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Students study glaciers up close during trip to Glacier
Superior geology students were able to see with their own eyes the glacially carved features of Glacier National Park and learned about long, deep lakes like Lake McDonald and Bowman.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Drug dealers sentenced after Mineral County arrests
Defendants from two separate drugs busts which occurred in Mineral County were sentenced by the U.S. District Courts earlier this month. Hector Ricardo Gonzales, 30, from Kennewick, Washington was arrested on January 20 along with codefendant, Christian Jesus Ruiz, for 20 pounds of methamphetamine after being pulled over by sheriff’s …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
'Don't give up,' says local cancer survivor
After eight months, Terri Decker’s husband, Mark Rimmer had lost his battle with leukemia. Then, one short year later, she was diagnosed with lymphoma.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
St. Regis football comes to premature end
Due to players who were injured or quit the team, St. Regis varsity football came to a premature end. Head Coach Jesse Allan struggled to put a team together at the beginning of the season due to lack of participation. He then managed to pull together enough to fill the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Five candidates vying for four positions on Alberton Town Council
There are five candidates running for four council member positions for the Town of Alberton. Elections will be held on Nov. 7 with mail-in ballot arriving in resident mailboxes by the end of the week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Craft show helps those in crisis
The Mineral County Help Line held their annual craft show on Saturday, Oct. 7, in the 4-H building in Superior. The Help Line is a 24 hour crisis line with an emphasis on women who are victims of domestic and sexual violence.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Arts Council brings creole music to Mineral County
The Mineral County Performing Arts Council presented Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole who performed French Creole music on Oct. 4 in Superior.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Recycling comes back to Alberton
The big blue Republic recycling bin is back in front of the Alberton Feed and Supply store thanks to a small group of community minded citizens who want to see recycling continue in this small town. The bin originally was put into place about four years ago as the result …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Superior starts quest for new pool with a mad dash
Despite rainy skies over 60 runners showed up for the “Run for the Pool” 5K race held on Saturday, Oct. 7, in Superior. The race started at the Old School and circled near the Eva Horning Park and up past the Mineral Community Hospital.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Despite rain, the Oktoberfest show goes on
The weather just didn’t cooperate last Saturday while the Mineral County Chamber of Commerce hosted a day of festivities for Oktoberfest at the Old School House in Superior. The day was filled with family activities, food vendors and music. The Superior Swims committee also hosted a beer garden to raise …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Delegation says climate change is cause of wildfires
A group of delegates traveled to Washington, D.C., recently and met with their legislators to discuss climate change and proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Golf tournament helps pay for local medical needs annual tournament
The Mineral County Medical Foundation hosted their 35th Annual Golf Tournament at the Trestle Creek Golf Course on Sept. 30. There were 11 teams that participated in the Foundation’s largest fundraiser, with players from Mineral County and Missoula.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Flat Creek superfund site nears completion
After nearly 15 years the Flat Creek-Iron Mountain Mine superfund cleanup site is coming to an end. A handful of local residents, along with personnel from the Department of Environmental Quality, Forest Service, and Environmental Protection Agency gathered for a site tour on Wed. Sept. 27. With weather permitting, they …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Superior Superfund site gets EPA 5-year review
The Environmental Protection Agency conducted a five-year review of Superior last week. Residents were interviewed and EPA officials explained their review process of ongoing protectiveness of Superior’s cleanup and soils displacement regulation at their office located in the Old School on Wednesday, Sept. 27.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Superior school levy passes handily, 462 to 331
Faculty and staff at Superior High School were doing the happy dance on Friday after a $3.2 million levy was passed to put an addition on the present high school to allow junior high students to be moved into the facility. The unofficial vote was a whopping 462 to 331, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Top 1 percent St. Regis senior named National Merit semifinalist
In the spring, the National Merit Scholarship Corp. announces the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to compete for over 7,500 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $32 million, which will be offered in the spring …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Homecoming festivities invade both ends of Mineral County last week
Maroon, silver and blue flowed freely down Railroad Street in Alberton on Friday as the students celebrated Homecoming Week. A week of festivities culminated with a 4 p.m. parade followed by a 7 p.m. varsity football game against Seeley. It was also Senior Night and Homecoming royalty and seniors were …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
DeBorgia home 'luckily' saved from chimney fire
A chimney fire threatened to burn down a DeBorgia retired couple’s home Friday, Sept. 22. The West-End Volunteer Fire Department responded at 10:30 p.m. and doused the flames before they could consume the home.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
NorthWestern Energy to restore Point of Rocks trail
Representatives from Northwestern Energy on Sept. 15 provided county commissioners with plans to start restoration work on the Point of Rocks monument trail located west of Alberton.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Tarkio man nearly dies in single-vehicle accident
A 71-year-old Tarkio man nearly died on Sept. 2 when his white 1993 Subaru Legacy jumped through the median on Interstate 90 and crashed down an embankment near Tarkio.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Medication disposal bags hope to combat opioid crisis
State agencies are working alongside each other to provide at-home medication disposal bags. There will be 1,000 of them, called Deterra Medication Disposal Bags, available in Mineral County, according to Prevention Specialist Stephanie Quick at last week’s Healthy Communities Coalition. The bags will be distributed to the Mineral County Pharmacy, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Debris burning at Cyr halted due to dry conditions
Cyr residents were in for a surprise last Monday when Forest Service personnel from the Ninemile Ranger District began burning debris in the Mineral County gravel pit located up Saw Mill Gulch. The debris was from the Quart Creek Fire and was allowed to be moved to the pit with …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Health nurse receives prestigious award
At last week’s Healthy Communities Coalition meeting, Mineral County Public Health Nurse, Barb Jasper, was in for a surprise when she received a congratulatory cake and announcement that she has been awarded the 2017 Montana Public Health Association’s Exemplary Service Award for the region.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
'Operation Scrubs' helps Houston nurses
Hospital personnel in Houston dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey received some welcomed relief from Mineral Community Hospital in Superior. Nurses were working around the clock to keep up with victims of the hurricane and found themselves short of scrubs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Homecoming spirit invades Superior
It was homecoming for Superior last week with daily fun leading up to the culmination of a parade and football game on Friday, Sept. 15. Students were asked to dress up each day starting with Dynamic Duo on Monday, Patriotic Day on Tuesday, Wednesday was Color Day and Thursday was …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Bikers bring powerful message about bullying
Faces of the kids ranging from pre-kindergarten to high school seniors lit up when three Harley motorcycles rolled onto the playground at Alberton School last Thursday. Bikers Against Bullies riders, Flash!, Dave Withrow and Jared Blake also rolled in with a heartfelt message to raise awareness and empower the community …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Last public meeting held for Sunrise Fire
Last Wednesday, Sept. 6, the last public meeting for updates on the Sunrise and Burdette fires was held by local fire crews.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sen. Daines issues warning about wildfires
As flames dance around the region and the state’s $30 million wildfire budget has been depleted, Montanans have been left wondering how long they will be suffering from the effects of the fires and what can be done to improve fire conditions.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Mixed bag for local high school teams
Volleyball
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sunrise Fire 90 percent contained
The Sunrise Fire which swept across the mountains 11 miles east of Superior is finally 90 percent contained as of September 1. Almost all residents have been able to return to their homes except those in the Quartz Creek area.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Superior woman dies in I-90 rollover
Bonita Fricke, 68, from Superior died when her car rolled on Interstate 90 near Tarkio on Tuesday, August 29.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Highway 135 project completed near St. Regis
The Highway 135 Beautification and Safety Enhancement Project located north of the 4-way stop in St. Regis was recently completed. The projected was funded with the St. Regis Resort Tax, an $85,000 Community Transportation Enhancement Program Grant, a $465,000 Transportation Alternative Program Grant and an $8,000 grant from the Department …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Cantaloupe, anyone?
A trailer full of Forestburg melons made their way to downtown Alberton last Thursday. Forestburg is a small town in South Dakota which claims to be the state’s watermelon capital.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
1,500 wildfires have burned over 937 square miles of Montana
Wildfires continue to plague Montana with several new lightning-caused fires in the Plains and Thompson Falls area on August 31. In Seeley, schools were closed and evacuation orders were made throughout the area as the Rice Ridge Fire has torn through 37,300 acres.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Governor Bullock visits Alberton Preschool
It was only the second day of class in their little lives and the students in the Alberton Preschool had already gotten the attention of Montana’s governor, Steve Bullock. He was visiting 17 schools around the state who had qualified for the STARS Preschool grant, one of which was Alberton. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Sunrise Fire over 60 percent contained
Residents can breathe a small sigh of relief as the Sunrise Fire moves to more than 60 percent contained after burning over 25,500 acres since July 16.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Request made for post-fire salvage on Sunrise Fire
The Sunrise Fire is only about 60 percent contained but the Mineral County Resource Coalition has already drafted a request to Lolo National Forest Supervisor, Tim Garcia, to begin plans for post-fire salvage operations.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Our readers, our eclipse
On Aug. 21, people gathered in town parks, neighborhoods and on mountain tops to witness one of nature’s biggest phenomenon, the eclipse of the sun. One has not been seen in North America since 1979 and it was the first time that the path of totality crossed the entire continental …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
G.B. Shaw comedy hits the stage in Superior
George Bernard Shaw’s Comedy “You Never Can Tell” came to the stage at the Mineral County Fairgrounds on Wednesday evening. Jim Goss with the Mineral County Performing Arts said they were worried about holding the event outside because of the smoke from area wildfires. However, when show time came at …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lack of recruits means no varsity football for St. Regis
St. Regis High School may not be able to field a football team this year.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Rattlesnakes active as temperatures remain high
Recently I was walking my dogs along the Point of Rocks trail located west of Alberton, when suddenly two of the dogs stopped and growled. Just ahead of us, a rattlesnake was coiled up next to the trail with its tail shaking violently. Its head was raised as his tongue …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis teacher nominated for LifeChanger of the Year
St. Regis Elementary School sixth-grade teacher Tim Yeager has been nominated for the 2017-18 national LifeChanger of the Year award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Cancer survivor dinner takes place of traditional Relay for Life
Despite a lower turnout from community members and less funds raised, the Cancer Survivor Celebration was a success, said event organizer Peggy Temple. The celebration was held on Thursday, Aug. 17 where around 30 cancer survivors turned out for a dinner and fundraiser held at Superior High School.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Billon-dollar rocket saved thanks to Superior alum
A searing heat pounded down on a fire crew as winds pulled flames 70 feet into the air and caused an archway over the road above them. Power lines burst overhead in the rising flames. In the distance they heard explosions and saw trees blow up as unexploded ordnance, or …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Kids get special visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog
Clifford the Big Red Dog, a beloved mascot for Montana PBS, was a special guest at the Alberton School on Tuesday, Aug. 8. He gave high-fives and hugs as kids participated in a variety of activities based on the theme, “Building Community.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Exhibits show increase at this year's fair
There were 200 entries in this year’s Mineral County Fair exhibits, said fair board secretary Deb Davis-Quitt, which was 14 more than last year. Participants competed for blue, red and purple ribbons and also received $100 special premiums for outstanding entries. Special premium funds were donated from local businesses and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Fire camp turns Tarkio field into equivalent of small town
Dozens of small, colorful pop-up tents dot a field along a dirt road off the Tarkio exit located 14 miles east of Superior. The tents are part of the fire camp set up to fight the Sunrise and Burdette fires burning just across Interstate 90. The fires started on July …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sunrise Fire tops 18,000 acres
By Sunday, Aug. 13, the Sunrise Fire had grown to 18,629 acres and was 20 percent contained. The fire was moving down Verde Creek and Trout Creek. Stage III evacuation orders went into place on Aug. 9 for Cougar Gulch, to join Quartz Creek and Verde Creek Zones. The fires …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
New superintendent takes the helm in Alberton
Alberton School has a new superintendent this year after Clay Acker retired last spring. Steve Picard is returning to the area after teaching in Roy, Montana, a small town 35 mile northeast of Lewistown.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Quilters show their flair for art in 17th annual show
The Cabin Fever Quilters held their 17th Annual Quilt Show, “Home Sweet Home, Montana,” on Aug. 4 and 5.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Rodeo fun is highlight of Mineral County Fair
The Superior Lions Club returned for two nights of action during the Mineral County Fair on Aug. 4 and 5 with the “Go For the Gold Rodeo.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Residents warned of false evacuation orders
Mineral County Sheriff Tom Bauer was reminding residents that only uniformed law enforcement officers or fire officials will ask them to evacuate. The warning is the result of a report last week from a resident in the Lozeau area who was allegedly approached by an individual who told them they …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County joins American Forest Resource Council
The Mineral County Commissioners moved to join the American Forest Resource Council. The annual membership is $600 and they will join Lincoln County in Montana as well as counties in Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and California. Members also include manufacturers and companies that work directly in or represent the forest products …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Air quality rated unhealthy near Sunrise Fire
The valleys of Mineral County have seen increased smoke as the Sunrise and Burdette fire continue to grow east of Superior. Air monitoring stations have been set up in Superior and the Quartz Creek Campground with links to the inciweb.com online page. According to the Wildland Fire Air Quality Response …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sunrise Fire grows to more than 13,000 acres
By Saturday, Aug. 5, the Sunrise Fire burning east of Superior had grown more than 3,000 acres in the past week to more than 13,000 acres. It was still one of the nation’s top priority fires. A meeting was held on Saturday at the Lozeau Lodge which has been hosting …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Helicopters stand ready to fight area wildfires
Helicopters of various sizes and shapes sit ready at the Mineral County Airport near Superior. Six have been called in to-date to help fight the Sunrise and Burdette fires burning east of Superior. With a moment’s notice any one of them will spring into action and make the trek to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
'Flat Broke Fair' parade hits town
The Mineral County Fair Parade began promptly at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5 on River Street in Superior. Floats, horse riders and cars crossed the bridge into town waving to the crowd and throwing candy to kids. The theme this year was “Flat Broke Fair” and the theme was …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
4-H members see their hard work pay off at auction
Every year the 4-H Livestock judging and auction takes center stage at the Mineral County Fair and this year didn’t disappoint. Members from Superior Rustlers and St. Regis Camo Critters chapters showed pigs, sheep, steers, horses, chickens and bunnies. Twenty-two businesses and individuals supported members at the auction held on …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Evacuations ordered for Sunrise Fire
An eerie orange glow crept between the summer sun and a dark plume of smoke on Quartz Loop Road late Wednesday afternoon on July 26. It left a feeling of impending doom as the column of smoke rose higher into the hazy sky. Forest Service crews cast a wary eye …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
How the Sunrise Fire grew to over 6,400 acres
By Sunday morning, July 30 the Sunrise Fire had grown to 6,400 acres and was only 5 percent contained. As a result of continued hot, dry weather and westerly winds. Some 60 homes were threatened by the fire and residents were ordered to evacuate from the Sunrise and Quartz Flats …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Superior voters asked to fund new school facilities
Superior School is hoping voters will pass a levy on Sept. 28 to construct an addition to the current high school.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
More than 60 homes threatened as evacuation orders go into effect
Over 60 homes have been threatened by the Sunrise Fire burning east of Superior. Last week several areas including Sunrise Creek, Quartz Flats and Quartz Creek were given Stage 3 evacuation orders. Other areas, including Verde Creek, remained on Stage 2 evacuation warning. While the Rivulet area located northeast of …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sunrise Fire now nations number one priority which grew to 3,700 acres overnight
The Sunrise Fire burning 11 miles east of Superior blew up overnight and grew another 1,000 acres. It now stands at 3,700 acres as of Thursday at 11 a.m. and is now the nation’s number one priority fire. For local fire crews this means more resources to battle the growing …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Evacuations ordered for Sunrise Fire residents
There was a public meeting tonight, July 26, at 7 pm at the Lozeau Lodge. Fire officials were there to give updates on the Sunrise and Burdette Fires burning east of Superior. Here is what we know so far:
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Sunrise Fire close to homes, residents prepare for evacuations
A report released by the Ninemiles Ranger District at 11 a.m. today states that the Sunrise Fire burning 11 miles southeast of Superior has grown to 2,730 acres. Some 60 homes are threatened with the fire within a mile of some structures. Residents in the Sunrise and Quartz Flats areas …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
State of emergency Sunrise, Burdette Fires rage as governor declares fire emergency
Gov. Steve Bullock declared a fire emergency for the state of Montana on July 23. The order cites several active wildfires in the state, “Montana is facing extreme fire conditions,” he states. “Our top priority is ensuring the safety of Montanans, their property, and our communities.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Owners of former paper mill sued for $1.2 million in taxes
After three years of non-payment for property taxes, Missoula County is suing the owners of the former Smurfit-Stone mill in Frenchtown, located just east of Alberton.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Alberton may lose recycling bin that serves public
The days may be numbered for Alberton’s recycling bin.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Redd Bull tour gives opportunity for group input
Tricon Timber hosted a meeting about Redd Bull on July 18 in St. Regis. The event was to give an update of issues impacting federal forest management and to take a field tour of the project area.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Railroad Day brings community together
The 32nd annual Railroad Day was held on July 14 and 15. Saturday kicked off with a breakfast at the Senior Center starting at 9 a.m. At 11 a.m., classic cars, horses, and floats paraded down Railroad Avenue as people lined the route and kids clambered for candy thrown from …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Best-selling Missoula authors visit local library
The Mineral County Library welcomed two special guests on July 8, authors Kat and Larry Jay “L.J.” Martin.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis highway receives beautification project
St. Regis residents and travelers through the area can’t miss the bright orange traffic cones and construction lining Montana 135 just north of the four-way stop through town. The project is part of the St. Regis Resort District Enhancement and Beautification Project, which began on June 5.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Key Mineral County personnel retire after long careers
Three key positions in Mineral County became vacant as the result of retirements over the past two months. However, they have been filled by familiar faces already seen around the courthouse.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
County-wide trail system could become reality
In Willy Peck’s ideal world, a continuous trail would run the 77-mile length of Mineral County. It would be a trail that could be used by both all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiler riders as well as hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Train cars derail near Cyr
During a July 6 Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting, Montana Rail Link spokesman Tony Bacino reported that four rail cars had derailed in the Cyr area a week earlier. The cargo consisted of steel, table salt, cotton seed and other non-hazardous material. The cars were the last four of the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Two small wildfires reported in Mineral County
The Superior Ranger District reported that there was no fire activity in the area west of Superior. However, two small blazes broke out in the Nine Mile Ranger District over the weekend. A 12-acre blaze called the Burdett Fire was reported nine miles southeast of Tarkio. It is in a …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Superior gets water tender to prepare for fire season
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Equipment Development Center in Missoula brought a water tender to the Superior Volunteer Fire Department on July 11, announced Fire Chief Rob Torrey.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Shed fire threatens residential area
Frenchtown Rural Fire District, the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and Missoula County Sheriff’s Department raced up Toulette Lane and Fox Hill Road on the afternoon of July 4 to a structure fire in Frenchtown.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Occupants escape after truck stalls on tracks
Kyle Balm, 23, knew he was in trouble when he heard a train whistle blow on July 3. His 1981 red Ford truck had stalled on the tracks near the Natural Pier Bridge outside of Alberton.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis explodes with Fourth fun
This year’s Fourth of July parade did not disappoint as red, white, and blue decorated floats, people and even horses made their way down Old Highway 10 in St. Regis.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
U.S. Rep. Gianforte stops at Tricon Timber
Last week marked Greg Gianforte’s third visit to Tricon Timber in St. Regis, but it was his first visit as a member of the United States House of Representatives for Montana. His visit took place on Monday, July 3, just one week after he had been sworn in.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Crock-Pot program helps kids learn to cook at home
Dawn Bauer is helping fight hunger in Mineral County.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Heat wave causing wildfires
As of July 10, the Lolo National Forest described fire danger as moderate. But as last week’s heat wave quickly dried out grasses, fire danger is on everyone’s mind. The upcoming week’s weather forecast has several thunderstorms announced and lightning strikes could cause wildfires as they roll through the mountains …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Text-to-911 program now available for emergencies
Bright red and white fliers are being posted around Mineral County as the Sheriff’s Department has implemented a new Text-to-911 program. The posters read “Call if you can, Text if you can’t”.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Earthquake rattles Mineral County area
Mineral County residents joined a chorus of other Facebook users after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake hit about seven miles southeast of Lincoln on Thursday, July 7, at 12:30 a.m. The quake could be felt 500 miles away and social media exploded as people posted their experiences and surprise within minutes …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Marsy's Law or Marsy's flaw? Courts will have to decide
Sometimes the best laid plans don’t work out such is the case with Mineral County’s bid for a full-time victims advocate position. Shirley Iwata was recently hired as a part-time domestic and sexual violence advocate with grant funds made available through the Office on Violence Against Women. Iwata has held …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Smokey the Bear joins Summer Reading Program
Smokey the Bear was a special guest for the Mineral County Library Summer Reading Program at Eva Horning Park at noon on Tuesday, June 27. The group of area kids also learned about solar energy from the afternoon speaker, Leslie Heppe. The theme of this year’s program is “Build a …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County Disaster Emergency Services coordinator steps down after 18 years on the job
Reaching retirement is like being a kid and getting the last bowl out of a box of sweet cereal. That last bowl has all the sugar that fell off the grainy nuggets and its super sweet. Retirement is enjoying the sugary rewards from a lifetime of dedication and hard work. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Safety first with Fourth of July fireworks in St. Regis
The largest July 4 fireworks display in Mineral County is held in St. Regis, and it offers a perfect way to celebrate the national holiday while helping to keep the community safe from devastating fires.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Savenac Pond welcomes young anglers
It was a day of sunshine, fun and fish on Saturday, June 17 as Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) hosted “Kids Fishing Day at Savenac Pond”.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
End of era for Alberton dump site
On the west end of Alberton, there are two parcels of land perched on the north side of Interstate 90 that contain neighboring dumps.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
New signs unveiled at Eva Horning Park
The Eva Horning Park in Superior got some new signage and was marked with a Play in the Park unveiling event held on June 4. Folks gathered around as Liz Gupton and friends pulled blue tarpa off of three signs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Elks provide funding for emergency equipment
Mineral Community Hospital received a gift on Wednesday, June 14, when Dennis Cooper, a Trustee with the Montana State Elks Association presented hospital CEO Ron Gleason with a check for $2,700. Cooper drove over from Deer Lodge to present the check, which was the result of grant application made by …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Yard sales invade Mineral County
Yard sales invaded Mineral County last weekend as St. Regis held a town yard sale on June 16 and 17. The West End Annual Yard Sale also took place at the DeBorgia Historic School House. This included their Cowboy Breakfast of biscuits and gravy, sausage and drinks.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Baseball Beach Party celebrates end of season with carnival fun
St. Regis Youth Baseball players congregated in Saint Regis Park on Saturday for an afternoon of carnival fun to celebrate another successful season. This is the third year the young players, along with siblings and parents gathered for their annual “Baseball Beach Party” to enjoy a day of play, food …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
New shop brightens Superior's main street
Hungry Horse Montana is down one shop owner and Superior now has her. Artisan Stephanie Dahl moved to DeBorgia last year with her family and opened The Outpost in December. The bright yellow shop is located across the street from the Old School House and holds treasures from local and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Hundreds of runners participate in Trail Rail Run
Over 300 hearty racers lined up at designated stations on the west-end of Mineral County to participate in the fifth annual Trail Rail Run. Event coordinator, Tyler Cheesman said the turnout was about 100 more runners than they had last year.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Lots of cars, loads of fun at 18th annual car show
116 cars rolled into the 18th Annual Old Schoolhouse Rock Car Show in Superior on June 2 and 3.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Long-time teachers retire as school year ends
The careers of several area teachers came to a close with the recent ending of the 2016-17 school.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Superior water rate increase goes into effect July 1
Residents of Superior will soon see an increase in water rates of approximately 21 percent to the Base Rate Charge. The rate increase is meant to repay outstanding bonds, to cover operation and maintenance fees and to establish a reserve fund.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis trio heads to Alaska for teaching opportunities
“North to Alaska” now has more meaning to three St. Regis teachers than just a 1960s John Wayne movie as they pack their bags and head to Unalaska, Alaska. The adventurous trio secured jobs at the schools at The Port of Dutch Harbor. Current high school teacher and BPA supervisor, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
If your graduating senior is looking for work, the outlook is good
The job market is looking bright for this year’s graduating seniors. In Montana, April’s jobless rate is hovering around 3.8 percent compared to the national rate of 4.4 percent. With Montana’s unemployment rate it can make hiring difficult for employers to find the skilled workers they may need to grow …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Four county athletes bring home some medal from state track
Class C State Track and Field took place on May 26 and 27 at the Laurel Sports Complex near Billings. Six Mineral County athletes traveled the 770 mile round trip to compete against over 30 other schools. Four students came home with some medal including Clark Fork’s Emma Duboise who …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Juneau praises rural schools at Alberton graduation
Denise Juneau who served as Superintendent of Public Instruction for Montana from 2009 until January of this year, was the guest speaker for Alberton’s graduation on May 28. She ran against Republican Ryan Zinke for the US House of Representatives in the 2016 elections and is currently taking a look …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Superior students receive valuable welding certificates
The demand for welders is putting a spark in the U.S. job market due to increased construction and because within five years 25 percent of the skilled welders will be retiring. All this with a welder’s earning potential matching those of a mid-level executive of a Fortune 500 company. That’s …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Graduating classes head toward bright futures
It was another proud day for Mineral County students, teachers and parents as the 2017 graduating classes took their victory march down the aisle toward the podium where their diplomas waited. Superior and Alberton held their graduations on Sunday, May 28, and St. Regis had theirs on Tuesday, May 30.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Gianforte received nearly 60 percent of Mineral County vote
Montanan’s can finally take a sigh of relief as the special election for Montana’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives is over. After 85 days of campaigning, Republican Greg Gianforte won with 50% of the vote with 189,473 ballots cast in his favor. Democrat Rob Quist received 44% …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
After nearly 50 years, students still enjoy Outdoor School
If you were a student, which would you rather do-sit in a classroom and stare at a whiteboard or be outside enjoying some spring sunshine? Luckily, the sixth grade students in Superior didn’t have to answer that question. Because they were at Outdoor School all last week. Twenty-seven students along …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Dreams come true in Orlando for BPA students from local schools
Students from St. Regis, Superior and one from Alberton, joined nearly 400 members of Montana’s delegation for the National Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. Over 5,800 students from 23 state associations attended the week-long event which started on May 9.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Jam Cracker project gets green light to proceed
Forest Supervisor Tim Garcia signed the final Decision Notice for the Jam Cracker project in the Lolo National Forest on May 22, 2017.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Recent deer and elk counts show increase in numbers
Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) biologist, Liz Bradley gave a presentation at a recent Mineral County Commissioners meeting. Every spring she does elk and deer surveys in Mineral County for Hunting Districts 200-203, 260 west, and 283 west for Region 2. This is her third year of flying with Mark …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Armed Forces Day honors two local residents
For the second time, the Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (RSVP) paid homage to local veterans on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20. Veterans from World War I were honored, along with veterans from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Veterans, along with family and friends gathered in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Six athletes will travel to Laurel for state track and field
A long season of track and field has culminated into a trip to Laurel, Montana for six Mineral County athletes who have qualified for State to be held May 26 and 27. Clark Fork’s Hailey Kelly, Griffin Pluth and Emma Duboise will join St. Regis’ Brandon Managhan, Madison Hill and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Kinney named Western Montana superintendent of year
Superior School Superintendent Scott Kinney has been named the Western Montana Superintendent of the Year and the school held an assembly Wednesday afternoon to present the award to Kinney.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Flat Creek cleanup nears completion after 15 years
The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Environmental Quality hosted a site tour of the Flat Creek-Iron Mountain Mine tailing cleanup on May 10. Members of the Superior Technical Assistance Committee (STAC) and the public met in Superior and drove up to the site north of town. It gave interested …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Kindergarten class gives moms a special treat
Mrs. Labbe’s kindergarten class hosted a special Mother’s Day celebration on Friday morning in Superior. Mother’s were treated to cookies and other treats as the nineteen member class read individual cards explaining why their mom was special.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County DUI Task Force picks logo winner
St. Regis Senior, Madison Hill won the DUI Task Force logo contest. Her artwork was chosen by the taskforce committee a few weeks ago and last Thursday she was awarded $100 for her entry. The logo is an outline of Montana with DUI letters which look like a highway and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Supaman flies into local schools with message of hope and respect
There are very few, if any, other people who combine the modern sound of Hip Hop with traditional Native American music.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Students gather for annual Mineral County Fun Run
“This is absolutely my favorite day of the year,” said Barb Jasper, Mineral County Public Health Nurse, as she tallied up times at the finish line during Mineral County’s Annual Fun Run. “I like the energy and all the kids come out and realize that fitness is fun. They have …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Political parties gear up for special May election
The Mineral County Democratic Central Committee held a potluck dinner and auction on Saturday, April 29, in Plains to raise funds for Rob Quist, Democratic candidate for the vacant seat for the U.S. House of Representatives.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
RZ Feeds opens in Superior
There’s a new feed store in Superior called RZ Feeds. Local owners Pete Ratzlaff and Doug Hutchins opened the doors a few weeks ago and offer a variety of bird and animal feed.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Students shine 'Under the Stars'
Students shimmered and shined during Alberton’s 2017 Prom with the theme “Under the Stars”. The dance was held on Saturday, April 29, in the school cafeteria. Kindergarteners Marley Fredette and Ben Evans were the crown bearers.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Students learn that science is everywhere
Designing pressure suits and parachutes were just a few lessons learned for a group of Alberton students when they had an opportunity to work with NASA.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
This little piggy...
Mineral County 4-H members showed up on a drizzly Sunday afternoon to get their pigs weighed and tagged for this year’s summer fair.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
'Era of Megafires' reveals plight facing forests
It’s good news for the timber industry as some environmentalists are beginning to dial back their push against commercial logging.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis School works kinks out of new 'Summit Basecamp' teaching platform
Outside of Superintendent Joe Steele’s window is a pen full of chickens, “It’s part of the FFA program,” he explains, “we used to have a rooster, boy he was a noisy thing.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Mud bog and country music event set for June
A new mud bog and country music event is scheduled to be held in St. Regis this summer. It is a three-day event from June 23 through the 25 put on by Shannon Anderson. He purchased property on the north side of St. Regis and is building an amphitheater and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County athletes shine at Seeley-Swan Invitational
Seeley-Swan Track Invitational
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Good ski season melts into good spring river flows
It was a record breaking year for Lookout Pass Ski area, according to President and CEO, Phil Edholm. They set an all-time skier visit record of approximately 68,700. The old record was 65,600 set during the 2013-2014 ski season and last winter they received 59,700 skiers. The ski area also …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Annual Easter Egg hunt warms chilly morning in St. Regis for dozens of kids
It was a chilly 37 degree morning when residents across Mineral County prepared for annual Easter egg hunts. They were held in Alberton, sponsored by the Alberton Ridgerunners, and by the Mineral County Search and Rescue in Superior. In St. Regis the hunt took place in the town park and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Prescribed burns to begin in Petty Creek area
On Wednesday, April 12, a public meeting was held by the Ninemile Ranger District to discuss the Petty Creek Big Game Ecosystem Management Burn Project. The meeting was held in the Alberton cafeteria where residents were brought up-to-date on activities and were able to ask questions about the project located …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Golf, track and tennis action gets underway
There was lots of sports action in Mineral County last week as golf, tennis, track and field got underway for high school athletes. Two tennis matches were played in Superior against Ronan and Granite, score were unavailable.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Special election continues to be mired in confusion
“What is better for democracy than to put a ballot in the hands of every registered voter?” was the prominent headline on an April 7 press release by Governor Steve Bullock. He issued an amendatory veto to House Bill 83, and added language that would allow counties to conduct the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Montana aims to join FirstNet emergency network
When disaster strikes, communication is key for emergency responders. However, communication devices and coordination continues to be a challenge, especially in rural areas like Mineral County. Currently, George Gupton chairs the Mineral County Local Emergency Planning Council and Bryce Nordgren chairs the Emergency Communications subcommittee and is the Amateur Radio …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Bikes, books make for a big morning in Alberton
A roomful of Alberton elementary students waited in anticipation last Thursday morning as School librarian, Carole Carlstrom held up a basket filled with red tickets. One by one, the tickets were drawn and a name read as the students won a variety of prizes.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
'Maid to Order' big hit for Superior drama students
In Superior, parents and community members were treated to an evening of dinner and theatre thanks to the Superior Drama Department, taught by Angie Christiaens. First patrons enjoyed a prime rib dinner followed by the play “Maid to Order” written by Matthew Begbie March 24 and 25.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Alberton play puts twist on Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'
It was a “kid’s cautionary tale concerning greed, power, mayhem and other current events” as students from Alberton took to the stage for a unique variation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth last week. On April 5, parents and other community members filled the Alberton cafeteria/theater for a short play which only lasted …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County suffers power outage due to storm
Strong winds, rain and hail descended on Mineral County on Friday, April 7, knocking power out in the county from Alberton to Lookout Pass.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Hospital receives $400,000 grant for diagnostic tool
Across from the front door lobby at Mineral Community Hospital, there’s a room with an ominous yellow warning sign with red letters which reads, “Caution: Do Not Open, Radiation Area”. What’s behind that closed door is a large donut shaped machine with a gurney-style bed called a “scanning couch”.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Mail ballot bill defeated, county scrambles for special election
Last Friday there was a final attempt to hold a mail ballot election in May for Montana’s vacant seat in Congress. But the attempt to revive the bill failed in the House with only 51 votes. The motion needed 60 out of the 100 House members in order to pass.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Pink Moon will invade April sky
In April, all five bright planets are in the night sky. Mercury and Mars can be seen at dusk, Jupiter all night long, Saturn from midnight until dawn and Venus before sunrise. Another night sky observation to note is that Jupiter will be at its brightest and the closest to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis track team heads to Corvallis for Gene Hughes Invitational
The St. Regis track team travelled to Corvallis for the Gene Hughes Invitational on Saturdy, April 1. Where Madison Hill took third place in both long jump, with 15-7, and in the 100 meter dash with 13:23. Madison Kelly took fifth in the 800 with 2:43.40, and sixth in the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork's Hailey Kelly first in javelin at Ronan Invitational
Clark Fork’s track team traveled to the Ronan Invitational on Saturday, April 1. They pitted themselves against several area teams including Eureka, which placed first in the boy’s team results, and Arlee which placed first in the girl’s results.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Huge forest project values public comment Large crowd turns out to learn about, discuss Redd Bull project south of St. Regis
A slide came up on a screen at a recent public meeting, showing a blue triangle that read, “Proposal Development – Collaboration” on one side; “Environmental Analysis – Scoping” on another side; and “Implementation” on the third side.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County RSVP volunteers honored at luncheon
A nice luncheon celebrating the accomplishments of the Mineral County RSVP members was held a few weeks ago. A group of 19 volunteers gathered at the River Edge Resort and were greeted with a festively decorated room, and by one another. This tight-knit group has been working side by side …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Jim Johnson meet kicks off track season St. Regis, Clark Fork athletes in top slots
The snow has finally melted on the fields, just in time for track season to begin at area high schools. Athletes from St. Regis, Superior and Alberton packed their gear and headed to Frenchtown for their first meet of the season, the Jim Johnson meet. Johnson is a retired teacher …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Everyone enjoys a nice piece of pie
Two great American pastimes converged into one fun event at the Mineral County Library, pie and reading. On March 25 the library celebrated with a pie contest and they offered a free download of the book, “Art of the Pie” as part of The Big Read.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
The birds of spring arrive at Freezeout Lake
Each spring and fall, flocks of white geese make their way to Freezeout Lake located near Fairfield, Montana. They are migrating from southern wintering grounds to nesting areas in the far north. As far as Wrangel Island, Russia. Last weekend, there were a reported 15,000 geese flying through the area, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Superior teacher to be inducted into Butte Sports Hall of Fame
Lining the walls of the lobby at the Butte Civic Center are glass cases filled with plaques. Each one features a photo of an individual or team along with a short biography of their accomplishments in the world of sports. For 30 years, a Hall of Fame committee and a …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Colorado woman dies after vehicle gets stuck
An early evening call received by Mineral County dispatch on Friday, March 17, ended in tragedy. The body of Debra Ann Koziel was found by a search team on the following Tuesday afternoon. Her death was determined to be the result of exposure to the weather.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Sunday Father-daughter dance a hit in Superior
Girl Scout troop leaders Stephanie Quick, Kate Digiando, Claira Wheeler and Whitney Nue took advantage of prom and held their own dance on Sunday, March 19. It was the first father-daughter dance they had ever held and were thrilled with the turnout of nearly 100.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Students gearing up for BPA nationals
Superior High School held a special assembly last week to recognize the school’s Business Professionals of America team’s accomplishments in Billings.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
The stars were out at Superior prom
It was a starry, starry night, at least in the multipurpose room in the Superior High School, on March 18.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
'Aladdin Jr.' brings a taste of Broadway to town
St. Regis School drama instructor Derek Larson couldn’t contain his excitement following the March 16 performance of “Aladdin Jr.,” and took his excitement to Facebook.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Help offered to get Marsy's Law into action
During last year’s election, Montanans voted Yes to CI-116, Marsy’s Law, also known as the victim’s bill of rights. The law also passed in North and South Dakota joining California and Illinois. It gives victims of crime rights equal to those accused and those convicted of a crime. The law …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Colorado woman dies after vehicle gets stuck
An early evening call received by Mineral County dispatch on Friday, March 17, ended in tragedy. The body of Colorado resident Debra Ann Koziel was found in the Fish Creek area by a search team the following Tuesday afternoon. Her death was determined to be the result of exposure to …
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Colorado woman dies after vehicle gets stuck
An early evening call received by Mineral County dispatch on Friday, March 17, ended in tragedy. The body of Colorado resident Debra Ann Koziel was found in the Fish Creek area by a search team the following Tuesday afternoon. Her death was determined to be the result of exposure to …
BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Bees are amazing creatures
It’s hard to talk about honeybees and not discuss two major topics, one is the health benefits of honey and the other is Colony Collapse Disorder and the fears surrounding the disappearance of the bees.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Superior sixth-grader competes in Treasure State Spelling Bee
On Saturday, students from all over Montana traveled to Rocky Mountain College to compete in the Treasure State Spelling Bee. Superior student, Payton Milender had won the Mineral County Spelling Bee Feb. 22 and qualified for State. She was number 32 and joined 58 challengers in Billings vying for the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Record number of BPA students heading to nationals
On May 9, students from all over the U.S. will descend on Orlando, Florida for six days to showcase their abilities with interviewing, spreadsheets, law, public speaking, and other business procedure know-how as the National Leadership Conference and competition for Business Professionals of America (BPA) heats up.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Kick Butts flash mob invades St. Regis School
St. Regis School joined hundreds of other schools across the nation for “Kick Butts Day” March 15. Student advocates performed a flash mob for younger students during lunch in the cafeteria. Their message was “Remember to love yourself and a healthy body too much to use tobacco”.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Mail-in ballot for special election now in the House Judiciary Committee
With the special election to fill Ryan Zinke’s congressional seat just around the corner, the decision on how the election will be held is slated for March 23. Senate bill 305, which would make the election mail-ballot only, was passed Feb. 24. Now the bill is up for hearing in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Superior students get 'spaced-out' with NASA project
The Superior team didn’t actually take a trip to outer space, but they did team up with NASA to get a glimpse into their operation and speak to real astronauts.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Young scientists strut their stuff
According to young scientests Kylie Lucier and Chance Bridgewater, chewing gum and listening to music makes a person smarter and helps them concentrate. These were two conclusions found at a recent St. Regis science fair. The fair involved middle and high school students who competed for bronze, silver, and gold …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Little Guy Wrestlers hit the mats as tourneys begin
The first qualifying tournament in the Western Montana Little Guy Wrestling Program began Saturday as teams from Superior/Alberton, Plains/Hot Springs, Thompson Falls, Bonner, and Missoula hit the mats at the Superior High School.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Alberton man charged in stabbing case
Longtime Alberton resident Earl James Perrine was arrested last week and charged with allegedly stabbing a man and his son near the Wye.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
PEAK show a smash hit in Alberton
It was an entertaining evening of frogs, skits, singing, and dancing as the PEAK Foundation presented their Variety Show 2017. Young and old Alberton residents took to the stage and delighted a full-house on Saturday, February 25. The production marked the fifth live theater production the Foundation has put on …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Gianforte is Republican nominee in special congressional election
Members of the Mineral County Republican party central committee were at the convention in Helena when businessman Greg Gianforte was chosen as the Montana Republican nominee for the special congressional election in May.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Mineral Co. girls earn All-State honors
Fourteen girls were announced for the 2016-17 Western C Girls All-State selection in basketball. Including Superior’s athlete, junior Kenzie Mueller received first team all-conference and first team all-state. St. Regis senior, Madison Hill also received all-state. Other St. Regis girls awarded was not available by press time.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Superior first-graders brush up on dental care
February was Oral Health Month and Superior School nurse Barb Jasper visited the first grade class to teach about good dental habits. Each student received a brand new toothbrush and was given lessons on how to brush their teeth properly.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Little Bobcats receive special hats from church women
The elementary kids in Superior were in for a treat last week when ladies from the Superior United Methodist Church Womens Group, Leslie Heppe, Tammy Wieweck, and Becky Miller, arrived with boxes and bags full of hats.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Summer Forest Service jobs available for area youth
Summer jobs for Mineral County Youth will be available this year through the Youth Conservation Corps. The Lolo National Forest will be hiring five area youths through this program to do jobs such as clearing trails and streams, improving wildlife habitat, building fences and campground facilities, planting trees and working …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Loge talks about issues which hit close to home
House District 14 Rep. Denley Loge, R-St. Regis, was at the Mineral County Commissioners meeting to give a legislative update from Helena on Friday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Library celebrates Dr. Seuss' birthday
F?amed children’s author Dr. Seuss once said, “You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.” Last Thursday, nobody had their eyes shut as several adults and pre-school children gathered around a chair in the Mineral County Library and listened to Dr. Seuss stories to celebrate the author’s …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Several truck accidents continue to hit I90 due to hazardous conditions
The Montana Highway Patrol reported 34 incidents between Feb. 26 and Mar.5, as snow and icy conditions continue to sweep down Interstate 90 in Mineral County. Several incidents occurred on Sunday, Feb. 26, and on Saturday, Mar. 4 where higher elevations were hit with heavy snow fall. Especially hazardous conditions …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Truck accidents continue to hit I-90
The Montana Highway Patrol reported 34 incidents between Feb. 26 and Mar.5, as snow and icy conditions continue to sweep down Interstate 90 in Mineral County. Several incidents occurred Sunday, Feb. 26, and Saturday, Mar. 4 where higher elevations were hit with heavy snow fall. Especially hazardous conditions were reported …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Alberton student wins Google award in statewide competition
Alberton parents, Ron and Zelma Kromrey were keeping a secret from their daughter, Lyssah.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
P-a-y-t-o-n wins county spelling bee, heads to state tourney in Billings
Superior sixth-grader Payton Milender won the Mineral County Spelling Bee on Wednesday, Feb. 22, after 14 rounds of competition. The spelling bee started with 30 participants, but one-by-one, they were knocked out of the running by trying to spell words like “crustaceans,” “hypotenuse” and “Huguenot.”
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Four-legged friend visits residents at Mineral Community Hospital
Residents at Mineral Community Hospital have a new four-legged friend named Storm Trooper. He’s just over a year old and already has started his career as a certified therapy dog. Linda Reineke is Trooper’s trainer and she said the white English lab came out of her first litter of pups, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Two Mineral County girls basketball teams place second in Class C district basketball
On Monday, Feb. 20, both the Lady Clark Fork Mountain Cats, and the Lady St. Regis Tigers played district challenge games and won second place, each earning a spot in divisionals as a result.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Girls Scouts troop enjoys visit from mayor
The Superior Girl Scouts, Troop 3802, had a Presidents Day treat when they hosted Superior’s mayor, Roni Philips, at a recent meeting. Mayor Philips discuss government, democracy, and women in leadership to 14 of the grade school girls in attendance.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Ice jams not a concern in Mineral County
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation warned residents of possible flooding and ice jams as a result of the warming temperatures.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
New taxi service heading to Mineral Co.
A new taxi service will soon be available in Mineral County. Superior resident, Michael Bowen, is starting “Bowen Family Transport”, and will provide services throughout the county.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Seasonal temps exempt from Forest Service hiring freeze
Job seekers who want to work for the Forest Service as seasonal employees received some good news on February 14, when the agency announced that their hiring freeze had been lifted. In January it was unclear as to whether the Forest Service would be able to hire summer seasonal employees …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Questions asked and answered Senior citizens health fair held on Saturday
A Senior Health and Information fair was held on Saturday in the Superior Elementary School Gym. Mary Jo Berry organized the event and said 25 vendors were on hand to answer questions and promote their businesses and organizations.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Award-winning author visits library
A cozy mystery is defined as a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence is downplayed or treated humorously, and the crime and detection takes place in a small, socially intimate community.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Roaring Lion timber salvage project underway
The Roaring Lion timber salvage project is underway in the Bitterroot National Forest. Falling snags near the trailheads of Roaring Lion, Sawtooth and Ward Mountain pose a public hazard. Crews are working to harvest 45 acres of the fire-killed timber, as the result of the Roaring Lion fire which consumed …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Lady Tigers and Lady Mountain Cats make it to championship round during district play
Both Mineral County girls varsity basketball teams made it to the championship round during districts last weekend. In District 14-C, St. Regis (16-5) jumped over Two Eagle on Thursday during tournament play in Pablo, 57-17. On Friday they won against Plains, 58-42. Leading up to the championship game where they …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Senior Night celebrated at high schools
Saturday was Senior Night for area high schools. Three seniors were honored in St. Regis, including Madison Hill, who plans on attending Montana State University after she graduates. Courtney Cheesman, who wants to go to North Idaho College, and Trevor Lowry, who has plans to attend the University of Montana.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
No headline
Two Eagle River travelled to Superior from Pablo on Tuesday, Feb. 7 for a close 59-57 win in varsity boy’s basketball. The Clark Fork Mountain Cats took an early 15-6 lead in the first quarter. Clark Fork still had the lead at the half, 32-25. In the third quarter, the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
47 traffic accidents reported as severe weather hits
Icy, snow-covered roads caused a number of the accidents earlier in the week, while melting snow and slush compounded driving conditions toward the latter part of the week. In total, 47 incidents were reported by the Montana Highway Patrol in Mineral County and near Frenchtown, between Feb. 6 and Feb. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
School closures and power outages add to weather woes
The weather took a radical change of direction last week, causing havoc around western Montana, including Mineral County. The week started with temperatures dipping into the freezing range and heavy snowfall. By Thursday, temperatures rose up to 44 degrees with rain, causing wide spread snow melt which resulted in flooding.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Ranger reports on USFS personnel changes, timber sales
There have been several personnel changes within the Superior Ranger District recently, reported District Ranger, Carole Johnson at a recent Mineral County commissioners meeting.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Basketball Roundup
On Friday night, the Cats faced the Pirates in Victor with a pair of victories. The boy’s varsity won of 55-50 and the girls won 44-34. The Pirates led at the half with 28-24 but the score was tied by the end of the third quarter, 41-41. In the fourth …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Local groups work to tackle top county health issues
In the spring of 2016, the Mineral County Health Department, the Mineral Community Hospital and the Public Health and Safety Division collaborated to identify the most serious health issues facing Mineral County.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Snowfall blankets Northwest Montana n Severe driving conditions, accidents, school closures reported throughout region
A severe winter storm caused havoc in Western Montana oon Monday, but the impact was widely varied.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
The other sign of winter: Flu hitting hard this year
The flu has hit hard this year with 3,318 cases and 369 hospitalizations reported so far across Montana. Six deaths have also been reported, with adults over age of 65 hit the hardest. In February, flu season is still going strong, with 781 cases reported last week, according to the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Special Olympics create special memories for two Alberton teachers
Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics were held on Jan. 24 at Lost Trail Ski Area and two staff members from Alberton School were there to help celebrate the events 35th year. Kim Garding, a paraprofessional and kindergarten teacher, Cori Miranda have both worked with kids who have intellectual disabilities.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Local veterans, leukemia patient receive comfort quilts from Cabin Fever Quilt Guild
Two lucky local veterans received comfort quilts, complements of the Cabin Fever Quilt Guild. Guild member, Birdie Warnken, recently paid a visit to Kenton Lewis and his brother, Tim Lewis who are both Navy veterans. She presented them with two quilts, one was white with brightly colored, crystal star type …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Semi jackknifes near Fish Creek; no injuries reported
A truck jackknifed and went over the guardrail and down an embankment on Sunday morning, west of Fish Creek Exit 66 on Interstate 90.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Superior second-grader places third at State Elks Hoop Shoot
A Superior School second-grader placed third overall at the State Elks Hoop Shoot Championships in Livingston. Carson Toivonen out shot 30 other participants to take home the bronze trophy on Feb. 4.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
House fire breaks out in Superior
The quick action from a member of the Superior Fire Department helped to save a home on Thursday, Jan. 26. Calvin Berry was driving by a home on the east side of Superior near Mineral Community Hospital when he noticed smoke coming from inside.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County Library celebrates the arrival of many new books
The Mineral County Library had a celebration on Saturday complete with a cake and storytime for the kids. They were celebrating a Children’s Book Project grant award received from the Pilcrow Foundation. Hal Berenson and Laura Ackerman donated 24 math and science books as part of the project.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Students learn the importance of properly washing their hands
Infection control specialists from Mineral Community Hospital visited Superior Elementary School on Thursday for handwashing demonstrations.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork Mountain Cats celebrate Senior Night
Clark Fork Mountain Cats celebrated Senior Night on Friday. Flowers were presented to the parents as seniors escorted them onto the gym floor. Their future goals were then announced, along with their high school accomplishments.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
400 snowmobilers participate in 29th annual poker run
The Montana Nightriders snowmobile club held their 29th annual Redneck Backwoods Hillbilly Throwdown $1,000 super poker run Saturday. The event is said to be the biggest poker game in Mineral County. Traditionally over 400 participants from all over the Northwest converge on Haugan’s 50,000 Silver Dollar Bar.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Over 30 students head to BPA state competition
Business Professionals of American (BPA) held regional competition in January, where 30 students from St. Regis and Superior High Schools qualified to go to State. The competition was held in Missoula and students competed in business related categories ranging from spreadsheet applications to human resource management.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Trooper narrowly escapes injury while on accident call
A semi-truck smashed into a highway patrol car on I-90 while the patrolman was investigating an accident. Trooper Jordon Gulick was out of his patrol car west of Alberton near mile marker 64 on Jan. 18. It was a one vehicle rollover and Gulick has parked his car in the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Routine traffic stop results in meth bust
A routine traffic stop ended in a drug bust on I-90 on Jan. 23. Mineral County Sheriff Tom Bauer said Sergeant A.J. Allard and Deputy Eric McMurray pulled over a vehicle for speeding near DeBorgia on Monday night. Two men were in the vehicle and there were reportedly indications of …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
New postmaster in Superior
The Superior Post Office has a new postmaster. Liz Asay, who had been acting postmaster for two years, was recently promoted as full-time postmaster. She will assume her new duties on Feb. 4. Asay is taking the place of Jeff Shauvin, who had been detailed to the Lolo post office …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Standoff in Alberton ends peacefully
An Alberton man was arrested on Friday without incident after a night-long standoff involving a Missoula SWAT team. Leonard Upton, 33, shot out his neighbor’s window with a bb gun and brandished a .38 revolver, according to Mineral County Sheriff, Tom Bauer.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis J.H. girls basketball team raises funds for Zaylee
Fundraising efforts continue for 6-year-old Zaylee, who is fighting leukemia.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Man rescued from Clark Fork River near Superior
A Superior resident was pulled from the Clark Fork River Friday evening, and was near death before being rescued. What started as a typical afternoon of fishing, ended in near-tragedy, after Jeramy Wilson, 40, went fishing near his home located northwest of town.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis School thinking of a four-day week
St. Regis School is meeting with parents to discuss the possibility of a four-day school week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Winter coat drives keep area kids warm this winter
There are coats everywhere at Superior and St. Regis schools, thanks to the efforts of local individuals who want to make sure area students stay warm this winter. Mineral Community Hospital maintenance worker, Cory Billet collected donations which resulted in three large bags being brought to the Superior Elementary School, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Seatbelt law voted down in legislative session
“Lauryn’s Law”, a bill that would establish a primary seatbelt law in Montana, was struck down by a 7-4 vote in committee a few weeks ago during legislation in Helena. The law stems from the death of a 15-year-old Fairfield girl who died when the truck she was riding in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Bootlegger Bar is quietly bringing quality acts to area
The Bootlegger Bar in Superior sprang to life on Friday night as singer-songwriter, Rick Brantley took the stage. Brantley, from Macon, Georgia, lit up the stage with his acoustic solo performance of lively country tunes.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Father speaks about daughter's death and importance of seatbelts
Buckle Up Blue Ribbon Campaign assemblies took place last week at Mineral County high schools. Pat Goldhahn gave a tearful reminder to student’s at all three schools to buckle up when driving, even if it’s a short drive down the street.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Retirement dinner held for Roman Zylawy in St. Regis
A retirement party was held for Roman Zylawy on Friday, Jan. 20 at the St. Regis Community Center.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Veterans Transportation awarded 2016 Ford van
Mineral County Veterans Transportation members now have a new van, thanks to the Veterans Administration in Helena. They awarded the Mineral County group with a 2016 Ford Flex to replace their aging vehicle, which sustained $3,000 worth of damage in an accident last year.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Meet Mineral County's new attorney, Ellen Donohue
Ellen Donohue is the new Mineral County Attorney, replacing Marcia Boris, who left at the end of last summer. Donohue was hired for the position by a selection committee, and will work for the rest of Boris’ term, which ends in 2018.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Area schools compete at BPA regionals in Missoula
The next generation of business men and women, went to Missoula last week to put their skills to the test against teams across the area, during the annual regional Business Professionals of America competition.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Schools rely on fundraising to secure band instruments
Throughout the year, area schools delight audiences with concerts that celebrate spring, the holidays, and other special times. But making beautiful music is expensive. A trombone can set musicians back $700, a flute, $500, a tuba can run $3,000 or more.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Lozeau famous for I-90 exit and 1869 gold rush
While recently visiting with his grandfather, Superior High School Principal, Chris Clairmont, found out something new about his ancestors. His great, great grandfather was Adolph Lozeau, originally pronounced Adolphe L’Oiseau. He was of Canadian descent and homesteaded what is now called the Lozeau exit, located between Superior and Alberton.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Superior Color and Lumber relocating
A long-time business, Superior Color and Lumber, is moving to its new location on River Street.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Health service professionals meet to share reports
The Mineral County Community Coalition held their regularly scheduled meeting on Jan. 10, in Superior.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Coalition focuses on timber industry, county economics
It was a packed room as representatives from the federal, state, and county government met with local business owners and residents to discuss timber industry issues and the economic plight facing Mineral County. The meeting which brought the parties together on Jan. 3, was the Mineral County Resource Coalition, and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Superior youth to compete at state free-throw tourney
A Superior youth will compete in the Montana State Championship Free Throw competition in Livingston next month.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Snowplow etiquette important for safety
So far this season, the Montana Department of Transportation has reported several of their snowplows have been struck by drivers who are following too closely.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Frozen propane, frigid temperatures don't stop the chef at the River Edge
Last week’s frigid weather took its toll on the River Edge restaurant in Alberton, but that didn’t stop the restaurant from cooking up some tasty food.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Community steps in to help 6-year-old St. Regis girl fighting leukemia
While most St. Regis children are spending their winter months enjoying the snow and attending classes, 6-year-old Zaylee has spent the past several weeks lying in a hospital bed. Last year she was diagnosed with acute-lymphocytic leukemia (type B cell).
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Arctic blast causes severe issues
Last week Western Montana watched as the thermometers dipped well below zero, as an arctic blast covered the area. According to reports, a record low was set on Jan. 3 in Missoula when temperatures dropped to minus-8 degrees. The lowest recorded temperature prior to this was 3 degrees set in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Superior woman's body found on bank of Clark Fork River in Missoula
On Dec. 21, Amy Dixon’s body was found on the north bank of the Clark Fork River behind Taco Johns, located on Broadway in Missoula. The 44-year-old woman lived in Superior and may have been in Missoula for a medical procedure, according to friends who knew the woman.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Epic snowstorm coats Mineral County over Christmas holiday
It was not just your imagination if you think the snow over Christmas was an epic event. Meteorologist Bob Nestor with the National Weather Service office in Missoula reported that Missoula had 13 inches of snow on the ground over a 36 hour period.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Zylawy retires after 27 years as a Montana Highway Patrolman
On Dec. 23 Mineral County Commissioner Roman Zylawy was sworn in by Commissioner Duane Simons. With his characteristic cowboy hat and vest, the mustached, 52-year old raised his right hand and took an oath to uphold the laws and rules of the office he was about to hold for the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Big changes in Mineral County District Court
Kathleen Brown was sworn in as Mineral County Clerk of District Court by Judge Robert Deschamp on Dec. 29. She ran unopposed for the position in the Nov. 8 elections and will serve a four-year term. It’s a position she has held since 2006 and was happy to be re-elected. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
DUI Task Force hopes to curb highway fatalities
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has severe and sometimes, fatal consequences. There were 187 fatalities on Montana roads in 2016, with 94 of those accidents relating to impaired driving, according to a Montana Department of Transportation report. In Mineral County, 61 people have been either killed or …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Exerise and weight loss No. 1 New Year's Resolution
New Year’s Eve is steeped in several traditions. It’s a time to gather with families and friends and ring in the New Year with a celebration of food, drink, and rousing sing-along of “Auld Lang Syne.” It’s also a time to reflect on the events of the past year, and …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Hospital drops assisted living services
This spring Mineral Community Hospital will no longer offer assisted living service in Mineral County.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Reporter's Notebook: It's been a great year
Gift packages are unwrapped, and holiday guests have headed home. The Christmas tree stands barren in the living room, with bits of ribbon and paper strewn underneath. Many of us will have to loosen our belts after eating too many cookies and treats and tighten our pocketbook in January to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Families received holiday cheer from local volunteers
There will be gifts under Christmas trees and food in the pantry, thanks to the efforts of volunteer groups in the area. On Dec. 3, Helping Hands raised over $5,800 with their annual auction. With some of the funds raised, the group bought toys, clothes, games and food for 11 …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Keepers of the old schoolhouse celebrate another successful year
It has been an eventful year of raising funds, hosting events, and caretaking one of the oldest buildings in DeBorgia. On Dec. 10, the ladies who make up The DeBorgia Historic School House Foundation celebrated with a much needed rest with their Ladies Annual Holiday Salad Luncheon. The ladies who …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Tree lighting highlighted with snowfall in Alberton
Fourth Annual Winter Festival hosted by the PEAK Foundation was held in Alberton on Dec. 9. It was an “opportunity to come together to celebrate life and love”, according to their Facebook post promoting the event.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Technology is changing the way hospitals treat patients
The U.S. Senate last month passed the Expanding Capacity for Health Outcomes (ECHO) Act. This legislation is aimed to increase access to healthcare in rural areas by authorizing the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to study the Project ECHO model.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hospital aims to collect 5,000 pounds of food this holiday season
In November 2011, Mineral Community Hospital held their first Holiday Food Drive to help those in need in the county through the holidays. This season is no exception, as the hospital employees are continuing to collect non-perishable food items with a goal of over 5,000 pounds.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Student all smiles with new school sweatshirts thanks to Montana Rail Link
Students at Alberton and Superior were all smiles last week when representatives from Montana Rail Link (MRL) showed up and handed out sweatshirts to everyone. Tony Bacino, Chief of Security for Montana Rail Link gave the students a presentation about railroad safety. Then he, other MRL employees, and Monte, University …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Women in Timber Parent's Gift day suffers low attendance
The Clark Fork Valley Montana Women in Timber group held their annual Parent’s Gift Table at the Superior fire house on Saturday, Dec. 10. Unfortunately, they had one of the smallest turn-outs in recent memory.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis bazaar fills Community Center with unique holiday gifts
The annual Christmas Bazaar was held at the Community Center in St. Regis on Dec. 10. Coordinators Kathy Koepke and Ilene Wolff said they had more vendors than they’ve had in the past, with 32 tables filled with crafts, food, and collectables.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Former astronaut John Glenn touched many lives, even in St. Regis
Former astronaut and U.S. Senator, John Glenn was hailed as a national hero and became a symbol of the space age as the first American to orbit Earth. He passed away on Thursday, Dec. 8 at the age of 95. He was in the Senate for 24 years, but captured …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis School closed due to propane issues
On Wednesday, Dec. 7, St. Regis student awoke to a surprise: school was cancelled for the day due to a propane issue. School Superintendent Joe Steele sent out an email that stated that the propane to the building had been shut off.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Emergency services a challenge in Mineral County
Providing emergency services in small rural areas like Mineral County can be challenging due to the lack of volunteers and other resources needed. However, the Local Emergency Planning Committee, headed by George Gupton, and the LEPC Subcommittee on Communications is aiming to help overcome some of these challenges.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Libby wins at Bob Kinney Wrestling Classic with Clark Fork in sixth place
Libby won the annual Bob Kinney Wrestling Classic held over last weekend in Superior. Teams from all over Western Montana traveled through several inches of snow and cold to reach the high school gym for a day of intense competition. Clark Fork Mountain Cats came in sixth place with a …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
San Jose basketball team makes a stop in Alberton
The Clark Fork Mountain Cats boy’s basketball team was in for a treat on Tuesday, Dec. 6 when they relinquished their gym to the San Jose Spartans. The Division 1 team played the University of Montana Grizzlies on Dec. 7 and found themselves without a gym to practice on the …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Wrestling, basketball seasons underway
Wrestling
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Questions raised over West End FD equipment
There was contention over what to do with equipment at the West End Fire Department. Current Board President, John Carpenter presented a proposal to the county commissioners on Thursday evening to sell some of the equipment. Board members Tom Anderson and Mark Wasseen were also present at the meeting.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mine near Superior in final cleanup phase
There’s been a lot of activity at the Flat Creek Iron Mountain Mine located four miles northeast of Superior. It became a Superfund site in 2002 and the final cleanup phases are currently taking place.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County must decide how to spend $350,000
The county has $350,000 in title III funds, and on Friday, Mineral County financial officer Jessica Connelly warned commissioners that if the funds were not used, they would have to be returned to the federal government.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Santa sightings usher in the holidays
Santa arrives in DeBorgia for the Schoolhouse Lighting
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Snow plows' quick action helped save lives
A high-speed chase on Interstate 90 near Huson could have had catastrophic consequences if it hadn’t been for the quick actions of some of employees of the Montana Department of Transportation in Alberton.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County properties will soon be tobacco free
Starting on Jan. 1, 2017 all county properties will tobacco free, including chew and electronic delivery devices, or e-cigs. Properties include the main courthouse campus, library, health department, road department, county owned parks, extension office, and fairgrounds.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
ACEs changing the way people think about child abuse
Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs, take many forms regarding child abuse. Abuse can be categorized as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. It can take place through the hands of a parent, a sibling, a caregiver or another person in a custodial role including clergy, coaches and teachers.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Cantrell-Field selected for all-state six-man game
The high school 6-Man football all-state team was announced last week and Brock Cantrell-Field, a sophomore from St. Regis was selected to play.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Saturday craft fair kicks off season of holiday bazaars
The annual Alberton Craft Fair kicked off the holiday season on Saturday, Nov. 26. Patrons were offered sweet treats including sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls as well as soup and sandwiches.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Basketball, wrestling underway at local schools
Winter sports have started at area schools, including wrestling and basketball, with junior high basketball teams already hitting the courts. High school players started practice a couple of weeks ago with games starting the first week of December.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Car accident near Tarkio results in driver's death
A teenage girl died a single-vehicle car accident on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 3:10 a.m. Kailyne Thola, an 18-year-old Hamilton girl was killed when her 1999 Ford Explorer crashed near Tarkio at mile marker 62. An unidentified 18-year-old male from Superior was taken to St. Patrick Hospital.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
FFA team takes first place at John Deere Expo
The St. Regis Future Farmers of America (FFA) Ag Communications team took first place at the John Deere Ag Expo in Bozeman. The Expo was held at the Montana State University Campus on Nov. 17 through 19 with about 1,500 other FFA members from around the state.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
New Mineral County Attorney hired
The search for a new Mineral County attorney is over, as Ellen Donohue last week accepted the position. Marcia Boris left the job on Sept. 2 and moved to Libby to become the deputy county attorney for Lincoln County. Since that time, County Commissioners have been in the process of …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Elk numbers down, whitetail numbers up as 2016 hunting season comes to a close
On Saturday afternoon at the Fish Creek check station, wildlife biologist Liz Bradley and University of Montana wildlife biology student, Elizabeth Koenig, were waiting for hunters to stop by to report their hunting experience for the day.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Grading a problem with new teaching platform
This year St. Regis School is experiencing a whole new way of learning. They have adopted the Summit Basecamp learning program, which is project-based and more hands-on than traditional modes of learning. Rather than standing in front of a class, teachers work with students individually or in small groups.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
'Cardiac Ready Communities' hoping to take hold in Mineral County
The Local Emergency Planning Committee held their monthly meeting on Nov. 3 in Superior. During the meeting, Janet Trethewet gave a brief presentation on “Cardiac Ready Communities” initiative. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (MDPHHS) received a $3.2 million gift from the Leona M. and Harry B. …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
'Hamlet' visits the next generation of Shakespeareans in Alberton
To be, or not to be, that is the question,” actor Ty Fanning said in Act 3 of Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet” during a performance at the Alberton School on Wednesday, Nov. 16.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Food bank provides 100 Thanksgiving meals
The weekend before Thanksgiving is a busy one for volunteers at the Mineral County Food Bank in Superior as they prepared 100 bags of Thanksgiving food for their clients. Program manager Marlene Adair said that’s how many people signed up this year to receive a turkey with all the trimmings …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
'Backroads of Montana' anniversary special to feature Alberton resident
On Nov. 17 the crew from Montana PBS’s “Backroads of Montana” held a 25th Anniversary celebration at the Rialto Theatre in Deer Lodge. It was designed as a red carpet event, where special guests were interviewed as they entered the theater. Attendees were also offered free popcorn and were entered …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Thanksgiving holiday will be a wet one
The busiest travel period of the year will reach its peak over the Thanksgiving holiday. About 48.7 million Americans will hit the roads and skies and travel 50 miles or more from home on Wednesday, Nov. 23 to Sunday, Nov. 27, according to projections from the American Automobile Association (AAA).
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County sheriff's workers on strike
Mineral County Commissioner Roman Zylawy said there’s a lot of false information being reported regarding a strike involving Mineral County deputies, dispatch and detention employees.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Bobcat Wrestlers in Florence and Missoula last week
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Health Communities Coalition meeting held
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
O-Mok-See fun for the entire family
The River Valley Saddle Club (RVSC) held their end-of-the-year awards potluck in Superior on January 10. This is where Alberton resident, Amanda Hansen, and her mother Tammy Stedman, received the RVSC High Points award for 2015; Hansen for her age group which was 16 to 30 and Stedman age 42 …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
New phone app promotes Mineral County tourism
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork teams defeat Darby, split with Valley Christian
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis girls win big
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Mineral County students succeed at regional competition
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Icy roads cause school delays
Icy roads played havoc with drivers last Wednesday, including school bus drivers. Both Alberton and Superior called for a two-hour delay on starting their school day in order to deal with the poor road conditions.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Skiers trigger avalanche near Lookout
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Local Emergency Planning Committee gears up for emergencies
The Mineral County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) met for their monthly meeting on January 7. Tim Read, Mineral County Planner and Retired Superior Fire Chief John Woodland presented a slide show to the group regarding the freezing rain and icy roads that occurred on December 4 which resulted in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
LEPC formed as result of Bhpal India disaster
The LEPC was formed in 2001 in response to the federal Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) in 1986. Title III of SARA, also known as the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
DOE Seeks public comment on Flat Creek-Iron Mountain Mine
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
History of the Flat Creek-Iron Mountain Mine
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Health concerns related to the Flat Creek-Iron Mountain Mine
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
After School Program gears up for the new year
The Alberton After School Program is starting the new year with some fun new activities. The program, which boosts around 15-20 kids per day between 4 and 6 p.m., will start with “Make it Monday.” “Currently, the kids are making robots outs of ‘up-cycled’ materials with items such as boxes …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Destination Imagination challenges St. Regis student
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
MHSA awards schools for good sportsmanship
The Montana High School Association awarded both Alberton and St. Regis High School with its Sportsmanship Award. This award is for schools who do not have any ejections of students or coaches from football or volleyball.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Ski Report for Lookout and Snowbowl
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Dueling over the weekend
Superior Bobcat Wrestling continued last weekend on Jan. 8 and 9 where area teams gathered in Ronan for the Western Montana Duals tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
New and old faces on Alberton town council
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Area teams continue into conference schedules
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis challenge Two Eagle River in Pablo
The St. Regis boys gave Two Eagle River an intense challenge in a Thursday night game in Pablo. Both teams put impressive numbers on the board as the teams went head to head throughout the entire game.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Quit smoking and save $2,140
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Black bears have rough year
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Touch to Tackle
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Superior Bobcat wrestlers travel to Mission
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Last games of the year a disappointment for the Tigers
The St. Regis Tigers were dealt a loss to Arlee at the Dec. 22 game with a final score of 93-28. Arlee came out strong in the first quarter with a 16-9 lead. They put up another 33 points in the second quarter, to the Tiger’s 12. The final two …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Roaring Readers entertain MCH residents over the holidays
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
County Commissioners have last meeting of 2015
The last Mineral County Commissioners meeting for 2015 was held on December 31. April Quinlan and Jennifer Donovan with the Mineral County Health department presented commissioners Roman Zylawy and Laurie Johnston with information about a Local and Tribal Public Health Systems Improvement Grant. The $15,000 grant was award to Mineral …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Temperatures moderate this week
Last week’s cold temperatures are going to thaw this week, with high temperatures in the 30’s and lows in the 20’s. No precipitation for the next couple of days, But a few inches of snow is called for on Friday and Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Mobile Vet Center to travel to Superior
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
New Superior resident dies in accident on I-90
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Service award presented to Sharon Patterson
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
How low will they go?
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Blood Drive at Alberton School
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
New federal policy supplants No Child Left Behind
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock supports the new federal education initiative called the Every Student Succeeds Act and says it is a much-needed policy update that will allow Montana schools flexibility to support innovation in schools and student achievement
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Trapping continues to be challenged
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Over 100 accidents reported along I-90 in one day
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Alberton Children Love New Hats
For over 30 years, Rae Deschamps has knitted hats and mittens for the grade-school children at Alberton School. Monday, Dec. 14, was no exception. Armed with a basket full of colorfully knitted apparel, Rae visited kindergarten, and grades one through three.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Alberton students shop at school for parents
Alberton grade-school students got to go shopping at school last week. The school’s PTA opened a small “store” in one of the classrooms, filled with an assortment of small gifts.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Mineral Independent and Valley Press get new building
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Clark Fork teams lose to Seeley-Swan, Arlee
The Clark Fork Mountain Cats squared off against Seeley-Swan on Friday, Dec. 18, with Seeley-Swan overtaking Clark Fork in both the girls and boys basketball games. The girls lost 53-30 and the boys 43-39.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Arlee Charges over Clark Fork
The Clark Fork Mountain Cats played the Arlee Warriors on Saturday, Dec. 19, in Arlee. Both the Clark Fork Mountain Cats boys and the girls basketball teams lost by a wide margin — the boys 76-29 and the girls 54-26.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Charlo Girls Squeak by St. Regis
The St. Regis Tigers faced the Charlo Vikings on Friday, Dec. 18, in Charlo. The boys lost soundly with an 81-45 defeat. Brock Cantrell-Field was high scorer with 25 points.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis teams beat Lincoln, lose to Charlo
St. Regis had a good night against Lincoln on Saturday night at St. Regis. The Lady Tigers took an early lead and held onto it for a 55-15 win. Madison Hill was the evening’s high scorer with 25 points, followed by Courtney Cheesman with 12. The boys went head to …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Everyone has a favorite Christmas song
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Two tons of food donated to local food banks
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Star Wars, the excitement continues
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
New fire chief to start January 4
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Superior hosts Bob Kinney Invitational
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Fundraiser for new school equipment almost complete
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
PEAK holds annual tree lighting
The PEAK Foundation in Alberton held its annual tree lighting event on Friday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Frenchtown School closed due to flooding
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
'Tis the season... for the flu
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis Annual Christmas Bazaar
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Helping Hands celebrates 20th annual auction
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Fire permits discussed
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
A Hindu Wedding: Local resident keeps traditions alive
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
New gallery space opens in Alberton
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sealants for Smiles helps local children
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Visiting loved ones in care facilities over the holiday season
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Freezing rain closes I-90 for ten hours
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Women in Timber help kids find gifts for parents
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Red Bucket donations for a good cause
It’s a sunny Saturday morning and Robert Lyons is standing in the middle of Main Street in Superior, holding a red bucket. He’s a volunteer with the Lions Club and is hoping cars will stop and make a donation.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lady Tigers Win Over Victor Pirates
The St. Regis Lady Tigers took on the Lady Victor Pirates on at 12:30 pm on Friday at the Frenchtown Tip-Off Tournament. The game was close, and St. Regis was behind going into the fourth quarter with a 30-25 score. However, Courtney Cheesman and Anna Sanford each had two triples …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Local teams kick off season in Frenchtown
Local teams kicked off their basketball season this past weekend with games in Frenchtown.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
EPA starts testing at Smurfit Stone Mill
On November 12, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in a press release that there is a final agreement to investigate contamination at the Smurfit Stone Mill Superfund site, located near Frenchtown.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Cyber Monday predicted to out pace Black Friday sales
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
26th annual Alberton craft fair
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Diet tips for holiday parties
It’s the Holiday Season, and for people watching their weight, it can be the season of dread. Office parties, family gatherings, and other events, offer plates of cookies, candy, appetizers, and drinks. Things that can tempt even the most rigorous dieter.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Millions of packages to be shipped this holiday season
UPS, FedEx, and USPS, all needed to retool last year to keep up with the ever increasing demand of online shopping. Every year, cyber shoppers become more prevalent, and shipping companies must keep up with the demand in order for packages to be under the tree by December 24.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Alberton laser machine teaches kids work skills
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
LED Christmas lights can cut utility bills
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Low income energy assistance available to residents
In Mineral County, almost 30 percent of the population between ages 18 and 64, lives in poverty. And as the temperatures drop, some people may not have enough money to heat their homes. Luckily the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) and Weatherization is available to low income residents who …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Local ski report
Lookout Pass opened Thanksgiving Day, and stayed open until the Nov. 29. They will open up again on December 4 through the 6, with snow forecast starting Wednesday. As of Nov. 29, there was 6” at the base and 14” at the summit.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis students learn about Montana tribes
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Superior announces football awards
Superior’s Aaron Kelly and Bridger Lapierre have been selected to play in the Class C All-Star game next summer.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Class C Football championships
Arlee played Chinook for the 8-Man Class C football championship on November 23. Chinook won the season title, 44-20.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis and Clark Fork set to square off at tournament opener
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Superior wrestling kicks off at Polson tourney
Superior Bobcat Wrestling will start with a tournament in Polson, this Saturday, December 5. The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. and runs all day. This will be the first meet for the Bobcats. Their next tournament will take place in Superior on their home mats. That event will take …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Thanksgiving traditions
From six to 60, that’s how big or small gathering were this Thanksgiving holiday in Mineral County. Many venues hosted dinners from local churches, to community centers and schools.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
County schools receive EEE awards
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis FFA attends expo in Bozeman
Future Farmers of America, or FFA, held their annual statewide expo in Bozeman on November 11 through the 14. Members from over 50 chapters attended the John Deere Expo, where students interested in agriculture and leadership met for four days to compete, and get to know each other.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
High winds cause havoc in Mineral County
ALBERTON - High winds whipped through western Montana on Tuesday evening and early Wednesday morning of last week. Winds started to kick up late Tuesday evening, with reported gusts reaching up to 84 mph in some parts of western Montana.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Cyr to get railroad crossing
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Driver pulls woman out of burning building
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Connolly hired as Mineral County financial officer
Jessica Connolly was hired as the new Financial Officer for the County, at the November 20 Mineral County Commissioners meeting. She will work as an independent contractor, with $20,000 in the budget for her salary. Her contract is good for one year.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Fire district overpaid more than $22,000
Over the past few years, the West End Fire District had been overpaid $22,832.28 due to computer glitches in 2013 and 2014. Now the county would like the funds back.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Trees cut from new shooting range
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
St. Regis school hosts Thanksgiving luncheon
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hospital residents receive young visitors
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sharon Patterson to retire at end of year
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Montana still in severe drought
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lady Cats gear up for basketball season
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mountain Cats ready for new season
For the 2015-2016 high school basketball season, Alberton’s Erik Johnson will be the boys head coach, with assistant coaches, John Petersen and Carson Bryant, for the newly formed Clark Fork Mountain Cats.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Alberton and Superior combine to become Mountain Cats
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Ghosts of Alberton - Residents report odd noises and occurrences around town
When the west winds howl down the valley and a full moon creeps over the mountains illuminating the Clark Fork River, residents can feel the autumn air slipping into winter. But at times, that chill in the air maybe something more unworldly, because some people believe spirits live among us.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO
Alberton vs. Lincoln on Senior Night
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO
New program helps adults and kids connect earlier in life
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO
Alberton community gathers in support of family after fire
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO
Darby Takes the Lead Over Alberton in Friday Night Volleyball Game
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO
Panthers close out season with game against Lone Pine
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 YEARS AGO
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