Lady Hawks heat up the diamond
Thompson Falls battled its way through three close games, and finished 1-2 in a busy week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Horsemen palce fourth
Six golf teams converged in Plains last Saturday for the Plains Invitational golf tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Thompson Falls track takes meet at home
It was a busy stretch for Sanders County track teams as they competed in multiple events last week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Hot Springs hosts memorial meet
Eight days after it was originally scheduled, the Dave Tripp Memorial track and field meet took place last Friday in Hot Springs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Fundraising fun for Plains pool advocates
More than 70 volunteers gathered to make 350 dozen truffles, clearing over $6,000 for the Plains pool last week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Trotters and Lady Hawks get first win
By Mike Miller
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Weather finally cooperates with track schedule
After a long wait, three Sanders County track teams had an impressive outing last weekend in Columbia Falls.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Horsemen, Hawks tee off in Missoula
Last week, the Horsemen and Blue Hawks competed in their first tournament of the year at the Loyola SacredHeart Invitational.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Sanders County showcases businesses at annual trade fair
Patrons and entrepreneurs filled the Plains High School Gym on Saturday morning as the 16th Annual Sanders County Trade Fair took place.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Plains track takes off running
It’s not easy replacing two perennial state placers, but that’s the task set before Plains’ first year track coach, Tony Banovich.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Plains man found dead
Jeff Lakel, 27, was pronounced dead at approximately 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning, according to Sanders County Coroner Kathy Bates.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Plains-Hot Springs falls at Mission
The Plains-Hot Springs Trotters opened their 2011 season just one hit shy of a victory.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Heat look back on season
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Heather's Country Kitchen opens
Heather Worrall saw an opportunity to make her dream come true and she wasn’t about to let it go.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Plains remembers basketball season
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Jobs for Montana graduates class teaches student initiative
Plains middle school students enrolled in the Jobs for Montana Graduates Class (JMG) aren’t attending an average class.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Poker Run riders raise funds
More than 250 riders completed the 56-mile course during the 20th Annual Cabinet Ridge Riders’ Poker Run last Saturday in Trout Creek.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Late lead evaporates as Lady Hawks lose
A 15-point lead with 7:00 to play at divisionals had the Lady Hawks thinking one thing: a divisional birth.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Lady Heat, Lady Devils fall
By Mike Miller
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Bluehawks place second
Thompson Falls made good on its second place seed in districts, advancing to divisionals as the second seed.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Devils and Heat done
Despite winning three of their four games at districts, the Red Devils failed to advance to the Divisional tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Horsemen advance to divisionals
Heading into the District 7-B Tournament, two things seemed certain: Bigfork would continue their dominance and Plains would quickly be shown the door. Neither would happen as the two teams met in a peculiar pairing in Saturday’s consolation game.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Trotters take third at districts
A new coach, new team and a new attitude made all the difference last weekend as the Trotters finished third in the District 7-B Tournament last weekend.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
On my honor...
For over 100 years, the Boy Scouts of America have been fulfilling their motto to help others, by serving their country and God.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Ferry found
A runaway ferry, which broke free of its mooring two weeks ago, has finally been secured according to Sanders County Sheriff Tom Rummel.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Memorial fundraiser pays off
Over $2,400 was raised last Saturday night, as nearly 300 Sanders County residents attended the fifth annual Shelton’s Memorial Fundraiser at the VFW hall in Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Artist raises awareness of domestic violence
Painting, poetry and pain took on new meaning for Jane Lattus Emmert after her sister, Amy, was murdered eight years ago by an abusive boyfriend.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Bluehawks hinder Horsemen
A 22-4 advantage in the third quarter helped the Bluehawks complete their sweep over Distrit 7-B rival Plains on Thursday. Thompson Falls emerged with a 57-37 victory and finished the regular season in fourth place at 5-5 conf., 9-9 ovr.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Trotters finish third
The ultimate competition would include two rivals in a playoff atmosphere each with something to prove. Fitting, then, that Plains and Thompson Falls were matched up in their regular season finales to determine which would enter the District 7-B tournament in third and fourth place.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Four wrestlers place at state
Four wrestlers from Sanders County placed at the state meet last weekend in Hamilton as they met a competitive field made up of B-C schools throughout the state.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Red Devils scorch Hot Springs
Three months of regular season basketball officially concluded this weekend as a pair of Sanders County teams are ready for the District 14-C tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
TRACS gives old building new life
Thanks to the generosity of a local business, Thompson River Animal Shelter (TRACS) now has a new healthy cat adoption center.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
New twist for fair favorite
The Lions Club has announced a new set of rules for their 2011 demolition derby to be held during the Sanders County Fair next fall. The rules were approved to improve driver safety, increase parody between competing cars, and improve viewer satisfaction during the event.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Plains Drama Club advances to Nationals
The Plains Drama Club earned the opportunity to compete at the national level with their compelling performance of “Our Diamond” at the state-wide Thespian Festival earlier this month.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hot Springs girls win back-to-back
A 52-43 win over Arlee on Friday gave Hot Springs its their first back-to-back wins all season. Although a 36-51 loss to Alberton would stop The Savage Heat’s momentum the following day, they appear to be peaking at the right time as they approach the District 14-C tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lady Hawks lose to Lady Devils
The Lady Devils and Lady Hawks were two teams heading in different directions last weekend as Noxon knocked off Thompson Falls 62-43 on Thursday. The Lady Devils have now won four straight while Thompson Falls is on a four-game losing streak.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Horsemen a lock to finish sixth
With two more losses this week, the Horsemen (0-8 conf., 4-12 ovr.) have cemented their position at the bottom of the District 7-B conference heading into the upcoming tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Trotters play for second place
The Trotters are in position to compete for the second seed of the District 7-B tournament heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Noxon tops TFalls
Noxon avenged an early season loss over their cross-class, inter-county rival Thompson Falls with a thrilling, 62-59 overtime win on Saturday. Each team is now gearing up for their respective district tournaments as they head into the final weekend of the regular season.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
14 advance to state
Fourteen Sanders County wrestlers will advance to the State Tournament next weekend in Hamilton after impressive showings at the Divisional meet last weekend in Arlee.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Savage Heat top Panthers again
With a win over Alberton on Saturday, The District 14-C Savage Heat (2-4 conf., 7-9 ovr.) have clinched the fifth seed heading into Divisionals. Hot Springs will have a chance to tie Two Eagle River (4-5, 7-10) at fourth with two league games remaining.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Barbecue to benefit local charity
If you enjoy good barbecue, country music, old-fashioned family fun, or helping local families in need, then you’ll love the fifth annual Shelton’s Memorial Fundraiser to be held this Saturday, Feb 12 at the VFW hall in Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Soles for Souls shoe drive a success
Last week, Sanders county residents compiled 55 pairs of gently used shoes culminating a four-month long shoe drive to raise awareness of the dangers of using tobacco products and to stress the need for continuing education.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lady Devils seek revenge after loss
The Noxon girls proved they were a force to be reckoned with this week, after defeating a pair of class B teams in Valley Christian, 40-39 on Thursday, and Troy, 42-27 on Friday. The nonconference wins helped the Lady Devils improve to 9-3 on the season.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Wrestlers ready for divisionals
Local wrestlers earned the respect of fans and their opponents last weekend as 16 athletes from Sanders County earned medals at the Darby Invitational. This was the final tournament before all three county teams will wrestle in the divisional tournament this Saturday in Arlee.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Hot Springs girls get win
The Savage Heat halted their season long, six game losing streak by defeating St. Regis, 50-32 on Saturday. The long awaited victory came after a loss the previous day to Charlo, 20-40. Hot Springs is now 2-4 conf., 2-11 ovr.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Blueahwks grounded
Thompson Falls dropped a pair of games against Columbia Falls, 29-78 on Friday, and Bigfork, 51-85 on Saturday this week, dropping their record to 3-5 conf., 6-8 ovr.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Red Devils play up
The Red Devils took a break from conference play, falling twice against Class B opponents last week against Valley Christian, 39-52 on Thursday and Troy, 44-52 on Friday. The losses marked the second longest losing streak of the season at three games for the District 14-C Red Devils (4-10).
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Trotters top Troy
The Trotters tallied their third consecutive win for the second time this season af ter defeating District 7-B foe Troy, 57-38 on Saturday. The win was the Trotters second over the Trojans in as many tries this season after a 34-27 victory earlier in the season.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Horsemen corraled by Trojans
The Horsemen are still looking for their first District 7-B win after a 40-54 loss against Troy on Saturday. Plains is now 0-6 conf., 4-10 ovr. with four conference games left on their schedule before the district tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Ladyhawks fall behind early in losses
A pair of slow starts killed the Ladyhawks momentum, snapping their season long, two-game winning last week. On Thursday, Class A Columbia defeated Thompson Falls 32-45 at home. Two days later, the Ladyhawks would fall again, this time versus District 7-B foe Bigfork, 21-62. Thompson Falls is now 4-4 conf., …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Savage Heat handle Tigers again
History repeated itself as the Savage Heat lost to Charlo, and bested St. Regis for the second time this season. Hot Springs (2-5, conf., 6-8 ovr.) has now won three of their last four games heading into the heart of their conference schedule with only two weeks remaining until districts.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Ladyhawks heat up
Weekend victories over Troy, 43-19, and Eureka, 44-36, gave the Thompson Falls girls their first back-to-back wins this season. With a victory in either of their final two conference games, the Ladyhawks can guarantee they will enter the District 7-B tournament in no lower than third place.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Lady Devils fall to Vals
The Vikings kept their District 14-C record perfect as they halted Noxon’s five-game winning streak, by defeating the Lady Devils, 35-23, on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Bluehawks win two in conference
The Bluehawks earned their first back-to-back conference wins all season by defeating Troy, 49-45, on Friday and Eureka, 56-49, on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Wrestlers impress at Ted Kato Tournament
All three Sanders County Wrestling teams were among the 15 competing at the Ted Kato Tournament in Thompson Falls over the weekend. Each school had multiple wrestlers take the mat in the medal round.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Trotters take two wins
As the Plains squared off against the Savage Heat, either the Trotter’s three or Hot Springs’ five-game losing streak had to end.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Red Devils excel in double OT
The Red Devils continued their up and down season with a thrilling, 82-77 double overtime win over Two Eagle River on Friday, before falling, 42-55, against second ranked Charlo on Saturday. The 3-4, 4-8 Red Devils have yet to post consecutive wins this season.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Residents protest on Roe anniversary
Dozens of protestors gathered in front of the Sanders County Courthouse on Saturday, commemorating the 38th anniversary of the controversial 1973 Roe v. Wade decision, which effectively legalized abortion nationwide.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Noxon girls schorch Hot Springs
The Lady Devils continued to make winning look easy with wins of 56-38 over Hot Springs, and 37-33 over Arlee, proving that they were a force to be reckoned with in District 14-C basketball.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Red Devils best Heat
In their first matchup this season, the Red Devils left Hot Springs smoldering as they ran away with a 53-30 win over the hometown Savage Heat on Friday night.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Five place at Choteau
Sanders County Wrestlers made a splash in the 30-team field at the Choteau Classic tournament this weekend with five grapplers earning medals.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
TFalls topples Trotters
It’s been said that records don’t mean matter in rivalry games and that was certainly the case as the Ladyhawks, who entered Tuesday’s game with a lackluster 2-6 overall record, upended the 6-2 Trotters 45-39 in a District 7-B contest.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Blulehawks soar past Horsemen
On Friday night, there seemed to be more bark than bite to the District 7-B inter-county rivalry between Plains and Thompson Falls, as the Bluehawks soared to a 59-40 victory over the Horsemen.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Icy roads cause school closure
Due to Wednesday night’s freezing rain, Trout Creek School was canceled on Thursday, Jan. 13.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Ladyhawks lose three
Three losses last week give District 7-B Thompson Falls five straight as they dropped to 1-2 conf., 2-6 ovr. The Lady Hawks’ last win was nearly three weeks ago as the Ladyhawks edged Troy, 44-41, on Dec. 14.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Lady Devils win three in a row
Christmas break couldn’t have come at a better time for Noxon, as the Lady Devils rebounded from a loss to rattle off three consecutive wins giving them an impressive 1-1 conf., 5-2 ovr. start to a season in which little was expected of them outside their own locker room.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Horsemen hit wall
The Plains Horsemen, 0-3 conf., 3-5 ovr. have yet to hit their stride as they fell in a pair of District 7-B games last week, extending their winless streak to four.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Slow start for Heat
They say pride comes before the fall, and two-straight District 14-C championships have earned the Hot Springs girls plenty of it in recent years. However, four losses by fewer than ten points have left the defending champions with a 1-7 record.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Devils finish 1-2 on week
Things are finally looking up for the District 14-C Red Devils as they welcomed back injured starter Banks Stocking and claimed their first victory in a month after defeating St. Regis, 65-25 on Friday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Bluehawks soar past Seeley-Swan
The Bluehawks won their first game since sweeping the Sanders County Tip-off Tournament in early December by crushing Seeley-Swan 90-58 on Friday at home. The win was sandwiched between losses to Charlo, 54-58, on Thursday and Loyola Sacred Heart, 62-76 on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Wrestlers compete at Western Duals
Both the Savage Horsemen of Plains-Hot Springs and the Bluehawks of Thompson Falls stepped onto the matt last week, first in a mixer on Tuesday in Eureka, and then in Ronan, on Saturday, at the Western Montana Duals.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Trotters snap streak with league win
The Plains Trotters ended a two game skid with a come from behind victory over Eureka, 37-29, on Saturday. The win came after a 23-58 pounding from the Bigfork the previous day. The Trotters now sit at 2-1 conf., 6-2 ovr.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Technology seminar keeps students safe
In recent years, public schools have assumed responsibility not only to teach students reading, writing and math skills, but have also tackled issues like drug and alcohol use, safe sex, and now in 2011, even cyber safety.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Lady Devils begin conference play
The Noxon girls continued their turnaround season by defeating Troy on the road 41-39 on Thursday, claimed a forfeit victory versus Two Eagle River on Friday and then fell on the road to Charlo, 26-30, on Saturday. The Lady Devils are now 3-2 overall, 1-1 in conference.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Long week for Devils
The Noxon Red Devils dropped three straight last, extending their losing streak to four-straight. First, a 35-53 loss at Troy, then a 44-45 nail-biter versus Two Eagle River and finally a 29-55 defeat at Charlo. The Red Devils are now 1-4 overall, 0-2 in conference.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Two Bluehawks medal at Corvallis
On Saturday, the Bluehawks racked up 128 points to finish third as a team, while two wrestlers, Shawn Sacchi and Erik Hilety, medaled at the Corvallis Invitational meet.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Hot Springs hoops gets first win
Hot Springs came away with their first win of the season, defeating Philipsburg 53-43 at home on Saturday. The loss came after a 40-55 loss at Plains the previous day and ended a three-game losing skid.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Ladyhawks break even
The Lady Hawks broke even last weekend defeating Troy on the road, 44-41, on Friday before falling, 26-35, to Eureka at home on Saturday. Thompson Falls is now 2-2 overall, 1-1 in conference.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
TFalls drops two
After an impressive pre-season, including a Sanders County Tip-off Tournament Trophy, the Bluehawks have struggled to an 0-2 start in their District 7-B conference schedule, giving them a 2-2 overall record and an 0-2 conference mark.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
'Heat in hot water
It was a brutal week for Hot Springs girls as they dropped two games, a 17-44 route at Plains on Friday, and then a 35-40 contest at home versus Philipsburg on Saturday. The Savage Heat remain winless, 0-4, on the year.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Wrestlers compete at Buz Lucey
On Saturday, the Savage Horsemen and Red Devils battled a competitive field at the Buzz Lucey Memorial Wrestling Tournament in Eureka, earning a combined five medals.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Horsemen heating up
With a pair of wins over the weekend the Horsemen extended their winning streak to three games. First, Plains up-ended Hot Springs, 55-40, on Friday and then on Saturday, they out-lasted Darby, 67-54.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Local long shot hits bullseye
Thompson Falls graduate Nicole Hagedorn set a National Record by shooting a 431-5X in the junior, open category of the F-Class Long Range Regional at the Deep Creek Range in Missoula on Sept. 24-26.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Tfalls wrestles twice
In a busy week, the Blue Hawk wrestling team went on the road to duel Mission on Thursday before competing in the Superior Invitational on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Four Red Devils medal
Red Devil Wrestlers participated in the Superior Invitational last weekend racking up 65 team points and four medal winners in a competitive field of 14 teams.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Thompson Falls boys take tip-off tourney
At Plains, the Blue Hawks exploded with a 22-point first quarter and never looked back as they ran away with the Sanders County Tip-off Tournament Trophy, by defeating Noxon 60-49 on Saturday evening.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Plains wrestlers get first taste of tournament
Kenneth Beech, Cole Goodwin and Ted Beech left their mark at the Superior Invitational arriving at the medal stand in their first tournament of the season held last Saturday. The Savage Horsemen scored 46 team points to finish 12th in a field of 14 teams.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Trotters take off at tourney
In a match-up of cross-valley rivals, Plains defeated Thompson Falls 35-26 in the championship game of the Sanders County Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Truck fire gives driver a scare
On Thursday morning at approximately 10 a.m. a truck, traveling eastbound on Highway 200 just west of plains, caught fire due to a mechanical failure.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Red Devils rev up for basketball
Despite a successful 14-10 overall finish, including a solid 7-3 conference mark last season, the Red Devil’s are raising the bar in their expectations for the upcoming basketball season.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Tfalls wrestling under way
The Thompson Falls Bluehawks kicked off their 2010 wrestling season at the Polson Invitational on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Savage Horsemen mix things up
Despite two no-shows in the form of Libby and Superior the Savage Horsemen got their wrestling season underway on Friday as they took on Corvallis in Plains.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Tournament preview
This weekend basketball season will officially kick off as all four Sanders County teams, Plains, Thompson Falls, Noxon and Hot Springs will meet in the county basketball tournament.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Plains preps for county tournament
By Mike Miller
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Plains woman killed in crash
Wednesday, Dec. 9, at approximately 10 a.m. a three-car collision occurred several miles East of Plains on Highway 200.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
A mutual parting for Horsemen
No hard feelings after Plains and Hot Springs split football
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Tree of Life symbolizes memories
When you picture a decorated tree in December, you’re usually thinking about presents and mistletoe, but the Clark Fork Valley Hospice Tree of Life represents something different altogether.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Basketball begins
As practice began last week, the Trotters were eager to turn the page on last year’s 3-17 record. Exactly what this new chapter of basketball will hold for Plains, however, has yet to be written.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Tree of Hearts helps less fortunate families
They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. With kids jingle belling
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
First half of fundraiser a success
In an effort to raise money and a little Christmas cheer, Plains-Hot Springs wrestlers are helping locals decorate their homes for the holidays by selling Christmas trees.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Gridiron Glory
It was a tough year for Sanders County football as neither the Savage Horsemen nor the Blue Hawks reached the playoffs. In fact, the two teams suffered to a combined record of 2-13.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Food bank lends helping hand
For most of us the holidays mean celebrating with friends and families, eating good food and giving out presents.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Former Plains player makes it big
After a storied high school career, three-time Trotter MVP Heather Earhart has taken her game to the next level. Literally.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Trotters win trophy
Everyone knows that the hoister of the Lombardi Trophy, the Stanley Cup or a gold medal has achieved athletic greatness. The Sanders County Tournament Trophy might be on a smaller scale, but you wouldn’t know it by watching the girls’ basketball tournament last weekend in Plans.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Wrestling under way
It’s that time of year again and winter sports practices are starting up. Each time has a lot to accomplish in the limited time before their first match and Plains-Hot Springs wrestlers are no different.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Local quilters make a difference
Christmas is right around the corner, and that means one thing: children all across Sanders County are getting their lists ready for Santa. Unfortunately, some of them, naughty or nice, won’t be getting a stocking this year.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Up in smoke?
On Friday evening near the Plains Grainry a suspicious fire was intentionally set in a storage box underneath a broken window.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Savage Horsemen ride for last time
HOT SPRINGS - The Mission Bulldogs could see a big shake up in
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Soles for Souls raises awareness
In order to save someone’s life, you need a red cape like Super Man, a doctorate degree in cardiology, or an old pair of shoes.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Veterans honored with dinner
If actions speak louder than words, then veterans in Sanders County heard a resounding thank you from community members in Hot Springs as the senior center hosted it’s annual Veteran’s Day Dinner last Thursday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
The end of an era
For the past ten seasons Hot Springs and Plains have shared not only a football team, but all of the passion, sense of community and pride that go with it. In 2011, however, each will have to find their own grid-iron identity as the two will be on different sidelines …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
The Big Read comes to Plains
It’s not everyday a New York Times Bestselling Author comes to Plains, but last Wednesday night as part of Sanders County’s first Big Read, that’s exactly what happened.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Deer and elk population down
Hunting season is well under way this year, and it for those who have been out and about it should come as no surprise that deer and elk numbers appear to be down this year in the lower Clark Fork River Valley.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Savage Heat opt out of co-op
For the first time since 2001, the Hot Springs Savage Heat will field their own football team, as the Hot Springs School Board voted to end the cooperative agreement with Plains last night at their monthly meeting.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lady Hawks humbled at divisionals
The Lady Hawks’ season ended last weekend at the Western B Divisional Tournament last weekend in Superior, but not before Thompson Falls left it’s mark on the field, both winning and losing two matches to finish in fourth place.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Plains man recalls Vietnam
U.S. Marines are said to be the few and the proud. If that’s true, then members of the Marine Corps Force Reconnaissance (Force Recon) are fewer and prouder still.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Veteran of Korea re-lives experience
The Korean War is often referred to as the “Forgotten War” or the “Unknown War” because it was smaller in scale than its predecessor, World War II, and less controversial than its successor, Vietnam. To the men who served in Korea, however, it is anything but forgotten.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Church offers free classes
You might expect someone with an associate degree, two bachelors degrees, two masters degrees and a Ph.D. to go by Dr., Mr., or even sir, but, in this case, something much more informal will do.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Veterans eat for free
What better way is there to honor America’s favorite sons than with a hot meal and a patriotic salute?
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Practice makes perfect
Practice makes perfect when it comes to a golf swings or oil paintings, but for members of the Plains-Paradise Rural Fire District, practice might make the difference between life and death.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lady Hawks soar to divisionals
In an improbable year, with only two seniors, three sophomores and a freshman comprising the varsity squad, the Thompson Falls Lady Hawks have silenced their doubters by advancing to the divisional round of the post-season.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Trotters end season at districts
Sports are often explained as a metaphor for life, and as the Trotters volleyball season drew to a close at the District 7-B tournament in Thompson Falls last weekend, that was never more true.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Bighorn hosts Red Ribbon Week
It’s not everyday that high school students have an excuse to get out of the classroom and help each other navigate through a low ropes course, a mine-field full of mouse-traps, and even climb through a tractor tire eight feet off of the ground, but that’s exactly what Plains High …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Housing project boosts local economy
In today’s struggling economy, it’s not hard to imagine a string of abandoned, run down trailers creating an eye-sore for neighbors and passers by. It would be no stretch of the imagination to envision local teens getting into trouble without supervision. Maybe graffiti or vandalism, maybe worse.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Senior bowling standings
In the Tuesday Senior mixed league the standings are as follows: Colyer Oil 13-3, Country Kids 10-6, Woodchucks 9-7, McGowan 7-9, B and B Storage 7-9.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Savage Heat loses to Noxon, take St. Regis
The Hot Springs Savage Heat fell to Noxon, 3-1, on the road on Thursday, before redeeming themselves with a 3-0 sweep of St. Regis on Friday during Senior Night.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lady Bobcats swept twice
It was a long week for the Superior Lady Bobcats who were swept twice, first versus Valley Christian on Thursday, and later against Loyola on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lady Panthers lose two on the road
Alberton dropped a pair of matches on the road this week, first at Lincoln, 3-1, and later, 3-0, at Drummond.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Championship within reach for Bobcats
After smashing Darby 50-14 on Friday, the Superior Bobcats are just one win away from a District 6-B regular season championship.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Trotters lose two
The Plains Trotters fell twice at home, 0-3, to Mission on Thursday and Eureka on Saturday, last week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
First win for Noxon Girls
The Noxon Red Devils (1-7 conf., 1-10 ovr.) broke into the win column for the first time this season, defeating Hot Springs, 3-1, in a District 10-C conference match.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Noxon Red Devils make history
By dismantling Victor 44-8 in a Western C matchup on Saturday, the , 4-3 the Noxon Red Devils have made history.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Lady Hawks up and down
The Lady Hawks defeated Bigfork, 3-1, before falling to Florence, 0-3, last week.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Bluehawks keep playoff hopes alive
After losing their first five games, Thompson Falls has kept its playoff hopes alive with a 35-14 thrashing over Eureka on Friday night.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
House burns near Dixon
Early Wednesday morning an abandoned house erupted into flames in Dixon, just off of Highway 200.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Plains classroom receives grant
The One Class At A Time grant from Allegiance Benefit Plan Management and KPAX-TV News Station of Missoula presented a $250 grant check to Nichole Cockrell on Wednesday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
CNSC holds wine tasting and fashion show
When you think of a model, you probably don’t picture a friend or neighbor from Sanders County fighting for a cause you believe in, but that’s exactly what happen last Thursday, and to the tune of 5,500 dollars.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Noxon drops third straight game
A 30-point third quarter was enough to give Arlee a 60-26 advantage on Friday versus Noxon.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Trojans ground Lady Hawks, end winning streak
The Lady Hawks looked impressive last week, breezing by both Plains, 3-0, and Valley Christian, 3-1, before being grounded by Drummond.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Trotters tumble
This week Plains fell to rival Thompson Falls, 3-0, on Tuesday and again to Troy, 3-1 on Saturday.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Savage Heat go one-for-three
The Savage Heat had an up and down week. First losing to Charlo, 3-2 on Tuesday, and Stillwater Christian, 3-0, on Friday, before rebounding against Two Eagle River for a 3-0 victory.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Rivalry comes to a head
Plains-Hot Springs and Thompson Falls squared off Friday night in a grudge-match that’s older than the seniors on either team.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Plains woman dies in single-car accident
Twenty-two-year-old Kari Reid was killed in a single-car accident on Thursday afternoon just outside the Plains city limits.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Wolves' rebound causes economic woes
Not only have wolves made a political splash in recent years, but now an economic one as well.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Becoming a hall of famer
Playing football on the collegiate level is tough. Starting for a college team is even tougher.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Noxon Falls to Charlo
Noxon faced the fifth-ranked class C team in the state on Friday and came up short. The Red Devils dropped their second straight to Charlo, 26-0. The Vikings advanced their undefeated record to 4-0 in conference and 5-0 overall as the Red Devils slipped to 2-2 in conference and 3-2 …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Church graced with new pastor
When Roy Williams stepped down as the pastor of the Plains First Church of God, not only did he leave a tremendous leadership void, but a personal one as well.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Hospital wins award
The Clark Fork Valley Hospital was the recipient of a 2009-2010 Quality Achievement Award from the Mountain Pacific Quality Health Foundation (MPQHF).
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Bowling results: Tuesday senior mixed league
In the team standings, Colyer Oil stole the show, winning all four of their matches as the other teams, B and B Storage, Woodchucks, McGowan and Country Kids all split their matches, finishing 2-2.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Another first day
The first day of kindergarten is always a big adjustment for students and parents, but this year at Wild Horse Elementary, it was an adjustment for the teacher as well.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Riding the Hiawatha
Last Wednesday, I decided, on a whim, to ride a portion of the 15 mile Route of the Hiawatha bike trail, just off of I-90 along the Idaho-Montana border.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Noxon Devils lose two matches
Noxon came up short in a pair of matches last week, first at home versus St. Regis, and later on the road at Hot Springs.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Devils win homecoming
The Noxon Red Devils entered their matchup with the winless Seeley Swan Blackhawks undefeated, and at the other end of a 60-0 blowout they remained that way.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Thompson Falls loses to Rams
Thompson Falls fell to third ranked Loyola-Sacred Heart 40-6 on Friday. The undefeated Rams bettered their record to 3-0, while the winless Bluehawks fell to 0-3.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Lady Hawks bump Trojans
The Thompson Falls Lady Hawks had an up and down week, both winning and losing matches. First, defeating Troy on the road Tuesday, 3-2, and then losing to Mission in straight sets at home on Saturday to fall to 1-4 in conference, 1-5 overall.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Horsemen fall to Vikings
A slew of injuries and a number of penalties were the difference on Friday as Plains fell to Bigfork 42-7 on Friday in their conference opener. The loss drops the hosting Savage Horsemen to 0-3, while the visiting Vikings advance to 2-1, having not lost since their season opener versus …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
No charges filed in party incident
After reviewing the investigation of possible underage drinking at a graduation party held last spring at the Sander’s County Fairgrounds, the Montana State Attorney General’s Office has decided not to press charges.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Rose Wagoner opens business
As if being a mother of two, and wife wasn’t enough to juggle, Rose Wagoner has decided to start her own business.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Trotters struggle on the road versus Eureka
In a pair of road losses, Plains fell to both Mission, on Thursday, and Eureka, on Saturday, in straight sets, to fall to a 1-2 conference mark.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Road loss drops TFalls Football to 0-2
On the road versus Thompson falls Fairfield proved why they are the number one ranked class B football team in the state, as they won 42-7. The loss sank the Bluehawks record to 0-2.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Undefeated Superior Bobcats Best Plains Savage Horsemen
The Superior Bobcats came out of the gate with a 21-point first quarter and never looked back as they defeated the hosting Plains/Hot Springs Savage Horsemen on Friday night 49-24. The win pushed the undefeated Bobcats to 2-0, while the Savage Horsemen slid to 0-2.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
TRACS first annual river wine festival a hit
surgically re-constructed knee couldn’t dampen Thompson River Animal Care Shelter president and co-founder Wanda Thorpe’s spirits last Saturday evening as more than one hundred Clark Fork Valley locals showed their support for TRACS by attending its First Annual River Wine Festival. All proceeds from the fundraiser, hosted by the Rocky …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Lightning causes headache for DNRC
Early Saturday morning a single snag was struck by lighting, causing a small wild-fire to ignite off of Mclaughlin Creek Road, one mile East of Paradise.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Runaway logging truck blocks Hwy. 28
Early Tuesday morning a logging truck slid off of the road, dumped its load of logs, and blocked the south-bound lane of highway 28 for most of the morning.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
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