Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
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"It was something in the community that needed done, so we did it," could be the motto of the Benevolent Order of the Elks in Thompson Falls, but it is actually a quote from one of its officers regarding the lodge's latest effort. Guy Engebretson was employed with the power company when he first moved to the area in 1982. At that time, employees from the utility would put up the Christmas decorations on the street lights on Main Street in Thompson Falls. "The city already had those decorations w...
Early signups are encouraged for the ever-popular upcoming Cheers to Painting class, instructed by artist Michelle Blackstone. One of the perks for this event includes some good karma, as proceeds from the event will benefit Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS). The no-kill animal shelter is ramping up for the winter season and taking care of ongoing projects – including the reconstruction of the cattery that partially burned, leaving cat quarters scarce. The TRACS Fundraiser Paint Night promises to be a good time and will provide p...
SEEMINGLY SKIPPED OVER, the season before winter known as 'autumn' decided to try to make an appearance last weekend. As existing accumulated snow melted away and balmy temperatures returned, insects and other wildlife resumed normal seasonal activities to prepare for winter. The view from Rimrock bridge that boasted snow last week now touts picturesque fall colors....
Every year at this time, Sanders County Coalition for Families (SCCFF) staff are scrambling to make their Christmastime program fly. The Adopt-A-Family effort connects donors with families who could use a little extra under the Christmas tree – or anything at all. “There are families in our area that struggle financially this time of year,” noted Crys Buchanan, SCCFF’s program coordinator, “whether it is because seasonal work has ended or because of unfortunate circumstances, there are children who might experience a slim Christmas or who are i...
It is time for creative minds to begin the process from design to construction. The 20th Annual Gingerbread Contest sponsored by the Sanders County Historical Society is inviting candy-construction workers to get a jump on this year's contest to be featured in the Old Jail Museum, Saturday, December 2 for Christmas on Main Street in Thompson Falls. "Although we are not right on Main Street, we will be open at the Old Jail Museum from noon until 6 p.m. when the parade begins," said the historical...
If goodwill could be seen in the skies, it would look a lot like the glowing lanterns launched in honor of those who have or are battling cancer. Cancer Network of Sanders County (CNSC) will host the 7 th Annual Lantern Launch on Saturday, Nov. 25 at the Sanders County Fairgrounds Agriculture Building at 6 p.m. CNSC will have hot drinks available during the event. “Each year this event has become a favorite time for more people to attend,” said CNSC president Kathy Miller. “We anticipate there will be over 100 lanterns launched this year – hop...
Although it was Halloween, it probably felt like Christmas for the ten dogs aboard the aircraft. Pilot Peter Rork landed his Cessna Caravan at Thompson Falls Airport, Tuesday, after a short stop in Missoula. "I took off from Scottsdale, Arizona about 6:30 this morning," said Rork, who is the operator at the non-profit 'Dog is my Co-Pilot,' that transports shelter animals from kill shelters to no-kill shelters like Thompson River Animal Care Shelter (TRACS). Tuesday marked a special milestone in...
Everyone knows Sanders County is the last best place within Montana – the overall "last best place." So when it came time to decide where to setup shop, it was a no-brainer for mechanic Dan Whetzel. "I lived in the Coeur d'Alene and Washington area for a long time and always knew about Thompson Falls. The North Idaho area was just getting too big," Whetzel said, noting that his visits here were always for leisure with long rounds of fishing. "I didn't know I'd be moving here at that time, but I...
Those looking to observe Veterans Day can meet on Main Street at the Veterans Memorial on Main Street. Once again, veteran and vet supporter Al McGuigan will hold a Veterans Day Ceremony at the memorial to honor veterans. Elks Lodge #2757 will host American Legion Post #52 for the annual Veterans Day dinner. The dinner is free and open to all vets and their families, as well as Elks members and their families. Ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and all the fixings will be served from 4-7 p.m., or...
"I like to just drop hints here and there, we'll let the customer fill in the details with their speculation," said Rich Taylor. Although he has two books for sale on Amazon, Taylor's hints are referring to the Legend of Saddlebag Sam – a fictional world traveler and adventurer, who also happens to be the mascot of the newest restaurant in Thompson Falls. Formerly the Thompson Grill (and Burger Express, back in the day) the eatery sits on the corner of Main and Broad streets. Taylor is inviting...
Sanders County Elections Office will be looking for all mail-in ballots by the 8 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 7, deadline. With seats up for grabs in Hot Springs and Thompson Falls, counting the results of the election should go fairly quickly that evening for the county workers. As of Monday, the elections office reported that of the 740 ballots mailed to voters in Thompson Falls, just 221 have been returned. The office received 151 of the 349 ballots from Hot Springs, and of the 732 voter ballots mailed out in Plains 245 have been mailed back...
The seniors in Noxon’s 20th Century/Government class are making sure local veterans know they are appreciated. The civics class will be hosting a Veteran’s Day assembly next week and are putting out a call to area vets to join them in honor of their service and sacrifice. The assembly is slated for Friday, Nov. 10, in the Noxon High School gymnasium. Veterans are invited to arrive early at 11:35 a.m. to sign in so the senior class can gauge the size of the ranks in attendance. The assembly will begin 11:50 a.m.. After the assembly, all vet...
‘Tis the season for holiday bazaars and the sale of homemade gifts. The next in the county’s lineup is the Christmas Bazaar put on by Noxon School’s PTO. Saturday, November 4 will find vendors and shoppers alike gathering in the school’s gymnasium. From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. shoppers can purchase thoughtful gifts for friends and family while putting a few extra dollars in the pockets of crafty creators - just in time for Christmas shopping season. A portion of proceeds will help Noxon PTO accomplish their goals during the remainder of the school yea...
It started as a low rumble, then spread like wildfire across the county amongst seniors. Throughout the never-ending amendments and re-designing of insurance plans, Sanders County seniors found out that they were no longer be covered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Montana’s (BCBSMT) Medicare Advantage Plan, as of October 4. The insurance provider chose to drop coverage in 31 rural Montana counties, keeping only nine more populated areas in their network – with a redesigned plan, featuring less coverage. To add to the confusion, Humana began off...
Sometimes big responsibilities come with a few perks. Since the announcement earlier this year that Kootenai National Forest would provide the yuletide trees that would decorate the Capitol in Washington D.C., stirrings locally have prompted workshops and activities to quilt tree skirts, construct homemade ornaments and write Christmas cards to accompany the tree on its 2,000-mile journey. With all the homespun, heartfelt contributions, it will be up to one man to make sure the tree reaches its destination safely. “The tree will be in very g...
From protective angel of the planes in the sky to a shepherd tending his flock, Jim Hantz heard the call just out of college and followed the path to becoming a pastor. Decades later, Montana Southern Baptist Convention in Billings welcomed Hantz’s Open Door Baptist Church to the fold this month, and the Thompson Falls pastor is extending an invitation to any seekers to join the congregation on their path to salvation. “The church is called ‘Open Door’ because we want people to understand that all are welcome,” said Hantz, noting that a se...
