Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
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What may have been a beautiful mid-autumn weekend, was quickly overtaken by one of the earliest winter storms Montana has seen in a long time. The snow fell and did not stop. Despite warnings from the local weather stations, a rather large and thick blanket of snow left much of Sanders County shocked; as this is quite peculiar, even for Montana weather. Thompson Falls alone, saw a foot of snow overnight. According to Missoula's U.S. National Weather Service station, the town of Plains got a...
It’s no secret, this year’s Halloween will look a little different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, All Hollow’s Eve will be giving us a very rare and spooky extravaganza to end the month. This year, October 31 brings a Halloween Blue Moon. This full moon gets its name because it is the second full moon of the month, following the harvest moon of October 1. While many may think, from the name itself, we will see a blue-tinted moon in the sky. The name actually has to do with the time the full moon occurs, rather than its actual appea...
Lynne Kersten, who has been the Thompson Falls Public Library Director for just over a decade, will officially be retiring at the beginning of November. A seat on the city council will also be vacant, after the two years Kersten has spent as a member. Behind her, she leaves a legacy. "My life is books, I love books," Kersten said. Her passion to help people learn, as well as the excitement she feels when introducing someone to a new book, has made her time as the library director, a memorable...
The Montana Commerce Department has announced the official opening for the Tourism Grant Program. Montana Commerce Director, Tara Rice, announced the department has begun accepting applications for the 2021 grant cycle that began on October 15, and will run through November 30. The Tourism Grant Program was developed to strengthen Montana’s economy through the development and enhancement of Montana’s tourism and recreation economy, according to a press release from the Montana Department of Commerce. “A total of $750,000 is available for proje...
The Whitepine Grange is in need of a new roof before the winter weather sets in. In hopes of raising $5,000, A GoFundMe campaign has been set up by grange volunteer Jan Manning. "That's the minimum bid we have received, and we want to get it done before the snow flies," Manning said. "It's the minimum needed for a good local roofer to take on the project." The GoFundMe request was set up in late September and has brought in a total of $550 so far. Manning says there will also be other fundraiser...
TOM CAMPBELL, Corvallis - “Drain the water system, work on the irrigation, and chop wood.” TAMMY KESSLER, Thompson Falls - “Make sure my firewood is in, that’s the most important. Then I make sure my 4-wheel drive is up to par, and get all my canning done.” PAUL GALLO, Thompson Falls - “Make sure all my vehicles are in good, running condition.” SCOTT DONOVAN, Trout Creek - “Stock up on bourbon.” KARI LEE, Montana/Florida - “Work on the firewood.” JENNIFER METCALF, Thompson Falls - “Put away the trampoline....
Last month, a new set of Outbreak Response Protocols were released by Gov. Steve Bullock as a response to suspected or positive COVID-19 cases in K-12 schools in Montana. The protocols outline practices that provide more detailed guidance for schools that allow them to promptly and safely respond to possible confirmed cases. The need for more guidance from the state came after education advocates requested help as they entered a new, but uncertain school year. Jonathan Martin, Noxon School Superintendent, represents one of the Montana schools...
Ted Vigil, a singer, songwriter and John Denver tribute artist, will take a trip down memory lane Saturday, October 24, at the Rex Community Theater in Thompson Falls. With the sound of the legendary John Denver, it is said that Vigil even resembles the late folk musician. Guests will be serenaded with Denver's popular hits, including "Rocky Mountain High," "Annie's Song" and "Thank God I'm a Country Boy." At the request of a local Sanders County resident who has seen Vigil perform in New York,...
DICK NOVAK, Missoula - “I will get it mailed it. If it gets there, it gets there.” DEBBIE SWARTZ, Trout Creek - “I’ve always mailed them in for me and my husband.” MARTY SCHERZER, Trout Creek - “I’ll mail it in.” CAROL NARANCE, Thompson Falls - “Drop it off.” BEV RIDER, Trout Creek - “We will be voting in person.” RONALD RIDER, Trout Creek - “Voting in person....
With the General Election less than a month away, candidates are hitting the trails of Montana to connect with voters. On Monday, Kathleen Williams, a Democrat from Bozeman, made a stop in Thompson Falls as part of her 26-town Solutions Tour of Montana. Williams is running for Montana's lone seat in the House of Representatives. Matt Rosendale, the state's Republican auditor, is also competing for the seat. This will be the former three-term state legislator's second bid to represent Montana in...
On Monday night’s meeting, the Thompson Falls School Board discussed several pressing matters including a previously discussed review for a new salary schedule for their administration; as well as questions regarding city sewer easements. The meeting began with a public comment asking the administration to approve a mask mandate for the schools, regardless of the number of active cases in the county. The argument was given that the “off and on again” mask mandate has made the teachers' jobs more difficult, as well as the safety for every...
My four ducks started to lay eggs just recently, and if you haven’t seen a duck egg, their size is double that of a chicken egg. Duck eggs also contain a higher fat content than chicken eggs, making them ideal for baking. While my excitement upon seeing that first duck in a little homemade nest, compared to the excitement of a child on Christmas day; what I’ve really been “cooing” over are the two Ameraucanas we added to the flock this year. One of them lays the most beautifully colored olive-green egg that I have ever seen. They are almost...
The annual Walk to End Alzheimer's took place Sunday at Power Park in Thompson Falls. Residents from around the county and some from even further, showed up on what seemed to be one of those "perfect fall days" to help share their support and raise awareness for a disease that has affected so many. Jodie Bittinger, coordinator of the event, was present under the pavilion to greet the walkers and runners as she handed out information and different resources for those who were interested. "We had...
The Sanders County Rural Landscape Initiative, operated by local resident Zachary Whipple-Kilmer, has voiced concerns regarding the state of private lands surrounding Sanders County that sold earlier this year. The land the Sanders County Rural Initiative is concerned about amounts to 630,000 acres. Previously owned by Weyerhaeuser, the acreage sold to a Georgia-based land investment company called Southern Pine Plantations. The company is now doing business as SPP Montana. Whipple-Kilmer, from...
Restoring passenger rail service through southern Montana was discussed at a virtual summit on September 17. The summit served as an opportunity for Montanans to hear what the next steps are in the process. Pioneered by Missoula County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier, the summit had over 500 viewers. The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority received backing from local and state politicians, as well as rail experts from Amtrak. “Safe, reliable, inner-city transport can help bolster small businesses, can help address climate change concerns, e...
Community members gathered Saturday night to celebrate the Rex Community Theatre's open house. An evening full of good food and live music, the newly established non-profit welcomed attendees with open arms. The Broken Hipsters started the evening, as people snacked on popcorn and soda, with catering from Two River's Grille. It was an exciting night as the community came to show their supports as this cherished institute – the Rex Community Theatre – takes some big leaps towards its new beg...
In her dedication to utilizing massage therapy as a tool to help alleviate pain, stress and injury; Chelle Mitchell, has opened a new business, Cherry Creek Myotherapy, which now allows her to bring her background in massage to the locals of Thompson Falls and surrounding areas. Cherry Creek Myotherapy was founded by Mitchell, a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), who also has a Bachelor of Arts Degrees in human studies and psychology. She has been providing massage therapy in Montana since 2018....
A lack of housing in Sanders County and what to do about it was discussed last week at a housing needs assessment task force meeting. Around 30 representatives from various organizations in Sanders and Mineral counties, including Sanders County Community Development Corporation (SCCDC) and Sanders County Community Housing Organization (SCCHO), collaborated in a joint effort. "I think the meeting was well populated," Ray Brown, SCCDC Executive Director, said of the attendance. "I think that reall...
On Tuesday, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), launched the 2020 Census State Championship. A program that will help encourage counties and tribes in Montana to compete for the highest increase in self-response rates to the 2020 Census. The program started September 15 and will run until September 30. “With only 15 days left in the 2020 Census count, the Commerce Department and the Montana Complete Count Committee are urging every Montana resident to respond to the 2020 Census before the shortened deadline of September 30,” a pre...
Community Harvest Food Bank (CHFB) in Thompson Falls has expanded their board to nine members and has implemented new procedures due to the impacts of COVID-19. The food bank has not seen any setbacks because of the virus, and it is still open and ready to help those in need. “Community Harvest Food Bank is here to serve eligible people in the Thompson Falls and Trout Creek areas,” stated Hank Smith, president of CHFB. “If you are not sure if you qualify, please stop by and speak to one of our volunteers.” The food bank has not seen an increase...
A new program established from Coronavirus Relief Funds allows Montana businesses to take out a new loan to support economic recovery. The Montana Working Capital program was announced by Gov. Steve Bullock at the beginning of September and began accepting loan applications Sept. 8. The Montana Working Capital program will utilize the unused portion of the $125 million that the Montana Loan Deferment program was allocated in June of this year. “We are getting money out the door to keep employees on the job, support Montana businesses, and e...
A Plains resident has penned a new children's book titled A Dog's Bucket List. Author Karen Olson found the inspiration to write this book from her dog, Nike. The book follows the true story of how her family found him at the top of Little Thompson Peak in 2003. A short chapter book that children from ages six to nine will enjoy, readers will follow along with Nike as he celebrates finding his new home by creating an unusual bucket list. Olson describes the first pages as sad, whereas Nike did...
With the help of the First Lutheran Church in Plains, a new walking trail has been created at the Paradise Center. Named the Interpretive Walking Trail, this is an easy walk around the center that allows visitors to learn about local landmarks and vegetation. The project took just three days to complete for the group of 10 volunteers that donated their weekend to the cause. Among those tasks were cementing forms for posts, painting and installing the posts, raking and leveling the gravel and...
In response to suspected or positive COVID-19 cases in K-12 schools, Governor Steve Bullock has announced new guidance that will take public health-based measures to minimize the spread and keep students safe and healthy. The Outbreak Response Protocols are based off an outbreak response plan that was put together by the State of Rhode Island. The need to initiate a new set of protocols came after school nurses and education advocates requested guidance. “The Outbreak Response Protocols provides guidance requested by school nurses and other e...
A study done by AAA Montana’s emergency roadside assistance and AAA Auto Repair Centers, have found that battery issues have become one of the most common problems plaguing drivers across the state. According to a news release in tracking Montana’s latest car trouble trends in May and June 2020; AAA Montana saw a 24% increase in roadside assistance calls for battery service, compared to the same time in 2019. “AAA Auto Repair Centers have also seen battery services increase 23% since stay-at-home orders were enacted,” the press release stated....
