Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
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Governor Steve Bullock last week issued an executive order declaring a state of fire emergency due to extremely hazardous fire conditions throughout Montana. Above average temperatures, unpredictable winds, and low humidity are all factors that have resulted in these extreme fire conditions. “Local, state, and federal partners, and the brave men and women on the front lines are working together to take on this fire season and we are prepared to use every resource available to protect Montana lives and property,” Gov. Bullock stated in a pre...
The Thompson Falls Bowling Association has elected several new officers and directors this season. The association has 34 members. The local association re-elected Ricky Hagedorn president, with Ron Beaty as vice president. Ron Hawkinson was elected second director, Bernie Groshong fourth director, and Kerry Schwarz sixth director. Ron Beaty won bowler of the year. Beaty was nominated for his, “outstanding performance, dedication to the sport and willingness to help others,” Ginger Ward said. Rookie of the year went to Jed Howard. The hall of...
A new handmade shop has opened just outside of Noxon at the Bull River junction on Highway 200. The Local Artisan Market opened on August 1, and features quality handmade items from residents around Sanders County and Northwest Montana. "I know there is a lot of talent in the area, and that's what I want in here," owner Jen Fratzke said. Fratzke opened this type of store for several different reasons, "there are so many folks in our region that are extremely talented and make quality handmade...
Project ASCENT met with the Sanders County Board of Commissioners last week to present their plans to lease part of the mule pasture north of Thompson Falls as part of their base of operations for their outdoor recreation program. Rob Christensen, Executive Director of Project ASCENT, presented to the board a three-phase approach that would utilize the left side of the mule pasture in Thompson Falls. In order to proceed with these plans, Project ASCENT will need to acquire a special use permit...
As the mornings start to feel a little colder, they bring a gentle reminder that fall is on its way. Shorter days, heavy sweaters and apple cider. Fall is my favorite. While the chores in summer can keep a person busy from sunup to sundown, fall is no different when it comes to tending to the homestead. The majority of the time, these cooler months are spent harvesting from the garden, chopping firewood, and getting everything and everyone ready for winter. However, the beginning of fall in Montana, does not always allow us to let our guard...
It is often said, with a small town, comes a valued sense of community. A place where neighbors come together and support one another, all working towards the common good. Such words run true for our little town of Thompson Falls. A truly hidden gem in Montana; where no more than 1,500 people have the honor of calling this neck of the woods, home. When the Rex was built in 1939, it was, and remains to this day, a pillar of strength for the community. When the previous owners, Doug and Karen...
Hot Springs Public School Superintendent, Gerald Chouinard, has officially implemented a plan to re-open that was approved by the board last Thursday night. Chouinard says the committee task force began meeting in the middle of July, to go over CDC guidelines, guidelines from the governor, and guidelines from the Office of Public Instruction, in order to build a plan that ensures the safety of the students and faculty members. Chouinard and his team put together a re-opening plan that implements a combination of virtual learning and on-site...
4 marks the 100-year anniversary of the official adoption of the 19th Amendment; which guarantees and protects a woman’s constitutional right to vote. This right was not simply given to women; the fight for the vote began long before the 19th Amendment was officially ratified on August 26, 1920. The belief that women and men are all equal, and should be given a fair and just voice in this country, resonates just as strongly with women today, as it did with women of the 20th century. Those w...
A new study conducted by the University of Montana in Missoula, has found rural residents with disabilities are less likely to adhere to public health recommendations. Research began in April and May of this year, as the impact of COVID-19 caused communities to shut down, and people were asked to shelter in place. The study surveyed 4,930 people nationwide, and screened 408 people with disabilities aged 18 and over into the study. The study was conducted by the university’s Research and Training Center on Disability in Rural Communities, a r...
A Noxon student has been named a National Youth Ambassador by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids. Jaedyn Murray, a 15-year-old high school junior, is one of four Montana students who have been recognized for demonstrating leadership and advocating for the end of tobacco use in Montana. Murray was among 133 other youth and adult ambassadors who participated in the campaign, according to a press release from Washington, D.C. Murray said she got involved in tobacco control through Health...
A small group of volunteers helped restore wetland habitats and increase wildlife access to Fishtrap Creek last week. The efforts of volunteers contributed to the West Fork Fishtrap Creek Road Realignment Project, which relocated the junction of West Fork Fishtrap Creek Road (NFSR 7609) with Fishtrap Creek Road (NFSR 516), approximately 600 feet to the north. "This will reduce sediment entering the stream and allow for the creation of enhanced stream and wetland habitat along mainstream...
A new farm stand has opened in Trout Creek. Located under the pavilion in the parking lot of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, fresh produce is available to purchase 4-7 p.m. every Tuesday. Organizer Maurita Crew, who teaches at the Trout Creek Adventist School, decided to open the farm stand because the Trout Creek Farmer's Market was cancelled this year due to COVID-19. "We didn't want this to not happen," Crew said as wanting to find a way to make this goal a reality. Funds brought in from th...
It's time for an adventure. A local Hot Springs woman wants to lead the way on your next Montana excursion. Tracy Dyson, owner of Travel Guide, launched her business just last month. Her goal is to take both tourists and locals on Montana outings that she herself has come to love. "These trips are little hidden gems that people don't normally see," Dyson said. Wine tasting, hiking and stunning views, Travel Guide has it all for anyone wanting to truly experience everything Montana has to offer....
The Thompson Falls Library’s summer reading program, Imagine Your Story, has commenced for 2020. The program, which ran through June and July, ended on August 4. Due to social distancing requirements, story time and several activities planned for the reading program were cancelled. Despite the setbacks, Library Director Lynne Kersten thinks this year’s program was still a success. “We weren’t sure how this summer was going to go with everything happening,” Kersten said. “I think the program helped make the summer go by, and it kept the kids re...
A new kayak and stand up paddleboard (SUP) rental business has opened in Thompson Falls. Christine Munday, who owns the local laundromat with her husband Charlie, opened Crazy Moose Kayak Rentals on July 3, of this year. Kayak and paddleboards are available to rent by the hour, with additional half day and full day pricing options. There is also the ability to rent overnight or for the weekend. There are three different styles of kayaks to choose from: sit on top, sit inside, and a fishing...
A small group of kids in Thompson Falls have spent the last two weeks learning how to operate and fly drones at a newly established drone camp. Taught by Doree Thilmony, a science teacher at the Thompson Falls School District, the group of young drone operators have been meeting at the high school football field to practice various techniques as they fly racing drones through different obstacle courses. "This is their second day of flying, and so far, they're doing great," Thilmony said. In its...
As a new beekeeper, one of the many fears that comes with the beekeeping life is the loss of a colony due to the absence of a queen. Even as I spent all last winter preparing myself for the arrival of my two honey bee hives, the fear of a queenless hive coming to fruition was not something I was expecting to experience so early into this new endeavor. But it happened about a month ago, to not one, but both of my hives. In a beehive, there is one queen and one queen only. When a hive loses its queen (which can happen for several reasons,...
On her 550-mile ride through the seven counties of District 4, Monica Tranel, a Missoula Attorney running to become the district's next Public Service Commissioner (PSC), made several stops in Sanders County last weekend, to meet the people she will be representing should she win the general election on November 3. Tranel advanced from the Democratic primary on June 2 and wanted to find a way that allowed her to dive deeper into knowing her district. Susie Orr, a close friend and volunteer for...
Hot Springs has welcomed a new superintendent to the school district. Gerald Chouinard, accepted the position on July 1, of this year. As a Butte native, Chouinard's educational experience stems from his studies in educational leadership and administration from Idaho State University. He received his Masters in Education in 1998, and from there, he accepted his first principal job in Rigby, Idaho. After taking two more positions in Idaho, he finally made his way back home to Montana, working in...
A local Sanders County resident has published a book highlighting the history of the Flodin Lumber Company. Mary Lou Hermes, found the inspiration to title the book, Swan’s Song, after her father. “That was my father’s first name, and he was one of the original owners of the mill,” Hermes said. Swan’s Song goes into detail about the everyday life and operations of a lumber mill “in the midst of the depression of the 1930’s.” As Hermes recollects her father’s story in the book, she talks about his dedication to Flodin Lumber Company, the coun...
The Clark Fork Bass Anglers Tri-State Tournament was held over the weekend at the Noxon Rapids Reservoir, with weigh-ins taken behind the Lakeside Motel and Resort in Trout Creek. A total of 36 teams signed up to compete for this year's grand prize of $1,500, which was sponsored by Clark Fork Bass Anglers. As the boats came in, the bass were transported in live bags to holding tanks as the anglers waited for their weigh-in. The holding tanks contained a catch and release conditioner to help...
A new deli has opened in Thompson Falls. The Black Bear Bakery and Deli is bringing freshly made sandwiches, ice cream and homemade baked goods to the locals of Sanders County. The new deli, which opened in June, is already exceeding expectations. “The business is already doing incredibly well, it’s jaw dropping,” owner Daniel Moore stated. “It’s been so much more than what we anticipated.” Moore has seen a steady increase in traffic since opening and says the volume of customers is probably about 50-70% locals with 30% of the customers b...
A volunteer project is underway to help restore wildlife and wetland habitat along Fishtrap Creek, on the Lolo National Forest in Sanders County. Community members have volunteered to aid in the collection of willow tree cuttings that will be replanted along the stream. Volunteers for the West Fork Fishtrap Creek Road Realignment Project, which is set to run this week, will be under the direction of the Lower Clark Fork Watershed Group. Due to the social distancing recommendations that have been set in place to help reduce the spread of...
Dance Xplosion presented their summer program titled "Almost Famous" last week, in a two-night performance at the Trout Creek Park. Brynn Kenyon, the director of Dance Xplosion, said this year's performance will be different and more casual compared to previous years. The performance was originally scheduled for June 25 at the Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls. Due to COVID-19, the performance had to be pushed to July. "We usually pack the Rex, but because of the proximity, no one felt comfortable...
Dozens of jobs are available in Sanders County. As of last week, Job Service in Thompson Falls had 49 job listings. Companies looking to hire include Minnie’s Café, the Rimrock and Town Pump all have openings that are listed on the job service website. Thompson Falls Public School is looking for several positions they need filled, including a custodian and maintenance substitute, a paraprofessional or aide for summer school, an assistant football coach, a school nurse or health aide, and a K-8 special education aide. “The jobs posted on this pa...
