Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 279
by Shannon Brown Whether we are ready for summer to be over or not, it will be leaving us soon. Enjoy the time that is left before the cold arrives. Take time to deep water those perennials, trees and shrubs to allow their roots the moisture they need before dormancy. But don’t forget to ground your own roots and breathe in the cool evening and morning air to prepare yourself for the seasons ahead. We know it’s coming, so enjoy the moment. Each season reminds us of what we relish the most. The brief pocket of time that occurs between gro...
Beautification traditions are spreading across the county. Plains has planned to do two a year. Last Saturday was a chilly morning as members of the board and volunteers came out to participate. This marked the fourth clean-up day in Plains. "We started in 2023 and do two clean-ups a year," Anita Marsh said. The six member committee consists of Emily Baker, Lana Dicken, Mary Heliwell, Scott Johnson, Tim Kinsinger, and Deb Warren. "We did a big cleaning in the Spring that took us until late...
The interpretive roundhouse building at the Paradise Center in Paradise is near completion. "We are developing plans for more informative and engaging exhibits in the new building," said treasurer and board member John Thorson. The center received a grant from the Foundation for Montana History to contract with museum consultant Lynda Moss and complete the project. She has been involved with the development of the original Master Exhibit Plan, working with the center for over eight years. The...
KAYLYNN BOWES, Plains - “It means to restore the community and environment back to its original state.” BRUCE NEWTON, Plains - “To me it's the ability to offer help to those who can’t help themselves with cleaning up the neighborhood.” ISAAC TUCKER, Plains - “Making sure the wildlife isn't eating garbage that might be lying around.” LANA DICKEN, Plains - “A quote from my pastor, ‘Find a need and fill it. Find a hurt and heal it.’ It means, for me, to reach out and help the community.” SCOTT JOHNSON, Plains - “Giving back to the community t...
The Plains School Board met last week with a full audience of 39 people, 12 of whom were teaching staff. Several audience attendees were there for the public participation on the non-agenda items. Plains High School math teacher questioned the board about the school canceling field trips. "I would like to know why there has been cancellation of school field trips. They are important to our student's education," Brown said. Both Elementary Principal Kevin Meredith and Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Walsh said they have not been canceled. Dr. Walsh...
The new cafe and coffee shop in Dixon has plenty to offer. Besides being a bakery and serving breakfast, it also has hand-me-down clothing for free. The cafe, named by owner Bre Ward, is the Hand Me Down Cafe and bakery. Ward said she wanted to offer travelers and locals a place for good coffee and fresh food at a weekend destination. The cafe is open on the weekend to accommodate people's needs. "I worked at the Mercantile when it was open," Ward said. She commuted from Missoula to work there...
KEN BOONE, Trout Creek - “I like the cooler weather and the rain.” ANTHONY CONTRERAS, Thompson Falls -“I missed the pretty leaves changing color while living in Oregon. I missed all the seasons while I was there.” SHELBY LAWLESS, Trout Creek - “I like the cooler weather and the changing of the leaves.” NATE SAINT, Thompson Falls - “I am glad for the cooler weather so I can have cozy fires in the house and in the fire pit out in the yard.” JESSICA MARTIN, Thompson Falls - “I like the clouds the way they hang low with the fog over the mountain...
Years ago Chilaili Wachiwi was born into the Crow Nation. As a young girl she learned to express herself through music. At age five she learned how to play the flute. It was the music of her father and grandfather. It helped her through tough times and to focus on her future. She was an avid reader and an honor roll student. The flute became a part of her life. "I had my head in a book and I played my native flute," said Wachiwi, who lives in Trout Creek. "There is a spiritual shift that is...
For about 40 years, Mel Jones of Manhattan, Montana, has been on a quest to float the rivers of Montana. Last week, Jones traveled through Sanders County on the Clark Fork River from Paradise to the Montana-Idaho border. "I just did things. There was no goal in mind. I fished, I whitewater rafted a lot," Jones said. He said he quit fishing about 15 years ago. "About 11 years ago, the idea came to me to be able to say that I had floated some of these rivers and whitewater rafted and that I had...
SHARON RUSSELL, Spokane - “My two dogs, Joyful Noise, a Schitsu, and Beauregard, my Bichon Frise.” ANGIE BROTHERTON, Paradise - “Thinking about my late husband Richard being alive and young picks me up.” JAMES ARNOLD, Trout Creek - “My four grandkids. Two live in Trout Creek.” STEPHANIE SAINT, Thompson Falls - “Besides my family, a good cup of coffee, any day of the week.” LILY SWATOSH, Dixon - “My one month old baby daughter always cheers me up.” CHARLENE KRONE, Dixon - “My neighbors and coming to the bakery on the weekends. It is a gre...
It is that time of year again. Parents and students have said goodbye to summer vacation. The schools of Sanders County have done the same with the added responsibility of making sure they are up and running and fully staffed. Across the county each school has reported that they are in need of substitute teachers. Noxon school relies on their teaching staff to help out with other needs such as driving the bus and coaching. Some teachers volunteer as emergency medical technicians. “This takes them out of the classroom, often unexpectedly,” sai...
From the production and size of the plants, the Watchdog Winery appears to have been in operation for several years. But in truth, it is in its fourth year of operation, located along Highway 200 west of Dixon. Ben and Alyssa Griffith began prepping the land for grape growing in 2017 on Alyssa's parents' property before they moved to Dixon. "We planted our first grapes in 2017, then moved to Montana in 2019," Ben explained. He said the grapes grew very fast. They opened for business in 2022...
The sun was shining, the kids were laughing and literally a good time was had by all at the 2024 Sanders County Fair and PRCA Rodeo. Kids could be seen playing ball in their self made pen in the camping area. The atmosphere was filled with frivolity and safety for all attendees. A new event this year was a concert in the main arena on Wednesday evening. Levi Blom entertained a small crowd with his mix of country and rock. Blom showed up with an RV and a pop-up trailer perfect for playing from...
YAVY BURFORD, Plains - “Seeds planted with water in the ground. Needs to be in a safe spot with sunshine and nutrients in the ground.” JENNY BURFORD, Plains - “I pull the weeds out of the garden.” HAILEY YODER, Trout Creek - “You have to make sure you water them, and find out what they like.” MADISON YODER, Trout Creek - “Ya gotta keep them in sunlight and make sure they are watered the right way.” JOHN LEMRO, Plains - “For peppers and tomatoes, use Tums for calcium, epsom salts for magnesium, and coffee for nitrogen. You have to have worm...
The Circle in Plains has reopened after a long closure. "Business has been steady," according to manager Braden Starika of Plains."We opened on July 23," said owner Joe Gamboa. The restaurant had been closed prior to COVID for remodel, then opened briefly during COVID, according to Gamboa. The old-time Coke decor and atmosphere has been a part of the Plains Circle for decades. "This is its 55th year of existence. The Coca-Cola company is going to redo our awnings," Gamboa said. The Circle is...
LYNN SAMPSEL, Thompson Falls - “Yes, I like going to the Sanders County Fair to see the animals and look at the sewing projects.” MICHEALL SCHWAB, full time RVer - ”No, but we want to buy a home in northwest Montana. Then I will go to the fair.” GARETT LACY, Trout Creek - “Likely, I will go to the Sanders County Fair. I last went five or six years ago. I like the food and rides.” BRIAR PALMER, Thompson Falls - “I have gone to fairs in the past but will not be going to any this year.” GENEVIEVE DESCHAMPS, Plains - “I am definitely going...
Ryan Noland is returning to Dixon as the school's principal. "My mom taught school in Dixon her entire career," Noland said. He went to school in Ronan but said that he used to come to Dixon and help his mother teach dance lessons to her junior high students, Noland commented. "I was in high school at the time," he added. Noland went to Salish Kootenai College for his teaching degree and took the principal job in Plains while living in Dixon. "I want to be closer to my dad," Noland explained....
Thompson Falls residents are used to seeing wildlife in their yards, but one family had a very unique visitor earlier this month. Eric Nygaard discovered a 30-year-old African tortoise in his yard on August 8. According to Nygaard, Myrtle's owner was out of town and she was being watched by the owner's nephew. She showed up at the Nygaard residence about three-quarters of a mile mile from her home on Harlow Road. Eric found her at 10:15 in the morning. He had to put the wheelbarrow over her to...
The morning was cool and sunny as bicyclists began their 30 mile tour with six stops at farms and a mill. They were able to experience the quiet Clark Fork River and learn about locally sourced products. The group started at the Sanders County Fairgrounds at 7:30 a.m. Saturday morning. The 60 degree temperature with no wind or rain made the tour easily enjoyable for riders of all ages and abilities. Riders came from as far away as Michigan and Arizona. The group totalled over 65 participants,...
There was a light sprinkling of rain as the group headed out on the Mule Pasture trail. Trails and Tales wrapped up its summer event last week with books about forest animals. Kayla Mosher spearheaded the activity that gave children and parents the opportunity to spend time together out on a walk and listen to books being read at stops along the way. "There were seven walks scheduled but one was canceled due to rain," Kayla said. The schedule had one walk a week on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Each...
Shakespeare in the Park returned to Sanders County this week. Sunday evening had the troupe performing Hamlet in the Trout Creek Park. Liz Stender with the Trout Creek Community Improvement Association said the play was well attended with over 100 people enjoying the nice weather. Wild Cuisine catered the event. Lunch and dinner was provided by chef Stephanie Martin. "Once again she outdid herself with her delicious menu for the performing actors," Stender said. They were pleased with the food a...
The Thompson Falls school board met on Monday. The 2023-24 Trustees Financial Summary report and the 2024-25 final budget were approved. Superintendent Bud Scully reported that the new tiles on the floor of the multi-purpose building are bad and need to be replaced. “The shop side of the building’s floor is done. About 1,000 square feet of tiles were replaced. New tiles are being shipped. The install company, Great Floors, has been great to work with as well,” Scully said. Scully reports that he has been discussing a land swap with Mayor Leive...
Michael Feiger, District Ranger for the Cabinet Ranger District, gave a briefing to the Sander County Commissioners on last regarding wildland fires and other forestry concerns for Sanders County. Logging projects with timber sales and vegetation management were on the agenda. Recreation, wildfire and prescribed burns were updated. Feiger said the Tuscor project is a big accomplishment. “The decision was signed July 28 to put the project up for bid and it was advertised on August 8 of this year. This brings the project, from inception to f...
Trout Creek will come alive Saturday and Sunday for the 44th Annual Huckleberry Festival. The fun-filled weekend includes a pancake breakfast, fun run, booths, vendors, live entertainment, an auction and more. The theme for this year’s festival is “It’s a Purple Party!” The logo was designed by Juanita Gambrel of Thompson Falls and features a bear jumping into a pool of huckleberries. Crowder Design of Thompson Falls adapted the logo for shirts and other festival swag. The Trout Creek Rural Fire Department kicks things off Saturday morning...
ANJEL CEELY, Plains - “Why not a little bit of both? In a sense it’s like saying your glass is half empty or full. You can’t have one without the other.” MICHELLE TURNER, Paradise - “I feel the rain.” CECILIA HARRIS, Plains - “I feel the rain in the way the earth lets out its emotions.” LIAM LYMAN, Plains - “I feel the rain. It just feels nice.” DREW CAREY, Plains - “I definitely feel the rain.” ADRIAN NASS, Plains- “Personally it is a mix of both. Literally you feel the rain, and the after effects like the coldness....
