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Articles from the February 29, 2024 edition


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  • Fire destroys Noxon businesses

    Annie Wooden|Feb 29, 2024

    The town of Noxon suffered a devastating loss on Tuesday when a fire destroyed several businesses. Fire crews responded to an early-morning fire Tuesday in the 700 block of Noxon Avenue that destroyed several buildings. The fire, which officials said Tuesday appears to have started at the Angry Beaver General Store, also destroyed Toby's Tavern and the Noxon Mercantile and Cafe. Along with the Noxon Fire Department, Heron Fire, and Trout Creek Rural Fire responded to the blaze, and a...

  • Investigation continues into Noxon fire

    Annie Wooden|Feb 29, 2024

    Nearly 100 people attended a public meeting Saturday at Noxon School to hear an update about the investigation into the fire that destroyed three businesses in the community earlier this week. Noxon Fire Chief Jim Byler called the meeting in the school multi-purpose room in order to address rumors. "This meeting was to ease minds about arson," he explained. He said he has been watching social media and "everybody needs to get along, calm down and let the investigators do their job." Byler said...

  • Carnival offers winter fun

    Shannon Brown|Feb 29, 2024

    The seventh annual Project ASCENT Winter Carnival was held Saturday at Thompson Falls High School. ASCENT stands for: Adventure. Science, Community, Education, Nature, Teamwork. Several families came out to play games, eat food and win prizes. Kendra Helvey volunteered to run the registration table. The games and food were free for kids and adults paid $5 to eat lunch. "Local businesses sponsored the games," Helvey said. All proceeds went to Project ASCENT. Each game booth had a sign with the...

  • LOST LOAD

    Shannon Brown|Feb 29, 2024

    A semi truck hauling potting soil wrecked last Thursday morning near mile marker 9 on Highway 28. Hot Springs Fire and Ambulance responded. The Sanders County Sheriff's Office said there were no injuries to the driver and no road blockages. Several bags were scattered alongside the road. Amy Gray with the Hot Springs Fire Department said that the semi was heading toward Hot Springs when the driver encountered icy road conditions causing the truck to jack-knife. "Luckily the driver was fine and...

  • Filing deadline nears for local candidates

    Annie Wooden|Feb 29, 2024

    With just under two weeks left in the filing period for 2024 county elections, there are no contested races in Sanders County. This year, voters will cast ballots for five county elected officials, including Commissioner District 1, Clerk of District Court, County Attorney, County Coroner and the combined position of County Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer and Superintendent of Schools. As of Tuesday, only one candidate has filed for each position. Dan Rowan has filed for the commissioner seat he now holds, Clerk of District Court Cynthia Neste...

  • Our Viewpoint: There in times of need

    Annie Wooden|Feb 29, 2024

    Tuesday morning, the community of Noxon suffered an absolutely devastating loss. Several buildings and businesses were destroyed by fire. It is heartbreaking for the whole community, especially the business owners and employees. The loss of property is only the tip of what these community members - our neighbors - are going to endure in the aftermath of this fire. Thankfully no one was injured in the fire. Along with the cleanup efforts, now comes the "what do we do next?" stage for the community. When you only have a handful of businesses in...

  • Letter to the Editor: Five years since death

    Feb 29, 2024

    The 15th of March is fast approaching. It’s been five years since Mark Legard was taken from us. What are the reasons? No one has come forward with any information on what happened to Mark and the investigation into his death has become a cold case. His family and friends are left hanging onto his memory praying for peace and closure. Each year brings no new news and the heartache only deepens. We wanted this letter not to be somber, but to celebrate the person that our beloved son, father, brother, cousin, and friend was. We keep Mark’s mem...

  • Letter to the Editor: Difficult choices ahead for Hot Springs school

    Feb 29, 2024

    Thank you for your patience during this time as you await communication regarding budget cuts and potential staff reductions. I know there is anxiety and concern, which is understandable. Please be aware that the difficult discussion of budget shortfalls and the subsequent steps of considering how to best reconcile the situation is fluid and continually evolving. Knowing what to communicate (and when) is challenging until we get through that process and reach a consensus, some of which has occurred in the past four weeks as the budget committee...

  • Sanders County Honor Roll

    Feb 29, 2024

    Plains Elementary Neviah Black, Shelley Bourque, Ellasyn Bright, Jack Buell, Stanley Burnaroos, Mikaela Carbis, Jada Colwell, Bailey Ewing, Remington Farthing, Kameron Felstet, Bransen Fryxell, Gavin Gamboa, Jeremiah Goodwin, Mateo Hart, Kasen Hooser, Louis Jermyn, Evan King, Gracelyn Larsen, Lianna Loveall, Jaxon Lumley, Ryland Martin, Kael Meaden, Ryder Mercer, Hoytt Miller, Josiah Nestor, Kamden Nyomo, Milo Owens, Damien Paquet, Steele Pinter, Lilliana Riddle, Braidy Rivinius, Dorothea Schwall, Rhett Silva, Paisley Strowbridge, Payten...

  • Montana Viewpoint: Laws, compassion and common sense

    Jim Elliott|Feb 29, 2024

    Remember the Biblical story of the Judgment of Solomon (I Kings 3:16-28)? That’s the one where two prostitutes, living together, have babies three days apart. On waking one morning one of the women finds that her baby has died and places her dead infant next to the other woman who is still asleep and takes the other woman’s live baby as her own. Wanting her live baby back, the woman asks that King Solomon make things right. Solomon listens to the women, each of them claiming that she is the chi...

  • Remember When?

    Sherry Hagerman-Benton|Feb 29, 2024

    WHERE IS SWORD RIVER? There were established trails across this continent before the Europeans explored here. One of the greatest of these being the trail from Montreal to the mouth of the Columbia River. This trail ran through what is now Sanders County, this particular section of it known as the Kootenai Trail. This trail, near the present site of Dixon on the Jocko River, called “Sword River” by the Indians, and closely paralleled the Flathead River which it crossed near its junction with the Missoula (river). From that point, the trail cont...

  • Question of the week

    Shannon Brown|Feb 29, 2024

    BYRON WOODS, Hot Springs - “I would prefer riding my mountain bike in the woods over shopping any day.” GERALD CHOUINARD, Hot Springs - “I would much rather go for a walk in the woods, for sure. I can’t stand big store shopping.” ERICA CANNON, Hot Springs - “I’d rather be out in the woods.” KARA CHRISTENSEN, Hot Springs - “I would rather be in the woods than shopping.” CARRIE FISHER, Hot Springs - “I’d rather be in the woods. I love nature and am not a big shopper.” CHASE DEPOE, Hot Springs - “I would rather be out in the woods than shopping...

  • Split verdict in Sanders County trial

    Stephanie Molzhon|Feb 29, 2024

    After a three-day jury trial last week, a panel of jurors found Joshua Michael Dodson not guilty of two felony counts of assault with a weapon and strangulation of a partner or family member, but found Dodson guilty of a felony count of criminal endangerment and one misdemeanor count of partner or family member assault, 1st offense. Dodson had stood accused of an altercation with a female partner during an argument that allegedly led to Dodson physically assaulting her and threatening to burn down the camper she lived in. Judge Deborah Kim...

  • H.S. man pleads not guilty to assault

    Stephanie Molzhon|Feb 29, 2024

    Coming before the court for his initial appearance, Jesse James Motes pled not guilty to a felony count of aggravated assault on Tuesday. Judge Molly Owen set this case for a jury trial on August 28, 2024. As alleged in the charging documents, on October 12, 2023, Hot Springs Police Chief Robyn Largent was dispatched to the Creekside Apartments regarding a report of an assault. Upon arriving at the location, Chief Largent noted injuries on the alleged victim, who was visibly upset and initially didn’t want to talk. Chief Largent was able to s...

  • Sheriff's Log

    Feb 29, 2024

    Ambulance: Plains, 12; T. Falls, 8; Hot Springs, 1; Trout Creek, 1; Noxon, 1; Monday, February 19 Parking problem, T. Falls. Suspicious activity, report of being drugged by friend, Perma. Inmate transport, T. Falls. Civil attempts, Unknown. Inmate transportation, T.Falls. Civil attempts, Unknown. Business contact, T. Falls. Road hazard/blockage, Plains. Other law violations, T. Falls. Tuesday, February 20 General Animal Call or Complaint, Hot Springs Nuisance Complaints, Fake hundred dollar bill passed to business between Friday and Saturday....

  • Justice Court

    Feb 29, 2024

    Sanders County Attorney Seth Keller-Keith, 32, criminal mischief, $135; disorderly conduct, 1st offense, $75; Criminal trespass, $75, 6 months jail. Sanders County Sheriff’s Office Andrew Vargas, 65, operating without liability insurance, 1st offense, $85. Mathew Howell, fail to carry/display registration, $45; owner permitting operation of vehicle without liability insurance, 1st offense, $75. Samantha McCarthy, 26, day speeding, $20. Mayme Ercanbrack, 44, speeding in restricted zone, $55. Eric Dillard, 43, driving without a valid d...

  • Virginia Irene 'Ginny' (Medvetz) Dyer

    Feb 29, 2024

    Our community lost a beloved mother, friend, confidant and champion of children on February 74, 2024. Ginny Dyer was the kind of friend that everyone needs and every child should have. She was a person who advocated for children in their daily lives. She noticed the pain and suffering of others and tried to help, to do something. Virginia was born September 19, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Daniel and Blanche Medvetz. An only child, she was close to her aunts, uncles and cousins. She was given... Full story

  • Named to dean's list

    Feb 29, 2024

    Flathead Valley Community College officials have announced the names of students who made the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester. The following students completed at least 12 credits last semester and earned a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.5: Plains: Kallen Burrows, Izibelle Crabb. Thompson Falls: Bethany Burk, Aubrey Erwin, Robert Fralin, McKenzie Robins....

  • New role for TF alum

    Feb 29, 2024

    Scott Odlin, a 1994 graduate of Thompson Falls High School, has been appointed Assistant Superintendent of Educaitonal Services and Innovative Programs at the Kern High School District in Bakersfield, California. According to the school disrict, Odlin brings a wealth of experience and a passion for education ot the role. "We are confident that he will excel in leading our district to new heights of innovation and excellence." Odlin is the son of Lee and Roberta Kinser of Thompson Falls. He...

  • Spotlight on the Arts

    Feb 29, 2024

    Catherine Shear, Thompson Falls Junior High by Karen Thorson "Spotlight on the Arts" by The Paradise Center honors and encourages students in the arts by highlighting their talent and acknowledging the support they receive through their schools and teachers. At age 13 and in the seventh grade at Thompson Falls junior high, Catherine Shear has artistic talent well beyond her years. Largely self-taught, Shear draws, using graphite, color pencils and markers. And she paints, using both watercolor...

  • Mayor's Corner

    Feb 29, 2024

    8 Local Government Review A resolution was passed at our February 12 City Council meeting to put this on the June ballot as described below. This information can be reviewed in greater detail on the Montana Secretary of State website; search for Local Government Review for a more complete description of the process and FAQs. What is the Local Government Review all about? The 1972 Constitution established that the Local Government Review Election is to be held by each Montana city and county government every 10 years. This requirement can be...

  • Hawks endure energetic tourney

    Annie Wooden|Feb 29, 2024

    At tournament time, emotions run high. For seniors, there's the possibility of it being the last time you'll play for your team. For others, the thirst for more competition drives you. The Blue Hawk boys' season came to an end at the divisional tournament in Pablo last weekend, playing three intense games. "We competed against some really good team this season," Coach Jake Mickelson said after the tournament. "We were really close to beating these teams who had beat us earlier in the season." He...

  • Trotters fight tough battles

    Annie Wooden|Feb 29, 2024

    The Trotters opened the divisional tournament against Loyola, falling 67-26. Loyola was quick to score and Plains worked out some early jitters. The Breakers put full-court pressure on Plains, scoring 13 points before Plains senior Blakely Lakko scored halfway through the first quarter. Aubree Butcher sank a three-pointer later in the quarter and the supportive Plains crowd erupted like it was a state championship. Loyola led 26-7 as the second quarter started and increased their lead rapidly, b...

  • Lady Hawks get another shot at Mission

    Annie Wooden|Feb 29, 2024

    The Thompson Falls girls' basketball team also finished their season at the divisional tournament in Pablo. Like the boys, the Lady Hawks made it to Saturday's consolation semifinal where they had a rematch with the district champion Mission Bulldogs, falling 60-35 in what would be Thompson's final game of the season. "Divisional was a learning experience for us," Coach Mike Tessier said. "None of our girls have played at that level. Our youth showed and we needed that seasoned veteran." He said...

  • Savage Heat end year at divisional

    Annie Wooden|Feb 29, 2024

    The Savage Heat girls went 0-2 at the Western C Divisional tournament in Frenchtown last weekend, ending an exciting season in the postseason. After finishing second in District 14C play, on Thursday, Hot Springs met West Yellowstone in the first round of the divisional tournament, falling 45-22. The team struggled on the court early, scoring just four points to West Yellowstone's 20 in the first quarter. The Wolverines continued the attack in the second quarter, increasing their lead to 33-12...

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