Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
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After more than 10 months of investigation, charges were filed last week in the murder of Matthew LaFriniere, a 51-year-old Thompson Falls resident who was fatally shot in May 2018. Danielle Wood, a former Thompson Falls resident and ex-girlfriend of LaFriniere, was arrested last Wednesday on a felony deliberate homicide charge. If convicted, Wood could face no less than 10 years in the state prison. Charges were filed March 19 in 20th Judicial District Court in Sanders County. As of Monday,...
For more than 20 years, the GFWC Thompson Falls Woman's Club has helped give kids a running start to loving reading. The Running Start program is held each spring in Thompson Falls, and this year it has special meaning. Former teacher Eileen Stone, who started the program locally, passed away last year. "We are delighted to sponsor the program in memory of Eileen," said Thompson Falls Woman's Club member Karen Gustavsen. Stone started the program with her second-grade classes at Thompson Falls...
The newest Sanders County Fair Commission member showed up a little late for last week's meeting, but once he settled in he got right to business. The board members were discussing the contract for this year's carnival and seemed to be coming to an agreement when Tim Ellis started questioning why the carnival owner was telling the board what she wanted, instead of the other way around. Paradise Amusements, the carnival that worked the fair last year, sent a new contract to the board with...
We all have dreams we wish to come true. For 17-year-old Cooper Milne, it hasn't taken very long for that to happen. She recently published her first book of a two-part series and has plans for book two to be available by this time next year. The Warriors of Destrey: Part One of the Destrey Series, is a 296-page story about a girl named Acta who, according to Milne, portrays her own life. "She's my doppelganger," Milne said, adding that the story mimics happenings in her actual life. "I wrote...
The dreaded tax season. We're down to the last few weeks where everyone is scrambling to remember where they put their W2s and bank statements, and making sure you track every deduction. Often times, stores will have sales encouraging you to spend your tax refund with them. Car dealerships, big-box stores or those dream vacations. We can think of some great ways to spend your tax refund locally. Help local businesses while taking advantage of experiences in your hometown. For instance, have you tried a Cheers to Painting class in Thompson...
We still have a few House bills that will be worked across to the Senate soon. The committee meetings have been going late to take care of business. There will still be a few bills dropped in the House hopper before the deadline. One big issue that will be discussed on executive action in Health and Human Services Committee will be the two Medicaid Expansion bills that were given a hearing a week ago. One bill is an extension of the last version implemented in 2015 and the other bill is a...
I wasn’t sure what I was going to write about this week and then, voila, the Mueller Report was released. Problem solved! It’s been down right entertaining watching the Democrats scramble once they received the news President Trump had been exonerated. They are not happy. In my last column, I talked briefly about “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” It’s a real thing and that fact was certainly evident this weekend. The Democrat Party response to the Mueller Report is disappointing but not at all su...
Recently The Ledger asked local citizens whether Montana troops should be sent to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border. Of the six replies, all supported the possibility. Two spun off into support for The Wall, one into sympathy for President Trump. That same week I received an anonymous e-mail supporting a wall as a cure for immigration problems, as proved by God’s directive to the Hebrews to build a wall around Jerusalem some 3,000 years ago. It’s obvious that this Southwest issue, particularly The Wall, is on everyone’s mind, even up here in Monta...
5 YEARS AGO • MARCH 27, 1969 PLAINS SCHOOL READY Students of grades seven through 12 will move into the new Plains junior-senior high school Friday to begin classes Monday in the new structure which replaces the old high school building erected in 1909. While most classes for the top six grades will be in the new structure, they will continue to spend part of their school day in the old plant. Music, shop and physical education classes will continue to be taught in the old structure, since the new building was erected without a new gym, m...
JERRY TRUELOCK, Nevada – “I’d use a gunny sack or burlap or cloth flour bags — anything that is recyclable. “ RITA HUEBSCHMAN, Trout Creek – “I use paper because it is biodegradable. I always have. If you cut down forests for the paper, they are renewable. Montana could grow hemp and make bags out of it.” NORA GOFORTH, Trout Creek – “Paper. That’s what I use anyway. I use heavy paper plates. I’m glad to have them, especially when you have a lot of kids and grandkids. It cuts down on dishes.” CARMEN WOOD, Trout Creek – “I use paper bags or br...
Ambulances: Noxon, 5; T. Falls, 10; Plains, 10; H. Springs, 6; Dixon QRU, 1. Sunday, March 17 Intoxicated driver ran over a dog and almost hit the owner, H. Springs. Neighbors dogs in yard chasing owner’s dogs and kids, T. Falls. Domestic disturbance, Dixon. Monday, March 18 Suspicious activity at rural T. Creek residence. Concern for animal welfare, H. Springs. Theft, lost or mislaid property at First Security Bank, T. Falls. Erratic driver traveling eastbound on Cherry Cr., T. Falls. Coroner requested, T. Falls. Tuesday, March 19 Welfare chec...
Montana Highway Patrol Jeannie Sampson, 44, driving while privilege is suspended or revoked, $275; basic rule, reasonable and prudent, 1st offense, $20; failure to carry proof of insurance in vehicle, owner or operator, 1st offense, $85. David Minnich, 32, speeding in a restricted zone, $185. Jesse Newman, 45, seatbelt violation, $20. Jeannie Sampson, 44, operating without liability insurance in effect, 1st offense, $275; seatbelt violation, $20; driving while privilege is suspended or revoked, 1st offense, $285. Elizabeth Riffle, 43, seatbelt...
Thompson Falls Main Street Committee (TFMSC) is embarking on a new adventure through the creation of the Thompson Falls Public Art Initiative. The goal is to build relations between local businesses, artists and the public while creating a life-long connection to the community. “We are interested in beginning a program for public art downtown,” shared Jen Kreiner, TFMSC. “Ideally, the proposed project structure would bridge the business community and the school district through a volunteer art initiative.” Together, downtown buildings that co...
WHAT TO DO WITH HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE? Household hazardous waste is any substance that has the potential to injure people, pets or the environment through skin contact or ingestion. It is in your kitchen, basement, garage, shop or greenhouse, and here are some examples: Paints, thinner, solvents, automotive fluids, products with mercury (thermometers, thermostats & fluorescent lights), adhesives, stains, cleaners, furniture stripper, ammonia, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, poisons, fertilizers, tree sprays, fuel carburetor cleaner,...
PROM ROYALTY were crowned in Thompson Falls and Plains recently....
"You just got back from WHERE?" The Missoula airport parking lot attendant was incredulous. "Antarctica," I replied, handing him payment for my long-term parking ticket. "Isn't it cold enough for you here in Montana?" he asked, shaking his head. It was 10 degrees that February day, with a stiff wind. "Actually, it was warmer there. It's summer in Antarctica, so it was a balmy 28 degrees with sunshine." Since returning to the sub-zero temps in Sanders County last month, people have peppered me...
Brittany Hoy and Johnathan Boehme welcomed a daughter, Blakely Celeste Boehme, on March 4, 2019, at 8:29 a.m. Blakely measured 17 inches long and weighed 4 lbs., 1 oz. Maternal grandfather is John "RJ" Hoy of Trout Creek. Paternal grandparents are Ed and Kathryn Boehme of Noxon. Maternal great-grandmother is Bessie Kline. Welcome, Blakely....
Enola Lynn Flock welcomed a son, Winston James Browning, at 2:05 p.m. on March 7, 2019. Winston was 6 pounds, 8 ounces, and measures 20.75 inches. Maternal granparents are Steve and Dawn Largent of Plains. Maternal great-grandparents are Jim and Terri Henry of Plains. Welcome, Winston....
Rhiannon and Jacob Greenwood welcomed a son, Zane Leo Greenwood, on March 7, 2019. Zane was born at 11:25 p.m., weighting 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and measuring 20.5 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Stacey and Rick Thomas of Plains. Paternal grandparents are Zerry and Rodney Greenwood of Council, Idaho. Welcome, Zane....
Ashley Petri and Cassidy McDonald of Plains welcomed a son, Milo Banx McDonald, on March 8, 2019. Milo was born at 10:27 a.m., weighin 8 lbs., 1.1 oz., and measuring 20.75 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Paula Ivy and Bruce Petri of Plains. Paternal grandparents are Jody McDonald of Missoula and Maggi McDonald of Chewelah, Washington. Welcome, Milo....
Did you know that Low Income Energy Assistance benefits may be retroactive to charges incurred since October 1, 2018, even if you’ve already made payments? Applications for the program are accepted until April 30. To learn more, contact Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM) by calling (406) 758-5433 or 1-800-344-5979 or by emailing [email protected]. CAPNM exists to provide direct services, advocate to alleviate poverty, improve lives and strengthen our communities. CAPNM serves Lake, Lincoln, Flathead and Sanders c...
Robert and Debbie Brown announce the marriage of their daughter, Emily, to Thomas Schell, son of Mark and Kathy Schell. The couple will be married Saturday, May 4, at 2 p.m. at The Barn at Madar Farm in Genesee, Idaho, with reception and dinner to follow. Emily is a graduate of Thompson Falls High School, and Tom attended school in Clarkston, Washington, where the couple now lives....
The Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce is presenting a new networking opportunity for community members. Business After Hours is set for 5-7 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at the Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls. The program will focus on introducing new chamber board members, discussion some of the upcoming projects and projects that have been completed and unveiling the chamber’s new website. Daniel Moore of the The Black Bear Inn has worked to create a new website, which will be projected on the big screen at the event. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for t...
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) honored the service of its Region 1 hunter and bowhunter education instructors at an annual workshop on March 9 in Kalispell. Instructors from Sanders County were among those honored. The annual workshop is an opportunity for FWP staff and instructors from each region to review the program, discuss updates and new equipment, and to celebrate the volunteerism of the instructors. The heart of Montana's hunter and bowhunter education programs is the corps of...
Bowling season 2019 is in the books for young bowlers. The season ended with the second reinstatement of original founders Gene and Ruth LaBrosse's no-tap tournament. According to Thompson Falls bowling enthusiast Ginger Ward, "We had a no-tap tournament again this year and hope to continue it in the future" in memory of the LaBrosses, who were tragically killed in an airplane crash years ago. Two divisions were awarded with top male and female bowlers. In the Juniors class, ages 9 to 14, Zack...
