Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
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That fire on the mountain everyone has been watching is going to be with us for a while. The Thorne Creek fire, which was ignited by lightning July 7 and has been steadily growing and visible from the Clark Fork Valley floor since its inception, will likely be a long-term wildfire event that will be going on for at least several more weeks. The fire has already triggered many evacuation warnings and several actual evacuations as the fire front has moved on the hillside each day. In an effort to...
The Thorne Creek Fire continues to burn just north of Thompson Falls. As of Saturday morning the fire, which was sparked by lightning on July 8, had burned 15,860 acres and was 0% contained. More than 150 residents attended a community meeting at Ainsworth Park on Friday as the Thorne Creek Fire burned north of Thompson Falls in the Weber Gulch area. Drew Daily, incident commander for the Thorne Creek Fire, said that three Type II National Guard firefighting units would be arriving Saturday...
The serial number on a firearm found Sunday afternoon at the Flat Iron Fishing access site west of Thompson Falls matches that of a firearm purchased by former Thompson Falls Danielle Wood in 2018, according to court documents filed this week state. Wood is currently serving a 100-year sentence at the Montana State Women's Prison. According to a motion filed Tuesday in 20th Judicial District Court, the Sanders County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) was notified that a male had found a pistol in the...
Sanders County residents filled the senior center in Plains last Thursday night to sit in on a meeting addressing potential growth plans for the town. An outdated growth policy prompted Plains Mayor Dan Rowan to reach out to Sanders County Community Development Corporation (SCCDC) Executive Director Ray Brown last year for help. A long process of conversations between Brown and Montana Department of Commerce Outreach Specialist Gus Byrom, who attended Thursday’s meeting, led to collaboration with Robin Spear from WGM Group, a planning and d...
It looks like motocross is coming back to Plains. It’s been nearly 10 years since the rumble of cycles could be heard rounding the fairgrounds arena, but now an organization from Kalispell is looking to put on a motocross competition in August. On Friday, the Sanders County Fair Commission voted unanimously in favor of allowing Top Dawg Arena Cross to have motocross racing Friday and Saturday, August 20 and 21, in the fairgrounds main arena. Fair board members discussed Top Dawg Arena Cross’ request at its regular meeting last Wednesday, but...
For the first time in over 20 years, a grange meeting was held this month at the Whitepine Grange. This gathering was to initiate new members and to hold elections to establish officers for the Grange Post #102. The group asked Don Burrell to attend and to initiate the new members. Burrell is a long-time member of the Thompson Falls Grange. He started with the Grange in 1966 and has held most positions that one can have in the Grange. He has participated in the National Grange and even had the...
This wildfire season has no signs of slowing down anytime soon. We've heard of a lot of people wanting to help the firefighters who are here with the U.S. Forest Service working on the Thorne Creek fire, which is part of the West Lolo Complex. We love that everyone is coming together and wants to help. When a wildfire occurs, as we've seen, there is a whole camp of resources set up. This year it is in Plains. They bring in food tents and showers and medical and sleeping tents. It's basically a portable neighborhood. This preparation comes with...
I just returned from a three-day visit to hell (aka California) for a work reunion, and COVID was the biggest topic of discussion, just ahead of the rampant crime problem. I was in Los Angeles County where they had just reinstated the mask mandate for everyone, even those who have been vaccinated. That mandate has caused tremendous confusion and resistance. The media will tell you that the resistance to the vaccine is a partisan issue. The prevailing media theory is that conservatives are...
In the same month we celebrate our nation’s Declaration of Independence, this year we can also celebrate an amazing 50% reduction — at least temporarily — of childhood poverty. In Montana, 15% of our children live in poverty. On July 15, the federal government distributed $15 billion in the first of six monthly payments to the families of almost 60 million American children. This economic transformation was made possible by expansion of the Child Tax Credit in President Biden’s congressionally approved American Rescue Plan. Familys' tax cre...
5 YEARS AGO • AUGUST 4, 2016 OVER 400 CALLED TO FIGHT BIG BLAZE Copper King Fire balloons to over 700 acres in big run At a public meeting Monday, District Ranger Dave Hattis said that he and a crew from the Passport in Time program were on Big Hole Peak Sunday when they noticed a smoke plume rising to the west near Thompson River drainage. A short time later a helicopter flew the area and reported back that there was no real concern yet, it didn’t appear to be going anywhere. Hattis then told the audience at the information meeting that 30 min...
PATRICK ANDERSON, Thompson Falls - “Yes, it does because you can’t see the beautiful mountains and stuff.” JOHN KAUFMANN, Thompson Falls - “It’s not having a whole lot of effect on the people coming into the area. In the past I have seen fire danger run people off, but now they are trying to get away from the insanity in the cities.” CALEB BERD, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - “I think it absolutely affects tourism because it is a quality of life kind of thing.” CHRIS HAYNES, Thompson Falls - “Yes, I hope so. It will show people coming in what ca...
Ambulance calls: Hot Springs, 4; Thompson Falls, 10; Dixon, 2; Plains, 8. Sunday, July 18 General animal complaint, Hot Springs. Livestock, Paradise. Child welfare, abuse. Fire, Heron. Suspicious activity, T. Falls. Property found, T. Falls. Motorist assist, Paradise. Disturbance, Heron. Abandoned vehicle, Noxon. Monday, July 19 Motor vehicle crash, T. Falls. Welfare check, Plains. Coroner call, Plains. Missing person, T. Falls. Coroner call, Paradise. Motor vehicle crash, T. Falls. Trespass, Plains. Suspicious activity, T. Falls. Littering,...
Montana Highway Patrol John Bennett, 55, driving under the influence of alcohol, 2nd offense, $1,335, 7 days jail. Roxsanna Ryan, 64, seatbelt violation, $20. Thomas Jolley, 59, improper passing, $85. Dishant Khatri, 19,speeding in restricted zone, $85. Benjamin Smith, 34, day speeding, $20. George Gorohoff, 53, speeding in restricted zone, $65. Ronald Owens, 33, no liability insurance, 2nd offense, $135. Eric Bachofner, 41, day speeding, $20. Ryan Farmer, 42, day speeding, $70. Jaclyn Flinn, 44, seatbelt violation, $20. Clarence Hough, 65,...
The annual Trout Creek Huckleberry Festival is getting ready for a full weekend of fun Friday and Saturday, August 14 and 15. More than 90 vendors have signed up to be at the festival, according to Carrie Greene. who is in charge of vendors this year. “We are almost full. I have a feeling I am going to need a waiting list,” said Greene. She explained they usually have a few spots open a day before the event, but this year three weeks prior, she already has only a couple slots left. Of those vendors, Greene said that 25 are brand new. “I think...
The windstorm in January left many homes and businesses in need of repair, including the high school in Thompson Falls. The gymnasium roof saw some damage, and the school contracted Buckingham Roofing to do some temporary repairs. These repairs were meant to prevent any water damage until Buckingham Roofing could return and take the time to do the whole roof. Finally, after several months, John Buckingham, owner of Buckingham Roofing, was able to come out to install the new roof. Assisted by...
Montana is well known for its vast flat prairies, great towering mountains and gurgling creeks and rivers. As beautiful as these are, part of experiencing nature is experiencing the seclusion from technology, the rush of life and other persons. These places people go to get away are often places others have told them about. Most of the time, however, the best places are the ones found alone. The experience of discovery, especially of a place unseen before, is for many, several times the experience that visiting a place recommended can be....
Sanders County Community Development Corporation (SCCDC) is hosting a Housing Summit Monday, August 2, at the Clark Fork Valley Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Expert panelists will review various technical assistance programs and provide an open space for discussion, collaboration and education for stakeholders to deliberate potential workforce housing solutions in Sanders County. “There are a number of resources available for workforce housing,” said SCCDC Executive Director Ray Brown. “We are trying to solve an ident...
Herbert Glenn (Bud) Lacy passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021, in Kalispell, Montana. Bud was born November 16, 1935, in Sandpoint, Idaho, to Herb and Norma Lacy. He grew up on the family's small dairy farm near Trout Creek, Montana. He attended school in Trout Creek and graduated from Noxon High School in 1953. He married the love of his life, Shirley Jean Sanders, October 8, 1955. They made their home in Thompson Falls where they raised their children. Bud worked in the timber industry for...
18 - 2021 Robert (Bob) passed away of natural causes July 18 at Clark Fork Valley Hospital in Plains. He was born in Shelby, Montana, to P.W. (Pat) Kelley and Mary E. (Betty) Kelley. He was raised and went to school in Sunburst, Montana, working on area ranches during summers while in high school and college. He attended College of Great Falls and graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry as a Doctor of Optometry in 1967. He opened his first practice in Cut Bank, Montana, and enjoyed...
Another Angel has gone home. Sarah Jane Lanning Carroll of Trout Creek, Montana, departed this earth on October 22, 2020. Sarah was born on June 5, 1945, in Flint, Michigan, to Loretta and Albert Lanning. She moved to Montana with her husband and family in 1974. She was known for her big heart and for not judging people by their pasts. If Sarah saw you were in need, she would reach a hand out to help you up, even if she didn’t have much to share. She will be sorely missed by her family and the many people she touched throughout her life. S...
Katrina Marie Schopp passed away peacefully July 22, 2021, at home with Opportunity Resources in Missoula. She was born October, 26, 1963, to Roger and Betty Schopp of Trout Creek. Katrina struggled with disabilities and health issues all her life, but touched the hearts of all the people who knew her and will forever be missed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roger and Betty Schopp, in 1998. She is survived by her siblings, Patricia Schopp of Thompson Falls, George Schopp of Trout Creek; and David Schopp and Cindy Hodge of Trout...
8 September 1936 – 19 December 2020 William (Bill) Franklin Schnelle died unexpectedly on December 19, 2020, following complications after surgery. Bill was born in Lemons, Missouri, on September 8, 1936. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Ruth Schnelle. Bill graduated from high school in North Platte, Nebraska, in 1954. He attended college at the University of Idaho before returning to Nebraska to work with Union Pacific Railroad. After marrying the former Linda Axtell in 1...
A North Idaho freight company is expanding services in Sanders County to keep up with increased demand. H&H Express is constructing an expansion building in Thompson Falls. Located across from Grocery Surplus on Highway 200 just east of Thompson Falls, H&H Express owner Donald West says the 40-foot by 60-foot freight dock will also aid in handling the influx of shipments he has seen over the last year. "The area is growing so fast and I've seen a lot more freight going in every day," said West....
"Often, the best resource is simply a neighbor and fellow landowner sharing their experience and knowledge!" emphasizes Montana Tree Farm System (MTFS). Last Thursday, over 65 people gathered at Harlow Bison Ranch in Thompson Falls to join MTFS in piloting their Montana Tree Farm Peer Network. MTFS Chairperson Holly McKenzie stated that "rather than sending in a forester, people are more comfortable with a neighbor" when being advised about forest land management. The goal of the gathering was...
Offering propane gas delivery and fuel oil services, John's Fuel Farm has opened a location in Thompson Falls. The new site will allow the company to offer services to the entire county, year-round. "We are 100% locally owned and have been in the Mission Valley forever," said Levi Wadsworsh, John's Fuel Farm manager. Plans to open a new fuel farm developed last fall and Wadsworth says deliveries started in Thompson Falls at the end of July 2020. "The expansion of the propane market and changes...
