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UPDATE: Wednesday, 3 p.m. The Montana Supreme Court late Tuesday issued an order preventing the enforcement of Judge Harris's decision on election day ballot statues. That means that ballots must be received by the Elections Office no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. Postmarks will not be considered. Harris's decision on BIPA was not affected by the Montana Supreme Court order. ORIGINAL ARTICLE: With the election just about a month away, when ballots must be turned in is under review in the state of Montana. The Montana Democratic...
A Sanders County courthouse employee has tested positive for COVID-19. The courthouse remains open and the county is taking precautions to ensure public safety. As if Friday morning, Sanders County has 10 active COVID-19 cases. Masks are required and remember to social distance when possible and wash your hands often. For the latest county information, visit the Sanders County COVID-19 page on Facebook. Montana COVID-1 information can be found at https://montana.maps.arcgis.c...
Nearly 100 people showed up to part take in "The Return - National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance" Saturday afternoon at Fred Young Park in Plains, where a group of people prayed for guidance from God and for the country. "Nobody can recall a time like this in our nation when we have to pray for our nation," said Bill Alde, who coordinated the event with Shelly Rummel and Mary McGann and led the event with the first of many prayers. "Never in the history of our nation has our country...
Restoring passenger rail service through southern Montana was discussed at a virtual summit on September 17. The summit served as an opportunity for Montanans to hear what the next steps are in the process. Pioneered by Missoula County Commissioner Dave Strohmaier, the summit had over 500 viewers. The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority received backing from local and state politicians, as well as rail experts from Amtrak. “Safe, reliable, inner-city transport can help bolster small businesses, can help address climate change concerns, e...
The project to repair and improve the Clark Fork River Bridge west of Trout Creek is complete and the bridge is now fully open to traffic, the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) announced. "We'd really like to thank the surrounding communities for their patience during construction," said MDT Missoula District Construction Engineer John Schmidt. "We're pleased to have the project completed on schedule and know that the bridge will serve the public for a long time." MDT used a new...
The other morning I went to search for something on the Internet. I typed "how many days" and Google automatically finished with "until the end of 2020." That's not what I was searching, but that's how I feel about 2020. Can it just be over already? I joined the Thompson Falls Chamber board recently and we're already planning Christmas on Main Street festivities. I'm so excited to play a role in Thompson Falls's holiday event Dec. 3-5. It's going to be festive and magical and awesome. But then a friend reminded me how much I always talk about l...
Attorney General Bill Barr and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have been using extraordinary means to advance their goal; confirming a Supreme Court nominee before the election when four years ago they refused to even hold a hearing for Obama’s nominee, suppression of fact, encouraging violence, threatening to refuse to accept defeat—it goes on and on. This, I can only assume, they are rationalizing with the old lie, “The ends justify the means.” So, since I can see what the means a...
Thank you, Harold. A true community leader passed away recently. Harold Hudson left a lasting impression on me from the first time I met him a few years ago, after I became the regional information and education program manager for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Harold was very passionate about mentoring young men and women in firearm safety and hunter education. He was also dedicated beyond belief. In the 25 years he served as a volunteer instructor for the Montana Hunter Education Program, he led 57 hunter education classes that certified...
Thank you to the workers and everyone involved in taking down the tree at the corner of the east ramp in Thompson Falls. It opened up my view of the river and across immensely. Joan Freed, Thompson Falls...
The Public Service Commission is a critical race this fall. The PSC regulates the rates and quality of privately owned utilities. They’re to be fair to both the company and see we are not overcharged. They work for us citizens. Last year Northwestern Energy made $200 million in profit. Its profits have steadily been rising for 5 years. Who pays for such profits? We the rate payers. Monica Tranel is the best choice for PSC District 4 - she has relevant training, knowledge and experience. She worked as a staff attorney on the PSC; she worked a...
3 YEARS AGO SEPTEMBER 20, 1990 PONY EXPRESS TO RIDE, RUN, AGAIN Plans for Saturday’s 1890s Days CELEBRATION, SPONSORED BY THE Thompson Falls Chamber of Commerce, are firming up, according to organizer Heather Saint. Activities planned include a parade, Calcutta Auction, Pony Express Relay Race, arts and crafts sold in the Montana Power Park and on Main St., culminating with a street dance. The day will begin with “breakfast sandwiches” served by Kathleen Pavlik and Sandy Doster in the park, where the Thompson Falls High School Band will be pr...
Steven Conley, Thompson Falls - “I would say as long as you don’t go over a month then you’re fine on any decorations.” Jeffery Manwaring, St. George, Utah - “Anytime that anybody wants to put up decorations is fine for them, as for me I kind of like to do it just before the holiday, and with Christmas; do it right after Thanksgiving.” Nate Manwaring, St. George, Utah - “I personally think that most people that set up decorations it's for the kids. I think just do whatever makes the kids happy, just give them a good time." Patsy Evans, Thomps...
Ambulance Plains 3, T. Falls 13, Trout Creek 2, Hot Springs 1, Noxon 2 Sunday, September 20 Disturbance, Plains. Fire, Dixon. Suspicious activity, Plains. Sexual assault, report of child sexual assault, T. Falls. Motor vehicle crash, Hot Springs. Informational case, Plains. Informational case, Paradise. Motor vehicle crash, Dixon. Trespass, Plains. Assist motorist/citizen, Plains. Monday, September 21 Informational case, Trout Creek. Fire, T. Falls. Abandoned vehicle, Heron. Harassment/privacy in communication, Heron. Animal other, T. Falls....
Sanders County Sheriff’s Office Chantel Elder, 33, careless driving, $185. Alyssa Griffith, 37, day speeding, $70. Michael Pfaff, 32, night speeding, $20. Joshua Wagner, 45, day speeding, $20. Delbert Jordan, 52, day speeding, $20. Montana Highway Patrol Mark Henze, 30, aggravated driving under the influence, 1st offense, $1,135, 2 days in jail. Larry Olson, 68, day speeding, $70. Kathryn Harris, 64, failure to carry proof of insurance, 1st offense, $85; seatbelt violation, $20. Sheila Frees, 62, day speeding, $70. Taylor Anderson, 24, day s...
NAME: Jennifer Fielder EDUCATION: Associate in Applied Science; Associate in Arts & Sciences, Bachelor of Science PROFESSION(s): Lawmaker; Administrator; Project Manager 1. What characteristics make you right for this position? I'm focused. For me, this job boils down to fighting for low-cost energy, safe communities, and a strong economy. I'm principled: I refuse to accept campaign contributions from industry groups or special interests who lobby the PSC. I'm experienced: My eight years as a...
NAME: Bob Brown EDUCATION: High school, with study in water treatment and distribution PROFESSION: General Contractor, Pest Control and Artistic Sand Carving 1. What characteristics make you right for this position? I am a true conservative which I believe represents the largest part of this district. And I am able to have an honest and open conversation with the other side of the aisle. Also, politics is not a career for me. I am a regular person who works like all other folks in the district....
NAME: A Ben "Tony" Cox EDUCATION: Graduate, Thompson Falls Public Schools, K-12; Graduate, University of Montana, Business Administration; Graduate, Montana Highway Patrol Academy PROFESSION: Montana State Trooper, 1989-2009 (retired); Sanders County Commissioner, 2009-present 1. What characteristics make you right for this position? I treat people with respect and care. If there is a problem or an issue, as a commissioner I am able to identify it, discuss it and find possible solutions. We...
NAME: Paul C Fielder, Republican Candidate EDUCATION: MS in Wildlife Biology, BS in Fisheries Biology, AAS in Agriculture PROFESSION: Retired Wildlife Biologist 1. What characteristics make you right for this position? Experience in leadership positions and at the legislature make me the most EFFECTIVE candidate for HD-13. I'm in my sixth year as Chairman of our county Republican Party and have been a president or director of professional and sportsmen organizations. I've testified often in the...
This year’s state and federal elections are the most consequential in our lifetimes. The outcome will define the character of Montana and the United States in the years ahead. We must choose candidates who place the good of state and country ahead of self-serving goals. The contest for Public Service Commission (PSC) District 4 deserves special attention. Monica Tranel is highly qualified. She thoroughly learned the workings of the PSC through service on its legal staff for a number of years. She has represented clients with cases before the c...
Negative Political Ads: Who should be damaged by them? When you point the finger at someone else, three fingers are pointing back at you. When you sling mud at your opponent, you’re left with mud all over your own hands. Rather than telling lies, half-truths, and innuendoes about your opponent, get votes by telling the truth about your qualifications for the job. “All politicians lie” is the response I get when I object to the lies told by Trump and others whose campaigns are full of negatives about their opponents. When the voter takes the t...
Colleen Hinds, House District 13 candidate, is a registered nurse who spent decades practicing her profession. She has an acute understanding of the profound necessity of affordable, quality health care for all. Now that ballots are on the near horizon, it’s time to carefully consider specific issues, one of them being health care. Under the leadership of Governor Steve Bullock, Medicaid Expansion got instituted in Montana. The expansion took a lot of heat off of our rural hospitals. It provided the opportunity for affordable, quality health c...
Dear Sanders County Ledger Editor, This is in response to Ms. Hassan’s letter on September 24. Letters like yours that speak from the standpoint of authority and are not factually backed up represent the entangled ambiguities which confuse and distort reality. For example, Val Demings, a Black woman now representing Florida in congress, was previously Orlando’s chief of police. Because of her leadership, crime in that area was reduced. Regarding protesting, are you aware that your right to vote might be dependent upon it? The persistent pro...
Dear Neighbors, As of September 18, 2020, only 43% of Sanders County residents have responded to the Census. But it’s not too late to be counted! It only takes five minutes and the staff at your library can help. The census provides critical data that lawmakers, business owners, teachers, and many others use to provide daily services, products, and support for you and your community. Every year, billions of dollars in federal funding go to hospitals, fire departments, schools, roads, and other resources based on census data. The results of t...
Editor: A big thank you seems in order to Kiewit Corporation for its many significant contributions to the local area while it maintained a presence here repairing the Trout Creek bridge. Not only were their employees a boon to the economy, but Kiewit also generously donated many of their gently used items — office furniture, appliances, electronics, etc. — to charitable groups here when they left. We’re all glad the bridge is completed but we will miss the workers who made it happen. Jan Manning, Trout Creek...
Cheryl Furniss, 60 years old, died on September 23, 2020, at her home in Thompson Falls, Montana, after a courageous and brave fight in her 21 months-long battle with ALS. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and supporters carried her through life. Yet, even throughout her struggle with ALS, she reached out to others affected by the horrendous disease in her parish and the ALS society by baking treats and giving hope during their prayer...
