Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
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Citing mounting challenges in staffing, training and patient numbers, Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) announced that they would be discontinuing the delivering of babies effective January 1, 2024. Hospital CEO Dr. Greg Hanson said it was like a perfect storm of challenges. “First, deliveries have steadily declined over the past 10 years, then it has become increasingly difficult to recruit sufficient skilled medical personnel to provide obstetrical care with round the clock coverage and finally the delivery volumes did not provide the o...
by Ed Moreth The Sanders County Fairgrounds manager has called it quits after more than four years at the helm. Melissa Cady put in her resignation last Thursday, citing health as her primary reason for moving on. "After this year because of my health and the stress of all that took place my doctor has advised me to seek a different path," said Cady in her resignation letter to Commissioner Tony Cox and Fair Commission Chairman Randy Woods. "It'll be extremely tough shoes to fill," said Woods,...
Another veteran suicide awareness month has come and gone, but the message is spreading, said Ed Foste, who has been putting up the flag display every year for the last six years. The retired Navy veteran added 22 American flags to the display each day, usually at dusk, to illustrate the 22 veterans that pass away each day from suicide. Saturday was the last day to add to this year's awareness exhibit, but it was the first time he had a World War II veteran assist with the flags. It took less...
HOT SPRINGS 56, WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS 0 Even the rain couldn't put out the fire the Hot Springs varsity football team had this past weekend in their lightning quick 56-0 win against the White Sulphur Springs Hornets. Not only was this a marvelous win by Hot Springs keeping them undefeated, but coach Jim Lawson had another reason to smile. This was his 100th win as head Savage Heat coach. Hoisted up by his team he smiled as he was carried to the locker room while the community celebrated this mom...
The other day I was walking through Rose Garden Park in Thompson Falls with my trusty sidekick Walter the Jack Russell Terrier when I got a text from a friend that said "What are you looking up at?" The truth is, I'm looking up a lot these days. The colors in Sanders County are beautiful. This is my favorite time of year. When you need a sweater in the morning and an extra blanket in the evening, but the days are sunny, warm enough for just a t-shirt and perfect for looking up. This magic time in northwest Montana is awesome because everyone is...
QUESTION AUTHORITY!!!! This was a bumper sticker from the late 1970’s. I recall seeing it around town, wondering why people would want to question authority. I was young enough that ,to me, authority was mostly Mom and Dad and teachers at school. But I was intrigued enough to ask some older friends in the neighborhood about why they were questioning authority, and who that was. For them it related to the politicians who had entered into the Vietnam war. Many were still reeling from the loss of f...
Among several potential candidates for Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction in the next election is Sharyl Allen, who works as an assistant to Elsie Arntzen, current OPI chief. Allen is in the news because her work history is a bit sketchy; apparently she has left more than one contract uncompleted in more than one state. Allen’s supporters call her such things as innovative and creative, while others from teaching staff to board members just can’t get along with her. My point here is not to evaluate Allen’s candidacy, but rather to poi...
9 YEARS AGO • OCTOBER 4, 1933 LOCAL SHINGLE MILL BEGUN AT TROUT CREEK Henry Kraus before settling at Trout Creek had operated a shingle mill in Wisconsin for years. He brought his mill along with him, dismantled, and it has only been in the last few months that he reassembled it and started operating it. Now Mr. Kraus tells us he has had so many orders ahead that he cannot make deliveries without delay until he catches up on his orders. Mr. Kraus is turning out a very good grade of shingle. Before Mr. Kraus started his single mill,the c...
CRAIG LIEN, Camas Prairie - “No, I am not a pumpkin spice kind of guy.” KYLIE ALDRIDGE, Hot Springs - “Yes, I like pie and cookies and I think they should make pumpkin spiced Pop-Tarts.” RENA HENSON, Hot Springs - “I like pumpkin spice season.” J.G. PHILLIPS, Hot Springs - “Yes, we have to be ready for it. It’s the season .” K.O. MONROE, Hot Springs - “Yes, it’s good. I stick to it until it sticks to me. Then I wait for peppermint and hot cocoa season.” AMBER DIMOND, Plains - “I am ready. Pumpkin pie is my favorite pie. When it gets cooler...
Ambulance: Hot Springs, 10; T. Falls, 9; Plains, 8; Paradise, 2; Trout Creek, 1; Lonepine, 1; Heron, 1. Monday, September 25 Animal other, Hot Springs. Animal other, T. Falls. Inmate transport. Drugs/narcotics, Plains. Harassment/privacy in communications, Trout Creek. Livestock, Plains. Animal other, Dixon. Abandoned vehicle, Plains. Suspicious activity, Heron. Suspicious activity, Trout Creek. Protection order violation, T. Falls. Trespass, Hot Springs. Disturbance, Dixon. General animal call/complaint, Plains. Assist other agency, Dixon....
Montana Highway Patrol George Goatley, Jr., 68, seatbelt violation, $20. Simon Schiller, 23, day speeding, $120. Becky Freeman, 65, seatbelt violation, $20. Sanders County Sheriff’s Office Jamie Giddings, 37, operating without liability insurance, 1st offense, $285. Motor Carrier Services Dale Meyer, 23, exceed 34,000 lbs tandem axle weight limit, $110; operating commercial motor vehicle without proper endorsement for type/passengers/cargo, $125....
Desiree Dawn Ballard appeared for an initial appearance before Judge Deborah “Kim: Christopher on Tuesday, entering not guilty pleas to a felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and a misdemeanor count of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. Judge Christopher set this matter for jury trial on February 19, 2024. As laid out in the charging documents, on August 30, after receiving credible information regarding possible drug activity at Ballard’s apartment, Sanders County Sheriff’s Deputy Devin Wegener received a searc...
The students at Plains School spent last week showing their school spirit and getting revved-up for its homecoming showdown against Arlee. The school had a myriad of activities throughout the week to get them excited and pumped, starting with "Spirit Days" last Monday, when they dressed up in Hispanic apparel, and finishing with the crowning event of naming the king and queen. "The big sombreros were pretty funny, and they had colorful ponchos," said Luanna Revier, who works in the front office...
For the second consecutive year, the Plains High School seniors were the winners in the annual Horsemen Olympics Friday afternoon, defeating the juniors by only one point. The scores between the four high school classes were within nine points, but the final tally put the seniors on top with 34 points and the junior class at 33 points. The sophomores finished with 27 points and the freshmen with 25 points. The Olympic games got off to a late start, but organizer Ken Nelson and the student counci...
The Cabinet Ranger District, including District Ranger Michael Feiger and district staff, hosted a well-attended field trip on September 19 for an upcoming forest project in the Tuscor Creek area, about 5 miles west of Trout Creek. The district is seeking public input as they develop the project. Participants included landowners with nearby properties, representatives of timber and conservation groups, and several members of the Kootenai Forest Stakeholders Collaborative (KFSC). The collaborative was formed to include diverse perspectives (land...
As an annual event, the Plains Woman's Club (PWC), a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, delivered baked goods to the Plains schools for Teacher Appreciation Day. This was led by Janet Brandon who is also known as "Big Cookie." Brandon supervised the group, who baked and helped make up the boxes and bags. The ladies gathered their goodies at the VFW in Plains to decorate the boxes and plates and make thank you notes for teachers, administrators and bus drivers. "This tradition...
Photo by Linda Elliott A male red-shafted Northern Flicker (identified by the red "mustache stripe") keeps a watchful eye on its surroundings. In October, Northern flickers are preparing for their annual migration to the lower United States. They return in the spring to begin nesting....
Community groups have come together to plan a day of education and fun in the forest on Saturday, October 7, at the Mule Pasture in Thompson Falls. The Forest Fest is an outdoor educational event for forest landowners and those who enjoy living near the forest. The free event will offer demonstrations, information, games and activities for all ages. The Mule Pasture is located just north of Thompson Falls Elementary on North Columbia Street. The land is owned by the U.S. Forest Service and offers several miles of family friendly trails through...
Throughout Montana’s history, cooperatives have played an important role in stimulating economic development and providing access to critical goods and services while remaining committed to local ownership and governance. Blackfoot Communications recognizes the positive impact of cooperatives throughout October. Blackfoot Communications was founded as a telephone cooperative by a group of ranchers outside of Clinton, Montana, in 1954. Since 1964, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proclaimed October as national Co-op M...
Alex Horodyski, Plains High School Interview by Mrs. Cole-PHS Art Teacher Alex Horodyski is 17 years old and a senior at Plains High School. Under the direction of Terry Henry, he is furthering a love for acting that began when he was 11 years old. At that young age, he was inspired by the way actors could bring a story to life, making it flow, reaching the audience. Now as a senior, Horodyski has been in five plays: A Little Piece of Heaven; Adam and Eve; Clue; Boxes; and Conflict. His...
From the beginning of our existence flowers have captivated and healed us in one way or another. They were on this planet before we were. They have energy that radiates out to us. Why? Many theories are there to add understanding of their charm. But whatever any of us believes, the fact is that flowers have power. Just as herbs are used for cooking and healing, flowers are used to soothe the soul, brighten a day, or heal emotional and physical pain. And often they are used for cooking. But the essence of a flower can be extracted and used...
Leo King, aged 68, of Hot Springs, Montana, passed away on September 20, 2023, in Plains. He was born on February 26, 1955, in Lonepine, Montana, to Tom and Rosie King. As Leo endured sickness in his last years, his dedication to his mother, Rosie, gave his life purpose. To many, he was a figure of immense strength, both mentally and physically. However, as a child, to me, he wasn't just a father - he was Superman. While I called him Dad, many knew him by various legendary nicknames, from "The...
Mr. Johnson was a decent and honest man. He was born in San Diego, California, on October 5, 1927. After high school, he served as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Regiment and later became a postal letter carrier for 30 years. At retirement, he and wife Thelma moved to Heron, Montana. Mr. Johnson was in good health until recently, when his age caught up with him. In the early morning of September 30, 2023, while sleeping, he slipped from life and is no longer in pain. He would have been 96 on October 5, 2023. Safe journey, ole man. Many...
Ean James Hunter Putnam passed away on September 24, 2023. Ean was born December 10, 1950, in Swan River Manituba, Canada to Melville Hunter and Mina Robb Putnam. His father passed away in October of 1959.Ean remained in Canada until the age of 15 when his family moved to Tioga, North Dakota. Ean's mom moved from Tioga for a teaching job and Ean chose to stay and live with his Uncle Eoin and Aunt Sheila Harvey. Uncle Eoim taught him how to fly airplanes and watched him begin his career in the...
The Clark Fork Valley Elks Charitable Fund, along with the Jack Esler Foundation, donated $20,000 to the Patrol Base Abbate Return to Base nonprofit organization. Kevin Fallon, chief operations officer, and John Torres, camp commander, were at the Elks Lodge in Thompson Falls last week to receive the check that was gifted to them by Charlie Munday and Elks board members. Esler was an Elks member and Air Force veteran who set up his foundation. "Charlie, who is the head of the CFVE, donates the...
