Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
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The People's Tree heading to D.C. has become quite well-known. But no one knows the tree as well as 91-year-old Katie Brown and her son John Brown of the Yaak area. Brown told of a story long ago while gathering at Trout Creek for the tree's celebration Tuesday afternoon. She reminisced that her sons John and George C. (Trout Creek), along with her son-in-law Richard Nygaard (Trout Creek) had spent lots of time with the same tree 46 years ago. In 1971 the three boys stood on command while...
Less than two weeks remain in the general Fall hunting season, and numbers at the local check station are down. According to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), about 20 percent fewer hunters came through the Thompson Falls check station through the third week of the season. At this time in 2016, 1,332 hunters had visited the check station as opposed to 1,057 this year. Of those who have stopped at the check station, 7.7 percent have had luck, compared to 10.1 percent in 2016. Throughout FWP’s Region 1, which includes c...
Look up 'La Nina' in the dictionary and you will see, "a cooling of the water in the equatorial Pacific that occurs at irregular intervals and is associated with widespread changes in weather patterns complementary to those of El Nino, but less extensive and damaging in their effects." But what exactly does this mean? It means a cold and wet event is about to arrive in western Montana, according to Jeff Kitsmiller, National Weather Service (NWS) forecaster. Current weather models are indicating...
REACH FOR IT – A wild turkey stretches for a crabapple in a tree west of Plains. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, hunters will be looking for wild turkeys to put in the oven. The fall turkey season began Sept. 1 and goes until Jan. 1. Fish, Wildlife and Parks issued 1,360 turkey permits in the Region 1 area, which covers Sanders County....
Thanksgiving is just a week away and signs of the holidays are many. The lighted ornaments went up on Main Street in Thompson Falls, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree traveled through Sanders County, and local charities are calling for donations to help neighbors in need. Black Friday is “celebrated” the day after Thanksgiving, offering deals at many big-box stores. As you’re looking for the best presents at the best prices, remember that it’s very convenient to skip the crowds and lines and shop local. Black Friday is kind of a big deal. Y...
The recent gun-related slaughter in a Texas church reminds me that I have more than once sat in church wondering – perhaps even during the sermon – what I would do if someone walked in and started shooting. My conclusion inevitably is: nothing very effective. For the person in the pews, the tactical setup is a trap. I have further been guilty of fantasizing about what I would do in that or similar situations if I was packing my .357. Fantasy creates livelier, perhaps even heroic, reactions to a gun situation. I’ve never imagined a 95 mph car c...
Thank you so much to Julie Sol at First Security Bank for getting ‘Red Friday’ (wearing red for our veteran’s and military on Fridays) started at First Security Bank and also to Miles and Missy at Minnie’s for running with it. God bless you all. Bob and Barb Kunch, Thompson Falls...
If there was ever anything that the right and the left could make common cause over, it would be the corporate control of America. It may be the only thing they agree upon, but since they disagree on almost everything else they won’t join hands to accomplish something they both want. They don’t trust each other, either, which doesn’t help. And just what is this corporate control? Essentially, you have a group of corporate titans getting government to make policy that favors their own inter...
7 YEARS AGO • DECEMBER 3, 1947 NEW STORE OPENS Friday of this week Brock’s Fountain and Variety Store will open for business. Mr. and Mrs. D.J. Brockway and daughter Jo have been in our community but a short time, but in that time they have won the friendship and good wishes of everyone, Mrs. Brockway and Mrs. Lee Breiner of Lee’s Cash Store are sisters. The Breiners and Brockways recently purchased the George Fox building block and so their financial investment in this community is considerable. They feel highly optimistic as to the future pr...
BRAD STEWART, Thompson Falls – "No. We have only been here a year and it's the same as last year. It's much cheaper than Idaho where we came from." DORIS STOWE, Thompson Falls – "No. They were the same as last year and I'm happy about that." AUDREY FLOCKERZI, Trout Creek – "They went up a little bit but not much." MUSA CUNNINGHAM, Trout Creek – "No. I have a mobile home and as it gets older, it depreciates. You pay a lesser amount." MARTHA OLSON, Thompson Falls – "I hope it doesn't go up too hi...
Montana Highway Patrol Elias Raber, 31, $65, speeding in a restricted zone. Kevin Snyder, 53, $55, speeding in a restricted zone. Duane Huntsman, 56: $55, displaying license plates assigned to another vehicle; $20, seatbelt violation. Gordon Wood, 65, $20, seatbelt violation. Manuel Garcia, 30: $85, failure to carry proof of insurance, 1st offense; $20, seatbelt violation. Nora Goforth, 66, $55, failure to carry proof of insurance, 1st offense. John Hansen, 61, $20, seatbelt violation. Emmanuel Lefebvre, 45, $85, speeding in a restricted zone....
Ambulances: Noxon, 1; T. Falls, 5; Plains, 5; H. Springs, 3; Dixon QRU, 1. Sunday, November 5 Theft of pistol from vehicle, Plains. Concern for animal welfare, Plains. Vehicle over embankment on Hwy. 28. Monday, November 6 Disabled vehicle abandoned in middle of Blueslide Rd., T. Falls. One vehicle rollover crash, Hwy. 200, Dixon. Welfare check requested, T. Falls. Injured deer at Wild Goose Landing, T. Falls. Disturbance at Clark Fork Valley Hospital, Plains. One vehicle rollover with injuries, Plains. Injured deer on Main Street, Plains....
by Annie Wooden Siblings from the Hot Springs area made their initial appearance in court on Tuesday after an incident last month in which one of the defendants allegedly tried to bite a Sanders County Sheriff’s Office deputy. Landon Clark entered not guilty pleas to felony criminal endangerment and misdemeanor disorderly conduct and obstructing a police officer. His sister, Kellie Beggs, pleaded not guilty to five charges, including felony criminal endangerment and attempted assault on a police officer, and misdemeanor charges of resisting a...
SEEMINGLY SKIPPED OVER, the season before winter known as 'autumn' decided to try to make an appearance last weekend. As existing accumulated snow melted away and balmy temperatures returned, insects and other wildlife resumed normal seasonal activities to prepare for winter. The view from Rimrock bridge that boasted snow last week now touts picturesque fall colors....
Every year at this time, Sanders County Coalition for Families (SCCFF) staff are scrambling to make their Christmastime program fly. The Adopt-A-Family effort connects donors with families who could use a little extra under the Christmas tree – or anything at all. “There are families in our area that struggle financially this time of year,” noted Crys Buchanan, SCCFF’s program coordinator, “whether it is because seasonal work has ended or because of unfortunate circumstances, there are children who might experience a slim Christmas or who are i...
It is time for creative minds to begin the process from design to construction. The 20th Annual Gingerbread Contest sponsored by the Sanders County Historical Society is inviting candy-construction workers to get a jump on this year's contest to be featured in the Old Jail Museum, Saturday, December 2 for Christmas on Main Street in Thompson Falls. "Although we are not right on Main Street, we will be open at the Old Jail Museum from noon until 6 p.m. when the parade begins," said the historical...
DECOR, SONG AND POEMS greeted veterans in Plains schools. Area residents took part in various events to honor servicemen and women last weekend. See stories on page 9 and 12....
Sanders County 4-H members received accolades for going above and beyond, and showing excellence in their project work for the 2016-2017 year. The annual Achievement Day was held in Plains on Nov. 5. Recipients and their respective awards for Engineering and Technology include: Coby Guenzler, Top Senior Exhibit; Cody Burk, Top Junior Exhibit; Ethan Brown, Top Senior Interview; Josey Neesvig, Top Junior Interview; Ethan Brown, Overall Reserve Grand Champion Award; and Josey Neesvig, Overall Grand...
Lawrence H. "Larry" Milligan, 78, died Tuesday, Nov. 7, at his home in Thompson Falls. Larry was born Oct. 27, 1939, in Lewiston, Idaho, to Verland and June Milligan. He grew up in the Lewiston, Clarkston Valley and graduated from Lewiston High School. He enlisted in the Marine Corps and served 4 years. After his discharge he returned to Lewiston and worked at Potlatch Forest Inc. He then enlisted in the Air Force and traveled the world retiring after 16 years. He moved to Washington State and...
On October 31, 2017, we lost our dear brother, Gary, after a long and brave battle with cancer. Gary was born at St. Patrick's hospital in Missoula on February 8, 1967. Growing up in Thompson Falls, Gary was popular and loved, known for his quick wit and sense of humor. He graduated from Thompson Falls High School in 1985. After graduating from the University of Montana, Gary moved to Southern California where he put his Finance degree to good use at the successful public safety tech company he...
At least three board members are needed to fill the recently consolidated Thompson Falls, Trout Creek, Noxon and Heron TV districts. The district is now known as the Western Sanders County TV District and is requesting applications to fill vacancies due to retirement. One requirement for applicants is they must reside in the Thompson Falls, Trout Creek, or Noxon/Heron area. The Belknap/Whitepine and Blue Slide areas already have board representation. If interested in applying for a board position, contact Bill Meadows by emailing:...
Cabinet Forestry Collaborative (CFC) group visited Cub Creek Fire burned areas last Friday afternoon to get a real-life visual of the landscape, as future comments will be requested by the Forest Service (FS) when they propose salvage projects in the Beaver Creek vicinity. Shawn Morgan, Doug Ferrell, Howard Morkert and Bill Meadows all took part in the tour. They all agreed that it's always better to make comments on areas that you have seen in person, and just like anything else in life, you...
Members of the VFW in Plains might be too old to lay down their lives for their country these days, but they're still finding a way to help their community. Nine members of VFW Post 3596 opened up the club banquet room for a free dinner and to treat them to five hours of entertainment as part of the VFW Veterans Day Party. "There weren't as many people as last year, but it was still a big success," said Joe Eisenbrandt, the club's quartermaster and one of the coordinators of the annual event....
The end is near, but the beginning is coming soon. As the fall sports seasons become history, the winter sports prepare to take center stage. Although wrestling seasons have traditionally begun before the boys and girls basketball seasons, that has changed this year as all winter sports will officially begin practice Thursday for Sanders County high schools. The Thompson Falls wrestling team will begin the season competing in the Polson Invitational Dec. 1-2, while the Hawk and Lady Hawk hoop...
Blue Hawk Wrestling Club members hit the mats Saturday at the Panhandle Championships in Sandpoint. The Panhandle meet represents the end of the season for most of the club, but several team members have a few more important meets to wrestle in. With wrestlers from all over the Pacific Northwest competing, Blue Hawk Middle School wrestler Trae Thilmony was the only Falls wrestler to win best of class in Sandpoint in the 102 pound division. Spur Ryan (second at 97 pounds), Elijah Ratliff (second at 102), Shane Reishus (third at 119) and Max...
