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Articles from the December 26, 2024 edition


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  • Elves triumph in Brain Bash

    Ed Moreth|Dec 26, 2024

    Classes at Plains School were suspended for the day, but students still had to don their thinking caps with the goal of combining reason, speed, aim, ingenuity, but mostly fun. For more than three hours, 15 teams with names like "Frosty the Snowman," "Elf," "Nutcracker," "Polar Express," and the "The Nightmare Before Christmas" competed in the annual "Brain Bash" competition at Plains School Friday morning. The teachers and staff designed contests for each of the stations. Some involved...

  • Who needs snow?

    Annie Wooden|Dec 26, 2024

    Even without a blanket of snow, Quinn's Hot Springs Resort in Paradise is exploding with holiday spirit with dozens of light displays across the property. Rachel Nore with Quinn's said the light displays will be up throughout the month of January....

  • Students wrap Tree of Hearts gifts

    Annie Wooden|Dec 26, 2024

    A group of Plains Elementary School students took time away from classes last week to wrap gifts for the Sheriff's Relief Fund program. Thirty-two members of the sixth grade classes of Meg Feist and Sandra Jirasko raised $412.43 for this year's Tree of Hearts, a program for underprivileged children in Sanders County. The kids gathered last Wednesday for about an hour to wrap the presents for the program. "I think it's a good way for the kids to learn how to give and give back to the community,"...

  • Taking office

    Annie Wooden|Dec 26, 2024

    Sanders County Commissioner Dan Rowan (right) shakes hands with Alisa Garcia after delivering the oath of office to swear Garcia in as the new county Treasurer / Clerk & Recorder / Superintendent of Schools....

  • T. Falls woman dies in crash

    Annie Wooden|Dec 26, 2024

    A 42-year-old Thompson Falls woman died in a one-vehicle accident early Saturday morning west of Thompson Falls. According to Montana Highway Patrol, the woman was driving a Jeep Wrangler eastbound on Highway 200 toward Thompson Falls near mile marker 46 when the vehicle drifted over the center line, left the roadway and impacted a tree around 2 a.m. The driver died on impact, according to Montana Highway Patrol. Alcohol is suspected as a factor in the crash....

  • Our Viewpoint: We can all get along

    Annie Wooden|Dec 26, 2024

    Last week we saw something we don't very often see in Washington, D.C. Congress came together to pass a continuing resolution and keep the government running. Just as the shutdown was looming, the House and Senate demonstrated bipartisanship and a willingness to compromise as they passed legislation to fund the federal government through March. Why was this significant? It was a good compromise because no one got everything they wanted. The legislation is not perfect. I would wager that just about everyone saw something get stripped from the...

  • Sunday's Snapshots: Big Shoes

    Sunday Dutro|Dec 26, 2024

    Our county recently lost a lovely soul, someone who volunteered tirelessly and always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. A person with more than half their life left, taken too soon. I knew this person by name and sight, had held multiple conversations with them, but wouldn’t say I really knew them. We didn’t get together once a week or text one another delightful memes, and yet I’m rocked by their loss because I know just how much they meant to others, just how far their reach extended, just how large their shoes are and how impos...

  • Deserving of a comment

    Dec 26, 2024

    The editorial by Ed Moreth in the November 21 edition deserves a comment. The insensitive term an illegitimate child was deleted 50 years ago because of the stigma attached to the child. It was replaced by illegitimate parent. This correction was necessary to protect the innocent child. The proper term should have been Grover Cleveland was an illegitimate parent....

  • New year, new chance to quit

    Dec 26, 2024

    Hello from Sanders County Health Department. – Every year, thousands of Montanans look at the New Year as an opportunity to make positive life changes. Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health and help is available. Quit Now Montana (1-800-784-8669 or QuitNowMontana.com) is a free service available to all Montanans who are ready to quit tobacco. Remember, Quit Now Montana is for all types of tobacco: cigarettes, smokeless, cigars, e-cigarettes (vapes), and nicotine pouches. No matter what type of tobacco you use, Quit N...

  • Remember When?

    Sherry Hagerman-Benton|Dec 26, 2024

    4 YEARS AGO • DECEMBER 20, 1984 NOXON SANTA USES BOBSLED Santa Claus made his annual appearance at Toby’s Ballroom Sunday afternoon. Almost 100 kids talked to Santa and received a sack of candy. The weather cooperated this year, allowing Santa to come into town on a horse drawn bobsled. The bobsled, rebuilt by Bull Dog and Chip Fraser and Glenn Weber, originally belonged to Danny Rasor. Lee Rasor dug out the hardware from the sled, which was made in 1906 and used for logging. Four years ago the sled was reconstructed. Children from under one...

  • Man pleads not guilty to criminal endangerment

    Stephanie Molzhon|Dec 26, 2024

    David Walter Marriott appeared before Judge John Mercer on Friday, entering a not guilty plea to a felony charge of criminal endangerment. Judge Mercer set this matter for a jury trial on May 5, 2025. As alleged in the charging documents, on the evening of November 13, Deputy Tim Kelly was notified by Sanders County Dispatch of a report of shots fired outside the Dixon Bar, with both the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office and CSKT Tribal officers being dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, Kelly spoke with the bartender, who stated that Marriott...

  • Justice Court

    Dec 26, 2024

    Montana Highway Patrol David Wartenbee, 58, night speeding, $70. Melissa Dodge Mandaguit, 41, day speeding, $70. Monica Black, 51, violating speed limit near school/senior citizen center, $95. Louisa Quinn, 46, speeding in a restricted zone, $65. Gary McGraw, 79, seatbelt violation, $20. Joseph Morrison, 53, careless driving, $85. Taylor Newberry, 31, day speeding, $120. Heath Shepardson, 42, night speeding, $70. Kari Probert, 41, speeding in a restricted zone, $85, deferred imposition of sentence. William Russell, 44, unlawful possession of ma...

  • Sheriff's Log

    Dec 26, 2024

    Ambulance: Plains, 10; Hot Springs, 6; Trout Creek, 5; Dixon, 4; T. Falls, 2; Paradise, 1; St. Regis, 1; Ronan, 1; Missoula, 1. Monday, December 16 Drugs/narcotics, Plains. Business contact, Hot Springs. Business contact, Hot Springs. Livestock, Lonepine. Property damage/criminal mischief, Plains. Business contact, T. Falls. Juvenile criminal, Noxon. Business contact, Hot Springs. Motor vehicle crash, Plains. Civil standby, Trout Creek. Tuesday, December 17 Motor vehicle crash, Plains. General animal call/complaint, Plains. Protection order...

  • Question of the week: What is the best Christmas gift you have been given?

    Skye Barker-Hill|Dec 26, 2024

    KEN JOHNSON, Thompson Falls - “A week long snowmobiling trip to Yellowstone.” SANDY THOMPSON, Plains - "I surprised my son for Christmas one year.” MICHAEL BYRD, Heron - “My new Buck knife.” TOM KEPPERN, Thompson Falls - “The good Lord letting me live another year." KRISTINA QUICKENDEN, Thompson Falls - “Having a stress free Christmas pizza night dinner watching old Christmas movies.” BILL IMRIE, Thompson Falls - “Our daughter was born on Christmas eve....

  • HOLIDAY BONUS

    Annie Wooden|Dec 26, 2024

    The Knights of Columbus recently drew winners of a raffle, awarding a $1,000 Harvest Foods gift card to Steve Snell (left) and a $500 gift card to Pepper Dorscher (second from right). Also pictured are Jim Krogman with the Knights of Columbus and Harvest Foods manager Shelly Mayfied....

  • Spotlight on the Arts

    Dec 26, 2024

    by The Paradise Center Lyla Mortenson – Home School – November 2024 Interviewed by Jo Carpenter "Spotlight on the Arts" by The Paradise Center honors and encourages students in the arts by highlighting their talent and acknowledging the support they receive from a variety of people. Lyla Mortenson is a 16-year-old home school student in 10th grade. She has been playing her violin for 8 years and takes weekly lessons from a teacher in Missoula. Seeing a friend playing her violin years ago was...

  • Mayor's Corner

    Dec 26, 2024

    The Church Street Emergency Water Main project is complete for this year. The hydrant risers are on order and when they arrive, they will be installed Street and staging area restorations will be done in 2025. Thanks everyone for your understanding. Construction is inconvenient but the security of not having to deal with another possible rupture during winter is a relief. Grateful to have the proactive construction done to preempt another break on Church Street from old steel pipes before winter set in. This project was a challenging task with...

  • Students, alumni share holiday music

    Ed Moreth|Dec 26, 2024

    Plains High School had its Christmas concert a week earlier, but the music teacher and choir wanted to reach out to the community with additional holiday spirit. Music teacher Rhiannon Greenwood led her 12-voice choir in a special musical performance at Fred Young Park for the school's 2nd Annual Caroling in the Park concert last Wednesday. The 12-student choir sang nine Christmas songs, including "We Three Kings," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Jingle Bells." During "The Twelve Days of Christmas,"...

  • Students help TRACS

    Dec 26, 2024

    by Karen Olson A creative collaboration between the Plains High School shop and art classes has brought charm and craftsmanship to the local animal shelter’s fundraising efforts. When Thompson River Animal Care Shelter approached the school for help creating wooden donation boxes, the students eagerly took on the challenge — and the results were nothing short of amazing. Seniors Caleb Lakko and Isaiah Pasemen learned woodworking skills by cutting and assembling boxes. They used wood and supplies donated by Thompson River Lumber and Studs Bui...

  • Plains, Hot Springs face off for holiday

    Ed Moreth|Dec 26, 2024

    The Plains Horsemen corralled the Savage Heat in a basketball game at Hot Springs, but the Lady Savage Heat trampled the Trotters immediately following the boys game. The Horsemen took an early lead against the Savage Heat and never lost it, claiming a 52-30 victory for a record of three wins and two losses. The Hot Springs boys have two wins and three losses. It was the first home game of the season for both Hot Springs teams, coached by Mike Benson for the boys and Richard Jackson for the...

  • P-HS first at Arlee invite

    Annie Wooden|Dec 26, 2024

    The Plains-Hot Springs team finished first at the Arlee Christmas Invite. The Savage Horsemen garnered 105 points to lead the six teams who wrestled on Saturday. "Everyone on the team performed well, we took first place by a good margin. I'm pretty proud," said coach Jesse Jermyn. Matthew Thurston took first at 118 pounds, pinning his first opponent in under 20 seconds and then winning by technical fall 20-4 in round two. Owen Jermyn also was first, winning his first match against Dylon...

  • Blue Hawks get physical

    Annie Wooden|Dec 26, 2024

    There were probably some black and blue players after Friday's physical matchup with the Seeley Swan Blackhawks traveling to face off against the Blue Hawks. Both Thompson Falls teams ended the night with wins, with the girls beating Seeley 54-30 and the boys winning 52-45. The Hawk girls had the first shot at the Blackhawks, with Thompson Falls establishing an early lead. Ending the first quarter up 18-5, the Blue Hawks kept their edge by sinking free throws and three-pointers. They ended the...

  • Sarah Bell Ball

    Dec 26, 2024

    Sarah Ball, 42 of Thompson Falls, passed away December 21, 2024. A full obituary will be published at a later date and a memorial service will be planned....

  • Red Devil boys near school scoring record

    Skye Barker-Hill|Dec 26, 2024

    Noxon hosted the Victor Pirates on Saturday, with the boys dominating the court and almost breaking a school record with their 104-17 win, while the Lady Pirates took the 46-32 win over the Lady Devils. NOXON 104, VICTOR 17 The Red Devils boys hit the court for a massive win, using their height and putting an intense full court press on the Pirates. Working together like a well oiled machine, the Devils soon had the score 21-4 with over half the quarter left. Never letting up from their...

  • Let's Talk Travel

    Dec 26, 2024

    A European cruise offers the adventure of a lifetime—historic cities, stunning landmarks, and picturesque coastlines all in one trip. To make your journey stress-free and unforgettable, here are the top five tips to prepare for your cruise, with an extra bonus tip for good measure! 1. Book Excursions and Tickets Early: Excursions and entry tickets to iconic landmarks, like the Vatican or Colosseum, often sell out months in advance. Pre-booking ensures you won’t miss out on the experiences that make European ports so unique. Look for ski...

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