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Articles from the December 31, 2020 edition


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  • Santa delivers cheer by helicopter

    Miriah Kardelis|Dec 31, 2020

    A group of volunteers from Missoula's Museum of Mountain Flying helped spread Christmas cheer across Montana last Wednesday as part of their first Red Sleighs Over Montana event. Fourteen pilots volunteered their planes, helicopters and time to fly Santa to 20 rural communities, including Plains and Thompson Falls, to deliver gifts to children in need this holiday season. With the initial idea of delivering gifts across the rural towns of Montana, John Haines, with Minuteman Aviation and a...

  • The Bean Bug brews positive vibes

    Ed Moreth|Dec 31, 2020

    "We didn't know what to expect when we started, but it's been great," said Suzy VonHeeder, who opened up The Bean Bug, a new Plains cafe at the site of the former Dog Hill Bistro, which closed its doors in October. The Bean Bug opened in a 1,000-square foot space of Mountain West Clothing in McGowan Mall on Dec. 1 and business has been good for VonHeeder and her partner, Emmalie Gavlak, a former Thompson Falls teacher. "We wanted to have bean in the name to go with coffee and I've always liked...

  • Fourth COVID-19 death confirmed in county

    Annie Wooden|Dec 31, 2020

    Sanders County recorded a fourth death related to the coronavirus over the weekend, bringing the total to four during the pandemic. No details were available about the most recent death attributed to COVID-19 in Sanders County. As of Tuesday, there were 30 active cases of the virus in Sanders County, with three patients hospitalized. Clark Fork Valley Hospital (CFVH) began vaccinating staff on Christmas Eve. Dr. Gregory Hanson, CFVH CEO, said Tuesday that about 85 staff members have been vaccinated. "We do not yet know when we will receive...

  • An old trapper reminisces

    John Dowd|Dec 31, 2020

    As the world spins on, one trapper still remembers the old days where trapping was a necessity. Today, he still believes it is. Bob Sink trapped in Colorado professionally for nearly 11 years and has been interested in the field since he was young. He worked with game wardens, ranchers and landowners to help siphon off some damage-causing critters, and to make some money on the side. Few have as much experience, or as much shear knowledge, on the subject. He has attended numerous trapper's...

  • 2020 had its good moments, too

    Annie Wooden|Dec 31, 2020

    As the sun sets on 2020, we look back on the year and, quite frankly, we're not sure what to say. From the pandemic and the economy and the election and everything in between, it was a bit of a rough year. Not that we don't have sickness and tension each year, but the effects were felt worldwide in 2020. We'd just like to point out, however, that 2020 wasn't all bad. We made some happy memories and saw kindness throughout our communities. The anxiety of the pandemic and just the general unknown of 2020 was a lot to handle. It didn't take long...

  • Remember When?

    Sherry Hagerman-Benton|Dec 31, 2020

    7 YEARS AGO • JANUARY 3, 1951 LAUNDRY IS YEAR’S FIRST NEW BUSINESS A laundry is Thompson Falls’ first new business of 1951. The EZ Way Laundry, to be operated by Mrs. LeRoy Hanson in a building adjacent to their home, and across the street from the county jail, opened for business January 2. Equipped to do washing but not finished work, the all electric laundry boasts of five automatic washers and one small dryer all set up. Another large dryer is supposedly on its way. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson extend a welcome to all who care to come and inspe...

  • A four-year forecast

    Blaine Blackstone|Dec 31, 2020

    I don’t think Joe Biden won an election, I think he won a popularity contest. I believe that, when it came time to make a choice, the undecided voters chose the candidate they perceived as more ‘likeable’ (that’s what happens when people form their opinions on what they read on Facebook rather than actually researching the issues!). It worked that way for me in 2016. I found Hilary Clinton absolutely despicable and wouldn’t (couldn’t) vote for her. I reluctantly voted for Donald Trump inste...

  • Question of the week

    John Dowd|Dec 31, 2020

    ROBIN GILE, Trout Creek - “I am looking forward to spending more time with my family. I am also hoping that the corruption is exposed and for those to held accountable and for four more years of the best president ever - Donald Trump.” BO DEAN, Trout Creek - “What I want in 2021 is for all this COVID stuff to be done with so we can back to our normal lives.” TYREL VENNE, Butte - “I’m just waiting for it to warm back up.” KATIE FRAVEL, Thompson Falls - “Spending time with my kids.” MARCUS JIMENEZ, Midlothian, Texas - “Looking forward...

  • Sheriff's Log

    Dec 31, 2020

    Ambulance: Plains, 9; Hot Springs, 2; T. Falls, 14; Noxon, 2; Camas, 1; Lonepine, 1; Trout Creek, 3; Heron, 1. Sunday, December 20 Informational case, Hot Springs. Alarm-intrusion/holdup, Hot Springs. Request from Lake County to check residence in Sanders County for possible assault suspect or victim, Dixon. Livestock, Trout Creek. Assault, Plains. Monday, December 21 Request for welfare check, T. Falls. Alarm-intrusion/holdup, Plains. Assist motorist/citizen, Dixon. Fire, Hot Springs. Assist motorist/citizen, T. Falls. Tuesday, December 22...

  • Justice Court

    Dec 31, 2020

    Montana Highway Patrol Christopher Bailey, 34, day speeding, $70. Jennifer Summar, 38, operating while intoxicated, 2nd offense, $1,335, 365 days in jail, 360 days suspended. Cody Potter, 25, failure to give notice of an accident, $225; reckless driving, 1st offense, $385. 90 days in jail, 90 days suspended. Nathan Lorenc, 21, night speeding, $70. Steven Foyil, 41, seatbelt violation, $20. Melinda Carlson, 32, night speeding, $70. Sanders County Sheriff’s Office Joseph Gamboa, 51, Partner or family member assault, 2nd offense, $385; driving a...

  • Judge denies request for bail reduction

    John Dowd|Dec 31, 2020

    Daniel Haslage appeared before Judge James Manley in 20th District Judicial Court on Tuesday, requesting a reduction in his bail. Haslage is facing charges of criminal endangerment in Sanders County after a high-speed chase on June 13 that charging documents show reached speeds of up to 120 miles per hour. Based on information presented in court Tuesday, Judge Manley denied the request. Haslage has a status hearing set for January 12. Casey McNair of Plains pleaded not guilty to a charge of criminal endangerment on Tuesday. According to...

  • Woods Journal

    John Dowd|Dec 31, 2020

    When it comes to wintertime, along with all the winter sports and activities comes an inherent danger. Those who live their lives out in the wild enjoying nature are all too aware of the fact that things can go horribly awry and an emergency can become the reality. Getting lost in the woods in the summer can be dangerous, but in the winter the danger becomes immediately life threatening. Not only is the cold an immediate concern, but as the sun goes down that cold can worsen, and the dark of night and the snow in the northwest especially can...

  • BOWLING SCORES

    Dec 31, 2020

    THOMPSON FALLS MONDAY NITE GALS W L Dolls with Balls 29.5 22.5 Dangerous Dames 29 23 Rock’n Bowl 29 23 Talk of the Town 27 25 Nascar Freaks 22.5 29.5 Balls to the Wall 18 34 Team Scr. Game: Talk of the Town, 448; Scr. Series: Dolls with Balls, 1215; Hcp. Game: Talk of the Town, 678; Hcp. Series: Talk of the Town, 1861; Inv. Scr. Game: Kerry Schwarz, 181; Scr. Series: Kerry Schwarz, 485; Hcp. Game: Linda Wakefield, 242; Hcp. Series: Kerry Schwarz, 650. BOWLING BEAUTIES W L Lane Blazers 37 19 Gardner Ranch 27.5 28.5 Aspire PT 24 32 Sunflower Gals...

  • Take steps to avoid animal collisions

    Miriah Kardelis|Dec 31, 2020

    Drivers face an increased risk of animal-related crashes during the fall and winter months. As deer and other wildlife begin to migrate, they find their way onto highways and suburban neighborhoods. Because of this, more animal collisions occur in this period than any other time of year. “In Montana last year, the average animal-related auto claim for AAA Insurance customers was $5,395,” AAA Montana said in a news release. According to AAA, data from the Insurance Information Institute, there are more than half-a-million-deer-vehicle collisions...

  • Sanders County students names to MSU honor roll

    Shana Neesvig|Dec 31, 2020

    Montana State University (MSU) has announced undergraduate honor roll members for the 2020 fall semester. In all, 5,380 students were named to MSU’s President’s List and Dean’s List. To be eligible, students were required to be enrolled full time, taking a minimum of 12 credits for the semester. Named to the President’s List by earning a 4.0 grade point average were, Mary Dryden and Rachel Huenink, both of Plains. Earning placement on the Dean’s List for finishing the fall semester with a 3.5 or higher were Veronica Black, Alec Cole, Douglas D...

  • Jack Allan Windle

    Dec 31, 2020

    Jack Allan Windle, 65, went home to be with the Lord on December 19, 2020 with his family by his side in Arizona City, Arizona. He was born on March 19, 1955 in Brewster, Washington, to Jacob and Ruth Windle. Jack grew up in the Pacific Northwest. He enrolled in Central Washington University at the age of 17. He was told that he belonged in college rather than high school. At this time, he was a part of the Jesus movement that swept through the United States in the 1970s. He later attended a...

  • Margaret Lois Haynack

    Dec 31, 2020

    Margaret Lois Haynack of Thompson Falls passed away peacefully at home December 24. She was born February 28, 1935 in Rochester Hills, Michigan. She is survived by her two daughters, a sister, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many cousins, nephews and nieces. She worked for over 30 years at Motorola in Phoenix, Arizona. Margaret and her husband, Walter, enjoyed gardening and the passion for that was displayed in every home they ever had. She was loved by many, she had an...

  • Prep sports start Saturday

    John Hamilton|Dec 31, 2020

    Thompson Falls will be a hotbed for high school sports in Sanders County this weekend as the winter seasons finally begin. Over a month past the time winter sports generally begin, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, wrestling and basketball seasons kick off Saturday for local fans, and both brand new beginnings feature Thompson Falls teams. The Blue Hawk wrestling squad will host a double dual meet Saturday, making the Hawks one of the first sporting teams in Montana to spring into action. The matches, involving Cut Bank, Simms and Mission will be...

  • Johnson is Noxon's new boys coach

    John Hamilton|Dec 31, 2020

    With the big fella gone, who is going to step into his shoes? The Noxon Red Devil boys will have a decidedly different look this season, both on the floor and on the bench. Gone from the Devil sideline this season are the father-son team of coach Ryan Weltz and his All-State C progeny Rylan Weltz. Rylan was the heart and soul of Noxon’s attack, a 6-foot-5 pillar of strength who led the Devils in scoring and rebounding last year on his way to first team District 14C and All-State C honors. With Rylan now at Dawson Community College in G...

  • Lady Devils ready for action

    John Hamilton|Dec 31, 2020

    Heading into her second season as head coach of the Noxon Lady Red Devil basketball team, Cortney Vohs could have been excused for thinking this could have been a breakout season for her still-young but very talented Devils. The problem is, the Lady Devils are currently suffering from a few maladies that have forced Vohs and company to refocus their efforts in practice so far. To start with, Avery Burgess, now a sophomore and a returning second team District 14C all-conference pick, is nursing a shoulder injury and is unavailable to play as of...

  • Horsemen retool, to rely on veterans

    John Hamilton|Dec 31, 2020

    The Plains Horsemen are in a rebuilding mode. Then again, maybe they’re not. “We did lose a lot from last year’s team,” coach Tyrel Allen said. “But I wouldn’t say we are really in a rebuilding mode. We still have some guys that can play.” These Horsemen will still have some large shoes to fill. The Horsemen proved that they pretty much owned District 14C boys basketball last winter, running to a 12-0 regular season conference record and then finishing strong by winning two more games and claiming the 14C tournament title. The Horsemen comp...

  • Fun Run and Walk to go down Friday

    John Hamilton|Dec 31, 2020

    It will look a lot different this year but organizers are still planning on holding the 22nd edition of the New Year’s Day Fun Run and Walk. There will some things old and some things new in the Fun Run as runners celebrate the christening of 2021 in traditional fashion this Friday morning. As usual, the race will begin and end at the Elks Lodge east of Thompson Falls only runners will not be competing at the same time. Using a format perfected at the Huckleberry Run earlier this year, runners and walkers will be allowed to navigate the w...