Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
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As most people reading this will know, the levy to supply added funding to Plains Public Schools did not pass. This very directly affects the ability of the school district to continue to provide quality enrichment educational opportunities to our children. In light of this, the Plains Parent and Teachers Association (PTA) wants to invite the greater community to assist with meeting some of the needs of our students attending our public schools. Budget shortfalls are impacting the ability to hire educational support staff, meet cost of living...
Dear Editor. While reading through last week’s edition of your excellent newspaper I noticed the USFS Campground checks listed in the Sheriff's Log. From the staff at the USFS Plains – Thompson Falls Ranger District I want to thank the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff and staff, for conducting the campground checks. Thank you very much. This level of support from the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office and community is very valuable and directly assists in the provision of a safe recreational environment for Sanders County residen...
Apologies to F. Scott Fitzgerald: “The very rich are just different from you and me.” We worry about the next mortgage payment; they paid cash for their home(s). Without insurance, medical care is only “an option” for us. For the wealthy, when insurance won’t cover it, there’s always cash. We plan for our retirement, denying short-term pleasures for long-term security. Retirement? The wealthy are born “retired”. Our wallets are full of basic credit cards with too high-interest balances; their cards are “titanium” levels without balances. O...
There is a saying… “You are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.” As Thompson Falls mayor, I do have actual facts about Wild Goose Landing contrary to some comments I’ve been made aware of on Sanders County 411. Northwest Energy has an easement signed December 2023 by Northwest Energy and the City. Thompsons Falls Public Works had maintained Wild Goose until this year. There are copies of the easement and all correspondence between the City and Northwest Energy for anyone who would care to view it. Happy to clarify any que...
I spoke with Sanders County Sheriff Fielders yesterday (July 18, 2024). The conversation concerned dispatching the ‘tax-supported’ Community Ambulance Service to emergency 911 calls within the Heron Rural Fire District boundaries. This has been a divisive issue in the Heron community for a couple of years. Last year, the sheriff halted dispatching the Community Ambulance in favor of a ‘privately owned’ ambulance in Heron, much to the dismay and anger of many Heron citizens. Sheriff Fielders told me that there were a few more ‘hoops to jump t...
The state of Montana has been “renting” our waters of the Clark Fork river from Thompson Falls to the Idaho border to Avista energy. With the two dams that they built, the Noxon rapids and Cabinet Gorge, placed 18 miles from each other. I’m not sure if somehow Montana has lessened it’s water protections or if the Avista cooperation has changed somethings with the way the operate but our river is rapidly turning into a sludge pond. There are dead fish all over the shore. The fear of being contaminated with toxic chemicals is very prevalent. Stag...
When our parents Carl and Linda Haywood died, in April 2024 and June 2024 respectively, we experienced our shock and concern over what to do first and next. Many readers understand the grieving cycle and processes that need to be followed. Our extended family and those we care for grew upon on arrival to Thompson Falls. We have all visited at different times over the years, but this was different, we needed help. I am worried that I will miss someone, but please know our in tent is to show our gratitude to all those that helped us through....
Editor: On July 5, people all around this country will be posting "Lost Dog" notices because their dogs or other pets ran away, scared crazy by neighborhood firecrackers and fireworks. Unfortunately, it will probably continue all weekend. By Monday, July 8, the shelters will be full of the lucky dogs who got found and rescued before they got hit by vehicles or attacked by predators. I used to think firecrackers were fun too, when I was about 10 years old. Six decades later I now think they're kind of stupid. Big public fireworks displays are co...
I am writing to express my appreciation for the support from our community of the Thompson Falls Class of 2024. As a parent of a graduating senior as well as one of the senior class advisors, I am astounded by the generosity of the local businesses and residents. As a teacher, I have respect and admiration for the residents and organizations who go out of their way to provide scholarship opportunities for students to continue their education beyond high school. Furthermore, many local businesses and residents donated to the Class of 2024 so...
Annie, My name is Linda Weygint. I presented the Budget on May 14 at the Rex. My main reason for this presentation was to bring "awareness" to the citizens of their Constitutional Rights as afforded to them by the Constitution of the State of Montana ....Right to Participation, Right to Know and Freedom of Speech. I had tried on more than one occasion to exercise these rights at City Council meetings. I have met with Mayor Rusti and City Clerk Chelsea and had a very productive and positive meeting on May 22. City Hall was well aware of this...
I was a part-time resident of Plains for 15 years, and now full time for the last two. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know reporter/photographer, Ed Moreth. I am writing this letter to share what a remarkable man Ed is and he is a great representative of the Ledger. I have been interviewed by Ed several times and present at many events that he has covered. Ed is always polite, respectful, and professional. He really cares about his community and the stories he writes. Ed is well known throughout the town of Plains and...
Better late than never! I hope that I am one of many senior citizens who thank all the great, caring people who volunteered hours and hard work cleaning up yards during Beautification Days. I very much appreciated being one of the persons on their list. I sincerely thank everyone from the coordinators to the volunteers who raked my leaves. I am most grateful. Carol Baylor, Thompson Falls...
Thank you! When I first moved to Thompson Falls almost 10 years ago I was amazed at the way the community came together to help people in need. Fundraisers, auctions and spaghetti dinners were just some of the ways those in need were helped. It really didn’t seem to matter what your views were, what church you went to, or your politics. It was all about people helping people. What has happened? Why have we forgotten that it’s the people who make a town. Why are we judging people who decided to sell their homes & businesses to “outsiders”? Why a...
The Local Government Review (LGR) seems to still generate questions. The 1972 Constitution mandated this be put before the electorate every 10 years. And FYI – what this is not – among other things: Removing or disciplining staff members or individuals serving in public office, Adding, changing, or removing services, programs, policies or ordinances, Changing the election process, Fees, assessments, taxes, or other services funding mechanisms. I’ve written Mayor’s Corner articles to give an overview and links for information. Montana State U...
“Why?!” That was what was shouted out by someone on the Board when the motion was made to remove the Associate Supervisors from the Green Mountain Conservation Board (GMCD) last week. Many may not be aware of the role of GMCD. This elected board serves in coordination with affiliated resource management agencies with a “…mission to champion balanced conservation solutions and partner with private landowners to keep our land and water healthy for the next generation… All 58 [Montana] conservation districts administer stream (310) permittin...
Musicians from the Piatigorsky Foundation will once again be offering a world class performance here in Thompson Falls. Violinist Linda Rosenthal and pianist Maxim Pakhomov will perform at the Thompson Falls Christian Church on Friday, April 12, at 1 p.m. This concert is open to the public and free, having been paid for by the Clark Fork Enrichment Corp. I have been very fortunate to be able to attend the last three concerts held here. Famous cellist Evan Drachman, grandson of Gregor Piatigorsky, has come here twice along with an accomplished...
I love it when people feel the need to share their opinions on how your opinion is wrong; with statements like, “I think you will find that America is not the dark and dangerous place you think it is.” (Therefore, what I think must be true because I think it). Such [flawed] circular logic always leads to the same inevitable disastrous conclusions- “dark” beliefs absent of Light. The darkened soul of man comes to these false assumptions; not because they can’t think for themselves; or listen to the “mainstream” news; but because they refuse;...
Thanks to Chris Hill for his informative letter about the MAGA belief system. The letter helps clarify why Trump and his MAGA followers are so intensely critical of what they call mainstream media. Since the information they get from the MAGA media universe are routinely discredited by fact-based news sources, the MAGA believers have good reason to attack anything like real journalism. It is harder to believe that Trump is committed to our Constitution, if you are aware that he tried to violate the peaceful transfer of power which is spelled...
With a truly broken heart, I am paying tribute to one of Thompson Falls most beloved citizens, Neil Carman. Neil was so reflective of what this community has always been - caring, kind, generous, ever helpful to each other in so many ways. Many of us over many years have been recipients of Neil’s kindness and generosity, and benefited from his hard work on our behalf. Neil dedicated much of his time doing work for others, creating, always thinking of ways to be helpful or make things better. He would remind me he wasn’t college educated, and...
Taking exception to Mr. Elliott’s column on the 14th of March Mr. Elliott’s lamentations of the Republicans of old falls flat on its face in every aspect of those who have lived and learned and seen our political and judicial processes of our elected officials in D.C. become more and more perverted as the two parties became incestuous seemingly right under our eyes. Mr. Elliott further laments how the Republican Party has been taken over by a radical right movement we call MAGA, inspired by former president Trump during the 2016 pre...
Dear Editor, Schools set protocols for improving mental health (March 14, 2024). Although I appreciate the positive attention to this topic and the implementation of counseling sessions, school assemblies, and motivational speakers, I wonder if we are getting to the root of the problem or just putting out the fires. Should we not return to the foundation of education and approaches that improve our mental health in the schools and the community? Should we not return to teaching our children the skills they need to be successful members of a...
I believe it is unfortunate that open public meetings are used to divert the city council’s time, taxpayer money, annoy public employees and elected officials in attempts to find something, anything, that proves alleged illegal or underhanded activity by TF city. Facebook is no place to conduct public business. Read the postings of agendas, legal notices and minutes in the newspaper, on buildings and the city website. The website has a wealth of information on numerous city related topics. It is citizen’s responsibility to be up to date on iss...
For the record, no babies or women were physically harmed in the making of the heart-wrenching Biblical story of Solomon and the two women fighting over the baby. Also, because Solomon asked for wisdom rather than other things, he got those as well. To clarify on the subject of ectopic pregnancies, a medical professional with several decades dealing with saving lives and pregnancies has addressed the moral issues eloquently: “TERMINATION OF ECTOPIC/TUBAL PREGNANCIES HAVE NEVER BEEN CONSIDERED ABORTION. The purpose of the procedure is not to d...
The 15th of March is fast approaching. It’s been five years since Mark Legard was taken from us. What are the reasons? No one has come forward with any information on what happened to Mark and the investigation into his death has become a cold case. His family and friends are left hanging onto his memory praying for peace and closure. Each year brings no new news and the heartache only deepens. We wanted this letter not to be somber, but to celebrate the person that our beloved son, father, brother, cousin, and friend was. We keep Mark’s mem...
Thank you for your patience during this time as you await communication regarding budget cuts and potential staff reductions. I know there is anxiety and concern, which is understandable. Please be aware that the difficult discussion of budget shortfalls and the subsequent steps of considering how to best reconcile the situation is fluid and continually evolving. Knowing what to communicate (and when) is challenging until we get through that process and reach a consensus, some of which has occurred in the past four weeks as the budget committee...
