Thursday, September 30
Lack of sports coverage criticized
(Editor's note: We appreciate all negative and positive comments from our readers. We lost three good newspaper people, one with a solid sports background, in less than a week, and we are looking for a strong sports editor and reporters so that we may continue valued coverage of every team in our schools.
Wyatt D. Partida
POLSON - Wyatt D. Partida, 10, of Ronan, died of cancer at his home on Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, with his family at his side.
Arthur Duane 'Sarge' Reum
POLSON - A Vietnam Veteran and member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2986 and American Legion, Arthur Duane "Sarge" Reum, 59, of Polson, died of natural causes on Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan.
Theresa June Stasso Weatherwax
DIXON - Theresa June Stasso Weatherwax, 59, went to join the ancestors on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, in Missoula.
Florence Nelson Hedrick
POLSON - Florence Nelson Hedrick, 91, died on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, at Lily of the Valley, an assisted living home in Pablo.
Betty Jo Long
POLSON - Betty Jo Long, 83, of Polson died of natural causes Monday, Sept. 27, 2004, at St. Patrick Hospital Missoula.
Marine Gladiator returns unscathed from Iraq
POLSON - Sergeant Eligio Rodriguez, a Polson High School graduate, just returned from Iraq unscathed in spite of the three months of intense danger he faced on a daily basis. A member of the 11th Battalion, Charlie Battery Unit, Rodriguez, was part of the Combined Anti-Armor Team (CAAT) that is specifically a battalion landing team's primary defense against an armored enemy's attack; the Marines called them the Gladiators.
Mission Valley shook Sunday afternoon
At 3:46 p.m. Sunday, Polson experienced a small earthquake that measured 3.3 on the Richter scale. Readings from more distant stations measured the temblor at 3.7 and 3.8.
Bringing a pet into the shelter
There are a few things our community can do to help the shelter continue our forward motion in helping the pets in our community.
Evelyn Jean Louise Gilroy
KALISPELL - Former Ronan resident Evelyn Jean Louise Gilroy, 86, died Sept. 19, 2004, at Heritage Place in Kalispell.
Ronan man accused of assaulting baby
POLSON - A 30-year-old Ronan man accused of assaulting his eight-month-old son as well as his wife remained in custody in Lake County Jail last week.
Charles Keenan
ARLEE - Charles Keenan, 86, of Arlee died of natural causes Sunday, Sept. 26, 2004, in Ronan at St. Luke Hospital due.
Charlo Viking gridders down Noxon 20-14 Friday
CHARLO - The Charlo Vikings were definitely thankful they had a stout defense last Friday as they held off Noxon for a 20-14 win in Class C football.
Speedway season winds up with championships
PABLO - Last Saturday was the final race night of the season at the three-eighths-mile Mission Valley Speedway. Championships were on the line as all regular classes were racing. On championship night, each class ran two trophy dashes, the first dash was the top four in points, the second dash was the top four fast times of the year. Then it was main event time to settle the points battle.
Duane F. McGuire
Duane F. McGuire, 71, of Pablo died Saturday, Sept. 25, 2004, at his home.
Businesses support soldiers
Since the Vietnam War (some say conflict, but the reality is that it was a war) our young people have become more and more lethargic about patriotism. War was an evil word best not said because of Vietnam. The flag and the stars and stripes became a dim symbol; patriotism was placed on a back, dusty shelf as a way to forget the pain of Vietnam. Many chose to equate patriotism with that lost war and put it in the basement as a way of forgetting or blocking out the whole episode.
Thursday, September 23
'Normal' winter predicted
National Weather Meteologist Bruce Bauck in Missoula says the drought has eased up but not totally in the Mission Valley.
We should not have gone to Iraq
Editor,
Louis Walter Marshall
POLSON - Louis Walter Marshall, 81, of Polson, died of emphysema and went home to be with Jesus, on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004, at Evergreen Health & Rehab Center in Polson.
Paul L. Burkhart
KALISPELL - Paul L. Burkhart, 58, died Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, at his home in Kalispell of an apparent heart attack.
Gaining 20 million votes
This election year there are several organizations out to get young people 18-30 to vote. Voting in this election is critical as it is in every election but the war in Iraq, the economy and education are in the forefront of this election and of great concern to young people who are either facing a war, lack of jobs after college and funding their education. These issues are of great concern to 20 million voters who are 18-30 years old. Top national polls, including those sponsored by the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), Harris Interactive, Harvard University's Institute of Politics, MTV's Choose or Lose and the Pew Research Center have gathered information to help candidates address this neglected part of the voting population.
Initiative 147 should be rejected
Editor,
Local pilot among soldiers to serve in Iraq
One hundred seventy soldiers belonging to the Montana National Guard's 1-189th Aviation Battalion departed for Fort Sill, Okla., from Helena earlier this month. One of the soldiers was 30-year-old Sgt. John W. Gehring, a former St. Ignatius resident and descendant of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Chiefs blank Browning homecoming night
RONAN - The Ronan Chiefs were sure not to disappoint homecoming fans last Friday as they blanked Browning 20-0.
Wyatt Partida
RONAN - Wyatt Partida, 10, of Ronan died of natural causes at his home in Ronan on Monday, Sept. 20, 2004. A full obit will run next week.
Keep hunting, fishing available to all
Editor,
Support your schools
Editor,
Geda Jacobson
POLSON - Geda Jacobson, 83, of Polson died on Sept. 13, 2004, after a short illness.
The forthcoming election gives us something think about
Editor,
Florence Hedrick
POLSON - Florence Hedrick, 91, died of natural causes on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, at the Lilly of the Valley Home in Pablo. Services are pending and will be announced by Grogan Funeral Home in Polson. A full obit will run next week.
MV rodeo team does well at Whitehall HS Rodeo
The Mission Valley High School Rodeo team placed well at the Whitehall High School rodeo September 11-12th. Members competing included: Brittnee Benson, Levi Guenzler, Sarah Guenzler, Brett Harris, Katelyn Lowder, Cameron Lytle, Jessica Milliron, Krista O'Reilly, Jessica Picchietti, and Lynnsey Wieder.
Wednesday, September 15
Leo P. 'Sam' Hammer, Jr.
RONAN - Leo P. "Sam" Hammer, Jr., 62, went to join the ancestors on Thursday at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan.
Salmonella report released
POLSON - Last week the Lake County Leader ran a short brief on a salmonella report issued by the Lake County Health Department. The brief reported an outbreak of 15 cases of salmonella linked to an eating establishment in Lake County. The name of the restaurant was not disclosed in the original release.
Sting drop first two soccer matches
The MVCA Sting dropped its two opening games Friday and Saturday, but the young soccer squad played with lots of heart, scoring five goals and showing promise of a formidable defense.
Tribes say they are able to co-manage the Bison Range
For centuries Native Americans managed the bison ranges before the arrival of Europeans and they are now ready to take back the responsibility of being the stewards of the lands as their ancestors did.
Mission loses hard-fought battle with Superior last Friday night
ST. IGNATIUS - The Mission Bulldogs fought hard against the Superior Bobcats, at home, Friday evening, but to no avail. With the score tied at 20 to 20 and four minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Bobcat sophomore fullback Tyler McGillivray pushed Superior into the lead when he punched over from the two-yard line.
Pirates are 3-0 with win over Corvallis Friday night
POLSON - The Pirate football team is off to its best start in years following a decisive 35-7 win over Corvallis last Friday night, but will face defending state champ Dillon this Friday.
When the public has a right to know
James Madison once said, "A popular government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy - or perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives."
Tribal police chief promises crackdown on juvenile drinking
PABLO - In the wake of an early September juvenile drinking incident that sent three tribal member youngsters to area hospitals, Tribal Police Chief Craige Couture is promising a much more "proactive" approach to the problem.
Thursday, September 9
Lawsuit contests a part of State Constitution
Editor,
Russell Kent Homer, Jr.
BURBANK, Wash. - Russell Kent Homer, Jr met his eternal family Aug 30, 2004, when he expired by the side of his wife at home in Burbank.
Don't be fooled by the propaganda
Editor,
Who's the 'Good Shepherd?'
Editor,
Pirates cross-country teams take second and third in Libby
POLSON - Polson High School cross-country coach Mindy Harwood and assistant coach Matt Seeley were smiling broadly after the season opening cross-country meet in Libby last Saturday.
Leo P. 'Sam' Hammer, Jr.
RONAN - Leo P. "Sam" Hammer, Jr., 62, went to join the ancestors on Thursday at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan.
Glacier Bank provided breakfast
Editor,
Flathead Basin Commission gears up for action
FLATHEAD LAKE - As the sun sets on this year's summer season, the Flathead Basin Commission (FBC) is poised to change focus, zooming in on water quality restoration projects.
PHS Class of '59 had a great reunion
Editor,
Pirate whip Maroons
The long trip to Butte built up a powerhouse of energy for the Pirates who defeated the Butte Central Maroons 33-21 in a Class-A non- conference game last Saturday.
Ronan boys and girls cross-country teams started well
RONAN - Ronan's boys and girls cross-country teams started the new season on a positive note at Libby last Friday. The Maidens put four runners in the top 20 in the varsity girls division and placed second in the team race behind Flathead, while the boys also put four runners in the top 20 en route to a fourth place finish in the varsity boys division.
Juvenile drinking sends three to hospital
RONAN - Underage drinking reared its ugly head again this week, as a Friday evening party in Ronan sent three youngsters to the hospital.
The marketing of a candidate
In 1996 there was a high school government teacher, Victor Morales, in Texas who gained national attention with his shoestring campaign approach to gain votes for the U.S. Senate. His no frills appeal embraced the everyday people. He was encouraged by his students to run. They raised a small amount of money with bake sales and car washes to get Morales on the road. With the few dollars his students raised, and the money out of his own pocket, Morales bought bumper stickers, filled his white Nissan pickup truck with gas and hit the road.
Wednesday, September 1
Eugene John (Gene) Schmidt
RONAN - Eugene John (Gene) Schmidt, 73, joyously entered into the kingdom of heaven on Aug. 23, 2004, to join his baby boy Larry, brother Les, sister Lorraine, granddaughters Holly and Candy, and grandsons Frank and Joey.
A.H. 'Mike' Stavsky
RONAN - A graveside memorial service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 5, at noon at Ronan Cemetery for A. H. "Mike" Stavsky with family and friends attending.
Robert S. 'Bob' Hout
RONAN - Robert S. "Bob" Hout, 82, of Valley View died of natural causes Aug. 25, 2004, doing what he loved - tending his garden.
Daniel John Matkovich
WEATHERFORD, Texas - Daniel John Matkovich, 17, a student, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, in Weatherford.
Dr. Charles Joseph Schott
SWAN LAKE - Dr. Charles Joseph Schott, 81, died Aug. 22, 2004, at his home on Swan Lake near Bigfork. He was born Nov. 28, 1922, in New York City to Charles J. and Lena (Matzner) Schott.
C.F. "Smokey" Sorensen
WOODS BAY - C.F. "Smokey" Sorensen, 79, died Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2004, at his home on Woods Bay, near Bigfork.
Public gains 200 acres for hunting
CHARLO - Upland bird and waterfowl hunters now have an additional 200 acres for hunting near Charlo. The Ringneck Ranch edition, formerly a privately-owned hunting club, was sold to the state for $450,000 and has become part of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife management areas in Ninepipe.
Sheriff Bill Barron asking for 20-mill levy increase
POLSON - Last Wednesday, the Lake County Commissioners unanimously decided to put the issue of increased funding for the Sheriff's Office on the November ballot.
Elderly dialysis patient decides it's easier to die
With the news that Polson's dialysis center will be closing its doors on Sept. 24, patient Jerry Paul of Polson has decided to opt out of dialysis treatments.
Trygve 'Trig' Merle Kvande
Trygve "Trig" Merle Kvande, 85, of Polson, died of natural causes at his home on Aug. 28, 2004.
A sure promise of hope
RONAN - Pray for rain - but be more specific next time, okay?
Mary Agnes 'Aggie' Woodcock George
ST. IGNATIUS - Mary Agnes "Aggie" Woodcock George, 62, began her journey home Saturday, Aug. 21, in Missoula.
NCLB act needs to be reworked, reformed
As kids brace themselves for another school year, more than 25 states are in the middle of lawsuits protesting the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) a federal mandate initiated in 2001 by the present administration.
Betty Lee Mitchell McQuarrie Wallace Mohnsen
POLSON - Betty Lee Mitchell McQuarrie Wallace Mohnsen, 76, died June 2, 2004, at Coming Home Hospice in San Francisco with her family at her side.
Pirates blank Browning in opener
The Polson Pirates varsity football team came out revved up, and accelerated from zero to 14 points in less than five minutes of play. When the final seconds ticked off the clock, the senior-heavy Polson team had shut out the visiting Browning Running Indians, 33-0.
Joseph C. Schumacher
POLSON - Joseph C. Schumacher, 69, a native of Montana, died Aug. 27, 2004, at Village Health Care in Missoula.
