Wednesday, July 27
Roundtable type discussions are recommended
Editor,
Wednesday, July 20
Tribal issues need to be discussed
Editor:
Jennie Lois Largent
RONAN — Jennie Lois Largent, 94, of Ronan died July 12, 2005, at St. Luke Community Hospital, Ronan.
Polson teachers retire, contract talks continue
Two Polson teachers whose retirement status was in limbo last month will be able to retire with full benefits, although the overall negotiations between the district and the teacher's union are still ongoing.
Purple Rain goes 3-2 at state tourney
HELENA — The Purple Rain didn't repeat as state champs this year but did well at the ASA State tourney last weekend, making it a couple of games away from the championship.
Betty Dennis McNett
POLSON — Betty Dennis McNett, 86, of Polson (formerly of Malta) died at Lakeview Care Center in Bigfork on Saturday, July 16, 2005.
Burglary leads needed
Editor,
Floyd Gene Scott
Floyd Gene Scott, 77, of Polson died at his home on Friday, July 15, 2005.
Thomas Joseph Moylan
MISSOULA — Thomas Joseph Moylan, M.D., died at home July 14, 2005. A funeral Mass will be celebrated today (July 21) at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church in Missoula.
Proud to be a Republican
Editor,
Feels there was lack of facts in coverage
Editor,
An open letter to Anita Big Spring
From Rick Jore
Kristin Cheryl Shay Paulson
Kristin was born July 5, 1979, Anchorage, Alaska. We lost Kristin on July 10, 2005, in El Paso, Texas, from injuries sustained in a hiking accident. Kristin was a bright light in many lives. She will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing and loving her.
Judy Stephen
POLSON — Judy Stephen, 66, of Polson, died of natural causes May 25, 2005.
George M. White
RONAN — George M. White, 93, of Ronan, died of natural causes Saturday, July 16, 2005, at his home.
Edna Mae Olmstead Sego Payne
ODESSA, Wash. — Edna Mae Olmstead Sego Payne went home to be with her Lord July 6, 2005. Edna was born April 7, 1914, at Rapid City, S.D. She spent her childhood there, graduating in 1932 from Rapid City High.
Tough questions generate dialogue
Thank you for your feedback, Ms. Engstrom. (Please see her letter to the editor below). We do indeed try to get all the information before writing a story. Please understand that letters to the editor are one person's opinion, and are often based on information that was not formally presented in court, in a city council meeting, etc. — information we can't necessarily use. When I get a comment from someone outside of a public meeting or court appearance, for example, I will denote that quote by writing "so-and-so said after the meeting" so people understand that it was not spoken publicly.
Despite construction, folks flock to museum's Living History Day
POLSON — Despite the confusing construction-caused road access, some 1,250 persons found their way to the annual Living History Day at Miracle of America Museum last weekend. That's probably about 200 down from last year, according to Joanne Mangels, museum co-founder.
Polson was good tournament host
Editor,
Alta Ray Standiford-Kuehn
SEATTLE — Alta Ray Kuehn, 73, of Hot Springs died quietly of vasculitis in her home in Seattle on Nov. 15, 2004. She was born Feb. 25, 1931, in St. Maries, Idaho, and grew up in Hot Springs.
Jean Delores Wolfe
SUFFOLK, Va. — Jean Delores Wolfe, 81, formerly a resident of Polson and the East Shore for more than 50 years, died April 19, 2005, in Suffolk. She previously resided at St. Joseph Assisted Living in Polson and at Oakwood Assisted Living in Virginia Beach.
Mariners bring home conference title
POLSON — The Mission Valley Mariners claimed the title of conference champs despite dropping two games to Libby on Sunday, and will turn their attention to the regional tourney in Idaho that starts today.
Ninepipes is great
Editor,
What if the results were turned?
Editor,
Babe Ruth team wins state championship
BUTTE — The Mission Valley Babe Ruth All-Stars returned home last weekend with the state championship, and will next turn their sights to the regional tourney early next month.
Ronan turns on the water restrictions
RONAN — With the construction of a new main water pipe underway, the Ronan City Council established water restrictions at this week's city council meeting in an effort to alleviate strains on the city's system as repairs and construction are being made.
Stella Vesta Adams
Nov. 13, 1913-Dec. 25, 2004
Hildur Jenny Hanson Munson
POLSON — Hildur Jenny Hanson Munson, 89, went to be with her Savior, Lord Jesus Christ, and her Heavenly family on July 11, 2005. She is now at rest in her heavenly home, with her husband, Clifford Munson, who preceded her in death in 2003 at the age of 91.
Ronan fireworks were enjoyed
Editor:
Rep. Jeanne Windham responds
Editor,
Arthur L. Bailey
SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. — Former Mission Valley resident, Arthur L. Bailey, 65, a resident of Sedro-Woolley died Wednesday July 14, 2005, at United General Hospital in Sedro-Woolley. Arrangements are pending at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
Maria Lee Timm
POLSON — Maria Lee Timm, 87, died July 14, 2005, in her sleep at Evergreen extended care facility. She was born July 11, 1918, to Herman and Annie Viola (Brown) Rigal in Casper, Wyo. Her mother died when Maria was three and she was raised by her father. Maria attended Casper schools, graduating from St. Anthony Elementary Catholic School and Natrona County High School in 1936. Following graduation she was employed as a piano player and singer at a Casper radio station, on a dude ranch near Dubois, Wyo., and for Ma Bell as a telephone operator.
Thursday, July 14
Suzanne R. O'Connor
POLSON — Suzanne R. O'Connor, 75, of Polson died Wednesday, July 6, 2005, at St. Joseph Hospital, Polson.
Addison Stewart Farrell
POLSON — Addison Stewart Farrell, formerly of Polson, will have a graveside service on Thursday July 14, at 4 p.m. with Father Val Zdilla officiating at Lakeview Cemetery. A reception will follow the services. Local arrangements were by Grogan Funeral Home & Crematory.
For some Mariners, it's life on the road
PLAINS — For three members of the Mission Valley Mariners baseball team it seems like life on the road sometimes. Brandon 'Moose' Thompson, Chris Brown and Brandon Roy all have to make the 120-mile round trip to Polson each and every day for practice or games, although sometimes when they have to be in Polson early the next day for a team event they will spend the night with teammates.
Enjoyed Ronan's 4th of July events
Editor,
Downing Street Memo and war are real
Editor,
Carma Lynn Suttenfield
POLSON — Carma Lynn Suttenfield, 39, of Polson died of natural causes on Thursday July 7, 2005, at her home.
Knutson, Shima both deserve Oscars
Editor,
Administration's 9/11 evidence is lacking
Editor,
Joseph Eugene 'Gene' Clairmont
POLSON — Joseph Eugene "Gene" Clairmont, 98, of Polson died peacefully of natural causes at home, surrounded by his family, on Friday July 8, 2005.
Gary Wayne Frantzich
RONAN — Gary Wayne Frantzich, a native of Montana, was born in Conrad on Sept. 30, 1958. He attended school in Charlo, where he completed grade school.
Investigators looking into St. Ignatius murder, arson
An investigative team is looking into the arson fire that occurred early last Thursday morning in which the body of a St. Ignatius man was found, the victim of an apparent homicide.
Grizzly supporters are appreciated
Editor,
It was an awesome experience
Editor,
Polson man faces second dose of terror
A Polson man was just blocks away from the recent terrorist bombings in London last week — the second time in four years Steven Hawkins has witnessed firsthand a devastating terrorist attack.
Afton L. May
SILVERDALE, Wash. — Afton Leishman May, 86, died Thursday, July 7, 2005, at her home in Silverdale.
Jenny Munson
POLSON — Hildur Jenny Munson went to meet her Lord, July 11, 2005, at the age of 89. This precious lady died peacefully at her daughter's home with all of her family members around her. The family members had gathered in Kalispell in the weeks prior to her passing as her final days became evident. Hildur was loved by all who knew her. She dedicated her life to the Lord, the serving of others and to her love of her family.
Dayami Starr Joseph Piapot
ST. IGNATIUS — Dayami Starr Joseph Piapot, 18 days, became an angel on July 11, 2005, in Missoula.
Harold 'Mitch' Mitchell, Jr.
RONAN — Harold "Mitch" Mitchell, Jr., 73, died at his home and went to our Lord on Wednesday, July 7, 2005.
Appreciates cards, calls and visits
Editor,
Kwitchyerbellyaching about court costs
Editor,
Thanks for finding lost dog
Editor,
Cat owner's heart is broken
Editor,
Purple Rain hope to repeat as state champs
The Polson Purple Rain went 5-2 on the weekend and brought home third place in the 16U division at the Glacier Emeralds tournament in Kalispell this past weekend as the team heads into this weekend's ASA state tourney in Helena.
Brian James Bachmeier
ARLEE — Brian James Bachmeier, 22, of Arlee died July 4, 2005, in Hamilton. Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated July 8, in the Arlee Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Andrew L. Maddock, S.J. was the celebrant.Burial was in Jocko Cemetery.
Homicide suspect gets plea bargain
A former homicide suspect has agreed to plead guilty to evidence tampering in exchange for testifying against the two other suspects in the murders of Gerald Sirucek and Catherine Madplume in a deal that could have him face no future jail time.
Rodeo team still has plenty on their plate
For members of the Mission Valley High School Rodeo Club not everything has come easy this season, but with hard work and countless hours of dedication, everyone shined in their own way and in their own events. For many of the members, this season offered plenty of good memories and great experience.
Vonnie Gregg/Webster
A memorial service for Vonnie Gregg/Webster will be held Saturday, July 30, at 3 p.m. at the family summer place on Flathead Lake, 80650 Old Highway 93 between Elmo and Dayton. A potluck will follow the service with the family providing the meat and drinks.
Pickup truck was vandalized
Editor,
Louise LaMoose (Toppseh) Combs
ARLEE — The morning of Sunday, July 3, 2005, our beloved grandmother left us to join family members who had passed on. She had been lonesome and talked about her parents, sisters, grandparents, aunts and uncles for several months.
Thursday, July 7
Arlee man killed in Hamilton fireworks explosion
HAMILTON—The Fourth of July weekend ended tragically for a 22-year-old Arlee man who was killed when a fireworks shell exploded while he was cleaning the launcher it was in following the fireworks show Monday night at the Ravalli County fairgrounds in Hamilton.
St. Ignatius Middle School staff gets $25,000
Teachers and staff at St. Ignatius Middle School recently split a $25,000 award after the school was recognized by the state's Office of Public Instruction for significantly increasing student academic achievement over the 2003-2004 school year — one of only three schools statewide to be recognized for such an achievement.
Whatever happened to modesty?
Rev. M.J. Nicolaus, Ph.D
Justice has not been done
Editor,
Yvonne 'Onnie' Hall Moore
Yvonne "Onnie" Hall Moore, 79, died of ovarian cancer at her home in Polson June 28. She was born Dec. 2, 1925, in Moffit, N.D., to Asa and Elizabeth Werner. She was the fifth of six children.
'Podunk' Polson?
Editor,
Annual Tim Ryan golf tourney next week
Tim Ryan's 17th annual Mission Valley Scholarship "Golf Tourney and Writer's Night" is Friday, July 15 with tee times at 8:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m at the Mission Mountain Country Club.
Mariners on top at Firecracker tourney
POLSON — Matt Gordon smacked a two-run homer on Sunday to lift the Mariners to a 5-4 win over Kootenai Valley and the championship at their own Firecracker tournament last weekend.
A little bit of humor from Down Under
My globe trotting friends George and Helen Thomas in Seattle recently sent along this bit of humor supposedly reflected in notes between Australia's Qantas Airlines pilots and maintenance personnel. Qantas, incidentally, is the only major air carrier without a serious accident.
Thanks for help during flood
We want to thank all of the wonderful people who recently came to help us during the flooding in our area. With all of your help and the prayers of many, the water was kept out of our home.
Alfred "Alf" Hoff
Alf Hoff, 87, formerly of Polson and Thompson Falls, died Monday, June 27, 2005, at the Evergreen Nursing Home in Missoula.
Surprise party appreciated
Editor,
Cooperation is the key
I have coached for the City League girls softball program for the past nine years and I would be remiss if I did not comment on the letter to the editor written by Paul Noble last week.
Ronan's Foust will play in Junior World Championship
RONAN — William Foust of Ronan will play the biggest rounds of golf of his life July 12-16 at the famous Torrey Pines in San Diego, CA when he will face off against the world's best junior golfers in the Junior World Championship.
Delores "Dee" Ann McLaughlin
Delores "Dee" Ann McLaughlin, 64, of Big Arm, MT passed away at her home on Saturday, July 2, 2005, surrounded by her family. This was traditionally her weekend to bring the family together at the lake.
Charles Jay Pulse
Charles Jay Pulse, age 67, of Polson passed away at his home on Thursday June 30, 2005 from natural causes.
Koontenai Lodge lawsuits filed
The Swan Lakers recently filed two lawsuits against the Lake County commissioners over their recent approval of the Kootenai Lodge project.
Fireworks aren't for everyone
Fireworks aren't for everyone. The blatant disregard for neighbors and their pets, law enforcement, fire department, animal shelter and emergency services in our county is rampant. County commissioners and law enforcement are becoming more and more frustrated by the lack of respect for others, their property and privacy. Fireworks don't have to be banned nor should feuds develop over their misuse, but ordinances need to be in place so that law enforcement has some authority to prevent problems.