Ellington

A labor of love

Karen and Neal Lewing celebrate 30 years of leading the Port Polson Players

POLSON — The law of diminishing marginal utility states that as someone gains more of something, their enjoyment of that commodity decreases. In other words, the one hundredth taste of something isn’t as sweet as the first.

Diana Mae Glover Burtch

Diana Mae Glover Burtch, 72, passed away of natural causes on April 20, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born on August 25, 1940, in Polson, the daughter of Henry A. Glover and Evelyn J. (Thompson) Glover. Diana graduated from Polson High School in 1958 and attended Northern Montana College. She lived in Polson and the surrounding Mission Valley most of her life. She was united in marriage to Ray D. Burtch in 1961 and they were the proud parents to three beautiful girls that were lovingly referred to as the “Three P’s,” Pamela, Peggy, and Paula. Diana was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and started her professional career working for them. She also was a legal secretary for several law firms and newspapers. Her Latin classes sparked a lifelong interest in wordsmithing that evolved into her love for Scrabble. She was the Scrabble queen and there is only a short list that could best her. She had an amazing ability for recalling names and family connections. Diana crocheted beautiful afghans and every new addition to the family received one of her creations. She loved watching college basketball and was an avid Zags fan. Diana also had a passion for gardening; her flower beds bloomed from early spring to late fall. Diana was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn and Henry, and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her daughters, Pam Watanuki (Mark), Peggy Rouillier (Tim), and Paula Burtch; siblings, Jeanette Davis (Norm), Sheryl “Duzzie” Glover, Pam Schneiter (Jim), Lyle McBroom and Rita Vanorio (Tom); and grandchildren, Matthew and Samantha “Ray” Rouillier; and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her soul mate Link Utsond (she was his most precious lady). The family will be holding a private service. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Ann Evans Driscoll

Ann Evans Driscoll passed away Sunday, April 21.  She was born Oct. 3, 1915, in Bozeman to Philip and Etta (Pearson) Evans. She attended Bozeman Public Schools and graduated from Gallatin County High School. She then went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education at Montana State Normal School in Dillon in 1940. Ann served our country in the U.S. Army in 1943. Throughout her teaching career she taught in Springhill, Dodson, Charlo and Ronan. Her most rewarding teaching experiences were when she taught remedial reading, both in Ronan and Charlo schools. She was also very active in PTA, Delta Kappa Gamma, the garden club and D’Aste Women’s Club. Ann was a life-long teacher – she volunteered to help children read during her summers off as a young teacher and told her Hospice nurses never to stop learning during her final days. She will also be remembered for being a great parent to her children and wonderful grandmother to her grandchildren. Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, her parents, two brothers and two sisters. She is survived by: her son Phil Driscoll of Madison, Wis.; son Jerry (Nancy) Driscoll of Bozeman; daughter Barbara Driscoll of Bozeman; foster son Joe Tejeda of California; foster daughter Martha Tejeda Castillo of Florida; sister Janet Edens of Peoria, Ariz.; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild, as well as nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Memorials may be made in Ann’s name to Hospice of Southwest Montana, 3810 Valley Commons Dr., Bozeman, MT 59718. A memorial service is planned for July 6, 2013, at 10 a.m. at the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.dahlcares.com.

Ivan E. Jones

Ivan E. Jones died at the Montana Veteran’s Home in Columbia Falls on April 14. Ivan was born Dec. 29, 1923, in Winona, Wash., to Charles and Viola Jones. He graduated from Winona High School in 1942 and joined the Army in February of 1943. He was assigned to the European Theater as an Anti-Aircraft Artilleryman with 309th. He received a Purple Heart during the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, Ivan returned to the Northwest and eventually settled in Kalispell. He married Doreen Polriez in 1952. Two children, Vickie and Randy, soon followed. The couple later divorced. Ivan married Lorraine (Johnson) Bauska in 1965. They were married 18 years. After she passed away, Ivan married Ruth McDonald in 1984.

Faye “Kentucky Babe” Drowatzky

Faye “Kentucky Babe” Drowatzky, 68, passed away at her home on Friday morning. Born on March 10, 1945, to Edwin and Maddie Lou (Taylor) Mills in Hustonville, Ky., she was raised in Kentucky eventually making Louisville her home before she and her family moved many places, eventually ending up in the Coeur d’Alene area in the 1970’s. It was here that she met and married Don Drowatzky in 1978. As a young girl she had always dreamed of marrying an Indian from Montana and now she had.  Don was a telephone contractor and they lived in the Spokane area before moving to Kentucky but lack of work eventually got the best of them and they returned to the Northwest, eventually settling in Pablo. Faye lived and loved life to the fullest.  She was a fan of Elvis and was an avid collector of his memorabilia. She loved going to the mountains and camping with her family. Always a practical joker, she loved pulling tricks on the kids. She leaves behind her husband Don of Pablo; her children Johnny Lee Bryant, Scott Bryant, Jamie Sue Bryant, Don Drowatzky, David Wade Drowatzky and a daughter Dawn who she adopted out when she was young. Also surviving are her siblings Carol and Merle of Kentucky; and her brother-in-law and sisters-in-law that she always considered as her “Montana” siblings, Jack, Verna and Glenna Drowatzky; and her pet rooster Clovis. A visitation will be held Sunday at the Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius with funeral services being held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Foster Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow in the Kentucky Bluegrass Knob Cemetery in Pablo. Condolences may be left at fosterfhandcrematory.com.

Ronald Dean Erickson

Ron, 59, was born in Missoula on Feb. 22, 1954, to Clarence and Betty, and passed away on Saturday, April 13, of natural causes. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Tana. In 1973 they welcomed their son Lonnie (LeeAnn) and in 1978 they welcomed their daughter Vel (Justin), both of whom live in the Mission Valley. Ron was raised on a ranch on Post Creek and then moved to Pablo. He touched many lives in the Mission Valley through various occupations; Mission Mart, remodeling homes, milking cows at Lillethuns and Stonehockers, raising pigs and ranching in Round Butte, operating Erickson Construction with his brother, and True Value in Ronan. In 2008 Ron and Tana formed their own business, “Erickson Pumps and Service.” The pump truck and business was one of Ron’s greatest accomplishments. Ron enjoyed fishing, especially ice fishing, gardening (giving or cooking his vegetables for others), building, playing on his tractor and 4-wheelers. Ron’s greatest enjoyment in life was his grandchildren: Shailee, Logan, and Shawnte’. Going to and sponsoring softball, baseball, basketball, football games, help raising animals, singing, and can’t forget him pulling tricks and teasing them all the time. He is also survived by three sisters, one brother, many nieces and nephews, to complete his family. The family suggests donations be made to Ronan/Pablo Youth Softball Association and Polson Youth Baseball.

William Fredrick Knuppel Jr.

William Fredrick Knuppel Jr., age 93 of Big Arm, passed away at his home Sunday, April 21. He is survived by his wife Mildred. Memorial services will be held at Grogan Funeral Home Friday, April 26, at 11 a.m.

Elsie Geraldine (Gerry) Croft

Gerry Croft, 83, of Ronan, passed away, Sunday, April 14, at her home of natural causes. She was born Dec. 11, 1929, to Norris and Clara Bidgood in Woodlake, Neb. The family moved to Delta, Utah, where she graduated from high school and met her husband of 66 years Wally Croft. In 1956 they moved to Whittier, Calif., where they lived until their children Lonny and Sherry were raised, and Wally retired from Calif. Spring Co. in 1978. Wally and Gerry then moved to Ronan to be near their children and grandkids. Gerry and Wally spent a lot of time camping and fishing with family and friends. Most of Gerry’s life was spent being a homemaker. She worked for Mission Food Mart for a few years and helped Wally deliver freight until his retirement. Gerry was a wonderful and loving wife, mother and grandmother and just a loving, caring person to all those that she met. Most of all she loved the little children and animals. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents Norris and Clara Bidgood, brother Norris Bidgood, and sister Claris Price. She is survived by her husband Wally Croft, a sister Doris Davis, Columbia Falls, her son Lonny (Ann) Croft, Ronan, daughter Sherry Fleenor (Bob Lulow), Ronan; four grandchildren, Toni (Steve) Knudsvig of Coweta, Okla., Heather Muth of Ronan, Jesse (Shawna) Croft, Ronan, Dustin (Lisa) Croft, Haden, Idaho; 11 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Kalispell firm to do Polson High roof work

POLSON — Swank Enterprises of Kalispell has been awarded a nearly $2.5 million contract to repair and renovate Polson High School’s roof and ventilation systems.

Polson Middle School student showcase

POLSON — Kiara Harris went back for turn after turn at the climbing wall during last week's creativity showcase at Polson Middle School. While the wall is up year-round, students can't always enjoy it, Harris said. "So it's like a prize to climb it," the seventh grader said. The end-of-year open house at the middle school showcased student projects for family and community members to see. Students also performed vocal and musical pieces.

Area bands, choirs represent Valley well during district music competitions

MISSOULA — Local school bands and choirs represented the Valley well at district music festivals over the weekend.

Skyline Drive update - April 25

Active construction on the Skyline Drive project, including the closure of Skyline Drive to two-way traffic for the remainder of the construction season, began April 15.  Northbound traffic across Skyline is open coming into Polson from the south for the duration. During construction hours — 7:00 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday — a pilot car on a 20 minute schedule is being used to shuttle traffic down the hill into town.

Lake County track stars shine under the lights in Corvallis

Charlo and Polson track teams make presence felt in Twilight Meet

CORVALLIS – Two Lake County counterparts met at the Sapphire Twilight Track Meet on Friday night in Corvallis and both Polson and Charlo showcased strong performances.

Lady Pirates just keep on winning

Polson easily handles Hamilton, pitcher Duford tosses a no-hitter against Whitefish, then smacks a grand slam

HAMILTON – The purple and yellow keep racking up wins. This week, the Lady Pirates’ softball squad handled fellow class A opponent Hamilton 11-0, then easily took care of Whitefish, 32-0. Both games were stopped by the fifth inning.  

Maidens still learning to win

PLAINS – After losing a one-run, extra-innings heartbreaker to Plains 10-9 in the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday, the Maidens regained composure and hammered the Trotters 12-2 in the nightcap.  

Donald Elliot Olsson

Donald Elliot Olsson, lifetime resident of Ronan, Montana, died peacefully at home on Saturday, April 6. He celebrated his 89th birthday on March 20. Don was born in 1924 to Vida and Harald Olsson at their home in Pablo. Vida’s grandparents traveled by wagon train to Virginia City, Montana, in 1864, making Don a 4th generation Montanan.  He grew up in Ronan and graduated from Ronan High School in 1942. The Great Depression shaped Don’s early life. Children learned how to work at a young age during those years and his first job was selling eggs from his mother’s hens to neighbors and the Sterling Store. When he was ten he delivered papers on the east side of town, making about thirty-five cents a month per family. By high school he was working as a janitor at the Ronan State Bank, where his father, Harald, had worked as the cashier since 1924.  Don talked of cleaning the clinkers out of the coal furnace and oiling the wood floors and then sweeping them clean with sawdust. He and his three brothers also worked in the summer on their grandparent’s cattle ranch near Hall, Montana. Here he developed a love for horses and farming and met his future wife, Mildred (Pete) Balzhiser, who was selling tickets at the Pix movie theater in Drummond. But that chapter was on hold for World War II, a defining time in Don’s life.

Barbara Evann Anderson

Barbara Evann Anderson, 70 was born in Fosston, Minn. on March 10, 1942 and died on November 5, 2012. She was the daughter of Evert and Doris Anderson. Barbara moved with her parents to Polson in 1978, but because of deteriorating health was placed in the care of Polson Health and Rehabilitation. Barbara had a very independent spirit and had no problem expressing her wishes. She also had a very tender side that showed in her love of animals, especially kittens, birds, and puppies, all of which she raised while growing up in Minnesota. Her Aunt Sally Anderson of Fairview, Ore. and seven cousins living in Oregon, Nevada, and Minnesota survive her. Cremation was under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at the Polson Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 2 p.m. on April 20.

Kermit Carroll Hopkins

Carroll Hopkins, 83 was born in Sheridan, Wyo. November 5, 1929 and died April 6. His wife Betty, whom he married in 1954, survives him.

Kathryn Webber

Kathryn Webber, 97, of Polson passed away on Monday, April 1 at St. Joseph Retirement Community, where she had resided for the past several years. She was born August 26, 1915, in Monroe, Mich. and was preceded in death by her husband William, and son William. Her daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and also six nieces and one nephew survive her. Kathryn’s life was dedicated to her family, and she died as she lived, with much grace and dignity.  She will be missed by all of those who knew and loved her. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, April 23, 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Retirement Center, officiated by Rev. Kyle Whaley of Calvary Lutheran Church. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Births

Former employee admits threatening Polson officials

POLSON — In Lake County District Court last Wednesday, Ronald Melvin appeared before Judge C.B. McNeil for a change of plea, and admitted to a felony charge of threatening Polson city officials.

Oldest Wild Horse Island gelding dies

WILD HORSE ISLAND — The oldest gelding on Wild Horse Island State Park has perished.

Spring storms dump snow on Valley

POLSON — The weekend’s snowstorm was welcome moisture for many in the Valley, with snowpack in the higher elevations of the Mission Mountains reaching average.

Senior news - April 25

Featured letter: "CSKT thanks water compact supporters"

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council would like to thank the Representatives and Senators who came forward to support the Proposed Water Rights Compact entered into by the Tribes, the State of Montana and the United States of America.  The Compact was an elegant solution to the complex pattern of land-ownership and water use challenges on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The Compact used a science based and progressive approach to solve the current state of uncertainty regarding water rights.  If the majority leadership of the Senate and House had allowed a floor discussion of the Compact the Tribal Council is confident the many benefits of ratifying the Compact would have been clear:

Law enforcement and court records - April 25

MVCA career preparedness

POLSON — Mission Valley Christian Academy senior Joshua Lake went through a mock job interview with Kelly Bishop last week. The interview was part of a career fair at the school, during which three local professionals spoke to students about what they're looking for in potential employees and conducted mock interviews. Bishop helped with the event last year, too, and said it's important for the students to be exposed to what the job market looks like. Career fair experiences, while not real, help students be better prepared, Bishop said.

Ronan library district on May 7 mail-in ballot

RONAN — A ballot measure for the creation of a library district will be on the May ballot.

Polson school board vacancy

POLSON — One one-year Polson School District school board position remains open.

Two women dead in Hwy 93 crash

ST. IGNATIUS — Two women are dead after a crash just north of St. Ignatius Sunday evening.

Sentence deferred in Subway break-in

POLSON – Scott Harpine, an employee of the Polson Subway who admitted to burglarizing the store in a nighttime raid last November, had his sentence deferred for three years in Lake County District Court last Thursday. Harpine still will be required to serve a total of 20 days in the Lake County Jail and has been granted credit for six days served already.

St. Ignatius career day

ST. IGNATIUS — St. Ignatius high school students explored different professions and colleges during career day last Thursday at the high school.

Ronan, Charlo school board candidates

Ronan and Charlo’s school boards are holding contested elections. Mail-in ballots are due to the Lake County Election Office by 8 p.m., May 7. To learn more about the candidates, the Leader asked them:

Polson prevails in pitchers' duel

POLSON – Another Northwestern-A rivalry game, another heart-stopping, come-from-behind Lady Pirates victory.  

MAC edges out Maidens

RONAN – On Tuesday, two Mission Valley rivals squared off when the Ronan Maidens hosted the Mission-Arlee-Charlo Lady Bulldogs in Ronan.  The Maidens entered the game 5-1 and were looking to hand MAC their first loss of the season. But it was MAC’s bats along with some amazing defensive plays that dictated the game and gave the Lady Bulldogs the 6-3 victory.

Crossett sues Polson

Outgoing city manager says city owes him wages and refused to pay retirement benefits

POLSON – Outgoing city manager Todd Crossett has sued the City of Polson for more than $49,000 in damages, bringing both a wage claim and a breach of contract count against local government in a suit filed in Lake County District Court.

Griz show defensive dominance in Ronan

High winds hindered the Griz passing attack, but it’s the team’s stingy defense from the Ronan scrimmage that has the town talking

RONAN – The cold, windy conditions may have silenced the Grizzlies offense, but the weather certainly didn’t affect the players’ intensity, as vicious hits echoed throughout Laverne Parrish Memorial Field in Ronan when the Griz held their second spring scrimmage Saturday.  

Charlo school board candidate forum planned

CHARLO — Candidates running for openings on the Charlo school board will answer questions from community members during a forum on Thursday, April 25, beginning at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

Senior News - April 18

Community Calendar - April 18

Community discussions planned April 23, 30

POLSON — Polson Heart and Soul continues its neighborhood gatherings at the Polson Alliance Church on Monday, April 23, and at Polson’s Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 30, from 6-8:30 p.m. both nights.

Law enforcement and court records - April 18

Among Other Things: "Valuable scholarships"

Each year several valuable scholarships are presented to deserving western Montana high school graduates by the late George and Faye Harris. In the early 1960s I reported on a talk that George Harris gave to the Polson Rotary Club.          

Letters to the editor - April 18

Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County

The club, which has locations in Ronan and Polson, provides a positive place for kids in Lake County.

Boys & Girls Club gives kids a positive place

RONAN — Rain didn’t dampen kids’ spirits as they jovially shot hoops at the Boys & Girls Club in Polson last week.

Murdoch's coming to Polson

According to a press release issued yesterday, a new branch of Murdoch's Ranch and Home Supply will be opening in Polson in spring of next year. The written statement says that "the store will occupy the WalMart building on Highway 93 after they relocate to the new Supercenter."

FJBC candidates share views, goals

The Flathead Joint Board of Control is holding elections for irrigation district commissioners. Mail-in ballots are due to the Lake County Election Office by 8 p.m. on May 7. To learn more about the candidates, the Leader sent out the following questionnaire:

Charlo students revamp classic 'Romeo and Juliet'

CHARLO — In what could be the last school play in the foreseeable future, Charlo high school students staged a non-traditional take on Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” last Thursday.

Richard “Dick” Gill Linse

Richard “Dick” Gill Linse, 87, passed away from natural causes at St. Luke Community Hospital on Friday, April 5 with his caring wife of 57 years, Beverly, at his side. Dick was born on May 5, 1925 in Lewistown, to Fred and Grace Linse. Two years later his only sister Eleanor joined him. Dick spent his early his early years in the small rural community of Eaverson and then Billings before eventually graduating from Ronan High School in 1942. He joined and served in the Merchant Marines providing him with the opportunity to visit and sail to many unique areas of the world. His times in the service were some of his fondest memories. After being discharged, he attended the University of Montana in pursuit of business administration. He later started selling cars for Hanson Motors in Ronan. After twenty years in car sales, Dick went to work with the Lake County Bridge Crew before finally “retiring” to his beloved ranch east of Ronan where he was content in tending to his cattle and working the land. In 1956, Dick married Beverly Mocabee and together they had three sons: Gregory (1957), Robert (1958) and Tom (1963). Throughout the years as foster parents and host family, they welcomed many foreign exchange students, friends, and extended family members into their home. Preceding Dick in death were his parents, sister and infant son, Robert. He is survived by his wife, Beverly; sons Gregory (Cindy) and Tom (Mona) and his dear grandchildren, Tyler and Taylor. He is also survived by his step grandchildren, Bob Fisher and his children Brennon, Kylie, Bryson and Kenslie; Ryan Fisher (Jennifer) and son Tristan; and Brad Fisher (Jennifer) and children Xavier, Espn and Arianna. Graveside services with full Masonic rites will be held at Mountain View Cemetery on Saturday, April 13, at 10 a.m. with a luncheon to follow at North Crow Clubhouse.

Julie Sheffer Berry

Julie Sheffer Berry, formerly of Conrad, passed away Sunday, April 7, at her home in Polson. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at New Life Christian Center, Polson. A reception will follow the service at the church.

Margaret Ann “Mugs” Stelling Pieters

Our beloved mother, grandmother & great grandmother, Margaret Ann “Mugs” Stelling Pieters, joined her parents, Anna & Herman “Rocky” Klingler and her brother Lloyd (Jane) Klingler in heaven on her 85th birthday, March 30. Born in Havre, on March 30, 1928, she attended what was then MSU in Missoula and was a Grizzly cheerleader. She worked as a telephone operator in early years and retired as the Ravalli County Clerk of Court in 1988. She married Charles “Chuck” Stelling in August 1949 and is survived by three children Stephen (Keni) Stelling, Mark (Linda) Stelling and Laurel (Pete) Rowan, six grandchildren Melanie (Oli) Tripp, Stevie (Melissa) Stelling Jr., Brianne Rowan, Lisa Rowan, Jason Bigelow, Jon (Kim) Tripp, Mikaela Beausoleil and nine additional great grandchildren. A life long member of the Episcopal Church and Eastern Star, she married William Pieters in 1989 and enjoyed her home in Hamilton and her backyard ‘Free porch’ built by son Mark. Nothing ever came before her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her love was extended to so many and she was the inspiration and the very best in all of her family. Our lives were changed and enriched by her, as was everyone’s who knew her. She loved to paint and do crafts, which included her ‘bear house’ and always put everyone’s needs before her own. She had a wonderful sense of fun and for years was known for exploding or collapsing birthday cakes filled with water balloons, frosted with shaving cream or topped with firecrackers. She loved holidays, including Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving with her Thanksgiving programs every year. She will be missed by many and will be lovingly remembered by her family forever. Viewing was held Monday, April 1 at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home in Missoula. Funeral services took place in celebration of ‘Mugs’ life at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday April 2. With the burial following at Sunset Memorial Gardens, service officiated by Father Grant.

Will a straighter Skyline Drive and bike/pedestrian path be worth the hassle during construction?

Pirates teams finish in top five

CORVALLIS – The Polson track and field team had a strong showing last Saturday in Corvallis, and leading the way was the powerful Pirate Riley Sampson.  Sampson’s winning distance of 51-8.5 in the shot put placed Polson’s boys team fourth with 55.5 points.

Polson earns win in extras

Trailing 5-1 in the sixth, defending champs rally for win

POLSON – In the Lady Pirates’ quest for a fourth straight softball championship, adversity is one of the many bridges the team must cross.  Another daunting bridge in Polson’s path stands in the form of the defending Northwestern A division champion Frenchtown Broncs.  Thursday night, the Lady Pirates proved they were capable of crossing both, as well as conquering any other barrier that stands in their way.   

Births

Robert A. “Lonnie” Hern

Robert A. “Lonnie” Hern, age 88, passed away Tuesday, March 26, at his home in Polson. Lonnie was born in Polson on April 27, 1924, the first child of D.A. and Louise Hern. Lonnie was named Robert Alonzo after his father David Alonzo. He became “Little Lonnie” and his dad was “Big Lonnie.” The nickname stuck even after he was grown and was over 6 feet tall. Later his son was Timmy Alonzo and now his grandson, Scout Alonzo, carries on the family name. His brother, Leonard, was born a year later followed by a sister, Arlene, nine years later. Lonnie graduated from Polson High School. During his school years he played basketball. Often he walked home to the Mountain View area because he stayed after school for basketball practice. After graduation he farmed with his father and brother, Leonard. The three were among the pioneer potato farmers in the Mission Valley. They grew certified seed potatoes for many years, and Lonnie was known as an excellent farmer. Lonnie built some of his own equipment and was an accomplished welder and machinist. He was meticulous in his care of his equipment and his crops. Lonnie married Ardell Cass Dec. 27, 1960, and celebrated 53 years of marriage this past December. Lonnie and Ardell had three children, Tim Alonzo, Lisa Louise and Becky Jo. The Herns built their dream home in Mountain View with the help of Ardell’s dad, Merritt Cass, and brothers Duane and Elmore Cass. They moved to their new home in October. 1968. Lonnie and Ardell were active in the local Potato Growers Association and continued to farm grow certified seed potatoes, barley and wheat. This was a family affair, and the whole family spent many hours rouging potatoes, changing irrigation pipe and doing other chores on the farm. As the kids got older, they helped with the digging in the fall and sorting in the spring. Ardell and Lonnie also spent many happy times with their kids. They enjoyed the lake, picnics and all the wonders of the area. They also went on successful farm tours to Hawaii and a farm cruise to Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Jamaica. They went fishing in Mexico with Leonard. Lonnie caught a beautiful blue marlin, which hangs on the wall in their home. It gave him a battle, and he said he was ready to cut the line before he managed to get it on board. On Oct. 7, 1976, son, Tim, was killed in a motorcycle accident while he was on his way out to the field to join his dad. This was devastating for the family, and Lonnie decided he no longer wanted to farm. Lonnie spent many hours grooming his yard, growing raspberries and a large garden, caring for the family horse, and walking his dog. On June 5, 1992, daughter Becky was killed in a motorcycle accident on the Polson Hill. Again, the family was devastated, and Lonnie never fully recovered. Lonnie was a hardworking, honest man. He spent his entire life living in the Mountain View area. He loved sitting in his chair surrounded by those he loved, with a view of the Mission Mountains outside his window. He had a great faith in his God, his fellow man and his family. He loved the land and never tired of seeing things grow. In later years, he liked to drive around and look at crops. Lonnie was a man of few words, but was ever grateful for his much-loved daughter, Lisa, and his beloved grandchildren Cheyenne and Scout Pomeroy. He loved his wife and family unconditionally. He is also survived by his brother, Leonard Hern of Toston; sister, Arlene Erickson of Polson; sister-in-law, Elinor Collins of Polson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his children, Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, David and Louise Hern; his in-laws, Merritt and Frances Cass; brothers-in-law, Duane and Elmore Cass, Bill Erickson and George Collins. Services are planned for Saturday, March 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson. Donations can be made to the Good Shepherd Building Fund. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Sylvia Fern Deranleau

Sylvia Fern Deranleau passed away peacefully on March 23 with all of her family by her side. Fern was a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribe. She was born on Jan. 23, 1928, to Bert and Viola Miles in Puyallup, Wash. She was the last child born from that union. At the ripe age of 6, Bert moved the whole family to Montana, where Fern learned very quickly about farm life and became her dad’s right hand after her mother’s death in 1943. Fern also played many roles while working up until her marriage to Jean “Frenchy” Deranleau. Fern and Frenchy were married August 8, 1947. From that union came two sets of twin boys and one girl, all in the span of three years with years of work ahead of them. Fern admitted later on, “She cried about that one.”  As Frenchy and Fern settled into their new roles as parents, she knew the value of hard work and sacrifice, so went her commitment to the task at hand. Her work career began as a cocktail server at The Ranch, but only in the late evenings, as her days were pretty much filled by her children growing. Next, she was hired by the Flathead Courier as front desk receptionist, which turned out to be more the longer her employment went on. She always enjoyed her time spent there. Her next adventure was the Lake County Abstract Company. New job came new mountains to climb. She fit right into the requirements of the job, but at the same time, learning new skills to acquire her last career jump. After about 10 years at the Abstract Company, she made the move over to Mission Valley Power.  Fern’s earlier “Trial by Fire” with the public came full circle in her favor when working in the public eye and all the fantastic people who surrounded her work life. She retired from her work career with no regrets of the path she took and the people she met along the way. Fern was preceded in death by an infant son, Ryan; parents, Viola and Bert Miles; mother and father-in-law, Lottie and Lester Barney Koff; brother and sisters, Ralph Miles, Clara Olson, Stella Luke and Lily; and spouses of her brother and sisters, Dottie, Art and Berlin. Last but not least, her lifeline Frenchy Deranleau, whom she spent 57 years of marriage with. Fern is survived by her 5 children, Vicky (Don) Osbourne of Polson, Dana (Diane) of Polson, Daryl of Brunswick, OH, Rocky (Carrie) of Polson, and Royal (Becky) of Polson; grandchildren, Jean, Krayger, Kelly, Jesse, Sean, Lacey, Brandon, Brittany,and Kacie; five great-grandchildren; and 1 great great-grandchild. Fern has been cremated and set beside her husband, where she can finally rest in peace. No date has been set for the inurnment. The Deranleau family would like to express their heartfelt “thanks” to everyone who has helped and cared for Fern in her time of need. Special thanks to St. Joseph Hospital and staff, along with Hospice Care. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Law enforcement and court records - April 11

Letters to the editor - April 11

Highlights from Helena - April 11

Last Friday was a very frustrating day in Helena. One Senate Democrat, Shannon Augare from Browning, was absent from the senate floor when we started at noon. But he had been in committee that morning.

Project enters home stretch

POLSON — The last portion of a project to make Skyline Drive safer will begin next week.

Maidens face Hamilton ace, lose by one

HAMILTON – Ronan hung tough, but couldn’t string together enough hits to keep pace with Hamilton and their talented and newly acquired pitcher Brie Clifford, as the Maidens fell 3-2.  

Do you think Polson's softball team will win a fourth consecutive state championship this season?

Track season starts with a bang at Ronan invitational meet

Despite rainy weather, numerous athletes stand out in scintillating preview of upcoming year

RONAN – Even a day full of drizzling rain couldn’t slow down the track and field athletes representing 18 schools during the non-scoring track invite in Ronan Thursday.  Three Lake County teams, including Ronan/St. Ignatius, Arlee and Two Eagle River, looked to gain momentum early in the season.  

Mission girls impressive in wins

Mission, Ronan boys split; Lady Bulldogs look dominant

ST. IGNATIUS – A battle of District B boys and girls tennis teams took over the courts last Thursday, as Mission took on Ronan in St. Ignatius.  

MAC bats do damage in win at Deer Lodge

Lady Bulldogs battery of Erickson and Doty too much for Powell County

DEER LODGE – The Lady Bulldogs’ Loren Erickson showed she was a jack-of-all-trades Thursday against Deer Lodge. Not only did Erickson go the distance for the Lady Bulldogs in the circle, pitching seven innings, but Erickson also contributed at the plate, going 3 for 4 at the plant and guided Mission-Arlee-Charlo to the 15-8 victory over the Wardens.  

Polson home burns

POLSON — A house fire Tuesday evening on 6th Street kept firefighters busy long into the night.

Two contested school races

POLSON — As of the filing deadline of March 28, only two Lake County schools have contested elections for the upcoming May 7 election to decide who will sit on their school boards.