Ellington

Safety first

Fairchild's firework dos and don'ts

POLSON — John Fairchild hates the beginning of July and he has a good reason why.

School's out

Book on history of Lake County schools is released by historical society

POLSON - After 15 years of diligently compiling information from countless contributors, Joyce Wegner and a dedicated team of volunteers can finally enjoy the fruit of their labor, upon the recent publication and release of Lake County School History, Volume II.

Charlo high school student honored as hero after summer boat rescue

BROWN’S LAKE — What started out as a sunny day spent fishing turned into a nightmare for Nick Sinnott when a thunderstorm rolled in at Brown’s Lake last summer.

Alcohol ordinance effective July 17

POLSON – A new alcohol ordinance for Polson’s city parks passed its second reading at last week’s City Council meeting and is set to become official on July 17.

U14 girls capture state title

GREAT FALLS — The only way for the Polson FC U14 girls soccer team to top off their impressive spring soccer season was to win the Montana Youth Soccer Association (MYSA) State Cup in Great Falls June 14-16, and they did just that in exciting fashion.

Still sizzlin'

Mariners stay hot as they approach hometown Firecracker Tournament

POLSON - With one of the season’s marquee events looming in the on-deck circle, the Mission Valley Mariners are charging into next week’s Firecracker Tournament at full bore, after another week of strong play. Still riding high off of tournament championships won in Helena and Dillon the last two weekends, the Mariners went for the trifecta at the Big Bucks Tournament in Libby, held from June 20-23. The third time did not prove to be the charm for the Mariners, as the squad suffered a 13-7 setback to the Moscow Blue Devils on the tournament’s second-to-last day of play. The loss was not enough to douse the team’s recent hot streak, however, as they responded with two more wins to finish the week 4-1. Below is a game-by-game recap of the team’s action over that stretch.

Polson trio excels at CdA Ironman

Bronsdon wins division, qualifies for World Championship in Hawaii

COEUR d’ALENE, Idaho – On Sunday, three local residents conquered the Coeur d’Alene Ironman, a grueling triathlon encompassing a 2.4-mile swim followed by a 112-mile bike ride and culminating with a 26.2-mile marathon.

Mission Mountain Studio: “Beads, crafting, and more!”

POLSON - Specializing in jewelry crafting supplies, fashion accessories, beads, and more, Mission Mountain Studio has been doing strong business at the intersection of Highway 93 and Polson’s Main Street for over 30 years, cultivating an image of community, service and friendship in the process.

St. Ignatius Firemen's Picnic - 2013

Every fourth Saturday in June, the St. Ignatius Volunteer Fire Department gathers the community to raise funds for new equipment.

Volunteers raise nearly $30,000 for department

ST. IGNATIUS — Fire trucks, water slides, carnival games, and a barbecue dinner were just a few of the attractions in St. Ignatius last Saturday.

Finley pleads not guilty

Suspect in Amber Alert incident facing kidnapping charge

HOT SPRINGS – In Lake County District Court last Wednesday, Jamie Finley, a Hot Springs resident, pleaded not guilty to a felony charge of kidnapping that occurred in Polson last month.

NAPA Auto Parts in Polson and Ronan: Dedicated to service

POLSON - The NAPA Auto Parts  stores in Polson and Ronan have been dutifully serving the local community since 1959, and has been family-owned and operated since 1982. The continuity in ownership with local ties helps to keep money right here in the community and also fosters a great sense of hometown pride.

Draft plan for lake trout netting unveiled

Proposed CSKT strategy for lake trout removal likely to spark controversy; open to public comment until Aug. 5

FLATHEAD LAKE — The Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs have rolled out a draft environmental impact statement with proposals for netting lake trout on Flathead Lake.

Law enforcement and court records - June 27

Community Calendar - June 27

Letters to the editor - June 27

Among other things: Polson's first election raised eyebrows

Political campaigns and elections today can be questionable and controversial, but Polson’s first election in 1910 had some questionable moments, too. At least, according to an account by the late Emil R. Swart, who was the Flathead Courier’s chief printer from 1910 to 1950.

Walter Eugene Currie

Walter Eugene Currie, 69, passed away on June 16 due to complications from hemochromatosis. He was surrounded by his family in Great Falls.  A celebration of life service is planned for Saturday, August 3, at 2 p.m. in the old gym at Great Falls High School.  A reception will follow at the Flamingo Lounge. Walt was born October 20, 1943 in Missoula to Jack and Alice (Mueller) Currie.  Growing up in St. Ignatius he attended grade school and graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1961.  While in high school, he met and fell in love with Trudy Stevens and they married May 16, 1964 in St. Ignatius.  During their 49-year marriage they were blessed with two children, Jeff and Tracy. Walt graduated from the University of Montana with degrees in education and history.  The Currie family moved to Hermiston, OR for Walt’s first teaching and coaching job in 1969.  In 1977, Walt and family moved to Havre where he taught history at Havre High and was an assistant coach for football and wrestling.  In 1978, he became the head coach in both sports and was at the helm of the Blue Ponies until 1987.  Walt and Trudy returned to Hermiston in 1987 where he was the head football coach and later the head wrestling coach.  After four years, Walt and Trudy missed Montana and moved to Great Falls where he taught and was the head wrestling coach and a freshman football coach at Great Falls High. When MSU-Northern decided to develop a new football program, he decided to tackle this challenge and became the head coach. This also gave him the opportunity to coach with his son, Jeff, which was something he had always wanted to do.  In 2003, Walt retired from teaching and coaching.  He and Trudy moved to Great Falls to enjoy retirement. Not long after he retired, he was back on the field calling plays for the Fort Benton Longhorns. During his entire coaching career, he received many accolades and awards; however, the greatest reward he received was the respect from his peers, friends, players and students. His positive attitude and infectious laughter were always present in the classroom and on the playing field. Also during his life he worked summers for the Forest Service.  He started his forest service career working for the Lolo Fire District.  Always up for a challenge, he became a Missoula smokejumper in 1975. As a smokejumper, he fought fires throughout the West and loved every minute of it.  He even survived a plane crash in Alaska.  Walt transferred to the Grangeville Air Center (GAC) in 1987.  Walt “Big Bull” Currie jumped out of GAC until 2004 where he made his 260th fire jump on the Jacob Fire in the Salmon River breaks at the age of 61. He retired from the forest service in 2004 but worked after retirement during the summers at GAC. He loved his smokejumper brethren and he made many lifelong friends. Walt lived his life to the fullest and had no regrets. He loved every minute of it.  His sense of humor, laughter and smile will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife Trudy; son Jeff (Stacie) Currie of Havre; daughter Tracy (Kevin) Webster of Sunnyside, Wash.; grandchildren Ryan (Dorothy) Webster of Mesa, Ariz., Jon Currie of Havre, Taylor, Megan, and Ivan Cline of Havre; great-grandson Micah of Mesa, Ariz.; sisters Margaret (Mike) Corcoran of Sun City West, Ariz. and Mary Alice (Bruce) Thomas of Polson; sister-in-law Vicki Moran of Great Falls; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by: his father and mother, his brother Bud Currie, and in-laws Clyde and Betty Stevens.

Brianne Elise (Paro-Sias) Pacheco

On June 7, Brianne Elise (Paro-Sias) Pacheco passed into the eternal presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, after a courageous battle with leukemia with her little sister by her side.  Bri was born on December 27, 1979 to Thomas Paro and Tamara Deglow in Polson. Bri went to school in Polson from Kindergarten through her Senior year in high school.  She kept in touch with many of her childhood friends and their families.  Most people remember her bubbly, fun personality and her beautiful blonde curls who was a social butterfly and participated in all school sports. On May 4, 2001 she married the love of her life, Ted Pacheco.  Together they had three beautiful daughters whom she adored.  She was a stay-at-home mother whose goal was to be the best mother and wife, and she was. Brianne sang before she could talk and when she was four years old she would go to the nursing home in Polson and sing to the residents there.  She was in choir in school and enjoyed being part of the worship team in church, both singing and playing guitar. She is preceded in death by her beloved “Papo,” Bert Deglow.  She is survived by: her husband, Ted, Cheyenne, Wyo.; three daughters, Kambrya - 11, Siena - 7 and Anzley - 2, Cheyenne, Wyo.; mother, Tamara Deglow, Denver, Colo.; father, Thomas Paro, Ronan; step-father, Corky Sias, Polson; grandmother, Gloria Deglow, Boise, Idaho; sister, Brooke Paro, Long Beach, Calif.; brother, Spencer Sias, Polson; brother, Bill Paro, Long Beach, Calif.; brother, Bob Paro, Hot Springs; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. We will always miss her, we know that she is no longer in pain and she is with the Lord in Glory.  We welcome the day when we can all be together with her and our Heavenly Father.  Until then, we will remind her little girls what a wonderful person their mommy was and keep her alive in their hearts. The “Brianne Pacheco Montana 5K Memorial Run” will be held on Saturday, July 6, at 9 a.m. at the Polson High School.  Her family will be participating and all proceeds go to them to cover medical and funeral expenses.  For questions contact Casey Emerson, Kryss Winebrenner or Abbi Dooley at (406) 249-3892.  If you’d like to leave a message to the family you can go to www.brisnewlifejourney.blogspot.com.  Donations are also accepted at the site.

Sherry (Barber) Saddler

Sherry (Barber) Saddler passed away on June 21. She is survived by: her loving husband, Joseph Saddler; eight children, Kathy Olsen, Roxy Guenzler, Patti Hibbeler, Traci Dalton, Shawn Saddler, Shane Saddler, Jeremy Saddler, and Tosawi Saddler. Funeral services were held Monday.  Interment will be in the Jocko Cemetery.

Elmer Jacob Kraft

Elmer Jacob Kraft, 73, passed away on Sunday, June 23, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He is survived by his wife Beverly Kraft and his children: Sheryl Rickard, Greg Kraft, and Jeff Kraft. Funeral services for Elmer will be held on Thursday, June 27, at 1:30 p.m. in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Viewing was held Wednesday, June 26, from noon to 7 p.m., also at the funeral home. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Elmer’s family.

Births

Worth the wait

Book Nooks popping up around Polson

POLSON – We’ve all had to endure our share of long waits at the doctor’s office or auto garage. Though typically tedious ordeals that can test one’s patience, recent efforts of the North Lake County Public Library and the Greater Polson Community Foundation are making idle time at such locations more bearable — and even enjoyable — at several places around town, through the proliferation of “Book Nooks.”

Makin' a killin' in Dillon

Behind Jeremiah Crawford, Mariners storm to championship in Maybelle Arthur Tournament

DILLON – Though they were tripped up early on in last weekend’s Maybelle Arthur Tournament in Dillon, Jeremiah Crawford and the Mission Valley Mariners decided that one loss was enough, and proceeded to surge to a tournament championship.

Do you feel confident enough in your knowledge of noxious and invasive weeds to identify different weed species?

Lacrosse program growing up

Three years into its history, founder and key seniors leaving 10Sticks in better shape than they found it

Alex Alviar, program director and founder of 10Sticks Lacrosse, began the team with a single thought.

$4 million grant given to support housing authority

Over $4 million in federal grants awarded last week to the Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority will help provide services to over 500 families on the Flathead Reservation.

Thomas J. Peterson

Thomas J. Peterson, 45, passed away from colon cancer on June 13. A celebration of life is pending with Foster Funeral Home & Crematory of St. Ignatius.

Loretta Mae Palmer Brower Emmingham

OREM, UTAH — In the early morning hours of June 15, 2013, an angel spread her wings and returned to heaven. Loretta Mae Palmer Brower Emmingham, (aka Retta Mae), mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, best friend, sister, aunt and cousin, 71, of Orem, Utah, passed away on June 15, with family by her side after enduring numerous health problems for several years. Retta Mae was born on Feb. 6, 1942, in Greenwood, S.D. to Aaron Monroe and Mary Anna Simms Palmer. She moved at the age of four from South Dakota to Ronan and lived there most of her younger years. She graduated from Ronan High School. She married William (Bill) Brower on Oct. 4, 1962, in Polson. He passed away on Oct. 25, 1984. She later met Michael Emmingham and they were married June 15, 1985, in American Fork, Utah. Mike passed away on Dec. 4, 1985. She is survived by: her siblings Helen (Frank) Cole, Betty (Frank-deceased) Kuntz, Jeanette (Hank-deceased) Kuntz, Barbara (Bob) Burrell, all of

Community Calendar - June 20

Leader honored at MNAs

Receives eight awards including "Best Sports Pages"

MISSOULA — The Lake County Leader took in eight awards in the Montana Newspaper Association’s 2012 Better Newspaper Contest, including first place for “Best Sports Pages.”

FJBC set to dissolve

Two of three districts vote to leave irrigation board

ST. IGNATIUS — Last week it was announced that the Jocko Valley and Mission irrigation districts intend to split from the Flathead Joint Board of Control in September, effectively dissolving the regulatory board for area irrigators.

Local man to attend West Point Academy

Specialist Zachary J. Hout, formerly of Pablo, has been selected for July 2013 admission to the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Young Eagles Fly-In - June 8

EAA Chapter 1122's volunteer pilots took local kids for rides in the sky.

Flathead fury

Rookie reporter Jessica Stugelmayer tames the rapids

Fresh out of college, and ready to conquer the journalism world, I immediately agreed when Leader editor Bryce Gray offered me the last seat in the boat.  I wasn’t scared, mostly.

Going the Distance

Local adventurer Bree Fuqua attempts to tackle the Pacific Crest Trail in a cross-country race against time

Bree Fuqua grew up in Polson, attended college in Oregon, and now teaches math at Glacier High School in Kalispell.

Local riders shine at Hot Springs rodeo

HOT SPRINGS — Several hundred people flocked to the rodeo arena just outside of Hot Springs on Saturday and Sunday for the annual rodeo competition during the 64th annual Homesteader Days celebration.

Time to shine

Even though the seats weren’t completely filled, the St. Ignatius High School gym was bursting at the seams with excitement Saturday afternoon as 25 seniors said goodbye to a community they have grown to love.

Polson in top 10 percent in nation

POLSON — U.S. News & World Report recently ranked Polson High School in the top 10 percent of the nation’s best-performing high schools.

Nasewytewa admits to two offenses

POLSON — Ten-year-old Isaiah Nasewytewa admitted to two counts of misdemeanor disorderly conduct Thursday in front of District Court Judge Deborah Kim Christopher.

Law enforcement and court records - June 13

Community Calendar - June 13

Births

George Udell Sharp

One of the world's most loving men passed away on Thursday, May 30. Surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, George Udell Sharp, 94, found his wings and soared. No longer tethered by the pains and cares of this world, he left behind: his wife of 67 years, Roberta; his children Crystal Burnette, Alyce Reuter, Udell (Shelley) Sharp, Barbara (Larry) Dana, William (Eva) Sharp, Paul Sharp and Rene Van Meter.  He was preceded in death by eldest daughter, Martha. George was also survived by 23 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. On April 29, 1919, he was born in Richland County, Wis. to William Sharp & Barbara Leffler Sharp.  George enlisted in the US Army on August 7, 1941, and was aboard the Empire Javelin when it was sunk in the English Channel.  He served for the duration of WWII, and returned to marry his sweetheart.  Until he moved to Montana in 1965, he was a dairy farmer.  After he quit farming, he worked at the Bouman Post Yard (Lincoln, MT) for many years before moving to Charlo where he worked as the night foreman for the Western Bee factory (Polson, MT).  Upon retirement, he and his wife spent many years "snow-birding" in Arizona, South Carolina and California.  Before finally settling in Helena, he was an avid traveler of the United States visiting 48 of the 50 states. He was known by many and loved by all.  While working at Western Bee, he hired his youngest son, Paul, who continues to say that Dad was the best boss he's ever had.  He continually stood up for the underdog, and was always willing to help or counsel in some way. Paul tries to emulate Dad's style in his own managerial career, as we all attempt to live by the high standards he set.  It is rare to find a man so kind, open hearted, and honest who was always ready with a quirky joke, supportive words and a big hug. Even the most solid rock eventually gets worn down by the ravages of time.  He was our rock; always there, steadfast, unwavering in his support. We'll miss the twinkle in his eyes and his irrepressible mischievous grin.  Love is his legacy. A memorial service celebrating George’s life was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at the Helena Valley Baptist Church, 1315 Sierra Road East. Military honors followed the memorial service in the circle at Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison; George’s grandson, Joseph Fitzgerald, was a part of the military honor guard. Please visit

Janet Arlene Davis Kaschke

Janet Arlene Davis Kaschke, 78, passed away May 29, at Kalispell Regional Medical Hospital. Janet was born in Martinsdale, Mont. on January 26, 1935 to Elmer and Althea Davis.  She graduated from Harlowtown High School in 1953, then attended college in Bozeman where she graduated with a nursing degree from Deaconess School of Nursing; a Division of Montana State College in September of 1956.  Her first job as a nurse she was working for the Civil Service, Department of Public Health, in Browning, Montana. On March 22, 1957 she married Bill Young.  (1957 -1966) They had two children, Wayne Howard and Melanie Rae.  On August 16, 1968, she married Marvin R. Kaschke and they had one daughter, Petrina Renee’.  They resided at the National Bison Range from 1966-1977, and in Lakeview, Oregon from 1977-1988.  In 1988, she and her husband Marv, retired to Polson where they ran Kaschke Tree Farm and spent the last 45 years together.  Janet was an avid gardener, bowler, and cook.  She also loved crossword puzzles and T.V.  game shows.  Throughout the years, she was very active in the Lions and Elks clubs.  She was a good seamstress and craft person, often giving Christmas ornaments to the tree customers during the Christmas season. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bill, by her parents Elmer and Althea Davis, her brother, Elmer Eugene Davis, and grandson Zachary .  Survivors include: her husband, Marvin R. Kaschke; sisters, Sharon Merrifield (husband Eldon)  Jo Ann Good (husband Doug); son, Wayne Kaschke (wife Debbie); daughters, Melanie McCadden (husband Kevin) and Petrina White (husband Dean); grandchildren Aaron, Amanda and Zoe Kaschke, Alexandra and Will McCadden, and Brady and Adam White. A service was held June 3 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with burial in Lake View Cemetery. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at

Charles Robert (Chas) Cantlon

Charles Robert (Chas) Cantlon, 67, formerly of Ronan, passed away in his sleep on May 29, at his home in Worley, Idaho.  Chas was the Executive Director of the Lake County Youth Home and presented Big Productions concerts in the Valley for the past 25 years.  He was born in Indianapolis, lived in western Montana for 40 years, and recently moved to Worley.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lorraine Cantlon, and his sister Libby Thomas.  He is survived by: his wife, Marguerite (Margie); his sons Nathan (Dana Wittinger) and Zac (Whitney Goss); stepdaughters Aimee (Andres Langarica) Bachmann and Nora (Dennis) Cohoe; grandchildren Isaac and Toby Cantlon, Kai Barnum, Cruz and Kevin Langarica, Dylan and Kate Cohoe; sisters Rosie Saylor, Lorie (Myron) Gordon and Barbara (Steve) Coyle; and brother Bob (Paula) Cantlon, plus numerous nieces and nephews and the entire Sun Meadow community.  Chas was previously married to Cynthie Preston.  A celebration of Chas’ life is being planned for later this summer.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Lake County Youth Home.

Polson 12U girls play in Garden City Walkoff

Jessica Stugelmayer

Bittersweet farewell

Jessica Stugelmayer

Child hit by car in Polson

POLSON — A woman driving northbound on Highway 93 struck a child on a bicycle in Polson Saturday afternoon.

High-speed chase ends in arrest

ST. IGNATIUS — Lake County was home to the conclusion of a high-velocity car chase that began in Missoula County last week, in which speeds climbed above 110 mph.

Betty Ann Marottek Knudsen Borden

Betty Ann Marottek Knudsen Borden was born October 1, 1927 to Frank & Edna Marottek.  Mom grew up riding her horse in the badlands of Eastern Montana.  She went to school in Poplar, college in Havre & taught school for a short period of time. She married Cliff Knudsen in 1947. They lived in Poplar, Columbia Falls, & Charlo, where they owned a dairy farm. During this time, Betty & Cliff raised 5 children.  They spent many evenings playing cards & visiting with their many friends & family.  In 1980, Betty married Richard ‘Dick’ Borden. They were very busy camping, fishing, picking huckleberries and enjoying their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rendezvousing with the past

A rugged group of individuals with a thirst for adventure and fortune made their way west after the Lewis and Clark Expedition – after some time in the wilderness they would rendezvous in places like St. Louis to trade fur and goods as well as engage in friendly competition. Stories of daring and close escapes from Indians were swapped around a campfire by people like John Colter, who ran hundreds of miles in nothing but his Birthday suit to get safely back to civilization.