Ellington

Mission Valley Velocity take Second Place

Mission Valley Velocity took Second Place in the Frenchtown 2016 Summer Sizzler Softball 14U category. 

Montana Avalance brings home the gold

The Missoula-based Montana Avalanche brought home the gold in the recent 2016 Capital City Classic in the 14 U Division. Team members with local ties include Coach Clint Hardy and Grace Hardy (Charlo), Destiny Manuel (Ronan), Josie Caye (Polson) and Morgan Holmes (Ronan). 

Junior golf camp wraps up

The 2016 Junior Golf Camp in Polson was a resounding success with more than 120 kids participating in this free camp. The camp concluded with barbecue and Pitch, Putt, and Drive competition. Thank you to Mission Valley Junior Golf Association, Mission Valley Elks Lodge, and McDonald’s for supporting the camp. Junior Camp is sponsored by the Polson Elks Lodge and McDonald’s, and is free to all kids entering first through eighth grades in the fall.

Arlee Schools announces scholarship recipients

Arlee Schools announced the following scholarship recipients: 

Summer 3 on 3 basketball kicks off

Mission Valley 3 on 3 Basketball will host a number of tournaments this summer. 

Students transform Charlo through art

Charlo Schools gymnasium is usually full of well-mannered farm girls and boys, but last week, mythical beasts and creatures ran wild throughout its hallways. 

Firework courtesy encouraged

Wetter conditions mean that there will be fireworks in Polson this July 4, after dry conditions last year led to widespread bans. 

Teen asks for help in gathering 10 bikes for scout project

Kieauneau Brown, 13, loves mountain biking and participating in Boy Scout activities and has found a way to meld the two in a away he hopes also will benefit the community. 

Polson adds fire truck to fleet

The City of Polson’s Fire Department recently added a new engine to its fleet. 

St. Ignatius Schools bring home awards

Last week was a big week for St. Ignatius Schools, as the district brought home three awards from various agencies that measure school performance. 

Local artist featured in show

Killdeer Artisans Guild will host the opening reception of its summer show at Hangin Art Gallery in Arlee on Saturday, July 2, from noon until 2 p.m. 

Couple plead not guilty in death of nephew

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

SKC summer hours begin

The Salish Kootenai College Student Health Center is operating on a summer schedule.  

Change coming for Lake County Commission members

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Knapweed can be friend or foe to pollinators

In the June 2016 issue of the Monthly Weed Post, a Montana State University Extension bulletin, author Jane Mangold highlights a research study that examines if invasive plants such as knapweed can be a friend or foe to pollinators. The study set out to determine how pollinator communities are affected by an invasive plant common to Montana and elsewhere, spotted knapweed. Researchers at Montana State University studied how density and growth stage of spotted knapweed affected pollinators.  Another study investigated impacts of spotted knapweed on reproduction of the native forb hairy goldenaster, this species shares many pollinators with spotted knapweed and their flowering periods overlap for six weeks.

Arlen High School honor roll

Honor Roll:  3.3 and above GPA

76th NRA Rodeo in Polson draws big crowd

Picnic raises money for department

Annie Morigeau sat at the front of the picnic arena at Saturday’s annual Mission Volunteer Fire Department’s annual fireman’s picnic.

Spontaneous fire?

A Polson Motorcoach Resort employee casually glanced behind him at about noon Thursday and found smoke coming from the resort's burn pile. Normally, the resort would take care of little problems like the burn pile smoke with its own water truck, but the truck was being filled at the time, the employee said. 

Kids in Pablo host big show for parents

Dressed like space aliens and exploding with cheesy smiles, children lined the front of a room outside the cafeteria for a space shuttle trip Thursday evening, the culmination of a three-week youth theatre camp at Salish Kootenai College.

'It's hard to watch people you care for die'

A 2015 photo that marked the emotional fallout after rodeo enthusiast Aunika Corrigan, 16 of Polson was shot to death compelled thousands of clicks from social media users.

Rodeo teen death yields felony charge in Sanders County

Man faces charge in death of Ronan teen

Sewer rate hike voted in

Customers will see two more bill raises 

Scouts enjoy a day of camp

Lake County District Court

From the bench of Lake County District Court Judge James A. Manley June 22:

Lake County Justice Court

From the bench of Lake County Justice Court Judge Randal Owens:

Life is about choice

Khaleesi Marleya Mae Julius

Khaleesi Marleya Mae Julius was born June 2 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. She weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces.  Mother is Mariah LongTree of Ronan. Maternal grandparents are Lori LongTree and John Patterson of Ronan. Sibling is Xander Rae LongTree of Ronan.

Hendrix Wayne Wooton

Sarah and Ryan Wooton are proud to announce the birth of their son, Hendrix Wayne Wooton, born June 16 in Kauai, Hawaii. Hendrix weighed 8 pounds, 13 ounces. Maternal grandparents are Dave and Connie Bull, great grandparents are Fred and Kathi Bull. Paternal grandparents are Bob and Louisa Wooton.

Jewell Patricia (McBride) Anderson

Jewell Patricia (McBride) Anderson, 98, resident of the Montana Masonic Home, Helena, passed away on June 23.  She was with a number of her family during her final days.  Jewell was born July 22, 1917 in Lambert, Montana.  She was the daughter of Benjamin McBride and Amanda (Stoick) McBride.  The McBrides relocated to Missoula where Jewell began her early education in the elementary schools.  Jewell completed her formal education as a graduate of Missoula County High School in 1936.  Upon graduation she attended Montana State University-Missoula (University of Montana), taking great interest in music, as well as participating in the social aspects of the college.  Pledging Sigma Kappa sorority was a high point. 

Eugene Harry Pritchett

Our Precious Husband, Father, and Grandfather Eugene Harry Pritchett passed away on Oct. 11, 2015 from melanoma cancer. He was at Mother Joseph’s Care Center. His wife Sharron was by his side when he passed.

Richard (Dick) Seibert

Richard (Dick) Seibert, formerly of Polson, passed away December 11, 2015. A Masonic memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on July 1 at the Masonic Lodge in Polson at 1102 4th Ave. E. Refreshments to follow service.

4-H leader 'bleeds green': Club stand out member finishes fabulous academic career

Ronan Mighty Maidens bring home top prize

Ronan Mighty Maidens brought home first place in the Frenchtown 2016 Summer Sizzler Softball Tournament. 

Dutch oven cooking class held in Ronan

Age-old cooking process used to spark new interest at Ronan Harvest Festival contest

Mariners bring home second place at Maybelle Arthur Tournament in Dillon

Mission Valley Mariners A at Glacier Twins A (gm. 2)

Mariners  002 010 0  –    3  11  5

Ronan Senior News

MISSION VALLEY SENIOR CENTER RONAN

2016 Polson Men's League Golf Results

Anderson Broadcasting 8 vs. Big Sky Fitness 8

Teams bring home hardware

By John Heglie

Rodeo comes to Polson this weekend

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Ladies' Invitational Tournament Results

Ladies’ Invitational Tournament Results

Residents fish off of Woods Bay

Man appears in court on murder charge, arraignment delayed

An Idaho man accused of killing his nephew, stuffing the corpse in a shower and living in an Arlee trailer with the body inside for months appeared in court on June 15 in Polson. 

Former Ronan assistant police chief settles lawsuit

A former Ronan assistant police chief has settled a wrongful discharge lawsuit outside of court. 

Power firm asks court to combine shoreline cases

 A former operator of Kerr Dam is set to go to trial in October over whether it is liable for damage to the shoreline caused by water-level fluctuations on Flathead Lake.  

Residents enjoy freedom of fishing on Flathead Lake

By MICHELLE LOVATO

Polson High School

Ronan High School Scholarships 2016

Ronan Middle School Honor Roll

Looking for south county coop tennis program

My name is Kimimi Ashley and I have been the St. Ignatius HS Tennis coach for the past 12 years. 

Response to: “Life After Death is a Theory”

David Johnson wishes to put religious beliefs into the realm of science. He asserts that: “We can expect more detailed revelations (related to life after death) in the decades to come.”

Richard (Dick) Seibert

 Richard (Dick) Seibert, formerly of Polson, passed away December 11, 2015. A Masonic memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on July 1 at the Masonic Lodge in Polson at 1102 4th Ave. E. Refreshments to follow service.

Keith Edwin McKinnon

Keith Edwin McKinnon, age 80 passed away on Friday, June 17 in Kalispell. He was born on October 14, 1935 in Salt Lake City, Utah the son of Francis Edwin and Emma Louise (Merrill) McKinnon.

Ronald D. Knutson

Ronald D. Knutson, age 77, passed away March 4, 2016.

Robert H. Galbraith

Robert H. Galbraith, 87, of Ronan, passed peacefully, with his loving wife, Ruth, by his side on Wednesday, June 15. Bob was born on June 12, 1929 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 

Polson man shows dedication to community

Michael Peterson of Polson celebrated his 20-year anniversary working for Safeway in Polson this year, an accomplishment that is something Peterson is proud to enjoy.

Among other things: Remember that little green snake?

It’s strange how a previously published column will pop up in coffee shop conversation. Some of the folks hadn’t read it, others couldn’t remember the convoluted details, so here’s the tale of the little green snake – repeated by request:

Casting for a good time

Reality TV star tries casting at Ronan fishing event

One by one, men, women and children wandered past Ronan Sports and Western Wear, curious to learn about the three plastic pools in their parking lot, the covered tent near U.S. 93 and a bright colorful poster advertising the first-ever Ronan Sports and Western Wear Flip, Pitch and Cast Contest.

Enthusiasts enjoy poker run

Search and Rescue cleans up near Buffalo Bridge Recreation Area

Search and Rescue team members, volunteers and community members spent a beautiful weekend day Saturday participating in the Lake County Search and Rescue ATV Poker Run.

Beloved teacher says goodbye to Ronan High

For Ronan High School teacher and coach Al Onsager, 35 years of teaching was not enough.

Community Calendar

Color run draws fun lovers

Color run highlights rainbow of RHS fun

Re-entry program tries to help break vicious circle of recidivism

One of the aspects that set humans apart from many species is our ability to understand and thrive in a community setting.

To Norway and beyond

Working group forms for review of bill draft

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on Friday released a draft bill to transfer management of the National Bison Reserve near Moiese from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to the tribes.

Lois Andrea (Jensen) Monatukwa

Lois Andrea (Jensen) Monatukwa passed away on May 31.  Lois was born March 2, 1949 to Marvin and Ellen Jensen.  She was the seventh of nine children. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Earl and her husband Shawndein, with whom she had six children: Kitiwa, Chris, Craig, Karin, Cori and Kellie.  Before her death at age 67, she was privileged to welcome 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild to the world.

Marilyn Coffee

The family of Marilyn Coffee cordially invites you to join in celebrating her life on July 16.  The service will begin at 11 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church, 301 4th Ave E., Polson.  We request you bring your thoughts, prayers, and fondest memories of Marilyn. Reception to follow.

William R. Largent

William R. Largent, of Moiese, age 87 passed away on January 22, 2016. A memorial will be held on July 2 at the Bison Range at noon, lunch to follow.

SKC graduates class of 2016

Ronan bar fire destroys building

Ronan firefighters jumped out of bed at about 3:40 a.m. this morning to respond to the call of smoke coming from the Pheasant Lounge in Ronan, Mark Clary, Ronan Fire Chief said.

Jacqueline E. Mollica

Jacqueline Mollica, 91, of Arlee, died peacefully on June 3.    She is survived by her daughter Donna and her son Paul.  Preceded in death by husband Donald, her son Joseph, sister Rita Ali and brother Frank Lanza.

Leader delivery held up in south county

Subcontractor rolled his delivery truck

Commissioners consider second sewer rate hike

Avari Jane Moore

Lucas Moore is proud to announce the birth of sister, Avari Jane Moore. She was born May 23, 2016 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. Avari was 20 inches and weighed 7 pounds, nine ounces.

Shawn David OConnor

Shawn David OConnor was born May 25, 2016 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. He was 20 and ½ inches and weighed 6 pounds, 12 ounces.

Lake County Marriages

Lake County Divorces

Community Notes

Lake County Justice Court

Lake County District Court

Quilters from around Lake County flock to master quilter class

Just like the art she creates, Ayleen Bain, 90, of St. Ignatius, is a masterpiece.

Quilters share community of friendship

Ronan bar fire destroys building

Ronan firefighters jumped out of bed at about 3:40 a.m. this morning to respond to the call of smoke coming from the Pheasant Lounge in Ronan, Mark Clary, Ronan Fire Chief said.

Family may have lived with body in camper three months

After allegedly living with the decomposing body of their nephew in an Arlee camper for nearly three months, an Idaho couple are facing murder charges.

Accident stalls delivery of Leader in south part of county

Copies of Thursday’s Lake County County Leader were not delivered to racks south of Connie’s Countryside Cafe at the intersection of U.S. 93 and Montana 212 due to an automobile accident. Newspapers will be placed in racks as soon as they are available.

Ronan High School celebrates 100th graduation

Polson High School celebrates graduation

First-ever health fair held at SKC

'We are here for you,' says Tribal Council Chairman Vern Finley

CSK Tribal Councilman Len Twoteeth started the proverbial ball rolling for the first-ever CSKT Tribal Health Fair held at Joe McDonald Gymnasium on the Salish Kootenai College campus on June 3. 

Gianforte, Robinson visit Polson

Community Calendar for June 9

Everly Dene Garcia

Everly Dene Garcia was born May 16, 2016 at the Nesting Place at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. She was 19 and ¼ inches and weighed 5 pounds, 15 ounces.

Vivian Monique Bullchild

Raiden and Brooklyn announce the birth of sister, Vivian Monique Bullchild. She was born May 17, 2016 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson.

Jake Wallis

Jake Wallis (AKA David Antony Wallis) died from brain cancer on May 22, 2016. He was 70 years old. 

Lois B. Gregg (nee Darlington)

Shaker Heights, OH – Formerly of Ronan, age 86, passed away on Tuesday, May, 31. She is preceded in death by her husband, P. Keith Gregg.  Beloved mother of Sharon Gregg (Detroit, Michigan), Gail Gregg (Shaker Heights, Ohio) and Jim Gregg (Joan) (Cut Bank, Montana).  Cherished grandmother of Cammie, Ally, Keithan, Gabi, Leah and Laura.  She will be missed by her family, including her cousins, nieces, nephews & lifelong friends.  A celebration of her life will be held later this summer at her home on Flathead Lake. 

Nancy Louise Peterson

Nancy passed away on May 27. She is survived by her husband, Gary L. Peterson of Polson; her sister, Marty and husband Bob Bartlett of Gilbert, Arizona; brother, Bill and spouse Lucia of Scottsdale, Arizona, and son Danny Wilson of Phoenix, Arizona. She leaves behind five grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. There will be graveside services in Scottsdale. Interment will be at Green Acres cemetery in Scottsdale. Date to be determined at a later time.

Herbert L. Bick

Herbert L. Bick passed away on May 25 at Kalispell Regional Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Herb was born July 23, 1933 in Creston, Montana. He spent four years in the Army. He then returned home to the ranch and went to work for Plum Creek Lumber Company for 30 years. In 1997 he met Wilma J. Gainan in Nirada, Montana. They were married on August 28, 1997 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They were happily married for 18 years. Herb was a wonderful Grandpa to Wilma’s 12 grandchildren. When the 15 great-grandchildren came along, Herb took them fishing, to auctions, and swimming. He helped them build a unicycle, lemonade stands, fishing pole holders and many other things. He was a kind, generous person. He has a sister, Clara Miller, in Round Butte, Montana; a brother, Bill (Joanie) Bick in St. Ignatius, and a brother Roy Bick in Ely, Nevada. Herb is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Evelyn Bick, brothers Ralph, Charles, Art, and Robert Bick. A remembrance was held for Herb at the cemetery in Ronan on June 6.

Liberty Agnes Dupuis Bowe

Liberty Dupuis (Bertie) Bower, age 96, passed away in Arizona on May 22. Bertie, as she was so well known, was born to Edwin and Clara Dupuis, January 2, 1920 at the family ranch in Pablo. She was the sister of Lester and Lyle Dupuis. Bertie grew up in Pablo, attended school in Ronan and was a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation.

Millie Louise Yackey Mielke

Millie Louise Yackey Mielke, 91, of Missoula died peacefully in her bed at Beehive Homes surrounded by her family. 

St. Ignatius City Court

Lake County Justice Court

Lake County District Court

Wine making conference to be held in Missoula

From pests to pruning and fertilizers to fermentation, there will be something for anyone interested in growing grapes and making wine at the second annual Montana Grape and Winery Association.

Tester announces $115,000 grant to fund CSKT's Transportation Safety Project

As part of his ongoing effort to increase safety and bolster infrastructure in Indian Country, Sen. Jon Tester announced that the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) will receive $115,000 in funding from the Federal Highway Administration to replace the North Valley Creek Bridge — a main route between a rural timber-rich part of the reservation and U.S. 93.

Flathead Lake hits summer level a week early

It’s a local sign of summer: Flathead Lake has effectively reached its full summer level a week early, following a month marked by swollen streams and faster-than-average snowmelt.

U18/19 Polson FC Girls team opens eyes at tourney

Polson U14 travels to Kalispell for Three Blind Refs soccer tournament

ASA softball players have SMASHing good time

Drums, Voices at Cherry Valley Elementary

Ronan flea market benefits Garden of Rockies Museum

Vendors lined the inside of the small gym in the building next to the Garden of the Rockies Museum in Ronan on Saturday morning, looking to sell goods of all kinds. 

Body found in Arlee

Man dies after remote Lake County logging accident

Athletes of the week

Kaelyn Smith

Three Polson athletes earn All-State honors

Polson, Ronan finish seasons at state

Charlo boys take third at state track meet

Second annual rock skipping event holds special meaning

It was a special day, made more intense by the presence of Ken Avison, home and recovering from a recent double-cancer treatment, to celebrate the dawn of summer and the value of family and friends.

Local officers involved in seach for men arrested in Missoula

Polson sewer rates may rise again

Public hearing set for June 6

Lake County District Court

Rival clinics set up next door to each other

Antoine Bigknife Miller-Reid

Antoine Bigknife Miller-Reid was born May 21, 2016 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. He weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces.

Jackson Scott Mays

Jackson Scott Mays was born May 23, 2016 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. He was 20 inches and weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces.

Lillian Sandra Black

Lillian Sandra Black was born May 13, 2016 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

Christopher Paul Bigcrane Flagen

Herbert L. Bick

Betty Lou (McCollum) Beebe

Betty, peacefully, passed away May 18 at her home of 58 years.

Michael T McCuin

Caren Susan Herring

1960 - 2016 – Caren was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Patricia and Robert Delonga on April 4, 1960. She moved to Granada Hills, California when she was 4. She graduated from Granada Hills High with honors. Caren received training as a legal secretary from Pierce College. She worked in the law firm of Byers and Lyden and later became a judicial secretary for Ventura District Court. Caren was on the Dean’s list at Mission College where she received a paralegal studies certificate and was an on-line tutor. She moved to Montana to be with her husband in 2004 and started working for Chuck Wall in Justice Court and later as a paralegal in the Manly law firm. Caren was very creative and turned her hobby into a business. She started Caren about U Creations. She made jewelry from Swarovski crystal and soap on a rope. Her jewelry creations included an angel section, prayer and rosary bracelets, anklets, necklaces and much more. She was a regular at the farmers markets, craft shows and on the internet. Caren really enjoyed the other vendors and meeting the people who came to her booth. Caren loved music and one time had owned a recording stud io for musicians. She loved working at the renaissance fairs and going to rock concerts. The concerts she saw ranged from Led Zeppelin to BB King. Caren had just taken up the fiddle and really loved learning how to play. Caren is survived by her husband Clay, a son Alan, her mother Patricia, siblings Brad and Linda and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her Father. Caren attended a celebration of her life party at the Polson Alliance Church with her beloved friends in Montana a week before her death and there will be an interment service at the Cemetery in California. 

Bonnie Kay Cook

On Saturday, April 16, at the home of her daughter’s in Anacortes, Washington, our sweet Mom, Bonnie Kay Cook, age 76 went to Heaven, to be with her Love, Jerry.

Sen. Tester introduces water compact legislation

Carey Swanberg retires after 37 years