Ellington

Pablo to get AIS inspection station

On March 2, 2016, two of the Flathead Region’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) inspection stations – Browning and Clearwater Junction – opened for business. “Unfortunately, the Highway 93 watercraft inspection station at Pablo did not originally come together as planned,” said Caryn Miske, Executive Director of the Flathead Basin Commission. “No pun intended, but this left a hole in our perimeter defense big enough to drive a truck through,” said Miske. Fortunately, the last piece in the Basin’s AIS perimeter defense plan has come together. With financial support from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation and the Flathead National Forest, funding has been provided to open the Station on March 30. The Station location has been shifted from Ravalli to Pablo to increase programmatic effectiveness and efficiency. “The beauty of operating the station at Pablo is that we can inspect boats heading both north and south on Highway 93,” said Tom Smith, Chair of the Flathead Basin Commission. Station inspectors will be looking for a variety of invasive species that could harm both the local economy and the aquatic environment, including illegally transported bait and fish, as well as invasive zebra and quagga mussels. 

Jareckis make aviation work and play

Chuck Jarecki got his pilot’s license in 1960 and married his life mate and co-pilot of 46 years, Penny Jarecki in 1970.

Mission Valley athletes shine in All-Star game

At the Joe McDonald gymnasium on the Salish Kootenai College campus in Pablo last Tuesday, selective players from area basketball teams gathered to play one last game to commemorate the close out the winter basketball season. All-stars from teams within Lake County and beyond divided into two evenly matched squads to showcase some of what the best can do when pitted against the best.

Spring weather woes

Have you ever noticed that on the first day of track practice, it always snows?

Ronan golf team continues to grow

The Ronan golf team has 24 kids out this year, and continues to grow in size. This year, head coach Matt Olson will be joined by Ronan graduate Paige DeLaurenti as an assistant coach.

Mission/Arlee/Charlo Bulldogs return talent from 2015 team

After a third place finish in the Class BC state tournament last year, the MAC softball team is looking to continue their success on the ball diamond. This year, the Bulldogs will have some new competition in Class A drop-downs Anaconda and Libby, both of whom competed in the Class A state tournament last year. MAC will also be up against a familiar foe in Ronan, who beat them in the state tournament last year to move on to the championship game.

Polson graduate appointed to Merchant Marine Academy

Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines announced last week that a recent graduate of Polson High School was accepted to the prestigious U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Montana Law Enforcement Academy graduates 58 new officers; Couture receives defensive tactics award

At a ceremony last week, the Montana Law Enforcement Academy (MLEA) graduated 58 new officers who will serve 30 different agencies across the state. The MLEA is operated by the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ), providing basic and advanced training for state, county, city and tribal law enforcement officers throughout the state.

Local Little Guy Wrestlers take top honors

Local wrestlers competed very well at the Western Montana Little Guy Championships this past weekend in Missoula. For Polson, four wrestlers brought home gold medals.

Schacher sets three more weightlifting world records

Skip Schacher is back at it. The soon to be 76-year-old Ronan resident competed in Missoula at the Big Sky Classic bench press and dead lift championships on March 19 and set three new world records. He said that 66 lifters of different age and weight groups competed.

Former Ronan wrestling coach takes job at Eastern Oregon

A former Ronan teacher and wrestling coach recently took the reigns as the head wrestling coach at Eastern Oregon University.

Plains man wanted in connection to Oregon standoff; Sheriff seeks 'peaceful' resolution

Local and federal authorities are in negotiations for the safe arrest of Jake Ryan, according to the sheriff of Sanders County.

Senior volunteers get recognition

Seniors from around Lake County gathered at the VFW Post 2986 on Main Street in Polson to be recognized by RSVP for their contributions to their communities Monday afternoon during the organization’s annual luncheon.

Cherry growers get juice plant in Yellow Bay

A new cherry juice plant should make a splash this summer in the growers community along Flathead Lake.

Revisiting the resort tax: City hopeful, public divided

The city of Polson is re-examining the option to install a local resort tax as an effort to rebuild streets in town. 

North Ronan roadway project planned for 2018

The Montana Department of Transportation is currently in the design stages of a highway project that will change the course of traffic in Ronan.

Children's Theater comes to Charlo

On Saturday night, the Charlo gymnasium was transported back 300 years to the days of Blackbeard the Pirate for the annual Missoula Children’s Theater (MCT) play. The event was sponsored by the Ninepipe Art Group.

Local artist reflects on a life of work, achievements

On the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, wildlife artist Dave Samuelson was enjoying a tour of the White House. He was invited to accept the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Artist of the Year award and see his painting, Shadow Casting on the Blackfoot, added to the permanent collection that hangs in the Congressional building in Washington, D.C. The ceremony was scheduled to take place later that afternoon – but never happened. Dave and his wife, Trudy, soon found themselves struggling to find their hotel in the panic and smoke filled streets of D.C. 

Ronald Dean Knutson

Ardith Jane Roragen Cordis

Ardith Jane Roragen Cordis passed away March 8, in Ontario, Ore.

Judith Elaine Thorne (Schiele)

Judith Elaine Thorne (Schiele) 69, passed away peacefully Tuesday March 15 in her home with both her daughters and grandson Drew Hartung by her side. Born April 2, 1946 in Seattle ,WA , to Grace Lutton and Ray Thorne, she is survived by daughters Shelly Schiele-Peters,Mindy Vert, and son Bryan Schiele. She loved painting ceramics,walks with her dog,visiting close friends and family, and the beauty of the Mission Valley.

Community clean up offers hope and a future

Volunteers from across the country help improve Pablo community

Students give of themselves for strangers

Ronan High students show up to donate blood

Red Cross blood draw event draws full house

Suicide prevention measures top priority in Lake County

Tribal Social Services takes the subject of suicide seriously, TSSD ICWA/Family Services Division Manager Lena Tewanwina said.

Polson teacher wins Karen Cox Memorial Grant

Lake County District Court

From the bench of Lake County District Judge Deborah Kim Christopher March 17: 

Polson teacher wins award

St. Patty's Parade turns participants green

Ronan St. Patrick's Day Parade a blast

The 27th Annual Ronan St. Patrick’s Day Parade marched though downtown Ronan Thursday to a rousing crowd. Event organizers said “everyone is Irish on St. Paddy’s Day.”

Lake County Justice Court

'Mine is fastest. Scout's honor.'

Local Boy Scouts gather to run local finals for this year’s Pinewood Derby

Linderman students jump for the heart

Linderman Jump Rope For Heart makes for active afternoon

Nearly 100 Linderman Elementary School students were thrilled to spend their after school time in the Linderman Gym on March 16 for the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart. Each one carried a signed permission slip and an envelop containing donation money to school and knew that what they were about to do was going to help sick people they would likely never meet.

March snow storm makes driving difficult in Lake County

 Sunshine turned to two-to-three inches of snow through Wednesday night and Thursday morning rending traffic quagmired in Polson.

AnnaMae (Miller) Brander

AnnaMae (Miller) Brander, 82, of Proctor, Mont., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 6. She was blessed to be able to spend her final days on earth being lovingly taken care of by her family at home. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile, wonderful laugh, having the heart of a peacemaker and always putting others first.

William “Bill” Fergus Rauch, Jr.

Lake County Justice Court

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

Lake County District Court

From the desk of Lake County District Court Judge Deborah Kim Christopher March 10:

Polson PD scam, prison system walk away

17 employees sold alcohol to minors in last two months

Two teams of Lake County law enforcement officers tested 113 businesses in February and early March to see if anyone would sell an underage minor alcohol – 17 employees or business owners failed.

Students celebrate their art at Strum and Drum in Pablo

Polson City Fire Department volunteers score well at Scott Stairclimb

The Scott Stairclimb Winner was logged at 8:00 minutes. The following are participating Polson City Fire Department firefighter’s scores:

Locals honored at 15th annual Firefighter's Ball

The evening began with Dick Bratton, Sandy Farrell and Don Sullivan.

Plains man helps catch alleged criminal

Authorities allege that Karsten Karl Smith of Evaro stole a 14-foot trailer from a Polson homeowner in December 2014, then waited almost a year before he attempted to sell it.

AnnaMae Brander

AnnaMae Brander, age 82, passed away Sunday, March 6, in Kalispell. A visitation will be held Friday, March 11 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon at The Lake Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 12 at 5 p.m. at New Life Christian Center in Polson. 

David Steele

David Steele passed away peacefully Thursday, March 3 at St Luke’s Nursing home.  

Samuel Russel McDowell

Samuel Russel McDowell, age 86, passed away on Thursday, March 3 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. He was born on May 2, 1929 in Deer Lodge, the son of Frank and Mamie (Green) McDowell.

Marvin Keith Harrington

Born Feb. 15, 1931, passed March 4, 2016.

Phyllis “Flip” Irene Kresge Amick

Spelling bee showcases county's brightest students

Taleah Hernandez of Polson won the 2016 Lake County Spelling Bee March 1. It is her second year as champion.

Miss Indian World visits Arlee

For some Arlee middle and high school students, skipping third period class to listen to a speaker in the gymnasium might be considered a welcome change to the usual classroom activities. For others, the hour-long talk might have provided the answers that will save their lives.

Lake County District Court

From the bench of 20th District Court Judge James A. Manley March 2, 2016: 

26th Annual Ag Show a success in Ronan

Packed with vendors both inside and outside the Ronan Community Center, the 26th Annual Lake County Leader Ag Expo offered something for everyone who walked in the door.

Lake County Justice Court Records

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

Ronan, Arlee girls head to state in Butte, Great Falls

The Arlee Scarlets and Ronan Maidens will compete at their respective state tournaments this week after a week off to prepare.

SKC Bison men win tenth AIHEC championship

The Salish Kootenai College men’s basketball team is on a role. Actually, they have been on a role for a long time. The Bison won their tenth AIHEC National Championship this past weekend. It was also their third straight. Under coach Zachary Conko-Camel, the Bison have excelled, and continued their tradition of excellence this past weekend in Washington.

Team championship, team spirit and community participation mark state swim meet

On March 5 and 6, Mission Valley Aquatics and the Lake Monsters Swim Team hosted the Montana Swimming Junior B-C State Championship. To call the weekend a success would be a drastic understatement. 

Maybe winning isn't everything

Lake County has many reasons to be proud of their athletes this week. We had two teams compete at state tournaments and place. 

Polson powerlifters compete well at state tournament

This past weekend, the Polson high school Powerlifting Club traveled to Great Falls for the Montana State Powerlifting Championships. According to their coach, Don Toth, the Pirates were up against some firt-rate competition, mostly against Class AA schools from around central Montana. There were three competitiors that place at the competition. Polson senior Julia Sanderson took first place in the women’s upper division. Senior Nick Marquardt finished second in the 220 pound division, and junior Danny DiGiallonardo took top honors in the men’s 123 pound division. He also set a new Montana State Powerlifting meet record. He deadlifted 390 pounds.

Charlo looks to improve football field

In small rural communities all across the state of Montana, it is anything but unusual for several generations of a family to attend the same high school. But after watching their grandchildren play on the same field that they competed on centuries earlier, the members of the Charlo Community Complex committee decided to do something about the condition of Charlo High School’s outdoor sports facilities. “There’s been no improvement in 45 years,” said Committee Facilitator, Harley Coleman.

Commissioners vote to keep density map

The Lake County Density map is sticking around – at least for now. At a meeting last week in a packed County Commissioners office, a motion by Gale Decker to repeal the map failed 1-2. Decker was the only commissioner to vote to repeal the map, while Ann Brower and Bill Barron voted to keep it. However, immediately after the motion failed, Barron made a motion to create a committee to review the map, which was seconded by Brower.

Pirates battle back for third place finish at state tourney

In the opening round of the State A Tournament, the Pirates tried their best to dodge Billings Central, but found their horns to be Ram tough when they rallied by Polson in the final frame to relegate the Bucs to the consolation round. 

Warriors fall in title game

The Arlee Warriors went into the state tournament with high expectations and confidence. That showed early on, as the Warriors plowed over their first round opponent, Culbertson. Up 49-20 at half, the Warrior reserves got to see some minutes. They went on to win that game 85-46, and moved on to the semifinal game Friday night.

Raymond Jackson

Cecil Raymond Jackson of Round Butte passed away unexpectedly in his home on Friday, Feb. 26.  He was born in St. Ignatius on Nov. 7, 1936 to Jim and Neva (Clairmont) Jackson and was a member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes.  As one of four boys, there was always something interesting going on growing up.  He attended Ronan High School, graduating in 1955.  He married Rosemary Houle and together they had six children and made the Round Butte area their home.  They later moved to Pablo when they bought the Pablo Bar and Cafe.  Cecil and Rose divorced in 1969. 

Homer Leonard Andersen

Homer Leonard Andersen, 89, died peacefully at Saint Joseph Medical Center in Polson on Tuesday, Feb. 23, following a long battle with prostate cancer. Homer was born on Oct. 29, 1926 in Grenora, N.D., at the nearest hospital to his family home which was just outside of Dagmar, Mont.  His parents, John B and Rose Schermer Andersen raised four children, Lenora, June, Homer and Howard.  

Karen Sue (Moran) Thompson

After a courageous struggle with numerous illnesses, Karen Thompson, age 66, of St. Ignatius, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 24. 

Scores of open jobs at SKC career fair

Meghan Tyler wandered around Salish Kootenai College with eyes wide open to the endless possibilities in the room.

Sargeant to leave Polson after nine years

Karen Sargeant, Polson Parks Department Superintendent, Polson Fire Department Chief Engineer and Polson Fire Department Public Information Officer, is leaving her post.

Alleged criminal earns felony when officers approach him about misdemeanor crime

Brandon Shawn Alcayde earned himself a felony count of assault on a peace officer when a Ronan police officer attempted to detain him for alleged misdemeanor unlawful restraint this January, according to a Lake County Sheriff’s affidavit.

Firefighters raise money for stair climb event

Six Polson firefighters will travel to Seattle to participate in the 2016 Scott Firefighter Stair climb March 6, a fundraising event for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Defense attorney wants off Hobbs' Supreme Court appeal

Convicted sex offender Dennis J. Hobbs, of Polson, might want the Montana Supreme Court to agree with his attorney, Lisa S. Korchinski, that she should be eliminated from representing him in court.

A handful of small fires keep fire departments busy

Ronan firefighters were called into action late Feb. 23 after emergency dispatchers received a call that smoke was coming from a 3rd Street home. 

DUI task force donates money for new tasers

Polson police officers never know if they will face escalating violence when they arrive on the scene of an emergency call.  So to carry 14-year-old taser systems whose maker is phasing the antiquated technology out of existence is a problem.

Charlo girls drop out of divisional tournament early with OT loss to WSS

After fighting back through the backside of the bracket at the district tournament last week, the Charlo Vikings took third place and had a play-in game last Monday, in which they defeated Philipsburg. That win took them to the divisional tournament, but only to a loser-out game, which they had to win to continue forward into the tournament. In that game, played Wednesday night, the Vikings used what was left of their energy to take on White Sulphur Springs.

Polson cheer team flies high

The Polson cheer team has been working hard for the last few months, gearing up for tournament time. Their project made its first public appearance a few weeks ago at a Polson girls basketball game.

Poison takes second after thrilling championship game loss

Polson 55 Stevensville 35

Ronan girls take Western B title

After just missing the state tournament last year, the Ronan Maidens have been on a mission this year, winning 21 straight games after losing their first two. They avenged one of their losses this weekend in the semifinal game against Libby.

Arlee finally defeats Plains to win divisional championship

As it turns out, fourth time is a charm for the Arlee Scarlets. After winning their first two games at the divisional tournament, the Scarlets met up with a familiar foe – Plains. The Trotters had beat Arlee three times previous to Saturday night, including a barn burner last weekend at the 14C district championship in Pablo. 

Arlee boys headed back to state tournament

The Arlee Warriors didn’t get a chance to avenge their only loss of this year to Valley Christian, but they did get to avenge their two losses to Manhattan Christian from last year’s postseason. A year ago, the Warriors lost to Manhattan Christian in the divisional championship, then lost to them again in loser out action at the state tournament. This past Saturday night, the Warriors got another shot at them.

Dresen takes second at state oratorical contest

The Montana American Legion High School Oratorical Competition sponsored by the American Legion of Montana and its 134 Posts located throughout Montana concluded in Belgrade on Sunday February 28. Michael Fuller of Helena who attends Helena High School prevailed over four other contestants for the right to represent Montana at the American Legion National Finals. The National competition will take place April 15 – 17 in Indianapolis, IN.

SKC teams compete in national tournament this week

The SKC men’s and women’s teams hosted the Montana Tribal College tournament this past weekend in Pablo.