Stories for June 2018

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Thursday, June 28

Polson 10-U, 14-U captures  Frenchtown SIZZLER Tournament title
June 28, 2018 1:18 p.m.

Polson 10-U, 14-U captures Frenchtown SIZZLER Tournament title

The Polson Lil Lakers’ 10-U softball team’s coaching staff has a difficult task – to make sure their undefeated team doesn’t fall victim to complacency.

Purple Rain struggles in Frenchtown, gets ready for Kalispell
June 28, 2018 1:18 p.m.

Purple Rain struggles in Frenchtown, gets ready for Kalispell

Rain delays and lack of numbers were two contributing factors to the Polson 16, 18-U softball team’s struggles at the Frenchtown Tournament Thursday afternoon at Frenchtown High School.

June 28, 2018 1:17 p.m.

Mariners shine in baseball bash

At Libby, the Mission Valley A Mariners played some of their best baseball of the season as they battled their way through the competition and into the championship where they would take home the second place share of the Big Bucks prize money.

Former Charlo football player prepares national Special Olympic spotlight
June 28, 2018 1:16 p.m.

Former Charlo football player prepares national Special Olympic spotlight

Former Charlo High School standout football player Chandler Krahn has transitioned his success from the gridiron to having an opportunity to participate in the powerlifting portion of the Special Olympics.

June 28, 2018 1:16 p.m.

Bigfork to host a 3-on-3 Battle in the Bays

Ronan High School girl’s basketball coach Steve Woll has seen an evolution of the landscape of 3-on-3 hoops.

Donna E. Whealon
June 28, 2018 12:24 p.m.

Donna E. Whealon

Donna E. Whealon, 66, of Polson, Montana, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family and loving husband, Jerry. A full obituary will be published at a later date. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Polson, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 28. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Cassandra Diane Harris
June 28, 2018 12:24 p.m.

Cassandra Diane Harris

Cassandra Diane Harris was born on Oct. 12, 1993 to William and Pamela Harris in the Missoula Hospital with a loud and strong voice that would remain at a high joyous volume throughout her life. She was the baby to three older siblings, Monty, Michelle and Brett. From the very beginning, she had a gift for melting everyone’s heart, and wrapping them firmly around her little fingers. She was always such a happy little girl and never understood why she had to go to school and comb her hair. “Cowboys don’t comb their hair!!” she always proclaimed.

Patricia Funke Skogen Mueller
June 28, 2018 12:23 p.m.

Patricia Funke Skogen Mueller

Pat Mueller, 83, beloved mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt and friend, passed into heaven on June 22, 2018 in Billings, Montana after suffering a series of strokes.

Donald Leo Forney
June 28, 2018 12:23 p.m.

Donald Leo Forney

The most wonderful man went to dance with his sweetheart, GG, on June 12, 2018. Donald Leo Forney was born on Jan. 25, 1928 in Great Falls, Montana. He was raised on the family farm north of Great Falls and farmed there for many years.

Cove Deli & Pizza facelift fits 'pirate' theme
June 28, 2018 12:18 p.m.

Cove Deli & Pizza facelift fits 'pirate' theme

Lake County Leader

Food & fun at Crab Fest
June 28, 2018 12:18 p.m.

Food & fun at Crab Fest

As they enjoyed the sounds of classic rock and chatter from nearby people, the Ross family sat under a tree at Bockman Park in Ronan where they ate a collect five pounds of crab legs last Friday evening.

June 28, 2018 12:17 p.m.

Researcher recovering from attack by grizzly bear

By The Associated Press

Longtime Ronan business closing doors
June 28, 2018 12:14 p.m.

Longtime Ronan business closing doors

In August, a local business will be closing its doors after six decades of serving avid outdoorsmen.

Four face felony charges in connection with death
June 28, 2018 12:14 p.m.

Four face felony charges in connection with death

Four people were taken into custody at the Lake County Jail over the weekend, all of whom law enforcement believe are responsible for injuries to a female found injured near McDonald Lake last weekend.

Local carpenter Jackson crafts cabinetry for a living
June 28, 2018 12:13 p.m.

Local carpenter Jackson crafts cabinetry for a living

Carpenter Bob Jackson has worked with sharp tools most of this life, but his hands show otherwise.

June 28, 2018 4:40 a.m.

Legals June 28, 2018

Eli J. Patten Lindy M. Lauder CROWLEY FLECK PLLP 305 South 4th Street East, Suite 100 P.O. Box 7099 Missoula, MT 59807-7099 Telephone: (406) 523-3600 Facsimile: (406)523-3636 epatten@crowleyfleck.com llauder@crowleyfleck.com Attorneys for Whitefish Credit Union MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT LAKE COUNTY, MONTANA WHITEFISH CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. TONI J. BARTA n/k/a TONI J. MITCHELL, Defendant. Cause No. DV-18-25 Judge: Hon, Deborah Kim Christopher SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION THE STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT, TONI J. BARTA, n/k/a TONI J. MITCHELL: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Verified Complaint for Unlawful Detainer in this action which is filed in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your Answer and serve a copy thereof upon Plaintiff's attorneys within ten (10) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Verified Complaint for Unlawful Detainer. That action is brought for the purpose of evicting Toni J. Barta, n/k/a Toni J. Mitchell, from the following property situated in Lake County, Montana (the "Premises"): A tract of land located in and being a portion of the S1/2SE1/4 of Section 24, Township 22 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Lake County, Montana, more particularly described as Tract A on Certificate of Survey No. 4010. The Premises is more commonly known as 35224 Minesinger Trail, Polson, Montana 59860-8199. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 4th day of June, 2018. Lake County Clerk of Court (COURT SEAL) By /s/ Lyn Fricker Deputy Clerk Published on June 21, 2018, June 28, 2018, and July 5, 2018. MNAXLP

Tuesday, June 26

Woman found near lake over weekend dies
June 26, 2018 2:31 p.m.

Woman found near lake over weekend dies

Four people were taken into custody at the Lake County Jail over the weekend, all of whom law enforcement believe are responsible for injuries to a female found injured near McDonald Lake last weekend.

Thursday, June 21

Sylvia Vivian Lucara
June 21, 2018 6:09 p.m.

Sylvia Vivian Lucara

Sylvia Vivian Lucara, age 95, passed away on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan. Vivian was born on Aug. 8, 1922 in Red Lodge, Montana. She attended a one room school house in eastern Montana and graduated from Red Lodge High.

Lesa Marie Weddle
June 21, 2018 6:08 p.m.

Lesa Marie Weddle

Lesa Marie Weddle, 71, of Polson went to fly with her angels on June 12, 2018.

Gary D. Thomas
June 21, 2018 6:07 p.m.

Gary D. Thomas

Gary D. Thomas, 80, passed away peacefully at his home at Camp Tuffit on Monday, June 4, 2018.

June 21, 2018 6:07 p.m.

Police investigating series of burglaries in Ronan

The Ronan Police Department is investigating a series of breakins reported to local authorities.

Charlo man jailed after being arrested twice in week
June 21, 2018 6:06 p.m.

Charlo man jailed after being arrested twice in week

A Charlo man is in jail after he led law enforcement on a chase earlier this month, according to Lake County Sheriff Don Bell.

Polson Police K-9 Brody retiring this year
June 21, 2018 6:06 p.m.

Polson Police K-9 Brody retiring this year

The community listened to the Polson Police Department when it was announced late last year that the K-9, Brody, is close to retirement.

Good company, food at cookout
June 21, 2018 6:06 p.m.

Good company, food at cookout

The aroma of barbecue accompanied laughter and music at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Ronan last week during the Ronan Cowboy Cookout.

Old Glory honored with ceremony in Polson
June 21, 2018 6:05 p.m.

Old Glory honored with ceremony in Polson

Old Glory was honored in Polson last week for Flag Day with a two-part ceremony.

Polson's McCoy wins Tar Wars contest
June 21, 2018 6:05 p.m.

Polson's McCoy wins Tar Wars contest

Fifth-grade students from around the county took part once again in a contest showing their interpretation on tobacco and its affects on the human body.

Turning lanes on Jette Hill part of Sunny Slope project
June 21, 2018 6:04 p.m.

Turning lanes on Jette Hill part of Sunny Slope project

The Montana Department of Transportation is anticipating construction on U.S. Highway 93 to be completed in the next month.

Former Laker legend returns to Polson
June 21, 2018 11:54 a.m.

Former Laker legend returns to Polson

Former Los Angeles Lakers’ basketball superstar Michael Cooper has come to Polson, Montana since he was a Los Angeles Laker in 1983.

No headline
June 21, 2018 11:52 a.m.

No headline

Mission Valley welcomes the 78th annual Mission Valley rodeo
June 21, 2018 11:52 a.m.

Mission Valley welcomes the 78th annual Mission Valley rodeo

The 78th annual Mission Mountain rodeo is still in many ways part of the scene that rodeo enthusiast Les Baldwin developed in the late 1930s.

Senior Olympian develop strong bond on the tennis court
June 21, 2018 11:50 a.m.

Senior Olympian develop strong bond on the tennis court

Lois Lowe came to the Senior Olympics to help her friend drive and decided to get in some singles tennis matches at the tennis portion of the Senior Olympics Friday afternoon at the Polson Tennis Courts at Linderman Elementary School.

Local table tennis player enjoys Senior Olympic experience
June 21, 2018 11:50 a.m.

Local table tennis player enjoys Senior Olympic experience

Senior Olympian and table tennis player Larry Sanders began playing table tennis as a way to skip his classes at school.

Pickleball becomes the fastest-growing sport
June 21, 2018 11:49 a.m.

Pickleball becomes the fastest-growing sport

The sport of Pickleball continues to grow while the sport’s growth was evident at the Montana Senior Olympics Games with one-third of all Senior Olympians participating in the sport, according to Senior Olympics president Kay Newman.

June 21, 2018 11:48 a.m.

Senior Olympians compete on the hardwood

Montana Senior Olympic basketball player Terry Schapla has been a member of a team that has played at the World Senior Games and has seen his fare share of top-notch professionals.

Senior Olympian makes bowling a lifetime sport
June 21, 2018 11:48 a.m.

Senior Olympian makes bowling a lifetime sport

Montana Senior Olympic bowling participant Dick Moore has experienced a lot in his 94 years of life.

June 21, 2018 4:40 a.m.

Legals June 21, 2018

Eli J. Patten Lindy M. Lauder CROWLEY FLECK PLLP 305 South 4th Street East, Suite 100 P.O. Box 7099 Missoula, MT 59807-7099 Telephone: (406) 523-3600 Facsimile: (406)523-3636 epatten@crowleyfleck.com llauder@crowleyfleck.com Attorneys for Whitefish Credit Union MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT LAKE COUNTY, MONTANA WHITEFISH CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. TONI J. BARTA n/k/a TONI J. MITCHELL, Defendant. Cause No. DV-18-25 Judge: Hon, Deborah Kim Christopher SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION THE STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT, TONI J. BARTA, n/k/a TONI J. MITCHELL: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Verified Complaint for Unlawful Detainer in this action which is filed in the Office of the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your Answer and serve a copy thereof upon Plaintiff's attorneys within ten (10) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Verified Complaint for Unlawful Detainer. That action is brought for the purpose of evicting Toni J. Barta, n/k/a Toni J. Mitchell, from the following property situated in Lake County, Montana (the "Premises"): A tract of land located in and being a portion of the S1/2SE1/4 of Section 24, Township 22 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Lake County, Montana, more particularly described as Tract A on Certificate of Survey No. 4010. The Premises is more commonly known as 35224 Minesinger Trail, Polson, Montana 59860-8199. WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 4th day of June, 2018. Lake County Clerk of Court (COURT SEAL) By /s/ Lyn Fricker Deputy Clerk Published on June 21, 2018, June 28, 2018, and July 5, 2018. MNAXLP

Friday, June 15

W. LaVerne Sandsmark
June 15, 2018 4:53 p.m.

W. LaVerne Sandsmark

I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses...

Virgina teacher thanks community for help with project
June 15, 2018 4:52 p.m.

Virgina teacher thanks community for help with project

Dear people of the great state of Montana,

June 15, 2018 4:52 p.m.

County thanks voters for road rehab levy

The Lake County Commissioners and Road Supervisor Jay Garrick would like to thank voters for overwhelmingly approving the road rehabilitation levy that was on the primary election ballot. The funds generated by the levy will be put to good use and residents will be see improvements to some of most highly traveled roads in the county beginning in the summer of 2019.

June 15, 2018 4:41 p.m.

Results on St. Ignatius bus, office received

The office of a bus garage in St. Ignatius will need cleaned following the release of test results last week, after the owner of J.C. Bussing Inc. was arrested on drug charges last month.

Elections counts took longer due to write-ins
June 15, 2018 4:40 p.m.

Elections counts took longer due to write-ins

While operations were generally smooth during the federal primary election last week, Elections Administrator Katie Harding said that the counting process took longer than anticipated because of voters submitting write-ins.

Pizza and peeling party held in Ronan
June 15, 2018 4:39 p.m.

Pizza and peeling party held in Ronan

It was a pizza and peeling party in Ronan last week in the yard of one local business.

Skatepark unveils new banner
June 15, 2018 4:39 p.m.

Skatepark unveils new banner

A new banner was erected at the 7th Avenue Skatepark Tuesday morning, marking a milestone in an organization’s journey to expand the park.

Ronan students place at national conference
June 15, 2018 4:38 p.m.

Ronan students place at national conference

It was an event of firsts for Montana at the 2018 National Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas, especially for our own Ronan residents, Happy Cheff and Kelea Ilac of Ronan High School.

Ronan student heads to Houston
June 15, 2018 4:35 p.m.

Ronan student heads to Houston

Ronan freshman Lexie Gauthier will be headed to Houston July 30-Aug. 4, but first, she’s going to hold a summer camp to help pay her way.

June 15, 2018 4:34 p.m.

Incumbent Bell wins primary over Coffman in sheriff race

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell was reelected in the June 5 primary, winning against challenger David Coffman.

Former Polson resident saves neighbors
June 15, 2018 4:33 p.m.

Former Polson resident saves neighbors

It was an otherwise normal early morning last week for former Polson resident Juan Armando Garcia, who now lives in Des Moines, Washington.

Thursday, June 14

June 14, 2018 4:40 a.m.

Legals June 14, 2018

Notice of Public Hearing Notice is hereby given that the Polson City Commission will on Monday, the 18th day of June, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. in the Polson City Hall, 106 1st Street East, Polson, Montana, hold a public hearing for the purpose of a proposed map amendment (zone change) to the City of Polson Zoning Districts Map. The City of Polson is proposing to rezone approximately three half blocks of downtown - the western half of the 400, 500, and 600 blocks between 1st Street West and Main Street. The proposal is to rezone from Central Business Zoning (CBZD) to Transitional Zoning (TZD). A map of the subject area can be found on the City of Polson website: www.cityofpolson.com/planning/page/public-notice. The Polson City Commission will take public testimony and review the proposed zone change. This will be the first reading of the proposed zone change by the City Commission prior to the second reading and potential adoption on July 2nd. This public notice is made pursuant to 76-2-303 MCA. Contact the City of Polson Planner at 106 1st Street East, Polson, Montana 59860; by email at cityplanner@cityofpolson.com; or call 406-883-8213 to obtain further information. Contact the Polson City Clerk at Polson City Hall, 106 1st Street East, Polson, Montana, 59860; by email at cityclerk@cityofpolson.com; or call 406-883-8203 to request accessibility accommodation. Dated at Polson, Montana this 29th day of May, 2018. Cora Pritt Polson City Clerk Polson, MT Published on June 14, 2018. MNAXLP

Thursday, June 7

June 7, 2018 7:07 p.m.

Further investigation into buses needed

St. Ignatius schools have been working with law enforcement and a Missoula business to address concerns related to the recent arrest of the president of a company contracted to run buses.

June 7, 2018 6:34 p.m.

Polson raid leads to five arrests

Five people were arrested on drug charges Thursday, May 31, following a month-long investigation by local law enforcement.

Polson community walking path dedicated
June 7, 2018 6:34 p.m.

Polson community walking path dedicated

???The Mission Valley Christian Academy dedicated their new walking path on Friday, May 25. In a ceremony at the school, two miles east of Polson on Highway 35, a number of key individuals and organizations were acknowledged for their valuable contributions that made this community and school project possible. The Greater Polson Community Foundation generously donated $1,250 toward the path and signage that encourages good stewardship of the path and the surrounding area.

June 7, 2018 6:33 p.m.

Polson awarded nearly $40,000 in scholarships

Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation awarded 27 scholarships totaling $39,500 to Polson High School seniors and former Polson High School graduates who are currently attending an accredited two-year, four-year, community college, university or vocational school.

Long-time educator retires in Mission
June 7, 2018 6:23 p.m.

Long-time educator retires in Mission

St. Ignatius Middle School teacher and coach Lloyd Phillips has started a new chapter in his life: retiree.

June 7, 2018 6:22 p.m.

Teen dies in weekend crash

An investigation into a fatal crash that left one teenager dead is ongoing, according to officials.

Lily Talimailagi Shongo
June 7, 2018 6:21 p.m.

Lily Talimailagi Shongo

Lily Talimailagi Shongo was born May 14, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. She was 20 inches and weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces.

Kimber Anne Scott
June 7, 2018 6:21 p.m.

Kimber Anne Scott

Kimora Scott announces the birth of sister, Kimber Anne Scott on May 13, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. Kimber was 19 and ¾ inches and weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces.

Arrow Frankie-Marley Smith
June 7, 2018 6:21 p.m.

Arrow Frankie-Marley Smith

Arrow Frankie-Marley Smith was born May 18, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. He was 21 inches and weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce.

Taurie Delphine Clay
June 7, 2018 6:21 p.m.

Taurie Delphine Clay

Taurie Delphine Clay was born May 3, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. Her parents are Syerra and Logan Clay of St. Ignatius.

Adriana Johnson
June 7, 2018 6:20 p.m.

Adriana Johnson

Adriana Johnson, 17, passed away on Saturday, June 2, near Ronan. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday June 10, at the Sky Ridge Ranch in Ronan. Condolences may be left at www.fosterfhandcrematory.com.

Zane Dale Jennison
June 7, 2018 6:20 p.m.

Zane Dale Jennison

Zane Dale Jennison, 61, son of Chuck and Doris; ‘little’ brother to Len and Rick; big brother to Bethie, Lisa, and Randy; died of natural causes, Monday May 21, 2018.

Johnie A. Dillard
June 7, 2018 6:19 p.m.

Johnie A. Dillard

Johnie A. Dillard, 85, passed away at St. Patrick’s Hospital on Missoula on Monday, May 28.

William (Bill) Loren Hettich
June 7, 2018 6:19 p.m.

William (Bill) Loren Hettich

William (Bill) Loren Hettich, of Polson, passed away at home after a very brief battle with cancer on May 28, 2018 at the age of 81. Bill was born on April 25, 1937 in Yakima, Washington, a son of the late William and Lillian Caldwell Hettich.

Polson to host a 36-team softball tournament
June 7, 2018 6:18 p.m.

Polson to host a 36-team softball tournament

Polson High School softball coach and 16, 18U softball coach Larry Smith has seen the transformation of girls’ fast-pitch softball since he began his career as a coach in 1988.

Pirates, Lady Pirates named to All-State and All-Conference teams
June 7, 2018 6:17 p.m.

Pirates, Lady Pirates named to All-State and All-Conference teams

All season, Polson High School had several performers that were in the top five at the track and were named to the All-State team.

Lady Pirates softball receive all-state and all-conference accolades
June 7, 2018 6:17 p.m.

Lady Pirates softball receive all-state and all-conference accolades

Kaylanna Desjarlais and Kaelyn Smith were two of the major components that helped anchor the Polson High School softball team to their eventual fourth-place finish at the Montana High School Association Class A softball tournament.

Lady Pirates tennis team recieves all conference recognition
June 7, 2018 6:16 p.m.

Lady Pirates tennis team recieves all conference recognition

Polson High School had a total of 15 athletes in track and field, softball, and tennis that received Montana High School Class A All-State honors.

Valley gets ready to host the Senior Olympics
June 7, 2018 6:16 p.m.

Valley gets ready to host the Senior Olympics

Director of Montana State Senior Olympics Kay Newman said she and the board of directors of the Senior Olympics chose Polson as a venue to host the Montana Senior Olympics primarily because of the swimming venue.

Polson hosts another successful rock-skipping contest
June 7, 2018 6:15 p.m.

Polson hosts another successful rock-skipping contest

Tom Adrignola began skipping rocks when he was much younger. The only time he didn’t have an opportunity to skip rocks, he claims, was in the service.

June 7, 2018 4:40 a.m.

Legals June 7, 2018

Notice of Public Hearing Notice is hereby given that the Polson City-County Planning Board will on Tuesday, the 12th day of June, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. in the Polson City Hall, 106 1st Street East, Polson, Montana, hold a public hearing for the purpose of a proposed map amendment (zone change) to the City of Polson Zoning Districts Map. The City of Polson is proposing to rezone approximately three half blocks of downtown - the western half of the 400, 500, and 600 blocks between 1st Street West and Main Street. The proposal is to rezone from Central Business Zoning (CBZD) to Transitional Zoning (TZD). A map of the subject area can be found on the City of Polson website: www.cityofpolson.com/planning/page/public-notice. The Polson City-County Planning Board will take public testimony and review the proposed zone change. The Board will forward a recommendation to the Polson City Commission for a Public Hearing tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 18th. This public notice is made pursuant to 76-2-303 MCA. Contact the City of Polson Planner at 106 1st Street East, Polson, Montana 59860; by email at cityplanner@cityofpolson.com; or call 406-883-8213 to obtain further information. Contact the Polson City Clerk at Polson City Hall, 106 1st Street East, Polson, Montana, 59860; by email at cityclerk@cityofpolson.com; or call 406-883-8203 to request accessibility accommodation. Dated at Polson, Montana this 17th day of May, 2018. Cora Pritt Polson City Clerk Polson, MT Published on May 24, 2018, May 31, 2018, and June 7, 2018. MNAXLP

Wednesday, June 6

June 6, 2018 8:18 p.m.

Bell wins primary

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell received the most votes in the June 5 primary, winning against challenger David Coffman.

June 6, 2018 12:12 p.m.

Unofficial federal primary election results

Lake County Sheriff

Sunday, June 3

June 3, 2018 2:28 p.m.

Fatal crash involving deputy in Lake County

A fatal crash over the weekend is under investigation, according to officials.