Thursday, October 26
Bighawk pleads not-guilty in drunk-driving crash
Cheyenne Blue Bighawk, 37, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 19 to negligent vehicular assault-serious bodily injury, a felony.
Trial set for Big Arm burglary suspect
A Big Arm man is accused of breaking into an RV as it was parked at a campsite in Big Arm. Kenneth Ambrose Gravelle, 40, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 18 to felony charges of burglary and criminal mischief.
St. Ignatius woman admits to lesser charge of endangerment
A St. Ignatius woman admitted to an amended and reduced charge of endangerment after initially being charged with assaulting law enforcement. Jessica Ann Wysocki, 40, entered a plea of guilty to felony criminal endangerment. The plea was entered as part of an agreement that dismisses two counts of assault on a peace officer, partner or family member assault and DUI.
Five felony charges filed in death of Mika Westwolf
Nearly seven months after Mika Westwolf was struck by a vehicle and killed north of Arlee, charges were filed Oct. 20 in the 20th District Court in Polson, and suspect Sunny Katherine White was arrested Saturday, Oct. 21, in Kalispell. Judge Molly Owen continued Wednesday's arraignment hearing for White to Nov. 8 at the request of Sterling Lauden, the managing attorney for the Lake County Public Defender’s Office.
Valley Volleyball Action
Ronan beats Browning in five sets; Mission falls to Florence, heads tournament
Arlee hosts Drummond-Philipsburg in playoffs
After an undefeated regular season, the Arlee Warriors will host their first-round playoff game as a No. 1 seed for the Western eight-man league on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. against the Central league’s No. 3 seed Drummond-Philipsburg.
Superior defeats Mission
Mission fell to Superior 68-30 in Western eight-man football action on the road last Friday, Oct. 21, concluding their 2023 campaign with a 4-4 record.
Charlo rides five-game streak into postseason
Charlo’s defense put on a clinic, holding the Trojans to a negative 10 yards of offense in a 55-0 Western eight-man victory over Troy on Friday, Oct. 20, on the road. It was the fifth straight win and secured the Vikings the No. 3 seed from the West.
Pamyua brings Inuit soul to Polson
Pamyua brings their unique, infectious fusion of Inuit soul music to the Polson High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Oct. 28 for the next installment in the Mission Valley Live series.
Pablo man dies in camper fire
A 63-year-old Pablo man who died in a camper-trailer fire last week has been identified as Steven L. Rosenbaum, according to Lake County Sheriff Don Bell. His two dogs, Sneak and Buddy, also died in the blaze.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Arlee CDC hosts Halloween open house, art show
The Arlee Community Development Corporation will host a Halloween open house on Friday, Oct. 27, from 5-7 p.m. The event will feature a Halloween photo booth, a new art display by the Killdeer Artisans Guild, Halloween treats and appetizers, and soup made with ingredients from the Garden for Life.
Two write-in candidates vie for Ward 2 position
Two write-in candidates, David Coffman and Lisa Rehard, are seeking to represent Ward 2 in the Polson City Commission seat currently held by Tony Isbell.
PHS student sets sights on Carnegie Hall
Polson High School junior Bethany Butler has wanted to sing in Carnegie Hall since she was 6 years old. “I love Carnegie Hall not only because everybody, like anybody who wants to sing, wants to sing at Carnegie Hall,” she says.
Covid cases up, flu season nears
“We are seeing quite a bit of COVID with 59 cases in Lake County,” says Lake County Public Health Director Emily Colomeda. Those numbers almost certainly aren’t accurate however, since that’s just the people who are reporting.
Talking actual property tax numbers
Contrary to political soundbites, Republicans did not increase the residential tax rate in 2023.
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
Historical tidbits gleaned from the archives of local weekly newspapers.
Donald L. Groves, 91
Donald L. Groves, age 91, passed away Oct. 13, 2023, at his home in Kalispell. He was born April 3, 1932, in Polson to Louis and Mary Groves.
Reiki studio opens in downtown Polson
Serenity Studio, An Esoteric Wellness Collective, brings Reiki to downtown Polson. Ciella Starkel’s studio is a light-filled space with plants and small luxuries, such as eye pillows filled with organic flax and local lavender.
Mack Days tally nears 13,000 lake trout
A total of 12,889 lake trout entries have been turned in by 121 lake trout anglers out of the 329 who are registered for Fall Mack Days. Friday’s catch was 555, Saturday there were 463 turned in, and on Sunday 364 were turned in. Sunday was one of the rock and roll fishing days with many anglers coming in early.
Duskie Dwelle, 74
Duskie Evelyn Dwelle, age 74 of Dayton, peacefully passed away on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in Kalispell. A memorial service will be held Nov. 3, 2023, at 11 a.m. at The Lake Funeral Home in Polson. A reception will follow at the Chuck Wagon in Dayton.
Polson man pleads not guilty to misusing construction funds
A Polson man is accused of accepting money for a construction project and misappropriating the funds. Andrew Elwood Hoel, 50, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 19 to two felony charges of exploitation of an elderly or disabled person.
My Uncle John: “Do no harm”
When I was 45, I went to my family’s second reunion, where I realized that I was related to some people well worth knowing. So I made an effort to keep in touch, particularly with my father’s younger brother, John, and I went to see him and his family once a year until he died.
Pirates fall to Hamilton on Senior Night
The Polson Pirates concluded their season Friday, Oct. 20, with a 33-14 home loss on Senior Night to Hamilton in Western A football action.
Local schools land in Top 10 at State Cross Country Meet
Two Eagle claimed third, Mission finishes ninth and Polson boys and girls place 10th at State Cross Country Championships
Chiefs fall to Columbia Falls in final game of season
Ronan’s football season ended at home last Thursday, Oct. 19, as Western A foe Columbia Falls defeated the Chiefs 53-0.
Final layer of pavement goes down on 93 North
Riverside Contracting plans to begin installing the final layer of pavement on U.S. Highway 93, north of Ronan, from 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Oct. 26-28.
Polson Seniors: Prepare for All Hallows Eve
The hallowed evening before All Saints’ Day is coming up on Tuesday, as if you needed a reminder. I buy those mixed candy bags. I sort out all the ones that have mostly orange wrapping for myself and give the kids the other brands when they threaten me with a prank.
Ronan Seniors: Birthday dinner served
The Mission Valley Senior Center, located across from St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, is typically open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities. The Birthday Dinner, served at noon Oct. 27, features roast beef, salad and dessert.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Books and puzzles available
The St. Ignatius Senior Center has a large variety of books available. If you are interested in checking out our collection, please stop by on the days we are open. We also have Bibles to donate and a large variety of puzzles available.
Azure admits to assaulting partner with knife
In Polson District Court Oct 18, a Ronan man admitted to assaulting his wife of 10 years. Marcus John Azure, 34, entered a plea of guilty to assault with a weapon.
Adams pleads guilty to strangulation, drug possession
Kielon James Adams, 27 of Ronan, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 18 to felony charges of strangulation of a partner or family member and criminal possession of dangerous drugs.
Polson women deny damaging Durango
Two Polson women are accused of intentionally causing extensive damage to a vehicle parked at a rodeo event at the Polson Fairgrounds. Alexandrianna Pierre, 22, and Sakoya Rae Gaustad, 23, each entered pleas of not guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 18 to felony criminal mischief by accountability.
Cheryl Maldonado, 68
Our dear Wife, Mother, Sister, Nana and Friend, Cheryl Rodden Maldonado, 68, of Polson, passed away peacefully in her home with her family by her side on Oct. 16, 2023, following a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.
Steven Rosenbaum, 63
The family of Steven Rosenbaum is saddened to announce the sudden passing of him and his two beloved dogs, Sneak and Buddy, on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023. He was 63.
Tuesday, October 24
El Nino's return could spell dry, warm winter for Western Montana
Above normal temperatures and below average precipitation is projected for Western Montana this winter as a strengthening El Nino climate pattern takes hold for the first time in four years.
Thursday, October 19
The Last Harvest: Fleming brothers retire from growing seed potatoes
The Fleming brothers, Pat and Neal, stand in front of their final crop of seed potatoes, heaped into a knobby mountain at one of their cellars near Pablo. It's the end of an era.
Legals for October, 19 2023
Sentencing deferred for crash involving child
The imposition of sentencing for a Polson man, who admitted to a drunk-driving crash involving a child, was deferred for three years.
Veteran accused of assaulting wife and police officer
A Polson man and former fighter pilot for the U. S. Marine Corp. is accused of assaulting his wife and getting into a full-on fight with Lake County Undersheriff Ben Woods.
Man charged with felony strangulation
A Ronan man is accused of choking his soon-to-be ex-wife. Ted James Coffman, 41, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Oct. 12 to felony strangulation of a partner or family member and misdemeanor unlawful restraint.
Julia Montgomery, 76
Julia Irene Montgomery, age 76, passed away Aug. 23 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Burial has taken place at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson.
Vikings win fourth straight
The Charlo Vikings won their fourth game in a row and improved to 5-3 on the year with a 50-6 Western C eight-man victory over Plains on Friday, Oct. 13.
Polson Frosh finish In Top 10 at Divisionals
Polson's freshmen led the way at Divisionals; Arlee freshman Anola Naugle was the top Mission Valley finisher at the Western B/C Invite at Rivers Bend Golf in Thompson Falls on Thursday, Oct. 12
Pirates keep playoff hopes alive with Whitefish win
Polson got two touchdowns from Holden Emerson to pick up a key 29-26 Western A overtime victory over Whitefish on Thursday. The Pirates improved to 4-3 to keep their postseason hopes alive, with one home game against Hamilton left on the schedule.
Bennington book recalls living in the Mission Valley
A resident of the Mission Valley for more than 20 years, Bill Bennington taught at Salish Kootenai College, as did his wife, Joyce.
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
Historical tidbits gleaned from archives of weekly newspapers across the Mission Valley
Senator Tester fights for veterans
On Sept. 29, Ronan celebrated the 75th Anniversary of SGT Laverne Parrish Memorial Field. I'm so proud of the Chiefs' hard-fought win over Browning.
Ronan flies on Senior Night
Kolby Finley delivered more airmail than Fed Ex Friday, and senior DaVonne Curley had a game he will never forget as Ronan toppled Livingston’s Park High School Rangers 43-14 to improve to 4-4 on the season in Western A football action.
Mack Days enters sixth week with tally of more than 11,000 lake trout
Fall Mack Days continues with just four weeks left in the nine-week long event. By Monday, the tally was 11,099 fish; the 2022 total by this time was 10,374 and 2021’s tally came to 9,291.
Unbeaten Arlee clinches Western eight-man championship
What started off as a defensive battle between No. 4-ranked Arlee and No. 5-ranked Valley Christian turned into chaos in the second half as the Warriors scored 22 fourth-quarter points to win 34-25. The two teams played Friday, Oct. 13, at Washington-Grizzly Stadium in Missoula.
Polson falls in State Quarterfinals
The game was a close affair until the closing minutes in the Class A State Quarterfinals, but Polson fell on the road 3-0 to the No. 1 seed from the east, Billings Central, to conclude their season.
Supports David Coffman as Polson write-in candidate
I commend David Coffman for his willingness to be a write-in candidate for Precinct #2.
Three candidates vie for seats on Mission council
Three candidates are running for two four-year terms on the St. Ignatius City Council: incumbent James McCollum, Rikki Merchant and Janis Heffern.
Mission Valley Homesites gets go-ahead from council
The Ronan City Council unanimously voted to approve preliminary conditional approval for Mission Valley Homesites, an 11-phase, 221-unit subdivision, planned for the southeast side of Ronan.
Polson wins Ronan volleyball rivalry
Polson picked up a five-set rivalry victory over Ronan in Northwest A volleyball action on Tuesday, Oct. 10, winning by scores of 25-23, 25-23, 23-25, 22-25, 15-8.
Timm pleads not guilty to felony sexual abuse of children
Former Polson Police officer Matthew Timm, 41, entered a plea of not guilty to a single count of felony sexual abuse of children in Polson District Court Oct. 13.
Nancy Hausermann: “I’ve got to be helping”
Before health issues prevented her from going into stores, Nancy Hausermann was a familiar sight at the entryway to Super 1 Foods in Polson. She would have piles of goodies and usually a young person helping her hold a bake sale. Hausermann, who died Sept. 27 of lung cancer, leaves behind a legacy of generosity that transcended health issues and adversity.
St. Ignatius School District Snapshot
We continue to work on facilities to offer our students the very best opportunities. The new gym and expansion are complete: we now have two full gyms to host more tournaments and much more room for community events and activities.
Bulldog Middle Schoolers score new fitness center
The atmosphere was electric in the St. Ignatius Bulldogs gym Oct. 9. In the band, a snare drummer nervously fiddled with his drumsticks.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Healthy harvest
Apples, pears, tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash – this year’s healthy crops. Hope you have been able to can, freeze, pickle, dry and package some to be used later during the winter. I know of several bears that have been storing up for the cold weather.
Fall Varsity Sports Calendar
Your guide to fall sports.
Incumbents lead in Tribal Council primary
Preliminary primary CSKT tribal members voted Oct. 14 for primary candidates for an at-large seat and four district seats on the Tribal Council. The top two vote-getters for each district and the at-large seat will run against each other in the general election Dec. 16.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Mission Valley Power schedules rate hearing
Mission Valley Power, the nonprofit utility managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is hosting a public meeting on a proposed rate increase from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Mission Valley Power conference room in Pablo.
Broken pipe damages Charlo gym floor
The Charlo gym was out of commission for about two weeks after a water pipe burst along the juncture between the old and new construction.
Friday, October 13
Eighteen candidates on ballot for Tribal Council primary
CSKT tribal members will vote Oct. 14 for primary candidates for an at-large seat and four district seats on the Tribal Council.
Thursday, October 12
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
News gleaned from the archives of local weekly newspapers
Anna Martinson Lucas, 90
Anna (Martinson) Lucas peacefully passed away Oct. 1, 2023, in Polson at the age of 90. Services will be held at the Polson Community Church, 1814 First Street E., Polson, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at 11 a.m.
Arlee woman pleads not guilty to leading officers on chase
An Arlee woman is accused of participating in a pursuit with law enforcement this past August. Kody Lynn Belcourt, 27, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Sept. 28 to felony criminal endangerment.
Deloris Hoflen, 85
Deloris Hoflen, age 85 of Ronan, went home to be with Jesus Sept. 24, 2023, after a battle with cancer.
Anderson pleads guilty to drug possession, theft
A St. Ignatius man is accused of stealing a vehicle and, on three separate occasions, possessing drugs and missing court appearances related to those matters.
Polson man accused of burglary, theft, drug possession
A Polson man is accused of breaking into two Polson restaurants and stealing a car from one of the businesses.
Polson Seniors: Learn something new
Columbus did not discover America. Friday the 13th is not an unlucky day. The world is not flat. Pluto is not a planet. Football is not the national sport. New things are not new after they are new. Learning new things never gets old.
Ronan Seniors: Center serves Sunday dinner
The Mission Valley Senior Center, located across from St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, is typically open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo is Saturday
Bingo will be 2 p.m. Oct. 14 and chances on the guess-the-candy jar will be sold.
Marriages & Divorces
The following marriages and divorces were recently recorded at the Lake County Courthouse:
Pumpkins Plummet: Event raises money for fireworks and Brett Thoft Memorial Foundation
Out of the dense blue sky, a small plane appeared, aiming for a chalked grid on the runway of the St. Ignatius Airport. As it approached, a pumpkin fell, smashing somewhere on the grid (or occasionally, beyond), earning cheers from onlookers and, for at least one of them, $250 per flyover.
Russell Jenkins, 89
Russell Jenkins, age 89, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. Funeral services for Russell were held on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Ronan with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Missoula.
Fall Mack Days: Good weather, new faces
Anglers have almost hit the half way mark of the 2023 Fall Mack Days Fishing Event sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.
Polson soccer teams fall to Whitefish, Bigfork
Whitefish picked up hard-fought wins over Polson Saturday, and the Pirates and Lady Pirates fell to Bigfork last Tuesday.
Francis Bardanouve: A Montana treasure
He was for Montana because he was of Montana. He was honest, humble, and wise. Francis died in 2002. I miss him daily. So should we all.
Choose Lisa Rehard for city commission
Lisa Rehard is a write-in candidate for the Ward 2 Polson City Commission. Ballots will be mailed to voters around October 18, 2023. The city commission is a nonpartisan board.
Mill levy dispute: “Bring it on”
Last Wednesday, Lake County Commissioners joined a growing revolt among county officials across Montana by voting to decrease the number of mills allocated to school funding from 95 to 77.9.
Charlo trounces Alberton/Superior
Charlo improved to 5-3 on the year, taking down Alberton/Superior 52-12 in Western C eight-man football action on Friday, Oct. 6.
Arlee moves to 7-0 with win over Troy
Coming off their 50-6 victory over Plains the previous week, Arlee wanted to continue the momentum against winless Troy on Friday, Oct. 6, in Western C eight-man football action.
Broncs buck Ronan
Ronan fell to Frenchtown 35-7 in Western A football action on Friday, Oct. 6, as the Broncs scored 28 unanswered points against the visiting Chiefs.
Delaney wins at Mission Shadow Duels
The Polson girls cross-country team won the 2023 Mission Shadow Duels in Pablo on Saturday, Oct. 7, while the Ronan boys took second and the Polson boys took fourth.
Bulldogs offense scorches Darby
Mission scored 32 points in the second quarter on its way to a 62-26 route of Darby in Western C eight-man football action on Friday, Oct. 6.
Proposed subdivision heads to Ronan City Council
Last Wednesday’s meeting of the Ronan Planning Board began with a discussion of Mission Valley Homesites' proposed 221-lot subdivision.
Fall Varsity Sports Calendar
Varsity football, volleyball, soccer and cross-country teams
Polson FC U-12 Girls place second at Tamarack Tourney
The Polson FC U-12 Girls' soccer team finished off their autumn tournaments with a second-place finish at the Tamarack Tournament in Kalispell, after falling to the Flathead Rapids in an overtime penalty kick shootout.
Valley Volleyball Action
The week's volleyball action: Polson bests Libby, falls to Whitefish; Ronan loses to conference foes; Mission drops two exciting matchups; Charlo defeats Hot Springs and Noxon.
Blackfoot completes fiber-optic network in Mission
In late September, Blackfoot Communications announced the completion of a project upgrading an aging copper wire network to fiber-optic cable. Started in 2018, the project cost over $11 million and installed more than 380 miles of fiber.
ORI offers owl banding and survey
The Owl Research Institute is running a Saw-whet owl banding station at the Flathead Lake Biological Station this fall, and opens the experience to the public from approximately 7-10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12. The event is free, but sign-up is required.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Local News Briefs
EPA and SKC forge partnership; Concrete work continues in Ronan
Volunteers and planners promote Ronan master plan
The City of Ronan, the Ronan Chamber of Commerce and Mission West Community Development Partners are working with the planning firm of KLJ to help chart the community’s future.
Running to Paradise: Local athletes compete in trail run
Eight Mission Valley athletes between the ages of 61 and 71 ran (or occasionally walked) the 11 Miles to Paradise Trail Run, held Sunday, Oct. 8.
On the Agenda
Schedule of upcoming public meetings
Logan Health offers aquatic rehab in Polson
Logan Health Rehabilitation has begun offering aquatic therapy at Mission Valley Aquatic Center in Polson.
Legals for October, 12 2023
Thursday, October 5
Choral Society welcomes new members through Oct. 12
The Mission Valley Choral Society is preparing for the group's annual Christmas Concerts and will accept members until Oct. 12. Practices are from 7-9 p.m. Thursdays at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall.
Legals for October, 5 2023
County wades into battle over 95-mill levy
There’s a battle brewing between state and county governments regarding the 95-mill levy, which helps balance school funding levels between richer and poorer counties across Montana.
Apples aplenty at CSKT Fall Wildlife Festival
Despite the downpour, the mood was festive Saturday at the third Fall Wildlife Festival, hosted by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Warriors notch sixth straight win
Arlee remained undefeated on the season after thumping Plains 50-6 in Western eight-man football action on Friday, Sept. 29.
Biologists on lookout for avian influenza
“I hear this is the weather you really want for duck hunting,” Kari Kingery said, as rain dripped from the hood of her parka Saturday.
Fall Varsity Sports Calendar
Varsity sports calendar for Oct. 5-12
Chiefs power past Browning
Ronan’s Kolby Finley threw three touchdowns, ran for one more, and returned an interception for a score as the Chiefs defeated Browning 39-8 in Western A football action on Friday, Sept. 29.
Valley Volleyball Action
Mission Valley teams do well at the net, with sweeps posted by Polson, Ronan, Mission and Charlo last week.
CSKT Transit launches new app
CSKT Transit Services recently began to offer a new app that allows riders to schedule and cancel their travel more easily.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
Cats in the belfry, Swan Lake fire, Cheaper phone rates, and Sonic booms
Garlic Festival offers food, garlic and community
Gray and drizzling outside, the lights underneath the roof of the Good Ol’ Days Park pavilion drew people into the “mostly annual” Garlic Festival last Friday evening.
Ronan City Council discusses Miller subdivision, business licenses
Ronan City Council met Sept. 27, and began the meeting with a discussion of a proposed annexation and subdivision of Steve and Deborah Miller’s property on Ag Services Lane.
Ronan Seniors: Flu shots available
Flu Shots will be available Oct. 11 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the Mission Valley Senior Center.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Get cozy with books, puzzles
Fall and cool weather are here and we suggest you get cozy with a good book or doing a puzzle.
Polson Seniors: Veteran’s rep visits Friday
Activities at the Polson center, open to all, include: self-guided, video assisted exercise, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; pinochle, noon-3 p.m. Thursdays (new players are welcome); and bingo, 7 p.m. Fridays ($100 payout on blackouts).
Fighting for freedom or appeasing Putin: The choice is clear
“Freedom isn’t free.” It surely was not for those who fought and died for America’s freedom in the beginning.
The Bread Basket needs holiday help
Everyone in the community is dealing with the higher cost of gas, groceries, rent, services, etc. and community members who struggle with food insecurity are often hit the hardest by these increased costs.
Polson Rotary donates to four youth organizations
At the organization’s regular meeting last Tuesday, Sept. 26, Polson Rotary President Dennis Duty dispersed nearly $24,000 raised during last summer's Brewfest and raffle to four local youth organizations.
THE CHAMPS ARE HERE: Polson golfers No. 1 in State
Polson’s golf teams had to find extra room to bring back all the hardware they won at the State A Golf Tournament in Sydney on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29-30.
Polson soccer teams best Libby
Pirates push past Libby; Davis and Heiser score pair of goals in Polson victory
Charlo defeats Mission 30-6
Charlo picked up all its touchdowns on the ground and came away with the 30-6 Western C eight-man football victory on Friday, Sept. 29 against Mission in St. Ignatius.
Local cross-country teams fare well in Whitefish, Hamilton
Polson frosh lead charge at Whitefish Invitational; Ronan runners finish third in Hamilton
Polson runs past Stevensville
Polson returned to .500 with a 33-12 Western A victory over Stevensville on Friday, Sept. 29.
The Climate Conversation: Can we act with enough urgency?
You remember the “debate” about cigarettes? We saw billions of dollars of disinformation from the tobacco companies. The same shocking immorality is at work today with the climate crisis.
Gene Jorgenson, 74
Gene D. Jorgenson, 74, of Stanfield, Ore., passed away on Sept. 17,2023, in Kennewick, Wash.
Ione Fitzpatrick, 89
Ione Lois Fitzpatrick passed away on Sept. 20, 2023, in Polson. Ione was born on Aug. 10, 1934, in Sidney, Mont., to Louis E. and Mabel L. Pollard.
Claude Smith, 60
We are sad to announce the passing of Claude C. Smith, “Old Man,” of Charlo. He passed away on Sept. 9, 2023, at the age of 60, after a courageous battle with cancer, and surrounded by his family.
Paul Stanert Philips, 75
Our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and uncle, Paul Stanert Philips, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sept. 16, 2023.
A glance at Polson Schools: Possibility and Potential
There is something magical about the start of a new school year. It is time for students to reinvent themselves, set new goals and embark on a journey of learning.
View from the Library: Friends take donations
As we head into fall we have a great lineup of programs for kids including Monday Mother Goose for infants and toddlers at 9:15 a.m. and Thursday Story Time for toddlers and pre-school age at 10 a.m.
Bigknife gets deferred sentence for BB gun shooting
A young man, formerly of Polson, had his sentencing on an assault with a weapon conviction deferred for six years Sept. 27 in Polson District Court.
Fitch sentenced for burglary
A Pablo man who appeared in Polson District Court Sept. 27 was committed to five years with the Montana Department of Corrections with no time suspended on a burglary conviction. Casper Quade Fitch, 39, entered a plea agreement that amended aggravated burglary to burglary and went straight to sentencing.
Man pleads not guilty to truck theft
A Polson man is accused of helping himself to a truck that doesn’t belong to him. Seth Houston Dean Williams, 32, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court Sept. 27 to felony theft.
Man accused of killing his mother pleads not guilty
Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set a trial date of Feb. 26 for a Polson man accused of killing his mother. Garrett Vaska, 46, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Sept. 28.
Lemler admits to strangling former partner
Brent Michael Lemler, 34, entered a plea of guilty to felony strangulation of a partner or family member in Polson District Court Sept. 28.
Nowlen faces drug and burglary charges
Wesley Robert Nowlen, 30, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Sept. 28 to five separate counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and one count of burglary.
