Ellington

James "Lloyd" Jackson

James “Lloyd” Jackson of Ronan died April 5. Lloyd will be deeply missed and never forgotten. Please join us for a memorial service honoring Lloyd's life at the Community Center in Ronan on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.

Margaret Welty, 87

Margaret Laverne Dowty Welty, age 87, passed away peacefully April 26, 2024, in Polson. Born in Great Falls, Margaret was a cherished mother, grandmother, and a friend celebrated for her grace and compassion. A vigil was held April 30 from 6-8 p.m. at The Lake Funeral Home, 101 6th Ave. East, Polson. Her funeral service will take place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1002 4th Ave E, Polson, on May 1 at 10:30 a.m.

Lois McAllister, 76

Lois McAllister, 76, died at her home in Ronan on April 21. She was born in Muleshoe, Texas, on Aug. 6, 1947, the second child of Jack and Dealia Peel. Funeral services will be held at Pablo Christian Church at 11 a.m. Monday, April 29, 2024, with burial in the Ronan Cemetery.

Charles Hammerberg

Charles Hammerberg of Polson passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024.

Legals for April, 25 2024

Morrison accused of burglarizing same business, again

A Polson man, who was given a suspended sentence on a burglary charge less than a month ago, is accused of doing it again. Bryce L. Morrison, 26, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court April 10 to felony burglary.

Houle sentenced to 10 years for Pablo robbery

A Pablo man who appeared in Polson District Court April 10 was sentenced to the Montana Department of Corrections for 10 years with five years suspended on a felony robbery conviction. The sentence for Josiah Michael Houle, 39, was in accordance with a plea agreement reached in February.

Earth Day: Tribes host daylong celebration

The Earth Day Celebration, held last Friday at Salish Kootenai College, brought together scientists, activists and tribal officials to celebrate accomplishments and explore the challenges that lie ahead in addressing climate change.

Mission voters encouraged to read school board surveys

The Saint Ignatius Federation of Teachers is pleased to see significant public interest in the governance of our public schools. We reached out to the six candidates running for two open school board positions for St. Ignatius Public Schools with a detailed survey.

Energy Keepers offers weekly “Range of Forecast”

Energy Keepers Inc., the owner and operator of Salish Ksanka Qlispe (SKQ) Dam, began posting a new graphic last week that shows the possible lake level ranges this summer.

Spring Sports Calendar

Varsity softball, baseball, tennis and track schedule for Lake County schools

Polson drops two and Mission-Arlee posts two wins

Polson lost two games; Ronan posts one win, one loss; and Mission collects two victories.

Durglo, Brown winners at Iceberg Invite

Ronan and Polson each had event winners at the Iceberg Invite on Saturday, April 20, at Columbia Falls. Ashtin Brown won the shot put for Polson with a mark of 54-4. Ronan’s Connor Durglo won the triple jump with a mark of 42.-4.75.

Valley softball teams post all-win week

Polson, Ronan and Mission-Arlee-Charlo brought home softball wins last week.

Valley View Women's Club says thanks

The Valley View Women's Club would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who donated to our rummage sale and attended our sale.

Get ready for “Clean Up, Green Up”

The Greater Polson Community Foundation is celebrating the 10th year of “Clean Up! Green Up!,” an annual campaign aimed at beautifying the community.

The story behind your new tax bill

By now most Montana homeowners and business owners have gotten a new and unexpected tax bill from their county treasurers. Here’s why.

School board ballots in the mail

Ballots for school board elections across Lake County were mailed to voters April 22 and must be returned to the Lake County Election Office in the Lake County Courthouse by 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7. The U.S. Post Office recommends mailing ballots by April 30 – at least a week before Election Day – so they’ll arrive at the courthouse by May 7.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Wilmar qualifies for 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships

Garret Wilmar, a member of the Pistols and Ponytails 4-H Club in Polson, competed in the Montana State Shooting Sports – Shotgun Event on Saturday, finishing second. He competed in trap, skeet and sporting clays.

Boots were scootin’ at the Cowboy Ball

Lake County Commissioner Bill Barron called the Cowboy Ball the first party of the summer season, and this year’s party was well-attended with more than 600 people sporting boots, jeans, hats, and, for the ladies, big turquoise, stepping into the huge, heated tent at the fairgrounds.

Mission Valley Choral Society welcomes spring

Sunlight was pouring into the St. Ignatius Mission Catholic Church, painting bright colors through the stained glass windows as the Mission Valley Choral Society began their first weekend concert on Saturday.

Mack Days: Angler turns in 42-inch lunker

Lake trout entries for the 2024 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event keep climbing, thanks to the endurance and tenacity of the lake trout anglers on Flathead Lake.

Polson School Board: Four vie for three seats

The Polson School District has three trustee seats open in the elementary district. Since incumbent Steven "Shane" Orien is running unopposed in the high school district, that election was cancelled and he will be elected by acclamation.

St. Ignatius School Board: Six candidates on ballot

In School District 28, six candidates are competing for two three-year terms. The ballot includes incumbent Jeff Evans, Rochelle Groom, Tim Marchant, Peter Matt, Darren Orr and Rhianna Rhukala.

Charlo School Board: Five vie for openings

Five candidates have filed for the two three-year trustee positions open in Charlo School District 7J, according to District Clerk Sara Vaughan. Incumbent Jodie Buxbaum, Kristin Marcure Bauer, Tina Firestone, Matt Hout and Branden Jenson have filed for the seats.

Sides with Israel

In 1948 Israel was recognized as their own state. Immediately the Arab nations attack them. With the Lord’s help, Israel won.

Defrocking Miss Daisy: Sheep shearer and spinners share wool basics

Daisy announced her presence at the Boys and Girls Club in Polson last week by leaving a fragrant deposit on the floor of the entryway, which in turn caused a boy to squeeze his nose closed and scurry past.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo is May 4

Mark your calendars for bingo at 2 p.m. May 4. AARP’s Safe Driving Course will be offered at the St. Ignatius Senior Center from 1-5 p.m. May 21.

PHS appoints new head basketball, soccer coaches

Polson High School recently announced the appointment of new head coaches in basketball and soccer – each with storied histories in district athletics.

Ronan Seniors: Birthday dinner is Friday

This month’s birthday dinner at the Mission Valley Senior Center will be served Friday, April 16, and includes roast beef and potatoes, salad and dessert. Also on the menu: ham casserole, April 29; and Polish dogs, May 1.

Polson Seniors: Celebrating volunteers this week

Western Pleasure Tours, centered in Kalispell, will present a video about budget-minded modern bus tours to various travel destinations in the West at 12:15 p.m. Friday, April 26, at the center. Call 208-283-9776 for info. This is National Volunteer Month. The center will celebrate its volunteers during lunch this week.

Construction resumes this week on Ronan-North project

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. resumed work this week on the U.S. Highway 93 Ronan-North project. Work began April 22 with limited milling and paving operations on U.S. 93 from the intersection with Round Butte Road north to the intersection with 3rd Ave. and Old U.S. 93. Crews were onsite from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. through Friday, April 26, dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.

Mission man accused of sexual abuse of children

A St. Ignatius man is accused of arranging to meet a minor girl for sexual intercourse. Charles Henry “Pete” Zeiler, 47, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court April 10 to sexual abuse of children.

Trial set for men accused of flooding jail

Judge Molly Owen set a trial date of Sept 16 for two inmates of the Lake County Jail, who are accused of flooding the facility. Keilon James Adams, 27, and Cameron Scott Asencio, 33, are charged with felony counts of criminal mischief and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Legals for April, 24 2024

Births at the Nesting Place

The following births were recently recorded at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson.

JDavid Bennett II

JDavid Bennett II of Polson unexpectedly passed away due to heart complications on April 4, 2024. Services will be held at Terrace Lake Community Church in Ronan at 11 a.m. April 19.

Polson Seniors: Honoring volunteers

Dustin Blush will give a presentation on Computer Scam Awareness April 18. Call for more information.

Ronan Seniors: Audiologist to visit center

Eve, the audiologist from St. Luke Healthcare, will visit the Ronan Senior Center April 26.

Sex offender sentenced to 40 years

A Lake County man was sentenced in Polson District Court April 10 to the Montana State Prison for 60 years, with 20 years suspended for sexual assault of a minor.

Whitefish murder suspect jailed for Lake County assault

The primary suspect in a murder investigation in Whitefish appeared on domestic abuse charges involving the same alleged victim, Kaylee Hale, in Polson District Court April 10.

Inmates held in Flathead County after attempted jail break

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell has released the names of the two inmates that allegedly assaulted a detention officer and attempted to escape the jail the evening of April 5.

Mahseelah sentenced for hit-and-run

A St. Ignatius man, who admitted to striking a friend and fellow party attendee with his truck and killing him, was committed to the Montana Department of Corrections for 10 years with nine suspended during a hearing April 10 in Polson District Court.

Sunny White attorney plans to seek venue change

The Butte woman accused of striking and killing Mika Westwolf appeared in Polson District Court April 10 for an omnibus hearing.

Earth Day: Let's all do this!

Stumpy, an ugly but beloved cherry tree in D.C.'s National Mall, struggles to stay alive. An inconvenient truth, and Stumpy is not alone.

Yellow Bay boat ramp closed through April 22

The boat ramp at the Yellow Bay unit of Flathead Lake State Park is closed for construction April 15-22.

Fentanyl: Changing the landscape

Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid flooding the illicit drug market in the U.S., is 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. For children, it’s even more lethal.

St. Ignatius Seniors: AARP driving course is May 21

AARP’s Safe Driving Course will be offered at the St. Ignatius Senior Center from 1-5 p.m. May 21. Call 406-745-4462 to be registered.

Time Capsule: From the weekly archives

Headlines of yore, harvested from the archives of local weekly newspapers.

Progress continues on Ronan water project

The Ronan City Council meeting on April 10 was so short and sweet it should have been on Valentine’s Day.

New coffee shop is a family affair

Daybreaker Coffee and Pastry Shop takes its name from its popular breakfast sandwich packed with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese baked in a pastry crust.

Polson bests three teams at Cut Bank Invitational

The Polson boys and girls tennis teams won three of four matchups during last weekend's Cut Bank Invitational. They also bested Columbia Falls.

Softball: Back in the swing of things

Polson wins delayed matchup against Ronan; Columbia Falls beats Polson, falls to Ronan; Libby bests Ronan, falls to Polson

Ranch and stretch of Mission Creek permanently protected

A 122-acre ranch and wildlife haven in the Mission Valley, once platted for subdivision, has been protected in perpetuity with the Flathead Land Trust.

Mack Days angler lands, releases bull trout

Spring Mack Days, sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, is moving into week number six in the nine-week long event. Entries continue to be taken until 3 p.m. Saturday, May 11.

Trash dumped at Safe Harbor Marsh

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Department recently discovered a pile of trash at Safe Harbor Marsh, a pristine wetland on the west shore of Flathead Lake.

Theodore Stoughton Stiles, 88

Theodore Stoughton Stiles, 88, was born Jan. 6, 1936, at the Hotel Dieu Hospital in Polson to parents Roy Frank Stiles and Lela Arline Stoughton Stiles. He passed away on April 6 at the Hot Springs Health and Rehab in Hot Springs.

Sandpiper launches Art4Polson initiative

The community of Polson is about to become several shades more vibrant, thanks the Art4Polson public art initiative recently launched by Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gifts.

Arlee's Garden for Life offers dirt therapy

Arlee's Garden for Life offers dirt therapy

Teen Art Project expands to Arlee

The Missoula Art Museum (MAM) is expanding the free Teen Art Project (TAP) arts and leadership program to Arlee, in partnership with the Arlee Community Development Corporation (CDC). The free classes, which meet 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Fridays from April 19 through June 14, are funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Bill and Rosemary Gallagher Foundation.

Gates now open to scenic SKQ Overlook

The gates to the SKQ Overlook opened April 15 and will remain open in the morning and close at sunset until Oct. 15.

Mission Valley Calendar

MV Calendar: Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Podium trips abound at Dave Tripp Memorial Invite

Several Lake County athletes won events at the Dave Tripp Memorial Track Meet, held in Polson on Saturday, April 13.

Spring Sports Calendar

Varsity tennis, track, baseball and softball are in full swing this week.

Ballot initiatives aim to give voters more choices

Most of us don’t need a poll or a survey to tell us our politics are broken. Montana voters deserve more freedom, better choices, and greater accountability from our elected leaders. That’s why we, alongside a broad coalition of Montanans from around the state, are working hard to qualify CI-126 and CI-127 for the ballot this November to put voters back in charge of our election system and our government.

Sorry. Climate science is not a plot to put computer chips in your brain.

It’s clear from recent letters-to-the-editor that some citizens are having trouble sorting facts from conspiracy theories, especially when it comes to climate science.

MREC flip-flop: County makes counter-offer

Meetings between the Lake County Commissioners and the Ronan Pioneer Days Committee concerning the Mission Recreation Event Center property in Ronan are not unusual.

Legals for April, 18 2024

Legals for April, 17 2024

Gary Morigeau, 83

Gary E. Morigeau, 83 of Polson, passed away unexpectedly April 5, 2024. A celebration of Gary's life will be held at 11 a.m. May 11 at the St. Ignatius Mission church where family and friends will gather to honor his memory and the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.

Ronan Seniors: Pinochle resumes

The center serves a roast pork dinner on Sunday, April 14, from noon-2 p.m. Other upcoming meals include teriyaki chicken, April 12; Cook’s Choice, April 15; and chicken chow mein, April 17.

Donald Reese, 73

Donald Henry Reese died March 21, 2024, in Walla Walla, Wash., at Providence St. Mary Medical Center.

Jacqueline Gladys "Jackie" Byrnes, 85

Jacqueline Gladys Byrnes of Ronan was called home to be with the Lord on the morning of Feb. 7, 2024. She will always be remembered for her smile and willingness to help others. A Celebration of Jackie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on April 13, 2024, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 35933 Round Butte Road, Ronan, with a reception to follow in the Catholic Church Parish Hall.

Free flower seeds help attract pollinators

It’s officially Spring, and time to help out the birds and bees with free pollinator seed mixes, available during the Pollinator Seed Giveaway, 1-3 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the North Lake County Library.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Spring rains welcome

Spring rains are welcomed – so enjoyable to see the return of our spring birds.

More snow needed to improve summer’s water outlook

While February moisture boosted snowpack levels across the state, March didn’t help much – except in southwest and southern parts of the state. However, recent rains have boosted precipitation in the Flathead basin, dumping 153% of the 1991-2020 average precipitation for the first week of April. The upper and lower Clark Fork basins also received significant boosts, and the Kootenai was at 91% for the first week.

Democracy is a process, not a finished product

“Welcome to the end of democracy. We are here to overthrow it completely,” said conservative activist Jack Posobiec at the February 2024 meeting of the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). To which Steve Bannon, former Trump advisor said, “Amen.” (The New Republic, Feb. 23, 2024)

Spay and neuter clinic helps animals and their humans

The Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center was awash with dogs, cats and their people last weekend. The Arlee Rehabilitation Center teamed up with Spay Montana, which brought three veterinary teams and staff to Salish Kootenai College for the annual Spay and Neuter Clinic. Organizers of the free clinic expected to complete 200 procedures during the two-day event.

Tin Finley: Polson show marks homecoming for Montana-based band

For Polson native Kati O’Toole, the concert April 20 at the Theatre on the Lake in Polson marks a musical homecoming. The Polson High School grad joins another alum, bassist Eric Hogenson, and friends and bandmates Annette Strean and Kirk Cornelius in Tin Finley – a band named after Nashville’s famed Tin Angel restaurant (where three of the four members either met or worked) and inspired by the quartet’s Montana roots.

Mission athletes win three track events

Mission had three champions at the Good Friday Easter Bunny Meet on Friday, March 29, in Eureka. Isaac Umphrey placed first in both the men’s 100-meter (12.11) and 400-meter (54.41) run. Umphrey was also fourth in the long jump (17-6).

Polson Softball no-hits Browning team

Polson didn’t allow a single hit while taking advantage of 14 walks and two hit batters in a 15-0 Northwestern A victory over Browning on Friday, April 5. Also on Friday, Mission-Arlee-Charlo picked up their first win of the season with a 10-4 victory over Troy.

Baseball Roundup: Polson and Ronan post wins

With rain wreaking havoc on Polson's schedule, the Pirates still managed to find a victory on Tuesday, April 2, with a 4-1 dispatching of Western Division foe Frenchtown. Play resumed Monday when the Pirates defeated Mission-Arlee and Ronan snagged their first win against Noxon.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Letters to the Editor

Appreciates help from Sen. Hertz; The Cold Truth worth watching; Climate concerns evoke Chicken Little

Mack Days anglers lauded as relentless

How to describe those anglers who put in countless hours, dollars, sweat, and a little bit of blood out on Flathead Lake during the Mack Days fishing events? They are the best of the best when it comes to lake trout fishing, a sport that they love.

Charles “Charlie” Louis Morigeau

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) flew flags at half-mast through Monday in honor of tribal elder and veteran Charles “Charlie” Louis Morigeau, who passed away April 6.

Ronald Walker, 96

Ronald Robert Walker, age 96, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at his home in Polson. A memorial service will be held at the United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 1 p.m.

Spring Sports Calendar

Varsity tennis, track, softball and baseball are in full swing

John Mercer applies to fill judicial vacancy

Longtime Polson attorney and former state legislator and Speaker of the House John Mercer has applied to fill the remaining office term of former District Court Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher, who resigned from the bench effective April 5.

Domestic disturbance escalates into armed standoff

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office called in the Flathead County SWAT team to assist with a domestic disturbance that turned into an armed standoff Saturday evening.

Energy Keepers plans to keep lake at higher spring level

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) approved a request from Energy Keepers, Inc (EKI) to deviate from the Flood Risk Management plan by allowing for a higher spring lake level than usual.

CSKT hosts Earth Day event at SKC

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are hosting an Earth Day celebration April 19 at the Arlee and Charlo Theatre on the campus of Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.

Polson Seniors: Computer scam presentation

Dustin Blush will give a presentation on Computer Scam Awareness April 18. Call for more information. Open to all – younger people as well.

Appreciates Sen. Hertz

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Senator Greg Hertz of Polson. His unwavering support during a recent personal struggle has been invaluable.

Albert James Knutson, 91

Albert James Knutson of Polson began his life April 11, 1932, filling his 91-plus years with much adventure, love and hard work. He passed away Jan. 18, 2024, at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan.

Legals for April, 11 2024

Yet another “reform” committee

God so loved the world, that He didn’t send a committee to save it. Unfortunately, this eternal truth is lost on the Legislature.

Building Jake’s Farm: Janssen family creates a legacy for their son

Mark your calendar for a three-day building blitz Aug. 8-10, when the community will come together to build Jake’s Farm in the Dell in Ronan. Poignantly, groundbreaking for Jake’s Farm in the Dell will come more than a year after Jake Janssen passed away April 5, 2023, at age 28. Jake, an autistic man, is Rich and Julie Janssen’s son and Jenna Janssen’s brother. Jake is the reason Jake’s Farm in the Dell will become a reality.

Legals for April, 10 2024

Ronan Tennis falls to Whitefish, Columbia Falls

Ronan boys and girls lost to Whitefish and Columbia Falls tennis teams last week although Beau Decker winning the No. 1 singles matchup for the Chiefs by a score of 6-1, 6-2 against Whitefish.

Ronan Seniors: Roast pork served April 14

The center serves a roast pork dinner on Sunday, April 14, from noon-2 p.m. Other upcoming meals include meatloaf, April 5; ham and beans with cornbread, April 8; and brunch, April 10.

Rob McDonald joins Energy Keepers as communications director

Energy Keepers Inc. recently hired Robert McDonald as communications director to focus on media relations, public relations, and wider communication efforts.

Challenging Sen. Salomon's take on SB 442

After reading the editorial opinion authored by Senator Dan Salomon opposing SB 442 stating tax revenue from marijuana was to be distributed unfairly to lower populated counties, I thought we needed clarification of the intent of 442.

Milla Koger honored for fair board service

Milla Koger, a 14-year member of the Lake County Fair Board, retired from the board at the February meeting. She received a heart-shaped plaque for her service from fellow board member Katie Jo Elliot.

Registration due April 5 for CSKT Producer Summit

Local farmers and ranchers are invited to attend the CSKT Producer Summit, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. April 11 at KwaTaqNuk Resort in Polson. The registration deadline is April 5.

Marriages & Divorces

The following marriages and divorces were recently recorded at the Lake County Courthouse:

MAC has fresh faces, looks for continued success

Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball is no stranger to success, making the State B championship game three times in the past four years. This year, however, there are plenty of new faces on the roster.

County commissioners voice support for SB 442

County Commissioners from across Montana appreciate the widespread support that Senate Bill 442 enjoyed throughout its legislative process. Marijuana revenues are new to Montana, and the bill's thoughtful distribution of this higher-than-expected new revenue stream included some funding for county roads.

Shelly Sharbono, 66

Shelly Rae Sharbono, age 66 of Roundup, Mont., passed away Dec. 21, 2023. Shelly had been fighting the battle of lung cancer for over two years. She passed away peacefully, into the arms of her Lord with family at her side. Her Celebration of Life will be held at New Life Church in Polson at 1 p.m. April 13.

Partial solar eclipse hits Mission Valley April 8

Granted, Montana is not among the 15 states that will spend a moment in total darkness as the rare full solar eclipse passes overhead April 8. Still, the Mission Valley will be treated to a partial eclipse at around 12:40 p.m. as the Moon’s shadow glides across the Earth.

Polson wins Battle for the Paddle

College-bound Espn Fisher pitched a masterful game for the Pirates while driving in two runs and swatting a double as Polson defeated Ronan 15-1 in the Battle for the Paddle on Thursday, March 24.

Delaney and Qualtier champions in Frenchtown

The Track and Field season got started in western Montana with the Frenchtown Invitational on Thursday, March 28. Hamilton won both the boys and girls team titles at the event, while the Ronan boys placed sixth as a team in the meet, and the Polson girls placed sixth as well.

Mack Days: Week three count tops 13,000

After three weekends of fishing beneath the snowcapped Mission Mountains on Flathead Lake, our Spring Mack Days angler’s total lake trout count stands at 13,417. Totals of recent years at the three-week mark are: 2023: 11,315 entries; 2022: 9,039 entries; 2021: 11,135 entries; 2020: 12,925 entries; and 2019: 13,622 entries.

Polson Seniors: Celebrating volunteers

This is National Volunteer Month. We will recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers who have either formerly or currently served at our Senior Center. Help us add to our current list.

Ronan Council signals intention to buy MREC property

Kim Aipperspach and Mike Bartel, representing Ronan Pioneer Days, returned to Ronan City Council March 27 to continue a discussion of the Mission Range Event Center land.

Time Capsule: Headlines of yore from the weekly archives

The following news tidbits were gleaned from the pages of the Flathead Courier.

Ag Appreciation honors Jack and Susan Lake

March refused to go out quietly, and the weather threw a little snow, rain, and wind around on Friday afternoon, but not enough to stop the 44th Annual Ag Appreciation Dinner, sponsored by the Ronan Chamber. Lifelong Montana residents and farmers Jack and Susan Lake were honored for their contributions to agriculture in the Mission Valley.

Elmo resident pleads not guilty to Social Security fraud

Gerry Alen Albus, 64, of Elmo, appeared March 28 in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto and pleaded not guilty to charges of theft of government money and Social Security fraud.

Fentanyl blamed for child's death

A married couple from Ronan are accused of exposing their 13-month-old child to fentanyl, leading to the boy’s death. Roberta Hammer, 22, and Nyibe Jordan Nguyen, 25, each entered pleas of not guilty in Polson District Court March 28 to felony negligent homicide.

Spotted Blanket admits to stabbing

A Polson man admitted to stabbing another man in the head. Dustin Lee Spotted Blanket, 38, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court March 27 to felony assault with a weapon.

Accused rapist also faces bail-jumping charge

A Polson man is accused of intentionally skipping a court appearance on a rape charge. Jerod Eugene Koldeway, 44, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District March 27, to felony bail jumping.

Bigknife sent to prison for BB-gun assault

A former Polson man, who was convicted of shooting a man’s eye out with a BB gun, was sentenced in Polson District Court March 27 to the Montana State Prison for 15 years with five years suspended for violating terms of a deferred sentence.

Judge calls Bigfork driver's behavior "disturbing"

A Bigfork man was sentenced in Polson District Court March 27 by Judge Molly Owen to the Montana Department of Corrections for two years on one count of felony criminal mischief, with all but three days jail time already served suspended.

Belcourt admits to endangering motorists

An Arlee woman admitted to endangering the public during a pursuit with law enforcement. Kody Lynn Belcourt, 28, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court March 27 to felony criminal endangerment.

Polson man sentenced for safe and firearms theft, drug possession

A Polson man was committed in Polson District Court March 28 to a total of eight years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with six years suspended.

Legals for April, 4 2024

Lady Pirates bring ample experience to 2024 squad

Polson softball enters each season with a long legacy of championship play. In 2024, 10 upperclassmen are on the roster for a campaign the Lady Pirates hope will last deep into the season.

Senior Centers: What's on the menu

Polson and Ronan senior centers share menus for the coming week.

On the Agenda

Local government in action

Polson Tennis sweeps Stevensville

Polson spent it’s Saturday sweeping Stevensville in tennis action on March 30 with the girls winning their matchup 4-3 and the boys sweeping their contest.

Spring Sports Calendar

Baseball, softball, tennis and track -- varsity sports are underway for Lake County teams

Civic Duty: Election judges play essential role

Election judge Paula Craft calls herself “an ambassador for elections and election integrity.” She’s worked for the Lake County Election Office since 2016 in the third-floor conference room that’s transformed into a place called Central Count.

Legals for April, 3 2024