Ellington

Legals for January, 31 2024

Legals for January, 25 2024

Ronan man admits to assaulting police officer

Curtis Daniel Buck, 29, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court Jan. 18 to felony charges of assault on a peace or judicial officer, robbery and criminal endangerment.

Man facing up to 60 years for sexual assault of minor

A Lake County man entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court Jan. 17 to sexual assault involving a minor. Nathan Winter Plemmons, 39, entered the plea as part of an agreement that dismisses other charges of a similar nature.

Adams sentenced for drugs, partner assault

During an appearance in Polson District Court Jan. 17, Kielon James Adams, 27, was sentenced to the Montana Department of Corrections for five years with all that time suspended on one count of strangulation of a partner or family member.

Salisbury pleads guilty to family member assault

Shawn Allen Salisbury, 46, entered into a plea agreement Jan. 17 to two of three felony counts of partner or family member assault (five years each, served consecutively with the DOC) during an earlier court appearance.

Ailport pleads not guilty to arson, attempted homicide

Ailport pleads not guilty to arson, attempted homicide

Paul Glen Ailport, 64, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court on Jan. 18 to felony charges of attempted deliberate homicide, arson and criminal mischief.

School bomb threats had "low credibility"

A grim email message arrived in the in-boxes of more than 200 Montana schools last week. Employees of the Ronan School District, including Pablo Elementary principal Ryan Fisher and the Ronan business clerk, received three threats late Jan. 16 that threatened retaliation "for America's great injustice against our nation."

Winter Sports Calendar

The season continues for Lake County varsity teams

Polson swimmers boast full podium in Kalispell

Polson Boys and Girls Swimming Teams had several placers at the Kalispell High School Brave Pack Meet on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Ronan Girls win Butte Central Girls Invitational

Ronan Girls Wrestling Team placed first at the Butte Central Girls Invitational on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 19-20, with four wrestlers placing first; Polson's team placed fourth.

Odd Hours. No Pay. Cool Hat.: Film celebrates volunteer firefighters

In the trailer to the film “Odd Hours. Cool Hat. No Pay,” a woman says, “They handed me a piece of paper and said, ‘fill this out. We have a meeting Wednesday night.’ My husband said, ‘where have you been?’ I said, ‘I think I joined the fire department.’” That’s exactly the response the Polson Fire Department hopes to get when they screen the free documentary at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Showboat Cinemas.

Snow, freezing rain cause crashes, slide-ins

As welcome as snow is – especially for skiers and irrigators – it’s arrival has created havoc for drivers and local law enforcement.

Monster Mania: Polson students collaborate on multi-faceted project

“What is your monster’s name?” Cherry Valley teacher Joanie Bowen asked Jackson Mays. “Bob,” the first grader replied. He held his orange and green, eight-legged, multi-eyed monster out for the other kids to see, and the monster’s star-shaped antennae wriggled.

Majoritarian democracy or minority tyranny?

What is more American than that the majority rules – the principle that 50.1% carries the day when decisions affecting all of us are made? The majority wins, and the minority has to accept, even if not graciously, the decision of the greater number. That’s how decisions are made in this country. Right? Not necessarily!

Richard Dolezal, 91

Richard Matthew Dolezal, 91, “slipped the surly bonds of earth” and is now soaring with eagles, dying peacefully after a short illness in Phoenix, Ariz., on the morning of Jan. 12. He left behind his wife, Eileen, children Michael, Lisa and Scott, grandchildren Michael, Anna, Kristin, Taylor, Cooper and Kennedy, and his cat, Sophie.

Class B Girls: Mission wins seventh straight

Mission won its seventh straight game, caging the Superior Bobcats for a 57-29 Western 7B victory on Friday, Jan. 19. They also stabled the Plains Trotters.

Class B Boys: Warriors blast past Darby

Warriors blast past Darby and trounce Anaconda.

Class C Boys: Two Eagle topples St. Regis

In a low-scoring Western 14C battle, Two Eagle outscored St. Regis by nine points in the final quarter Jan. 20 for a 45-43 victory. It was St. Regis’ first league loss of the season.

More Class A Basketball action

The Polson boys fell to 0-4 in Northwest A Conference play with a 61-41 loss to Columbia Falls on Saturday, Jan. 20, and the Lady Pirates also lost to the WildKats. The Maidens were thwarted by Bigfork with a 64-36 Northwest A Conference victory over Ronan.

Class C Girls: Charlo posts two wins

Charlo used a big run in the third quarter to pull away from Hot Springs in a Western 14C bout on Friday, Jan. 19, bringing the Lake Vikings to 3-0 in conference play. They also Charlo held St. Regis to five points in the first half on their way to a 60-19 victory Jan. 16. St. Regis was able to fend off a Two Eagle comeback for a 51-45 Western 14C win on Saturday, Jan. 20; Victor also came away with the 44-33 non-league victory over Two Eagle.

Ronan places third at Class A Duals; Polson is fifth

Ronan placed third at the Montana Class A Duals on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 19-20, in Butte, winning seven duals and tying another before a tiebreaker didn’t go their way.Polson also competed in the Mining City, placing fifth with three wins.

Ballers & Brawlers: Ronan and Polson compete

During last week’s brief break between winter storms, Ronan hosted Polson for Ballers and Brawlers, an event that mixed basketball and wrestling Jan. 16 in the Ronan Events Center. Varsity girls clashed at 4 p.m., with Wrestling Senior Night at halftime, and Boys’ and Girls’ Wrestling Duals at 6 p.m. The Pirates and Chiefs competed at 8 p.m.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Meal price goes up $1

There is some news that we need to let everyone know: there will be an increase in the cost of the meals by $1 in February due to the increased cost of food supplies, power, heat and other supplies.

The Climate Conversation: Focus on the climate, not the cold

I was sitting next to the woodstove last week as the temperature plunged and the sideways snow squalled outside my window. I couldn’t help but remember 1978 when I took a job as a timber feller for Champion International. I was in my mid-20s and relatively new to Montana. And I was up for adventure, not to mention a paycheck. It was not my most stellar move.

Ronan Seniors: Birthday dinner served Friday

The Birthday Dinner is served Friday, Jan. 26, at noon, and includes roast beef, potatoes, salad and dessert. Also on the menu this month: soup and sandwiches, Jan. 24; and hot beef sandwiches, Jan. 29.

Polson Seniors: Super 1 to the rescue

A special thanks to Super One Foods of Polson for allowing use of their freezer to store food from one of our disabled commercial kitchen freezers. Their rapid and generous response allowed us to salvage our frozen food supplies.

Kenneth Alan Feiler, 69

Kenneth Alan Feiler, age 69, passed away Jan. 14, 2024, at his residence in Polson. He was a father, a son, a grandpa, a brother, a husband, and a friend. He will be missed by everyone who knew him and all that crossed paths with him.

Dorothy Bras, 87

Dorothy (Dot) Bras, age 87 of Lonepine, peacefully passed away Jan. 15, 2024, in Polson, surrounded by loved ones.

Dennis O'Donnell, 77

Dennis O'Donnell ("Den" to many closest to him), 77, of Missoula, passed away Jan. 14, 2024, from complications caused by Parkinson's. Den was born Sept. 28, 1946. A celebration of life will be held at Missoula Children's Theater on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 4 p.m.

Betty Jean Hickenbottom

Betty Jean Hickenbottom, mother to Lova June Jacobs and Jennifer Gayle Hickenbottom (deceased), passed away Dec. 25, 2023, peacefully in her sleep.

Clapp earns top firefighter award at annual banquet

Firefighter Grant Clapp was awarded Firefighter of the Year at the recent Polson Rural Fire District firefighter appreciation banquet.

Spreading the word: Rotary donates student dictionaries

The Polson Rotary Club distributed more than 400 student dictionaries to third-grade classrooms in 12 Mission Valley schools, both public and private, this fall.

Democrats host listening tour

Senate Democratic Whip Susan Webber (D-Browning), Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee Mary Caferro (D-Helena) and Sen. Shane A. Morigeau (D-Missoula) will hold a public Legislative Listening session at the Mission Valley Senior Center in Ronan at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25.

Albert James Knutson, 91

Albert James Knutson, age 91 of Ronan, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 18, at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan.

What would Martin say?

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” (Martin Luther King). And so I write.

Gravelle sentenced to 13 years for theft, burglary, drugs

A Big Arm man was committed to the Montana Department of Corrections for a total of 13 years, with five years suspended. Kenneth Ambrose Gravelle, 40, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court Dec. 20 to felony charges of theft, burglary and criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

Legals for January, 24 2024

Mission Valley Calendar

MV Calendar: Your events guide to the Mission Valley

On the Agenda

Upcoming public meetings

Teens arrested after pursuit through Polson

Polson Police officers assisted the Montana Highway Patrol with a vehicle theft investigation just after midnight Jan. 9. While officers were attempting to conduct a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle near Highway 35 and the intersection of Highway 93, a pursuit ensued.

Satori expands space, offerings

Since she was a Polson Middle School student, Brianna Weivoda has dreamed of a place where people can come to heal and get healthy, and now she has one: Satori Holistic Healing Center.

Lila Fenske, 102

Lila G. (Pajari) Larsen Fenske, age 102, fell asleep in death peacefully at her home in Polson on Jan. 6, 2024. Lila was born Aug. 16, 1921, in Becker County, Minn., to John and Alina Pajari. She was the sixth of 11 children.

Kimberly Finley, 73

Kimberly Head Finley died Nov. 29, 2023, in Missoula. A Celebration of Life will be held June 8, 2024, at Roosevelt Park in Troy.

Ruling against housing legislation is misguided

A judge in Gallatin County recently blocked two bills aimed at addressing Montana’s housing crisis, siding with a radical anti-housing interest group. The decision to block Senate Bill 323 and Senate Bill 528 is misguided and unfortunate. These bills passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and were signed into law by Governor Gianforte.

Disqualifying a presidential candidate

There are four qualifications set forth in the U.S. Constitution that must be met before any “Person” can be placed on the ballot and run for the Office of President. There’s nothing mysterious or unusual about meeting these eligibility requirements. They’re mandatory and cannot be waived nor ignored.

Randall Neumann, 73

Randall Eugene Neumann of Polson was born May 6, 1950, in Spokane to Rose Marie Courville Dupuis and Kenneth Neumann of Polson. He made his transition into the spirit world Thursday Jan. 4, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends.

Ronan woman sentenced for heroin possession

A Ronan woman was sentenced in Polson District Court Jan. 10 to four years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with all that time suspended on one count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

Johnson receives suspended sentence for soliciting a minor

Judge Molly Owen sentenced a Polson man to one year in the Lake County Jail with all but four days already served suspended. The sentence was in accordance with a plea agreement reached Nov. 1 for Scott William Johnson, 60. Under the plea agreement, Johnson pled guilty to the amended and reduced charge of misdemeanor negligent endangerment.

No thanks on the “wokeness”

In her Jan. 4 letter, Billie Lee informed us she is "proud" to be "woke." She defined the term as "being aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues, especially issues of racial and social justice." No thanks on the "wokeness." I prefer, humbly, to be "enlightened" to objective, transcendent Truth … instead of making up my own.

Ballot Initiative-193 would land in federal court

Initiative-193 appears to be a do-over of HB 241, a bill that would have required the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission to allow hunting by non-tribal members on fee lands within the exterior boundaries of an Indian reservation.

Polson Seniors: Tai Chi classes start Jan. 23

Last week’s blizzard reminded us of what Montana weather can be: dangerous for us and devastating for livestock. People who want to live here should visit in January or February, then decide. Tai Chi classes meet 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 23- Feb. 27. This slow and relaxing movement exercise helps with balance and flexibility.

Ronan Seniors: Tax help available

AARP tax people will be here every Wednesday from Feb. 7 to April 10. They will prepare taxes for any age and income.

Appreciates Christmas insert

Thank you for “The Christmas Story” insert in the Dec. 21, 2023, edition of the Leader. I almost missed it thinking it was more advertising.

Dangling from a strong man’s coattails

Despite the efforts of our parents and teachers, some of us end up dangling from some strong man’s coattails. Do you want the man featured on the cover of The New Yorker this month as your president?

Words of comfort?

The grief of losing a loved one is enormous. Losing a child is an unbelievable grief. Losing a child from violence by another child is an unimaginable sorrow.

A legal pathway for Trump

Donald Trump has appealed to the Supreme Court regarding decisions by Maine and Colorado to block him from the ballot. In typical fashion, his lawyer, Alina Habba, has already tainted any SCOTUS decision by saying Justice Kavanaugh will “step up” for Trump, inferring a quid pro quo.

Lake County students make MSU honor roll

Lake County students who earned inclusion on the President's List or Dean's list for fall semester include:

St. Ignatius Seniors: Brave bingo players

Thank you to all who braved the cold and snow to play bingo last Saturday. We had fun, stayed warm, ate snacks, celebrated a birthday and enjoyed the company. We are happy to say due to the number of players we were able to pay out $100 for the Blackout this time.

Swanky Sisters Merc: Nirvana for fabric lovers

Swanky Sisters Mercantile in Ronan has fabric galore for quilters and sewers – who all qualify as swanky, according to owner Beverley Osterwyk. The store also stocks cute clothes for babies, toys, children’s dishes and stuffed animals.

Weather sabotages Winter Fest

The cold weather snap Polson is enduring didn’t agree with some of the vintage snow machines at the Miracle of America Museum. Even proprietor Gil Mangels couldn’t coax them to start on Saturday morning at -15 degrees for the scheduled Winter Fest.

Katherine Fisk, 66

Katherine M. Fisk of Myrtle Beach, S.C., passed away Dec. 2, 2023, at the age of 66.

Sharon Stover, 77

Sharon Louise Stover went to be with the Lord on Jan. 4, 2024, at the age of 77. Her family is deeply saddened by her passing.

Reagan sentenced for domestic disturbance

A Polson man and former fighter pilot with the U. S. Marines Corp. was sentenced in Polson District Court on Jan. 11 to a total of 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections. William Thomas Reagan, 68, was also sentenced to one year in jail with all but 30 days suspended as credit for time already served.

Never finished, but getting better

As I write this, it is Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We have holidays to celebrate great people and great accomplishments. As great as Martin Luther King was, there are so many others who made sacrifices of time and life, whose names and deeds should also be celebrated on this day.

Commissioners vote to streamline lakeshore protection regs

After multiple community meetings and three public hearings, the Lake County Commissioners voted last Thursday to significantly update the Lakeshore Protection Regulations.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Ronan boys, girls make strong showing in Missoula

Ronan continues to punch above its weight in the wrestling world. At the Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Tournament in Missoula on Friday, Jan. 12, and Saturday, Jan. 13, the Chiefs placed second while wrestling against a mix of big Idaho schools, 4A Washington schools, and 2A Montana schools. The girls fared well too, placing third at Hellgate tourney.

Class A Basketball: Lady Pirates triumph in overtime

Whitefish forced overtime, but Polson ended the game outscoring the Lady Bulldogs 10-6 in the final stanza for a 45-41 Northwest A victory on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at home.

Warriors fall to Rams

Arlee dropped its first game of the season, falling to Western 6B foe Missoula Loyola 84-54 on Tuesday, Jan. 9. Missoula Loyola moved to 9-0 on the season in this matchup of undefeated squads.

Sometimes we all need a hand

Last Thursday, I walked to work in a snowstorm. I walked home in a blizzard.

Winter Sports Calendar

Your guide to local varsity sports

Legals for January, 18 2024

Legals for January, 17 2024

Polson man admits to damaging pot dispensary

A Polson man, accused of causing thousands of dollars in damages to a marijuana dispensary, faces a sentencing hearing in February. Chadron Thomas Martin, 26, entered a guilty plea in Polson District Court Jan. 3 to felony criminal mischief.

Live and learn, gentlemen

Abortion has become a 'hot topic' in our country these days. The Republicans who have been pushing this issue now wish it would go away. But it won't, apparently.

Vitek pleads not guilty to homicide, attempted homicide

A Bigfork man accused of shooting three people and killing one of them was arraigned Jan. 3 in District Court in Polson. Matthew Vitek, 50, entered a plea of not guilty to felony charges of deliberate homicide and two counts of attempted deliberate homicide.

Lady Vikings drop matchup with T-Falls, best Scarlets

Thompson Falls improved to 4-4 on the season, downing Charlo 56-44 on Saturday, Jan. 6; but the Lady Vikings notched a 54-31 win against Arlee Jan. 5. Meanwhile, the Two Eagle girls brought home their third win of the season, downing non-league foe Victor 47-26.

Thanks for making Christmas warmer

The DHRD Families First Project would like to thank the local area businesses, entities and individuals who donated items and time to help make our third annual Christmas Benefit Dinner and Concert, “Help For the Homeless,” a success this year!

Randall Neumann, 73

Randall Eugene Neumann, born May 6, 1950, to Rose Marie Courville Dupuis and Kenneth Neumann, of Polson, made his transition into the spirit world Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends.

Charlo, Two Eagle boys both post wins

Charlo took down their Class B foe in a 53-41 victory over Thompson Falls on Saturday, Jan. 6, and Two Eagle posted a 75-23 win over Victor last Friday.

Remembering Joe McDonald

With the upcoming public service and celebration of Joe McDonald's life on Jan 17, I feel compelled to share some of my experiences with him.

Polson ski racers fare well at divisional qualifiers

Soren and Greta Lund of Polson were among the members of the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) who placed during the U14/U16 Northern Division Qualifier, held last weekend at Big Sky Resort.

Ronan Boys win Western Montana Duals

It’s good to be home for the holidays, and Ronan made the most of it hosting the Western Montana Duals on Friday, Jan. 5, and winning the dual section.

Alleged eagle killer makes court appearance; second fails to appear

Travis John Branson, a Washington man suspected of conspiring to unlawfully kill bald and golden eagles on the Flathead Indian Reservation and then illegally sell them on the black market across the United States and elsewhere, appeared for arraignment Tuesday on multiple charges at the Federal Courthouse in Missoula. Co-defendant Simon Paul failed to appear on a summons, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Ronan Girls top Western Montana Duals

In the Girls Western Montana Duals, the Ronan Maidens proved to be tops, and Polson was nearly as a good as both faced off in the first-place bout with the hosts winning by six points.

Singers invited to join Choral Society practices

Singers are warming up their vocal chords for the Mission Valley Choral Society, which begins practicing for its spring concerts Thursday, Jan. 25, at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall in Polson.

Polson swimmers take fourth at home meet

At their home meet on Friday, Jan. 5, the Polson girls and boys swimming teams each took fourth behind several strong performances. Several Polson swimmers alsofound their way to the podium at the Butte High School Montana Classic on Saturday, Jan. 6.

CSKT honors passing of tribal elder

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes flew flags at half-mast through Wednesday in honor of Tribal Elder Sophie “Supi” Martha Stasso Haynes, who passed away Jan. 6.

Tribal Council elects new chairman

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council selected Michael Dolson (Hot Springs District) as the new Tribal Chairman Jan. 5. He takes the helm from Tom McDonald (At-Large District), who will serve as vice chairman.

Arlee remains undefeated

Arlee remained undefeated on the season, downing Lake County rival Mission 66-30 on Saturday, Jan. 6. It was the second such rivalry game it had won in 2024 as the Warriors continue to have a zero in the loss column.

Ronan Boys, Girls win Western Invite

Ronan won the Western Montana Boys Invitational that it hosted on Saturday, Jan. 6, notching 234 total points, and the Ronan Girls posted three champs.

On the Agenda

Public meetings of local governments and school boards

Winter Sports Calendar

Schedule for varsity wrestling and basketball teams across Lake County

Search continues for missing Missoula woman

Friends, family and law enforcement continue searching for 43-year-old Eva Masin Prather, who disappeared from her home in Missoula Dec. 30. According to friends and family, she was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of her disappearance and left without personal items or identification.

Supreme Court removes Judge Christopher from child-custody case

In a 5-0 opinion, the Montana Supreme Court took what justices describe as “an extraordinary remedy” of asserting “supervisory control” over a Lake County child-custody case. The decision, issued Jan. 2, returned a 5-year-old child to the custody of his mother, Shanna Spring ManyWounds of Elmo, and reassigned the case from District Court Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher to Judge Molly Owen.

Charlo girls drop matchup against T-Falls, best Scarlets

Thompson Falls improved to 4-4 on the season, downing Charlo 56-44 on Saturday, Jan. 6. The Lady Vikings beat the Arlee Scarlets Jan. 5

St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo on tap Jan. 13

We hope that 2024 will be a gentle year to all and appreciate all who support the center. The center hosts bingo at 2 p.m. Jan. 13.

Museum’s Winter Fest celebrates the season Jan. 13

For centuries, the only way to get around on snow was by ski, snowshoe or sleigh. But when the internal combustion engine came along, winter-loving innovators developed machines for use on the snow. Visitors to the Miracle of America Museum in Polson can learn more about (and take a ride on) some of these early machines when the museum holds its third annual Winter Fest from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan. 13.

Local students named to UM honor roll

Lake County students listed below made the University of Montana’s fall semester 2023 Dean’s List (3.5-3.9 GPA) or the President’s List (4.0):

“Bleak start” reported for seasonal snowpack

“Warm temperatures and lack of precipitation over the last couple months have resulted in a bleak start to the seasonal snowpack in Montana and northern Wyoming river basins,” said Eric Larson, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Water Supply Specialist.

Legals for January, 11 2024

Bipartisan forum to discuss election integrity

“Elections: Integrity and Involvement” will be the theme of a bipartisan forum Sunday, Jan. 14, from 2-4 p.m. at Paradise School in Paradise. The forum will feature three presenters from a broad spectrum of political backgrounds.

First "Polson Treasure" award goes to Lee Manicke

Lee Manicke shows up at almost every Polson City Commission meeting, and often attempts to educate the city manager, staff or commissioners on the intricacies of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district or history of city ordinances. City officials sometimes welcome and sometimes bristle at his input. But at last Wednesday’s commission meeting, Manicke was warmly welcomed and honored with the inaugural Polson Treasure Community Service Award.

New Year brings lower taxes to Montanans

There’s no way Republican legislators would rather ring in a new year than with lower taxes, and that’s exactly what we’ve done to kick off 2024.

Climate Crisis: We’re all in it together

The year 2024 will be the most consequential one in the history of the United States. This I believe because the existence of our system of constitutional democracy is being challenged by forces who want to give more authoritarian power to a single leader than has ever happened before. Whether democracy survives this year, an even greater challenge threatens the life-nurturing necessities of the coming decade. Last year was the hottest in recoded history.

Registration open for Grazing and Agriculture Conference

The 2024 Western Montana Grazing and Agriculture Conference convenes Jan. 25-26 at the Missoula County Fairgrounds in Missoula.

Marli Kay Harmon, 34

Marli Kay Harmon was born Oct. 11, 1989, in Steamboat Springs, Colo., and passed on Jan. 2, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. She moved with her family to Polson in the spring of 1993 and graduated from Polson High and the University of Montana.

Polson Seniors: Center open Monday

The banks, courthouse, USPS, county offices, etc. will be closed for the federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 15. We will be open – see below for the menu.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Man charged with attempted homicide after driving truck into house

A Pablo man is back in the Lake County Jail after being treated for burns after crashing his truck into a residence in the Pablo area in November. Paul Glen Ailport, 64, was already facing criminal charges for allegedly firing a weapon toward neighbors’ homes while high on methamphetamine on July 13, 2023.

Man charged with attempted homicide after crashing truck into house

A Pablo man is back in the Lake County Jail after being treated for burns after crashing his truck into a residence in the Pablo area in November.

Gangs, drones and the border hot topics at police forum

Participants brought up topics like gang activity, drones, grants, security cameras, the border, and the jail during Polson Police Chief George Simpson’s quarterly safety meeting, held last Wednesday morning at City Hall.

Birth Announcement: Zane Joseph Unruh

Zane Joseph Unruh was born Dec. 24, 2023, at the St. Luke New Beginnings Birth Center in Ronan to Carson and Sharilyn Unruh of Ronan.

Chiefs start conference play with wins over Libby, Co-Falls

Ronan picked up two Northwest A victories last week with a 60-56 win over Columbia Falls and a 53-43 win over Libby.

Ronan takes down Libby; Polson drops two

Ronan’s offense powered up in the second half against Libby en route to a 42-26 Northwest A victory on Saturday, Jan. 6; and lost by two points to Columbia Falls Jan. 2. The Lady Pirates lost a close game to Hamilton and fell to Browning last week.

Lady Bulldogs take out Arlee, T-Falls

Mission shut out Arlee in the second half en route to a 62-20 victory over their Lake County rival in non-league Class B basketball action on Saturday, Jan. 6.

Legals for January, 10 2024

Redistricting reshapes local House and Senate races

Thinking of running for elected office? Filing opens Jan. 11 for a slew of county and state positions.

Polson Commission wraps 2023 with full agenda

The Polson City Commission dashed through a blizzard of agenda items during the first hour of its final meeting of 2023, earning the following praise from City Manager Ed Meece: “Fourteen items in one hour is probably a record.”

Hall of Fame: Distinguished Community Contributors Bud and Laurel Cheff

The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, located about four miles south of Ronan, was founded in 1997 by Vern (Bud) Cheff Jr. and his wife, Laurel. Even though the Cheffs started out as a small “mom and pop” operation, the museum is now a rich resource of Native and non-Native history on the Flathead Reservation and the state of Montana.

Hall of Fame: Distinguished Athlete Matt Luedtke

Matt Luedtke, an inductee into the 2023 Ronan Hall of Fame, was recognized as Montana’s “Gatorade Player of the Year” in high school basketball in 2000 following a stellar senior season at Ronan.

On the agenda

Local government and school board meetings in January

Marriages & Divorces

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

Not a fan of "happy face" history

Laws in several states have criminalized criticizing American history, even when that history contains criminal acts. It is sort of like putting a happy face on American history.

Time Capsule: Cold, whiskey and fish

Cold spell, Prohibition, fish eggs and the oil crisis: News from the archives of the Flathead Courier

Ronan City Council honors Calvin Hardy

After 20 years as a Ronan City Council member, Calvin Hardy ended his tenure at last Wednesday’s meeting.

New Main Street store offers touch of grace

Every home needs a little grace. And a new furniture and antique store in Polson aims to help homeowners add that special touch.

JourneyBe welcomes new pastor

Is it a serendipitous story or did God have a hand in Wendy Kinsolving becoming the pastor at JourneyBe in Polson?

Inman, Arca named to Shrine Game roster

Two Lake County athletes were named to the 77th Annual Montana East-West game, to be played June 15 in Billings. Charlo defensive tackle Titan Inman, at 6’7” and 320 pounds, was named a West Team alternate, as was 5’11” 190-pound Arlee running back Jace Arca.

Year in Review: Sports Highlights of 2023

A look at the major sports stories of 2023 for Lake County

Both Ronan wrestling teams ranked highly

The Ronan Girls Wrestling Team is ranked No. 2 in the state for all classes, including two players ranked No. 1, and the Ronan Boys Wrestling Team is the third-ranked team in the entire state of Montana for Class A.

The Break: Boys’ teams off to brisk beginning in tough leagues

Winter sports have the unique feature of having a break for the holidays, meaning there are two distinct chunks of Montana high school sports before and after Christmas and New Year's. While the bulk of league action remains, the handful of games already played has given us a chance to take stock of how high school boys’ basketball leagues are shaping up.

The Break: Lady Bulldogs off to hot start

In Class B Girls Basketball, Mission has started the year hot with a 4-2 start, while a 5-1 Plains squad currently leads the Western 7B. In the Northwest A Conference, the newcomer Bigfork also looks like the power to beat. The Class C Charlo Vikings have won three straight and posted a 3-2 record before the holiday break. They scored over 50 points in all three of those victories.

Proud to be “Woke”

The word “woke” (past participle of “wake”) is defined as “being aware of and actively attentive to important societal facts and issues, especially issues of racial and social justice.” The Thesaurus includes synonyms such as “awakened and awoke”. Antonyms include “stifled” and “asleep”.

Polson police respond to gun-related incidents

Officers with the Polson Police Department responded to two gun-related incidents over the holidays. On Dec. 21, officers responded to a report of gunfire striking the Apostolic United Pentecost Church building at 411 8th Ave. West.

Ronan Hall of Fame: Distinguished Coach Marilynn Tanner

Longtime coach, teacher and school administrator Marilynn Tanner is among the 2023 inductees into the School District 30/Ronan Community Hall of Fame.

Ronan Seniors: Tax preparers available

AARP tax people will be here from Jan. 3 to April 10. They will prepare taxes for any age and income. Give us a call to sign up for this great service at 406-676-2371.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Hopes for New Year

Wishing all a Happy New Year. May 2024 be kind to you and yours – hope the New Year started off gently for each of you.

Legals for January, 4 2024

Exceptions are made for abortions

I was criticized recently (Dec. 7, Leader) for my opinion on the birth-control pill. That’s okay. I welcome a good debate, unlike liberals that think only their opinions matter.

Polson Seniors: Resolution to not make resolutions

I have made another resolution to not make resolutions. That is the one I can keep.