Voting opens for Lake County’s Athlete of the Year
The Lake County Leader is initiating its first ever “High School Athlete of the Year,” voted on by you, our readers. The nominees were submitted by athletic directors in Polson, Ronan, Charlo and St. Ignatius, based on the athletic achievements of the 2024-2025 seasons. Two Eagle River School and Arlee High School were also invited to participate, but did not submit nominations via our guidelines.
Frank Glen Parker, 88
Frank Glen Parker returned to the loving embrace of his Heavenly Father on Monday, June 9, 2025. Surrounded by family, he passed peacefully in his daughter’s home in Polson.
Energy Keepers predicts lake won't reach full pool
At Seli'š Ksanka Qlispe' Dam, the Flathead River seeps beneath floodgates, and slides quietly down the concrete face to the riverbed below – an entirely different scene from the usual springtime tumult when runoff from the Flathead basin gushes downstream.
Donald E. Olsson, 77
Donald E. Olsson, age 77, passed away Jan. 30, 2025, at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan. Memorial services for Don will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, at Faith Lutheran Church, 406 5th Avenue S.W. in Ronan. Following the services, there will be a reception at The Knot at Sky Ridge Ranch, 35414 Timberlane Road in Ronan. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 2-4 p.m., there will be a boat float at Indian Bay on Flathead Lake
Softball teams compete at Emeralds Smash Tournament
Mission Valley softball teams traveled to the KidSports Complex in Kalispell over the weekend to compete in the 2025 Emeralds Smash tournament, which featured dozens of teams in the 10U, 14U, and 16/18U divisions.
Mariners sweep Twins to snap losing streak
After a difficult stretch that saw the Mission Valley Mariners drop five straight games, the squad rebounded in a big way Sunday with a doubleheader sweep over the Glacier Twins, improving their American Legion baseball record to 6-6 on the season.
MAC softball standouts earn postseason honors
The Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball program was well-represented on the 2025 Western B-C All-State and All-Conference lists, with six players earning postseason accolades following a strong campaign.
Sawdust flies at Ronan's Chainsaw Rendezvous
Chainsaws were growling, grumbling and whirring amid a nest of extension cords, drifts of sawdust, and many bottles of water. Must have been the annual Mission Valley Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous in Ronan. It began with move-in day on Thursday, and carving Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Jacob McConnell, 41
Jacob “Jake” David McConnell, 41, of Belgrade, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025. He grew up in the Ronan and Polson area. His absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. But his legacy – the way he lived, loved, laughed, and lifted up others – will live on. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
PROTECT Act would expand tribal jurisdiction in drug cases
U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke have joined other legislators in introducing the bipartisan “Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act” to combat drug trafficking in tribal communities.
Legals for June, 12 2025
St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo this Saturday
Next Bingo date is June 14 we hope to see you there!
Virginia Oman, 96
Virginia L. Oman of Polson died June 8. She was 96 years old. She is survived by her two daughters.
Polson players earn all-league baseball honors
A trio of standout Polson Pirates baseball players received postseason recognition this week, earning All-Northern A honors for their performances during the 2025 season. Senior Landon Shoemake and sophomore Cole Wadsworth were both named to the All-State and All-Conference First Team, while junior Cody Haggard was named to the Second Team.
Arlee Fourth of July Parade honors veterans
“Home of the Free because of the Brave” is the parade theme of the 76th annual Arlee Fourth of July Parade.
Ronan Seniors: Pinochle on Wednesdays
Pinochle is 1:30-4 p.m. Mondays, and the pool table is available 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Join the fun!
Need some good news?
Need some good news? Here you go: Most people still support: the Constitution, the Statue of Liberty, free speech, the Fourth Estate, separation of church and state, separation of powers, our institutions, due process, the law, the courts, the emoluments clause ...
Polson Seniors: Thanks volunteer drivers
We must thank the volunteer drivers, the “old timers” and the “rookies,” who have stepped up to the plate, so to speak. We have added a fifth route due to the higher volume of meals delivered to the needy. Our recent survey of client satisfaction is being conducted, and we will publish our findings as soon as possible.
Rocky Point residents worry about traffic impacts of new casino
The intersection of Rocky Point Road with Highway 93 north of Polson is always busy, especially during the summer months as lakeshore residents struggle to get on and off the highway. It’s likely to get worse with construction vehicles entering and exiting Hwy. 93 from Irvine Flats Road where building has begun on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ new casino, 400 Horses.
Michael Taylor
Michael A. Taylor, retired rancher, cosmetologist, state senator and businessman of Rollins, passed away on May 27, 2025. A celebration of Michael’s life will take place at 11 a.m. June 28, 2025, at Polson First Presbyterian Church.
