Richard Orton, 75
Richard Clarence Orton passed from this life on May 15, with his daughter, Cynthia Dragon Fly, by his side at St Joseph’s Hospital in Polson. There will be a memorial in his honor at 2 p.m. July 26 at Leon Hall (near Post Creek/St Ignatius). He wanted this to be a time of music, food, laughter and sharing.
Big Splash: Paddle Palooza brings 180 paddlers to Polson
Kimokeo Kapahulehua, called “Uncle” as a term of respect for the Hawaiian elder, gave a blessing last Friday, the opening night of the sixth annual Paddle Palooza held at the Polson Fairgrounds.
Montana Supreme Court case is win for transparency
In a major boost to Montanans’ constitutional right to know, the state Supreme Court recently ruled that citizens who successfully sue for public records are presumptively entitled to recover their attorney’s fees. With this precedent, courthouse doors are more accessible to those who have been wrongfully denied their right to know.
New bakery offers coffee, sourdough bread, and treats
The smells of baking bread and cinnamon mixed with whiffs of good coffee greet customers as they enter Stendal’s Espresso and Bakery on Third Ave. W. in Polson. Then they see crusty big rounds of sourdough bread and a case filled with cookies, scones, cupcakes and enormous cinnamon rolls, just begging to be eaten.
Here’s to all the not-so ordinary people
I have known Polson all my life, the curves of the road that lead to old friends' houses, the smell of the lake as you drive down 93, and the sounds erupting from the football stadium on a Friday night under the lights. These sensations have painted my experience here, and it’s hard not to get sucked into the natural beauty of a small community like the ones scattered across the Mission Valley.
Lake County athletes shine at state fastpitch tournament
Polson, Mission, and Arlee fastpitch players brought home hardware this past weekend at the 2025 Montana Junior Olympic Fastpitch State Tournament, held July 11–13 at the Bozeman and Belgrade softball complexes.
Man missing after boat capsizes
The Lake County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Tuesday afternoon that a man was missing after a boat capsized on Flathead Lake.
Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies
Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, July 17, 1980
Polson Seniors: Safe driving course on July 29
AARP Safe Driving Course is July 29, 9:30-1:30. Early sign-up requested. We have about a dozen more openings: no testing, video-assisted, informal discussions and take-home study guide. Cost is $25 and $20 For AARP members. You can get a substantial discount from your insurance company for completing this course. Limited enrollment.
"Quiet" Campaign: High-powered fundraising allows St. Joe's to break ground on new clinic
“This is a place of good heart in our language,” said former Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Councilman Steve Lozar of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. There was plenty of “good heart” on display Monday at the groundbreaking of St. Joe’s new clinic.
Ronan Bread Basket receives refrigeration grant
The Bread Basket in Ronan received a grant from AgWest Farm Credit to replace and increase refrigerator and freezer capacity at the food bank.
Mission Valley Mariners notch two wins at Harp Tournament
The Mission Valley Mariners posted a 4-2 record last week, sweeping a home doubleheader against Libby before notching two dominant wins and suffering a pair of close losses at the John Harp Tournament in Kalispell.
Legals for July, 17 2025
Letter to the 400 richest Americans
I just wanted you all to know that I am one American who is really glad that you got a well-deserved tax break in the One Big Beautiful Bill. I know a lot of people are jealous of you because you are really rich, but that’s no reason for you to have to be punished with high tax rates.
William Owen Lambson
An affinity with water flowed through William Owen Lambson’s life, from his childhood in Lexington, Ky., to his death July 7, 2025, at his home near the edge of Flathead Lake.
Allen Roger Sloan, 78
Allen Roger Sloan, 78, of Ronan, passed away surrounded by his family on July 10, 2025, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. July 25 at the Ronan Cemetery. Light refreshments will follow at the North Crow Clubhouse.
Open house slated Aug. 9 for Dave Stipe Annex
The Lake County Commissioners have scheduled an open house Aug. 9 for the newly constructed Dave Stipe Annex.
Council okays applications for upcoming events
The Ronan City Council blazed through their meeting on July 9.
Mission Valley Events Roundup
Your guide to Mission Valley events
Good Old Days dubbed "one of best ever"
Good Old Days, the annual community celebration in St. Ignatius, drew locals and visitors alike last weekend. “I would say this was one of the best Good Old Days to date,” said Darren Orr, one of the event organizers.
