Wednesday, February 23
Fan sportsmanship was appreciated
Editor,
Beware the 'Uff Da' bug
Uff Da. That's the closest description I can give to explain the impact of the latest viral onslaught that has been attacking so many local residents the past couple weeks.
Two Eagle claws out big win over Charlo
POLSON — Two Eagle's Gordon Ahenakew started things off right Monday night against Charlo with two quick baskets to give the Eagles the 4-0 advantage. But Charlo's Bo Herak answered for the Vikings with a bucket.
Ride along is common practice
Editor,
Some laws are contradictory
The time is flying by. Mid-session break begins Thursday, Feb. 24, and I am looking forward to getting home. Please meet me during lunch for a House District 11 meeting at the Polson Senior Citizens Center, Thursday Feb. 24. Senator John Brueggeman and I should be there by noon or 12:30. That evening we will be at the Polson Library Community Room from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Bring your questions and comments. Hopefully we can discuss the difficulties with HB 240, the hate crimes bill.
KwataqNuk official outlines expansion plans
POLSON — Officials at the Best Western KwaTaqNuk Resort outlined their plans for expansion this week, which will include a 5,400 square foot casino and two-tiered sports bar, revamped restaurant and hopes that the project will benefit the surrounding community.
Derisive cheering was not appropriate
Editor,
Thomas J. Bennett
RONAN — Thomas J. Bennett, 59, of Ronan died Feb. 9, 2005, at St. Luke Extended Care Facility after an extended illness.
Donald L. Jones
POLSON — Donald L. Jones, 77, died Feb. 18, 2005, from complications of emphysema and influenza Type A.
LaMar 'Umpy' Umphrey
ST. IGNATIUS — Orval LaMar Umphrey died Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2005.
Don't mess with Social Security
Editor,
Maidens sitting pretty for divisionals
RONAN — With a first-round bye and home court advantage, the Ronan Maidens will be playing with an edge during this week's divisionals at the Ronan Events Center.
Sheriff explains ride-along policy
I was pleased to see M.J. Monroe's letter to the editor regarding the homicide and a civilian ride along. I will take this opportunity to answer the questions and explain a few things.
Support is greatly appreciated
Editor,
Raphael James 'RJ' Steffes
POLSON — Raphael James "RJ" Steffes, 83, of Polson died of natural causes at his home on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005.
Jore to talk at spaghetti fundraiser
Editor,
Two good health bills deserve support
We have nothing without our health; and at times, we take our good health for granted. But when we are in need of healthcare, whether it is for preventative or emergency care, many Montanans risk their health because they just can't afford the needed care. Healthcare costs are increasing at a rate that far exceeds the increase of wages in this state. Prescription drug costs, higher insurance premiums, and fewer businesses offering health benefits has led to a healthcare crisis in Montana.
Lady Vikings advance to divisional
POLSON — Not perfect, but the Lady Vikings advance to divisionals.
Andrew (Andy) Cannon
POLSON — On Feb. 19, 2005, our beloved Andrew (Andy) Cannon, 58, surrounded by his wife and soul mate of 36 years, and three daughters, peacefully left our world after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.
Get density map, study it
Editor,
St. Ignatius honors its own with Blue Star ceremony
ST. IGNATIUS — Dozens of folks gathered at the St. Ignatius Christian and Missionary Alliance Church Saturday night to show their respect for the family members of locals serving in the military.
Don York
PUEBLO, Colo. — Don York, 83, a resident of Polson from 1972 to the end of December 2004, died of natural causes died at his new home in Pueblo on Feb. 15, 2005.
ICWA provisions help Indian children
Editor,
Homicide suspects plead not guilty in district court
The three men charged in the deaths of two people appeared in district court last week and pled not guilty as more than two dozen members of the victims' families looked on.
Wednesday, February 16
Cougar Ridge Phase I approved
Public discussion of Phase I of Mike Maddy's proposed Cougar Ridge development was sometimes heated at last week's city/county planning board meeting, but board members ultimately gave Maddy preliminary approval with some conditions.
Ronan NHS students volunteer
To the community,
Gladys Owen
Gladys G. Owen, 91, a resident of Polson, Mont. passed away on February 11, 2005 from a long battle with cancer. She is now with the Lord our God and with many of her loved ones before her. She will be greatly missed by all of us that loved and knew her now and forever.
Beverly Fitzhenry
On Monday evening, February 7, 2005 Beverly Fitzhenry of Polson, Montana passed away from complications after heart surgery at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Mont.
Camille Bisson
Camille "Dick" Bisson 67, passed away of natural causes on Feb. 6th at St. Patricks Hospital in Missoula.
Sigrid Furness
Sigrid Furness (nee Anna Sigrid Jensen) passed away on Saturday, February 5th, 2005 in Helena, Mont. having suffered from respiratory failure and other emphysema complications. She was born on January 30th, 1944, in Missoula, Mont. to Milo and Fern (Bertelesen) Jensen.
Peggy Jo Dennis
HINSDALE — Peggy Jo Dennis died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, in an automobile accident. She was born in Hinsdale on Jan. 25, 1939, to Arthur and Patricia (Brown) Harris. She attended school in Malta and graduated from Malta High School.
Bison Range employees at career crossroads
Six Bison Range employees face four different career choices in anticipation of a March 15 implementation date of the Annual Funding Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Astrie B. Rohrenbach
Astrie B. Rohrenbach, 94, went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, February 10, 2005. Astrie passed away at St. Luke,s Extended Care Facility in Ronan.
Fred Innerbichler, Jr.
POLSON — Fred H. Innerbichler, Jr., 85, of Columbia Falls, formerly of Polson, died at the Montana State Veterans' Home in Columbia Falls on Feb. 8, 2005.
Seven Pirates help team to sixth
BILLINGS — It wasn't as good as some had hoped, but the Polson Pirates finished sixth and placed seven grapplers at the state wrestling tourney in Billings last weekend, including a first-ever state title for senior Kevin Owen.
Mission wrestlers excel
Dear editor
Charles Gibbs, Sr.
Charles E. Gibbs, Sr., 81, of Polson,Mont. died on February 13, 2005 at Evergreen Health & Rehab. Center, Polson after a lengthy illness.
Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search and GEAR UP Programs Slated for Termination By Bush's Budget
Sandra Boham, Assistant Director
Pirates get big win over Ronan
The Polson Pirates continue to gather big momentum, beating Ronan 62-56 on Tuesday night — their third conference win in five days — as divisional tourney time approaches.
Tim Hanson
"He's just so strong" is a phrase that epitomized Tim Hanson. Whether conquering mountains, overcoming drug addictions, riding insane waves, or driving kids to camp, Tim blazed through life with an energy and strength that had most people shaking their heads in amazement.
Ride-along seems wrong
Editor,
Flurry of work brings hodge podge of bills
We now have an official state insect, the Western Meadowhawk. It's a type of dragonfly that eats bad insects and might help curb the spread of the West Nile virus. That was a bit of fun in a busy week.
Let's hear it for Montana's farmers
Family farming and ranching is an important part of our heritage and it has made agriculture Montana's largest industry. It affects all economic activity in Montana and must be preserved through public policies that make it possible to sustain the family-oriented agricultural production so vital to our state. If we are truly committed to our family farmers and ranchers, we need to focus on such things as fair prices, improved trade policies, value-added products, market promotion, community education and availability of credit.
Ronan wrestlers exceed expectations at state
BILLINGS — Chiefs wrestlers impressed their coach as nine wrestlers advanced to the state competition and Seth Clary placed fourth at 98 lbs.
James R. Sandretzky
James R. Sandretzky, 56, of Polson, Mont. died on Feb. 12, 2005 at St. Joseph Hospital, Polson.
Mad cow situation continues to heat up
A mad cow dispute is pitting meat processors and Canadians on one side against American ranchers on the other, with both sides pointing fingers and hoping the legal system can help them.
Sirucek family appreciates kindness
Editor,
Polson council vote important
To the editor,
Christine Johnson
Christine Oie Johnson, 80, of Polson, passed away peacefully from this life to the next at her home in Polson on February 14, 2005. Christine was born on December 22, 1924 in Polson to Margaret and Ole Oie. In 1947 she married Eugene Johnson, and together they owned and operated the Shoreline Court in Polson for many years. Her beloved Gene passed away on Feb. 20, 1959.
Education funding is on its way
John Brueggeman,
Thursday, February 10
Polson sends 11 to state tourney
POLSON — The Polson Pirates will send 11 grapplers to the state tourney in Billings this weekend, after placing third in last week's divisional tourney.
Ruth Augusta Werner
ST. IGNATIUS — Ruth Augusta Werner, 95, died Feb. 3 at Riverside Health Care Center, Missoula. Ruth was born in Minneapolis, the sixth of seven children, to Robert C. and Hannah (Wold) Norman, Norwegian immigrants. She came to Montana with her parents and five older siblings in 1910. The family settled in the Webster country, south of Baker. A younger, beloved sister, Irene, was born in 1911.
Comments wanted on various bills
Janna Taylor
Letters to the editor
LOA members
Dixon man gets 10 years for rape
James Stanley Barnes, 26, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Jan. 27 for the rape of two 15-year-old girls while he was employed as a youth supervisor at Pinehaven Christian Children's Ranch near St. Ignatius.
Two slain, three charged with homicide
Three men have been charged with deliberate homicide after law enforcement officials found two bodies at a residence south of Ronan last Thursday, Feb. 3, and robbery appears to be the motive.
Catherine Madplume
RONAN — Catherine Madplume, 20, died on Feb.3, 2005, as a result of a homicide.
Peggy Jo Dennis
HINSDALE — Peggy Jo Dennis died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, in an automobile accident. She was born in Hinsdale on Jan. 25, 1939, to Arthur and Patricia (Brown) Harris. She attended school in Malta and graduated from Malta High School.
Another View: Beware of Indian Child Welfare Act
Winding its way through the legislature is SB 86, the Montana ICWA bill. As the mother of five tribally enrolled children and legal custodian of four others, I have to wonder if the people of America really understand what the federal Indian Child Welfare Act is really doing.
Gerald Joseph Sirucek
RONAN — Our beloved Gerald Joseph Sirucek went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Feb, 3, in Ronan.
It's easier to answer what than why
A few years ago when I was trying my hand at freelance writing, I was visiting with a lady seated next to me on a flight between Salt Lake City and Missoula. Conversation led to asking what sort of work I was involved in. I told her I did a bit of freelance writing.
Genevieve Gallagher Low
CHARLO — Genevieve Gallagher Low, 64, died on Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005.
Defining a quality education is debated
This session, I was allowed two pages. I am looking forward to the arrival of Jenny Tiskus (Polson High School) in March and Nicole Callahan (St. Ignatius High School) in April. These two young women are talented, bright and impressive. I am sure they will do an excellent job and represent their respective high schools well.
Maidens rally to top Libby
RONAN — Comebacks are sewn on the gossamer wings of fate. The Maidens just seemed to want the ball more in the fourth quarter on Saturday night.
Two Mission Valley families get the chance to chat with the President
GREAT FALLS—The nation's eyes were on President Bush last Thursday when he stopped in Great Falls, and a few Mission Valley families got to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - a chat with the President.
Camilla Fox McCormick
POLSON — Camilla Fox McCormick, 84, of Polson, formerly of Missoula, died of natural causes at her home in Polson on Monday Feb. 7, 2005. Arrangements will be announced by Grogan Funeral Home.
Rob Cookingham
POLSON — Rob Cookingham, 47, of Polson, died on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at St. Joseph Hospital, Polson.
Lady Vikings keep on winning
CHARLO — The Charlo Lady Vikings continue to rack up wins. Friday night they added to the win column with a 53-33 victory to valley rival Lady Two Eagle River girls.
Fred H. Innerbichler, Jr.
POLSON — Fred H. Innerbichler, Jr., 85, of Columbia Falls, died of natural causes Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2005, at the Montana States Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Thursday, February 3
Coats for Kids for successful project
Editor,
Ulysses G. 'Jack' Looney
POLSON — Ulysses G. "Jack" Looney, 86, of Polson died on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
Record amount of drugs seized in 2004
Ethan Smith
Legislators address methamphetamine problem
Jeanne Windham,
Pick up free copy of density map, rules
Editor,
Monetary issues are becoming contentious
Janna Taylor
Why not teach other faith versions?
Editor,
Richard F. 'Dick' Schaller
POLSON — Richard F. "Dick" Schaller, 57, of Polson went to be with his Savior on Thursday morning, Jan. 27, 2005. He leaves behind his wife Jane and son Damon.
Pray for overturn of Roe vs. Wade
Editor,
Margaret Barnaby Matt Finley
ST. IGNATIUS — Margaret Barnaby Matt Finley, 78, of St. Ignatius died Saturday, Jan. 29, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
Lady Pirates top Lady Bulldogs
POLSON — The Polson Lady Pirates bounced back on their feet with a solid win over the Whitefish Bulldogs last Thursday, 42-40, led by Kara Huyser's and Kari Mowbray's offensive and rebounding efforts.
Mission, Arlee wrestle well at Superior
SUPERIOR — This past weekend the Mission Bulldogs and Arlee Warriors made the trip to Superior for the Western B-C Duals.
Pool feasibility study lists three sites
POLSON — Is the Mission Valley ready to support a year-round, full-size, indoor swimming pool facility?
Maidens win over top-ranked Columbia Falls
The Maidens had a successful outing at Columbia Falls as they prepare for the stretch run of their schedule. They had balanced scoring as they downed the Wildkats 60-48 on Friday.
Soldier's bear highlights Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet
POLSON — Army National Guard Sgt. Dennis Delano couldn't be at last Saturday's Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet, but in many ways, he was there in spirit.
Major policy issues are surfacing in the Legislature
John Brueggeman,
Say 'No' to Density Allocation plan
Editor,
Don't mess with Social Security system
Editor,
Walter Lee Cooper
SALT LAKE CITY — Walter Lee Cooper, 77, died Jan 3, 2005, after a valiant battle with lung cancer.
Maurice J. Gould
POLSON — Maurice J. Gould, 59, of Polson died on Thursday, Jan. 27, 2005, at the Orchard View Group Home in Polson.
