Wednesday, March 30
Did state use Enron accounting tricks?
It was great to be home for Easter. I hope that yours was full of meaning and that everyone could be with his or her family and friends. Only 22 more days left in the legislative session.
Joseph Sebestin, Jr.
POLSON — Joseph Sebestin, Jr., 90, of Polson died March 21, 2005, at the Evergreen Health & Rehab Center, Polson.
Daniel Robert Miles
SEABECK, Wash. — Daniel Robert Miles, 90, of Seabeck died after a brief illness, March 22, 2005. His beloved wife of 68 years, Bess, his sister, Alice, and grandson Calvin Hoftyzer preceded him in death.
Look around and notice things
Editor,
Rookie rackets dominate Ronan
RONAN — What do you do when you lose seven tennis players to graduation? Nab anyone who shows potential.
An introduction of sorts
You'll have to forgive me — I've been very rude. This week marks the fourth month of being editor, and I haven't introduced myself.
Court explains HD 12 decision
The Montana Supreme Court on March 21 issued a 31-page ruling that explained the justices' 6-1 vote that declared invalid at least one of seven contested ballots to give Democrat Jean Windham the victory of Constitutionalist Rick Jore of Ronan in the House District 12 race.
Charlo Easter egg hunt had many donors
Editor,
School districts look to Helena for help with funding
As Legislators returned to Helena earlier this week following Easter break, they will confront several education-related bills in the last few weeks of the legislative session, some of which could have a significant impact on school budgets around the county.
Court outlines quality education
It was good to be home last weekend, visiting friends and family. The House reconvened on Tuesday; and we are back at work, with just a little over 20 days left and with education, health care and budgeting challenges ahead, to name a few.
Polson City Library is amazing
Editor,
Citizen's Academy provides inside look into Sheriff's office
Editor's note: This is the first story in a nine-part series. We will be profiling each of the eight classes and live-fire instruction offered by the Citizen's Academy as students progress through the class.
Mission Valley Rodeo Club does well in season opener
The Mission Valley high school rodeo team's season got under way earlier this month with competition in Kalispell, March 19 and 20, and the team will continue action this weekend as they head to Helena.
Francis O. 'Frenchy' Burland
ARLEE — Francis O. "Frenchy" Burland, 68, died at his home on March 21, 2005.
Grace G. Lilley
POLSON — Grace G. Lilley, 84, of Polson died of natural causes on March 24, 2005, at Evergreen Health & Rehab. Center, Polson.
Albert L. Fisher
HOT SPRINGS — Albert L. Fisher, 65, died Sunday, March 27, at Everegreen Nursing Home in Polson.
Concerns over Kootenai Lodge development
To the Lake County Planning Department:
Power poles are twice as ugly as old ones
Editor,
Theresa Lynn 'Teri Lynn' Antoine
Theresa Lynn "Teri Lynn" Antoine, was born June 10, 1970, in Ronan to Jimmy Antoine and Aggie Woodcock and left us to join the ancestors on March 23, 2005.
For Maidens softball, it's a whole new ballgame
RONAN — What's new with the Ronan Maidens softball team? Nearly everything.
Virginia A. Willman
POLSON — Virginia A. Willman, 92, of Polson died of natural causes on March 25, 2005, at Evergreen Health & Rehab. Center, Polson.
Wednesday, March 16
Kootenai Lodge hearing draws large crowd, many protests
Leader Staff
Marilyn Louise (Larson) Walker
KENNEWICK, Wash. — Marilyn Louise (Larson) Walker, an angel on Earth, died March 8, 2005, after a valiant battle with cancer. An extraordinary woman, Marilyn chose to "live life," her wonderful sense of humor and positive attitude continuing throughout her illness. She touched so many hearts and made a huge imprint on this world. Marilyn will live on in our hearts and minds forever.
Esther Loredia 'Rita' Largent
PABLO — Esther Loredia "Rita" Largent, 70, of Pablo, died on Thursday, March 10, 2005, at St. Luke Community Hospital, Ronan.
Vivian B. Connell
POLSON — Vivian B. Connell, 83, of Polson died of natural causes on Friday March 11, 2005, at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson.
Phil Cook
Phil Cook, 77, former manager of the Polson plywood manufacturing firm, died in a Spokane hospital March 9, 2005. Funeral services were held in Spokane last Saturday.
Bauers grateful for kindnesses
Editor,
Andersons are extraordinary family
Editor,
Thursday, March 10
Two Eagle comes up short at divisionals
BUTTE — The proud Two Eagle River Eagles (8-17) finished up their season this past weekend during the divisional tourney in Butte.
Thomas John 'T.J.' Anderson, Jr.
RONAN — Thomas John "T. J." Anderson, Jr., 13, who was born Jan. 21, 1992, was carried in the arms of Jesus to Heaven on Friday, March 4, 2005, from St. luke Community Hospital from natural causes, an extremely enlarged heart.
FairTax would replace income tax
Editor,
Gallagher-Low family expresses thanks
Editor,
Polson has an official anthem
Did you know that Polson has an official "anthem?"
Ella M. Sterhan
SIDNEY — Ella M. Sterhan died suddenly on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005, at her home in Sidney.
What's in a name?
Editor,
Lawrence J. Dresen
ANDERSON, Calif. — Former Polson resident Lawrence J. Dresen, 78, of Anderson died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at his residence. A Celebration of Life was held March 5 at his home.
It all comes down to the money
At the end of the day, it all comes down to the money. Last week, the Appropriations Committee started the full hearing of HB 2. On Thursday and Friday, Rep. John Sinrud, Chair of Joint Appropriations Subcommittee, presented Section A of HB 2 (General Government); and on the March 4, the hearing on Section B, Health and Human Services, began.
James W. Holley
POLSON — James W. Holley, 83, died on March 4, 2005, in Polson after a long illness. He was born April 8, 1921, in Terry, to James and Mary Walker Holley. He graduated from Lodge Grass High School in 1938 and attended Montana State College (now University) in Bozeman.
Bicyclists are urged to be careful
Editor,
Sheriff's deputy fired
A Lake County Sheriff's deputy and school resource officer was fired last week and state investigators are looking into potential criminal charges amid allegations that he violated Ronan School District and Lake County employee policies.
V. Pearl Newton
POLSON — V. Pearl Newton, 87, of Polson, died of natural causes Wednesday, March 2, 2005, at St. Patrick Hospital.
Arnold Alfred Bauer
RONAN — Arnold Alfred Bauer, 79, died of a heart attack on Sunday, March 6, 2005, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.
Bessie Margaret Elwood Dolence
RONAN — Bessie Margaret Elwood Dolence, 90, died Feb. 28, 2005, in Ronan.
Chiefs open state tourney against Butte Central
RONAN — The Ronan Chiefs practiced all week in preparation for an opening game against Butte Central as their state tournament action opens at 2 p.m. today (Thursday).
Madeline Barnaby
RONAN — Madeline Barnaby, 77, went to join the ancestors on Thursday, March 3, 2005, in Missoula at St. Patrick Hospital.
State proves tough for Lady Pirates
HAMILTON — The Lady Pirates returned to town last week a little dejected after going two-and-out at the state basketball tourney, but were heartened by the fact that the team did better than anyone expected them to after finishing atop the divisional bracket.
No wonder Social Security is in crisis
Editor,
Polson man killed in car crash
ARLEE — A three-vehicle accident outside of Arlee claimed the lives of two people Monday afternoon, including Polson resident Marlin Brackney, and alcohol was a factor, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
Three education programs threatened
Editor,
Condolences to Sheriff's Office, detective's family
Editor,
Robert P. Pan Wa Tak Shuckahosee
MAYETTA, Kan. — Robert P. Pan Wa Tak Shuckahosee, 47, of Mayetta, died Sunday, March 6, 2005 at Stormont Vail Regional Health Center in Topeka from injuries sustained in a vehicle accident on Friday.
Judge's ruling keeps border closed to Canadian cattle
U.S. District Court Judge Richard Cebull issued a strongly worded opinion on March 2 as he rebuffed efforts by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to re-open the Canadian-American border to cattle from both sides.
Thursday, March 3
Social Security does face a crisis
Editor,
Jores express their gratitude
Editor,
Archie R. Wright
RONAN — Archie R. Wright, 95, of St. Ignatius died peacefully at Mountain View Care Center in Ronan on Friday, Feb. 25, 2005, after a few days at the Ronan Hospital.
Local Sheriff's deputy prepared for tour-of-duty in Iraq
Taking on bad guys is part of Tony Buff's job—now so is rebuilding a Middle Eastern country.
Legislators confront education, funding issues
RONAN — The second half of the state legislature could be tough sledding, according to three legislators who held a town hall meeting in Ronan on Friday.
Evalyn Claire 'Trudy' Webb Zook
POLSON — Evalyn Claire "Trudy" Webb Zook, 86, died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005.
State budget projections are over cap
The break last weekend was great. I enjoyed being home and meeting with the citizens of House District 11. You know, the people of our area are concerned with the same issues we face in Helena: education funding, health care, prescription costs, and taxes. I'd like to thank everyone for the questions and comments, and ask that you keep them coming.
Leslie Lewin Ducharme
POLSON — Leslie Ducharme, 62, died at her home in Polson, on Feb. 25, 2005. She was born on Jan. 18, 1943, in Brigham City, Utah, and is the daughter of Cecil "Pete" Lewin and Mary J. (Strong) Lewin. Most of her childhood was spent in Shoshone, Idaho, where she graduated from high school in 1960.
National Guard sends mixed drug message
Editor,
Sarah Elizabeth Ann Collins
FRENCHTOWN — With the recent passing of Sarah Elizabeth Ann Collins, 79, on Jan. 29, 2005, she joins her husband Frank William Collins, who preceded her in death on Nov. 9, 1999.
Toughest legislative days are yet to come
The Legislature has reconvened after a five-day transmittal break, a time well spent in Lake County visiting with people, and having the opportunity to listen to your concerns, suggestions and what really is important to you.
Let's start working together
Editor,
Lady Pirates take divisional title, head to state
RONAN — All aboard the P-train. Next stop — Hamilton.
Aaliah Stashaw Upshaw-Wall
ARLEE — Aaliah Stashaw Upshaw-Wall, the daughter of Andrea Upshaw of Missoula and Robert Wall of Arlee, was made an angel on Feb. 24, 2005, at Community Hospital in Missoula.
What's the big deal about secondhand tobacco smoke?
Teri Boettcher
25 lbs. of pot seized
POLSON — Local law enforcement officials seized 25 pounds of marijuana in early February after receiving a tip from a confidential informant, and the suspects in the case pled not guilty last week to felony charges of possession with intent to distribute.
Where does Janna really stand?
Editor,
Chiefs fight their way to state tourney
RONAN — Next stop: State.
Jore's legal expenses are covered
Editor,
Which is more important?
Editor,
District tourneys benefit us all
We hope plenty of folks got to enjoy the divisional basketball tournament last week in Ronan. It was competition and school spirit at its best, and the Ronan Event Center was the perfect spot.
Maidens come up short at divisional tourney
RONAN — The Ronan Maidens finished a successful regular season with several close games in the Northwestern Class A divisional they hosted last weekend.
