Stories for March 2005

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Wednesday, March 30

March 30, 2005 midnight

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.

March 30, 2005 midnight

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.

March 30, 2005 midnight

Charlo Easter egg hunt had many donors

Editor,

March 30, 2005 midnight

Albert L. Fisher

HOT SPRINGS — Albert L. Fisher, 65, died Sunday, March 27, at Everegreen Nursing Home in Polson.

For Maidens softball, it's a whole new ballgame
March 30, 2005 midnight

For Maidens softball, it's a whole new ballgame

RONAN — What's new with the Ronan Maidens softball team? Nearly everything.

March 30, 2005 midnight

Francis O. 'Frenchy' Burland

ARLEE — Francis O. "Frenchy" Burland, 68, died at his home on March 21, 2005.

March 30, 2005 midnight

Grace G. Lilley

POLSON — Grace G. Lilley, 84, of Polson died of natural causes on March 24, 2005, at Evergreen Health & Rehab. Center, Polson.

March 30, 2005 midnight

Polson City Library is amazing

Editor,

March 30, 2005 midnight

Joseph Sebestin, Jr.

POLSON — Joseph Sebestin, Jr., 90, of Polson died March 21, 2005, at the Evergreen Health & Rehab Center, Polson.

Citizen's Academy provides inside look into Sheriff's office
March 30, 2005 midnight

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
March 30, 2005 midnight

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.

March 30, 2005 midnight

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.

March 30, 2005 midnight

Look around and notice things

Editor,

Rookie rackets dominate Ronan
March 30, 2005 midnight

Rookie rackets dominate Ronan

RONAN — What do you do when you lose seven tennis players to graduation? Nab anyone who shows potential.

March 30, 2005 midnight

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.

March 30, 2005 midnight

Power poles are twice as ugly as old ones

Editor,

March 30, 2005 midnight

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.

March 30, 2005 midnight

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.

March 30, 2005 midnight

Virginia A. Willman

POLSON — Virginia A. Willman, 92, of Polson died of natural causes on March 25, 2005, at Evergreen Health & Rehab. Center, Polson.

March 30, 2005 midnight

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.

March 30, 2005 midnight

Concerns over Kootenai Lodge development

To the Lake County Planning Department:

Wednesday, March 16

March 16, 2005 midnight

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.

March 16, 2005 midnight

Andersons are extraordinary family

Editor,

March 16, 2005 midnight

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.

March 16, 2005 midnight

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.

March 16, 2005 midnight

Bauers grateful for kindnesses

Editor,

March 16, 2005 midnight

Esther Loredia 'Rita' Largent

PABLO — Esther Loredia "Rita" Largent, 70, of Pablo, died on Thursday, March 10, 2005, at St. Luke Community Hospital, Ronan.

Thursday, March 10

March 10, 2005 midnight

What's in a name?

Editor,

March 10, 2005 midnight

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.

March 10, 2005 midnight

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.

March 10, 2005 midnight

FairTax would replace income tax

Editor,

March 10, 2005 midnight

Polson has an official anthem

Did you know that Polson has an official "anthem?"

March 10, 2005 midnight

Gallagher-Low family expresses thanks

Editor,

March 10, 2005 midnight

Ella M. Sterhan

SIDNEY — Ella M. Sterhan died suddenly on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2005, at her home in Sidney.

March 10, 2005 midnight

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.

March 10, 2005 midnight

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.

March 10, 2005 midnight

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.

March 10, 2005 midnight

Bicyclists are urged to be careful

Editor,

March 10, 2005 midnight

V. Pearl Newton

POLSON — V. Pearl Newton, 87, of Polson, died of natural causes Wednesday, March 2, 2005, at St. Patrick Hospital.

March 10, 2005 midnight

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.

March 10, 2005 midnight

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.

March 10, 2005 midnight

Bessie Margaret Elwood Dolence

RONAN — Bessie Margaret Elwood Dolence, 90, died Feb. 28, 2005, in Ronan.

Chiefs open state tourney against Butte Central
March 10, 2005 midnight

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).

State proves tough for Lady Pirates
March 10, 2005 midnight

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.

March 10, 2005 midnight

Madeline Barnaby

RONAN — Madeline Barnaby, 77, went to join the ancestors on Thursday, March 3, 2005, in Missoula at St. Patrick Hospital.

March 10, 2005 midnight

No wonder Social Security is in crisis

Editor,

March 10, 2005 midnight

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.

March 10, 2005 midnight

Three education programs threatened

Editor,

March 10, 2005 midnight

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.

March 10, 2005 midnight

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

March 3, 2005 midnight

National Guard sends mixed drug message

Editor,

March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

March 3, 2005 midnight

Evalyn Claire 'Trudy' Webb Zook

POLSON — Evalyn Claire "Trudy" Webb Zook, 86, died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2005.

Chiefs fight their way to state tourney
March 3, 2005 midnight

Chiefs fight their way to state tourney

RONAN — Next stop: State.

March 3, 2005 midnight

Jore's legal expenses are covered

Editor,

Maidens come up short at divisional tourney
March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

March 3, 2005 midnight

Which is more important?

Editor,

March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

March 3, 2005 midnight

Social Security does face a crisis

Editor,

Lady Pirates take divisional title, head to state
March 3, 2005 midnight

Lady Pirates take divisional title, head to state

RONAN — All aboard the P-train. Next stop — Hamilton.

March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

March 3, 2005 midnight

Let's start working together

Editor,

Local Sheriff's deputy prepared for tour-of-duty in Iraq
March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

March 3, 2005 midnight

What's the big deal about secondhand tobacco smoke?

Teri Boettcher

March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

25 lbs. of pot seized
March 3, 2005 midnight

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.

March 3, 2005 midnight

Where does Janna really stand?

Editor,

March 3, 2005 midnight

Jores express their gratitude

Editor,