Stories for October 2005

Subscribe

Friday, October 28

October 28, 2005 midnight

Homicide suspect pleads not guilty; trial could begin soon

Homicide suspect Jeremiah Chalwin "JC" Green pled not guilty to amended charges of deliberate homicide by accountability last week in district court, and the issue of evidence that is hearsay will be a large factor in the state's case against Green.

Thursday, October 27

October 27, 2005 midnight

Dean Knutson is an asset to the community

Last week's open house at Country Foods brought to mind a number of stories we've written over the year about Country Foods' founder Dean Knutson. What a remarkable number of contributions he's made to the community since arriving here in the '70s to go to work at Rolfson's Building Supply and Contracting.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Dale Gerry Lahr

ARLEE — Dale Gerry Lahr, 62, died at his home in Arlee on Oct. 16, 2005.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Wal-Mart is a good contributor to the community

I would like to take a few minutes and speak about Wal-Mart and our relationship with our communities.

Polson cross country teams have good personal showings at state
October 27, 2005 midnight

Polson cross country teams have good personal showings at state

MISSOULA — Despite some strong individual performances, the Polson boys' and girls' cross country teams finished less than favorably at the Missoula invite last week. The boys came in 11th out of 18 teams and the girls were in the bottom tier as well taking 15th out of 17.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Bessie L. Sampson

POLSON — Bessie L. Sampson, 96, of Polson died on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2005, at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Board, city council have lost direction

Editor,

October 27, 2005 midnight

Growth biggest issue in Polson races

The race for Polson's city council Ward 1 seat is the only one with two candidates vying for it, and they both have long-term ties to the community.

October 27, 2005 midnight

M. Ilene Baertsch

POLSON — M. Ilene Baertsch, 86, of Polson died on Sunday, Oct. 23, 2005, from natural causes at Evergreen Health & Rehab. Center. She was born June 3, 1919, at Columbia Falls, to Chester and Angie Conn Barnes. Ilene attended school through the eighth grade at Half Moon School at Columbia Falls, and then she had to quit school and work on the family farm.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Growth, high prices - greed or magic?

Editor,

October 27, 2005 midnight

Homicide suspect pleads not guilty; could begin soon

Homicide suspect Jeremiah Chalwin "JC" Green pled not guilty to amended charges of deliberate homicide by accountability last week in district court, and the issue of evidence that is hearsay will be a large factor in the state's case against Green.

Ronan cross country teams bring home state titles
October 27, 2005 midnight

Ronan cross country teams bring home state titles

MISSOULA — The boys' and girls' cross country are Class A State Champions for the first time in Ronan High School history.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Deborah Ann Lester (McDonald)

ST. IGNATIUS — Deborah Ann Lester (McDonald), 54, formerly of St. Ignatius, died Sunday morning, Oct. 23, 2005, in Norman, Okla.

Woman emerges confidently from abusive relationship
October 27, 2005 midnight

Woman emerges confidently from abusive relationship

Rhonda Wright has the self-assured manner of a woman who is confident about her future, her family and her life — no small feat for a woman whose husband used to beat her on the head with the butt of a loaded .30-06 rifle.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Super Wal-Mart isn't needed in Polson

Editor,

October 27, 2005 midnight

Leonard N. Baird, Jr.

POLSON — Leonard N. Baird, Jr. age 77 was born May 14, 1928, in Oklahoma, the only child to the late Leonard N. Baird, Sr. and Johnnie Baird. His death on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2005, after a long battle with cancer, was preceded by Lucille Erma Marchi Baird, his wife of 38 years, who also succumbed to cancer in 1989.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Are not all lost lives equal?

There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq during a past month. During this same time the City of Detroit had 35 murders. I don't know how many murders the United States had during this same month or the totals of alcohol related deaths, fatalities from vehicle accidents or drugs. Each death is a violent, tragic event. While circumstances vary, is not each life lost the equal of every other?

October 27, 2005 midnight

Small business owners will suffer

Editor,

October 27, 2005 midnight

Tribal members hear conflicting messages

Editor,

October 27, 2005 midnight

Alice A. Venetz

POLSON — Alice A. Venetz, 89, of Kalispell died peacefully Friday, Oct. 21, 2005, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Vikes will start playoff march on Saturday
October 27, 2005 midnight

Vikes will start playoff march on Saturday

NOXON — It was a narrow win for the Vikings, but a win nonetheless as the Vikings beat Noxon 12-8 last week.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Hazel Moran

ST. IGNATIUS — Hazel Moran was born in St. Ignatius on June 25, 1915, the third child of Baptisite and Annie (Kroesing) Cote.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Wal-Mart has been good for Polson

Editor,

October 27, 2005 midnight

New charitable giving law has tax advantages

Editor,

October 27, 2005 midnight

Leoda (Lee) A. Anderson

KALISPELL — Leoda (Lee) A. Anderson, 72, passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Friday, Oct. 21, 2005, in Phoenix, Ariz. She was born March 4, 1933, in Roseau, Minn., to Lester and Lucille (Rouse) Erickson.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Milton Leonard Beggs

POLSON — Milton Leonard Beggs, 81, of Polson died on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2005 at Sheridan, Wyo., after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

October 27, 2005 midnight

Rex O'Neil Opheim

RONAN — Rex O'Neil Opheim, 79, died Oct. 22, 2005, at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan following a lengthy illness.

Thursday, October 20

October 20, 2005 midnight

Rifle range helpers appreciated

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

Political introspection would be good

Editor

October 20, 2005 midnight

Did not speak for LCCDC

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

Example of why new laws are needed

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

Has anyone seen Teddy?

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

City judge only contested position in Ronan races

The city of Ronan will have several uncontested elections on Nov. 8, but the city judge position is contested again.

October 20, 2005 midnight

It's Palmer 15, State 0

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

Calvin Arthur Sorenson

POLSON — Calvin Arthur Sorenson, 46, died in a vehicle accident Oct. 14, 2005, along with his wife Cathi Jo near Powell, Wyo.

October 20, 2005 midnight

Carole Joyce Reum

RONAN — Carole Joyce Reum, 57, long-time resident of Ronan, went to be with her Lord Oct. 13, 2005. Death was due to diabetes related complications.

October 20, 2005 midnight

New animal abuse law is needed

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

June Edwards Johnson

POLSON — June Edwards Johnson, 88, a lifelong Montana resident, died on Friday, Oct. 14, 2005, at her Flathead Lake home, with her husband at her side.

October 20, 2005 midnight

Tribal leadership turns a deaf ear

Editor,

Vikings edge Lincoln, win fourth in a row
October 20, 2005 midnight

Vikings edge Lincoln, win fourth in a row

CHARLO — The Vikings were fueled by homecoming hype last weekend when they beat Lincoln 48-20, their fourth victory in a row.

Pirates clinch conference title
October 20, 2005 midnight

Pirates clinch conference title

The Polson Pirates clinched the conference title last Friday night with a big win over Whitefish, and the team will have a first-round bye in the playoffs as it looks to continue its 10-game conference win streak that started at the end of the 2003 season.

October 20, 2005 midnight

PHS job shadowing starts soon

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

Super Wal-Mart is unnecessary

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

'For hire' fire policy needs monitoring

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

Teleconference was transparent ploy

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

Help Ronan museum celebrate 25 years

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

Gloria Gail Dumontier Smith

RONAN — Gloria Gail Dumontier Smith, 67, was lovingly received in the arms of her Lord and Savior early Friday morning, Oct. 14, 2005, in Missoula.

Ronan cross country has a shot at state title
October 20, 2005 midnight

Ronan cross country has a shot at state title

PABLO — Ronan boys and girls cross country continue to out pace the competition, this time at Pablo Silver Fox Golf Course last Saturday in Northwestern A Conferernce action.

October 20, 2005 midnight

Esther L. Hutchison

Esther L. Hutchison, 83, of Polson died in her sleep Oct. 12, 2005.

October 20, 2005 midnight

She's proud to be an American

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

Polson officials ponder Wal-Mart economic impact study

The biggest question on everyone's mind regarding the proposed Super Wal-Mart store is just what the store's economic impact on the city — and its local businesses — might be, but just who will pay to evaluate that issue remains up in the air.

October 20, 2005 midnight

Polson school board, union reach tentative agreement

Ethan Smith

October 20, 2005 midnight

Phyllis Jean Mangels

Phyllis Jean Mangels, 85, died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends Oct. 13, 2005, after a very brief illness. She was born to Walter H. and Esther J. Cooper at Keystone, Neb., January 11, 1920. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Montana. The Canyon Ferry Reservoir eventually covered the site of their home in Townsend.

October 20, 2005 midnight

Have we lost our will?

Editor:

October 20, 2005 midnight

Ahh, controversy, long has it waved

Despite the attention focusing on such topics as the HD 12 vote recount and ensuing legal battles, the Kootenai Lodge subdivision proposal, smoke-free ordinances, Bush bashing, soaring gas and fuel oil prices, zoning, four lane vs. super two highway, water rights, etc., controversial issues in Lake County are nothing new.

October 20, 2005 midnight

Democrats have the answers

Editor,

October 20, 2005 midnight

'Lights On' was very successful

The 21st Century Community Learning Centers from School District No. 30 thank the Ronan and Pablo Communities for coming together to help us celebrate "Lights On Afterschool" on Oct. 13.

October 20, 2005 midnight

Florence Anna (Schaff) Mathern

POLSON — Florence Anna (Schaff) Mathern, 79, of Polson went to the Lord peacefully on Oct. 11, 2005, at Evergreen Nursing Home.

Thursday, October 13

October 13, 2005 midnight

Evelyn Frances Margaret Rodwold Herries

RONAN — Evelyn Frances Margaret Rodwold Herries, a big name for a little lady, danced her way into heaven and the waiting arms of her God and her husband John on Oct. 4, 2005, just four days after her 97th birthday. She and John spent the last two weeks side by side in St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, following surgery for breaking their hips on the same weekend. Togetherness was the hallmark of their 75 year marriage.

October 13, 2005 midnight

Wal-Mart officials outline plans for proposed super store

POLSON — The property just south of Wal-Mart on Highway 93 could feature a Super Wal-Mart, sprawling more than 156,000 square feet and 27 acres total, according to a preliminary plan outlined Tuesday night, if company representatives can meet zoning standards and numerous other regulations.

October 13, 2005 midnight

Appreciates menu sponsors

Editor,

Ronan runners ready for championship
October 13, 2005 midnight

Ronan runners ready for championship

BROWNING — Ronan boys and girls cross country opted to go to Browning last weekend instead of participating in the Polson Invite to give them a close-up look at two teams that they'll need to beat in a couple of weeks at state — the Browning boys and Havre girls.

Charlo Vikings football on a roll
October 13, 2005 midnight

Charlo Vikings football on a roll

CHARLO — The Vikings continue to pillage their way through a successful season, claiming another win, this time against St. Regis with a 50-20 victory, their third victory in as many weeks.

October 13, 2005 midnight

Victim feels new laws won't change things

Editor,

October 13, 2005 midnight

Playing in the sand, and other golf stories

The high school golf season is officially over, and I'm really going to miss it. I had a great time watching our Polson and Ronan teams compete over the past two months, and I sure learned a lot about golf, students and myself along the way.

October 13, 2005 midnight

Dr. John Donald Herries

RONAN — Dr. John Donald Herries, 98, of Big Timber and Charlo, was transformed from this earthly life on Sept. 30 at Ronan's St. Luke Hospital with family, friends, and his beloved wife Evelyn at his side.

October 13, 2005 midnight

Why was Siberian Husky shot?

Editor,

October 13, 2005 midnight

Check showed safety seats were misused

Editor,

October 13, 2005 midnight

Metzes' caboose project lauded

Editor,

October 13, 2005 midnight

He's a disillusioned ex-Democrat

Editor,

Lady Pirates dominate, capture state golf title
October 13, 2005 midnight

Lady Pirates dominate, capture state golf title

The Polson Lady Pirates golf team put last year's demons to rest by taking the state Class A golf championship in dominant fashion last Friday afternoon, led by an all-senior lineup that included individual state runner-up Jenn Orchard, Kristine Samsel, Sami Beaver, Whitney Pitts and Stephanie Rowold. It was Polson's first girls golf title.

October 13, 2005 midnight

Writer should apologize to bank

Editor,

October 13, 2005 midnight

Stacey Lynn Prescott

POLSON — Stacey Lynn Prescott, 14-day-old infant of Misty and Gary Prescott of Polson died peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2005 at Community Medical Center in Missoula.

October 13, 2005 midnight

Dalton B. Coor Jan. 24, 1935 - Aug. 10, 2005

Please join the family of Dalton B. Coor for a celebration of life gathering on Saturday, Oct. 22, at 3 p.m. and the SportsPage Bowl in Polson for a potluck and a chance to share memories.

October 13, 2005 midnight

Helen Louise Rossmiller

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Helen L. Rossmiller, 82, of Bellingham died on Oct. 2, 2005. Helen was born on Oct. 23, 1922 in Great Falls to Patrick Mitchell and Iva Thompson. She grew up traveling and working with her family and was known to many who loved her as the original "gypsy."

Helping Katrinan victims is a full-time job
October 13, 2005 midnight

Helping Katrinan victims is a full-time job

Arnold and Luella Gomke of Big Arm recently returned from Houston where they faced the difficult challenge of feeding and clothing some 28,000 who evacuated New Orleans to seek shelter under the roof of the Astrodome.

October 13, 2005 midnight

Rosanna Mae Finley

ST. IGNATIUS — Rosanna Mae Finley, 76, went to meet the Creator on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2005.

October 13, 2005 midnight

How much longer must they wait?

Editor,

October 13, 2005 midnight

Geneva White

RONAN — Geneva M. "Tootsie" White, 53, died on Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, at her home near Ronan, surrounded by her family.

October 13, 2005 midnight

Why she's a Democrat

Editor:

October 13, 2005 midnight

Farmer's Market closes Oct. 14

Editor,

October 13, 2005 midnight

Supports Rhonda Emerson as city judge

Editor,

October 13, 2005 midnight

Different approach needed to curb abuse

Editor,

October 13, 2005 midnight

More long-term care ombudsmen needed

Editor,

October 13, 2005 midnight

Windham had double-marked ballots, too

Editor,

Thursday, October 6

October 6, 2005 midnight

Community Center is needed in Polson

Editor,

October 6, 2005 midnight

Marion J. Royer

POLSON — Marion J. Royer, 82, passed from this life to eternal life with her Savior on Sept. 23, 2005, in Sun City West, Ariz.

Bulldogs look strong against Plains
October 6, 2005 midnight

Bulldogs look strong against Plains

ST IGNATIUS—The Bulldogs had a home field advantage last Friday night when they pulled off a big 41-7 win against Plains.

October 6, 2005 midnight

Glad for Glacier Bank's flag and sign

Editor,

October 6, 2005 midnight

'A workman is worthy of his hire'

Editor,

October 6, 2005 midnight

James B. Mason

ST. GEORGE, Utah — James B Mason, 81, returned to his Heavenly Father Saturday evening, Sept. 24, 2005. He was born June 29, 1924, to James McKinley Mason and Viola Bell Smothermon Mason in Hoxie, Ark.

October 6, 2005 midnight

Merlin I. Allard

ADA, Okla. — Services for Merlin I. Allard, 81, of Ada, were Sept. 27 at the Criswell Funeral Home Chapel with Father Russell Hughes officiating. Burial was in the Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Ft. Logan, Colo..He died Friday, Sept. 23, 2005, at a local hospital. He was born July 31, 1924, in St. Ignatius, Montana to Irving and Mabel Hannaford Allard. He attended elementary school in St. Ignatius and graduated from St. Maries High School in Idaho.He married Anna Payne on Oct. 1, 1949. She died on March 31, 1968. He later married Patsy Black Parks on Aug. 1, 1969. Mr. Allard served from 1942 with the U.S. Army Air Corps for two years and the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1964. He was a paratrooper in the 517th, receiving a Purple Heart Commendation.

October 6, 2005 midnight

HD 12 election needs more discussion

Editor,

October 6, 2005 midnight

Joseph 'Chad' Piedalue

FRENCHTOWN — Joseph "Chad" Piedalue, 31, died on Sept. 22, 2005, of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. A funeral Mass was celebrated Oct. 3 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Frenchtown, followed by a graveside service at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Frenchtown.

October 6, 2005 midnight

Percentage figures must be wrong

Editor:

October 6, 2005 midnight

Can't defeat ideologies militarily

Editor,

October 6, 2005 midnight

Dayton Days supporters thanked

Editor,

October 6, 2005 midnight

Drinking and driving is not a 'right'

Editor,

All four golf teams head to state; starts today
October 6, 2005 midnight

All four golf teams head to state; starts today

Whether or not home field advantage is beneficial in golf is debatable, but all four of the county's golf teams will head to the state tourney in Whitefish this week after qualifying at the divisional tourney in Polson last Thursday.

October 6, 2005 midnight

Without judicial access, justice is denied

Jeanne Windham

October 6, 2005 midnight

Learn from court cases in the past

Editor,

Couple's fascination with trains comes to life
October 6, 2005 midnight

Couple's fascination with trains comes to life

FINLEY POINT — The train kept a rollin,' from Arlee to Finley Point.

Polson teachers picket again, negotiations continue
October 6, 2005 midnight

Polson teachers picket again, negotiations continue

Dozens of Polson teachers staged what a union representative called an "informational picket" to draw attention to the fact that they still don't have a signed contract prior to a 7 p.m. bargaining session with the school board Tuesday night.

October 6, 2005 midnight

Evelyn Marguerite Coor

POLSON — Evelyn Marguerite Coor, 95, died on Sept. 29, 2005, in Hamilton, Texas.

October 6, 2005 midnight

Recent tragedies emphasize need to be prepared

Between tsunamis, hurricanes, typhoons, famine and volcanic eruptions, for some reason we remain high, dry, well fed and comfortable in the Mission and Flathead Valleys and the throughout Montana. But the law of averages sooner or later will catch up and we'll have our share of problems. They may come in the form of blizzards, floods, power outages, earthquakes, ash fallout from another Mt. Saint Helens eruption, etc.

Ronan girls take first at Hamilton Invite
October 6, 2005 midnight

Ronan girls take first at Hamilton Invite

HAMILTON — With 47 points Ronan girls cross country found themselves racing to first place at the Hamilton Invite last weekend, and the boys finished third as the teams will look to compete in Polson this weekend.

October 6, 2005 midnight

Injustice to Jore must be rectified

Editor,

October 6, 2005 midnight

Separation of powers is needed

Editor,

October 6, 2005 midnight

Mission teacher contract negotiations continue

ST. IGNATIUS — Contract negotiations resumed after lawsuits forced teachers and the school board to reassess their negotiating strategies and both sides are working to repair the negotiating environment in hopes of moving forward.

October 6, 2005 midnight

Legislature can change election laws

Editor,

October 6, 2005 midnight

Is this what Democrats stand for?

Editor

October 6, 2005 midnight

Polson: A great place to live

Editor,