Wednesday, March 29
An effort in futility
Editor,
A Little Off the Top: My 15 minutes are almost up
"Hi, this is Katie, and I'm calling from CNN. We were wondering if we could interview you about a story that we are working on.
Wal-Mart benefits Montana residents
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More prayers are requested
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Tribes begin negotiations over reservation gaming rights
Negotiations between the state and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes began last week on the Tribes' proposed gaming compact that, if approved, would give them more jurisdiction over Class III gambling revenue from businesses on the reservation.
Ronan tennis teams start play Thursday
The Ronan tennis squads are a mixed bag this year, with the boys having a lot of seniors while the girls are younger and looking to fill the void left by their number one and two players last year.
Mission tennis teams look to repeat last year's success
ST IGNATIUS — The tennis team has been swinging the racket with a Bulldog strength that could create some challenging matches for their opponents.
More jobs would be lost than created
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St. Ignatius High scholarships offered
Editor,
Need is for truthful media
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Upward Bound, GEAR UP say thanks
Editor:
Sara Mae Gould McDowell
NEWPORT, Ore. — Sarah Mae Gould McDowell, 74, of Newport died of natural causes March 12, 2006.
Ex-Governor backs Don Loranger
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Charlo Dick
PORTLAND, Ore. — Charlo Dick left this world on March 21, 2006, due to a tragic car wreck.
Thursday, March 23
Richard W. Fields
SOLDOTNA, Alaska — Former Big Arm resident Richard W. Fields, 88, of Kenai died Feb. 23, 2006, at Central Peninsula General Hospital in Soldotna.
BB/BS thanks Washington Foundation
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Francis Ernest (Rip) Riepl
POLSON — Former Polson resident Francis Ernest (Rip) Riepl, 85, died Friday, March 17, 2006, at Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born June 22, 1920, in Herndon, Kan., the son of Matthew and Suzanna (Pingetzer) Riepl.
Polson city council extends stay on annexation
The Polson city council voted to extend the original 60-day stay on annexation it approved earlier this year, reflecting some councilmen's concerns about water availability and growth issues, despite several recent engineering reports that have said the city's water supply is OK.
Brester's bid for Ronan Ambulance accepted
After about five months of discussion, the Ronan city council unanimously decided to award its ambulance service to Tim Brester, owner of the Polson Ambulance Service.
Polson fire chief appreciates support
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Impact report research on city services questioned
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Lady Bulldogs look to build on young team's talent
ST. IGNATIUS — The Lady Bulldogs softball season is in full swing to build up the young team's ability and strength as they prepare for the season opener in Ronan on March 30.
Firefighters' Ball was best one yet
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New state law protects customers' identities
A new state law requiring almost all businesses in Montana to protect customer privacy and prevent identity theft went into affect March 1 and it would appear many Polson and Ronan businesses are in compliance without even knowing it.
Young readers' interest waning
Following is from a study published by Mark Bauerlein of the National Endowment for the Arts, and Sandra Stotsky of Northwestern University.
The name of the game has changed
The past few weeks have been somewhat of an ordeal physically. Started out at 200 pounds and now am at 185. It was a heck of a way to lose weight, but everything came out OK in the end.
Maidens have good frosh, sophomore turnout
The Ronan Maidens have a host of young talent coming out for the softball team this year, eager to fill the shoes left by six seniors who graduated last year.
Terrence Joseph Smith
RONAN — Terrence Joseph Smith, 61, died of natural causes March 18, 2006, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
Perry L. Mock
POLSON — Perry Lee Mock, 58, longtime resident of Hot Springs, died on Friday, March 17, 2006, at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson.
Harold Gordon Gunlock
POLSON — Harold Gordon Gunlock, 89, of Polson entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Monday, March 6, 2006, after a courageous year's battle with multiple health complications. He spent the last few months of his life at the St. Joseph Retirement Community and later at Evergreen Care Center in Polson. He had been a Mission Valley resident for over 50 years.
Pheasants Forever chapter plans event
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Lester D. Colman
TURTLE LAKE — Lester D. Colman, 38, went to be with the Creator on March 17 in Missoula after suffering a bout of pneumonia.
Eugene Leroy Steere
POLSON — Eugene Leroy Steere, 85, of Polson died Monday, March 20, 2006, at Evergreen Health & Rehab Center in Polson.
Junior class will lead Lady Pirates this year
Most of their all-state talent graduated last year, but the Polson Lady Pirates have a host of juniors and freshmen to fall back on this year that should fill the void nicely.
Thursday, March 16
Signe E. Wilson
PLAINS —Signe Elizabeth Wilson, 97, of Plains, passed peacefully to the Lord in her home on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Robert T. (Bob) Sterling
POLSON — Robert T. (Bob) Sterling, 90, died Friday, March 10, 2006, at his cabin on Flathead Lake in Polson due to heart failure. He was surrounded by family and died facing the Flathead Lake that he loved.
Gertrude Gariepy Joy
ST. IGNATIUS — Gertrude Gariepy Joy, 93, died of natural causes on March 9, 2006.
Swan-Spotted Bear road proposed
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Team's escort home was awesome
Editor,
Lady Vikings faced stiff competition at state
The Charlo Lady Vikings' bid for a state championship came to a halt last weekend after running into stiff competition, but the team finished with a fantastic 23-3 record for the year, and the divisional title.
Lady Pirates run into tough defense at state
The Polson Lady Pirates ran up against something they hadn't faced for most of the year - quality defense - and ended up going two-and-out at the state tourney, a frustrating end to a great season, but one that will be remembered as one of the best in recent memory.
Ward Daniel Kugler
RONAN — Ward Daniel Kugler was born Aug. 3, 1932, in Lidgerwood, N.D., a son of Harry J. Kugler and Ruth Bullis Kugler. Ward died March 7, 2006, at St. Luke Extended Care Facility after a long time with Alzheimer's Disease.
Local officers can handle shoplifters
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Nadine Helen Couture
PABLO — Nadine Helen Couture, 68, of Pablo, died on Wednesday, March 8, 2006, at her home in Pablo.
We should thank our president
Editor,
Governor's dogs liked the treats
Editor,
Among Other Things: If you aren't confused by now, you should be
It's understandable why many immigrants prefer to continue to speak their native language. English can be downright confusing.
Thomas John Lyles
RONAN — Thomas John Lyles, 20, was called home by the Creator early Saturday morning, March 11, 2006, from injuries sustained in a car accident west of Ronan. Our thoughts and prayers are also with Chuck and Carolyn Weivoda, who lost their son Chris in the same accident.
Christopher Craig Weivoda
RONAN, MT. — Christopher Craig Weivoda, 18, beloved son, brother and grandson and loved by all who knew him was killed in a car accident on Saturday, March 11, 2006, on the Round Butte highway in Ronan.
Iowa students needs Montana information
Editor,
Rollyn P. 'Bud' Allen
YUMA, Ariz. — Rollyn P. "Bud" Allen, 74, died of complications of COPD and emphysema at his winter home in Yuma on March 10, 2006. He was born Feb. 8, 1932 at Livingston to Rollyn and Muggs Allen. He was raised in the Trident and Three Forks area, where he graduated from high school in 1950.
Response to PPI fire is appreciated
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Dog owner responds to criticism
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What is city's signage ordinance?
Editor,
School employee fights reprimand over Wal-Mart e-mail
Is the issue over the proposed Wal-Mart supercenter a "political" one?
Alcohol involved in fatal Ronan wreck
Two men are dead after a vehicle rollover outside of Ronan last weekend, and alcohol was a factor, according to toxicology results from the state crime lab in Missoula.
Jack (Super Jack) Robert Martin
POLSON — Jack (Super Jack) Robert Martin, 66, of Polson died Tuesday, March 7, 2006, at his home. His loving family surrounded him during his courageous battle with cancer.
Wednesday, March 8
DNRC representative is also praised
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Pete Daniels wins S&R raffle
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Some civility, please
It's been one of the most contentious topics yet, and as the time approaches when Wal-Mart will submit its formal application for subdivision approval related to the supercenter, things are only heating up.
Harold G. Gunlock
POLSON — Harold G. Gunlock, 89, of Polson died of natural causes on Monday, March 6, 2006, at Evergreen Care Center in Polson. Services will be held at a later date. The family requests memorials be made to St. Joseph Retirement Center, 11 17th Ave. E., Polson, MT 59860.
Mission has tough show at state against Whitehall, Red Devils
ST IGNATIUS — The Bulldogs traveled to Great Falls last weekend for the class B State Tournament but returned home frustrated after going two-and-out.
Ball program change is beneficial to all
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Byron Lyle Berg
HARLOWTON — Byron Lyle Berg, 70, of Martinsdale died at his home surrounded by his family on March 4, 2006. He was a well-liked and respected rancher, cattle buyer, hunter education instructor of 45 years, musician, husband, father, businessman and a true friend of humanity.
Ruby Velna Harris Bergstrom
LOLO — Ruby Velna Harris Bergstrom, 85, died Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2006.
Jurors struggled with questions of district's negligence
It all came down to questions of negligence, but it wasn't always that easy.
Political promises for future are short lived
Editor,
Wilma Irene Burns
LEWISTOWN — Wilma Irene Burns, 97, former Moiese Valley resident, died peacefully Friday, March 2, 2006, at the Central Montana Skilled Nursing Center in Lewistown.
Glacier View says thanks for donations
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Professionalism was evident in action
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Wednesday, March 1
Kimberly (Maker) Crossland
RONAN — Kimberly (Maker) Crossland, 45, went to join her ancestors of the Osage Tribe on Feb. 24, 2006. Kimberly was born Dec. 19, 1960, in Pawhuska, Okla. Her family moved to Missoula in the 1960s where she attended Roosevelt Grade School and Hellgate High School.
Among Other Things: How fortunate we are
We've always appreciated the fact that Polson has a fine hospital in St. Joseph Medical Center and the wide services offered by Western Montana Clinic, and the round-the-clock service provided by Polson Ambulance Service.
Opponent strays from discussion of adjudication issues
Editor,
Polson fire chief gets show of support
Polson Fire Chief Tom Maloney received a strong show of support at last week's city council meeting after a city councilman suggested that he should be put on a six-month probationary period instead of being reappointed outright.
Poor treatment influences decision
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Mission teacher keeps job after students protest
St. Ignatius High School teacher Tim Biggs returned to work Tuesday morning, elated, after the school board voted 3-2 not to terminate him, following an outpouring of support from students and faculty all day Monday.