2006: A year in review

The year 2006 was a busy one news-wise for the Mission and Flathead valleys. Major items were the failure of state-tribal gaming negotiations, the ongoing Wal-Mart Supercenter controversy, wildfires, traffic deaths, murder trials, the primary and general elections, community celebrations, and more.

Here are some of the monthly highlights:

January

Lake County begins implementing the new address system. The home of Steve and Cameron Vert burns to the ground. Sue Taylor is named executive director of the Polson Community Development Assn. More than 200 persons donate blood to help Kelsey Rollins-Hansen in her battle against cancer — Kelsey died later in 2006. Charles Gariepy is named St. Ignatius mayor succeeding John Connot who resigned. Ronan favors privatizing the community's ambulance service. Wal-Mart says the public is in favor of its proposed supercenter. Early primary filings indicate a lively election year is in store.

February

St. Luke Hospital at Ronan announces plans for a major expansion. Ronan coach Gale Decker is named Cross-Country Coach of the Year. University of Montana student is rescued after being injured in a fall near Mission Falls. Market analysis expected to show the impact of a Wal-Mart supercenter. Charlo's Lady Vikings win their district title and the Polson Lady Pirates went 17-1 for the regular season.

March

Mission High School teacher Tim Biggs keeps his job after students stage a walkout in support of him. The Polson Lady Pirates win the divisional title and the boys' team advances to state as well. Charlo's Lady Vikings also win their division. School District 30 prevails in the suit alleging district negligence in the alcohol-related deaths of two students. Lake City Bakery gives space to a Saturday night teen center, the Zone Cafe, in Polson. Polson Ambulance Service is successful bidder for the Ronan ambulance service. The Confederated Tribes and State begin negotiating for gaming rights. Wal-Mart files a formal application for a zoning variance and other items necessary for construction of its proposed supercenter.

April

Four persons killed in two separate accidents. Formal agreement is reached with the county for a Mission Range Events Center. Joe Caye, a junior at U of M, is named Indian College Student of the Year. Construction begins on the Polson Skate Park. A trial date is set for the 2005 Sirucek and Madplume double murder case. The Red Poppy in Ronan celebrates its first birthday with a drama production. Arlee High School is going to need repairs.

May

Trial of Jeremiah Green's role in the Sirucek-Madplume murders begins. He's found guilty on all three charges. Charlo track team takes the District 14C title. Gaming negotiations continue. St. Ignatius airport had its first-ever fly-in event, attacting many planes from the region. Ronan High School students stage mock fatal accident to emphasize dangers of drunken driving.

June

Primary elections find Lucky Larson defeating Bill Barron for the sheriff nomination. D'Aste community celebrates 90 years at its historical church building. Atlanta motorcyclist is OK after colliding with a black bear; the bear doesn't survive. Polson skate park opens. Highway construction causes Allard's Cafe to close for the season. T.J. Lipko and Steven Biggar paint anti-meth message on side of Lake City Bakery building for the Paint the State Contest calling attention to dangers of meth use.

July

Stevensville man dies in boating accident near Rollins, another man survives. Ashleigh Lynch of Ronan wins state anti-smoking poster contest. Volunteers remodel North Crow Creek clubhouse. Slovenian Mariborski Oktet presents outdoor concert in Polson. Hundreds attend the Amish auction. Carson McDaniel, age 6 of Polson, goes to the Kids Golf Championship event in Pinehurst, N.C. William Foust of Ronan goes to the Big "I" Junior Golf Class in Odessa, Texas. Everett Smith of Polson turns 101. Boy Scouts have first summer camp on Melita Island since they became owners of the island. Tim Ryan event nets over $10,000 in scholarship for valley students. Young John Enger rescues small girl from drowning in Ronan city park stream. Double shooting ends in suicide but shooting victims survive. Jore Corporation gets Lockheed contract.

August

First season heats up. Retailers discuss effects of highway construction and high gas prices. Tip leads to seizure of 100 pounds of marijuana. Mission Valley Aquatics' Water Daze draws swimmers from a wide area. Lightning keeps fire crews busy. Voters will decide Arlee school bond isse. T.J. Lipko anti-meth art wins first place on the Paint the State anti-meth contest. Supercenter opponents sue the Polson city council over granting of zoning change, claim supercenter would hurt property values. Ronan School District discusses possible new auditorium. Arlee archer Dan Upton wins state 3-D Triple Crown Championship. Mill Pond Assisted Living Home is named tops in western region. Ashley Lake fire burns in Missions between Ronan and St. Ignatius.

September

Stephanie Trudeau of St. Ignatius is named Miss Montana. Ashley Lake fire spreads to more than 2,500 acres. Father and son die in crash near Pablo. Arlee parents voice frustration over school board handling of incident involve two teaches giving beer to students. Seventh grade teacher Randy Kelley is named Polson's Teacher of the Year. Larsson family of St. Ignatius mark more than 50 years in teaching hunting safety. Concern expressed over proposed Canadian coal mining. A citizen committee disagrees with recommendations of the County Government Study Committee.

October

Del Palmer, 86, climbs the Mission Mountains. Casino owners are worried over lack of progress in state-tribal gaming negotiations. Cherry Valley School teacher Joanie Brown wins the 2006 American Star Award for her efforts in implementing No Child Left Behind standards. County officers discuss a possible new Justice Center facility. First Apples by the Bay event is proclaimed a success. Polson Mayor Randy Ingram resigns. Area students form a "living buffalo" design along the Flathead River. Gale Decker is appointed County Supt. of Schools succeeding Joyce Decker Wagner. Bison Range tribal employees file grievance against U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Dr. Down Rescue Wrap, manufactured in Polson, has a worldwide market. The Ronan Maidens win State Cross-Country Championship. Sheriff Bill Barron resigns to take job as Polson police detective and commissioners appoint Lucky Larson as sheriff until Larson's official terms starts in January.

November

Polson Pirates football playoff bid stopped in first round by Anaconda, 28-27. Nkwusm School at Arlee teaches Native culture, hunting, ways. Officers spike tires to halt out-of-control 18-wheeler near Post Creek, driver arrested. In contested election races, Rick Jore defeats Jeanne Windham for HD 12 post, Jon Tester beats Conrad Burns for U.S. Senator, Ken Toole wins close battle over Mike Taylor for Public Service Commission's District 5 post; Chuck Wall defeats Lonnie Erickson for Justice of the Peace. Arlee school levies pass, county will retain present form of government, City of Polson voters favor changing to city manager form; Search and Rescue levy passes. Rash of home fires in recent months has depleted County Red Cross chapter's disaster fund. Miracle of America Museum obtains 1942 Glacier National Park snowplow. Couture homicide trail starts over the murder of David McLeod; Port Polson Players take "Boomers" show to Deer Lodge to raise money for historic Rialto Theatre which was destroyed by fire. Cromwell Island rumors dispelled by caretaker.

December

Due to failure of state-tribal gaming negotiations, all Class 2 gambling is shut down, machines removed from reservation casinos; many casino employees put out of work. Couture found guilty on all three counts in McLeod murder. Brandon Orr pleads guilt to murdering his mother. Mission teenager struggles with senseless shooting death of her horse. Nurse 1-Lt. Natalie Skates, who was featured in CNN-segment of treatment of wounded soldiers, returned home after a tour of duty in Iraq is completed. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cancels National Bison Range pact with Tribes. Ronan librarian Marilyn Koester retires after 18 years as city librarian. County Probation officer Barb Monaco is honored by her peers for her work. Community Bank Pablo is robbed, FBI joins search for the robber. PPL Montana proposes plan to curb lake erosion.