Ellington

Letters to the Editor NOv. 27

Wise words from the past

Mountain lion sightings have decreased

POLSON - A mountain lion has been reportedly sighted within Polson city limits several times this fall, according to Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chief of Fish and Game Department Pablo J. Espinoza Jr. A sighting first reported over a month ago near the Polson Post Office. The lion was reportedly walking toward the parking lot of the Lake County Courthouse and has also been reported crossing U.S. Highway 93 near McDonald’s. It was most recently sighted by the old cemetery near the Hill Crest area more than two weeks ago, Espinoza Jr. said.

Superintendent search survey results revealed

POLSON — A meeting to update the public about the Polson School District superintendent search was held on Nov. 17 in the Linderman Elementary library. The meeting informed those in attendance of results calculated from surveys solicited to the public in regards to the search for a new superintendent.

Bridge repairs coming

POLSON -— On Nov. 19, the Montana Department of Transportation held a public meeting at the KwaTaqNuk to discuss the proposed resurfacing of Polson’s Armed Forces Memorial Bridge. 

Lake County promotes the Great American Smokei OUut

Many organizations in Lake County put efforts into helping citizens quit tobacco products on Nov. 20 as part of the 33rd annual Great American Smoke-Out. The purpose of the day, which was first recognized on a large-scale in California and went nationwide in 1977, is to encourage people to quit tobacco use for a single day, then to quit permanently, according to Lake County Health Department’s Tobacco Prevention Education program coordinator Diana Schwab.

SKC lights up Great Falls

PABLO — The SKC Bison put on a show this past weekend in Pablo, breaking off two landslide wins over the University of Great Falls JV team. Winning by a score of 107-72 on Friday and 148-77 on Saturday, the team found out what it can do when things click.

Lady Bison coach talks basketball

The Wyoming-bound bus full of anxious SKC women basketball players had to turn back this past weekend due to an emergency in head coach Juan Perez’s family.

County schools' report: Arlee

ARLEE — Within the next month, the Leader will take a brief look at each school within Lake County, using statistics from the Office of Public Instruction’s most recent reports, mainly the Discipline Violations Report. At the end of every year, all public schools nationwide send the OPI various in-school reports.

Your money well spent

There’s a few things we know as the Christmas shopping season ‘officially’ opens on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

Valley-wide holiday spirit shines

The valley dove into the holidays this week, waiting for snow while filling up on turkey and stuffing at Thanksgiving dinner. Many got into the spirit of the season by sharing with neighbors and making sure everyone had a chance to feel at home during the holidays. Here’s a small sampling of the kindness that took place throughout the valley today:

Pirates battled hard at state

BOZEMAN — The Pirates got past several tough obstacles to get to state, only to get an even tougher draw at the All-Class State volleyball tournament at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.

Car accident in Ronan injures six

RONAN — A three-car accident Monday afternoon in Ronan injured six people – two of which sustained serious injuries, said Assistant Chief for the Ronan Police Department Art Walgren.

Dog park goes green with new sign

POLSON — The Travis Dolphin Park in Polson has recently received a new dog sign.

RHS fundraiser asks community to remember

As part of a new Remembrance Tree program, the Ronan High School Student Council is selling bulbs to be placed on trees in order to commemorate loved ones passed away or those serving in the military. The loved ones will be honored at a lighting ceremony on Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. at the Ronan Visitor’s Center on U.S. Highway 93.

Foster grandparents honored

Several foster grandparents were honored for their volunteer efforts with national awards, music and a hearty lunch last Thursday.

Officer "digs" his job, despite eye-opening experiences

Erin Scott

Charlo Schools Honor Roll

CHARLO HIGH SCHOOL HONOR ROLL

Double Thank You

Our club has two very distinct thank you messages to express. The Ronan and Polson communities and those individuals who have an understanding about the importance of our role continue to give us confidence and support in providing our club members a safe place to go after school.

Pole vaulter Owen gets golden opportunity at Olympic training center

Jenna Cederberg

Bison put up 121 points, get win

Jenna Cederberg

Polson hosts divisional tourney

Jenna Cederberg

Library Levy Loss

Maureen Theiler, Polson

Charlo takes second

Jenna Cederberg

Noel, Leland James Eli

POLSON - Isabella Patton is proud to announce the arrival of her little brother Leland James Eli Noel whop was born November 3, 2008 at St. Joseph Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces. Mother is Amanda noel of Polson. Maternal grandparents are William Noel and Mary Sirucek of Pablo and Ronan. Great-grandparents are Mae Gerald Noel of Polson.

Richwine, Kennon Douglas

Kennon Douglas Richwine was born Oct. 9, 2008. He was 8 lbs, 8 oz. and 20 in. long. Parents are Jeremy and Marisa Richwine of Florien, Louisiana. Paternal grandparents are Shane and Vicky Rickwine and Lucy Richwine of Polson. Maternal grandparents are Ansley and Barbara Bond of Deridder, La. Living syblings are Mathew and Elizabeth Richwine.

Lake County Republican Committee members resign

Zach Kulpa

Monster Thanks for Monster Mash

Lori A. Russell, Polson

Morigeau, Jacque Alexander

Jacque Alexander Morigeau passed away Thursday, November 6, 2008 at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan with his family at his side after a courageous battle with cancer. Jacque was born on November 27, 1943 in Missoula and lived his entire life on the Flathead Indian Reservation except for the time he spent serving his country in Vietnam, both as a combat veteran and a civilian employee.

Stanley, Philip B.

Philip B. Stanley, 89, of Polson, MT. passed away on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson.

Stay Tuned, Store Food, and Get Close to God

James Pettit, Ronan

Allison, Sherman L.

Sherman L. Allison, 75, of Polson, MT passed away at his home on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2008 from natural causes.

Hurt, Kenneth

ST. IGANATIUS - Kenneth Hurt, 65, passed away while on a hunting trip in Alaska on Thursday.

Wangerin, Wayne Melvin

Wayne Melvin Wangerin, 55, passed away at his home in Bigfork, Oct. 26, 2008, surrounded by his family, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Pete, Edgar Roy Vejez

POLSON - Edgar Roy Vejez Pete was born October 29, 2008 at St. Joseph Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds 9 ounces. Parents are Edgar Vejez Balbuena and ShiNaasha Pete. Paternal grandparents are Aaron Vejez Martinez and Virginia Balbuena of Puebla, Mexico. Great-grandparents are Angel and Angela Balbuena of Puebla, Mexico. Maternal grandparents are Roy and Linda Pete of Arizona and Montana. Great-grandparents are Buck and Carol Morris of Bigfork, MT and the late Dennis and Margaret Pete of Beshbitoh, AZ.

Melby, Patricia E.

Patricia E. (Wright) Melby, 66, passed away Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She was born May 15, 1942, in Anaconda to Arthur and Mary (Barrett) Wright.

Boushie, Tyler Chance

PABLO -Tyler Chance Boushie, 21, went to be with the Lord on November 3, 2008. Tyler was born October 24, 1987 in Browning, Montana.

Louise Marie Villalovos

MOSES LAKE - Louise Marie Villalovos, 83, went peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Monday, November 3, 2008.

Johnson, Clifford

ST. IGNATIUS - Longtime St. Ignatius and Butte resident Clifford Johnson passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 4 in Forsyth, MT.

Farm & Ranch

Zach Kulpa

Smith, Dorothea

Dorothea Smith, age 96, of Polson passed away Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at her home. She was born October 12, 1912 at Riebling, Montana, the daughter of August and Martha Fulberg. Dorothea graduated from Augusta High School where she played basketball. She then graduated from Intermountain College in Helena with a BS degree in Education.

Writer Disagrees

Jack Cummings, Polson

Bennett III, J. David

POLSON - Hailey and Lesli Bennett are proud to announce the arrival of their little brother J. David Bennett III who was born October 27, 2008 at St. Joseph Medical Center. He weighed 8 pounds 8 ounces. Parents are J. David Bennett II and Mary Louise Gohl. Paternal grandparents are J. David and Donna Bennett of Ronan. Maternal grandparents are Ruth Hill and David and Elaine Gohl of Michigan. Great-grandmother is Ameila Castle of Murfreesboro, Arkansas.

Turner, Madison McKenzie

POLSON - Stephen and Shawneen Turner of Polson are proud to announce the arrival of their first child, Madison McKenzie Turner who was born October 25, 2008 at St. Joseph Medical Center. Madison weighed 8 pounds 3 ounces.

Polson debaters win with words

Polson's Speech, Debate and Drama team hosted a meet of 15 teams Nov. 8 and came in 3rd in Drama.

Pirates make mighty stand

Mike Cast

Suicide prevention resource list

A corrected list of suicide prevention resource contacts is listed below. The list printed with last week's article in the Lake County Leader regarding suicide contained errors. Please use the following contact information:

Vals knock Pirates to No. 3

Jenna Cederberg

Lilley, Fred Roy

Fred Roy Lilley passed away quietly in his home of over 50yrs, surrounded by his family, November 3, 2008. He was born June 4, 1924 in Butte MT. He was the son of Roy and Theo Lilley.

Gratitude from Potters

Jim Potter, Rick & Carol Meidinger, Jim & Kim Lehl, Laramie & Debra Wolverton, Randy & Michelle Meidinger

Smith, Frances Nappin

RONAN - Frances Nappin Smith, age 92, passed away quietly Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008, at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan of natural causes.

Rowe, Oliver Duane

POLSON - Oliver Duane Rowe was born November 3, 2008 at St. Joseph Medical Center. He weighed 7 pounds 8 ounces. Parents are Dustin Rowe and Jessica Johnson. Paternal grandparents are Loyd Rowe and Bonnie McFarland of Helena, MT. Great-grandparents are Loyd and Bessie Rowe of Butte, MT. Maternal grandparents are Jerry and Valerie Johnson of St. Ignatius, MT. Great-grandparents are Peggy Johnson and Larry and Patty Anderson of St. Ignatius, MT.

Mission bests TFalls to stay alive

Jenna Cederberg

Bigcrane, Francis Andrew

RONAN - Francis Andrew Bigcrane, 69, stepped on to the path to be with his parents and siblings, November 8, 2008, battling valiantly after his most recent surgery. He was lovingly given into the care of those who went before him, surrounded by his family.

Veterans honored at ceremonial annual powwow

The Veterans Warrior Society sponsored the 16th Annual Veteran Warrior Society Powwow over the weekend, highlighting contributions and recognizing the efforts on behalf of veterans by special guest Octave Finley and Tribal Veteran Representatives Lloyd Jackson, WJ "Buck" Richardson, Bill Rogers and Lawerence Kenmille.

SKC Blesses Capitol Christmas Tree

Zach Kulpa

Monumental Milestone

Edd Blackler, Bigfork

Web Special: Benson passes to perfection

Jenna Cederberg

Pierre, Jaliyah Jasmine

RONAN — Jaliyah Jazmine Pierre was born Oct. 3, 2008 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. She weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz.

Charlo's Kelley ready for return

Jenna Cederberg

Tonight's the night Polson goes for No. 2 spot

Jenna Cederberg

MVCA seniors make all-conference team

Mike Cast

Haunted Thanks

Donna Heffner, Gina Big Beaver, Pam O'Mara

Luedtke, Hunter Andrew

RONAN - Ally Rae Luedtke is proud to announce that her little brother, Hunter Andrew Luedtke, was born Oct. 21, 2008, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. He weighed 8 lbs. 12 oz. Parents are Andy Luedtke and Danica Clairmont of Ronan; paternal grandparents are Dan and Bev Luedtke of Ronan; great-grandparents are Dot Bocksnick of Ronan, Glenda Hammer of Spokane, Wash. and Ed Luedtke of Spokane, Wash.; maternal grandparents are Kevin and Liane Clairmont of Ronan; great-grandparents are Sonny and Fay Addington of Polson and Barbara Rhodes of St. Johns, Ariz.

Magnuson, William R.

William R. Magnuson, 77, succumbed on Oct. 29 to complications from post-polio syndrome.

Villovos, Louise Marie

Moses Lake, WA - Louise Marie Villovos, a Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal member passed away Sunday, November 2, at her home in Moses Lake. She will be transported home to Arlee, MT to be buried with her mother Felicite Delaware Big Knife.

Monster Mash:Getting rid of those post-sugar blues

Erin Scott, Leader staff writer

First grade class sends school supplies to Afghanistan

Mike Cast

The Ambivalence of Suicide

Each of us has an inner teacher, a voice of truth that offers guidance and wisdom needed to deal with our problems — but, that inner voice is often garbled by inward and outward interference. - Parker Palmer, A Hidden Wholeness.

Polson Food Pantry's Great Opportunity!

Sid Rundell, Big Arm

The path to Polson

Into theUnknown

Zach Kulpa, Staff Writer

Giffin, William "Bill"

William "Bill" Giffin, 73, of Polson, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008 at St. Luke Nursing Home in Ronan.

Palmer, Denny

CHARLO - Denny Palmer, 55, of Charlo, Montana took his final pack trip on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, at his favorite home away from home at Fish Creek near Alberton, Montana after a wonderful weekend of hunting and reliving old times around the campfire with both of his brothers, niece, nephew and friends, laughing until their sides ached. Denny was the second child born to Delbert and Bernice Palmer of Charlo on Sept. 6, 1953, in Missoula. "He was in a hurry then and never slowed down," his mom said.

Bocksnick, Thelma Ilene

Thelma Ilene Bocksnick, age 81, of Ronan passed away of natural causes on Monday; Oct. 27, 2008 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.

Polson water, sewer fees inch upward

Erin Scott

Local residents react to Obama win

Mike Cast and Jenna Cederberg

Two Polson Middle School teachers named award finalists

Erin Scott

On the air with the Pirates News Network

Mike Cast, Leader staff writer

Allison, Sherman L.

Sherman L. Allison, 75, of Polson, Mont., passed away at his home on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2008 from natural causes.

Wunderlich, William P.

St. Ignatius - William P. Wunderlich, 88, passed away Saturday, Oct. 25 at St. Luke's Community Hospital in Ronan.

Academy honors soccer

Mike Cast

Sheriff's Office seeks information on puppy drop

Jessica Waters

Stories come alive in the stitches of quilts

Erin Scott

Starkey stays busy running, writing

Jenna Cederberg

Letter of appreciation

Wyman J. McDonald, Ronan

Vikings make their final stand

Jenna Cederberg

Traffic and development

Margie Hendricks, Polson

Potter, Viola Mae Sias Meidinger

Viola Mae Sias Meidinger Potter went with the Lord on Oct. 26, 2008, after a brave and dignified three-year fight against leukemia. She was born in Basin, Mont. to Leo & Mabel Sias on July 27, 1936, and was the youngest of five children. She was a Salish & Kootenai Tribal member and grew up in Ronan, where she graduated in 1955 and married her high school sweetheart, Dale H. Meidinger, on Oct. 1 the same year. They lived from Ronan to Missoula, but settled in Arlee, where they built their home and raised their four children; Rick, Kim, Debra and Randy. Their home was filled with love for the family and simple country life.

Rausch, Pirates head to playoffs

Mike Cast

Quequesah, Sharmontae Aspen

RONAN - Shauntae Wynn James is proud to announce that her little sister, Sharmontae Aspen Quequesah, was born Oct. 27, 2008,

Feistner, Ryder Ray

RONAN — Justus Jacob Feistner is proud to announce that his little brother, Ryder Ray Feistner, was born Oct. 26, 2008, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. He weighed 8 lbs. 3 oz.

A win-win situation

Cyndi Elliott, Polson

Morris, Jeneal

ARLEE - Jeneal Morris was given to us March 28, 1960 as a gift from God. She was taken back home to the Lord's arms Oct. 25, 2008.

Lake County Election Results

Editor's note: The following results were received from the Montana State Election office and the Lake County Election Office. Results are not official until canvases are complete)

SKC dedicates new theatre with ceremony

Zach Kulpa

High voter turnout ends with a win for Barron, Taylor, McNeil and Baucus

Jessica Waters

Vasquez, Mauricio

POLSON - Emilio and Roselyn Vasquez of Polson are proud to announce the arrival of their second child, Mauricio Vasquez who was born Oct. 17, 2008 at St. Joseph Medical Center. Mauricio weighed 6 lbs., 13 oz. and joins siblings Diego and Mariasa Vasquez. Maternal grandparents are Edward and Linda Kujala of Polson; great-grandparents are the late Edward and Helen Kujala of Great Falls; paternal grandparents are Pedro and Leonila Vasquez of Veracruz, Mexico; great-grandparents are Nicandro and Caridad Vasquez of Veracruz, Mexico.

Elverud, Dylann Brooke

POLSON - D. Justin and Julianna Elverud of Dixon are proud to announce the arrival of their third child, Dylann Brooke Elverud, who was born Oct. 19, 2008, at St. Joseph Medical Center. She weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz. and joins siblings J. Colin and Charlie Alanna Elverud. Paternal grandparents are Craig Elverud of Ronan and Betty Pierce of Reno, Nev; great grandparents are Wilma and Herb Bick of Ronan; maternal grandparents are Chuck and Agnes Meyer of Las Vegas, Nev.; great grandmother is J. Viola Herak of Ronan.

Capitol tree coming to town

HAMILTON - The Capitol Christmas tree will be coming to Pablo on the Flathead Indian Reservation before heading to Washington, D.C. for the Dec. 2 lighting ceremony on the west lawn of the capitol building.

Tribal member is a rising star

Sarah A. Lewis, Pullman, WA , was one of three outstanding Washington State University alumnae to receive the Women's History Recognition Rising Star Award on April 16, 2008, in Pullman.

William P. Wunderlich

St. Ignatius - William P. Wunderlich, 88, of St. Ignatius passed away Saturday, Oct. 25 at St. Luke's Community Hospital in Ronan.

Adams, Tony Lawrence

RONAN - Melanie Renae Adams and Natalie Linette Adams are proud to announce that their little brother, Tony Lawrence Adams, was born Oct. 22, 2008. Born at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan, Tony weighed 5 lbs. 10 oz.

Janet Lynn Coriell Womack

Janet Lynn Coriell Womack passed away Saturday, Oct. 25, surrounded by her family, at her parent's home in Polson. She was born June 29, 1953, in Lima, Ohio the daughter of Dr. Earl and Grace Coriell. The family moved to Polson in August of 1953, where Janet lived through her graduation from Polson High School.

Walter H. Arp

Walter H. Arp passed away Friday, Oct. 24, at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan.

Verna Claric

Verna Claric, 77, of Arlee passed away at her home near Arlee on Tuesday; Oct 21, 2008, of natural causes.

Two dead in Arlee after standoff

Erin Scott, Leader Advertiser

Students cast their vote

Erin Scott, Leader Staff

Arlee steady to the end

Jenna Cederberg, Leader Staff

Cheerful Heart brings comfort

Erin Scott, Leader Staff

Starkey takes third at state

Jenna Cederberg, Leader Staff

Rishel, Jasmyn Raine

Lance and Celia Rishel would like to announce the birth of their daughter Jasmyne Raine Rishel. She was born Sept. 4, 2008, at Community Hospital. She weighed 8 lbs., 11 oz. and measured 20 1/2 inches long.

Mitchell, Jaden Tyrell

POLSON - Jaden Tyrell Mitchell was born Oct. 19, 2008, at St. Joseph Medical Center. He weighed 6 lbs., 8.4 oz. Parents are Alexandra and Cory Mitchell; paternal grandparents are Cheryl and Ken Mitchell of Polson; maternal grandparents are Coreen and John Umphrey of Polson.

Letters to the Editor

10/30/08 Letters

Precarious times, important decisions

City Manager interviews arranged

Mike Cast, Leader Staff

20th Judicial District Court agenda topped by DUI and drug cases

Mike Cast, Leader Staff

Pirates snag rivalry game from Chiefs

Mike Cast, Leader Staff

Viola M. Potter

Viola M. Potter, 72, of Arlee passed away on Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008, at St. Patrick Hospital of natural causes.

Remembering Carol Sherick

Among Other Things

Paul Fugleberg,

Seifert, Jarett Berkley Deschenes

RONAN - Kylee Elizabeth is proud to announce that her little brother, Jarett Berkley Deschenes Seifert, was born Sept. 23, 2008, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. He weighed 8 lbs., 3 oz.

Informed Voting…

Mike Cast, Leader Staff

Hoop, there it is

Erin Scott, Leader Staff