Ellington

MIDWEEK UPDATE Econmic summit gets mixed reviews

Event held in Polson without many area officials

POLSON — An economic summit touting the importance of cooperation and trusting relationships among community leaders as a way to boost the area’s economy was boycotted by several Lake County officials this week.

St. Lukes awarded digital upgrade grant

RONAN — In 2009, the National Cancer Institute estimates there will be nearly 200,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in both men and women. Statistically, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.

Wheeler pleads innocent to charges

KALISPELL — A Ronan man charged with burglaries in three Western Montana counties has pleaded innocent to setting a December fire at the Echo Lake Store near Bigfork.

Ronan police bust drug house

After Ronan Police assisted in a parole related search of 223 Adams St. SW in Ronan, they discovered a number of drug violations in the house, Assistant Police Chief Art Walgren said in a press release today.

Good, refreshing fun

Police and ambulance sirens filled the air at noon on Saturday marking the start of the town parade and the highlight of Good Old Days weekend in St. Ignatius. Instead of signaling disaster, the emergency vehicles heralded the arrival of more than 60 floats winding their way through downtown Mission.

Polson places second

ELMO — Instead of a trophy, the champion of the 30th Annual Standing Arrow Tournament won $2,000.

Cherries ripe and ready at festival

POLSON — The Flathead Cherry Festival saw a slew of venders, local and otherwise, come out to enjoy Polson in its prime.

Water racing takes teamwork

POLSON — Racing may be an individual sport, but it takes more than one person to pull off.

Defining roles to better serve you

As your police  chief, I am asked many questions about law enforcement matters in the city of Polson. This column is to share with you information about your department, its duties and responsibilities and at times, to highlight one of our personnel.

Elmo greets dancers, players, spectators

ELMO — Members from Tribes around the country and other visitors turned out for the 32nd Annual Standing Arrow Pow Wow, which took place this past weekend in Elmo. The powwow began with the grand entrance on Friday.

Ms snag second place at Kalispell tourney

KALISPELL — The Mariners took second place at the John H. Harp Memorial Tournament in Kalispell this past weekend, proving once again, they are a tournament team.

Funds to pave street, path

ST. IGNATIUS — After taking community input and two meetings of debate, the St. Ignatius City Council decided at its July 7 meeting to split the $20,136 in federal stimulus funds between paving streets near the town’s schools and putting in a pedestrian path in Taelman Park.

Seat belt award honors life saved

Linda Furan is in her third month of recovery from injuries she received after a two-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 93 in Ronan this spring. Her small car was hit almost head-on by a northbound SUV on April 1 that lost control in the slushy road conditions.

Valley Babe Ruth All-Stars miss state

POLSON — Despite being the No. 1 seed out of pool play, Mission Valley didn’t qualify for the state tournament.

Home of: Zac Cantlon

RONAN — Pablo Picasso once questioned that if the world today didn’t make sense, then why should he paint pictures that do? Picasso’s work clearly knew no boundaries. The same can be said for that of local artist Zac Cantlon.

Season ends for Purple Rain

BOZEMAN — The Polson 16U Purple Rain softball team lost two games against teams it had previously beat at the Montana State ASA JO Tournament in Bozeman last weekend.

Lil Lakers win state

BOZEMAN — Five tournaments and five championship games is the record for the Polson 10U Lil’ Lakers fastpitch team.

Obituaries, July 16

Cole, Kimmel, Bishop, Black, Seablom, Hogge, Cheff

News Briefs

July 16

Sinkhole slows traffic on HWY 35

Montana Department of Transportation crews worked throughout the week to repair a 75-foot long sinkhole caused by a failed irrigation pipe just east of Delaney’s Landscape Center on Montana Highway 35.

Keeping up with the kids

Parade and powwow results below

ARLEE — Amidst a swarm of kids of all ages steeped in an intense game of “double-ball” at the Arlee Powwow, Paul Phillips emerges victorious with the leather pouched prized object draped over his stick as he sprints the arena baseline with a dozen young competitors in pursuit.

Community Notes

July 2

Mill workers hang up their hats

PABLO — The 51-year-old Pablo sawmill closed for good on Friday, finishing its last business quietly under the supervision of several employees who stayed to close the show.

Mariners win Deer Lodge tourney

DEER LODGE — A second place finish at a tourney in Libby two weeks ago was a tough performance for the Mission Valley Mariners to top.

Agencies prepare for concert, holiday weekend

LAKE COUNTY — As the Polson Fourth of July weekend events, a concert in Ronan and the massive Arlee Celebration are all coinciding this year, area law enforcement and emergency agencies are taking the necessary precautions to ensure that this holiday season is a safe one.

Enjoy your Fourth - buckle up

In 2008, 174 occupants died on Montana highways in crashes involving passenger vehicles. More than 71 percent of them – 124 drivers and passengers either didn’t use or improperly used their seatbelts.

Rosie's big ride

Rosie was in bad shape when her people pulled up.

Big Arm Celebration

As the sun rose over the plains of Big Arm on June 27, one could sense that the two city states, Polson and Big Arm, would collide in a water war that would rival the historic battle of Cannae.  The war took place Saturday during the Big Arm celebration and the 30th anniversary of the Big Arm Vol. Fire Company.  All who attended were not disappointed with the kid’s carnival, magic show given by Ken Avison, bounce house, yard sale and the firemen’s burger fry.  It is estimated that 400-500 people attended one or all of the events.

Births, July 2

Westphal, Makuk, Depoe, Peters, Wills, Buffalo, Branson, Wright

News Briefs

July 2

Letter to the editor

July 2

Alleged arsonist gets deferred sentence

POLSON — A 20-year-old Pablo man was given a six-year deferred sentence in district court on June 24 for an amended charge of felony criminal mischief and a felony burglary offense.

St. Ignatius to accept federal money

ST. IGNATIUS — After taking public comment at a public hearing on Monday night, the St. Ignatius City Council chose to receive $20,138 in stimulus funds, turning down a motion to refuse the federal dollars allocated for local infrastructure projects.

Mission Mountain PRCA Rodeo brings pros to town

POLSON — When Polson hosts a rodeo it does it right. So it was no wonder that when the Polson Fairgrounds gave way to this year’s Mission Mountain PRCA Rodeo this past weekend, it was a success.