News Briefs

Sept. 24

Mother of alleged shooter takes own life

Kelly Ross Johnson, 48, mother of Ross Johnson, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound last week, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office reports.

Kelly was found on Friday night at 11:40 p.m. in her car by Tribal Law and Order officers near the Kerr Dam Overlook. According to police reports, Kelly’s daughter reported her mother missing since the early morning hours of Wednesday, Sept. 16.

Ross, 21, has been incarcerated at the state hospital in Warm Springs since October 2008.

Ross was arrested on Sept. 1, 2008, after a two-day standoff at his family’s home outside Polson.

Investigators allege Ross fled there after shooting his father, 47-year-old Roger Johnson, on Aug. 30, 2008, in the woods about 45 miles west of Kalispell. Ross has been charged with one count of deliberate homicide for allegedly shooting his father in the head with a shotgun.

Two weeks ago, officials said Ross understands the charges against him and can assist in his own defense, but other mental-health issues may exist as upcoming court proceedings are set.

Detective Lieutenant Mike Sargeant, chief deputy coroner for Lake County, said Kelly probably died early Wednesday morning.

Police transported the victim’s body to the State Crime Lab for a post-mortem exam. Sargeant said the results were consistent with the initial findings of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

- Reporter Aimee Niles

Doggy Dash results

The Annual Mission Valley Animal Shelter Doggy Dash was held on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Travis Dolphin Dog Park in Polson.  Although the weather was beautiful, the turnout was down from previous years.  The total pledges raised was $2,434 for the animals! 

The top three pledge earners for the adults were: Eunice Maher, Karen Woodger and Shannon Battista. The top pledge earner for the junior group was Seana Johnson. Johnson did a great job and raised over $400 for the animals! Second and third Places were not awarded as Johnson was the only child who was able to attend the event.

Prizes were also given out for the following contests: Owner/Pet Look-a-Like:Tied between Eunice Maher & Sky and Candice Barnett and Timmer; Worst Behaved:    Shannon Battista and Kimber, Honorable Mention to Karen Woodger and Jack; Best Trick: Karen Woodger and Katie, Honorable Mention to Joan Martin and Billy; Best Talker: Candice Barnett and Timmer; Longest Tail: Nori Pearce and Thunder; Best Kisser: Shannon Battista and Kimber.

-Courtesy of Elizabeth Sawyer