News Briefs

Jan. 7

Driver pleads not guilty in vehicle assault case

Last Thursday, Jonas Buckman, 27, pleaded not guilty to negligent vehicular assault and accidents involving the death or personal injuries, both felonies, in a Lake County courtroom.

Buckman, a Polson resident, was charged after allegedly being involved in a hit and run with a 16-year- old girl on Nov. 25 on Turtle Lake Road.

According to court records, the victim, who was riding her bicycle at the time, sustained serious injuries to the lower part of her body and was transported first to St. Joseph Medical Center and later to Missoula. She suffered multiple broken bones and, as of Dec. 21, 2009, remained hospitalized.

Witnesses said the girl was hit by a pickup truck and were able to lead law enforcement where the truck that was allegedly involved was parked.

Officers then observed a Dodge pickup truck that had sustained damage to the driver’s side and had what appeared to be blood on the driver’s side tire, according to court records. Buckman was arrested after officers learned the truck was his and allegedly “stumbling” across the yard of his residence, according to court records.

If convicted, Buckman could face a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in jail, a fine of $60,000 and the loss of his drivers license.

-Reporter Aimee Niles

St. Joe’s names new CEO

James Kiser has been named as the new Chief Executive of St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson, and will be taking his position immediately. Kiser comes to the position after service at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Wash.

Kiser is no stranger to rural Montana healthcare or the Sisters of Providence. He has a proud history of Mission service to a variety of large Catholic health care systems and is recognized by others for his demonstrated experience as a collaborator, skilled businessman and courageous leader.

“I’m very excited about joining the ministry of St. Joe’s. All those that I’ve met are excited about all the potential this organization has.  The staff, physicians, board and community have an optimism that is contagious. I’m looking forward to helping the team realize ‘the good that is yet to be,’” he said.

Kiser will be joined by his wife, Lorie, in Polson where they plan to live full time.

-Courtesy of St. Joe’s

Doyle announces candidacy

Lake County Undersheriff Jay Doyle announced in a press release earlier this week his candidacy for the 2010 Lake County Sheriff election. Sheriff Lucky Larson has announced that he will not be seeking re-election and will retire, the release said.

Undersheriff Doyle has spent the majority of his adult life serving the public as a law enforcement officer. He started his law enforcement career in 1988 as a detention officer and as a reserve deputy for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Doyle was born and raised in the Mission Valley. His wife of 22 years, Diana Doyle, owns a local business.

The press release said in the upcoming months Doyle will be attending several public meetings with civic groups, clubs, social groups and candidate forums throughout the county.

-Courtesy of Jay Doyle for Sheriff