News briefs, July 29
Swan makes dean’s list
Mariah, daughter of Karen and Joseph Swan, of Polson, was placed on the Gonzaga Dean’s List for the 2010 spring semester.
-Courtesy of Mac Swan
UM Dean’s list
At The University of Montana, 2,998 students made the spring semester 2010 Dean’s List. To qualify for the Dean’s List, students must be undergraduates, earn a semester grade average of 3.50 or higher, and receive grades of A or B in at least nine credits.
Polson: Shasta Baum, Shawna Baum, Robert Braun, Viktra Bumgarner, Sarah Christenson, Sarah Doyle, Jake Gochis, Gabrielle Green, Catherine Gullickson, Heather Howell, Anna Johnson, Kalen Karstens, Lacey Kvam, David Lewing, Briana Malmquist, Ray McKay, Crystal Meyer, Jenifer Nesladek, Jason Newton, Emily Palmieri, Sara Phillips-Keeble, Stephanie Rowold, Joel Schafer, Dean Tamcke and Ashleigh Wilbert.
Ronan: Britany Bilile, John Dresen, Russell Greenfield, Shane McMillan, Lauren Mosso, Gena Sorrell and Shauna Wise.
Charlo: Kyla Elverud and Brianna Redfern.
St. Ignatius: Casey Cable, Hannah Gabrielle, Melissa Gilleard, Kristin McClure, Karen Peterson, Nathan Umphrey and Emma Young.
Arlee: Corina Bogart-Pile, Sara Grace, Jason Kimmey, Daniel Miles, Dianne Rice and Shawna Smith.
-Courtesy of University of Montana
Altringer completes basic training
Navy Seaman Recruit Gregory L. Altringer, brother of Melissa M. Pederson of Ronan, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Altringer completed a variety of training, which included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness.
-Courtesy of Navy Public Affairs
Santana to compete in DYWM
Polson’s Angela Santana will be representing Polson at the first Distinguished Young Women of Montana Scholarship Program on Aug. 7 at Cut Bank High School Auditorium.
Santana is very active in choir, cheerleading, National Honor Society, dance and Key Club. She will be performing a lyrical dance solo to “I’ll Be” for her talent selection.
After 53 years, the America’s Junior Miss program changed its name to Distinguished Young Women.
-Courtesy of Wanda Rude
Conerstone update
The hearing for the Cornerstone case has been moved to the end of July or beginning of August, according to Lewis and Clark District Court, but hasn’t been formally set.
The original hearing date of April 30 was vacated and set for May 10, which was also vacated.
-Editor Heidi Hanse
Lake County out of investigation
Lake County law enforcement has reiterated that its investigation into Kathie Sammons is no longer active.
The Lake County Attorney’s Office originally charged Sammons with theft by embezzlement, a felony, on June 25 after more than $600,000 was allegedly found to be missing from the Polson branch of the Whitefish Credit Union where Sammons, of Charlo, served as vice-president.
Whitefish Credit Union CEO Jim Kenyon confirmed that Sammons’ position has been terminated.
“She’s no longer an employee of the credit union,” he said.
Earlier this month, LCSO Undersheriff Jay Doyle confirmed that a different agency had taken over the investigation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation cannot confirm or deny an investigation, FBI spokeswoman Debbie Bertram said.
“If there is an investigation going on, it can take months or even years,” she said. “The FBI is more concerned with accuracy than speed. Usually the public will not know of an investigation until an indictment is served.”
Repeated phone calls to Sammons’ attorney were unreturned as of press time.
-Reporter Sasha Goldstein