Ellington

Seven Arlee students get Close Up in D.C.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Seven students from Arlee High School had the opportunity to tour the nation’s capital for four days when they met with Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg, as well as students from Ekalaka, Eureka, Sidney and other parts of the country as part of a program coordinated by the Close Up Foundation.

Brothers in Arms

POLSON — Kellen Hoyt will be taking a big step this summer: the Polson junior will be joining the Montana National Guard and serving his country after graduating from high school. Joining the military means a lot will be demanded of Hoyt physically and mentally while in service of his country. However, if he has any questions, he’s got one incredible resource.

Track: DiGiallonardo wins 100-meter at A.R.M.

WHITEFISH - At the crowded field of the A.R.M. Invitational in Whitefish on Saturday, Polson's entire track team found ways to shine with the girls taking third place in team scoring and the boys getting two first place finishes.

Green is the theme at SKC

PABLO — It makes perfect sense that a new recycling movement would take place right around Earth Day. Thanks to the work of students and faculty at SKC and Mark Nelson, program manager for Lake County Solid Waste District, that became the reality when a pair of massive green recycling containers were opened for use on the college campus, across from the Arlee/Charlo Theatre, on Friday, April 20.

Migratory birds mural poster contest announced

PABLO — Local third graders from across the Flathead Reservation are participating in a yearly celebration of migratory birds in the 2012 International Migratory Bird Day Poster Contest.

Folks have wheely good time at Walk and Roll

PABLO — Not even overcast clouds and scattered drizzles could take the shine out of the fourth annual Walk and Roll event in Pablo on Saturday, April 21.

R-SI track places first five times

MISSOULA – Ronan-St. Ignatius didn’t back down from Class A and AA competition at the Big Sky Track Meet on Friday in Missoula. The team placed 17 different times and was first in five events.

Mission SB (April 27)

Here are photos from the Mission SB doubleheader vs. Drummond on April 27.

Tennis: Polson teams split in Bitterroot

Polson tennis teams both earned splits yesterday against two Class A schools in the Bitterroot Valley. The Polson boys down Hamilton 5-2, while the girls defeated Corvallis 6-1.

Parents seek community support to keep kids safe on graduation night

POLSON — Four years of hard work will come to a close on June 2 for Polson High School seniors when they earn their diplomas at graduation, completing careers that saw them become invested in their school and community. Their final sendoff will be a party the night of graduation, one that Sharon Murphy and other moms want to make a safe and memorable one not just for the seniors, but for the community as well.

Mission club reaches out for Earth Day

ST. IGNATIUS — A new Mission High School club — Students Serving Community — only started this year, but in only a few short months, the group has made a mark on the town of St. Ignatius. From organizing food drives to spreading holiday cheer with caroling around town, about 15 dedicated members have paved the way for service in their community.

Walk and Roll (April 21)

Here are some photos from the Walk and Roll event in Pablo on Saturday, April 21.

Letters to the editor

Thank you

Polson man gets suspended sentence for extortion video

POLSON — A Polson man who admitted to charges of attempted theft was given a three-year suspended sentence in Lake County District Court last Wednesday. Jack Whaling agreed to a plea agreement in February after trying to extort a community member with a sex tape.

Pinwheel prevention

PABLO — As a child, pinwheels were fun toys to play with and were appropriate symbols of a carefree attitude, spinning effortlessly in the breeze. Now, through a nationwide program, the pinwheel represents hope, health and happiness.

Ronan Tennis vs Valley Christian

Here are some photos from Ronan's tennis match against Valley Christian on April 12

Polson FC roundup (April 26)

Here's a roundup of Polson FC soccer action!

Medieval Day (April 26)

Here are photos from Linderman's Medieval Day on April 26.

Meidinger sets new school record

Aspen Meidinger ties and then breaks her identical twin’s shotput record

MISSOULA – The Meidingers are taking the identical twin moniker to a whole new level. A year ago, Rachelle Meidinger set the school record at 34-2 while her sister was sidelined with an injury.

Mariners: B team shines in Missoula

MISSOULA – Two games into the season and the Mission Valley Mariners B team has shown its the real deal. The M’s split a doubleheader with the Class A Missoula Mavericks last Saturday thanks to some proficiency at the plate.

Ronan golf: SWEET SWINGS

RONAN — Ronan Chief and Maiden golfers took to Mission Mountain Golf Course on Thursday, April 19 and reaped the benefits of playing on it.

Polson track: DiGiallonardo brings the speed

MISSOULA — Anna DiGiallonardo should be worried about catching a speeding ticket after sweeping the 100 and 200-meter dashes at both the Big Sky Triangular last Tuesday and the Sapphire Track Meet in Corvallis on Friday. The Polson track team had 10 first-place finishes in two track meets last week and DiGiallonardo was responsible for five of them.

Dynamite: R-S girls win TNT Invite

FRENCHTOWN – The Ronan-St. Ignatius girls scored 201 points to win the Frenchtown TNT Invitational thanks to multiple placers in multiple events last Saturday.

10Sticks Lacrosse

10Sticks Lacrosse vs. Missoula Big Sky, Thursday, April 19, 2012 in Pablo

Polson SB: Show of force

POLSON – After a pair of conference losses over the past couple weeks, the Polson Lady Pirates put in extra time at practice and were determined to snap out of their skid. Not only did they do that, but they did it in very emphatic fashion, outscoring their three opponents 52-2 last week.

Kovick pleads guilty to Cornerstone Ponzi Scheme

MISSOULA — In a federal court session in Missoula on April 25, 2012, Keith B. Kovick pleaded guilty for his role in the Polson-based company, Cornerstone Financial Inc., which defrauded investors in Montana’s largest Ponzi Scheme.

From Your Representative: To gill-net or not to gill-net

There’s a big debate raging here locally. It concerns getting rid of lake trout (mackinaw) in Flathead Lake in order to provide a home for bull trout and cutthroat.

Softball: The 'mazing MAC family

ST. IGNATIUS — It’s hard not to get excited about the MAC softball team after it improved its record to 6-0 on the season. Especially after its sixth win came over a Class A squad.

Senior news

St. Ignatius

Community calendar

Pachyderms meet

BATTLE IN THE VALLEY

RONAN — Ronan and Mission tennis teams battled each other on the court on Thursday, April 19, with each school winning once while the teams enjoyed success in other matches.

Charlo Track: PURPLE REIGN

Lady Vikes top 15 teams at the Jim Johnson Invitational in Missoula

MISSOULA — Sixteen girls teams participated in the Jim Johnson invite on Thursday, April 19 in Missoula. The Charlo Lady Vikings left the other 15 in the dust.

Hut burglar gets four years

POLSON — A homeless man who broke into a Pizza Hut in February was sentenced to four years of jail time last Thursday in Lake County District Court.

Catching Fire

PABLO — The 10Sticks Lacrosse Club is really hitting its stride.

Polson Tennis: Making a racket

Polson stands toe-to-toe with Class AA schools, strong-arms Class A competition

KALISPELL — You can’t call the Pirate and Lady Pirate tennis teams “surprisingly good” because they’ve been dominating most of the competition in Class A this season.

Polson FC (April 25)

Here are photos from the Polson FC soccer games on April 25.

Watch for cyclists on local roadways

LAKE COUNTY — The 42nd Annual Tour of the Swan River Valley, sponsored by the Missoulians On Bicycles, Inc., will be held on Saturday, May 19, and Sunday, May 20.

Experimental cherry crop should bear fruit

YELLOW BAY — Seven experimental sweet cherry varieties planted three years ago will bear fruit this summer.

Tennis: Mission gets draw with Superior-Alberton

SUPERIOR - Singles play help anchor the Mission girls' 3-3 tie with Superior Aliberton on Tuesday in a Western B-C matchup.

Leslie M. Shafer

Charlotte Alice Terry Powell

Charlotte Alice Terry Powell, “Grandmommy,” went to Heaven to be with her husband and two of her daughters on April 15, 2012. Grandmommy died of natural causes at the age of 97 in Ronan, Mont. She lived a very full and blessed life!

Richard D. Milliron

Richard D. Milliron, 61, passed away April 14, 2012 at his home in Polson. He was born Sept. 17, 1950 in St. Ignatius to Clyde and Bertha (Sandau) Milliron.

Marilyn M. Baltz

Gladys Malmstrom

Polson resident, Gladys Malmstrom, age 85, went home to her Lord and Savior on March 4, 2012. Gladys was born April 5, 1926 in Orange City, Iowa to John and Maggie (Oordt) Uittenbogaard, and later moved to Washington state at age 7. Gladys also resided in Arizona and Montana. Gladys enjoyed spending time with friends and family, as well as cooking and sewing.

Darlene Louise Walker

Darlene Louise Walker, former resident of Arlee, passed away April 8, 2012. Darlene was born Dec. 21, 1939 in Baker, Ore. to Walter and Bonnie Hacker.

Daniel A. Fryberger

Buckley resident Daniel Adelbert Fryberger died on April 18, 2012 at the age of 87.

Auda Thomas

Auda Thomas, age 93, passed away Monday, April 16, 2012 in Polson, Mont.

American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) 2012 award winners

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Art Show: Best of Show Traditional Art – Gary Lesser; 1st place Bead Work – Andrea Gibson; 3rd place Print Making – Quinton Decker; 2nd place Sculpture – Gary Lesser

On the horizon

LAKE COUNTY — Getting into college can be a stressful, nerve-wracking time for all high school students, not just seniors. By maintaining stellar grades, participating in extra-curricular activities and writing essays, many students try to do everything imaginable to get into their dream school.

Births

Millo Patrick Alexander Rodda

Lake County athletes place at Top 10

MISSOULA - Lake County athletes placed eight times at the 14th Annual Russ Pilcher/Western Montana Top 10 meet on Tuesday. Polson's Anna DiGiallonardo continued to burn up the track in the sprint races, placing  second in the 100-meter dash (12.66) and third in the 200-meter dash (26.18).

Law enforcement and court records

Lake County District Court, Judge McNeil presiding

Tribes roll out bear-proof containers

PABLO — They don’t look much different from other black barrel-like garbage containers, but they are — and the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes have 125 of them that will be dispersed to homes that have had bear problems along the Mission Mountain Front.

From Your Senator

Our governor, in his zeal to leave a legacy before turning in his Helena parking permit, is single-handedly creating more growth in state government. He strategically waited until legislators left for good then drafted a bid request for a new health clinic to serve 11,000 Montana state workers and families in Helena.

Ronan hires new principal

RONAN — Kevin Kenelty will be the next principal at Ronan High School after the board approved his hiring at its monthly meeting on Thursday, April 12, 2012.

Polson FC (April 21)

Here are photos of Polson FC soccer action at the Kerr Dam Fields on April 21.

Over $2,600 raised at Chubby Chicks

POLSON — Roughly 200 people turned out for the first Chubby Chicks Basketball for Heart game at Linderman Elementary on Friday, April 13, with the event proving to be a huge success thanks to the generosity of the community.

MV Mariners (April 21)

Here are photos from the Mission Valley Mariners doubleheader against the Class AA Missoula Mavericks on April 21.

Speed, smiles on display at Pinewood Derby

POLSON — Fast cars, photo finishes and exciting action highlighted the Silvertip District Pinewood Derby at the Polson LDS Church on Saturday, April 14.

Babe Ruth Baseball (April 20)

Here are photos of Senior Babe Ruth Baseball action in Polson on April 20.

MAC Softball (April 20)

Here are photos of MAC Softball vs. Loyola on April 20.

Polson Tennis (April 20)

Here are photos from Polson tennis action against Whitefish, Dillon and Bigfork (April 20)

Golf: Ronan boys take third

RONAN - The Ronan boys took third and the girls took fifth at the Ronan High School Golf Invitational on Thursday. Alex Killian led the way for the boys with a 79, which netted him a tie for fifth place.

Letters to the editor

Helping others

Lake County investigations in legislative spotlight

HELENA — Allegations of corruption and cover-ups within the Lake County Sheriff’s Office have caught the attention of Montana attorney general hopeful Jim Shockley, who is using his clout in the state Legislature to bring light to what is and isn’t being done to investigate.

Tribes agree to $1 billion settlement with federal government

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After 22 months of negotiation, on Wednesday, April 11, senior members of the Obama Administration joined tribal leaders to announce a $1 billion settlement of lawsuits filed by more than 40 federally-recognized tribes against the federal government for mismanagement of monetary assets and natural resources.

SKC science program reaches into space with NASA CubeSat satellite

PABLO — Salish Kootenai College is going to the final frontier, but it won’t need the Starship Enterprise to get there.

SB: Lady Pirates drub Hamilton

POLSON - The Lady Pirates collected 13 hits while pitcher Shalaina Duford held Hamilton in check at the plate in a 17-1 victory for Polson on Thursday.

Ronan-Mission Tennis (April 19)

Here are photos from Ronan and Mission Tennis on April 19.

Ronan SB vs. Plains (April 19)

Here are photos from the Ronan-Plains softball game on April 19.

Polson SB vs. Hamilton (April 19)

Here are photos from the Polson-Hamilton softball game on April 19.

Polson JV vs. Hamilton (April 19)

Here are photos from the Polson JV-Hamilton game on April 19.

Rockies gear up for season

Young and experienced, the Mission Valley Rockies should have a nice mix of players this season after a turnout of 19 players.

Ronan track: Bell, Alexander collect firsts

BIGFORK — The Ronan-St. Ignatius boys got use to standing on top of the podium at the Bigfork Invitational after capturing four different first-place finishes and collecting 53 points to place fourth at the meet.

Weekly Recap: Polson tennis improves to 15-1

CUT BANK — Polson has come out of the gate strong with a 15-1 start to the season by both the boys and girls tennis teams. They got their closest experience to the divisional and state tournaments last weekend at the Cut Bank Invitational.

Golf: Chiefs finish fourth at Bigfork Tournament

BIGFORK — Ronan golfers fought unfavorable weather conditions and two tough courses to post impressive numbers in a pair of rounds last week.

Arlee, Two Eagle heat up at Hot Springs Invitational

HOT SPRINGS — Arlee won numerous events at the Hot Springs Invitational last Thursday with the girls winning first place in impressive fashion with 238 points while the boys earned second place with 154 points. Two Eagle also had several placers at the event and took fourth place in both boys and girls.

Ronan tennis: CLIPPING THE EAGS

RONAN — It was a bit of a slow week for the Ronan Chiefs, who had only one match on the slate, but they took full advantage of the meeting with Valley Christian, downing the visiting Eagles 4-2 in action on Thursday, April 12.

Among Other Things: Smarty Pants

My Seattle friends, George and Helen, keep replenishing my file of unusual, unbelievable, ridiculous and otherwise odd-ball stories. Here’s a selection of answers by 16-year-old students to S.A.T questions. Don’t laugh too hard – one of them could become president one day! You have to admit some are very creative.

Polson FC enjoys successful weekend

POLSON — Many players from the Polson boys soccer team got a chance for revenge last Saturday at the Kerr Dam Fields.

Senior news

Polson

Community calendar

President’s lecture

Tennis: Mission making strides

MISSION — While the Mission Bulldogs took it relatively easy with just one match last week, the Lady Bulldogs played plenty of tennis.

Polson Track: Speed & Strength

MISSOULA — Polson’s Riley Sampson unleashed a shot put throw of 51-1.5 last Saturday. It was impressive on many levels. Sampson’s personal record won the Missoula County Public Schools Invitational and earned him the ABC field event MVP award. It’s also the best shot put throw recorded by a Class A athlete so far this season.

Man ordered to repay over $27,000 to brewery

POLSON — Eric Baszler, a 28-year-old Polson man, was given a six-year deferred sentence in Lake County District Court last Wednesday after signing a plea agreement in March to pay back over $27,000 to the Flathead Lake Brewery in restitution. Baszler admitted to embezzling $23,994.24 from the company while working there as an employee.

Explosion levels Dayton house

DAYTON — An explosion and fire over the weekend destroyed a house and damaged three others in the small town of Dayton on Flathead Lake’s west shore.

Maidens down Class A Broncs

HAMILTON — Roughly three weeks ago, the Hamilton Broncs came to Ronan and gave the Maidens a fit on the diamond, winning 12-2. After their latest meeting, it’s safe to say Ronan had revenge on their mind.

Delaney, Charlo track shines in Missoula

MISSOULA — Charlo athletes cleaned up in eye-opening fashion against Class AA, A, B and C competition at the MCPS Invitational in Missoula on Saturday, April 14.

TENNIS: Polson sweeps tough Hamilton team

POLSON — A very good Hamilton tennis team came into town on Tuesday, but both the Pirates and Lady Pirates were able to pick up dual victories and now sit at a combined 17-1 on the season.

TRACK: Anna DiGiallonardo dominates sprints

MISSOULA — The biggest question so far this track season: is there anything Polson's Anna DiGiallonardo can't do?

TIGER/Skyline Drive update

POLSON — Crews from LSJ Jensen have been working on the final Phase 1 and 2A contract items which consist of landscaping, paving, water service installation, and clean-up. Paving is expected to be completed this week and will conclude Phase 1 of the project.

Andrew and Julianne Zimmer

Andrew and Julianne Zimmer were married Dec. 31, 2011 in Polson. The bride is the daughter of Michael and Ileen Freeman of Polson. The groom's parents are Richard and Paula Zimmer of Pablo. Both the bride and groom are Polson graduates. Julianne is currently studying computed tomography at Weber State University Online, pursuing a career as an X-ray technician. Andrew graduated from Salish Kootenai College with a bachelor’s degree in business. The happy couple currently resides in Kalispell and are employed with the Army National Guard.

Heather Estella Humphrey

Heather Estella Humphrey passed away in her home in San Francisco, Calif. A memorial service for Heather will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 21 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Liberty, Mo.

Joyce E. Boon

Joyce E. Boon, age 82, passed away peacefully the evening of Thursday, April 12, 2012, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Neila I. Obenchain

Neila I. Obenchain, 77, of Ronan, passed away April 15, 2012 at her home surrounded by her family.

Wynne Maas

Wynne Maas was a man who lived life on his own terms. At the same time, he made friends everywhere he went. An avid sportsman in his younger days, he loved to sit around the fire at Camp Tuffit and share stories about the one that got away, and brag about the ones that didn’t. It didn’t matter if he was talking about fishing, hunting or just plain talking; he liked to share with his old and new friends the adventures his life had taken.

Births

Trevor James Sabolish

Polson group aces state JBQ

On March 30-31, four Junior Bible Quiz teams from Polson competed at the state meet in Helena. Twelve teams from Montana met in Helena to compete over the Bible information studied this season. Polson had two “A” teams of fifth and sixth grade kids that finished in first and third place. Polson also had two “B” teams of second through sixth grade kids that finished in first and fourth place statewide.

Law enforcement and court records

Lake County District Court, Judge McNeil presiding

Mack Days approaches record year

FLATHEAD LAKE — At the end of the fourth week of the 2012 Spring Mack Days fishing event, 233 anglers have turned in a total of 12,143 lake trout. That’s more than the record 315 anglers who turned in a total of 11,845 by the fourth week of 2010, the year that reached the highest harvest yet, with 34,350 total in 33 days.

Dan's Column: Wolves

Have you read about the Yellowstone elk herd lately?

Hot Springs clinic reaches final stretch

HOT SPRINGS – The construction of the new Hot Springs clinic will begin at the end of April.

Bull Brothers

POLSON — It’s not uncommon for brothers to get involved in the same activity, but the Fitzpatrick boys in Polson have quite literally grabbed the bull by the horns.

Polson tennis goes 7-1 in Cut Bank

CUT BANK — Polson’s girls were 4-0 while the boys posted a 3-1 mark at the Cut Bank A Invitational tennis duals, which wrapped up Saturday.

MV Mariners Scrimmage (April 14)

Here are photos from the Mission Valley Mariners scrimmage on April 14.

Polson FC U18 Boys (April 14)

Here are photos of Polson FC U18 Boys action on April 14.

Polson FC U12 Boys (April 14)

Here are photos from Polson FC U12 Boys soccer action on April 14.

Ronan standout student-athlete is hungry for more

RONAN — Ronan senior Marcus Hungerford is jetting to Billings.

Safety sparks FireSafe conference

POLSON — Homeowners, stakeholders and experts converged on the KwaTaqnuk Resort and Casino for the Polson Communities and Wildfire conference on Monday and Tuesday, April 9-10.

The Outsiders

RONAN — In an era in which kids are resorting to time-wasters for entertainment such as television, video games and movies, Tom Fieber and many other Mission Valley community members are doing their best to ensure that kids have the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.

SB: Lady Bulldogs trounce Big Sky JV, 20-3

ST. IGNATIUS - Mission-Arlee-Charlo scored 11 runs in the first inning, Kinley Pope almost hit for the cycle and the Lady Bulldogs improved their record to 3-0 on the season with a 20-3 victory over Missoula Big Sky's JV on Friday.

MAC SB vs. Big Sky JV

Here are some photos from the MAC-Missoula Big Sky JV softball game this Friday (April 13) in St. Ignatius.

SB: Maidens thump Hamilton

HAMILTON - Ronan picked up a 7-1 win over Class A opponent Hamilton after surging for four runs in the top of the third and then following that up with three runs in the fourth.

THE BIG DIESEL

The best way to describe Polson lineman and wrestler Josiah Clairmont?

From Your Representative

Our country is built upon a foundation of law. From the U.S. Constitution to federal law and regulation, to state, county, district and town/city laws and ordinances, we have a huge amount of law to deal with, every day.

TIGER/Skyline Drive project continues

POLSON — Construction on Skyline Drive resumed this week after the winter shutdown. Finishing touches on the first two phases are expected to be completed by the end of the month.

CSKT looks to remove lake trout

POLSON — Flathead Lake was, not very long ago, a very diverse fishery, home to kokanee salmon, lake whitefish and lake trout, among many other species. Mysis shrimp were introduced to the lake, with the idea of benefitting the salmon, but that fishery collapsed shortly and the lake trout population quickly boomed. Now, with roughly 1.5 million lake trout inhabiting Flathead Lake and their growth slowing, other fisheries are in jeopardy.

Polson tennis teams stay undefeated

COLUMBIA FALLS - Both Polson tennis teams stayed undefeated in match play with convincing victories over Northwestern A Conference foe Columbia Falls on Thursday. The Pirates downed the Wildcats 6-1 while the girls swept with a perfect 7-0 score. They’ll play at the Cut Bank Invitational this weekend.

THE SEASON... THAT DOESN'T END

For some basketball players in Lake County, the season never ends.

Ronan seventh graders finish great season

RONAN — The Ronan seventh grade boys AAU squad finished up its 2012 season with a home tournament at the Event Center two weeks ago and showed that the future is bright for the Chiefs’ high school team. Ronan finished the season with an AAU mark of 10-5 after traveling to five tournaments.

RONAN AND MISSION FACE OFF AT THE NET

ST. IGNATIUS — The Ronan Chiefs and Maidens defeated their Lake County rivals at Mission in tennis action on Tuesday, April 3, but while the team scores indicated a lopsided win, the individual scores were much closer.

Letters to the editor

Protecting children

FC kicks off season in Stevensville

STEVENSVILLE — The spring-summer season for Polson FC has kicked off as the U16 girls team and the U12 boys teams traveled to a tournament in Stevensville two weeks ago.

Senior news

Ronan

TAKING DOWN THE CHAMPS

POLSON — The Corvallis boys tennis team came into the Mission Valley as the two-time defending Class A state champion but was handed a 4-3 loss by the up-and-coming Pirates Tuesday, April 3. Hayden Congdon and Sam Peel won their No. 2 doubles matchup against Turner Zsupnick and Alma Powell to clinch the victory for Polson.

Community calendar

Pachyderms meet

Friends in high places: Ronan, Arlee excel

RONAN — In front of the hometown fans, there was lots of speed and strength on display at the Ronan Invitational Tuesday, April 3. With Arlee and Ronan both competing at the non-scoring event, Mission Valley teams placed 61 times in the nine-team field.

Lake county to develop parks and trails master plan

LAKE COUNTY — The Lake County Parks Board is developing a countywide parks and trails plan and it’s looking to the community to help guide the development and maintenance of its parks and trails over the next several years. Do you want more and better trails? Lake or river access? How about playgrounds and playing fields? How should we fund parks and trails?

Two more Polson admins resign

POLSON — The resignations of Linderman Elementary principal Heather Jones and Polson High School assistant principal Brandon Thurston were announced and accepted by the Polson school board at its regular monthly meeting on Monday, April 9.

MAC wins first game of MV series

RONAN — Going up against a Mission Valley rival, MAC softball pitcher Loren Erickson picked a good time to notch her first varsity shutout. Erickson threw just 49 pitches in the Lady Bulldogs’ 11-0 victory over Ronan last Tuesday. While MAC had just five hits in the victory, they ran the bases well and played tremendous defense to improve to 2-0 on the season.

Frenchtown, Polson battle lives up to the hype

FRENCHTOWN — The Polson Lady Pirates knew their road rematch with the Frenchtown Lady Broncs, the team they defeated to capture a second-consecutive state championship, was going to be one of the tougher games on their schedule. And while the Lady Pirates lost a nailbiter, they left with plenty to build on.

Lady Bison run to third

SB: Wildkats defeat Lady Pirates 8-3

COLUMBIA FALLS - Polson moved to 1-2 on the season after an 8-3 Northwestern A conference loss to Columbia Falls on Tuesday. The Wildkats, who showed plenty of promise last season but were extremely young, knocked out 10 hits against the Lady Pirates and four doubles as they defeated the two-time defending state champions.

Hewston, Sampson lead Polson tracksters

KALISPELL - Polson got impressive performances from the Hewston sisters and shot put thrower Riley Sampson at the Flathead Invitational on Tuesday. While it was a non-scoring team meet, the Pirates and Lady Pirates captured four first-place finishes and 22 placings overall. They'll travel south to the Missoula County High School Invitational this Saturday.

Venita J. Wall

Venita J. Wall, 50, passed away peacefully Friday, April 6 at her daughter’s home in Pache. A traditional wake began Saturday at the Longhouse in St. Ignatius with the Rosary recited Easter Sunday in the Longhouse. Wake closing services were held Monday in the Longhouse with her funeral following. Condolences may be left at fosterfhandcrematory.com

Lawrence “Larry” Reid

Lawrence “Larry” Reid, age 82, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2012 in Polson. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bessie Reid and 13 children. Cremation has taken place and no services are planned. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com

Thelma Mildred Cahoon

Thelma Mildred Cahoon, 99 years old, passed away on April 5, 2012 in Kellogg, Idaho of natural causes. She was born Aug. 23, 1912 in Lago, Idaho to William and Martina Smith. Thelma married Reynolds Cahoon in 1928 at Bynum, Mont. They raised children Ruth, Lois, Eugene, Earl and Francis in Charlo. She is preceded in death by her husband Reynolds, and later Elmer Daugherty, and children Ruth, Lois, Eugene and Earl. She is survived by her son Francis (Carol) Cahoon of St. Ignatius and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services were Tuesday, April 10 at the Ronan LDS Church.

Rita Matt

Rita Matt, 53, passed away Wednesday, April 4 at St. Patrick Hospital. In accordance with her wishes no services are planned at this time. Foster Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Births

Leland Amyis Perez

Dixon's Third Quarter Honor Roll

4th Grade: Decker-Liberty, Ezekiel; Liberty-Dupuis, Wisteria; McKean, Cole; Rossbach, Nateesha

Charlo BPA rocks the state

On March 11-13, Charlo High School students (Trinceton Brown, Devin Colliander, Dillon Delaney, Alyssa Doty, Ross Fullerton, Michaela Krahn, Chance Robles, Mackenzie Savage, Devin Soukkala and Jason Stevens) competed at the Business Professionals of America (BPA) State Leadership Conference in Billings.

From Your Senator: EPA – Not Above the Law

Something just happened to renew my faith in common sense and reduced government interference in our lives. The Supreme court ruled in favor of private landowners who pushed back – at great personal expense – the Environmental Protection Agency on a dispute over a “wetland.”

Transitional housing program earns grant

LAKE COUNTY — SAFE Harbor was notified in March that it has been selected for a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the State of Montana Continuum of Care.

Campsites open in time for Mack Days

FLATHEAD LAKE — Several Region One State Parks on Flathead Lake will provide early camping opportunities to accommodate anglers participating in the Spring Mack Days Fishing Tournament.

Law enforcement and court records

Lake County District Court, Judge McNeil presiding

Will high gas prices affect your travel plans this summer?

Among Other Things: Mixed Feelings

Ever have ambivalent feelings toward things? I have; still do. I guess it started when I was a kid during World War 2. The patriotic thing to do on the home front was to raise chickens and rabbits and to have a “victory garden” to grow vegetables. Our family did all three — with varying degrees of success.

Polson man files lawsuit against city

POLSON — Polson resident Rory Horning filed a lawsuit in Lake County District Court against the city of Polson Monday, claiming he was denied his Constitutional rights to protest governmental action, participate in the operation of city government, the pursuit of happiness and free speech.

Cherry growers talk shop

YELLOW BAY — As you ride through Polson, it’s incredibly easy to see all the cherry-themed places the area has to offer. And while cherry season is still a few months away, growers flocked to the Yellow Bay Community Clubhouse on Saturday, March 31 for the 77th Annual Cherry Growers’ Meeting.

Finley Point shoreline stabilization complete

FINLEY POINT — Montana State Parks has completed a shoreline stabilization project at Finley Point State Park located on Flathead Lake. The Parks Division worked with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Lake County and the Army Corps of Engineers on the permit process.

Polson tennis: Out of the woods

POLSON — Both Polson tennis teams are expected to be strong in the conference this year and they proved that in their first action of the season on Saturday against NWA opponent Libby. The unpredictable spring Montana weather robbed the Pirates and Lady Pirates of an epic battle with tennis power Hamilton, but both teams were able to get the best of the Loggers in dominant fashion.

St. Luke scholarships available for students

LAKE COUNTY — Once again, St. Luke Community Healthcare Network is offering $500 college scholarships to high school seniors at seven area high schools. Counselors at Arlee, Charlo, Hot Springs, Polson, Ronan, St. Ignatius and Two Eagle River have received the scholarship application instruction sheet.

Bringing the competition

Maidens split opening week

Polson stacked in track

Polson Lady Pirates softball vs C-Falls

Here are some photos from Polson's softball game against Columbia Falls on Saturday, March 31.

Ronan Maidens softball vs Hamilton (3/29)

Here are some photos from the Ronan Maidens' softball game against Hamilton on Thursday, March 29.

MAC Softball vs Deer Lodge (3/30)

Here are some photos from the MAC Bulldogs' softball game against Deer Lodge on Friday, March 30.

Letters to the editor

What an evening

Sex offender sent to jail for preying on women in AA

POLSON — A sex offender violated his treatment agreement by having sexual relations with several women who he met in an alcoholic treatment program, and was sentenced back to jail for 10 years in Lake County District Court, Thursday, March 22.

A HEARTY cause

Bison take second

A hole new golf team

Lady Bulldogs fall to Loyola

MISSOULA — The Mission Lady Bulldogs tennis team battled hard against Loyola on Thursday, March 29, but the hosts prevailed, downing Mission 6-1.

Charlo runs wild in Corvallis

CORVALLIS — Charlo Vikings and Lady Vikings brought home several individual first-place finishes and each team nearly did the same at Saturday’s 13-team Gene Hughes Invitational in Corvallis.

Ronan-St. Ignatius has 20 placers

The Ronan-St. Ignatius track and field team got their season started last Saturday in Corvallis and had 20 placers between the boys and girls events.

Lady Bulldogs pour on the runs

ST. IGNATIUS — Last season proved that not many softball teams could stop the Lady Bulldogs.

The Creator's Game

PABLO — If you haven’t yet heard about the 10Sticks Lacrosse Club, you’ve got some catching up to do. Last year, coach Alex Alviar, a professor at Salish Kootenai College, started a buzz that’s turned into a rumble. He’s aiming to build a social culture and a community centered upon lacrosse on the Flathead Indian Reservation, and in just over a year, he’s well on his way to achieving that goal.

Lady Pirates kick off season with 14-1 rout of Wildkats

POLSON — The Polson Lady Pirates hadn’t taken the softball diamond for a meaningful contest since winning the Class A state tournament last season. You wouldn’t have known it from their first performance of the year.

This is Public Health: National Public Health Week

Every year since 1995, public health departments all over the United States celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW) during the first week in April. This year’s theme is “A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement.”

High school principal resigns

POLSON — Polson High School principal Rob Hankins resigned effective at the end of the school year. Hankins declined to comment on his resignation other than to say he is seeking employment elsewhere.

Life with a lynx

Danielle Franklin doesn’t have pictures or knick-knacks in her house, she doesn’t get to have guests come over unannounced, or even go on vacation — because no one is going to watch her cat.

Arlee Track: Double trouble

ARLEE — Arlee had a core group of talented athletes last season that competed in several different events and racked up the points. This season, a lot of those athletes are back — and then some.

Senior news

St. Ignatius

Mission Tennis: Up their alley

ST. IGNATIUS — The Mission Bulldogs tennis team is coming off a strong third-place finish at the state tournament last season and while they lost two-time singles champion Spencer Ahlborn, there is plenty of reason for optimism as the 2012 season gets under way.

Vernon L. Bergman Jr.

Vernon L. Bergman Jr., 81, passed away in the morning, Wednesday, March 28, 2012, at his daughter’s residence. Brothers Mortuary and Crematory considers it an honor to serve the family. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Robert E. Smith

Robert E. Smith passed away in Bouse, Ariz. on March 16 with his wife Janet at his side.

Robert Edgel Sigler

Robert Edgel Sigler, 83, passed away at his home on March 26, 2012.

Helen Joyce Teigen

Our dearest, mom, sister, auntie and friend, Helen Joyce Teigen, age 62, passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2012 after a long and courageous battle with cancer at her home in Ronan with her two “little brats” (Charmaine and Shanell), great niece (Shaylene) and close friend (Francine) by her side. After a long, courageous battle, she proved her strong, independent will and tough character, which carried her through to the end.

Rick Korf

Rick Korf died peacefully on March 29, 2012 at the Lake Mary Ronan family home, with Jane – his wife, nurse, confidant and lover – supporting him to the end. He was 61. Rick had bladder cancer with multiple complications, some from Agent Orange. His death, as so much of his life, was tied to a distant war fought long ago.

Dollars for Scholars seeks applicants

POLSON — Polson Dollars for scholars wants to remind students, both current Polson High School seniors and PHS graduates that there are 12 scholarships available for various degrees at any accredited four-year, two-year, community college or vocational schools.

FWP urges bear awareness

NORTHWEST MONTANA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear management specialists meet every year in mid-March to prepare for “bear season.” About that same time, male grizzly bears are stirring, soon to emerge from their dens.

Births

Micel Ta-moss Duran

Open burning and fire safety

It is that time of the year when everybody wants to get out of the house and start doing some cleaning around the yard by burning the brush pile or all that tall dead grass. It is open burning season until April 30 at midnight.

Molly WhiteWater and Joshua-Luke O'Connor

Evelyn WhiteWater and Robert and Deborah O’Connor are proud to announce the engagement of their children, Molly WhiteWater of Polson and Joshua-Luke O’Connor of Polson. A wedding date is yet to be determined.

Letters to the editor

Positive recognition

Law enforcement and court records

Lake County District Court, Judge Christopher presiding

Legacy of learning

ST. IGNATIUS — Anyone in the local community who takes to the woods during hunting season can probably thank Bob Larsson for showing them how to do it safely. The Mission minister and director of the Pinehaven Christian Children’s Ranch was honored by the state of Montana recently for his 55 years of instructing hunter safety.

Rotary set to raise $100,000 for aquatic center

POLSON — The Rotary Club of Polson recently set a goal to raise $100,000 for Mission Valley Aquatics through member donations and the club’s Signature Project, the Aug. 25, 2012 Festival of Youth and Chili Cook Off event.

Heart & Soul

Healthy, vibrant small towns are remarkable places, and if you’ve ever visited a really vibrant small town, you know what I mean. There’s just no place better.

Man's eighth DUI leads to 10-year sentence

POLSON — A 48-year-old Pablo man was sent back to jail for 10 years during Lake County District Court last Wednesday after getting pulled over an eighth time for driving intoxicated.

Friends give Ronan fairgrounds a facelift

RONAN — Longer days and warmer temperatures, songbirds and green grass are all signs indicating springtime is here, and that means summer is on its way.

Gallery seeks art scholar applications

POLSON — Lake County students preparing for a career in art are invited to apply for the Sandpiper Gallery scholarship.

Lady Bulldogs ready for season

ST. IGNATIUS — The Mission Lady Bulldogs tennis team may only be returning three varsity players from last season’s squad, but head coach Sara Ison plans on making a racket not just at divisionals this season, but state as well.