Ellington

Water rights FAQS

A team of Montana, CSKT and United States officials created this Frequently Asked Questions document. On August 1, there will be a public information meeting at 4 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort. The session will be an open house event with presentations and a chance to pose public questions and comments.

Scrappy little school

Historic Valley View gets creative with fundraising efforts

Valley View School started in 1910 with 21 students, as the first school in the Mission Valley. These were children from the local homesteaders in the area. Over the years, the attendance has changed with as few as 16 students and as many as 42 students. The 2011/2012 school year completed the 102nd year of schooling for Valley View with 25 students in grades K-6. More than half the school’s students drive in from out of district because parents like the small school learning environment and teacher to student ratio. Twelve in-district students are projected for the 2012-2013 school year as compared with this past year’s seven students. No matter whether students are in or out of district, Valley View is doing the job of education well. Gale Decker, Lake Co. Supt. of Schools, recently reported to the school board that “Valley View students test results of 2012 show that 66% of our kids tested “advanced” or “proficient” in math and 93% “advanced” or “proficient” in reading. Hats off to our kids and staff for a job well done!”

USDA expands CRP Emergency Haying & Grazing

Mr. B hits the high note

Standing Arrow Powwow

Law enforcement and court records

Senior news

Fourteen miles of State Highway 35 to be resurfaced

Good Old Days are exactly that

ST. IGNATIUS — “Awesome.”

Changing streams

Correction

Charges against Ronald J. Martin were misstated in last week's paper. Martin appeared in Lake County District Court for a change of plea. He admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a felony.

Polson man caught with 50 marijuana plants

Lively History

Berry and mushroom harvest closure reminder

Community calendar

Obituaries

Local fire danger increasing

Reminder to be safe with campfire as fire index climbs higher

PABLO — The past week’s combination of heat and thunderstorms has local officials on edge, fearing that a lightning strike could ignite the region’s increasingly dry underbrush. According to CSKT Division of Fire Chief Curt Matt, the risk of fire on the west side of the Flathead Reservation has been raised to “very high,” while the level of danger on the east side has been elevated from “moderate” to “high.”

It's cherry time

POLSON — The Flathead Lake Cherry Festival, an annual Polson tradition, celebrated its fourteenth year over the weekend. The festival has everything from a cherry cooking competition to a cherry pie eating contest. Along with local cherry growers, street vendors and a student art contest there was something for everyone this weekend down on Main Street.

Swan Lake project extension approved

SWAN LAKE — Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), Region One, has completed an environmental assessment (EA) for the purpose of continuing an experimental removal of lake trout in Swan Lake, Mont. The proposed action would involve contracting with professional fishery consultants to conduct gill netting over a three-week period beginning late August or early September 2012. Additionally, FWP and Swan Valley Bull Trout Working Group personnel will remove spawning adult lake trout during the months of October and November by gill netting along known lake trout spawning sites. These activities would be conducted annually for five years.

Arlee man accused of writing 83 bad checks

POLSON — An Arlee man pleaded innocent to the felony charge of issuing a bad check as part of a common scheme, Thursday in Lake County District Court.

Fall turkey permit applications due

WESTERN MONTANA — Hunters planning to pursue wild turkeys in parts of western Montana this fall must apply for a special permit by July 26.

In the saddle

Cowboy journeys across the state raising money, hope

ARLEE — It’s not unusual to hear westbound motorists gripe about the long push across Montana on I-94 and I-90. But Leon Wieder of Arlee isn’t one to complain about his recent voyage along that long, lonely stretch of road — and he made the trek on horseback.

Flathead Lakers celebrate conservation

YELLOW BAY — The Flathead Lakers will gather to celebrate conservation successes that help protect Flathead Lake’s clean water at their annual meeting on Thursday, July 26.

Legislative update: Water rights

When I was appointed to the Montana Reserved Water Right Compact Commission (RWRCC) my charge was to help facilitate a negotiated agreement. That is still the goal.

High temps increase wildfire danger

POLSON — The 2012 summer season has seen record high temperatures nationwide.

Letters to the editor

Schoolhouse seeks volunteers

VALLEY VIEW — The Valley View School, located southwest of Polson, is seeking volunteer assistance for their fundraising efforts this summer.  

Polson man sent to federal prison for selling guns, drugs

BILLINGS – During a federal court session in Billings on July 11, Daniel Ray Newby, a 38-year-old Polson resident, formerly of Billings, earned a one-year prison sentence after entering his guilty plea to three counts of unlawful use of controlled substance in possession of a firearm, and two counts of distribution of marijuana.

Sixty-eight years later, Ronan hero is lost but not forgotten

For Tom Needham, this time of year marks a somber time of reflection, as he and his family remember a local war hero very close to their hearts.

Births

Law enforcement and court records

Community Notes

Echo Amorette Lynch DeLong

Edna M. Elder

William R. Ingram

Gust Joseph Aipperspach

Patricia Gail von Bargen

James Russell "Jim" Forker

J. Hilbert (Hib) Hanson

Arlee schools face budget cuts

ARLEE — The Arlee school district is facing significant budget cuts for the upcoming school year. Although the district will not settle on a finalized budget until Aug. 14, administrators are bracing for an approximate reduction of 20 percent.

Lighting up the night

RONAN — Lightning danced across the sky as teams of walkers circled the illuminated Ronan High School track last Friday night during Lake County’s 17th Annual Relay for Life.

Births

Tucker Elliot Doble

Law enforcement and court records

Lake County District Court, Judge Christopher presiding

Sara Elizabeth Dye and Seth Frederick Potter

Sara Elizabeth Dye and Seth Frederick Potter, son of Betsy Potter of Charlo and Cort Potter of St. Ignatius, are to be married on July 14, 2012 at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, Minn.

Polson student learns from global leaders

Sharidan Russell of Polson selected to attend Four Star Leadership summer program hosted by Gen. Tommy Franks

OKLAHOMA CITY — Sharidan Russell is one of 50 high school students nationwide who have been selected to participate in the Four Star Leadership summer program offering leadership training, policy debate, speech competition and scholarships, and the opportunity to engage with national and global leaders, July 14-20 in Oklahoma City.

Letters to the editor

America’s birthday

Sandpiper awards five scholarships

POLSON — The Sandpiper Art Gallery is pleased to announce the award of $3,000 in scholarships to five deserving Lake County art students who will be continuing their artistic education next year: Breanna Bilile, Katherine Dagnall, Andrea Gibson, Kayla Johnson and Barbara Kenmille.

A time to celebrate!

ARLEE — Fourth of July is arguably the biggest week of the summer in the little town of Arlee, nestled beneath the rolling hills on the south end of Lake County. Every year, visitors from across the country converge on the Arlee powwow grounds for the annual Arlee Celebration.

Fourth of July 2012

Arlee Celebration 2012

July 3-8, 2012

Polson grad earns memorial scholarship

POLSON — Sean Foot, a University of Montana senior from Polson, has been awarded an $8,000 J.E. Corette Memorial Scholarship from UM’s School of Business Administration.

South Valley Creek Road closed

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Roads Program and Frontier West LLC announces the temporary closure of South Valley Creek Road at the bridge crossing the Jocko River beginning Monday, July 16. The South Valley Creek bridge replacement is a joint project of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Lake County.

Lake County residents have fun in the sun on America's birthday

LAKE COUNTY — One thing’s for sure — Lake County knows how to celebrate a birthday.

Community calendar

Pachyderms meet

Judith Anne Bean

Judith Anne Bean passed away Jan. 15, 2012. A celebration of her life will commence at the family home in Ronan on July 21, 2012 from noon to 7 p.m. Follow signs.

Ruth Craigo

Ruth Craigo was born to Ruby and Aaron Craigo on Nov. 14, 1928, in Earth, Texas.

James R. “Jim” Forker

James R. “Jim” Forker, 80, of Polson passed away Sunday, July 8, 2012 at St. Patrick Hospital. A full obituary to follow. Cremation and Burial Society of the Rockies assisted the family.

Rick Korf

Please join us in following Rick’s final wishes to have his ashes interred at the Western Montana State Veterans’ Cemetery, 1911 Tower Street, Missoula, on Friday, July 13 at 3 p.m. A potluck to celebrate his life, share stories and reminisce will be held immediately afterward at the Northside Park, located near the intersection of Worden and Cooley Streets. This is near Rick’s old apartment. Let’s give Rick a great send-off!

Pauline (Howarth) Manning

Pauline (Howarth) Manning, 94, died June 27, 2012, at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson of natural causes.

Senior news

St. Ignatius

Phyllis O. Ekblad

Philanthropic Hot Springs Telephone Co. Executive Dies

Pablo student receives UM scholarships

PABLO — Sierra Lena Snow Webster, from Pablo, has been awarded a scholarship at The University of Montana. Webster received a $1,000 George Pease Scholarship.

Polson's bike trail system growing

POLSON — If you were among the throngs of people watching Polson’s Fourth of July fireworks display last week, perhaps you noticed something different about the city’s riverfront.  

Births

Cheysheen Keith Thomas

Law enforcement and court records

Lake County District Court, Judge McNeil presiding

Librarian receives state certification award

HELENA — The Montana State Library is pleased to announce that Marilyn Trosper, director of the North Lake County Library in Polson, has received her 2012 certificate from the Montana Certification Program for library directors, staff and trustees. The Montana State Library’s certification program works to ensure that Montana’s library patrons receive the best possible library service.

Polson Police Department kick starts new program

POLSON — The Polson Police Department would like to announce a new program that we are in the process of starting.  We will be utilizing a Community Safety/ Education Officer to better serve the public needs.  This will be accomplished by providing information, education and forming partnerships with the community in the areas of public safety, crime prevention and awareness.   A conduit for information sharing, identifying resources within the community and problem solving will be priorities to accomplish a safer community.

Heart and Soul seeks community involvement

POLSON — What do you love about Polson? How do you want to see the community develop in the 21st century?

Thompson Falls

THOMPSON FALLS - The gem of a town is a popular summer tourist destination, and deems itself "home of Western hospitality." Locals and tourists alike enjoy the postcard-like scenery, as well as the outdoor activities available, such as fishing, kayaking, hiking, biking and sight-seeing the historical aspects of the town. 18th century explorer David Thompson initially navigated and charted the area, and places where Thompson left his mark or influence can still be viewed today. Thompson Falls is a place that is proud of its heritage, and encourages visitors to soak up all the education, beauty and wonder their town offers. Located on Montana highway 200, just 60 miles from the Idaho border.

Among Other Things: UFO Sightings

Stories on the National Geographic TV Channel and ABC news during the past week about sightings of strange lights in the sky brings to mind the unidentified lights and objects reported by many Montanans in the summer of 1966.

Mission man pleads innocent to charges of assault

POLSON — St. Ignatius resident Byron Joseph Colon, 20 years old, pleaded not guilty to charges of assault with a weapon, counts I and II, both felonies, in Lake County District Court on Wednesday, June 27.

Whitetop worries farmers

LAKE COUNTY — A new season is upon us. Yes, it just officially became summer, but mid-June also signaled the start of hay season, which extends from now through September.

Sheriff seeks help locating sexual or violent offenders

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the following individuals for failing to maintain their Sexual or Violent Offender registration information with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Cherry growers experiment with what's next

EAST SHORE — Depending on the time of year, a tour around Flathead Lake’s cherry orchards can show trees in full bloom, heavy with fruit, lit up with fall colors or naked with dormancy.

Don't combine bears and barbecues

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — Long, hot summer days are perfect for backyard barbecue grilling, but the Tribal Wildlife Management Program would like to remind residents to keep bear attractants contained.

Dollars for Scholars awards Polson students

POLSON — Polson Dollars for Scholars awarded 19 scholarships totaling $19,000 to Polson High School seniors and former Polson High School graduates who are currently attending an accredited two-year community college, four-year university or vocational school.

Dan's Column: ObamaTesterCare

The ante’s been raised for the choice you make at the ballot box in November.

Mussels found on two boats in Montana

MONTANA — Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials reported June 29 that so far this season two boats carrying signs of quagga mussels have been identified at aquatic invasive species inspection stations in Montana.

Big Arm home lost in fire

BIG ARM — A house in Big Arm sustained considerable damage as a result of a fire Sunday night and will likely have to be rebuilt. No one was hurt in the incident.

Libraries partner with FWP to provide life jackets to patrons

POLSON — Sure, you can check out books, movies and music from your local Montana library, but now there’s something new that’s available to North Lake County Public Library patrons:  life jackets.

Fatality confirmed in Dixon rollover

DIXON — A single-vehicle rollover in a canal resulted in one confirmed fatality early Thursday morning.

Do you believe in the Flathead Lake Monster?

Open burning permits canceled

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — All burning permits on the Flathead Reservation have been canceled as of July 2. None will be issued until further notice.

Sheriff's office investigates dead cow

VALLEY VIEW — Lake County Sheriff's deputies responded to a Valley View ranch on Saturday morning, June 30, 2012, to investigate the death of an adult cow. The cow's death appeared to be non-natural as some of the meat from the animal had been cut off and some of the organs were removed.

Senior news

Ronan

Timothy Lear Johnson

Beloved son, brother, cousin, nephew and friend, Timothy Lear Johnson, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on Wednesday June 13th, 2012 in Missoula, Montana. A resident of Missoula, he was 45.

Margaret A. Davies

Margaret A. Davies passed away in her sleep on June 2, 2012 at St. Pats Hospital in Missoula at the age of 86.

Bradley Scott Trogden

Bradley Scott Trogden, 5 years old, began smiling on the streets of Heaven on June 16, 2012. Bradley was involved in a single vehicle rollover accident at 6:15 a.m. in which he lost his life.

Mission Mountain Rodeo

Images from the Mission Mountain Rodeo held in Polson, June 29-30.

Legislative Update: Water Rights

Ridin' High

Rodeo a wild (West) success

POLSON — By anyone’s measure, last weekend’s Mission Mountain Rodeo was a rousing success.

Community calendar

Scottish Highland dancers perform

Ryan Braunberger & Alex Sykes

Rod and Shannon Sykes would like to announce the wedding of their daughter Alex Sykes to Ryan Braunberger, son of the late Rita Bertsch Wenzel, grandson of Olivia Bertsch and nephew of Charles and Bobbette Bertsch. The wedding day of July 14, 2012 has been chosen and will be held at the Heritage Hall in Missoula. Alex is a 2006 graduate of Fort Benton High School. She is also a 2012 graduate of the University of Montana with an Accounting and a Finance major. Ryan Is a 1988 graduate from Polson High School. He is currently attending University of Montana with majors in Micro and Cellular Biology.

Claryl Haggard & Jeri Ann Currie-Halford

Claryl and Jeri are getting hitched! Childhood friends and high school sweethearts, Claryl left for Viet Nam in 1969 and circumstances led Jeri to believe that he was killed in combat. Upon returning in 1972 he caught word that she had married although she hadn’t, so he reenlisted. Jeri continued to search for him for 42 years wanting closure and a place to grieve by his graveside. They were reunited through Facebook last October and the rest is history. An August 4 wedding is planned.

Fishing for fun

WOODS BAY — Troy Miller, 22, of Anaconda may have had the first catch of the day Thursday — before even boarding a boat — during the 19th annual Fishing Without Barriers Day.

Red Cross blood supply critically low

MONTANA — The American Red Cross has issued an urgent call for blood donors since the supply has reached critically low levels for blood types O positive, O negative, B negative and A negative.

Polson man faces two charges

POLSON — A 41-year-old Polson man is now facing a charge of failing to register as a sex offender after an assault Tuesday.

Woman charged for striking girl in head with beer bottle

POLSON — A 24-year-old St. Ignatius woman is in custody after allegedly striking a 12-year-old girl in the head with a beer bottle. Tiffany Old Person is facing felony charges of assault with a weapon, and is being held in Missoula County Jail on $25,000 bail.

St. Ignatius Firemen's Picnic

On Saturday, June 23, the St. Ignatius Volunteer Fire Department held their 18th annual fundraising picnic. Over 750 attendees were kept busy by a wide variety of activities, while the food and auction helped to net over $27,000.