Ellington

Polson 8th grade AAU girls team finishes strong in Ronan

RONAN — They didn’t have much time to jell as a team, but accomplished it in just two short weeks.

Tracking glory

Heading into the 2012 spring season, the Ronan-Mission track team will have lots of competition after moving down to Class B.

Polson SB: QUEST FOR THE BEST

POLSON — The Class A state softball tournament has been held in Billings and Miles City over the last two years, but considering how the Polson Lady Pirates have owned it, a change of venue should be in order.

West Shore boat launch closed

FLATHEAD LAKE — The West Shore State Park boat launch, located six miles south of Lakeside on Flathead Lake, will be closed from April 2 through April 13 for repairs.

Tribes hope to preserve mountain

SANDERS COUNTY — Revett Minerals Inc. of Spokane, Wash. wants to begin mining beneath the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness in Northwestern Montana, but the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are hoping to preserve the sacred area and prevent the company from disturbing the cultural site.

Critical thinking

POLSON — Learning a new language can be a difficult task for high school students, even with the guidance of a teacher. For Tamara Fisher’s middle school advanced studies class, it can be tricky, too. But that’s because some of those students are learning Italian, Swedish and Arabic... on their own.

Polson Tennis: NET GAIN

With five straight divisional titles for the Lady Pirates and an up-and-coming boys team, the Polson tennis program heads into this year with high expectations and the talent to back it up.

10 Sticks Lacrosse

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Arlee throwers look strong

MISSOULA — Arlee was the first track team in the county to start its season with an appearance at the Seeley High School Invite at Missoula Big Sky High School last weekend. Despite having just one-fourth of their team, since the meet was so early and many kids had not accrued enough practices to qualify for competition, there were still plenty of bright spots for the Warriors and Scarlets.

Mission tennis splits season opener

ST. IGNATIUS — In its first match of the season, the Mission Lady Bulldogs tennis team got off to a flawless start, blanking a shorthanded Valley Christian team 6-0 in Saturday morning action.

The biggest goal for Wegner

Ever since she started to kick around a soccer ball, MaKenzie Wegner knew she wanted to play college soccer. This fall she’ll have reached that goal after signing to play with Jamestown College in North Dakota. Wegner started playing soccer as a kindergartener in Texas, but after her family moved to Polson, she’s been a staple in the Polson soccer program and now has 12 years of experience under her belt.

Rodney Lawrence McCollum Sr. “Big Rod”

Rodney Lawrence McCollum Sr. “Big Rod,” 77, of Dixon, Mont. passed away March 21, 2012 at his home.

Gerald John Vanden Bosch

I was born on April 23, 1933, the son of John and Ida Vanden Bosch of Edgerton, Minn. I was raised there with my brother, Henry, and sister, Gloria Mouw.

Harriett Jane Sherman

Harriett Jane Sherman, 60, passed away Wednesday in Missoula.

Senior news

Ronan

Dorothy Mildred Buchanan

Dorothy Mildred Buchanan died peacefully on March 4, 2012, from natural causes at the family home on Flathead Lake, surrounded by family and friends.

Snowstorm causes wreck

POLSON — A snowstorm and poor road conditions last Wednesday led to a collision between two vehicles on U.S. Highway 93 near the Jette Store.

City adopts parks master plan

RONAN — On Monday night, clear heads and common sense prevailed at Ronan City Hall when the city council approved the Ronan Parks and Recreation Department’s Master Plan, which was presented last month and put to a vote on March 12, earning different results.

Community calendar

Play auditions

Births

Alex Patrick Eli Finley

Man pleads guilty to sexual assault

POLSON — A 35-year old Arlee man pleaded guilty to charges of sexual assault in Lake County District Court last Thursday. According to court documents, Johnny Charlo assaulted a 12-year-old girl while he was heavily intoxicated.

Little scientists

RONAN — Students from K. William Harvey Elementary School got a big dose of science last Thursday night. Thanks to the efforts of SKC and the KWH PTA, students had plenty of hands-on activities to choose from in the school gym for “Family Science Night.”

Law enforcement and court records

Lake County District Court, Judge Christopher presiding

Letters to the editor

Outside teacher

Homeless man breaks into Pizza Hut

POLSON — A homeless man pleaded guilty in Lake County District Court last Thursday to breaking into the Polson Pizza Hut and attempting to steal money from the cash register.

Former legal pot grower arraigned on drug charges

POLSON — A 27-year-old Polson man pleaded not guilty in Lake County District Court last Thursday to charges of growing marijuana plants with the intent to distribute after officials confiscated over 50 plants from his residence.

MIND over MATTER

Mark Heppe knows what it is to rise up.

Influenza puts restrictions on visitation

RONAN — Because 11 cases of a strand of Influenza B have been confirmed in the Ronan/Pablo area in recent weeks, St. Luke Community Healthcare is implementing a limited visitation policy.

Mission Ghost Out (3/15)

Here are some photos from the Ghost Out demonstration at Mission High School on March 15.

Continuing the program...

POLSON — Things will be a bit different this year for Polson track and field. For the first time since 1976-77, legendary coach Bob Gunderson will not be at the helm.

ALL STARS: Dupuis makes game winner

PABLO – Ronan’s Edmond Dupuis’ tough runner in the lane with under a minute left stood as the game-winner as the Boys A Team hung on for a scintillating 66-65 win in the Mission Valley All-Star Game on Friday night.

ALL STARS: Pope and Belinger shine

PABLO - Charlo’s Kinley Pope and Two Eagle River’s Shandeen Belinger each scored 14 points and the Girls A team used a 16-0 run to start the game en route to a 55-36 victory over the B team in the Mission Valley All-Star Game on Friday, March 23.

MM Boys All-Stars (March 23)

Here are photos from the Mission Mountain All-Star boys game played at SKC on March 23.

All-Star Girls (March 23)

Here are photos from the Mission Mountain All-Star girls game that was played on March 23 at SKC.

Mission SB: ON THE RISE

The heartbeat of the Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball program has never been stronger. A year after winning its first softball divisional title in school history, the Lady Bulldogs had 27 girls come out for the sport this season, including six returning starters.

Among Other Things: Reading is a Blessing

The ability to read is a real blessing. As I think back over the years, I can’t remember when I wasn’t able to read. My mother must have read to me a lot when I was little. She piqued my interest in all kinds of things every month when we’d do a quiz on current events and general trivia in Parents Magazine.

Superintendent, elementary principal resign

ARLEE — Arlee superintendent John Jay Miller and Arlee Elementary school principal Lisa Morger-Miller submitted their letters of resignation, which were read at the Tuesday, March 13 Arlee school board meeting.

Live from Charlo...

CHARLO — There’s just a small break between winter and spring sports but Charlo High School English teacher Keith Grebetz and former student Spencer Shafter make the best of it.

Starkey's SKI-LLS

Aja Starkey has made quite a name for herself in the local running community.

Senior news

St. Ignatius

Dennis shows drive and desire

RONAN — For Ronan’s Riley Dennis, it wasn’t about how he got there, it was about the destination.

Charlo SNL

Here are photos from the Charlo Drama Class' production of "SNL" on March 15.

SKC CHASING CHAMPIONSHIPS

RAPID CITY, S.D. — When the SKC Bison and Lady Bison take the court for the 2012 AIHEC National Championship Basketball Tournament in Rapid City, S.D. this week, they’ll be looking to add to a crowded trophy case.

Science Night

Here are photos from Science Night at K. William Harvey Elementary last Thursday (March 15)

Humphreys, Skelton take next step

RONAN — Ronan cornerback Jack Humphreys mused over his letter of intent in the Ronan High School Library last Wednesday when someone asked him about the mascot of his new school.

From Your Senator

Imagine a field trip through four 20th century wars, personal contact with veterans of each, all in one very appealing place near our own neighborhood. I had that privilege last Sunday, joining a van load of local veterans on a tour of the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. We strolled through the spotless facility for two hours, shaking hands and exchanging stories.

Polson AAU squad wins four at Kalispell tourney

KALISPELL — The Polson Pirates Purple seventh grade AAU squad won four games last weekend at the Kalispell AAU Tournament, advancing to the championship game before falling to Tenacious D.

Community calendar

Pachyderm club

Board ratifies agreement, ends Whitesell's tenure

POLSON — The Polson school board voted unanimously to ratify the agreement between the district and superintendent David Whitesell on Wednesday, March 14, relieving Whitesell of his superintendent duties in the wake of his human rights claim against the district.

Deadly Demonstration

ST. IGNATIUS — One Mission High School student “died” and four were “injured” after a “drunk-driving accident” at the high school on Thursday afternoon.

A MOUND OFTALENT

RONAN — The Ronan Maidens held their own on the softball diamond last year, finishing close to .500 in a very competitive Class A conference despite their ace Bethany Colman missing time with an injury. But as they head down to Class B/C in 2012, head coach Tom Peterson isn’t counting on the competition to get any easier.

Teen in stable condition after weekend stabbing

POLSON — A 17-year-old male remained in the hospital Tuesday morning after he was stabbed multiple times by another 17-year-old male on Saturday night in Polson.

Thomas Noel Tougas

Thomas Noel Tougas, born Feb. 17, 1955 to Richard and Lorna Tougas in Polson, passed away with some of his family by his side on Feb. 25, 2012 in Phoenix, Ariz. at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital.

Charlo spellers shine

Encourage your loved ones to buckle up

LAKE COUNTY — For some, buckling up in the car is second nature. For others it’s a choice based on convenience or the idea that seat belts are dangerous. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Kaylina Ursua and Joshua Clarkin

Kaylina Ursua and Joshua Clarkin are engaged to be married on Aug. 10, 2012 in Polson, Mont. The bride is a 2008 graduate of Arlee High School and current student in the Salish Kootenai College Nursing Program. The bride’s mother is Jill Ursua and her father is Larry Ursua, both of Arlee, Mont. The groom is a 2005 graduate of Arlee High School and currently works as an auto body collision technician at Two River’s Auto Body in St. Ignatius. The groom’s parents are Pat and Kathy Clarkin of Arlee.

Mission Honor Roll

Births

Kylee Jane Cahoon

From Your Representative: Agenda 21

Is Agenda 21 fact, fiction, conspiracy theory, or smart resource use? Is it an effort to take away the personal liberties and freedoms guaranteed by our United States and Montana Constitutions?

Law enforcement and court records

Lake County District Court, Judge Christopher presiding

Probation violations send man back to jail

POLSON — Vaughn James, who faces separated charges of rape in Missoula County, had his suspended sentence in Lake County revoked for probation violations, in District Court last Wednesday.

Man admits to pointing gun at partner's head

POLSON — Arnold McDonald pleaded guilty in Lake County District Court last Thursday to charges of Partner or Family Member Assault and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence after allegedly holding a gun to his partner’s head, then asking her to lie about it later and hiding the weapon under his residence.

Ronan community shows support for blood drive

RONAN — To save a few lives, Ronan students and community members gave a little of theirs. On Tuesday, March 6, Red Cross came to our local high school and held a blood drive. It was the first annual blood drive for Ronan High School. The high school’s National Honor Society and Health Occupations Students of America partnered with the Red Cross to collect a total of 37 pints, enough to potentially help save 111 lives.

Letters to the editor

Positive comments

Being Frank: New Mission Chief of Police hopes to provide an exemplary force

ST. IGNATIUS — A golfer and fly fisherman in his free time, it’s no surprise that new St. Ignatius police chief Aaron Frank decided to make the move to Lake County.

Birders begin spring migration surveys

LAKE COUNTY — Biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with the Flathead’s best birders from Flathead Audubon Society are out every week right now counting migratory waterfowl in the Smith and Flathead Valleys.

Free flying: Rehabilitated snowy owl released in Polson

POLSON — A young female snowy owl got a second chance to fly free after sustaining a shotgun wound to her right wing near Malta, Mont., in mid-December. Following nearly three months of rehabilitation at the Montana Raptor Conservation Center (MRCC) in Bozeman, owl experts released the magnificent white bird into the wild, Thursday afternoon in Polson.

Trustees look for community feedback

POLSON — Polson School Board trustee Brian Havlovick made a plea Monday night for community members to address their concerns with the Polson School District and, at least a little bit more, got his wish at the monthly board meeting that took place at Polson High School.

Restructuring will reduce Polson family services office to “satellite”

POLSON — Effective May 1, all but two staff members at the Lake County Child and Family Services office in Polson will be relocated to Missoula or Kalispell and the Polson office will continue to operate as a satellite office of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).

The Magnificent Seven

RONAN — It’s rare for more than a few seniors to end their basketball careers together because of limited roster size, but an amazing seven Ronan Chief seniors who have been through thick and thin recently culminated their careers with a late-season spurt at the Class 6-B Divisional Tournament.

HAMEL AT THE HELM

The Polson Lady Pirates were a frenzied, dominant force that was all over the court this season en route to an appearance in the Montana Class A Girls Basketball State Tournament.

This is Public Health: Parents as Teachers

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is an evidenced-based home visiting program that Lake County Public Health has implemented into their home visiting program. PAT helps organizations and professionals work with parents during the critical early years of their children’s lives, from conception to 3 years old — and the results are powerful.

Polson man pleads guilty to embezzlement

POLSON — Eric Baszler, a 28-year-old Polson man, pleaded guilty to embezzling nearly $24,000 from a Flathead Lake business as part of a plea agreement signed last Wednesday in Lake County District Court.

Jump around! Linderman raises more than $5,000 for the American Heart Association

POLSON — They weren’t at a track meet, but on Wednesday, March 7, Linderman Elementary students hopped, skipped and jumped for an hour and a half at their annual Jump for the Heart event, the culmination of both a jumping unit and a fundraiser for the American Heart Association.

Pirates dominate home tourney

POLSON — The Polson Pirates Purple team hit the 10-win mark of their season thanks to an undefeated weekend at their home tournament. It came exactly when Polson needed it the most after losing its starting point guard to a wrist injury.

School district ratifies agreement, begins search for new superintendent

POLSON — The Polson Board of Education voted unanimously to ratify an agreement between the district and Superintendent David Whitesell that terminated Whitesell’s 26-month tenure as superintendent and resolved several ongoing litigious matters, Wednesday night.

Ronan AAU takes Lolo Creek

POLSON — Ronan’s Seventh Grade AAU team picked up a 33-25 victory over Lolo Creek last weekend at the Polson AAU tournament before losing in a close one to Frenchtown and falling to Polson.

Featured Letter: Possible solutions

We want to update the public that we were invited to and attended a meeting with Polson School Superintendent David Whitesell and Curriculum Director Bill Appleton. The meeting lasted over two hours and we were given the opportunity to discuss our concerns. Both Mr. Whitesell and Mr. Appleton listened intently and asked numerous questions to clarify our points.

Man arrested after shots fired at standoff

KINGS POINT — Following an early-morning standoff involving several local law enforcement agencies, officers apprehended 67-year-old Glen Smith from his home on Kings Point Road near Polson Monday morning.

Spellbound for Billings

RONAN — Correctly spelling “ventilate” and “hinterland” in the 10th and 11th rounds respectively enabled Ronan seventh-grader Elijah Cahoon to be crowned Lake County Spelling Bee champion on Tuesday, March 6.

Senior news

Community calendar

Buckle up meets

THE BLOCKADE HITS BUTTE

BUTTE — It’s amazing how poetic the game of basketball can be.

Snowy owl release

Gunshot wounded snowy owl rehabilitated and released in Polson on March 8, 2012

Jump for the Heart

Linderman students raised more than $5,000 for the American Heart Association through this year's Jump for the Heart event, bringing the school district's fundraising total to $100,955 since 1996.

Spelling Bee

Photos from the 2012 Lake County Spelling Bee (By reporter Dylan Kitzan)

Reservation-wide spring closures

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — The Tribal Wildland Recreation Program would like to remind the public of upcoming spring closures that are part of the 2012-2013 Fishing, Bird Hunting and Recreation Regulations.

Kragh files for District Court Judge

POLSON — Thomas A. Kragh has filed for the office of District Court Judge serving Lake and Sanders Counties.

Polson's superintendent signs agreement to step down

POLSON — The Polson School District and Superintendent David Whitesell have reached a tentative agreement to have Whitesell step down as superintendent pending the school board’s ratification of the agreement, which was expected to go through Wednesday night at a special board meeting.

Births

Beau Duke Lytle

Solveig Okland

Jerry Lee Brown

Jerry Lee Brown, 55, of Billings, formerly of Vancouver, Wash., went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 9, 2012. He was born in Billings on May 17, 1956 to Donald and Mildred Brown. Jerry married Susan on Dec. 28, 1989 in New York, N.Y. She preceded Jerry in death.

From Your Senator: Share our strength

Washington, D.C.’s Tom Nelson announced Friday that Montana is one of 18 states partnering with his national non-profit, “Share Our Strength.” Nelson states that 48,000 Montana children lack adequate nutrition. According to Nelson, “It is our responsibility to make government work better for our children.”

Court grants suspended sentence for St. Ignatius man who stole guns, booze

POLSON — A St. Ignatius man was given five years, all suspended, in Lake County District Court on Wednesday, Feb. 29 for felony burglary.

Law enforcement and court records

Lake County District Court, Judge Christopher presiding

Woman gets probation for stealing check

POLSON — A 26-year-old Elmo woman who admitted to stealing a $1,800 unemployment check from a man who was in the hospital at the time of a theft was given a deferred sentence of two years in Lake County District Court last Thursday.

A whole lotta whoo-pla: Snowy owls and the people who view them are giving a much-needed boost to the local economy

MISSION VALLEY — For many business owners in the Mission Valley, the winter months can be trying at best. It’s no secret, once the snowbirds leave, things slow down considerably. This year, however, a different kind of bird, the snowy owl, has brought an unexpected boost to the local economy.

Murphy and Howell sign with RMC

BILLINGS — The Polson Pirates soccer program is quickly turning into a pipeline for colleges, and considering the type of athletes they’re producing, it should come as no surprise. Two seniors from this year’s team will be lacing up their soccer cleats this fall for Rocky Mountain College in Billings.

Trustee in hot water over profanity allegations

ARLEE — Arlee High School principal and athletic director James Taylor has written a formal complaint to board of trustee chairperson Amy Burland against board of trustee member Shelly Fyant after Fyant allegedly used profanity twice against boys basketball coach Dustin Keltner.

Fighting back: Movie highlights bullying in schools

LAKE COUNTY — Bullying may not sound like a serious problem on the surface, but when it hits home and the realizations set in, it can be devastating to a child’s adolescence.

Letters to the editor

Parental advocacy

Superintendent files discrimination claim

MISSOULA — Polson School District Superintendent David Whitesell filed a discrimination complaint against the district, alleging that he’s been discriminated against because he is Native American.

LIFE AND BASKETBALL

POLSON — To say that 6’6” Tyler Krell is simply a great athlete is selling him short.

Brooke Cornelius and Jerry Nahring

Lady Pirates' season comes to an end

BUTTE - Polson's season came to an end with a 61-46 loss to Laurel on Saturday in the consolation semifinals of the Class A Girls Basketball State Tournament in Butte.

Polson GB vs. Laurel (March 10)

Here are photos from the Polson-Laurel girls basketball state tournament game on March 10.

Invasive mussels intercepted on border

IDAHO/MONTANA BORDER — Idaho’s Department of Agriculture has intercepted three boats transporting invasive mussels on nearby roadways so far this year.

The real STEELE

ST. IGNATIUS — A stellar basketball career came to an unfortunate end for St. Ignatius post Bryanna Steele on Friday, Feb. 17. The senior, a three-year varsity player who showed flashes of dominance throughout the year, tore her ACL in the Lady Bulldogs’ District 6-B loss to Loyola Sacred Heart, just as her team was playing their best basketball of the season.

Tiffini Maryn Bauder and Nathan Paul Traylor

Polson GB vs. Havre (March 9)

Here are photos from the Polson - Havre girls basketball game at the state tournament on March 9.

Lady Pirates win a thriller, 46-44

BUTTE - It was Heidi Rausch's time to shine. With Havre putting the focus of their defense on Lady Pirate leading scorer Riley Kenney, Rausch came up big in the second half to help Polson to a thrilling 46-44 victory in the second day of the Class A Girls Basketball State Tournament in Butte.

Snowy owls II

Updated gallery of snowy owl images. To see more photos or to purchase your favorites, go to: http://www.InstantImageGallery.com/iig/a/795/268920

Tweaking the tourney

While state tournament time in Montana is great, can someone explain to me why they have a Class B district seeding tournament?

Featured Letter: “When was the last time the focus was on the kids?”

As a current trustee for Polson School District No. 23, I was very interested in the letter from Lori and Mark Russell in the March 1, 2012 issue of the Leader, as well as the companion article by Dylan Kitzan.

County officials address concerns

POLSON — Lake County officials, Sheriff Jay Doyle, county attorney Mitch Young and Commissioner Bill Barron, were guest speakers at last Thursday night’s meeting of the Lake County Republican Central Committee.

Lady Pirates fall to Dillon

BUTTE - Southwestern A Champion Dillon heated up in the fourth quarter and downed Polson 48-40 in the first round of the Class A Girls Basketball State Tournament in Butte on Thursday afternoon.

Polson GB vs. Dillon (March 8)

Here are photos of the Polson-Dillon girls basketball game at the state tournament in Butte on March 8.

POLSON GOES 2-2 IN HELENA TOURNAMENT

HELENA — The Polson Seventh Grade AAU team bounced back from two losses on Saturday with a pair of victories on Sunday to move their record to 7-4 on the season. Polson started Saturday against a very good Great Falls squad that had a 6’2” post player who looked ready to lace up shoes and play high school ball.

Senior news

Boycott could mean trouble for district

POLSON — Frustration with the Polson School District forced the hand of Mark and Lori Russell last week when they announced they would pull their children out of the Criterion Reference Testing (CRT) in the middle of March. It’s a decision that looms large for the school district, which receives funding based on its students’ participation.

Featured Letter: Opting out of CRTs is misguided

This letter is in response to Mark and Lori Russell's efforts to encourage parents to opt their children out of the annual Criterion Reference Testing that defines whether Polson meets the AYP (adequate yearly progress) threshold for this school year.

Curtain Call: Area high schools put on ambitious spring productions

POLSON — The play may be 420 years old, but audiences attending Polson High School’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream this week should have no problem getting into one of William Shakespeare’s most enduring and humorous tales of mixed up lovers, mischievous fairies and a stage-full of slapstick hijinks.

Ann Evertz

Ann Evertz passed away on March 1, 2012 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center after a short illness related to complications from a previous surgery.

Victor James Matt, Sr.

Victor James Matt, Sr. a lifelong resident of the Jocko Valley, passed away at his residence here at Arlee, on February 26, 2012.

Community calendar

Valley View meets

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Polson lost its two top scorers from last year’s team, ended up losing their star post player midway through the season and had a five-game losing streak heading into the Northwestern A Divisional Tournament.

THE BLOCKADE IS SET TO SAIL

For the second time in three years, the Lady Pirates will head to the Class A Girls Basketball State Tournament. The team placed second at the Northwestern A Divisional tournament after posting an impressive 15-5 regular season record. In the first round of the Montana’s Big Dance, they face a familiar foe in Dillon.

Cooking up memories

RONAN — Throughout history, food has played a central role in drawing people and communities together. With that in mind, St. Luke Community Healthcare is putting together a cookbook to honor the history and culture of the Flathead Reservation and the Mission Valley.

Law enforcement and court records

Lake County District Court, Judge Christopher presiding

K-Kids chip in for the aquatic center

POLSON — K-Kids, a group of philanthropic fourth graders at Linderman Elementary, raised $456.80 for Mission Valley Aquatics after two weeks of collecting change in piggy banks and selling hot chocolate twice to their classmates as they circled the school’s walking path.

Letters to the editor

To Polson parents

Polson parents take a stand against status quo

POLSON — It’s been a frustrating past few months for Lori and Mark Russell.

Learning practical creativity

RONAN — K. William Harvey Elementary art teacher Barnaby Smith had to get creative when he wanted to teach his students knitting. Instead of looms, which the school didn’t have, they used tin cans of various sizes lined with popsicle sticks.

Arlee superintendent files complaint against district

MISSOULA — Arlee Superintendent John Miller filed a discrimination complaint against the Arlee School District on Dec. 14, 2011, claiming that he’s been discriminated against in his employment because he is married to Arlee Elementary School principal Lisa Miller.

Pirates eliminated from tournament

BUTTE - Park High School heated up after the first quarter and eliminated the Polson Pirates from the 2012 Class A Boys Basketball State Tournament with a 70-48 win in Butte on Friday.

Polson vs. Park (March 2)

Here are photos from the Polson-Park boys basketball game at the state tournament on Feb. 2.

From Your Representative: Energy

Free speech or taxpayer-funded propaganda? Recently both Montana Universities sponsored a conference for Power Shift. Power Shift seemingly stands for the promotion of clean energy. Look deeper: the organization is a subsidiary of the Energy Action Coalition and is linked to the Occupy and Greenpeace movements. Power Shift’s motto is “We demand 100 percent clean energy.”

Polson scraps cell phone ordinance

POLSON — Ordinance 660, prohibiting the use of handheld electronic communication devices while operating a motor vehicle within city limits and providing a civil penalty, died last week after the motion to accept its first reading failed to earn a second, last Wednesday night.

Home on the Grange

ROUND BUTTE — If you’ve been somewhere in Lake County, whether it be an extended care center, elementary school or the Museum of the Rockies, there’s a good chance that the Round Butte Grange has been there as well and made it a better place. This weekend, they continued that trend.

Pirates fall in first state game

BUTTE - Polson's offense stalled in the second half and the Pirates fell 47-27 to Dillon in the first round of the Class A State Boys Basketball State Tournament in Butte.

Polson vs. Dillon (March 1)

Here are photos from the Polson vs. Dillon state boys basketball game on March 1.

GB: Mission scraps in Hamilton

HAMILTON — After an impressive showing two weeks ago at the District 6-B Tournament in Hamilton, the Mission Lady Bulldogs were riding a wave of momentum heading into the divisional tournament.

GB: Lady Pirates look strong at divisional tournament

COLUMBIA FALLS — There are several reasons that the Polson girls basketball team (16-4) is ranked No. 4 in the state, and it showed those reasons against No. 3-ranked Frenchtown last Saturday night. The team came up just short, 40-35 in the Northwestern A Divisional Tournament Championship Game.

BB: Pirates win challenge game

COLUMBIA FALLS — After a thrilling 40-35 overtime victory over Whitefish on Monday night, the Pirates advanced to the Class A State Tournament for the third straight year. This year, however, might be the most memorable because of the way Polson got to the state tournament. 

PIRATES GO UNDEFEATED

MISSOULA — The Polson seventh grade AAU squad keeps getting tough competition in tournaments and they keep coming out on top. Last weekend at the Missoula AAU Tournament, the Pirates went 3-0 in their bracket against AA schools and improved their season record to 5-2 on the year.

Senior News

Community calendar

Lenten Studies

Commission denies former asst. police chief's appeal

RONAN — The Ronan Police Commission voted against an appeal for reinstatement by former Assistant Chief of Police Art Walgren, Monday.

THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED?

HAMILTON — The Ronan Chiefs’ up-and-down season came to a close at the Class B Divisional Tournament in Hamilton, but that’s not what people will be talking about for years and, perhaps, decades to come.

Structure fire destroys home

PABLO — A mountain home near Pablo burned to the ground late Sunday afternoon, though no injuries and no damages were reported.

GB: Charlo girls best Superior

BUTTE — Despite entering the Western C Divisional Tournament as the 14-C’s second seed, the Charlo Lady Vikings knew they would be a tough team to handle throughout the tournament. The team had lost only three games during the year, all to the No. 1-seed Superior Lady Bobcats, and knew they had the talent to challenge any and all comers, which they did in four games in Butte last weekend.

BB: Charlo fights 'til the end

BUTTE — The Charlo Vikings had played close, competitive games all season. Not surprisingly, that wouldn’t change with the stakes higher than they had been all year at the Western C Divisional Tournament in Butte over the weekend.