Ellington

Ten Sticks Lacrosse Club to share tradition of double-ball

This inaugural event will focus on the local indigenous game of Double-Ball, a recognized ancestor and sister-game of Lacrosse.  Ten Sticks Lacrosse Club players will be learning and sharing the traditions, culture, and knowledge of how to make and play Native American games. 

Local grapplers gear up for 2012 season

Lake County wrestling teams hoping to take state by storm

Lake County wrestlers enter the 2012 season coming off a strong collective showing last year and will be looking for more of the same.

Water rights compact: A fluid proposal

State Rep. Dan Salomon, R-Ronan, is in a unique position when it comes to understanding the recently proposed water-rights compact for the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Soldier presents students with flag

RONAN — It is not everyday that students of the Firm Foundations Preschool in Ronan get to look at pictures of camels and airplanes, but Wednesday morning was an exception.

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JP-elect cleared on allegations of illegal campaigning

HELENA — The Commissioner of Political Practices Jim Murry dismissed electioneering charges against Justice of the Peace-elect Joey Jayne on Nov. 21.

A community gives thanks

RONAN — Those familiar Thanksgiving smells  filled the senses Thursday afternoon as the 9th Annual Ronan Community Thanksgiving Dinner was under way. Although, making it to the serving area might take a bit longer than expected with the pleasant hum of old friends catching up and new ones being made, accompanied by live music.

Butler pleads not guilty to all charges

POLSON — Nathan Butler, the Arlee teen accused of allegedly stabbing three people on Nov. 12, appeared in District Court on Nov. 21 for arraignment. Butler pled not guilty to the offenses of deliberate homicide, attempted deliberate homicide, and assault with a weapon. 

Quilting for a cause

RONAN — The ladies of the Mission Mountain Quilt Guild gathered on a brisk Saturday in November for a thread painting panel workshop. Thread painting is a new quilting technique used to add depth and texture to a fabric panel.

Montanans return home from Africa mission

POLSON – For many of us, it’s easy to forget the core values of Thanksgiving amidst the food, football and Black Friday sales closely associated with the holiday. Keeping things in proper perspective might be a little easier this year for Polson’s Lesley Dubay, 72, who has just returned home from a humanitarian mission to South Africa, which she says helped make her and her companions into better people.

Ronan alum Fisher finishes off solid football career with Dickinson State

Where are they now?: Mike Fisher

DICKINSON, N.D. — It has been four years since Mike Fisher played a down for Ronan, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been playing football.

Human remains identified

The human remains found in Pablo on Saturday, Nov. 3 have been identified as 48 year old William Harvey Flesch of Pablo. William Flesch had been missing since July 2012 and was suspected to have possibly left the area at the time. Cause and manner of death have yet to be determined, however, the Sheriff’s Office has no reason at this time to suspect foul play was involved. William Flesch’s remains were found in an undeveloped wooded area a short distance from his Pablo residence by two juveniles walking through the area.

Museum celebrates building purchase

CHARLO — This past Saturday the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana celebrated its successful “Save the Museum Campaign.” The event was filled with live music, snacks and free museum admission. Hosted by the museum’s board members. The event thanked the community for their support through two-years of fundraising and donations. The deed to the museum was handed over to the museum board on Oct. 16. Now not only is the museum able to stay open, but as co-founder Laurel Cheff stated, “It is a springboard for tomorrow.”

Among other things - Pipe dreams

Dick and Arlene Kintz went to The Dalles, Ore., last month where Dick presented several Celilo tribal pipes to the Celilo Tribes Cultural Heritage Museum. The pipes had been given to Dick’s father, Paul Kintz, who was manager of the Cornet 5 and 10 in The Dalles at the time. Thompson was village chief from 1906 to his death in 1959 at the age of 104.

Letters to the editor

Former Lady Pirate Kelley coming into her own at Montana Western

Where are they now?: Breanne Kelley

DILLON — It hasn’t taken too long for former Polson volleyball star Breanne Kelley to settle into a starting role at the University of Montana Western (UMW), where she has been the past two years.

Bagnell continues his playmaking ways on the gridiron at the Univiversity of Mary

Where are they now?: Craig Bagnell

BISMARCK, N.D. — Craig Bagnell has been a busy man since graduating from Polson in 2009. Bagnell was a star on the gridiron for the Pirates from 2005-2008, and not much has changed since then.

Arlee teen charged

POLSON — 16-year-old Nathan Butler  of Arlee was charged last Friday for the alleged stabbings of three people that left one man dead.

It's all good in the hood

ST. IGNATIUS — Mischievous wolves and rosy- cheeked raccoons lined up backstage Friday afternoon in eager anticipation of St. Ignatius’  performance of Little Red Riding Hood. The play is put-on by members of the Missoula Children’s Theatre and stars 50 St. Ignatius students from the Elementary, Middle and High School in an original musical adaptation.

Griz Football to hold scrimmage in Ronan in April

RONAN — University of Montana Assistant Athletic Director Greg Sundberg recently announced that the Grizzlies will have their Annual Spring Football Scrimmage in Ronan next year.

King sentenced for wire fraud

MISSOULA  —  Joshua Davis King was sentenced in U.S. District Court on Nov. 14 for wire fraud.  King was indited on the charge last May after he was found selling stolen items on Ebay.

Food bank shifts into high gear for holidays

POLSON — The holidays mean hectic days for food banks throughout the Mission Valley, and Polson Loaves and Fish Food Pantry is no exception.

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Amelia Lefthand

Amelia Lefthand passed away Friday, Nov. 9, after a long illness. Amelia was born on July 4, 1940 to Basil Lefthand, Sr. and Coomsah (Morigeau) Lefthand. She was a proud member of the Kootenai Nation. Amelia worked as a staff cook with Kicking Horse Job Corps, Tribal Forestry Fire Control, Green House, and Tree Planter. She also worked for the Tribal Health program as a shift worker for the Detox program, the TLC, and a CHR. Amelia also worked for the Head Start Program and Polson Schools as a Kootenai language instructor. She was also employed with the Kootenai Culture Committee.  Amelia especially enjoyed doing beadwork for her family and friends, including Billy Ray Cyrus. She also enjoyed the days when her grandson Isacc Lozeau would sing her favorite traditional songs to her. She will be remembered by many for her beautiful singing voice. Amelia was preceded in death by her parents, Coomsah and Basil Lefthand; Mitch and Adeline Mathias; sisters, Theresa and Hariette Lefthand; brothers, Samuel Lefthand, Victor Lefthand, and Joseph Mathias; nephews, Gene Lefthand, Lawrence Bufton, and Duane Friedlander. Amelia is survived by her siblings, Saraphine Bufton (Big Arm), August Lefthand (Polson), Nicolas Lefthand (Nirada), Basil Lefthand, Jr. (Nirada), Anastasia (Ruby) Finley (Wellpinit, Wash.), SuSan Dowdall (Polson), Mary (Pooyah) Lefthand (Polson), Diana Andrew (Pablo), and Margaret Friedlander (Dayton); her children, Natalie Kenmille (Ronan), Kevin Kenmille (Pablo), Gregory Kenmille (Pablo), Samantha Kenmille (Polson), Danielle Lefthand (Pablo), Sara  Leutes (Ronan), Coomsah Clairmont (Pablo), and Jerilyn Clairmont (Pablo); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Amelia will be greatly missed. Her presence will always be in our hearts… Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

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Sydney RaeAnne Billette

Polson Subway burglarized by employee with bowling pin

POLSON - On Friday  Nov. 9  at approximately. 07:15 p.m., a burglary at the Subway in Polson was reported to the Polson Police Deptartment.  Polson Police Officer Cory Anderson  responded to the call.  Anderson and Detective Alan Booth of Polson Police Department were able to identify a suspect,  20- year-old Scott Harpine of Polson, also an employee of Subway.  

"The Communicator"

Webelos visit Leader office to learn about communication

POLSON — On Wednesday, Nov. 7, the Webelos den of Pack 4947 met after school at Mrs. Ellis’ classroom for a scout meeting to earn the Communicator Achievement. A communicator is a person who shares information. Webelos are 4th and 5th grade Cub Scouts who are communicating through this article what Webelos means: WE’LL BE LOYAL SCOUTS! They are also sharing what they learned in their meeting about communication.  

Bullying prompts note to middle school parents

POLSON — Last Wednesday, outbursts of violence flared up in the halls of Polson Middle School, as a “limited number of students had declared the day to be ‘slap a seventh grader’ day,” according to a letter sent to parents in the wake of numerous reports of bullying and assault.

Drawing the line

Local students use art contest to learn fire safety

POLSON — Given the region’s rampant wildfire activity this year, educating the public about fire prevention is as important as ever.  Luckily, hundreds of elementary school students throughout the Mission Valley have brushed up on the key tenets of fire safety, thanks to their participation in the 2012 Smokey Bear Drawing Contest.

Watershed moment

Compact agreement reached and opened to public review

PABLO — Set to dissolve after the state’s next legislative session, the Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission is on the brink of completing the Herculean task appointed to it upon its inception in 1979, when it was faced with hammering out water rights agreements with the state’s seven different Indian nations.

Veterans Day celebration

PABLO — In honor of Veterans Day the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) celebrated their 20th Annual Veteran Warrior Society Powwow. Held at the Joe McDonald Athletic Complex in  Pablo, the grand entry was led by veterans from several branches of the armed forces.

Lake County athletes recognized as finalists for statewide honor

Erickson, Alexander, Larson miss out on award but make schools, coaches proud

MISSOULA — Three Lake County athletes were recently recognized as part of Montana’s finalists for Wendy’s High School Heisman including Mission’s Loren Erickson (volleyball) and Paden Alexander (cross-country) and Polson’s James Larson (soccer).

Arlee teen carries out deadly stabbing spree

POLSON — A  bond and detention hearing was held Nov. 13 in District Court for 16-year-old Nathan Butler of Arlee. Butler was arrested Monday morning for the alleged stabbings of three people, resulting in the death of one man.

Soup-er successful

POLSON — After a marathon evening of fielding bids from an overwhelmingly supportive crowd, auctioneer Clifford Rustad must be feeling a little hoarse. Rustad was called in to conduct Saturday’s live auction to benefit the nearly-completed Mission Valley Aquatic Center, which is making its final fundraising push.

Fall Mack Days comes to an end

2012 Fall Mack Days ended after a grueling last week of the event’s twenty eight days.  

Obituaries

With construction under way, are you supportive of the new Walmart Supercenter coming to Polson?

Ronan Honor Roll

Check out Ronan's Honor Roll students of quarter one!

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Lake County election results

POLSON - With 100% of Lake County precincts reporting, here are the election results for local races. Results are technically unofficial pending the official canvass of the vote.

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North Lake County Library celebrates 100 years

POLSON – It has been a 100 years since a small group of Polson women gathered in the home of J.L. McIntire to plan the formation of a public library. Since then the North Lake County Public Library has had several locations, served as a bandaging training station during World War II, and has nearly been lost to flooding. But, the spirit of those women has not been lost, as a  century later the “Friends of the Library,” held the final installment in a series of year-long events celebrating the Library’s centennial.

Local resident charged in Alaska throat-slashing

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - According to an article in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, an Alaska man survived an “unprovoked” attack in a bar early Saturday morning when his neck was allegedly slit by Lance Arthur Johnson, 45, of Polson.

Fire destroys home on Buffalo Bridge Road

POLSON — A once stately home on Buffalo Bridge Road was reduced to a smoldering ruin last Thursday morning by a devastating house fire. Occupants of the house belonging to Shawn Wilson were able to escape the structure safely, but the blaze has rendered the home uninhabitable.

BigSam picks up first divisional win as Scarlets' coach

Arlee eliminated after three matches, but showing has team looking forward to next season

BUTTE — It was a bittersweet end of the season for the Scarlets, who picked up the team’s first Western C divisional tournament win under coach Brian BigSam, but were eliminated after three matches.

Bull market: Cattle sales strong for area ranchers

POLSON – Though Jon and Liz Marchi’s sprawling cattle ranch offers striking views of both the Flathead River and the Mission Mountains, on Saturday, all eyes were on their livestock, as ranchers came from far and wide for the Marchi Angus Ranches’ 22nd Annual Production Sale.

Lady Bulldogs ousted early from divisionals

Team chemistry not enough to carry Mission past Troy, Loyola

RONAN — Despite entering the Western B divisional tournament in Ronan with a No. 2 seed and a hopeful outlook, the Lady Bulldog’s stay was short-lived after the team dropped back-to-back matches against Troy and Loyola Sacred Heart, ending their season.

Body discovered in Pablo

PABLO — Shortly after 10:30 a.m. on Saturday November 3, the Lake County Sheriff’s 911 center took a call that partially skeletonized human remains had been discovered by two children walking through an undeveloped wooded area of Pablo. Officers from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Tribal Police responded. The scene was processed and the remains were transported to the State Crime Lab in Missoula for positive identification. The remains appear to be that of an adult Caucasian male and have been outdoors for a long period of time.

Senior news

Scribbler on the roof

Most of the Polson community is aware that the Polson High School roof was leaking at the end of the 2012 school year.  The Board took action to repair one-third of the roof by taking out a loan for $164,000 and establishing a cooperative between Polson Elementary School District and Polson High School District whereby the District can access funds set aside in HB 329 from the last legislative session.  However, there is more to do to repair the high school roof.  

From your representative

What will Montana look like in 18 years? Americans are living longer these days, but Montana is projected to have the fifth oldest average population.

Letters to the editor

Chase ends in Flathead Lake

POLSON — At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday night, a traffic stop on Main Street in Polson escalated into an amphibious chase that concluded in the frigid waters of Flathead Lake.

Jingle all the way

ST. IGNATIUS — Students from St. Ignatius Elementary School gathered on Friday afternoon to watch members of The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes perform several dances including the Jingle Dance, Scarf Dancing, Grass Dancing and Fancy Dancing. The performance is a way of teaching students about the local Native American culture.

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Which local gridiron standout do you think is deserving of Lake County MVP honors?

The results are in, and it's Romney in a landslide

CHARLO — Let’s clarify that headline before we join the Chicago Tribune’s cry of “Dewey defeats Truman” on history’s blooper reel. Last Friday, Mitt Romney and his Republican counterparts emerged victorious as Charlo students in grades six through twelve participated in a mock election intended to familiarize themselves with the voting process and the issues at stake in this election.

Breaking records at Polson High School

POLSON  —  Cherry Valley Elementary students gathered Friday morning at the Polson High School Football Field in hopes of breaking two Guinness World Records titles: most people to run 100 meters in 24 hours and the longest chain of shoes. (They will be recycled into athletic surfaces.) The event was organized by the Polson High School Leadership Course to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage students to do something good for the environment.

Maidens' season comes to an end after loss to Loyola in district tournament play-in match

FLORENCE — The Maidens’ season came to an end on Saturday after suffering a heartbreaking 3-1 loss to Loyola Sacred Heart in the play-in match of the District 6-B tournament in Florence.

Fourth-place finish at districts brings early end to a promising season for Lady Vikings

ARLEE — Despite coming into the District 10-C tournament with the No. 2 seed, the Lady Vikings’ divisional hopes were dashed after splitting four games and finishing in fourth place over the weekend in Arlee.

Getting to know Ronan FFA

Academic program prepeares students for wide array of careers in agriculture

RONAN — It can be hard to keep acronyms straight with the organizational alphabet soup permeating our society, but here in the Mission Valley, FFA is one worth knowing. In fact, there’s no excuse not to commit it to memory, since it’s not even an acronym anymore! According to Reese McAlpin, the agricultural education teacher at Ronan High School, the organization formerly known as Future Farmers of America officially abbreviated its title to ‘FFA’ in 1988, citing the changing landscape of agribusiness as the reason for the name change.

Lady Pirates fend off Frenchtown for key win before falling to Libby in five games

LIBBY — The Lady Pirates capped off the regular season by splitting their final two matches, downing Frenchtown last Thursday 25-22, 26-28, 27-25, 25-17 before falling to Libby on the road Friday 22-25, 25-16, 17-25, 25-18, 15-6.

Scarlets punch divisional ticket with scrappy play

FRENCHTOWN — The Scarlets kept their season alive on Monday after surviving a brutal battle with Seeley-Swan in the Western C divisional play-in match, topping the Lady Blackhawks in five games 25-20, 5-25, 26-24, 18-25, 15-12.

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Senior news

Compact coming together

In the real world, water may follow the path of least resistance, but if the tedious water rights negotiations between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), the State of Montana and the federal government have taught us anything, it’s that the laws of nature do not necessarily translate to the negotiating table, where tensions remain among concerned stakeholders throughout the Flathead Reservation.

Scary Scamper!

POLSON — Freezing rain couldn’t deter throngs of trick-or-treaters young and old from participating in this year’s annual Polson Pirate Monster Mash Fun Run in Polson. The popular event gave plenty of runners opportunities to show off their Halloween costumes a little bit ahead of schedule, while they broke a sweat in the 1-mile and 5k jaunts.

Marcia Jo Fillmore Leishman

Marcia Jo Leishman, known affectionately as Marci, passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Hospital on Oct. 24 at the age of 61. Marci was born in Missoula on Feb. 6, 1951. Her family then moved to California at the age of two.  As a young girl in California she loved going to Disneyland with her family, learned to play the accordion and enjoyed tap dancing. When she was a teenager her family moved to Stevensville to help take care of the family farm. Marci finished her schooling at Stevensville High School and earned her Associates degree in Interior Design at Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho. Shortly after graduating from Ricks College, she met Aaron Leishman and they were married on March 3, 1973 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints temple in Manti, Utah. They moved to St. Ignatius where together they raised nine children, maintained a family farm, worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in Ronan, and she was part of her local community and church. Marci found great joy in serving others and spending time with her family. She loved being a grandmother and spoiling her many grandkids. She had 20 grandchildren and could easily remember each one’s birthday and special moments in their lives.  Marci is survived by her husband, Aaron, parents Garrick Wayne & Fern Fillmore, siblings Paula, Toni, David and Natasha, nine children; Shaun, Craig, Ginger, Kevin, Chad, Damon, Timothy, Adam and Tiffany, their spouses, and 20 grandchildren. Services were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in St. Ignatius on Saturday, Oct. 27.

Frances E. “Fritz” Dehne

Frances E. “Fritz” Dehne died peacefully on Oct. 19 at St. Luke’s Nursing Home. Fritz was born in Butte, on May 1, 1930 (minutes before her twin brother, Frank.) She is survived by her devoted sister-in-law, Frances “Frankie” Dehne, and many beloved nieces and nephews. Her mother, Mary Graf, father, Edgar H. Dehne, and brother, Ed, predeceased her. Her family moved to Polson in 1943 when she was a freshman at PHS. After graduation, she spent a short time at business school in Spokane, and then returned home to work at Security State Bank & Trust for almost 40 years. Fritz was an avid, excellent bowler – and was eventually recognized by the Women’s Bowling Hall of Fame. The rest of us will remember her for her wit/puns, and her signature “cuckoo” and Woody Woodpecker impersonations!

Harold Applas Jr.

Harold Applas, Jr., “Junior” died unexpectedly at his home in Polson. Mr. Applas was a retired maintenance worker. He was born in North Crow Creek on April 11, 1922 to Harry and Emma Whitesitt Applas. He grew up in the Flathead Valley. Harold  was a veteran of World War II, in the European Theatre 56th infantry division and was discharged in January of 1946. Mr. Applas lived in Shelby County, Ind. for years before moving back to Montana. Mr. Applas wished only to have military services at the gravesite. Arrangements will be handled by Grogan Funeral Home. Survivors include a wife of 47 years, Dorothy (Sandefur) Applas. Survived by one sister Alice Krause of Sandpoint, Idaho. One brother preceded him in death, at birth. A daughter Donna (Richard) Purvis of Columbus, Ind. Two grandchildren – Heather Johnson and Shawn (Kyle) Purvis also of Columbus, Ind. Four great-grandchildren: Logan and Dawson Petro, Johnathen Anderson, and Molly Purvis – all of Columbus, Ind. Also surviving are four nephews: Darrell and Dean Shenman, Mike and David Higgin. One niece Betty Buckmaster, who preceded him in death. Graveside services were held Wednesday Oct. 31 in Ronan. Military rights will be served by the local VFW. Messages of condolences can be written on our website at groganfuneralhome.com.

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