Ellington

County Commissioner Questionnaires

The two candidates for the office of Lake County Commissioner were issued the same questionnaire as the Justice of the Peace challengers:

Mission absorbs Senior Night setback

Falls to undefeated Florence, but casts hopeful eye toward postseason

ST. IGNATIUS — In terms of scheduling, the Mission volleyball team (11-7, 5-3 conference) saved the best for last. At Thursday’s home finale, the Bulldogs celebrated Senior Night while taking on the unsavory task of hosting the undefeated Florence Falcons, who toted a 14-0 record into the contest. While the stage was set for an upset that would have been a thrilling send-off for the team’s elder statesmen, the Falcons were not to be denied, cruising to a sweep and keeping their perfect season intact, 25-15, 25-7, 25-16.

Punt, Pass & Kick Sectional

Ronan participants in the Sectional Punt, Pass, and Kick competition flash some pigskin on the Chiefs’ home field. In the back row, from left to right, are Dylan McLeod, Chenoa Wander, Micalann McCrea, Veyanna Curley and Kuba Detwiler. In the front row, from left to right, are Maggi Lake, Colter Cornwell, Davonte Clark-Gardiner and Daniel Bishop. The Ronan contingent featured three first-place winners who came out on top of other youngsters from Western Montana at the Oct. 7 exhibition in Missoula. Taking top honors in the 8-9 year-old girls’ division was Adriana Tatukivei (not pictured), while Karalani Tatukivei (not pictured) paced the 10-11 year-old girls. Micalann McCrea reclaimed her crown as the region’s top dog in the 12-13 year-old girls’ bracket, racking up a combined distance of 258’5”. McCrea has a good chance of qualifying for the regional championship, held at the home of the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 8. In 2010, McCrea also advanced to the Seattle showdown, where she went on to claim the Seahawks regional title for her division. Historically, Western Montana has been well-represented at the events, as a press release states that, “Western Montana garnered three individual championships in Seattle in 2010 and two last year.”

Rehberg to stop in Polson

With just one week until Election Day, Denny Rehberg will visit Polson as part of his ‘Liberate Main Street‘ tour on Tuesday, Oct. 30. He will visit 15 towns and be joined at various points by Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming and Senator John McCain of Arizona.

Meet the Justice of the Peace candidates

Car chase ends in arrest

POLSON — A local woman was sentenced in District Court to five years in prison for violating her probation agreement and fleeing law enforcement.  In February,  Valdena Curley was convicted of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a felony, and received a five year suspended sentence.

Fairgounds, Museum reel in hefty TIIP grants

HELENA —  Last Tuesday, the Montana Department of Commerce finalized the list of recipients for $550,000 worth of grant money, distributed through the Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program (TIIP). The grants were awarded to twelve institutions throughout the state, including two landmarks here in the Mission Valley – the Polson Fairgrounds and the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana in Charlo.

Lake County Sports Roundup

Hendren's return carries Scarlets past Hot Springs

ARLEE — The Scarlets got back a vital piece of their team on Saturday with the return of senior leader Mahalia Hendren, who helped propel her team to a 3-1 victory over Hot Springs after a 3-0 loss to Noxon last Thursday.

Lauren DeGraffenreid and Randall Hephner

Stacey Shannon of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and George Hephner of Kingwood, Tex. are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Randall Hephner, formerly of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, to Miss Lauren DeGraffenreid of Kingwood, Tex.  Randall Hephner is the grandson of Verna Shannon of Polson, and the late Gerald (Jerry) Shannon. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Jim and Laurie DeGraffenreid of Kingwood, Tex.  She is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Childhood Development. Miss DeGraffenreid is a teacher at MET Early Head Start in Conroe, Tex. The groom-to-be relocated to Texas to attend college and it is there where he met Miss DeGraffenreid. Randall is a member of the Texas National Guard and is also employed by the Texas Department of Corrections. The couple will be married on Dec. 15, in Kingwood, Tex.

David A. Clayton

David A. Clayton of Polson was born on April 10, 1939 in Bozeman.  He was the fourth of eight children born to Palmer “Doc” and Mary Clayton.  He passed away at his son and daughter-in-law’s home in Redmond, Wash. on Oct. 14. David graduated from Ephrata High School in 1958, served in the Army and then created a lifelong career in heavy construction.  He leaves this earth having imprinted his name on major construction projects including dams, tunnels, treatment plants, bridges, and highways in Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, California, Arizona, Texas and Colorado.  He continued his work into retirement consulting on various projects across the United States. Throughout his life and especially into retirement years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and RV travel throughout the country.  He always talked about and truly enjoyed his Shriner “buddies”.  His most enjoyable hours in the last few years were spent with family reminiscing with a glass of wine, talking politics over dinner or a hearty breakfast competition with his grandson. David is survived by his wife, Nadine Crow Clayton, his son and daughter in-law, Ron and Jan Clayton and grandson Nicholas Clayton.  David has four sisters:  Mary Ann Bolyard (Perry) and Lora Fronsman (Larry) of Soap Lake, Wash.; Adelle Rath (Russ) of Dayton, Wash.; Nola Williamson (Gene) of Pasadena, Calif.; two brothers and their wives:  Don and Yvonne Clayton, Benton City, Wash. and Richard and Linda Clayton of Pasco, Wash.; a sister-in law, Marilynn Keene of Federal Way, Wash. and two brothers in law, both of Spokane, Wash., Clayton and Gary Crow.  David was dearly loved and respected by his many, many nieces, nephews, their children and families. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Laurie Clayton, his parents and his brother John C. “Chet” Clayton. A celebration of life was held Saturday   Oct. 20, in Soap Lake, Wash. A service was also held at Community Church of Soap Lake. Social and memory sharing at Lakeview Golf and Country Club followed after the service. Donations in David’s name and the Polson Shrine Club may be made to Shriner’s Childrens Hospital, 911 West Fifth Avenue, Spokane, WA  99204  (509) 455-7844.

John Shima Jr.

John Shima Jr. was born on March 5, 1918 and went on to be with the Lord on Oct. 18. He was 94 years old. Dad was one of six children born to John & Mary Shima of Mason City, Iowa. He was married to Betty June Pearson on August 1, 1943 in Seattle, Wash. John served 10 years in the Navy and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. He moved to Polson in 1945 and he and his wife Betty had three children; Sue, Pat and Mike. John worked for the Flathead Irrigation Project for 20 years and then retired at age 55. He is survived by his wife Betty, his three children Sue, Mike and Pat, nine grand-children, and numerous great grand-children. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson, 101 6th Ave East. A reception will follow at John Shima’s residence at 36233 Blue Jay Lane #10. Please come and celebrate stories of John. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Mevis Elizabeth Phillips

Mevis Elizabeth Phillips, age 86, passed away Oct. 14 at the St. Luke Extended Care of Ronan. Mevis was born June 10, 1926 in Memphis, Tenn., to Lynnette Erma Johnson Bradley Rodgers Lund and Levi Alley Rodgers. She lived and was educated in Memphis. She later moved to Montana to be near her mother. She met and married William (Bill) Edward Phillips of Slones, Mont. They had 65 wonderful years together. They had three children, Billy Arlene (Buz) Learn of Ronan, Betty Jane Adams of Post Creek, and Douglas Edward (Marge) Phillips of Pablo. She was grandmother to Waynet, Wayne, and Levi Learn; Dusten and Billy Jole Phillips; Tonya Lynn, Jamie, Pat, Jack, Eli, and Cody; great-grandmother to Justine, Miranda, and Whitnee Green; Shelby and Canyon James Learn; great great-grandmother to Leticia and Emma Leon. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mary Frank Rasmussen and Rozella Smith; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews. She was a true southern belle. She was a loving Christian wife and mother. She loved to smile, give hugs, and make everyone happy. She enjoyed art, painting, drawing, wood carving, gardening, loved animals, and being a homemaker. Everything she touched she made beautiful. You would never go away from her home hungry and you always knew you were welcome back. Mevis worked hard alongside her husband Bill at logging, ranching, and hunting camps. She was always cooking great food for everyone. She always gave a helping hand and had a giving heart. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Mevis was a Jehovah Witness of the South Congregation of Polson. She was true to the bible teaching to the end. Sorry, we are too sad to have services for her now. Mevis and Bill have been cremated and so we will have a spring memorial service and luncheon to be announced at a later date. We send our thanks and love to all of those who loved and helped our family in the loss of Mevis and Bill Phillips. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Kirby Ray Hoffer

On Oct. 20, near Helena, God called Kirby Ray Hoffer home to heaven. Kirby Ray Hoffer was born in Glendive, Mont., on Dec. 15, 1980, to parents Gary and Robin Hoffer.  He graduated from Ronan High School.  He attended Montana State University in Bozeman until he decided his true passion was woodworking. Kirby resided outside of Helena and was self-employed as a carpenter in Townsend.   He served in the military and was called to duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He was honorably discharged.  Kirby loved outdoor life including camping, fishing, and hunting. His most treasured role was being a dad.  God blessed him with the gift of three children: Kieona Jaylene, Zaiden Isaias, and Quora Brea. He is survived by two grandmas, Elnora Hoffer and Marge Davey; his parents, Gary and Robin; sister, Angie (Newton); brother, Shiloh; daughters, Kieona and Quora; son, Zaiden; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by two grandpas, Hershel Davey and Erwin Hoffer, uncles, Scott Davey, Pat Flaherty, Gordon Hoffer, and Kris Davey. Funeral services will be on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ronan. A graveside service with military honors will follow the funeral.  Following the graveside service, a meal will be served at the church.   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts be given to a college fund at Valley Bank for his children. 

Richard “Dick” Bosckis

Richard “Dick” Bosckis, formerly of Polson, passed away Oct. 18 at Lakeview Nursing Home in Bigfork.

Wave of vandalism continues

POLSON — Over the past month, Polson residents have fallen victim to a costly wave of vandalism, as more than 25 windows have been broken out of vehicles, homes and businesses during night time raids, resulting in thousands of dollars worth of damage.

Zombie Prom

RONAN  —  It was a ghoulish Saturday night at the Ronan Community Center as zombies of all ages were shaking it up at the “Zombie Prom”. The prom had all sorts of spine-chilling fun, from zombie makeup stations, a DJ and dancing, to a Jeep Wrangler up for auction.  This was the second year that Sharla Talsma of Timberlane Auto organized the event. What started as “something fun for the kids” turned into a spooky swinging party that raised money to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County.

Law enforcement and court records

Community calendar

Births

Polson woman bound for Africa

Scarlets drop to Drummond, sweep St. Regis

ARLEE — The Scarlets faced the tough task of playing without one of their top players in Mahalia Hendren last week, struggling to overcome her loss in a 3-0 loss to Drummond on Thursday but coming back strong with a 3-0 sweep over St. Regis Saturday.

Officers off the hook after mistaken arrest

Fire Safety Week heats up in Polson

Charlo falters against Lynx, trounces Noxon

NOXON — Charlo’s hot streak came to an end last Thursday with a disappointing 3-2 loss to Lincoln on Senior Night, but was able to get back on track with a road sweep over Noxon on Saturday.

Senior news

Letters to the editor

SKC president resigns amid clash with board

Which area football team has the best chance of winning a state title this year?

Let the good times roll

Henry H. Normandeau

Henry H. Normandeau passed away on Sept. 29 at home with his family by his side. He was born March 6, 1929 to Patrick Francis and Mary Irene Dubay Normandeau in Ronan; he grew up on the family farm in Ronan and graduated from Ronan High School in 1947. He attended MSU in Bozeman before returning to Ronan to help with the family farm. He married Susanna Klossner of Switzerland on May 14, 1960; they and their four children farmed the Spring Creek Ranch until 1980. He fulfilled his desire for continuing his education by taking classes at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo. In April 1991 Henry was hired at the Natural Resource Department for Wildlife for a Wildlife Project. In May Henry was granted a leave of absence to complete work with the University of Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit. He then returned to the Wildlife Department as Wildlife Technician as a seasonal employee until he retired in 2006. He truly enjoyed the relationships he had with his coworkers; they have remained good, loyal friends with his family. Henry was also a respected member of the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. He was an integral part of the reintroduction of swans to the Mission Valley. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He had a love of reading and learning. A private licensed pilot, he loved to fly. Another of his joys was music, playing the violin and accompanying Susanna at piano. He is survived by his wife Susanna of 52 years, sons Paul and Tom; daughters Mary (Jim) and Nancy (Ben); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Rupert, James, Louie and Harold and sisters Berta, Ione and Rose. He will be greatly missed. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, at 2 p.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Ronan with Reverend Rand Drollman officiating.

Jamie L. Seegers

Jamie Seegers, beloved mother, daughter and sister, after fighting a valiant battle with neurosarcoidosis, went home to be with her Lord on Oct. 5. She was born in Seymour, Ind. on March 15, 1963 to Robert L. Seegers and Nancy Bowman. When Jamie was a young girl she and her family moved from Indiana to the Moiese Valley. She graduated from Charlo High School and had associate degrees in Early Childhood Education and Secretarial Services. She is survived by her son, Cory Drowatzky Seegers, her mother, brothers Dusty (Sophie) Seegers, Polson, and Eric (Tina) Seegers, Charlo. Aunts Ilean Okuda, Utah, Edie Petty, St. Ignatius, Vi Bowman, Missoula, Elsie Bowman, Indiana; nephews Roman and Chance Firestone, Missoula, and numerous cousins. Jamie had many interests. She loved music, reading, hunting mushrooms, cross-stitch and gardening. She especially loved making and selling her Grizzly Mountain Buffalo Soaps at the Polson and Missoula farmers markets. Jamie will be terribly missed and remembered for her smile, sense of humor and love. Gravesite rites were held with burial in the Lakeview Cemetery, Polson. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Joan Kostelecky

Joan went to be with her loving husband whom she cherished deeply, Oct. 9. She was born Sept. 15, 1940, in Boulder, Colo., and that is where she grew up. She eventually moved to Montana in the early ‘70s where she raised her four children and was an office manager for First Student bus service for a number of years. Joan was hard working and fun loving. She was known for the parrots and her two dogs. Joan was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ben, brother Terry and her sons Dale and Larry. She is survived by her daughters Beth (Ron) and Tana (Michael) and many grand- and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all. Memorial service was held Monday, Oct. 15, at Smith West Chapel. Interment will be at Terrace Gardens Cemetery. Cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to any Animal Welfare League.

Theodore Murphy Rollins

Born 20 Jan, 1925 - Died 28 Sept. 2012 – Ted Rollins passed away in his sleep at the Prestige Assisted Living facility in Kalispell. Ted was a proud Army Veteran of the Second World War. He served as a sergeant in a weapons platoon and was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge, France. He was awarded the Combat Infantrymans badge and wore it with honor. Ted returned to civilian life and graduated from the University of Montana in Forestry and worked for the Forest Service in Western Montana as a pilot of fire spotting fixed-wing aircraft. He returned to University of Montana for a Masters in Education and started a long and rewarding career as a teacher and administrator in High Schools. He retired as Superintendent of Schools in a three county district centered in Troy, Mont. Ted was pre-deceased by his father and mother, Theodore Roosevelt Rollins and Inez Murphy Rollins; his sister, Janet Rollins Kind and his nephews, Theodore Allen Rollins, Gary and Michael Kind and Michael Mingo. He is survived by his first wife, Helen Lund Rollins and their children, Doug Rollins, Ann Rollins (Jeff Collins) of Missoula. His loving wife, Donna Mefford Rollins, continues to reside in the Prestige facility in Kalispell, under their excellent care and tutelage, Donna’s grandson Kent Paro, wife Christy and daughters Payton and Kiley of Tampa, Fla. Ted’s surviving siblings are Tom Rollins and his wife, Mary, who live in Houston, Texas, their son, Tom and wife, Victoria live in McLean, Va., with their children Tommy and Kay. Sister, Marie Rollins Mingo and her daughter, Michele Mingo Justice, husband, Simon and children Philipa and twins, Alec and Charles are in Corvallis, Ore. Marie’s son, Noel and wife Gianna reside in Eugene, Ore. Janet’s surviving children, Donna, Ronald, John and Dion all are in Salt Lake City, Utah. Upon retirement Ted and Donna purchased a lot in Rollins, founded in the early 1900’s by his grandfather Willard and Uncle Renault Rollins. They were pillars of this community and Ted served Rollins as everything from mayor and fire chief to janitor of the Community Hall. They attended the Dayton Presbyterian church where Ted was an Elder. This congregation has been stalwart in their dedication to Ted and Donna and have cheered them immensely by visiting in the past six months confinement. An example of the Rollins residents generosity was shown when Ted required open heart surgery, his neighbors and son Doug pitched in and completed construction of their home on Rimrock Drive. A memorial service was held in the Dayton Presbyterian Church on Oct. 15. At a private family ceremony, Ted’s ashes will interred beside his father, mother and nephew in Lakeview cemetery, Polson where the three generations of Ted Rollins will be remembered. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Dayton Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 188 Dayton, MT 59914 or a Veterans Organization of your choice.

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Community Calendar

Births

October thunderstorm a rarity

POLSON —When the Leader went to press on Tuesday, the region was experiencing a spell of severe weather, as thunderstorms, hail and 50 mph gusts of wind assailed residents of northern Idaho and northwestern Montana.

Young Eagles take flight

Program exposes area kids to wonder of flight

POLSON — Was it a bird? Was it a plane? Well, it was both... kind of. On Saturday, participants in the Young Eagles program congregated at the Polson airport for an opportunity to hitch a ride with area pilots and observe firsthand how operating an aircraft works.

Ronan man arrested on $75,000 warrant

LAKE COUNTY —  Lawrence Mays Jr. was arrested on Oct. 3 for a $75,000 Missoula City warrant for sexual abuse of children.

Lady Bulldogs drop back-to-back matches

DEER LODGE — The Lady Bulldogs dropped two matches to District 6-B opponents last week, falling 3-1 to Thompson Falls on Thursday and Deer Lodge 3-1 on Saturday.

Pirates' postseason hopes sunk by Libby, Wildcats

COLUMBIA FALLS — The Pirates didn’t end their 2012 season the way they had hoped last week, as the team dropped its final two games and were kept out of the playoffs a year removed from making the championship game.

Justice of Peace candidate facing assault charges

POLSON — Justice of the Peace candidate David Anthony Weinandy is facing charges for partner or family member assault from an arrest on Sept. 11.  

Lake County runners take on Helena, Hamilton Arlee meets in preparation for conference, state

Lady Vikings come out victorious in hard-fought match with Scarlets

ARLEE — In a closely-matched District 10-C rivalry matchup between Arlee and Charlo on Saturday, the Lady Vikings came out on top 25-23, 25-22, 25-21, but the match left both coaches wondering what might have been.

Water pressure mounting

POLSON — Last Wednesday, about sixty members of the public crowded into a conference room at KwaTaqNuk Resort to observe – and let their voices be heard at – the latest round of water rights negotiations between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT), the Montana Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission and the United States government. A new public review draft of the three parties’ Water Rights Compact was distributed at the summit, along with an updated version of an administrative ordinance that was at the heart of the day’s talks.

Classmates, community get behind cancer patient

POLSON — Over at Cherry Valley Elementary School on Friday afternoon, Mrs. Peterson’s  kindergarten class was hard at work making birthday cards in anticipation of fellow student Cole Whitworth’s sixth birthday. The birthday celebration was even more special than most, as Cole had been absent from school for the past three weeks since he was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a highly malignant brain tumor. Cole’s teacher Jackie Peterson said, “I found out three weeks ago and I took it really hard. He is so wonderful and has such a wonderful family.” Since Cole had been out of school, “it was really important to make this day special,” Mrs. Peterson said.  When Cole arrived he was greeted with excitement by his fellow classmates. The class gave Cole cards they had prepared and Mrs. Peterson led the class in singing Cole’s favorite song, “The Duck Song,”  before singing “Happy Birthday” and partaking in a cupcake snack.

Theodore Murphy Rollins

Born 20 Jan, 1925 - Died 28 Sept. 2012 – Ted Rollins passed away in his sleep at the Prestige Assisted Living facility in Kalispell. Ted was a proud Army Veteran of the Second World War.

Ted Kimball

August 10, 1937 - September 30, 2012 – Born in Portland, Oregon to Vida and Oliver Kimball on August 10, 1937, Ted passed away peacefully after battling his second bout with cancer on Sept. 30 in Spokane, Wash. Ted was raised on Flathead Lake near Rollins, earning the Eagle Scout award and falling in love with athletics. He excelled in pole vault, javelin, football, and golf. He also loved bowling, scuba diving, swimming, snow and water skiing, cycling and hiking. Upon receiving an honorable discharge from the U.S Army, Ted earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Whitworth College and spent most of his career working at Kaiser Aluminum Mead Works. His biggest joy of all though, was travel. He visited six of seven continents and was planning his second trip to Australia. He is survived by his children, Darron (Carmelita) Kimball of Graham, Wash., Craig Kimball of Spokane, Wash. and Dayna (Dan) Furber of Shelby Township, Mich.; his grandchildren, Kendra, Kellie and Davis Kimball of Graham, Wash. and Makenzie and Creighton Furber of Shelby Township, Mich.; sister Gail (Sonny) Herreid of Polson. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and older brother Jim. The family would like to thank Evelyn, Lynda and Francine. Words can’t thank you enough. To his neighbors and friends, THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your help and prayers. To the staff at Touchmark and St. Luke’s - Thank you for giving Ted such wonderful care. A celebration of his life was held at Knights of Columbus in Spokane, Wash. on Tuesday, October 9. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Ted’s name to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Loretta Brown

Loretta Brown, 55, passed away Oct. 2 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. Born Sept 5, 1957 in Mohave, Calif. to Roger and Lurline (Sellers) Howe, she was raised and lived primarily in Arizona where she was a homemaker and worked as a housekeeper until the 90’s when she moved to Montana. Loretta enjoyed her family and fishing with her grandparents as well as riding Harleys. A visitation will be held Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated following a visitation.

Vivian Faye Shaw

Vivian Faye Shaw, age 77, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 6 in Ronan. Vivian was born on December 9, 1934 in Kalispell to Robert Randle Hill and Luzzell Faye Thompson. Vivian was one of 14 children raised in the Kalispell area. Vivian married her sweetheart on February 14, 1953. Vivian was a homemaker who enjoyed reading, taking long walks, and was a friend to everyone. Vivian’s family was everything to her, and she especially cherished her 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Vivian is survived by her husband, Norman Shaw of Pablo; daughter, Wanda (John) Wheeler of Polson; son, Norm Shaw of Kalispell; son, Dale Shaw of Pablo; and daughter, Valerie (Don) Bell of Ronan; grandchildren, Christy, Tracy, Gareth, Justin, Dale, Jacob, Alysia, Jared, Jayden, and Samantha; great-grandchildren, Jewel, Jadelynn, Josh, Ryleigh, Afton, Noelle, Myla, Kimber, Kennedy, Halle, and Carter. Her siblings, Nola, Leanord, Jeani, and John; and many nieces and nephews she called her own. Funeral services will take place Friday, Oct. 12 at 10 am at the LDS Church in Polson. The burial will follow at Lake View Cemetery. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Walter “Whitey” Starkel

Just shy of his 88th birthday, Walter “Whitey” Starkel, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather began his final journey to his Lord on Friday, Oct. 5, from his home east of Pablo. Whitey was born to Christina and Peter Starkel on October 28, 1924, in Mahnomen, Minn., and married Belle Anderson on May 13, 1945, in Pablo. They later moved to Nebraska, California, and then back to Ronan where they resided and raised their seven children and a nephew. His work career included working as a machinist in an airplane factory in Los Angeles. Eventually, his love of hunting and fishing and the outdoors brought him back to Montana where he worked at Stanley Scearce, and eventually became head electrician at Plum Creek Lumber Company in Pablo in 1959. He retired after 28 years of service in 1987. Whitey was preceded in death by his beloved wife Belle and daughter Sandy Cheff. He is survived by six children and a nephew; Renee Summers; Dennis (Becky); Norman (Chris); Rick (Evaleen); Lana Toelke; Doug (Tammy) of Pablo; and nephew Peter Reum (Karen). Whitey has 23 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Whitey enjoyed a variety of activities. He was an expert marksman who joined the Ronan Rifle Club. Many hours were spent bonding with his family and especially his sons while fishing, hunting, and camping. He enjoyed throwing horseshoes in competition, bowling in league, playing cards with family and friends, dancing, active participation in the VFW, and later participated in senior citizen events. At age seventeen, Whitey joined the US Coast Guard after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  While on destroyer escort he helped guard the Pacific Coast from attack by enemy submarines, and protected convoys of ships carrying troops and supplies. Whitey also served as a gunner, a helmsman, and trained attack-guard dogs. Whitey continued his support of the military by active participation as a Charter Member in the VFW post 5652. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made in Whitey’s honor to the Ronan VFW. Viewing will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday evening at Shrider’s Mortuary in Ronan. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 12, at the Ronan First Baptist Church. Military graveside services will immediately follow at the cemetery. Please rejoin the family at the First Baptist Church to share in a meal.   The family would like to thank everyone for their calls and support.

Law enforcement and court records

Community Calendar

Births

Candidate maintains innocence

Responding to allegations against him filed in court, on Friday embattled Justice of the Peace candidate Edwin R. Jonas III defiantly stated that he does not owe $700,000 to his ex-wife in unpaid child support, and upholds that in actuality, he was awarded custody of his children in 1991.

Lady Pirates tackled by Whitefish, shutout 8-0

POLSON — The Lady Pirates could not keep up with Whitefish last Thursday, dropping to the Lady Bulldogs 8-0. 

Farmers' market winding down

Concludes on Oct. 12 after another successful season in downtown Polson

POLSON — Did you know that the Polson Farmers’ Market is said to be the oldest in the state of Montana? The market’s history dates back fifty years, but these last three summers have perhaps been the best in its long run. Having hopscotched around town over the years, the bazaar of local produce and crafts seems to have found a vibrant home amidst its new digs on 3rd Avenue West in downtown Polson.

Lady Vikings breeze by St. Regis in sweep

CHARLO — The Lady Vikings made short work of St. Regis last Thursday at home, sweeping the Tigers in three games 25-12, 25-5 and 25-7.

Pedestrian struck by unlicensed driver

Round 'em up

Harold E. Andersen

Judy Marie Pieper Matt

Blakeley Sue Miller

Ted Kimball

Law enforcement and court records

Justice candidate loses ranch

Cold front ushers in October

On Wednesday, residents of Northwest Montana awoke to cold weather conditions that one would typically expect to encounter in late fall - not the first week of October.

Not a laughing matter