Ellington

Mission prevails

Lewandowski, Erickson combine for 30 points in win over Bigfork

ST. IGNATIUS – A healthy dose of Loren Erickson and Stephanie Lewandowski was enough for the Mission Lady Bulldogs, who pulled away in the fourth quarter from Bigfork for a 39-25, win Saturday in St. Ignatius.

Passing records

Zack Camel dishes Arlee past St. Regis and writes himself in the record books with a state record 23 assists

ARLEE – It was a record setting night Saturday in Arlee as the No. 8 Warriors suffocated St. Regis 69-20 behind Zack Camel’s amazing 23 assists, which set a new Montana state record.

Police chief maintains innocence

POLSON — In the midst of a disciplinary investigation by the Montana Public Safety Officer Standards and Training Council (POST), embattled police chief Wade Nash firmly upheld his innocence in an interview Tuesday, saying the charges of wrongdoing that he faces do not have any truthful grounds or legal traction.

Duward A. Reber

Duward (“Dewey”) Arthur Reber, age 89, passed away peacefully at home from cancer while surrounded by his loving family on Monday, Jan. 21. He was born in Amiret, Minn. on May 11, 1923 to Arthur and Mabel Reber, and was the eldest of five children. He grew up in Crookston, Minn., and after graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He proudly served in World War II in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, where he was based in India, Burma, and China. After the military, he moved to Missoula, where he began his career as a logging contractor. In 1954 he married Virginia (“Jean”) Thomas, and they raised a family of three children. After Dewey’s retirement, he and Jean moved to Polson, Montana. He was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, and a member of the Polson Elk’s Lodge. Dewey was an avid woodsman, fisherman, and hunter. He loved gardening, outdoor recreation on Flathead Lake, travel, and stone masonry. He was a prankster with a twinkle in his eye and a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His door was always open, and he was always ready to help others.

Nedra Sterry

Nedra Sterry, author of the acclaimed memoir “When The Meadowlark Sings” died at a Great Falls care center on Friday, Jan. 25. She was 95. Born October 13, 1918, in Fort Benton, Nedra lived a rich and full life. As the young daughter of an itinerant school teacher, she traveled widely in Montana and lived in many small communities where her mother taught in one-room school houses. Her graduation from high school in Hingham in 1935 marked the end of her formal education. It was there she met and married Alton Sterry, a local teacher. Alton and Nedra eventually took over the family farm and together they raised five children. Nedra was a person of many gifts; despite the demands of being a farm wife and mother, she became an accomplished artist, writer and musician. Although she experienced many hardships during her life she was unfailingly cheerful and positive, making the best of all challenges and misfortunes. For the first few years of her married life, she did without running water or electricity. Through many years of hard work she was unflaggingly energetic. In addition to rearing her rambunctious children, she raised and butchered chickens and turkeys, canned the produce from a large garden, baked bread and sewed her children’s clothing. In the days before television, Nedra read aloud to her children, instilling in them a great love of books. Her vivid imagination gifted her family and friends with many fond and hilarious memories. During the 60’s, when her family was grown, Nedra signed up for correspondence courses in creative writing. During this time she wrote feature articles for the Parade section of the Great Falls Tribune. She gained a wide reputation for her poetry and was much in demand for the commemoration of special events. “A Bit of Topaz from the Sun,” a collection of her poems, was published by her family in 1998. In 1973, Nedra and Alton bought a home on Flathead Lake and lived for the next 24 years in that beautiful place, spending their winters in Arizona. During her years in Polson, Nedra made many loyal friends. She took up painting and sculpting in the 80’s and sold and exhibited her art at a local gallery. It was during this fertile period that Nedra began attending writer’s workshops. When Alton passed in 1997, Nedra sold their cherished lakefront home and moved to Polson. In 1999, Nedra moved to Eugene, Ore., to be closer to her son Rick and daughter Sandra. She joined a writer’s group there and began work on her memoir. “When The Meadowlark Sings” was published in 2003 by Riverbend Press in Helena when Nedra was 84, and soon after that her life became a whirlwind of interviews and readings. She came back to Montana in 2004 and embarked on a state-wide book tour, during which time the NPR affiliate in Billings broadcast an hour-long interview. Her widely popular book sold thousands of copies and, to date, has gone through six printings. In 2006 the memoir was recorded for the Montana State Library. In addition to being available as an ebook, “When The Meadowlark Sings” was chosen for dozens of book clubs, and has been used in classes at the U. of Montana, Missoula. Nedra received hundreds of fan letters, some from as far away as Europe and Australia. She was always in awe of her good fortune and rightfully proud of her achievement. In 2005, she used her book royalties as seed money to establish a creative writing contest at U. of Montana, Northern, in Havre. In 2011, the contest was expanded state-wide to include all 21 institutions of higher learning. The competition, with an annual prize of $1,000, is funded through 2030. In the fall of 2007, Nedra returned to Montana, spending her remaining years at the Rainbow Retirement Center, and the Park Place HealthCare facility in Great Falls. She is survived by four children: Richard (Carole) Sterry, Sandra Sterry (John Dixon), Eugene, Ore.; Jill (Jerry) Kordonowy, Livingston; Craig, Hingham. There are six grandchildren and a single great grandchild. Nedra was preceded in death by her husband, Alton, in 1997, and her son, Alan, in 2007. The last five years of Nedra’s life were enriched beyond measure by the dedicated and loving friendship of Michael Buesseler, Great Falls. At Nedra’s request, no services will be held. Condolences may be posted online at www.gftribune.com/obituaries.

Daniel Rex Thomas

Daniel Rex Thomas, 60, of Ronan, passed away in Missoula at St. Patrick’s Hospital on Jan. 20, following hip surgery. He was born in Rexburg, Idaho, Dec. 20, 1952, the son of Daniel and Betty Thomas. Rex attended school in various states finishing at Ronan High School. During his childhood and adolescence, he had an exceptional opportunity to commercial fish in Alaska with his family, which created cherished memories. He also worked at the Ronan Theater as janitor for many years and for MME at the folk shop. Rex brought great joy and contagious laughter into the lives of family and friends. He had such passion for life and adventure, sharing his dreams and plans to listening ears. He would often tell his sister, Coral, “There’s nothing wrong with dreaming.” He saw no limitations to these notable ventures. Like his father, he loved to visit people. Gleefully, he would pass along the current news and stories to the next recipient. Hence, he was known as the “walking newspaper”. He was very crafty and generous with his many creations, embellishing his unique pieces with outstanding color and character. Rex is survived by three sisters; Cinda Barnes, Sharon Barnes, and Coral (David) Lockwood, all of Ronan; and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. We will greatly miss Rex and his unique laugh, anticipated phone calls, enthusiastic notions, and delightful merriment he brought to our family.

Richard Love French

Richard Love French, age 85, passed away on Jan. 24 at Kalispell Regional Hospital in Kalispell. He was born Nov. 25, 1927 in Blair, Neb. to Harold and Drusilla (Love) French. He was the oldest of five children raised on the family farm near Blair. He joined the Coast Guard in 1945 and served as a radioman on the Roger B. Taney until 1947. In 1947 he married June A. Porter. They farmed outside Blair, Neb. until 1959. In 1957 Richard and June’s adventuresome spirit drew them to visit Northwest Montana. Later that year they purchased a remote ranch located on the upper Fisher River between Libby and Kalispell. In 1959 they moved lock, stock and barrel to the Wolf Creek Ranch. Even without modern conveniences their hard work and effort turned the ranch into a productive cattle and horse operation. In 1971 Richard and June started building a registered black angus operation known as Clay Creek Angus. Richard was a life member of the American Angus Association and in his family’s opinion, one of the last real cowboys. From 1971 to 1982 they ranched near Hot Springs, Irvine Flats, near Polson, and on the Tongue River near Miles City. After retiring from ranching they owned and operated a motel in Greybull, Wyo. and later lived in Cody and Emblem, Wyo. In 2001 their travels brought them back to Northwest Montana where they reside on Flathead Lake near Dayton.

Minne Roosma

Minne Roosma, 93, of Hot Springs was a retired math and science teacher in the Hot Springs Public High School for 30 years, a U.S. Army veteran, and a full time cattle rancher. He died of natural causes at his home on Jan. 24.

Franklyn J. Raze

Franklyn J. Raze, age 93, passed away Friday, Jan. 18 at Polson Health and Rehab. Franklyn was born in Portland, Ore. to James Franklyn Raze and Louise Griebel on Aug. 3, 1919. Frank lived and worked in Watford City, N.D., Columbus, N.D., Sidney, Mont, Ronan, and Salem, Ore. until moving to Polson in 1982 where he resided until his death. Franklyn Raze and Opal Thompson were married in 1938. They later divorced. He married Birdie Sorensen Jacobson Sept. 18, 1972 in Idaho. Birdie was his constant loving caregiver. He is survived by his wife, Bertha (Birdie) Raze; sons, Franklin Raze (Beverly) of Albany, Ore., Dennis Raze (Barbara) of Columbia Falls; daughters, Eileen Kilman (Joe) of Whitefish, Jandeen Fedor (Tom) of Columbia Falls, and Vicki Quinn of Columbia Falls; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great grandchildren; and a half-brother, Donald (Norah) Elliott of Dillon. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Annette Miller; two infant sons, Merton and Kenneth; one grandson, Lynn; and three half-brothers, Leo, Lynn, and Dale. Frank requested no services, but suggested you “hoist a cup”. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Ronan Roboteers

RONAN — A 144-square foot rubber-bottomed ‘field’ fills half of coach Jesse Gray’s computer lab in Ronan High School. Trays filled with sprockets, chains and wires line the walls. In the center, two knee-high machines battle.

Mountain lion update

POLSON — For CSKT wildlife program manager Dale Becker, it’s been another week, and another large predator stalking the neighborhoods of Polson.

Polson students visit Glacier

APGAR – To many visitors, it may seem that there’s not a lot going on in the still and silent snow-covered forests of Glacier National Park this time of year.  However, as a number of Linderman Elementary School fourth graders can now tell you, winter is a time when many important ecological processes take place, and native plant and animal species are uniquely suited to deal with the season’s challenges.

Among other things - Stan Lynde's adventures

 I read in the Missoulian recently where cowboy cartoonist Stan Lynde is off on a new adventure. He and his wife have moved to Ecuador.

Grant propels Bulldogs past Vikings, 53-46

ST. IGNATIUS — The Bulldogs battled their way to a third consecutive victory Thursday night, as a resilient Mission team, led by junior Stuart Grant, outlasted Lake County rival Charlo 53-46 in St. Ignatius.  

Walk the line

POLSON – I was not quite sure what I was “prissy walking” into on a chilly Monday night as I entered the  Linderman gymnasium to partake in an evening of line dancing. But, with the help of my fellow line dancers I was scuffing in no time. Hazle Heth, who has been organizing the lessons for the past few years, said, “I loved line dancing in  Thompson Falls, but when I moved to Polson there were not any line dancing lessons. So I thought, if I’m going to do it, I’m going to have to teach it myself.”

Community calendar

Scarlet Warriors cruise past Vikings, 87-51

ARLEE – Powered by Zackary Camel’s triple double and a strong all-around team effort, the Arlee Warriors beat the Vikings of Charlo 87-51 in a convincing win last Friday night in Arlee.  

Bulldogs surge in second half, top Chiefs

Grant, N. Alexander lead charge against Ronan

ST. IGNATIUS - It was a tale of two halves last Thursday as an injury riddled Ronan Chiefs team fought hard for a first-half lead, but the second-half emergence of a more focused St. Ignatius Bulldogs team proved to be too much for the visiting Chiefs.  

Division foes square off in local rivalry

ARLEE – It’s no secret that the intra-district game between the Arlee Scarlets and the Charlo Lady Vikings would be intense.  But could you anticipate this slugfest would compile over 50 fouls and over 60 free throws attempted?  This style of play seemingly played to Arlee’s advantage as they squeaked out a 52-48 victory over the visiting Lady Vikings Friday night.

Bulldogs dominate visiting Maidens

ST. IGNATIUS – Thursday night’s game between the Ronan Maidens and the Lady Bulldogs of St. Ignatius showcased both scrappy and sloppy play, as the Bulldogs were able to pull away late in a 37-29 victory.  

Loggers sink late three, Pirates lose heartbreaker

LIBBY — A tight and grueling game found the Pirates up by two in the final minute of the fourth quarter.  But then, with just a flick of the wrist, Polson found their two-point lead transform into a one-point deficit as Libby’s Jared Winslow’s game winning 3-pointer with just over five seconds to play sent the Pirates home in defeat.  

Arlee man pleads not guilty to assault charges

POLSON — Keith Edmonson appeared in District Court before Judge Christopher on Jan. 3 to answer to charges of assault with a weapon and  family member assault for allegedly beating his stepson with a belt.

Lake County's most wanted

POLSON — Lake County law enforcement, firefighters and “distinguished citizens” were honored on Jan. 9 at the Elk’s Lodge in Polson as the Marine Corps League Hellroaring Detachment 1041  (MCL) presented awards to outstanding officers in their respective fields.

Arlee starts new year with a bang!

Tops unbeaten Noxon then bests Mission in rivalry game

ARLEE – Head coach J.R. Camel couldn’t have scripted a better start to 2013 for the Arlee Warriors boys basketball team. After toting a 4-2 overall record into the new year, Camel’s squad reeled off two of their most impressive wins of the season, first beating Noxon 59-57 in a hostile road environment before coming home to thump St. Ignatius 81-57 in a heated backyard rivalry game.

Lady Bulldogs fall for the Heart Breakers

ST. IGNATIUS — The Lady Bulldogs fought hard in their battle against the Loyola Sacred Heart Breakers Thursday evening, and despite a number of drives to the basket by star players Loren Erickson and Stephanie Lewandowski, Mission fell short to Loyola 59-40.

Pirates defeated by Loyola in Class B matchup

Sampson's 22 points not enough to ram the Rams

POLSON —  It was a close one at Polson Saturday night as the Pirates lost by a mere 3 points to the Loyola Sacred Heart Rams 57-54.

Lakefront vacation home destroyed in Finley Point fire

FINLEY POINT — There is “nothing left” of a Finley Point summer home that was decimated by a fire on Thursday morning, according to Finley Point Fire Chief Chris Ricciardi.

Sheriff's sergeant resigns

POLSON — Lake County Sergeant Dan Duryee who admitted more than two years ago to lying about military service has officially resigned.

Snowy owls return to Lake County

POLSON — Ornithology enthusiasts aren’t the only ones happy to see snowy owls return to Polson, as the town’s Chamber of Commerce is excitedly unfurling the welcome mat at the birds’ taloned feet.

Law enforcement and court records

Community calendar

Wolves seen in Polson city limits

Sighting coincides with discovery of two eviscerated deer carcasses

POLSON – Two wolves were sighted in the city limits of Polson last week, and authorities have acknowledged that a pair of footprints found in the area are consistent with the attributes of wolf tracks.

Lake County stars earn spots in Shrine Game

Davey, Sampson, Williamson, Mills, Ludeman selected to play for West squad

After each posted monster seasons for their respective teams, five Lake County football players have been selected to represent the West in the 67th Annual Montana East-West Shrine Game in Butte on July 20.