Ellington

Polson High roof project moves forward

For the Polson trustees, employees and students, I would like to express my thanks to the Polson community for voting to repair the Polson High School roof.  Not only will the roof be replaced but an efficient heat pump system will be purchased as well as improvements to the ventilation system for students and staff.  Additionally asbestos materials contained within the soffits and the pealing panels on the high school gym will be abated.  The net result will be a facility that will be highly efficient winter and summer not only for students and staff but also our community partners who utilize Polson High School.  Thank you all so much!

Jeffrey R. Robocker

Jeffrey R. Robocker, 38, of Bridgewater, S.D., passed away on Thursday, March 21, as the result of a car accident. Funeral mass was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Bridgewater. Visitation with family present was held on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary and prayer service also at St. Stephen’s. Jeff was born January 24, 1975 in Polson. He grew up in Missoula and graduated from Hellgate High School. He later moved to Sioux Falls, S.D., where he attended Southeast Technical Institute, earning an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology. He married Theresa Clarey at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Sioux Falls on Dec. 27, 2002. Jeff was a member of St. Stephen’s parish in Bridgewater and was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Marquette Council of Sioux Falls. Most of all, Jeff was a family man. His family was his life and he will be missed as a loving husband, father, and friend. Jeff is survived by his wife, Theresa and their children, Sophia, Samuel, Kathrine, Charles, and Harrison of Bridgewater and another child expected to arrive in September; his parents, June and Jerry Jorgenson of Polson, and Jim Robocker of Eureka; grandmother Mable Hennings of Calimesa, Calif.; one sister, Jana (Richard) Carlson of Shelton, Wash.; half-siblings Glen and Logan Robocker; mother and father-in-law, Kathie and Mike Clarey of Bridgewater; special friends, Thane and Joanne Barnier of Sioux Falls; and numerous aunts and uncles in Montana, brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Luke.

Myra Emerson Meyers

Graveside services will be held for Myra Emerson Meyers at the Polson Cemetery at 2 p.m. on April 6. Myra passed away last November. An open house will be held in Missoula that evening for friends and relatives at Myra’s home at 2454 McIntosh Loop from 5 to 8 p.m. Myra was born in Sandpoint, Idaho, on July 8, 1923 to Dempsey and Francis Emerson. They lived a number of places across the Pacific Northwest, but came to settle in Polson.  Myra had 11 siblings – today she is survived by her sister Beverly and Tommy Patelzik and her sister Maida Houston, both of California, and her brother, Frank and his wife Flora of Grants, N.M.  Myra married Albert Meyers on June 26, 1946 and lived in St. Ignatius until 1980 when they moved to Arlee.  They had four children – Mary Beth (Andy) of Cottonwood, Ariz.; Lee (Dee) of Arlee; Alan (Kathy) of Missoula and Douglas of Missoula; and Sandy Meyers of Arlee. Albert passed away in the summer of 2006. Myra loved her 10 grandchildren – Paul (Gretchan), Brent, Brandon (Shannon), Justin, Blake (Cammy), Katy (Kelly), Ryan (Jessica), Jenni (Chris), Anna (Bas) and Stephanie (Dan) and all the great grandchildren that have come along. Myra graduated from Polson High School and enjoyed many school reunions.  During WWII, she was a riveter for Boeing out in Seattle until she got into nurse’s training and became a registered nurse.  She enjoyed her career very much and worked at the St. Ignatius Hospital and for doctors Hauge and Van Veen for a number of years. Myra had a zest for life that was unmatched – she was always up to a game of cards, cooking a good meal, sewing something wonderful, planting flowers, being with friends and family, going shopping or just looking or visiting.

School boards roundup - Mar. 28

Here’s a look at noteable actions by area school boards for the past month.

Letters to the editor - Mar. 28

Robotics club raises money, interest from community

RONAN – The season might have wound to a close for the defending world champion Ronan SD30 robotics team, but that doesn’t mean that their creations are gathering dust.

Oldhorn given 15 years for probation violation

POLSON – Clifford Oldhorn, the man who in February was released from prison after having a century-long deliberate homicide conviction reversed, was given a 15-year sentence with no time suspended on Wednesday for probation violations committed within days of his release.

Salomon: Water compact won't pass in 2013

HELENA – Weighing in on the water issues that characterize the American West, legend has it that Mark Twain once said, “Whiskey is for drinking. Water is for fighting over.”

Spring Sports Previews

Mission Valley All-Star studded showdown

PABLO – It’s typical to see Arlee’s Rocky Lewis bear down defensively on Charlo’s Webb O’Neill in a white-knuckle 14-C division rivalry game, but it’s rare to see O’Neill dish the ball outside to Lewis for one of his patent 3-point shots.  That was the case in the 2013 Mission Valley All-Star Game Friday night in Pablo, as plenty of local rivals teamed up, while many teammates were the ones battling hard against one another.   

Science, ice cream engage students

RONAN — Plenty of smiles were on faces as kids and parents explored the scientific wonders of the world during Family Science Night at K. William Harvey Elementary School last Thursday.

Four teacher jobs cut

CHARLO — Four Charlo teachers found themselves without a job for next year after Friday’s school board meeting, when board members voted for the reductions.

Highlights from Helena, Mar. 21 - Rep. Greg Hertz

In the House Agriculture committee we have been working on a couple of great bills that have received widespread support from the people of Montana. The first bill is HB 574, also known as the fresh raw milk bill sponsored by Representative Champ Edmonds of Lolo. This bill would allow local farmers with small herds of cows, goats or sheep to sell their fresh milk directly to consumers without being required to pasteurize it. Many families across Montana own their own milk cow and enjoy the benefits of fresh raw milk. However, many Montanans live in areas where they cannot own milk cows or they may not wish to own milk cows. Since Montana does not allow the sale of fresh raw milk from the producers to a consumer, most people across Montana do not have access to this great product. I can remember when I grew up in Polson during the sixties, and we would have fresh raw milk delivered to our door step. This was a common practice across our state and at some point in time the government decided to step in and stop this practice. The main opponents to this bill were the Montana Department of Livestock and the Milk control board. Their concern is that without pasteurization milk may have harmful bacteria that may cause illness. However, a study from CDC showed that illnesses caused by non-pasteurized dairy products are very minimal. I will be a strong supporter of this bill as it progresses through the legislative process.

Highlights from Helena, Mar. 21 - Sen. Janna Taylor

Last week the Senate Taxation Committee confirmed the appointment of Mike Kadas, the new director of the Montana Department of Revenue. Director Kadas is a former legislator and major of Missoula.

Highlights from Helena, Mar. 21 - Rep. Dan Salomon

It is budget week in the Montana House of Representatives. We will be debating and voting on House Bill 2, which determines the General Fund budget for the state for the next two years.

Russell wins District 4 Oratorical Contest

POLSON – Polson High School Student Sharidan Russell edged out Ashlin Stahlberg from Stillwater Christian School in Kalispell to win the annual American Legion Department of Montana District 4 Oratorical Contest held in Polson on March 10th. The contest consisted of an 8 – 10 minute prepared speech on a topic of the contestant’s choice and a 3 – 5 minute speech on an assigned topic selected randomly. Both topics had to be related to the United States Constitution. Both contestants selected the Sixteenth Amendment as the topic for their prepared speech and the assigned topic concerned Article 2 and the qualifications for the president. The contestants presented the topics in a clear, concise manner and displayed a good knowledge of the constitution and its principles.

Scholarships again available from St. Luke

Once again, St. Luke Community Healthcare Network is offering $500 college scholarships to high school seniors at seven area high schools. Counselors at Arlee, Charlo, Hot Springs, Polson, Ronan, St. Ignatius and Two Eagle River have received the scholarship application instruction sheet.

Among other things: A Yellowstone challenge

With the big financial brouhaha in Washington, D.C., many tourists are facing a challenge to their vacation plans to visit Yellowstone, Glacier and other national parks this summer as parts of the parks will be late in opening.

Law enforcement and court records - March 21

Polson man dies after stabbing

POLSON — A Browning man is being held in the Lake County Detention Facility on $1 million bail after allegedly killing a Polson resident at a party early Saturday morning.

Election filings for fire, irrigation, library districts

The following filed to run in one of several area elections scheduled for May 7.

Featured letter: "Negotiation over litigation"

On February 26, the Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission voted 8-1 to forward the completed water rights compact to the state Legislature. The Council of Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes want to thank everyone who came forward in support of the compact. During the Helena meeting, numerous people came forward and offered their support of the compact. Members of the Tribal community spoke next to real estate brokers, bank managers, irrigators, and developers. The showing of support and unity made an impact on the compact commission.

Highlights from Helena - Sen. Janna Taylor

The House is starting the budget process this week. We all watch this carefully so we know what is coming to the Senate and how much we are spending, saving, and returning to the taxpayers.

Charlo could face budget cuts

Decreased enrollment may mean staff layoffs

CHARLO — When next year’s school year starts, there could be up to four less employees at Charlo schools due to expected budget cuts of about $173,000.

Plans brewing for waterfront makeover

POLSON — The city council meeting held last Monday night provided a glimpse of what may await the future of Polson’s waterfront. At the gathering, the Polson Redevelopment Agency (PRA) discussed their proposal to outfit the city with a long-talked-about walkway extending under U.S. Highway 93 that would connect Riverside and Sacajawea Parks. In addition to linking the parks, the PRA committee also intends to give a makeover to the dilapidated west pier fishing dock at Salish Point.

Births

Vernon Lenore “Whitey” Erickson

Vernon Lenore “Whitey” Erickson passed away at age 88 at St. Patrick’s Hospital on Feb. 28. Whitey was born on April 28, 1924 in Alexandria, Minn. to Gustave and Helga Erickson.  After graduating from Central High School in Alexandria in 1942, Whitey started work with the Tradehome Shoe Company earning 42 cents and hour.  He was drafted into the US Navy in 1943 and attended basic training in Farragut, Idaho.  After basic he trained as a radioman and was then stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. From there he went to French Frigate Shoals until 1945 when he was sent to San Diego. He was discharged in March 1946 at Great Lakes Naval Station. Whitey attended college at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn. and was inducted into its Hall of Fame as a member of the 1947-48-hockey team.  He graduated in 1950 with a degree in Education with minors in History and Psychology. After college Whitey worked for Northwest Airlines as a flight steward on the Seattle to Tokyo run for staging to Korea. He was recalled to the Navy in 1951 where he served on a tanker out of Norfolk, Va. and on a minesweeper.  He was honorably discharged in 1952. On June 13, 1953, he married Frances Mary McGowan in Willmar, Minn.  He then worked for Standard Oil and Canada Dry companies. In 1956, he started work as a parole agent for the state of Minnesota. In 1964, he became a criminal investigator and juvenile officer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.  He was transferred to Ronan in 1968 where he retired from the BIA in 1982. Whitey was very involved in the Boy Scouts of America, achieving the Order of the Arrow along with sons, Chuck and Bob.  He was an avid golfer, teaching all who wanted to learn the game and he shared his beautiful roses with anyone who came to his home. Whitey was preceded in death by his parents, Gustave and Helga, his sister Irene Orner, his brothers, Raymond, Irving, and Glen; his wife, Frances Erickson, eldest son Charles Erickson and his daughter in law, Mary Ann Erickson. His sister, Lorraine Englestad, his children Bob Erickson, Jane Erickson and Hector Clemente, Barb Erickson, Mary and John Currie, and Tom and Mary Erickson survive him. His grandchildren, Loren and Rob Erickson, Philip and Jill Clemente, Gabby Clemente, Ryan and Lilibeth Clemente, Katie Clemente, Juan Clemente, Raima Ortiz, Erica and Cort Buchholz, Greg and Amy Loder, Pat and Jillian Currie, Christina Currie, Tory Sagoonick, Gustoff and Oskar Erickson, and great grandchildren, Ethan and Eli Currie, and Giovanni Clemente also survive him. A visitation was held Wednesday evening, March 6 at Foster Funeral Home in St. Ignatius.  Rosary will be Thursday, March 7 at 7 p.m. in the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission with the funeral mass on Friday, March 8 at 10 a.m. in the Mission. Burial will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Ronan, where military honors will be presented.  A reception for family and friends will be held at Whitey’s home following the burial.  Condolences may be left at fosterfhandcrematory.com.

Lovie Bernice Bailey

Lovie Bernice Bailey, 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Polson, on Dec. 18, 2012, surrounded by her family. A service was held for immediate family on Dec. 19, 2012 at Grogan Funeral Home. Lovie was born June 22, 1925 in Kimberly, Alberta, Canada, while her mother Nora was visiting her parents.  She was the sixth of nine children born to George Kelly and Nora Adams Kelly. Her family moved to the Charlo area in 1926, where she started school. The final big move in April 1933 was made by horse drawn wagon to Valley View. Lovie remembered her growing up years with fondness. During the summer of 1944, Lovie and friend Fern worked in the shipyards in Tacoma, Wash., making rocket launchers for destroyers. Lovie graduated from Polson High School, class of 1945, and then attended Cadet Nursing School in Idaho Falls. She returned home to work at St. Joseph Hospital. She met Dean Bailey at a dance at the Polson Country Club. They started dating and were married May 19, 1946. Lovie and Dean were partners in life; farming, milking cows, raising children, crops, gardens and bum lambs. They bought land and built a home near Polson. Dean worked at Sterling’s Black Smith, then as mill right and aluminum welder.  Lovie was a full time domestic engineer extraordinaire. She managed the needs of a large family as well as being involved in activities that were important to her and her children; swimming lessons, baseball, band, choir, and 4-H which included sewing, gardening, cooking, canning, dairy and beef calves. She was a 4-H Member, Parent and Leader, passing skills on to her own children, grandchildren and others in the community. Lovie was a member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Mission Mountain Quilt Guild and a lifelong member of the Valley View Woman’s Club. Lovie, Dean and family returned to farm in Valley View in 1974. Nearing retirement, she kept very active using her kitchen managing skills at Valley View Woman’s Club dinners, the Pondera Restaurant and school lunchroom. Lovie’s sewing skills served her well doing production sewing for Three Dog Down and Doctor Down. Lovie enjoyed visiting friends and family, camping / fishing trips, swimming, picnics, gardening and quilting. She took great pleasure in sewing, and attended many Quilting classes.  Always sharing her wonderful hand quilted projects with family and friends. Lovie felt honored when she was the Featured Quilter at the annual Mission Mountain Quilt Guild Show in 2010. Lovie is preceded in death by daughter, Doral Diane (1955), husband, James Dean (1980), grandson, James Cecil (1980), and son Vernon Dewey (2009), parents; George Arthur (1980), Nora Frances (1992), four brothers; Glenn, Clell, John and Leo and two sisters; Glenna and Wilma. Lovie is survived by nine children, Janice (Duane) Olsen, Jaqulyn (Kai) Christensen, James (Beverly) Bailey, Donna (Jerry) Benson, Walter (Kelly) Bailey, Carolyn Bailey, Russell (Aileen) Bailey, Todd (Helen) Bailey, Randi Bailey (Don Garcia). Daughter-in-law Christine Andersen-Bailey, 25 Grandchildren, 25 Great-grandchildren and 1 Great great-granddaughter, Lovie is also survived by two sisters, Leah (Calvin) Galloway, in Kalispell and Georgia (Ronald) Snyder, Deer Park Wash., and numerous nieces and nephews.  One of Lovie’s cherished events, the Kelly Family Reunion, has taken place every two years since 1982.  Lovie and her Family wish Memorials be made to Valley View Woman’s Club, attention Donna Benson, 41545 Forman Road, Polson MT 59860. Join the family at the Memorial Service celebrating Lovie’s life, March 16 at 1 p.m. at the Valley View Club House.  Lunch provided following the service. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Vern Hicks

Vern Hicks passed away at 1 p.m., Feb. 27 at the Ronan home of his grandson, Joshua Hicks, and Josh’s wife Rachael. His wife Audrey, who passed away on Sept. 29, 2012, preceded Vern in death. His six children, David, Douglas, Scot, Todd, Sara, and Joe; 21 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren survive Vern.

Letters to the editor - March 7

Mack Days on the endangered list?

10-year tourney not reducing lake trout numbers enough

BLUE BAY — The Mack Days fishing tournament, which has paid out nearly $1 million in cash and prizes since 2002, might be over after the spring contest — depending on the results of an environmental impact study.

Man who crashed into lake pleads guilty to ninth DUI

POLSON – Last Wednesday, Polson resident Todd Burland appeared in Lake County District Court and pled guilty to his ninth offense of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Nobody hurt in Highway 93 collision

RAVALLI - A scary accident near the Ravalli curves slowed traffic for several hours along Highway 93 on Tuesday afternoon.

Disapointment for Scarlets in Western C Divisionals

After such a promising regular season that led to a District 14-C title, Scarlets go 1-2 in divisional tournament

HAMILTON – The Arlee Scarlets’ triumphant run through the 14-C district proved they’re a team that could compete with anyone in the state.  But a 48-42 loss to Gardiner followed by a 56-39 defeat to Seeley Swan eliminated Arlee from the tournament and brought a harsh conclusion to an otherwise successful season.  

Stand Down stands up for vets' health

PABLO — With one of the nation’s highest rates of veterans per capita, Montanans certainly recognize the value of military service. And, as evidenced by the robust show of support at the volunteer-driven Veterans Stand Down held at Salish and Kootenai College last weekend, they also understand the importance of giving back to those who have dutifully served our country.