Ellington

Mission family members are all serving

ST. IGNATIUS – During a recent deployment in the Middle East, U.S. Army Staff Sgt.  Paul  Adams said a child was playing near him and when he got closer she looked up.

Flathead River Indian National Finals Rodeo 2014

Get crackin'

PEO serves up annual crab feast

The Polson Chapter of the PEO hosted its annual Crab Crack fundraiser Saturday at Glacier Brewery. The PEO is a philanthropic and educational organization creating increased opportunities and higher education for women through scholarships, grants, and loans.

Historic tribal land could be rejoined

BUY BACK PROGRAM

LAKE COUNTY – Federal and tribal officials strongly support the national Land Buy Back program but some Lake County landowners are concerned that this might be a distraction from bigger issues.

Sk8ers' sky

Dozens of skaterboarders turned out for the Polson Skate Jam under threatening skies Saturday. Organizer Payson Pichler said he just wanted his friends to have some fun. Left: Charles, 15, of Polson, gets a lot of air out of the big bowl. Click the link below for dozens of photos and see the Aug. 28 edition of The Leader for the front page pics.

Check washing is a dirty local crime

POLSON – Responding to a recent spree of check thefts, cops are asking Polson residents to keep an eye on their mailboxes.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Aug. 28

THURSDAY, AUG. 28

Lake County students should come first

GUEST COLUMN

In my July 2nd column regarding the decline in Education, I presented figures and comparisons that demonstrated students have the ability, and will do more, if it is required. Students do respond, and they are capable  of learning faster. In some of the classes I took in High School, we were doing in half a year what public school students were doing in two years. All that is needed are higher standards in our educational system based on educating the students and not on the special interests of the teachers and administrators.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR _ Aug. 28, 2014

Some called it progress

AMONG OTHER THINGS

Sometimes progress is hard to recognize when it’s taking place – especially when bureaucratic rules and regulations appear to impede rather than promote progress.

Ice Bucket Challenge - Charity on ice

Charity on ice

The Ice Bucket Challenge reached Polson last week when a local coffee bar challenged The Cove Deli to take the national ALS fundraising challenge that asks people to either pay $100 to ALS (myotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) or get drenched with a bucket of ice water after challenging the next business or group. Above front row: Left to right: a bunch of Avisons – Ryan, Ken, Kevin, Nate, 4, and Lex, 7, take the initial drenching. The drenchers are, left to right, Tasha and Tami Avison. As of Aug. 21, The ALS Association has received $41.8 million in donations compared to $2.1 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 21). These donations have come from existing donors and 739,275 new donors to The Association.

INFR rodeo draws fans, friends, family

POLSON -- Rodeo fans got the chance to see another high energy, action-filled, don’t-shut-your-eyes INFR event in Polson Aug. 21 through 23 when the Flathead River Rodeo came to town.

Sk8ers' sky

Tight budgets affecting cops

PABLO – With domestic violence and illegal drug use on the rise, CSKT Police Captain Louis Fiddler presented reports to the Tribal Counsel illustrating how the limited law enforcement budget makes it a challenge to keep the community safe.

Wanted man evades capture in Polson

POLSON –  A CSKT officer making regular rounds found a “wanted” man near the intersection of 11th Ave. and 4th Street West, but lost after two foot chases and two attempted take-downs, said CSKT Captain Louie Fiddler.

Teen rapist gets sentenced today

POLSON – Convicted teenage rapist, Terrance Gardipe will learn his fate today (Aug. 28) when he is sentenced by District Court Judge James A. Manley.

Roth pleads guilty to check fraud

POLSON – Correne Roth plead guilty to felony forgery for a string of small checks she wrote on a stolen checkbook earlier this year.

Body found in Ronan field is that of missing Whitefish rental car driver

By Michelle Lovato

Grand Marshalls, the Fays are veterans of volunteering

RONAN – Jack Fay’s mom would be proud. Her son Jack is an outstanding friend, a treasure to the community and a veteran defender of the United States.

Lake County Jail Roster

Yellowhorse, Christopher John

From the bench of Lake County District Court Judge James A. Manley

Kenmille, Gregory Eneas, felony burglary, six counts. Sentenced to two years Department of Corrections

Good samaritans make a happy ending for a potential boating disaster

FLATHEAD LAKE – Dispatchers received two Flathead Lake water emergency calls around 7 p.m. Aug. 2.

Family buys RV, watches it burn hours later

ARLEE – Good fortune turned to bad luck and a life-and-death emergency for one family who traveled to the Polson area to buy a motor home Saturday.

Body found in Ronan that of missing rental car driver

RONAN – An elderly Whitefish man was found dead in a field near his rented car in Ronan Aug. 21, said Lake County Undersheriff Dan Yonkin, but authorities do not know why.

Blues boogie

Laura Reynolds, center, and Jan Brooks, boogie on stage with Blues artist Bill McGee during Saturday’s Blues Festival at Salish Point. Even Friday’s rain-out couldn’t cool down the musicians or the music lovers who danced on the grass. McGee, who travelled from San Diego to play at the festival, first promised all his listeners an encore if they would get up and dance. And when he saw Reynolds and Brooks enthusiasm and skills, he invited them on stage. Check out www.leaderadvertiser.com for more Blues Festival pictures and lots of other great stuff.

Two weather alerts in effect for Polson area tonight

Everyone wins with summer reading program

POLSON  – The North Lake County Public Library wrapped up its 2014 Family Summer Reading Program Aug. 14 by drawing names for dozens of prizes displayed at the library throughout the summer.

Mission parents choosing private school for safety

‘The students focus more on who is wearing a particular brand of clothes and who is dating whom.’

‘The students focus more on who is wearing a particular brand of clothes and who is dating whom.’

Ice Water Challenge The Cove

The cold in the Cove

The Ice Bucket Challenge reached Polson today when a Polson's Kori Stinger of Espress Yo Self challenged The Cove Deli And Pizza to take the national ALS fundraising challenge that asks people to either pay $100 to ALS (myotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) or get drenched with a bucket of ice water after challenging the next business or group. Above front row: Left to right: a bunch of Avisons – Ryan, Ken, Kevin, Nate, 4, and Lex, 7, take the initial drenching. The drenchers are, left to right, Tasha and Tami Avison. As of Aug. 21, The ALS Association has received $41.8 million in donations compared to $2.1 million during the same time period last year (July 29 to August 21). These donations have come from existing donors and 739,275 new donors to The Association.

Suspect prefers dentist to jail

POLSON -- Robert Stokes was released on his own recognizance Aug. 13 after Lake County District Court Judge James A. Manley received an unopposed motion to release him.

From the bench of District Court Judge Deborah Kim Christopher

See the latest collection of courtroom drama from the bench of Judge Kim Christopher

Crime stories from Lake County Sheriff's Office

Crime doesn't pay in Lake County. Neither do infractions.

Lake County District Jail

As Of Aug. 15.

Flathead Lake Blues Festival 2014

Wings for Wishes 2014 Boys

Wings for Wishes 2014

Remotely fun

REMOTE CONTROL PILOTS

Left: Canyon Hansen, of Polson, gets his remote control helicopter ready for flight during Saturday’s Fourth Annual Wings For Wishes event at the St. Ignatius Airport. Eric Kendall founded the event in 2011 as an annual fun fly event to benefit Make-A-Wish Montana. Volunteer Marie Henry said the goal was to make $4,000 this year through pilot landing fees, raffles, food and a silent auction. The two-day event raised $3,813 and Kendall will accept donations for another week at 406-499-0116. Below left, Wyatt, 7, of Charlo, launches a durable, mini plane while his buddy, Cole, 6, of Charlo, gets ready to launch. Below right: Ryan, 6, of Ronan, watches as his plane soars overhead.

Polson voters want to review city organization

POLSON – Polson’s Citizens for Open Government recently lost an open-meeting lawsuit against the city but their vocal attempts at highlighting the problems they see in city government might have raised interest in reviewing the current system.

Wild horse kicks child at Wild Horse Island Sunday

BIG ARM – A young girl visiting Wild Horse Island learned a good lesson about wild horses when she tried to hand feed one of them Aug. 17.

Accused rapist denied bail modification

POLSON -- Lake County District Court Judge Deborah Kim Christopher denied accused rapist, Robert Mathewson a bail reduction.

From chemo to college: Aiden won't quit

RONAN – Aiden Reichman is at the threshold of adult life. The 19-year-old college sophomore is a week from moving into his dorm, a few weeks from starting his 16-credit semester.

Yesterdays wind did not effect Seepay fire

Official suggests crooks wear 'Pink jumpsuits'

ST. IGNATIUS

ST. IGNATIUS – One city councilman is so outraged by a recent wave of petty crime, he suggested a radical way to cope with offenders.

Tribal elder inspires Seepay fire workers

SEELY – Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Elder Pat Pierre inspired firefighters at 7 a.m. briefing today (Aug. 17.) with a homily delivered in Salish and English.

Women's support group needs a helping hand

"In July, a woman came to us," Loretta Chambers, a long-time volunteer for the Helping Hands fund remembers. "She was a domestic violence victim, trying to get her feet on the ground."

Summerfest sizzled

Murder charges could be dismissed soon

POLSON – Murder charges against Clifford Oldhorn will be dismissed if both sides can agree on one word: Prejudice.

Check fraud plagues valley

For a cashier at a business, it is a difficult position to be in. The gas is in the car and the customer is at the counter, check in hand, I.D. forgotten, ready to pay. There isn't really a choice; the cashier must trust the customer and take the check.

Polson boy recovering from otter attack

POLSON – Zack Whipple, 9 of Polson was visiting grandma’s house when he jumped into the cool water of Lake in the Woods northeast of Kalispell Aug. 4 and felt splashing underneath his feet that felt like fish swimming nearby.

These girls rocked Art in the Park

SUMMERFEST

By Michelle Lovato

Robert Wiliam (Rob) McDonald, M.D. Obituary

Robert William (Rob) McDonald, M.D. was born March 8, 1968 in Weymouth, Mass. In late may, 1968, Robert was adopted by William T. (Bill) and Esther Louise (Pink) McDonald of Wayland, Mass. In early August 1968 the McDonald family moved from Massachusetts to Dana Point, Orange County, Calif. Robert grew up and lived there until he moved to Hoover, Ala.

Robert William McDonald Obituary

POLSON - After three days of searching for St. Joseph Hospital physician Robert McDonald, 43 of Polson, search and rescue crews from Lake and Flathead counties are no closer to finding the lost kayaker. As of Tuesday there was no talk of stopping the search.

Kayaker's body found near Big Bull Island

POLSON BAY - Rescuers found the body of missing Polson doctor, Robert W. McDonald around 2:45 p.m., July 25 in Flathead Lake south of Big Bull Island.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Through Aug. 13

FRIDAY, AUG. 8

Domesticated bobcat missing near St. Ignatius

ST. IGNATIUS – A two-year-old male bobcat is on the loose in Mission and its owners concerned.

11th annual Water Daze makes a splash

As the mile-long open-water swim entered its 11th year it met record participation in diverse age groups. This year we saw over 20 more participants willing to submerge themselves in Flathead Lake and race from City Docks to Boettcher Park.

Summerfest activities schedule

The Sandpiper Art Festival is in it's 43rd year.  It is on the Lake County Courthouse Lawn in Polson, just a block east of Cruising by the Bay. There will be over 80 juried booths with fine art and artisan crafts including painting, photography, ceramics, woodworking, fabric art plus many more.

Polson wrestler says "g'day" to Australia

When he finished his last match at the state wrestling tournament in February, Polson wrestler and then-junior Cody Hedeen expected his wrestling season to end. But the news he received following the tournament changed all that.

Wild buffalo: The ride of their lives

RONAN – Riding rough stock in rodeo is a dangerous game; even the toughest cowboys take career-ending falls yearly from the backs of bucking bulls and broncs.

Fires near Plains cover 603 acres

THOMPSON RIVER COMPLEX

PLAINS – The Koo-Koo-Sint fires have merged after 25 to 30 mile per hour winds, 95-degree weather and 15 percent relative humidity came together to create perfect conditions for the fire to grow.

Polson boy recovering from otter attack near Kalispell

“They got four good bites up one leg and another one on the other thigh,” Zack’s mother Kelly Whipple said.

Summer camp: It's fun with fundamentals

Mandie Steele was watching a half-dozen kids play football on a recent warm summer day on a grassy field at Cherry Valley Elementary School. A few blocks away, at Riverside Park, more kids were in the river using water guns to squirt at each other.

Two PHS reunions this weekend

Lake County Fair 2014_Interview Judging

Pioneer Days Kiddie Slicker Rodeo-2014

BEWARE: Stage 1 fire restrictions in place

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Region 1 will adopt

Kenney signs to Saints' softball

HELENA - Carroll College recently announced that it has signed four more girls to its 2014-15 softball team, including Polson softball star Jaylin Kenney.

2014 Lake County Fair Photo Collection 1

2014 Lake County Fair Results

Rifle    Reserve  Andres, Ruger

Mariners fall short at state tournament

LEWISTOWN—The Mission Valley Mariners State tournament began Tuesday, July 28 in Lewistown in a game against Belgrade. The Mariners scored first in the third inning only to be matched in the fourth byBelgrade. However, the boys were able to rally in the fifth inning to score five runs and make a wide margin between themselves and Belgrade. Belgrade attempted a comeback at the bottom of the seventh, but only managed three runs before Mission Valley stopped the scoring and kept their opponents at bay for the following innings.

Constance Wamsley Obituary-07/31/2014

Constance (Connie) Wamsley, daughter of Madeline and Winfield Clark, was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, May 10, 1924, and died July 23, 2014.

COP CALLS - July 31, 2014

Compiled from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center, the following logs represent emergency dispatch calls to area law enforcement agencies:

LAKE COUNTY JAIL ROSTER - July 28, 2014

Blackcrow, Gerard Francis

Growers face potential cherry disaster

POLSON – Location made the difference for area cherry orchardists fighting the dreaded outcome of a hard summer rain: Cherry splitting.

8 seconds with Peyton Fitzpatrick

Bull rider Peyton Fitzpatrick recalls his worst injury. It happened about a year ago in Polson.

I've heard, 'Hey, You!' too often

LOVATO AT LARGE

The concert’s backstage security guard yelled, “Hey, you!” He was looking in my direction.