Ellington

Polson students to receive Dollars for Scholars awards

Polson Dollars for Scholars will award up to $27,500 through 18 scholarships this spring to Polson High School graduates. Scholarship money is provided by the local Polson Dollars for Scholars organization from money generated by various fundraising events, which take place throughout the year, donations from individuals and clubs and from families who provide scholarships in memory of loved ones.

The road I'm on

Washington, D.C., chocolate cake and Ronald Reagan

I’d never experienced being “starstruck” before I went to Washington, D.C. on March 8 for the U.S. Senate Youth Program.

Hertz visits PHS students

POLSON — Greg Hertz, District 12 representative to the Montana State House of Representatives, visited students at Polson High School on Tuesday, March 18.

Benn travels to Auburn for clinic

AUBURN, Ala. — Ronan football coach Jim Benn got the opportunity of a lifetime over the weekend when he traveled to Auburn University for a coaches clinic with the NCAA Division I runners-up.

Law enforcement and court records - March 27

District Court, Judge Manley presiding

Births - March 27

Sundown Red Blanket Wilson

ACA forum urges action

PABLO — In the midst of the complicated Affordable Care Act and the approaching sign-up deadline, legislators are urging Flathead Reservation residents to take action.

Prep track and field preview

Prep tennis preview

Activists target Ronan fur farm

RONAN — A local fur farm was the target of vandalism from animal right’s advocates earlier this month, when masked suspects trespassed on the property and destroyed breeding records.

Biological station retrieves missing equipment from lake

BLUE BAY — Last week, FLBS personnel retrieved our Flathead Lake research buoys for repairs, maintenance and calibration.

Chiefs' Woll asked not to return to sideline

RONAN — Steve Woll will not be returning as Ronan’s boys basketball coach next season.

Sheriff's office dismisses deputy

Mack Days update, Week 2

FLATHEAD LAKE — Spring Mack Days fishing boats were covered in ice for much of the second weekend of the 2014 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event.

2013-14 basketball all-state and all-conference teams

Local Bowling Results

John Barrows

John Barrows, 67, of Polson, passed away at Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Saturday, March 15, 2014.  A memorial service for John will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 22 at Grogan Funeral Home.

Neil W. Easter

Neil W. Easter, 75, passed away on Sunday, March 16, at the home of his son in Missoula after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

The last best column

An editor's farewell

In sad news, this is the final issue of the Leader that I’ll contribute to.

Carol Sims

Long time area resident Carol Sims passed away Jan. 28. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 22 at 12:00 noon, at Journey Be church in Polson (101-7th Ave. W). Lunch to follow.

Henry Homer Seibert

Henry Homer Seibert died at Kalispell Regional Hospital on Sunday, March 9, 2014, from natural causes. Henry was born on Sept. 13, 1962, in Ronan to H. Homer and Anita R. Seibert.

Right from the starch

In 1982, two young seniors at Montana State University started dating. They had known of each other growing up in the Mission Valley, she in Bigfork and he on the family farm outside of Pablo, but it wasn’t until college that they officially met. The next year, Roger and Kathy Starkel would get married and begin their life and business together.

About that St. Pat legend

Legend has it that St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland.

Area softball teams look to extend success

For most of the past 15 years, softball has been the calling card of Lake County athletics. Last year was no exception, as Polson and Ronan each reached their respective state championship games. The county’s three teams, by all accounts, will again be at the top of the class in the state of Montana.

Robert H. “Bob” Strong

Robert H. “Bob” Strong, age 98, passed away on December 16, 2013 at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson. Memorial services for Bob will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. at the New Life Christian Center, 1414 2nd Street West in Polson.

Senior News - March 20

Polson

Letters to the editor - March 20

About that Senate seat…

Law enforcement and court records - March 20

Judge Manley presiding

Communtiy Calendar - March 20

ACA in Indian Country

Ronan golf sets sights on states

Coach Matt Olson couldn’t have been more excited on Monday, Ronan’s golf team’s first day of practice for the 2014 season. Olson had 28 kids turn out for his team.

Area high schoolers warned of DUI danger

POLSON - It’s hard to imagine a drunk driver responsible for killing two people befriending a young man who had his bright future forever altered as a passenger in a separate DUI crash.

Tribes sue over reservation water rights

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have filed a lawsuit in federal court that seeks to claim tribal ownership of water and water rights on the Flathead Reservation.

Hammer attack victim dies

Lake County prosecutors to amend charges, add deliberate homicide

POLSON — Desmond Alan Mackay was originally charged with attempted deliberate homicide and two counts of assault with a weapon following an attack with a hammer earlier this month. Now, in light of the victim’s death, Lake County prosecutors are seeking to amend the charges to include deliberate homicide.

Locals to play in Billings all-star tourneys

BILLINGS — Four Lake County athletes will compete in this weekend’s Treasure State Classic and Billings Hotel Senior Classic, statewide all-star basketball tournaments.

Little Guy Wrestling Results

Mission police chief injured in dog attack

ST. IGNATIUS ?— St. Ignatius police chief Jeffrey Ferguson has been sidelined from work for at least a week as he recovers from a dog attack last Thursday.

Pablo standoff ends peacefully

PABLO — A standoff with a gunman ended peacefully last week in Pablo.

Mission Ronan child found safe and sound

RONAN — A story that could have been a tragedy, ended with happily with a collective sigh of relief. A 3-year-old child went missing in the Ronan area Sunday morning around 11:35 a.m., but was found shortly before 2 p.m. in good condition after he had been out walking with a dog.

Suspended detention officer returns to work

POLSON — The Lake County detention officer placed on administrative leave last week is happily back to work, Lake County Undersheriff Dan Yonkin said Tuesday.

Mack Days Update - Week 1

Spring Mack Days Fishing Events are sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks and are used as a tool to reduce numbers of non-native lake trout in Flathead Lake. Up to $150,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the hard working lake trout anglers at the end of the event on May 18th. There are four hundred and sixty registered anglers signed up for the event. Registrations will continue until the last day. There is no entry fee to register and all it takes is one fish to win in the lottery style drawing with prizes beginning at $1,000 and going down to $200. There are a $10,000, two $5,000, and five $1,000-tagged lake trout plus over 5,000 fish with values from $100-$500. Increasing numbers of native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout is the goal and the reason for the events. The native fish were once the dominant fish of the lake. Native fish are an important part of the fishing heritage of the tribes and the state Montana.

Locals try out curling in Missoula

MISSOULA — Three carloads of local residents travelled to the Glacier Ice Rink in Missoula recently to try their hands at the sport of curling.

George Michael Herak

George Michael Herak, 66, was born in Missoula on June 14, 1947, to Nick and Viola (Sullivan) Herak of Charlo. He died peacefully in his sleep on March 8, 2014, in Butte attended by loving family.

?Judy R. McDonald

Judy R. McDonald, the true matriarch of the McDonald family, passed away to begin the next phase of her journey in the early evening of March 2, 2014. Lying beside her was her loving husband Pat and her two devoted dachshunds, Otis and EmmyLou. Her three daughters and numerous grandchildren were also by her side.

Anne Marie Semsak

Anne Marie Semsak passed away early Friday morning, March 7, 2014, in St. James Healthcare.  Anne Marie was born on March 2, 1938 in Butte, Mont., the daughter of Ralph Albert and Monica Catherine (Prendergast) Olsen.

UGF-bound Malatare ready for next step

Whitney Malatare has spent her last four basketball seasons bringing the ball upcourt for Arlee.

Barta, Pennington among MSU honorees

Area natives are two of 40 top seniors recognized at 32nd annual Awards for Excellence banquet

BOZEMAN — Two Mission Valley natives were honored by Montana State University on Feb. 18 at the school’s 32nd annual Awards for Excellence banquet.

Top flight

Polson's Keith Urbach reflects on flying first ladies, vice presidents in distinguished Air Force career

We all have our pressure-filled days at work. Keith Urbach can certainly relate.

With the rapid snow melt lately, are you experiencing any flooding on your property or in your home?

Grace Eleanor (Larson) Shildmyer

Grace Eleanor (Larson) Shildmyer, 95, died on March 6, 2014 in Poulsbo, Wash.  Her parents were Lars and Olga Larson of Polson and her siblings were Thena, Mabel, Lee, Clifford, and Helen.  Grace, an artist, was married to Charles Shildmyer with whom she raised three children, Charlene, Greg, Gaia, in Bremerton, Wash.  She had very fond memories of her youth in Polson and visited friends and family there regularly over the years.

Ruth (Snow) McCollum

Ruth (Snow) McCollum passed away peacefully of natural causes on March 4, 2014. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Croxfords Funeral Home of Great Falls. Visitation and rosary is Sunday at Croxfords Funeral Home, funeral service is Monday at St. Ann’s, times to be announced.

Senior News - March 13

Ronan

Law enoforcement and court records - March 13

Judge Manley presiding

Community Calendar - March 13

Affordable Care Act explained

Births - March 13

Shania Rose-Marie Felsman

School moves forward with bond

Polson High School will receive a visible makeover this summer thanks to over $2 million raised from a bond levy passed last year.

Senate committee holds hearings on tribal education

Last week the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held the first of several hearings to examine the critical state of education in Indian Country.

Counting sheep

Officials round up 61 bighorns from Wild Horse Island

BIG ARM — The still winter air was whipped into windy chaos as a helicopter roared toward the ground at Big Arm State Park last Wednesday.

The slipper doesn't fit

Polson's Cinderella run ends Saturday at Class A state tournament in Great Falls

GREAT FALLS — The clock had already struck midnight for Polson’s Cinderella dream by Friday.

Candidates file for Lake County elections

The filing deadline for upcoming Lake County elections passed on Monday, and listed below are the individuals whose names will be appearing on the ballot.

CSKT announces start of spring Mack Days

The 2014 Spring Mack Days will begin March 14. We are looking forward to a great spring event. Go to the www.mackdays.com website for information-fishing tips, entry forms, videos, boat safety, weather information, fish ID, etc., and updates during the event.

Polson Middle to send wrestlers to nationals

The Polson Middle School wrestling team finished in third place at the State Middle School Tournament held at Fergus County High School in Lewistown on Saturday, March 8.

Local Bowling Results

Sheila Alice Mather

Mom, aka Sheila Alice Mather, left ‘when the old man from the sky called her home.’  She left us on a beautiful winter day, complete with snowflakes falling from the sky that pillowed in wait of spring birth.   Mom was loved and cherished by so many.  She  would often referred to herself as a gypsy, unable to stay in one spot too long.  Her paths wandered here and there through the states but she knew every nook of Montana. There were few trails left unexplored.  People were drawn to her, so there were no strangers in her life.  They drew energy from her and she from the Mountains.  We loved hearing about her travels, people and conquers. These stories will last for generations.

Lance Arthur Johnson

Lance Arthur Johnson was born in Polson on Jan. 9, 1967 and traveled on to be with his Lord and Savior on March 1. He was 47 years old. Lance attended schools in Toledo, Wash., Centralia, Wash., Fair-Mont-Egan, Creston, Polson and Ronan schools. He chose to follow in his dad’s footsteps in heavy equipment in the gold mines, oil fields, and road construction. While employed with Brown and Root, he met the love of his life, Debbie Fox, daughter of Delroy and Evelyn Fox of Mesquite, Nev. They were married in November 1990, and begat the other love of his life, daughter Shae Lynn, age 17. They resided in Cedar City, Utah. Lance was an avid sports fan and in high school he played football, track and field, wrestling and rodeo. As a young man he added crossbow archery, skeet, pool, darts, skiing, skating, both ice and roller. He was an avid sportsman who fished and hunted, hiked and camped. He was a gifted craftsman in Native Arts and was a wonderful storyteller. Lance passed his love of life on to his daughter, Shae, who is involved in martial arts, soccer, basketball and volleyball. Lance enjoyed his Native American and Norwegian roots. We joked that Mom made both frybread and lefse. His laughter, loyalty, and service to others will forever live in the hearts of friends and family. Lance was preceded in death by grandparents, Basil and Vi DuCharme, Ole and Mae Johnson, his niece, Rochelle Normandeau, sister-in-law Josie Fox, Uncle Gary Ducharme and Aunt Nadine Couture and close cousins Scott Johnson and Cody Conrad. He is survived by his parents Art and Donna Johnson of Hawthorne, Nev., and Myrna DuCharme-Johnson, of Polson and siblings: Deborah Johnson, Hawthorne, Nev., Tracey Normandeau, Keith and Jerrod Johnson of Polson; brothers-in-law Doug (Sandi), and Rod; Evelyn and Delroy Fox, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he adored. Services will be held on Thursday, March 6 at 4 p.m. at JourneyBe Church in Polson, and at Cedar City Lutheran Church, Utah on Saturday, March 8.

George Earl Brooks

George Earl Brooks, 91, died peacefully on Friday, Jan. 24, 2014 surrounded by his loved ones. Those who knew Earl remember well his solid work ethic, service to others, high standards, honesty, loyalty, frugality, his ability to grow a beautiful garden, always wearing his black Muck boots and his coveralls, and of course, his great cooking. He could cook any meat, especially turkey to perfection. He was even known to teach a few classes to women on how to cook a turkey.

Doris June (Huston) Scott

Doris June (Huston) Scott, 81, of Pablo, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 23, at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan. Born June 18, 1932 to Stephen Albert Huston and Dora Belle Fox in Everett, Wash., she moved to Montana at a very young age and grew up in the Bigfork and Creston area. Doris married Clayton Allan Scott on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1950 in Kalispell. They later moved to Pablo, where Clayton worked for the state of Montana as a horticultural inspector. Doris worked at the Hanson and Granley Hardware store in Ronan for many years.

Cindy Ellman Martinez

Cindy Ellman Martinez, age 57, passed away on Feb. 21, 2014 at her residence in Kalispell. She is survived by her daughter, Brittany Ellman Lilley.

Francie Marie Dailey

On the morning of Feb. 18, 2014, Francie Marie Dailey passed away after a battle with Early On-Set Alzheimer’s, in the company of her husband Bob and sister Julie at St. Luke Hospital, Ronan.

Cindy Mikesell

Cindy Mikesell stepped from our door to begin new adventures on Monday, Feb. 17, 2014. We wish she had more time with us but her bags were packed with old memories and dreams. Missed will be her soft caresses, the brush of hand, the look that was given with a smile or frown. There is a light as long as those of us who knew and loved her draw strength from her memory. Our paths will meet again for this is a journey we all must take.

EDITORIAL: It makes snow sense

I remember watching a family cross-country ski down the street and I remember trudging a mile in the snow with my bag to get home. I remember businesses being closed and the appointment for my taxes being cancelled.

EDITORIAL: Take heart

It was just like any ordinary day. He went in for a haircut and then Mike and a family friend were heading to the dump to drop off the last load of garbage and compost. Mike wasn’t feeling well. He was nauseous and sore.  As he unloaded the bags from the back of the pick-up truck, he struggled more than normal.  A sign of getting older, he thought.

Among other things: Will winter strike out?

Winter is about to strike out! It has to – baseball season starts soon.

Senior News - March 6

Ronan

Letters to the editor - March 6

‘Sochi’ Dogs in Mission Valley

Letters to the editor - Feb. 27

Thank you for continued support

Law enforcement and court records - March 6

*The following took place on Feb. 26.

Law enforcement and court records - Feb. 27

District Court, Judge Manley presiding

Community Calendar - March 6

Affordable Care Act explained

Births - March 6

Riona Irene Irvine

Births - Feb.27

Catlyn Eileen Marquardt

Man arrested after alleged hammer attack

On Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at approximately 7:11 p.m. Lake County Dispatch received a 911 call of a disturbance in progress in the alley behind 509 4

Doris Jean Bidgood Davis

Doris Jean Bidgood Davis, 77, formerly of Lake County, passed away on Feb. 28. of natural causes.  Doris resided in Kalispell, and worked in social services. Services pending until spring. Doris is survived by son John Davis, and daughter Yvonne Prichard,  both of Columbia Falls.

All-star game rosters announced

Rosters were announced for the 19th Annual Mission Valley All-Star Basketball Game, to be played Thursday, March 25 at Salish Kootenai College.

Pirates prepare for state tourney

It’s just one of those years, it seems, in Montana Class A basketball.

Local Bowling Results

OFF THE MARK: Thoughts on the Winter Olympics

There’s just something about the Winter Olympics.

Pablo to play for Dawson

RONAN — Ronan senior Ryan Pablo has committed to continue his baseball career at Dawson Community College come fall.

Tribes announce new license, permit system to begin March 1

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation announce the availability of Hunting, Fishing and Recreation Regulations for the 2014-2015 license season. The new license season begins March 1, 2014.

Senators visit SKC

PABLO — Salish Kootenai College (SKC) welcomed Montana’s senatorial delegation last weekend, as U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and his newly-appointed colleague, Sen. John Walsh, paid a visit to campus to meet with students, educators and administrators.

Clinic partnership may be in question

St. Luke officials weigh joint agreement

POLSON — Amid confusion, officials from both St. Luke Community Healthcare and Kalispell Regional Medical Center assure Lake County residents that they are still working in tandem to realize a new primary care clinic in Polson.

Two hurt in Jette crash

POLSON — Emergency responders were dispatched for a two-vehicle crash around 9:29 a.m. Tuesday. When they arrived on scene, they were in for a shock.

Shooting superstar heads for Emirates

One failure was all the motivation Michael Taylor needed to become one of the United States’ premier sporting clays shooters.