Ellington

Unexpected visitor accused of burglary

POLSON – Kasey Allen Pier was probably not thinking about the consequences when he helped himself through the front door of a couple’s house, locked it and proceeded to beat up a man, then left.

Sting eliminated from state soccer playoffs

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

At Bozeman this past Friday in a consolation round game of the MCAA State soccer tournament, the MVCA Sting battled valiantly against the Heritage  Christian School Hawks of Bozeman, but were eliminated from postseason contention by the score of 8-4.  The HCS Hawks scored first in the early going, but MVCA was able to respond by netting the equalizer when Jake Windauer took a feed from Nick Windauer to knot the score at 1 apiece.

Drums and stories

RONAN LIBRARY STORYTIME

Brandon and his daughters Lyla, 5, and Alia, 2, have fun painting during the Ronan Library’s weekly Storytime on Thursday. “I painted last night, I like to paint a lot of stuff,” Lyla said. Her and her sister want to dress up as ponies for Halloween. Right above and below: the library’s Andrea Dunn reads Jungle Drums and helps the children make drums. Below: Gabriella, 3,  finishes a drum. She liked the funny animals, and wants to dress up as a lady bug for Halloween.

Warriors fall in battle of the unbeatens

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Flint Creek 46, Arlee 16

Crucial cross-county conference clash

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Ronan 3, St. Ignatius 0

Senior so longs

Polson and Ronan high schools said so long to their senior football players in two separate ceremonies Friday night. Both teams missed the playoffs so for most of these young men, it was the last time they will play football.

County claims 2 All-State XC runners

At Helena this past Saturday. the cross-country teams from all classifications wrapped up their Fall season with the State meet held at the Bill Roberts Golf Course.  

Irrigators adopt new negotiation strategy

WATER COMPACT

ST. IGNATIUS – The FJBC commissioners, facing a closed door, chose to open another.

It was debatable

Ronan, Polson debate teams square off

High School teams from Western Montana gathered Saturday at Polson high and middle schools for a classic speech and debate competition dubbed the Piratepalooza Speech and Drama Meet. Among them were Polson's Haley ‘Zucchinni’ Kendley, Ghanima des Lions, Geneva des Lions, Cheyenne O’Connor, Captain Kania ‘Queen’ Smith, Jordan Broussard, Riley Berlin and Jordan Croft.

DUI leads to potential loss of children

LAKE COUNTY – Michaelanne Goen will not lose contact with her two young girls, even though she plead guilty to felony child endangerment in July.

Growl-O-Ween was a howl

Murdoch’s hosted its first Growl-O-Ween by inviting customers to bring out costumed pet for a contest Saturday. Assistant Store Manager Marc Robitaille encourages any pet of any kind - horse, pig, sheep, goat, llama, guinea pig, cat or dog. He said one store had camels. The winner of the contest receives a gift card and consolations prizes include pet beds and other small gifts.  The annual event drew 25 entries.

Frankenstein to visit Polson

Our autumn show this year is “Frankenstein.” I’m hoping you can run the following “who what and where” information as a  cutline for the photo in the upcoming Leader and perhaps run the short (I feel) very interesting history and story of this classic piece of literature.  We certainly have the cast to pull it off! Thanks for your attention to this! -Karen

Lake County Jail Roster

(As of Oct. 27)

Lake County District Court

From the bench of Lake County District Court Judge Deborah Kim Christopher, Oct. 23

2014 Fall Mack Days-5th Weekend produces mother of all fish stories: Gauci lives fisherman's dream

FLATHEAD LAKE –  A lake trout with a tag valued at $10,000 was caught by Felix Gauci on Oct. 25 and was the cause for lots of excitement in the 2014 Fall Mack Days Fishing Event during the fifth weekend of the event.

Obituaries, Oct. 30, 2014

Elsa Ruth

Court records tell tale of accident and desperation in death of 3-year-old boy

RONAN – Emergency dispatchers received a 911 call at about 8:22 p.m. Oct. 22. A three-year-old boy lay dying in a car that was speeding toward St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.

Attention all money lovers; a fake may foil you

POLSON – Anyone who likes money needs to watch out for counterfeit $20 bills circulating in Polson, said Polson Police Detective Michelle Scott.

Bail set at $100,000 in shooting death of 3-year-old

LAKE COUNTY – A judge set Galen Hawk's bond today at $100,000 in a shooting death of a 3-year-old boy that occurred Oct. 22. Hawk, 26 of St. Ignatius, is charged with felony negligent homicide.

Lake County 3-year-old shot to death

RONAN (AP) — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a 3-year-old boy died of a gunshot wound suffered at a residence in the Ninepipes area between Ronan and St. Ignatius.

Jessie needs a facelift in Yellow Bay

YELLOW BAY – The Jessie B zipped out from Yellow Bay, headed for the deepest point in Flathead Lake. An ominous black cloud poured out of the boat’s exhaust, trailing behind the Flathead Lake Biological Station’s primary research vessel.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR through Oct. 29

THURSDAY. OCT. 23

LAKE COUNTY SENIOR NEWS

RONAN

Ronan High School Volleyball Senior Night

Charlo claims 10C crown; Bucs bust broncs

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Charlo 3, Arlee 0

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER ROUNDUP

GIRLS

Arlee stays unbeaten; Ronan outlasts Mission

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Arlee 48,

Area XC teams net 6 all-conf. runners

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

CLASS A XC - NWA Polson

Irrigators irked FJBC 'redlined' out of compact

WATER COMPACT NEGOTIATIONS

POLSON – Gov. Steve Bullock and Attorney General Tim Fox recently sent letters to the Flathead Joint Board of Control asking for a position statement on the proposed Water Compact. But CSKT officials red-lined every mention of the board from the Oct. 13 Draft Water Use Agreement.

Tribal leaders walk out

WATER COMPACT NEGOTIATIONS

POLSON – Some Mission Valley irrigators threatened to file lawsuits after Tribal Council members abruptly walked out of a Water Compact public hearing here Oct. 15.

Group wants PEACE in Polson

POLSON – Prevention and Education of Abuse in Christian Environments is a new organization in Polson and we will be hosting a fundraiser this month.

Dusty files: Politics and the Polsons

I’ve had enough politics for a long while, but I wish someone could help dig up as much information about the Polsons as they do about their opposing candidates. In this case, I’m sure it would be positive as with 3 years of digging, I haven’t found an unkind word about the Polson family.

Take a photo, pay a fee

LAKE COUNTY – Tourists and residents throughout the valley are hesitating before capturing a moment with photography.

Gypsy Ray new community development executive

RONAN – Gypsy Ray has been named as the Executive Director at Lake County Community Development Corporation in Ronan to succeed longtime leader of the Organization, Billie Lee who will be retiring this winter.

POLSON LIBRARY: Women in Montana

The North Lake County Public Library in Polson is hosting a 5-panel traveling exhibit which chronicles the civic political history of women in Montana.

Arlee alums planning reunion

Arlee High School graduates from 1965 are planning a reunion for the summer of 2015 in Arlee. As preparations begin, organizers would like to hear from other graduates between 1964 and 1969. Dates have not been set but tentatively the weekend of June 27-28 is being considered.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Through Oct. 22

THURSDAY. OCT. 16

County kids advance to PPK regional

Nearly 100 boys and girls ages 6-15 participated at the Western Montana Sectional competition of the NFL Punt Pass & Kick program held Oct. 5 in Missoula.

Polson girls run to second place

HIGH SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY

At Helena Thursday, the Polson cross-country teams competed at the Capital City 7 on 7 races which pit runners who are seeded according to stratification against a number of other schools that cross multiple classifications.

Scarlets put bite on Lady 'Dawgs, 3-1

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER ROUNDUP

St. Regis 3, Arlee 0

Warriors win cross-valley showdown, 42-22

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

ARLEE – The high-scoring shootout didn’t materialize in the spirited contest as host Warriors remained undefeated and gained some separation in the standings over visiting cross-valley rival Charlo in this Western C showdown.

Wanted man: Lerhrke arrested in Washington

POLSON – Thanks to publicity and attentive citizens, suspected check thief Asa Alan Lerhrke sits in prison.

Charlo Homecoming showcases community celebration

Charlo High School supporters celebrated homecoming recently.

Little Cherries make for cheery children

Cherry Valley Elementary School hosts Little Cherries learning time every Friday. The program is parent-involved for kids ages 2 to 5.

It's just super: Polson schools' 'Big Three'

In case you haven’t noticed, our world is changing dramatically and the landscape of future jobs that will be available to our children is also dramatically changing. The world of work in the future will demand 21st Century Skills beyond the routine and manual skills found among assembly line workers, waiters, maids or janitors. We have evolved as a society to “knowledge based” work where the jobs of the future will demand that workers innovate to meet needs and solve problems and be expected to participate in a global society.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Oct. 16

Thanks the Leader

Raptors in rafters

Almost 600 students from Cherry Valley and Linderman elementary schools recently enjoyed a presentation about hunting birds known as raptors at the Linderman auditorium. Katie Davis, far left, shows off an owl to students and educators rapt in awe. Davis, from Stevensville area, founded Raptors of the Rockies in 1988 and tours schools teaching students about the magnificent birds of prey. The Parent and Teacher Organization paid for the presentation.

Females particularly vulnerable to cyberbullies

LAKE COUNTY – Cyberbullies hurt people everywhere. In Elmo, Big Arm, Polson, Pablo, Ronan, St. Ignatius, Charlo and Arlee, bullies open their mouths and hurl hatred, squint their eyes and throw dirty looks at their next victim.

Town faces rising crime, rising taxes

ST. IGNATIUS

ST. IGNATIUS – Town officials and officers believe the skate park built six years ago in an effort to offer children a safe environment to play is overridden with gang-like activities.

Scarlet fever

Arlee High School celebrated homecoming with a spirit week, homecoming parade, game and halftime crowning ceremonies Friday.

SKC Bison basketball begins Oct. 19

BISON HUNT

It's just super: Polson schools' 'Big Three'

In case you haven’t noticed, our world is changing dramatically and the landscape of future jobs that will be available to our children is also dramatically changing. The world of work in the future will demand 21st Century Skills beyond the routine and manual skills found among assembly line workers, waiters, maids or janitors. We have evolved as a society to “knowledge based” work where the jobs of the future will demand that workers innovate to meet needs and solve problems and be expected to participate in a global society.

Groups try to give victims safe harbor

LAKE COUNTY – When a person become the victim of crime, he or she is scarred forever. But there is help.  Safe Harbor in Ronan offers sexually or violently abused women a chance to heal. Along with its 24-hour hotline (406-676-0800), Safe Harbor has an emergency shelter, counseling, support groups and educational opportunities for women and their children, said Safe Harbor’s Jolene Schmitz, legal assistant and court liaison crime victim advocate.

Business teeming in Lake County

LAKE COUNTY – The holiday season will be just a little nicer in Lake County this year thanks to the teeming business environment.

Failed fumbler fears fleeing

ROLLINS – It appears alleged burglar Cole J. Johnson was more afraid of the neighbor holding a loaded gun on him than he was of the four cops who showed up to arrest him.

Dusty files: Politics and the Polsons

I’ve had enough politics for a long while, but I wish someone could help dig up as much information about the Polsons as they do about their opposing candidates. In this case, I’m sure it would be positive as with 3 years of digging, I haven’t found an unkind word about the Polson family.

Letters to the Editor

Thanks the Leader

Historical Society president resigns

LAKE COUNTY – With a deep sense of appreciation and honor after serving for over 16 years, Flathead Reservation Area Historical Society, President Joyce Decker Wegner is resigning her office and membership on the Board. With the two-volume Lake County School History completed, sales in good shape, and archiving proceeding well, this retired Lake County Superintendent of Schools turns over her historical office at the upcoming Tuesday, Oct. 21, Annual Meeting.

Lake county Sheriff's deputies share Sole with kids

LAKE COUNTY – Do officers really get free donuts?

Public input requested on pheasant management plan

Tribal Wildlife Management Program and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Requesting Public Input on Pheasant and Gray Partridge Management

Group wants PEACE in Polson

POLSON – Prevention and Education of Abuse in Christian Environments is a new organization in Polson and we will be hosting a fundraiser this month.

Kids take trip to UM for hands-on science lesson

ST. IGNATIUS – Hands-on science and technology was on the agenda for Glacier Lake School students this week.

Volunteers spend day teaching kids fire safety

POLSON – Volunteer firefighters spent their mornings this week showing elementary school kids how to get safe in a house fire.

Montana Youth deer hunt this weekend

Montana’s annual youth-only deer hunt is set for Oct. 16-17.

Town faces rising crime, rising taxes

ST. IGNATIUS – Town officials and officers believe the skate park built six years ago in an effort to offer children a safe environment to play is overridden with gang-like activities.

Community Calendar

THURSDAY. OCT. 16

Mission Valley Aquatics coach, director resign

A Mission Valley Aquatics official confirmed that Mark and Dana Johnston resigned their positions today, and the board of directors accepted it.

Templar follows her Native Spirit in business

By Michelle Lovato

Board forges on without attorney

ST. IGNATIUS – Jon Metropoulos, Flathead Joint Board of Control attorney for over 20 years, dramatically submitted his resignation, leaving commissioners and irrigators in a state of shock and growing concern with the continued movement forward.

Net knows naught numbers or ties that bind

HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER

PREP Boys SOCCER

Charlo battles past St. Ignatius

HIGH SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL

Charlo 3, St. Ignatius 1

Marquardt starting for Williston

MISSOULA – Polson grad Tina Marquardt, who played third base for Polson through 2013, played first base for Williston State College at the Griz Fall Classic at the Frenchtown on Saturday.

County XC teams are on the run

John Heglie

Arlee gridders remain undefeated

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Whitefish 28, Polson 0

Cops on hunt for alleged check thief

By Michelle Lovato

MT judge explains: Why all the DUIs?

First question for the new column:

Obituaries

OBITUARIES

Michel Jr. mis-identified

POLSON – Last week, the Leader erroneously published a photo of Randall Joe Michel Sr., when it was supposed to print the photo of Randall Joe Michel Jr.

Polson posts two all-state golfers

At Hamilton this past weekend, the Fall golf season concluded with the State A tournament held at the Hamilton Golf Club. As anticipated, the home course advantage proved to be and edge for the Hamilton team as they took the boys title by ten strokes over second place Billings Central. Polson tied for sixth place. Among the finishes was an all-state performance by freshman Carson McDaniel, who placed tenth although his 162 score tied him with two others. Senior Reno Lindesmith just missed an all-state acknowledgement by a measly three strokes. The future looks fairly bright for the Polson boys team with McDaniel part of their roster for the next trio of seasons.

Teaching survival to the fittest

ROCK CREEK – Milo Crooks’ voice echoed through the Rock Camp Saturday afternoon calling his dad to come and watch him brave one survival activity after another.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Through Oct. 15

THURSDAY, OCT. 9

Great pumpkins and giant bear spray fill Saturday event

POLSON – Emmet May wandered around the Murdock’s parking lot with a twinkle in his eye. This year, May, of Polson, had multiple pumpkins on display as well as a few giant tomatoes he grew in his garden.

Polson police auction bikes to raise money

By Michelle Lovato

Lake County Jail Roster

Goulet, Joshua

Should the CSKT replace the estimated $1.3 million annually that goes to Lake and Flathead counties and the Polson School District when the tribes take over the Kerr Dam?

Ronan man on probation dies in rear-end accident Sept. 23

RONAN – Andre Dullinger, a 25 year-old Ronan man, died after he slammed his car into the back of a commercial potato-hauling truck, at about 5:15 p.m., Sept. 23.

SKC awarded 386,882 for healthcare

LAKE COUNTY – The U.S. Department of Labor awarded Salish Kootnai College $386,882 Sept. 29 to prepare students for high-paying healthcare jobs across the state.

These students are in the hunt for safety

ST. IGNATIUS – Now that she’s done her safety training, and showed off her skills to the boys, 11-year-old Morgan Shepherd can’t wait to go hunting with her dad.

Students have a gold initiative

ST. IGNATIUS SCHOOLS

ST. IGNATIUS – The voice of the students matters at St. Ignatius High School and it could lead to a golden reward.

New chief is on a mission

ST. IGNATIUS – In the wake of Jeffrey Ferguson’s June 3 resignation, St. Ignatius Town Council members selected seasoned cop Charles P. Kuczynski as chief of police for a town struggling with escalating, and irritating, misdemeanor crime.

Forensic findings on frozen burger barn burglary might melt Michel

POLSON – Randall Joe Michel Jr. Jr. crept into a Polson man’s home while he was sleeping and stole three rifles, a large quantity of ammo, computer equipment, cash, pills, liquor, and a variety of backpacks, according to Lake County court records.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Through Oct. 8

THURSDAY, OCT. 2

Obituaries

James (Jim) Edgar Foley died on March 11, 2014 in New Braunfels, Texas at the age of 77. Jim was born in Helena, Mont. on September 11, 1936 to Patrick and Bonnie (King) Foley. Jim spent his childhood and attended school in Polson.

Bicycling turning wheels of business in Montana

LAKE COUNTY – The wheels of joy are spinning for bicycle lovers in Montana. Studies show that more people in Montana are using bikes for transportation and pleasure. And that is good news for local businesses and tourism agencies, said Carol Beck-Edgar of the Flathead Convention and Visitor Bureau in Big Fork.

Lake County Jail Roster

Scheeler, Valentine Raymond

Lake County District Court

From the bench of Judge James A. Manley Sept. 24