Ellington

Participate in National Day of Prayer on May 5

I like history, particularly American history. I’m fascinated by the brave, heroic and godly men that have served this country in the office of the President of the United States. I have lived under the administration of twelve of the men honored as President of this great country. Each brought to the highest office of our land their strengths and weaknesses. Some were called upon to serve and lead when our nation faced uncertain and unrelenting peril; they did it with humility, wisdom and a deep sense of their desperate need for Divine intervention and direction.

A thank you note to Energy Keepers from the PRFB

To the Editor,

Illanna Jade Mathias

Illanna Jade Mathias was born April 18, 2016 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. Illanna was 19 and ¾ inches and weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces.

Wyatt Romeo Freeman

Wyatt Romeo Freeman was born April 17, 2016 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. Wyatt was 19 inches and weighed 6 pounds 14 ounces.

Lucky Rex Cheff

Lucky Rex Cheff was born April 13, 2016 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. He was 19 and ½ inches and weighed 7 pounds 9 ounces.

Meighla, Nettie-Jo Whealon

Adaleigh Whealon announces the birth of her sister, Meighla, Nettie-Jo Whealon.

Damien Eagle Walker Harpine

Bethany Ann Wells announces the birth of her brother, Damien Eagle Walker Harpine. Damien was born April 11, 2016 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. He was 21 inches and weighed 7 pounds 15 ounces.

Sterling James Tenney

Sterling James Tenney was born 7 pounds 10 ounces on April 14th to proud parents Tiara Salois and Johnathan Linerud of Polson. Maternal grandparents are Theresa Tenney and Douglas Tapia of Polson.

Layla Ann Marie Buccelli

Dominick Buccelli and Anastasia Hammer McClure are proud to welcome Layla Ann Marie Buccelli who was born April 15th at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. Layla weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and joins siblings Ariana and Andrea.  Paternal grandparent is Lynda Brown of Ronan.  Maternal grandparents are Terry Two Teeth and Jim Buccelli of Arlee.

Jori Arline Klein

Logan and Ashley Klein are proud to announce the arrival of Jori Arline Klein who was born April 11th at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. Jori weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces and joins sister Macy. Paternal grandparents are Kris & Debbie Klein of Polson. Maternal grandparents are Brad & Tina Forman of Polson.

Whitetop weed problem could lead to embargo on hay in county

At a recent weed board meeting, members discussed an issue threatening Lake County on both an agricultural and economic level.

Victor Pierre Barnaby Jr.

Victor Pierre Barnaby Jr. was born April 11 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.  Victor weighed 8 pounds and 14 ounces and joins siblings Kian DePaul Pablo.  Parents are Victor and Matilda of St. Ignatius.  Paternal grandparents are Lloyd Sr. and Mamie Barnaby of St. Ignatius. Maternal grandparents are Rosi and Matthew Pablo of Arlee.

Sean Edwards Wilkinson II

Sean Wilkinson and Rhealene Cook of Polson are proud to announce the arrival of their first child, Sean Edwards Wilkinson II who was born on March 8 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. Sean weighed 4 pounds 12 ounces and joins siblings Ayden, Aryia, Andrew, Christian, Talaina, Tyler and Austin. Paternal grandparents are Kathleen Edwards of St. Ignatius and Art Wilkinson of Tri City, WA. Maternal grandparents are Sally & the Late Bryan Cook of Polson.  Great-grandparent is Sally Cook of Ronan.

Juanito Javier Charlo

Juanito Javier Charlo was born April 5 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.  He weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces.  Parents are Jonathon Charlo and Erica Vigil and sibling is Benito Charlo of Pablo.

Sadie Haack

Sadie Haack passed away peacefully April 15, 2016, at the age of 87. As Dementia released its grip on her, Sadie acquired her wings and joined her husband Leonard. They are together once again. Sadie was a resident of the Pines of Mission Care facility in St Ignatius. Sadie was born in Van Hook, North Dakota on May 25, 1928, to Gilbert and Alma Peek. At the age of six her family moved to Polson.

Vivian Lucille Irwin McGeaughay

Vivian Lucille Irwin McGeaughay, age 82, passed away on Friday, April 22, 2016 at St Luke Extended Care in Ronan.  

Bell releases his first annual report

After his first full year in office, Lake County Sheriff Don Bell can look back and say with certainty that his work as the county’s top cop made a difference.

A student athlete

“I’ve always prioritized academics over my sports.”

MVP General Manager visits Republican meeting to dispel rumors

Last Wednesday Mission Valley Power’s General Manager Jean Matt addressed the Lake County Republican Women’s Club. During the presentation, Matt answered many questions regarding Mission Valley Power and addressed rumors that are circulating about the price of electricity going up.

Local athletes hold top ten all-class times and marks

Well into the spring track season, many local athletes are leading their respective classes in the best times and distances. Many of those marks were made just this past weekend. Among those were by Polson’s Mariah Corrigan, who threw the javelin 133-5 feet to set the standard for Class A girls. Along with having the best mark in Class A by over five feet, she also ranks fifth throughout all classes.

Polson High School band receives high marks

Over 20 Polson student musical pieces ranked excellent or superior at the music festival a few weeks ago. Among the excellent ratings were the Polson Symphonic band, the concert band, nine ensembles, and six individual solos. Among those soloists were Olivia Hewston on the piano, Naima Crowl on the piano and the flute, Sierra Garcia on the trombone, Marita Growing Thunder on the trombone, and Warren Wood in a horn solo.

Linderman second graders get smile for sealants

Local dental professionals help prevent tooth decay

Hundreds of elementary children saw a dentist at school last week thanks to the efforts a charity, Salish Kootenai College and local dental professionals.

Runkel pleads guilty to lesser charge on assault case

Kyler M. Runkel, 21, of Ronan pleaded guilty to felony criminal endangerment, a reduced felony offense to his original charge of sexual assault of 13-year-old girl.

Traffic stop nets large drug bust

Lake County’s law enforcement community worked together to bring Angela Evans to court.

Lake County Justice Court

From the bench of Randal Owens:

Lake County District Court

Ronan athletes clean up town

Last Wednesday, student athletes at Ronan High School took a break from their daily practices to spend some time giving back to their community. In the school’s second year participating in a spring clean up day, athletes from track, softball, and tennis split up into groups to pick up trash around Ronan. For an hour and a half, the athletes walked the streets, cleaning as they went. By 5:30 that evening, an entire pickup full of garbage bags was filled up. Afterwards, the kids were treated to Stageline pizza.

Bullock visits schools in Pablo and Arlee

Pablo Elementary students gathered in full force Wednesday, April 20 to listen to Governor Bullock and Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau talk about the importance of graduation. Then they marched through Pablo to celebrate their commitment to graduate high school.

Pablo Elementary parades for graduation

Arlee holds first community-wide Earth Day celebration

Arlee kids and community members celebrated Earth Day last Friday with a slew of events around the town.

FJBC elections to continue as planned

Thursday’s Flathead Joint Board of Control (FJBC) meeting ended with a vote to cancel the upcoming election.

Representative Olszewski discusses state's stance on refugees

Ronan girls take second in two more tournaments

The Ronan golf team had two tournaments this past week. On Thursday, they traveled to Anaconda. In that meet, the Maidens took second place behind Three Forks. Leading the team was Kaitlyn Woirhaye, who shot a 103 to finish in the top ten. Both Brooklyn Olson and Lauryn Hales shot a 109 to tie for 17th place. Heather Pospishil came in at 20th with a 113.

Mariners get started season in Eureka

The Mission Valley Mariners got their season started this past weekend in Eureka.

Giving back

Can you imagine what would happen if everyone gave back to the world just a little bit?

Special Olympians show off skills at regional competition

The Polson Pirates Special Olympics team has been working hard the past few months to prepare for their spring games. Below are the results from their games this past weekend.

Tennis teams continue to improve

Last Tuesday, the Mission boys tennis team made a statement, defeating Loyola 5-0. Wins came from Nate Doll, Tim Van Elst, and Andrew Esslinger in singles. Doll and Esslinger also teamed up to defeat Loyola in a doubles match.

Polson's Lamphere named a winner of SAT Challenge

Fifty-four Montana seventh and eighth graders were honored at the annual Spring AGATE Conference in Great Falls on Friday, April 15, at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Arlee girls' track team wins Dave Tripp meet

This past week, the Polson track team had some great individual performances.

Ronan girls win home meet

Last Tuesday, the Ronan golf team held their home meet at the Mission Mountain Golf Course. The girls’ team had a great day, winning by 11 over Thompson Falls. Brooklyn Olson led the team, shooting a 94. Teammate Kaitlyn Woirhaye came in right behind her with a 96. A few shots back was Lauryn Hales, who came in ninth with a 107.

MAC, Ronan, Polson get big wins

MAC

Tennis team competes well in Cut Bank

The Polson tennis team traveled to Cut Bank last weekend to take on a few teams from the eastern side of the state. The Pirates held their own against their opponents.

Local student musicians do well at district musical festival; move on to state

Local musicians had their district musical festival this past weekend.

Two Eagle students look for invasive species

On Monday, 12 Two Eagle River students came to Polson to learn about invasive species, including mussels. Afterward, they spent over an hour scouring the beaches near Elmo, Blue Bay, and Salish Point, looking for these mussels.

PRFD making life easier for victims

Energy Keepers donation buys new life for PRFD

Polson Rural Firefighters got the chance to show off their brand new battery-operated “Jaws of Life Hurst” equipment during a demonstration in Polson Tuesday. 

Bear season begins in Lake County

Residents and visitors can do a lot to protect grizzly and black bears from extinction in Lake County while they also protect themselves.

County Commissioners approve dispatch center change

The Lake County Commissioners voted unanimously to separate the county’s Emergency Dispatch Center from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office April 12 despite the opposition of Sheriff Don Bell.

Two people seriously injured in Pablo accident

Two people were seriously injured after driving into a signal light pole head on April 13.

Lake County Justice Court

Lake County District Court

Bees Making Their Way Back to Lake County

The old saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” And while it’s true that flowers need their water, what is often forgotten in that mix is the humble honey bee. 

Commissioners oppose refugees resettling in county

The Lake County Commisioners Office sent a letter to Anne C. Richard, Assistant Secretary of Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration at the U.S. Department of State with its official stance on accepting refugees. “The Lake County Commissioners are opposed to the resettling of refugees from any country in Lake County at this time.” 

Polson Fairground Holds Annual Cowboy Ball

Polson Fairgrounds Inc. (PFI) held its Annual Cowboy Ball last Friday to raise money for general improvements and maintenance for the Polson Fairgrounds. The non-profit organization leases the fairgrounds from Lake County and maintains the buildings and grounds throughout the year. 

Early Bloomers

The spring bloom is a beautiful time in the valley with thousands of trees covered in pink and white petals and aromatic breezes joining the drafts blowing off Flathead Lake. Though it’s still early for the flower petals to be filling yards all over, signs are everywhere that it isn’t far off. 

FAA grants Ronan airport $200K

Airport officials will begin a two-year study of the Ronan airport after the Federal Aviation Administration funded a grant for the work.

Mission school district seeks $5.2 million for updates, repairs

A new bond initiative will make its way on to the ballots this May in St. Ignatius. The Mission school district is looking for money to update and repair the Mission schools.

One Stitch at a Time

Nestled against the southwestern point of the Mission Mountains at the end of a dirt road sits a small, dark blue, blocky building that looks just like a shed on any other farm. Two young dogs roam around the deep green grass, greeting any stranger as an old friend; a light wind whistles through the stands of pine on the far south end of the property.

Skatepark to hold competition

The fundraising crew at Polson Skatepark would like to invite youth skaters to their first Ankle Biters competition on April 23. This competition is open to kids 13 and under. There is no fee to compete but donations will be welcomed. Along with the competition, events will include a skateboard prize raffle and $1 hotdogs.

Polson team gains momentum after rough start to season

After a sputtering start to the season during which they were outscored 24-3 in their openers, the Lady Pirates reversed their fortunes with a five game sweep. As the offensive machinery started to hum more in tune, they outscored their opposition 61-2 last week.

Ronan teams place second, third in Bigfork tournament

The Ronan golf teams have continued to do well in competition over the last week.

Polson girls team continues to excel

The Polson teams continue to compete well this season with the Polson girls remaining undefeated as a team.

Arlee girls' team wins by three in Corvallis

Teams were spread out across the area participating in track meets last week.

First impressions

Being a journalist definitely has its ups and downs. I don’t think I’ll go into detail about the bad parts, but one of the best parts is meeting new people.

PYSA finds second field sponsor in First Interstate Bank of Polson

Polson Youth Soccer Association (PYSA) is thrilled to announce that First Interstate Bank is sponsoring one of the four regulation-sized fields at the brand new soccer complex north of Mission Valley Aquatics. The central/east soccer field will be named the “First Interstate Bank” field in recognition of the $25,000 donation given by the Polson Branch of First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation. 

Calling her own game: Ronan catcher doesn't let health issues stop her from playing softball

Kaitlyn Sassaman looks comfortable on the field. Even crouching down, she looks at home. As a catcher, she spends a lot of time crouching. She has a sore hip, but it’s not noticeable. On this day, she takes pitch after pitch from Carston Rhine while the rest of the team works a base running drill; every once in awhile, Sassaman compliments Rhine on a pitch. As the practice comes to an end, Sassaman helps round up gear before walking over for an interview. At 5’2”, she does not tower over anybody, but what she lacks in height, she makes up for in personality.

Mountain lion released after climbing power pole

April started in a wild way. 

Lake County Justice Court

From the bench of Lake County Justice Court Judge Randal Owens:

Lake County District Court

From the bench of Lake County District Court Judge Deborah K. Christopher March 31:

Tire fire at Tire Depot sends smoke billowing into the air

A fire at the Tire Depot south of Polson caused smoke to fill the air over the Mission Valley Friday. Look for more information on the fire in this week's Leader.

Tip a Cop comes to Polson

On Tuesday evening, members of the Polson Police Department traded in their uniforms for paper and pen at the Polson Pizza Hut.

St. Ignatius couple indicted on conspiracy to defraud and tax evasion charges

WASHINGTON – A federal grand jury sitting in Billings, Montana, returned an indictment on Feb. 17, which was unsealed today, charging a Saint Ignatius, Montana, couple with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and three counts of tax evasion, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter of the District of Montana.

Patrick Darrel Thompson

Patrick Darrel Thompson passed away March 23rd 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona. He is survived by his wife Barbara; his daughters Pamela and Deanna; his grandchildren Alex, Zack, and Meka; and his 2 great - grandchildren Zane and Legend. He is very loved and will be missed.

Mussel-fouled boats found at AIS inspection station in Pablo

The Flathead Basin Commission announced this past week that the first mussel fouled boats of the 2016 field season were detected at the Highway 93 Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Watercraft Inspection Station on April 1 in Pablo. According to a FBC press release, while Idaho, Oregon and Alberta intercepted mussel fouled boats earlier this field season, Montana had not intercepted any boats until this past Friday.

Three accidents over five days cause nine injuries, one death

This past week, three major accidents kept law enforcement busy. One accident, Sunday night, resulted in a fatality.

William Hilton Sargent, Jr.

William Hilton Sargent, Jr., of Polson, Montana passed away peacefully on March 29th, 2016 in Yuba City, CA. Bill was born on May 2nd, 1932 in Huntington Park, CA, and spent his childhood in Southern California.

Justice Court

From the bench of Lake County Justice Court Judge Randal Owens:

Aloha Noblehouse Inc. continues greenhouse project

Aloha Noblehouse, Inc. Executive Director, Kay Midro, plunged a gold-painted shovel into the farmland that will eventually house a 260,000 square-feet greenhouse and up to 24 three-bedroom affordable housing units. Although the construction won’t actually begin for several more months, Thursday’s “groundbreaking ceremony” was a symbolic showing of the progress that has been made on the part of Aloha Noblehouse, Inc., its investors and the Lake County Community Development Corporation to continue a large project that will bring organic food and affordable housing to Pablo and the surrounding communities.

Expressing Culture

A small group of men sat around a drum, waiting for the announcer in the center of the Mission gym to give them the go ahead.

Shirley Mae Metzner Cramer

Shirley Mae Metzner Cramer passed peacefully at home with family on March 30, 2016.

Polson grad takes reins at Mission Mountain

The Mission Mountain golf course outside of Ronan continues to add to its business. The course, which recently opened a new pro shop, now has a new golf pro as well.

Ronan golf teams fair well at first meet

The Ronan golf team is the only team in the area golfing this spring, as the Class A schools have their season in the fall. In their first meet of the season, Ronan athletes competed very well. The boys’ team took second place behind Loyola Sacred Heart and the girls took third behind Townsend and Thompson Falls. They came in third just one point behind Thompson Falls.

Local Verizon customers affected by cut cable

For some cellular customers in the Mission Valley, service has been less than great lately.

Local track teams compete in first meets

It was a busy first weekend for local track teams. All six schools kicked their season off, with all but Polson competing at the Ronan Invitational on Saturday.

Salish Kootenai College opens student health clinic

On April 4, 2016, the doors will open for the first-ever Student Health Center on the campus of the Salish Kootenai College (SKC) located in Pablo, Mont.

Polson girls' team undefeated after first four duals

The Ronan and Polson tennis teams got their seasons started this past week. 

Ronan golf team holds annual community clean up day

The Ronan golf team took a little time this past Saturday to give back to the golf course that lets them practice on it.