Ellington

Young Arlee Warriors ready for kickoff

Lady Pirates look to senior leadership

By JASON BLASCO 

Polson golf in midseason form

By JASON BLASCO 

Coach has high hopes for Bulldog team's upcoming season

By JASON BLASCO

Tribes qualified to make Medicaid determinations

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Health is now set to make Medicaid eligibility determinations in an effort to enroll tribal health recipients applying for Medicaid in a more timely and convenient process.

City of Polson tackles sewer back up

By BRETT BERNTSEN

Tribal artist featured in show

Flathead Valley Community College’s Art Department will host a reception featuring works by Native American artist Corky Clairmont on Sept. 1. Free and open to the public, the reception will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the gallery on the lower level of the Arts and Technology Building on campus. Light refreshments will be served.

Fall Fest tickets on sale now

The Nest is hosting its second annual “Fall Fest to Feather The Nest” on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Allentown Restaurant at Ninepipes Lodge. Music will be provided by JIMnI, and there will be games for the kids and family, a wonderful buffet supper, a silent auction with lots of amazing items, a couple presentations, and our homemade pie auction to close the day. 

ROBERT B. EKBLAD

Robert B. Ekblad died peacefully Aug. 13, at Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center in Polson.

Wildfire threatens homes in Lakeside

By SAM WILSON

White fatality markers should not be vandalized, decorated, or stolen

As a veteran, I volunteer with the American Legion’s Highway Fatality Marker safety program. 

Services for sex assault survivors expands

From DeeAnn Richardson, SAFE Harbor Executive Director

Polson seniors invite public for lunch

By DAVE BASTA

Bigfork woman believes businessman Gianforte is best candidate in governor's race

I am fully behind Greg Gianforte for governor. We sadly and urgently need to unseat current Gov. Bullock. I have talked with Gianforte several times, but feel he likely needs more truthful information on why neither the water compact nor the hugely embellished, over-riding Tester bill must not be allowed passage. Montana candidates as well as current legislators, including at federal level, have been extensively propagandized and misinformed by well financed Compact proponents.

Irrigation commissioner looks into dam license lawsuit finances

In my letter to the Leader published in late February this year, I stated that I opposed the Flathead Joint Board of Control 2016 budget adopted in February because I thought that it understated “the potential legal costs given the Flathead Joint Board of Control’s three ambitious legal initiatives.” My view was criticized in later letters, but only six months later, events have proved me right. Legal bills associated with litigation at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) totaled $265,876 from January 1 to mid-August. That amount is more than two times the $120,000 budgeted for the entire year. Given that total Flathead Joint Board of Control payments to the law firm from January to mid-August totaled only $148,670, past due payments in mid-August amounted to $117,206.The Flathead Joint Board of Control now faces the challenge of how to pay legal arrears accumulated through mid-August and also any FERC related legal services after the period covered by the last bill on August 1. On a related matter of great concern, legal costs through August cited above came as a surprise because there was serious underreporting of relevant budget information during the first half of the year. According to the Flathead Joint Board of Control’s June budget statement, payments to the law firm from January through June totaled $64,722. But the Flathead Joint Board of Control June budget statement failed to report that an additional $53,946 was directly paid by each of the three districts that constitute the Flathead Joint Board of Control without formal approval in public district board meetings. Thus total payments to the law firm amounted to $118,670 through June. The June budget statement also failed to report that because Flathead Joint Board of Control payments through June still were less than total billed, past due payments in June amounted to $60,727.Because of the serious underreporting of FERC related legal costs and arrears through the first half of the year and because the payments made by the three districts were of questionable legality, fellow commissioner Paul Guenzler and I have asked for an independent audit. 

Lake County Justice Court

David Allen McClure, 40, was found guilty of partner or family member assault, second offense. He was fined $1,000, with $700 suspended. He was ordered to serve one year of jail time, with all but one week suspended. He was assessed $85 in court costs. 

Maurice (Maury) Jackson Mills

Man proposes task force to fight terrorism

On July 4, 2014 I submitted a close version of the following ‘letter to the editor’. It was printed in local papers. I continued submitting similar letters on the subject of defeating terrorism. Our candidates for president are now beginning to mention strategies close to this letter’s content. 

Mission Valley Senior Center Ronan presents theft info

By ALBERTA BLAKE 

Polson native named Idaho Conservation Officer of the Year

From Idaho Fish and Game

Mill levy proposed for Ronan Police

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Golf association extends thanks to Polson

On behalf of the Montana State Golf Association, I would like to thank the City of Polson for hosting the 2016 Men’s Mid Amateur state tournament at the Polson Bay Golf Course. 

Extremist who shot deputy up for parole

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Hunter education classes scheduled

Hunter Education Classes have been scheduled for a number of communities in northwest Montana. All hunter education classes are free of charge. 

Community notes

CLASS FOR CAREGIVERS

Mollman Pass Trail reopens

By SAM WILSON

Public invited to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service in Glacier National Par

Robert B. Ekblad

Robert B. Ekblad, age 86, passed away on Saturday, August 13, at Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center.

James Donald Johnson (Jim)

James Donald Johnson (Jim), former Ronan resident, passed away July 12 in Post Falls, Idaho.  He was born April 19, 1933, to Nels and Nina Johnson.  He lived with his daughter, Nina Cahill and grandson, Brady Cahill, the past three years. Jim was a self-taught carpenter and cabinet maker.  He had many trades throughout his life such as a logger in Western Montana, house construction in Spokane, Washington and a carpentry instructor at Kicking Horse Job Corps for nine years in Lake County and at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo for 22 years.

John R. Griggs

Judge orders hearing about irrigation election legality

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Charlo man accused of dealing meth

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Skate Jam to be held in Polson

Summer time blues got you itching for some excitement? Come on down to Polson Skatepark Saturday, August 20 for the annual Polson Skate Jam. This jam has been with our community for over 20 years and never ceases to amaze. With tons of prizes from our sponsors, great music, free food/water and more; this event is a must for any experience seeking go getter. 

Lake County District Court

FROM The BENCH OF JAMES A. MANLEY, Aug. 10: 

Alleged puppy mill owners appear in court

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Lake County Justice Court

FROM THE BENCH OF RANDAL OWENS: 

Voice of the Grizzlies signs off

While the weather has continually tried to trick us it really is August and we’re on the cusp of the opening of 2016 Grizzly football campaign.

Crown Guitar Foundation awards scholarships to 13 local Montana residents

From the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation

Piper Fire still smoldering, 15 acres have burned so far

From the Flathead National Forest 

More than 4,500 acres burned on Flathead Reservation last week

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Summeriest comes to town

By JASON BLASCO

Irrigators to appeal compact ruling

by SAM WILSON 

Sweet dreams and flying machines: Wings for Wishes raises $3,000

By JASON BLASCO 

Detwiler takes charge of Ronan Braves football

By JASON BLASCO 

Polson kicks off football season

By JASON BLASCO

From Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park

Hunting

Man released from murder sentence sues state for $200,000

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Come visit Mission Valley Senior Center in Ronan for lunch, fun

The Mission Valley Senior Center opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. All our meals are open to the public of any age and wheelchair accessible. 

Federal management hurts forests

It is common practice for our government to threaten curtailment of federal funding if a state fails to comply with certain of its policies. The following example shows how the entire forestry industry has been destroyed basically through mandated and enforced federal restrictions and regulations. Montana is getting closer to 50 percent dependency upon federal funding with controls. Meanwhile government is going after our land, water, natural resources and even our “minds.” 

Public invited to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service in Glacier National Park

On Aug. 25 we celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service. The celebration is as much a reflection on the importance the national park system has played in our nation’s heritage as it is an opportunity to look forward to the next 100 years. As we take that look, we must do everything we can to foster the next generation in becoming outstanding stewards and advocates for Glacier National Park and prepare them for the future challenges of protecting its natural resources, celebrating its cultural legacy, and providing for outstanding visitor experiences.

Man charged in Ronan high speed chase

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Community Notes

CLASS FOR CAREGIVERS

Man charged in downtown Ronan chase

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Man drowns

Lake County Leader

John R. Griggs

John R. Griggs, 74, passed away on Tuesday, August 9 at Hospice House in Bloomington. He was born on December 17, 1941 in Lafayette, Indiana, the third son of W. Kenneth and Era Griggs. He was a graduate of Ellettsville High School, a loyal member of the 59ers Group. He received an undergraduate degree from Indiana University. He received a grant from the National Science Foundation and completed a graduate degree from the University of Notre Dame.

Louis N. Elmore

Louis N. Elmore, 84, of Flathead Lake, passed away on Friday, July 29, at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson. HE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT!

Beverly Lynette Petticrew

Beverly Lynette Petticrew

Polson Men's Golf results

Week 13, 2-Man Scramble July 26 

Puppy mills are horrible

After viewing the horror of The Charlo puppy mill, are we the people going to stand up to our senators and reps and demand they get and sign a bill abolishing puppy mills? Our state is known for open doors on puppy mills. That’s why when they get abolished in other states they flee to Montana. It’s time to say no more.

Public encouraged to comment on the proposed Blacktail Road projec

From the Flathead National Forest

Better Business Bureau warns of bogus wildfire relief efforts

Wildfires have sparked across the country including the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Western Wyoming. Better Business Bureau serving the Northwest is sending out a warning over the dangers of donating relief funds to the wrong people.

Consumers shouldn't have to overpay for an “energy revolution”

It’s safe to say that solar energy development has experienced incredible progress over the past decade and has the potential to one day revolutionize how we generate electricity in Montana. But should we be forced to pay more on our monthly electricity bill just to promote solar energy?

America has a lesson to learn

Part of my personal therapy is writing letters to the editor. I thoroughly enjoy writing. While walking the high school track the other day these thoughts came to me. One thing I have learned in life is that life is just one big lesson after another. So here are my ‘track-walking’ thoughts’: 

Flathead Lake, our local ocean in motion

Flathead Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in the western U.S. (excluding Alaska). Because of its size it is often more like an ocean than a lake. Those of you who have been out on its rough waters during a major wind storm can attest to this. In fact, Flathead Lake is so large that some of its water currents are influenced by the Earth’s rotation, termed the Coriolis effect, a phenomenon typically only seen in oceans.

Senator recounts trip to China

Retired University of Montana Professor Harry Fritz and I recently returned after delivering a series of lectures on the U.S. political system at Nankai University in Tianjin, a city of 12 million people near the Chinese capitol of Beijing. This was my fourth trip to China.

Lake County marriages and divorces, July

Stacy Rachel Palmer and Cory Allan Palm

Native American Farming and Ranching Council reforming

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing the re-establishment of the advisory Council for Native American Farming and Ranching (Council). The purpose of this advisory council is to provide recommendations to the Secretary on how to eliminate barriers to Native American participation in USDA programs. The Council will discuss issues related to the participation of Native American farmers and ranchers in USDA programs and transmit recommendations concerning any changes to regulations or internal guidance or other measures. The Council is necessary and in the public interest. The USDA is seeking nominations for individuals to be considered Council members. Candidates who wish to be considered for membership on the Council for Native American Farmers and Ranchers should submit an AD-755 application form and resume to the Secretary of Agriculture. Cover letters should be addressed to the Secretary of Agriculture. The application form can be found at: http://www.usda.gov/documents/OCIO_AD_755_Master_2012.pdf.

Operation update for Salish Kootenai Dam

Skate Jam to be held

Summer time blues got you itching for some excitement? Come on down to Polson Skatepark Saturday, August 20 for the annual Polson Skate Jam. This jam has been with our community for over 20 years and never ceases to amaze. With tons of prizes from our sponsors, great music, free food/water and more; this event is a must for any experience seeking go getter. 

Record- breaking visitation seen at Montana State Parks this year

From Montana State Parks 

Tribal biologists win wildlife award

From the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes 

Lake County Justice Court

Evan Perry Thomas Smythe, 24, forfeited a $50 bond for careless driving. He was assessed $35 in court costs. 

Lake County District Court

FROM THE BENCH OF DEBORAH KIM CHRISTOPHER: 

Among other things Would Marcus Daly have dreamed this?

By PAUL FUGLEBERG

Lightning fire sparks area closure

Poison Youth Soccer donation

Community Notes

CLASS FOR CAREGIVERS

Pioneer Days 3 on 3 results

Boys/Girls/Coed 1st-2nd

Dixon Senior Center invites community

By MARTHA SWONSON

Cooks face off in Polson event

By MARLA HALL

County finds more than $100,000 in back taxes from unassessed properties

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Commissioner lays out plan to tackle tribal prosecution agreement

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Sweet dreams: St. Ignatius creamery opens

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area improvements planned

From Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Senior Center to have treat

By ALBERTA BLAKE 

Public comment sought for ice fishing contests proposed for winter

From Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Man denies violating order of protection 46 times

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Lawsuit against police department will proceed as class action

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Smokin' on the Water comes to town

KATHLEEN ANN SALOMON

KATHLEEN ANN SALOMON

Candidates: what's your plan?

 Debate after debate, all I hear from some of the candidates are vague proposals on how to make Social Security financially sound. 

Mollman Pass trail temporarily closed

The Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation has implemented a temporary closure to all human use for the entire 3.5 miles of the Mollman Pass Trail in the Mission Mountains Tribal Wilderness (also known as the Mollman Lake trail). Tribal Game Wardens received a report a dead horse off the trail. Mollman Lake Trail is located east of Kicking Horse Job Corp Center and southeast of Ronan. 

Frances Rose Longpre Eager

FRANCES ROSE LONGPRE EAGER 

Arlee artist featured at Ninepipes Museum's First Saturday series

CHARLO -- Janet McGahan is the featured artist at the Aug. 6 “First Saturday” event at Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana. McGahan will be on hand to meet visitors and discuss her artwork from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. She will have numerous prints available for purchase, and will conduct a wet-on-wet watercolor demonstration from noon-1 p.m., painting a buffalo or a bird.

Man encourages having patience, reacting with kindness in political talks with family, friends

This just happened: A relative sent an email out to about a dozen of us family members. It was an article by columnist Tom McLaughlin of Lovell, Maine, entitled: “Democrats’ War on Cops”. It outlined emotionally charged events we’ve been living with and he blamed it all on Democrats, Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Community notes

FREE CAR SHOW

Paddle boarder dies on Flathead Lake

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Four dogs seized from Charlo kennel by sheriff's deputies

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Man accused of forcing woman to sign over truck at gunpoi

By MEGAN STRICKLAND

Lake County Justice Court

FROM THE BENCH OF RANDAL L. OWENS:

Governor Bullock announces grants to grow and expand 26 Native American businesses

HELENA – Governor Steve Bullock has announced 26 Native American business owners will receive $320,000 in grant funding to grow and expand their businesses.

Lake County District Court

FROM THE BENCH OF JAMES A. MANLEY, July 27: