Ellington

Vikings hoopsters get back-to-back key conference victories

The Charlo Vikings boys basketball team evened their conference win total with two conference victories against Noxen and Two Eagle before heading into the break. Vikings’ Coach Gale Decker said he was pleased at how his team performed against what he referred to as a “much improved” Noxen squad. Charlo defeated Noxen 61-53 Tuesday night. Decker said he still felt there is plenty of room for improvement for his young Vikings’ squad as they head into the winter break. The Vikings were outscored by three points in the fourth quarter. “You know, against Noxen we never really got into any kind of flow,” Decker said. “We put (Noxen) to the free throw line quite a bit early in the second half and we just could never really put them away.” Vikings’ guard Tyson Petticrew led Charlo with 19 points and five 3-point shots. Landers Smith scored 16 points and was 8-of-16 from the free throw line. Hafliger scored 12 points. Haflinger not only contributed in offensive production but also held Noxon’s leading scorer to 12 points. “I thought Halflinger did a great job defensively,” Decker said.

Young Warriors roll in first half of the season

ARLEE — Arlee High School boys basketball coach Zanen Pitts believes the concept of negativity is a psychologically induced phenomenon.

Maidens remain perfect heading into winter break

The Ronan Maidens girls basketball team has maintained its unblemished record headed into the winter break. Prior to the break, the Maidens played four games in the last five days, and according to Maidens’ Coach Ron Hanson, the win streak was “pretty important.” “(It was important) that we won those last two games because we were tired, and getting those two games were crucial,” Hanson said. “Winning the Polson game was important just because it’s still a rivalry game. Against Loyola, we played really well right from the start and just kept it going. We had one of our better games all year.” Hanson said he felt his team demonstrated mental toughness during a difficult stretch of the Maidens’ schedule. “We have a pretty strong crew and as far as the mental part of basketball, they’ve got to understand the game pretty well and each other,” Hanson said. “There were a couple of big games they were coming back two weeks from the break. Going into the break, we were playing pretty good. It will help them to have this break and get (our players) mentally relaxed a little bit because this will be the last break we have until we get into the postseason.” With the success the Maidens have had in the first portion of the season, Hanson is already thinking about his team’s upcoming opponents in the second half of the season. The Maidens will play Deer Lodge in one of their first games back after the break. “We have a tough game against Deer Lodge and it’s always been a tough game up there,” Hanson said. “Deer Lodge has played well the last few week. They are always strong defensively. They do a lot of high pressure zone defense and we will have to take care of the basketball really well. They have an excellent coach. There isn’t much height to them but they are really quick, scrappy and they’ll get after you. We will have to hopefully shoot the ball well.” The Maidens will play two critical conference games against Florence and Anaconda. Hanson said he felt the two conference foes will be similar in style. “Florence will shoot the ball a lot, and they live and die by the 3-point shot,” Hanson said. “They have a lot of big play girls that are quick, and they pass and shoot the ball really well.” Last year, Hanson said his team struggled against Florence’s ability to shoot the 3-point shot in the first half, until his team adjusted. “It is the same way they played us last year and they really took it to us in the first half,” Hanson said. “They shot the ball well and our defense adjusted. Once we took that outside shot away, we were able to beat them by 10 points. However, if they get hot, they are tough to beat. They have already defeated Libby and they have beaten some really good teams handily just because they got hot. What we have to do is be able to contain their 3-point shot.” Against Anaconda the Maidens will face a similar-style team, according to Hanson. “Anaconda shoots the ball well and we will have two games against really good perimeter shooting teams,” Hanson said. “Against them, we will have to take care of the ball because they are going to have to stop us, too if we are able to stop one or two of their players. They are quite a fast break team. Anaconda likes to go slow and set up their outside shooters by a good passing game. (Both teams) are extremely good from the 3-point line.”

Chiefs prepare to host Western Montana duels

The Ronan wrestling program will be hosting the Western Montana Duels that start Thursday, Jan. 5-7 at Ronan High School’s gymnasium.

Pirates wrestlers learn valuable lesson at Whitefish

Lake County Leader Polson wrestling coach Bob Owen recognizes the achievement of his top 7 players catapulting their Pirates to a top 15 finish and the highest finish in 10 years at the Tri-State Meet at the tournament in Coeur D’alene, Idaho, but he knows there is still plenty of room for improvement from the younger sector of his team. Prior to heading into winter break, the Pirates participated in a Double-Duel that featured White Fish and Browning.

Scarlets achieve milestones with win over St. Regis

ARLEE — The Arlee High School girls 38-31 victory over St. Regis was more than just another victory. It marked career scoring and rebounding plateaus for two of their marquee players.

Bulldogs perform well at Mountain Classic

By JASON BLASCO

No headline

At Polson in the 2016 boys rendition of the rivalry wrangle, the visiting Chiefs played the host Pirates tough through the opening quarter and a half before Polson was able to gain a bit of separation just prior to halftime. Ronan kept pace with the pesky Pirates in large measure on account of the hot hand of two of their players, senior guard Jackson Duffey and sophomore forward Anthony Camel both netting a pair of triples each in the early going.

Legals December 29, 2016

Cary Walter Baszler 1109 15th Ave E Polson, MT 59860 406-261-0885 Petitioner Pro Se Montana 20th Judicial District Court Lake County In re the Marriage of: Cary Walter Baszler, Petitioner, and Mary /and Joyce Baszler, Respondent. Cause No.: DR-16-112 Summons for Publication The State of Montana Sends Greetings to the Above-Named Respondent: You, the Respondent, are hereby summoned to answer the Petition in this action, which is filed with the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Petitioner within twenty-one days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Petition. This action is brought to obtain a dissolution of marriage. Dated this 12th day of December, 2016. (SEAL) Lyn Fricker Clerk of Court By: /s/ Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk Published on December 15, 2016, December 22, 2016, and December 29, 2016. MNAXLP

Clarifying water rights confusion

Lots of confusion may exist with a letter posted last week by Mr. Dick Erb titled “Know your water rights.” In as far as I can tell, Mr. Erb was speaking exclusively of commercial, industrial, municipal, subdivision and or non-project irrigation water right claims, not your household domestic well water right claims. A domestic well water right claim includes lawn, garden, household and or livestock use. A valid domestic well water claim can only be filed after the well is put to beneficial use for at least one of the domestic applications described above. Valid domestic wells, pre-July 1, 1973, fall into two categories. First, a valid well prior to Jan. 1, 1962, is considered an exempt well; exempt from having to be filed upon, whatsoever, with the Department of Natural Resources or the residing county. At least, that is the current ruling. However, it may be prudent to file upon your exempt wells, as legislation is likely to change the legal standing of domestic exempt wells in the near future. Second, a valid well from Jan. 1, 1962 to June 30, 1973 is also ruled exempt of filing with the DNRC but must have been filed with the residing county, pursuant to the statewide Ground Water Code, which became effective January 1, 1962. These county claims were forwarded to the DNRC, allegedly, post July 1, 1973, subsequent to the newly enacted 1973 Water Use Act. In Mr. Erb’s letter the confusion stems from the statement that, “failure to file by January 1982 meant a loss of a pre-1973 water right,” which is not an accurate statement in as far as domestic household wells are concerned. A deep breath of relief to be sure. The critical components to your domestic water right claims are the priority date, accuracy and ultimately your future legal standing. I do agree that it is highly advisable to contact the DNRC at 406-751-2241 should you have any questions whatsoever regarding your current domestic well claim status, which may require a chain of title search should you fall into the Ground Water Code time frame.

Justice Court proceedings

Joseph Thomas Mitchell, 28, was fined $600 for driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or greater, first offense. He was assessed $85 in court costs.

Ice fishing off to solid start

Here’s a nice mess of perch from East Bay. It took four trips and a couple of times being baptized to finally find them. The ice is finally consistently good from 4 to 8 inches. The perch are where they were last spring (maybe a little closer to shore) with weed beds definitely being the major key to finding a good number of fish.

Local events

FIFTH FRIDAY DINNER

Virginia Lee Colvin

VIRGINIA LEE COLVIN

Lorraine Walston

LORRAINE WALSTON

Polson center offering meals, candy

A new species of dinosaur has been discovered that had an extensive vocabulary; They’re calling it a Thesaurus.

People's Center January events

Free Guided Museum Tour ($20.00 savings) on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 18 and 25, with a paid entrance fee and donation of a non-perishable food item. Items will be shared amongst local food banks. Tours are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

County welcomes incoming, returning officials

Lake County officials welcomed back some familiar faces last week, swearing in a trio of winning candidates returning to long-held posts within local government.

Charlo teen receives highway patrol's highest honor

Stopping to aid an injured motorcyclist may have seemed like a no-brainer to Charlo high school student Toby Odom, but the 16-year-old’s selfless actions garnered major recognition last week, when they earned him the Montana Highway Patrol’s highest civilian honor.

Polson celebrates season of light

With more homes and businesses putting up colorful Christmas lights and decorations, and more nominations being submitted for the Celebrate the Season of Light contest, Polson seems well on its way to becoming the most beautiful community on the lake this holiday season. The glow of the lights and their reflections in the water give the town a special sparkle.

Trust, sharing key to transformation

The phone rang, it was Carrie, a friend of mine who with her husband moved to southern Utah a couple years ago. She shared an interesting and profoundly important activity she is involved in. It speaks to all of us.

Democrats pushing for early-childhood education funding

The 2017 state legislative session will begin on Jan. 2 and the people of Montana have the chance to weigh in on our state’s priorities. The old saying, “Don’t tell me your priorities; show me your budget,” comes to mind. The budget proposed by Gov. Steve Bullock invests in our future in a number of ways. Montana can have a solid physical infrastructure while at the same time investing in the next generation and providing early education for all Montana’s children. Montana remains one of five states without a statewide pre-K education program. We owe it to our working families to change this.

Republican women prepare for new year

The Lake County Republican Women’s Club met on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 21, to elect officers, plan 2017 events, honor a long-time member and enjoy fellowship and holiday refreshments.

December Births

MOLL BABY BOY

Maidens b-ballers continue to assert dominance over opponents

ST. IGNATIUS — The Ronan High School girls basketball team has maintained its unblemished record in its Class B Western conference opener against Mission High School.

Pirates hoopsters struggle in non-conference action

POLSON — The Polson Pirates’ basketball team has struggled in its first five games of the season at the start of their non-conference schedule that consists of predominantly Class-AA opponents.

Vikings suffer back-to-back losses

The Charlo boy’s basketball team is still in the process of modifying its young lineup after they lost back-to-back Class-C Western Conference games.

Chiefs wrestlers take first in Corvallis Tournament

The Ronan wrestling team wasn’t deterred by their sudden change of plans in their wrestling schedule.

Lady Pirates struggle against Class-AA competition

POLSON — The Polson High School girl’s basketball team has struggled against the Class-AA competition they’ve faced dropping three-consecutive games to Glacier, Hamilton and Flathead.

Pirates grapplers earn best finish at Tri-State in more than decade

By

Mission-Charlo take third in Corvallis Tournament

The Mission-Charlo co-op wrestling team placed third in their unscheduled trip to the Corvallis Tournament.

Warriors continue early-season dominance with victory at Hot Springs

The Arlee High School boy’s basketball team continued to assert its dominance in its Class-C Western conference with an opening victory against Hot Springs.

Legals December 22, 2016

Cary Walter Baszler 1109 15th Ave E Polson, MT 59860 406-261-0885 Petitioner Pro Se Montana 20th Judicial District Court Lake County In re the Marriage of: Cary Walter Baszler, Petitioner, and Mary /and Joyce Baszler, Respondent. Cause No.: DR-16-112 Summons for Publication The State of Montana Sends Greetings to the Above-Named Respondent: You, the Respondent, are hereby summoned to answer the Petition in this action, which is filed with the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Petitioner within twenty-one days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Petition. This action is brought to obtain a dissolution of marriage. Dated this 12th day of December, 2016. (SEAL) Lyn Fricker Clerk of Court By: /s/ Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk Published on December 15, 2016, December 22, 2016, and December 29, 2016. MNAXLP

Community Calendar

PRE-NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Polson schools recognized for Advanced Placement program

The Polson School District has received national recognition for its advanced placement courses with the recent reception of an award from The College Board.

BARRY LEE ROACH

BARRY LEE ROACH

WILLIAM O. “BILL” SEIFERT

WILLIAM O. “BILL” SEIFERT

Polson center hosting exercise group

I still have a lot on the ball; I’m just too tired to bounce it.

Judge validates irrigation board election

POLSON – A Lake County judge has answered the irrigation election question, issuing a ruling last week validating the May 3 selection of new members to the Flathead Joint Board of Control.

Group launches online hate reporting form

Following an increase in reports of hate speech and harassment across the state, the Montana Human Rights Network has launched an online incident reporting service to monitor the spread of hostile behavior.

Justice Court proceedings

Michael Eugene Wheeler, 50, was fined $250 for driving without liability insurance. He was assessed $35 in court costs.

Ronan center wrapping up 2016

Are you cold enough yet? It’s supposed to warm up to the 40s this week, and that almost sounds like a heat wave. At least we are getting the moisture that we need.

Alcohol compliance checks slated for local vendors

Local alcohol vendors are reminded to serve responsibly in light of a partnership between the Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s and the Montana Department of Public Health and Humans Services, which will use grant money to fund alcohol compliance checks.

Local scout brings historic painting to Polson

Mural hung in Glacier Park Lodge during the early 1900s

Blacktail opening brings frigid temps, warm smiles

Opening day at Blacktail Mountain saw a host of faithful powder hounds despite temperatures at 9 below zero.

COOKIE DELIVERY

As many children prepare to set out plates of homemade cookies for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, a group of third and fourth grade students at Pablo Elementary School preempted the holiday spirit by delivering trays of the tasty treats to some everyday heroes.

Faith responsible for “Greatest Generation”

Did Tom Brokaw get it right when he called his and my generation the “Greatest Generation?” If he did, what makes those mid-1900s years greater than those that we are living in today? Is Brokaw suggesting that our country was at its zenith in the 1950s and that America has over the last several decades become a degenerating society. Those of us who were born before the 1940s have both witnessed and participated in the moral decline of the American conscience. Many stood by while evolutionists declared that evolving humanity was gradually freeing itself from animalistic brutalities. We listened to aesthetic and humanistic intellectuals, so called, declaring that sin is not really the evil thing which it was once thought to be. All the while, our conscience kept on telling us with unsilenceable authority that sin in God’s sight is truly sin. The Holy Bible declares that the only remedy for sin is a savior. Sin is everyone’s malady. What a tragedy. Desperately, but futilely, we may try to save ourselves.

Networking key to freedom, democracy

Nancy, a friend of mine recently had an inspiring opinion piece run locally. It outlined her response and her commitment after the recent presidential election. She began by saying: “I felt my values, gained over a lifetime of experience, had been totally disrespected.” She then went on to list about 30 of these values. Then she asked this question: “So, what do I, along with the majority of Americans like me, do now?” Here’s where it really gets to the heart of our possibilities and potential as concerned citizens.

Documentation key to protecting water rights

Many property owners have U.S. government documents stating that “water rights” came with land purchased in early 1900s. Some documents were signed by the president of the United States.

Legal fees draining irrigation board budget

Recently the Flathead Joint Board of Control held a meeting and presented the 2016 actual budget and proposed 2017 budget. In 2016 the actual assessment revenue collected from the irrigators for administration purposes was $554,293.35. The 2016 budget $545,313.60. The money actually spent for Lawyers in 2016, including legal fees, consulting and lobbying, came to $596,691.01. A total of $90,000.00 for legal council will be carried over to 2017 as the lawyer has agreed to take payments. All told, the 2016 actuals came to $677,800.49. FJBC went over the budget by 38 percent in 2016.

Scarlets gear up for conference play

POLSON— The Arlee Scarlets basketball team may have started the season 0-3 but that hasn’t dampened the team’s aspiration to do well when it really counts.

Pirates' grapplers come up big in Mining City Duels

BUTTE — The Polson wrestling team got another assessment of where their team is at from the Butte Mining City Duel Meet Saturday in Butte.

Justice Court proceedings

Charles Justin Powell, 50, was fined $2,500 for driving under the influence of alcohol, third offense. He was assessed $85 in court costs and sentenced to serve 365 days in jail with 335 days suspended.

Betty Jane Anderson Sivelle

BETTY JANE ANDERSON SIVELLE

Stanley Phillip (Buck) Thurnston Jr.

STANLEY PHILLIP (BUCK) THURSTON JR.

Man admits role in Arlee trailer murder

An Idaho man accused of bludgeoning his nephew to death and hiding the body for months inside an Arlee trailer admitted last week to playing a roll in the crime, but not before continuing to allege that his wife actually struck the fatal blow.

State pursuing Ronan highway expansion

RONAN – After more than a decade of discussion, the Montana Department of Transportation is moving forward with a proposed highway expansion north of Ronan.

County shopping for new dispatch system

POLSON – As Christmas draws near,

Teen charged in deadly hit and run

POLSON – A Ronan teen charged in the Thanksgiving Day hit and run accident that killed a 3-year-old child and rocked the community of Northwood Trailer Park in Pablo has pleaded not guilty to negligent homicide and leaving the scene of an accident.

Daines announces funding for CSKT diabetes programs

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, has announced the allocation of over $1 million in grant money to Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to aid diabetes treatment and prevention efforts on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Blacktail Road paving project moving forward

Daily Inter Lake

State seeking comment on 2017 fishing derbies

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on open water fishing contests proposed for the 2017 season.

Community Calendar

POLSON CHAMBER SPLASH

Polson center hosting birthday lunch

This cold weather makes the fog rise up over the water on the lake. I tried to catch some but I mist.

Ronan center offering meals, services

Boy it’s cold out there. When you go out, remember to dress warmly and to wear your hat and gloves. Despite the weather, we had a good turn out for our Thursday night dinner. We held our raffle drawing and will be contacting the winners this week. Thanks to all who helped with this fund raiser. The money will be split between the Senior Center and the Nutrition Program.

Christmas season cause for celebration

Winter has arrived. Christmas is around the corner. From our hillside home, we can see Christmas lights appearing across the landscape below and across the lake the lights of Polson shimmer a welcome to travelers descending Jette Hill. The Parade of Lights and the lighting of the Christmas Tree on Main Street, the beautiful Christmas wreaths throughout Polson’s central district, the nativity scenes and the ringing bells at the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles all remind us that a celebration is underway. And celebrate we should. For he “who being in the form of God” (Philippians 2:6-7) became in “the likeness of men.” The word “form” does not mean “shape” because God is “spirit,” he has no material shape. Therefore, the meaning which scripture intends is that Jesus Christ is like God, having the identical nature of God. This true likeness of God declares his divine equality with God which he lays aside to become the human baby boy in the manger.

History of Electoral College long, complicated

I have never really understood the Electoral College (EC). Recently a friend and I were talking about people who are apparently trying to convince electors to the EC not to vote for President-elect Donald Trump, and he asked me if this was possible. The 538 electors meet Dec, 19 this year to officially vote for the President. The EC has a long and fascinating history (which I can only touch on here), and a surprising answer to the question as to whether they are bound delegates nationwide.

Pirates start hoops season with split at Missoula Tip-Off

MISSOULA — The Polson Pirates boys basketball team experienced a mixture of results in their season-opening games against Dillon and Corvallis at the Missoula Tip-Off Tournament Friday night at the Auxiliary Gym at the Adams Center Arena.

Camel and McCrea dominate Three Forks Tournament

POLSON – Ronan Maiden basketball player Lee Camel reached a mile-stone as the key contributor to her team’s unblemished record in the Three Forks Tournament on Friday and Saturday.

Lady Pirates drop two in Missoula Tip-Off Tournament

MISSOULA — The Polson Lady Pirates lost their first two games of the season at the Missoula Tip-Off Tournament Friday and Saturday at the Adams Center in Missoula.

Chiefs wrestlers look to improve after rough Mining Duels

BUTTE — The Ronan Wrestling team ended up with a 1-4 record this weekend at the Butte Mining Duels.

Lady Bison split with Montana Western in series

DILLON — The Salish Kootenai College women’s basketball team split with Montana Western in this Saturday and Sunday’s double-header at Montana Western.

Bulldogs wrestling comes up big in quad meet with Big Fork, Florence

ST. IGNATIUS — The Mission High School Bulldogs wrestling team captured both of its matches in its Tri-Meet Duel wrestling match that featured Florence High School and Big Fork.

Lady Bulldogs prep for conference play

ST. IGNATIUS — The Mission Lady Bulldogs will have several players returning for the 2016-2017 campaign.

Lady Vikings receive crash course at SKC-Ronan Tourney

PABLO — The young Charlo Lady Vikings basketball team got some much needed experience in their two tournament games at the SKC-Ronan Class-C Tip-Off Tournament Friday and Saturday.

Chiefs b-ballers results vary in tournament

THREE FORKS — The Ronan High School boys basketball team suffered a shock in its opening tip-off 74-38 loss to Big Timber Friday to start the Three Forks Tournament.

Legals December 15, 2016

Cary Walter Baszler 1109 15th Ave E Polson, MT 59860 406-261-0885 Petitioner Pro Se Montana 20th Judicial District Court Lake County In re the Marriage of: Cary Walter Baszler, Petitioner, and Mary /and Joyce Baszler, Respondent. Cause No.: DR-16-112 Summons for Publication The State of Montana Sends Greetings to the Above-Named Respondent: You, the Respondent, are hereby summoned to answer the Petition in this action, which is filed with the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Petitioner within twenty-one days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the Petition. This action is brought to obtain a dissolution of marriage. Dated this 12th day of December, 2016. (SEAL) Lyn Fricker Clerk of Court By: /s/ Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk Published on December 15, 2016, December 22, 2016, and December 29, 2016. MNAXLP

Firefighter injured while assisting crashed vehicle

Lake County Leader

Polson middle schooler earns black belt in karate

On Sept. 17, after 3,163 days, 3,843 hours and 205,344 miles, Polson 13-year-old Ethan McCauley, earned his Black Belt in Karate. The honor came after an intense four-hour test composed of kicks, self-defense, one-steps, weapons defense, sparring, and board breaking before a black belt board of examiners, and an audience of family, friends and karate school students. Ethan was required to break four boards, completeing the task by splitting two at a time with a flying sidekick, the third with a step behind sidekick, and the fourth with a spinning elbow. The seventh-grader at Polson Middle School trains with Jeff and Janie Green, owners of the American Karate Academy in Columbia Falls.

BLM overhauling resource management plan

The Bureau of Land Management’s Missoula Field Office is undertaking one of its biggest projects in recent years: overhauling its resource management plan, which guides its management of 156,000 acres of public lands and 268,000 acres of federal mineral interests.

Scarlets b-ballers topple Florence in opener, get ready for Native American Classic

ARLEE — Arlee High School girls basketball coach Bill Stockton is still in the process of mixing and matching his young lineup even after their 67-48 opening season victory over Class-B Florence.

Valley football players receive postseason accolades

Northwestern A Conference

Lady Vikings eager for season

CHARLO — The Charlo Lady Vikings basketball program is looking to improve on its third place finish in the Western Class-C Divisionals last season according to Lady Vikings’ Coach Bret Thompson.

Bulldogs ready for 'culture change'

ST. IGNATIUS — Mission High School’s Gus McDonald has wasted no time in turning around the Bulldogs’ program that has, by his own admission, struggled over the years.

Maidens topple Eureka in opener, prepare for Three Forks Tourney

RONAN — The Ronan Maidens basketball team has three returning starters from last year’s squad and they are good ones as they begin their basketball season.

New Chiefs basketball coach readys for Big Timber

RONAN — Ronan High School coach Mitchell Wassam is in his first year as a head coach of the Chiefs’ basketball program and already is in the process of changing the culture of Ronan basketball.

Pirates boys basketball open season against reloaded Dillon

POLSON — Polson boys basketball coach Randy Kelley is using the Missoula Tip-Off Tournament as a barometer to see where his senior-heavy team needs to improve this season.The Pirates will begin their season against Dillon Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the Auxiliary Gym at the University of Montana. The Pirates will play Corvallis at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at at the Adams Center.

Lady Pirates to face Dillon in Missoula Tip-Off

POLSON — Polson girls basketball coach Joe Quinn hopes the Lady Pirates season begins at the fast pace it began last season as they prepare to participate in this weekend’s Missoula tip off.

Valley wrestlers come up big at Owen Invitational

POLSON — The Polson High School wrestling team placed five wrestlers in this week’s Owen Invitational at Linderman High School.

Legals December 8, 2016

GRANT S. SNELL CROWLEY FLECK PLLP 1667 Whitefish Stage Road P. O. Box 759 Kalispell, MT 59903-0759 Telephone: (406) 752-6644 Facsimile: (406) 752-5108 Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LLOYD RICHARD WILSON, Deceased. Cause No.: DP-16-53 Hon. James A. Manley District Court Judge NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Ro Vasenai Ray Sau Wilson, Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Grant S. Snell, Crowley Fleck PLLP, PO Box 759, Kalispell, Montana 59903, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 26th day of October , 2016. /s/ Ro Vasenai Ray Sau Wilson RO VASENAI RAY SAU WILSON, Personal Representative Lloyd Richard Wilson Estate CROWLEY FLECK PLLP P. O. Box 759 Kalispell, MT 59903-0759 By /s/ Grant S. Snell GRANT S. SNELL Attorneys for Personal Representative Published on November 24, 2016, December 1, 2016, and December 8, 2016. MNAXLP

Justice Court proceedings

Shawn Lee Breshears, 40, was fined $250 for failing to carry proof of insurance in his vehicle. He was assessed $35 in court costs.

Polson center offering meals, activities

Dean Greiner passed from this life on Friday, Nov. 25. A former WWII bomber pilot and mayor of Polson, Dean gave time, energy, leadership and financial support to our senior center and will be sadly missed.

Dixon center hosting holiday events

We will have some events happening this month at the Dixon Senior Center, which we would like to invite our community to come to. On Saturday, Dec. 10, there will be a Dixon Community Dinner from 5 - 7 p.m. It will be a free meal of stew, fry bread, and a dessert. Bring your family and meet your neighbors and maybe some new friends.

Donald W. Johnston

DONALD W. JOHNSTON

Zinke focused on healthcare

Too often healthcare gets wrapped up in political debate while forgetting the actual needs of people. The reality is that there are people hurting and they deserve help. My family and I know this all too well. Just over a month ago, my mother in law passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Consuelo was an amazing, brilliant woman. She was appointed by President Eisenhower as Honorary Council to Peru, she was one of the most kind, hospitable people I’ve ever known and she raised an amazing daughter that embodies all of her best qualities. Her battle with Alzheimer’s had a true impact on me. The reality is that healthcare is not simply a debate. It’s real people, real needs and they deserve a system that cares for them.

Man denies lighting ammunition-filled trailer on fire

A Lake County man has denied lighting an Arlee trailer on fire containing live ammunition.

Elks Lodge holding annual Hoop Shoot

Mission Valley Elks Lodge will be hosting their Annual Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest on Sunday, Dec. 18 at Linderman Gymnasium in Polson. Free registration and warm up will run from 10:30-11:00 a.m. Contest will begin at 11:00 a.m. Contest is open to boys and girls ages 8-13 (as of April 1, 2017) from Polson, Ronan and all surrounding areas. There is no cost to participate and no admission charge. Winners of each age group will advance to the district contest in Pablo at the McDonald Gymnasium. Free chili and hot dogs will be served for each contestant and their families after the shoot at the Polson Elks club.

Community Calendar

ST. IGNATIUS HOSTING MISSOULA CHORUS

Trump to be judged by facts not fiction

Now that we have President-elect Trump awaiting inauguration, we are now trying to separate fact from fiction. Fiction got him elected and facts will now land on his oval office desk starting in late January 2017.

Players performing Christmas musical

The Port Polson Players are ushering in the holidays with their Christmas musical, “The Greatest Gift on Earth.” Performances will take place on Dec. 9, 10 and 11 as well as Dec. 16, 17 and 18. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m., at Sunday matinées start at 2 p.m.

Foundation pledges funds for soccer complex

The Greater Polson Community Foundation is offering its first-ever challenge grant to help the Polson Youth Soccer Association raise the $84,000 needed to complete construction on a new field complex. The $28,000 grant will go toward the construction of a concession stand, installing the final section of perimeter fencing and making parking lot improvements, all of which will complete the half-million dollar project.

Ronan center hosting holiday meals

Welcome to December and the cold weather. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and keep you self hydrated. That is something we tend to worry more about in the heat than in the cold.

Identifying destructive rodents

Throughout Lake County many landowners are reporting damage to range, pasture and lawns by rodents of various types. Conditions have been favorable to the increase in populations of voles, pocket gophers and Columbian ground squirrels. Each species can be identified by the damage they cause.

St. Ignatius Elementary focusing on basics

Two critical elements of education have been on my mind lately: attendance and behavior. Both of these in action form can be positive or negative. Both of these can have immediate positive or negative consequences. In looking at long-term outcomes for students, the positive and negative are both amplified and increase in distance from each other for choices in attendance and behavior.

MaryLou “Tootsie” Hackman

MARYLOU “TOOTSIE” HACKMAN

Open burning season officially over

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued a reminder that the fall open burning season ended on Nov. 30. No open burning is allowed in the Western Montana Burn Zone until March 1, 2017, unless specific permission is obtained from the department. The Western Montana Burn Zone includes Lincoln, Flathead, Sanders, Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Lewis and Clark, Ravalli, Granite, Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, Jefferson, Broadwater, Beaverhead, Madison and Gallatin counties.

November marriages and divorces

County seeking recognition in Feds Columbia Basin plan

POLSON – As environmental groups grapple with federal agencies over the future of endangered salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River Basin, Lake County officials are pressing the importance of local water supplies.

Man denies assaulting jail guard

A Billings man incarcerated in Lake County Jail on stabbing charges has denied threatening and assaulting a detention officer.

Lake levels set to drop

POLSON – After a historically rainy October filled Flathead Lake to its brim, water levels are quickly dropping with inflow tapering off and the Selis Ksanka Qlispe Dam returning to full operating capacity.

Whitefish scientist describes 'year on Mars'

POLSON – To many, living for a year in a solar-powered dome high atop a Hawaiian volcano might seem like technological experiment.

Wrestler eyeing comeback after shooting self in leg

Polson football player and wrestler Cameron Brown shot himself in a hunting accident he had over the weekend.

Vikings basketball roster mirrors gridiron squad

CHARLO — The Charlo Vikings roster for this season’s basketball campaign will read a lot of like its football roster.

Valley wrestlers prepare for Polson High's Owen Invitational

POLSON – The Polson Pirates wrestling team will return five state placers from last year’s team that finished second in the Class A as they prepare to open their season with the Polson Owen Invitational that is set to begin Friday at 4 p.m. at Linderman Gymnasium.

Pirates make final touches before starting season in Missoula

Dowdall chronicles history of hoops history in new self-published book: Hittin' the jumper

POLSON — Pat Dowdall developed an affinity for the Flathead Lake Community and the town of Polson from an early age.

Lady Pirates b-ball preps for tip-off

POLSON —Last season’s rendition of the Lady Pirates (7-14) doubled their win total from the preceding 2014-15 season (3-17), showing measurable improvement in competitiveness (2013-14 5-17). Their most impressive win was over SWA runnerup Dillon (46-35) during the opening season tournament, which ultimately took the 3rd-seed out of the West into the state A tournament where they finished fourth. The Lady Pirate also took two out of three from SWA Stevensville (43-56, 31-26, div 42-31) and split their series with NWA Whitefish (31-33, 44-42) in a pair of nail biters. Cross-classification clashes with class B schools netted three of four, sweeping 7B Libby (44-32, 42-38), caging 7B Eureka (49-30), but falling to 6B Ronan (48-64) despite their second best scoring outing of the season. The only other game that merits mention was the Buc’s bash with the Broncs in Frenchtown (41-49), where they led the contest at the half, but fell short despite good second half scoring output on account of a season high quarter scoring escalation by the Lady Broncs.

Reassignments revamp local rivalries

POLSON – Ronan football coach Matt Detwiler said he “welcomes” the change of his Chiefs’ football program moving from Montana State Class B to Class A for the 2017-2018 football season.

Legals December 1, 2016

GRANT S. SNELL CROWLEY FLECK PLLP 1667 Whitefish Stage Road P. O. Box 759 Kalispell, MT 59903-0759 Telephone: (406) 752-6644 Facsimile: (406) 752-5108 Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LLOYD RICHARD WILSON, Deceased. Cause No.: DP-16-53 Hon. James A. Manley District Court Judge NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Ro Vasenai Ray Sau Wilson, Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Grant S. Snell, Crowley Fleck PLLP, PO Box 759, Kalispell, Montana 59903, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 26th day of October , 2016. /s/ Ro Vasenai Ray Sau Wilson RO VASENAI RAY SAU WILSON, Personal Representative Lloyd Richard Wilson Estate CROWLEY FLECK PLLP P. O. Box 759 Kalispell, MT 59903-0759 By /s/ Grant S. Snell GRANT S. SNELL Attorneys for Personal Representative Published on November 24, 2016, December 1, 2016, and December 8, 2016. MNAXLP

Healthy ways to attract wildlife

Most landowners interested in management like the idea of having wildlife around their homes. Backyard wildlife usually includes small mammals, as well as a great many birds. Artificially feeding large mammals, such as deer, elk, bear, coyotes or raccoons, is strongly discouraged. Invariably, decisions to feed these animals will result in death to the wildlife and heartache to the well-intentioned homeowner.

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LORETTA BELL WILSON

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LOYANN (JEAN) MITCHELL

Polson senior center to feature meals, Christmas carols

It takes an army of people to prepare for the annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner here; from potato peelers, cooks, salad preparers, and dishwashers to the Polson Rural Fire Chief with an engine company to carry and set up tables. I tried to avoid being in the way as I went about my duties. Thank you to all who help make this a great event.

County increases invasive species fund

POLSON – In light of the recent discovery of invasive mussels in Central Montana, Lake County has ramped up its contributions toward efforts aimed at keeping the bothersome bivalves from entering Flathead Lake and the greater Columbia River Basin.

Letter to Trump: Don't scuttle Paris climate change agreement

Perhaps we can help you bring us together on the most important issue facing humankind. More than 97 percent of climate scientists have given you a flying start. They’ve proven that global warming is real, and we are causing it by burning too much fossil fuel. Backed by that scientific consensus, hopefully you can demonstrate your leadership ability by bringing climate change deniers and doubters on board. Eighteen U.S. scientific organizations and the National Academies of Science from 80 countries want to help you. They already support the consensus view.

State seeking input of Quiet Waters Initiative

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold public comment meetings around the state in January on proposed rules to limit motorized water craft use on some of the state’s water bodies.

Museum to honor Pearl Harbor anniversary

Dec. 7, 1941, is a day that will live in infamy. “Remember Pearl Harbor” was the war cry that stirred the souls of men and women and awakened a “sleeping giant.”

Peaceful transfer of power vital to America's future

The following paragraph spoke volumes to me. See what you think.

Woman sentenced in Arlee trailer murder

Victim’s family not statisfied with length of punishment