Ellington

Ronan student chosen for regional music ensemble

A Ronan High School student has been selected to perform in an prestigious regional musical ensemble.

Justice Court proceedings

Jarrod Schaper, 49, was sentenced to serve 30 days in jail for partner or family member assault, second offense. He was fined $300 and assessed $85 in court costs.

Community Calendar

Polson High School Band, Dec. 1. Polson Middle School Choir, Dec. 13. Polson Middle School Band (includes Jazz Band), Dec. 15. Polson High School Choir, Dec. 19. All concerts will be held at 7 p.m. at the Polson High School Auditorium. For more information, call 883-6335.

Successful hunting season draws to close

Northwest Montana hunters wrapped up another successful big game season on Sunday.

Legals November 24, 2016

Montana 20th Judicial District Court Lake County In re the Marriage of: Erika M. Cook, Petitioner, and Jonathan M. Cook, Respondent. Cause No.: DR-16-94 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 and to establish a permanent parenting plan for the minor child(ren) of the marriage. Dated this 13 of October, 2016. (SEAL) Lyn Fricker Clerk of Court By: /s/ Megan Roberts Deputy Clerk Published on November 10, 2016, November 17, 2016, and November 24, 2016. MNAXLP

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CHARLO — Charlo High School football coach Mike Krahn, who has coached for 25 seasons, said the Class-C 8-man state championship game which his team lost 30-24 was one of the “most intense” games he has ever been a part of as a coach.

Pirates girls basketball prepare for the start of the season

POLSON — The Polson Lady Pirates basketball coach Joe Quinn is optimistic his team will begin to grasp his offensive system entering his second season at the helm.

Pirates boys basketball prepares for season tip off

POLSON —The Polson Pirates boys basketball team will have a mixture of youth and experience as they prepare to head into the 2016-2017 season.

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By Jason Blasco

Warriors enter season with young team

ARLEE — Arlee boys basketball coach Zanen Pitts said he knows he will have restoration work to do headed into the 2016-2017 campaign.

Scarlet b-ballers hope to utilize height advantage

ARLEE — Arlee girls basketball coach Bill Stockton has a luxury most coaches don’t’ have as he prepares to enter the 2016-2017 campaign with a mixture of youth and experience.

Maidens prepare for tip-off to the basketball season

After an ominous opening last season with a pair of losses at the NWA/SWA Tip-Off Tournament, the Ronan Maidens went on to reel off 21 straight along the way to the 6B regular season conference crown, District 6B championship and Western B Divisional championship. At the State B tournament, St. Labre and Forsyth would grind the Ronan win streak to a halt, although the Maidens came very close to winning a game at State after a very long drought. The team averaged 56 points per game, racking up 1400 points to post a 21-4 overall record.

Maidens get ready for basketball season

By John Heglie

Local v-ballers receive recognition

Mission Valley area schools reaped a dozen volleyball players who earned postseason all-conference accolades this past Fall. Among those dozen were a pair of senior all-state recipients in Lee Camel of 6B Ronan and Bryndle Goyins of 14C Arlee. Both were also conferred with all-conference first-team honors as well. This was the second first-team nod for both.

Chiefs QB commits to Western Montana

RONAN — Ronan High School QB Kasey Mock became the first-ever player to sign to a collegiate program under Chiefs’ Coach Matt Detwiler’s regime.

Mustangs capture Class-C 8-man title in topsy-turvy affair

“When I caught the ball and I looked at the clock, I knew we had won the championship,” Knack said. “My whole body just went warm. Playing that game was really intense and no one in that game was able to have a big one momentum. It was back-and-forth. You had to try not get upset (during the game) because it was such an emotional game.”

Head Start program hosts powwow in Ronan

RONAN — The Head Start Program held its annual pow wow dedicated to the memory of two members that served their community, Rick Borden and Geri Owen.

Vikings dedicate season to fallen teammate

CHARLO — One of Charlo High School manager David McCullugh’s critical speeches to the Vikings is one that is heartfelt and somber.

Vikings surge past Belt to face Ennis for championship

CHARLO — Charlo Vikings QB Landers Smith knows his team’s margin for error will be slim as they prepare to host Ennis in the Class-C, 8-man state championship game Saturday at Charlo High School.

Energy Share accepting applications

Energy Share of Montana is accepting applications for emergency heating assistance at Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana in Kalispell. Energy Share is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance to Montanans facing financial difficulties which may result in loss of heat or lights in their home. Energy Share helps an average of about 2,500 families per year (over 6,000 individuals) statewide. The organizational structure is unique because the applications are reviewed individually, allowing applicants to explain the difficult circumstances they are facing. Assistance is typically given once every 10 years, making Energy Source a source of emergency funds intended to complement government assistance programs but not replace them.

Local woman selected to Humanities Montana board

A Mission-valley woman has been selected as one of three new board members for the nonprofit organization Humanities Montana.

County seeking board members

Lake County is currently seeking volunteers serve on the following advisory boards:

Comment sought on Hungry Lion project

The Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District is requesting comments on the management activities proposed in the Hungry Lion Resource Management Project.

Polson celebrating “season of light”

Nothing gives more sparkle and festivity to the Christmas season than the outdoor lighting displays of bright, colorful outdoor lights on homes, businesses and churches. With shorter days and longer nighttime hours, the beauty of outdoor lighting is cheery and lifts our spirits.

Winter wheat at risk for disease

Fall disease potential in winter wheat due to the warm, wet weather is expected to be on the rise. Favorable conditions for stripe rust and wheat streak mosaic virus are resurging due to the third year in a row of extended mild weather in the fall without snowfall or significantly hard freezing temperatures. Breaking the green bridge areas has been difficult due to rainfall and a reluctance to apply too many inputs including glyphosate due to the low price of wheat.

Polson senior center hosting hearing clinic, meals

The hunters have been out in force. Venison for dinner again? Oh deer.

November births

FREYJA DAWN TORGENRUD

Whitefish woman to describe “Year on Mars”

Whitefish scientist and explorer Carmel Johnston will speak at the Mission Mountain Audubon Society’s Dec. 1 meeting about her experience participating in a year-long research program simulating life on the planet Mars.

Arlee High School honor roll

St. Ignatius hosting Missoula Children's Theatre auditions

The audition for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of The Frog Prince will be held on Nov. 28, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at The St. Ignatius Elementary Multipurpose Room. There are roles for those students kindergarten through 12th grade. Approximately 50 to 60 local students will be cast to appear in the show with the MCT Tour Actor/Director. There is no guarantee that everyone who auditions will be cast in the play. Students wishing to audition must arrive by the scheduled starting time and stay for the entire two-hour session. The first rehearsal begins approximately 15-30 minutes after the audition.

Christmas tree cutting permits now available

Christmas tree permits are now available for five dollars, cash only, at each of the Flathead National Forest offices in Kalispell, Hungry Horse and Bigfork, in addition to a variety of retail vendors in the area. A complete list of vendors can be found on the Forest’s website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/flathead. Each permit is valid for one tree and there is a maximum of two permits per household. Commercial permits are not available.

Charlo High School honor roll

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

RONAN COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING DINNER

Polson High School honor roll

Deer harvest outpacing 2015 numbers

Deer harvest in northwest Montana is slightly ahead of last year at the same point in the season, according to check station results around Region One.

Bazaar kicks off holiday season

For many people, a gift made by hand is more cherished than anything bought in a store.

Polson student raising money for music trip

Sierra Garcia has never let financial obstacles impede her pursuit of music.

Rollins home lost in fire

A home in a lakeshore neighborhood outside Rollins is in ruins this week after a fire erupted late Sunday night.

Ronan High School honor roll

Polson man denies drug dealing charges

A Polson man has denied drug-dealing charges after police officers found an array of drugs and weapons at his Turtle Lake home.

Sentencing delayed for man accused of affair with minor

Sentencing for a man accused of engaging in an affair with a minor was rescheduled in Lake County District Court last week, as Judge Deborah K. Christopher noted inconsistencies in the latest statements from the alleged victim and defendant.

Local commission pushing to stop spread of invasive mussels

YELLOW BAY – A group tasked with protecting the aquatic resources of the Flathead River drainage is urging state officials to close the Canyon Ferry and Tiber reservoirs to all boats as evidence mounts that both of the Central Montana water bodies now harbor invasive mussels. The Flathead Basin Commission is including the closure recommendations in a letter to Gov. Steve Bullock, drafted last week at the University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station. It was the commission’s first meeting after the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ Nov. 9 announcement that the long-feared presence of invasive mussels had been confirmed in Tiber Reservoir — the first such detection in the state. Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet Nation both closed all their waters to boating within days of the state’s announcement and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service followed suit by closing a popular recreation pond that supplies water to its hatchery in Creston. While the commission’s letter is not yet finalized, the group agreed to ask Bullock to initiate the closure of Tiber and Canyon Ferry Reservoir, where mussels were detected last month but not positively confirmed. Executive director Caryn Miske said Friday that surveys this week at Canyon Ferry have lent more credence to the likelihood — but not the certainty — of invasive mussel contamination in that reservoir, as well. “As a whole, there is a feeling that we’re going to need to do significantly more than we’ve done in the past, if we’re fortunate enough that they haven’t invaded the Flathead yet,” Miske said. “We know at some point we’re going to have to put in a containment effort related to those waters, and if other waters have been contaminated.” For now, invasive mussels have still never been detected anywhere west of the Continental Divide in Montana. But the status of Canyon Ferry and Flathead Lake — separated by about a 200-mile drive — as the two most popular boating areas in the state has alarmed commission members. “If we’re not infested, it’s just a matter of having been lucky,” said Thom Smith, the commission chairman. He added, “We all have to say we’ve failed and we’re going to have to change if we’re going to have a reasonable chance of protecting this incredible resource we’re all entrusted with.” This spring, the commission began using a team of dogs specially trained to detect invasive mussels at its boat-check stations in and around the Flathead basin. Along with mussel dogs from Alberta, the teams are currently searching any adult mussels that would indicate the presence of a reproductive population. Miske said Friday that the dogs had sent a strong signal that Canyon Ferry has been infested as well. “That all the dogs alerted at one particular boat at one spot in Canyon Ferry, what they were likely sniffing is the secretion left behind by a mussel,” Miske said. But, she added, “Did the dogs confirm whether there was an adult mussel present? No.” Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman Ron Aasheim also said Friday that the dogs had alerted to “hot spots” along Canyon Ferry’s shore, where some form of invasive mussel presence was possible, but the agency has yet to confirm any contamination with visual or DNA evidence. Per the state’s “rapid-response plan,” an inter-agency task force is working on a plan to respond to and contain the mussel introduction. Aasheim said that while the option to close the reservoirs to boating is still on the table, it is not one the team is actively pursuing. “At this point, we’ve talked about it and there are no plans (to close them) right now,” he said. “We understand there are people, including the park and the Blackfeet, that have made that decision, but the experts we’ve talked to have said that’s not the best decision.” With water temperatures dropping, Aasheim noted that free-floating mussel larvae, such as those found in the positive samples taken from last summer, are increasingly unlikely to persist in the water column. He also noted that boating season has largely wound down for the year. Miske said that choosing not to close Canyon Ferry, in particular, could lead to a mussel-fouled boat launching elsewhere.

Ronan center offering meals, games

Wow, how time flies. I will be old before I know it. It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here, and Christmas is just around the corner.

Thanksgiving spirit on full display around valley

The spirit of giving will be on full display around the Mission Valley this week, as churches and charitable organizations band together to offer a cornucopia of community meals.

Dixon center offering meals, gifts

Did you realize we in this area could be eating turkey dinner every day this week (Monday through Friday)? Between the senior centers and free community dinners we can enjoy delicious turkey meals enough to last us until Christmas, if you’re not turkey-ed out by then. I hope we all remembered to pause and appreciate the blessings we still have, living in the U.S.A. Now, it’s on to Christmas cookie and goody making.

Political “has-beens” more open-minded

We began our service in the Montana legislature 46 years ago when political differences were as real and sharp as they are today, but when the practice of politics wasn’t as political.

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LORETTA B. WILSON

Sportspage Bowling Scores, week of Nov. 8

Tuesday Moonlighters

Montana a leader in community foundations

Across our beloved Montana, scores of dedicated folks are working to improve the quality of life for everyone in their communities now and far into the future. We are your friends and neighbors who are the strength behind the 75 local community foundations in the Treasure State.

Polson senior center to offer meals, excuses

It is far easier to perceive error than truth for the former lies on the surface and is easily detected while the latter lies in the depths and must be sought out. The truth of the matter is that I completely messed up last week’s newsletter. For those who actually read it, the error was obvious; I listed everything for December. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa. Also, I forgot to mention the toe-nail clinic on Wednesday. But, at the last minute, it was changed to Thursday. Ergo, “ees no’ my fault, mon”.

Ronan senior center serving Thanksgiving meal

Well, here I am, running late again. Time seems to go so fast. It is hard to believe that November is already more than half over. Christmas will be upon us before we know it.

Republican party fractured despite election success

Just my own personal views after the election. These come from my rural background on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, my business career in Chicago and my spiritual beliefs.

There's no secret behind Trump's underdog victory

There is a Gospel song, written back in the 1950s by Hollywood cowboy singer Stuart Hamblen, entitled “It Is No Secret.” I met him when he came to Ronan around 1950 or 51. Without the lyrics, the title alone, coming out of Hollywood, might raise some eyebrows. However, the writer experienced a life transformation at the Los Angles Billy Graham Crusade in September 1949. Hamblen was in Ronan to share his new song and to speak about his new relationship with Jesus Christ. We learned then that the full title of his song was “It Is No Secret What God Can Do.”

Local group sharing holiday spirit

The Christmas holidays will be here soon, and most of us look forward to them with great anticipation of sharing time, meals and gifts with family and friends. There are many among us who get overwhelmed and anxious about being able to provide for their families. Share the Spirit Holiday Assistance Program started in 1998 as a Lake County-only program to help children in struggling families with gifts of toys, clothes and coats at Christmas to make the holidays brighter. We also try to provide a limited number of food certificates and personal care bags for families. Since we started, we are fortunate enough to have partnered with the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program which helps us manage the daunting task of providing for these children.

Combined effort quells haystack fire

It required 20,000 gallons of water and 21 personnel, but fire crews from across the area were able to douse a blaze which had fully engulfed a haystack, shed and farm equipment off River Breaks Road on Nov. 10

Local teen bags wild first hunt

Many 13-year-olds might shy away from hunting if their first trip involved bears charging them, dragging their deer off in the middle of the night and attempting to climb on top of their camping trailer.

Local artist receives international recognition

Local Polson artist Joanne Simpson, honored and appreciated in Montana and Michigan for more than 30 years, has received her first international recognition by being accepted to exhibit in the 96th Annual National Watercolor Society International Exhibition in San Pedro, Calif., Oct. 22 through Dec. 18. After having one of her landscape batik on rice paper paintings, Little Salmon River, accepted for the exhibition she learned that she also received “Signature Status,” allowing her to include NWS after her name on all watercolor art.

Man denies driving drunk with children in car

An Alberton man has denied charges alleging he put two young children in danger after he was arrested near Ravalli for driving with a blood alcohol content more than twice the legal limit.

Justice Court proceedings

Curtis Dean Franks, 29, was fined $200 for forgery. He was assessed $85 in court costs.

Mack Days ends with third highest totals ever

A total of 469 anglers registered for the 2016 Fall Mack Days fishing event, turning in 17,527 lake trout entries in 45 days of fishing. This year’s derby ranked third highest for a fall tournament since the competition started in 2002.

Salvation Army Kettle Drive to benefit Lake County

This Christmas season, when you shop at Super One Foods, Wal-Mart, Pablo Family Foods, and Harvest Foods, you will see volunteers from the Polson, Pablo and Ronan-area churches and community organizations ringing the bell for the annual Salvation Army Kettle Drive.

Lake County voters follow state, national trends

State and national races were a similar story, in what was a breakout year for the G.O.P.

Lake County election results

PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

State to finalize Flathead Lake no-wake zone proposal

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will take final action on the petition for a no-wake zone in Cromwell Channel in Flathead Lake during its regular monthly meeting on Nov. 17 in Helena.

Local warrior society honors veterans with powwow

PABLO — While many Veterans Day ceremonies feature the solemn sound of bugles and horns, the honoring held by the Veteran Warrior Society of the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes took on a much livelier tone.

Vikings prepare for semifinal playoff showdown with Huskies

Pirates season ends with playoff loss to Rams

Chiefs lay foundation for program's future with quarterfinal appearance

Lady Pirates fall short of clinching state berth in C-Falls

Local athletes qualify in football skills competition

Scarlets v-ballers fall short of state

Maidens fall to Eureka, Thompson Falls in Class B Divisionals

Fall Mack Days competition nearing end

In the seventh week of 2016 Fall Mack Days, Terry Krogstad of Kalispell continues to lead the 452 anglers in the competition. Saturday was a beautiful day on the lake and the fish were biting, with a total of 905 lake trout entered. Blustery and cold weather dropped Sundays dropped this number to 381, however. A total of 14,688 lake trout have been turned in with one week remaining in the two month-long event. 

Community Calendar

EILEEN JAMES REED

Eileen James Reed, 91 died October 28, 2016 in Polson Montana with family and friends surrounding her during her final days. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Nov. 12 at Polson Community Church, 1814 First St. E., Polson.

ELEANOR BERINGER WITTMIER MILLER

Eleanor Beringer Wittmier Miller, 86, of Polson passed away on Saturday, Oct. 29 at St. Patrick Hospital of natural causes. She was born on Feb. 23, 1930, in Brady to Louie and Minnie Beringer. She was educated in Brady Public Schools. She was first married to Vernon Wittmier and then later to Victor Miller. 

LESTER R. JOHNSON

Lester R. Johnson, age 82, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 29, of natural causes at his residence in Polson. He was born on July 17, 1934 in McIntosh, Minn.

October rains fill Flathead Lake

State weighs in on dam's tax status

The Montana Department of Revenue has countered Lake County’s claims that the Selis Ksanka Qlispe Dam should be placed back on the tax roles, stating that the argument lacks a legal basis.

Judgment pending in irrigation election case

A marathon hearing discussing the validity of the May 3 elections for positions on the Flathead Joint Board of Control ended in a cliffhanger on Monday, as Lake County District Court Judge James A. Manley retreated to his chambers to draft a judgment he said he would issue in two weeks.

Bring on Fairview

Chiefs prep for Trojans in quarterfinal match

Pirates prepare to host Rams in quarterfinals

Lady Pirates prepare for divisionals in C-Falls

Local kids excel in punt, pass and kick

City looking to fill board vacancies

The City of Polson is looking for citizens who are interested in serving on steering boards that are used to provide information and guidance to lawmakers. 

Officials seek information on moose poaching near Bigfork

Donovan Earl Viddaurri

Patricia Margaret Salovich

Lois Ann Davidson Newby Brown

Lois Ann Davidson Newby Brown left this world to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Oct.19, at 5:30 a.m. in Ronan at the age of 86. She was born Dec. 18, 1929 in Hughes, Okla., to Louis “Buster” and Verda (Allison) Davidson, the second of four children. She was raised in Oklahoma during the Great Depression with her two sisters and little brother, plus two sisters from her father’s second marriage. Lois married Ray Newby in 1946 and they soon relocated to California pursuing better opportunities for their young family. Not long after they met Les and Bernice Slater from Montana, they decided to relocate again and never looked back. 

Evans aims to represent families, community

Democratic state House District 12 candidate Susan Evans said she aims to support policies that benefit the "little guy."

Hertz focused on fiscal responsibility

Montana House District 12 candidate Greg Hertz said he remains focus on fiscal responsibility. 

Ronan Boys and Girls Club gets lesson in politics

Members of the Ronan Boys and Girls Club received a civics lesson by meeting with local political candidates and holding a mock election. 

Local theater company kicks off new show with award

The husband and wife duo of Neal and Karen Lewing recently received recognition for their work with the Port Polson Players theater company.