Friday, April 28
Polson City Commissioners holding town hall meetings
In an effort to reach out to their constituents, the Polson City Commissioners will be holding town hall meeting during the month of May. The meetings will take place at 7 p.m. at the commission chambers inside city hall. They look forward to hearing from as many residents as possible.
Thursday, April 27
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Hislop named to the Montana Coaches Hall Of Fame
Polson High School tennis coach Bob Hislop said being named one of the 11 coaches that will be enshrined in the Montana Coaches Association Hall Of Fame is both “humbling” and “very cool.”
Smith inducted into the Montana Coaches Hall Of Fame
When Polson High School softball coach Larry Smith was first hired by Dennis Jones and Bud Veith as the head softball coach in 1988 he was asked by the Pirates’ administrators “if he could field a competitive team.”
Mission Valley tracksters standout at Seeley-Swan Invitational meet
The Charlo track team and the 2016 Class-C runner-up football team feature familiar names stacked at the top of various track categories.
Valley Special Olympians excel in area games
Several valley-area athletes competed in the Special Olympics area games this past weekend in Missoula and Frenchtown.
Chiefs, Maidens have strong showing at Libby Invite
The Ronan tennis team was led by Bailey Moss, who finished fourth in the boys singles bracket, and Breanna Turpin and Julia Matkovich, who went 1-1 in the girls doubles bracket Saturday at the Libby Invitational.
Polson Youth Soccer opens facility
Link Moderie knew something had to be done to upgrade the Polson Youth Soccer facility.
M-A-C softball blows out opponents in weekend series
The Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball team continues to manufacture runs at an unprecedented rate, totaling 43 runs in the last three games.
Polson senior center to offer meals, games
Acupuncture is a jab well done. That’s the point of it.
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PHS Honor Roll Qtr 3
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RMS HONOR ROLL QUARTER 3 2016-2017
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Ronan High School Quarter 3 honor roll
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Polson Middle School Quarter 3 5th-grade honor roll
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The following students have met the requirements for 2nd quarter Honor Roll at St Ignatius High School.
C.B. McNeil
C.B. McNEIL
Betty June Shima
BETTY JUNE SHIMA
Wayne Hobbs
WAYNE HOBBS
Marg Christensen
MARG CHRISTENSEN
Tribal law enforcement bill provides funding options
On Monday, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation were pleased to learn that the Montana House of Representatives gave Senate Bill No. 310 its final approval. SB 310 has now passed both houses of the Legislature with bipartisan support and will go to the Governor for his signature.
Local irrigator appointed to Bureau of Reclamation
Local irrigator and water resource consultant Alan Mikkelsen of St. Ignatius was appointed last week to serve as deputy commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Local school districts eying levy increase, facility upgrades
In anticipation of Gov. Steve Bullock signing a new school facility funding bill into law, local school districts have positioned themselves to raise money for some long-awaited upgrades.
Aurora lights up skies over Montana in April
It is one of nature’s most breathtaking displays and it has been visible from Polson several times already this year, but scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Space Weather Prediction Center say the best shows of 2017 may be yet to come.
Comedy group promotes cultural awareness in St. Ignatius
When it comes to breaking down stereotypes, humor can provide one of the most effective tools.
Meeting explores possibility of co-op brewery opening in Ronan
If initial enthusiasm gives any indication, there could be strong support behind the creation of a cooperative brewery in Ronan.
Man denies arson, attempted homicide charges
A 23-year-old Montana man has denied multiple charges alleging that he robbed and lit a Rollins house on fire while the homeowner slept inside.
Spring Mack Days entries top 24,000
A total of 3,576 entries were turned in over the sixth weekend of the nine week long Mack Days Fishing Event bringing the total for six weeks of lake trout fishing to 24,722. Total for Friday fishing was 1,279, Saturday-1,325, and Sunday 972. Eighteen year old Danner Shima of Kalispell continued his fishing run Friday turning in a total of 89, Saturday-76, and Sunday 55 putting him in first place in the Top Ten Category with 1,028, Ryan Shima sits in second with 943-Friday-54, Saturday-39, and Sunday 41. Michael Benson of Lonepine is in 3rd with 921-Friday 33, Saturday-39, and 41 on Sunday, Steven Benson of Four Lakes, WA is 4th with 890-54,24, & 33, 5th Felix Gauci of Stevensville with 864-69,41, & 17, Jason Mahlen of Kalispell 6th with 855-49,65, & 45, 7th Jason Mahlen of Missoula with 769-55,44, and 20, 8th Sam Cusker of Whitefish-751-39,44, & 21, 9th David McDaniel of Polson with 713-56,31, & 44, and 10th Travis Banyai of Kalispell with 603-55,33, & 54.
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Justin M. Olson, 33, was fined $50 for criminal possession of a dangerous drug (marijuana, less than 60 grams (first offense). He was also assessed $85 in court costs.
Special election offers clear choices
In reading the most recent Letters to the editor, it be-comes apparent that Republicans and Democrats who “get out the vote” are going to do so along party lines. So, I am reaching out to Independents and Undecideds.
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A senior citizen’s views on vital topics of interest:
Polson hosting spring clean up events
The snow and ice of winter are gone, and now the trash along our streets and roadways must “be gone” too. Polson’s annual community-wide Clean Up! Green Up! has been set for Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 7.
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Respectfully. The biggest issue of the Montana special election is the Montana mail-in ballot. Risking defeat by doing the right thing is the very definition of courageous. And in this case what’s right was profoundly clear, unequivocal and laid squarely in the hands of one Republican candidate, Greg Gianforte - a failure in this test of courage.
Transparency required on joint irrigation board
It is important for the three districts belonging to the Flathead Joint Board of Control to continue to work together, but there is a lot of frustration among irrigators in all three districts because of the way the FJBC has worked since reconstituted in 2014. Based on my experience as a Flathead Irrigation District commissioner on the FJBC from May 2015 until I resigned on February 22, 2017, I share that frustration.
Tester's opposition not courageous
Fellow liberal Democrats have lauded Senator Jon Tester as being “courageous” for voting against the confirmation of the eminently qualified Neil Gorsuch for US Supreme Court justice. Is parroting the rhetoric and reasons of liberal New York Senator Chuck Schumer courageous? It is just like 2010, when Tester obeyed former Senator Harry Reid and cast a deciding vote for Obamacare without reading the bill. His “reward” then was $16 million to hire a Colorado firm to build a totally unneeded border crossing building at Whitetail, MT. Fortunately, the Canadians closed their side before this money was wasted. In January, Tester facetiously showed up at Ryan Zinke’s confirmation hearing, then, again following orders from Chuck Schumer, Jon helped the Democrats mount an unprecedented display of delaying and obstructing all of the president’s appointments, causing problems in the transition of government. Is this what he calls “Montana values?”
Quist represents most of Montana
I have read with sadness the letters in support of Greg Gianforte for Congress. Give him credit for his achievements; yet the fear of what Rob Quist would bring fed by mean spirited outside interests is wicked. What does higher taxes to pay for entitlements really mean? It fundamentally means that we take care of those who cannot take care of themselves. Can we really believe Gianforte will fight on the side of Montana where nearly 20,000 live below the poverty line? When he tells Sally Mauk of Montana Public Radio that Trump has achieved much of what he promised? Outside of the Supreme Court Justice, would he please point to action that would survive scrutiny?
Legals April 27, 2017
2ND STREET MINI STORAGE: Public sale April 29, 2017 10:00 a.m. at 1002 2nd Street East, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY. Contents of units A04, A09, A12, A14, B04, B09, B16, H01, H02, & H10. Subject to redemption prior to sale time by calling 250-5889. The following Division Street units to follow auction of 2nd Street units. 2ND STREET MINI STORAGE: A Public sale April 29, 2017 at 200 block of Division Street, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY. Contents of units E09, E11, E12, E14, E15, E18, E20, E24, E25. Subject to redemption prior to sale time by calling 250-5889. Published on April 13, 2017, April 20, 2017, and April 27, 2017. MNAXLP
Thursday, April 20
June A. French
JUNE A. FRENCH
Linze Tate Brockmeyer
LINZE TATE BROCKMEYER
Lake County Justice Court proceedings
Lonnie William Muth, 47, was ordered to pay $150 in restitution for theft, obtaining or exerting unauthorized control over property. He was assessed $85 in court costs.
Chiefs, Maidens celebrate Earth Day
Ronan Athletic Director Lucky Larson organized an opportunity for all of his sports teams to pick up track Wednesday afternoon at Ronan High School.
Lady Pirates softball on a roll after downing Corvallis 23-6
The Polson softball team continues to respond well when they jumped out to a 6-0 lead after two innings in their recent game against Corvallis Thursday night at Polson High School.
Polson tennis team displays character in Cut Bank
Polson coach Bob Hislop likes it when his team has to play events that involve more extensive travel like his team did this week at the Cut Bank Invitational.
Vikings' tracksters stand out in Dave Tripp meet
The Charlo boys’ track team was among many Valley-area standouts in the Dave Tripp Memorial track meet Thursday afternoon at Polson High School.
Gianforte rides Trump train during Polson visit
Referring to Montana’s upcoming special election as a referendum on President Donald Trump’s first few months in office, Republican U.S. House of Representatives candidate Greg Gianforte visited Polson last week with a clear proposition for the GOP voter base.
Polson buzzing with new coffee shops
With spring continuing to bring rainy skies and wet weather to the Mission Valley, local residents can find shelter in a pair of new Polson coffee shops that have opened over the winter.
Polson City Commission scraps event fee proposal
After encountering strong public opposition, the Polson City Commission on Monday shot down a proposed ordinance charging fees for special events.
Bison Range decision prompts speculation
U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s statement last week announcing his decision to halt discussion surrounding the return of the National Bison Range to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes has sparked some head scratching among parties on both sides of the issue.
Legals April 20, 2017
2ND STREET MINI STORAGE: Public sale April 29, 2017 10:00 a.m. at 1002 2nd Street East, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY. Contents of units A04, A09, A12, A14, B04, B09, B16, H01, H02, & H10. Subject to redemption prior to sale time by calling 250-5889. The following Division Street units to follow auction of 2nd Street units. 2ND STREET MINI STORAGE: A Public sale April 29, 2017 at 200 block of Division Street, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY. Contents of units E09, E11, E12, E14, E15, E18, E20, E24, E25. Subject to redemption prior to sale time by calling 250-5889. Published on April 13, 2017, April 20, 2017, and April 27, 2017. MNAXLP
Thursday, April 13
Gerald Zero
GERALD ZERO
Larry Gursky
LARRY GURSKY
David Raleigh Knott, Sr.
DAVID RALEIGH KNOTT, SR.
Polson looks to future in 2026 with girls basketball camp
The Polson High School girls basketball program is still in search of its first-ever Class A state championship in the program’s history.
Ronan HS girls basketball, wrestling coaches step down
Ronan High School wrestling coach James Muir and Coach Ron Hanson have resigned from their posts as the head boys wrestling coach and girls basketball coach last week.
Mission Valley high school sports teams have strong week
Since the start of the season, Chiefs’ Coach Matt Olson has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to be a state-contending team.
Chiefs, Maidens tennis look to continue to improve in
The Ronan boys and girls tennis teams continue to refine their game as they use the regular season to prepare for postseason play.
Lady Pirates softball wins three of four in Belgrade
Polson came out of the stretch nearly unscathed winning four of the five contests. They started with a 7-4 home victory against Columbia Falls Thursday night at Polson High School’s softball stadium.
Polson girls, boys tennis teams brave elements against Whitefish, Dillon
The Polson boys tennis team experienced something they aren’t used to in this weekends game: a shutout.
Maidens cross country star McCready signs with MSU-Northern
Ronan High School cross country and track athlete Ashley McCready signed a letter of intent at Ronan High School Wednesday to run track and cross country with Montana State University-Northern.
Arlee's Pitts wins Class-C Winter Coach Of The Year honors
Arlee boys’ basketball coach Zanen Pitts admits being baffled after he was the recipient of the Montana Class-C state Coach Of The Year Award.
Lake County Justice Court proceedings
Fristen, Alyssa V., 26, was fined $500 ($450 suspended) and sentenced to 178 days in jail (178 suspended) for driving a motor vehicle while suspended or revoked. She was also assessed $35 in court costs.
View from the Library
Spring has finally arrived! Birds are singing, flowers are blooming and we are celebrating National Library Week! During National Library Week (April 9-15), we will offer our “Food for Fines” program. If you have a few nagging library fines, this is your chance to clear them up. For each item of food brought in, we will waive $1 of your fines (not applicable to lost or damaged materials). All food will be donated to the Polson Loaves and Fish Food Pantry. Also during National Library Week, we will have an expanded book sale in the library. We always have our book sale corner, but during this week, we will also have DVDs for sale! The first week of May we will have a special book sale during Children’s Book Week, featuring books for children through young adult.
Polson center to offer meals, games
I’ve always been the type of guy who puts his pants on one leg at a time. I still will be as soon as I’m able to do that by myself. But from now on, I will be sitting down to do it. Just one little misstep and I’m in a leg brace for some time to come. A detached kneecap ligament is a steep price to pay for such a basic piece of wisdom.
LOVE movement sweeping nation
There is a movement sweeping America now. It is a movement inspired by millions who are awakened to action. This movement’s actions are many and varied, everything from simply a personal shift in thinking, speaking and writing to full-throated large group marches and rallies.
Gianforte will uphold conservative values
On May 25 I will be voting for Greg Gianforte. He is a long-time business man and his experience will be beneficial in the House of Representatives. Unlike Rob Quist, Greg will fight to keep good paying jobs here in Montana and to keep our taxes lower.
Gianforte has earned title of true Montanan
How long does it take to be a true Montanan? Greg Gianforte has lived here over twenty years. His children were raised here and he achieved his greatest success as a Montanan. Greg could have started his business anywhere. His wife immigrated here as a small child, her father died and her mother did whatever work she could to support her. Gianforte’s have studied hard in school and worked hard in business. Gianforte,s story is America’s story and it is what makes it great to be an American. I am not sure why some have gotten so petty that they forget that.
Quist criticism unwarranted
A Super Political Action Committee calling itself “Congressional Leadership Fund” is flooding our airwaves with shadowy propaganda criticizing Rob Quist for having a “big hat” and being “out of tune” with Montana. They’re pouring big bucks into the assumption that these allegations will shock Montanans into voting against Quist. Alternately, they give no rationale supporting his multi-millionaire opponent from California.
Governor sells out Montanans by nixing anti-foreign law bill
In spite of the overwhelming support in the legislature and from citizens across Montana, our Governor chooses foreign law over Montana law. Governor Bullock is quoted as saying, “The intent of these bills is to target a particular religion and group of people for disfavored treatment.” Exactly how does this target anyone for ‘disfavored treatment’? He also said, “the measure would “upend our legal system and debase what we stand for as Montanans and Americans.”
Gianforte right for Montana
Montana has one person representing our state in the U.S. House of Representatives. Therefore, the most qualified candidate must be elected to this important position. The two leading candidates for the job offer voters a clear choice: one is a model of Bernie Sanders’ liberalism; the other is a successful entrepreneur who exemplifies Montana values of hard work and personal responsibility.
Orphaned grizzly bear cubs adapting to new home
Having survived a tragedy of storybook proportions, two orphaned grizzly bear cubs from the Flathead Indian Reservation are settling into their new home at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, and gaining quite a following in the process.
Tribes update emergency watercraft restrictions
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have updated their watercraft restrictions enacted to prevent the spread of invasive mussels into the Flathead Basin.
Polson city fire receives first grades since restructuring
The City of Polson Fire Department held strong in its first insurance assessment since splitting ways with Polson Rural Fire in 2015.
Polson proposes charging fees for special events
As Polson prepares for another summer full of festivities, city officials are proposing a new fee schedule to recoup the cost of hosting special events.
Legislature tables proposal on law enforcement
HELENA — The agreement between Lake County and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes obligating the county to prosecute felony crimes committed by tribal members will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future.
Polson football coach resigns, takes job as principal
The Pirates football team will be under new leadership next season as head coach Scott Wilson resigned from his post last week. Wilson accepted the position Principal at Polson High School.
Ronan officials reviving mill levy proposal
After falling just short during the Nov. 8 general election, Ronan city officials are once again campaigning for a public mill levy aimed at providing additional resources for the Ronan Police Department.
Man charged in Rollins house fire
A 23-year-old man accused of lighting a Rollins home on fire with its owner sleeping inside has been arrested on charges of arson, aggravated burglary and attempted homicide.
Legals April 13, 2017
2ND STREET MINI STORAGE: Public sale April 29, 2017 10:00 a.m. at 1002 2nd Street East, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY. Contents of units A04, A09, A12, A14, B04, B09, H01, H02, & H10. Subject to redemption prior to sale time by calling 250-5889. The following Division Street units to follow auction of 2nd Street units. 2ND STREET MINI STORAGE: A Public sale April 29, 2017 at 200 block of Division Street, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY. Contents of units E09, E11, E12, E14, E15, E18, E20, E24, E25. Subject to redemption prior to sale time by calling 250-5889. Published on April 13, 2017, April 20, 2017, and April 27, 2017. MNAXLP
Friday, April 7
Mission-Arlee-Charlo on a roll, Maidens fall in opener
The Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball team maintained its unblemished record by winning three consecutive games this past week.
Mission Valley M's teach kids the game
Mission Valley Mariner Tyson Petticrew vividly recalls when he was learning to become a Mariner by attending day camps of former Mariners he wanted to be like.
Pirates tennis remains perfect after four matches
“Obviously, you are successful when both teams finish 4-0 in the duels,” Hislop said. “The older and more experienced players had a really good weekend even though we had a few hiccups here and there.”
Chiefs, Maidens golf start season strong
Ronan golf coach Matt Olson knows the season of golf is grueling and is somewhat reluctant when discussing expectations of his teams.
Local cyclists welcome spring with 10th annual Speedwagon Classic
“It’s so early in the season and there isn’t a whole lot of strategy,” Bronsdon said. “Most of the time in Montana, a ride in the Valley looks good when you are out there. It’s just kind of a day where you are having fun, racing hard, and you wanted to put it all out there and finish first.”
Bulldogs, Lady Bulldogs tennis overcome inexperience in first varsity play
Ashley admits she had to modify her expectations for her inexperienced boys and girls teams this year.
Lake County Justice Court Proceedings
Butterfly, James M., 55, was fined $250 for driving without a valid license. He was also assessed $35 in court costs.
Senior center to offer driving class
I always bragged that I had the body of a Greek god until someone informed me where Buddha actually came from.
Engagement key to moving forward
“Moving ahead in dangerous times” is vital in America right now. This “moving ahead” is not only for us nationally but extremely important internationally as well.
Polson plays host to Montana wine convention
While Montana has long boasted a storied drinking culture, local fermentation enthusiasts are seeking to add yet another layer to the state’s repertoire by establishing a wine industry in the Big Sky state.
Polson Rural Fire District honors volunteers at banquet
In the first Polson Rural District firefighter recognition banquet last Saturday night, Fire Chief Paul Laisy gave high praise and gratitude for the rural firefighters and the many hours of volunteer time they put in to the department and district. In 2016, the first full year in operation after the separation from the City, the department responded to 223 calls and averaged 15 volunteers per call.
Counties still offering mail-in ballot option
So even though our Helena legislatures ignored the wisdom and experience of our county election administrators, you can still vote without going to the polls May 25. Depending on which county you reside in, it’s fairly easy:
Polson police play monster hoax
Who says cops can’t have a sense of humor?
Local boaters reminded to visit invasive species check stations
As spring weather sets in the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are reminding area residents that all watercraft must be inspected and cleared by a certified boat inspector before launching into any Flathead Reservation water body.
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BEDTIME BOUNCE AT THE LIBRARY
Spring rains fill Flathead Lake
March was warm and wet in the Flathead Basin. Precipitation accumulation was 7.48 inches, 223 percent of normal and temperatures were 1.9 degrees warmer than normal. March’s water supply into the Flathead was monstrous, (297 percent of average as compared to historical data from 1981-2010). April looks to be very wet as well, with the water supply forecast currently 154 percent of normal. The current Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) for the Flathead is 109 percent of normal. For all intents and purposes, spring runoff has begun and it was earlier than expected. March’s ending lake elevation was 2,887.2 feet. The lake is filling and the project is being operated under channel restriction. Current inflow is 26,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) and outflow is approximately 23,200 cfs. By the end of April, the lake will have filled another foot. Refill will continue through May with an end target elevation of 2890 feet. The lake will be full by the end of June (between 2892.5 and 2892.9 feet) for summer recreation.
Dale Howell
DALE HOWELL
Kathy Ann Skates
KATHY ANN SKATES
Library accepting food donations for fines
North Lake County Public Library in Polson is celebrating National Library Week with its traditional Food for Fines event running from April 9-15.
Young angler scores big at Mack Days
Youth angler Hayden Hall and his dad Brian of Missoula struggled to catch fish on Saturday, losing several as they were coming up from the depths of Flathead Lake. But at the end of the day they had one fish that Hayden managed to reel in all the way to the boat. Sure enough, it was a tagged lake trout worth $500. It no longer mattered that it was the only fish that had landed in the boat. Nice ending to a hard day of fishing.
Polson property manager accused of theft appears in court
A former Polson property manager charged with more than a dozen counts of theft made his initial appearance in Lake County District Court last week.
Community remembers local scientist, professor
Service honors legacy of Pat Hurley
U.S. irrigation and power liens still exist on reservation
The following excerpt is taken from the final report issued in March 2010 and titled, “Final Environmental Assessment for Operation and Maintenance of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project Upon Transfer of No Significant Impact,” released by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs Flathead Agency: ”In 1904, the Flathead Indian Allotment Act authorized allotments of land within the Flathead Indian Reservation to all persons with tribal rights on the Reservation. After all the allotments were made, the remaining unallotted lands were to be disposed of under homestead, mineral and town site laws. The 1904 act also authorized the construction of irrigation ditches on the Reservation. In 1908, Congress amended the 1904 act to provide for the construction of an irrigation system for all irrigable lands within the Reservation, regardless of Indian ownership. The 1908 amendment also provided for the future transfer of the operation and maintenance of the irrigation works to the owners of the lands irrigated by the project when certain construction repayment conditions were met (the United States will continue to hold title to the project). A 1948 Act, Public Law 80-554, 62 Stat. 269, provided for payment of the irrigation and power construction costs through net power revenues and other sources. The construction repayment conditions were met in January 2004.”
Thursday, April 6
Lady Pirates win one, drop two to open season
The Polson Lady Pirates softball team experienced both ends of the spectrum in their opening games against Butte Central and Belgrade this weekend at Polson High School.
County road crews battling spring thaw
Battling what some have deemed the worst spring thaw in 20 years, the Lake County Road Department is urging residents to remain patient while crews work to make repairs.
Polson poised to begin construction on wastewater recovery facility
Faced with a fast approaching deadline to rebuild its wastewater recovery facility, the city of Polson plans to break ground on the $17.2-million project later this month.
Legals April 6, 2017
Montana 20th Judicial District Court Lake County In the Matter of the Name Change of Allison Olivares: Allison Olivares, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-17-67 Dept. No.: 2002 Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Allison Elizabeth Olivares to Allison Elizabeth Carlin. The hearing will be on 04/27/17 at 10:00 a.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Lake County. Date: March 8, 2017. Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court By: /s/ Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk of Court Published on March 16, 2017, March 23, 2017, March 30, 2017, and April 6, 2016. MNAXLP
