Thursday, February 23
Lady Vikings finish third in district play
The Charlo Lady Vikings concluded its season with a 42-37 loss to St. Regis in the Western Class 14C Challenge game Monday night at the Ronan Events Center.
Bulldogs, Lady Bulldogs lay foundation for the future
McDonald built his team with the idea that they could win and play come tournament time. During McDonald’s sophomore season as a Bulldog, his team was able to make it to the District championship game and qualify for state when very little was expected of them in the 2003-2004 campaign.
Maidens prepare to host Divisionals after capturing district title
HAMILTON — Ronan girls basketball coach Ron Hanson knew it wasn’t going to be easy to defeat Florence for a third consecutive time.
Lady Pirates basketball hope for postseason revival
The Polson Lady Pirates basketball team has an unenviable task in an unenviable bracket even in the hypothetical scenario they were to defeat the Class A defending state-champion Butte Central in the first round of Class A Divisional Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Hamilton.
Pirates look to maintain momentum in postseason
The Polson Pirates boys basketball team ended its season with a 10-game win streak and celebrated senior night with exclamation point with a convincing 78-31 season-finale victory over Whitefish Saturday at Linderman Elementary School.
Arlee Scarlets eyeing first basketball championship
Arlee High School power forward Bryndle Goyins is acutely aware of the heightened intensity level between the regular season and postseason.
Local communities to host spring hunter ed classes
Spring Hunter Education Classes have been scheduled for a number of communities in northwest Montana. All hunter education classes are free of charge. By state law, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, must have completed the course to buy a hunting license in Montana.
Lighted nock proposal approved
Montana archery hunters will be allowed to utilize another piece of equipment this fall in their pursuit of game. During its Feb. 10 meeting, the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission approved the use of lighted nocks on arrows during the 2017 archery-only season and in archery equipment-only areas or hunting districts.
State seeking comment on invasive mussel rules
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking comment on proposed amendments to rules that outline new regulations needed in the battle to contain, detect and prevent the risk of spreading invasive mussels and other aquatic invasive species to other state waters.
Charles Conrad Larson Thorsted
CHARLES CONRAD LARSON THORSTED
Nellie Jean Brown Stokes
NELLIE JEAN BROWN STOKES
Rita Lily-Anne Gallagher
RITA LILY-ANNE GALLAGHER
Greta E. Dunsmore
GRETA E. DUNSMORE
Gerald E. Rasmussen
GERALD E. RASMUSSEN
Gerald A. Kohne
GERALD A. KOHNE
Thanks to police for quick response
Early Sunday morning, Feb. 19, the Polson Flathead Historical Museum premises alarm system detected an intrusion into the Museum and alerted police, both Polson and Lake County Sheriff, to a likely break in. Museum President Bill Olson rapidly responded to find at least 10 officers and a police dog, some officers armed with AR-15 type rifles, inside the museum. Apparently at least two criminals had destroyed the back door after scaling the fence but were scared off by the alarm that detected their early morning intrusion. Although the criminals were not apprehended, the rapid response of our local law enforcement as well as the robust alarm system of the Museum ran the perpetrators off. The Museum suffered no loss except for the exterior door.
Community Notes
ST. JOSEPH BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Wardens warn against feeding of game animals
Chief Game Warden Pablo Espinoza would like to remind folks that the supplemental feeding of game animals is illegal under Montana code (MCA 87-6-216) on private and state land on the Flathead Reservation, as well as off the reservation.
Medicaid budget cuts unacceptable
I am the Administrator at Lake View Healthcare Community in Bigfork. Since 1973, we have provided quality healthcare services to the Bigfork area.
Lake County Justice Court proceedings
Dominick A. Buccelli, 23, was fined $350 for driving with a suspended or revoked license. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail with 172 suspended and assessed $35 in court costs.
Ronan Center to offer tax help
Welcome to spring (we hope). The warmer weather has sure been nice, and I’m sure that we are all glad to see the ice go.
FJBC not prepared for adjudication process
Since its reconstitution in 2014, the Flathead Joint Board of Control (FJBC) has worked to defeat the water compact that was approved by the Montana legislature in 2015 and is now before the US Congress. But incredibly the FJBC has failed to prepare for the main alternative to the Compact - Montana’s Water Court adjudication process.
Fate of Flathead hanging in balance
In early November, state officials announced the first documented presence of zebra and quagga mussels in Montana, after positive tests at sites in the Missouri River system.
ShamRockers travel to Ireland to remember Montana legend
Local residents filled Polson’s John Dowdall Theater on Saturday to receive the first taste of an international celebration honoring the legacy of legendary Irish nationalist, and Montana’s first territorial governor Thomas Francis Meagher.
Legislature auditing agency spending
As I stated last week, the hustle and bustle in the House has picked up on pace. We had a House session this saturday as did the Senate, being the first Saturday of many to come.
Should the PSC set hospital prices?
The alarming cost of healthcare across our state and nation is a constant and vexing concern to all of us. As medical costs rise, so do the premiums we pay for our health insurance. While Rep. Woods can be commended for wanting to address the problem, his bill, HB 395, which focuses on symptoms rather than causes, would do more harm than good.
Senior services vital to Montana
My heart just about stopped when I heard the Montana legislature is proposing to cut $93.4 million from the Department of Health and Human Services over the next two years. Of that amount, $52 million would be slashed from senior and long-term care. For many seniors who spend their lives raising children to be productive members of society, their greatest anxiety is over whether or not they will have enough resources so that they won’t become a burden on their children. It is an absolute shame that the Montana legislature is looking to balance the budget on the backs of our seniors. We are all watching and hoping they will do the right thing. I urge you to contact your local legislator and let them know that making ends meet shouldn’t be at the expense of our most vulnerable neighbors.
Suspect arrested in Woods Bay robbery
A juvenile has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery of the Sitting Duck Bar in Woods Bay last month, according to a press release from Lake County Sheriff Don Bell.
Earthquake shakes west shore of Flathead
More than a dozen residents along the west shore of Flathead Lake reported the rumblings of an earthquake Monday afternoon, after a 3.4 magnitude tremor struck the region.
Man gets 40 years for Arlee murder
The murder case involving a couple who lived for months with the body of a dead relative hidden inside their Arlee trailer came to a close in Lake County District Court Wednesday in Polson, with the husband receiving a 40-year prison sentence.
Local scientists leading fight against invasive mussels
With the threat of invasive mussels looming over the 2017 Flathead Lake boating season, local scientists are taking initiative in the fight to protect one of the last uninfested river systems in the West.
Arlee
One is good, but two is better.
Legals February 23, 2017
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Probate Cause# 16-512-P The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Court of the Flathead Reservation, Pablo, Montana In Re the Matter of the Estate of: Patsy Anderson Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Lawrence Anderson, 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 Personal Representative, return receipt requested, or to the Clerk of Court of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Court, P.O. Box 278, Pablo, Montana 59855. Dated this 1 of Feb., 2017. /s/ Lawrence W. Anderson Personal Representative Address: Lawrence Anderson 308 7th Ave NW Ronan, MT 59864 Published on February 9, 2017, February 16, 2017, and February 23, 2017. MNAXLP
Thursday, February 16
No headline
Men of honor Ace Lake and Jacob McNutt would like to announce the engagement of their parents Patrick Lake and Shannon McNutt. Ace and Jacob will stand up for their parents. A June ceremony is planned.
State seeking aquatic invasive species inspectors
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has announced that it is recruiting additional aquatic invasive species inspection and laboratory technicians for the upcoming season. The seasonal jobs, which offer competitive pay and benefits, will generally run from April through October.
Shed hunters reminded to hold off until spring
Winter can be a tough time for us humans, whether struggling with a pesky cold or digging out from the latest snowstorm. Now imagine what it’s like for Montana’s elk population. It’s an especially stressful time for elk, with deep snow and limited food options. That’s why Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking shed hunters and other recreationists to give elk their space until the snow melts and the animals are less stressed.
Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife board to meet
The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet on Wednesday, Feb. 22 beginning at 10 a.m. at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Headquarters on Meridian Road in Kalispell. Board Chairman Terry Tanner invites all interested persons to attend.
No headline
Long, Christine Marie, 51, was fined $500 ($375 suspended) for driving without a valid license. She was assessed $35 in court costs.
No headline
State A Wrestling
Lawmaker seeks to ban deer urine imports
HELENA — A Montana lawmaker is proposing a ban on deer and elk urine that hunters use to attract bucks, if it comes from a state with documented cases of chronic wasting disease.
Michael Lee Newgard
MICHAEL LEE NEWGARD
Skiler Blake Quaring
SKILER BLAKE QUARING
Rita Lily Anne Gallagher
RITA LILY “ANNE” GALLAGHER
Alan Al Bohn
ALAN “AL” BOHN
No headline
Kimberly Dawn Chiefstick was born Jan. 18 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. She weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces. Her parents are Jaden Chiefstick and Anabel Friedrich of Ronan.
View from the Library
February is “I Love to Read” month, and here at the library we are celebrating with our annual Adopt-a-Book program. For $14, you can “adopt” a book for children or young adults to be added to our collection. The book you select will have a plaque placed inside with your personalized message. This is a wonderful way to honor a special person or event, or to remember a loved one. We have more than 40 books to choose from, but they do get “adopted” quickly, so be sure to stop by the Library circulation desk soon!
Polson center to offer driving class
The first five days after the weekend are the hardest. And this week proved that with snow, ice and more of the above. Still, look at what the rest of the country is getting and realize that we live in a pretty special place.
Anti-Sharia law campaign necessary
It is shocking to read the comments in opposition to Montana’s SB97, prohibiting the application of foreign laws into Montana courts. Those speaking in opposition at the senate hearings on the bill show that they are extremely naïve or uninformed.
Legislature prepared to tackle spending
It is hard to believe, but the legislative session is one third of the way toward completion. We are scheduled for 90 days.
Senator Daines has disgraced Montana
Dear Editor,
Warriors, Scarlets, Vikings prepare for Class-C Districts
The Arlee High School boys basketball teams have both cemented themselves as perennial favorites to capture the Western Class-C District that will be held Feb. 16-18 at at Salish Kootenai College’s Joe McDonald Gymnasium.
Job Corps students gain workplace experience
You may have woken up to the news that Punxsutawney Phil predicts a cold, gloomy upcoming few weeks, but for students at Kicking Horse Job Corps, the future is bright.
Pirates put two in state championship finals in Billings
BILLINGS — The Polson Pirates placed two wrestlers in the finals, Hunter Frisch and Parker Adler, and though those two fell short of capturing a Montana Class A state championship, they are two key components that will solidify the Pirates’ future.
Maidens, Lady Bulldogs ready for Class-B Districts
The Ronan girls basketball team has gone virtually unchallenged as they prepare to head into the Western Class B District Tournament.
Cheff earns state championship for Chiefs
BILLINGS — For Ronan wrestler Noah Cheff, capturing the 132-pound Montana State wrestling title seemed like an elaborate dream far removed from a conscious state of reality.
Chiefs place six wrestlers at state wrestling tournament
BILLINGS — The Ronan Chiefs’ third place finish at state wasn’t just catapulted by Noah Cheff capturing the Class B-C Montana State wrestling championship at the 132-pound weight division. It was a result of the entire team Saturday at the Rimrock Auto Arena.
Two Mission/Charlo wrestlers place at state
The Bulldogs’ Bailey Weibel caught a “tough break,” according to Cronk.
Pirates secure No. 1 seed headed into season-finale
The Polson Pirates boys basketball team won’t have to wait for its season finale Saturday at Whitefish to secure the No. 1 overall seed in their Class A Western Divisional Tournament.
Chiefs, Bulldogs get ready for Class-B Districts
The Ronan Chiefs basketball team has struggled to live up to the potential of the team’s depth because of early, mid and late season adversity, according to Chiefs’ Coach Mitchell Wassum.
Community Notes
ST. JOSEPH BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
County meeting explores possible economic opportunities
What would help boost Lake County’s economy?
Man sentenced for criminal endangerment
A 22-year-old Lake County man accused of attempting to rape a teenage girl at a Ronan park was sentenced last week to three years in the Department of Corrections.
Man admits to firing gun during domestic dispute
A Polson man admitted last week to brandishing and firing a handgun during a domestic dispute.
Polson eyes public safety projects
As Polson’s population continues to grow, the city’s public safety departments are looking at expanding facilities and services to keep pace with demand.
Active shooter simulation tests local officers
Local law enforcement officers were forced to face the unthinkable last week, as they participated in an active shooter simulation that transformed Polson High School into a scene of chaos and panic.
Legals February 16, 2017
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Probate Cause# 16-512-P The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Court of the Flathead Reservation, Pablo, Montana In Re the Matter of the Estate of: Patsy Anderson Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Lawrence Anderson, 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 Personal Representative, return receipt requested, or to the Clerk of Court of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Court, P.O. Box 278, Pablo, Montana 59855. Dated this 1 of Feb., 2017. /s/ Lawrence W. Anderson Personal Representative Address: Lawrence Anderson 308 7th Ave NW Ronan, MT 59864 Published on February 9, 2017, February 16, 2017, and February 23, 2017. MNAXLP
Thursday, February 9
Lady Pirates split with Lincoln County, C-Falls
Last week the Lady Pirate girls basketball team rode a figurative roller coaster splitting their two contests against Lincoln County and Columbia Falls.
Bison prepare for tribal tourney
The Salish Kootenai College women’s basketball team is still making minor modifications as they venture closer to March.
Pirates hope to secure top seed in playoffs
“This year in the southwest there are teams that are coming on and Dillon is undefeated,” Kelley said. “Hamilton and Butte Central are battling for that No. 2 seed and may end up playing in that third seed. Right now, both of those teams are on a roll. Not to take anything away from Corvallis or Stevie but they aren’t the same caliber of team.”
Vikings hitting stride at end of season, prep for Districts
Charlo High School Vikings boys basketball coach Gayle Decker has set specific standards of production he would like out of his offense in order to be successful as the team continues to prepare for Class C Western Districts.
Malatare lights up Hellgate JV, Warriors top Noxon
Arlee High School basketball player Phillip Malatare continued the reign of terror he’s been on as he and his Warriors approach the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for the District Tournament.
Pirate football trio sign to play at next level
Polson High School football player and student Matthew Rensvold got to realize a life-long dream he shared with Pirates teammates Tanner Wilson and Jonah Burke when they signed letters of intent Wednesday at the Polson Elks Club.
Solar advocate draws local interest on state-wide tour
“Net metering” might not sound like a classic barn-burner of a presentation topic. But scores of Flathead residents packed into Kalispell Brewing Co.’s taproom last week for an hour-long talk on the issue, along with other renewable-energy policies up for debate before the Montana Legislature.
Lucky Strike lanes to host regional bowling tourney
Zachary Underwood’s introduction to the sport of bowling began as a physical education credit during his sophomore year at Salish Kootenai College and has now transformed into his passion.
Pirates send 14 wrestlers to state
The Polson Pirates had several standouts that qualified for the Class A Montana State Wrestling Championship Friday and Saturday in Billings.
Officials discuss growing Lake County drug problem
Stricter sentences, heightened public awareness and increased community involvement were some of the suggestions given Monday night by local law enforcement officials on how to curb Lake County’s growing drug problem.
Mission-Charlo wrestlers ready to make impact in Billings
The co-op group finished fifth as a team at the Divisionals, and according to Cronk, given the competitive landscape of the tournament, he felt his team “did well.”
Chiefs wrestlers ready for next level at state
“This is one weight class that we had high expectations for and I believe on any given day that we have two guys wrestling incredibly at their weight class,” Muir said. “Our 103-pounders are extremely competitive and it was such a back-and-forth process. Both wrestlers have a good chance of qualifying for the top-3.”
Lake County Justice Court proceedings
Schmidt, Robin Lee, 33, was fined $20 for driving 80 mph in a 70 mph zone.
Last chance to save Flathead from invasive mussels
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one most adaptable to change.” Charles Darwin
Criticism of proposed law enforcement change not justified
I write to make some objections to comments that the Lake County Leader published about the County’s intention to withdraw from Public Law 280, which governs administration of law enforcement on the Reservation.
Paid leave important for Montana families
At some point, nearly every worker faces a moment when they need leave, whether it’s to care for an aging parent, help a family member after surgery, recover from their own illness or injury, or welcome a new child into the family.
Legislative session in full swing
The hustle and bustle of the Legislature is in full swing. We are busy in committees from 8 a.m. until as late as 6 p.m. some days. Our house floor sessions run from 1 p.m. to 2:30 -3:30 p.m. daily. Bills are coming through to the House floor from the Senate as well as our house bills are being read in the Senate floor now. We have acted on bills on the house floor ranging from gun laws to water rights, title insurance to bicycle rules.
Alicia Waldeen Smyth (Wally)
ALICIA WALDEEN SMYTH (WALLY)
Ronan senior center to offer foot clinic, tax help
Well, I guess we get six more weeks of winter. Big surprise. Hopefully, it will warm up a lot. Everyone seems to be tired of the cold.
Community Notes
ST. JOSEPH BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP
Biostation researcher wins award
Flathead Lake Biological Station Assistant Research Professor Shawn Devlin is the 2017 recipient of the Raymond B. Lindeman Award from the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO). ASLO is one of the largest and most prestigious international societies for water scientists. The Lindeman Award recognizes an outstanding paper written by a young aquatic scientist. Devlin will receive this award at the annual Aquatic Sciences Meeting in Hawaii later this month.
Tribes studying porcupine decline
Tribal Wildlife Biologists have witnessed a decline in porcupine numbers in recent years and ask for public volunteers to assist in reporting sightings of porcupines in the field.
Bigfork lawmaker to propose Flathead Lake houseboat regs
POLSON — With local and state agencies scratching their heads over how and whether to regulate houseboats on Flathead Lake, a Bigfork lawmaker plans to introduce a bill to give the state authority over the floating homes.
Polson center to offer meals, games
An optimist is a man going after Moby Dick in a rowboat with a jar of tartar sauce.
Gary Cooper remembered as Montana's homegrown hero
Montana’s most famous movie star received a rousing remembrance at the North Lake County Public Library last week, as local theater director Neal Lewing performed a musical tribute to silver screen legend Gary Cooper.
No headline
When Fritsch arrived from Tuttle, Okla. his sophomore season, the rest of his competition’s title aspirations became a more difficult hurdle.
Dam suit dismissed: Judge cites lack of jurisdiction to make ruling
A Montana district court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by Lake County requesting that the state Department of Revenue tax the land surrounding the Selis Ksanka Qlispe Dam, citing a lack of jurisdiction necessary to issue a ruling.
Monday, February 6
George Richard Buck Snyder
GEORGE RICHARD “BUCK” SNYDER
Thursday, February 2
Scarlets on 8-game win streak
The Arlee High School Scarlets’ basketball coach Bill Stockton said he has driven the message to his girls about “peaking” in February.
Lady Bison prepare for Yellowstone Christian
Salish Kootenai College women’s basketball coach Juan Perez is looking to avenge two earlier losses to Yellowstone Christian College.
Lady Pirates experience late-season struggles
The Polson Lady Pirates basketball team has regressed in their recent matchups from the progression they experienced after midseason.
Chiefs boys basketball prepare for post-season run
A short-handed Ronan team challenged one of the best teams in the Western Class-B conference and their state with a 59-56 loss to Loyola last Tuesday.
No headline
Polson 74, Frenchtown 35
Bulldogs coach designs team for district tourney
Mission High School head basketball coach Gus McDonald has methodically constructed his young team with one goal in mind: tournament time.
Pirates avenge Frenchtown loss, prepare for final conference games
Going into the second half of the season, the Polson Pirates’ goal was to win its last 12 games on the schedule of the regular season.
Pirate grapplers prepare for Western Divisionals
Polson High School Coach Bob Owen and his Pirate team got a tremendous boost in their 52-21 loss to their conference rival Ronan Saturday night at Polson High School.
Vikings experience growth in win streak
The Charlo High School boys basketball team continues to see exponential growth in several areas as they won back-to-back conference games against Two Eagle and Noxon.
Chiefs ready to 'fine-tune' skills for divisional
The Ronan High School wrestling team finished its regular season by defeating its biggest rival Polson 52-21 Saturday night at Polson High School.
Warriors down top-ranked Horsemen in Plains
The Plains gym was full to capacity Friday evening as the second-ranked Arlee Warriors took on the top-ranked Horsemen. The Warriors avenged their only loss of the season (by four to Plains Dec. 20) in emphatic fashion, downing the Horsemen on their home court, 81-59.
Time for your wake up call
Each week I read the same leftist drivel. One of the more incredible things I read from one of your regulars was “the spontaneous women’s march was just wonderful.” It was about as spontaneous as the Orlando terror attack. The march was well planned and executed by the same people gasping for air after Trump’s election.
No free press creates suckers
It’s useful to con men and circuses that “a sucker is born every minute.” But it takes more than suckers to be a successful circus. It takes elephants. When the ringleader claims he has the greatest show on Earth, you expect better than 3 Doors Down.
Trump presidency all about ego
This I believe as of this time with present observations: Donald Trump is not really interested in performing as POTUS for the good or our nation and the world. The presidency, for him, is all about himself, his image, and feeding his ego. He thrives on creating confusion, chaos and turmoil while keeping media attention upon himself.
GERALD A. KOHNE
GERALD A. KOHNE
Dale Howell
DALE HOWELL
Janet Ruth Cooper
JANET RUTH COOPER
Polson senior center to host veterans rep, tax prep
I always hold the door open for a clown; it’s a nice jester.
Women's ice fishing class offered
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is sponsoring an ice fishing class on Feb. 17 and 18 near Kalispell.
Ronan center to host meals, games
Well, I’m back. I don’t know what hit me, but I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. Thanks, Auggie for filling in for me.
Triple Double Threat: Warriors rising star hopes to live up to growing expectations
Arlee High School junior guard Phillip Malatare is trying to filter out expectations that are growing on a week-by-week basis as he and his Warrior team continue to raise the proverbial bar higher with each passing victory.
Polson Landing lands funding
Housing projects in Polson and Browning are among the developments statewide that will receive $27.1 million in federal housing tax credits through the Montana Board of Housing to help with the construction and rehabilitation of rental housing for low income families.
Comment sought on no wake zones
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is seeking public comment on new no wake zones proposed on three different waterbodies, including Cromwell Channel on Flathead Lake.
Polson finishes 6th at state Speech & Debate
Polson Speech and Debate Coach Robert DiGiallonardo said Polson High School’s sixth-place finish in Laurel is one of his proudest accomplishments as a coach.
Lake County Justice Court proceedings
Berger, Terrance C., 46, was fined $550 ($300 suspended) and a sentenced to 180 days in jail (178 suspended) for driving a vehicle while suspended or revoked. He was assessed $35 in court costs.
Parties gearing up for special election
POLSON – After enduring one of the most grueling election cycles in recent memory, Montana voters may once again be inundated with campaign signs and political pitches with the state’s lone congressman likely to trade his post for a cabinet position under the new presidential administration.
Polson wellness fair wards off winter blues
Event a benefit for Life Savers Animal Rescue
Support sought for Highway 93 pathway project
PABLO – Developers and recreational enthusiasts are urging Lake County residents to lend their voices in support of a proposed bike and walking path along the U.S. Highway 93 corridor between Missoula and St. Ignatius.
