Ellington

Car catches fire in Polson

Polon City fire crews responded to 7th Street east and 13th Avenue in Polson Friday afternoon for a large SUV that had caught fire. The fire was quickly extinguished by fire fighters and no one was injured.

Body recovered from Flathead River

According to a press release issued by Lake County Sheriff Don Bell Wednesday, a body believed to be that of 23-year-old, Richard Mitchell of Minatare, Nebraska was recovered from the Flathead River about 10 miles downriver from Buffalo Bridge. The body was discovered by a fisherman around 4 p.m. on June 27 and was located and recovered using a Flathead Tribal Fish and Game boat. The body has been sent to the Montana State Crime lab to be autopsied and positively identified.

William J. Eggebrecht, 69

William J. Eggebrecht, 69, of Ronan, passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2017 at the Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center. Cremation will take place and no services are planned at this time.

Lyle Wayne Lovec, 77

Lyle Wayne Lovec, 77, of Ronan, passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2017 at St. Joseph Medical Center, Polson. Cremation will take place and no services are planned at this time.

Wayne Francis Couture, 82

Wayne Francis Couture, age 82, passed away Wednesday June 21, 2017 at his home at Dog (Rainbow) Lake, Montana.

Agnes O'Leary Brown, 97

Agnes O’Leary Brown passed away peacefully at the Lake View Care Center in Bigfork on June 16, 2017.

Finley Point Fire collecting cash in cool boots

The Finley Point/Yellow Bay Volunteer Firefighters temporarily repurposed some of their firefighter boots this past Saturday to collect cash donations to support the department. This annual “Fill the Boot” drive and open house has been an annual event in Finley point for more than 16 years. Although many drivers chose to just “pitch in” to the boots as they drove past the department, Chief Brent Burland from the department estimated that at least 200 people stopped in take a look at the equipment and talk with the firefighters during the Open house. The ‘free lunch’ of burgers, chicken burgers, and hot dogs may also have been an incentive for some to stop in. Those who did stop also could buy goodies at the bake sale or find treasures at the yard sale put on by the Montecahta club which coordinated its fundraiser to coincide with the Fill the Boot drive.

Additional AIS watercraft check station open in Polson

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are operating an additional watercraft check station at the Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation offices at 406 6th Ave East in Polson. The watercraft check station is open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. New extended hours for the Polson check station include Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Candidates file for upcoming municipal elections

St. Ignatius will see all the action during the municipal elections this fall, with the township holding the only contested races in the Mission Valley.

City discusses art project, block party

The June 19 Polson City Commission meeting evolved into a discussion of fine art and festivities, as officials received a briefing on plans for a solar eclipse block party and the installation of a tile mosaic at Riverside Park.

Donor visits National Bison Range to don historic coat

When Courtney Gimbel came across a buffalo fur coat hanging on the wall of a general store in the Peace River Valley of Alberta, Canada, in 1955, he was intrigued enough to offer $60 for the piece. It wasn’t for another 60 years, when Gimbel was cleaning out his closet, that the coat’s true value set in.

Weekend auction raises money for St. Ignatius FD

The 23rd annual St. Ignatius Fireman’s Auction held at the St. Ignatius Old Town Field this past Saturday was a great success according to the event’s primary organizer, Joe Mitchell. Bouncy houses kept the kids entertained as the adults made their bids in both the silent and live auctions. At least 300 community members attended the auctions which ran from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Blodgett family opening coffee saloon in Polson

Area residents will have a new kind of watering hole to gather around this summer with the opening of the Blodgett Creamery Coffee Saloon in downtown Polson.

Friday full of fun and fundraising in Ronan

The smell of beef cooking on the grill wafted through the air Friday as the Ronan Volunteer Fire Department held their Annual Tri-tips Dinner, sponsored by Harvest Foods and several other Ronan businesses.

Corley headed to play college ball in the “Magic City”

Former Polson Pirate football player Trevor Corley and his father John turned his prospective football prospects into a tour of the Midwest.

Polson 16, 18U softball optimistic about future

Polson head softball coach and 16, 18U coach Larry Smith said he is “optimistic” about the group he currently has and after finishing second in the Frenchtown Tournament this weekend, he has a good reason to be excited about his team’s future prospects.

No headline

Mariners starting to come together down the stretch

The Mission Valley Mariners may be inexperienced but the younger players are slowly starting to make the adaption from Class B to Class A baseball as the M’s prepare to head towards the end stretch of the regular season.

Mission Valley invaded by Sun Devils wrestlers

Mission High School wrestling coach Lyle Cronk knows very well the lessons he has learned through wrestling at the high school and college level.

Duford honored on behalf of Les Baldwin at NRA Rodeo

A couple of years ago Jim Duford took a trip to the Oklahoma City National Cowboys Hall Of Fame and was astonished when he realized the majority of the Cowboys immortalized in the Hall of Fame were contestants at Les Baldwin’s National Rodeo Association Rodeo years ago.

Rodeo at Polson Fairgrounds draws thousands

Great Falls steer wrestler and team roper Kyle Clutter experienced his second-ever National Rodeo Association Rodeo Friday and Saturday at the Les Baldwin Arena.

14U team prepares for Emerald softball tournament in Kalispell

The Polson 14U team finished second in their recent tournament outing against Lewistown this past weekend at the Frenchtown Summer Sizzler.

Montana dominates North Dakota in Badlands Bowl

MILES CITY — Montana has ruled the annual Knights of Columbus Badlands Bowl against North Dakota of late, having won five of the past six matchups entering this year’s game.

Polson softball 12U finishes second in Frenchtown

Team USA Polson 12U coach Jami Hanson has attributed his team’s early-season success to their dedication.

Former Montana track coach throwing the jav in his 80s

Former track and field coach Mirl Gratton is still competing in the sport he coached for over 40 years.

TEAM USA Polson fastpitch softball results

ELECTRIC CITY HEAT CLASSIC

Senior Olympic bowlers turn back the clock

When Senior Olympian Burton Rice first began bowling in 1959, a game cost 35 cents a game.

Senior Olympian still going strong

Senior Olympian tennis player Tom Selstad began taking up the sport 25 years ago, in his mid 60s.

Senior Olympian returns to archery after 48 years

Senior Olympic participant and Polson resident Bob Byers hadn’t participated in an archery competition since his senior year of high school in 1969.

Top-class table tennis player visits Mission Valle

Senior Olympic table tennis player Gary Pastushok honed his craft early in college and was introduced to the game from a Chinese friend at his college at the University of Manitoba in Canada.

Traveling 3-on-3 basketball teams visits Mission Valley

Senior Olympian Terry Schaplow and his 3-on-3 teammates made a clean sweep when they came to the Senior Olympics June 15-17 at the Joe McDonald Gymnasium.

Young Mission Valley Mariners gain valuable experience

Mission Valley Mariners’ manager Kaileb Gillingham and his team have learned to adapt because of a combined A and B roster that consisted of only 20 players.

Senior Olympian race walker turns tragedy to triumph

Senior Olympian Mike Devaney was inspired to stay active out of necessity.

Pickleball comes to Polson: It's kind of a big dill

United States Pickleball Association ambassador and player Ruth Havican offered a few explanations on the sports’ exponential spurt in popularity over the last five years.

Michael Newgard

MICHAEL NEWGARD

Rita Peters

RITA PETERS

Delbert K Graves, Jr.

DELBERT K GRAVES, JR.

Kathryn Erlewine

KATHRYN ERLEWINE

State reminds boaters of safety, registration requirements

Owners of motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft need to get new, free 2017-2020 validation decals for their watercraft soon. The blue decals expired Feb. 28.

Flathead Lake hosts Fishing Without Barriers Day

A total of 84 anglers with disabilities participated in the 24th annual Jerry Howard Fishing Without Barriers Day on Flathead Lake on June 15. Anglers went out on 15 fishing boats provided by the Montana Charterboat Association and a few private craft. Charterboat captains provided their fishing boats free of charge. Anglers from 6 to 80 years of age hailed from the upper Flathead Valley, Missoula, Kalispell, Polson, Ronan, Libby, and other areas around northwest Montana.

Grants announced for community development groups on Flathead Indian Reservation

The Montana Community Foundation (MCF) announces the opening of the Oleta Smith Endowment Fund grant cycle. This fund was endowed by the late Oleta “Pete” Smith who was a long-time human rights activist and environmental advocate.

Lake County granted voice in Columbia Basin plan

In an attempt to represent the interests of local stakeholders, Lake County has secured a seat at the table as government agencies from across the Pacific Northwest sit down to draft a future management plan for the Columbia River Basin.

Flag retiring ceremony celebrates 'Old Glory'

To commemorate the 240th anniversary of the American flag, members of local veterans groups and Boy Scout troops gathered at Lake View Cemetery in Polson on June 14 to give their tired and tattered versions of Old Glory a proper send-off.

Local writer publishes debut novel

Like many moments of inspiration, Polson author Milana Marsenich’s idea for her debut novel came in a dream.

Gas tax increase draws concern from county

With a 4.5 cent per gallon increase to Montana’s fuel tax scheduled to take effect on July 1, local lawmakers are questioning how the additional money will be collected and distributed in Lake County.

Legals June 22, 2017

Notice of Public Hearing Notice is hereby given that the Polson Board of Adjustment will on Monday, the 10th day of July, 2017, at 5:15 p.m. in the Polson City Hall, 106 1st Street East, Polson, Montana, hold a public hearing for the purpose of a requested variance from the Polson Development Code's parking requirement for a proposed commercial development. The request has been submitted by O'Neill Law Office, PLLC of Polson on behalf of landowner William Barrett. The subject property is located at 51145 US Highway 93 in Polson and is zoned Highway Commercial. The subject property currently has a vacant building that was previously a hair salon. The landowner is proposing to develop the building into a restaurant and requesting a reduction in the number of parking spaces required. The Polson Board of Adjustment will take public testimony, review, and vote on the proposed variance request. This public notice is made pursuant to 76-2-326 MCA. Contact the City of Polson Planner at 106 1st Street East, Polson, Montana 59860; by email at cityplanner@cityofpolson.com; or call 406-883-8213 to obtain further information. Contact the Polson City Clerk at Polson City Hall, 106 1st Street East, Polson, Montana, 59860; by email at cityclerk@cityofpolson.com; or call 406-883-8203 to request an accommodation. Dated at Polson, Montana this 13th day of June, 2017. Cora Pritt Polson City Clerk Polson, MT Published on June 22, 2017, and July 6. 2017. MNAXLP

Dozens injured in deck collapse

At least 50 people were injured, some critically, late Saturday afternoon when a second-story deck collapsed at the Glacier Presbyterian Camp outside Lakeside during a memorial service.

Michael Newgard

Harold V. Utsond

Alice Eurilla Trosper

Glenn L. Shaner

Kail W. Hitchcock

Tracy Fawbush

Clarinda Diane Burke

PHS class of '59 awards scholarship to Emiliano Hernandez

Congratulations to Emiliano Hernandez, the 2017 recipient of the Polson High School Class of 1959 Scholarship in cooperation with Dollars for Scholars. Emiliano will attend Montana State University in the fall majoring in Microbiology. The PHS Class of ’59 recognizes the dedication and effort Emiliano gave throughout his high school years. Maintaining a high B grade point average, Emiliano was a PHS Link Leader, which is a student centered leadership and mentor program for freshmen. He was the PHS Varsity Assistant Captain. Honors earned by Emiliano include his being a member of the Northwest A Montana Conference Soccer Champions and serving as an American Legion Montana Boys State Delegate. Emiliano was selected to receive the 2016-2017 Polson High School Personal Best Award. Activities for Emiliano include participating in the Salish Kootenai College Upward Bound Program, a college preparatory program, HOSA, (Health Occupations Students of America, PHS Varsity Soccer, HOPA Mountain Indigenous Scholar of Promise (college preparatory program), as well as Spanish, piano, reading, running, travel and skiing. Emiliano participated in the Glacier STARS Native Plant Restoration (Students Taking Action and Responsibility in Stewardship). In addition to the activities and honors, Emiliano found time to work at the Finley Point Grill as a dishwasher, busser and janitor. Goals Emiliano hopes to achieve include obtaining his Emergency Medical Technician certificate during the summer of 2017. He is looking forward to achieving a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology with a major or minor in Latin American Studies or Spanish. A long term goal is to attend medical or graduate school. Emiliano’s ultimate goal is to work as a doctor of infectious diseases or a research scientist.

Polson grad receives P.E.O. scholarship

The prestigious P.E.O. STAR Scholarship, for the 2017-2018 academic year, was presented to Josey Motichka, a recent graduate of Polson High School. The scholarship was presented at a local P.E.O. chapter meeting by Chapter President Suz Rittenhouse.

Polson seeking citizen involvement in government

I want to take a minute to say thank you to all who participated in our Town Hall meetings last month – the Ward Commissioners who hosted the meetings, City staff who helped plan the meetings, and the citizens who attended. Ideas were shared, issues were brought up, and relationships were made.

“Tar Wars” winners announced

From Lake County Public Health

Picnic provides teachers with summer send-off

After watching students celebrate the end of the school year all last week, local teachers were treated to a party of their own on Friday during the first ever Teacher’s Appreciation Picnic at Riverside Park in Polson.

Seminar sheds light on sex trafficking

Last weekend, Missoula Detective Guy Baker logged onto the free classifieds site Backpage.com and made a disturbing find. Alongside posts for roommates or jobs, Baker saw personal ads for women from all corners of the state.

Polson discusses wastewater plant, bicycle patrols

Wet spring conditions have slowed initial progress on the construction of Polson’s new wastewater treatment facility.

Mussel-fouled boats draw concern

The recent discovery of boats carrying invasive mussels at check stations across Montana has local officials raising the alarm for increased prevention efforts.

Table Tennis player preps for Senior Olympics

Polson resident Mickey Rosa will get an opportunity to experience her first-ever senior Olympics.

Mission Valley gets prepared for the Senior Olympics

Long-time Polson athlete and resident Monty Marengo vividly recalled his first-ever Senior Olympic experience in Louisville in 2008.

Pickleball takes nation, Montana State Olympics by storm

Five years ago, Director of the Montana State Senior Olympics Kay Newman noticed a new trend that began to emerge in the world of senior sports.

Polson teams excel in Splash Tournament Classic

Four Polson teams were on display at the three-day Splash Softball Tournament Classic that was hosted at the Polson Softball Complex June 9-11.

New Bulldogs' Coach hopes to win numbers game

Newly appointed Mission High School coach Tyler Murray knows being a head football coach is all about numbers.

Area softball gloves three all-staters, ten all-conference nods

Mission Valley area teams reaped ten players acknowledged with postseason all-conference recognition that included a trio of all-state honors.

Danley ready to take over Pirates football program

Newly appointed Polson High School football coach Pat Danley is very familiar with the Polson High School culture and tradition, having served as an assistant for 17 years under former Pirates’ coach Scott Wilson.

Legals June 15, 2017

Daniel P. Cahalan State Bar No. 4440 Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC 2809 Great Northern Loop, Ste 100 Missoula, Montana 59808 Telephone: 406-721-8896 Telefax: 406-541-8037 Email: daniel@bjornsonlaw.com Attorneys for Christopher James Brockmeyer, Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LINZE TATE BROCKMEYER, a/k/a Linze Brockmeyer, Linzee Brockmeyer Deceased. Dept. No. 2002 Cause No.: DP-17-26 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 decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to CHRISTOPHER JAMES BROCKMEYER, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 22nd day of May, 2017. /s/ Christopher James Brockmeyer CHRISTOPHER JAMES BROCKMEYER, Personal Representative Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC By: /s/ Daniel P. Calahan Daniel P. Cahalan Attorneys for CHRISTOPHER JAMES BROCKMEYER, Personal Representative Published on June 1, 2017, June 8, 2017, and June 15, 2017. MNAXLP

Mariners take two, drop pair over weekend

This past weekend, the Mission Valley Mariners competed in a pair of conference doubleheaders with mixed results. This past Saturday in the Garden City, they were toppled twice by the Mavericks A squad in Missoula by scores of 10-6 and 7-6. The Mariners were holding on to a two run edge entering the final frame of the nightcap with two outs in the bottom of the seventh when the host Mavs rallied for three runs to nip their upstart visitors.

Valley Special Olympians give it their all

Polson Special Olympics coach Kris Kelly said she felt the state Special Olympics event exemplified much more than just wins and losses.

Polson gets ready to host 22-team softball tournament

The Polson Team USA softball team,as well as 22 other softball teams from all over the state of Montana, will compete in the Polson Splash Classic June 9-11 at the Polson Softball Complex.

Locals fight for bragging rights at rock skipping contest

Kevin Avison and Mike Lozer both came up with an idea that would help fuel the competitive fire and end several debates.

Mission Valley football players shine in all-star showcase

Five Mission Valley Class-C, 8-man football players got an opportunity to showcase themselves in the 34th annual Bob Cleverly All-Star football game Saturday night at Montana Tech.

Local barrel racer ready to showcase skills at national level

University of Great Falls student and barrel racer Abby Knight is humble about her recent accomplishments.

Arlee basketball standout Tanner inks with Dawson

Arlee High School standout player Tyler Tanner signed his letter of intent to play with Dawson Community College for the 2017-2018 season.

Search continues for man who fell into Flathead

A 23-year-old Nebraska man is feared dead after falling into the lower Flathead River below the Selis Ksanka Qlispe Dam Overlook May 31.

James Peter Nielsen

William Berlyn Weaver Jr.

Fay D. Smith

AnnMarie Olsson

Judy Ann Hove Harding

Joyce Kinyon Enger

Emerald Lucy Bonser Barker

2 killed in car crashes across Lake County

A pair of car crashed killed two people in Lake County last week.

Teen sentenced in fatal hit-and-run

The teenager charged in the hit-and-run accident that killed a 3-year-old boy in a Pablo trailer park on Thanksgiving Day will serve six years of probation.

SKC students visit bird research, tracking station

While many people might recognize their voices, the health and habits of songbirds in western Montana remain largely unknown. Ornithology students at Salish Kootenai College helped shed light on the subject last week as they traveled to the MPG Ranch outside Florence to learn about tagging and tracking the region’s familiar feathered friends.

Polson, Ronan airports to receive upgrades

The Polson and Ronan airports are slated to receive some essential upgrades after acquiring more than $400,000 in federal grant money.

Legals June 8, 2017

Notice to Creditors Probate Cause No. 17-104-P The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Court of the Flathead Reservation, Pablo, Montana In Re the Matter of the Estate of: Gerald J. Ashley Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Steven J. Ashley,, 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 the 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 16 of May, 2017. /s/ Steven J Ashley Personal Representative's Address: Steven J. Ashley 31427 Lemery Road St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Published on May 25, 2017, June 1, 2017, and June 8, 2017. MNAXLP

Storm leaves thousands without power in Polson

A sudden spring storm blasted the Mission Valley on May 31, uprooting trees and leaving thousands temporarily without power in Polson, Ronan and along the south shore of Flathead Lake.

Delaney, McCready represent Lady Vikes at state

The Charlo girls, boys track team entered the Class A & C track meet as one of the teams with the most storied tradition at the state meet Thursday through Friday at the Laurel Complex at Laurel High School.

Local teams wrap spring soccer season with State Cu

Polson Youth Soccer Association (PYSA) teams just wrapped up their spring soccer season with the Montana State Cup tournament.

Scarlets find strength in numbers, finish strong at state

Headed into the Class A & C track meet, the Arlee girls and Charlo boys were both the perennial favorites to excel at the Class A & C track meet Friday through Saturday at the Laurel Sports Complex at Laurel High School.

No headline

Kinsley Grace Cable was born November 25, 2016 at 10:52 p.m. at Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

Golf tournament proves a shining success

The two days were perfect; the setting sublime; the participants enthusiastic; and the numbers off the charts. What could this be?

Polson center to offer meals, games

I just read that 4,153,237 people got married last year. Not to cause any trouble but shouldn’t that be an even number.

M-A-C wraps up season with third-place finish at state

FRENCHTOWN — The Mission-Charlo-Arlee softball team entered the state Class B-C Tournament with an unenviable task Thursday afternoon at Frenchtown High School.

Lady Pirates softball have 'strong' showing in Sidney

The Lady Pirates took their 670-mile round trip to play in the Class-A softball tournament and won four of their six games they played in a double-elimination format Thursday through Saturday at the 2017 state softball championship in Sidney.

Frissell, Pirates relay team finishes in top-5 at state meet

It is difficult to not mention Bea Frissell in a conversation about Polson boys, girls track this season and it mostly has to do with the statistical analysis of her performances.

Scarlets find strength in numbers at state

Headed into the Class A & C track meet, the Arlee girls and Charlo boys were both the perennial favorites to excel at the Class A & C track meet Thursday through Saturday at the Laurel Sports Complex at Laurel High School.

Chiefs, Maidens successful at state

Ronan High School distance runner Jackson Duffey took several first-place finishes throughout the entire track and field season and captured multiple first-place trophies in the 800-meter, 1600-meter, and 3200-meter runs.

Pirates tennis teams finish with 8 state-placers

Polson High School boys, girls tennis coach Bob Hislop said he was “pleased” with the performance of his Pirate, Lady Pirates’ tennis team at the conclusion of the state tournament at Flathead Valley Community College last week.

Charlo track teams have strong showing at state meet

A multiple number of coaches will look at how teams do in the track season as a good barometer to how teams will perform in the Class-C, 8-man football season.

Vandals strike on Skyline Drive

Vandals spray-painted portions of the retaining wall along Skyline Drive over the weekend.

Judy Ann Hove Harding

Jean Anderson

Nick James Herak III

Justice Court Proceedings

Terrance M. Mousel Jr., 30, was fined $260 for permitting the operation of a vehicle without liability insurance. He was assessed $35 in court costs.

Melita Island Scout Camp receives new facilities

The Melita Island Boy Scout Camp is celebrating its 110th anniversary with a major makeover.

Boot repair business returns to Polson area

From broken sandals to worn out cowboy boots, area residents now have a way to keep their favorite footwear kicking with the return of local leather worker Dale Lane.

Speaker addresses sex trafficking in Montana

For Grace Manchala, the fight to prevent sex trafficking is personal.

No headline

BEDTIME BOUNCE AT THE LIBRARY

Community Birds and Bears Festival celebrates role of animals in culture

With summertime temperatures drawing out animals across the Mission Valley, wildlife enthusiasts gathered at Salish Kootenai College last week for a celebration of all things fur and feathers.

Legals June 1, 2017

Notice to Creditors Probate Cause No. 17-104-P The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Court of the Flathead Reservation, Pablo, Montana In Re the Matter of the Estate of: Gerald J. Ashley Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Steven J. Ashley,, 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 the 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 16 of May, 2017. /s/ Steven J Ashley Personal Representative's Address: Steven J. Ashley 31427 Lemery Road St. Ignatius, MT 59865 Published on May 25, 2017, June 1, 2017, and June 8, 2017. MNAXLP