Tuesday, February 27
Body of missing Polson man recovered
The body of a missing Polson man was found Tuesday afternoon, his mother confirmed.
Monday, February 26
Rescue teams search near SKQ Dam for missing man
Lake County Search and Rescue teams on Monday were looking for a Polson man who went missing over the weekend near the SKQ Dam in Polson.
Friday, February 23
Pirates capture District title, get ready for showdown with Frenchtown
RONAN –Polson High School boys basketball coach Randy Kelley approached the Class A Northwestern District like a Divisional Tournament.
Scarlets survive challenge scare with Lady Tigers to punch their ticket to divisionals
The Arlee Scarlets didn’t earn their bid to Divisionals the way they had envisioned but at the conclusion of the Western 14-C District Tournament, they eventually ended up wit the desired result defeating the St. Regis Lady Tigers 54-43 in the challenge game Monday night at Salish Kootenai College.
Lady Vikings return to divisionals
PABLO – The Charlo Lady Vikings punched their ticket to the Class C Divisionals for the first time since 2011 with clutch victories over Arlee and St. Regis to capture the District Championship title Feb. 15-17 at Joe McDonald Gym at Salish Kootenai College.
Flourishing Chiefs hope to carry momentum into Divisionals against Dillon
Two weeks ago the Ronan Chiefs were far from the flourishing team they transformed into during the Class A Northwest District Tournament.
Maidens hope to defeat Frenchtown at Class Northwest-Southwest Divisionals
Ronan High School girls basketball coach Steve Woll knows sometimes the end result of the District Tournament is all that matters.
Pirates capture Northwest Class A District title
PABLO –The superlatives to describe the Arlee boy’s basketball season continues to expand with each passing victory as the Warriors coasted through the Class 14-C District Tournament Feb. 15-17 at Joe McDonald Gym at Salish Kootenai College.
Lady Pirates build on future success in Perez era
When Polson Lady Pirates coach Juan Perez first took over the program, he knew his attempt at a reclamation project wouldn’t happen overnight but his team made significant strides as they concluded their season with back-to-back District losses to Libby and Ronan.
Lady Bison get ready for AIHEC
This year Salish Kootenai College head women’s basketball coach Juan Perez will enter the start of the AIHEC Tournament in a different role with his team.
Juanita Mae Rasmusson
Juanita Mae Rasmusson peacefully passed away on the morning of Feb. 13 in her residence at St. Joseph’s Assisted Living Center in Polson.
Tobias Dean Clark
Mathias Clark would like you to meet his new baby brother, Tobias Dean Clark, born Nov. 15, 2017 at home in Post Falls, Idaho.
Aubree Lynn Tracy
Aubree Lynn Tracy was born Jan. 17, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. She was 19 inches and weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces.
Celeste Jaecob-Rae Bement
Miranda and Raeann Bement are excited to welcome sister, Celeste Jaecob-Rae Bement to the Bement home. Celeste was born Feb. 10, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. She was 21 inches and weighed 8 pounds,
Ni'Koda Medicine Horse Moran
Daylin Moran Jr. would like to announce the arrival of brother, Ni’Koda Medicine Horse Moran. Ni’Koda was born Feb. 9, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. He was 21 ½ inches and weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces.
Firefighters fundraising for cure
Over the course of the next couple of weeks, get ready to see members of a local fire department out and about, raising funds for a worthy cause.
Polson, Ronan police to welcome new K-9s
When the Polson Police Department set a goal to purchase a new K-9 toward the end of last year and reached out to the public, no one anticipated that in a few short months that goal would be reached.
School broken into over weekend
Officials with the Polson School District are trying to piece together an alleged burglary that took place at Linderman Elementary over the weekend.
Storm not as harsh as predicted
The weekend storm that blew through the county didn’t pack quite the punch that was originally projected.
No headline
Classes for the Polson, Ronan and Pablo spring Hunter Education courses will begin Tuesday, Feb. 27 in Room 118 of the Beaverhead Math and Science building on the Salish Kootenai College campus in Pablo.
Permits for non-Tribal members
As spring is just around the corner, non-Tribal members who are Flathead Reservation residents as well as non-residents will be looking to get permits for various outdoor activities.
Possible causes of school violence discussed
Prompted by the horrific Florida school shooting, I submit this discussion. I speak to addressing root causes. It is my belief that without doing this we have no hope of corrections.
Thursday, February 22
Legals February 22, 2018
INVITATION FOR BIDS Sealed bids for construction of the following project(s) will be received by the Montana Department of Transportation, Contract Plans Bureau, Room 101, 2701 Prospect, Helena, Montana until 9:00 a.m. on March 15, 2018. All bids being publicly opened, reviewed for correctness, and then publicly read in the Department's auditorium. 104 LONEPINE - NORTH STPP 36-1(31)26 Seal and cover, pavement markings and a bridge deck crack seal on the Lonepine - North project in Sanders, Lake and Flathead counties and is entirely within the Flathead Indian Reservation. The project is located on Montana Route 28 (P-36) beginning approximately 0.7 miles north of Lonepine (RP 26.1), and extends north and east 10 miles to RP 36.1. Bid documents and instructions to bidders may be obtained from the Contract Plans Bureau. These documents may be requested by FAX (406)444-7236 (see order form), by mail, by downloading at the following web site: http://www.mdt.mt.gov/business/contracting/ under "Bid Packages" link, or by calling (406)444 6216, 6212, 6215 or TTY 444 7696. Any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement is subject to all appropriate state and federal civil rights laws. The prime and subcontractors are required to pay the wage rates set out in the bid proposal. MDT will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin or sex in the award, performance or administration of any MDT contract or in the administration of its DBE program (49 CFR Part 26). MDT attempts to provide reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person participating in any service, program or activity of the department. Alternate accessible formats of this document will be provided upon request. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in MDT bid lettings, call the Civil Rights Bureau at 444-6331 or TTY 406-444-7696 [TTY 1-800-335-7592 (toll free)]. MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Barb Skelton, Chairperson Montana Transportation Commission Michael T. Tooley Director of Transportation Published in the Lake County Leader on February 22 and March 1, 2018. MNAXLP
Friday, February 16
County braces for weekend wallop
Lake County road crews are cautioning motorists to stay put this weekend, ahead of a winter storm.
Thursday, February 15
Local Girl Scouts troop busy with activities
Girl Scout Troop 3364 has had a busy few years since its inception.
Russian investigation deeper than Trump's actions
Some might say of my LTE addiction: “Some idle yet addible thoughts from an addled brain”. But I march onward. Here goes:
Community Notes
Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana is sponsoring a “Book Chat” starting at 1 p.m. on Feb. 22, at the Ronan Library, 203 Main St. SW. The book “All But the Waltz” by Mary Clearman Blew will be discussed for the four-week program. The Museum will make used and new books available for purchase if needed. Call Donna Cheff at 676-2837 for more information.
Jory Ishmael Mesa
Payton, Brody and Leighton Shauls announce the birth of Jory Ishmael Mesa. Jory was born Jan. 22, 2018, at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. He was 19 ¾ inches and weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces.
Sadie Bea Bissegger
Brandy, Tristen, Hailey and Emily are excited to announce the birth of their sister, Sadie Bea Bissegger. Sadie was born Feb. 4, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. She was 20 inches and weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces.
Annual art auction in Charlo
Laughter, music and chatter filled the Leon Community Center in Charlo Saturday evening.
Jaisiah Thomas Barker
Jacob Jr., Jaylynn, Jaidrienn and Jaylene Barker are excited to announce the birth of their brother, Jaisiah Thomas Barker. He was born Jan. 12 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. Jaisiah was 19 inches and weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce.
Audree Lynn Tracy
Audree Lynn Tracy was born Jan. 17, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. She was 19 inches and weighed 5 pounds, 14 ounces.
Harley Reagan Cullinan
Alice and Maxine Cullinan are overjoyed to announce the birth of their sister, Harley Reagan Cullinan. Harley was born Jan. 25, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. She was 19 inches and weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces.
Officials weigh in on snow daze
Some students were afforded a late start or the coveted snow day last week when a winter storm blew through the area.
Roland D. Arneson
Roland D. Arneson, passed away suddenly on Feb. 8, 2018. He recently celebrated turning 85 on Feb. 5.
Maverick Paul Trott
Maverick Paul Trott was born Jan. 19, 2018 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. He weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces and joins sibling Emmett Kerr. Parents are Christine and Curtis Trott of Polson. Paternal grandparents are Marty & Robyn Trott of Frenchtown. Maternal grandparents are Kenneth & Jennifer Ridnour of Polson.
Program teaches youth about cooking, health
St. Luke is teaming up with the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County to promote healthy lifestyles to local youth. Registered Dietitian Jenny Robey will teach cooking classes at both the Ronan and Polson Boys and Girls Clubs.
Alice Mae DeLay
Alice Mae (Micheli) DeLay was born on Feb. 14, 1925 in Durango, Colo., and went to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 5, 2018 at St. Luke Extended Care. She was the last born of six children. Her parents were Italian immigrants from northern Italy who did not speak English.
Chocolate lovers unite for fundraiser
More than 150 chocolate enthusiasts attended an event celebrating their favorite food, raising money for the Arlee community.
Kiwanis holds annual dinner
A low hum of conversations could be heard as the smell of burgers filled the air at the Elks Club in Polson Monday evening.
Favorite Warriors team tries not to be fall to complacency entering the Class C District tourney
Arlee High School boys basketball coach Zanen Pitts doesn’t take his team’s success for granted.
Polson preps for Districts
Polson Pirates boy’s basketball coach Randy Kelley developed a philosophical approach towards getting his Pirates prepped for Class A District play on Feb. 15-17 at the Ronan Events Center.
Maidens basketball gets ready to host District Tournament
Ronan High School girls basketball coach Steve Woll knows they has been on the cusp of getting the attention as a team to be reckoned with as his team prepares for the Western A District play on Feb. 15-17 at the Ronan Events Center.
Polson Lady Pirates get ready for District play
The Polson Lady Pirates will try to overcome their recent struggles of generating points in the third quarter as they prepare to enter the Class A Western District Tournament Feb. 15-17 at the Ronan Events Center.
Pirates core-group finishes strong in Billings
BILLINGS — All season the Polson Pirates wrestling team has boasted of a core group of seniors and underclassmen that put them in the conversation of finishing in the top three as a team as they prepared to head into the Class A state wrestling tournament Friday and Saturday afternoon at the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings.
Bulldogs have stellar performance at Class B-C state wrestling tournament
BILLINGS — Mission-Charlo wrestling head coach Lyle Cronk watched his Bulldogs develop putting themselves in a position to finish strong at the Montana Activities Association Class B-C state wrestling tournament Friday and Saturday afternoon at the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings.
Chiefs wrestlers battle hard en route to strong season finish
BILLINGS — Ronan High School boys wrestling coach and his Chiefs team experienced the turbulent nature of competing at the Class A State wrestling tournament Friday and Saturday afternoon at the Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in Billings.
Monday, February 12
Non-profit announces workshops, grant opportunities
By ASHLEY FOX
Thursday, February 8
Deadline for talent show extended
Lake County Leader
Training session teaches signs of drug-endangered kids
By ASHLEY FOX
View from the Library: North Lake County Public Library District
Happy “Library Lovers Month!”
Investigation complete in ex-Ronan teacher case
By ASHLEY FOX
Linda Lee McDermott
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Ronan Police Department fully staffed
By ASHLEY FOX
Chaplain describes career as series of callings
By ASHLEY FOX
Officers swarm school for storytime
By ASHLEY FOX
Polson wrestling ready to make an impact at Class A state wrestling tournament in Billings
The Polson Pirates wrestling team competed in one of the most talent-rich brackets Pirates coach Bob Owen said he’s seen in years and 12 wrestlers qualified for state Friday and Saturday at Columbia Falls High School.
Chiefs aim to place at state wrestling tournament
Ronan High School wrestling coach Dylan Kramer and some of his wrestlers will both gain new experiences. Twelve of his 15 wrestlers qualified for the Class A State wrestling meet on Feb. 9-10 at the MetraPark Arena in Billings.
Maidens basketball starts preparation for postseason play
Ronan High School girls’ basketball coach Steve Woll knows the game of basketball is a hard sport to predict and last week’s varied results against Whitefish and Bigfork enforced what he said about the game.
Pirates basketball gets ready for Class A District play, regular season-finale
Polson Pirates boys’ basketball coach Randy Kelley continues to preach the fundamental elements of basketball during the final stretch of the regular season.
Mission-Charlo wrestling send multiple wrestlers to state
SUPERIOR — All season the Mission-Charlo High School wrestling coach Lyle Cronk has watched his team steadily improve with each match.
Warriors wrestlers ready for first state appearance in two years
Last year, the Arlee Warriors wrestling team had an unusual season and didn’t qualify any wrestlers for the Class B-C State wrestling tournament at MetraPark in Billings.
Thursday, February 1
No headline
On Friday, Feb. 2, Girl Scouts across Montana and Wyoming will begin taking pre-orders for cookies, including Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Trefoils, Savannah Smiles and the gluten free Toffee-tastics.
Club receives grant
The Boys and Girls Club in Ronan will be moving to the former Total Home location following renovations to the building.
Health fair in Polson
Approximately 70 people attended the third annual Health Fair, held Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Red Lion in Polson.
St. Ignatius Honor Roll
The following students have met the requirements for second quarter Honor Roll.
Community notes
The Mission Mountain Quilt Guild will be having their regular Guild meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 6, at the Terrace Lake Community Church, 35663 Terrace Lake Rd., Ronan. Make sure to bring your “show ‘n tell” for all to see. The meeting is free and open to the public.
Whitworth University announces honor roll
Three Lake County students have been named to the Whitworth University in Spokane Provost’s Honor Roll for the fall semester of 2017, including:
Current sheriff under attack by opponent
Don Bell has done an excellent job in the Lake County Sheriff’s office over the last three years. Lake County’s law enforcements issues are well understood by him and I think it is unfortunate that someone new to the area has made such a determined attack on our local law enforcement.
Transfer could hinder wildlife management
Montana Chapter of The Wildlife Society
Reporter tackles ice fishing
When people ask me why I moved to Montana from Ohio, I just say that it was a calling.
Non profit helps better community
For the last decade, the non profit Greater Polson Community Foundation has helped other local non profits achieve their goals.
Fordyce Dale Erickson, Sr.
Fordyce Dale Erickson, Sr., 84, of Ronan, passed away on Monday, Jan. 22, 2018 at his residence after a brief illness.
Carol King Cummings
Carol King Cummings, 73, died at the home of her eldest daughter in Marietta, Ga., on Sunday, Jan. 21.
June Sagmiller Sorensen
June Sagmiller Sorensen, 84, of Polson, passed away at her home on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. A celebration of June’s life is planned for the July 4 holiday.
Charlotte Marie Couture
Charlotte Marie Couture was born Jan. 13, 2018 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. She weighed 7 pounds.
New program for drug-addicted newborns starting at local hospital
Mothers with newborns experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) on the Flathead Reservation now have a new resource at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson.
Meeka Sky Sirucek
Meeka Sky Sirucek was born Jan. 15, 2018 at St. Luke Commuity Hospital in Ronan. She weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and joins siblings Joanie Rain Sirucek and Tahshoniee Storm Sirucek of Ronan. Parents are Michael and Janelle Sirucek of Ronan. Paternal grandparent is Lori Sirucek of Butte. Maternal grandparents are Christina & James “Bo” Sorrell of Ronan.
Citizens of Lake County
It has been an honor to serve this county since 2015 as your elected Sheriff and Coroner. I have enjoyed your support for these past few years, and will ask for your continued support in re-electing me for this important office in the 2018 election. I believe my accomplishments thus far demonstrate that I am the right choice for the people of Lake County.
Commissioner explains stance on jail discussion
This letter is to give a different multi-faceted approach to the jail issue that is in the news. This approach is based on 30 years in law enforcement, 2 terms as your Lake County Sheriff and now as one of your Lake County Commissioners.
Flathead Valley Community College announces Dean's List
Flathead Valley Community College officials have announced the names of students who made the Dean’s List for the fall 2017 semester. The following students have completed at least 12 credits last semester in courses numbered 100 or above and earned a minimum grade point average of 3.5:
Two people face charges following raid in Polson
Two people are facing charges following a search by the Polson Police Department last week.
Ronan teacher resigns amid investigation
A teacher in the Ronan School District has resigned following an investigation.
Memo lists reasons for non-renewal of park cafe
The Polson city manager and director of parks and recreation have supplied a memorandum to city commissioners in response to a local eatery that is facing non-renewal.
Pirate wrestlers aim to qualify for state at divisionals in Columbia Falls
The Polson High School wrestling team had a topsy-turvy week in their final duals of the regular season between Ronan, Whitefish, and Browning.
Arlee Warriors basketball team remains undefeated
Arlee High School boys basketball coach Zanen Pitts doesn’t believe in the hype generated by the Warriors’ recent success.
Vikings basketball aims to improve before Districts
The Charlo boys basketball team finds themselves at a log-jam for the third place spot in the Western 14-C District standings.
Lady Pirates increase intensity level as District nears
Polson Pirates girls basketball coach Juan Perez wants to amplify the intensity as his Pirates prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.
Warriors wrestling get ready for divisionals in Superior
Arlee wrestling coach Ken Hill is focusing on his team’s technique as they prepare to enter the Class B-C Divisional Wrestling Tournament Saturday at Superior High School.
Ronan hoops preeches playing ball The Maiden Way, as they prep for District play
Ronan High School basketball coach Steve Woll emphasizes in his pre and post-game speeches to play ball “the Maiden Way” and the message resonated with his team.
Bulldogs ready to shine at Class B-C Divisional wrestling
Mission-Charlo wrestling coach Lyle Cronk doesn’t tone down the intensity of practices when his Bulldogs prepare for the final two weeks of the wrestling season. He amplifies it.
Chiefs wrestling gets ready for divisonal round at C-Falls
Ronan High School wrestling coach Dylan Kramer has his Chiefs team focused on prime for the biggest stages of the year as his team prepares to head into the Class A Divisional Meet Feb. 2-3 at Columbia Falls High School.
