Thursday, May 31
McGuinness becomes Polson's first-ever state singles champion
Polson High School tennis coach Bob Hislop has been in the business of tennis long enough to know it isn’t easy to win a state team championship or a state singles championship as he and his team headed into the Montana High School Association Class A State tennis tournament May 24-26 in Ronan and Polson.
Lady Pirates softball places fourth at state
Polson High School softball coach Larry Smith has talked up his team’s resiliency all season and the team showcased it at the Montana High School Association Class A Tournament May 24-26 at Frenchtown High School.
Polson boys tennis team showcases team leadership at state meet
Last year at the Montana High School Class A state tournament, Johnny Moore got a lot of valuable experience playing as the No. 4 player and playing against one of the top-ranked players in the state.
Pirates, Lady Pirates add three state champions to track
Throughout Polson High School runner’s Bea Frissell’s now decorated running career, she has continued to pile up accolades.
Lady Bulldogs, Bulldogs shine at Class B Meet
All season, Michael Durglo has become accustomed to placing in the top of the throwing events and at the Class B Montana High School Association State track meet, he continued this trend May 24-26 at Laurel High School Complex.
Lammerding challenges for state title in shot, finishes second
All season, Arlee High School track participants have gradually improved on distance at the throwing events like shot put.
Vikings, Lady Vikings finish season strong at state
All season, the Charlo High School girl’s track team has had several familiar names with top ten or better finishes and the Lady Vikings continued this trend at the Montana High School Association Class AA and A track meet May 24-26 at Memorial Stadium in Great Falls.
No headline
During the Great Depression, two Rollins families were involved in a bitter feud.
Local man remembers brother, father on Memorial Day
As they listened to the speaker, Barbara Legoo and Tom Needham stood close to one another at Lake View Cemetery, their memories scanning back to one person, among many on Memorial Day.
Ann DeVoe
Just hours after she was able to see the last of all her family one final time, Ann Louise DeVoe, age 64, passed away peacefully at her home on Flathead Lake on May 25, 2018 after waging a fierce seven-month battle with cancer.
Wanda Viola McLeod-Bennet
Wanda Viola McLeod-Bennett, 68, of Polson, Montana, passed away at home on May 26, 2018 after fighting a battle with cancer. Wanda passed quietly with her family by her side, as she had wished.
Deeana Marie Vassar
Deeana Marie Vassar passed away Wednesday, May 23, 2018 surrounded by family. She was preceded in death by her husband William Howard Vassar Sr., on June 6, 2014. Deanna is survived by her children Renee Vassar Morgan, Radean Vassar Boden, William Howard (Howdy) Vassar Jr., and Tina Vassar Buser. She also survived by seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday June 4, at the Lake Funeral Home and Crematory with graveside services to follow at the Lake View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Dementia Society of America at www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.
Ronan officer back to work following collision
An officer with the Ronan Police Department is back at work after his work vehicle was crashed into twice by an impaired driver last week.
Misunderstandings about the Lake County Drug Court
It is campaign season, and I have heard some statements about the Lake County Drug Court that I wanted to correct.
Officials looking for inmate
Shayla Solanakliliu Cote, a resident at the Pre-Release Center in Missoula, failed to return to the center Wednesday, May 30, and a warrant for felony escape has been issued.
Legals May 31, 2018
Notice of Public Hearing Notice is hereby given that the Polson City-County Planning Board will on Tuesday, the 12th day of June, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. in the Polson City Hall, 106 1st Street East, Polson, Montana, hold a public hearing for the purpose of a proposed map amendment (zone change) to the City of Polson Zoning Districts Map. The City of Polson is proposing to rezone approximately three half blocks of downtown - the western half of the 400, 500, and 600 blocks between 1st Street West and Main Street. The proposal is to rezone from Central Business Zoning (CBZD) to Transitional Zoning (TZD). A map of the subject area can be found on the City of Polson website: www.cityofpolson.com/planning/page/public-notice. The Polson City-County Planning Board will take public testimony and review the proposed zone change. The Board will forward a recommendation to the Polson City Commission for a Public Hearing tentatively scheduled for Monday, June 18th. This public notice is made pursuant to 76-2-303 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 accessibility accommodation. Dated at Polson, Montana this 17th day of May, 2018. Cora Pritt Polson City Clerk Polson, MT Published on May 24, 2018, May 31, 2018, and June 7, 2018. MNAXLP
Friday, May 25
St. Ignatius business owner arrested on drug charge
A St. Ignatius man who owns the company that provides bus transportation for the St. Ignatius School District has been arrested on a drug charge following an investigation.
Thursday, May 24
??? Polson gets ready to host ??? state tennis tournament
The Polson High School girls’ tennis team captured their 11th Divisional crown in the last 12 years under Lady Pirates’ head coach Bob Hislop.
Lady Pirates hope to make a championship run headed to state
When Polson High School softball coach Larry Smith glanced at his team’s final record after the Lady Pirates defeated Columbia Falls 6-0 in the season finale Thursday afternoon, he said he was subtly reminded of previous championship teams.
Malatare commits with Northern Idaho
A former Arlee High School boy’s basketball player, Phillip Malatare, has whittled down his collegiate playing options to one when he finally signed to play basketball with Northern Idaho College in Coeur D’alene, Idaho last week for the 2018-2019 season.
M's finish second in American Legion baseball tournament
The Mission Valley Mariners advanced to the AA and A championship game of the Canadian Days American Legion baseball tournametn at Kalispell.
Mission Valley Special Olympics experience exponential growth
For the second-consecutive season in a row, the ever-expanded Special Olympics in the Mission Valley had a strong showing at the Montana Special Olympics State games in Great Falls.
Mission sends several Bulldogs, Lady Bulldogs to state
Mission High School senior Karolyna Buck qualified for the Montana High School Activities Association Class A and B track meet May 25-26 at Laurel High School by finishing in the top-six in three individual events and two team events.
Pirates, Lady Pirates track shine at Western Divisionals
Polson High School distance runner Bea Frissell continues to build upon her growing reputation as one of the top distance runners in the state of Montana.
Vikings, Lady Vikings send several to state
Charlo High School track and football star Landers Smith seems to be the subject of conversation whenever Charlo athletics are being talked about and he did nothing to change that trend at the Class C Divisional track meet Thursday and Friday afternoon at Frenchtown High School.
Bulldogs tennis gains experience at MHSA Class B-C state tennis
Lake County Leader
Commissioner congratulates club, tribe on donation
The Lake County Commissioners would like to congratulate the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County on the very generous donation they received from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council. We wholeheartedly agree with Chairman Trahan when he expresses what an important program this is for our area youth.
Irrigation project management: ball is in irrigators' court
Next to the weather, farmers and ranchers complain most about Bureau of Indian Affair’s (BIA) poor management of our irrigation project. Local project managers also are frustrated with the BIA’s cumbersome hiring and procurement policies and the fact that they get blamed.
Kim Snyder thanks community for donations
You know when you live in a small community and there are very generous people who are caring and compassionate and we are so grateful to them. You cared and made a difference to help and we are blessed to have you in our lives. Thank you for the generous checks and cash donations that were given before the benefit and the day of the benefit. For all the donations for the benefit from silent auction items to baked goods to used books to selling 50/50 tickets to grab bags and food for the lunch, for everyone who attended, for everyone who helped sit up, helped during the benefit and helped clean up. Thank you for the continuing donations still coming in. The generosity of everyone is greatly appreciated, when you give you give from your heart because you care. Thank you so very much again!!!
Who are the tax breaks helping?
A friend of mine got her massive tax cut of $25.00 a month on her annuity. Big banks earned $2.5 billion in the first quarter of this year. They have so much money now they don’t know how to spend it, except on buybacks and executive bonuses. 83% of the tax cut went to the top 1% of earners, according to Warren Buffet.
Zion Charles Talbert
Zion Charles Talbert was born April 30, 2018 at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. He weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces. Parents are Timothy and Elizabeth Talbert of Pablo. Paternal grandparents are Charles and Kathy Talbert of Minneapolis. Siblings are Olive and Averie of Pablo.
Grayson Mathew Quintana
Grayson Mathew Quintana was born May 8, 2018 at the Nesting Place in
Samuel Elijah Mooso
Samuel Elijah Mooso was born May 4, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. He was 21 inches and weighed 9 pounds, 1 ounce. Samuel has an older sister, Raven and his parents are Samantha and Elijah Mooso of Polson.
Amaya Faye Simpson
Amaya Faye Simpson was born May 1, 2018 at the nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. She was 21 inches and weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces.
Amelia Marie Fairbank
Colton and Wyatt Fairbank are proud to announce the birth of sister, Amelia Marie Fairbank. She was born May 11, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. Amelia was 19 ½ inches and weighed 6 pounds, five ounces.
Richard The Macman Zimmer shares update on fishing
Fishermen:
Cause for Big Arm fire unknown
The cause of a fire Monday night on La Bella Road in Big Arm is undetermined, according to officials.
Polson holds annual bike auction
Dozens of people turned out to the Polson City shop last week, in hopes of claiming or buying a new bicycle.
Cherry Blossom Festival offers local art, products
Since 1974, Pat and Gary Bonners have owned property on the lakeshore in Yellow Bay, but as Pat explained, the couple is usually in California this time of the year.
New Ronan K9 defends city
May 1 wasn’t just the start of a new month this year, but also a debut of a new officer in town.
St. Ignatius ends year celebrating community
Keeping in time with the cadence, the sound of jingles filled the St. Ignatius High School gym last week as dozens of girls and young women danced in regalia.
Charlo graduates honor classmate, father
Standing in the back of a hot gymnasium packed with hundreds of people, Max Krantz watched as one of the high school graduates walked toward him.
Ralph Eugene Gallagher
Ralph Eugene Gallagher passed away on May 13, 2018, of natural causes, at Olympic Memorial Hospital in Port Angeles, Washington.
Mildred (Midge) G. Stevens
Mildred G. Stevens, 96 formerly of Santa Maria, California, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. At her side were her three children Gregg of Indianapolis, Indiana, Carol of Brooklyn, New York, and Doug his wife Tania of Ronan.
Weston Lee MacDonald
Former Polson businessman, Weston Lee MacDonald, 77, of Polson, died Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at his home with his family at his side. He was born in 1941 to Woodroe and Marie MacDonald McDaniel. He was adopted by his maternal grandparents, W.B. and Alice MacDonald who preceded him in death.
Jack Briggs
Jack Briggs passed away at his winter home in St. George, Utah, on May 19, 2018. He was born Sept. 30, 1918 in McKinnon, Wyoming, to John Briggs, Jr. and Florence Mayer Briggs. Jack is survived by his wife, Allowee Heiner Briggs, sons Scott (Betty) and Cordell (Starla), and daughter, Marcene (Burke Hamilton). Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Valaine, and his three brothers.
Jessie Hume Cote
Jessie Hume Cote passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at her home in Missoula on May 4. She was born in Ronan on June 28, 1978 to Gary and Christine Cote. She grew up with her brother, Will, on the family property on Kicking Horse Reservoir. As a child, she and Will spent many happy days playing, riding horses and fishing on the reservoir. Jessie started struggling at a young age with mental illness brought on by a terrible bout of spinal meningitis when she was 5 years old. She attended school in Ronan, until the pressures of teenage life took a toll, and she started traveling. In her travels she met a true friend in Frank Purcell, who gave Jessie love, compassion and a sense of normalcy. She and Frank traveled and enjoyed life for several years. She has lived in Missoula for many years now, with the help of a lot of folks at the Western Montana Mental Health Center, where she enjoyed camaraderie and friendship.
Ron Valiquette
Ron Valiquette, 85, residing in Polson, died of cardiac arrest on May 15, 2018 at the International Heart Institute in Missoula during a heart procedure.
Legals May 24, 2018
Craig Mungas State Bar No. 6746 Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC 2809 Great Northern Loop, Ste 100 Missoula, Montana 59808 Telephone: 406-721-8896 Telefax: 406-541-8037 Email: craig@bjornsonlaw.com Attorneys for Mary Alice Thomas, Personal Representative Montana Twentieth Judicial District Court, Lake County In the Matter of the Estate of: Shane Lee Wegner, a/k/a Shane L. Wegner, Deceased. Dept. No.: 2002 Cause No.: DP-18-23 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 MARY ALICE THOMAS, 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 4th day of May, 2018. /s/ Mary Alice Thomas Mary Alice Thomas Personal Representative Bjornson Jones Mungas, PLLC By: /s/ Craig Mungas Craig Mungas Attorneys for Mary Alice Thomas, Personal Representative Published on May 10, 2018, May 17, 2018, and May 24, 2018. MNAXLP
Friday, May 18
Robert Wayne Janson IV
Kenzley Janson is happy to announce the birth of brother, Robert Wayne Janson IV. He was born April 27, 2018 at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. Robert was 21 and ¼ inches and weighed 7 pounds, 9.5 ounces.
Unofficial Lake County School and Special District Election results
Jette Meadows/Lake County Water and Sewer District
Local skatepark receives funding
A local nonprofit is another step closer to its goal of expansion.
Charlo hosts rally ahead of summer games
Booming applause and shrieking laughter filled the Charlo High School gymnasium Monday afternoon as students and faculty gathered for the district’s first Respect Rally.
Dam management keeps Flathead Lake low
As temperatures warm up and rain in the immediate forecast, officials with SKQ Dam are working to keep Flathead Lake at the lowest elevation possible.
No headline
Polson High senior dies during weekend hike
A Polson High School senior died over the weekend following injuries he sustained while hiking at Mud Lake.
Family bonds over bear cam
As she explained some history of her family’s hobby, Stacey Thoft-Plimmer’s cell phone kept buzzing and dinging.
Mission Valley Rockies
Final score: Mission Valley Rockies 18 Cranbrook Bandits 8
Lady Pirates softball team prepares for state bid
The Polson High School softball team won four consecutive games Friday and Saturday at the Laverne Combo Softball Tournament Friday and Saturday at Butte High School.
Thursday, May 17
Lundeen, Lady Pirates gear up divisionals
Polson High School tennis player Kyler Lundeen was right there.
Bulldogs tennis ready for state
The Mission High School boy’s tennis team has all qualified for the MHSA Class B-C State tennis May 17-19 in Great Falls.
Pirates, Lady Pirates shine at ABC Invite
The Polson High School girl’s track team had multiple first-place finishes at the ABC Invitational Saturday at Polson High School.
Warriors, Scarlets have strong showing at Districts
The Arlee Scarlets continue to have more participants emerge in the top five with each passing week.
Vikings, Lady Vikings capture multiple first-place finishes
The Charlo High School boy’s track team continued to carry their tradition of track excellence over into the Western Class 14-C District Tournament at Big Sky High School in Missoula.
Bulldogs, Lady Bulldogs shine at Bigfork
The Mission High School track team continued to have individuals excel despite competing in a bigger regular season meet at the Bigfork Invitational Saturday at Bigfork High School.
Mission High School Bulldogs football fundraiser
Since Mission High School football coach Tyler Murray was hired in 2017 to become the Bulldogs’ head coach, he has had a five-year goal to construct his team into a perennial playoff contender.
Mission High to host car wash at Valley Bank
Since Mission High School football coach Tyler Murray was hired in 2017 to become the Bulldogs’ head coach, he has had a five-year goal to construct his team into a perennial playoff contender.
Lakers split with Senators, Mariners
Brandon Jordan, Dawson Smith and Johan Freudenburg had two RBIs each to power the Kalispell Lakers to an 11-1 victory in the second game of a nonconference American Legion AA baseball doubleheader with the Helena Senators at Griffin Field on Saturday afternoon.
Thursday, May 10
Prison inmate found dead
A Montana State Prison inmate died last week following an apparent suicide attempt, according to a press release from the facility.
Woman sentenced for December chase
A Missoula woman was back in court last week where she was sentenced for her involvement in a December high speed chase that crossed into Lake County.
Westland Seed hosts Gianforte
U.S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Bozeman, made a stop at a Ronan business last week as part of his Small Business Tour.
Adventure camp inspires Flathead Reservation youth
Students recently returned home inspired and tired after multiple day trips to a summer camp-style program called “Adventure with a Purpose.”
Open house displays history
As she listened to local fiber artist Donna Peck explain the process of how wool was spun years ago, Carli Nordberg’s newly purchased beaded earring danced in the breeze.
Local group flies high in the sky
To anyone cruising U.S. Highway 93, your last thought would be that small planes are being flown over an acre of farmland.
Boardwalk Cafe finds new home
The Boardwalk Café has a new home in Pondera County after five decades in Boettcher Park in Polson.
Bulldogs capture a share of conference championship
When you mention the Mission-Arlee-Charlo team to any of the coaches in the Montana Activities Association Class B-C, their track record almost needs no introduction.
Pirates, Lady Pirates improve as they head down-the-stretch
The Polson boys and girls track team showcased their skill winning a total of 14 events Thursday afternoon at the Lake County Meet at Ronan High School.
Pirates softball in cruise control headed to Butte Tournament
The Polson High School softball team has positioned themselves exactly where Lady Pirates’ head coach Larry Smith wants them to be: in control of their own destiny.
Lady Pirates tennis roll over Bulldogs
The Polson High School girls tennis team has made up for the lost practice time and now, according to Lady Pirates, Pirates’ head coach Bob Hislop, they are now caught up.
Lady Vikings flourish at Lake County Meet
Carlee Fryberger and Tyrah Hammond were again dominant in the speed events. Fryberger placed first in two events at the Lake County Meet. Fryberger finished first with a time of 27.01 seconds in the 100-meter dash and in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 16.49 seconds.
Bulldogs, Lady Bulldogs excel in recent meets
Thrower Michael Durglo and jumper Flint McPherson emerged as stars in the Lake County Meet.
Scarlets tracksters hope for late season push to state
The Arlee Scarlets have some individual competitors that are emerging as they approach the conclusion of the regular track season.
Young Chiefs, Maidens track team starting to peak at right time
The Ronan boys and girls track team may be very young, but individual competitors are starting to emerge as the Chiefs and Maidens approach the end of the season.
Tuesday, May 8
Unofficial Lake County school and special district election results
Jette Meadows/Lake County Water and Sewer District
Thursday, May 3
Lions Club donates to Polson Middle School band
Last week, the Polson Middle School band received a check from a local group, making it possible to purchase more instruments.
St. Ignatius schools receive grant
St. Ignatius District #28 was recently named as one of 15 communities that were selected for the iGraduate Montana Challenge Fund grant, receiving $10,000.
Students apply lessons during STEAM night at Linderman Elementary
Linderman Elementary was filled with excitement during STEAM night, held on Thursday, April 26.
Idaho residents facing charges after Lake County crash
Two Idaho residents are facing charges following a crash in Lake County on Wednesday, April 25.
Torch Run Event lights way for upcoming Special Olympics
Just as the sky was darkening and rain began to spit from the clouds, Forrest Niemeyer was smiling as he stretched against a gray pickup truck.
South Shore Greenhouse celebrates 40 years
As patrons walked in browsing through rows of plants, Kathy Shore walked with them, asking about their families and what type of plant arrangement they were thinking of this year.
Cote places first in the 110-meter hurdles at the Top-10
Polson High School track athlete Colton Cote is still rebounding from taking a year’s sabbatical from participating in track and field events.
Maidens on a roll in their bid for state
The Ronan Maiden’s softball team may be one team that no one wants to face if they are able to qualify for the Montana High School Activities Association state softball tournament, and for good reason.
Lady Bulldogs track star excel in recent meets
Mission High School track star Afton Brander had four individual top-five performances at the Seeley-Swan qualifier Saturday afternoon at Frenchtown High School.
Scarlets, Warriors' track team emerges at Seeley-Swan qualifier
The Arlee Scarlets and Warriors’ track teams developed some outstanding individual performers at the Seeley-Swan qualifier Saturday at Frenchtown High School.
Durglo shines at Class B-C state track meet
Mission High School thrower Michael Durglo has consistently etched himself into the first-place spot in both discuses and shot put.
Lady Vikings solidify reputation at Top-10 Meet in Missoula
The Lady Vikings, an MHSA Class C track team, have constructed enough of a reputation to earn invitations to prestigious track meets such as the top Top-10 Invitational Tuesday afternoon at MCPS Stadium in Missoula.
Chiefs, Maidens tennis team still adjusting to Class A tennis
The Ronan Chiefs, Maidens’ tennis program has cultivated some of its young talents to compliment some of their established players that qualified for state in Class B last season, according to coach Leslie Luedtke.
Pirates softball in the driver's seat, headed into final conference games of the regular season
The Polson High School softball team may have solidified their conference title and secured a Montana High School Activities Association Class A state bid, but Lady Pirates’ coach Larry Smith is still focused on what his team can do to improve as they approach their final stretch of the regular season.
Pirates' boys, girls tennis finding its rhythm
Polson High School girls and boys tennis coach Bob Hislop said he felt his girl’s team has more than made up for the lack of progress his team lost because of inclement weather.
Bulldogs' football to have car wash at Valley Bank
Mission High School football coach Tyler Murray has remained adamant about building a program since he was appointed the Bulldogs’ head football coach in 2017.
