Thursday, May 30
Hearing the emotions of Memorial Day
This letter is a poem. It is not in poetic form but can be read as such. It was composed on Memorial Day as I was viewing and hearing all the emotions that connected with me as an 88-year-old former Army soldier. My earlier years, during WWII, made a very significant impression upon me.,Our wonderful hired man on our Wisconsin dairy farm, who was drafted, lost his life on the Bataan death march.
Kenneth Soward
Kenneth Soward, 103, passed away May 20, 2019, in Kalispell, Mont. He was born Jan 2, 1916, to Nellie (Thompson) and Arnold Soward on his grandfather’s homestead farm southeast of Sinai, S.D. His father died when Kenneth was 11 months old, and Kenneth moved with his mother to St. Paul, Minn., where he grew up.
Polson Pirates softball captures second at MHSA state touranament
Headed into the tournament, former Polson High School softball coach Larry Smith admitted hosting a Montana High School Association Class A state tournament can work two ways: for you, or against you.
Fryberger, Degrandpre captures state championship Class C state titles
Charlo High School track coach Bret Thompson, and his staff got a gauge of just how good Charlo High School’s Carlee Fryberger would become early in her career.
Frissell finishes career in record-breaking fashion, winning two state championhip crowns
Polson High School runner Bea Frissell finished her illustrious high school running career by breaking her own personal, and school records.
Lady Pirates doubles team showcases talent at state meet
Polson High School doubles tandem Berkeley Ellis and Qia Harlan worked all summer to cultivate a synergistic relationship crucial to doubles success.
Brander sisters finish their season on the podium at state
Mission High School has become accustomed to seeing both Afton and Sydney Brander excel in just about every sport they participated in.
Normandeau, Lynch excel at MHSA Class A state tournament
Ronan High School runner James Normandeau is a crucial part of the resurgence of the Ronan running program.
Memorial Day memories
Valley View receives Masons grant CenturyLink, Carton2Garden,Town Pump awards added
Valley View Elementary was the benefactor of funding via grants and awards the last several months of the 2018-19 school year.
RHS graduates three CNAs
A trio of Ronan High School students completed a four-and-a-half month Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) Program and they attended a “pinning” with a graduation ceremony last Wednesday, May 22.
Arlee High School graduation
Two Eagle River School graduation
CVE hosts 'Cinderella's Ball'
Memorial Day in Polson and Ronan
Hazard Mitigation Plan meeting on tap
Wednesday, June 5 is the date set for the final Lake County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan meeting before its adoption.
Ronan Roundtable Co-op training considered
Ronan’s Community Roundtable, a group of community leaders formed to facilitate communication and collaboration among businesses, city government, and others connected to and interested in downtown Ronan, met May 21. This group is focused on helping address the top priorities identified by the Ronan community through a needs assessment process the community participated in three years ago: downtown revitalization and business development, and communication and collaboration.
Prescribed burn Thursday, May 30 in Hellroaring area southeast of Flathead Lake
The Division of Fire-Fuels Program is conducting a prescribed burn today, Thursday, May 30. The burn is 56 acres and is located on the southeast shore of Flathead Lake in the Hellroaring area, eight miles east of the town of Polson. The objectives of this prescribed burn are: Hazard Fuel Reduction and Site Preparation for planting; create a minimum of 300 planting sites per acre.
Legals May 30, 2019
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SPECTRUM TV LINEUP: Cites of Kalispell, Whitefish; Counties of Flathead, Lake and Town of Columbia Falls, MT Cities of Pablo, Ronan; County of Lake and Town of Pablo, MT On or after May 24, 2019, Hillsong Channel on Spectrum Select, channel(s) 173 & 569, will no longer be available on your Spectrum channel lineup. For a current channel lineup, visit www.Spectrum.com/channels. To view this notice online, visit Spectrum.net/programmingnotices. Published on May 30, 2019. MNAXLP
Thursday, May 23
Fryberger emerges as big star in Divisional showcase
The Charlo High School girls track team is going for it all, and they have a legitimate shot at contending for a Montana High School Class C state championship trophy with the high-caliber level of competitors they have.
Polson tennis ready to showcase talents at MHSA Class A state
Before the start of the season, coach Bob Hislop had a conversation with the defending Class A singles champion and Polson’s No. 1 rated singles player Shea McGuinness.
Charlo, Arlee boys track teams excel in Divisionals, prep for state
Charlo High School’s reputation in track and field dates back to now over three decades, and the Vikings did nothing but further cement it’s long-standing reputation in the Montana High School Class C Divisional track meet Thursday and Friday at MCPS Stadium in Missoula.
Mission excels at Divisionals
Mission High School jumper Flint McPherson finished fifth with a distance in the long jump of 19-04.
No headline
Jason Mahlen crowned Spring Mack Days champion
The 2019 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks concluded May 19 with awards and a fish fry at the Blue Bay Campground.
Ronan Farmers Market season opener
Thousands of pounds at E-Waste Recycling
Yellow Bay Cherry Blossom Festival
Flathead Lake Rock Skipping Championship June 1
Polson’s 5th Annual Flathead Lake Rock Skipping Championship is set for Saturday, June 1.
MM Audubon features Holt's 'Great Gray Owl' program
“The Great Gray Owl” by Denver Holt will be Mission Mountain Audubon’s educational program on Wednesday, May 29 at 7 p.m. in the Polson Library Meeting Room. Everyone is welcome.
Polson, Mission Valley hosting Class A state tournament
Every season Polson High School softball enters its way into the Montana High School Association Class A championship conversation, and this year, under the direction of new Lady Pirate head coach Jamie Hanson, it has been no exception.
TERS, Arlee graduation May 25, 26; Memorial Day parades in Polson, Ronan
Two Lake County high schools will celebrate graduation with commencement exercises this weekend while four others will celebrate their events over the next couple of weeks.
MAPS-Lake County filmmakers share 'A Day to Remember'
On Thursday, May 23, the MAPS-Lake County film class will present a screening of their film, “A Day to Remember” at the Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County in Ronan. The film begins at 6 p.m. A question and answer talkback with the student filmmakers will immediately follow the screening.
Family Pedal to Plate 'ride in the rain'
Come rain or shine, many Lake County people are primed to support a good cause. Such as the Mission Mountain Family Pedal to Plate.
Brown receives MHSA Class B all-state accolades
Thompson Falls golfer Ethan Brown comes from excellent bloodlines.
Legals May 23, 2019
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Probate Cause No. 19-0118-P THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBAL COURT OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION PABLO, MONTANA IN RE THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: DONALD BROWN SR. Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Elizabeth Brown, 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 20th of May, 2019. /s/ Elizabeth Brown Elizabeth Brown Personal Representative Address: Elizabeth Brown 38244 Turtle Lake Loop Polson, MT 59860 Published on May 23, May 30 and June 6, 2019. MNAXLP
Thursday, May 16
Polson High School competitors peaking at the right time
Polson High School and Ronan High School have competitors both on the cusp of trying to reach their peak prior to the Montana High School Association Class A track meet May 24-25 in Laurel.
Lady Vikings dominate Class 13-14C Districts
The Charlo girls track team will be well-represented at the MHSA Class C state track meet in the majority of the events as they continue the strong tradition of being one of the top-tier teams in Class C loaded with talent.
Charlo excels in the Class 13-14 C District Meet
The Charlo Vikings and Arlee Warriors track teams were well-represented at Class 13, 14-C District track meet Saturday afternoon at MCPS Stadium in Missoula.
Polson boys, girls tennis prepares for MHSA Divisionals, state
To understand the fiercely competitive landscape of Montana High School girls tennis take a glance at Polson Lady Pirates No. 1 Shea McGuinness’s win-loss record this year.
Lady Pirates dominate Combo tourney in Butte
The Polson Lady Pirates softball showcased the strength of the Western portion of the Montana High School Association Northwest-A conference by sweeping all contest in the Laverne Combo Tournament Friday and Saturday at Butte.
Future Polson grads receive scholarship accolades
At the Polson High library, a group of ten student-athletes were recognized for their dual AA blend of achievements both in the classroom for academics as well as for the caliber of their athleticism that will extend their careers at the collegiate level. The gathering was accompanied by a simulated signing session to commemorate commitments to various collegiate athletic programs, many of which rely on academic incentives to assist athletes. Many of these student-athletes have been recognized multiple times on the honor roll. Several will be graduating with academic honors. Below are the institutions to which they have committed along with some of their accomplishments.
No headline
Polson resident Kellen Norman has qualified to compete at the Junior Olympic National Championships in Madison, Wisconsin,
William Tremper
Montana lost a piece of its history and one of its most beloved characters. William Howard “Bill” Tremper, 94, died on Tuesday, May 7, 2019, at St. Patrick Hospital of natural causes. Most of his six children were able to gather in Missoula and his son, John Tremper, a physician from the Kalispell area, was at his side.
James Simmen
James Mortimer Simmen, 91, of Lake Forest, Ill., formerly of Gurnee, Ill., died May 4, 2019, with family by his side.
Richard Lippincott
Former Polson resident Richard “Dick” Lippincott passed away April 29, 2019, in Helena, Mont., at the age of 87.
Mildred Hamel
Mildred K. Hamel. 91, passed away Saturday March 9, 2019, in the comfort of her own home, surrounded by loved ones.
Spring in full bloom in Ware's garden
The community of Polson and the surrounding areas in Lake County are filled with beautiful natural water features. We have Flathead Lake, as well as multiple rivers, streams, ponds and canals.
Spreading your wings: It's a great time to learn to fly
If you have had dreams of flying an airplane — being a pilot — perhaps this is a good time for the dreams to become reality.
Tribal Health welcomes new medical director Corum
ST. IGNATIUS — Tribal Health announces Bernadette Corum, MD, as the new medical director.
PMS principal has been reassigned to teaching job
According to Polson School Disrict Superintendent Rex Weltz, Polson Middle School Principal Tim Finkbeiner has been reassigned. Weltz made the following statement to the Lake County Leader last Friday, May 10:
Learning to swim key for kids
The community of Polson and the surrounding areas in Lake County are filled with beautiful natural water features. We have Flathead Lake, as well as multiple rivers, streams, ponds and canals.
Farmers Market on Fridays in Polson
Two arrested on charges after Polson drug raid
Last month, your Polson Police Department began a drug investigation involving individuals on the west side. On Friday, May 10, at approximately 5:45 p.m., a team of law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at 1002 5th St. W. #1. Several items were seized as a result: methamphetamine, prescription pills, hash oil, several items of drug paraphernalia such as digital scales, plastic baggies used for packaging and other devices used to prepare, package and ingest dangerous drugs.
Polson MS, HS earn SMART Schools recycling awards
Polson School District 23 students — as a whole — are putting forth a “super effort” with recycling programs at the middle school and high school. They are truly making a difference in helping Mother Earth.
County woman killed in May 8 rollover
A 30-year-old Ronan area woman was killed in a one-vehicle rollover that occurred Wednesday, May 8 on a graveled road south of Ronan.
Legals May 16, 2019
Richard J. Samson Christian Samson, PLLC Attorneys at Law 310 W. Spruce Missoula, MT 59802 (406) 721-7772 rjs@csjlaw.com Attorneys for the Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNETH E. HARDMAN, Deceased. Dept. No. 2001 Cause No. DP 19-28 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Nancy A. Wallace and Martha R. Jones have been appointed as co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Nancy A. Wallace and Martha R. Jones, as co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, in care of Richard J. Samson, 310 W. Spruce, Missoula, MT 59802, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. Dated this 4th day of April, 2019. /s/ Nancy A. Wallace Nancy A. Wallace Co-Personal Representative /s/ Martha R. Jones Martha R. Jones Co-Personal Representative /s/ Richard J. Samson Richard J. Samson Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives 310 W. Spruce Missoula, MT 59802 Published on May 2, 2019, May 9, 2019, and May 16, 2019. MNAXLP
Friday, May 10
Hot Springs-area residents injured last week in crash near Elmo
Two rural Hot Springs residents escaped life-threatening injuries during a one-vehicle crash on May 9 in Lake County near Elmo.
Thursday, May 9
Port Polson Players present 'Phantom of Singing Hills'
At long last spring has sprung, and The Port Polson Players are ready to tickle your funny bone with “The Phantom of Singing Hills” at Polson’s Beautiful Theatre on the Lake.
Berton Finch
On April 24, 2019, Berton Waine Finch, 84, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish due to complications of pneumonia.
Jane Johnston
Jane Ann Johnston of Polson, Mont., passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at her home, surrounded by family, friends and her beloved dog Stormy at her side.
Emma Acciavatti
Emma Lorraine Acciavatti, 85, of St. Ignatius passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019, after an extended stay at The Pines of Mission.
Clark Vallee
Clark Andrew Vallee, 6 months, became our guardian angel on April 29, 2019. Clark, our little monster boy. Constant energy, he was our little monkey, jumping and talking all the time. The smell of joy filled anywhere he was. He loved to go outside and jump on our chests. He was a good baby — only complained if he needed anything. Snuggles so sweet and a grin in his sleep. Power naps and up the majority of the day.
Charlo's Fryberger dominate Lake County Invitational
Charlo High School runner Carlee Fryberger has become one of the top-flight names in the Mission Valley, and the Lady Vikings sophomore got to showcase her ability to the rest of the Mission Valley at the Lake County Invitational at Polson High School.
Lake County trackstars excel at Lake County Invite
The Lake County track meet isn’t a typical track meet for any of the Mission Valley competitors, it’s a meet to not only showcase the talent and athleticism all of the Mission Valley schools have, but it’s also a meet for bragging rights.
Mee captures Lake City Open crown Wallace earns senior title; Hurlbert top amateur
Just when it looked like the championship in the pro division would be decided after 36 holes of play, the 29th annual Lake City Open golf tournament at the perfectly manicured Polson Bay Golf Course went into extended play to determine the titlist.
Polson, Ronan softball get ready for final stretch
The Polson High School softball is entering the final stretch of their regular season manufacturing runs.
Polson Pirates, Lady Pirates continue to improve as MHSA postseason nears
Polson High School boys, girls tennis coach Bob Hislop is seeing significant improvement in his young boys team this year, as they continue to progress into the season and towards the Montana High School Class A postseason.
No headline
Mission-Arlee-Charlo coach Susan Weaselhead knows the competitive landscape of Montana High School Association Class B-C Western softball has increased exponentially this year.
No headline
Two weekends of the nine-week-long 2019 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are left. Up to $225,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded on the last day of the event — May 19.
Science & Tech Festival 'brings out the best' in students
Salish and Kootenai College was the site of the second annual Flathead Science and Tech Festival last Saturday afternoon, May 4. It was all about STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathmatics. STEM is typically used when addressing education policy and curriculum choices in schools to improve competitiveness in science and technology development.
Bio Station director Elser elected to National Academy of Sciences
YELLOW BAY – Flathead Lake Biological Station Director and Bierman Professor of Ecology Jim Elser has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in scientific research.
Avoid conflicts with wildlife as WMAs open May 15
Most of Montana’s 76 Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) open on May 15 at noon, and with the long winter and heavy snowpack wildlife still have limited areas, in some places, left to forage.
Ag Day at Polson Fairgrounds
Stage is set for spring, summer runoff
BOZEMAN – After an erratic winter brought a little bit of everything weather-wise to the Treasure State, spring followed suit with another change-up. In stark contrast to March, which yielded record low precipitation in some parts of the state, April precipitation was above average at many mountain and valley locations in western Montana, except along the southwest Idaho border. An active storm pattern delivered most of this month’s precipitation during the first three weeks of April, falling as both rain and snow in mountain and valley locations.
Ronan teacher Becker honored for inspiring students
William “Bill” Becker, educator at Ronan Middle School in Ronan, was recently celebrated at Norwegian Cruise Line’s award gala event in Seattle on May 4. Becker was announced as one of 30 winners of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Giving Joy campaign who was recognized for their inspiring story and outstanding work they’ve done in their classrooms to celebrate and educate students on the joy of travel and education.
Polson Schools, Ganong honored for school nutrition program achievements
Congratulations to Polson School District and Nutrition Director Lindsay Ganong for being recognized by Governor and First Lady Bullock for outstanding achievements in the school nutrition program. Polson School District has been awarded an Honorable Mention in the Wholesome School Menu Award category of the First Lady School Nutrition Awards for efforts in increasing use of local foods and serving more scratch-made meals to students.
No headline
The Division of Fire Fuels Program of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is conducting a prescribed grass burn today, May 9. The burn will be four miles west of Highway 93 off of Duck Road and Johnson Road. The Rx burn is 54 acres and is a joint project with the National Bison Range and the CSKT Division of Fire. If you have any questions, call 406-676-2550.
Legals May 9, 2019
Richard J. Samson Christian Samson, PLLC Attorneys at Law 310 W. Spruce Missoula, MT 59802 (406) 721-7772 rjs@csjlaw.com Attorneys for the Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNETH E. HARDMAN, Deceased. Dept. No. 2001 Cause No. DP 19-28 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Nancy A. Wallace and Martha R. Jones have been appointed as co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Nancy A. Wallace and Martha R. Jones, as co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, in care of Richard J. Samson, 310 W. Spruce, Missoula, MT 59802, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. Dated this 4th day of April, 2019. /s/ Nancy A. Wallace Nancy A. Wallace Co-Personal Representative /s/ Martha R. Jones Martha R. Jones Co-Personal Representative /s/ Richard J. Samson Richard J. Samson Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives 310 W. Spruce Missoula, MT 59802 Published on May 2, 2019, May 9, 2019, and May 16, 2019. MNAXLP
Thursday, May 2
Vivian Aylesworth
Vivian F. Aylesworth, of Ronan, passed away Feb. 5, 2019, at the age of 87.
Hertz says his goal as House speaker was to 'foster unity not conformity'
The 66th Legislative session has come to an end. As Speaker of the House, it was my goal to uphold the integrity of the House. As a leader in my caucus it was my goal to foster unity not conformity. We can be united behind the primary ideals of our party without losing individuality. It has been an honor to be selected by my peers to fill this roll.
Bert Finch
Bert Finch, 84, of the Polson area, passed away on April 24, 2019, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish.
Thanks to Loaves and Fish food pantry volunteers
Don’t you love learning curves? You know, the distance between what you know and what you need to know to do a job? Sometimes a learning curve represents a frustrating experience.
Kudos for the passage of Medicaid expansion bill
Last week, the Montana Legislature passed HB 658, finally bringing to a welcome end the fight to continue Medicaid expansion. The bill is the product of months of debate and compromise, colored by fervent activism and moving testimony from Montanans across the state.
Community Showcase in spotlight at St. Ignatius
St. Ignatius School District 28 hosted its annual Community Showcase last Thursday, April 25.
Career Connection Day key for PHS seniors
Monday, April 29 was in impactful day for Polson High School students, especially the seniors who will walk across the state and accept their diplomas just six weeks from now.
Burn backyard debris safely
May is Wildfire Awareness Month and the ideal time to reduce the excess vegetation around your home that could pose a wildfire threat. As you begin spring clean-up, if burning is the only option to dispose of woody material, fire officials urge landowners to follow safe burning practices.
Ninepipes features new exhibit, First Saturday artist
A new exhibit opens at Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana on Saturday, May 4. “CAKARPEKNAKI: With Respect and Without Waste” celebrates the culture and traditions of Alaskan natives through a carved ivory collection recently donated to the museum by member Hugh Magnussen in honor of his wife, Jutta. The term “cakarpeknaki” means “with respect and without waste,” which reflects the respect felt by the indigenous people of Alaska towards the animals, people and the land and speaks to the connections among these three. The artwork is carved meticulously from walrus tusk, fossilized mammoth, and whale bone and teeth.
Community Service Corner prepared at Polson Flathead Lake Museum
Kiwanis and Key Club members spent a good part of Wednesday, April 24 cleaning an area of the Polson Flathead Lake Museum (formerly Polson Flathead Historical Museum) on Main Street.
Torch Run Law enforcement supports Special Olympics
Lake County supporters of Special Olympics played a role in a special and significant event last Thursday and Friday, April 25 and 26.
Cowboy Ball raises funds for fairgrounds
Nearly every chair was filled during the 29th annual Cowboy Ball held last Saturday night, April 27 at the Polson Fairgrounds. The event was an annual fundraiser to benefit fairgounds improvements.
Annual River Honoring event set April 6-8
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have carried this deep respect for the river. Elders have said that we must honor the land and waters, the plants and animals, the fish and birds. We must keep them clean and abundant — for generations yet to come.
Legals May 2, 2019
Richard J. Samson Christian Samson, PLLC Attorneys at Law 310 W. Spruce Missoula, MT 59802 (406) 721-7772 rjs@csjlaw.com Attorneys for the Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KENNETH E. HARDMAN, Deceased. Dept. No. 2001 Cause No. DP 19-28 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Nancy A. Wallace and Martha R. Jones have been appointed as co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Nancy A. Wallace and Martha R. Jones, as co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, in care of Richard J. Samson, 310 W. Spruce, Missoula, MT 59802, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. Dated this 4th day of April, 2019. /s/ Nancy A. Wallace Nancy A. Wallace Co-Personal Representative /s/ Martha R. Jones Martha R. Jones Co-Personal Representative /s/ Richard J. Samson Richard J. Samson Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives 310 W. Spruce Missoula, MT 59802 Published on May 2, 2019, May 9, 2019, and May 16, 2019. MNAXLP
HERTZ SAYS HIS GOAL AS HOUSE SPEAKER WAS TO ‘FOSTER UNITY NOT CONFORMITY’
The 66th Legislative session has come to an end.
