Thursday, April 30
Hagadone grant program gives local businesses access to $1 million in advertising funds
The Hagadone Media Group has launched a new grant program offering up to $1 million in matching advertising funds to assist locally owned businesses that have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
Vote for Experience
The citizens of Lake County are facing an upcoming election that is of the utmost importance both local, statewide, and for the nation. On the local scene the office for Lake County Commissioner is one of the most local importance. There are two candidates that are vying for the office. He is a Montana native, very energetic, an experienced leader, and has been a commissioner for twelve years, that person is Commissioner Bill Barron. Commissioner Barron has the vast experience to continue to take this county forward amidst the maze of financial shortfalls, with the decline of taxable property in Lake County, and with the political scene in the state and nation, we need a person that works for all citizens, not just special interest groups.
Barbara Jean King, 80
Barbara Jean King passed away at the age of 80 on April 19, 2020 in Polson Montana of natural causes.
County, Tribes take different approach to reopening economy
Businesses across Montana are beginning to reopen after Gov. Steve Bullock last week lifted a statewide stay-at-home order that had been in place due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Ronan, Polson teachers succeed educating remotely
Many teachers chose their profession because they love interacting with students; they truly enjoy watching youth learn and succeed.
Kalispell man dead after high-speed pursuit
A 22-year-old Kalispell man is dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase late Wednesday night.
Charlo and Ronan school board ballots due May 5
Ballots for school board trustee elections in Charlo School District #7-J and Ronan School District #30-2 were mailed April 15 to all active, registered voters within these districts. Ballots must be received in the Lake County Election Office by 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 to be counted.
Pollinator seed mixes available
Lake County Conservation District has created pollinator-friendly seed mixes and now they need your help planting it. They will have an outside pick up zone for free seed packets this Thursday and Friday outside their office south of Ronan and by the Flathead Lakers Office at 110 Main St. Suite B in Polson.
Kenneth Wayne Mikkelsen, 90
Kenneth Wayne Mikkelsen was born January 19, 1930 in Shelley, Idaho to Ole Sophus and Eva Holm Mikkelsen. At the age of four the family moved to a farm in St. Ignatius, Montana. He attended St. Ignatius schools graduating in 1948. Later he went to work at a sawmill in Lincoln, MT. He passed away from Parkinson’s disease with Lewy Body dementia April 20, 2020 at the age of 90 in Yakima, WA.
Permit approved for new daycare in Polson
A special-use permit for a new daycare facility was given the go-ahead from the Polson City Commission last week.
Ronan and Pablo kindergarten round ups
In observance of social distancing requirements as a result of COVID 19, Ronan School District No.30 is conducting their annual Kindergarten Round Up pre-registration for Ronan and Pablo residents by telephone this year.
Decision time for school districts: in-person or remote
Following Governor Steve Bullock’s phased state reopening plan announced April 22, all school districts across the state are allowed to choose their own path in regards to finishing the school year.
Polson airport to receive CARES Act funding
The Polson airport is set to receive $30,000 in funding from the CARES Act to assit with perational expenses, staffing and projects during the coronavirus pandemic.
Larry A. Schiele, 74
Larry A. Schiele, 74, of Ronan, unexpectedly entered into the arms of our creator on March 26, 2020, surrounded by his loved ones in St Luke Hospital.
Uplifted by generosity
The Ronan Bread Basket Board would like to express our deepest gratitude for the unprecedented amount of donations we have received during this most difficult time in our nation.
Downtown building to receive major remodel
A significant upgrade to a building in downtown Polson is moving forward after the Polson City Commission last week awarded the project a $17,000 grant through the Polson Redevelopment Agency.
Jane Rogers Mole, 67
Jane Rogers Mole, 67, of Polson passed away on April 22, 2020.
S&K Federal awarded $22M contact
S&K Federal Services was awarded a technical support services contract by the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management valued at $22 million.
Physical therapist returns ‘home’ with purchase of Mission Valley practice
A 2006 Polson High School graduate has returned home, ready to help heal the people of her hometown.
North Lake County Library resumes curbside delivery
The Library Board of Trustees met last week and unanimously agreed that keeping the library building closed to the public is the best way to keep their staff and community safe.
Delays in seeking care can make matters worse
First of all, we would like to thank the people of Missoula, Polson and Montana for the sacrifices you have made to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. The swift and selfless actions and sacrifices made by Montanans have kept our Big Sky state as one of the lowest case rates of COVID transmissions in all of the United States.
Legals for April, 30 2020
Wednesday, April 29
Lake County detention officer charged with misconduct
A Lake County detention officer is facing charges that he illegally transferred items and messages to an inmate under his watch.
Thursday, April 23
Memorial procession held for Lake County deputy
Law enforcement personnel from across the state join in a memorial procession on April 23 for Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ross Holcomb, who died April 3 at his home in Ronan. Services were held after the procession via live stream from New Life Church in Polson. A burial with military honors will be held at the Bigfork Community Cemetery this summer. Deputy Holcomb had served with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department since 2017. (Emily Lonnevik/Lake County Leader)
Management of the Bison Range for all Americans
In a letter appearing in the Lake County Leader, John Todd of the Montana Wilderness Association, Amy McNamara of the Northern Rockies Defense Council, Scott Brennan of the Wilderness Society, and Tom France of the National Wilderness Federation, put their collective weight behind the proposal to turn the management of the Bison Range over to the CSKT.
Reopening the Montana way
When COVID-19 first came to Montana, we took quick and aggressive measures to slow the spread and keep Montanans home during this critical period.
Barron for commissioner
Please vote for Bill Barron for Lake County commissioner. Bill has been a strong fighter for the rights of all Lake County people, watching the spending of our tax dollars, working well with all county departments.
Keep status quo for Bison Range management
An op-ed piece has recently been published in various news media that expresses the opinion that the National Bison Range (NBR) should be given to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT). The authors are four leaders of recognized conservation organizations. I would like to express my thoughts on why I do not agree with their reasoning. I believe I am qualified to pass judgment on their stance because my 30-year career managing rangeland encompassed the hands-on management of native rangelands in Lake County. I served on the Board of Directors of the professional Society for Range Management and also served on a National Academy of Sciences Committee dealing with range condition criteria. What real range management experience do the four authors have?
Hubert “Hub” Dykstra
Hubert “Hub” Dykstra of Polson went to be with the Lord on April 6th, 2020. Hub was born in Chicago, IL to Henry and Bessie Dykstra. The oldest of 7 children, Hub grew up on a farm in Blue Island, IL with his brothers and sisters. Hub graduated from Pullman Tech in 1945, joined the Army, and served after WWII on assignment in Germany. During this time, he visited his paternal grandparents and other family members in the Netherlands.
Raquel “Rae” Hunt
Raquel “Rae” Hunt passed away Feb. 11, 2020. A memorial will be held on Saturday, July 11 at noon at the Boys and Girls Club facility in Ronan, with a luncheon to follow.
Overwhelmed with generosity
The volunteers at Polson Loaves & Fish Pantry are overwhelmed with the generosity of our community. Your cash donations have allowed us to purchase much needed food.
Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Andrews Muralt
Born February 6, 1936 in St Ignatius, to Agnes and Fon Dixon. Mom attended elementary school in Arlee and St. Ignatius then attended high school at Hot Springs High School as Grandpa moved from one job location to another. Mom graduated from Hot Springs in 1954 then moved to Spokane to get her certificate from Kinman Business College in Spokane.
Life Flight partners with Montana, Idaho health networks
Life Flight Network, the nation’s largest not-for-profit air medical transport service, recently announced a new partnership with Montana Health CO-OP and Idaho’s Mountain Health CO-OP.
COVID-19 doesn’t close Miracle of America Museum
You’ve driven by it for years and have always said that someday you’ll stop.
County implements 14-day quarantine order
Lake County Commissioners are taking steps to help implement Governor Steve Bullock’s self-quarantine directive. The directive requires “Any person coming to Montana from another state or country for a non-work-related purpose must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days.”
Ballots for mail-in primary to be mailed May 8
Lake County Elections Administrator Katie Harding announced that the June 2, 2020 primary election will be held by mail ballot this year.
Ruling favors Tribes in lawsuit with county, developer
A federal judge has ruled in favor of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in a lawsuit with Lake County and a developer over an access road to a proposed RV park in Big Arm.
Boys and Girls Club provides over 1,000 kids with meals
Last month the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation shut its doors on the club’s usual after-school programming due to COVID-19 closures. Now the building lacks the common chatter coming from the children who participated in the activities, but the program has not stopped serving the kids.
Valley View farm finds niche in sheep milk
“One of the things this milk can do is make people happy,” said Pablo Maldonado. Pablo and his wife Zaneta own and operate Sierra Sheep Farms with their family in Valley View, with a dairy herd of 150 ewes.
REcreate Designs lends a hand in making masks
A little over three weeks ago, owner of REcreate Designs in Polson Carol Lynn Lapotka saw an increasing need for face masks in the community.
Legals April 23, 2020
Colleen P. Donohoe Colleen Donohoe, P.C. PO Box 10879 Kalispell, MT 59904 Telephone: (406) 309-2470 Attorneys for Applicant MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN RE THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THOMAS J. HULETT JR., Deceased Cause No. DP-20-24 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Decedent. 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 MARVIN R. HULETT, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o Colleen Donohoe, P.C., PO Box 10879, Kalispell, Montana 59904, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 20th day of March, 2020. /s/ Marvin R. Hulett MARVIN R. HULETT Personal Representative Published on April 9, 2020, April 16, 2020, and April 23, 2020. MNAXLP
Precision Rifle Series competitions put distance shooters to the test
A slight breeze cut through the crisp morning air at the Butte Gun Club as the shooters toted their rifles to the firing line. One by one, the competitors took their positions. At one stage, a man stepped into an old claw-foot bathtub and rested the front of his rifle on the metal rim. To his right, another shooter contemplated how to best support his rifle on a giant rubber tire while the shooter on the stage to his left took to his stomach on a rickety-looking raised wooden platform.
Legals for April, 23 2020
Thursday, April 16
MHSA: No sports through April 24
The Montana High School Association announced Thursday that all spring activities will be further suspended through April 24.
Water Rights Protection Act good for Montana fisheries
Montana Trout Unlimited writes to offer our full support for the recently introduced Montana Water Rights Protection Act, S. 3019, a bill that would provide for Congressional ratification of the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes’ (CSKT) Water Compact. We appreciate the effort and commitment to a robust public process that has been demonstrated by the delegation and Tribes in getting to this point, and we hope for the legislation’s speedy consideration and passage. Montana Trout Unlimited believes strongly that this is one of the most consequential pieces of legislation for Montana’s coldwater fisheries pending in Congress. Thank you to both Senator Daines and Tester for introducing this legislation.
The right choice for managing the Bison Range
In the late 1800s, Latatí (Little Falcon Robe), a Qlispé (Pend d’Oreille) Tribal member, established a wild bison herd on the Flathead Reservation as the species was being wiped out across the Great Plains. Latatí’s heroic action helped save the species from extinction and was pivotal in the establishment of herds elsewhere in the U.S. and Canada.
Overwhelmed with generosity
The volunteers at Polson Loaves & Fish Pantry are overwhelmed with the generosity of our community. Your cash donations have allowed us to purchase much needed food.
Inge Piah Skoden, 68
Inge Piah Skoden, aka Sandra Rae Norby, was born April 19, 1951 in Sidney, first daughter to Ralph and Martha Norby. She passed away, surrounded by love, Feb. 24, 2020 at age 68.
Wylie Kent Gafford, 85
Wylie Kent Gafford, “The Texan,” passed away quietly on Saturday, April 4, 2020 with his wife Faye at his side.
Cherry growers have hope for fruitful season
COVID-19 social distancing concerns may have caused the cancellation of the annual Flathead Lake Cherry Growers spring co-op meeting, but growers are full-speed ahead working on this year’s crop.
Feds propose increasing hunting on wildlife refuges
The federal government has made a proposal to increase hunting and fishing chances on wildlife refuges across the country, including two in Western Montana.
Grant completes funding for KWH outdoor classroom
As an ongoing project since May of 2016, the garden area at K. William Harvey Elementary School can finally be completed and transformed into a covered outdoor classroom.
Justice Court courthouse closure procedures
Effective April 10, Lake County and Sanders County Courthouses are closed to the public.
Town Pump provides grants to local food banks
Responding to the severe strain on the state’s food banks during the coronavirus pandemic, the Town Pump Charitable Foundation is providing $1 million in immediate grants to its food bank partners, including Polson Loaves and Fish and the Bread Basket Food Pantry in Ronan.
Mail service largely uninterrupted
through mail
Neither snow, nor rain, nor a pandemic stops the U.S. Postal Service from delivering mail.
Montana snowpack remains above normal
State hydrologists are optimistic about Montana’s deep mountain snowpack heading into spring runoff season.
Hiker fends off grizzly attack in east-side prairie
A hiker is recovering after fending off a bear attack with his pistol Wednesday evening in the prairie east side of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
County, CSKT unite in virus response efforts
Flathead County and the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes are joining forces in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
CSKT lands, boat launches only open to tribal residents due to COVID-19
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council recently passed a resolution to limit access of its lands for recreation.
Bear conflict number for Flathead Reservation
A new call line to report non-emergency bear conflicts on the Flathead Indian Reservation is now available. These calls will be received by the Safety of Dams Program/ Natural Resources Department 24/7 dispatch call center at 406-275-2774. The conflicts will be directed to the first available Tribal Game Warden or Tribal Wildlife Biologist to respond.
Legals April 16, 2020
Montana 20th Judicial District Court Lake County In the Matter of the Name Change of Amanda Jane Barry, Amanda Jane Barry, Petitioner Cause No. DV-20-60 Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Amanda Jane Barry to Amanda Jane Spencer. The hearing will be held at the Courthouse in Lake County in Polson, Montana on May 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Date: March 17, 2020 Clerk of District Court Deputy Clerk of Court Published on March 26, 2020, April 2, 2020, April 9, 2020, and April 16, 2020. MNAXLP
Legals for April, 16 2020
Thursday, April 9
Bulldogs softball star signs with Unversity of Providence
For local Mission catcher Azia Umphrey, softball is more than a simple game of ball and bat. The game took her from being a shy kid and helped her transform into a bold, confident young woman.
View from the library
Per the Governor’s stay-at-home directive, the library will continue to be closed until further notice.
The choice is ours to make — together
The entire world is now grappling with a pandemic the likes of which has not been seen in over a century. COVID-19 has now come home to Montana, as was expected. It cannot be stopped, but we have a chance to slow its transmission and reduce the number of severe illnesses and deaths in our communities.
We’re here to help you
We know this is a difficult time for many small businesses, and the Lake County Community Development Corporation is here to help. While the LCCDC office is currently closed to the public, our staff and our expert network of consultants are available by phone and email. We have updated our website with the latest information on programs available to help businesses affected by COVID-19. Please see our website for the latest information, and we will keep it up to date as more information becomes available. Programs are available to provide loans, grants, and expert business advice. Please contact us at 676-5901 or by email at info@lakecountycdc.org. Our doors may be closed, but the lines of communication are open and we are here to help you.
White Swans and Turtle Lake Wetlands
For the last two months I’ve been trying to get a good picture of the white swans that have been hanging out at Turtle Lake area. With all the stuff going on with this pandemic that we are dealing with, I thought that it would be great to get a picture of the white swans. So I set up my tripod with my 60 times zoom, and on March 17 I went out to try again. The white swans are such a beautiful bird, all our wetland birds are, but to me there was a good feeling to see them starting to hang out at Turtle Lake. I feel that the waterways on earth are the life blood of earth and our Rez, it’s the only water we have.
Lake County to conduct primary election by mail
Lake County Commissioners last week voted unanimously to hold an all-mail ballot election for the June 2 primary in an effort to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Lake County recycling takes a load off landfills
Spring is a great time to take those recyclable cans and cardboard you’ve been storing in your shed all winter to the Lake County Solid Waste transfer station between Pablo and Polson.
Lake County COVID-19 cases remain at four
Lake County had four confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of Tuesday morning, according to the state health department’s tally.
E-bike use considered for wildlife refuges
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing new regulations that would allow electric-powered bicycles within the National Wildlife Refuge System. This includes the National Bison Range, as well as the Ninepipes and Pablo wildlife refuges.
Directive addresses daycare guidelines during pandemic
Montana Governor Steve Bullock last week issued a directive providing additional guidance for childcare facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
State offers unemployment assistance, application guidelines
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced Friday that more than 35,000 Unemployment Insurance (UI) payments were distributed from March 23 through April 1, providing benefits to Montanans who have lost their jobs or have had to reduce work hours due to COVID-19.
St. Ignatius man sentenced for peace officer assault
William G. Rossbach, of St. Ignatius, was sentenced April 1 to 14 years at the Montana State Prison on one count of assault on a peace or judicial officer, a felony. He received credit for 322 days served.
Lake County Sheriff’s deputy found dead in home
A Lake County Sheriff’s deputy was found dead in his home at 1:20 p.m. Saturday.
Former board employee indicted on felony charges
A former Flathead Joint Board of Control employee has been indicted on federal charges she stole tens of thousands of dollars over a span of three years.
Spring bear, turkey seasons will go on as planned
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said Friday, March 27 that spring hunting seasons for black bear and wild turkey have not been cancelled.
Tribe limits public recreation access to slow virus
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council recently passed a resolution to limit access of its lands for recreation.
Legals April 9, 2020
Montana 20th Judicial District Court Lake County In the Matter of the Name Change of Amanda Jane Barry, Amanda Jane Barry, Petitioner Cause No. DV-20-60 Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Amanda Jane Barry to Amanda Jane Spencer. The hearing will be held at the Courthouse in Lake County in Polson, Montana on May 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Date: March 17, 2020 Clerk of District Court Deputy Clerk of Court Published on March 26, 2020, April 2, 2020, April 9, 2020, and April 16, 2020. MNAXLP
Legals for April, 9 2020
Thursday, April 2
Homicide charge dropped in son-in-law’s shooting death
A 78-year-old Ronan man charged with shooting and killing his son-in-law in October 2019 has been found unfit to stand trial
Olszewski the right choice for Montana
Perilous times demand steadfast leaders. Amid a global pandemic with no clear end in sight, international business operations grinding to a halt, economic stability teetering on a precipice and American people sheltering in their homes, Montana needs an experienced leader to guide our state through this time of adversity. Dr. Al Olszewski is just that man. His qualifications are broad and deep and are just what Montana needs at such a time as this. Dr. Olszewski’s military service and training has prepared him to lead during times of natural disaster. His medical education and experience as a trauma surgeon qualify him to recognize and rapidly implement necessary solutions to prevent the ongoing spread of illness and disease. Olszewski’s legislative experience, political acumen and ability to shepherd legislation effectively through the Montana legislature set him apart from all other gubernatorial candidates.
Trina L. Phillips, 49
Trina L. Phillips, 49, passed away peacefully at her home after a hard-fought battle with cancer in St. Ignatius on March 25, 2020. Trina was born April 24, 1970 in Polson to Keith Montgomery and Joyce Owen Montgomery.
Republican leadership on COVID-19 preparedness
Montanans should rest assured that their legislative leadership is doing all they can to ensure state government continues to effectively serve them as we all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
On federal wards
On June 14, 2014, then state Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, Kalispell, met with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. CSKT council, within their public meeting, listened while Mr. Tutvedt expressed a masterful intent. An intent to overcome the very reason the 2013 CSKT water compact failed, introduced by then Representative Dan Salomon.
Food pantry changes
The Polson Loaves and Fish food pantry wants to pass along important information.
Pawlowski paves way for Polson volleyball players
Lena Pawlowski’s life revolves around volleyball and she would not want it any other way.
Polson declares state of emergency due to virus
The Polson City Commission voted unanimously in a special meeting March 24 to declare a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Golf courses approved to remain open through COVID-19 order
After a mild winter and with warm early-spring temperatures, golf courses in Lake County opened for the first time this season on the last weekend in February.
Residents coping with stay-at-home order
Lake County residents are taking Gov. Steve Bullock’s “stay at home” directive seriously to avoid contracting or spreading the dreaded coronavirus.
Author Bryce Andrews sees predators from both sides
One might have expected the ghost of Millie the grizzly bear to peer in the window at Ninepipes Lodge. She was a local, after all.
Big Arm man accused of sex crimes moved to Toole County
A Big Arm man accused of sex crimes against children is lodged in the Crossroads Correctional Facility in Toole County.
Energy Keepers reaches deal with Puget Sound Energy
Energy Keepers, Inc. (EKI) entered into an agreement in February to sell 40 MW of carbon-free power to Puget Sound Energy, a Washington state utility, for the next 15 years. The power began to flow from the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ hydroelectric project March 1, helping Puget Sound Energy meet their long-term goals of deep decarbonization, EKI announced in a March 25 release.
Donations sought for Lake County Community Support
Lake County Community Support is seeking donations of non-perishable foods, monetary donations and home essentials (hygiene, personal care, pet care) for all age groups as it works to create free “hand up” boxes for those in need.
United Way creates COVID-19 Relief Fund
The Northwest Montana United Way is helping victims through a COVID-19 relief fund, but it needs help from the community, too.
St. Luke prepares for COVID-19; trying to stay ahead of the virus
Last week Lake County recorded its first positive cases of COVID-19, including one woman who tested positive at St. Luke Community Healthcare’s curb-side convenient care.
Lone Pine man accused of gun crime
A Lone Pine man is facing two felony charges in Silver Bow County after an incident at a motel last month.
Legals April 2, 2020
Montana 20th Judicial District Court Lake County In the Matter of the Name Change of Amanda Jane Barry, Amanda Jane Barry, Petitioner Cause No. DV-20-60 Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Amanda Jane Barry to Amanda Jane Spencer. The hearing will be held at the Courthouse in Lake County in Polson, Montana on May 14, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Date: March 17, 2020 Clerk of District Court Deputy Clerk of Court Published on March 26, 2020, April 2, 2020, April 9, 2020, and April 16, 2020. MNAXLP
