Thursday, August 27
Kvelve’s Comments: Those good ole’ school days
School days, school days, good old golden rules days. Reading and Riting and Rithmatic, taught to the tune of a hickory stick!
Dixon School students return to class
As schools open across the Treasure State amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 obstacle, a small school in the southeast corner of Sanders County is proving the wisdom of two time-tested adages.
Montana groups make final push in census count
The Montana Department of Commerce Friday detailed some of the increased 2020 Census outreach efforts made possible by statewide partners through funding allocated by Governor Steve Bullock from the Coronavirus Relief Fund.
Polson gridders seek playoff spot in 2020
Last season, the 2019 rendition of the Pirates just missed qualifying for the playoffs on the last game of the regular schedule.
Polson High School enacts spectator plan
As it will at many falls sports events, things will be a little different at Polson High School this year.
Mission Valley football teams ready for new season
If football is king, then the Mission Valley is about to undergo a royal visitation as area teams embark upon their 2020 schedule.
Mission volleyball squads prep for new year
Mission Valley area volleyball teams are geared up to inaugurate their schedules, with dual hopes of not only slamming spikes as well as digging out balls, but also defending against virus vulverability.
Polson Bay hosts varsity golf opener
The Polson Pirate varsity golf teams hosted their first meet of the season last Thursday at Polson Bay Golf Course.
Charles Willis Swope
Friday Aug. 21, 2020, Charles Willis Swope took his last breath and reunited with his parents Fredric and Ellen Swope, sisters Fern Merritt, Bertha Goethlich, Kathleen Jacobson and Evelyn Fulton plus his brother Clarence.
Norma Jean Harbin
Norma Jean Harbin, 65, passed away Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, to be with her husband and family past and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
National Bison Range finally reopens
After being closed for four months, federal officials have opened the National Bison Range.
Survey shows Montana tourism drop-off due to COVID-19
A recent study from the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research shows the disparity between traveler spending in Montana from 2019 to 2020.
Glacier visitation down overall
With half of Glacier National Park closed due to COVID-19, visitation is down sharply over last year, with one exception — Polebridge.
Letters to the editor Aug. 27
Letters to the Editor Aug. 27
Legals for August, 27 2020
Two Eagle River graduation day
Two Eagle River graduation day
Local honored for "heroic" actions
Polson Police Chief Wade Nash recently recognized two local residents for their efforts with a pair of separate vehicle accidents on the same day in the city.
Salary talks ongoing with city manager pick
Salary negotiations with Polson’s pick for city manager are ongoing nearly a month after the City Commission voted to begin contract talks.
Polson plans for wayfinding signs
New sign system indicating area attractions is in the works for Polson.
Library hosts 'Rightfully Hers' exhibit
The Library is hosting a new popup exhibition from the National Archives; “Rightfully Hers” commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
Local news briefs
Local Lake County news briefs
Musicians join forces on COVID-19 campaign
As an artist, the goal is to create something people want to hear.
Birth announcements
Birth announcements
Block management info available for hunters
Hunters can now get their 2020 Block Management Area (BMA) Hunting Access Guide, individual BMA map and rules information.
Lolo NF approves road reduction project
The Lolo National Forest Supervisor signed the Record of Decision for the Center Horse Project Environmental Impact Statement, paving the way for a decrease in public roads.
UM Bio Station Fights Shoreline Erosion with Innovative Gravel Beach
FLATHEAD LAKE – University of Montana physical lake ecologist Dr. Mark Lorang stood on the shorefront of the Flathead Lake Biological Station enthusiastically taking pictures of the beach. “I wish I could have been down here filming it when it was happening,” he said.
Thursday, August 20
Legals for August, 20 2020
Wednesday, August 19
Lake County opts for mail ballot general election
The Lake County commissioners voted unanimously last week to direct Election Administrator Katie Harding to prepare to conduct the Nov. 3 general election by mail ballot.
Fall Mack Days tourney increased to 10 weeks
The 2020 Fall Mack Days Fishing Event on Flathead Lake is just around the corner, and begins Sept. 8. This fall event has been extended to 10 weeks of lake trout fishing on Flathead Lake — if you love to fish, this event is for you. The 2020 Fall Mack Days event will end on Nov. 15. Up to $200,000 in cash and prizes sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will be awarded to participants of the event.
Authorities investigate St. Ignatius shooting
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting which occurred at a party early Sunday morning in St. Ignatius.
Sheriff’s deputy arrests homicide suspect
Lake County law enforcement officers arrested a man Friday who is accused of a traffic-related homicide in Yellowstone County.
Search for missing Ronan man scaled back
The search for a missing Ronan man has been scaled back.
Pair of wildfires currently burning on Flathead National Forest
Flathead National Forest firefighters are battling two wildfires in remote sections of the Swan Mountain Range.
Ninepipes manager John Grant a master of weeds
Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area is 4,200 acres of premier wetland habitat and one of Montana’s favorite pheasant and waterfowl hunting sites.
Lake County COVID survivor: ‘Wouldn’t wish it on anybody’
Polson’s Jason Burrough was “down for the count” during his July experience with COVID-19.
Ronan awarded school nutrition team of the year
The previous school has clearly been a challenging one.
Harold Andrew Smith
Harold Andrew Smith, 86, of Ronan went to see Jesus Aug. 17, 2020.
Dolores Marie Palmieri, 62
Dolores Marie Palmieri, age 62, died at her home in Spokane, WA on August 11, 2020 after fighting a courageous battle against depression. She will always be remembered as a caring giving person who touched the lives of many who knew her.
Dorla Jean Scott, 90
Dorla Jean Scott, 90, passed away Aug. 10, 2020 at Polson Health and Rehab.
Writer supports Trump re-election bid
Factories home and humming, U. S. borders secure,
Support for Browning for state House
I am encouraged to see Gerry Browning running for the state legislature to represent Polson and Lake County. It will be refreshing to have an honest hard-working citizen without an agenda of political issues working for key issues such as health care, taking care of our Medicare coverage, public lands, and of course a huge supporter of public education.
Water Policy Interim Committee supports Montana water rights compact
The Water Policy Interim Committee (WPIC) urges the Senate Indian Affairs Committee to pass S.3019 (Montana Water Rights Protection Act) at its earliest convenience.
Mission Valley golf teams feature talent, experience
POLSON
Patterson takes reigns of Pirates soccer
Last season, the 2019 rendition of the Polson Pirates (4-9) advanced to the State A tournament as a third seed, but aspirations for a deeper foray into the bracket were derailed by Eastern top-seeded Locomotives of Laurel.
Mission Valley cross country teams ready to run
Western A Polson
Moll returns to lead Polson girls soccer program
Last season, the 2019 rendition of Lady Pirates soccer (4-9) advanced to the playoffs as third seed, but were dispatched in the opening round by Eastern A top-seeded Billings Central, State A champions nine of the past dozen seasons.
Mission Valley Mariners garner postseason honors
Three Legion A baseball Mission Valley Mariners were accentuated with accolades for their athletic apptitude among the recently released postseason list sponsored by Universal Athletic.
Friday, August 14
Arson suspected in Ronan wildfires
Tribal investigators suspect arson in two wildfires burning near Ronan.
New Life Church celebrates 75 years
Generations of Polson faithful have grown up with the New Life Church family guiding them through life. Those generations are reconnecting this summer to celebrate the church’s 75th anniversary.
Vicki Lynn Rogers
Vicki Lynn Rogers, a passionate Beatles fanatic, went to her “Strawberry Fields Forever” surrounded by family as well as “The Fab Four” on July 31.
Peter Gordon McGowan, 68
Peter Gordon McGowan passed away peacefully on Aug. 2, 2020 after a four-year battle with cancer.
David W. Dale, 83
David W. Dale was born on May 24, 1937 in Helena, Montana. He passed away with his wife at his side on July 16, 2020.
Delores (Dee Dee) Faye Jensen-Franzen, 85
Delores (Dee Dee) Faye Jensen-Franzen passed peacefully and suddenly after spending time with her beautiful family and friends on Aug. 4, 2020 in Polson.
Trespassing, improper use are growing concerns on islands
Last week’s fire on Bird Island has rekindled trespassing and unauthorized land-use concerns among landowners on Flathead Lake’s islands.
Danielle Wood murder trial rescheduled for January 2021
The trial of a Polson woman accused of murdering her ex-boyfriend in Thompson Falls in 2018 has been rescheduled for early next year.
Commissioners to decide mail-in vs. in-person voting this week
Governor Steve Bullock on Aug. 6 issued a directive allowing Montana counties to conduct the Nov. 3 general election by mail if they choose, and extending early voting dates. The directive is in accordance with the existing state of emergency declaration in place due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Districts to offer in-person, remote learning options
School districts across Lake County are planning to offer a mix of in-person and remote learning for the upcoming school year due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. The following is a rundown of each district’s reopening plan.
County evaluates logistics for upcoming election
Lake County Election Administrator Katie Harding has been evaluating the public safety requirements and other impacts the COVID-19 pandemic would pose if regular in-person voting is conducted for the November federal election. She will present her findings and recommendations for the Lake County Commissioners as they consider whether to conduct the Nov. 3 general election by mail.
Local businesses receive meat processing grants
Four area meat processors and the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center were recently awarded grants through the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant program. The grants are designed to help small and medium-sized meat processors improve their capacity to ensure a steady meat supply in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Polson Beautification winners selected
Last week Polson Beautification Committee judges, Mary Jensen, Jane Larson and Lois Abell, toured nominated gardens and yards to pick this year’s winners of the Polson in Bloom competition. There were over 25 nominations for the business and private residences catagories.
Chief Cliff Singers Drum Group release song for COVID-19 campaign
The Chief Cliff Singers Drum Group has been around for many years and now they are joining the COVID-19 Youth Campaign. Their new song, “You Stay Way Over There, I’ll Stay Way Over Here,” speaks about social distancing.
Thursday, August 13
Legals for August, 13 2020
Thursday, August 6
Polson school lunch program temporarily suspended due to virus
Polson schools’ popular summer meal distribution program was temporarily suspended at the end of July when one food service worker tested positive for COVID-19,
Polson selects new city manager
The city of Polson has offered its city manager position to Livingston’s former city manger Ed Meece.
Mariners season ends after dropping close games in districts
The Mission Valley Mariners season came to a close over the weekend after the A team won its first game, but then dropped the next two at the Class A Legion Baseball Western District Tournament in Florence from July 30 through August 2.
Connie Rae Wilson, 83
Connie Rae Wilson went to be with the Lord on July 26, 2020 at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan surrounded by her children. Connie was born April 25, 1937 in Kalispell, Montana to Lucille and Ford Peckham.
Water compact heads to U.S. Senate
Legislation aimed at settling a long-running water-rights dispute in Western Montana cleared another hurdle on Wednesday as it moved out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. The Montana Water Rights Protection Act now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
William Robert Lawrenz, 87
William Robert Lawrenz passed from this earthly life on March 15, 2020 at the age of 87, due to natural causes. He was born on July 12, 1932 to William Albert Lawrenz and Margaret Reva Stark in Rochester, New York. William, or “Bill” as he was called, was an only child who grew up learning the value of hard work while he saw his father spend decades working for the Kodak Corporation in Rochester. Bill’s experience growing up during the great depression taught him to be extremely frugal and conservative, never wasting any thing that could be put to good use at a later date. Bill went into the Air Force shortly after graduating high school wanting more than anything to be a pilot. Sadly, his allergies kept him from that dream, but he proudly served as a Senior Aircraft Mechanic during the Korean War. After this Air Force service, Bill was known for his mechanical skills and innate ability to work on engines throughout his life. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force with the rank of Airman 2nd Class, Bill went to work for the Dupont Corporation in Rochester. He started a career that helped him build his entrepreneurial spirit which he carried with him through all of his days. Bill met the love of his life, Gloria Edith, in 1969 in South Salem, New York. The couple started a journey together which they referred to as their “New Horizons”. Both having been married before, they were collectively blessed with six wonderful children; Celeste, Roberta, Judith, George, Curt and Laura. Together they also had another child, whom they named Gloria. In 1972, Bill and Gloria moved the entire family from the East coast to Evergreen, Colorado. Here this enterprising couple successfully started and ran many of their own businesses, including an ice cream parlor, a decorating store, a bar and restaurant, a real estate company, an RV storage lot and a pontoon boat business. Bill deeply appreciated the outdoors and the expansiveness of the western landscape, purchasing their family a summer home on the shores of Flathead Lake in northwest Montana in 1973. This is where their family has made their forever home, with the entire family gathering on the lake every summer for over 40 years. Bill was an innovator and an endless creator, always thinking up new projects and intriguing ways to solve problems. He had a passion for travel, buying and selling real estate, NASCAR racing, refurbishing cars, boating, antique clocks, jazz music, dogs and time with his family. He was an intricate storyteller, always sharing memories of interesting times past and ideas on how to move into the future. Bill and Gloria lived out their days in their beautiful lakeside home just south of Polson, Montana, and also owned homes in other locations, such as Nashville, Colorado and the Virgin Islands. Bill and Gloria were blessed with 7 children, 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Bill has left us after a dynamic and rich life of leading a loving family and taking part in a multitude of creative pursuits. He was a hard working soul who never sat still a day in his life, teaching us about the value of hard work and the importance of working for yourself. His entrepreneurial spirit created a new generation of family members who now own their own businesses. Bill will be sorely missed and his legacy leaves behind a family who greatly appreciated his fortitude, perseverance and drive for successful independence. We love you!
Firefighters gaining control of 3,500 acre Magpie blaze
It was mostly good news for the approximately 20 local residents who attended the Magpie Rock Fire managers meeting at the Dixon School gymnasium Monday morning.
It’s huckleberry season in Western Montana
In Western Montana, it is considered a quintessential part of our beautiful and yet brief summers: huckleberries.
Virtual event showcases new Polson Boys and Girls Club
Across the street from Polson Middle School, a brand new facility for the Polson Boys and Girls Club is nearing completion for an October grand opening.
Veterans Memorial Softball Classic gets green light
Subject to modification of its format with the ever changing landscape of pandemic precautions in mind, the Seventh Annual Veterans Memorial Classic got the green light to be played in Belgrade the weekend of Aug. 7-8.
Water compact being conducted in secrecy
Amid all the controversy surrounding Senator Steve Daine’s “Montana Water Right Protection Act,” two facts have become abundantly clear: There will be no disclosure to taxpayers and the public as to the how the $1.9 billion dollar figure attached to the Act was arrived at, nor once the money is spent, will the public see the Expenditures Report prepared by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes detailing how the money was spent.
