Ellington

Polson's Shipley a rising force in cycling world

Shipley, 18, recently agreed to a two-year contract with New York-based Aevolo Cycling, a U23 professional development road cycling team.

Four Winds Trading Post celebrates 50th anniversary

The Four Winds Indian Trading Post north of St. Ignatius, established in 1970 by Preston Miller as a source for Indian trade goods and other historic items, turned 50 years old in December.

Basketball preview: Ronan's Fish era begins with plenty of talent

Last year's rendition of the Ronan Chiefs culminated their season with somewhat mixed bag results.

Letter: Thank you, from Polson Loaves & Fish Pantry

Dec. 31 Letter to the Editor

Polson High School unleashes new swim team

Shayna Swanson, who coaches the local Lake Monsters club team, takes the helm of the fledgling program.

Time Capsule: New Year's resolution

This week in Lake County news archives.

Polson Bay Mercantile launches downtown

The idea for Polson Bay Mercantile began with Lee’s desire to offer high-quality cannabidiol (CBD) products.

Legals for December, 31 2020

Lake County District Court actions, Dec. 30

Judge James A Manley

Lake County man killed in Stevensville shooting

John Komotios, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Public meetings, Jan. 1-7

Lake County government and school meetings

Scholarship program to assist Native accounting and finance students

American Indian Graduate Center has created the Investing in Native CPAs Program, a $2 million scholarship initiative that will fund 150 Native scholars pursuing accounting and finance degree.s

Polson students place second in state stock market competition

Polson High School students finished second in a semiannual stock market simulation competition this fall.

Health officials fear pandemic-related suicide spike among native youth

In a typical year, Native American youth die by suicide at nearly twice the rate of their white peers in the U.S.

Polson's resort tax vote set for Feb. 2

The Lake County Election Office last week released an official notification of a special election in Polson on a proposed resort tax, set for Feb. 2.

St. Joe’s begins COVID-19 vaccinations

The vaccination clinic continues for St. Joe’s caregivers, and more doses are expected soon.

State GOP lawmakers blast Daines over water compact

A historic water-rights agreement between the federal government and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes became law on Sunday.

UM to play pivotal role in vaccine rollout

The state of Montana announced the flagship as an approved vaccine holding and distributor center this week.

MSU announces fall semester dean’s list, 4.0 list

The following students from the Lake County area made MSU’s fall semester 2020 Dean’s List or the President’s 4.0 List.

Community notes: Coleman Stump march set for Thursday in Polson

Also: 2021 Polar Plunge will be a virtual event.

East-West Shrine Game rosters released

The game will be played June 19 in Billings.

Local governments exploring options with legal marijuana

With the dawn of 2021, possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for adults age 21 or older becomes legal in Montana.

Veteran educates people as he trains service dog

At 6 months old, Bill Austin’s new service dog, Gretchen, is still a pup learning the basics. But already, she takes her job seriously.

Biz Buzz: New faces, places hoping to deliver

There soon will be a new captain at the helm of the Polson Chamber of Commerce.

Pirates’ Steele headed to Rocky

Polson senior receiver/defensive back JC Steele's jersey No. 13 turned out to be a lucky number.

New frontiers: Ronan sends two student athletes to the next level

A pair of standout Ronan High School athletes began new chapters last week when they officially accepted athletic scholarship offers to Montana colleges.

Letters to the Editor: 20 years is too long

Dec 17, 2000 letters to the editor.

Briefs: FWP seeks public comment on open water fishing contests

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on open water fishing contests proposed for the 2021 season.

Basketball preview: Young Bulldogs ready to bear down

The Bulldogs graduated a half dozen seniors last season.

Time Capsule: 'The Christmas Bear' in St. Ignatius

This week in Lake County news archives.

Legals for December, 24 2020

Public meetings, Dec. 24-31

Lake County government and school meetings.

Guest column: A tale of two systems

From the cluttered old attic that is my memory I remember that “Stability is possible without freedom, but freedom is not possible without stability.”

Community notes: Seeley named to UVM dean's list

Gwen Seeley, class of 2024, has been named to the dean's list for the fall 2020 semester at the University of Vermont.

Hikers encouraged to hit the trails at local state parks for friendly New Year’s competition

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is organizing a friendly competition in the Flathead Valley to encourage a healthy start to the new year.

Congress passes historic CSKT water compact with massive spending bill

Tucked in the mammoth spending bill that Congress passed Monday night is a historic pact that will resolve thousands of water-rights claims by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

COVID-19 vaccine coming to Flathead Indian Reservation

Officials at the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Health Department expect to receive initial deliveries of a COVID-19 vaccine this week.

Local native-owned businesses share in Indian Equity Fund grants

Five small businesses owned by indigenous people on the Flathead Indian Reservation are recipients of funding support through the Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant program at the Montana Department of Commerce.

Local businesses land Workforce Recovery grants

Two Lake County businesses — Polson Theatres, Inc. of Polson and Rocky Mountain Twist Corp. of Ronan — are among 20 Montana businesses that recently were awarded Workforce Recovery grants.

Flathead Lake bio station plays key role in climate change lake study

Over the last few decades, water scientists have noticed a rapid and consistent warming of surface temperatures.

Photos: Ronan's Caravan of Lights

Ronan held its annual caravan of lights Friday night.

Dennis A. Pefley, 75

Dennis A. Pefley of Polson passed away at home on Dec. 17, 2020.

Death notice: Virginia Gail Vaughn (Gilchrist-Burghardt), 64

Virginia Gail Vaughn (Gilchrist-Burghardt), 64, formerly of Polson, passed on Dec. 10.

Lake County District Court actions, Dec. 16-17

Judge James A Manley and Judge Deborah K. Christopher

Joyce Faye Starkel, 71

Joyce Faye Starkel, 71, was reunited with her babies in heaven on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020.

Roy Leonard DeVore Sr., 71

Roy Leonard DeVore Sr., 71, passed away at home in Mountain Home, Idaho, on Tuesday, Dec. 15 after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer.

Lorraine Ethel Bryant, 99

Lorraine Ethel Bryant was born to Arthur Olson and Elsie Johnson Olson on Jan. 29, 1921, in Coteau, N.D.

Glenn Emanuel Rogers

Glenn Emanuel Rogers fell asleep Dec. 11, here on Earth, and awoke next to angels as he was accompanied on this journey by a band of angels.

Mission church restoration nearing completion

After three summers of painstaking, intricate, loving labor and artistry, the lion’s portion of the St. Ignatius Mission Church restoration project is completed.

Basketball preview: Lady Pirates looking to right the ship

In the words of 19th-century poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: "In every life some rain must fall."

Basketball preview: Vikings retool with seasoned seniors

The Vikings are slated to kick off the season at Plains on Jan. 8.

Western BC wrestling: Bulldogs prep to defend division title

Coach Lyle Cronk is looking forward to the upcoming season.

Legals for December, 17 2020

Time Capsule: Martin's big mack

This week in Lake County news archives.

Lake County seeks volunteers for multiple boards

Lake County has several openings for volunteers willing to serve on boards. Terms begin Jan. 1.

Public Meetings, Dec. 17-22

Lake County government and school meetings.

Wynn Lee Lindquist, 38

Wynn Lee “Pooh Bear” Lindquist, 38, a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020 in Arlee.

County announces 2 COVID deaths as active cases decline

Polson School District quarantine drops from more than 200 to 73 in one week.

Community notes: Drive-through nativity at Mission Valley Christian Academy

Community notes

Birth Announcement

Lake County birth announcement for Dec. 17, 2020.

Blacktail Ski Area to open Friday

With snow expected throughout the week, the team at Blacktail is optimistic.

Harvey Allan Town, 87

Harvey Allan Town, beloved retired minister and Christian and Missionary Alliance (C&MA) District Superintendent, pastor to pastors, stepped into the presence of our Lord and Saviour on Dec. 8, 2020.

Keith John Lagerquist, 67

On Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, Keith John Lagerquist, loving husband and father, passed away at age 67.

Ronan speech and debate off to strong start

The Ronan High School speech and debate squad kicked off its 2020-21 season Dec. 4-5 in an event hosted by Whitefish High School.

Photos: Gathering of gulls

A group of gulls hangs out on a platform near Salish Point on Monday morning.

Dore’ Schaffer, 83

Dore’ Schaffer of Big Arm/Polson passed away peacefully the morning of Dec. 12, 2020 at The Retreat assisted living facility in Polson.

William Ray Thibodeau, 77

William Ray Thibodeau (Tibby) left this life for the racetrack in heaven Dec. 6, 2020.

Death notice: John Richard Anderson, 89

John Richard Anderson, 89, of Polson, passed away Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020.

CSKT Tribal Education donates hundreds of laptops to schools

The Tribes used coronavirus relief funds to purchase and donate computers to schools throughout the Mission Valley.

A call for common sense at the Capitol

This week a legislative committee convened to determine if it would enact public health and safety measures to conduct the 2021 session.

Polson police investigating package thefts

Polson police are investigating reports of package thefts they received last week.

UM announces fall semester dean’s list, 4.0 list

The following students from the Lake County area made UM’s fall semester 2020 Dean’s List or the President’s 4.0 List.

Mary Ellen Gies, 65

Senior Master Sgt. Mary Ellen Gies, after many victories in a long struggle with cancer, passed away peacefully on the night of Nov. 16, 2020.

Officer wounded during fatal Trout Creek armed standoff

A man suspected of shooting at Northwest Montana law enforcement officers in Trout Creek early Friday morning is dead and a Kalispell Police Department officer was wounded.

Charlo man sentenced for sexually abusing minors on Crow Reservation

A jury found Jack Preston Coversup, 58, guilty of sexual abuse of a minor and abusive sexual contact.

CSKT leaders say 'Big Sky' producers exploiting tribes

Leaders of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are calling out ABC Studios for actions they deem exploitative.

Polson agency offering free online adult classes

Area 6 Agency on Aging in Polson recently launched a new way for seniors and other adults to connect with others.

Ninth annual FLIC right around the corner

The ninth annual Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) is set for the weekend of Jan. 29-31 at Showboat Stadium 6 on Main Street in Polson.

Traversing the winter sports pandemic landscape

How high school sports officials plan to make it through the winter season.

Several new basketball coaches ready to take the helm

When area prep basketball teams finally take the floor this winter season in January, a host of new faces will be pacing the courts as first-year head coaches.

New persona for Ronan’s Flower Mill

If you think of the Flower Mill on Main Street in Ronan as a place you only go to order flowers, it may be time for another visit.

Basketball Preview: Warriors plot postseason push

Guidance provided by veteran former Salish Kootenai College men's coach Zachary Conko-Camel at the helm helped smooth some of the bumps on the road of transition.

Basketball Preview: Scarlets weathered transition turmoil

Last year was a transition season for the Scarlets as they shifted from District 14C to 6B.

Biz Buzz: Food box program a winner all around

A collaboration between Western Montana Growers Cooperative and Lake County Community Development Corporation has led to the distribution of nearly 8,500 food boxes.

Letters to the Editor: Animal shelter seeks kennel sponsors

Letters for Dec. 10, 2020

Legals for December, 10 2020

Birth Announcements

Dec. 10, 2020

Photos: Red Ribbon Week winners at Ronan Middle School

The Red Ribbon Campaign is the largest drug-abuse prevention campaign in the United States.

Number of quarantined Polson students tops 200

County announces 14th virus-related death.

Wolf Point man sentenced for 2018 ATV crash near Elmo

Benedict Owen Wise Spirit of Wolf Point pleaded guilty Oct. 1 to one count of negligent vehicular assault - serious bodily injury.

Polson resort tax public forum set for Tuesday

In October the Polson City Commission voted unanimously to put a resort tax to voters and set a special election for Feb. 2.

Local briefs: Polson Redevelopment Agency seeks new member

Also: items from Arlee School Board, Dixon Senior Center, Lake County Pachyderms and Flathead Audubon Society.

Public meetings, Dec. 10-17

Lake County government and school meetings.

Season Review: Chiefs make strides, aim to build toward the future

The Ronan Chiefs football program saw measurable improvement this year over preceding seasons.

Season Review: Team effort helped facilitate Pirates’ record-setting performances

Pirate football fans had a lot to cheer about this past season.

Season Review: Bulldogs built momentum

Mission Bulldog football had the textbook definition of a turnaround season.

Season Review: Vikings navigated competitive season with flare

Charlo Viking footballers had a productive first half of the season, vaulting out to a pristine 4-0 mark.

Season Review: Warrior ground game key component of successful season

The Warrior gridders of Arlee had one of the more consistent ground attacks among Western 8-man teams.

Skiers should expect changes for opening day

At Whitefish Mountain Resort, masks or face shields will be required at all times in lift lines, indoor spaces and on the S.N.OW. shuttle bus.

Time Capsule: Anti-shock pants

This week in Lake County news archives.

Two Eagle River School cancels season

Officials at Two Eagle River School in Pablo decided to cancel boys and girls basketball this season as a precaution amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community rallying around family of seven whose home burned

The family includes Ladd and Kayla McMahon, parents of five children between the ages of 2 and 8.

Virginia M. “Ginny” Ness (Schlepp), 78

Virginia M. “Ginny” Ness (Schlepp) passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020.

Barbara Maria Wood Medland, 90

Barbara Maria Wood Medland passed away peacefully at her home in Polson with family by her side at age 90 on Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020.

Chief Cliff home destroyed by fire

A fire severly damaged a home on Gunbarrel Lane in the Chief Cliff area between Elmo and Dayton on Monday afternoon.

Ronan woman earns national honor from American Indian Graduate Center

Amerra Webster of Ronan recently was named one of two national Students of the Year.

Glacier National Park launches 'Headwaters' podcast

Glacier National Park, in partnership with the Glacier National Park Conservancy, is proud to present the launch of Headwaters podcast.

Paul W. Bronson, 77

Paul W. Bronson passed away at home on Dec. 4, 2020.

Pablo man arrested after two people shot

A man was arrested and booked into the Lake County jail Friday night following a report of a shooting in Pablo.

Local fall semester degree candidates at UM

The University of Montana has 807 students who are degree candidates for fall semester 2020.

St. Ignatius schools get a 21st-century makeover

St. Ignatius School District 28 is putting the finishing touches on many new facilities.

Column: One of the greats signs off

Polson resident and Montana radio legend Mick Holien will be greatly missed.

Polson's city planner takes job in Oregon

Kyle Roberts' final day working for Polson will be Dec. 11.

Small Business Saturday busy for some in the valley

Polson downtown businesses worked hard to draw local shoppers in for Small Business Saturday.

Polson commissioners set goals, priorities for city manager

The initial evaluation of progress is set for July.

Time Capsule: Vikings of yesteryear

This week in Lake County news archives.

Legals for December, 3 2020

Polson Community Thanksgiving Dinner feeds nearly 1,200

Volunteers dished out 1,182 free meals on Thanksgiving Day.

Woman charged with poaching elk near Swan Lake

A woman has been charged with poaching a cow elk on private property in the Swan Lake area Sunday night.

Officials investigating illegal killing of female grizzly

Wildlife officials are investigating the illegal killing of a grizzly bear near the Yaak.

Active COVID-19 cases down in county as 13th death announced

As of Tuesday morning, there were 1,259 confirmed cases in the county since the pandemic began.

View from the Library: Come in for some Christmas spirit

December is such a great month for reading and watching movies. We continue to purchase new books, movies and audiobooks for our collection each week so you are sure to find something great

Federal pilot project to address missing and murdered indigenous persons

A council meeting of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on Tuesday served as a platform for the launching of a federal pilot program to improve responses to missing person cases among indigenous populations.

Public Meetings, Dec. 3-10

Lake County government and schools meetings.

Guest column: 'Straight talk, good people'

The recent behavior of the current president reminded me of an insightful comment made 40 or so years ago by then-Gov. Ted Schwinden.

November marriages

From Lake County District Court

Pirates, Chiefs rake in Western A accolades

Almost a dozen Western A football players from Polson and Ronan were acknowledged with postseason honors for their athletic performances on the gridiron this past fall.

Mission Valley gridders earn Western 8-man honors

Mission senior Layne Spidel was named to the all-state team with dual first-team honors.

Season in Review: Maidens make their mark

Ronan qualified for their first trip to the State A stage in almost two decades.

Season in Review: Scarlets rising

The pinnacle of the Scarlet season was a 3-2 five-set shocker over the visiting Loyola Breakers.

Season in Review: Bulldogs dug in against tough slate

Lady Bulldog volleyball didn't shy away from tackling tough scheduling this past season.

Season in Review: Pirates cultivating penchant for postseason play

The Lady Pirates (11-7) made their second trip to the State A stage in as many seasons

Season in Review: Lofty expectations in Charlo

Charlo won its second State C match in the history of the program