Local briefs: Sheriff's Office warns of scam using shuttered Polson tractor business
A shuttered Polson business has been a front for unidentified scammers this month, according to a press release issued Friday by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities report complaints have come in from “multiple U.S. states and Puerto Rico” since early September regarding The Tractor Shop in Polson. Purchases have been made, but no equipment has been received by the scam victims.
The Tractor Shop was a legitimate business established in 2001, but it was closed. The former proprietors are not considered suspects in the case, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Fall open debris burning begins Oct. 1
Open burning season on the Flathead Indian Reservation begins Oct.1 and runs through Nov. 30. No permit is required to burn during this time.
Officials recommend residents burn early in the day and check weather for afternoon or next-day wind conditions. Have proper personnel, equipment and water supply with you and always make sure the area is cold to the touch before leaving. Checking the following day is also important, as stumps or roots may be holding heat that could re-ignite.
If a fire does get out of control call 911 immediately.
Those with questions about debris burning may call the Division of Fire at 676-2550.
League to hold Montana Supreme Court candidate forum Oct. 1
The Montana League of Women Voters will hold a virtual Montana Supreme Court candidate forum at noon Thursday, Oct. 1.
The forum featuring candidates Mike Black and Associate Justice Laurie McKinnon will be moderated by League of Women Voters Montana board member Sally Maison.
Because of COVID-19, the forum will not be open to in-person public participation but can be viewed live on Montana Public Affairs TV or online. The link to the livestream forum is also on the LWV Montana website: https://my.lwv.org/montana-league-women-voters.
LCCDC offering free Excel workshop
Lake County Community Development Corporation is offering a free introduction to Excel workshop from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21 at the LCCDC office, 407 Main St. SW in Ronan.
The workshop is limited to 12 attendees. The first six to sign up will be attending in person with social distancing. An additional six slots are available remotely via Zoom. Register at https://lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/623.
A second session will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at the State Building, 2504 Tradewinds Way, Thompson Falls. The Oct. 22 session will have room for eight socially-distanced in-person attendees with four spots to attend via Zoom. Register at https://lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/624.
Virtual Business of Outdoor Recreation Summit set for Oct. 13-15
Registration is open for the 2020 Business of Outdoor Recreation Summit that will bring hundreds of industry leaders, community members and recreation and conservation groups to promote outdoor recreation in Montana.
Held virtually from October 13-15, the summit will be led by the Montana Governor's Office of Outdoor Recreation and co-hosted by Crown of the Continent Geotourism Council and Montana Trails Coalition.
The summit will include three days of engaging conversation, dynamic guest speakers, and effective work sessions. Attendees will join live each day or catch up with recorded panels, workshops and podcasts.
Registration is available at https://whova.com/web/mboor_202009/. The summit will conclude with a virtual film festival. The public is invited to a night of viewing YETI Presents films. For more information visit http://business.mt.gov/Outdoor-Recreation.
Lake Bar hosting classic country jam sessions
A series of classic jam sessions, to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. the first and third Sundays each month at The Lake Bar on Highway 93 in Polson, kicks off Sunday.
Participants are encouraged to bring an instrument and join in for a few hours of music and dancing.
There’s no cover charge, and those with questions may contact Ellen at 883-3130 or Betty at 260-6590.
Dixon Senior Center meals available for delivery
Dixon Senior Center is accepting takeout meal requests only in light of the COVID-19 restrictions. Meals will be served at 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays. They cost $4 per serving and will be delivered to Dixon residents upon request.
Upcoming meals include chicken, potato salad and rolls on Monday, or roast, mashed potatoes, salad and rolls on Thursday, Oct. 8.
Call 246-3310 to place an order. All ages are welcome.
Montana 200 Clark Fork River bridge near Trout Creek fully open
TROUT CREEK — The Montana Department of Transportation has completed rehabilitation work on the Montana 200 Clark Fork River Bridge approximately 1 mile west of Trout Creek. The bridge is now fully open to traffic.
Project improvements include: replacement of the old bridge deck (driving surface) with precast concrete panels; new bridge railing and expansion joints; cleaning and spot painting of the steel superstructure beneath the bridge deck; milling and overlaying the bridge approach; and new approach railing at each end of the bridge.
The asphalt approaches to the bridge will be chip sealed next summer to extend the life of the driving surface. The work is expected to take a few days to complete.