Tuesday, August 31
Polson couple shares love of cowboy action shooting in Bigfork
Bodie Camp and Prairie Daisy are cowboy action shooters, and proud of it.
Shakespeare tour visits Lake County
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is back for its 49th season.
View from the Library: 9/11 display featured in September
September is also Library Card Sign-up Month. Get a card for free.
1 person killed in weekend mobile home fire near Arlee
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Super Oval set to wrap up season with Championship Night
Also: results from Open Wheel Weekend No. 2
Monday, August 30
St. Regis sawmill to close in November
Idaho Forest Group plans to suspend operations operations indefinitely at its sawmill in St. Regis by late November.
Bradley Jacobson, 62
Bradley Jacobson, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and teacher, died of Multiple Systems Atrophy Parkinson’s Disease on Aug. 26.
Genevieve Luella Clement, 83
Genevieve Luella Clement, 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Aug. 28 at Hospice House of Spokane.
Lake County District Court Actions
Lake County District Court
Lake County Justice Court actions
Lake County Justice Court
Sunday, August 29
Fundraiser to benefit local fire department
A fundraising campaign to support the Finley Point/Yellow Bay Fire Department in the wake of the devastating Boulder 2700 fire is underway.
Thursday, August 26
Flathead Lakers stand tall for conservation at annual meeting
NBA coaching legend and philanthropist Phil Jackson was keynote speaker at the annual meeting in Polson.
Polson holds conversation on housing crisis
The event drew around 50 people, including several developers, business owners and local leaders.
Birth Announcements
Lake County birth announcements for Aug. 26, 2021.
Ronan event explores housing co-op models
Lake, Sanders, Mineral and Missoula counties’ populations grew by about 8% each over the past decade.
Legals for August, 26 2021
Wednesday, August 25
Community Notes: Live Shakespeare at St. Ignatius, Charlo
Also: Beer and Wine Festival; Art Docents; Bat hike
Sports calendar and scoreboard
Lake County sports schedule and results.
Fire restrictions lifted on Flathead Indian Reservation
Fire managers across the Flathead Indian Reservation have rescinded Stage I and Stage II fire restrictions, effective Wednesday morning.
COVID-19 numbers continue to climb
At-risk Montanans eligible for third vaccine dose
At-risk Montanans eligible for third vaccine dose.
Tuesday, August 24
FWP seeks to bolster declining bighorn sheep population on Wild Horse Island
Wildlife officials are seeking public input on a proposal to augment the bighorn sheep population on Flathead Lake's Wild Horse Island.
Justin French, 53
Justin Stewart French, 53, of Havre, passed away peacefully Aug. 16 after a lengthy battle with post COVID-19 related complications.
Pirates open golf season on a roll
Polson sweeps team titles at Browning; girls first at Whitefish and boys tops at Dillon.
Mariners land postseason honors
The Mission Valley squad finished 36-19 with a trip to state.
Senior Center Calendars
Events and menus for Polson and Dixon.
Mission Valley Super Oval racing results, Aug. 21
Mission Valley Super Oval, Polson, Aug. 21
Monday, August 23
John Junior Vincent, 90
Our beloved family patriarch, John Junior Vincent, passed away peacefully in his home.
Lake County District Court actions
Lake County District Court
Frances "Frankie" (McDonell) Dehne, 87
Frances "Frankie" (McDonell) Dehne, 87, died Aug. 7 in Denver.
Margaret Elaine Hanson, 80
Margaret Elaine Hanson of Polson passed away peacefully Aug. 19, 2021, while surrounded by family at Polson Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Butte Central forfeits football season opener at Polson
Officials cited the suspension of “a group of student-athletes on the team for violating athletic department and school policies."
Sunday, August 22
Tribal biologists seek information on nesting trumpeter swans
Have you seen trumpeter swans nesting or adult swans with cygnets in the area?
Three Lake County graduates among elite MSU class
Hilleman Scholars are eligible for up to $6,500 in academic support for their first year and $4,000 per year thereafter.
Friday, August 20
State Parks sees increase in visitation for the first half of 2021
Flathead Lake State Park (all units) had the highest visitation in the northwest part of the state.
Edmond Joseph Violette, 90
Edmond Joseph Violette (Ed) passed away Aug. 12, 2021 at age 90.
Thursday, August 19
Skull discovered in Flathead Lake deemed archeological find
A human skull recently discovered in Flathead Lake is believed to be that of a Native American man who died long ago.
At-risk Montanans eligible for third vaccine dose
An estimated 22,000 Montana residents with weakened immune systems are eligible to receive third doses.
2021 Fall Mack Days on the horizon
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' 38th annual Fall Mack Days fishing tournament will run from Sept. 16 to Nov. 14.
Hunter education courses open to registration in Kalispell, Bigfork, Eureka
Montana also provides a self-paced, online-only hunter education course that is available for anyone 12 and older.
Letter to the Editor: Districts gambling with kids’ health
Letter to the editor for Aug. 19.
County pledges ARPA funds to several infrastructure projects
Commissioners voted unanimously Aug. 10 to pledge funds to a dozen projects, from Arlee to Woods Bay
Guest column: The social cost of personal liberty
why are nearly 90 million Americans turning down the shots and thereby risking the salvation of all of us?
New well expected to supply Polson's water supply soon
Following weeks of water-use restrictions, Polson’s water system is showing signs of stabilizing.
Legals for August, 19 2021
Wednesday, August 18
Polson man accused of impersonating fire official as Boulder Fire raged
A Polson man accused of impersonating a public servant in the Boulder 2700 Fire zone has been charged with two crimes, including a felony.
Sports calendar and scoreboard, Aug. 20-28
Lake County sports schedule.
Cruisin’ by the Bay: Diamond T from Arlee a must-see
A slew of sweet rides lined Main Street and a few side streets in Polson as owners of classic cars and trucks gathered for the 2021 Cruisin’ by the Bay car show.
Washington man gets 10 years for selling meth on Flathead Reservation
A Washington man who admitted to selling methamphetamine on the Flathead Indian Reservation was sentenced in Missoula.
County sees surge in virus activity
The county reported a total of 85 active cases Tuesday. That number was below 10 as recently as July 10.
Senior Center Calendar
Events and menus for Polson.
Decisions on wolf trapping, Flathead Lake bighorn sheep looming
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on Friday is expected to decide on a number of proposals of interest to hunters and trappers in Northwest Montana.
St. Ignatius High School sets record four-year graduation rate
School's class of 2021 graduated 96.4% of those who started at Mission as freshmen together four years ago.
Tuesday, August 17
Community Notes: Polson hosts housing crisis discussion
Also: Flathead Monster talk; Lake Mary Ronan seminar; and Ninepipes Museum event.
Highway 35 fire zone access loosens up
The Boulder 2700 Fire along the east shore of Flathead Lake had reached 2,100 acres and was 46% contained as of Tuesday morning.
Lake County District Court actions
Lake County District Court
Lake County Justice Court actions
Lake County Justice Court
Monday, August 16
Carol Joann Nelson Tiernan, 84
Carol Joann Nelson Tiernan passed away July 7, 2021, in Ronan.
Merle Jore, 81
It is with mixed emotions, in one sense great sorrow and in another, relief, that the family of Merle Jore announce his passing on Aug. 11.
Allen W. Swalling, 84
Allen W. Swalling, 84, passed away Aug. 8, 2021, at St. Patrick Hospital.
Advance tickets for Flathead River Rodeo on sale
The Indian National Finals Rodeo Tour event is set for Aug. 26-28 at the Polson Fairgrounds.
Mission Valley Super Oval racing results, Aug. 14
Polson's Canyon Murrin wins Hornet Challenge.
Friday, August 13
Searchers recover body of kayaker in Flathead Lake
Authorities recovered the body. of a Somers man who drowned in a kayaking accident
Chairwoman Fyant discusses voting rights during D.C. trip
After the trip, Fyant said she felt the country was about to begin an era similar to the 1960s.
Heat, fire take toll on regional cherry crop
What once appeared to be the start of a promising season for local cherry orchards has taken a turn for the worse.
Thursday, August 12
Commissioners taking comments on lakeshore protection changes
Commissioners passed a resolution of intention to adopt the amendments during a July 21 public hearing.
Kids, animals heal together in Arlee
ARLEE — For five days last week the nascent nonprofit Arlee Rehabilitation Center (ARC) brought together kids and critters.
Skate on: Seventh Avenue skatepark still growing
Skaters young and old, from near and far, gathered Saturday afternoon at the Polson Skatepark.
Birth Announcements
Lake County birth announcements for Aug. 12, 2021.
Legals for August, 12 2021
Wednesday, August 11
School year to begin with masks-optional approach
Lake County public schools are welcoming students back this month with the intent to resume school life similar in most ways to life before the pandemic.
Jack Howard Bishop, 81
It is with great sadness that the family of Jack Howard Bishop announces his passing May 27, 2020 at the age of 81.
Two upcoming events to address local housing solutions
Businesses across the county, and much of the state, are struggling to hire out-of-town workers.
Senior Center Calendars
Events and menus for Polson and Dixon.
Community Notes: Phil Jackson to address Flathead Lakers
Also: Huckleberry Festival, Flathead Monster presentation, Summer Reading Program finale, Family Table free meal and help with ancestry research.
Highway 35 opens to local traffic with restrictions; expect delays
The speed limit is reduced to 35 mph from mile markers 6 to 13 for public and firefighter safety.
Public Meetings, Aug. 12-19
Lake County government and school meetings.
Tuesday, August 10
Weather briefly works in fire crews' favor
Fire crews continue to mop up after and keep a sharp eye on the Boulder 2700 Fire on Flathead Lake’s east shore.
50th Sandpiper festival coming to Courthouse
The 50th annual Sandpiper Lake County Art Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Cruisin' car show returns to Polson
Cruisin’ by the Bay car show set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Auto racing resumes at Super Oval
After a three-week hiatus, the Mission Valley Super Oval’s summer stock car racing schedule resumes Saturday with a full slate that features the hornet class.
Locals shine at Veterans Memorial Softball Classic
Several Mission Valley players competed at the eighth annual Veterans Memorial Softball Classic in Belgrade last weekend.
Monday, August 9
Service notice: Jim Willis
Jim “Doc” Willis, of Polson, passed away June 9, 2021.
Lake County District Court actions
Lake County District Court
Lynda Edwards, 74
Grandmother, longtime nurse and lover of all animals, Lynda Edwards of Pablo died July 29.
UPDATE (Monday): Boulder 2700 Fire re-entry area expanded
Latest information on the Boulder 2700 Fire and the Crooks Fire in Lake County.
It’s a fluke: The scientific truth about swimmer’s itch
As someone who grew up in Montana, my childhood summers were peppered with mysterious swimmer’s itch tales.
July marriages
Lake County marriages for July 2021
Sunday, August 8
UPDATE (Sunday): Latest on Boulder 2700 and Crooks fires
Latest information on the Boulder 2700 Fire and the Crooks Fire in Lake County.
PHS class of 1980 gathers for reunion
The Polson High School class of 1980 celebrated its “40+1 Reunion Extravaganza” July 20-25 in Polson
Saturday, August 7
UPDATE (Saturday): Latest on Boulder 2700 and Crooks fires
Latest information on the Boulder 2700 Fire and the Crooks Fire in Lake County.
Friday, August 6
Randall (Randy) Craig Cosgrove, 61
Randall (Randy) Craig Cosgrove died June 28 in Wilsonville, Ore.
UPDATE (Friday): Latest on Boulder 2700 and Crooks fires
Latest information on the Boulder 2700 Fire and the Crooks Fire in Lake County.
Boulder 2700 Fire claims 8 homes near Flathead Lake
The fire has grown to more than 1,800 acres and burned more than two dozen structures, including eight homes.
Thursday, August 5
Boating restrictions in place near Flathead Lake wildfire
A temporary boating restriction is in effect on Flathead Lake at Skidoo Bay adjacent to the Boulder 2700 Fire.
Guest column: Shoulder seasons not meant for public lands
In Montana private land elk hunting is moving toward 11 weeks for people who can pay thousands of dollars for trophy bulls.
Glacier Lake School transitions to new leadership
Kestner and Pavlock founded the nonprofit alternative school in St. Ignatius in 2014.
Birth Announcements
Lake County birth announcements for Aug. 5, 2021.
Legals for August, 5 2021
Wednesday, August 4
Man arrested after standoff pleads not guilty to three felonies
Edward Dale Hardy, 63, pleaded not guilty to kidnapping, assault with a weapon and criminal endangerment.
Public meetings, Aug. 5-12
Lake County school and government meetings.
Senior Center Calendars
Events and menus for Polson and Dixon.
Tuesday, August 3
Dinnocenzo takes bull riding title
Nick Dinnocenzo had a decision to make.
Polson man convicted of meth possession with intent to distribute
Roy Allen Shostak was convicted after a one-day trial.
St. Ignatius man sentenced to 15 years in prison for child pornography crime
Court documents state Lampke has several prior sexual abuse convictions beginning in 1992.
Community Notes: Skate park celebration set for Saturday
A roundup of upcoming community events.
Hottest game in town: Ronan 3 on 3 results
Pioneer Days basketball tournament winners.
'The Last Romance' mixes laughter and love
The romantic comedy about finding love at any age was written by Tony award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro.
Ex-boyfriend of Jermain Charlo appears in federal court
Michael Defrance pleads not guilty to illegal possession of firearms
Residents cautiously return to Finley Point
Access to Highway 35 from mile markers 8 to 15 to remain closed for several days.
Pet owners find help with shelter, supplies
Many evacuees arrived at the Red Cross shelter at Linderman Elementary with their pets.
Flathead Cherry Festival draws record crowds
Chalk art contest draws nearly 50 entries.
State launches online dashboard for Montana wildfires
A new online dashboard contains detailed information about wildfires burning across Montana.
Ninepipes Museum to feature two artists Saturday
Two artists will show their art and meet with visitors outside from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Monday, August 2
Crooks Fire near Arlee reaches 1,000 acres
The Crooks Fire located in the south fork Jocko Primitive area is burning in steep rough terrain with limited access.
Lake County District Court actions
Lake County District Court
Evacuation orders remain in place for Boulder Fire
Highway 35 remains closed in both directions.
Clifford J (Swede) Hanley, 98
Clifford Hanley passed away July 26, 2021 at St. Luke Community Hospital surrounded by family.
Ryan Patrick Nicholas Lefthand, 35
Ryan Patrick Nicholas Lefthand, 35, passed away Friday, May 28, 2021.
Service notice: Eula Mae Turnage, 87
Eula Mae Turnage, 87, passed away Oct. 17, 2020, at her residence at St. Joseph Assisted Living in Polson.
Service notice: Thomas Walter Eddy, 83
Thomas Walter Eddy, 83, passed away Sept. 24, 2020 at his Polson residence.
Polson residents can resume watering; some restrictions remain
The city of Polson announced Monday morning that a citywide water emergency.
Mission Mountain Classic 10K, 5K top finishers
Part of Pioneer Days 2021.
Mariners wrap up season at State
Mariners go 1-2 at Havre and finish with 36-19 record.
Bobcat Scramble golf results
Part of Pioneer Days 2021.
Sunday, August 1
Mission West offering free business workshops
Mission West Community Development Partners is offering free business workshops in August and registration is open.
Polson in Bloom contest winners announced
Logan Health claims Judges’ Choice award.
Boulder 2700 Fire hops Highway 35
Finley Point and Skidoo Bay area evacuated as fire destroys several structures.