Sunday, February 28
GPCF offers grant writing workshop March 4
Greater Polson Community Foundation is offering a grant writing workshop for nonprofits at noon, Thursday, March 4.
Thursday, February 25
Guest column: A helping hand in the search for the missing
For decades in Montana, Indigenous people have gone missing, many times murdered and leaving behind families to search desperately for their loved ones.
Well-known CSKT wildlife official Courville dies
Tribal and other wildlife officials in northwest Montana are mourning the recent death of a veteran wildlife biologist and colleague.
Joseph Leo Havlovick, 89
Joseph Leo Havlovick, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, coach and friend, passed away Feb., 23, 2021 at St Luke’s Extended Care in Ronan.
Mission Valley FFA chapter nurturing ag lifestyle
The Mission Valley chapter of the National FFA Organization finished fourth among nine teams competing in the Western District Livestock Judging contest Feb. 15 at the Ronan Fairgrounds.
Federal agency fines Polson, Kalispell companies over workplace injuries
The Department of Labor recommended a combined fine of $246,000 for the two companies.
Letters to the Editor: Voting rights under attack
Feb. 25, 2021 letters to the editor
Birth Announcements
Lake County birth announcements for Feb. 25, 2021.
Time Capsule: Stringing them along
This week in Lake County news archives.
Legals for February, 25 2021
Wednesday, February 24
Local lawmakers to attend Legislative update in Ronan
State lawmakers from Lake County will participate in a legislative update starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4.
Man who exposed himself at Polson parade sent to state mental hospital
Jonathan Dell Tifft will undergo evaluation by officials at the state mental hospital in Warm Springs, Mont.
Class A/B swimmers to converge in Polson for state meet
Some of Montana’s best high school swimmers are set to take the dive into state competition Saturday at Polson.
Sports Calendar and Scoreboard (Feb. 22-27)
Lake County high school sports events, results.
Public meetings, Feb. 25 to March 4
Lake County public meetings, Feb. 25 to March 4.
Tuesday, February 23
Podcast probes disappearance of Jermain Charlo
The true-crime podcast, titled Stolen: The Search for Jermain, is hosted by award-winning journalist Connie Walker.
Death notice: Joseph L. Havlovick, 89
Joseph L. Havlovick, 89, of Polson, passed away Feb. 23, 2021.
Spring Mack Days right around the corner
2021 Spring Mack Days will run from March 19 to May 16, with up to $225,000 in cash and prizes.
Man dies after being hit by train near Ravalli
A man died Sunday afternoon after being struck by a train near Ravalli.
Charlo girls seize district crown
The Lady Vikings maintained their reign over District 14-C.
Wrestling Roundup: Chiefs top Pirates in Polson
The Ronan Chiefs got a bit of revenge Friday against Lake County rival Polson, topping the Pirates 39-27 in a triangular meet with Frenchtown at Polson.
Steady Pirates maintain momentum
The Pirates clobbered Browning, 72-50, at home Thursday, then topped Ronan 51-43 Saturday.
Maidens forge a path to divisionals
Maidens basketball had a rough start to a very busy week, but bounced back to earn a trip to the divisional tournament.
Vikings go out on a win
The Charlo boys made a valiant run to end their season, going 3-1 in four district games over five days en route to a third-place finish.
Boys Basketball Roundup: Chiefs survive rocky finish
The Ronan Chiefs wrapped up the regular season with a trio of losses but still managed to grab the No. 2 seed out of the Northwest A and a free pass to divisionals in Butte.
Girls Basketball Roundup: Lady Bulldogs land in play-in game
The Mission girls (9-8) fell to Florence-Carlton, 48-35 on Tuesday, then pummeled Troy 75-34 at home Friday on Senior Night.
Monday, February 22
Vernon Dean Tiensvold, 84
Vernon Dean Tiensvold was born Aug. 8, 1936, in Rushville, Neb., to Edward and Mary Tiensvold.
Pearl Gean Barry, 77
Pearl Gean Barry, 77, passed away Feb. 15 at her home in Plains after a brief battle with lung cancer.
Duane Wilber Hunt, 86
Duane Wilber Hunt, 86, of Polson, passed away peacefully Feb. 16, 2021 in Keizer, Ore.
Norma Jean (West) Fryberger, 89
Norma was born in D’Aste, Mont., to Rolla and Opal West
Lake County extends mask directive for 30 days
Lake County Commissioners on Tuesday extended the county’s mask directive for 30 days in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
District Court Actions, Feb. 10-17
Lake County District Court actions
Sunday, February 21
Entries sought for Montana State-Fish Art contest
State-Fish Art is a national contest sponsored by Wildlife Forever that recognizes winners by state.
St. Ignatius man accused of child endangerment
A Mission Valley man was arrested and jailed after he was allegedly drunk with a toddler in his vehicle in Kalispell.
First Friday set for March 5
March First Friday is coming to downtown Polson from 5-7 p.m.
Registration open for FVCC Senior Institute
The program includes one class delivered via Zoom from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on six consecutive Fridays beginning Feb. 19.
Thursday, February 18
Guest column: Tax Reform at the Legislature
I’m proud to be sponsoring three bills that are key to leading the Montana comeback: Senate Bills 159, 181 and 182.
Photos: Polson Bay ice fishing
Several brave souls celebrated Presidents Day on Monday with a bit of ice fishing at Polson Bay
Letters to the Editor: Keep health protections in place
Feb. 18, 2021 Letters to the editor.
Time Capsule: Record haul
This week in Lake County news archives.
Fund launched to help those searching for missing love ones
The Snowbird Fund will provide direct payments of $500 to help offset the considerable expenses a family may incur while searching.
Flathead Lake biologist joins popular Nature Guys podcast
As a kid, Charles van Rees was inspired by Marty Stouffer’s “Wild America” and other nature shows.
Legals for February, 18 2021
Birth Announcements
Lake County birth announcements for Feb. 18, 2021.
Wednesday, February 17
Dennis Hauge, 71
Dennis Hauge, 71, died Feb. 14, 2021 in Ronan.
Senior Center Calendars
This week's meals and activities for Polson Senior Center.
Gov. Gianforte visits Polson vaccination clinic
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte made a swing through the northwest region of the state to visit COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Kalispell and Polson.
Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort debuts new pools
On Feb. 2, Quinn’s unveiled its new pools to the public, replacing their boxy predecessors that had served the resort for the past 18 years.
Community notes: Victor Loff earns Montana National Guard honor
Marshall Boen of Polson earned dean's list honors at the University of Tampa for the fall 2020 semester
Lady Pirates weathering the storm
Even under the best of circumstances, building up a struggling basketball program can be a long and brutal process that demands plenty of blood, sweat and tears.
Maidens' Jackson headed to Columbia Basin College
Ronan's all-state pitcher Macao Jackson will play softball for the Hawks of Columbia Basin College at Pasco, Wash.
Tuesday, February 16
Wrestling Roundup: Class A state rankings feature five locals
The Ronan Chiefs fell out of the top 10 team standings in the Class A high school wrestling coaches poll.
Boys Basketball Roundup: Pirates stay the course
Colton Graham scored 20 points, while Xavier Fisher and Darian Williams each added seven, as Polson improved to 11-1.
Girls Basketball Roundup: Lady Vikings run the table
The Lady Vikings defense has allowed more than 30 points just twice all season.
Sports Calendar and Scoreboard, Feb. 16-23
Lake County high school sports schedule and results.
Winter postseason picture coming into focus
Here’s a guide to how the postseason is expected to play out.
Ronan students qualify for speech and debate nationals
Ronan High School’s speech and debate team had five team members compete in the Montana West National Qualifier Virtual Tournament.
Monday, February 15
UM Bio Station launches water monitoring program for civic groups
The new program, Monitoring Montana Waters, is funded by PlusFish Philanthropy, a U.S.-based private organization dedicated to protecting healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Sunday, February 14
Lawmakers introduce bills to protect and celebrate indigenous cultures
Bills seeking to establish Indigenous Peoples Day in Montana resurfaced for the third time in the Legislature with renewed support from advocates who said it’s time to celebrate the history of the state’s Indigenous peoples.
Gianforte signs COVID-19 liability bill, rolls back mask mandate
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed into law a major COVID-19 liability bill, which soared through the Montana Legislature during its first month.
Saturday, February 13
Ronald J. Bleazard II, 56
On Feb. 9 we said goodbye to a loving husband, father and friend.
Walter James Reznicsek, 76
Walter (Walt) James Reznicsek was called back home Feb. 4, 2021 in Polson at age 76.
Friday, February 12
Study: Flathead, Whitefish lakes generate $3B in property value
One major goal of the study released last month was to estimate the benefits the two lakes impart to home values in the form of price premiums for lakefront properties and other nearby real estate.
Thursday, February 11
Time Capsule: PHS Twirlers
This week in Lake County news archives.
Letter to the Editor: Stand down, Rosendale
Letter to the editor for Feb. 11, 2021.
Legals for February, 11 2021
Wednesday, February 10
Photos: Classic Country Jamming
There’s no entry fee, and all are welcome to listen, sing or dance. Musicians who bring an instrument can join the jam on stage.
Third man sentenced for 2018 storage unit gold theft
A Bigfork man with a lengthy felony history was sentenced to 10 years in prison with no chance for parole for his role in a high-stakes 2018 storage unit theft.
SKC COVID-19 home-test study will be seeking 200 volunteers
If you could have a home-based test kit for the virus that causes COVID-19, what kind of education and support would be most helpful to you?
Sports Calendar and Scoreboard, Feb. 9-15
Lake County high school sports schedules, results.
Wrestling Roundup: Chiefs 10th in state coaches poll
Several regional teams are featured in the class A high school wrestling coaches poll compiled by Sidney head coach Guy Melby.
Pirates stay on track
Colton Graham scored 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds to lead the way against Columbia Falls.
Bulldogs edge Warriors on Senior Night
The Mission Bulldogs held off a feisty Arlee squad for a 56-50 home victory Saturday night.
Basketball Roundup: Lady Vikings reach 10-0
The Charlo girls basketball team remained sharp with a pair of wins over the weekend.
Tuesday, February 9
Death notice: William O. Triggs
William O. Triggs, of Polson, passed away Feb. 8. Cremation will take place and services will be held in the spring.
Birth Announcements
Lake County birth announcements for Feb. 11, 2021.
Senior Center Calendars
This week's meals and activities for Polson Senior Center.
January Marriages
From Lake County District Court
Monday, February 8
St. Ignatius woman pleads guilty to felony theft, bail jumping
A Mission Valley woman facing a string of theft and burglary charges pleaded guilty to two felonies as part of a plea agreement.
Man who assaulted Polson cop sent to prison after DUI
A Missoula man serving a 10-year suspended sentence for assaulting a Polson police officer in 2018 had his sentence revoked.
Bigfork man sentenced for partner assault
A Bigfork man with a history of assa.ulting those close to him received a sentence of five years, with three suspended.
Woman accused of child endangerment pleads guilty to lesser charge
A Pablo woman pleaded guilty to first-time aggravated driving under the influence as part of a plea agreement.
District Court Actions, Feb. 3-4
Lake County District Court
How to set up a COVID vaccine appointment
Tribal Health, a department of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, has created an online form patients can use to request a COVID vaccine.
Fugitive from Plains apprehended In Flathead County
A Northwest Montana man with warrants for his arrest in six different counties may finally answer to charges against him.
Polson voters reject resort tax proposal
A proposal to initiate a resort tax for the city of Polson was rejected by the city’s voters in a special election Tuesday.
Sunday, February 7
Education bills seek higher teacher pay, special needs support and opt-in sex ed
Lawmakers in the Montana House of Representatives are considering a slate of education bills.
Friday, February 5
Deceased woman's body found on lake shore in Polson
An employee at KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino on U.S. Highway 93 in Polson reported seeing a body on the shore of Flathead Lake on Tuesday, Feb. 2.
Ronald H. Johnson, 63
Ronald H. Johnson (April 21, 1957 to Dec. 21, 2020) gained his wings in Anchorage, Alaska.
Thursday, February 4
Mission Valley Christian Academy moves ahead with major campus expansion
Plans call for the addition of high school classrooms, playground space, parking space and a preschool.
Column: FLIC 2021 brought the world to us
Best Feature Award goes to 'Pulse'
Guest column: Bell ringing a success through the pandemic
Thanks to those who so willingly gave of their time to “ring the bell” for the Salvation Army’s Kettle Campaign.
Guest column: Clearing a way for easements, land acquisition
Greetings from Helena.
Letter to the Editor: Why the spike in salaries?
Feb. 4, 2021 letters to the editor.
Briefs: The People’s Center gets a new name
The center is now called the Three Chief’s Culture Center, Museum and Gift Shop.
Time Capsule: Milk break
This week in Lake County news archives.
Legals for February, 4 2021
Wednesday, February 3
Missing person alert issued for Polson man
Ben J Griffing, 62, has gone missing from Polson.
Reward increased for information on dead grizzlies near Bigfork
The potential reward has increased to $6,750 for anyone with information about the death of two grizzly bears found near Bigfork last November.
Sports Calendar and Scoreboard (Feb. 2-9)
Lake County high school sports schedules, results.
Birth Announcements
Lake County birth announcements for Feb. 4, 2021.
COVID-19 update: County adjusts virus fatality numbers
Health officials last week adjusted Lake County’s number of COVID-19 deaths following a comparison of separate sets of state mortality data.
Senior Center Calendars
This week's meals and activities for Polson Senior Center.
Public meetings, Feb. 4-11
Lake County government and school meetings for Feb. 4-11.
Tuesday, February 2
Pirates seize the night against Chiefs
A pair of Lake County Northwest A boys basketball teams tracking down a run at State squared off at Salish Kootenai College on Friday.
Charlo girls remain unbeaten
Carlee Fryberger hit a pair of 3-pointers en route to a 16-point night.
Vikings building momentum
Phil Marquez sparks Charlo boys with a string of 3-pointers against Noxon.
Basketball Roundup: Returning players boost Scarlets
The Arlee girls basketball team earned its first win of the season Saturday at home against Deer Lodge.
High school wrestling results, Jan. 28-30
Mission Valley wrestling results.
Man detained in Florida following threat to Polson school
Authorities in Florida arrested a man Jan. 26 after the Polson Police Department received reports of someone “making vague threats of violence."
Carroll College names students to fall dean’s list
Carroll College named the following students from the Lake County area to its 2020 fall semester dean’s list.
Charlo student named to George Fox University dean’s list
Nathan Dennis of Charlo was among those who earned dean's list recognition at George Fox University
Monday, February 1
Sheila Schmitz Conner, 67
Sheila Schmitz Conner was born May 24, 1953 to Phillip and Florence Schmitz and joined siblings Cherryl, Dee, Phil (Butch) and Barb.
Bill would allow communities to implement local sales tax
A bill that would allow Montana towns and cities the option to implement a local sales tax has resurfaced in the Montana Legislature.
View from the Library: Say hi to Bruce
If you are in need of tech help, we have the guy for you.
Lake County District Court Actions, Jan. 27
Lake County District Court