Stories for February 2021

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Sunday, February 28

February 28, 2021 12:55 p.m.

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

February 25, 2021 10:35 p.m.

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
February 25, 2021 6:40 p.m.

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
February 25, 2021 8:50 a.m.

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
February 25, 2021 12:25 a.m.

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.

February 25, 2021 12:15 a.m.

Federal agency fines Polson, Kalispell companies over workplace injuries

The Department of Labor recommended a combined fine of $246,000 for the two companies.

February 25, 2021 12:10 a.m.

Letters to the Editor: Voting rights under attack

Feb. 25, 2021 letters to the editor

Birth Announcements
February 25, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Birth Announcements

Lake County birth announcements for Feb. 25, 2021.

Time Capsule: Stringing them along
February 25, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Time Capsule: Stringing them along

This week in Lake County news archives.

February 25, 2021 midnight

Legals for February, 25 2021

Wednesday, February 24

February 24, 2021 3:10 p.m.

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.

February 24, 2021 noon

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.

February 24, 2021 9:15 a.m.

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)
February 24, 2021 8:48 a.m.

Sports Calendar and Scoreboard (Feb. 22-27)

Lake County high school sports events, results.

February 24, 2021 7:45 a.m.

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
February 23, 2021 9:30 a.m.

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
February 23, 2021 8:20 a.m.

Death notice: Joseph L. Havlovick, 89

Joseph L. Havlovick, 89, of Polson, passed away Feb. 23, 2021.

Spring Mack Days right around the corner
February 23, 2021 8:05 a.m.

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.

February 23, 2021 6:40 a.m.

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
February 23, 2021 4:50 a.m.

Charlo girls seize district crown

The Lady Vikings maintained their reign over District 14-C.

Wrestling Roundup: Chiefs top Pirates in Polson
February 23, 2021 3:20 a.m.

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.

February 23, 2021 2:15 a.m.

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
February 23, 2021 2 a.m.

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
February 23, 2021 1 a.m.

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.

February 23, 2021 12:15 a.m.

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.

February 23, 2021 12:05 a.m.

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
February 22, 2021 8:38 p.m.

Vernon Dean Tiensvold, 84

Vernon Dean Tiensvold was born Aug. 8, 1936, in Rushville, Neb., to Edward and Mary Tiensvold.

Pearl Gean Barry, 77
February 22, 2021 8:25 p.m.

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
February 22, 2021 8:18 p.m.

Duane Wilber Hunt, 86

Duane Wilber Hunt, 86, of Polson, passed away peacefully Feb. 16, 2021 in Keizer, Ore.

Norma Jean (West) Fryberger, 89
February 22, 2021 8:12 p.m.

Norma Jean (West) Fryberger, 89

Norma was born in D’Aste, Mont., to Rolla and Opal West

February 22, 2021 4 p.m.

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.

February 22, 2021 8 a.m.

District Court Actions, Feb. 10-17

Lake County District Court actions

Sunday, February 21

Entries sought for Montana State-Fish Art contest
February 21, 2021 4:03 p.m.

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
February 21, 2021 12:30 p.m.

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.

February 21, 2021 6:55 a.m.

First Friday set for March 5

March First Friday is coming to downtown Polson from 5-7 p.m.

February 21, 2021 midnight

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
February 18, 2021 12:35 a.m.

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
February 18, 2021 12:20 a.m.

Photos: Polson Bay ice fishing

Several brave souls celebrated Presidents Day on Monday with a bit of ice fishing at Polson Bay

February 18, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Letters to the Editor: Keep health protections in place

Feb. 18, 2021 Letters to the editor.

Time Capsule: Record haul
February 18, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Time Capsule: Record haul

This week in Lake County news archives.

Fund launched to help those searching for missing love ones
February 18, 2021 12:05 a.m.

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
February 18, 2021 12:05 a.m.

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.

February 18, 2021 midnight

Legals for February, 18 2021

Birth Announcements
February 18, 2021 midnight

Birth Announcements

Lake County birth announcements for Feb. 18, 2021.

Wednesday, February 17

Dennis Hauge, 71
February 17, 2021 8:43 p.m.

Dennis Hauge, 71

Dennis Hauge, 71, died Feb. 14, 2021 in Ronan.

February 17, 2021 6 p.m.

Senior Center Calendars

This week's meals and activities for Polson Senior Center.

Gov. Gianforte visits Polson vaccination clinic
February 17, 2021 9:29 a.m.

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
February 17, 2021 8:27 a.m.

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.

February 17, 2021 7 a.m.

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
February 17, 2021 12:35 a.m.

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
February 17, 2021 12:05 a.m.

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
February 16, 2021 9:15 p.m.

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
February 16, 2021 9:14 p.m.

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.

February 16, 2021 9:14 p.m.

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
February 16, 2021 7:48 p.m.

Sports Calendar and Scoreboard, Feb. 16-23

Lake County high school sports schedule and results.

Winter postseason picture coming into focus
February 16, 2021 1:26 p.m.

Winter postseason picture coming into focus

Here’s a guide to how the postseason is expected to play out.

February 16, 2021 9:50 a.m.

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

February 15, 2021 noon

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

February 14, 2021 8:35 a.m.

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.

February 14, 2021 8:30 a.m.

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
February 13, 2021 8:20 p.m.

Ronald J. Bleazard II, 56

On Feb. 9 we said goodbye to a loving husband, father and friend.

Walter James Reznicsek, 76
February 13, 2021 8:18 p.m.

Walter James Reznicsek, 76

Walter (Walt) James Reznicsek was called back home Feb. 4, 2021 in Polson at age 76.

Friday, February 12

February 12, 2021 12:10 p.m.

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
February 11, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Time Capsule: PHS Twirlers

This week in Lake County news archives.

February 11, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Letter to the Editor: Stand down, Rosendale

Letter to the editor for Feb. 11, 2021.

February 11, 2021 midnight

Legals for February, 11 2021

Wednesday, February 10

Photos: Classic Country Jamming
February 10, 2021 10 p.m.

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
February 10, 2021 9:50 p.m.

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.

February 10, 2021 7:35 p.m.

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
February 10, 2021 9:10 a.m.

Sports Calendar and Scoreboard, Feb. 9-15

Lake County high school sports schedules, results.

Wrestling Roundup: Chiefs 10th in state coaches poll
February 10, 2021 8 a.m.

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
February 10, 2021 7:45 a.m.

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
February 10, 2021 7:30 a.m.

Bulldogs edge Warriors on Senior Night

The Mission Bulldogs held off a feisty Arlee squad for a 56-50 home victory Saturday night.

February 10, 2021 7 a.m.

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
February 9, 2021 8:30 a.m.

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
February 9, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Birth Announcements

Lake County birth announcements for Feb. 11, 2021.

February 9, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Senior Center Calendars

This week's meals and activities for Polson Senior Center.

February 9, 2021 12:05 a.m.

January Marriages

From Lake County District Court

Monday, February 8

February 8, 2021 2:45 p.m.

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.

February 8, 2021 2:30 p.m.

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.

February 8, 2021 2:15 p.m.

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.

February 8, 2021 2 p.m.

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.

February 8, 2021 12:55 p.m.

District Court Actions, Feb. 3-4

Lake County District Court

February 8, 2021 10:15 a.m.

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
February 8, 2021 8 a.m.

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.

February 8, 2021 7:40 a.m.

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

February 7, 2021 3 a.m.

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

February 5, 2021 4:35 p.m.

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
February 5, 2021 12:35 p.m.

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
February 4, 2021 12:50 a.m.

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
February 4, 2021 12:35 a.m.

Column: FLIC 2021 brought the world to us

Best Feature Award goes to 'Pulse'

February 4, 2021 12:30 a.m.

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
February 4, 2021 12:15 a.m.

Guest column: Clearing a way for easements, land acquisition

Greetings from Helena.

February 4, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Letter to the Editor: Why the spike in salaries?

Feb. 4, 2021 letters to the editor.

February 4, 2021 12:05 a.m.

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
February 4, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Time Capsule: Milk break

This week in Lake County news archives.

February 4, 2021 midnight

Legals for February, 4 2021

Wednesday, February 3

Missing person alert issued for Polson man
February 3, 2021 4 p.m.

Missing person alert issued for Polson man

Ben J Griffing, 62, has gone missing from Polson.

February 3, 2021 1:25 p.m.

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)
February 3, 2021 12:05 p.m.

Sports Calendar and Scoreboard (Feb. 2-9)

Lake County high school sports schedules, results.

Birth Announcements
February 3, 2021 10 a.m.

Birth Announcements

Lake County birth announcements for Feb. 4, 2021.

COVID-19 update: County adjusts virus fatality numbers
February 3, 2021 12:30 a.m.

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.

February 3, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Senior Center Calendars

This week's meals and activities for Polson Senior Center.

February 3, 2021 12:05 a.m.

Public meetings, Feb. 4-11

Lake County government and school meetings for Feb. 4-11.

Tuesday, February 2

Pirates seize the night against Chiefs
February 2, 2021 9:15 p.m.

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
February 2, 2021 9 p.m.

Charlo girls remain unbeaten

Carlee Fryberger hit a pair of 3-pointers en route to a 16-point night.

Vikings building momentum
February 2, 2021 8:30 p.m.

Vikings building momentum

Phil Marquez sparks Charlo boys with a string of 3-pointers against Noxon.

February 2, 2021 8:15 p.m.

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
February 2, 2021 8 p.m.

High school wrestling results, Jan. 28-30

Mission Valley wrestling results.

February 2, 2021 8:15 a.m.

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."

February 2, 2021 12:05 a.m.

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.

February 2, 2021 12:05 a.m.

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
February 1, 2021 2:25 p.m.

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.

February 1, 2021 1:55 p.m.

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.

February 1, 2021 10 a.m.

View from the Library: Say hi to Bruce

If you are in need of tech help, we have the guy for you.

February 1, 2021 8 a.m.

Lake County District Court Actions, Jan. 27

Lake County District Court