First Flathead Beacon, first women jurors, runaway dock, inevitable growth

Flathead Beacon, April 14, 1960

Bigfork boatsmen chase meandering dock

One of the docks located in Bigfork Bay disappeared after breaking loose Sunday evening as spring waters rose considerably. The dock was reported seen across the lake at Caroline Point.

Four men went by boat to try and locate the dock. Arriving at the West Shore they made contact with Frank Hodge who reported that it had headed back across the lake as the wind changed direction. Search was then made near the mouth of the Flathead River and then south around Melita Island, Blue Bay and Yellow Bay before the men headed home. As they neared the Swan River they found the raft had beaten them back and figured they had traveled by boat 55-60 miles.

Editor’s Note: The original Flathead Beacon was founded in January 1960 by Treasure State Publishing (which also published the Courier) and its short run ended in 1962 due to lack of advertising. “Even though the paid subscription list is in the 700s, advertising income – life blood of the newspaper – dwindled steadily,” wrote the publishers. “The red ink balance on the Beacon kept dropping at an even more rapid clip in 1962. Hence, the axe falleth.”

The editorial went on to note that “Every newspaper in America faces the same problems that killed the majority of more than 700 American weekly newspapers that suspended publication last year – namely lack of adequate economic support.”

Flathead Courier, April 11, 1940

Women jurors to serve for first time in county

The first jury panel on which there were women was called in Lake County Tuesday and will serve during the jury term of court beginning April 29th. First woman juror name drawn among the 11-member group was Rose Sager of Rollins.

Second annual Theatre Tourney given this week

The Polson Little Theatre Club sponsored the second annual Little Theatre meet Monday and Tuesday nights of this week when they presented seven one-act plays sponsored by various organizations throughout the county.

Monday the plays presented were as follows: “They Criticize – and How!”presented by the Pablo Sunshine Club; “The Terrible Meek,” presented by the Ronan Little Theatre group; and “Grandma Fixes the Car,” presented by the Round Butte Women’s Club.

Lake County Leader, April 13, 2000

Growth inevitable

The Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation sponsored seminars in Polson and at Ninepipes Lodge on ways to control the direction of growth in Lake County and on the reservation. Presentations were given by foundation secretary Bill Edelman and Dan Kemmis, director of the O’Connor Rocky Mountain Center and former Missoula mayor, state legislator and author.

Growth is inevitable, Edelman said. While most of the population is grouped around the major communities here, the fear is that the area is a draw for immigration that, left without controls, will despoil much of what most live here for and what most who move here, move here for, he said.

According to Kemmis, the growth problems the area is or may be experiencing have already been documented elsewhere in the Rocky Mountain West. “We don’t have to reinvent the wheel finding solutions,” he said.

The day of top-down solutions and legislation is about over, Kemmis contended.

Adopt-a-Flowerbed

So much beauty for such a small amount of attention. That’s what Ronan resident Danyel McCrea would like you to know about adopting a flowerbed in the city park.

McCrea is organizing the city’s second annual Adopt-A-Flowerbed beautification project with 25 sites available throughout the city park.

“Last year’s participation was tremendous and we hope this year is even more successful, McCrea said.