Thursday, August 31
Polson Golf sweeps Corvallis Invite
Polson’s Ashley Maki built a three-stroke lead on the first day and then fended off the defending Class A State Champion to win top honors at the Corvallis Invitational in Missoula on Monday and Tuesday of last week.
Vikings fall in shootout to Valley Christian
Charlo quarterback Hayden Hollow passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more but the Vikings fell to Valley Christian 43-42 because of a 27-yard field goal in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Aug. 26.
Fall Sports Calendar
Your guide to varsity sports in Lake County
Chiefs triumph over Butte Central
After Butte Central took the initial lead, it was all Ronan as the Chiefs rattled off 29 straight points en route to a 29-15 nonconference victory on Friday, Aug. 25.
Ronan boys take third at home invitational
Anchored by a fourth-place finish by Colter Cornwell, the Chiefs golf team took third at the Ronan Invitational on Friday, Aug. 25. Cornwell shot a 79 at Mission Mountain Golf Course, just seven over par.
Mission boasts several standouts at Tip-Off Tournament
Hosting their own Tip-Off Tournament, Mission picked up six set victories in their first action of the season on Saturday, Aug. 26.
Polson places 4th at Tip-Off Tourney
The action was plentiful at the 2023 NWA/SWA Tip-Off Volleyball Tournament on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 25-26, in Columbia Falls.
Ronan boys place second, girls third at Ranch Run
The Ronan boys placed second at the Grant-Kohrs Ranch Run in Deer Lodge on Saturday, Aug. 26, led by junior Jacob Piapot, who placed fifth with a time of 18:25.54.
Mary Steele
Mary Elizabeth "Liz” Steele of Polson went to be with the Lord on Aug. 22,2023. There will be a Celebration of Life for Liz at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 10, at Fellowship Baptist Church, 39098 Lakeview Dr. in Polson.
Pirates fall to Bigfork in season opener
Trailing 26-20 early in the third quarter, Polson recovered a Bigfork fumble on the Vikings' 34-yard line, giving them a chance to tie or take the lead. An intentional grounding call by referees ended the drive, and Bigfork pulled away for the 55-20 Northwestern A victory over the Pirates in Polson on Friday, Aug. 25.
Patent abuse by Big Pharma makes healthcare more expensive
Pharmaceutical patents are a key instrument that promote innovation in America. However, an alarming trend has emerged: companies are increasingly manipulating the patent system to create and extend monopolies on their drugs far beyond what is fair.
Rebate is a scam
OK, armed and ready, I sat down with a computer, a postcard and letter from Governor Gianforte and two letters from his Revenue Department on how to get a property tax rebate.
The Wizard of Pablo: The artist, the businessman and the teacher
Pablo is a small town with a storied history in the Mission Valley. With so many stories based in one place, it seems odd to have just one person be dubbed the “Wizard of Pablo.” But for local artist and business owner Frank Finley, that’s just the name he’s earned. Finley is the owner of 32 Cuppa Java, a small coffee shop and diner that is connected to his art studio of a similar name, 32 Pair of Scissors.
Lake County denies influencing Republic rate hike
The Lake County Commission, led by Chairman Gale Decker, underscores the paramount importance of responsible solid waste management as a central concern for taxpayers. While the topic might not immediately captivate attention, Chairman Decker accentuates its significance. He emphasizes that fostering a healthier environment involves a collective effort and should transcend profit-oriented motives.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Fire engulfs Polson residence
Polson City Fire responded to a house fire on the 700 block of 10th Ave. E. at around 5:40 a.m. last Thursday. Aid engines from Polson Rural Fire were also dispatched.
On the Agenda
Local governments and school board meetings
Republicans plan Lincoln/Reagan Dinner
The Lake County Republican Party is hosting its annual Lincoln/Reagan Dinner event at 1 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Ronan Community Center,
Legals for August, 31 2023
Polson teacher finalist for Teacher of the Year
Tamara Fisher Alley, a K-12 Gifted Education Specialist for the Polson School District, is among four finalists for Teacher of the Year.
Polson hires interim chief to helm department
“This is a great department. We have great people that work here,” said Polson Police Chief George Simpson. “We've done lots of great things over the years and we have lots of great things to come in the future.”
Mission Bulldogs best Plains in season opener
With all the frequent flyer miles the Mission football team put up during their Western 8-man opener on Friday, Aug. 25, they just might have to install a traffic control tower in town.
Lecture offered next Thursday on Haiti
Turnier Esperance will present: “Living in America: An Immigrant Story of Haiti: From Slavery to the 21st Century” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Polson Senior Center.
NAG’s Last Hurrah: Arts group plans to fold after Shakespeare performances
As evening settles around Good Old Days Park in St. Ignatius this weekend, the few remaining members of Ninepipe Arts Group (fondly known as NAG) will settle in too, ready to savor Montana Shakespeare in the Parks’ performances of “The Three Musketeers” on Saturday and “Measure for Measure” on Sunday.
Shakespeare in the Parks brings two plays to St. Ignatius
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks nears the end of its 51st summer tour this week when the traveling troupe performs “The Three Musketeers” Sept. 2 and “Measure for Measure” Sept. 3 at Good Old Days Park in St. Ignatius.
INFR Tour Rodeo rocks the Flathead
Pickups, horse trailers, and campers jostled for room at the Polson Fairgrounds when the Indian National Finals Rodeo Flathead River Tour Rodeo came to town Aug. 24-26.
20th Judicial District Court News
Elliott Wayne Bockman was scheduled to appear in Judge Molly Owen’s court on Aug. 23 for sentencing. He did not appear for his court date. Clayton John Edward Allen was sentenced in Judge Molly Owen’s court to the Department of Corrections or one year with one year suspended.
Ronan City Council hears Pioneer Days Company plans
Members of the Pioneer Days Company (PDC) came to Ronan City Council’s meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 23, to discuss their possible lease of Mission Range Events Complex land. Representatives of the PDC also planned to meet with the Lake County Commissioners on Monday, Aug. 28, about the project.
Freshmen set records at time trials
The Polson High School Cross Country Team took to the track at night on Saturday, Aug. 26, for the Saturday Night Lights Track Time Trial to see how the team looks going into the season.
Jolene Jacobson, 81
Jolene Marie Jackson Jacobson – mom – passed away on Aug. 27, 2023, at Crescent Health Care in Yakima, Wash.
Montana Viewpoint: A moral dilemma
I don’t know where to turn. Yesterday I saw a public display of what I am sure is gender-related wrongness and think I need to report it, I just don’t know what government agency to call.
Museum thanks Leader, Anderson Broadcasting
Polson Flathead Lake Museum sends kudos to Kristi Niemeyer of the Lake County Leader and to Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for their help in promoting our recent “An Evening of Ukraine,” which was held Aug. 9 at the museum.
Births at St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place
Recent births at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place:
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
News items gleaned from the pages of the Ronan Pioneer and Flathead Courier.
Lake County expresses gratitude, lists parade winners
A press release from Lake County, which celebrated its Centennial Aug. 19, thanked the following people and organizations “for their many positive contributions to the County Founder’s Day celebrations”:
Paving continues on Ronan-North project
Riverside Contracting crews are paving the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 93 north of Ronan this week.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Lucky Blackout winner
It was a welcome relief last week when we had rain and the temperatures cooled down. AARP offers a driving course in October. Watch for the date.
Ronan Seniors: Garden produce welcome
If your garden is producing faster than you can eat it, the Senior Center will take any excess you have!
Polson Seniors: Dues are due
National Senior Citizens Day was Aug. 21. President Reagan signed the proclamation in 1988. Every day we celebrate the services that senior citizens provide in the community.
Ninepipes hosts artists for First Saturday
Ninepipes Museum hosts several artists and educators for First Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 2.
Thursday, August 24
Prep Sports Calendar
Your guide to Lake County varsity sports
Mary Ann Marsh Courtney, 81
Mary Ann Marsh Courtney, a long-time Missoula resident, passed away on June 12, 2022, in Vancouver, Wash., due to complications from dementia.
Kimberly McLean, 66
Kimberly Jo (Erskine) McLean of Polson passed away on Aug. 17, 2023, after succumbing to metastatic melanoma. Kim was born on Oct. 10, 1956, in Milwaukee, Wisc.
Ida Nesson, 90
Ida B. Nesson, age 90, passed away Saturday, Aug. 12. She was born Nov. 6, 1932, to Clarence and Bertha (Whitfield) Walhood.
Polson Seniors: Seeking new board members
The Polson Senior Center, Inc. is looking for two members to serve one-year terms on its board of directors.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Let’s be fire wise
We are thankful all the firefighters out there on the fire lines. Let’s be fire-wise with all that we do.
Ronan Seniors: Audiologist offers screening
The Mission Valley Senior Center, located across from St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, is typically open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.
Nancy Larsson, 94
Nancy Ann (Rains) Larsson, 94, of St. Ignatius, formerly of Hutsonville, Ill., died Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, at St. Luke Community Healthcare in Ronan.
Thanks to all responders
On the afternoon of July 30, 2023, the Communication Butte Fire took off due to the weather conditions with a red flag warning in place.
Legals for August, 24 2023
Street projects should be done before school starts
At their regular meeting Monday, Polson city commissioners were assured that road construction on 17 Ave. from 1st St. E. to 2nd St. W. and on 4th Ave. E., in front of Linderman School, would be finished in time for the first day of school next week. Both are major thoroughfares for students and parents.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your guide to events in the Mission Valley
People in Education
Tamara Fisher Alley, a K-12 Gifted Education Specialist for the Polson School District, is among four finalists for Teacher of the Year. Hakyla Riggs of Proctor is among 53 high school graduates from across Montana selected for the eighth class of Montana State University’s Hilleman Scholars Program.
Miss Montana lifts spirits and raises funds for local library
“If this airplane could talk the stories she could tell …” As families climbed aboard the shiny silver bird, sat in its cockpit and admired its red-tipped propellers and frisky Miss Montana logo, author and pilot Bryan Douglass recounted the DC-3’s resurrection to a rapt audience seated in a hangar at the Polson airport.
Lake County: A century old and looking to the next 100 years
Retired District Court Judge Jim Manley reminded an audience of several hundred Saturday that the 1923 election that created Lake County was probably “the first time most women here ever got to vote,” thanks to the 19th Amendment, passed in 1920.
A Pilgrim’s Journey: Community says goodbye to beloved Polson pastor John Payne
A chorus of well-wishers gathered in a grassy courtyard at St. Joseph Medical Center recently to say so-long to hospital chaplain and local pastor John Payne, who has since moved to Whidbey Island, near Seattle.
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
Here's what we gleaned from the archives of the three weekly newspapers – the Flathead Courier, Ronan Pioneer and Mission Valley News – that form the Lake County Leader.
Florida man admits to hacking scheme
A Florida man accused in an India-based computer hacking scheme that stole $150,000 from an elderly Montana woman admitted to a fraud crime Monday, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Pirates tee off with high hopes
Polson's golf teams got an early start to the season as they traveled to Anaconda to face off against Laurel, Billings Central and Hamilton at the Old Works Challenge on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
Missoula kid says goodbye to Lake County
Lake County, it is finally time to say goodbye. Polson has been my temporary home for the past eight weeks and I have loved every minute of it.
Ronan Schools prep for school year with building improvements and teacher training
Ronan School District swings into the upcoming school year with an emphasis on facility improvement and teacher development. School begins with an open house 4-6 p.m Aug. 28 and students return Aug. 29.
Building projects and student attendance on Polson School District’s agenda
Polson School District is coming off of passing two bonds last spring totaling $40 million and will be looking to make the schools of Polson more welcoming – a change that will hopefully help tackle dwindling attendance numbers.
St. Ignatius expands gym and focuses on academic achievement
St. Ignatius School District welcomed students back Aug. 23 to several building improvements and a renewed focus on academic achievement.
Grant helps prevent child abuse in tribal communities
The U.S. Department of Justice has awarded $800,000 to the University of Montana to fund a program that provides assistance to victims of child abuse in tribal communities.
Lonis (Loni) Brown, Jr. 75
On Aug. 20, 2023, Lonis (Loni) Brown, Jr. went home to be with our Savior Jesus, after battling cancer and the after effects for almost 18 years.
Thursday, August 17
Art festival fills courthouse lawn
A few blocks away, at the Sandpiper Gallery’s 52nd annual Courthouse Art Festival, vendors sold an array of creations, including jewelry, paintings, ceramics and photography.
Sharon Maughan, 55
Sharon Maughan passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 7, 2023, at the age of 55.
Robert Gary "Bobby" Petticrew, 75
Robert Gary “Bobby” Petticrew passed away at his home on July 28, 2023, surrounded by his family. Bobby, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe, was born on April 23, 1948, to his mother, Geraldine Bisson, and father Edgar Petticrew in St. Ignatius, Mont. He was the fifth of eight children.
The property tax fiasco
State representative Greg Hertz (R-Polson) recently sent a letter to western Montana media outlets criticizing Democrats for the recent spike in property tax appraisals. Hertz references “Democrats” a dozen times while mentioning his own Republican party only three times.
Ronan Seniors: Garden produce welcome
If your garden is producing faster than you can eat it, the Senior Center will take any excess you have!
Polson Seniors: Annual meeting Aug. 25
The annual meeting of the Polson Senior Center, Inc. will be held Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the center. We need your input at this meeting.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo ahead
We will play Bingo at 2 p.m. Aug. 19.
Polson man sentenced for drug trafficking
A Polson man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl was sentenced Aug. 9 to five years and six months years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Setting the Centennial record straight
Congratulations to Lake County on its Centennial and to Gale Decker and others for assembling the insert in last week’s Leader. Two minor corrections should be noted:
Want to give living in Russia a trial run?
President Biden is asking Congress for $24 billion to support Ukraine. There will be a fight over this request, I am sure, and the reasons will be we are spending too much money, period, and if we are going to spend too much money let’s spend it on America. I offer one reason for supporting Ukraine: Putin.
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
News from the archives of the Flathead Courier, Ronan Pioneer and Mission Valley News: The three weeklies that formed the Lake County Leader.
Curtis "Curt" Noyes Pefley, 55
Curtis Noyes Pefley, of Polson, died unexpectedly in Yuma, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2023. There will be a celebration of life in honor of Curt at the Sportspage Bowl Grill and Lounge in Polson, on Saturday, Sept. 2, from 2-4 p.m.
Marriages & Divorces
The following marriages and divorces were recently recorded at the Lake County Courthouse:
Ronan City Council meeting heats up over subdivision
Issues between property owners and the legality of the city zoning requirements highlighted an otherwise calm Ronan City Council meeting.
Meet Mission’s new football coach: Jacen Petersen
Mission High School’s tumultuous search for a new head football coach comes to an end with the hiring of Mission’s head wrestling coach and now former defensive coordinator Jacen Petersen.
Joyce Macklin, 101
Just a couple weeks past her 101st birthday, Joyce Louise Ivens Macklin of Charlo peacefully passed away from natural causes at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan on Aug. 7, 2023.
Hot temperatures bump fire danger to high
With three fires still burning on the Flathead Reservation, albeit with less ferocity, fire managers warn the public to take extra precautions this week, when temperatures are predicted to soar into the triple digits in the Mission Valley.
Car Crazed: It’s a family affair
Nearly 180 vintage and classic cars and trucks parked along Main Street in Polson Saturday for the annual Cruisin’ By the Bay Car Show, sponsored by Mission Valley Cruisers.
Rotary BrewFest draws crowd
Main Street wasn’t just occupied by cool cars Saturday. The block in front of the Elks was home to folks chilling out at the second annual Rotary BrewFest.
Mission Valley Calendar
MV Calendar: Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Miss Montana aims for Polson Saturday
Airplane and World War II history buffs, as well as supporters of the North Lake County Library, are in for a treat Saturday when Miss Montana, a restored Douglas C-47 lands at the Polson Airport around 2:30 p.m.
Correction: Fastest male swimmer
Martyn Webster, the Swiss swimmer who swam the length of Flathead Lake on July 19, sent us a few corrections to the article that appeared in the Aug. 3 issue of the Leader:
Mission Valley Power Consumer Council seeks input
The Mission Valley Power Consumer Council, an advisory board to Mission Valley Power, will hold a public hearing from 6-7:30 p.m. Aug. 24, at the MVP Pablo Conference Room to seek input on recent recommendations made by the Utility Board.
Lake County celebrates its first century
What began as a territorial tussle between Missoula and Flathead counties now celebrates 100 years as Lake County – birthed Aug. 10, 1923, and celebrating its Centennial Aug. 19, 2023.
CSKT Tribal Health hosts golf tournament
Mission Mountain Golf Club in Ronan will be home to a golf tournament Sept. 8, hosted by CSKT Tribal Health’s Staying Strong, Growing Older Initiative.
First days and first games across Lake County
As summer winds down across Lake County, the school year approaches. The chaos of new student registration, buying school supplies and kids
Ryan Anderson, 75
Ryan Dale Anderson died May 2, 2023, in Kalispell.
Registration open for Code Girls United
Registration is now open for Code Girls United programs for the 2023-2024 school year.
Legals for August, 17 2023
Thursday, August 10
Cinder chunk a reminder to live Fire Safe
I’m a retired wildland fire crew supervisor of 35 years. Last week I found a thumb-size piece of charred tree bark in my green pasture near St. Ignatius. The closest fire upwind from my ranch was the Communications Butte Fire on the west side of the Bison Range.
Legals for August, 10 2023
Polson's Henriksen starts Griz camp
The University of Montana Grizzlies football team started camp Aug. 7 and one Polson resident will be a part of a team looking for a resurgence this season.
Polson commission says yes to casino annexation
A near unanimous decision on Aug. 7 by the Polson City Commission confirmed the annexation of a 79-acre piece of land owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Scouts build mini libraries for kids in foster care
The Boy Scouts of Polson filled tables in the American Legion building on Aug. 2 with six small, hangable bookcases to help CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates of Lake and Sanders counties support kids in the middle of foster care.
Nelson family continues cherry-stand tradition
The Nelson cherry stand above Blue Bay is the color of a ripe Dixon melon.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your guide to Mission Valley events
Fairgrounds offers sanctuary to fire evacuees
When mandatory evacuations for Walking Horse Lane and Early Dawn Road and adjacent areas near Big Arm were announced last Thursday afternoon by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Vicki Holmberg, Polson Fairgrounds caretaker, was immediately on the phone with people seeking shelter for their animals and places to park their campers and RVs. When she wasn’t on the phone, she was showing people where to put their animals.
SK Housing Authority restricts water use
The Salish Kootenai Housing Authority implemented watering restrictions last week for all customers on community water systems from Evaro to Elmo, including Arlee Homesites, Dixon Agency and the town of Dixon, and the southside of St. Ignatius.
Gravel goes down on 93-north project
Construction of the northbound lanes of U.S. Highway 93 continues on the Ronan-North project with gravel placement at the north end of the project. Drivers traveling north of Baptiste Road should watch for shifting lanes and expect to travel on gravel surfaces.
Cancer support group meets twice monthly
A cancer support group meets from noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the chapel at St. Joseph Medical Center.
Democrats had their chance to lower taxes
Montana Democrats are out in full force trying to convince Montanans that they want to reduce your taxes.
Montana Viewpoint: The goose hisses
Because of the biennial reappraisal of residential property most Montanans are faced with huge increases in the values of their homes and the Montana Department of Revenue has done its best to get our attention.
Let’s have a conversation about climate
The Flathead’s snowpack was 80 percent of normal this year. We received very little precipitation in March and April. May was extremely warm, and it rained on the top of the mountains.
Masons offer $10,000 scholarships to Lake County grads
The Brethern of Mission Valley Lodge #78 have announced that beginning next year and continuing indefinitely, five graduating seniors, one from each of Lake County’s five public high schools, will each be awarded a $10,000 Mission Valley Masonic Lodge Scholarship.
GPCF awards a dozen IMPACT grants to nonprofits
The Greater Polson Community Foundation awarded its annual IMPACT Grants to 12 local non-profits on June 29 as part of its 2023 IMPACT grant cycle.
Singers sought for Centennial Celebration
Enjoy singing patriotic songs? Singers are invited to join the Mission Valley Choral Society when they sing the Star Spangled Banner and the Montana State Song at the Lake County Centennial Celebration at noon on Saturday, Aug. 19, at the courthouse in Polson.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Veggies and fruit welcome
The St. Ignatius Senior Center is looking to hire a site manager.
Ronan Seniors: Pork roast on menu Aug. 20
Our Sunday meal of roast pork and all the trimmings will be served Aug. 20. Everyone is welcome.
Polson Seniors: Annual meeting coming up
The annual meeting of the Polson Senior Center, Inc. will be held Aug. 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the center.
Polson wins two games at Western Nationals
Facing up against teams from around the nation with far bigger enrollments than their own, Polson showed they are a softball hotbed at the 18U Western Nationals.
Main Street mainstay calls it a day
In big aqua letters on a yellow banner across the front All in Stitches, the quilt store in Polson, it says Retirement Sale.
Moving Mountains: Mural relocated to Flathead Lake Museum
The huge mural painted by local artist Rob Gunderson that covered the facade of the old Gambles building in downtown Polson came down on Aug. 2.
School improvements on horizon in Arlee
Arlee Superintendent Mike Perry is expecting new improvements to the district’s school buildings, but challenges like increasing reading test scores and new education legislation are talking points for the administration this school year.
Powerlifter strives to "conquer every lift"
After Scott Sciaretta suffered a heart attack, he had to change his health habits. Now, he is a world-record powerlifter who hopes to grow the sport across the state of Montana.
Marie Dinwoodie, 85
Marie Olson Dinwoodie passed away peacefully at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan July 27, 2023, at 6 p.m., an hour and a half after her daughter Adrienne arrived after a long trip to say goodbye.
Pioneer Days: A celebration of community spirit
Ronan Pioneer Days brought plenty of family fun to town last weekend, beginning Friday morning at 8 a.m. with the Kids’ Fishing Derby and wrapping up Sunday afternoon with its third open rodeo and the wild buffalo ride.
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
From the archives of the Flathead Courier, Ronan Pioneer and Mission Valley News – the three weeklies that formed the Lake County Leader.
20th Judicial District Court News
News from the 20th District Court in Lake County
Players season wraps with “Butterflies Are Free”
The final show of the Port Polson Players’ 48th summer season is the romantic comedy/drama, “Butterflies Are Free,” which opens Aug. 10 at the Theatre on the Lake in Polson.
Thursday, August 3
Ukrainian to discuss her country’s plight
Polson Flathead Lake Museum will host "An Evening of Ukraine" at 7 p.m. Aug. 9, featuring Lolita Avetysian (now, Lolita Gray) who has come from Ukraine to live and work in Polson.
Legals for August, 3 2023
Polson implements water restrictions
In response to prolonged drought, the City of Polson implemented ‘odd/even’ water restrictions across the city Aug. 1.
Cherries and cheer permeate festival
Cherries weren’t the only delicacy on the menu at last weekend’s Flathead Cherry Festival in Polson, but they sure occupied center stage.
Polson commission to revisit casino annexation
At its regular meeting Aug. 7, the Polson City Commission will revisit a proposal for the city to annex nearly 80 acres of land belonging to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and located west of the Polson bridge.
Circle of fire: Four blazes fanned by high winds
The dry lightning that strode across western Montana Saturday night was bad enough, starting a line of fires from north of Dixon to Niarada. But when winds, reportedly gusting up to 40 mph, kicked up Sunday afternoon, fires that seemed manageable suddenly weren’t.
Kindness. Pass it on
The Mission Valley was circled by smoke Sunday, and I spent the afternoon following fires from Round Butte to Moiese and back to Ronan.
On the Agenda
Upcoming meetings in Lake County:
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Creative Indigenous course leads to pitch contest
Salish and Kootenai entrepreneurs came together on July 22 to dive into pitches by business owners around the Indigenous community.
Ronan council welcomes chickens, hears subdivision concern
Chicken ordinances and a future public hearing were all a part of a light Ronan City Council meeting to close out the month of July.
Pickleball: An active, simple and social sport
As Mike Marnin took a swing at a loose ball, he looked over at the small crowd of folks waiting for their chance to play some pickleball, a sport that has grown rapidly around the United States and one that has made a mark among residents in Polson.
Best Blooms: GPCF Beautification Committee names contest winners
Twenty-one beautiful yards were nominated for the 2023 Polson in Bloom contest sponsored by the Beautification Committee of the Greater Polson Foundation. Street appeal, color, unique variety and originality were among aspects of the gardens considered for recognition.
Swiss swimmer breaks record for fastest men's lake swim
Martyn Webster made history on July 19 as he broke the record for fastest men's swim of the length of Flathead Lake.
CSKT tightens fire restrictions
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes fire managers implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, for all of the Flathead Indian Reservation, and raised the fire danger to extreme.
Polson man sentenced to 60 years
With a criminal record that reaches back to his juvenile years, Tyler Frederick Erickson, age 30 of Polson, has run through a string of public defenders and other attorneys while navigating the Lake County legal system and the Montana Supreme Court.
Robert Larsson, 94
Robert C. "Bob" Larsson, 94, of St. Ignatius, Mont., formerly of Hutsonville, Ill., died Sunday, July 23, 2023, at PAL Memory Care in Ronan.
Mission Valley athletes shine at USAF Nationals
Several Mission Valley athletes shone brightly at the USAF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships, held July 24-30 at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field in Eugene.
Mission Valley Mariners season ends
Lethbridge ended the Mission Valley Mariner's 2023 season at the Class A Montana State A Tournament in Laurel on Thursday, July 27.
Lake County Fair showcases kids and projects
The Ronan Fairgrounds were bustling July 22-29 for the Lake County Fair, with kids leading sheep, beef, and dairy cattle, carrying chickens and rabbits, and unloading their pigs off the trailer. Horses, dogs, and cats came in just to show and then (whew) went home to sleep it off.
Roger Clark, 72
Roger (Joe) Clark was born July 22, 1950, in Missoula to Joseph Clark and LeNora Burgess-Clark. They moved to Anaconda when he was five, and he attended school there. He passed away suddenly in his own home on July 7, 2023, only a half a mile from where his parents lived and where he was born. Joe was 72 years old.
Volunteers needed for Flathead Waters Cleanup
Registration is open for the Flathead Waters Cleanup, held Saturday, Aug. 12 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Volunteers for the annual event will clean up trash in and around the rivers, lakes, creeks and ponds of the Flathead watershed in Flathead and Lake counties.
Births at the Nesting Place
Recent births at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson:
Delivering income and property tax relief
As I meet with Montanans in every corner of our state, I hear the same concern often – taxes are too high. And they’re right. Taxes are too high and need to be reined in.
Ronan Seniors: Cookbook fundraiser
The Mission Valley Senior Center, located across from St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, is typically open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.
Republican supermajority responsible for property tax hikes
There are an awful lot of options for who and what to blame for the steep property tax appraisals that many of us received in the mail the last few weeks. But I’ll tell you about the best-kept secret in Montana this summer … the Republican supermajority could have prevented this.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Looking for site manager
We will have an AARP safe driving course in October – watch for the date.
Polson Seniors: Hugs always given
A woman, to whom I delivered a meal, appeared to be caring for a 4- or 5-year-old child. As I did so, the child, unseen by me, bolted to the sidewalk, yelling “Huggy, Huggy, Huggy!” and grabbed both my legs. I told the child that I always have hugs to give away, and I complied with her request.
