Thursday, December 28
Beverly Jean Dellwo, 89
Beverly Jean Dellwo, age 89, passed away on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.
Florence-Carlton defeats Mission
Mission dropped a non-league contest, 76-15, against Florence-Carlton on Thursday, Dec. 21. Vinny Shepard’s seven points led the Bulldogs.
Lady Bulldogs win third game in a row
Mission won its third straight game, defeating Florence-Carlton 43-36 in non-league action at home on Thursday, Dec. 21.
Class A Boys: Pirates post first win; Chiefs top Corvallis
Butte Central went on a 19-7 run in the fourth quarter to secure a 56-43 non-conference victory over host Ronan on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Ronan did bounce back on Thursday, Dec. 21, taking out non-conference foe Corvallis. Polson scored early and often in its 65-24 takedown of non-conference foe Stevensville on Tuesday, Dec. 19
Class A Girls: Polson, Ronan notch wins
On Tuesday, Dec. 19, Polson picked up its third win of the season, downing non-conference foe Stevensville. Ronan outscored Billings Central by four points in the fourth quarter to hold on for a 45-39 non-conference victory Dec. 19.
Arlee man charged with burglary, theft of bus parts
An Arlee man is accused of stealing parts from an Arlee School bus and breaking into the Arlee Elementary School. Donovan Chase McDonald, 27, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Dec. 21 to felony charges of criminal mischief, theft and burglary.
Asencio faces three new drug charges
A Pablo man, already on probation, is facing three new drug charges for possession of fentanyl.
Gravelle pleads guilty to theft, burglary, drugs
Judge Molly Owen set a sentencing date of Feb. 14 for a Big Arm man accused of stealing a car, breaking into an RV and drug possession.
Arraignment Dec. 28 for alleged Bigfork shooter
The arraignment hearing for a Bigfork man, accused of shooting three people, killing one of them, was continued in Polson District Court Dec. 21. Matthew Vitek, 49, is charged with deliberate homicide in the Dec. 10 shooting death of 56-year-old Tammi Jordan in Ferndale.
Legals for December, 28 2023
Time Capsule: From the Archives
News of yore, gleaned from the archives of Mission Valley weekly newspapers
DePoe Junction burglarized Christmas morning
DePoe Junction, located on Kari Lane in Polson, was burglarized shortly after midnight early Christmas morning.
Three Incumbents returned to Tribal Council
Tribal members chose incumbent James “Bing” Matt as an at-large representative on the Tribal Council, returned Martin Charlo and Michael Dolson to their seats, and elected former councilman James Steele Jr. to represent St. Ignatius and newcomer Danielle Matt to represent Dixon.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Food Bank needs a hand
If you have four hours of time on Tuesday and Friday, the Mission Valley Food Pantry is in the need of volunteers to help clients from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Montana’s labor force hits all-time high
Job growth in Montana continues to thrive as the state’s total workforce reached a new all-time high last month.
BNSF locomotive leaks diesel while traveling through northern Montana
Officials have confirmed that a BNSF Railway locomotive leaked up to 1,000 gallons of diesel while traveling through northern Montana last week.
Arlee girl among winners of Youth Hunting Story Contest
Inslee Moran of Arlee was among 10 state winners of the 2023 Governor’s Youth Hunting Story Contest.
Year In Review: Covering health and human services in 2023
Though it feels like a lifetime ago, the 2023 legislative session was filled with conflict over several high-profile issues, including restrictions on abortion and medical choices for transgender minors seeking gender-affirming treatments.
FLIC gears up for 12th winter film fest
The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) celebrates its 12th winter film festival during the weekend of Feb. 16-18 at the Showboat Stadium 6, 416 Main Street in Polson.
Ronan Hall of Fame: 1972 State Championship Girls’ Track
The 1972 State Championship Girls’ Track Team is among the 2023 inductees into the School District #30/Ronan Community Hall of Fame.
Benefit supports Warming Center for unhoused
Rolling hoops on their arms, JR Parot and son Ryder were warming up for their Native American hoop dance in the downstairs hallway of the KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino. The Parots were there to perform for the crowd at the Families First Project event held Dec. 20, titled Help for the Homeless.
Monkeyshines and music: ShamRockers celebrate 20 years
Guests were nodding along as The Montana ShamRockers sang “I’ll be Home with Bells On.” The quintet brought their music and shenanigans to the stage at KwaTaqNuk Resort Dec. 20 for a Warming Center benefit. Just a few nights earlier, they delivered their annual free Christmas concert at the Theatre on the Lake in Polson.
Vikings come back against Two Eagle
Charlo bounced back from its first loss of the season, a 50-47 setback against Seeley Swan on Thursday, Dec. 21, to topple Two Eagle River 72-61 on Friday, Dec. 22.
Ronan secures two duel wins in Libby
Ronan picked up a 48-28 duel victory over Northwest A Conference foe Libby/Troy on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The Chiefs collected a total of seven pins en route to the win. Also at the Libby event, Ronan took on Stevensville/Victor and posted a 59-12 victory
Lady Vikings notch two wins
Charlo improved to 4-2 on the season with a 77-43 takedown of Western 14C rival Two Eagle, and went on to triumph against Seeley-Swan.
Cottage businesses, crafters share wares at Maxine's
The main dining room of Maxine’s Coffee Shoppe and Eatery on Main Street in Polson was recently lined with wood carvings embellished with wood burning, bunches of crocheted beanies with fluffy puffs on top, and many pieces of art crafted from vintage jewelry.
Ronan Seniors: Birthday Dinner is Dec. 29
Main dishes include pork chops and stuffing, Dec. 27; Birthday Dinner with roast beef; Dec. 29, taco bar, Jan. 3.
Polson Seniors: Thanks to all
With the New Year now upon us, the Polson Senior Community Center would like to thank all those who have contributed toward the success of our programs and activities for senior citizens.
Thursday, December 21
Joseph Franklin McDonald, 92
Joseph Franklin McDonald passed away on Thursday, Dec. 14, at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan with his family by his side following a short illness. A public service and celebration of Joe’s life will be held Jan. 17, beginning with a 10 a.m. with a Funeral Mass service at the St. Ignatius Catholic Church in St. Ignatius. Following the service, there will be a 12 p.m. Celebration of Life luncheon at the Salish Kootenai College Gym (the Joe) in Pablo.
Pablo resident charged with burglarizing Ronan Schools
A Pablo man, who was awaiting sentencing for burglary, is facing new burglary charges involving the Ronan Schools.
Man pleads not guilty to sexual assault
A Polson man, who is already facing a trial March 11 on one count of negligent vehicular assault, faces more legal issues.
Williams pleads guilty to truck theft
A Polson man admitted to stealing a work truck from a construction zone in Polson this past summer. Seth Houston Dean Williams, 32, entered a plea of guilty in District Court Dec. 13 to felony theft.
Desjardins admits to assaulting officer
A Ronan man, who was accused of fighting with law enforcement as they attempted to arrest him in connection with a theft, admitted to assault on a peace officer.
Consult Montanans before removing WSA protections
Senator Steve Daines has introduced legislation that would remove protections from three Montana Wilderness Study Areas totaling over 100,000 acres.
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
News gleaned from the archives of weekly Mission Valley newspapers of yore.
Durwood A. Sanderson, 85
Durwood Allen "Sandy" Sanderson passed away quietly Dec 2, 2023, in San Antonio, Texas.
Polson man charged with sexual assault of minor
A Polson man is accused of sexually assaulting a minor. Jerod Eugene Koldeway, 44, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Dec. 13 to sexual intercourse without consent.
Polson Seniors: Hoping Santa has a short memory
The Polson Senior Center will be closed Mondays, Dec.25 and Jan. 1. Happy Christmas to all!
Ronan Seniors: Tax preparers available
AARP tax people will be here from Jan. 3 to April 10. They will prepare taxes for any age and income. Give us a call to sign up for this great service at 406-676-2371.
SKC awarded $700,000 in USDA grants
Salish-Kootenai College in Pablo recently received $700,017 through two Tribal College Initiative Grants. The funds will be used to prepare and pave a parking lot adjacent to a dormitory housing project and to purchase equipment for student transportation and grounds maintenance. =
Nine local students earn UM degrees
Nine Lake County students were among more than 800 University of Montana degree candidates for fall semester 2023.
Legals for December, 21 2023
The Santa Drive: Helping the community one bag at a time
Instead of sleigh bells jingling, sirens blared across Polson last Wednesday night as firetrucks led the 12th annual food and coat drive through town.
Early Deadlines
With Christmas just a few days away, the Leader’s editorial team needs to get a jump on next week’s news.
"Icon of the Tribes": Visionary educator Joe McDonald dies at 92
Many flags across the Flathead Reservation are flying at half-mast this week in honor of Dr. Joe McDonald, a visionary educator and tribal leader who died last Thursday, Dec. 14. The founder of Salish Kootenai College was 92.
Boys Class C Basketball: Charlo undefeated
Two Charlo players scored over 20 points as the Vikings defeated Western 14C foe Superior 64-27 on Saturday, Dec. 16. Wesley Anderson led the way with 26 points, while Hayden Hollow poured in 21.
Therese Corbett, 97
Therese M. (Biesen) Corbett, 97, passed away peacefully Dec. 9, 2023, at the St. Joseph Assisted Living Facility in Polson. A service will be held at The Lake Funeral Home at 101 6th Avenue East in Polson on Jan. 5, 2024, at 2 p.m.
Boys Class A: Polson bested by Butte, Bigfork
Ronan started quickly and clocked in a 74-35 non-conference victory over Stevensville on the road Thursday, Dec. 14. Bigfork’s offense powered up on Tuesday, Dec. 12, scoring more than 20 points in three of its four quarters against Polson in an 81-49 Northwestern A Conference victory.
Choral society presents Christmas concerts
With more than 30 singers, the Mission Valley Choral Society made an impressive entrance onto the stage at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Sunday afternoon.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Council discusses property “islands”
Before the meeting on Dec.15, Ronan City Council members and Mayor Chris Adler interviewed community members who had written letters of interest in Calvin Hardy’s seat on the council. Hardy and Lindsey Myers are the two representatives of Ward 2, and Hardy’s term ends Dec. 31. During the meeting, Public Works Director Dan Miller brought up “islands” of county property surrounded by city subdivisions and/or city streets.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Merry Christmas to all
Wishing all a Merry Christmas. May you have family and/or friends to spend some time with on Christmas Day.
Winter Sports Calendar
Just a few basketball games are scheduled before the holiday break.
Girls Class C Basketball: Lady Vikings best Superior
Charlo’s defense held their opponent to single digits in three of four quarters in a 51-27 Western 14C victory over Superior on Saturday, Dec. 16, on the road; Two Eagle topples to Lincoln.
Girls Class B Basketball: Lady Bulldogs take down Deer Lodge
Mission got about .500 with a 66-35 non-league victory over Deer Lodge on Saturday, Dec. 16; Arlee downs Valley Christian; and Lady Bulldogs defeat Scarlets.
Girls Class A Basketball: Polson battles past Butte Central
Polson went on a 16-9 run in the second quarter and held on for a 52-46 non-conference victory over Butte Central on Saturday, but drops game to Bigfork. Maidens power past Stevensville.
Wrestling Roundup: Ronan Girls place second at Holiday Classic
The Ronan Girls Wrestling team had two first-place finishers and collected enough points to secure second as a team at the CMR Holiday Classic in Great Falls on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15-16.
Montana Viewpoint: How to address high property taxes
I just read an editorial called “Lets end the property tax blame game” by Kendall Cotton in which he begins by blaming local governments for property tax increases, echoing Governor Gianforte’s attack on greedy county governments.
Isabel Seeley: Training for excellence
Seeley, with a 4.0 GPA, is among the top students in her graduating class. She was recently named a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist, and is the first Polson High School student to receive this honor in several years.
Monday, December 18
Boys Class B Basketball: Warriors remain undefeated
The Warriors improved their record to 5-0 on the season, defeating Valley Christian 77-61 in non-league basketball action on Saturday, Dec. 16, at home.
Thursday, December 14
Winter Sports Calendar
Varsity basketball, wrestling and swimming
Joseph "Joe" Kultgen, 93
Joseph “Joe” Arnold Kultgen, 93, of Ronan, passed away peacefully at his home with family by his side Dec. 1, 2023.
Scholarship applications open for Polson grads
Scholarships applications are currently available for Polson High School seniors and graduates, with an application deadline of Feb. 15.
Montana Supreme Court order protects students and taxpayers
The Montana Supreme Court’s recent order upholding the Montana Department of Revenue’s calculation of the 95 school equalization mills provided a protective shield for residential property taxpayers and students educated in Montana’s public schools.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Thanks to carnival, parade organizers
Thank you to the people that put on the Christmas carnival, parade and tree lightening. It was great to see kids enjoying themselves and the reindeer were fun.
Ronan Seniors: Still need donations for oven
Our oven is going out! We have applied for grants but that will only cover part of the cost, so we are asking for donations to cover the remainder.
Polson Seniors: Easy gift-giving option
Not into shopping? Give money to your local charities. Take the time and effort to create homemade Christmas cards, and include a hand-written note saying that you contributed to a local charity on his or her behalf.
Clarence Joseph Brazil, 98
Clarence Joseph Brazil, age 98, passed away Nov. 29, 2023, at Polson Health and Rehab.
Marriages & Divorces
The following marriages and divorces were recorded recently at the Lake County Courthouse:
Velma Madsen, 92
Velma Marlene Madsen was born to Soren and Myrtle Rungborg, the oldest child of three, at their home in Reserve, Mont., Jan. 26, 1931.
Supports Zinke's Safe Act
The United States government has failed catastrophically in its obligation to protect our borders and our citizens. Representative Ryan Zinke is seeking to protect us from the latest move towards national suicide ...
The Climate Conversation: We Can Do It!
It’s the first week of December, and one of us spent an entire afternoon working in the garden, while the other hiked in the Missions to 5,000 feet without encountering snow. Like the drought that choked the inflow to Flathead last summer, we’re entering unchartered territory due to our warmer, more erratic climate.
Arlee Wrestling program growing for 2023-24 campaign
Arlee wrestling sent one to state last year and almost had two others making it to Billings.
Nearly 50 turn out for Polson Wrestling
Most of Polson's young squad returns for the 2023-24 season, and Pirates Head Coach Eric Huffine feels like his team has turned a corner.
Paul Rathbun, 68
Paul Alan Rathbun (Peter Paul/Piccolo Pete), 68, of Ronan, passed away Dec. 6 in Missoula, surrounded by his family after a long tough battle of heart disease.
Lady Bulldogs face a reshuffled Western 7B
This season, Mission faces a Western 7B league that lost girls' basketball power Bigfork and added Superior. The Lady Bulldogs are coming off a 17-7 season under Head Coach Dalton Delaney.
Ronan dominates at Flathead Girls Invitational
The Ronan girls were the top-scoring Class A team at the Flathead Girls Invitational on Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9, placing third overall and notching several individual first-place finishes.
Swimmers Hertz and Sawyer win at Kalispell Invite
At the Kalispell High School Invite, the Pirates had won in the relays and individual events on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Arlee thumps Hot Springs
Eleven different Arlee players scored as the Warriors blasted past Hot Springs 76-36 in non-league basketball action on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Bulldogs fall to Fairfield, Shelby at Coyote Classic
Despite strong shooting by Landon Walks Over Ice, Mission fell to Fairfield and Shelby in the Coyote Classic.
In close game, Scarlets lose to Hot Springs
Arlee battled Hot Springs to the wire but ultimately fell short 44-43 in nonleague road action on Saturday, December 9.
Charlo girls fall to tournament host Anaconda
A slow second quarter hampered the Lady Vikings in a 55-42 non-league loss to Anaconda at the Anaconda Tip-Off Tournament on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Lady Eagles win two at NDN Shootout
Two Eagle outscores Northern Cheyenne, bests White Shield at the NDN Shootout in Billings.
Two Eagle bests Brockton, Plains
Two Eagle splits games at NDN Tournament, conquers Plains.
Chiefs succumb to Frenchtown, Hamilton
Two Bronc teams – Frenchtown and Hamilton – bested the Ronan Chiefs during the Frenchtown Tip-Off Tourney.
Maidens go OT against Hamilton, lose to Frenchtown
Maidens lose to Frenchtown following close OT defeat by Hamilton during Tip-Off Tourament.
Pirates drop two at Frenchtown Tip-off Tourney
The Polson Pirates fell to Corvallis, 57-56, and Loyola, 79-38, during Frenchtown opener.
Lady Pirates 1-1 after Frenchtown Tip-Off Tourney
Polson Lady Pirates split Tip-Off Tourney games with win over Corvallis, loss to Loyola.
Mission Boys take on experienced Western 7B
Mission boys basketball team will return three varsity players from a squad that landed just a bucket away from the state tournament last season.
New Arlee coach expects strong performance from Warriors
Jason Maki is taking over the reins of the Arlee Boys Basketball team this season after coaching the previous three seasons in Missoula and 25 seasons in Oregon.
Coleman and Scarlets building a program
The Arlee Scarlets have a new head coach in Ross Coleman as they look to improve on last year's two-win season.
Rep. Reksten asks for Governor's cooperation
Rep. Linda Reksten, who represents House District 12, asked us to share the following letter she recently wrote to Gov. Greg Gianforte regarding Lake County's decision to withdraw from Public Law 280.
Rep. Reksten asks for Governor's cooperation
Rep. Linda Reksten, who represents House District 12, asked us to share the following letter she recently wrote to Gov. Greg Gianforte regarding Lake County's decision to withdraw from Public Law 280.
Have fun but be responsible behind the wheel
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. It opportunely coincides with the holidays when folks are going to parties, reconnecting with old friends, and maybe indulging more than they do the rest of the year. Wherever you’re going this Christmas season, please never get behind the wheel impaired.
Ferndale man in custody after deadly shooting
Authorities are holding a 49-year-old Bigfork area man in the Lake County jail on pending felony deliberate homicide and attempted deliberate homicide charges after he allegedly shot three people at a Ferndale home Sunday night, killing one.
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
The following articles were harvested from local weekly newspapers of yesteryear.
Christmas dinner and concert to benefit Warming Center
The Department of Human Resources-Families First Project for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is hosting a free Christmas Benefit Dinner and Concert, titled “Help for the Homeless,” from 3:30-7 p.m. Dec. 20 at KwaTaqNuk Resort in Polson.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Busy Elves supply materials for Christmas fun
The Busy Elves loaded the Sherri McDonald Hospitality Room at Salish Kootenai College on Dec. 7 with paints, crayons, pompoms, candy canes, ornaments to decorate, prizes, a photo booth, stickers, and even Santa Claus.
Students earn High School Equivalency diplomas
Last Wednesday night was graduation for the summer and fall High School Equivalency (HSE) class of 2023 at Salish Kootenai College. The students were excited, donning their bright purple caps and gowns. Proud parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends were waiting with congratulatory balloons, flowers and cameras.
UM and CSKT collaborate on award-winning digital story collection
A groundbreaking digital story collection, “Explore Climate Actions on the CSKT Flathead Reservation,” recently clinched the prestigious Esri Native Nations Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Award in the 2023 ArcGIS StoryMaps Competition.
Two men charged with killing and trafficking eagles
According to an indictment filed Dec. 7 in U.S. District Court in Missoula, two men are charged with unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, hunted and killed on the Flathead Reservation and elsewhere.
Resurrection: Three Chiefs Cultural Center returns to Pablo
For Marie Torosian, director of Three Chiefs Cultural Center in Pablo, hope rises from ashes. It lives in every moccasin, headdress, beaded bag or vest that survived the arson-caused fire that demolished the People’s Center Sept. 6, 2020.
Fleming found not guilty of felony family member assault
A Lake County jury found a Pablo man not guilty on felony charges of partner or family member assault and criminal endangerment. Jacob P. Fleming, 47, was accused of making a false report that an intruder was assaulting his father.
On the Agenda
Upcoming meetings of governmental organizations
Ronan parade, holiday drawings attract crowd
Main Street Ronan was crowded with parade watchers Friday as the annual Parade of Lights made its way through town. Festivities wrapped up at the Visitors’ Center with a giant bonfire, hot cocoa, and drawings for 15 themed gift packages, sponsored by the Ronan Chamber of Commerce.
Residents hope to keep walking track intact at Linderman
Several Polson residents expressed concern over losing part of the walking path at Linderman School during a Polson City Commission forum on school construction projects, held Dec. 4.
Legals for December, 14 2023
Friday, December 8
Judy Sanders, 79
Judy R. Sanders, 79, of Missoula and Polson passed away due to COPD complications Nov. 26, 2023, at St. Joseph Medical Hospital with her daughter, Julyn, and friend Tola by her side.
Thursday, December 7
Legals for December, 7 2023
Lady Pirates look to continue momentum
Polson girls' basketball went from the Northwest A cellar to third place in the conference, standing in the first year under Lady Pirates Head Coach Brandie Buckless, going 12-10.
Public Law 280: The path forward
“You have my commitment that – no matter what happens going forward – if you call 911, we're coming,” Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said during a crowded meeting at the Lake County Courthouse last Thursday. “We don't care, frankly, who the bad guy is until we know everybody's safe,” he added.
Carnival, light parade a success
According to Darren Orr – a veritable Father Christmas in St. Ignatius – this year’s Christmas Carnival and Parade of Lights were a huge success.
Longtime Leader sales rep retires
Andrea Downing, or Andie as she’s known around the office, retired last week after 24 years as a sales person for the Lake County Leader.
Wasps culprits in Pablo well contamination
Thirsty wasps, discovered in the electrical boxes of two wells in Pablo, are blamed for an e. coli contamination that forced residents and businesses to boil water and consume bottled water for two weeks.
Winter Sports Calendar
Varsity basketball and wrestling are in full swing this week, with swimming kicking off too.
Scarlets open season with win over Noxon, loss to Plains
A quick start by the Scarlets led to a 31-20 victory over Noxon at the Hamilton Tip-Off Tournament on Friday, Dec. 1, and a loss to Plains on Saturday.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Rollins man killed when bus, trucks collide
A collision between a school bus and two trucks south of Rollins last Thursday morning claimed the life of 54-year-old Dennis Perez. The accident occurred around 7 a.m. Dec. 1 near the intersection of Hwy. 93 and Mellow Cove.
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
The following stories were gleaned from the archives of weekly Mission Valley newspapers.
Thomas "Tex" Brown, 81
Thomas Glenn “Tex” Brown, age 81 of Polson, passed away Friday, Dec. 1, 2023 at his home. A Celebration of Life for Tex will be held Friday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at the Polson Elks Lodge.
Festival of Trees kicks off Christmas season
It’s December, and a tradition in Polson is the Festival of Trees. This year marked the 23rd annual event, held Dec. 2 at the Kwataqnuk Resort and Casino’s ballroom.
Donna Weaver, 74
Our beloved wife, mom, grandma Donna Marie Bramsen Weaver passed away Dec. 1, 2023, at 74 years old at her home in Polson after a brief battle with lung cancer. A celebration of life for Donna will be held at The Barn on Finley Point on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, at 11 a.m.
MDT finishes construction on Ronan project for season
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. have completed construction activity on the Ronan-North project for the season.
Arlee posts two wins at Hamilton Tip-Off Tournament
The Arlee boys kicked off the season with a bang at the Tip-Off Tournament in Hamilton Dec. 1-2.
Ronan wrestlers have eye on the podium
Already boys' and girls' teams champions at the Owen Invitational this year, it's hard to ignore what is happening in Ronan regarding wrestling.
Tough freshman incoming from Mission/Charlo
Mission/Charlo Wrestling had five state qualifiers last year, including one placer. This year, they’ll have several younger wrestlers in the program who bring a lot of toughness.
Pirates building on last year’s foundation
Polson's basketball season ended at Divisionals last year, but the Pirates took that energy and will feed it into this year's campaign.
Maidens ready to tackle season together
Ronan Maidens basketball team finished fourth last year in the Northwest A but felt they could have finished with an even better season than 6-5.
Sherwood and Chiefs: Bring your orange and black
Ronan opened up the season with their offense notching 80 points and looking to improve on last year's season, which saw the Chiefs finish fifth in conference play. In the offseason, Ronan hired George Sherwood as its new head basketball coach after being an assistant coach for three sports at the school.
Chiefs' offense on display in win over Mission
Ronan’s offense operated well in its first game of the season, as the Chiefs downed Lake County rival Mission 80-39 in nonleague basketball action on Friday, Dec. 1. Ronan scored over 20 points in both the first and second quarters on their way to victory.
America was built by people with dirty hands
Four times in my life, after I have been working a job for months or years, I have had a small revelation that says to me, “Hey, I know what I’m doing, and I am doing it well!” It only came once per job, but it’s enough.
Lady Bulldogs down Maidens
The girls' basketball season started last Friday, Dec. 1, as Lake County rivals Mission and Ronan faced off on the Maidens' home court.
Ronan Boys take top honors at Owen Invitational
The Ronan boys wrestling team started the season with a championship at the Owen Invitational in Polson over the weekend, while the hosting Pirates placed ninth. The Chiefs had four wrestlers place first, and many more reaching the podium.
Ronan Girls win Owen Invitational
The defending state champion Ronan Girls wrestling team started with a bang, winning the Polson Owen Invitational Tournament last weekend and edging out Polson, which placed second, 168-154. The Maidens picked up three first-place finishes, while Polson tallied two first-place finishes.
Polson students bring musical “Annie Jr.” to life
“It’s the Hard-Knock Life” and “Tomorrow” are some of the songs from the musical “Annie Jr.” that lit up the stage at Polson High School Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
Ronan Hall of Fame: Distinguished Athlete Phillip Roullier
The Ronan Hall of Fame Committee continues to introduce members of the Class of 2023 with a profile of Distinguished Athlete Phillip Roullier.
Ronan Hall of Fame Inductee: Lynn Olsen, Voice of Chiefs & Maidens
Ronan Hall of Fame introduces members of the Class of 2023, beginning with a profile of Distinguished Community Member Lynn Olsen, known as the voice of Chiefs and Maidens for 28 years. Olsen announced all indoor sports games as well as some football games from 1989-2017.
Chief Cliff fire adds truck to fleet
The Chief Cliff Fire Service Area (CCFSA) added a significant new tool to its firefighting arsenal recently, thanks to a generous grant from the James J. Pomajevich and Donna M. Pomajevich Fund of the Montana Community Foundation.
More enlightenment, less judgment on abortion
Some thoughts after reading a letter to the editor in the Thursday, Nov. 30, edition from Gloria Mader Simon: While I agree with Ms. Simon that an abortion law is unnecessary, I disagree with all the other statements in her letter.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Bake sales on tap
Need Christmas goodies? Come see us Dec. 8, for a Bake and Craft Sale at the Senior Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and again at the 4-H Bazaar on Dec. 9 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the St. Ignatius High School Gym. See what goodies we have. Any donations are welcome.
Ronan Seniors: Christmas dinner is Dec. 10
Our Christmas Dinner will be served Sunday, Dec. 10 – don’t miss out on another excellent meal. The menu for regular meals includes pork ribs, Dec, 8; cook’s choice, Dec. 11; and hamburger gravy, Dec. 13.
Man uses vehicle as weapon against girlfriend
Judge Molly Owen set a sentencing date of Jan. 17 for John William Cox, 21 of Ronan, who entered a plea of “no contest” Nov. 29 in Polson District Court to felony assault with a weapon.
Gardipe sentenced for drugs; still facing two trial dates
Junior Gardipe, 36, entered a plea of guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs just prior to his sentencing in Polson District Court. He admitted that he possessed the drug on Feb. 8. Judge Molly Owen outlined a lengthy criminal history in delivering a harsher punishment that is usual for a simple possession charge.
Polson Seniors: Welcoming the season of light
“Yesterday, December 7, 1941, a date that will live in infamy …” – Franklin D. Roosevelt’s address to Congress. Tell the story of the attack on Pearl Harbor by an imperialistic country. Never forget the lessons of history.
Mission man faces four felony drug charges
A St. Ignatius man is accused of possessing drugs on two separate occasions. Nathan Dean Riekena, 42, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court Nov. 30 to four counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs.
Mission Valley Choral Society tunes up for Christmas concerts
The Mission Valley Choral Society celebrates the season with two Christmas concerts: 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, at the St. Ignatius Mission and 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec.17, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson.
Polson youth faces trial for weapon assault
The plea agreement for a Polson youth accused of threatening four juveniles with a gun has been rejected and the case reset for trial.
Dale Everett Morgan, 74
Dale Everett Morgan, age 74 of Ronan, passed away Nov. 28, 2023. He was born June 30, 1949, in Charlo to Robert and Esther Morgan. He was the oldest of six kids.
