Thursday, February 23
Food and community: one organization's mission
A food pantry, art classes and business development all come together under one roof.
Elton Hoyt, 84
Elton Ross Hoyt, 84, passed away on Jan. 23, 2023, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.
Legals for February, 23 2023
Victory! – But who’s the biggest Loser?
Apparently, somebody won something recently, because MEIC and other anti-coal groups are claiming a victory.
Bill would let cities tax Airbnbs to subsidize long-term rentals
A bill under consideration at the Montana Legislature would give cities, counties and resort districts the option of levying a tax on Airbnb-style, short-term rentals if they use the money to give rebates to landlords who rent to local workers on a long-term basis.
Teenagers restore faith in our future
I would like to send an appreciation to the three (sorry if it was four – that's all I noticed) young men that helped over the weekend.
Mission Valley Calendar
Lectures, music and a library sale ...
Lou's Bench commemorates mayor and his love of Main Street
City workers drilled bolts into concrete last Tuesday, as they prepared to place a sturdy metal bench along Main Street, in front of the former Crow’s Nest Gallery. The black bench bears a plaque commemorating Lou Marchello: “Come rain or shine, I will be right here sitting with you.”
Lady Vikings earn Divisional berth
After falling behind by an uncharacteristically large margin in the first quarter, the Lady Vikings shook off the cobwebs and rallied for a 52-42 victory over a scrappy St. Regis girls team and kept their playoff dreams afloat during a Western 14C challenge game Monday night in Thompson Falls.
Charlo boys best Superior, head to Butte
The Charlo boys basketball team came out on top of the spirited, upset-minded Superior Bobcats, 59-49, in a 14C conference challenge game Monday night in Thompson Falls.
Tournament Time
Basketball fans: Tournament action abounds this weekend with Western A in Ronan, Western B in Anaconda and Western C in Butte.
Man charged with attempted deliberate homicide
Authorities in Lake County have arrested a 46-year-old man on an attempted deliberate homicide charge following an alleged shooting Feb. 12.
Wilson signs with Montana Tech
For those who saw Polson quarterback Jarrett Wilson play on Friday nights, it comes as no surprise he will be playing on Saturdays next fall. Wilson, who threw for 115 touchdowns and rushed for 27 others for the Pirates, signed to play for Montana Tech University of the NAIA in Butte.
Dawson Dumont signs with Shoreline
Polson’s Dawson Dumont signed to play baseball at Shoreline Community College of the NWAC Conference.
Two Eagle River teams both end season at District
Both the boys and girls Two Eagle River basketball teams made it through the second day of the recent Western 14C District tournament in Polson. Unfortunately, that amounted to a total of two victories and four losses and an unexpectedly quick exit from the tournament.
Hoop Stories: Maidens, Bulldogs, Warriors advance
Ronan Maidens end Whitefish's season; Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs place third in District 7B; Arlee takes fourth in 6B.
FLIC returns with more cinematic adventures
About two-dozen filmmakers from across the country will trek to Polson this weekend to participate in the 11th Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC).
Time Capsule: Milk prices double; Namen case expands; Wal-Mart vote on hold
This week's look back at Lake County history includes a spike to 2 cents in school milk prices, a lawsuit by the Tribes over shoreline jurisdiction, and postponement of the controversial vote on Wal-Mart's expansion.
Bill to fund Public Law 280 passes first legislative hurdle
After a hearing that included testimony from several local officials, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced legislation last week that could help Lake County fund law enforcement under Public Law 280.
Housing: It's time to leave the 1920s behind
Rising costs of land, materials, and labor combined with people moving into our communities, further straining our infrastructure, has made for an increasingly critical housing situation. On top of that, developers, builders, and local governments are trying to build housing under old, outdated land use and planning statutes from the 1920s.
We could use a little Cowboy Logic
I have been reading and listening to the issue of homelessness for a few weeks. Cowboy Logic believes there is a simple solution to just about everything, so here goes …
Bus cancellation strands riders
CSKT Transportation provides an essential service for the Mission Valley that I, for one, rely upon. When those services are cancelled, without notice, it creates problems.
Robert "Bob" L. Halgren, 86
Robert L. “Bob” Halgren, 86, of Lake Mary Ronan passed away in Polson on Feb. 15, 2023, surrounded by family.
Providing financial relief to Montanans
Republicans’ number-one goal this legislative session has been to provide financial relief to Montanans struggling with Joe Biden’s inflation and the high cost of living.
Free course available for early childhood providers
The Early Childhood Services Bureau, in partnership with the University of Montana, has developed an online course for Montana early childhood providers.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Tax help available Feb. 27
If you need help with taxes, AARP will be at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday, Feb 27.
Polson Seniors: Longing for a Royal Burger
It has been brought to my attention that in Polson, Spring does NOT arrive on March 21. It arrives on the first day that Richwine’s Burgerville opens those sliding windows and hands you a Royal Burger and a huckleberry shake (with a smile).
Asphalt plant poses real threat
The first time I drove through Arlee, I looked at its quiet main strip and wide-open fields and serene view of the Rattlesnake Mountains and I said, “I can see me living here.”
David Joseph Reid, 95
David Joseph Reid, age 95, formerly of Polson, went home to his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023 in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.
Mark Kevin Daniels, 64
Mark Kevin Daniels was born in Dearborn, Mich., on Oct. 14, 1958. He passed away at his home on Jan. 30, 2023, in Polson.
John Chrysostom Nelson, 89
John Chrysostom Nelson of Polson passed away on Feb. 7, 2023, at the age of 89. John was born on Dec. 2, 1933. He was one of 15 children born to Hiram and Barbara Nelson of Boyd, Wis.
Jack B. Mercer, 77
Longtime resident of Polson and Missoula, Jack Blaine Mercer, 77, died in Apollo, Pa., on Feb. 8, 2023, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease.
House proposes state-wide lot mandate
A new bill aims to increase housing supply to keep up with demand.
Thursday, February 16
Polson Swimming Team makes splash at state meet
The Montana State Swimming Meet took place in Great Falls last weekend with top-notch performances from high school swim teams across the state. And Polson was no exception.
Post Creek Corridor should come first
We want to go on record as opposing the Ninepipe Corridor section of Highway 93.
Polson Seniors: Next up is Presidents Day
If it’s not one day (Valentine’s) it’s another (Presidents) Day. On Feb. 20. we recognize all of them, not just your favorite(s).
Children’s theatre returns to Polson schools with “Heidi”
The Port Polson Players returned to Polson schools recently to prepare 70 local kids, grades K-8, for this weekend’s production of “Heidi.”
"Jerry" Geraldine Cordier Powell, 84
“Jerry” Geraldine Cordier Powell, 84, of Ronan passed away peacefully in her home with her daughter holding her hand on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, ending her battle with cancer.
Roger Wagner, 80
Roger Wagner of Nashua passed on Jan. 31 from congestive heart failure.
Ken Newgard, 82
Kenneth Morris Newgard (Kenny/Snuse), son of Leonard and Solvay (Karlsgodt) Newgard, passed away in his home in Polson at the age of 82 on Feb. 9 from pancreatic cancer. He was under the care of his family and hospice.
Constitutional amendments threaten to usurp reins of government
Alexander Hamilton asked the question: “whether men {and women] are really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force.”
Births at St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place
The following babies were born recently at St. Joseph Medical Center's Nesting Place in Polson:
St. Ignatius Seniors: Center offers QPR training
The center will host QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention training at 1 and 5 p.m. March 22.
Ambition needs to counteract ambition
“Make ambition counteract ambition,” wrote James Madison, so that governments were obliged to “control themselves.” This is the core necessity of limited government.
Charlo student masters “futility” to win county bee
“Ferret” and “futility” won Nathan Alder first place in last Friday’s Lake County Spelling Bee, held at the high school gym in St. Ignatius.
Anglers gear up for Spring Mack Days
Rumors are that some anglers have been seen in their dry land-locked boats while the weather is in the single-digit numbers, getting ready for the 59 days of lake trout fishing known as Mack Days.
Time Capsule: Juveniles in trouble, new bridge, wrestling champs
Juveniles arrested in Portland; water line replaced for new bridge; Polson wrestlers take state
Public comment sought on container sites
The Lake County Commissioners will host a meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork to take comment on the Ferndale and Woods Bay container sites.
Polson Commission reconsiders zoning change
Housing topped the Polson City Commission agenda again last week, with commissioners unanimously approving draft language that would allow two-family dwellings in low-density residential districts.
Hoop Stories: Polson triumphs in Mission Valley rivalry
Polson boys and girls defeat Ronan in back-to-back basketball action.
Ronan Girls win first A-C wrestling title in state history
The Ronan Girls Wrestling Team made state history in Billings last weekend, winning the first Class A-C title as four different wrestlers placed, and Tirza TwoTeeth picked up a state championship at 235 pounds.
Post Season Basketball
Teams converge in Ronan and Polson for regional playoffs.
Nix SB 200: Keep partisanship out of schools, courtrooms
Senate Bill 200, sponsored by Greg Hertz, would allow candidates in non-partisan races – judgeships and school boards – to declare a party affiliation. Really? School board candidates? Judges?
Don’t inject partisanship into judicial system
SB-200 is a proposed law that allows candidates for nonpartisan races – including judicial candidates – to announce political affiliations and endorsements.
Dr. Daylight’s Jazz Company entertains in Polson
Dr. Daylight’s Jazz Company delivers nostalgic Prohibition-era jazz to the Polson High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. Feb. 17.
Western Montana Musicians’ Co-op gets JAMBAR boost
“My jaw literally dropped,” says Doug Ruhman, cofounder of the Western Montana Musicians’ Cooperative in Ronan, of his future-son-in-law’s surprise “gift rap” and extra-large Christmas present.
Mission Valley Calendar
Music, film fest, library sale & lectures on tap.
Polson High School Honor Roll
The following students made the second quarter honor roll at Polson High.
Lake County objects to CSKT water compact
After originally having the objection on the agenda in December the commissioners voted to file it on Feb. 8.
St. Ignatius High Honor Roll
The following students made the second quarter honor roll at St. Ignatius High School:
Michael Corrigan, 72
Michael Lee Corrigan of Polson passed away unexpectedly and too soon, surrounded by family, on Sunday, Feb. 5, at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula.
Legals for February, 16 2023
Thursday, February 9
Prep Sports Calendar: Feb. 9-11
Wrestlers head to State in Billings; basketball wraps up conference play before Divisionals.
Compact opponents masquerading false info
My barber told me people are freaking out about losing water rights to their home wells. Opponents of the CSKT Water Compact are scaring people with lies.
Opposes effort to redefine right to privacy
The Framers structured our government in a way that prevents one branch of government from becoming too powerful.
Fairfield hosts Junior Ref Clinic
Citing a “worsening referee shortage” the Fairfield Basketball Club is the first ever Montana Junior Ref Clinic for Basketball March 18 at Fairfield High School.
Time Capsule: From the Archives
Dog matmen triumph at Divisionals, Mercer says 'no thanks' to governor's job, early spring, and post war plans ...
John R. Dibble, 80
John R. Dibble, age 80, a resident of Jette Lake near Polson, passed away on Jan. 30, 2023, at Logan Health in Kalispell.
Patricia Prestegaard, 89
Patricia Ruth Prestegaard, 89, of Kalispell, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Jan. 27, 2023, at her home in Boise, Idaho.
Wayne Cooper, 64
Wayne William Cooper, age 64, passed away Jan. 27, 2023, at his residence in Polson. He was born on Jan. 15, 1959, to Alice (Combs) and Donald Cooper in Missoula.
Polson Senior Center: The perfect Valentine’s gift
We Montanans understand that winter ends on April 15, so here is a reminder that free tax-filing assistance is available on Mondays or Thursdays from now until then.
St. Ignatius Senior Center: Guess the Kisses ends Feb. 15
The center hosts a Guess the Kisses in a glass container and a 50/50. Winners will be announced Feb. 15
Polson School District to implement AVID
The Polson School District will be implementing AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a proven college and career readiness system, in the fall of 2023 at Polson Middle and High Schools.
Flower Power needed to fill summer baskets
“We can’t envision looking down Main Street this summer and not seeing the blooming flower baskets,” says Jennifer Rolfsness, administrative assistant for the Greater Polson Community Foundation.
January Marriages & Divorces
The following marriages and divorces were recorded at the Lake County Courthouse recently:
On the Agenda
Keep up with local government.
Elton Ross Hoyt, 84
Big Arm resident Elton Ross Hoyt, age 84, passed away on Jan. 23, 2023, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan.
SB 154 is not the answer to abortion issue
No matter what your personal moral opinion about abortion is, SB 154 is not the answer.
Mission Valley sending two boxers to national tournament
Two young boxers from the Polson Boxing Club – Araeya Nelson and Oziah HeavyRunner – headed to Independence, Mo., for the Silver Gloves National Tournament on Feb. 8.
Hoop Stories: Ronan & Polson girls stop Whitefish
Ariana Zepeda's clutch basket with 6.2 seconds remaining propelled Ronan to a hard-fought 35-34 victory over Whitefish in a thrilling girls' basketball contest in the Northwest A Conference on Thursday, Feb. 2.
Mission Valley sending mountain-full of wrestlers to State Tournament
The Ronan Maidens ran away with the inaugural Western A girls' divisional title on Saturday, outscoring runner-up Polson by more than 45 points.
Ronan Hall of Fame inducts new honorees
The Ronan Hall of Fame Committee hosts its annual Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the Ronan Community Center.
Mission Valley Calendar
Check out these Mission Valley events:
Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation assists local food banks
Food banks in Ronan, St. Ignatius and Arlee each received grocery credits of $600 apiece last week, thanks to a collaboration between the Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation and the For the Children Foundation.
Snowpack drops in western Montana and across state
Following nearly three months of abundant precipitation across much of Montana, weather patterns changed in early January, producing relatively dry conditions for the month.
Mission Valley Ice Arena edges closer to reality
A year-around ice rink in Polson edged much closer to reality recently when local developer Mike Maddy and his wife, Marlo, deeded a 1.18 acre lot at their Ridgewater Development to the Mission Valley Ice Arena Association.
School superintendents say open enrollment bill could up taxes
Mission Valley school superintendents are concerned about the local impacts of HB 203, a bill that was passed unanimously by the House Education Committee and has since passed the House on a second reading, 99-1.
Compact settlement delivers $157m to CSKT
In a press release last week the Department of the Interior announced the release of nearly $580 million to continue fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims. The largest portion – over 25% – was awarded to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Legals for February, 9 2023
They’re here and already attacking our Montana
All Montanans have seen the bumper stickers and heard the chatter warning potential newcomers against changing Montana.
Education Briefs
College and university honor rolls ...
Charlo teams claim back-to-back wins over St. Regis
Friday night in Charlo, the top two teams in the boys 14C basketball conference met in a showdown for first place in the regular season.
Thursday, February 2
Geraldine "Jerry" Cordier Powell, 84
Geraldine "Jerry" Cordier Powell died Jan.29, 2023, in Ronan. Services are pending.
Polson Chamber honors community members
The Polson Chamber of Commerce slipped into the Roaring Twenties Saturday night for its “Moon Over Polson” banquet and awards ceremony at KwaTaqNuk Resort.
A look inside the Lake County jail
Federal emergency funds help with jail improvements, but lawsuits challenge the county to address alleged inhumane conditions.
Round Three: Polson to pursue building bonds
Voters in Polson will see a bond issue on their ballots again this spring, as the high school and elementary districts take a third run at improving four aging buildings.
Healing Hedgehogs: Charlo woman’s cute creations cheer pediatric patients
Marie Bauer calls her handknit hedgehog Spike, and says his favorite food is potatoes. “And he loves dancing,” adds the 4-year-old. “Spikey loves everything!”
Hoop Stories: Polson girls triumph against Co Falls; Two Eagle bests Charlo
Polson defeats Columbia Falls for first time since 2012, and Two Eagle outscores Charlo 12-5 in overtime.
Mission defeats Polson in Mission Valley battle
In a league of state powers, Mission has firmly established itself as a team to be reckoned with in the Western 7B. Perhaps Mission's biggest win of the year, however, came last Tuesday, Jan. 24, when it defeated Class A Polson 68-62.
Polson Swimming gears up at Missoula Invite
The Missoula Invite on Saturday, Jan. 28, was the final swim before the state meet in Great Falls.
Wrestling Roundup: Ronan collects medals at Mission Mountain Classic
Three Ronan wrestlers placed second at the Mission Mountain Classic, and the Chiefs finished second in team scoring on Saturday, Jan. 28.
Prep Sports Calendar: Feb. 2-11
Wrestlers head to divisionals, basketball heats up: check out this week's games.
Geraldine Anne "Gerry" Crusch, 94
Geraldine Anne Crusch, age 94, passed away Jan. 24, 2023, at Mountain View Care Center in Ronan.
Enjoyed reunion of ’93 teams
We recently had the opportunity to watch the Polson-Ronan basketball games in the 'new' Linderman gym. The support the teams had from the pep band, cheerleaders, dance team, student section, faculty and parents was truly amazing.
Water rights aren't drying up
The Leader received a handwritten letter last week from a Sanders County resident, claiming “all water users are about to lose their water rights to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.” So far, I haven’t seen a shred of evidence that it’s true.
Everyone loses with compact
On Oct. 15, 2022, a meeting was held in the pavilion at the Sanders County Fairgrounds in Plains (that drew) a 350 standing-room-only crowd.
Montana Viewpoint: Merchants of anger
I watch people driving down the highways in $80,000 pickups towing $200,000 campers (which are bigger than a lot of people’s homes, but then, so are some of the pickups) and then a boat is being towed behind the camper and not to forget the miscellaneous means of propulsion strapped here and there.
Bill to establish infrastructure fund moves through House
Legislation to create a $100 million transportation infrastructure fund passed unanimously through the House Appropriations Committee last week.
Outdoor Notebook
Avalanche danger; Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet in February and March; Picture Wild photo contest opens
Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board to meet
The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet in February and March.
Polson Senior Center: Don’t believe the groundhog
Thought for Feb. 5: It’s the Snow Full Moon. Well, “duh!” Winter is not over until March 20. I don’t care what the groundhog told me.
Community Notes
Mission Valley Choral Society resumes rehearsals; Episcopal priest shares whimsical tale; Cheerful Heart receives donation; Baby Fair on tap.
On the Agenda
Get involved with local government.
Flathead Rivers Alliance names executive director
The Flathead Rivers Alliance starts 2023 by naming Sheena Pate as the organization’s first executive director.
Mission Valley Calendar
February brings a benefit for animal rescue organizations, Ronan Hall of Fame Induction, and the Arlee Rehabilitation Gala, and another Polar Plunge.
Medicaid rates: Stranger than fiction
I have just come back from giving testimony on the Medicaid rates for nursing homes in Montana.
Merne Marie Hardy, 99
Merne Marie Hardy passed away on Jan. 7, 2023, just 37 days shy of her 100th birthday.
Lorilie Holyk, 68
After two and a half years of fighting pancreatic cancer, Lorilie Holyk, 68, went to be with the Lord on Jan. 15 at her home in Yuma, Ariz.
Resolution on new House and Senate Districts move through Legislature
A resolution containing lawmakers’ feedback on newly drawn state House and Senate districts is sailing through the legislative process ahead of a deadline next month.
