Thursday, July 27
Lonnie "Dean" Durand, 82
Dean Durand, 82, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at The Retreat in Polson. Dean was born to Paul and Arlene Durand on June 13, 1941. His Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge in Polson.
Legals for July, 27 2023
Commissioners seek disaster declaration
The Lake County Commissioners joined the Flathead County Commissioners Tuesday in requesting a disaster declaration for both counties.
Juveniles to be cited for curfew violations
Lake County Law Enforcement and Youth Court announced recently that they will be actively addressing curfew violations in response to a recent uptick in criminal activity involving juveniles.
Accused arsonist goes before judge Thursday
Craig Allen McCrea, accused of igniting the devastating Boulder 2700 fire in August 2021, and two smaller fires, will appear before Judge Robert L. Deschamps for an evidentiary hearing at 2 p.m. Thursday.
Polson Commission denies Immanuel Living subdivision plat
Residents from Mission Bay showed up in force at last Monday’s Polson City Commission meeting to ask commissioners to put the brakes on a proposed 19-acre subdivision.
Community Notes
Pioneer Days, First Saturday at Ninepipes, Rotary Brew Fest and SNAP questions answered.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
On the agenda
Upcoming school board & city council meetings
20th Judicial District Court News
Anthony Steinebach’s suspended sentence for aggravated assault revoked; Craig Lafley’s sentence for drug possession revoked.
Big Knife Fire burns near Arlee
The first fire reported on the Flathead Reservation this summer started Monday and is burning five miles east of Arlee in steep, rocky terrain. A meeting is slated for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 26, at the Arlee Community Center.
Time Capsule: From the weekly archives
From the archives of the Flathead Courier, Ronan Pioneer and Lake County Leader – the three weeklies that make up the Lake County Leader.
Charlo Schools ready for new year with upgrades, new hirees
Charlo School District 7J is preparing for a school year with lower enrollment and fewer teachers, but a revamped HVAC system represents a major improvement for the small rural school.
Flathead Lake Art Festival draws art lovers
The Car Part Art by Shy booth at the Flathead Lake Art Festival in Sacajawea Park over the weekend drew in gear heads. Her booth was among several nestled under the shady trees in Sacajawea Park last weekend for the Flathead Lake Art Festival.
Enjoy all things cherry at Flathead Cherry Festival
It’s July and the cherries are ripe, providing inspiration for the annual Flathead Cherry Festival weekend on July 29 and 30. Cherries infuse ice cream, pie, lemonade, popsicles and tarts, and adorn a profusion of art and craft items.
Poker Paddlers pick up cards, support clean water
More than 90 participants launched kayaks and stand-up paddleboards or just swam around Polson Bay during the Flathead Lakers’ seventh annual Poker Paddle.
Lake County Fair shows off 4-H and FFA projects
The Lake County Fair, which continues this week at the fairgrounds in Ronan, kicked off July 22 with the 4-H Horse Show and wraps up with Saturday with a ranch rodeo.
Mariners head to State American Legion Tournament
The Glacier Twins won a loser-out contest to once again face Mission Valley Mariners in the Class A West District Tournament Championship Game, where they avenged an earlier 11-10 loss for the district title on Sunday, July 23, in Polson. The Twins held off a late Mariner rally as Mission Valley’s bats still proved powerful. The two teams advance to this week’s State A Tournament in Laurel.
“Big fruit year” say cherry growers
Flathead cherry season is here, and lots of sweet, juicy cherries are ripe and ready to eat. “Big fruit this year,” said Bruce Johnson, a board member of the Flathead Cherry Grower’s Co-op. “Lots of size, and lots of stands are open.
Brenda Kasani, 77
Mom, Nana, Brenda passed away peacefully on Jan. 26, 2023 in Salida, Colo., near her home of Crestone.
No Cavity Club pairs dental health with movie magic
More and more kids are showing up at Showboat Cinemas in Polson with cavity-free teeth and free tickets to a movie. The youngsters are members of Tribal Health’s No Cavity Club – an incentive program that rewards good dental hygiene and cavity-free checkups with movie tickets.
Richard Daved Peterson, 69
Rick Peterson passed away at his home in the company of his family July 4, 2023. Rick's Independence Day. Gone home / gone fishin'. No more pain or suffering. Safe in the arms of Jesus.
George Guenzler, 86
George T. Guenzler, age 86 of Ronan, went on his final ride June 15, 2023. He was born Feb. 16, 1937, to Paul and Laura (Stonehocker) Guenzler.
Leader intern passionate about writing and sports
Max Dupras, the Leader’s intern reporter, is passionate about at least two things: writing and sports. He’s honing his skills at both this summer, as well as taking photographs and covering local news and events.
Country Store board opts not to buy Legion building
The board of the Country Store, located on Main Street in Polson and operated by 10 area churches, has opted not to purchase the building the store occupies.
Frank Delgado, 81
Frank D. Delgado, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at his residence in St. Ignatius.
LaDene Joan Forman Reid
LaDene Joan Forman Reid, age 92, formerly of Polson, went home to her Lord and Savior on Friday, July 14, 2023, in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She was born on June 23, 1931, in Polson to Ivan and Vashti Forman.
Ronan Seniors: Audiologist visits Friday
Eve, the audiologist from St. Luke Hospital, will be here to screen for hearing on July 28. There is a limit of 10 people, so those who would like a screening should call 406-676-2371 in advance.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Appreciates breakfast volunteers
Thank you to all who come to the Good Old Days pancake breakfast, played bingo and bid on the silent auction items, as well as all the volunteers that helped prepare the pancake breakfast and helped serve it.
Polson Seniors: More meals served
We have noted a substantial increase in lunch meals delivered and lunch meals served to people walking through our doors.
Thursday, July 20
Live History Days brings visitors to Miracle of America Museum
The Empire Builder, its Omaha Orange and Pullman Green paint job gleaming in the morning sun, flew down the tracks and leaned into the curves with engineer Zach Wild keeping it running smooth. This Empire Builder is at the Miracle of America Museum in Polson, and Wild is museum CEO Gil Mangels’ great grandson, who came from Beaverton, Ore., to help out with Live History Days, held July 15-16.
Veteran choir director takes Choral Society baton
“One of the joys of my life is directing choir,” says Cathy Gillhouse, the new director of the Mission Valley Choral Society. “I love it.”
Vern Clairmont, 69
Surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, Vern Leroy Clairmont passed away after a yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer. While he had the strongest of hearts for his family, friends, community, and tribe, he had an even stronger heart which refused to give up in his final hours.
Ada "Del" Kenmir, 86
Ada Delma “Del” Kenmir, age 86, passed away June 30, 2023, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula due to complications from pneumonia. Del was born “Baby” Anderson on May 21, 1937, in Riverside, Wash., daughter of the late Buck and Edna Anderson.
Polson Seniors: We deliver more than food
I volunteered as a driver for a couple of days last week. My greatest reward was when one of my 16 meal-delivery clients commented: “This is the greatest part of my day!”
St. Ignatius Seniors: Good Old Days a success
Good Old Days celebration was fun, busy and we had a good time visiting with old friends and meeting new friends. Thanks to all that came and ate breakfast Saturday and played bingo, and to the 4-hers that came and helped with the breakfast and rode on our float.
Leader keeps getting better
The Leader has become an excellent source of news of Lake County.
Raspberry Jam returns to Jocko Valley
Thunder Road Farm in Arlee is hosting a Raspberry Jam Farm Party on Sunday, July 30, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Participants pick fresh raspberries to take home, then enjoy a farm-to-table dinner made with local ingredients and live music by John Floridis and Jennifer Slayden, with guest musician Amelia Thornton Sears.
Port Polson Players continue season with laughfest
Hopeless nerd Rick Steadman (Kai McDonald) takes a ride on the wild side as the Port Polson Players continue their 48th season with Larry Shue’s masterpiece, “The Nerd,” July 21-Aug. 6.
Time Capsule
From the archives of the Ronan Pioneer, Flathead Courier and Mission Valley News – the three weeklies that became the Lake County Leader.
Keeping the lights on
The billion-dollar question is what do we need to do to keep the lights on now that warming is here in the Flathead and poised to get much worse?
Bill Jones, 85
Bill K. Jones, 85, passed away peacefully at The Surprise Health and Rehabilitation center in Sun City, Ariz., on July 4, 2023. He was born in Norfolk, Neb. on Aug. 29, 1937, to Orlen and Evelyn Jones.
Lessons learned from grimy hands
About once a year I deal with an outfit out of Boise called General Gear or tractorparts.com. I use them when I need parts to repair my crawler tractor which is almost as old as I am and a damn sight better looking.
Department of Revenue hosts appraisal meeting
Taxpayers have been in an uproar since classification and appraisal notices went out in early July so it’s understandable that there was a standing-room-only crowd at the Red Lion Inn in Polson July 11 for a town hall meeting regarding property valuation.
Standing Arrow Powwow draws dancers, drums, and spectators
Kootenai War Chief Mike Kenmille led the Veteran Warrior Society flag bearers as the Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow opened with the 7 p.m. grand entry on July 14.
Ronan council gives nod to meat-plant annexation
Ronan City Council voted yes in a 4-2 decision to allow the annexation of 31 acres on Mink Lane for a new three-acre meat processing plant, as long as the City of Ronan can enter a cooperative agreement with the tribal council.
Young entrepreneur opens 406 Cakes and Cravings
When one girl's dreams of decorating cakes at Scottage Cakery were dashed when the owners decided to sell their business, she decided to take over and start her own baking business: 406 Cakes and Cravings.
Good Old Days goes for 40
Good Old Days celebrated 40 years last weekend with a flurry of family activities in St. Ignatius.
Business installs free roof for Ronan veteran
Mighty Dog Roofing and Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project combined forces on July 14 to help a veteran living in Pablo who was in need of a new roof.
Mission Valley Mariners: Learning is the goal; winning a bonus
The Mission Valley Mariners are approaching the end of a busy season after many of their players won the first-ever Montana high school baseball state championship. Now, they are looking to hopefully snag more wins as their season winds down during the weekend tournament.
Delaneys shine at Missoula Half Marathon
The Missoula Half Marathon, held the last weekend in June, is a test of athletic prowess, and a local father and his two talented daughters have tackled that challenge. Polson's Jason Delaney, a seasoned runner, shared the starting line with his daughters, Morgan and Quinn.
Mission Valley Mariners thump Missoula, Bitterroot
Mission Valley Mariners collected 23 hits as a team and battered Missoula 14-3 and 23-5 in Sunday’s doubleheader.
Dean Biesemeyer, 90
Dean G. Biesemeyer, age 90 of Ronan, passed away March 1, 2023. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, from 4-6 p.m. at the Missoula Public Library.
Jim Fahlgren, 68
Jim Ray Fahlgren, age 68, passed away on March 28, 2023 at his residence in Polson.
Thanks and happy retirement to 93 Auto crew
I want to send a big thank you to Pat, Debbie and Ray Erickson and staff for all the years of excellent service that 93 Auto provided to the Polson Community.
Management team denies request to fill lake
A regional water management team on Friday opted not to alleviate Flathead Lake’s low water level by increasing flows out of Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Tribal community mourns loss of "pillar"
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes lost “a pillar” last week, when Vern Clairmont died July 11 of pancreatic cancer. He was 69.
20th Judicial District Court News
Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher saw Curtis Daniel Buck in her court on July 13. He was in court for sentencing but withdrew his guilty plea and pulled out of a plea agreement. Buck then requested a fifth jury trial date.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Legals for July, 20 2023
Thursday, July 13
Richard (Rick) Daved Peterson
Richard (Rick) Daved Peterson passed away in the comfort of his home in Polson on July 4, 2023.
Making America whole again
Tim parked his bike next to me at the Fourth of July parade, sharing the shade. “Great spot,” I remarked. He nodded.
Pay more ... What for?
Less government and lower taxes! You hear that political slogan from Republican candidates early and often while they are campaigning. Then comes political reality. How did the largest percentage of Republicans elected in Montana history grow government at the fastest rate in state history – and at the same time raise property taxes on your home?
Hwy. 93 project moves ahead with Spring Creek Rd. closure
Paving operations on the northbound lanes of US Highway 93 (US 93) in Ronan continue this week, and Spring Creek Road is now permanently closed.
Polson Seniors: Seeking volunteer drivers
Volunteer drivers are needed now for Monday-Friday Meals on Wheels deliveries. The route starts about 10:30 a.m. and takes about an hour.
Cancer support group reorganizes
A support group for anyone affected by cancer is reorganizing. Pastor Matthew Connally of Ronan/Polson Nazarene Church will lead the Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group from noon-1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at St. Joseph Medical Center Chapel in Polson.
View from the Library: Impact grant helps out
We would like to thank the Greater Polson Community Foundation for awarding our library an Impact Grant to purchase a TV and sound system for our renovated meeting room. We are so grateful to them for the support they have given us over the years.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Pancakes served Saturday
The Senior Citizen Center is hosting a Pancake Breakfast from 7-11 a.m. Saturday, July 15, and bingo at 2 p.m., with a special Blackout prize. The Good Old Days Parade begins at 11 a.m. – come and enjoy!
Ronan Seniors: Sunday dinner on tap
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. Sunday dinner will be served July 16.
Good Old Days celebrates 40 years
Good Old Days in St. Ignatius turns 40 this year and unleashes a flood of family-oriented fun July 14-15 at Good Old Days Park.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your guide to events in the Mission Valley:
Live History Days bring displays to life
On any given day, the exhibits in the Miracle of America Museum in Polson tell the history of America and its peoples. But during Live History Days, July 15-16, many exhibits come alive as skilled craftsmen show how things were made in the “old days” while volunteers start the engines on what are usually static displays.
Time Capsule
From the archives of the three weeklies that comprise the Lake County Leader: The Flathead Courier, Mission Valley News and Ronan Pioneer
Monstrous good time had at the Mission Valley Super Oval
The Malicious Monster Trucks Tour roared into the Mission Valley Super Oval south of Polson July 7-8. Racetrack owner Tony Undem estimated the crowd size at 2,500 and said it’s one of their largest events of the season.
20th Judicial District Court News
Recent cases heard by District Court Judge Molly Owen:
Local teams go head to head at state softball tourney
Several Mission Valley softball squads made the long trip to Billings July 7-9 for the 2023 Fastpitch Softball State Tournament at Will James MS Field.
Mission Valley Mariners win one, drop three
Mariners beat Calgary, but drop three games during the John R. Harp Memorial Tournament in Kalispell.
Mission Valley Mariners win one, drop three in Kalispell tourney
Mission Valley Mariners best Calgary, but drop three games at John R. Harp Memorial Tournament in Kalispell.
Piper Hoxie: Passionate about helping others
Polson High graduate Piper Hoxie perches on a dock, looking out onto the mountains of the Mission Valley. Behind her, sits the city she loves and the community she continues to serve. From her church to the many clubs she dedicated her time to, the one thing she wanted to do most during her high school career was to give back to the place she calls home.
Spectators flock to three Independence Day parades
Independence Day in the Mission Valley was filled with parades from Polson to Charlo to Arlee, all of which included some fun floats and great vibes during another hot Fourth of July.
Blood donors needed to avoid shortage
Blood draws set in Ronan July 13 and Polson July 18
The American Red Cross announced this week that it continues to see a concerning trend – blood donations are being sent to hospitals faster than they are coming in.
MDT plans to make improvements to Perma bridge
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Frontier West are planning to rehabilitate the bridge that carries Highway 382 over the Flathead River just east of Perma. Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-July and take two construction seasons to complete.
Lake level points to another inconvenient truth
“Uncharted territory.” “The new norm.” Those were the headlines as the Earth experienced its hottest week ever recorded, in the wake of the warmest June on record. Those headlines could also apply to Flathead Lake.
Lake level could hit lowest level by Saturday
In the past weeks, the water level of Flathead Lake has dropped 1.75 feet below full pool of 2,893 feet, and is expected to be a full two feet below by this Saturday.
On the Agenda
City government and school boards meet
Annexations on the agenda
Both Ronan and Polson commissions fielded – or will field – annexation proposals from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
Legals for July, 13 2023
Constance (Connie) Moss, 88
Constance (Connie) Moss passed away in her sleep on June 8, 2023, in Lewiston, Idaho. Connie was born Sept. 15, 1934, in Helena to Viola and Leslie Christison. During Connie's senior year, the family moved to Great Falls.
Bill K. Jones, 85
Bill K. Jones, born Aug. 29, 1937, died July 4, 2023, in Sun City, Ariz.
Thursday, July 6
Zinke, Daines want water released from Hungry Horse
Flathead Lake’s low water level this summer has drawn the attention of Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke, who called the situation an “oncoming crisis.”
New appraisal notices sting taxpayers
“People are up in arms” about the appraisal notices that recently arrived from the Department of Revenue, says Lake County Treasurer Erika Jennison.
Tough summer, but funding helps
Operating a shelter is difficult. People assume winter is the worst, but the summer, with extreme heat and no rain, is just as punishing. However, this summer, there are additional challenges.
MV Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Mariners best Mavs, split with Lakers
After Sunday doubleheader, Mission Valley Mariners are 15-10 on season.
Time Capsule: From the archives of the Ronan Pioneer, Flathead Courier and Mission Valley News
From the archives of the Ronan Pioneer, Flathead Courier and Mission Valley News – the three weekly newspapers that formed the Lake County Leader
Silver Fox offers fun for all skill levels
Silver Fox Golf Course, a nine-hole course on the campus of Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, opened in 2001.
History and excellence converge at Polson Bay Golf Course
Polson Bay Golf Course can be summed up in one sentence. "It is 27 beautiful holes on the shores of Flathead Lake," Polson Bay Golf Course Pro Cameron Milton said.
Mission Mountain Golf Club has busy season ahead
Situated near Ronan, the Mission Mountain Golf Club showcases the area with sweeping views of the valley.
Community Notes
The Arlee Community Development Corporation has received a $18,369 Community Challenge Grant; the Miracle of America Museum in Polson was among 44 organizations in 31 Montana communities to recently receive a Historic Preservation Grant.
News Briefs
Zachary Conko Camel was recently appointed the new general manager of Mission Valley Power; fire officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire, have restricted outdoor burning starting July 1.
Patricia Sheumaker, 82
Patricia Roark Sheumaker of Ronan was called home after a major stroke on June 27, 2023. She was born in Charlo on Aug. 22, 1940, to Rommie and Helen Roark.
Roundtable focuses on houseless issue, business protection
Interim Polson Police Chief George Simpson gathered with Main Street business owners at City Hall last Friday morning to discuss strategies for handling a growing houseless population in the community, and its impact on their establishments.
20th Judicial District Court News
Bockman sentenced to five years for felony theft; Carpenter receives deferred sentence for partner endangerment.
Paving continues on U.S. 93-Ronan North
After a break from July 1-4, paving operations have resumed on the Hwy. 93 project north of Ronan, with crews on site from 5 a.m.-6:30 p.m. through Saturday.
Ronan launches downtown master plan
With the selection of KLJ Engineering to complete a downtown Ronan master plan and an economic development plan, it’s an exciting time for Ronan. The process is financed in part by a $50,000 Main Street Montana grant.
Poker Paddle supports clean water
The Flathead Lakers’ seventh annual Poker Paddle, set for July 22, raises funds for student education programs and community outreach to prevent the spread of invasive mussels, promote clean water practices, and inspire future watershed citizens.
Arlee Celebration: Following the footprints of elders
Arlee welcomed hundreds of onlookers and dancers to the powwow grounds June 29-July 2 to celebrate the annual Arlee Esyapqeyni Celebration. Grand entry for the powwow was 1 p.m. July 1-2 and 7 p.m. June 30-July 2.
On the agenda
Public meetings coming up in Lake County:
St. Ignatius Seniors: Good Old Days on horizon
Good Old Days are July 14 for the barbecue and dessert contest and July 15 for the parade, games and lawnmower races. The Senior Citizen Center hosts a pancake breakfast (7 -11 a.m. am) and bingo (2 p.m.) July 15.
Higher property values don't need to equal higher taxes
Property values are up, that's not news. Will property taxes follow? All of us need to have a conversation with your mayors, school boards and county commissioners, soon! Property tax bills have not been decided yet.
Polson Seniors: Volunteer drivers needed
Volunteer drivers needed now for Monday-Friday meal deliveries! The route starts about 10:30 a.m. and takes about an hour.
Shame on Republican-controlled Legislature
Senator Greg Hertz is a ranking member of the supermajority Republican Montana Legislature. And he accurately outlined the complex property appraisal process in Montana in last week’s paper. What he did not address is why.
MHSA makes rule changes
Tweaks and changes from the June Montana High School Association executive board meeting will affect several sports this coming year.
Montana Viewpoint: One nation, united
We celebrate America on this Fourth of July because we are a great nation with great dreams, great ability and great heart.
LaVonne Olmsted, 78
LaVonne Olmsted, 78, returned home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, after battling pancreatic cancer.
Legals for July, 6 2023
Tuesday, July 4
Teen injured in ATV accident on U.S. 2
The ATV, driven by a teen from Ronan, collided with a Toyota pickup truck.
