Thursday, June 29
Zinke wants water released from Hungry Horse Reservoir to fill Flathead Lake
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.”
Two-car accident results in traffic fatality
A two-car crash on June 19 at approximately 5 p.m. resulted in a fatality for one of the drivers. The vehicles collided at mile marker 58, which is near the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 93 and Ridgewater Drive, south of Polson.
Inaugural brew fest a hit with beer and music lovers
Ronan’s inaugural Summer Solstice Festival and Brewfest attracted a fun-loving crowd to the Lake County Fairgrounds Saturday.
Lake level drops prematurely
If people have noticed that the level of Flathead Lake appears to be dropping much sooner than normal, it’s not a figment of their imaginations. Instead, says Brian Lipscomb, CEO of Energy Keepers which operates the SKQ Dam, it’s a tangible result of a warming climate.
On the Agenda
City council and school board meetings
MV Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
The Chalkboard: News about education
Hope Morrison heads to UM Davidson Honors College; Forward Montana seeks fellowship applicants.
Dick Erb: “Brilliant, humble and inclusive”
Moiese Valley rancher Dick Erb brought a wise and generous spirit to life’s challenges – whether it was fine-tuning the sprinklers in his hay fields, helping stabilize the economies of nations facing debt crisis or focusing his insights and global experience on complex local issues.
New treasurer, clerk & recorder take office
In the past few weeks, oaths of office were administered to a new clerk and recorder and a new treasurer/assessor, who are each replacing elected Lake County officials who stepped down recently.
Canadian trick rider wows crowd at Polson rodeo
Big Tasty might sound like a mouth-watering hamburger, but he’s really one of Canadian champ Bella Da Costa’s trick riding horses. The big grey gelding was used as a pickup horse, but he didn’t like that work.
Fans turn out for the Mission Mountain NRA Rodeo
Despite some showers on Friday, the grandstands at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Polson were packed June 23-24 for the Mission Mountain NRA Rodeo.
Charlo's Petersen named Assistant Coach of the Year
In a moment of surprise and delight, Jim Petersen of Charlo High School was awarded the prestigious Assistant Coach of the Year title by the Montana Coaches' Association (MCA). Petersen, who has dedicated over four decades to coaching young athletes, expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
Ronan Middle School students earn Alaskan trip
Bill Becker’s fourth period class at Ronan Middle School is called Advanced Academic Elective, a new class offered for the 2022-23 school year. The target is 7th and 8th graders, and Becker’s theme for this class is “It’s okay to be smart.”
Polson theater rolls out red carpet for “Somewhere in Montana”
An actual red carpet was unfurled in front of the Showboat Stadium 6 last Thursday, awaiting the premiere of “Somewhere in Montana,” written, directed and produced by Brandon Smith, who lives near Polson.
Mission Valley Mariners 2-2 at Libby tournament
Last weekend’s Libby Big Bucks Tournament brought the Mission Valley Mariners wins against Lockwood and North Idaho, and two losses to The Generals and Inland Empire.
Arlee celebrates Fourth with parade, museum opening
“Freedom and Fireworks” is the parade theme of the 71st annual Arlee Fourth of July Parade, which begins at noon.
Elijah Tonasket signs with Rocky Mountain College
Rocky Mountain College's mens' basketball program recently added Ronan's Elijah Tonasket to their roster, meaning Mission Valley hoops fans can continue to watch the talented six-foot guard play at the next level.
20th Judicial District Court News
Judge Molly Owen hears cases involving bail jumping and burglary, child endangerment and felony drug possession.
John Delaurenti, 79
John Delaurenti, lifetime resident of Lake County, passed away at his home in Ronan on June 23, 2023. He was 79.
Polson soccer team wins showcase championship
The Polson FC U-11 Girls soccer team came home from the Montana Showcase Tournament with a championship title, after going undefeated in the tournament and beating the Flathead Rapids 4-2 in the final game. The showcase was held June 17-18 in Kalispell.
DuMont wins home-run derby
There is a good reason Dawson DuMont is moving on to play college baseball. The Polson High grad, representing the Mission Valley Mariners, won the 2023 Big Bucks Tournament Home Run Derby in Libby over the weekend.
Cheryl Cheff, 77
Cheryl Gail (Shourds) Cheff was called home to Heaven on March 7, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 8, at 2 p.m. at the Ronan Community Center.
Marcella Bishop, 96
Marcella “Marcy” Bishop, age 96, passed away June 23, 2023, at Polson Health and Rehab. Services will be held in September and will be announced.
Mary Bick, 82
Mary Bick was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor and friend. She died peacefully in hospice care at the age of 82 after complications from a stroke.
Montana travel limited by federal overreach in D.C.
Government inefficiency knows no bounds. A classic example is the fact that it takes a literal act of Congress to add flights from the Western United States into Reagan National Airport in DC.
Property tax appraisals: A complex equation
Property tax appraisals are currently arriving in the mail. It’s important to review the valuation and appeal it if you do not agree with the valuation. The appeal instructions are in the letter that was mailed to you. You only have 30 days, so do not wait.
Polson Seniors: Happy birthday America!
Happy Birthday, America! Celebrate safely, and remember, the fire season is upon us. The center is closed July 4.
First Saturday brings artists to Ninepipes
First Saturday artists and artisans gather from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. July 1 at Ninepipes Museum, south of Ronan.
Ronan Seniors: Patriotic Day
The Mission Valley Senior Center is open Wednesday, July 5, for Patriotic Day. Wear red, white and blue and enjoy burgers, hot dogs, salads and dessert.
Speech & Debate says thanks
Thank you to Richwines and the Polson community for your amazing support for the PHS Speech and Debate team.
Legals for June, 29 2023
Polson police host roundtable on community safety
Officer George Simpson, acting police chief for the City of Polson, is hosting a roundtable discussion about community safety at 8:30 a.m. Friday, June 30, at Polson City Hall.
Wednesday, June 28
St. Ignatius Seniors: Food key to good health
Words to ponder: According to a popular wellness model there are eight dimensions of wellness that include the following: physical, intellectual, occupational, spiritual, social, financial, environmental and emotional.
Port Polson Players open season July 6
The Port Polson Players, Montana’s fifth-oldest summer stock company, present three lively family-friendly comedies for their 48th summer season, which opens July 6.
Thursday, June 22
Cheerful Heart helps out cancer patients
Cheerful Heart has been helping cancer patients in Lake County since 2002, and provides non-medical services at no cost to those who are currently in treatment.
Legals for June, 22 2023
Legals for June, 22 2023
Four file for St. Ignatius town council
Filing closed at 5 p.m. June 19 for Lake County’s three municipal elections on Nov. 7. Unless write-in candidates file by 5 p.m. Sept. 5, the only contested races are in St. Ignatius, which has four candidates for two at-large seats.
Montana's large carnivores face renewed threats
This month Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission moved to sharply increase the kill of mountain lions in the state, up to 40 percent of the population in many areas.
Flower power in action
If you’ve been in downtown Polson in the last few weeks, you have probably noticed the beautiful hanging flower baskets that once again adorn Main Street. This is due to the tenaciousness of a big group of small-town folks.
MV Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
“Somewhere in Montana” premieres at Showboat
A cast and crew from Hollywood will attend Thursday’s world premiere of “Somewhere in Montana,” a film shot entirely in Montana by local production and film distribution company, Nova Vento Entertainment.
Feds award CSKT $30 million for Post Creek project
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes recently received a hefty grant from the Federal Highway Administration to rebuild the section of Highway 93 from Dublin Gulch Road to Gunlock Road at the top of Post Creek Hill.
Fort Connah beckons visitors to a taste of the 1840s
Storm Dancer, Jocko Hendrickson’s paint mare, didn’t like them, but the skirling of the Great Scots bagpipes made it seem like Fort Connah in its youth, if the fences, houses dotting the foothills of the Mission Mountains, and the vehicles could have been whisked away. Fort Connah hosted its annual rendezvous on Father’s Day weekend.
Elder abuse often involves scams and fraud
Financial scams and fraud are the most common forms of elder abuse according to Troy Downing, Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance.
20th Judicial District Court News
Cases heard in the 20th Judicial District last week:
Time Capsule: Lake raising, CSKT war donation, silly regulation
From the archives of the Flathead Courier, Ronan Pioneer and Mission Valley News – the three weeklies that make the Lake County Leader.
Mariners beat Missoula, lose to Glacier Twins
Mariners beat Missoula Impact but drop two to Glacier Twins at home.
Country Store faces decision about its future
The Country Store, a fixture in Polson for more than 50 years, is wrestling with a major decision about its future this week.
Voters deny Dayton levy by seven votes
Dayton School trustees voted to hold steady Monday night, even after voters in the Upper West Shore School District rejected by seven votes a mill levy that would have raised $61,125 to cover a budget shortfall.
Martha (Olsen) Bingham, 81
Martha Annette (Olsen) Bingham, born to the late Knute and Emma Olsen on Oct. 17, 1941, passed away on June 7 after experiencing a stroke.
Jack W. Svendsen
Jack W. Svendsen, of Polson, was born June 28, 1946 and died Jan. 25, 2022.
Mika Matters: Four-day journey focuses on unresolved hit-and-run deaths
“Mika Matters,” “Justice for Mena,” “Missing and Murdered Indigenous People,” and “Justice 4 Aiden” signs waved above a group walking from Polson Super 1 to the Lake County Courthouse lawn Friday afternoon – the last stop on a four-day journey that began in Arlee.
Wilson and Umphrey impact outcome in East-West Shrine Game
Two Mission Valley players had a big impact in the 76th annual Montana Shrine Game in Butte on Saturday, June 18. Montana Tech-bound quarterback Jarrett Wilson of Polson threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Mission’s Bryce Umphrey to put the West team up 22-7 in the third quarter.
Mission Valley athletes stand out at All-Star Game
Mission Valley players stood out in the 39th Annual Bob Cleverly 8-Man All-Star Game, held earlier this month at Bob Green Field in Butte as Team Blue defeated Team Red 56-40.
Three MAC members named to State B-C team
Reaching the State B-C State Championship Game couldn’t have been done without good players. So, naturally, Mission-Arlee-Charlo had three players named to the Class B-C All-State team and another to the Western B-C All-Conference.
More traffic disruptions hit Ronan with Round Butte project
Ronan continues to be at the epicenter of Montana Department of Transportation projects in the Mission Valley. And that’s even more true this week as work expands to Round Butte Road where MDT, along with construction partner Riverside Contracting, began a resurfacing project Monday, June 19.
Chalk it up: Education Briefs
Local students receive scholarships from MSU, PEO and Sandpiper Gallery.
Arlee High School posts honor roll
Students on the second semester honor roll at Arlee High are:
Jack Allen, 81
Jack Duane Allen, age 81, died on Dec. 24, 2022, of natural causes at his home in Polson. A celebration of his life is at Boettcher Park in Polson on July 1 at 11 a.m.
Neal Bridgewater
Neal Eugene Bridgewater was born March 26,1951, to Lester and Juanita Bridgewater in Anaconda, and passed away at home on June 9 in Dillon.
Colleen Elmora Tafoya, 89
Colleen Elmora Tafoya, 89, passed away on Jan. 12 at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell. Colleen was born in Ronan on Sept. 23, 1933, the daughter of Richard and Gladys Carlyle.
Ronan Seniors: Fourth raffle on tap
The Mission Valley Senior Center is sponsoring a Fourth of July raffle; tickets are available from members or at the center.
SKC student Jane Dempsey receives PEO scholarship
Jade Dempsey, who recently completed her junior year at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo, has been selected as the 2023-’24 Jane Hammer Holmgren Scholarship recipient.
Montana youth stand tall for the state's future
In federal court in Helena, 16 Montana youth have answered the call to serve and are standing tall for themselves, their communities and Montana’s future.
Judy Collins, 75
Judy D. Lockwood Jackson Collins, age 75 of Ronan, beloved wife, mother, grandma, sister, aunt, died surrounded by loved ones, on June 12, 2023, in Seattle, Wash., due to strokes directly after surgery to remove a tumor in her inner ear and against her brain.
Thursday, June 15
Cross-country champ headed to MSU-Billings
Mission High School's Andrew Rush has officially committed to run for MSU-Billings after the senior found a perfect fit in the state's biggest city.
Highway construction on 93 to continue at night
Riverside Contracting crews will construct the sub-base of the new southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 93 this week and plan to work from 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, as well as during the night from 9 p.m.-7 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday.
Divisive rhetoric drives Montanans apart
Newspapers recently ran a column written by right-wing Montana politician Greg Hertz, hitting the standard left/right divisive talking points about "woke" politics and tying any Montanan further left than Matt Rosendale to liberal philosophies.
Polson Seniors: Meeting discusses elder abuse
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15 and the Western Montana Elder Justice Council will hold an educational meeting at the Polson Senior Center at 10:30 a.m. June 15.
Ronan Seniors: Center hosts Fourth raffle
The center is sponsoring a Fourth of July raffle; tickets are available from members or at the Mission Valley Senior Center. In addition to two gift baskets, the raffle includes numerous gift certificates.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Veggies always welcome
Gardens have started to produce and fresh vegetables are healthy for each of us.
Ryan Busse gives talk at Demo dinner
Ryan Busse, author of "Gunfight: My Battle Against the Industry that Radicalized America," is the keynote speaker at the Lake County Democrats' annual spaghetti dinner and fundraiser June 28.
Yellow Bay Community Club hosts bazaar
A Community Bazaar, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 24, at the Yellow Bay Community Clubhouse, 23420 Montana Hwy. 35 (milemarker 18) will help raise funds to maintain the historic clubhouse.
MV Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Jennifer Hogan, 51
Jennifer Ione Hogan, 51, passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2023, at her family home, “Bony Fingers Ranch” in Polson.
Margaret Ann Marie Lowe, 67
Margaret Ann Marie Lowe, 67, passed away on April 4 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Ronan businesses need your support
As you’ve likely experienced first-hand, there are a lot of changes underway along Highway 93. The Ronan-North construction project is making progress, but many travelers are avoiding that stretch of highway by taking alternate routes. As a result, the businesses along that stretch of highway are experiencing significant downturns in customer traffic, during the start of what is typically their busiest time of year.
Salish Kootenai College honors class of ’23
The Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center was packed with parents, relatives, and friends of graduates for Salish Kootenai College’s commencement, held June 10 beginning at 11 a.m.
Crowds rally for Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous
Before the drifts of buttery sawdust started to accumulate under the canopies at the fourth annual Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous in Ronan, carvers arrived from around the United States and the world.
Early September jury trial likely for Nash case
Attorney Josh Morigeau appeared in Justice Court before Judge Virgil Hayden Monday, representing his client, former Polson Police Chief Wade Nash.
Cooking with solar at Polson Middle School
Middle schoolers in Mark Rochin’s Integrated Science class at Polson Middle School were assigned a solar cooker project, a culminating activity for the heat, energy, and light unit the kids had been studying.
Mission Mountain Quilt Guild holds 36th annual show
The Ronan High School gym was awash with color June 10-11 for the Mission Mountain Quilt Guild’s 36th annual Quilt Show.
Cranbrook ends Mission Valley Mariners winning streak
Cranbrook ended Mission Valley's five-game winning streak with 13-3 and 5-2 losses for the Mariners on Sunday, June 11.
Polson girls soccer places second at Three Blind Refs
The Polson FC U-11 Girls' soccer team came away with a second-place finish at the Three Blind Ref's Tournament this past weekend in Kalispell.
Polson hires Carson Oakland as new football coach
Carson Oakland has found incredible success at Mission High School, guiding the Bulldogs to new heights. After advancing to the eight-man state championship game last year, Oakland will now add three more players on the field to his toolbox as the new coach at Polson High School.
Boxers gain valuable experience at Title Boxing Tournament
The Polson Boxing Club sent three talented members to the Title Boxing Tournament held in Las Vegas May 12-14.
Warmer May temperatures speed snowmelt
“If it seems to you like the snow disappeared quickly this spring, you are not wrong,” said Eric Larson, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Water Supply Specialist.
A remarkable graduation journey
2019: Drug Court Judge: “Angela, sometimes we should think about where were you three years ago, and how far we’ve come.” Angela Evans: “Three years ago, I was running E Block downstairs.”
Ken Burns turns lens towards “The American Buffalo”
Famed filmmaker Ken Burns, his crew and several members of the press were advised to “be mindful of rattlesnakes” as they walked to a bench near the Bison Range Visitors Center last Thursday.
Mission Valley Aquatics turns 10
As runners headed for the hills in the Fish Out of Water Fun Run, coordinator Tana Seeley prepared to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness in Polson.
Girl Scout STEM van visits Arlee and Polson
The Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming will bring their mobile STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) van to the Arlee Community Development Corporation on Friday, June 23, from 10-11:30 a.m. and to the North Lake County Library in Polson from 3-4:30 p.m.
Governor touts education legislation during Polson stop
Governor Greg Gianforte was in Polson last Friday, notching the sixth stop in his tour of Montana’s 56 counties.
On the agenda
Upcoming meetings:
20th District Court News
Cases heard recently in the 20th Judicial District Court in Polson:
Legals for June, 15 2023
Friday, June 9
Chalk it up: Education Briefs
Read about scholarships, grants and student awards
Thursday, June 8
Legals for June, 8 2023
Work begins on 17th Ave. project
A road construction project that affects traffic flow along 17th Ave. from 1st St. East to 2nd St. West, begins Monday, June 12.
Gun violence: We must do better
Last week my wife and I attended our grandchild’s kindergarden music program. The kids were so excited to see their families in the audience.
Rock skippers vie for crown
A small but mighty crew of rock skippers appeared at Riverside Recreation in Polson Saturday morning, eager to claim the title in the Ken Avison World Rock-Skipping Championship.
Dayton students need our support
Residents of the Upper West Shore School District recently received a mail ballot for a General Fund Levy for one year to cover teacher Compensation and general operating expenses.
Dayton School asks voters to approve levy
Ballots are due by 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, from Dayton-area voters, regarding a one-year mill levy to support the Dayton School.
20th Judicial District Court News
Recent cases heard by District Court judges Molly Owen and Kim Christopher
MV Calendar: Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Check out our guide to upcoming events in the Mission Valley.
Barry Burghardt, 59
Please join family and friends for a memorial service to celebrate the life of former Polson resident Barry John Burghardt at 10:30 a.m. June 12 in Missoula.
Page signs with Central Wyoming University
Mission's Kooper Page will continue to lace up her shoes to play basketball – and move a state over.
Several named to All-State, All-Conference softball squads
Polson and Ronan each landed two players on the All-State Softball team for the 2023 season.
Webster shines at next level
Ronan's Haylie Webster has been making waves at Itasca Community College, part of the Minnesota North Colleges.
Mariners hope to keep things rolling
Coming off a state title by the Polson Pirates baseball team, it's easy to get excited about Legion Baseball season.
Mariners continue baseball wins
The wins for Lake County baseball teams continued as the Polson Pirates state championship season rolled right into Legion baseball, and there was very little drop-off.
Ronan High School graduate Maddy Perry builds her future
Ronan High School senior Maddy Perry has a goal – to be a residential architect.
Boy Scouts seek sailors for Melita Island camp
The Boy Scouts of America Montana Council is looking for a few good sailors to offer instruction at its summer camp on Melita Island on Flathead lake.
Xaria Jacobson: Be yourself, speak up!
At Arlee High School, graduating seniors, dressed in their caps and gowns, were going through a surprise arch with all the high school and elementary students forming the sides. The seniors were met with applause and greeted by well-wishers. Graduating senior Xaria Jacobson (X is pronounced like a Z), graciously smiled and shook hands or hugged all the kids, especially the small ones.
Hitswithastick lives, teaches traditional Bitterroot Salish ways
“The Art of Primitive Survival: Native American Tools and Techniques,” a movie made by Buck and Rose Hitswithastick of Arlee with support from the Montana Council of the Arts, debuted at the Johnny Arlee/Vic Charlo Theater on the Salish Kootenai College campus on April 25. The movie stresses keeping tradition, self sufficiency, living with nature, and Native arts and tradition.
Wilson triplets: best friends, top students and state champs
Saturday, the three very accomplished and distinct personalities that comprise the Wilson triplets graduated from Polson High School. Jarrett leaves school as one of eight valedictorians; Trent graduated with summa cum laude distinction (3.95-4.0 grade point average) and Colter, with magna cum laude (3.7-3.94).
Ronan superintendent earns regional recognition
“If you surround yourself with the right people, good things happen,” says Ronan Superintendent Mark Johnston. “You can’t do it by yourself.”
Time Capsule: Flathead fugitive, tuberculosis rampant, well runs dry
From the archives of the Flathead Courier, the Ronan Pioneer and the Mission Valley News: the three weeklies that were combined to make the Lake County Leader:
On the Agenda
Participate in local government
Marriages & Divorces
The following marriages and divorces were recently recorded at the Lake County Courthouse in Polson:
Ronan Seniors: All ages welcome
Upcoming meals include the following main dishes: meatloaf, June 9; spaghetti, June 12; and sloppy joes, June 14.
Polson Seniors: Elder-abuse presentation June 15
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15 and the Western Montana Elder Justice Council will hold an educational meeting at the Polson Senior Center on at 10:30 a.m. June 15.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library offers free books for 0-5
The North Lake County Public Library – temporarily housed at the First United Methodist Church on 16th Ave. E. in Polson – is hosting a launch party for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 10 a.m.-2 p.m. June 21. The program is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age 5.
Dennis Benjamin Wolfe
Dennis Benjamin Wolfe took off on his final flight Feb. 2, 2023. His wishes to stay home on the shores of Flathead Lake to the end were realized.
Oscar Baertsch, 107
Oscar Baertsch, age 107, 10 months, 20 days, passed away peacefully of a natural death on Friday, May 26, 2023, at St. Luke Extended Care on Ronan.
Tatianna Nichole Kimler, 33
Tatianna Nichole Kimler, 33, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023 in Portland, Ore., after a five-month valiant fight with a rare form of acute leukemia. Tatianna made her way home to heaven with her family by her side.
Boyd Clyde Foster, 86
Boyd Clyde Foster, age 86, passed away of natural causes on May 27, 2023, at his summer home in Polson. He spent winters in Georgetown, Texas, near Austin and made that home his permanent residence in his later years.
Reservation students attend UM STEM camp
Over 100 students will soon move onto the University of Montana campus in Missoula, including students from the Flathead Reservation, and spend part of their summer vacation building their own computers, learning about color wavelengths and studying river ecology while floating the Clark Fork.
Republicans delivered on their promises
In a recent op-ed published in several newspapers, Montana Democrat minority leaders claimed “the harm done by a Republican supermajority drunk on power will continue to be felt for a long time.” The Democrat leaders should remember that it was Montana voters who gave Republicans a supermajority in the legislature, and for good reason.
Eugene Leafty, 89
Eugene F. Leafty, age 89 of Ronan, passed away on Monday, May 29, 2023 at Village Health Care and Rehab in Missoula.
Richard David Erb, 82
Richard (Dick) Erb’s life spanned an arc from a 20-acre vegetable farm in New York to a 240-acre hay farm in Montana, with a long and accomplished career in international economic and financial affairs in between.
Two events on tap for Pride Month
In honor of Pride Month, SAFE Harbor, working with the Journey to Wellness, the Salish Kootenai College – Spirit of Many Colors, Reason to Live Native, Mission Mountain Empowerment and Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, will host two events in the Mission Valley June 16-17.
Friends of the Library host Book Sale June 16-17
The North Lake County Public Library District Friends of the Library will hold a used book sale Friday and Saturday, June 16 and 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Due to renovation of the library in Polson, the book sale will be held at the Presbyterian Church, 301 4th Ave. E.(across from Linderman School).
Thursday, June 1
Walter "Chris" Olson, 78
Walter “Chris” Olson, 78, of Polson, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2023, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula, after several complications stemming from an accidental burn.
Legals for June, 1 2023
City wrestles with budget imbalance
During a budget hearing May 15, Polson City Commissioners learned that the city is facing a “structural imbalance in the general fund,” meaning that revenues aren’t keeping pace with expenditures.
James J. Cole Sr., 91
James (Jim) J. Cole, Sr., 91, of Kalispell, passed away May 21, 2023, from natural causes. He was born into the family of Ralph and Violet Cole, April 6, 1932, in Charlo, the seventh of eight children.
Telephone of the Wind comes to Boettcher Park
It’s mostly big old trees, grass, and the swish and murmur of Flathead Lake in the background at the eastern end of Boettcher Park. That’s why Suz Rittenhouse chose to put a Telephone of the Wind there.
20th Judicial District Court News
The following cases were among those heard in Judge Molly Owen's court on May 24:
Jeffrey Scott Chada, 58
Jeffrey Scott Chada, age 58, of Elburn, Ill., died surrounded by family Saturday, May 27, 2023 after a short, but hard-fought battle with cancer. He leaves family and friends in grief, but also a lifetime of memories to cherish.
Big weekend ahead for graduates
The season of graduations continues June 2-3, with graduations for four area schools.
Charlo grad's lessons go beyond the classroom
From Montana, to Alaska to Texas, Charlo graduate Gus Shrider has traveled a long way – and surmounted challenges beyond those offered in the classroom or on the football field or track.
Commissioners wait for court to decide fate of Public Law 280
Public comments ranged from frustration with Gov. Greg Gianforte to a few mentions of vigilante justice during a crowded public meeting last Thursday, as Lake County Commissioners considered their next move in the ongoing saga of Public Law 280.
On the agenda
Meetings coming up in Lake County:
Polson man pleads not-guilty to drug charges
Kellen Kantrell Norman, 19, of Polson, appeared in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto May 25 and pled not guilty to charges of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of an unregistered firearm.
Polson tops at State A Tennis
Judging by the Polson Tennis trophy case, quite a few great players and teams have come through the program. However, this year's boys and girls teams might have had the most storylines going into the Class A State Tournament at Fort Missoula.
Mission Valley Calendar
Summer is heating up in the Mission Valley. Check out our guide to June events
Ninepipes Museum receives preservation grant
Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, located south of Ronan on Highway 93, recently received a grant for $6,500 from the Foundation for Montana History to help preserve its collections.
Ronan Seniors: Fourth raffle
The Mission Valley Senior Center, located across from St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities. All ages are welcome.
Polson Seniors: Fresh pasta a plus
The Strawberry full moon is June 5 in Texas. Here, it’s mid-July, maybe.
MAC places second at State
For the third year in a row, Mission-Arlee-Charlo placed second, and while they would have loved to take home the top trophy, it was an impressive performance at the State B-C Softball Tournament.
Katie Dolence a standout at Nationals
Katie Dolence, a wrestler from Ronan, embarked on an unforgettable journey at the Adidas Nationals, held April 6-8 in Independence, Mo.
Evans shines at the plate and in the circle
Izzy Evans, a seemingly all-around player for the Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball team, has been grinding all year in the batters' box and the pitching circle.
World Championship returns to Polson
After a three-year hiatus, the Ken Avison World Rock-Skipping Championship returns to its birthplace June 3.
Lady Pirates win two at State A
Polson picked up two wins at the State A Softball Tournament in Belgrade over the weekend, but Billings Central dashed their quest for another trophy on Saturday, May 27.
Mission Valley track athletes shine at state meets
Mission Valley athletes found the podium at State A, B and C Track and Field Championships over the weekend, with Mission Senior Bryce Umphrey winning gold in the long jump at the Class B Championships in Butte with a personal best mark of 21-2.25.
Eight Mission Valley baseball players earn accolades
After Polson won the first-ever state baseball title in Montana, postseason accolades were awarded, and there was a strong bias towards the talented Pirates.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Thanks for your service
We want to send a big thank-you out to all that have served or are serving in the Armed Forces. You are appreciated for all that you have done and are doing.
Joanne Beaver Emerson, 68
Joanne Beaver Emerson, age 68, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at her home. She was born on Jan. 31, 1955 in Missoula to Larry and Patricia (Lynn) Beaver.
