Ellington

Spring Mack Days: Big second week brings in 8,773 lake trout

Flathead Lake anglers have just completed the second week of the 2023 Spring Mack Days. The fishing event sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks will conclude on Saturday, May 13.

David Stanley Stipe, 66

Former Lake County Commissioner David Stanley Stipe of Charlo died March 18, 2023, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson.

Local ice-hockey goalie heads to Nationals

Polson High School sophomore Summer Newman heads to California March 30-April 3 for the 2023 Chipotle-USA Hockey Girls’ Tier II 19U 1A National Championship.

Making history: Polson plays doubleheader

There is only one time you can be the first in school history, and Polson's baseball team rose to the occasion on Saturday.

St. Ignatius man wages anti-compact ad campaign

Opponents to CSKT compact eye courts as the remedy after not being successful politically.

Bigfork High School athletics move to Class A

Classification changes aren't unheard of, and there have been several examples around Flathead Lake in recent years. But with Bigfork moving up from Class B to Class A, it's a shift that will change the look of athletics in the area.

Who’s behind push to change selenium standards?

There are no benefits to Montana to be gained from weakening our water quality standards. The mining company is Canadian. Its mines are in Canada, its taxes are all paid to the B.C. and Canadian governments. The jobs all go to Canadians. Montana gets no money, no jobs, and no investment out of this.

Legislators need to fully fund senior long-term care

Legislators passed and the Governor signed bills to spend $1 billion, most of it going into the pockets of our wealthiest citizens who earn over $500,000 a year. We can certainly afford to do the right thing for our seniors.

Time Capsule: Free marriage, Fire destroys bunkhouse, Wal-Mart loses permit, Hefners guilty

A stroll through the archives: free marriage, fire consumes Mission bunkhouse, Wal-Mart loses permit, Hefners found guilty

Michael Cottet, 75

Michael Douglas Cottet, 75, passed away peacefully at home in Polson on March 6, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.

St. Ignatius Seniors: First robin

It must be Spring because I saw a robin (at least, that’s what I was told as a child).

Polson Seniors: Ban April Foolishness

April Fool’s Day is traditionally April 1, the day that some play practical jokes or propagate hoaxes upon their victim.

The Marbled Hide showcases unique leather goods

Think Tuscan terracotta, weathered teal, distressed pink, and matte olive marbled onto peachy tan leather and then made into handbags, bracelets, wallets, earrings and keychains.The Marbled Hide, 302 Main Street in Polson, has all the leather items above and more, created by proprietor Amy McIntosh.

Woman charged with child endangerment

Kailana Redwood, 21, of Polson, pleaded not guilty to the charge of Criminal Child Endangerment, a felony, during her appearance in District Court last Wednesday.

Suspect arrested in St. Ignatius burglaries

St. Ignatius Police Chief Jason Acheson said a suspect has been charged with three burglaries that occurred recently within the city limits.

Ronan Seniors: Birthday dinner is Friday

The Mission Valley Senior Center, located across from St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.

Alvin Merritt Jr., 89

Alvin Garth Merritt Jr., 89, of Polson (Irvin Flats), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

Dr. Peter Ashley Philips, 85

Dr. Peter Ashley Philips of Polson, 85, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan.

Register now for Hunters Education classes

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks team up to offer a Hunters Education Class, April 18-24.

Mission West offers food formulation workshop

Mission West Community Development Partners will host a free food formulation workshop titled “How to Turn a Recipe into a Commercial Formula” from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. April 5.

Deadline nears for GPCF grant applications

The 2023 grant application deadline for the Greater Polson Community Foundation is Friday, April 28.

Legals for March, 30 2023

Montana Viewpoint: Institutions and Constitutions

You will hear people say that we need to protect our “institutions” in America. What on earth does that mean?

Births at Providence St. Joseph’s Nesting Place

The following babies were born recently at Providence St. Joseph’s Nesting Place in Polson:

Wildlife managers offer tips to keep bears wild

As grizzly bears begin to emerge from their dens this spring in search of food, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other wildlife managers are asking for the help of residents and visitors in grizzly country to help keep bears wild.

Public comment sought for proposed land exchange on Flathead River

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission is collecting public comment on a proposed land exchange with Montana Department of Transportation as part of a bridge replacement project on the Flathead River in Flathead County.

Bond would help prep PHS students for the present and future

According to the U.S. Department of Education, a “skills gap among jobs that require either a high school diploma, postsecondary certificate, or associate’s degree ... presents a barrier to American economic competitiveness” as more of these jobs exist than adults qualified to fill them. We can see the effects of this skills gap right here in Polson.

Commissioners vote to continue collecting irrigation fees

The Lake County Commissioners voted 2 to 1 Monday to rescind a resolution to quit collecting fees on behalf of the county’s three irrigation districts. If it hadn’t been voted down, the resolution would have taken effect in July of this year.

Spring Sports Calendar

Spring sports are on the upswing -- here's what's coming up:

Community turns out for annual Ag Appreciation Banquet

Nearly 200 farmers and ranchers gathered at the Ronan Community Center last Friday for the 43rd annual Ag Appreciation Banquet, sponsored by the Ronan Chamber.

MV Calendar: Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Music, jam sessions and an Easter Egg hunt ...

On the Agenda

Check our calendar for local meetings, ranging from city council to school board.

Westland Seed: Ready for the next 50 years

Westland Seed founder Ken Sagmiller was a Ford man, while son David Sagmiller prefers Dodge Rams. But with the two Sagmillers taking turns at the wheel, Westland Seed is celebrating 50 years in business.

Judge Christopher hears cases involving child endangerment, stalking and burglary

District Court News: Judge Kim Christopher hears cases involving child endangerment, stalking and burglary.

Polson Softball begins year 2-0

Polson looked every bit like the state power they have been for years, picking up two victories on Saturday, March 25, in their First Four softball event to begin the 2023 campaign.

Polson Tennis opens season with wins

Polson Tennis picked up both boys' and girls' victories over Loyola and Corvallis to kick off the 2023 season. However, Montana didn't relent with the weather, as snow visibly fell on the tennis courts during the contests.

Montana Viewpoint: Institutions and Constitutions

You will hear people say that we need to protect our “institutions” in America. What on earth does that mean?

New boat ramp could ease summer congestion

After two very congested summers at Riverside Park and Salish Point, Bill Barron says county commissioners “got pressure like you can’t believe” to build a new boat ramp across the river on the chunk of land leased by Polson Fairgrounds Inc. (PFI) and owned by Lake County.

Redhawk draws a crowd at The Durham

Redhawk took the stage at The Durham in Polson on St. Patrick’s Day, drawing the crowd in with their versions of five decades of rock music.

Bring on the green: Ronan celebrates St. Patrick's Day

Around 30 entries, including a host of green-themed floats, fire trucks, goats, motorcycles, a leprechaun perched on a firetruck, and the ever-present green horse, traveled down Main Street in Ronan last Friday for the community’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Reciting Poetry Out Loud: Polson student wins state contest and trip to D.C.

As Wica-ta-wi Hoksina Brown inhabits the poem that won him the state Poetry Out Loud championship, he does so carefully, his voice almost conversational at first, then growing in strength and passion.

Fourth trial date set for Kallowat

Kelvin Lee Kallowat, 31, Elmo, was sentenced by District Judge Molly Owen last Wednesday to the Department of Corrections for three years with three years suspended. He received credit for 95 days served.

Cancer claims life of former commissioner Dave Stipe

Former Lake County Commissioner Dave Stipe died Saturday, March 18, after a long struggle with a rare and incurable form of skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma.

Bond will give Polson’s elementary students space to flourish

Did you know that students of Linderman Elementary have not had a full-size school library since the old gym’s roof collapsed in 2018?

Ronan Seniors: Driving class offered March 23

The Mission Valley Senior Center, located across from St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.

Alice Rose (Sorrell) Ryan, 87

Alice Rose (Sorrell) Ryan, 87, was reunited and laid to rest along with her beloved husband John Robert “Bob” Ryan (Sept. 16, 1931-Sept. 27, 1998) on March 4, 2023.

Martena Savage, 88

Martena Savage, age 88, of St. Ignatius, passed away on March 13, 2023.

John Sidney Koopmans, 90

John Sidney Koopmans of Polson went home to Jesus on March 14, 2023, at the age of 90. He was born Dec. 30, 1932.

Ice arena benefit "overwhelming community endorsement"

We’d like to thank everyone who helped make our March 10 Mission Valley Ice Arena Fundraiser at Glacier Brewery such a success.

SB 458 comes with moral, financial cost

For over an hour and a half, over 40 Montanans – overwhelmingly young Montanans – showed up to the Capitol to express in detail the suffering and pain that SB 458 will cause them.

Demise of Ole Beck, Military musical, Vanishing grizzlies, More dams, Editor files for statehouse

Battlefield casualty, military musical, more dams, vanishing grizzlies and Ronan editor files for office

Longtime refs take pride in work, look for new recruits

The Montana High School Association recently honored members of the Montana Officials Association who have put decades of service into refereeing prep sports contests. On the list was Charlo's Joel Fuhrmann, who has been a referee for 20 years, and Ronan's Steve Picard, who has officiated for 30 years.

All-Star games highlight hoop talent

The Mission Mountain All-Star Game, held March 14 in the Ronan Event Center, showcased the talents of many of the best basketball players in the region.

Area hoopsters make All Conference, All League teams

Postseason accolades have been released for basketball this year, and the list includes many local faces, regardless of the classification.

Spring Sports Calendar

Tennis, baseball, softball and track: Let the spring sports season begin!

Louis Brainerd Hahn, 81

Louis Brainerd Hahn, age 81, passed away on Sunday, March 12, at Hot Springs Health and Rehab. He was born April 9, 1941, in Ronan, the son of Ralph Kaiser and Elizabeth Grace (Horner) Hahn.

Patricia Hurt, 80

Patricia Ann “Pat” (Anderson) Hurt died March 3, 2023, in the company of family and friends at her home in St. Ignatius. She passed away at 80 years old from complications of metastatic lung cancer.

Montana ShamRockers pay homage to Women's History Month

The Montana ShamRockers celebrate Women’s History Month with a free concert at 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, at Polson’s Theatre on the Lake.

Spring Mack Days: Anglers battle ice

Dozens of fishing lines were dropped to the bottom of Flathead Lake by anglers who were unafraid of the cold waters as the 2023 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event got underway March 16.

David Stanley Stipe, 66

Former Lake County Commissioner David Stanley Stipe, age 66, passed away March 18, 2023, at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Polson.

Polson Seniors: The Rites of Spring

Time to begin the Rites of Spring, like digging out your umbrella and rain gear, if you can remember where you put them.

Legals for March, 23 2023

St. Ignatius Seniors: Signs of Spring

According to the calendar we have passed the first day of Spring and new calves, green grass and a few warm days have appeared.

Polson Baseball prepares for upcoming season

Polson High School Baseball coach Brad Fisher is busy preparing for the upcoming season, which involves a lot of paperwork, ordering of equipment, and planning.

MV Calendar: Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Celtic music, ag appreciation and Science on Tap: all coming this week.

Lake Monsters nab medals in two state swim meets

The Lake Monsters, a local swim club with around 40 members, had five swimmers finish in the top 25 at the 2023 Montana Swimming Short Course State Championships, held last month at the Hardin Community Activity Center. The team placed third overall at the Short Course Junior B-C Championship Meet, held March 3-4 in Missoula.

Choral Society presents Palm Sunday concerts

Members of the Mission Valley Choral Society harmonize in two Palm Sunday weekend concerts, scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, April 1, at the Mission in St. Ignatius and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson.

Michael L. Savage, 1945-2023

Michael Savage passed away Feb. 26, 2023, following a long illness. He will be missed by many.

Cheryl Gail (Shourds) Cheff

Cheryl Gail (Shourds) Cheff, born Nov. 23, 1945, to Sidney and Rose Shourds, was called home to Heaven on March 7, 2023, after a nine-month battle with bone cancer.

On the Agenda

Keep up with local government:

James Sohm, 73

Jim Sohm, age 73 of Polson, who passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, moved on to the special promised land that was his fondest desire.

Polson Seniors: Ping-pong anyone?

If you forgot to set your clocks ahead one hour you can go ahead and set them now or wait six months and then it will be standard time again.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Spring ahead

Did you remember to Spring Ahead on your clock on Sunday, March 12?

Mission Valley Senior Center: Sunday dinner is March 19

The Mission Valley Senior Center, located across from St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.

Protect our visionary constitution

Montana’s Constitution has served us well for over 50 years. It is one of the reasons we have the amazing state that we and our families are blessed to enjoy.

Marilyn Joan Baltz, 78

Marilyn Joan Baltz, 78, of Charlo passed away Monday, March 6, 2023, with her loving husband by her side.

FLOW Swimmers post national rankings

The Flathead Lake Open Water Swimmers (FLOW Swimmers), based in Polson, head into this weekend’s 2023 Montana State Masters Championship, March 18-19 in Butte, with several national accomplishments to their credit.

Polson Schools: The trouble with mods

In case you hadn’t heard, residents of the Polson High School and Elementary School Districts will have the opportunity to vote in an election on school bonds this spring, and the Polson School Improvement Committee wants to make sure you have plenty of information before you vote.

Ronan Students Report: New path of Highway 93 aims to fix congestion

Contractors broke ground this winter on a Highway 93 construction project that will reconfigure the road’s route through the town of Ronan in western Montana.

Walt McDonald, Jean Turnage and the human history of Public Law 280 on the Flathead Reservation

I remember my first day in District Court. The case involved a tribal youth who had gotten in trouble for something. After the short proceeding, Judge Green pronounced sentence. I thought the case was over but no one left.

Small but Mighty: Polson sends student to National Speech and Debate Finals

Polson Speech and Debate coach Melesa Butler was in the tabulation room at Sentinel High in Missoula when she heard the news. “I just broke down crying,” she said. The tears weren’t precipitated by sorrow. Instead, they were the happy kind, flowing because Kai McDonald had just claimed first place in Humorous Interpretation.

Hoop Champs: Winners posted from state basketball tourneys

With the basketball season winding to a close last weekend, here’s the roundup of state champs:

High-scoring player offers summer basketball workshop

A talented former professional basketball player will be at Linderman Gym July 10-12.

Proposed amendment amounts to constitutional witchcraft

A Montana state representative is interested in this witch hunt business, too, and is proposing a change to Montana’s Constitution to help it along. It differs from the witch hunts of the 1600s a little bit, but only a little.

Montana 20th District Court News

Adam Clairmont changes plea; dates set for Nathan Winter Plemmons' omnibus hearing and jury trial; Billedeaux pleads not guilty to attempted deliberate homicide

Mission Valley FFA hosts District Competition

Dark blue Future Farmers of America jackets were everywhere last month when members from 13 Montana schools took over Lake County Fairgrounds in Ronan for the District FFA contest.

Ronan man killed in crash near Lake's Corner

A Ronan man, 21-year-old Jonah Jones, died in a vehicle crash near Spring Creek Road in the vicinity of Lake's Corner, in the early morning hours of March 6.

Dean George Biesemeyer, 90

Dean George Biesemeyer died March 1, 2023, in Ronan.

Stolen pallets, pig smoochers, and the oldest Courier subscriber

From the archives: Paging through the the Lake County Leader, 1992, and Flathead Courier, 1952

Jonah Michael Ernest Jones, 21

On March 6, 2023, Jonah Michael Ernest Jones of Ronan passed away as a result of an automobile accident.

Mission, Swan ranges benefit from February storm

“There were not many days in February in which it wasn’t snowing somewhere in Montana,” said Eric Larson, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Water Supply Specialist.

Filing deadline next Thursday for school trustee elections

The filing deadline for school board candidates is 4 p.m. next Thursday, March 23.

Polson Commission considers zoning amendment, sewer ordinance

Polson City Commission held back-to-back meetings last Monday, March 6. The first, described as a workshop, gave city staff the green light to move forward with the process of amending the Polson Development Code to allow two-family dwellings in low density residential areas. During the regular commission meeting that followed, commissioners approved the first reading of an ordinance that would create a municipal code to address non-routine sewer maintenance.

MV Calendar: Your events guide to the Mission Valley

From music and lectures to dodgeball and concerts: see what's on tap in the Mission Valley

Ice arena fundraiser declared a "barn burner"

Last Friday’s fundraiser for the Mission Valley Ice Arena at Glacier Brewing was a huge success by almost any measure.

Governor and First Lady visit Meuli Ranch in Dayton

Black cows finished the hay on the feedground as ranchers Mike and Nancy Meuli welcomed Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte to their ranch west of Dayton Monday.

Legals for March, 16 2023

Polson Seniors: Anticipating Worm Moon

The Full Moon March 9 is called the Worm Moon. As the ground temperature rises the worms come out, and the robins return; a sure sign of spring, even if they show up early.

Legals for March, 9 2023

Marriages & Divorces

The following marriages and divorces were recorded at the Lake County Courthouse recently ...

Joan Lucille Hill-Graham, 65

Joan Lucille Hill-Graham of Ronan, age 65, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, of ovarian cancer at her residence surrounded by her family.

Rescheduled Shiver in the River raises $2,500

Shiver in the River, a fundraiser for Montana Special Olympics, attracted about 15 intrepid plungers who took a dip into the 36-degree water at Riverside Park Saturday morning.

Legislators meet with constituents at halfway point

With 1,414 bills introduced in the 2023 session, three Lake County legislators took time out from a hectic process to visit with constituents Monday night at the Ronan Community Center.

Republican roots and the politics of party

“The Democrats killed two of my brothers.” That was the reply my nine-year-old father received from his great grandmother on her rural Iowa front porch when he asked her why she was such a strong Republican.

On the agenda

School boards meet next week.

Mission Valley Calendar

Music, lectures, an ice-rink benefit and dodgeball tournament: lots to do!

Patricia "Pat" Hurt

Patricia A. “Pat” Hurt passed away at her home in St. Ignatius on March 3, 2023.

William Whalen, 83

William "Wild Bill" Whalen, 83, a long-time resident of St. Ignatius, passed away at St Luke's Hospital in Ronan on Feb. 26, 2023.

Reservation-wide housing survey completed

The information discerned from the housing survey will be released to the Tribal Council in a matter of weeks.

Youth Basketball Tournament slated for May 20-21 in Polson

Registration is now open for the Flathead Lake All-Star Youth Basketball Tournament, which will be held between May 20-21 in Polson for girls and boys grades 4-8.

Believe: Brandie Buckless helps Lady Pirates blossom

Going into this year's basketball season, the Polson girls had struggled to find consistency for over a decade. They found it in the form of first-year head coach Brandie Buckless.

Mission Mountain All-Star Game showcases plenty of local talent

March brings the NCAA Tournament, which is a great way to see the best college basketball players in the country face off. But if you want to see the best players in the Mission Valley you’d better head down to the Ronan Event Center on March 14 for the Mission Mountain All-Star Game.

Rep. Read's bill to shift compact oversight tabled in committee

In what opponents see as another effort to restrict tribal water rights, HB 726, sponsored by Rep. Joe Read, aimed to change which regulatory agencies oversee water compacts in Montana. It was tabled last week after resounding opposition, much of which focused on the legislation's incompatibility with state, tribal and federal law.

Indian Lands Sold, Another Stab at Dog Laws, Walt McDonald Remembered

From the Archives: Front-page news from the Flathead Courier, 1932 and 1972, and Lake County Leader, 1992

In transition: Library relocates during renovation

The North Lake County Public Library closed its doors last Thursday, and reopened them Monday at a new temporary location in the United Methodist Church at 301 16th Ave. E.

Polson Scholarship & Education Foundation: Giving Polson grads a boost since 2022

More than two decades ago, a group of four community members gathered with a common mission: to create a scholarship fund for Polson grads.

Elementary mods pose safety hazards

When an organization – a business, a non-profit, a family – gets too large for its space, the most logical thing to do is move to a bigger space or build an addition on the existing space. For Polson School District, we’ve had to go a different route: build or rent modular buildings that are not attached to the main buildings.

Beadwork sought for celebration

Beadwork is sought for display at the Beautiful Beadwork Celebration, slated for 1-7 p.m. April 13 in the Sherri McDonald Room at Salish Kootenai College.

Roll out the reels for Spring Mack Days

It’s time to bring out the reels, poles, and lures and start planning and organizing for Spring Mack Days, starting March 16 and continuing through May 13.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Corned-beef and cabbage coming up

Corned-beef and cabbage is on the menu for dinner on March 15 with reuben sandwiches to follow.

Malice, lies and market share

In a Montana Viewpoint article a month ago called “Marketing Anger,” I wrote about the prevalence of anger as an economic force as well as a political force. I was engaging in speculation, I have to admit, but that speculation now seems to have some teeth, as a document filed in a defamation lawsuit against Fox News Network makes clear.

Mary Catherine Arden, 97

Mary Catherine (Reasy) Arden, age 97, passed away at the Retreat Assisted Living in Polson on Nov. 21, 2022.

Spring debris burning season now open

Spring debris burning season opened Wednesday, March 1.

Working moms of Montana’s conservation movement will not be distracted

As working mamas, we are emblematic of many Mountain Mamas across our state.

Ronan contestants compete in national Make It With Wool contest

Two Ronan contestants took top honors in this year’s Montana Make It With Wool contest, held Dec. 2-3 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center in conjunction with the 139th annual Montana Woolgrowers Convention.

Local fire crews douse structure fire

A structure fire at the former Jolly Pack Rat, south of Polson on Hwy. 93, last Friday was contained by fire crews from Ronan, Polson and the Polson Rural Fire District.

Dora Ratzburg, 99

Dora Grace Ratzburg died Feb. 27, 2023, in Ronan.

Season ends for Mission Valley A-B teams

Western A Divisionals in Ronan and Western B in Anaconda bring hoops season to a close.

Ninepipes Museum reopens March 2

Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana opens its doors to the public Thursday, March 2. Spring hours (March and April) are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

St. Luke offers eight $500 scholarships

Once again, St. Luke Community Healthcare is offering $500 college scholarships to high school seniors at eight area high schools.

Foundation gives Trust-Based Grants to local nonprofits

The Polson area’s non-profit sector adds tremendous value to the community’s well-being and has for years. Recognizing the importance of these organizations, the Greater Polson Community Foundation celebrated February by supporting select local nonprofits with Trust-Based Grants.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your guide to Mission Valley events

Leina Ulutoa “exemplifies the best of the best”

“I just want to be a good support where I need to be and a good leader where I need to be,” says Leina Ulutoa of her approach to life and leadership.

Western Montana Mental Health closes Lake House

Western Montana Mental Health Center announced recently that it was closing Lake House, a facility in Polson that provides stabilization for patients undergoing mental health crises.

News Briefs

Legislative update, School trustee filing deadline, Work resumes on Hwy. 93, Online vehicle registration available

Trainings offered for child-care providers

The 0-5 Flathead Reservation-Lake County Coalition is offering a slate of trainings for those involved in child care beginning in March.

Charlo teams take early exit from Class C Divisional

For Charlo’s boys and girls basketball teams the journey to frozen Butte and the Maroon Activities Center ended way to soon.

Local boxers compete in national championship

Polson Boxing Club coach Matt Lee is excited about the opportunities young boxers in Montana can have even when training in small, rural gyms. He's seen these opportunities first-hand as two Lake County athletes recently competed at the Silver Gloves National Championships in Independence, Mo.

John Arthur Cotton, 80

John Arthur Cotton, 80, of Polson, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, at his home with family by his side. He was born in February 1943 in Illinois to George and Maxine Cotton.

School safety is on the ballot

I’ve lived and worked in Polson since 2010, and I have two kids in the school district. As a mom and community member, I want to share some information with you so that you go into the election with plenty of information about our schools. Let’s start with safety.

Polson Seniors: Stop the wind please

The Polson Senior Center is seeking an experienced cook for our kitchen. Apply at the center.

Comment sought on draft CSKT hunting regulations

The Flathead Indian Reservation Advisory Board seeks comments on the draft 2023-2024 Hunting Seasons, Shooting Hours and Limits for Migratory Waterfowl, Pheasants and Gray Partridge for Non-member hunters.

Legislators offer update

Lake County legislators will discuss the current session with constituents at 6:30 p.m. March 6 at the Ronan Community Center.

Time Capsule: Iwo Jima, Leash law, Bridge contract, Water-quality regulations

Looking back: Pfs. Louis Charlo ascends Mount Suribachi, Leash law in the works, Bridge contract awarded, and Tribes take water quality lead

On the Agenda

Interested in local government? Here's a schedule of upcoming school board and council meeting.

Retiring Extension agent reflects on three decades in agriculture

Jack Stivers retired Feb. 15 as Lake County-MSU Agriculture Extension Agent – a post he’s held for more than 32 years.