Ellington

Fall Varsity Sports Calendar

Fall sports are underway this week

Valley View Women's Club celebrates 100 years

The Valley View Women's Club (VVWC) will be celebrating 100 years, 1924-2024, with an appreciation dinner and party Saturday, Sept. 14.

Mission Valley Aquatics drops Silver Sneakers, adds sliding scale

Even though Silver Sneakers are involved, this is not a fairy tale. But it does have a happy ending.

The Big Blow: Friday's storm downed trees, knocked out power

A wind speed of 58 mph was clocked Friday evening in Ronan as a storm swept through Lake County. Speeds of 47 mph riled Flathead Lake at Big Arm, while a speed of 50.8 mph was recorded at a weather station east of St. Ignatius. In Ronan, four houses were destroyed and eight people sought assistance from the Red Cross.

Five file to serve on Polson Government Study Commission

Five local residents have filed for Polson’s Local Government Review Commission, and one has filed for St. Ignatius. Ronan has no candidates, unless someone files as a write-in by Sept. 3.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your guide to Mission Valley events

James Sias, 93

James Sias of Ronan died July 15. He was 93. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 14 at the Ronan Cemetery.

Fall Mack Days begins Sept. 5

The 2024 Fall Mack Days Fishing Event on Flathead Lake will begin two weeks early on Sept. 5 and will end on Nov. 3.

Democrats offer solutions to lower property taxes

This week, I read the recommendations from the Governor’s Property Tax Task Force with great interest. The Republican failure on property taxes has been well-documented.

Azzopardi and O'Brien will support public education

Teachers work hard. If asked to do extra jobs, they may grumble, but they do them. They care about all students, listening to their concerns and advancing solutions. Teachers work miracles; often while juggling a family at home.

Polson, Ronan golfers tie for fourth at Ronan invite

The Polson boys and girls golf teams placed fourth at the 2024 Mission Mountain Invite in Ronan on Thursday, Aug. 22. The Ronan boys also placed fourth at their home meet.

Dawson DuMont named to All-State

Four Mission Valley Mariners players received season accolades after the conclusion of the State A American Legion season for their performance in 2024.

Protect those who can't speak for themselves.

To choose or not to choose. For this situation I am referring to the women's "right" to choose.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Looking for site manager

We are looking for a Site Manager to work 8 to 12 hours a week. If interested, please call and leave message.

Polson Seniors: Thanks to all the laborers

Labor Day already? Thank you to our staff and all the laborers in America. We celebrate all workers who continue to keep America as great as it always has been and always will be.

Marriages & Divorces

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

Property taxes: Give me a break!

I’m sure it is just a coincidence that Montana homeowners’ property tax bills come out just a couple of weeks before the election. Coincidence or not, it’s a good reminder for taxpayers to take a closer look at the person who wants their vote.

Robert Wilson Smith, 92

Robert (Bob) Wilson Smith, a longtime resident of Lakeside, recently passed away after losing his fight against pneumonia and is now with our Lord Jesus. A graveside service will be held at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson, at 1 p.m. Aug. 31, 2024.

Rep. Reksten puts Montana and constituents first

In the Aug. 15 edition of the Leader, a letter to the editor was published attacking Rep. Linda Reksten’s legislative record. The author’s accusations are uninformed.

Ronan Seniors: Birthday dinner served Aug. 30

The center is closed Monday, Sept. 2. Have a safe and happy Labor Day!

Patricia Mikulecky, 86

Angels watched over Patricia Louise (Peschel) Mikulecky as she passed away on Aug. 10, 2024, at the Libby Care Center of Cascadia. She was 86 years young. Services will be held at the New Beginnings Lutheran Church in Rudyard, Aug. 30 at 11 a.m.; luncheon and inurnment will follow.

Jon Marchi, 76

Jon Marchi passed away peacefully on Aug. 13, 2024, at the Springs in Whitefish following a long journey with Alzheimer’s. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Shoe in Polson on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at 3 p.m.

Polson RFD has strong leadership and goals

Following are the goals set by Fred Nelson, chair of the board of trustees, the fire chief and the firefighter volunteers of the Polson Rural Fire Dept.:

Is Decker above the law?

In response to Gale Decker’s letter (Leader, Aug. 1): You stated this is a free country and if I didn’t like the laws I could run for office and change them to my liking. I like Montana Code Annotated 7-4-2014 (2): A person may not be elected as a member of a county commission unless the person has resided in the county and district for at least two years immediately preceding the general election.

Democrats didn't solve property taxes either

Can you believe that in Montana, Democrats are blaming Republicans for our old property tax system? What solutions did Democrat Governors Schweitzer or Bullock propose?

Legals for August, 29 2024

Polson Schools off to late start due to construction

Most Polson students will begin the 2024-25 school year on Sept. 12, according to Polson High School Principal Andy Fors, with the exception of PHS sophomores, juniors, and seniors who begin Sept. 13.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories gleaned from the archives of local weekly newspapers. This week: The Flathead Courier, Sept. 1, 1949

EPA grant funds program to monitor pesticides in water

Pesticides and herbicides are readily available and widely used by everyone from homeowners to the ag industry to municipalities. But what’s the impact of these chemicals on our water?

On the Agenda

Meetings of local governmental bodies

Montana PBS program examines proposed voting amendments

The third season of “Montana PBS Reports: IMPACT” will premiere with a new episode Sept. 12. The episode examines two proposed amendments to the Montana Constitution.

Legals for August, 28 2024

Author's new book delves into secrets of Flathead Lake

When Butch Larcombe was a kid, he spent his summers out on Flathead Lake, fishing. A fourth-generation Montanan raised in Malta, along the Hi-line, Larcombe found escape from the heat and wind when he visited his grandparents in Lakeside. He also found mysteries hidden in the deep, cold waters.

Big Sky Camp is open to limb-different children

NubAbility Outdoors division is offering a four-day outdoor adventure camp for limb-different children near Bigfork Aug. 30-Sept. 2.

Toxic algae found in Lake Mary Ronan

An algal bloom that can sicken people or pets has been confirmed in Lake Mary Ronan, near the northeast shoreline of the lake just west of Flathead Lake, warned officials with Lake County Environmental Health.

Johnny Repnak, 81

Johnny Dale Repnak, age 81, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 13, at his residence in Polson. He was born in Billings, the son of Julius and Anna (Horn) Repnak.

Wilma "Charleen" Perkins, 91

Wilma “Charleen” Wilhelm Perkins, 91, went to meet her beloved Lord and loved ones who journeyed before her on July 27, 2024.

New superintendent says “Charlo wants to be true to Charlo”

Since Teresa Weems loves the mountains, the commute from Missoula to Charlo is “a renewed blessing everyday,” she said. While she’s a fan of the countryside, the new superintendent of the Charlo School District says she’s here for the students.

Legals for August, 22 2024

Garden for Life seeks volunteers for raspberry patch

The Garden for Life in Arlee, a project of Arlee Community Development Corporation, is producing a bounty of fresh vegetables that supply the local food pantry, garden volunteers, and food partners throughout the region.

Tester is a balanced, pragmatic leader

Jon Tester is a strong choice for voters seeking a balanced, pragmatic leader.

Republicans host two upcoming events

Lake County Republicans are gearing up for the campaign season with two events: a candidates’ forum at 1 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Barn at Finley Point, and the Lake County Republican Lincoln/Reagan/Trump dinner at 1 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Lake County Community Center in Ronan.

Property taxes are still going up

Do you own a home and wonder what it’s worth? You can easily look up your address on Zillow and see that the estimated value is rapidly rising, translating to more property taxes.

Day of Hope: Meeting families' needs

Polson Police were helping kids try on tactical vests, and Polson firefighters were showing off a fire truck while families and children wandered down Third Avenue during the 2024 Day of Hope on Aug. 17. The annual event helps kids and families get the gear they need to start the new year.

Reksten: A leader who will fight for Lake County

The statement that Linda Reksten is a “rubberstamp” for the Republican Party (Leader, Aug. 15) is patently false.

Polson School Board approves grade realignment, new classrooms

The Polson School Board tackled some major issues at their meeting Monday, including the vote to realign classes at Cherry Valley and Linderman elementary schools and Polson Middle School in the 2025-’26 school year, and to add three new classrooms at Cherry Valley.

GPCF awards summer blast of Impact Grants

Last month the Greater Polson Community Foundation awarded their annual IMPACT Grants to an unprecedented 15 local non-profits as part of its 2024 grant cycle.

Summit celebrates grand opening of Polson office

Summit Independent Living – a disability services and advocacy nonprofit serving Western Montana – will celebrate the grand opening of its Polson location from 12:30-2 p.m. Aug. 23 at 3 Ninth Avenue West, Suite 1.

Thomas Arthur "Tom" Konen, 63

Tom Konen passed away on Aug. 10, 2024, at his home in Polson, surrounded by his loving family, after a 10-month battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was born in Butte on July 5, 1961.

Polson Police Department honors two officers

The Polson Police Department recognized two dedicated officers for their service to the community during Monday’s city commission meeting.

Building Blitz: Community comes together to build Jake's House

From 30 to 40 volunteers were swarming the building site for Jake's House the weekend of Aug. 9-11. They were carrying boards, sweeping concrete, putting in floor joists, wheeling equipment around the site and installing a subfloor.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Missoula man accused of dealing drugs

A Missoula man is accused of dealing drugs in Lake County.

Ronan man accused of obtaining sexual child abuse material

A Ronan man is accused of misrepresenting himself on social media to obtain explicit images of an underage girl, and threatening her to get her to send more.

Montanans can apply now for property-tax rebate

The Montana Property Tax Rebate of up to $675 a year on property taxes paid on Montanans’ primary residence for the 2023 tax year is now available.

Ronan Seniors: Looking for new members

We are always looking for new members. Come in and give us a try!

Wildlife should not be commercially exploited

For many Montanans, our state’s attraction is its abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities, especially hunting and fishing.

Polson Seniors: Annual meeting is Friday

The Annual Meeting of Polson Senior Citizens, Inc. will be held this Friday, at 11:30 a.m. We will have elections and present the annual report for approval. Lunch will be served after the meeting is adjourned.

Legals for August, 21 2024

Tester's attacks on veteran-run business are shameful

Bridger Aerospace started with four veterans in a barn in Montana. Our next mission became using battlefield technology to serve Americans at home.

Ronan Council schedules hearings on MREC annexation

First on the Ronan City Council’s agenda last Wednesday was a request from the Ronan Co-op Brewery for for an open container permit on Sept. 27 from 4-8 p.m. on Fourth Ave. SW from Main Street to the alley.

Rotary Brewfest raised $27,000 for youth groups

The third annual Polson Rotary Brewfest was held Saturday afternoon, Aug. 13, on Main Street in front of the Mission Valley Elks Club.

Lessons Learned: Former smokejumpers say Mann Gulch was pivotal

“Once a jumper, you're always a jumper,” Larry Ashcraft said. He was standing alongside fellow smokejumpers Nels Jensen and Ron Normandeau at the grave of Phillip Rolla McVey in Ronan.

Lodge Grass man sentenced for sexual assault

A Lodge Grass man was sentenced in District Court in Polson Aug. 7 to the Montana State Prison for 15 years with 10 years suspended for sexually assaulting a minor.

Ronan Seniors: Looking for new members

We are always looking for new members. Come in and give us a try!

The never-ending story: Marvin Camel inducted into Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame

In his office, Marvin Camel's career in boxing is on full display in the form of memorabilia and championship belts, a book on his life, "Warrior in the Ring," and large notebooks full of articles about his exploits. The southpaw was introduced into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Aug. 9-10, and traveled there with his family to celebrate.

Polson man accused of eighth DUI

A Polson man with seven prior convictions for DUI is accused of adding an eighth. Craig Britton, 57, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court at Polson Aug. 7 to felony DUI.

Trial set for man accused of firing gun on Main Street

Judge Molly Owen set a trial date of Jan. 6 for Polson resident Slade Tomas Gray Cook, accused of firing a handgun on Main Street.

Supports Shirley Azzopardi for HD 13

Shirley Azzopardi is running for Montana House District 13. I like the way Shirley studies the issues. When I discuss issues with her, I come away with a better understanding.

Montanans often pay twice for Right to Know requests

Montana boasts a unique and expansive constitutional guarantee to public information. But Montana law allows agencies to charge Montanans a fee for completing Right to Know requests, if the agency chooses to do so.

Polson Seniors: Senior Citizen’s Day is Aug. 21

I know that there seems to be a “day” celebrating something or someone. Well, the official “Senior Citizen’s Day” is Aug. 21. Celebrate it by being kind to a senior citizen every day of the year. We’ll pass it on.

Celebration to honor history, settlers of D'Aste

A celebration of the historic community of D’Aste on Aug. 25 will include special guests, memories, gratitude, and children's music and games from 3-5 p.m.

Beautification Committee names Polson-in-Bloom winners

Four dedicated gardeners – Mary Jensen, Jane Larson, Agnes Rinehart and Becky Ashcraft – searched the Polson area July 20 to find the community’s most beautiful gardens. Here’s what they found:

St. Ignatius Seniors: Advice from a sunflower

Advice from a sunflower: Know your roots and spread seeds of happiness.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

'No man is poor' says Scrooge McDuck

The mayor’s father told me of a butte on his farm with quite a view where he liked to take his lunch when he was working his fields. “I’ll sit on the ground and eat lunch and maybe take a nap and sometimes my neighbor joins me and we’ll both take a nap.”

Original cast returns for "Those Boomer Boys"

The Port Polson Players continue their 49th season with the music and humor of the Baby Boomer era. “Those Boomer Boys” plays Aug. 15-Sept. 1 at Polson’s Theatre on the Lake, with curtain times at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Choosing Azzopardi over "Rubberstamp" Reksten

It is difficult to write a letter in support of Shirley Azzopardi for House District 13 without comparing her to her opponent, the incumbent Linda Reksten.

Appreciates full lake

Thank you Energy Keepers for filling and maintaining the Flathead Lake level

The P-Town Classic: 'It's all about Polson'

The inaugural P-Town Classic, an alumni and faculty golf scramble held last Saturday, drew 81 golfers to Polson Bay Golf Course and raised $1,500 for the Polson Booster Club.

Cruisin' By the Bay cars come to Polson

When vintage cars and pickups with amazing paint jobs begin livening up Polson streets and motels, everybody knows it's time for the Cruisin' by the Bay Car Show.

Goats are b-a-a-a-a-a-d for weeds

Residents at Bear Harbor Condominiums were settling into lawn chairs with a bowl of popcorn, a frosty drink, and a good view of the front of the property.

Polson Class of 1974 gathers for reunion

Polson High School's Class of 1974 celebrated their 50-year anniversary of graduating from high school last weekend.

Madge Elaine (Voorhies) Vert, 94

Madge Elaine (Voorhies) Vert

Legals for August, 15 2024

Legals for August, 14 2024

View from the Library: End-of-Summer block party

Summer has flown by and here we are getting ready to celebrate the end of our Summer Reading Program with a big block party on Thursday, Aug. 15 from 5-8 p.m.

On the Agenda

Upcoming meetings

Ronan Seniors: Meals can be delivered

Anyone is welcome to enjoy our meals – you don’t have to be a senior citizen! We ask for a $7 donation for our Monday, Wednesday and Friday meals and $10 for our Sunday meal.

Property taxes aren't political

Property taxes aren’t red/blue or political. The State writes the rules on property taxes, counties follow the rules. And everyone – no matter what your political stripe – pays.

Considers 0% NRA ratings a plus

According to the campaigns, Tim Sheehy and Greg Gianforte have 100% ratings from the National Rifle Association while their Democratic challengers, Ryan Busse and Jon Tester, have 0% ratings.

Busse paints positive picture of Montana's future

Thunder boomed as a deluge of rain fell outside, setting the stage for a powerful presentation by Ryan Busse at a gathering of Montanans. Running for governor, he painted a positive picture of the future with articulate skill, humor and warmth.

Ronan celebrates its heritage at Pioneer Days

Ronan Pioneer Days took over the town last Friday through Sunday. There was something fun for everyone: from the 3-on-3 Jamboree, with more than 100 entries, to a car show, 5K run, rodeos, kids' fishing derby and Sunday’s Big Parade.

Bighawk sentenced for sexual assault, vehicular assault

A Polson man was sentenced in District Court at Polson July 31 to the Montana State Prison for negligent vehicular assault and sexual assault.

Ronan couple charged with exposing children to drugs

A Ronan couple is accused of exposing their children to drugs. Trevor John Blackweasel and Ashley Michelle Upham, both 27, are each charged with three counts of endangering the welfare of children. Upham plead guilty July 31; Blackweasel plead not guilty in Polson District Court Aug. 1.

Polson man admits to unemployment fraud

A Polson man has admitted to receiving unemployment benefits to which he was not entitled. Samuel Wendell Jr., 36, entered a plea of guilty Aug. 1 in District Court at Polson to felony theft.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

St. Ignatius Seniors: Hosting bingo Aug. 10

Hope everyone enjoyed the rain and cool weather that we had. Sending prayers that all the fire fighters are safe and no one loses their homes. Be safe. We will be hosting bingo at 2 p.m. Aug. 10. Come enjoy the fun and maybe win a game or two.

Polson Seniors: Laughter is best-kept secret

I overheard a conversation about a person who didn’t want to go to exercise class at the Senior Center because “Everyone who goes there dies!” Well, yes, they do. We all die from something. Sometimes it’s laughter – the best-kept secret for a life well-lived.

Voting for those who support democracy

When our founding fathers created our (U.S.) Constitution they had "democracy" in mind. A shared vision of a government of the people, by the people and for the people!

Legals for August, 8 2024

Vitek pleads guilty; sentencing set for Sept. 18

Judge Molly Owen set a sentencing date of Sept. 18 for a Bigfork man accused of shooting three people, killing one of them. Matthew Thomas Vitek, 50, entered a plea of guilty in District Court at Polson July 31 to felony charges of deliberate homicide and two counts of attempted deliberate homicide.

Mission Valley Mariners place third in State A Legion Tournament

The Mission Valley Mariners hosted the Class A American Legion State Tournament July 31-Aug. 4, and wound up in third place.

Mission Valley athletes shine at Veterans Memorial Classic

Six different Mission Valley players represented their communities at the 11th annual Veterans Memorial Classic at the Belgrade Softball Complex on Friday and Saturday, July 26-27.

Commissioners approve levy to pay for jail expansion

Property taxes will go up across Lake County in November due to a $3.8 million judgement levy passed last week by the county commissioners to help cover the costs of expanding and remodeling the jail.

Fire danger drops to high due to recent rains

Due to recent rainfall, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes dropped the fire danger from Extreme to High on Tuesday.

Sentinel of the Lake: Bio Station celebrates 125 years

The place known as the Sentinel of Flathead Lake has guarded the lake’s pristine water quality since 1899 and Jim Elser, director of the Flathead Lake Biological Station, hopes it will still be doing that job 125 years from now.

Mann Gulch: The fire that changed everything

Seventy-five years ago, earth and sky turned into fire. The flames of the Mann Gulch fire spread rapidly, overtaking 16 men sent to tame it in a gulch outside of Helena. Just three survived.

Legals for August, 7 2024

Leonard Schliep

Leonard Schliep was born in Polson on April 23, 1946, to Lester and Mary Benson Schliep. He passed away on Aug. 1, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life and Honor Guard presentation will take place Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Leonard’s Place.

Volunteers sought for Flathead Waters Cleanup

Those who spend time on local lakes and rivers are encouraged to put some muscle into cleaning them up during the annual Flathead Waters Cleanup Event from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 10.

Ronan man sentenced for generator theft

A Ronan man was committed in District Court in Polson July 25 to the Montana Department of Corrections for five years with all but 220 days of time served suspended on a burglary charge.

Medland pleads guilty to assault, endangerment

Judge Matthew Cuffe of Lincoln County, appearing via the Zoom platform, tentatively set a sentencing date of Sept. 11, possibly sooner, for a Polson man who admitted to charges stemming from a domestic disturbance and wild pursuit through Polson with law enforcement.

Flathead SWAT team aids in armed standoff

A Lake County man is accused of brandishing a firearm that led to a brief armed stand-off with law enforcement. Gage Alexander Caye, 22, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson July 24 to felony charges of assault with a weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted person, and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Unity ticket: Choose Kinzinger for VP

In most election years the candidates for Vice President have little real effect on election outcomes. The rollicking politics of this year, however, may set the stage for a real and meaningful selection.

Lillian Stephenson, 99

Lillian (Johnson) Stephenson died peacefully in her sleep at age 99 on Jan. 5, 2024. She was born on July 25, 1924, in Polson to Carl and Marie Johnson who had recently arrived from Siberia north of the Arctic Circle where they had a trading post.

Clara Redman, 89

Clara Belle Redman died July 13, 2024, in Missoula. A graveside service will take place Monday, Aug. 5 at 3:30 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson to honor both Clara and her late husband, Lyle. A reception will follow at Boettcher Park.

Polson Seniors: A really cool senior center

Too smoky? Too hot? Fans not cooling? We have a really cool Polson Senior Citizens Community Center. Bring a friend; make a friend.

Legals for August, 1 2024

Scam caller impersonates local police officer

On Tuesday, the Polson Police Department issued a scam warning that in the past 48 hours several residents in Polson had received calls from a person identifying himself as Lieutenant Michael Williams, badge number 57480.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Headlines harvested from the archives of local weekly newspapers

Mission Valley Ice Arena gets boost from dunk tank

Visitors to Polson’s July 28-29 Flathead Cherry Festival showed a keen interest and accurate aim in dunking Mission Valley Ice Arena Association volunteers at this year’s popular dunk-tank fundraiser.

The Last Slice: Hospice nurse shares memoir

Longtime Hospice nurse RuthiE Neilan, who grew up in Ronan, shares her memoir, “A sweet Taste of the Last Slice,” during a reading and reception at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at the North Lake County Library in Polson. She’ll also participate in the First Saturday event, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aug. 3 at the Ninepipes Museum south of Ronan.

Lake County Fair merits purple ribbon for “awesomeness”

There are some constants about the Lake County Fair. It's always held in July; 4-H members from around Lake County participate; the 4-H Market Sale is held on Thursday night; and Shady Grady is on the fairgrounds with snow cones for sale.

Festival celebrates the humble huckleberry

It’s that time of year again! For more than 40 years, the second Saturday of August has meant art, food and fun on the shores of Swan Lake.

Flathead Lake Biological Station celebrates 125 years with Open House

The University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) is 125 years old this year, and welcomes the public to a free and family-friendly FLBS125 Anniversary Open House celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2.

Polson Schools seek input on grade realignment

The Polson School District is hosting a public meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 to discuss possible grade realignment, beginning in the 2025-26 school year.

On the Agenda

Upcoming public meetings

CSKT fighting three active fires on reservation

Recent rains helped the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire who are fighting three active fires within the boundaries of the Flathead Reservation. All three were caused by lightning strikes.

Lake County bills DOJ for Public Law 280 expenses

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen was sent a bill Monday for $151,038 – the cost Lake County says was spent to detain, transport and prosecute tribal members accused of committing felonies in Lake County during the month of June.

Float planes fuel up on the Flathead River

Looking like Spiderman, a man clung to the side of a white floatplane as the water in the Flathead River rocked him back and forth against the dock. With a big red gas can in one hand and a funnel balanced in the opening to one of the plane’s fuel tanks, he was pouring gasoline into his plane.

Friends of the Children comes to the Flathead

Storybooks, shelves with boxes of crayons, games, tubs of toys, and big tables tell visitors that Friends of the Children in Polson is a place kids inhabit.

Revitalizing Ronan: $1.25 million grant gives community a big boost

Four decades ago, Ronan’s Main Street was a bustling place, with grocery, clothing, furniture, hardware and drug stores, cafes and even a jewelry shop. But as small towns everywhere declined and box stores flourished, those Main Street businesses moved to the highway corridor or closed completely.

Charleen Perkins, 91

Wilma Charleen Perkins, age 91 of Polson, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the Immanuel Lutheran Community in Kalispell.

Ksanka Culture Camp: Teaching the old ways

Wayne McCoy was cutting wet, ultra-thin hide so children and adults could make small versions of traditional Kootenai canoes. McCoy was one of several instructors forming Vernon Finley’s “crew” for Ksanka Culture Camp, held July 15-17 in Elmo.

Respect never goes out of style

If anything can be said to describe the people of the county that I live in it is that we are individualistic.

Mission Valley Mariners to host State A Legion Tourney

The Missoula Mavericks defeated Mission Valley Mariners 15-5 in the final regular season game of the American Legion baseball season on Tuesday, July 23, and then headed into Western A District Tournament where they won one and lost two. Polson hosts the State Tournament July 31-Aug. 4 at O'Malley Field, and play their first game at 5 p.m. Wednesday against the Vauxhall Spurs.

Chock-full of Cherries: Polson festival draws vendors, visitors

Downtown Polson was bursting with ripe cherries and flooded with festival-goers during this year’s Flathead Cherry Festival, held last Saturday and Sunday.

Passion for the natural world lands Ronan grad in Costa Rica

Mollie Sydnor, who graduated from Ronan High School in 2023, likes turtles, water and the natural world. Those interests converged during a recent internship at the Pacuare Nature Reserve in Costa Rica, where she spent a few months monitoring nesting leatherback sea turtles.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Cookbook for sale

We have a cookbook to sell for Area VI with recipes from residents of Lake, Sanders and Mineral counties. It is $15, and the money goes to help families from these areas that have specific financial needs.

Simple answer to Mr. Bell's question

Robert Bell asks a question with a simple answer in last week’s Leader: “How can Gale Decker be on the ballot?”

Ronan Seniors: Betty McFarling named Senior of Year

Our 2024 Senior of the Year is Betty McFarling. Congratulations!