Ellington

Penrod Myron Walter Davis Jr., 63

Penrod Myron Walter Davis Jr., age 63 of Ronan, passed away Dec. 21, 2024.

David Edward Funke, 75

David Edward Funke, age 75 of Polson, passed away Dec. 21, 2024, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula of natural causes. A graveside service will take place at Lakeview Cemetery on Jan. 3, 2025, at 1 p.m., with military honors. A reception will immediately follow at the Polson Senior Center.

Lake County's judge-elect resigns after drug charges filed

Lake County's newly elected District Court judge has resigned after being accused of attempting to purchase and distribute drugs following a months-long investigation by state detectives.

Lady Pirates tripped up by Sidney, Park

The Polson girls fell to 1-3 on the season in a close 51-48 loss to Sidney in crossover basketball on Saturday, Dec. 21. Aleysia Black topped 100 career points in the matchup, and Sam Rensvold led the Lady Pirates with 12 points.

Polson tops win total from last season

Polson falls to Sidney but wins against Park.

Legals for December, 26 2024

Lady Bulldogs’ comeback falls short against Florence

Mission posted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter but fell 59-50 to Florence in nonleague girls' basketball action on the road on Friday, Dec. 20.

Mission falls to Deer Lodge, Florence

Mission had a 30-25 lead going into the fourth quarter but fell to Western 6B foe Deer Lodge in nonleague action on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Ronan Hall of Fame: Jay and Beth Preston

Profiles of new inductees into the Ronan Hall of Fame continue with distinguished community contributors Jay and Beth Preston, who are among the inductees to be honored Feb. 1 at the Ronan Community Center.

Let's bring out our best for ’2025

Let’s greet ’25 with a nod and a grin. Let’s bring out our best and lift up the rest

Jury convicts Ronan man of exposing his child to fentanyl

A Lake County jury found a Ronan man guilty of negligent homicide in the death of his child due to fentanyl exposure. The trial for Nyibe Jordan Nguyen, 26, began in District Court in Polson Monday, Dec. 16, and concluded Wednesday morning.

Ronan Seniors: Looking for Meals on Wheels driver

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! A big thank you for all the support you give the Mission Valley Senior Center!

handMADE Montana strengthens arts ecosystem

As 2025 approaches, the Polson-based HandMADE Montana celebrated a banner year of supporting local and regional artists, fostering community engagement, and making a meaningful impact through its events, retail store, and online platform.

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in Lake County

East Helena, Laurel survive Maidens

Ronan dropped a heartbreaker to East Helena 62-61 on Dec. 21 and fell to Laurel in another close game, 63-60.

Ronan council still needs volunteers for study commission

At the Ronan City Council meeting on Dec. 18, City Clerk Kaylene Melton reported on her conversations with other city clerks in Montana regarding a special improvement district such as the one proposed for a development by Mark Drinkwater.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Headlines harvested from The Ronan Pioneer, Dec. 28, 1924

A Leon Hall Christmas

When I stretch my brain back to Christmases of yore, I inevitably arrive at the one pictured above, and all the others we once celebrated at Leon Hall.

Ronan business uses high-tech oven to "cook" wood

About a month ago, a new oven arrived in Ronan that weighs 84,000 pounds. It took two or three cranes to unload the beast and maneuver it into its new home at Tech Woods USA on Terrace Lake Road.

Senator-elect vows to serve all Montanans

Montana, earning the chance to serve you as your next U.S. Senator is truly the greatest honor of my life. To those who voted for me, thank you. To those who did not, I’m ready to serve you too.

Class encourages healthy living

Tribal Health is offering “Full Plate Living,” a series of classes to help participants lead a healthy lifestyle. Classes include information on meal planning, nutrition and weight loss, and setting realistic goals for healthy living.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Craft and movie nights on tap

We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and you all have a Happy New Year!

Ronan tops East Helena, falls to Laurel

Ronan outscored East Helena by 10 points in the third quarter en route to a 63-55 victory in East-West crossover basketball action on Saturday, Dec. 21, and fell to Laurel last Friday, 52-58. The Chiefs improved to 3-2 on the year.

Robert Sigurd "Bob" Syvrud, 89

Robert (Bob) Sigurd Syvrud, age 89, of Polson passed away on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, of natural causes. He was born to Sigurd and Marion Syvrud on Oct. 23, 1935, in Mandan, N.D.

County seeks volunteers for planning-related boards

Lake County is currently seeking volunteers to serve on four planning-related boards, either in person or via Zoom. Positions begin on Jan. 1, although positions remain open until filled.

Polson Seniors: Playing Card Bingo on tap NY Eve

Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Community Center with a Bingo “Playing Card” Special from 5:30-8:30 p.m. You could be home and in bed by nine … or not. Expect New Year’s Eve fireworks around the area.

Two Eagle falls to Lincoln, downs Heart Butte

Lincoln had a strong start to a nonleague matchup against Two Eagle en route to a 59-36 victory on Friday, Dec. 20. On Thursday, Thomas Addison scored 26 points for Two Eagle, helping defeat Heart Butte 66-39

Agritourism grants awarded to local businesses

Two Lake County businesses will receive grant funding from the Montana Department of Commerce’s Agritourism Grant Program.

Edwina Rosaland Aker, 86

Edwina Aker of Polson passed away peacefully in her sleep from natural causes on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, at the age of 86.

Mission man accused of threatening local school

A St. Ignatius man is accused of making threats to the St. Ignatius Elementary School on YouTube. Nathan Luke Smith, 42, pled not guilty to felony intimidation in District Court in Polson on Dec. 18.

Heart Butte bests Two Eagle girls

Two Eagle fell to Heart Butte 55-37 in nonleague girls basketball action on Thursday, Dec. 19. A 17-6 run by the Warriors in the third quarter allowed them to take control of the game.

John Dylan Miller, 32

John Dylan Miller died Dec. 19, 2024, in Smelterville, Idaho.

Charlo drops two games

Charlo had two league matchups before the holidays and unfortunately lost both.

Arlee defeats Valley Christian, again

Arlee’s boys basketball team remained undefeated with a 58-41 victory over Valley Christian, on Saturday, Dec. 21. It marked their third straight win and second victory against the rival Eagles this season.

Lady Vikings declaw Superior

Charlo bounced back from its first loss of the season to power past Superior in Western 13C basketball action on Saturday, Dec. 21, on the Vikings’ home court.

Helping hungry kids, one backpack meal at a time

Polson Loaves and Fish Food Pantry recently received $12,000 from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation to fund its “Meals for Backpacks” program, while the Ronan Bread Basket received $10,000.

Wrestling Roundup: TwoTeeth a champion at Holiday Classic

Ronan girls had five placers at the CMR Holiday Classic over the weekend, including champion Tirza TwoTeeth, who went 4-0 to win the 235-pound championship.

Legals for December, 25 2024

Parade of Lights brightens Main Street

The Ronan Parade of Lights was a one-horse parade, but that one horse was worth seeing with lights in his tail and a rider in a beautiful Pendleton jacket, accompanying a float raising awareness of No More Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

County officials sworn in

District Court Judge Molly Owen administered the Oath of Office Monday to a trio of Lake County officials.

Boys & Girls Club receives $17,500 from AT&T

AT&T contributed $17,500 to the Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County as part of its commitment to narrow the digital divide in underserved communities.

Reopening Lake House could help county with mental health crisis

The Lake House, located just south of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, opened in 2015 and closed in 2023. While the facility went away, the need did not, as a number of people attested at last Thursday’s meeting at the Lake County Courthouse.

Correction

A story in last week’s Leader titled Agency on Aging breaks ground on new transit center” (page A5) incorrectly identified the person in the photo

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Articles harvested from the Flathead Courier, Dec. 26, 1974

Mission man accused of theft, defacing gun ID and drug possession

A St. Ignatius man is accused of defacing a weapon’s serial number, possessing drugs and theft. Mark Anthony Davidson, 38, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Dec. 11 to misdemeanor charges of theft and obscuring the identity of a machine, and a felony charge of criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your guide to Mission Valley events

Chiefs go toe-to-toe against AA Squads

Ronan notched wins at the Jim Street Mining City Duals on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14, against both Class A foes they faced.

Page crosses career milestone in Mission win over Arlee

Kason Page crossed the 800-point milestone in her career, scoring nine points as the Bulldogs picked up a 66-13 victory over their Lake County rival Arlee on Friday, Dec. 13.

Ronan Seniors: Looking for Meals on Wheels driver

Our Christmas dinner will be served Monday, Dec. 23. Join us for ham or turkey, salad and dessert.

Pay to attract more tourists, or to lower property taxes?

Here’s a rhetorical question for Montanans: would you rather state government spend public money on things like billboards in Chicago to attract more tourists, or use that money to lower your property taxes?

Cancer support group resumes meeting Jan. 8 in Pablo

Cheerful Heart’s Cancer Support Group will not meet on Wednesday, Dec. 25, but will continue meeting from 12-1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in 2025.

Robert S. Syvrud, 89

Robert S. “Bob” Syvrud, age 89, passed away on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, at St. Joseph Assisted Living in Polson.

If Montana law taxes scenery, why not data?

Remember the “scenery tax”? We used to joke that it was the tax we paid in the form of low incomes for living in a place as remote and beautiful as Montana.

Lady Pirates, Maidens split games at Frenchtown Tip-Off

Polson and Ronan split their two games at the Western Tip-Off Tournament in Frenchtown on Dec. 13-14.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas

Thank you to all who visited our booth during the 4-H Christmas Bazaar at the St. Ignatius High School Dec. 14 and supported us by buying something good or cute.

Cherry Valley students sing with Sneezy

Last week approximately 500 family members, friends and community members attended Cherry Valley Elementary School’s second annual winter music program, titled “Singing with Sneezy.”

The Warming Center: Keeping people warm and safe

A tidy white house and a long bunkhouse on 5th Ave. E. in Pablo welcome guests to the Warming Center on chilly nights.

Delaney, DiGiallonardo and Piapot earn All-American honors

Polson runner Morgan Delaney placed fourth and David DiGiallonardo was 12th at the USATF National Junior Olympics Championships at Shelbyville, Ind. on Saturday, Dec. 14.

Legals for December, 19 2024

Sentencing deferred after woman admits to firing weapon

The imposition of sentencing was deferred three years in District Court in Polson Dec. 11 for a Ronan woman who admitted to firing a weapon out of anger over a failed relationship.

Arlee improves to 4-0 with win over Mission

Arlee stretched their record to 4-0 with a 65-49 victory over Lake County rival Mission in Class B boys basketball action on Friday, Dec. 13.

Polson starts season 2-0

Polson scored a total of 110 points in its first two games, as it went 2-0 at the Western A Tip-Off Tournament in Frenchtown on Dec. 13-14. This equals its win total from all of last year.

Governor gives nod to Ronan-based recovery organization

On the tenth day of his 12 Days of Giving campaign, Governor Greg Gianforte encouraged Montanans to support Never Alone Recovery Support Services (NARSS), a nonprofit organization providing long-term, nonclinical recovery support services in Montana for individuals struggling with addiction and homelessness.

Ronan girls place third at Flathead Invite

Ronan put several wrestlers on the podium and placed third as a team at the Flathead Invitational at Kalispell on Dec. 13-14.

Ronan Hall of Fame: 1992 State Champion Maiden Basketball Team

The Ronan Hall of Fame will have an induction celebration on Feb. 1 at the Ronan Community Center. Profiles of this year’s honorees begin with the 1992 State Champion Maiden Basketball Team, named “Distinguished Team” by the selection committee.

Polson Seniors: Winter Solstice brings hope of renewal

Happy Christ-mass to all; and for the cave dwellers, star gazers, Ancients, Buddhists, Hebrews, Hindi, Muslims and First Peoples who have once or now inhabit this place called Earth: Happy Winter Solstice.

Varsity Sports Calendar

This week's varsity sports calendar

Switch flipped on Lights Under the Big Sky

Airplanes flying over the Mission Valley must have wondered what was happening in Ronan Friday evening to illuminate the night sky. The answer is Lights Under the Big Sky at the fairgrounds.

Legals for December, 18 2024

Virgil Rinke, 71

Virgil A. Rinke, age 71, of Ronan, passed away at his home in Round Butte on Dec. 7, 2024. Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Faith Lutheran Church in Ronan.

Deborah Robinson, 76

Deborah F. "Debbie" Robinson, 76, of Polson, passed away Nov. 11, 2024, of natural causes at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

S&K Gaming seeks name for new casino

S&K Gaming plans to break ground in the spring of 2025 on new gaming facilities located north of the Polson Airport. But first, the new casino needs a name.

Polson Study Commission seeks input

Polson voters recently voted to review our city government and elect a City of Polson Study Commission.

Mission girls split, boys win both games at Native American classic

Mission came up just short against Poplar in a 42-40 loss at the 2024 Native American Classic Tip-Off at Great Falls on Saturday. In a tightly matched contest, the Lady Bulldogs outscored the Indians by three points in the fourth quarter, but their comeback came up just short.

Paul Ailport enters Alford plea for attempted homicide

Visiting District Court Judge John Larson of Missoula set a sentencing date of Feb. 13 for a Pablo man who allegedly slammed his pick-up into his neighbor’s house, nearly killing someone.

Polson Seniors: Solstice is coming

The Winter Solstice is on Saturday, Dec. 21. It’s the start of Summer in Australia, but Christmas is still in December, and is coming sooner than you think.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories from 1924 gleaned from the pages of the Flathead Courier.

Legislature should establish uniform fees for Right-to-Know requests

As the 69th Montana Legislature gears up to meet this winter, lawmakers are spending time thinking about policies they believe will make the state better. The Montana Transparency Project believes one straightforward option is a law standardizing fees for Right-to-Know requests.

Government review commissions get underway

The members of Polson’s local government study commission were in Whitefish Tuesday at a training session hosted by the MSU Local Government Center.

Ronan girls top Owen Invitational, Polson claims third

Ronan girls placed first at the Owen Invitational in Polson over the weekend, while Polson placed third in their home tournament and Mission-Charlo was sixth.

There is no “simple” solution to property taxes

In recent opinion pieces, Evan Barrett, a longtime Democratic consultant, and Mike Jopek, a former Democratic legislator, have repeatedly provided their “simple solution” to our high property taxes in Montana: just lower the residential property tax rate to 0.76%. If it truly was that simple, both Democrat and Republican legislators would have already done it.

Ronan has two champs at Owen Invite

The wrestling season kicked off with Polson hosting the Owen Invitational on Dec. 7. Columbia Falls placed third and Ronan placed fifth.

Op-Ed correction

An op-ed by Elena Evans that appeared in last week's newspaper contained a regrettable error, say its authors.

Supreme Court largely sides with State in PL 280 ruling

“Justiciable” was the word floating around the Lake County Courthouse last Tuesday as Lake County officials looked for a ray of hope in the otherwise unfavorable Supreme Court ruling regarding Public Law 280.

Mission goes 2-0 at Native Classic

Mission opened the year 2-0 at the Native Classic in Great Falls over the weekend. Lex LaFrombois scored a total of 65 points in two games to start the season.

Legals for December, 12 2024

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide for the Mission Valley

Vikings, Warriors both win two at Tip-Off

Charlo began the season undefeated with two wins at the 13C Tip-Off Tournament in Hamilton on Dec. 6-7, as did the Arlee Warriors.

Debris burning closed on Flathead Reservation

Debris burning is closed for the winter months of December, January and February due to chronic weather conditions that trap stale air close to the valley floor.

Supports Convention of States to control federal spending

Although I support an Article V Convention to add specific limitations on the runaway federal government, I agree on out-of-state special interest groups. The op-ed is a rehash of mythical claims by an out-of-state special interest group, the John Birch Society.

Agency on Aging breaks ground on new transit center

Western Montana Transit broke ground on its new building in Ronan Nov. 19. Located on Hwy. 93 across from Town Pump, the new structure will provide a central location for the department’s vehicles to be under cover, as well as a large community center room and five offices.

Ronan man adds escape to drug charges

A Ronan man, being held at the Lake County Jail on multiple drug charges, is now accused with attempting to escape custody.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Collecting winter wear for kids

We are collecting coats, hats, socks and mitten/gloves for kids in kindergarten through high school. The items can be dropped off at the Senior Citizen Center until Dec. 20.

Jury finds Mission man not guilty of sexual abuse charge

St. Ignatius resident Charles Zeiler was found not guilty of sexual abuse of a child by a Lake County jury during a trial held Dec. 2-3.

Tana Mindt, 62

Tana Mindt entered her forever joy on Nov. 26, 2024, to be reunited with many loved ones.

Charlo goes 2-0 at 13-C Tip-Off Tournament

The Lady Vikings showcased their firepower, scoring 108 points in their first two games of the season at the 13C Tip-Off Tournament in Hamilton on Dec. 6-7. On Saturday, Charlo put up a 57-31 victory against Philipsburg, scoring 21 points in the second quarter. Opening up the tournament on Friday, Charlo’s defense clamped down on Victor, shutting the Lady Pirates out in the third quarter en route to a 51-12 victory.

SAFE Harbor celebrates community heroes

Bringing a vision to life. Sharing time with those in need. Inspiring others with guidance and encouragement. Contributing to community improvements. Facilitating collaboration to support improved health outcomes. These are examples of the outstanding efforts being made by those chosen as 2024 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month Community Honorees.

Legals for December, 11 2024

Delaney places among region's best in Boise

Morgan Delaney placed 54th at the Nike Cross Regional XC meet at Eagle Island State Park in Boise on Saturday, Nov. 16, as the Mission Mountain Mercury Club again showed its runners are among some of the best around.

Ronan's expectations high for 2025

While Ronan fell short of its goal to make the state tournament, they had a standout season last year, finishing third in the Northwest A Conference with a 7-4 record in league play and 12-10 overall.

Legals for December, 5 2024

Legislature needs to fix gerrymandered PSC districts

Back in April, a groundswell of volunteers put a first-time candidate and lifelong Independent on the ballot.

Tree-lighting launches holiday countdown

It was a countdown to 6 p.m. Saturday evening when the Polson Christmas tree's lights first blinked on, spreading light around the lawn at the Lake County Courthouse.

Maidens coming off two state titles

Ronan is coming off its second-straight state title and is bringing back two state champions and one state placer for the 2024 campaign.

Births at the Nesting Place

Births recently recorded at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson.

Arlee Scarlets come into 2024 with optimism

Arlee is going into the 2024 season with a lot of optimism as head coach Ross Coleman continues to see growth from his Scarlets.

Ronan Seniors: Roast pork dinner served Sunday

A Sunday Roast Pork Dinner will be served Dec. 8. Enjoy a great dinner and great time visiting with friends.

Ronan's Thanksgiving dinner has family feel

Those attending the Ronan Community Thanksgiving Dinner last week were greeted at the door by a smiling Diane and Phil Grant, wishing them “Happy Thanksgiving.”

St. Ignatius Seniors: Volunteers needed at Food Pantry

Sending out a request for people to come and help man the Mission Valley Food Pantry. The hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.

Lake County at "breaking point" for housing prisoners

At a meeting last Monday, Nov. 25, Lake County Attorney James Lapotka told a group of lawmakers, peace officers and judges about two recent cases his office handled that protected Montanans’ Constitutional rights — but had tragic results.

Marriages & Divorces

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

Arlee boys ready to tackle loaded league

The Arlee Warriors finished fourth at state last year, with its only losses during the regular season coming at the hands of the eventual state champion: Loyola. This year, the Warriors will be without nine seniors they had last year but have a great group of younger players ready to fill in.

Polson dinner a giant exercise in generosity

Last Thursday morning in Polson, a line of cars with community members coming to pick up their Thanksgiving feast reached from the Mission Valley Elks down the right side of Main Street to Hwy. 93.

Players embark on 50th season with "A Christmas Carol"

The Port Polson Players begin their 50th season with a musical adaptation of the famous Charles Dickens tale, “A Christmas Carol,” staged Dec. 5-8 at the Theatre on the Lake in Polson.

Don’t say Democrats weren’t warned

To be blunt, the Democrats lost big in the 2024 elections and deserved to.

Sandpiper Gallery offers scholarships

Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gifts in Polson has opened the application period for their art scholarship program.

Chiefs bring back group of state placers

Ronan finished seventh as a team at the Class A State Wrestling Tournament last year, and this year looks like another strong year for the Chiefs.

Ten Lake County players named to Northwest A All-Conference

Polson had six football players and Ronan had four players named to the All-Northwest A Conference team after the 2024 season.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your guide to Mission Valley events

Polson goalie signs with Hilbert College

Emma Knoll, interim head coach for the Hilbert College Hawks Women's Ice Hockey Team (NCAA D-III) recently announced the signing of Summer Newman. The Polson High School senior will major in biology and roster as a goalie with the Hawks for the 2025-2026 season.

Extraordinary Public Impact: UM, Arlee win national research award

University of Montana researchers and community officials in Arlee have worked together on a project since 2017 to promote mental health on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Their efforts recently resulted in a major national honor.

CSKT Water Compact goes to court

The Montana Water Court heard oral arguments on various pending motions on Nov. 14 and 15 at the Russell Smith Federal Courthouse in Missoula.

Maidens gear up with experience for 2024 campaign

Ronan won eight games last year in a tough Northwest A Conference, and this year’s campaign will return a more experienced Maiden team to the court.

Polson Seniors: Thanksgiving is every day of the year

Thanksgiving is never over. It’s every day of the year. We are grateful to those who support our Community Center, the lunch program, the volunteers, and our staff.

Bread Basket needs holiday help

The Ronan Bread Basket, which serves Ronan, Pablo, Moiese Valley, and Charlo communities, needs a hand this holiday season.

Legals for December, 4 2024

David W. Hafer, 82

David Winfield Hafer of Polson, born Dec. 30, 1941, exhaled in this world for the final time and inhaled in the presence of Jesus surrounded by dear friends and family on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 2024, after a lengthy illness. Services for David will be conducted at The Lake Funeral Home in Polson on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 12:30 p.m. The service will be live-streamed at lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.