Wednesday, July 31
Legals for July, 31 2024
Search and Rescue rescues eight during busy week on the lake
According to a recent Facebook post from Lake County Search and Rescue, the local boat crews have been busy lately, responding to several calls and rescuing eight people.
Thursday, July 25
Idaho woman jailed on trafficking charges
A woman from Bonners Ferry, Idaho, is accused of trafficking drugs in Lake County. Nicole Lynn Shain, 39, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court at Polson July 18 to two felony counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, one involving methamphetamine, and the other, fentanyl.
Managing wildfires demands responsible forest management
We’ve all watched the white haze roll in on an otherwise sunny afternoon and lost the mountains and buttes on the horizon with it. While this haze produces some awesome sunsets, wildfire smoke also brings a slew of issues with it.
General Election shuffle continues down ballot
This weekend’s major reshuffle at the top of the presidential ticket isn’t the only impending change-up on the General Election ballot.
Rides, exhibits, vintage vehicles popular at Live History Days
Live History Days at the Miracle of America Museum in Polson is always a fun time for everybody – families, couples, motorheads, or anyone who loves vintage things.
Legals for July, 25 2024
Poker Paddle attracts young and young at heart
“Wave your arms if you need help,” Kelly Thompson of Lake County Search & Rescue instructed a small boy on a neon-green kayak. That was just one of the safety tips she offered before nudging him away from shore at Boettcher Park to join the rest of his family in the Flathead Lakers Poker Paddle.
Births at the Nesting Place
Recent newcomers at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson:
Port Polson Players continue season with "The Cemetery Club"
The Port Polson Players continue their 49th season with the hilarious and poignant comedy, “The Cemetery Club, July 25-Aug. 11 at the air-conditioned log Theatre on the Lake.
From adversity to achievement: UM Law grad lands tribal judgeship
“You know, five years ago if they told me I would be a graduate of the University of Montana law school, I wouldn’t have believed them,” said Bryan Dupuis Sr. “If they told me I could potentially be the next chief judge of the Blackfeet Tribe, I would have never believed them.”
Project 2025 maps authoritarian takeover
Paper maps are passe. Or are they? The Heritage Foundation, under head Kevin Roberts, produced a 920-page road map outlining a radical agenda for Christian nationalism.
Gardipe pleads guilty to felony intimidation
Judge Molly Owen set a sentencing date of Sept. 4 for a Big Arm man who admitted to threatening a neighbor over calling law enforcement. Junior Gardipe, 36, entered a plea of guilty in District Court at Polson July 17 to felony intimidation.
Time Capsule: From the Archives
Headlines gleaned from the archives of local weekly newspapers
St. Ignatius Seniors: Support appreciated
Thank you to all who came to the pancake breakfast, played bingo, bought 50-50 tickets and bid on our silent auction last Saturday. Your support of the senior center is greatly appreciated.
Polson Seniors: Many hands, light work
Our board of directors is seeking members willing to serve in the annual officer-nomination process.
Why is Gale Decker still on the ballot?
A question myself and a lot of community members would like to know the answer to is how can Gale Decker be on the ballot?
Mission Valley Calendar
Your guide to Mission Valley events
Festival celebrates cherries, community
Although this year’s cherry harvest is meager, thanks to last winter’s prolonged deep freeze, it won’t stop locals and tourists alike from attending the much-anticipated Flathead Cherry Festival. The annual event returns to Polson July 27-28, filling downtown with cherry-themed festivities, food vendors, music, and diverse artisans and crafters.
Lightning brings three new fire starts
Lightning started three new fires on the Flathead Reservation on Wednesday night according to the CSKT Division of Fire.
Good Old Days beats the heat
For more than 40 years, Good Old Days has delivered a rousing community celebration to St. Ignatius on the third weekend in July. This year’s extravaganza was no exception.
Buffalo Run dubbed best yet
The Buffalo Run, held Saturday in St. Ignatius during Good Old Days, tallied 190 participants.
Mission Valley Mariners sweep Miners, split with Mavs
The Mission Valley Mariners won two high-scoring games in a doubleheader sweep of the Butte Miners on Wednesday, July 17, and split a doubleheader Saturday with the Missoula Mavericks.
PSC candidate appears in Polson Aug. 1
Elena Evans, who is running as an Independent for the Public Service Commission, will meet with voters from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Durham in Polson.
Wide-load snags power line, backs up traffic on 93
Traffic was backed up for around two hours on Highway 93 last Friday afternoon after a wide-load tractor-trailer snagged a power line just east of the Polson bridge.
John Adams, 80
John Adams, age 80 of Polson, passed away Tuesday, July 16.
Despite heat, powwow attracts crowd
Though the weather has been broiling, the Standing Arrow Powwow in Elmo last weekend went on as planned from July 18-21.
Arlee/Jocko Valley Museum is a homegrown endeavor
The Arlee/Jocko Valley Museum’s former life was as a Methodist Church in Arlee. Built in 1915, the building became the community’s museum in 1990.
Ronan Seniors: Birthday dinner is Friday
Roast beef is on the menu for the Birthday Dinner served Friday, July 26.
Ronan grad receives Job Service scholarship
Nathaniel Young, a recent graduate from Ronan High School, won the 2024 Ken Rohrenbach Scholarship. He was selected for the $1,000 scholarship by the Lake County Job Service Employer Committee (JSEC).
Wednesday, July 24
Festival of Art draws nearly 50 vendors
Kirstin Baker of Dragonfly Pottery in Belgrade brought her own fan to the Flathead Lake Festival of Art, where temperatures were in the low 90s Saturday afternoon.
Legals for July, 24 2024
Tuesday, July 23
Power outage hits more than 600 households
More than 600 households were without power Monday after power to the Bonneville substation on Dixon went offline.
Thursday, July 18
Ronan City Council okays party permits
At the July 10, Ronan City Council meeting, members discussed the Mission Range Event Center annexation, the agricultural restriction on the land, and the Pioneer Days Committee lease.
There's only one Savior
I’m writing in response to Suzanne Marshall’s letter in last week’s Leader (July 4). First Ms. Marshall you need to fact check yourself – there is only one Savior.
Fire danger moves to very high
Wildland fire officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire have raised the fire danger within the Flathead Indian Reservation to “Very High,” effective immediately.
Pearl (Baker) Bjorgen
Pearl Elaine (Baker) Bjorgen passed away early Monday afternoon, July 1, in her home surrounded by her children. A visitation for Pearl will be held Friday, July 19, from 5-8 p.m. at Ball and Dodd Funeral Home, 5100 West Wellesley Ave., Spokane, and 9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, July 20, followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.
Tima Ardell Brown
Tima Ardell Brown, age 63, passed away on Jan. 16, 2024, of complications from pneumonia.
Alton Sept,101
Alton E. Sept, 101, former Superintendent of Power for the Flathead Irrigation Project, passed away on July 5, 2024.
Keep your Golden Years golden: Tips to prevent elder fraud
Each year, up to 20% of older Americans become victims of elder fraud, a type of financial exploitation that explicitly targets people 60 years and older.
Ronan woman faces felony assault charge
A Ronan woman is accused of assaulting her friend after consuming alcohol. Nevona Rose Lafley, 18, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court at Polson July 11 to felony aggravated assault.
Audrey Ann Burton, 85
Audrey Ann Burton, 85, of Polson, passed away on Monday, July 2, 2024, at Providence Hospital of heart failure.
Democratic left is the real threat
After reading David Daniels’ letter (July 4), filled with erroneous and libelous accusations about the Republican party threatening of freedoms, I feel I must respond to show the actual threat to our democracy is the democratic left.
Polson Seniors: Birthday dinner July 26
Activities and meals at the Polson center are open to all.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Good Old Days
Remember to come to our Pancake Breakfast for Good Old Days, 7-11 a.m. Saturday, July 20. A silent auction, 50/50 drawing and bingo at 2 p.m. are part of the fun.
Remembering Dr. Joe McDonald
I want to thank Mr. Wyman McDonald for his recent letter commemorating his late cousin, Dr. Joe McDonald.
Keeping political power in check
My favorite father-in-law (yes, there have been more than one) once told me that if I ever went fishing make sure that I took two ministers with me.
Lake County Fire Assoc. meets in Charlo
The Charlo-Moiese Volunteer Fire Department hosted the quarterly meeting of the Lake County Fire Association.
Mission Valley B splits doubleheaders against Cubs, Lakers
The Mission Valley B Team split doubleheaders with the Dillon Cubs and Kalispell Lakers.
Mission Valley Mariners claim three wins at John Harp tourney
Mission Valley Mariners posted three wins during the John Harp Tournament, July 12-14 in Kalispell, bringing their season record to 21-15.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Keith Kudlock
Keith Kudlock passed away May 1, 2024, at Polson Health and Rehab in Polson. There will be a memorial service at Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius on July 20 at 2 p.m. There will also be a reception at the Bison Cafe in Ravalli at p.m. It was his favorite place to talk to everyone and take naps.
Frederick Jude "Fred" Innerbichler, 72
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Frederick (Fred) Jude Innerbichler of Polson. Fred was born in Hermosa Beach, Calif., on Sept. 14, 1951, to Fred H. Innerbichler and Manuelita (Landavazo) Innerbichler of Anaheim, Calif. He passed away on July 4, 2024, at 8:14 p.m., just in time to watch the fireworks show while he left Earth. A memorial service will be held at the Bridge Church in Polson on Sept. 15, 2024, at 12:30 p.m.
SAFE Harbor says thanks
Wow! Wow! Wow! The kind and generous support of the community helped SAFE Harbor host another amazing carnival and circus in Ronan. With more than 1,000 attendees, it was quite a time.
Live History Days brings history to life
You’ll find lots of history at the Miracle of America Museum in Polson where the exhibits tell the story of America and its peoples. And during Live History Days, many exhibits come alive as skilled craftsmen demonstrate how things were made in the “old days” while volunteers start the engines on what are usually static displays.
Community efforts help shape “the cutest fairgrounds around”
Facilities and fair manager Sjaan Vincent was helping a crew of young workers build and paint a fence recently in preparation for the upcoming Lake County Fair. They carefully measured and placed rails, then added a coat of brown paint – with Vincent lending a hand and supervising the endeavor.
Extension crew revs up for Lake County Fair
The Lake County Extension office in Ronan is humming this time of year, as Agents Taylor Mullen and Claudia Andrade gear up for the Lake County Fair.
Flathead Monster comes ashore in Polson
A sinuous creature now swims in Sacajawea Park, thanks in large part to the vision of Pat Binger, the artistry of sculptor John Leon, and the hard work of Polson City Parks and Recreation staff.
Paddle Palooza: Cancer survivors paddle for health and healing
When Nan Condit first began paddling dragon boats and a solo outrigger canoe as part of her path to breast cancer recovery, she had no idea her passion would eventually morph into last weekend’s Paddle Palooza.
Commission says yes to storage units, negotiating manager contract
The Polson City Commission considered two developments and decided whether to pursue an employment contract with the city manager at Monday's meeting.
Legals for July, 18 2024
Lady Pirates win two at State Tournament
The Lady Pirates 18U softball team’s season ended at the Montana Junior Olympic Fastpitch Tournament with a 3-0 loss to the Laurel Extreme on Saturday, July 13.
Wednesday, July 17
Legals for July, 17 2024
Thursday, July 11
Legals for July, 11 2024
Time Capsule: From the Archives
Stories harvested from the pages of local weekly newspapers
Sharon Jean Turner Hall (Snyder)
Sharon Jean Turner Hall (Snyder) passed away with family by her side on June 22, 2024, from a battle with metastasized colon cancer. A celebration of life will be held on July 13 at 3 p.m. at the Ronan Community Center. Taco bar will be provided. Anyone attending is asked to bring a salad or dessert.
Polson Seniors: Fresh faces sought for board
This is also the month that we have nominations for officers and two open positions on the board. Contact a board member for more information please! We need fresh faces on the board or serving as officers.
Elephants are following the wrong savior
Dear House Speaker Mike Johnston, During your confirmation, I was encouraged to hear you reference the Bible. Then the bi-partisan passage of the Federal Budget Bill was a Hallelujah moment for me. Now, however, you appear to govern by a different playbook, written by Donald Trump.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Serving pancakes
Remember to come to our Pancake Breakfast for Good Old Days, 7-11 a.m. Saturday, July 20. We’ll be serving pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice, coffee and tea. A silent auction is on tap too.
Clarence Brazil, 98
Clarence J. Brazil was born in Petaluma, Calif., on April 19, 1925, to parents John Brazil and Louise Brazil. He passed away in Polson on Nov. 29, 2023, at the age of 98. A memorial for Clarence is being held July 20, 2024, at 11 a.m. in the North Lake County Public Library Conference Room in Polson.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
B team splits with Kalispell
Mission Valley’s B team split with the Kalispell Lakers on Monday, July 1. The team won the first game 12-2 but lost the second game 16-4.
Mission Valley Mariners sweep Loggers, split with Bitterroot
The Mission Valley A team held Libby to two hits while taking advantage of the Loggers’ five errors in a 10-0 victory on Tuesday, July 2, at home. The Mariners also won the nightcap of the doubleheader by the same score, 10-0. In low-scoring doubleheader action, the A team split with the Bitterroot Bucs on Saturday, July 6.
Arlee celebrates Fourth with 40th Open Rodeo
The Arlee Open Rodeo celebrated 40 years this year. Traditionally held on the Fourth of July, the rodeo arena is located off Powwow Road near the powwow grounds. The performance started at 2 p.m., and the stands were jam-packed on a sunny day.
Keith Rennie
Polson resident Keith Rennie, a devoted husband, beloved father and brother, and cherished grandfather, passed away June 23, 2024, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. He was 71 years old. A memorial service to celebrate Keith's life will be held on July 21, 2024, from 4-6 p.m. at the Red Poppy in Ronan.
Arlee Celebration welcomes dancers, spectators
The 124th annual Arlee Esyapqeyni, which means celebration in Salish, began its seven-day run on July 1 and provided six days of culture and powwow dancing. The powwow theme was “In Honor of Our Elders – Past and Present.”
Tribal Complex named in honor of Vern Clairmont
Vern Clairmont, who died a year ago on July 11, was honored last Friday at the Tribal Complex, which has been renamed in his honor.
Arlee parade attracts 35 entries
This year’s Arlee Fourth of July parade had approximately 35 entries and a robust crew of spectators lining the parade route.
Polson parade boasts nearly 50 entries
There were 47 entries in Polson’s Fourth of July parade – just shy of last year’s 52 entrants.
The lost lesson of stewardship
A new – and old – accusation keeps popping up these days. “You are just one of those Montanans who wants to come to paradise, and once you have your little piece of it, just lock the gate behind you. How can you justify that?”
The British came to Polson, but didn't stay long
For the third year in a row, Polson parade-watchers were treated to a reenactment of the battles of Lexington and Concord, beginning when Paul Revere galloped down Main Street, shouting “The British are coming!”
Training offered July 24 for local government review
Montana State University Extension’s Local Government Center will provide support to the 43 municipalities – including Polson, Ronan and St. Ignatius – and 12 counties in Montana that are participating in the decennial local government review.
Charlo celebrates the Fourth of July
You could give a child a bag of candy the size of what they could collect at the parade, and they’d still want to go to the parade. It’s kid logic: it’s just more fun to run as far as your mom will let you onto the street, to beat your brother to the gummy bears, and to check out the good candy and who was stingy throwing treats.
Polson places third at home Splash Tournament
Polson defeated the C-Town Rebels 12-1 to place third at the Polson Splash Tournament, held July 5-7. The Lady Pirates held the Rebels to four hits in the victory, while Avery Starr had a home run and drove in two runs.
On the agenda
Upcoming public meetings
Wednesday, July 10
Legals for July, 10 2024
Monday, July 8
Shirley Eye, 85
Shirley Rae Newton Eye, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at the Pines of Mission in St. Ignatius. Her Celebration of Life will be held on July 11 at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. A light meal will be available after the service, and then her body will be laid to rest at Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius.
Sunday, July 7
Clayton Orie Tracy Jr., 66
Clayton Orie Tracy Jr., age 66 of Polson, passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.
Marriages & Divorces
The following marriages and divorces were recently recorded at the Lake County Courthouse in Polson:
Thursday, July 4
Ronan man admits to felony assault
A Ronan man admitted to threatening the mother of his children with a knife. Darius Sosep Parker, 25, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson June 26 to felony assault with a weapon.
Body of missing boater recovered
After six days of searching, divers from Missoula and Flathead County recovered the body of 36-year-old Chad Hansen of Missoula from Flathead Lake.
Legals for July, 4 2024
Hammer receives 15-year sentence for drugs, police chase
A Charlo man was committed to the Montana Department of Corrections for 15 years with five years suspended on one count of criminal endangerment and criminal possession of dangerous drugs.
Washington man accused of dealing drugs
A man from Green Acres, Wash., man is accused of dealing drugs in Lake County. Michael William Murray, 40, entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of criminal possession with intent to distribute in District Court at Polson June 27.
Polson Seniors: Search for cook continues
We are continuing our search for a full or part-time cook and/or nutrition director. Apply in person. Wages based on experience and range of knowledge in food service.
Judge denies bid to change venue in Sunny White case
Judge Molly Owen of the 20th Judicial District denied a motion for change of venue in the case of a Butte woman charged with running over and killing an Arlee woman.
Merle Walling
Merle was an amazing and kind woman who loved her family above all. Merle Elaine Walling passed on June 23, 2024.
William Kenneth Neumann
William (Brother Bill) Kenneth Neumann joined his brother, Randy, May 25, 2024. He was living in Cebu, Philippines, and had retired last fall from being a truck driver for many years.
Twyla Maisie Shear, 99
Twyla Maisie Shear, 99, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Providence St. Joseph Assisted Living Center in Polson.
Darwin Lee Zempel, 67
Darwin Lee Zempel, 67 passed away June 23, 2024. Darwin was born Sept. 15, 1956, in Kalispell to Dolores and Allen “Bud” Zempel.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Outgoing finance director helped reshape budget process
Kim Sassaman, the City of Polson’s recently retired finance director, headed for her new home in Florida in late June with her second “clean audit” report behind her, and a more relaxing future ahead.
Polson 14U team wins Bitterroot Brawl
Polson 14U Softball took first place in their age division at the Bitterroot Brawl in Florence and Stevensville, Friday-Sunday, June 28-30.
Mission Mountain Rodeo draws good crowd
Audience members flocked to the Mission Mountain Rodeo on Friday and Saturday nights. Attendance was up, according to Polson Fairgrounds Inc. secretary Una Rose Graham. PFI produces the annual event.
County commissioners plan to impose levy for jail expansion
At a meeting Monday morning, the Lake County Commissioners unanimously approved two resolutions aimed at financing the new courthouse annex and paying for an expansion of the jail.
Wanted: Invasive American bullfrogs
“Wanted: Invasive American Bullfrog” reads a poster recently distributed by the CSKT Wildlife Management Program, in tandem with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Montana Conservation Corps.
Angler breaks state record for largescale suckers
Wade Merschat, 12, of Trout Creek, used a nightcrawler to land a 6.72-pound largescale sucker from Noxon Reservoir in Sanders County on June 19.
Polson commission authorizes PILT agreement with S&K Gaming
The Polson City Commission unanimously approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) agreement with S&K Gaming during its regular meeting Monday.
Albert Knutson, 91
Albert Knutson, 91 of Polson, passed away on Jan. 18, 2024, at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan.
County residents appointed to statewide board
Governor Greg Gianforte recently appointed two Lake County residents to a statewide board.
Lady Pirates pick up wins at Bitteroot Brawl
The 18U Lady Pirates bowed out of the 2024 Bitterroot Brawl Tournament held in Florence and Stevensville on June 28-30 with an 8-6 loss to the Falls Fusion.
Mission Valley starts Dillon Tourney with win, keeps going
Other than a loss to tourney host Dillon, the Mission Valley Mariners posted four wins at the Maybell Arthur Memorial Wood Bat Tournament June 28-29.
Mixed results posted by Mission Valley B Team
The Mission Valley Mariners B Team had a week of mixed results, winning games against Missoula and Kalispell but dropping a doubleheader against Dillon.
Republicans threaten our freedoms
All my life, I was told to protect and defend freedom. I was taught to respect patriots who gave their lives for freedom, our freedom. Republicans now threaten this freedom. United under a creed of white nationalism and evangelical delusion, led by a convicted felon.
Thanks to life-saving intervention, I still have a son
My son celebrated his 31st birthday recently. I wrote an “I'm so proud of you” message on Facebook telling of his senior graduation party night where they went up North Crow to party and my son ended up getting so drunk he passed out and aspirated on his vomit.
406 Rodeo focused on the future of rodeo
406 Rodeo calls itself a company focused on the future of rodeo, and it’s true. Joe and Lacie DeMers not only cater to adult riders, they also supply stock for Junior Rodeo Association kids and Junior Rough Stock competitors.
"Print the news and raise hell"
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech and of the press. Why was that important? Because without the press, the American Revolution may have never taken place.
On the agenda
Upcoming public meetings in Lake County
Ronan Seniors: Center closed July 5
The center is closed July 5 in honor of Independence Day. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.
Developing people skills in a world of artificial fulfillment
2024 marks the 20th anniversary since the emergence of Facebook, a social network that promised to interconnect us with friends, family, and even new people. It failed.
Sweet Pride in July picnic set for July 13
Safe Harbor sponsors the Sweet Pride in July Picnic in the Park, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. July 13 at Ronan City Park. The annual event includes food, fun, games, crafts, a fashion show, and a chance to build community.
Volunteers, donations enhance Garden for Life
The Arlee Community Development Corporation’s Garden for Life now has a kids’ section and pollinator boxes, thanks to a donation of materials and volunteer labor from South San Francisco-based biotechnology company Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
Ronan man accused of hitting partner with baseball bat
A Ronan man is accused of hitting his partner with a baseball bat. Curtis Alden Thomas, 38, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson June 26, to felony assault with a weapon. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Wednesday, July 3
Legals for July, 3 2024
News Briefs
Search for missing boater continues, St. Ignatius teen dies in rollover, Polson man dies in crash near Pablo
Tuesday, July 2
John Joseph Peregoy, 69
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Joseph Peregoy. He died at home in Polson on April 13, 2024, at the age of 69. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 6, at 11 a.m. at the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribal Senior Center (701 1st St. East in Polson).
Monday, July 1
Open burning season closes
Fire officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire have restricted outdoor burning starting Monday, July 1. Open debris burning will resume after fire season starting Oct. 1.
