Stories for June 2024

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Friday, June 28

Polson house fire controlled, cats rescued
June 28, 2024 midnight

Polson house fire controlled, cats rescued

The Polson Volunteer Fire Department was paged out at 12:29 p.m. June 25 to a structure fire at 11th Ave. on June 25. A neighbor called in the fire.

Thursday, June 27

June 27, 2024 midnight

Legals for June, 27 2024

Inmates plead not guilty to attempted escape
June 27, 2024 midnight

Inmates plead not guilty to attempted escape

Two inmates at the Lake County Jail are facing trials for a failed attempt to escape custody.

Joan Carroll, 84
June 27, 2024 midnight

Joan Carroll, 84

Joan H. Carroll, age 84, passed away June 20, 2024, at her residence in St. Regis.

Oregon man pleads not guilty to sexual assault of minor
June 27, 2024 midnight

Oregon man pleads not guilty to sexual assault of minor

A man from Salem, Ore., is accused of inappropriate contact with a minor. Tyler Davis Booze, 29, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court June 20 to felony sexual abuse of children.

Thrift-store theft leads to multiple drug charges
June 27, 2024 midnight

Thrift-store theft leads to multiple drug charges

A Big Arm man is accused of possessing multiple drugs, being charged as such, and then missing court appearances on those charges.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Round-trip ticket to Gaza anyone?

Thank for the informative article about the Lake County Commissioners’ letter to President Joe Biden. I would like to thank the Lake County Commissioners for reaching out to our President with concerns about lake levels on Flathead Lake.

Polson man charged with felony partner assault
June 27, 2024 midnight

Polson man charged with felony partner assault

A Polson man, with prior convictions of domestic abuse, is accused of assaulting the same victim again. Bryce Wyatt Jordan, 23, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court June 19 to felony partner or family member assault.

Men required to pay restitution for jail flooding
June 27, 2024 midnight

Men required to pay restitution for jail flooding

Trials set for two inmates of the Lake County Detention Center, accused of intentionally flooding the jail, were vacated after their cases were resolved by separate plea agreements.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Following in Joe McDonald's footsteps

I appreciated very much the press coverage of the Fort Connah honoring of my cousin/brother Joe McDonald (Leader, June 20).

Circus brings animals, clowns, exotic acts to Ronan
June 27, 2024 midnight

Circus brings animals, clowns, exotic acts to Ronan

Wendell is a teenage lion, but he weighs in at 450 pounds. He and lioness Delilah are head-lion-ers for the Culpepper & Merryweather Circus, which performed two shows Sunday in Ronan.

The Big Bang: Fireworks allowed, but only through July 5
June 27, 2024 midnight

The Big Bang: Fireworks allowed, but only through July 5

Next Wednesday is the Fourth of July, a time when most Americans celebrate the Declaration of Independence, which was signed July 4, 1776. People enjoy picnics, parades, family get-togethers, the Arlee Powwow and fireworks.

Hospital shift: St. Joseph COO moves to St. Luke
June 27, 2024 midnight

Hospital shift: St. Joseph COO moves to St. Luke

Devin Huntley, chief operating officer at St. Joseph Medical Center, steps into the same role 14 miles south on July 15.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Marriages & Divorces

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

Mischaracterizing public nonprofits hurts communities
June 27, 2024 midnight

Mischaracterizing public nonprofits hurts communities

As the Executive Director of the Montana Nonprofit Association, a membership association that supports more than 850 organization across the state, I’m dismayed by multiple recent incidents of political leaders and influencers casting local public charities across Montana as “dark money” groups and as organizations at the center of broader political flashpoints.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Yes, there is a fireworks ordinance

Most residents of City of Polson do not know there is a fireworks ordinance. There is.

June 27, 2024 midnight

St. Ignatius Seniors: Nurse on the Go

Is it difficult for you or a loved one to trim toenails? Call “Nurse on the Go” at 406-253-5114 and schedule your 30-minute foot appointment.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Ronan Seniors: Birthday dinner served June 28

Birthday Dinner, served Friday, June 28, includes roast beef, salad and dessert. Other main dishes include turkey and noodles, July 1 and brunch, July 3. The center is closed July 5 in honor of Independence Day. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Polson Seniors: A more perfect Union

The great American Experience is still in the works, ever since 1776. We’re still working toward a more perfect Union, dedicated to the proposition that all men and women are created equal.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Mission Valley Mariners end week at 10-10
June 27, 2024 midnight

Mission Valley Mariners end week at 10-10

A Team wins two, loses two at Libby Big Bucks Tournament.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Mission Valley B Team trounces Libby

Mission Valley B Team now 10-5 after two wins, two losses.

Lady Pirates win two, lose two at G-Funk Throwdown
June 27, 2024 midnight

Lady Pirates win two, lose two at G-Funk Throwdown

Lady Pirates defeat SkyRiders and Great Falls in tourney.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Griz visits granary and stolen mail are among the headlines borrowed from the archives of local weekly newspapers.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Council schedules meeting on MREC annexation

The saga of the Mission Range Event Center continued last Wednesday as the Ronan City Council unanimously passed resolution 2024-48 approving the purchase of the MREC property from Lake County.

Sen. Tester makes campaign stop at Pache
June 27, 2024 midnight

Sen. Tester makes campaign stop at Pache

Fresh from a meeting with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester breezed into the park at Pache Home Sites in Ronan at 3 p.m. Sunday.

Fourth festivities stretch from Arlee to Polson
June 27, 2024 midnight

Fourth festivities stretch from Arlee to Polson

Parades begin at noon in Arlee, Charlo and Polson, and the 124th annual Arlee Celebration fills the Powwow Grounds with traditional dancing, drumming and vendors July 1-7.

The Game is Afoot: Port Polson Players launch season with "Baskerville"
June 27, 2024 midnight

The Game is Afoot: Port Polson Players launch season with "Baskerville"

The Port Polson Players open their 49th season of Summer Theatre with Ken Ludwig's “Baskerville – A Sherlock Holmes Mystery,” based ever-so-loosely on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Hound of the Baskervilles.”

June 27, 2024 midnight

Polson Postmaster reflects on Fourth values

As Postmaster of the Polson Post Office I am writing to express the unwavering commitment of our postal staff to serving our wonderful communities.

June 27, 2024 midnight

Outdoor Briefs: Leopard frogs & mystery snails

Leopard frog reintroduction earns Unsung Hero Award; Finley Point home to mystery snails

Veritas Grill offers fun summer food at Boettcher
June 27, 2024 midnight

Veritas Grill offers fun summer food at Boettcher

Does a smash burger with bacon, cheese, and grilled onions fire up your appetite? How about a Philly-cheese steak sandwich? The Veritas Grill at Boettcher Park can fix you up with either.

Dolores Carlson, 67
June 27, 2024 midnight

Dolores Carlson, 67

Dolores “Dee” Elaine Carlson of Polson, age 67, passed into the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 19, 2024. There will be a graveside service for Dee on July 5, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Lakeview Cemetery in Polson and a reception for family and friends afterwards at New Life Church.

Ayden Luper
June 27, 2024 midnight

Ayden Luper

Ayden Willie Luper of Polson peacefully entered his eternal home on June 15, 2024, after a courageous four-year battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Mary Janet Vail, 91
June 27, 2024 midnight

Mary Janet Vail, 91

Mary Janet Swanson Vail of Polson, on Sunday, June 16, 2024, slipped peacefully into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father at the age of 91.

Elsie R. Gierke-Locke, 91
June 27, 2024 midnight

Elsie R. Gierke-Locke, 91

Elsie Rebekah Holmes Gierke-Locke, 91, died peacefully at home in Polson of natural causes.

Richard Flagg Ayres Jr., 89
June 27, 2024 midnight

Richard Flagg Ayres Jr., 89

Richard "Dick" Flagg Ayres Jr. passed away peacefully June 19, 2024, surrounded by his family in Tucson, Ariz.

David Franz, 71
June 27, 2024 midnight

David Franz, 71

David A. Franz – a beloved son, brother, husband, father and friend to so many he met – died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home overlooking Flathead Lake on May 10, 2024. David’s death followed a brief illness. He was 71 years old.

Wednesday, June 26

June 26, 2024 midnight

Legals for June, 26 2024

Leader stacks up 19 statewide newspaper awards
June 26, 2024 midnight

Leader stacks up 19 statewide newspaper awards

The Lake County Leader raked in 19 awards at the Montana Newspaper Association’s 139th annual convention and awards banquet, held Saturday in Kalispell – including 10 first place awards in Division I for writing, layout and photography.

Tuesday, June 25

Library hosts boat-building extravaganza
June 25, 2024 midnight

Library hosts boat-building extravaganza

Young boat builders assembled at Sacajawea Park in Polson last Thursday for the North Lake County Library’s annual boat-building challenge.

Saturday, June 22

Ramon "Ray" Bergh, 78
June 22, 2024 midnight

Ramon "Ray" Bergh, 78

Ramon Quentin “Ray” Bergh, age 78 of Ronan, passed away June 20, 2024, from Alzheimer's. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 24, at 2 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Ronan. Cremation has taken place.

Tait Humble, 46
June 22, 2024 midnight

Tait Humble, 46

Tait William Humble passed away June 11, 2024, at his home in Kalispell. Tait was thriving and healthy, which makes his death of natural cause a complete shock. Please join us for a “going away party” June 29, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Ninepipes Lodge, Charlo.

Dee Ann Hogge Crofoot, 76
June 22, 2024 midnight

Dee Ann Hogge Crofoot, 76

Dee Ann Hogge Crofoot, 76, of Salmon, Idaho, passed away peacefully in the presence of family June 17, 2024, in Rexburg. The funeral services will be held Monday, June 24, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Hwy. 28 building (91 ID-28 Salmon, Idaho).

Thursday, June 20

President Sandra Boham retires from SKC
June 20, 2024 midnight

President Sandra Boham retires from SKC

Salish Kootenai College Board of Directors recently announced that President Sandra Boham has retired, effective June 7.

June 20, 2024 midnight

Ronan Seniors: Commodities coming in July

Commodities will be distributed July 17 at Mission West Food Enterprises, 407 Main St. in Ronan. This will be a one-day-only distribution from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. It will be drive through so please stay in your car.

Sally Cook, 85
June 20, 2024 midnight

Sally Cook, 85

Sally Deane Bailey Cook of Ronan, born July 18, 1938, passed away May 19, 2024, at the age of 85, in Missoula of natural causes. There will be a celebration of her life July 6, 2024, at Valley View Clubhouse, 40765 Valley View Road, Polson, from noon-4 p.m. The reading of her complete obituary will be at 1 p.m.

Russell Breton, 85
June 20, 2024 midnight

Russell Breton, 85

Russell Breton, age 85, passed away June 7, 2024, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson.

Elsie Brown, 95
June 20, 2024 midnight

Elsie Brown, 95

Elsie Mae (Funk) Brown, age 95, passed away at her home in Polson on Feb. 6, 2024. There will be a potluck Celebration of Life at the home of Bob Daily at 35448 Rocky Point Road, Polson, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, starting at noon. Interment will be at Glacier Memorial Gardens on June 26, at 11 a.m.

June 20, 2024 midnight

Remembering community benefactor Rod Johnson

I am writing today to remember my friend Rod Johnson. Rod passed in April, much too young, after suffering from health issues. I wanted to touch on some of the community service, most of it unrecognized, that Rod and his companies provided over his many years. I would guess he donated to every single person and organization that requested one. Hundreds of individuals and worthy causes benefited from his faithful support.

June 20, 2024 midnight

The lifespan of a democracy

A long lifespan depends on good health. Did you know that the average lifespan of democracies is 200 years? Check out Lord Tytler's “Eight Stages of a Democracy.”

View from the Library: Summer programs in full swing
June 20, 2024 midnight

View from the Library: Summer programs in full swing

We have successfully kicked off our annual Summer Reading Program with over 100 attendees at our first program and 289 registrations on the first day. It’s not too late to register – you actually have until Aug. 10.

June 20, 2024 midnight

St. Ignatius Seniors: Cooking class starts June 21

SNAP-Ed is offering a cooking class titled “Eating Smart–Being Active,” 5-7:30 p.m. Fridays, beginning June 21 and continuing for six weeks at the St. Ignatius Community Center.

Wadsworth throws one-hitter against Kalispell
June 20, 2024 midnight

Wadsworth throws one-hitter against Kalispell

The Mission Valley Mariners A Team split a doubleheader against the Cranbrook Bandits on Saturday, June 15, in Polson.

Mission Valley Calendar
June 20, 2024 midnight

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

June 20, 2024 midnight

Fall Mack Days gets off to earlier start

Fall Mack Days will start earlier than usual this year.

Sharon Young, 71
June 20, 2024 midnight

Sharon Young, 71

In the early hours of Wednesday, June 12, Sharon Young passed away at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease and complications from COVID-19. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 22, at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula, with a reception to follow.

Chowing down at the Flossie Challenge
June 20, 2024 midnight

Chowing down at the Flossie Challenge

Sam Dempsey ate his fill, and then some, last Friday at Big Arm Resort and Casino.

You go to your church; I'll go to mine
June 20, 2024 midnight

You go to your church; I'll go to mine

A few years ago, I was talking with a man who raised an interesting question: “There’s only one God, so why do we need so many different churches?”

Fort Connah Rendezvous honors Joe McDonald
June 20, 2024 midnight

Fort Connah Rendezvous honors Joe McDonald

The 23rd annual Fort Connah Rendezvous was held Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16, at the historic fort north of St. Ignatius. The public portion of the Rendezvous opened at noon Saturday with the Great Scots Bagpipers, followed by members of the Fort Connah Restoration Society leading a riderless sorrel horse, symbolizing respect and mourning for Joe McDonald.

Harlequin ducks take center stage in Audubon presentation
June 20, 2024 midnight

Harlequin ducks take center stage in Audubon presentation

"Harlequin Duck Hide and Go Seek" is the title of Mission Mountain Audubon's educational program at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27, in the Polson Library meeting room.

June 20, 2024 midnight

Mariners B Team wins one against Kalispell, sweeps Cranbrook

The Mission Valley Mariners B Team traveled to Kalispell on Friday, June 14, to split a doubleheader with Kalispell Gold 15U.

June 20, 2024 midnight

Area track athletes shine at Nationals

Several athletes from the Mission Valley Mercury Club competed at the Nike Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.

June 20, 2024 midnight

Arlee man believed to be victim of wreck on Hwy. 2

A man who was killed in a fiery wreck June 8 on Highway 2 near Nyack is believed to be Dalton Olson, 29, of Arlee, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

June 20, 2024 midnight

Can commissioners choose cooperation over conflict?

The Lake County Commissioners appear bent on reopening old controversies and unsettling settled law, judging by recent missives they’ve sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (March 1) and President Joe Biden (June 6).

Commissioners reach out to Biden to remedy "treaty depredation"
June 20, 2024 midnight

Commissioners reach out to Biden to remedy "treaty depredation"

The Lake County Commissioners sent a letter to President Joe Biden June 6, asking him to intercede “on behalf of two counties and affected U.S. citizens visiting this area” and to make compensation for “depredations” by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, mostly pertaining to the low water level in Flathead Lake last summer.

Tribes receive $7.7 million from USDA for meat-processing plant
June 20, 2024 midnight

Tribes receive $7.7 million from USDA for meat-processing plant

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are among eight tribal nations that recently received an Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

June 20, 2024 midnight

Legals for June, 20 2024

Wednesday, June 19

Sandpiper mural takes art to the community
June 19, 2024 11:55 p.m.

Sandpiper mural takes art to the community

Venture to the city docks in Polson, and you’ll see a brightly colored lake scene on the Sacajawea Park restroom building. It’s painted shades of turquoise, dark green, gold, and pink.

June 19, 2024 midnight

Legals for June, 19 2024

Thursday, June 13

Commencement speaker praises "energy, fire and power" of SKC grads
June 13, 2024 12:45 a.m.

Commencement speaker praises "energy, fire and power" of SKC grads

Relatives and loved ones packed the seats at Salish Kootenai College’s Joe McDonald center Saturday for the 44th commencement ceremony.

June 13, 2024 12:15 a.m.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Headlines harvested from the archives of local weekly newspapers

Lavon Wilson, 92
June 13, 2024 midnight

Lavon Wilson, 92

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Lavon Mae Hovland Rath Rolfson Wilson of Polson, on May 21, 2024.

June 13, 2024 midnight

Polson Seniors: Just fly the U.S. flag

June 14 is Flag Day. Not tree flags, snake flags, rainbow flags or vulgar flags. Just the United States Flag.

We are part of the web of life
June 13, 2024 midnight

We are part of the web of life

Biodiversity is simply the web of life that includes us. Montana lists over 300 species at risk or potentially at risk. That is evidence that the global biodiversity crisis is a Montana crisis as well.

June 13, 2024 midnight

We can all relax

We can all relax. We can feel fine. We can put aside any worries we may have about our nation's future.

June 13, 2024 midnight

Can't trust a word he says

With the upcoming debate between Biden and Trump we are wondering, “what’s the point?”

Man accused of wielding ax at family
June 13, 2024 midnight

Man accused of wielding ax at family

A Polson man is accused of frightening his family by wielding an ax at them. Nathaniel James Rodgers, 29, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court June 5 to a felony charge of assault with a weapon and misdemeanor charges of partner or family member assault and criminal mischief.

June 13, 2024 midnight

Ronan Seniors: Pinochle & pool

Pinochle is 1:30-4 p.m. Mondays; and the pool table is available 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Join the fun!

June 13, 2024 midnight

St. Ignatius Seniors: Help available for elders

Do you know an elder who is struggling with paying for food? They may be eligible for Elder Commodities. Call 406-745-4462 for the income range and information regarding this program.

Plodding old geezer vs. dangerous old sleazer
June 13, 2024 midnight

Plodding old geezer vs. dangerous old sleazer

Having lost an election, I know it hurts to lose. I know, too, that there is a good life beyond losing because I’ve been living it for the past 20 years.

Diane Dibble, 74
June 13, 2024 midnight

Diane Dibble, 74

Diane Maughan Dibble, daughter of Rex and Julia Smith Maughan, was called home to her Heavenly Father Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in Ronan. Diane was born Oct. 17, 1949, and was the third eldest of 14 children. There will be a memorial service at 4 p.m. July 6, 2024, at her son Robert Dibble's home on Haystack Mountain Lane in Polson.

Wesley Rogalski, 80
June 13, 2024 midnight

Wesley Rogalski, 80

Wesley Arthur Rogalski, 80, of St. Ignatius, who was born March 2, 1944, passed away June 1, 2024. His funeral will be held at the St. Ignatius Catholic Mission at 10 a.m. June 14, with military honors at the cemetery.

June 13, 2024 midnight

Mission Valley Mariners split doubleheader

The Mission Valley A Team split a doubleheader against the Bitterroot Bucs in Florence on Saturday, June 8. Bitterroot took the first game 4-3, making the most of three hits in the victory.

June 13, 2024 midnight

Legals for June, 13 2024

Chainsaw Virtuosos: A dozen carvers help raise funds for youth groups
June 13, 2024 midnight

Chainsaw Virtuosos: A dozen carvers help raise funds for youth groups

A chorus of chainsaws rose from the fairgrounds in Ronan last weekend as a dozen carvers transformed logs into a veritable zoo of feathered and furred friends.

Bloomin' Best contest begins in July
June 13, 2024 midnight

Bloomin' Best contest begins in July

In July, members of the Beautification Committee of Envision Polson! will be searching for the “bloomin’ best” yards and gardens in the community.

June 13, 2024 midnight

Contraception access

On June 5, the U.S. Senate voted on advancing a bill to protect access to contraception.

June 13, 2024 midnight

Births at the Nesting Place

The following new arrivals were recorded recently at at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson:

Students in Teen Art Project to unveil work June 20
June 13, 2024 midnight

Students in Teen Art Project to unveil work June 20

“It’s floral design,” Deja-nay Little-Mary said, showing a page of her Coptic art book, which had sketches, ideas and other art projects from the two-month Teen Art Project (TAP) class, held on Fridays at the Community Development Center in Arlee.

Ronan intersection evokes public outcry
June 13, 2024 midnight

Ronan intersection evokes public outcry

School buses are big and require ample space to execute a turn, especially when there’s a vehicle in the lane where the bus is turning. That observation was made abundantly clear to this reporter when she took a ride last Friday with Matt Gaut, director of transportation for the Ronan School District.

Mission Valley Calendar
June 13, 2024 midnight

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

June 13, 2024 midnight

Lady Pirates fall to Kalispell Emeralds

Polson fell to the Kalispell Emeralds-Vivian on Sunday, June 9, in bracket play at the 2024 Emeralds SMASH at the KidsSports Complex in Kalispell, but beat teams from Canada and Utah.

June 13, 2024 midnight

Polson School District receives grant to provide summer meals for kids

Polson School District #23 is among the eight organizations that will receive a portion of $75,000 in grant money from No Kid Hungry to help ensure Montana kids get the food they need to grow and thrive this summer.

June 13, 2024 midnight

May moisture improves water outlook

Summer is just around the corner, and recent weather helped improve the water supply as the 2024 snow accumulation season wraps up in Montana. However, the outlook remains below normal in most locations.

June 13, 2024 midnight

City of Polson launches an inventory of lead water lines

The City of Polson has launched a Lead Service Line Inventory project, an initiative driven by the Public Works Department.

Wednesday, June 12

Primary Results: Gale Decker prevails in commission race
June 12, 2024 midnight

Primary Results: Gale Decker prevails in commission race

According to unofficial results released Wednesday morning by the Lake County Election Office, 8,968 ballots were cast in Tuesday’s primary election.County Commissioner Gale Decker handily won the Republican primary with 44.75% of the vote.

June 12, 2024 midnight

Legals for June, 12 2024

Tuesday, June 11

June 11, 2024 midnight

Young Arlee woman dies in rollover

The identity of a young woman killed in Tuesday's early morning fatal crash near Arlee is 25-year-old Naomi Plant of Arlee.

Monday, June 10

Randy Ingraham, 68
June 10, 2024 midnight

Randy Ingraham, 68

Randy Ingraham, 68, died June 2, 2024 in Kalispell. A memorial will be held on June 15 at 1 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses located at 37719 N. Commerce Lane in Polson.

Thursday, June 6

June 6, 2024 midnight

On the Agenda

Local government and school board meetings

RHS graduates encouraged to “Go forth and shine”
June 6, 2024 midnight

RHS graduates encouraged to “Go forth and shine”

With the class motto “2 Cool 4 School,” the Ronan High School Class of 2024 has spunk, character and lots of enthusiasm.

June 6, 2024 midnight

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

June 6, 2024 midnight

Mission Valley B Team takes down Cranbrook

The Mission Valley Mariners B Team had 13 hits as it won its season opener against the Cranbrook Bandits 20-10 on Saturday, May 25, in Polson. Against Kalispell June 2, they lost a close one in the first game of their doubleheader but bounced back to win 18-8 in the nightcap.

June 6, 2024 midnight

Four Lake County athletes named to Class A All-State Team

Four Lake County athletes named to Class A All-State team; MIssion-Arlee-Charlo has two named to All-State team

June 6, 2024 midnight

Mission Valley Mariners win season opener

Mission Valley opened the season with a 17-8 victory over the Missoula Impact at home on Sunday, May 26, in American Legion Class A baseball action.

Montana Viewpoint: Turkeys & Tourists
June 6, 2024 midnight

Montana Viewpoint: Turkeys & Tourists

When a neighbor of mine asked me, years later, “Jim, how do you get rid of these turkeys?” my advice was simple and straightforward. “Stop feeding them.” Which leads me from turkeys to tourists.

June 6, 2024 midnight

Grant funds Ninepipes Museum oral history project

Ninepipes Museum was recently awarded a grant through the Foundation for Montana History. The project, titled “Resonance, Voices That Shaped the Ninepipes Museum,” involves recording stories about items in the museum’s collection through the people of the Flathead Reservation in collaboration with Aspen and Cameron Decker, owners of Xwlxwilt, LLC.

School powwow lights up events center
June 6, 2024 midnight

School powwow lights up events center

Flashes of feathers and brightly beaded regalia interspersed with hoodies and jeans made up the crowd of Ronan middle and high school kids dancing an intertribal dance at the school powwow on May 29.

Ronan students offer inaugural Out to Lunch Concert
June 6, 2024 midnight

Ronan students offer inaugural Out to Lunch Concert

Last Wednesday brought sunshine, a smattering of clouds and a lot of good music to the lawn in front of Ronan Middle School.

Tammie Ann Ebensteiner, 65
June 6, 2024 midnight

Tammie Ann Ebensteiner, 65

Tammie Ann Ebensteiner passed away May 27, 2024, with her loving husband, Ray Ebensteiner, by her side. A celebration of life will be held at New Life Church in Polson on Saturday, June 15, at 11 a.m. followed by a potluck and a short graveside service at 1:30 p.m.

June 6, 2024 midnight

St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo is Saturday

We are having Bingo at the Senior Citizen Center at 2 p.m. June 8. We will have a special Blackout prize.

June 6, 2024 midnight

Ronan Seniors: Pork roast served Sunday

Roast pork dinner will be served for the Sunday dinner, June 9.

June 6, 2024 midnight

Polson Seniors: Congrats to grads

Congratulations to the high school and college graduates.

Sentence violations land Polson man in prison
June 6, 2024 midnight

Sentence violations land Polson man in prison

Matthew Christian Duncan of Polson was committed in Polson District Court May 29 to the Montana Department of Corrections for 10 years with five years suspended after repeatedly violating conditions of a suspended sentence.

Jean Fischer, 90
June 6, 2024 midnight

Jean Fischer, 90

Jean Frances Kowalski Fischer exited stage left on Dec. 10, 2023 – five years to the date since her husband Bill Fischer, passed on Dec. 10, 2018. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. June 29, 2024, at Christ Episcopal Church in Kalispell. A reception will follow in the lower level of the church.

William Hocker, 100
June 6, 2024 midnight

William Hocker, 100

William C. Hocker passed away peacefully at home in Ronan, surrounded by family, on May 29, 2024, at 7:43 a.m. of natural causes at 100 years of age. A public memorial service will be held Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the Ronan Community Center with Chaplain Zimmerman officiating.

Not Afraid pleads guilty to sexual assault
June 6, 2024 midnight

Not Afraid pleads guilty to sexual assault

Lodge Grass man Jordale Stephen Not Afraid admitted to sexually assaulting a minor three years ago in Lake County. Sentencing is set for July 17.

June 6, 2024 midnight

Idaho man accused of assaulting police officer

Nathaniel Erwan Bird, 38, accused of fighting with a Polson Police officer after being called into law enforcement as a possible prowler.

Trial date set for woman accused of vehicular homicide
June 6, 2024 midnight

Trial date set for woman accused of vehicular homicide

Judge John Mercer set a trial date of Oct. 28 for a Kalispell woman who is accused of being impaired and causing a fiery head-on crash that killed a man. Sarah Elizabeth Loschke, 29, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court May 30 to felony vehicular homicide while under the influence.

June 6, 2024 midnight

Legals for June, 6 2024

June 6, 2024 midnight

Don't rush wrong Farm Bill

Recently, I joined other National Farmers Union leaders in meetings with the House Ag and Senate Ag committees about each of their versions of the 2024 Farm Bill. Based on those discussions, a tight timeline, and the need for modifications to both versions, I’m not optimistic for the passage of a 2024 Farm Bill but foresee another extension.

June 6, 2024 midnight

Supreme Court Justices not modeling "good Behavior"

Historically, Supreme Court Justices have lifetime appointments. For some, it’s to create mayhem and flaunt ethical standards. This life-long appointment interpretation is not supported by the Constitution.

June 6, 2024 midnight

Ronan secures MREC land from Lake County

There should have been confetti and a parade as Lake County Commissioners made a move to put the Mission Recreation Event Center land to use.

Cherry crop damaged by January deep freeze
June 6, 2024 midnight

Cherry crop damaged by January deep freeze

January’s cold spell has returned to haunt Flathead cherry growers. “It’s something I’ve known since the day after the hard freeze,” said Finley Point orchard owner Brian Campbell of the impact the cold had on cherry trees.

June 6, 2024 midnight

Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation awards scholarships

Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation (PSEF) awarded 37 scholarships totaling $61,500 to Polson High School seniors and former Polson High School graduates who are currently attending an accredited two-year or four-year community college, university or vocational school.

Rock-Skipping Championship settled by throw-off
June 6, 2024 midnight

Rock-Skipping Championship settled by throw-off

George Murphy held onto his crown in the males, 14 and over division, at the Ken Avison Memorial Flathead Lake Rock-Skipping Championship, held Sunday in Polson. But his win came only after without surviving a tense throw-off against Lex Avison and Polson Mayor Eric Huffine, after all three tallied 14 in the preliminary round.

Speakers remind Polson grads "time is precious"
June 6, 2024 midnight

Speakers remind Polson grads "time is precious"

From the opening notes of Pomp and Circumstance to the confetti-filled flinging of mortarboards, Polson’s graduation ceremony Saturday was a blend of humor and poignancy, pride and playfulness.

Donna Hislop named Assistant Coach of the Year
June 6, 2024 midnight

Donna Hislop named Assistant Coach of the Year

After over four decades of coaching, long-time Polson tennis coach Donna Hislop was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Montana Coaches Association.

PEO chapter awards memorial scholarships
June 6, 2024 midnight

PEO chapter awards memorial scholarships

Chapter AI of Polson PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization for women) presented a bouquet of Marguerite daisies and a certificate of achievement to two AI Memorial Scholarship winners during Senior Signing Day, May 20 at Polson High School. Isabel Seeley and Hannah Simpson were each awarded a $1,000 academic scholarship.

Wednesday, June 5

June 5, 2024 midnight

Legals for June, 5 2024

June 5, 2024 midnight

Legals for June, 5 2024

Monday, June 3

Mission's Class of 2024: "You are capable of greatness"
June 3, 2024 midnight

Mission's Class of 2024: "You are capable of greatness"

As St. Ignatius High School Principal Shawn Hendrickson bid farewell to 32 graduates Saturday afternoon, he told the audience that this year’s crop had reeled in $1,147,000 in scholarships. “Valley-wide, statewide, nationwide – those are astounding numbers,” he said.