Ellington

Whitefish bus burns at Ronan High School speech meet

The competition at speech and debate meets can get heated, but not as hot as the Whitefish bus did last Saturday.

Charlo rancher wins contest and new Polaris

Nick Courville, a rancher from Charlo, topped three other competitors to win the Montana Farm Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet, and a new Polaris Ranger.

Pablo man charged with drug felonies

Thomas Joseph Spotted Eagle, 41, of Pablo appeared in Missoula before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto on drug charges Nov. 18.

Judith Ann Radke Janssen, 77

Judith Ann Radke Janssen of Ronan, was born on June 10, 1947, in Sidney, Mont., the first child of Julia and Clint Radke. Judy passed away suddenly on Nov. 18, 2024, in Missoula.

Like a pendulum, equilibrium will return

“I will never get over it!” a friend emphatically stated at a recent gathering. Y'all know what “it” is.

Bigfork man accused of firing assault rifle

A Bigfork man is accused of firing rounds from an assault rifle during a domestic disturbance with his girlfriend.

Legals for November, 28 2024

Ruth Caparoon, 83

Ruth Caparoon, 83, affectionately known as Ruthie, passed away in the comfort of her home on Nov. 7, 2024. Services will be held on Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness at the top of Polson Hill.

People in the News

Mission Valley residents garnering recognition in healthcare and education include:

Mission Valley Calendar

Your guide to upcoming Mission Valley events

Hunt for treasures during Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday – Shop Small will be Nov. 30. Shops, stores, and merchants around the Mission Valley are planning displays, discounts, sales, and treats to reward local shoppers for staying in the Mission Valley and supporting local businesses.

Reciprocity was theme of SKC climate symposium

A regional climate symposium held at Salish Kootenai College on Nov. 21 gathered representatives from state, federal, tribal, and non-government organizations to discuss climate efforts and projects.

Car chase, drugs land Ronan man in jail for five years

A Ronan man was committed in District Court in Polson on Nov. 19 to the Montana Department of Corrections for a total of 10 years with five suspended.

Lauryn Buhr: Always lending a helping hand

Lauryn Buhr attributes some of her hectic extracurricular schedule to her dad, local banker Jamie Buhr.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Appreciates delicious Thanksgiving dinner

Thank you to our cooks for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, served the evening of Nov. 20 and to all who came and enjoyed. We enjoyed the music from the Cronk Family.

Glacier National Park: Participate in the destination stewardship process

We in Western Montana are lucky enough to have Glacier National Park in our backyard.

Two jailed for alleged fentanyl distribution

A Ronan woman allegedly conspired with a man from Pasco, Wash., to bring large amounts of fentanyl to Lake County for distribution.

Corley makes All-State; others earn postseason accolades

Polson’s McKenna Corley made the Class A All-State volleyball team, while 12 other players earned post-season honors in 2024.

Polson Seniors: TV trays needed for card games

Remember those TV trays you haven’t used for years? We could use two sets of four to upgrade our card-table accessories.

Bird sentenced to four years for assaulting officer

Nathaniel Bird, 39, of Polson was sentenced in District Court Nov. 21 to the Montana State Prison for four years, none suspended, for assault on a peace officer.

Polson fire and police receive public safety grants

Polson Fire Department and Police Department each received grants from the Montana Department of Commerce recently, aimed at improving emergency services in rural areas.

Jero Jay Sharp, 66

Jero Jay Sharp, 66, of St. Ignatius, passed away at his home on Nov. 2 – just a few yards from where he was born. vening services will be held at Foster Funeral home on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 at 7 p.m. Closing services will be held at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizens Center on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 10 a.m., followed by burial at Pleasant View Cemetery in St. Ignatius, and a meal in Jero’s honor after the burial back at the Senior Center.

Legals for November, 27 2024

Marilyn "Susie" Orr Olson, 74

Marilyn “Susie” Orr Olson, age 74, left us to take her seat at the Lord's table on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, at St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. Viewing will be Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, from 1–5 p.m., with a memorial service on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, at 11 a.m., all at Lake Funeral Home in Polson.

Ronan council discusses service rooster and subdivision

Ronan resident Kandi Holt approached the Ronan City Council last Wednesday regarding support for her “support rooster.”

Bread Basket gives thanks

As Thanksgiving approaches, the members of the Bread Basket Board reflect on the many, many individuals and organizations that support our efforts to assist food insecure families in the communities of Ronan, Pablo, Charlo and Moiese.

Time Capsule: So you want to be a reporter?

News gleaned from the Mission Valley News, Nov. 21, 1979

Mission Valley Calendar

Your Mission Valley events guide

Polson Seniors: Country Store provides valuable service

The Country Store is up and running! This fine group of volunteers are continuing to provide low cost clothing and household items to those in need in our community.

Ronan Seniors: Thanksgiving dinner served Nov. 25

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

St. Ignatius Seniors: Two blackouts posted at bingo

The senior citizens will have a table with baked goods and crafts at the 4-H Bazaar on Dec. 14 at the St. Ignatius High School.

Mission Valley Choral Society sings in the season

Save the date for the Mission Valley Choral Society Christmas Concert weekend, Dec. 14-15.

Cheerful Touch offers Reiki to cancer patients

Cheerful Touch, a personal care program offered by Cheerful Heart to cancer patients currently in treatment, recently added Reiki to its offerings.

Dealing with a personality disorder

Sometimes we run into people who have mental health problems that are difficult for family members or society to deal with. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is one of them.

Mission man sentenced for three separate crimes

A St. Ignatius man was sentenced in District Court in Polson Nov. 14 to a total of 30 years in the Montana State Prison, 25 years suspended, resolving three separate cases.

Legals for November, 21 2024

Kalispell man charged with rape

A Kalispell man is accused of forcing himself upon a woman he met on social media. Fabian Alexander Perez-Calderon, 25, entered a plea of not guilty to felony sexual intercourse without consent in District Court in Polson on Nov. 13.

Blackweasel sentenced for exposing children to drugs

A Ronan man was committed in District Court in Polson Nov. 14 to the Montana Department of Corrections for a total of 10 years with eight years suspended on two counts of criminal child endangerment.

How come First was fixed first?

To the City Of Polson: the road in front of the courthouse and the post office is beautiful. But my concern is why are the worst roads not complete – this one wasn’t bad.

Climate change will cost Montana agriculture more than 9,000 job losses, $181M, report says

A new report about the impacts of climate change on Montana’s agricultural community shows that changes to the environment could have an outsized impact on the state’s rural agricultural communities, as weather patterns will likely make it harder to raise wheat and cattle, Montana’s two mainstays.

Polson woman accused of setting carport fire

A Polson woman is accused of intentionally setting a fire in the carport of a Polson residence. Shyann Brook Crabtree, 27, entered a plea of not guilty to felony negligent arson in Polson District Court on Nov. 13.

Marriages & Divorces

Recent marriages and divorces recorded at the Lake County Courthouse include:

Convicted rapist returned to prison

A Big Arm man, on probation stemming from a rape conviction in 2006, had the suspended portion of his sentence revoked in District Court in Polson Nov. 13.

Kimberly Teigen, 47

Kimberly May Teigen, 47, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Polson on Nov. 7, 2024, receiving great care while there.

Thanksgiving: Time to share turkey and gratitude

Scores of volunteers across Lake County are preparing turkeys and all the glorious amendments for free holiday meals served next Thursday in Polson, Ronan and St. Ignatius.

Unborn babies deserve protection too

Here are a few facts about abortion:

Legals for November, 20 2024

Velma Caye, 64

Velma Faye Caye, age 64 of Elmo, was called home on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, at her residence. The wake for Velma began on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 11:30 a.m. at the Elmo Community Center with rosary at 8 p.m. and funeral services on Monday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. Burial followed at Dayton Cemetery.

Cheerful Heart cancer group to meet in Pablo

Cheerful Heart’s Cancer Support Group recently changed to its schedule and meeting location.

Nonprofits invited to submit trees to Holiday reTREEt

Lights Under the Big Sky – the annual lighting extravaganza at the Ronan Fairgrounds – is adding a new twist this year, with a Holiday reTREEt.

Black-powder enthusiasts gather for Fort Connah Turkey Shoot

“Fire in the hole,” someone yelled as the ear-piercing crack of a black-powder rifle split the silence last Saturday at Fort Connah, north of St. Ignatius.

Norman Salomon, 84

Norman Arthur Salomon, age 84 of Polson, passed away Nov. 5, 2024, at his residence.

Luikart and Vejez-Pete named to All-State soccer

Polson’s Madyson Luikart was named to the Class A All-State Girls Soccer Team, while Edgar Vejez-Pete was named to the All-State Boys Team.

Salvation Army seeks bell-ringers for holidays

The Salvation Army Kettle Campaign for the Mission Valley and Flathead Reservation, held Nov. 29-Dec. 21, needs volunteer bell ringers.

Drug Court: Breaking the cycle of addiction

“This is one of my proudest moments,” said Susan Pierre, standing before a crowded courtroom on the third floor of the Lake County Courthouse. “I have my son, my daughter, my niece all graduating from Drug Court.”

Lady Bulldogs bow out at Divisionals

The Mission volleyball team dropped two games at the Western B Divisional last week in Anaconda.

Hi-Line Deli: This joint is open

With a red neon sign that states “This Joint Is Open,” the Hi-Line General Store and Deli in Ronan welcomes customers from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The deli, located in the former Ronan Sports & Western building on Hwy. 93, is adjacent to the Hi-Line marijuana dispensary.

St. Luke lauded for safe infant sleep practices

St. Luke Community Hospital recently achieved re-certification as a Gold Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital.

Public land exchanges under MWRPA: Consider the facts

A recent letter to the editor published in a local paper contained the following advice for people preparing to vote in the election, “Get your facts and then vote from your heart.” Sadly, this has become the new normal as facts become more irrelevant when investigating any controversy and emotions drive decisions.

Ronan Seniors: Looking for cook, dishwasher, relief driver

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

Three Native women offset Lake County's red rout

Lake County sends four new legislators to Helena in January, and due, in part, to statewide redistricting, three are Democrats: Shelly Fyant and Jacinda Morigeau, both of Arlee, and Thedis Crowe of Heart Butte. Also new to the delegation is Tracy Sharp of Polson.

Deborah Robinson

Deborah Robinson, 76, of Polson passed away on Monday, Nov. 11, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula.

Police officer honored for life-saving actions

The Polson Police Department recently awarded Officer Marcus Lindquist the Life Saving Medal for his extraordinary actions in responding to a critical incident on April 25.

Renowned author keynotes SKC Climate Symposium

Renowned author and scientist Robin Wall Kimmerer is keynote speaker at the second annual Regional Climate Symposium, Nov. 21-22 at Salish Kootenai College’s Joe McDonald Health and Education Center.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Turkey dinner served Nov. 20

The center will serve a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 20.

Scholarship applications open now for PHS seniors and grads

Scholarships applications are currently available for Polson High School graduates. Any student who is currently enrolled as a PHS senior or as a previous graduate are eligible for these scholarships provided by Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation (PSEF).

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Audubon talk focuses on elk and wolves

Mission Mountain Audubon's next educational program, held at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Polson Library meeting room, will focus on the relationship between elk and wolves.

Legals for November, 14 2024

Daryl Cooper, 71

Daryl Vernon Cooper passed away in Dillon on Oct. 19, 2024, with his sweetheart by his side. Daryl was known for his outgoing, loving and caring nature for not only his family and friends but his animals too.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

News gleaned from the archives of local weekly newspapers. This week's stories were published Nov. 14, 1979 in the Mission Valley News.

Convicted rapist accused of not registering with state

A Lake County man with no permanent address, who was convicted of rape in the 1990s and ordered to register with the state as a sexual offender, is accused of not doing so.

Polson Seniors: How will the media survive without all those ads?

Democracy will survive with our collective vigilance and perseverance through the good times and bad times as well. But how will the media survive without all those political advertisements?

Alan Anton Andersen, 76

Alan Anton Andersen, 76 of Ronan, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 7, at his residence.

Michael Molzhon, 78

Michael John Molzhon, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Oct. 26, 2024, in Ronan at the age of 78.

Bar patron pleads guilty to firing gun on Main Street

Judge Molly Owen set sentencing for Dec. 18 for a Polson man accused of firing a weapon on Polson’s Main Street.

Crucial to focus on common ground

In these challenging times, I find myself struggling with deep feelings of confusion and conflict. I recently cast my vote for a candidate who embodies the values of love, inclusivity and kindness that I hold dear. Yet, here we are, facing a reality that seems to contradict those ideals.

Lady Pirates split with Hamilton, Frenchtown at Divisionals

Polson started the Western A Divisional Volleyball Tournament in Anaconda by splitting with the Bitterroot teams on Thursday before bowing out of the tournament on Friday.

Country Store thriving in new location

Volunteers Phyllis Dresen and Jan Dybdal were in charge of the Country Store last Friday afternoon at its new location at 5 4th Ave. W. in Polson.

Legals for November, 13 2024

Luylla Jo "Joy" Claar, 77

Luylla Jo “Joy” Claar, 76, of Charlo, passed into the Lord’s presence Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan of natural causes. Her body was laid to rest at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in the Ronan Cemetery at 46727 N. Foothills Dr., Ronan, followed by a time of remembrance at Cedar Creek Integrated Health at 11 Main SE, Ronan, with friends and family.

Richard Krogstad, 77

Richard Krogstad, 77, passed away Nov. 4 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula after a lingering illness.

Lady Pirates defeat Ronan during Senior Night

The season finale for Polson and Ronan was a big one, as the Lady Pirates hosted the Maidens for Senior Night on Thursday, Oct. 31. Ronan was the winner of the matchup between both teams earlier in the season, but the Lady Pirates came away with the home victory 19-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-16.

Polson Seniors: Thank a veteran

Veterans Day is Nov. 11. Every day you should thank a vet for protecting democracy here and abroad.

Mission woman admits to stealing Silverado

Judge Molly Owen set sentencing for Dec. 18 for a St. Ignatius woman who admitted to stealing a vehicle in Missoula. Isabelle Louise Pablo, 26, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson Oct. 30 to felony theft.

Mission defeats Superior for district play-in; earns divisional berth

The Lady Bulldogs lived to play another day, downing Superior 19-25, 24-26, 25-17, 27-25, 15-9 in the Western 7B District Play-In game on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The win moved Mission into the full district tournament, held in Thompson Falls, and ended Superior’s season.

Polson man pleads guilty to eighth DUI

A Polson man, facing DUI number eight, entered a plea of guilty to the amended charge of felony criminal endangerment. Craig Britton, 56, entered the plea during a hearing in District Court in Polson Oct. 30.

View from the Library: Ready for the holidays

We have had such a beautiful fall and now we are ready for the holiday season. This is the last month for our fall drink specials in the Joyful Cup – the pumpkin spice lattes are delicious, so be sure to get yours before they’re gone for the year.

Morgan Delaney was once again tops in the state

A week after winning the State A title in cross country, Polson’s Morgan Delaney also won the junior women’s race at the 2024 Montana Cup at Zinn Ranch in Helena, posting a time of 20:42.8. She was followed by her sister, Quinn Delaney, who ran a 21:03.1.

Charlo saves money and kilowatts with HVAC upgrade

Charlo School District board member Daniel Cahoon remembers the good old days, when he used to descend “into the dungeon” below the high school to help janitor Pat Marmon keep the school’s ancient heating system alive.

Are we looking at the big picture?

I’ve been wondering lately if the towns of Ronan and Polson have a plan for the future. As I see the construction of the Dollar Tree(s), I am struck by a couple of thoughts. I can see that the town might want to add some additional tax revenue to the town budget.

Denis Wilton Morey, 76

Denis Wilton Morey, age 76 of Polson, passed away on Friday, Nov. 1, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Legals for November, 7 2024

Arlee basketball coach killed in head-on collision

The community of Arlee is grieving the loss of 29-year-old Anthony J. "Nugget" Whiteman Runs Him, who died after colliding with a large truck in Ravalli last Thursday, Oct. 31.

Fall Mack Days posts highest catch since 2015

The 2024 Fall Mack Days concluded on Sunday, Nov. 3, with a total of 18,414 lake trout entries, submitted by 151 anglers out of the 436 who registered for this year’s event.

News Briefs

The body of a Patricia Clary, who was reported missing from Ronan last Wednesday, Oct. 30, was found later the same day near Dog Lake in Sanders County. Missoula County Sheriff announced that the body of former St. Ignatius resident Eva Prather was recovered from the Clark Fork River in mid-October.

Krav Maga self-defense class opens eyes and minds

Attendees of Amberly Walker’s self-defense class each grabbed a partner and soon the sound of open palm slaps hitting mitts and shields filled the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal gym in St. Ignatius on Saturday.

The election’s over – let’s go for a ride

I bought my first Deuce and a Quarter in 1990 from Gail Lewis who was the clean-up man at the LP mill in Trout Creek. “Deuce and a Quarter” was the nickname for the Buick Electra 225, as in two twenty-five – the deuce and a quarter.

Leaf collection continues through November

After an astonishing fall, red, yellow and orange leaves are starting to blanket yards around Polson. Once again, the City of Polson’s Public Works Department is providing a leaf removal service each Monday in November, and continuing until snow falls.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo blackout winner gets a turkey

The center hosts bingo at 2 p.m. Nov. 9. Come enjoy the fun and goodies. A turkey will be added to the blackout prize.

Trial moved to March for man accused of murdering mother

The jury trial for a Polson man, accused of murdering his mother, was pushed back to March 31 from Feb. 26.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley and Arlee

The Mansfield Way: Unwavering belief in the American people

“Before all else, the people have a right to an electoral system free of shenanigans and capable of yielding honest, responsible, and responsive government open to all and shaped to meet the needs of all.” – Mike Mansfield, 1974

Polson officer receives Lifesaving Award

Police Chief George Simpson presented officer Marcus Lindquist with a Lifesaving Award during Monday night’s meeting of the Polson City Commission.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

News gleaned from the pages of the Ronan Pioneer, Oct. 24, 1924

Popular RHS business teacher wins state award

The annual Educators Conference, held Oct. 17-18, saw Ronan High teacher Heather Gray reconnecting with other teachers and career educators across Montana.But there was an added surprise: Gray was named Montana Career and Technical Educator for 2024.

Linda Learn, 64

Linda Lucille Learn, age 64 of Ronan, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Oct. 31, 2024. She was born to Gary Hoffman and Marlene Haney on Feb. 26, 1960, in Billings. A Celebration of Life for Linda will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. at The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory in Polson.

White admits to vehicular homicide of Arlee woman

Judge Molly Owen tentatively set sentencing for early February for a Butte woman who pled guilty to charges related to the hit-and-run death of 22-year-old Mika Westwolf.

UM partners with SKC to train more school psychologists

Anisa Goforth, a psychology professor at the University of Montana, dreamed for a decade about increasing school-based mental health service across Big Sky Country – especially for tribal schools.

Legals for November, 6 2024