Ellington

Privatizing Medicare would hurt rural hospitals

One third of Montana's population lives in rural areas. Keeping rural hospitals open is absolutely necessary for health, jobs, and the economy.

Break free from controlling influence of political parties

The danger of powerful political parties being obsessed with dominating and destroying democracy was also echoed by our greatest founder George Washington when in his farewell address he cautioned that “In contemplating the causes which may disturb our union,” he particularly identified the “spirit of party,” which he warned would ultimately lead to “permanent despotism” and thus destruction of government of, by, and for the people.

Mission football action

Mission football action

Elmo man sentenced for stealing dead mother’s benefits

A federal judge today sentenced an Elmo man to three years in prison and ordered $95,722 restitution for stealing his deceased mother’s Social Security benefits and underreporting his income and assets to receive Social Security Administration benefits, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Legals for September, 26 2024

More rain, slower snowmelt kept Flathead Lake at full pool, officials say

Flathead Lake sat at full pool this summer following a dry 2023 season that saw its water level plunge to record lows.

Kids, cats and humility

I am looking at a copy of a Sunday cartoon that appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch of January 14, 1900.

Sheehy says comments about Native Americans were old, selectively edited

Since recordings of U.S. Senate candidate Tim Sheehy surfaced characterizing Crow Native Americans as “drunk Indians,” he has been publicly silent about those recordings, despite numerous calls to apologize or explain his remarks.

Allowee Briggs, 101

Allowee Briggs, 101

Lois (Freshour) Delaney

Lois (Freshour) Delaney

Edwin Albert 'Ed' Loder, 67

Edwin Albert "Ed" Loder, 67

Ferndale murderer gets 100 years in prison

Bigfork resident Matthew Vitek, 50, was sentenced last week to 100 years in prison for the December 2023 murder of 56-year-old Ferndale resident Tammi Jordan.

Polson murder suspect upset after estate left to victim, court docs say

A Polson man accused of shooting and killing a Ronan man appeared in District Court in Polson last week for an arraignment hearing.

Ronan man charged with 9th DUI

A Ronan man with eight prior DUIs is facing charges of a ninth.

Why an independent supports Sen. Tester

I spent over 37 years as a federal civil servant, which spanned seven different administrations and 18 different legislative sessions.

Plea deal struck for woman accused of shooting at vehicle

Judge Molly Owen set a sentencing date of Nov. 11 for a Ronan woman who admitted to firing a weapon during a domestic dispute.

Lonepine's Benson leads Fall Mack Days

Fall Mack Days on Flathead Lake continues on until Nov. 3 and anglers just completed the third week of the nine-week event.

Ronan celebrates homecoming

Ronan celebrates homecoming

Polson wins Lake County tilt against Ronan

Polson powered its way on the ground, rushing for 318 yards as it defeated its Lake County rival Ronan 37-14 on Friday, September 20. The win pushed Polson’s record to 3-1 on the season.

Mission volleyball batters Troy

Mission won its second game of the year, defeating District 7B Troy 25-18, 25-16, 17-25, 25-16 on Friday, September 20.

Lady Pirates soccer keeps Blue Devils winless

Polson's girls soccer team kept the Lady Blue Devils down, downing them 2-1 to improve to 3-1 in Southern A Conference play on Thursday, Sept. 19 while Corvallis continues to look for that elusive first win.

Polson boys soccer shuts out Corvallis

Jackson Bontadelli continues his scoring streak, notching two goals in a 5-0 victory by Polson over Corvallis on Thursday, September 19, in Southern A Conference play.

Polson spikers downs Columbia Falls

Polson picked up its third win of the season, downing Northwest A Conference foe Columbia Falls 20-25, 26-24, 25-18, 25-22 on Tuesday, September 17.

Delaney runs to second at Thompson Falls Invite

Polson sophomore Morgan Delaney placed second at the Thompson Falls Invite (18:54.32) on Saturday, Sept. 21, while teammate Kimora Scott was third (20:15.60). Arlee sophomore Anola Naugle was eighth (21:10.85).

Prep sports calendar

Prep sports calendar

Legals for September, 25 2024

Ballot error shuts down Montana online absentee voting system

When Max Himsl opened his electronic ballot on Friday, he was dismayed to see a candidate missing from the list of options.

Glacier hikers use bear spray to fend off grizzly attack

A group of visitors in Glacier National Park used bear spray to ward off a grizzly after it bit a Washington man last week as they hiked through foggy conditions along the popular Highline Trail.

Lois (Freshour) Delaney

Born in St. Ignatius on October 13, 1933 to George Freshour and Mary Zulema (Krantz) Freshour and was raised on the hill above Pistol Creek along with sister Helen, brothers Elmer , Walter, Gere and Don.

Harbin accused of child sexual assault

Judge John A. Mercer set a trial date of Jan. 13 for a Polson man accused of assaulting a child.

Medland sentenced to 10 years for assault and pursuit

Judge Matthew Cuffe of Lincoln County appeared via the Zoom platform in District Court at Polson Sept. 11 for the sentencing hearing for Harry Medland III.

Janice Nadine McCallum (Johnson) Howlett, 80

Former Montana State Senator Janice Nadine McCallum (Johnson) Howlett left the earthly world on Aug. 19.

Dale Allen Ott, 60

A longtime resident of Lake County, Dale Allen Ott, 60, passed away in his sleep on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.

Xavier James McAdams Morigeau, 32

Xavier Dorian James McAdams Morigeau, known affectionately as "X" or "X-man," passed away on Sept. 8, 2024, in Kalispell, at the age of 32.

Harold "Neil" Anderson, 76

Harold “Neil” Anderson, age 76, of Polson, passed away at his residence on Aug. 20, 2024, with family at his side after a battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held Oct. 5, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. for an Indian summer gathering and celebration at his home adjacent to East Shore Smokehouse, Highway 35, mile marker 6, Polson.

Ronan man charged with fentanyl distribution

Bradley James Turcotte, 35, of Ronan, appeared in Missoula Sept. 12 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto.

Polson Seniors: Safe driving course offered Sept. 24

The Safe Driver Course, sponsored by AARP, will be held Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required so that enough guidebooks are on hand.

Fyant will support Montana values

What are Montana values? To Shelly Fyant, running for HD-91, this means preserving the environment, carefully planning for future growth and development, and respecting the diversity of the people served by government.

Tester is a champion for rural healthcare

For 17 years I worked as a home health nurse, caring for a lot of farmers and ranchers.

Group proposes "home-grown" approach to Holland Lake Lodge

Two years ago, a Utah ski corporation and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced a plan to highly develop the rustic Holland Lake Lodge on public land in Condon in the rural Swan Valley.

Montanans should demand better for our wildlife and our democracy

I am a 70-year-old, retired farmer. I am a 4th generation Montanan and a lifelong avid hunter, angler and conservationist. I write this letter as hunting season begins to urge all Montana hunters to start paying attention to how you vote, and which party is helping local Montana hunters, and which one is not.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Drink enough water

Do you stay hydrated? Two liters of water is the minimal amount of fluid to take in daily.

Washington man pleads not guilty to drug charges

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.

Local Montana Hunter Education Program starts Oct. 1

Fall is approaching and hunting is on the minds of many. I have been getting inquiries from folks on Hunter Education Classes.

Ronan wins first conference game of season

Mission Valley football teams had mixed results last week. Ronan won its Northwest A Conference matchup, while Arlee, Charlo, and Mission posted losses.

Delaney, Scott wins at Highlander Invitational

Polson’s Morgan Delaney placed first in the girls sophomore race, and Kimora “Koko” Scott won the girls freshman race at the 2024 Highlander Invitational in Spokane on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Polson runs past Butte Central

Polson fended off a comeback from Butte Central for a 21-13 victory on Friday, September 23. Pirate quarterback Holden Emerson rushed for 82 yards and two touchdowns while passing for 133 and another score.

Volleyball recap: Ronan falls to Bigfork in four sets

Ronan hosted Bigfork on Thursday, September 12, to open up Northwestern A Conference play, falling in four 25-14, 27-25, 17-25, 25-21 to the Valkyries.

Legals for September, 19 2024

Ronan Seniors: Bazaar tables available

Our bazaar is Nov. 9 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. If you would like a table, call the center.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Pirates soccer falls to Hamilton

Hamilton scored two first-half goals en route to a 2-1 victory over Polson in Southwest A Conference action on Tuesday, September 10.

Milton wins Pirate Invitational

Max Milton was the top medalist at the 2024 Pirate Invitational on Monday, September 9, shooting a 72, one stroke ahead of Hamilton’s Tyce O’Connell, who notched a 73.

Valley View Women’s Club celebrates its heritage

Kids were chasing bubbles and each other on the green lawn at the Valley View Clubhouse on Saturday afternoon.

Ronan City Council leases MREC land to Pioneer Days Co.

Ronan Mayor Chris Adler shouted, “Hallelujah,” and everyone clapped as a motion was made and approved by Council for the Pioneer Days Company’s lease of the Mission Valley Range Event Complex land.

Rocket Kid: Ronan student earns trip to Kennedy Space Center

With electric blue glasses and a few freckles scattered across his face, Tobias Becker is a fifth grader on a mission.

Fall Wildlife Festival provides info, cider presses

The Fall Wildlife Festival at the Ronan Visitor’s Center welcomed everybody to their fourth annual event on Saturday, Sept. 14. The event festival is sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Natural Resources Department.

Lady Pirates score first conference win

Polson picked up its first-ever win in the Southwest A Conference, defeating Loyola 4-1 on Thursday, September 12. Mady Luikart scored two goals to push her season total to 11.

Legals for September, 18 2024

Inmate pleads not guilty to beating fellow prisoner

Judge John A. Mercer set a trial date of Jan. 13 for a St. Ignatius man accused of assaulting a fellow inmate at the Lake County Jail. Eugene Michael Parker, 28, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Aug. 29 to felony aggravated assault.

Milton goes bird watching, wins Steve Hullett Invitational

There is playing good golf, and then there is shooting six-under par. That’s exactly what Max Milton did for Polson on Thursday, September 5, at the Eagle Bend Golf Club to place first at the Steve Hullett Invitational Golf Tournament in Bigfork.

Idaho man admits to dealing drugs in Lake County

Tyler Jeffrey Parmenter, 33, of Idaho Falls, entered a plea of guilty in District Court at Polson Aug. 28 to felony criminal possession with intent to distribute.

Ronan woman admits to dealing drugs

Brandy Ann Unruh, 45, pleaded guilty in District Court in Polson Aug. 29 to criminal possession with intent to distribute and criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

Men sentenced for attempted jailbreak

Two Lake County men recently appeared in District Court in Polson for sentencing on an attempted jail escape that injured a detention officer.

Betty Schall, 99

Betty Mae Schall of Arlee, Mom, was born at the Elmore Hospital in Missoula on Jan. 20, 1925, to Elmer and Della Wemple. On the morning of Sept. 1, 2024, Mom relaxed and decided that we could probably manage by ourselves. She passed peacefully with her granddaughter, Madeline, at her bedside.

Cleora (Cleo) Sarah (Hawkins) Paro, 81

Cleora (Cleo) Sarah (Hawkins) Paro (81), a resident of Bay Ridge Retirement Center in Traverse City, Mich., died Sept. 1 in her home.

But what do you care about, man?

There’s a billboard on Highway 93 in Lake County, plus many smaller posted signs, duplicates of the billboard, showing a photo of a guy running for the state legislature (HD-91). He’s grinning in a photo on the billboard, saying something like, “I’m running because I care.”

Choose to truly drain the swamp

There seems to be a common theme running for office in Montana: corrupt GOP politicians.

Winter Kissed Farm extends CSA deliveries to Mission Valley

Farmers at Winter Kissed Farm in the Bitterroot Valley are extending their weekly Consumer Supported Agriculture (CSA) deliveries to include Polson and Kalispell.

St. Luke Healthcare recognized for improvement in postpartum care

St. Luke Community Healthcare was recently awarded the Montana Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement Network’s Quality Improvement Award for their efforts to increase attendance rates for postpartum visits.

Polson Seniors: Free banana splits for new, renewing members

Our new and renewing membership campaign is gearing up for the third week in September and promises free banana splits for new or renewed members. Thirty years ago, our dues were $15. They still are.

Ronan Seniors: Give us a try

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

Lawrence "Gene" Nobles, 97

Lawrence Gene Nobles, age 97 of Polson, passed away Aug. 30, 2024. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. at the Lakeview Cemetery.

Joelene Frey, 74

Joelene Marie Frey, 74, of Pablo, passed away peacefully on Sept. 4 at the Hot Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 11 a.m. at the Pablo Christian Church in Pablo. A light lunch will follow the service to celebrate Joelene’s remarkable life and legacy.

Ronan School District tries something new – affordable teacher housing

“In the past couple of years, we have lost teachers due to not being able to find affordable housing,” said Ronan Superintendent Mark Johnston. The district's solution was to build a teacherage to “hopefully entice and retain good new teachers.”

Azzopardi’s backcountry ethic will carry over to Legislature

My experiences hiking and backpacking with Shirley Azzopardi illuminated qualities that will benefit House District 13.

Live Lean or Breed: Creating a new American workforce

Mass deportation sounds like a pretty good deal to some people I know ... But I’ve just got a simple question, who’s going to pick the lettuce? Not me, I can assure you, and probably not anybody you know, either.

James Sias, 93

James “Jim” Leo Ross Sias, 93 of Ronan, passed away on July 15, 2024, at St. Luke Hospital. Jim’s service will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 14 at the Ronan Cemetery with military services and his celebration of life will follow at the Joe McDonald gym in Pablo at noon in the hospitality room.

Warm weather accompanies Mack Days anglers on Week 1

Mack Days anglers cast their lines under very warm sunny skies for the first four days of the nine-week long event on Flathead Lake, which began Thursday, Sept. 5, and ends Sunday, Nov. 3.

Azzopardi: A practical problem-solver

Shirley Azzopardi is the best candidate for Montana’s House District 13. As a longtime local educator (30 years as a special education teacher with 28 of those years in St. Ignatius, and currently the mental health coordinator for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Early Childhood Services), Shirley has served tirelessly as a strong advocate for our children and families.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Learn to build a scarecrow

We are having a scarecrow-building class at 10 a.m. Sept. 26. Cost is $10 for supplies. Call Mel at 406-745-4621 or sign up at the Senior Center.

Correction

In a story titled “Ronan City Council delves into Pioneer Days/MREC lease” that appeared on page 1 of last week’s Leader (Sept. 5), Corey Kamarainen was incorrectly referred to as the "owner of the Second Chance Saloon."

Reunion to honor Ronan's 1974 State Champs

The Ronan Chiefs State Championship football team from 1974 will gather once again Sept 20-21 for their 50th reunion.

Why don’t Democrats have DINOs?

One of my favorite tropes is “Republicans fall in line and Democrats fall in love.”

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories gleaned from newspapers of yesteryear

Community mourns death of Ed Loder

The community of Ronan is reeling from the loss of Ed Loder, 67, who was allegedly murdered Saturday, Aug. 31, as he walked along the bike trail near his home and shop on Timberlane Road, southeast of Ronan. The family has planned his memorial service for 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Sky Ridge Ranch on Timberlane.

Dragon Boats Return: Paddlers ply Flathead River

Women in pink, or wearing glitter from head to toe, lined up to slide into their seats in the 40-foot-long dragon boats.

Sports schedule Sept. 12-19

Sports schedule

Lady Bulldogs have strong leadership for 2024

Mission was building last year, making huge improvements as the year went on. With a bevy of returners this year, the Lady Bulldogs could continue to build on that foundation.

Polson boys soccer shows potential on the pitch

The Polson boys soccer team made the postseason last season, and while they come into the 2024 season with just two seniors, there is plenty of potential on the roster.

Ronan opens volleyball season with flurry of matches

At the Havre East/West Crossover, Ronan got a look at what other conferences in Class A before regular match play begins.

Charlo opens volleyball season 2-0

The Charlo volleyball team opened up the year 2-0 in match play, defeating Victory 25-14, 25-18, 25-21 on Friday, Sept. 6 and then downing Alberton 3-0 on the road, 25-10, 25-15, 25-8 on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Vikings football falls to St. Regis

Charlo football fell to St. Regis 54-12 in 8-man football action on Friday, September 7, on the Tigers’ home field. The Vikings scored two late touchdowns in the league matchup, which saw Charlo drop to 0-2 on the year.

Delaney third at Rebecca Farm XC meet

Morgan Delaney was the top Class A finisher at the Flathead Invitational at Rebecca Farm on Friday, September 5. Delaney finished third (19:14.66) in a field crowded with Class AA runners.

Ronan drops matchup against Bigfork

Ronan tried to battle back against Bigfork but ultimately fell to the Vikings 41-26 in Northwestern A Conference play on Friday, Sept. 6.

Pirates sail to first win of year

Polson got its first victory of the year, keeping Libby off the scoreboard until the fourth quarter in a 38-8 Northwest A Conference victory at home on Friday, Sept. 6.

Deer Lodge survives Mission volleyball

The Lady Bulldogs dropped their second straight matchup, falling to Deer Lodge at home on Saturday, September 7, in four sets, 25-23, 16-25, 15-25, 16-25.

Lady Pirates net 9 in win over T-Falls-Plains

Polson got on the scoreboard early and often in an overpowering 9-4 victory over Thompson Falls/Plains on Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Pirates clip T-Falls-Plains co-op soccer club

The Pirates scored two second-half goals to ice a 3-0 victory over Thompson Falls/Plains on Tuesday, Sept. 3, in Thompson Falls. The Pirates, who made the playoffs last season but dropped their season opener, were able to clip the Blue Hawks in the victory.

Polson firefighters quench fire at Pure West

The City of Polson Fire Department was dispatched to a commercial structure fire last Thursday morning near the intersection of Hwy. 93 and 4th Ave. E., at Pure West Real Estate.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

Legals for September, 12 2024

Dastardly pirates invade during Dayton Daze

A crusty crew calling themselves Pirates of the Flathead sailed into Dayton on the west shore of Flathead Lake on Saturday, Sept. 7, for Dayton Daze.

Sharon Richardson, 82

Sharon Louise Richardson of Polson passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Aug. 23, 2024. Sharon will be laid to rest next to her beloved son, Brook, at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson with a graveside service at 11 a.m. Sept. 14, 2024. Following the service, the family will be hosting a gathering\luncheon on the lawn of the Lake County Courthouse.

Legals for September, 11 2024

Homicide suspect arrested; body of Ronan man recovered

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday that officers have arrested a suspect in the alleged homicide of Ronan resident Ed Loder. The 70-year-old suspect, James Lawrence of Polson, is being held at the Lake County Jail on charges of homicide and tampering with evidence.

Arlee admin shuffle: District starts year with new superintendent and principal

Cory Beckham, who spent four years as Arlee Junior High and High Principal principal, has stepped into the role of Arlee Superintendent of Schools. With Beckham stepping up to superintendent, Arlee has hired Jonkar Arceniega to take over as the new high school principal.

Varsity Sports Calendar

Varsity sports are underway in the Mission Valley

Bulldogs launch season with 34-8 win over St. Regis

The loaded Mission Bulldogs, who are expected to be one of the top teams in this year’s version of the Montana Western Conference 8-player football group, showed they are a team with which to be reckoned when they scored 14 first quarter points to take a 14-0 lead at the end of the opening stanza against St. Regis last Friday.

Ronan City Council delves into Pioneer Days/MREC lease

The Ronan City Council officially annexed the Mission Range Event Complex land during its regular meeting on Aug. 28, and approved a change of use for the property, located west of town on Mink Lane.

Rowe top finisher at Whitefish Invitational

Ronan’s Oliver Rowe won the Whitefish Invitational on Tuesday, tallying a 72 for medalist honors on Aug. 27.

Chiefs bring experience to the greens

Ronan golf is hoping to build on last year's momentum, and it’s been a good start so far.

Ronan's Piapot third at Canal Bank Run

Jacob Piapot took third at Ronan’s Canal Bank Run on Friday, Aug. 30, posting a time of 17:40.27 for the Chiefs.

Warriors come back reloaded

Arlee brings back plenty of experience from last year’s 9-1 squad, whose only loss was to eventual state champion Fairview in the playoffs.

Polson cross country has young standouts

Polson’s cross-country team will be young this year, but there will surely be some standouts.

Park comes back against Polson boys soccer

Polson led in the first half, but Park notched two second-half goals for a 2-1 victory on Saturday, Aug. 31, to open the season.

Lady Pirates bring senior leadership to pitch

from last year and four seniors. This means in 2024, the Lady Pirates should bring a lot of leadership, determination and experience to the field.

Pirates golf teams retool for new season

Polson has been a perennial golf power in Montana, winning both the boys and girls state titles last season.

Polson takes fourth, Ronan seventh at Tip-Off

Polson Takes Fourth, Ronan Takes Seventh At Tip-Off Tournament

Art Docent Program seeks volunteers

Polson’s Art Docent Program is a volunteer-based art history program that allows students at Linderman Elementary to become immersed in art through classroom instruction. Those who are interested in the program are encouraged to attend an informational meeting (with homemade dessert) at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, in the foyer of the Linderman gym.

Candidate for fire district defends campaign

As the only person who ran against an incumbent in the Special District election for the Polson Rural Fire District last May, I can only assume Mr. Dick Wunderlich was referring to me in last week’s letter titled “Polson RFD has strong leadership and goals” (Leader, Aug. 29).

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

News stories plucked from the archives of local weekly newspapers.

MDT to host meetings on U.S. 93 Polson-Somers corridor

The Montana Department of Transportation is hosting open houses in Polson Sept. 18 and Somers Sept. 19 to discuss a study of the U.S. 93 corridor between Polson and Somers.

Mission Valley Calendar

Your events guide to the Mission Valley

On the Agenda

Upcoming public meetings

Applications sought for Chief Water Court Judge

The Montana Judicial Branch is applications through Sept. 30 for the Chief Water Court Judge. Current Chief Water Court Judge Russ McElyea, who has served the Water Court since 2012, is retiring at the end 2024.

Reksten a thoughtful and tireless worker

I am pleased to voice my strong support for incumbent Linda Reksten for re-election to the Montana House of Representatives.

Azzopardi will protect Montana values, future

Shirley Azzopardi, candidate for Montana’s House District 13, represents the values of Montana, understands our challenges, and exhibits the determination to protect Montana’s legacy. Shirley deserves your vote this November.

Choral Society receives grant, readies for new season

For the second year, the Greater Polson Community Foundation has awarded the Mission Valley Choral Society with an IMPACT grant. According to a press release, the funds will be used to purchase music for the Christmas and spring concert weekends.

FWP Upland Bird Council to meet at Ninepipes

The Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program Council will meet Sept. 9-10 at Ninepipes Lodge, east of Charlo to review program activities and tour habitat projects in the Ninepipe area.

Florence Ross, 92

Florence Fern Ross (Nelson), affectionately known as Flossie, was called to her eternal home on Aug. 23, 2024, at the age of 92, surrounded by her loving family.

SAFE Harbor seeks Community Hero nominations

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, SAFE Harbor is seeking nominations from the community for Community Heroes – those who have stepped forward to help break the cycle of violence.

Legals for September, 5 2024

County budget crunch apt to impact employee paychecks

Lake County employees won’t see much of a pay increase in the coming year if the county commissioners stick with a plan passed by the Board of Compensation Tuesday.

Polson Seniors: Patriot Day is Sept. 11

Patriot Day is Sept. 11. If you love your country, and support its authority under law, and your country’s interests, then this is your day. That’s what it means to be patriotic. Not just this day, but every day.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo time!

Bingo is Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. Cards are 25 cents each and we have a special blackout prize.

Commissioners seek input on fairgrounds improvements

The Lake County Commissioners are seeking public input on a proposed grant that would complete renovation of buildings at the Ronan Fairgrounds.

L. Marlene Orr, 100

Lela Marlene Barrick Orr was born Jan. 8, 1924, to Troy R. and Edna Pearl Barrick in Butler, Okla. A Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 5, at Ignite Wesleyan Church in Sheridan. Later this fall a burial service will be at Murray Memorial Cemetery in Lone Pine, where she will be buried alongside her husband.

Dusty Ann Fratzke, 43

On Aug. 9, 2024, Dusty Ann Fratzke, 43, of Kalispell, passed away. On Dec. 17, 1980, Dusty was the fourth and last child born to Scott Fratzke and Edna Brotherton in Sanders County.

Vote Linda Reksten

Asking all HD13 voters to vote Linda Reksten.

Ronan Seniors: Sunday dinner served Sept. 8

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

Merle McKay, 81

Merle Elizabeth McKay (née Holt), aged 82 of Polson, was called to her eternal rest on Aug. 22, 2024, in Missoula. The family of Merle McKay invites loved ones to join in a gathering of remembrance on Sept. 7, 2024. Please contact her granddaughter for further details.

Rep. Reksten is no "rubber stamp"

We are writing in support of Linda Reksten, current representative for HD13. In a recent letter to the editor, written by a gentleman whose wife ran against Linda last term and lost, Linda was referred to as a “rubber-stamp.”

Legals for September, 4 2024

Agnes Wangerin, 90

Agnes L. Wangerin passed away at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan on Aug. 28, 2024. A viewing for Agnes is scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7, at Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home in Ronan. A gathering of friends and family will be held at the Round Butte Women’s Clubhouse on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 2 p.m.