Ellington

Legals for April, 30 2025

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in the Mission Valley

Polson Seniors: Toe-nail clinic this Friday

A certified nurse offers a toenail and callus clinic Friday, April 25. Cost is $30 and enrollment is limited so sign up. Clinics continue on the fourth Friday of each month.

Justus (sic) is being served

At 1 a.m. on Saturday, April 19, the United States Supreme Court issued an extraordinary emergency order barring the federal government from removing people detained under the Federal Enemies Act to El Salvador pending further rulings from the Court.

Mission’s Leishman, Charlo and Arlee jumpers star in Missoula

Mission’s Harlon Leishman and Charlo’s Karson Cox and Jaylynn Buxbaum delivered standout performances for Lake County programs at the Seeley-Swan High School Track Meet held April 18 in Missoula

Pirates push win streak to three

The Polson Pirates extended their winning streak to three games this week with a pair of impressive performances, taking down Florence-Carlton 8-2 on Thursday and following it up with a 10-4 road win over Corvallis on Friday.

Lauryn Buhr receives Job Service scholarship

Lauryn Buhr, a senior at Ronan High School, won the Lake County Job Service Employer Committee (JSEC) 2025 Ken Rohrenbach Scholarship.

Spring Mack Days shaping up as a record-breaker

Fish on! Spring Mack Days on Flathead Lake is on course for a new record of lake trout entries.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Foot nurse visits Monday

Mandy Jo, the foot care nurse, will be at the center April 28. There are still a few openings. Please call us (406-745-4462) to schedule.

Boys and Girls Luncheon informs and unites

The event gathered a multitude of people from all across the valley to enjoy lunch and discuss all the club has been doing from projects to upcoming summer programs, with both parents, staff and club members speaking on the importance of the organization.

MDT begins safety projects at Minesinger Trail/Reservoir Road

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), along with its partner Riverside Contracting, Inc., begins safety improvement on U.S. Highway 93 at the intersection with Minesinger Trail and North Reservoir Road next week.

The family brand: Tradition lives on at Charlo ranch

From eight months to 80-plus years, the crowd gathered at the Weible Ranch south of Charlo for Saturday's branding represented generations of family and friends.

Polson tennis teams collect key wins

The Polson tennis teams continued their strong 2025 campaign with a series of dominant performances last week, highlighted by a sweep over Stevensville and a pair of statement wins over Bigfork.

Polson Softball blasts Browning in doubleheader sweep

The Polson softball team remained unbeaten on the season with a dominant doubleheader sweep over Browning on Thursday, April 17 racking up 42 runs in just six innings of play to cruise to 18-0 and 24-0 victories.

Ronan Seniors: Birthday dinner served Friday

This week's menu includes: Birthday dinner, roast beef, Friday, April 25; Turkey, Monday, April 28; and Jamaican jerk chicken, Wednesday, April 30.

MAC Baseball snaps skid, earns first win

The Mission-Arlee-Charlo baseball team had a rollercoaster week on their home field, bouncing back from a lopsided loss to Frenchtown on Tuesday, April 15, to earn their first win of the season Thursday, April 17, in a 10-2 triumph over Noxon-Thompson Falls.

Polson, Ronan heat up at Iceberg Invite

The April 17 Iceberg Invite in Columbia Falls brought together dozens of western Montana’s top track and field athletes, and competitors from Lake County were right in the mix, picking up event wins, personal bests, and strong team finishes.

Ronan Softball extends streak to five with Libby win

A red-hot Ronan squad kept its momentum rolling Tuesday with an 18-8 win over visiting Libby, extending the Maidens' win streak to five and improving their record to 5-3 on the season.

Chiefs top Stevensville behind early scoring surge

The Ronan Chiefs used a steady offensive attack and a strong outing from starting pitcher Hunter Luedtke to take down Stevensville 11-6 on Friday afternoon, improving to 4-3 on the season.

Sandpiper seeks input on upcoming murals

Sandpiper Art Gallery & Gifts is inviting the Polson community to provide input on a theme for upcoming Art Murals in downtown Polson, set for 2026.

Incumbent and former parole officer file for Polson judge seat

The Polson City Commission met Monday night with attorney Jordan Crosby, who was hired during the previous meeting to help guide the process of appointing a city judge.

MDT hosts open house at Ninepipes on two highway projects

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and project partners host an open house May 1 to discuss design and construction plans for both the U.S. Highway 93 Ninepipe-Eagle Pass Trail and Post Creek Hill projects.

Push Play Project aims to build, enhance playgrounds

The Push Play Project of the Flathead Reservation Lake County is “on a mission to create safe, accessible spaces that promote physical activity and family engagement, all to improve long-term health in our communities."

Legals for April, 24 2025

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Flathead Courrier, April 22, 1971

Fentanyl dealer sentenced to eight years in MSP

A Ronan woman, accused of conspiring with a man from Pasco, Wash., to bring fentanyl to Lake County for distribution, was sentenced in District Court in Polson April 17 to eight years in the Montana State Women’s Prison with three years suspended.

Three Arlee students receive Youth Serve scholarships

Three Arlee High School students received Youth Serve Montana Scholarships from the Governor’s Office of Community Service.

MAC Softball improves to 8-2 on the year

The Mission-Arlee-Charlo (MAC) softball team kept rolling on Saturday, picking up a pair of dominant wins over Ennis and Three Forks on the road, Saturday, April 19

Urges changes to Hot Springs School Board

As concerned community members, I urge change within the Hot Springs School District Board. The upcoming election is a chance to elect qualified individuals who prioritize fiscal responsibility, transparency and ethical governance.

“Best In Class” highlights educator Pat Danley

Showboat Stadium 6 in Polson will show quite a few big movie stars on the big screen in May. The list includes the likes of Tom Cruise, Ralph Macchio, Ana de Armas and Pat Danley.

Super Oval hosts super egg hunt

Waving, the Easter bunny took a victory lap around the Mission Valley Super Oval at noon Saturday.

Measles Q&A: Vaccine most effective way to prevent infection

In light of a recent measles outbreak in Gallatin County, we asked Lake County Public Health Services Director Emily Colomeda for suggestions on how to protect vulnerable kids and adults.

Marva Jean Larson, 87

Jeanie (Marva Jean) Larson, 87, of St. Ignatius, passed away peacefully in her sleep Sunday, March 23, 2025 at her daughter’s home in Spokane, Wash. A service will be held at Mission Catholic Church on June 18 at 4 p.m., with a dinner to follow.

Joyce Town, 91

Joyce (Lewis) Town, 91 years old, went to be with Jesus on April 10, 2025. Her Celebration of Life service was April 19, 2025, at Terrace Lake Community Church at 11 a.m.

John Freemole, 74

Our valiant warrior, John Peter Freemole, peacefully completed his earthly journey on April 8, 2025, at his home in Polson with loved ones nearby to support him. Services will be at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson on April 23, at 2 p.m.

Rocky Point residents worry about traffic impact of casino

More than 15 people interested in traffic on Hwy. 93 near Irvine Flats Road and Rocky Point Road attended a meeting at the Lake County Courthouse last Monday with Bob Vosen from the Montana Department of Transportation.

Kolton Turner still leads Mack Days totals with 1,468

Kolton Turner of Kalispell remains ahead in Spring Mack Days, with 14 days of catching 100 fish. He leads the Top Twenty category with a total of 1,468.

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in the Mission Valley

Ronan Softball blanks Whitefish, sneaks past Co-Falls

Fueled by an explosive second inning and a lights-out pitching performance, the Ronan Maidens cruised past Whitefish 15-0 in a three-inning mercy-rule win on Tuesday, April 8, then slipped past Columbia Falls April 10 in a tighter matchup 6-4.

Robert Silver Hanson Jr., 84

Robert Silver Hanson Jr., 84 of Polson, passed away peacefully April 9, 2025, in Kalispell, surrounded by his family. A funeral service will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson at noon Monday, April 21.

Brown, Delaney tops at MCPS Invite

The Polson track and field team turned in a series of standout performances at the 2025 MCPS Invitational on Friday, April 11, with several first-place finishes.

Polson Softball stays unbeaten with three conference wins

The Polson Lady Pirates posted a convincing 10-3 win over Libby in Northwest A Conference play on Thursday, April 10, and streaked past Columbia Falls Tuesday, April 8, with a 10-run fifth inning.

Correction: Charlo Grocery was citation-free

In a story titled "17 retailers cited for underage alcohol sales," on page 1 of last week's Leader, we incorrectly listed Wilson Foods as located in Charlo, and were quickly set straight by Charlo Grocery co-owner Rick Marcure. Wilson's is located in Arlee.In a story titled "17 retailers cited for underage alcohol sales," on page 2 of last week's Leader, we incorrectly listed Wilson Foods as located in Charlo, and were quickly set straight by Charlo Grocery co-owner Rick Marcure. Wilson's is located in Arlee.

Legals for April, 17 2025

Mission man charged with third sexual assault

A St. Ignatius man, with two prior convictions for sexual assault, is accused of committing the same offense. Paul Vincent Tatto, 73, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson April 9 to a third offense of sexual assault, a felony.

Montana Legislators: Don’t bring back smoking indoors

Some ideas are so bad that they’re ridiculous. Like bringing back smoking rooms to Montana businesses.

Ballots mailed Friday for school and special district elections

Ballots will be mailed tomorrow, April 18, for school board and special purpose districts, and must be returned via mail or in person to the Lake County Election Administrator by Tuesday, May 6.

MAC Baseball drops two on the road

The Mission-Arlee-Charlo (MAC) baseball team continued to battle through its early-season schedule but came up short in a pair of matchups last week, falling to Big Sky 15-3 on Tuesday, April 8, in St. Ignatius and then to Missoula Sentinel 14-2 on Thursday, April 10.

Ronan relay wins at Libby Invite

Ronan athletes traveled to the 2025 Libby Invitational on Saturday, April 12, where they claimed a first-place relay finish and a shot-put championship at Logger Stadium.

Raymond "Ray" Bick, 86

Raymond “Ray” Paul Bick, 86, died of natural causes on April 9, 2025, at his home in Cherry Creek, Nev. He was born Aug. 4, 1938, in Ronan, the eighth of nine children born to Clarence and Evelyn Bick of Round Butte, west of Ronan. Services will be held April 19, at 10 a.m. at The Lake Funeral Home, 101 6th Ave. E. in Polson, followed by graveside military services at Mountain View Cemetery, 46727 N. Foothills Dr., Ronan.

Susan Howlett, 69

Susan Marie Howlett, age 69 of Polson, a real-life shining star, with a heart as big as the ocean and enough love for everyone, has finished her grand adventure of this life – firm in her faith, and happy with a life well-lived.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Flathead Courrier, April 14, 1988

Former Polson Police officer admits to child sexual abuse

Judge John Larson of Missoula set a sentencing date of July 10 in Lake County for former Polson Police officer Matthew Timm, who admitted to knowingly photographing and filming a girl under the age of 18 between January 2017 and March 2023.

Tribes break ground on new 400 Horses Casino

Last Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new 400 Horses Casino on the outskirts of Polson opened to the steady pulse of two drums, Yamncut and Chief Cliff, as Gene Sorrell – attired in an eagle-feather headdress – blessed the drummers and the celebration.

Area athletes shine at David Tripp Meet in Polson

Track and field athletes from smaller Lake County schools took several trips to the podium at the annual David Tripp Invitational, hosted at the Polson Sports Complex.

Polson Pirates down Sentinel after tough loss to Whitefish

The Polson Pirates baseball team rebounded from a tough Northwest A Conference loss to Whitefish with a convincing non-league win over Missoula Sentinel, improving to 3-1 on the season.

Conservation District offers free pollinator seeds

Spring has sprung, and the Lake County Conservation District (LCCD) is buzzing with excitement as it launches its annual Pollinator Seed Giveaway, encouraging local residents to join a growing movement to protect pollinators and restore native habitat.

Reservation fish and wildlife board meets April 23

The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board meets Wednesday, April 23, at the North Lake County Library in Polson. All interested persons are invited to attend.

Polson Seniors: Thank you, AARP Tax Assistance volunteers

The AARP Tax Filing Assistance program has filed nearly 700 individual or joint tax returns over the past 10 weeks for local senior citizens.

Births at St. Luke's

Frederick Walter Schmidt was born April 10 at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center in Ronan. He measured 7 lbs. 7 oz. and 20 inches long.

Tariff flip-flop only benefits inside traders

Everyone in the know about President Trump's plans to flip-flop decisions about tariffs is suspect for insider trading. Staff economic advisors, favored businesses, Trump's family, and Trump himself.

Montana’s kids deserve more from Legislature

As moms, educators and lawmakers, we came to the Capitol this session with one clear goal: to improve opportunity for Montana’s kids. But with just weeks left in the legislative session, we’re concerned that we may leave Helena having done only the bare minimum – and that’s not good enough.

Bookfest Club brings readers together

It’s a sunny Saturday April morning outside the North Lake County Public Library. Inside the community room is abuzz with light conversation and the smells of donuts and coffee.

Horse trading at the expense of Montana taxpayers

After blowing off property tax relief entirely during the 2023 Montana Legislative Session, our senators and representatives are on track to repeat the mistake.

Ronan Seniors: Foot clinic on the horizon

We will be having a Foot Clinic with Mandy Jo Noland on April 21st.

Polson Tennis rebounds at Cut Bank Invite

“The kids bounced back very well in Cut Bank with both teams winning three duals and losing just one,” Hislop said.

MAC Softball rolls to two wins, falls to Florence-Carlton

The Mission-Arlee-Charlo (MAC) softball team continued its strong start to the season with two home wins over Anaconda and Plains before falling in a high-scoring road matchup against Class B powerhouse Florence-Carlton.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Easter bunny visits Saturday

Spring is on the way. The willow tree in my yard is budding. People have talked about their crocuses and iris coming up.

PEO chapter presents “Ready? Set-Goals!” program

PEO Chapter CA presented their Ready? Set-Goals! (RSG) program to the ninth-grade girls at Polson High School on March 19.

Roaming dogs are a menace

There are too many stray dogs and owned dogs running loose everywhere you go. Some people have 3-5 dogs running loose at any given time in packs. Yesterday I watched 5 or 6 dogs attack and chase a bigger dog down the street – what if it was a child?

Two Mission Valley ranches protected for future generations

Two Mission Valley families who have farmed and ranched here for more than century have ensured that their legacies will endure.

Choral Society offers two spring concerts

Mission Valley Choral Society celebrates Spring with “Music in Our Hearts” concerts, 1 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the St. Ignatius Mission and 4 p.m. Sunday, May 11, in Polson at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Ronan Baseball reels off four straight wins

After opening the week with back-to-back lopsided losses, the Ronan baseball team bounced back in dominant fashion, rattling off four straight victories to improve to 4-3 on the season.

Ronan City Council tutored on SIDs

Local bankers Jamie Buhr and Brennin Grainey attended the April 9 Ronan City Council meeting to present facts on Special Improvement Districts. Mark Drinkwater, developer of Mission Valley Homesites, had approached the council regarding an SID for the first phase of a 221-lot subdivision on the southeast edge of Ronan.

Contractor pleads not guilty to felony theft

A Polson man is accused of accepting down payments for contracting services and doing little to no work. Donald Dean Guthrie, 68, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson April 9 to three counts of felony theft.

John P. Freemole, 74

John P. Freemole, age 74, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at his residence in Polson.

Rachel Jean Booth, 44

Rachel Jean Booth (Marr), 44, of Plains, stepped into eternal joy in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, April 3. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 12, at the Church on the Move in Plains.

Legals for April, 10 2025

MAC baseball struggles in shutout loss to Stevensville

The Mission-Arlee-Charlo (MAC) baseball team continues to search for its first win of the season after falling 13-0 to Stevensville on Thursday, April 3, in a five-inning, mercy-rule contest.

Ronan, Arlee athletes shine at Bigfork Invite

The Ronan Chiefs and Arlee Scarlets turned in strong performances at the Bigfork Invitational track and field meet, held Saturday, April 5, with several athletes notching personal bests and climbing the podium against a deep field of competition from across northwest Montana.

Montanans encouraged to light two lights for Paul Revere’s Ride

The Montana 250th Commission invites Montanans to celebrate the anniversaries to two seminal events in American history on April 18-19: Paul Revere’s Ride and the spark of the American Revolution.

Seventeen retailers cited for underage alcohol sales

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported that 17 citations were issued to local alcohol retailers during the weekend of March 21-22 for selling alcohol to underage people.

Montana works better when we listen to Tribes

For too long, the state government has made decisions about tribal lands, people and resources without bringing tribes into the room. That’s not just disrespectful – it’s bad policy. Senate Bill 379 aims to change that, and it’s a bill that will benefit all Montanans.

March brought more moisture, but Flathead basin still at deficit

March brought a combination of snow accumulation, snowmelt and rain to Montana. The Flathead Basin received 130% normal precipitation in March, although it remains below median at 89% for the water year that began in October.

Blackfeet tribal members sue to stop Trump tariffs against Canada

On Friday in federal court, Jonathan St. Goddard, along with state Sen. Susan Webber, D-Browning, filed a lawsuit in federal court asking a judge for an injunction against Trump’s tariffs on Canada, arguing that it violates the treaty rights of Indigenous people across the nation, and saying that only Congress can approve tariffs, not the president, according to the U.S. Constitution.

John McCrorie Jr., 78

John McCrorie Jr., 78, passed away March 5, 2025, in Whitefish from natural causes, with his wife, Sandra, by his side.

Mack Days angler reels in tagged fish worth $1,000

Many anglers participating in Spring Mack Days on Flathead Lake are having great days and big numbers of lake trout entries. An exciting event over the fourth weekend was a $1,000 tagged lake trout that was turned in by Michael Stevenson of Kalispell.

Community engages with police in public safety meeting

Polson city hall was packed last Wednesday with citizens ready to hear from Police Chief George Simpson about public safety.

Marriages & Divorces

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

Tom Mitchell, 69

Thomas Edward Mitchell, known to family and friends as Tom, passed away Feb. 16 at his Kalispell home after a courageous seven‐month battle with cancer. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held in Indiana on June 7, 2025.

Dog Tag Buddies brings healing to local veteran

Wriggly Zippy is a carefree Boxer, but four-year-old Gretchen has a serious side. The regal black Great Dane with splashy white stockings and white beauty marks is a service dog for Bill.

Ronan Seniors: Looking for landscape help

Mission Valley Senior Center is looking for a landscaper.

Patricia Salomon

Patricia Ann (Greene) Salomon, 95, passed away on April 1, 2025, in Polson, surrounded by family and friends.

Siips aims to creatively quench thirst

Does a “dirty” Dr. Pepper, concocted with fresh lime, coconut and vanilla, sound good? Siips at 80 Heritage Lane in Polson makes this drink and many other custom beverages.

Polson offense overwhelms Noxon in 16-1 victory

The Polson Pirates didn’t waste any time flexing their offensive firepower in Saturday’s non-conference matchup, exploding for 16 runs in three innings to cruise past Noxon 16-1 at home.

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in the Mission Valley

Incompetence meets corruption

Montana Republicans have made a few mistakes of late, what in baseball would be called “unforced errors,” meaning they were all avoidable.

Legislation would undermine local zoning efforts

When administrative efficiency is prioritized over private property owners’ commitment to conserving land, resources and quality of life, Montana is placed in a tenuous position to forever lose the beauty, open land and lifestyles many of us moved here or stayed here to enjoy.

Commission seeks resort designation for Polson

The City Commission inched toward putting a resort tax referendum before voters Monday night by seeking Department of Commerce designation for Polson as a resort community.

Births at the Nesting Place

The following births were recorded recently at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Now on Facebook

You can now follow Ignatius Senior Citizens Center on Facebook!

MAC Softball bounces back with dominant wins

After a tough road loss to Troy earlier in the week, the Mission-Arlee-Charlo (MAC) softball team responded in dominant fashion, racking up a pair of mercy-rule wins to improve to 4-1 on the season.

Buyer's remorse

With almost 50% of the popular vote and many promises made, people hoped that 47 would be different from 45 and that all Americans’ lives would be improved. Not so, prompting widespread buyer’s remorse.

Astin Brown launches into the record books

In the first meet of the season Polson senior Astin Brown had to reach deep into the record books to find his peer in Bob Morigeau.

Brown, Delaney and Digiallonardo excel for Polson

Polson athletes made their presence felt across a wide range of events at the Hamilton Bronc Invite on Friday, April 4, with strong showings in the sprints, throws, distance races, and relays.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Flathead Courrier, April 8, 1943

Douglas Jerome Wold, 85

Douglas Jerome Wold, 85, of Polson, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 8, 2025, at his home on Flathead Lake. A Celebration of Life will be held in Linda’s gardens when the flowers are at their peak.

Polson Seniors: Death and taxes

A person who works eight hours a day for five days a week works 2,080 hours a year. One half of that is 1,040 hours. The standard tax form is called the Form 1040, which is, so ironically, one half of 2080. The subliminal suggestion is that half of your wages go towards taxes.

Polson Tennis teams battle through tough weekend

The Polson tennis teams faced a pair of strong opponents over the weekend, earning a split against Dillon on Saturday, April 5, before running into a talented Whitefish squad that proved a tough challenge on the courts.

Billie Rogers, 79

Billie "Bill" Carl Rogers, age 79, passed away peacefully March 19 at his home in Charlo.

Legislature hits pause on Public Law 280

The future of Public Law 280, the law enforcement agreement between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and state and county governments, seems to be on pause – at least at the legislative level.

Bill advances to enhance support for school infrastructure

House Bill 515, which hit the House floor April 4, calls for a one-time transfer of $75 million from the General Fund surplus to a special school facilities trust in order to elevate annual interest earnings.

Perez powers Ronan to season-opening win over Libby

Fueled by a six-run second inning and a dominant pitching performance from Kaydnce Santos, the Ronan Maidens picked up a 7-5 road victory over Libby on Saturday, April 5.

Ronan Seniors: Roast pork served next Sunday

Anyone is welcome to enjoy our meals – you don’t have to be a senior citizen! Our prices have gone to $8 per meal for Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Sunday meals will remain at $10.

Fire scorches empty Polson house

On March 26th in the late evening the Polson Fire Department was dispatched to a residential fire that was located right on the corner of second street east and seventh avenue east.

Major drug bust at KwaTaqNuk results in one arrest

A woman from Kennewick, Wash., is accused of dealing large amounts of fentanyl in Lake County. In total, about 3,000 suspected fentanyl pills were recovered March 16.

Koldeway admits to felony sexual assault

Jerod Eugene Koldeway, 45, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson March 26 to the amended charge of felony sexual assault and bail jumping.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Audiologist visits center April 16

It is great to see and feel the sunshine – enjoy!

Mack Days anglers haul in more than 20,000 lake trout

The third week of Spring Mack Days ended with a total of 20,211 lake trout entries. Weekend totals were 1,939 on Friday, 1,806 on Saturday, and 1,821 on Sunday.

MAC softball dominates Deer Lodge in shutout win

Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball continued its dominant start to the 2025 season with a 15-0 shutout victory over Deer Lodge on Tuesday, March 25, at home.

Polson tennis teams defeat Stevi, Ronan

The Polson tennis teams served up some home cooking, racking up four victories in home matches against Stevensville and Ronan on Thursday, March 27.

Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball reloaded, ready to rock

With 24 athletes out for the Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball program this spring, head coach Jessie Nesper is feeling optimistic.

Legals for April, 3 2025

Polson Boxing Club fighters gear up for regional events

Three young fighters from the Polson Boxing Club are gearing up for a busy April in the ring.

MAC baseball squad kicks off season with tough tests

The Mission-Arlee-Charlo baseball team opened its season with two challenging matchups last week, facing off against veteran Class A programs Corvallis and Hamilton.

Don’t let Montana’s water protections be washed away

Montana is under threat – not from a natural disaster, but from a wave of legislative proposals that would erode the very laws designed to protect our water, our communities, and our future.

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in the Mission Valley

Ronan Mill blends coffee, flowers and wildebeest

Wildebeests, coffee, lotus drinks, and flowers lend a unique ambiance to the Ronan Mill on Round Butte Road. The neon coffee sign in its window gives just a hint of the surprising business inside.

Vaping makes dangerous inroads with students

A formidable foe seems to be actively affecting the youth of the Mission Valley.Vaping, which simulates smoking, has been around for at least two decades. But public school officials says it's getting more prevalent.

Lady Pirates stay perfect; Maidens grab first win

It was a full week of high school softball action for Lake County Class A teams as the Polson Lady Pirates remained undefeated, while the Ronan Maidens picked up their first win of the 2025 season in a dominating home showing against Browning.

Local ranchers feted at annual ag banquet

St. Ignatius farmers Dennis and Melvina Krantz were honored for their contributions to agriculture in the Mission Valley at the 45th annual Ag Appreciation Banquet, held March 28 at the community center in Ronan.

Ronan Police Officer Gilliland honored at council meeting

The Ronan City Council’s March 26 meeting began with Ronan Police Chief Rob Jacobson presenting Ronan Police Officer J. Gilliland a commendation issued by the Montana Public Safety Board Standards and Training Post Council for outstanding conduct and excellence in public safety.

Oregon man admits to felony sexual abuse of minor

Tyler Davis Booze, 30, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson to felony sexual abuse of children.

Chiefs fall to Bigfork in home opener

The Ronan Chiefs opened their home schedule on Friday afternoon but couldn’t keep pace with a surging Bigfork squad, falling 10-3 in a Class A baseball contest.

Who will speak out for Mahmoud?

I raise my voice for Columbia University graduate student Mahmoud Kahlil. Trump is silencing Mahmoud through politically-targeted illegal deportation. Trump doesn’t like Mahmoud’s opinions and activism on Gaza.

Broadband access grants diverted to billionaire

Montana was awarded $628,973,798.59 through the BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program. In March, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced that BEAD was reversing the decision to prioritize fiber Internet networks in distributing grants like the nearly $629 million for Montana.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Mission Valley News, April 4, 1984

Mentorship helps break cycle of substance abuse

Substance abuse, particularly opioid misuse, continues to devastate families in Montana.

Woman charged with stealing from family trust

A Ronan woman is accused of stealing from a family trust account. Lindsey Montgomery Polchies, 37, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson March 26 to felony theft.

Polson opens season with 8-5 win over Eureka

While Major League Baseball got started this week, Polson residents didn’t have to go further than Eureka to see some major league fireworks.

Lake County athletes shine at Frenchtown Invite

The Polson and Ronan track and field teams made a strong statement at the highly competitive Frenchtown Invitational on Saturday, March 29, racking up top finishes, personal records, and championship-worthy performances.

Douglas J. Wold, 85

Douglas Jerome Wold, 85, of Polson, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected attorney, passed away on March 8, 2025, peacefully at his lake home in Polson.