Thursday, January 30
St. Ignatius Seniors: Wear a hat to stay warm
Did you know that your head loses the most body heat? Wearing a hat in cold weather helps to retain body heat, keeps you warm, and prevents hypothermia.
Polson Pirates defeat Libby, Bigfork
The Pirates defeated Libby and Bigfork, improving to 3-1 in conference play.
Grace Heiner: Ronan junior "brightens up everyone's day"
An exceptional student athlete with a wide circle of friends and activities, Ronan’s Grace Heiner is the recipient of the Winslow Nichols Leadership Award from Logan Health. Heiner will receive a $500 check to give to the organization of her choice.
Biz Briefs
New Buffalo Gals Market opens in Ronan; SBG Polson celebrates first anniversary
Polson Chamber hosts Business Pulse event
The Polson Chamber of Commerce hosts its second Business Pulse event March 15, in collaboration with B2BPolson.com.
Courville competes in national Farm Bureau contest
Nick Courville, a young rancher from Charlo, recently took the stage in San Antonio, Texas, to compete in the national Young Farmer and Rancher Discussion Meet held during the 106th American Farm Bureau Convention, Jan. 24-29.
Ronan Seniors: AARP tax help starts Feb. 5
The Mission Valley Senior Center, located across from St. Luke Hospital, hosts AARP tax preparation every other Wednesday, starting Feb. 5. For an appointment, call the center at 406-676-2371.
Bread Basket appreciates student support
Young people in our local communities have historically supported the Ronan Bread Basket through sponsoring food drives, donating garden produce and the yield of 4-H projects.
Bessie J. Miron, 95
It is with profound sadness that we announce that Bessie ‘Bess’ Johnstun Vinsant Miron passed away peacefully on Jan. 18, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Assisted Living in Polson with her family by her side. She was 95 years old, and died 18 days before her 96th birthday.
Sports & Courts: Politicizing the court system
If sports teams don’t get to choose the referees in a game, why should political parties get to support candidates in a judicial election? It’s really not that different.
Don’t politicize our courts
Our Republican legislators are on a mission to politicize Montana’s court system.
Fentanyl user faces sentencing for six criminal cases
A Ronan man entered into a plea agreement that could resolve six criminal cases against him. Kurtis William Snell, 34, entered guilty pleas in District Court in Polson Jan. 22 to felony charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession with intent to distribute, criminal endangerment and escape.
Oregon man pleads not guilty of cheating elderly homeowner
A man from Brownsville, Ore., is accused of accepting money for a construction project without doing the work. Nicholas Michael Layton, 37, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Jan. 25 to felony charges of theft and exploitation of an elder or disabled person.
Mission girls defeat No. 2 team in state
Mission downed the No. 2-ranked team in the state 49-46, as Kieran Incashola drained a game-winning three-pointer off a pass from Kason Page against Loyola on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The Lady Bulldogs also picked up wins against Plains and Superior.
Freedom is a forked path
Today, Monday (Jan. 20), I am honoring Martin Luther King for his wisdom, generosity of spirit, and service to our country. As a teacher, I know that children are often wiser and more empathic than adults.
Ronan council updated on tourism grant
Jan Tusick, executive director of Mission West Community Development Organization, updated the Ronan City Council at last Wednesday’s meeting on the Pilot Community Tourism Grant from the Montana Department of Commerce that the City of Ronan received.
Polson Seniors: Pete Daniels was center stalwart
We learned last week that Pete Daniels has passed away. Pete was a long-time member of the Polson Senior Center and a frequent noontime diner with his wife, Carol. He was a wonderful conversationalist and had a great sense of humor.
James Burton, 87
James Raymond Burton passed away after a battle with cancer in Loveland, Colo., on Dec. 24, at the age of 87.
Legals for January, 30 2025
Polson explores options for second fire station
The Polson City Commission authorized city staff to explore a potential land transfer or purchase with Cougar Ridge Development that could provide property to build a second fire station.d
Lake Monsters make a splash at Kalispell meet
The Lake Monsters swim team of Polson came in third as a whole and had several outstanding performances at the sanctioned meet in Kalispell on Jan. 26.
Meeting seeks input on county-wide housing shortage
With the median home price in Lake County perched at $530,000 in December (rocket.com), Abby Moore, a member of the Lake County Planning Department, doesn’t expect to purchase a house anytime soon – even though she would much rather be building equity for her family than paying rent.
Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies
Stories of yore, harvested from the archives of the Mission Valley News, Jan. 20, 1977
Montana should call on DC to fix federal debt
The United States cannot continue its current economic trajectory; it’s as simple as that. We are more than $36 trillion in debt and on track to hit $55 trillion by 2034.
Stacey Sherwin named interim president at SKC
The Salish Kootenai College (SKC) Board of Directors recently announced the resignation of Interim President Dr. Michael Munson, effective Jan. 13, and the subsequent appointment of Dr. Stacey Sherwin as interim president.
Polson Speech and Debate place fifth in divisional tourney
The Polson Speech and Debate team placed fifth at last week’s Class A Divisional tournament, held at Polson High and Middle school, with a dozen team members qualifying for the upcoming state tournament in Laurel. Ronan is sending nine students to State.
MFU offers grant support to local 4-H clubs
Montana 4-H Clubs can once again receive $100 from Montana Farmers Union as part of the grassroots organization’s Sentence Grant program by simply writing a sentence about a potential project.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your guide to local events and upcoming meetings
FLIC brings international slate of films to Polson
The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) celebrates its 13th winter film festival during the weekend of Feb. 14-16 at the Showboat Stadium 6 in Polson.
Maidens third in Livingston with 3 champs
Ronan placed third at the Park High Girls Invitational in Livingston over the weekend, having three girls win championships.
Ronan boys win five duals in Livingston
Ronan wrestlers went 5-3 in the Class A Duals in Livingston over the weekend.
Thursday, January 23
Polson Seniors: Serving more meals
We continue to provide weekday lunches for seniors and the needy in our community. This year our meals served per week continues to grow in unprecedented numbers.
Legals for January, 23 2025
Ronan has several placers at Rocky Mountain Classic
Ronan had several placers at the Jug Beck Rocky Mountain Classic against AA competition and big schools from Washington and Idaho. The tournament was held Jan. 17-18 in Missoula.
Simulated training offered for healthcare providers
Simulation in Motion Montana (SIM-MT), St. Luke Community Healthcare and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) are teaming up to provide high-fidelity simulation training on Jan. 28 at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan.
Chronic wasting disease identified in reservation mule deer
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes last Tuesday confirmed a case of chronic wasting disease in a mule deer harvested in the Hog Heaven Wildlife Management Unit northeast of Elmo.
Five vie for seat on 20th Judicial District bench
Five candidates are seeking a two-year appointment as judge in Department 2 of the 20th Judicial District, which serves Lake and Sanders counties.
Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies
News stories gleaned from the archives of the Mission Valley News, Jan. 17, 1977.
Whoopin' it up with Wylie and the Wild West
Mission Valley Live brought Wylie and the Wild West to the Ronan Performing Arts Center on Friday night, and the place was packed, with plenty of whooping and hollering from both the stage and the audience.
Polson girls defeat Browning for first time
The Lady Pirates defeated Browning for the first time in recent memory, and at least the first time since the Lady Indians moved over from the Central A Conference in the 2017-2018 season.
Easement protects key link to Mission Valley wildlife corridor
A vital wildlife haven in the Mission Valley was protected last week through a conservation easement with Flathead Land Trust.
Ronan girls fourth, Polson fifth at Hellgate Invite
Ronan took fourth at the Hellgate Girls Wrestling Invitational in Missoula over the weekend, having two wrestlers win championships, while Polson took fifth with several placers.
Polson businesses burglarized
Three Polson businesses reported break-ins recently: Betty’s Diner and the adjacent Stageline Pizza, as well as Mission Mountain Natural Foods on Main Street, which was broken into twice in four days.
Local students honored during MSU Founder’s Day
Two Lake County students are among 40 Montana State University students who will be honored, along with their faculty and staff mentors, at noon on Friday, Feb. 14, at the 43rd annual Founder’s Day Awards for Student Excellence in the Strand Union Ballrooms.
MSU and other colleges name honor roll students
Montana State University has announced its undergraduate honor rolls for fall semester 2024.
Biz Briefs
The Polson Chamber of Commerce begins 2025 with a series of updates and initiatives designed to strengthen local business community by providing greater opportunities for growth, networking, and education to members and residents. Organizers of Flathead Cherry Festival encourage artists, makers, and craftspeople to apply for the event, held July 26-27 in downtown Polson.
Scammers seeking bitcoin payment for alleged threat
The Polson Police Department recently issued an alert about a scam that’s recently been circulating in the community.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your guide to events, classes and meetings in the Mission Valley
Chiefs chop down Loggers, rock Co-Falls
Ronan improved to 2-0 in Northwestern A Conference play, taking down Libby 74-41 on Tuesday, Jan. 14, and Columbia Falls on Thursday, Jan. 16.
Friends of the Children adds family engagement specialist
Friends of the Children–Western Montana has expanded its Flathead Nation program with the addition of a family engagement specialist. Polson resident Becky Slater will fill the role.
Barbara Jean Proud, 79
Barbara Jean (Hutchison) Proud of Dayton passed away peacefully in Missoula on Jan. 12, 2025. Her son, Brian, and his wife, Carla, were by her side.
Bills would seek to “hold judicial branch accountable”
Senate Republicans have numerous pieces of legislation to consider during the 2025 session, but few are as important as bills to reform Montana’s overreaching courts.
Judge reprimands no-show jurors
When people receive a summons to appear in court for a jury trial, and fail to appear, there are consequences.
Plains man pleads not guilty to distributing meth
A Plains man is accused of attempting to distribute drugs in Lake County. Leon Charles Hendry, 55, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Jan. 15 to criminal possession with intent to distribute.
Dana denies exposing himself, high-speed chase
A Polson man is accused of exposing himself and leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit.
Beverly Schallock
Beverly Ann Schallock, age 74 of Polson, left us peacefully on Dec. 28, 2024, and ran into the arms of Jesus. A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Bev will be remembered for her passionate love for Jesus, dogs, children, people in general and her family.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Matinee movie set for Jan. 30
Last week’s Stain Glass Cutting Class was a huge success! Thank you to all who participated.
Ronan Seniors: Looking for new head cook
We are looking for a replacement for our head cook’s position. This is at least 21 hours a week and also the second Sunday of the month. This position will remain open until filled.
Wednesday, January 22
Sentencing hearing for Sunny White postponed until Feb. 7
The sentencing hearing for a Butte woman convicted of striking and killing pedestrian Mika Westwolf with her vehicle was pushed back a week. The hearing for Sunny Katherinne White, 29, was initially set for Jan. 31, but after a contested hearing in District Court in Polson Jan. 15, Judge Molly Owen continued the sentencing to Feb. 7.
Tuesday, January 21
Peter Daniels Jr.
Peter Daniels Jr., 91, passed away at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson on Tuesday, Jan. 20. A full obituary will follow in the coming weeks.
Monday, January 20
Jordan Dennison, 36
Jordan Dennison passed away Jan. 17 in Kalispell. We will have a memorial/celebration of Jordan's life on Saturday Jan. 25th at the DeSoto Grill in Kalispell from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Gavin Davies, 13
Gavin John Davies, age 13, passed away Jan. 16, 2025, at St. Joseph Medical Center, Polson. A visitation will be Friday, Jan. 24, at 10 a.m., and a funeral service at 11 a.m., all at The Lake Funeral Home.
Thursday, January 16
Lawmakers hear proposal urging feds to fully fund law enforcement in Indian County
Tribal leaders and lawmakers are supporting legislation that would urge the federal government to fully fund law enforcement in Indian Country in Montana, where they say agencies are underfunded at a time when reservations are faced with epidemics of drugs and missing and murdered Indigenous people.
Births at the Nesting Place
Victoria Ann Bellow was born Dec. 12, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson to Victoria and Marcus Bellow of Ronan.
Ronan woman accused of drunk driving, injuring officer
A Ronan woman is accused of driving drunk and injuring a law enforcement officer. Danielle Madlyn Appleton, 41, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Jan. 8 to felony charges of DUI, fourth or subsequent, and assault on a peace or judicial officer.
Polson woman admits to setting carport fire
Judge Molly Owen set a sentencing of Feb. 26 for a Polson woman who admitted to intentionally setting a fire in the carport of a Polson residence. Shyann Brook Crabtree, 27, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson Jan. 8 to felony negligent arson.
Teen charged with homicide in Christmas murder
A 17-year-old teen is charged with murder in the Christmas morning shooting death of Sheldon Fisher.
Donald Lee Smith, 90
Donald Lee Smith, age 90, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at his residence in St. Ignatius, surrounded by his family.
In favor of remaining "woke"
A recent cartoon in the Salt Lake Tribune shows a MAGA-inspired vaccine opponent refusing books on knowledge, science and facts. The script reads, “Whoa!, I’m not putting that stuff in my brain!” The premise is that conservatives are resistant to being educated for fear of political incorrectness, A.K.A. “woke.”
Mission Seniors: Craft Day centers on stained glass
Upcoming Events at the St. Ignatius Senior Center include: Craft Day – Introduction to Cut Stained Glass at 1 p.m. Jan. 16.
Barbara Ann Tiedje Alonzo, 91
Barbara Ann Tiedje Alonzo, 91, passed away Jan. 2 in Missoula. A celebration of her life will be held at her cabin at Flathead Lake this summer.
Charles Hahn
Charles “Charley” Lynn Hahn, 79, of Polson, went to Heaven on Saturday, Jan. 4. A devoted husband, father, Navy veteran, and accomplished professional, Charley lived a life defined by service, faith and dedication. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Polson.
Verna M. Shannon, 83
It is with great sadness that the family of Verna M. Shannon announces her passing on Dec. 17, 2024, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. A celebration of Verna’s life will be held in June 2025 in Polson. Details will be announced in April.
Storms improve snowpack across region
Water year 2025 got off to a dry start, but storms in late December and early January helped bring snowpack closer to normal.
Polson Chamber seeks Community Award nominations
The Polson Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its annual Community Awards, which recognize the individuals, businesses and organizations making a difference in Polson.
Ronan Seniors: Seeking head cook
We are looking for a replacement for our Head Cook position. This is at least 21 hours a week and also the second Sunday of the month.
Polson Seniors: Martin Luther King Day is Jan. 20
Monday, Jan. 20, is Martin Luther King Day! We will be open as usual, although banks, government offices, and some other businesses will be closed for this federal holiday.
Marriages & Divorces
The following marriages and divorces were recently recorded at the Lake County Courthouse in Polson.
A better solution for immigration
A better solution is to improve our immigration system to get safe, honest workers that America needs, and to improve our education system so that highly qualified Americans are prioritized for scientific, engineering and high-tech jobs.
The push to politicize the courts
In a political climate that seems to be unified there are always some individuals, groups of people, and even entire geographical areas that think independently from the majority. It is hard for the majority to tolerate this, let alone believe it.
Ronan’s offense and defense look top notch
Ronan’s offense was stellar, but its defense was equally the star in a 74-16 victory over Lake County rival Mission in non-league basketball action on Friday, Jan. 10.
Nearly 30 runners compete in Sorry ’Bout That
Josh Krantz took top honors in Polson Running’s Sorry ’Bout That Half Marathon, held Saturday in Polson, clocking a time of 1:37:34, followed by Tristen Flagen with 1:45:36.
Winter Fest celebrates sled dogs and snow machines
Snow sifted down gently Saturday, and the temperature hovered around 33 degrees – perfect for the Miracle of America Museum’s annual Winter Fest.
Landis Bjorgen
Landis Bjorgen was born Aug. 7, 1952, in Williston, N.D., to Pearl E. (Baker) and Bernard (Bob) Bjorgen. He was the eldest of four children.
Ronan council considers PAL Memory Care, gravel pit subdivision
Keith Deaville, who owns PAL Memory Care in Ronan, Polson and St. Ignatius, approached the Ronan City Council at last Wednesday’s meeting to make them aware of two construction projects he has pending in Ronan.
Polson Study Commission welcomes input
To the Citizens of Polson: In June 2024 a majority of you voted for a review our city government. This review is unique as the Montana Constitution gives its voters the chance to review their city/county government every 10 years.
Ronan Hall of Fame: Distinguished Athlete Terry Camel Brown
Profiles of new inductees into the Ronan Hall of Fame concludes with Terry Camel Brown – another member of a long list of Camel family athletes who excelled in multiple sports while attending Ronan High School.
Boys swim team wins Polson Invite
The Pirates won the team scoring while the Polson girls took third at the Polson Invite, held last weekend at the Mission Valley Aquatic Center.
Ronan defeats Polson in dual action
Ronan scored a 45-30 Northwestern A Conference victory over Polson on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Five pins helped lift the Chiefs past their Pirate opponents. The Ronan girls were also edged out Polson.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Missing Middle: County looks for solutions to housing shortage
The “missing middle” is how housing advocates sometimes describe the lack of affordable housing for middle income residents of Lake County, or almost anywhere in Montana.
Legals for January, 16 2025
Wednesday, January 15
Legals for January, 15 2025
Friday, January 10
Marsha Frey, 79
Marsha Joy McDonald Frey, “Ms. Frey” to all her students, at age 79 passed away in her home in St Ignatius on Dec. 24, 2024.
Thursday, January 9
Legals for January, 9 2025
Polson biochemist earns Green Chemistry Award
Polson biochemist Ed Gannon nudges a nondescript gray chunk of rock, and then shakes a pile of round pellets into his hand. Both contain phosphate – a nutrient formed millions of years ago that’s described as the backbone of DNA, and is vital for plant growth, photosynthesis and all life on earth.
Franklin Berry Martinez
Former Polson resident Franklin Berry Martinez, 67, passed away at his home in Bolivar, Mo., Dec. 31. Services for Franklin are under the care and direction of the Butler Funeral Home of Bolivar, Mo.
James (Jimmy) Raymond Jr., 48
James (Jimmy) Raymond Jr., of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 18, 2024, at the age of 48. A celebration of life was held at Iron Horse Bar & Grill in Coeur d’Alene on Saturday, Jan. 4, from noon-4 p.m. There will also be a celebration of life in Plains with date and time to be determined.
Ronan Hall of Fame: Distinguished Alumni Dennis Murphy
Profiles of new inductees into the Ronan Hall of Fame continue with Distinguished Alumni Dennis Murphy. Following a sports injury that ended his high school football playing career, Murphy’s desire to remain involved in sports led him to a career in sports medicine at the University of Montana.
Red Cross seeks blood donations
The American Red Cross urges donors to make an appointment to give lifesaving blood in the new year to help keep the blood supply strong this winter. Venues in Ronan, Polson and Pablo offer donation opportunities Jan. 9-21.
Irvine Flats ranchers win state stewardship award
Irvine Flats west of Polson is cow country, with lots of grass, hills and swales. Ranch families are the main residents in the sparsely populated area, and one of those families, Greg and Lynn Gardner, their daughter Brittany and her husband Wacey Cathey, received the 2024 Montana Stockgrowers Association Stewardship Award.
Two die in wreck on Evaro Hill
The victims in a four-car crash on Evaro Hill last Friday have been identified by Missoula County Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen as 19-year-old Alihn T. Anderson, of Columbia Falls and 17-year-old Brynn A. Courville of Dixon.
Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies
Stories gleaned from the Mission Valley News, Jan. 13, 1977
James Pierce, 54
James Randall Pierce, 54, passed away Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at St. James Hospital in his hometown of Butte.
Thomas Keast, 86
Thomas (Tom) James Keast, 86, of St. Ignatius, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Dec. 30, 2024. Viewing is at Foster’s Funeral Home in St. Ignatius on Monday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Polson Seniors: Register now for tax assistance
Pre-registration begins now for AARP Tax Preparation Assistance and continues through April 15. You must make a reservation for assistance by calling or stopping by the Polson Senior Community Center.
Blacklisting Advertiser, Amazon for "very racist" advertisement
There was a very racist advertisement for a book called "Tribal Tyranny" on the front page of your newspaper (The Advertiser, Dec. 25). I don't ever want to see another Advertiser in my mailbox.
Polson man accused of assaulting officer
A Polson man is accused of punching a Ronan Police officer who responded to a report of a drunk and disorderly person at the local hospital. Gavin Dean Knutson, 20, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson Jan. 2 to felony assault on a peace or judicial officer and misdemeanor criminal mischief.
Deputy jailed on assault, domestic abuse charges
A deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office is facing felony charges stemming from a domestic disturbance on Dec. 15. Todd Russell Adams, 37, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court at Polson Jan. 2 to felony charges that include assault with a weapon, kidnapping and misdemeanor partner or family member assault.
Library starts year with new children's programs
The North Lake County Library launches the New Year with a new line-up of children’s programs.
New music room enhances teaching and learning
I would personally like to thank the voters of Lake County, the Superintendent and School Board of Polson School District for their efforts passing the bond.
George Maass
George Maass
Ronan Seniors: Fried chicken served Sunday
The Sunday dinner is Jan. 12 and features fried chicken. This week’s menu also includes Polish dogs, Jan. 10; pulled pork sandwiches, Jan. 13; and soup and sandwiches, Jan. 15.
President Jimmy Carter: A moral compass for our times
We may have had greater presidents than Jimmy Carter, but perhaps never one as good. At his passing, we might all do better to examine our own moral progress, a fitting resolution for the start of this New Year.
Man accused of attempting to pass contraband to jail inmate
A former Great Falls man now living in Lake County is accused of attempting to get illegal contraband into the Lake County Jail.
Taylor-Jefferson’s big night helps Polson defeat Hamilton
Polson won its second game of the season as Rylee Taylor-Jefferson had the second-highest scoring night of her career with 19 points in a 42-38 victory over Class A foe Hamilton.
Arlee improves to 6-0
The Arlee Warriors remained undefeated, pushing past Class C foe Hot Springs 58-51 on Saturday, Jan. 4.
Lady Vikings pick up win over Drummond
The Charlo girls improved to 5-1 on the year with a 34-30 victory over Drummond in Western 13C action on Saturday, Jan. 4. In a defensive battle, the Lady Vikings held the Lady Trojans to just 10 second-half points. They also picked up win over Two Eagle River.
Mission Valley Calendar
Your guide to events, classes and meetings in the Mission Valley
Hearing slated for proposed Hillside Subdivision
The Lake County Commissioners will host a public meeting on the proposed Hillside Subdivision near St. Ignatius at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the courthouse in Polson.
Man sentenced to 10 years for exposing child to fentanyl
A Ronan man was sentenced in District Court in Polson Jan. 3 to the Montana State Prison for 10 years for exposing his 13-month-old child to fentanyl causing the child’s death.
Ronan places third at Western Boys Invite
Ronan placed third as a team at the Western Boys Invitational on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 3-4, in the Chiefs’ home gym. Ronan had two champions, and two others placed second.
Ronan wins Western Girls Invite
Ronan had one champion and several placers as it won the Girls Western Invitiational in its home gym over the weekend. Polson tied for second with Browning and Mission-Charlo placed eighth.
Wednesday, January 8
Polson man in custody after New Year's Eve pursuit
A Polson man is in custody after leading law enforcement on a pursuit on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve.
Arlee woman crowned Mrs. Grand International 2024
Estella Fullerton of Arlee was recently crowned Mrs. Grand International 2024 during a competition held Nov. 23-28 in Myanmar.
St. Luke welcomes first baby of 2025
St. Luke Community Healthcare welcomed the first baby of the New Year, born at 4:10 p.m. Jan. 1 at the New Beginnings Birth Center in Ronan.
Legals for January, 8 2025
Tuesday, January 7
Jeannine Marie Jackson, 64
Jeannine Marie Jackson of Ronan passed away Dec. 24, 2024, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane from complications due to diabetes. Graveside services will be held on Jan. 10, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Ronan Cemetery.
Sunday, January 5
Irwin Donald Bangen, 92
Erwin Donald Bangen, 92, of Hot Springs, walked into Heaven on Christmas Day 2024, surrounded by family, pure as the driven snow. The service will be held on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Lonepine Hall (52 Lonepine Road, Lonepine) with graveside Military Funeral Honors following at the Lonepine Cemetery. Following the services, a dinner and a “short snort” will be provided by the family at the hall.
Friday, January 3
Marion Bennett
Marion Wayne Bennett of Ronan went to be with his lord and savior Dec. 30, 2024. A funeral service was held at the Ronan Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 2
Ronan Hall of Fame: “Distinguished Athlete” Roger Jore
Profiles of new inductees into the Ronan Hall of Fame Class of 2024 continue with three-time state wrestling champion Roger Jore.
Real problem, wrong solution
There are apparently differences in the expectations of those in the new Trump administration who oppose immigration.
Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies
Headlines harvested from The Flathead Courier, Jan. 1, 1915
Ronan Seniors: Happy New Year to all
We wish you a Happy New Year! A big thank you for all the support you give the Mission Valley Senior Center!
Legals for January, 2 2025
Mission Valley Calendar
Your guide to local events and meetings
17-year-old in custody after Christmas homicide
Several law enforcement agencies responded to a shooting early Christmas morning in the housing complex at 1002 4th Street West in Polson that resulted in the death of a 31-year-old Pablo man and the arrest of 17 year old.
Polson Seniors: Resolve to have a good year
We hope that the New Year brings you strength, wisdom, wealth and health! Resolve to make it so.
Mercer to apply for appointment to District Court bench
The abrupt resignation of judge-elect Britt Cotter last week reopened a seat in the 20th District Court that had already been plagued with turmoil.
Ronan Boys ranked No. 4 in state; two girls ranked no. 1
In the latest Class A Montana Boys Wrestling Poll, Ronan was ranked fourth as a team in the state, having eight individual wrestlers ranked. On the girls' squad, two wrestlers ranked no. 1.
