Thursday, July 31
Legals for July, 31 2025
Commerce turns down resort designation
City Manager Ed Meece informed the Polson City Commission that the Department of Commerce has denied the city’s request that it be designated a resort community.
Polson Seniors: Sturgeon Moon rises Aug. 8
The full moon (Sturgeon) is best viewed Aug. 8. During fire season we call it the red moon.
Quick council meeting deals with business, preps for Pioneer Days
Taylor Lennox of Mission West Community Development Partners updated the Ronan City Council on the Ronan Pilot Tourism Grant during the meeting July 23.
Community comes together for Charlo 4-H family
Allen Detert, a member of the Charlo Stockgrowers 4-H Club, was injured in a four-wheeler accident on July 2. Allen spent several weeks in Seattle Children’s Hospital, diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, a fractured jaw, and an injured spleen.
Mission Valley Mariners wrap up season
The Mission Valley Mariners closed out their 2024 American Legion baseball season at the Class A District Tournament in Whitefish, falling to Cranbrook and Missoula to finish with a 25-23 overall record.
Art, crafts and sweet treats abound at Flathead Cherry Festival
The sweet dark red cherries the region is famous for ripened early so there were a multitude for visitors to buy during last weekend’s Flathead Cherry Festival in Polson.
St. Luke receives national recognition for stroke, heart attack care
St. Luke Community Healthcare has been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association for its commitment to delivering high-quality, guideline-directed care for both stroke and heart attack patients, earning the following Get With The Guidelines awards in 2025:
Births at the Nesting Place
Daisy Catherine Cochran was born July 15 at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson
Ronan man accused of car theft
A Ronan man is accused of felony theft for stealing a car while the vehicle’s owner was dropping off children near the Ronan Library. Leonard Grenier Jr., 40, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson July 23.
ICE masks are the face of fear
Currently Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers (ICE) are detaining people that they feel may be illegally in America. How or why they do that is not the concern of this article. That they wear masks is.
Contest winners announced for Polson in Bloom
Mary Jensen and Jane Larson, judges of the annual Polson in Bloom contest and members of the Polson Beautification Committee of the Greater Polson Foundation, recently announced their selections as the most beautiful gardens in the Polson area.
Darlene Houlihan
Darlene Claire “Dar” Houlihan (maiden name Riley), age 90, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Polson.
Speak out against tyranny
Several years ago, I visited the Holocaust Museum in Washinton, D.C. Upon exiting the museum there was a poem on the wall that brought me to tears.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Time to relax
This summer has certainly flown by fast! I hope everyone is taking a few moments to stop and just relax.
Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies
Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, July 31, 1958
Pioneer Days heads to the beach
The theme for this year’s Ronan Pioneer Days, Aug. 1-3, is “Beach Party” in honor of a new addition to the menu, the City Slicker Summer Splash presented by Dew Crew Inflatables from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday at the fairgrounds.
JourneyBe plans to reopen soup kitchen
JourneyBe, a church/gathering place in Polson, welcomes people of all faiths, for services at 11 a.m. Sundays, led by Pastor Wendy Kinsolving. The church is hoping to resume soup lunches that it offered prior to the COVID pandemic.
Correction
The story titled “Man accused of building illegal road in Woods Bay” that appeared on page 2 of last week’s Leader was inaccurate, due to an inaccuracy in the original charging documents.
Mission Valley Events Roundup
Your events guide to the Mission Valley
Kids and critters preside at Lake County Fair
With a Barnyard Beach Party theme, chances were good the Lake County Fair would be fun. And it was.
FLBS hosts open house Aug. 8
The Flathead Lake Biological Station hosts a free Open House from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 8. The annual family-friendly event provides opportunities to learn more about the research and work of FLBS scientists and educators.
Library bans blind man, citing harassment
The world doesn’t look the same to Michael Ross as it does to most of us. He can’t read these words printed on a page, or discern doorways or stop signs or people’s expressions.
Monday, July 28
Donna Daniels, 74
Donna Lou (Aadsen) Daniels of Ronan, beloved sister, aunt, grandma and friend, passed away at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane on July 10, 2025. A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Aug. 2.
Sunday, July 27
Saltese woman dies in Lake County rollover
Wendy Gareis, a 73-year-old woman from Saltese, died Tuesday, 15, in a single-vehicle crash on U.S. 93 near St. Ignatius.
Thursday, July 24
Weather poses challenges for cherry growers
The dark red sweet cherries the Flathead is famous for have made their appearance. About a week and a half ago, cherry stands in Polson and along the east shore of Flathead Lake began selling local cherries.
Dana sentenced for indecent exposure, injuring officer
A Polson man, who admitted to exposing himself, injuring an officer and leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit, received a 10-year prison sentence in District Court in Polson July 17, plus 10 years suspended.
Paddlers propel dragon boats on Flathead River
Red balloon-shaped markers on the Flathead River laid out the start and finish lines for Montana Dragon Boat Races and Festival, which were held Saturday and Sunday, July 19 and 20 at the Polson Fairgrounds. Three dragon boats, painted bright yellow, green and red (one with eyelashes) were the stars of the show.
Legals for July, 24 2025
Art, food and cherries converge at Flathead Cherry Festival
Lapin, Sweetheart, Rainier, Bing, Stella, Lambert and Skeena: The annual Flathead Cherry Festival celebrates local varieties of the juicy red fruit, as well as summer in Polson this weekend.
Polson man receives suspended sentence for weapons assault
Eric Walter Baszler, 42, who was convicted of assault with a weapon after a day-long trial in May, was sentenced in District Court July 16 to the Montana Department of Corrections for 10 years, with all that time suspended.
Bio Station scientist receives prestigious award
The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation has honored Rachel Malison, an assistant research professor at the University of Montana Flathead Lake Biological Station, with the foundation’s prestigious Award in Field Biology.
Artists sell creations at annual festival
“Kids are easy to take care of. You just give them some concentrated coffee and some water,” says Bitterroot Valley artist Daryld Pepprock as he helps his granddaughters and a friend with their paintings.
Geotechnical work on 93 complete, for now
Initial geotechnical work on Highway 93 between Brooke Lane and just south of Eagle Pass Trail was completed recently – another step toward two major highway reconstruction projects.
Mission Valley Events Roundup
Your guide to Mission Valley events
Kelly Frank, 61
Kelly Marie Sherick Frank passed away peacefully July 5, 2025, surrounded by family at her beloved home on the Bull River in Montana. She was 61.
Why are MVP rates so high?
If you are a customer of Mission Valley Power (MVP) you have no doubt noticed a huge increase in your electric bills the last two years, and another increase is coming in 2026.
Mariners split doubleheaders, improve to 25-20
The Mission Valley Mariners split back-to-back doubleheaders last week, bouncing back from losses with wins to move to 25-20 on the season heading into the final stretch of summer baseball.
Ninepipes Museum hosts First Saturday, garners grant
Ninepipes Museum’s First Saturday event brings music, art and demonstrations to the museum, located north of Ronan from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 2. The museum also received a $2,000 grant from Walmart to support cultural programs.
Polson Seniors: Heavy traffic slows food deliveries
Heavy traffic is delaying food delivery by up to 20 minutes. Be patient. We are doing what we can to deliver meals in a timely fashion, as always.
Woman sentenced for fatal crash on Polson bridge
A Kalispell woman, who admitted to causing a fatal head-on crash on the Polson bridge, was committed in District Court in Polson July 17 to the Montana Department of Corrections for 10 years with seven years suspended.
Players continue 50th season with "Always ... Patsy Cline"
The Port Polson Players, in association with Mission Valley Friends of the Arts, continues their 50th season with the musical masterpiece "Always ... Patsy Cline," which opens Friday, July 25, at the Theatre on the Lake.
Live History Days ups museum's ante
Pickups, SUVs and cars lined Memory Lane in front of the Miracle of America Museum last weekend for Live History Days. The Polson museum is a four-acre treasure chest of American history. Visitors can’t begin to see all the exhibits in just one visit. And the annual Live History Days ups the ante.
Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies
Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, July 23, 1959
SKC disc golf tournament draws 40 players
The National Amateur Disc Golf Tournament (NADGT), presented by SickBirdie Disc Golf, Inc., was held July 12 at the Salish Kootenai College (SKC) Disc Golf Course in Pablo. The event drew 40 players from a 200-mile radius.
Paddling into the wind: Flathead Lakers face funding cuts
White caps were beginning to take shape on Flathead Lake Saturday morning as participants in the Flathead Lakers annual Poker Paddle returned to Boettcher Park.
Polson Police officers honored with Distinguished Service Medals
At Monday’s Polson City Commission meeting, Police Chief George Simpson presented the Distinguished Service Medal to five members of the Polson Police Department in recognition of their extraordinary bravery, restraint, and professionalism during two high-risk operations last year.
Meters used to monitor and charge for commercial water use
Polson’s water ordinance, effective June 10 to Sept. 30 each year, restricts watering to every other day with three hours maximum. It’s aimed at optimizing water usage and minimizing waste. Some residents, however, have expressed concern about tanker trucks pulling up to city fire hydrants and filling their massive tanks with water several times a day.
Man accused of building illegal road in Woods Bay
A Swan Lake man is accused of building a road on his neighbor’s property along MT Highway 35 near Woods Bay. Michael Kevin Martin, 61, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson July 16 to felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor trespassing.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo is Aug. 9
Our Good Old Days Pancake Breakfast, Silent Auction, 50/50, and Bingo were all successful. Thank you to everyone who came and participated. Fun was had by all!
Elizabeth Preston, 99
Elizabeth Hildreth Cummings Preston, 99, died from natural causes on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at St. Luke Extended Care Facility in Ronan, with her family by her side. A memorial service celebrating Beth’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church on Highway 93, just south of Ninepipe Lodge.
Missing rower was part of round-the-world team
As of Tuesday, Lake County Sheriff’s Department and Search and Rescue were continuing to search for James "Dingo” Dominguez, 58, of Cheyenne, Wyo., whose non-motorized boat capsized July 15 on the turbulent waters of Flathead Lake.
Flathead families deserve real tax relief
As conservative legislators from the Flathead, we went to Helena to fight for real property tax relief – relief that’s fair, easy to understand. After all, your state government started this last legislative session with a yearly structural surplus balance of over half a billion dollars.
Polson man faces three felony charges
Jonathan Paul Korman, 34, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson July 17 to felony charges of criminal endangerment, two counts of assault with a weapon, and misdemeanor assault with a bodily fluid.
Ronan Seniors: Birthday dinner served Friday
The Mission Valley Senior Center serves roast beef for the birthday dinner, served Friday, July 25. Also on the menu: chicken and rice, Monday, July 28; goulash, Wednesday, July 30; and tator-tot casserole, Friday, Aug. 1.
Sunday, July 20
Richard Orton, 75
Richard Clarence Orton passed from this life on May 15, with his daughter, Cynthia Dragon Fly, by his side at St Joseph’s Hospital in Polson. There will be a memorial in his honor at 2 p.m. July 26 at Leon Hall (near Post Creek/St Ignatius). He wanted this to be a time of music, food, laughter and sharing.
Thursday, July 17
Letter to the 400 richest Americans
I just wanted you all to know that I am one American who is really glad that you got a well-deserved tax break in the One Big Beautiful Bill. I know a lot of people are jealous of you because you are really rich, but that’s no reason for you to have to be punished with high tax rates.
Lake County athletes shine at state fastpitch tournament
Polson, Mission, and Arlee fastpitch players brought home hardware this past weekend at the 2025 Montana Junior Olympic Fastpitch State Tournament, held July 11–13 at the Bozeman and Belgrade softball complexes.
Man missing after boat capsizes
The Lake County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Tuesday afternoon that a man was missing after a boat capsized on Flathead Lake.
Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies
Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, July 17, 1980
Polson Seniors: Safe driving course on July 29
AARP Safe Driving Course is July 29, 9:30-1:30. Early sign-up requested. We have about a dozen more openings: no testing, video-assisted, informal discussions and take-home study guide. Cost is $25 and $20 For AARP members. You can get a substantial discount from your insurance company for completing this course. Limited enrollment.
"Quiet" Campaign: High-powered fundraising allows St. Joe's to break ground on new clinic
“This is a place of good heart in our language,” said former Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Councilman Steve Lozar of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. There was plenty of “good heart” on display Monday at the groundbreaking of St. Joe’s new clinic.
Here’s to all the not-so ordinary people
I have known Polson all my life, the curves of the road that lead to old friends' houses, the smell of the lake as you drive down 93, and the sounds erupting from the football stadium on a Friday night under the lights. These sensations have painted my experience here, and it’s hard not to get sucked into the natural beauty of a small community like the ones scattered across the Mission Valley.
Ronan Bread Basket receives refrigeration grant
The Bread Basket in Ronan received a grant from AgWest Farm Credit to replace and increase refrigerator and freezer capacity at the food bank.
Mission Valley Mariners notch two wins at Harp Tournament
The Mission Valley Mariners posted a 4-2 record last week, sweeping a home doubleheader against Libby before notching two dominant wins and suffering a pair of close losses at the John Harp Tournament in Kalispell.
New bakery offers coffee, sourdough bread, and treats
The smells of baking bread and cinnamon mixed with whiffs of good coffee greet customers as they enter Stendal’s Espresso and Bakery on Third Ave. W. in Polson. Then they see crusty big rounds of sourdough bread and a case filled with cookies, scones, cupcakes and enormous cinnamon rolls, just begging to be eaten.
Montana Supreme Court case is win for transparency
In a major boost to Montanans’ constitutional right to know, the state Supreme Court recently ruled that citizens who successfully sue for public records are presumptively entitled to recover their attorney’s fees. With this precedent, courthouse doors are more accessible to those who have been wrongfully denied their right to know.
Legals for July, 17 2025
William Owen Lambson
An affinity with water flowed through William Owen Lambson’s life, from his childhood in Lexington, Ky., to his death July 7, 2025, at his home near the edge of Flathead Lake.
Allen Roger Sloan, 78
Allen Roger Sloan, 78, of Ronan, passed away surrounded by his family on July 10, 2025, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. July 25 at the Ronan Cemetery. Light refreshments will follow at the North Crow Clubhouse.
Big Splash: Paddle Palooza brings 180 paddlers to Polson
Kimokeo Kapahulehua, called “Uncle” as a term of respect for the Hawaiian elder, gave a blessing last Friday, the opening night of the sixth annual Paddle Palooza held at the Polson Fairgrounds.
Open house slated Aug. 9 for Dave Stipe Annex
The Lake County Commissioners have scheduled an open house Aug. 9 for the newly constructed Dave Stipe Annex.
Council okays applications for upcoming events
The Ronan City Council blazed through their meeting on July 9.
Mission Valley Events Roundup
Your guide to Mission Valley events
Good Old Days dubbed "one of best ever"
Good Old Days, the annual community celebration in St. Ignatius, drew locals and visitors alike last weekend. “I would say this was one of the best Good Old Days to date,” said Darren Orr, one of the event organizers.
Stephen Miller and crew must have ICE in their veins
Most immigrants make our diverse country stronger, wiser and more loving.
Art4Polson initiative inspires "pride of place"
Art murals keep cropping up around Polson, thanks to the efforts of Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gifts and a host of volunteers and donors.
Monday, July 14
Betty Lou Ruckdashel, 87
Betty Lou Ruckdashel, age 87 of Polson, passed away on Saturday, July 12, at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, Idaho.
Thursday, July 10
The British invade Polson’s Fourth (but the parade still goes on)
Main Street in Polson was the place to witness the surrender of British Redcoats, a hoard of kids racing through town and a procession of humans and animals decked out in red, white and blue last Friday.
Legals for July, 10 2025
Polson Seniors: Happy Bastille Day
Happy Bastille Day! The French celebrate their rebellion (July 14, 1789) from the King of France. The rebellion was sparked by hunger, and the blind eye of the King toward the basic needs of the citizens of France.
Crowd estimated at 800 to 1,000 for Charlo's parade
Organizers estimate that 800 to 1,000 people lined Hwy. 212 for Charlo’s annual Fourth of July parade, which travels through town twice.
Lavender farm hosts free farm tour and picnic
Montana Farmers Union and Wild Horse Lavender in Plains host a free tour, demonstration, and community picnic from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, July 23.
Social Security can benefit future generations – if Congress acts
Every year, the chief actuary of the Social Security Administration (SSA) reports to Congress on how many years the program has left in the Social Security Trust Fund to fully meet the obligations of current and future beneficiaries. Last year, that number increased by a year as the economy and jobs grew under the leadership of President Joe Biden.
Work resumes on Third Ave. and 93 intersection in Ronan
Improvements to the intersection of U.S. Highway 93, Old Hwy. 93 and Third Ave. in Ronan resumed this week after the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting received materials from the supplier.
Judges looking for Polson's "bloomin' best" gardens
Polson in Bloom judges are hunting for beautiful gardens in the Polson area. The annual project, sponsored by the Greater Polson Community Foundation’s Beautification Committee, celebrates the community’s “bloomin’ best” yards and gardens.
Mission Valley posts five-win week
Mission Valley's Legion baseball club capped a busy week with five wins in seven games, improving their overall record to 19-16. The squad leaned on strong pitching performances and clutch offense to secure victories over Missoula, South Valley, Lethbridge, Kootenai Valley and Bitterroot during a packed holiday week.
Linda Werdin, 84
Linda Dee (Roseleip) Werdin, 84, passed away on June 30, 2025, in the hospital in Lewistown, Mont., after entering an assisted living facility in October 2024.
Arlee parade celebrates "Home of the Free"
The weather was overcast with occasional spits of rain; but it was the Fourth of July, and Arlee celebrated with a parade – number 76 to be exact. The 2025 theme was “Home of the Free Because of the Brave.”
Dancers, drummers converge for Arlee Celebration
Dancers, drummers, singers and stick game players and their families have enjoyed the Arlee Celebration for 125 years, along with community members and, increasingly, visitors from all over the world. This year’s powwow, held June 30-July 6 at the powwow grounds south of town, was no different.
Mission discus champ aims high for senior year
When Ryan Sharbono stepped into the discus ring at the MHSA Class B/C State Track and Field Championships in Missoula this May, he wasn’t just competing against a field of strong athletes – he was competing against his past self.
And we thought Montanans were finished with robber barons
By the slimmest of majorities, Republicans of the 119th Congress just rammed through their Big Ugly Bill, a regressive tax-and-spending blueprint that redistributes wealth from the poorest to the richest Americans over the next decade.
Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies
Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, July 14, 1988
Polson High sophomore launches football camp
Kids of all ages and from all over western Montana attended the first=ever MTAG camp, but Case Cox was the sole participant who could say he was responsible for starting the whole thing.
Having the mercy to do what's right
Although it’s been a while, Montana has a long history of having some great statesmen and women like Mike Mansfield, Jeannette Rankin and Pat Williams – just three of them.
Arlee Schools receive grant for school gardens
The Arlee School District was among 22 Montana projects that recently received community grants from the Montana Farmers Union Foundation. The award of $2,000 will be used to purchase equipment for school gardens.
Local talent shines at 2025 Splash Classic
A hot weekend of softball wrapped up July 5 at the Polson Softball Complex as the 2025 Splash Classic brought together youth teams from across western Montana to compete in 10U, 12U, and 16/18U divisions. The tournament featured strong performances from Polson’s Lady Pirates and other local athletes, who left their mark both on the field and at the home run derby.
Appreciates Charlo parade support
It was very rewarding to share the Fourth of July with so many people who contributed their time and dollars to make the Charlo parade a success this year, and it was very rewarding to see so many friends and neighbors come to enjoy the event.
Charlo's frybread chef: It's all about tradition
For Nancy Vaughan, the frybread she makes every year for Charlo’s Fourth of July festivities is a matter of tradition.
Terry Ewing, 68
Terry Lynn Ewing died July 6, 2025, in Kalispell.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Get ready for Good Old Days
Good Old Days is coming up – Our Senior Center will be having their pancake breakfast, July 12, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. We will be raffling off a basket for Good Old Days. Tickets for the raffle will be sold at the barbecue Friday night, July 11 at the Pavilion. There are framed pictures, folding table, knife set, Nikon pix camera, and a stained-glass art and a few more items.
Good Old Days offers three days of family fun
Good Old Days in St. Ignatius turns 42 with a flurry of family-oriented fun, July 11-13 at Good Old Days Park.
Time to find unity and respect while recognizing due process
I write this letter in response to Ross Fitzgerald’s letter to the editor voicing his opinion on the removal of nine GOP state senators at the annual GOP Officers Convention June 28 in Helena.
Scammon admits to stealing church day-care funds
A Dixon woman admitted to embezzling money from a church-run daycare and trying to cover it up. Kelly Lynn Scammon, 51, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson July 2 to felony theft by embezzlement and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
Mission Valley Events Roundup
Your guide to Mission Valley events
Tuesday, July 8
Fire causes Rocky Point area evacuations
Evacuations were underway late Tuesday afternoon for Masumola Lane/Rocky Shores off of Rocky Point Road due to a wildfire, but by 6 p.m. the fire was knocked down and firefighters were mopping up, according to Lake County Office of Emergency Management. The evacuation order was lifted, and fire crews were remaining on the scene overnight to monitor the blaze. In addition, thunderstorms that rolled through western Montana last week ignited four fires in the Ravalli and Arlee areas. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes reports that all were caused by lightning.
Barbara White, 88
Barbara Jeanette Williamson White, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the age of 88, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. A graveside service will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Polson Cemetery for family and close friends. A celebration of Barbara’s life will follow at 2 p.m. at the Polson Elder Center, 701 1st Street East.
Thursday, July 3
Polson Seniors: Happy Independence Day
Happy Independence Day! Down with the King! We are closed the 4th of July.
Citizens celebrate Old Glory on Flag Day
On Saturday, June 14, in Polson, more than 60 citizens, many of them veterans, waved flags and signs to celebrate the importance of the day. The city fire department participated by flying a huge Old Glory flag.
MaryJane (MJ) Taylor, 96
MaryJane Taylor, 96, of Lakeside, passed at home on June 4, 2025. Known to many as MJ she loved spending time with many special friends.
Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies
Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, July 4, 1940
Michael Erickson, 54
Michael Dwayne Erickson passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 2 p.m. at the Valley View Clubhouse.
Lake County runners shine at Missoula Marathon
Lake County runners delivered standout performances at the 2025 Missoula Marathon and associated races over the weekend, with top finishes from athletes young and old across multiple events.
Lake County Conservation District awards $1,000 Scholarship
The Lake County Conservation District selected Hot Springs High School senior Nick McAllister as the recipient of its annual scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior demonstrating a strong interest in conservation, natural resources, or agriculture.
Ronan man sentenced for Town Pump altercation
A Ronan man, Joseph Channing Entwistle, was committed in District Court in Polson June 25 to the Montana Department of Corrections for five years, with none of that time suspended.
Ronan church hosts revival meetings
Morning Star Baptist Church of Ronan will host special revival services July 11-13 with evangelist John Van Gelderen of Ann Arbor, Mich.
Who is paying the annex power bill?
Three weekends in a row I have gone by the new annex courthouse building across the street from the courthouse. All lights were on Saturday and Sunday.
Tribal members advised to avoid consuming fish caught in Clark Fork
In a recent press release, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes advised tribal members to avoid consuming all species and sizes of fish harvested from the lower Clark Fork River from the Bitterroot River near Missoula to the Flathead River near Paradise.
Mission Valley Events Roundup
Your guide to events and public meetings in Lake County
Layton Smith, 14
Layton, our boy born with the biggest blue eyes and the kindest soul, passed away at age 14 in a boating accident on June 18, 2025, in Harrison, Mont. Born in Laguna Hills, Calif., and raised in Bozeman since 2012, Layton embraced more in his 14 years than most do in a lifetime.
Couple accusing of abusing family member
A Ronan couple is accused of abusing a family member. Eddie Robert Cowen, 41, and Donna Rochelle Vincent Cowen, 65, recently appeared in District Court in Polson separately for arraignment hearings.
Thirteen homes evacuated in Early Dawn fire
Local firefighters were busy again this weekend, containing the Early Dawn Fire near Big Arm. The blaze started last Friday, June 27, and was ignited by fireworks according to Polson Rural fire chief Will Woodger. He said 13 homes were immediately evacuated.
Pat Williams: He stood by us and with us
Pat Williams has died. He was Montana’s longest serving Congressman, serving from 1979 to 1997. He had a sense of justice and values which he defended proudly and vigorously, often in the face of strong and outraged opposition. He was my political hero.
Daines to Montanans: Drop dead
By the time you read this, Steve Daines may have already pushed through Congress the big budget bill. It cuts almost a trillion dollars from Medicaid and other health care, including the Affordable Care Act.
Local riders fare well at Mission Mountain Rodeo
Several Mission Valley cowboys and cowgirls rode to victory (or came close) in last weekend’s Mission Mountain Rodeo, sanctioned by the Northern Rodeo Association and held at the Polson Fairgrounds.
St. Ignatius Seniors: Pancake breakfast is July 12
July 4 is already here! I hope everyone has a great Fourth of July! The center will be closed.
Ronan council limits number of dispensaries to one
At last week’s Ronan City Council meeting, members agreed that Ronan’s population – estimated at 1,955 – doesn’t warrant the licensing of a second marijuana provider within the city limits.
Summer Reading Program promotes learning
Boats are out on the lake, people are walking around, and the traffic is getting a bit denser. These are all the tell-tale signs of summer in the Mission Valley. Another sign of summer can be found away from the heat of July and indoors at libraries, where both Polson and Ronan are running their annual summer reading programs.
Dennis Schliep, 85
Dennis “Denny” LeRoy Schliep, 85, of St. Ignatius, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Ronan, surrounded by love. A graveside service to honor Denny’s life will be held on Monday, July 7, at 10 a.m., with military honors recognizing his service to the nation at St. Ignatius Pleasant View Cemetery, followed by a gathering at the Longhouse.
Electing a "Cleanser-in-Chief": A betrayal of voters and values
I attended the recent Montana GOP Convention in Helena, representing the Teton County Republican Central Committee, never expecting to witness a blatant power grab.
Readers choose Koda King as Athlete of the Year
Koda King was one of four candidates, selected by athletic directors across Lake County and voted upon by Leader readers, for the Leader's inaugural Athlete of the Year. He won with 246 votes. Nominees also included: Ryan Sharbono, St. Ignatius, with 104 votes; Samantha Rensvold, Polson with 93 votes; and GG Hawk, Charlo, with 87 votes.
Mariners go 3-3 in busy week
The Mission Valley Mariners battled through a packed week of American Legion baseball, finishing 3-3 over six games from June 24 to June 29. The Polson-based club showed flashes of dominance, particularly on the mound, while also navigating tough losses in low-scoring contests to even their record at 14-14
Polson Commission selects new city judge
The Polson City Commission selected retired law enforcement officer Joe May as incoming city judge during a meeting last Wednesday, June 26. There were four candidates for the job, including incumbent judge Mike Larson, retired Lake County chief juvenile probation officer Barbara Monaco, and head of maintenance for Lake County, Dale Ramesar.
Phyllis Houle
Phyllis Marie Tougas Houle, age 91, of Polson, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.
St. Luke garners high ratings in hospital index
St. Luke Community Hospital has earned national recognition for its commitment to delivering high-quality, responsible healthcare in the newly released 2025–26 Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility.
Fourth festivities flourish from Arlee to Polson
Lake County communities are gearing up for Fourth festivities, which promise parades and fireworks from Arlee to Polson.
Bruce Agrella, 83
There will be an informal gathering on Friday, July 11, to remember Bruce Agrella of Polson, who passed away on May 4, 2025.
Peter Walther, 95
Peter Eugene Walther, died on June 20, 2025, wore many hats during his 95 years. A memorial service and reception will be held at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 130 S. 6th St. E. in Missoula, on July 11 at 10:30 a.m.
Wisconsin man awaiting extradition after Lake County arrest
The Lake County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant June 25 upon the Polson residence of 71-year-old Kenneth Galewyrick, and arrested him for an outstanding warrant from the State of Wisconsin.
Teens rescue Big Arm woman trapped beneath mower
By Monday, Kyle Geyer looked pretty chipper. Especially for a woman who had spent four hours last Friday pinned beneath her riding lawnmower. She’s also exceedingly grateful to the two boys who saved her life, Danny Fehr and Channing Thompson who were visiting from Billings.
Legals for July, 3 2025
Births at the Nesting Place
Recent births at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson:
