Stories for June 2025

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Thursday, June 26

Centennial birthday doesn't slow Shirley McConnell down
June 26, 2025 midnight

Centennial birthday doesn't slow Shirley McConnell down

Shirley McConnell’s birthday was May 7, and since she was turning 100, her family began “planning a big to-do,” she said.

June 26, 2025 midnight

Use water from Hungry Horse to boost lake level

Ideally, Energy Keepers and the Confederate Salish Kootenai Tribes and the federal regulators need to take two additional simple proactive steps to ensure the lake level is maintained at 12 inches below full pool or higher through Labor Day weekend and preferably through Sept. 15.

City employee charged with heisting coins from water-filling station
June 26, 2025 midnight

City employee charged with heisting coins from water-filling station

A Ronan man is accused of stealing coins from the City of Ronan’s coin-operated water filling station. Christopher Alan Atkinson, 46, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson June 18 to felony theft.

June 26, 2025 midnight

CSKT reduces fire danger to moderate

Due to recent moisture, wildland fire officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire have lowered the fire danger within the Flathead Indian Reservation to moderate.

Governor visits Rocky Mountain Twist on 56 County Tour
June 26, 2025 midnight

Governor visits Rocky Mountain Twist on 56 County Tour

Traveling to Lake County on his fifth annual 56 County Tour, Gov. Greg Gianforte visited Rocky Mountain Twist in Ronan last Wednesday, June 18.

Lake County takes steps to bring home its garbage
June 26, 2025 midnight

Lake County takes steps to bring home its garbage

After 25 years of shipping household waste to Missoula, Lake County is bringing home its garbage.

Port Polson Players celebrate 50th summer season
June 26, 2025 midnight

Port Polson Players celebrate 50th summer season

What sounds like the opening scene of a musical led to Karen and Neal Lewing’s real-life marriage a few months later, and the enduring partnership that’s at the heart of the Port Polson Players – now celebrating 50 seasons of summer theatre.

June 26, 2025 midnight

Flathead Lake’s late summer levels aren't just a local issue

Each summer, as Flathead Lake reaches its scenic peak, calls grow louder to hold the lake level high through August and into September. For lakeshore residents, recreation businesses and visitors, that’s an understandable request. But what’s often missing from the conversation is what that late-summer water is also needed for – and what we lose when we keep it bottled up.

Mary Gibbons, 89
June 26, 2025 midnight

Mary Gibbons, 89

Mary Gibbons, age 89, passed away peacefully June 11, 2025, at home in Dayton with her daughter and sister by her side.

June 26, 2025 midnight

Legals for June, 26 2025

June 26, 2025 midnight

Ronan Seniors: Birthday dinner served Friday

This week's menu includes: birthday dinner, roast beef and salad, Friday, June 27; BBQ chicken, Monday, June 30; and taco bar, Wednesday, July 2.

Ronan brewery hosts art walk, raises funds for first responders
June 26, 2025 midnight

Ronan brewery hosts art walk, raises funds for first responders

The Ronan Cooperative Brewery is closing the month with an inaugural Art Walk on Fourth Ave. from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 27. The event features live music by Good Company and works by around 10 area artists.

John Melvin McClure Jr., 87
June 26, 2025 midnight

John Melvin McClure Jr., 87

John Melvin McClure Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and community member, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 13, 2025. A memorial service is planned at Canvas Church, 255 Summit Ridge Dr., Kalispell on July 11 at 1 p.m.

Mission Valley Events Roundup
June 26, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley Events Roundup

Your guide to events in the Mission Valley

Firefighters respond to house fire and bale blaze
June 26, 2025 midnight

Firefighters respond to house fire and bale blaze

Polson Rural Fire District responded to two fires last week. The first, on June 19, was near Buffalo Bridge where firefighters found 110 round bales fully engulfed in flames. The second was Friday when a three-story house on Dogwood Lane north of Polson was reportedly struck by fire.

June 26, 2025 midnight

St. Ignatius Seniors: Good Old Days on the horizon

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.

June 26, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley evens record with bounce-back wins

The Mission Valley Mariners split a packed week of American Legion baseball, shaking off a rough start in Hamilton with four wins over the weekend to bring their season record back to .500 at 11-11.

Theater rolls out the red carpet for the Boys and Girls Club
June 26, 2025 midnight

Theater rolls out the red carpet for the Boys and Girls Club

Move over Tom Cruise, get out of the way Julia Roberts. There are some new young stars taking on the glitz and glamour of the red carpet. This past Friday the Showboat Stadium 6 on Main Street in Polson was packed with members of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County Boys and Girls Club for a special presentation of the newest Disney and Pixar flic, “Elio.”

Polson’s Independence Day celebration shines
June 26, 2025 midnight

Polson’s Independence Day celebration shines

This year’s Fourth of July celebration begins with the highly anticipated fireworks show over Flathead Lake on July 3, followed by a new kids' parade and the community parade July 4.

Michael Munson takes helm at Salish Kootenai College
June 26, 2025 midnight

Michael Munson takes helm at Salish Kootenai College

Dr. Michael M. Munson returned to Salish Kootenai College this month to serve as the institution’s next president, following an extensive national search and approval by the SKC Board of Directors.

June 26, 2025 midnight

Big Beautiful Deficit-Raising Bill plunders our natural resources

Senator Harriet Hageman (R-Wyoming) wrote a column last week asking readers to view the controversial bill that includes selling off federal public lands for housing development. I read through the text of this bill, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee legislative text, and it’s even worse than depicted.

June 26, 2025 midnight

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, June 24, 1954

What’s the point of being a U.S. Senator if you don’t have guts?
June 26, 2025 midnight

What’s the point of being a U.S. Senator if you don’t have guts?

More than half a century ago, when I was a young, enlisted man stationed at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C., I contacted former Montana Senator Burton K. Wheeler. I introduced myself and asked him if I could have a visit with him.

Ronan man sentenced to 50 years for sexual abuse
June 26, 2025 midnight

Ronan man sentenced to 50 years for sexual abuse

A Ronan man, accused of misrepresenting himself on social media to obtain explicit images of underage girls, was sentenced in District Court in Polson June 18 to 50 years with the Montana State Prison.

June 26, 2025 midnight

Two DOC planning grants land in Lake County

The Montana Department of Commerce recently awarded several Opportunities in Rural Economies planning grants, including two in Lake County.

Jeannine Padilla, 65
June 26, 2025 midnight

Jeannine Padilla, 65

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jeannine Marie Padilla of Ronan, as she was welcomed with open arms to the gates of heaven on June 11, 2025.

June 26, 2025 midnight

United We Stand is theme of Charlo parade

The Marine Honor Guard will lead the United We Stand-themed parade through Charlo at noon July 4. Long-time business and community members Sandy and Curt Coulter are the honored grand marshals. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Mission Valley Food Fling: Trucks & Stands
June 26, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley Food Fling: Trucks & Stands

Whoever said that good quality cuisine had to be served out of a brick-and-mortar building clearly has never had food from a truck or stand. Fortunately, Polson is home to a few options that are more than worth giving a shot.

Diane Cline-Johnson, 68
June 26, 2025 midnight

Diane Cline-Johnson, 68

Diane Ruth Cline-Johnson, age 68, of Polson, died Sunday, June 22, at her home in Turtle Lake surrounded by family. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, and funeral service is at 10 a.m. Friday, June 27, all at The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory in Polson. Burial will take place after the service at Lakeview Cemetery followed by a reception at the First Presbyterian Church.

June 26, 2025 midnight

Polson Seniors: Be careful with campfires, fireworks

We are closed the Fourth of July to celebrate the independence of U.S.A from the king of England.

June 26, 2025 midnight

Infrastructure funds help city complete park projects

A pirate-ship themed playground has dropped anchor at Boettcher Park in Polson, giving kids a place to climb, swing and slide when they aren’t skipping rocks or splashing in Flathead Lake.

Wednesday, June 25

June 25, 2025 midnight

Legals for June, 25 2025

Thursday, June 19

Kenneth C. Donovan, 78
June 19, 2025 midnight

Kenneth C. Donovan, 78

Kenneth C. Donovan, 78, of Condon, passed away Nov. 12, 2024. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 27, from 5-7 p.m. at The Swan Song in Condon.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Our senators need to stand up for democracy

The No Kings rallies on June 14 made up the largest single-day protest in US history. In our mostly-red state, Montana had 29 protests, with thousands of participants.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Polson sophomore organizes summer football camp

A Polson High School student is stepping up to give local athletes a big opportunity — and support a worthy cause. Incoming sophomore Case Cox is organizing the “More Than a Game Football Camp,” set to take place June 30–July 1 at Polson High School. The camp will feature youth and high school sessions led by a roster of experienced coaches and former pros, including Jim McElwain, Greg Peach, Sammy Akem, Mac Mallohan, Mike Cutler, and Tyler Whittier.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Legals for June, 19 2025

Thoughts & prayers just don't cut it
June 19, 2025 midnight

Thoughts & prayers just don't cut it

A Minnesota State Representative has been shot and killed. So has her husband. A Minnesota State Senator has been shot, but not killed. So has his wife. And a shocked America offers up its thoughts and prayers, which seems to be the best that a shocked America can do.

Fort Connah Rendezvous is a step back in time
June 19, 2025 midnight

Fort Connah Rendezvous is a step back in time

A trapper by the name of “Teaspoon” finished first in the annual Trapper’s Run – a contest of grit and physical stamina held during the 24th anniversary of the Fort Connah Rendezvous, June 14-15 at the historic outpost north of St. Ignatius.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Healthcare News

St. Joe receives high marks for sustainability; Logan Health moves rehab clinic.

More than 300 attend Polson's No Kings protest
June 19, 2025 midnight

More than 300 attend Polson's No Kings protest

A colorful crew if protesters lined the intersection of Highways 93 and 35 in Polson Saturday, waving signs and banners opposed to what participants describe as the autocratic leanings of President Trump.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Polson looking very sharp this spring

Many thanks to those who have pitched in to make Polson look especially sharp this spring.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Stories harvested from the Lake County Leader, June 6, 2016

June 19, 2025 midnight

Polson and Ronan have competitive mayoral races

A few races have materialized for municipal elections since last Wednesday’s filing deadline.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Competing dispensaries vie for licenses

Appeals from competing marijuana dispensaries lit up the Ronan City Council meeting on June 11.

Audubon presenter explores "The Grandeur of Glacier"
June 19, 2025 midnight

Audubon presenter explores "The Grandeur of Glacier"

Denny Olson shares "The Grandeur of Glacier National Park" during Mission Mountain Audubon's next community program at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 26, in the Polson Library Meeting Room.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Ronan Seniors: Foot clinic on Monday

We will have another foot clinic on June 23. Call us at 676-2371 for an appointment.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Proposed SNAP cuts could deepen food Insecurity in Montana

The Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) is deeply concerned by the proposed budget reconciliation bill, which would significantly weaken the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – a lifeline for thousands of Montanans and millions of Americans.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Tribes lift ban on open debris burning

Fire officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire announced they will lift the ban on debris/outdoor burning within the Flathead Reservation boundary as of Friday, June 20.

Agreement boosts lake level through July
June 19, 2025 midnight

Agreement boosts lake level through July

Energy Keepers Inc., which operates SKQ Dam, has announced a partial remedy for this summer’s predicted low lake levels.

Lake County seniors selected for inaugural Montana Shrine Baseball Classic
June 19, 2025 midnight

Lake County seniors selected for inaugural Montana Shrine Baseball Classic

Three standout seniors from Lake County high school baseball programs will suit up for the West in the inaugural Montana Shrine All-Star Baseball Classic, set for August 16 at Three Legends Stadium in Butte.

Ailport sentenced to 110 years for driving truck into house
June 19, 2025 midnight

Ailport sentenced to 110 years for driving truck into house

A Polson man, convicted at trial of attempted deliberate homicide, arson and criminal mischief, was sentenced in District Court in Polson June 12 to a total of 110 years in the Montana State Prison.

June 19, 2025 midnight

St. Ignatius Seniors: How to beat the heat

The National Institute on Aging reports the elderly are particularly vulnerable to high heat temperatures, which can put people at risk for fatigue, edema, heat rash, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To lower your risk of heat related illness, drink fluids, avoid alcohol and caffeine.

Mission Valley Food Fling: Breakfast
June 19, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley Food Fling: Breakfast

How many times have we all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day?

Ronan grad joins next generation of elite Navy rescue swimmers
June 19, 2025 midnight

Ronan grad joins next generation of elite Navy rescue swimmers

Airman Adriana Tatukivei, a native of Ronan, is serving in the U.S. Navy assigned to Aviation Rescue Swimmer School (ARSS) where the next generation of Aviation Rescue Swimmers (AIRRs) are taught to execute life-or-death rescues in the most extreme conditions imaginable.

Mission Valley splits weekend series
June 19, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley splits weekend series

The Mission Valley Mariners faced a challenging doubleheader in Missoula on Saturday but rebounded with a pair of solid wins on Sunday against Bitterroot to close the weekend at .500 on the season.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Ronan adds fireworks, family festivities to Fourth menu

After a lengthy absence, Ronan is jumping back into the Fourth of July fray this year with a community celebration that includes fireworks.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Polson Seniors: The history behind Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, nearly 100 days after the Civil War ended, the Army of the United States freed all the nearly 250,000 slaves in Texas, the last state to abolish involuntary servitude. An abbreviation of this memorable event became “Juneteenth”. Soldiers died to make men free, and to keep us free to this day. Be awake. Stay alert.

June 19, 2025 midnight

Marriages & Divorces

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

June 19, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley Events Roundup

Your guide to upcoming events and public meetings in the Mission Valley

June 19, 2025 midnight

Registration open for Buffalo Run

St. Luke Community Healthcare sponsors the 42nd annual Buffalo Run on Saturday, July 12, as part of the St. Ignatius Good Old Days celebration.

Wednesday, June 18

June 18, 2025 midnight

Legals for June, 18 2025

Monday, June 16

June 16, 2025 midnight

Polson Commission hears from four judicial candidates

The Polson City Commission interviewed four candidates for city judge Monday night and plan to consummate the selection process at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 25.

Friday, June 13

Voting opens for Lake County’s Athlete of the Year
June 13, 2025 midnight

Voting opens for Lake County’s Athlete of the Year

The Lake County Leader is initiating its first ever “High School Athlete of the Year,” voted on by you, our readers. The nominees were submitted by athletic directors in Polson, Ronan, Charlo and St. Ignatius, based on the athletic achievements of the 2024-2025 seasons. Two Eagle River School and Arlee High School were also invited to participate, but did not submit nominations via our guidelines.

Frank Glen Parker, 88
June 13, 2025 midnight

Frank Glen Parker, 88

Frank Glen Parker returned to the loving embrace of his Heavenly Father on Monday, June 9, 2025. Surrounded by family, he passed peacefully in his daughter’s home in Polson.

Thursday, June 12

Energy Keepers predicts lake won't reach full pool
June 12, 2025 12:05 a.m.

Energy Keepers predicts lake won't reach full pool

At Seli'š Ksanka Qlispe' Dam, the Flathead River seeps beneath floodgates, and slides quietly down the concrete face to the riverbed below – an entirely different scene from the usual springtime tumult when runoff from the Flathead basin gushes downstream.

Arlee Fourth of July Parade honors veterans
June 12, 2025 midnight

Arlee Fourth of July Parade honors veterans

“Home of the Free because of the Brave” is the parade theme of the 76th annual Arlee Fourth of July Parade.

Michael Taylor
June 12, 2025 midnight

Michael Taylor

Michael A. Taylor, retired rancher, cosmetologist, state senator and businessman of Rollins, passed away on May 27, 2025. A celebration of Michael’s life will take place at 11 a.m. June 28, 2025, at Polson First Presbyterian Church.

Donald E. Olsson, 77
June 12, 2025 midnight

Donald E. Olsson, 77

Donald E. Olsson, age 77, passed away Jan. 30, 2025, at St. Luke Extended Care in Ronan. Memorial services for Don will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, at Faith Lutheran Church, 406 5th Avenue S.W. in Ronan. Following the services, there will be a reception at The Knot at Sky Ridge Ranch, 35414 Timberlane Road in Ronan. On Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 2-4 p.m., there will be a boat float at Indian Bay on Flathead Lake

June 12, 2025 midnight

Legals for June, 12 2025

June 12, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in the Mission Valley

June 12, 2025 midnight

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Lake County Leader, June 6, 2016

Softball teams compete at Emeralds Smash Tournament
June 12, 2025 midnight

Softball teams compete at Emeralds Smash Tournament

Mission Valley softball teams traveled to the KidSports Complex in Kalispell over the weekend to compete in the 2025 Emeralds Smash tournament, which featured dozens of teams in the 10U, 14U, and 16/18U divisions.

Mission Valley Food Fling: Burgers
June 12, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley Food Fling: Burgers

A hamburger has become something of an American tradition. Like the Mets, Kevin Costner or country music, hamburgers are a part of the very fabric of this nation, and the Mission Valley has a few businesses that have been serving pretty darn good burgers for generations.

June 12, 2025 midnight

PROTECT Act would expand tribal jurisdiction in drug cases

U.S. Senator Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke have joined other legislators in introducing the bipartisan “Protection for Reservation Occupants Against Trafficking and Evasive Communications Today (PROTECT) Act” to combat drug trafficking in tribal communities.

SKC grads: "The world needs what you have"
June 12, 2025 midnight

SKC grads: "The world needs what you have"

The Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center was packed to capacity Saturday with Salish Kootenai College graduates seated in chairs on the gym floor and well-wishers crowding the bleachers.

Jacob McConnell, 41
June 12, 2025 midnight

Jacob McConnell, 41

Jacob “Jake” David McConnell, 41, of Belgrade, passed away on Sunday, May 25, 2025. He grew up in the Ronan and Polson area. His absence leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. But his legacy – the way he lived, loved, laughed, and lifted up others – will live on. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Sawdust flies at Ronan's Chainsaw Rendezvous
June 12, 2025 midnight

Sawdust flies at Ronan's Chainsaw Rendezvous

Chainsaws were growling, grumbling and whirring amid a nest of extension cords, drifts of sawdust, and many bottles of water. Must have been the annual Mission Valley Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous in Ronan. It began with move-in day on Thursday, and carving Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mission High School graduation shines brightly
June 12, 2025 midnight

Mission High School graduation shines brightly

This past Saturday, MHS held their graduation for the class of 2025 – a group of 22 that, judging by the number of people in attendance at the outdoor ceremony, clearly had quite an impact on the community.

June 12, 2025 midnight

View from the Library: Color Our World

Summer has finally arrived at the North Lake County Library which means the return of the annual Summer Reading Program. The “Color Our World” runs from June 9-Aug. 7.

June 12, 2025 midnight

MAC softball standouts earn postseason honors

The Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball program was well-represented on the 2025 Western B-C All-State and All-Conference lists, with six players earning postseason accolades following a strong campaign.

Solstice Brewfest celebrates arrival of summer
June 12, 2025 midnight

Solstice Brewfest celebrates arrival of summer

It’s time to celebrate the official arrival of summer at the 2025 Summer Solstice Festival and Brewfest, June 21 at the Ronan fairgrounds. For the third year in a row, the Ronan Chamber of Commerce is hosting this family-friendly event with a theme of Brews, Bites and Beats.

June 12, 2025 midnight

Geotechnical work begins near Ninepipe

Geotechnical investigation work began this week along Highway 93 in the Ninepipe and Eagle Pass Trail area and is slated to continue through the end of June. The schedule may fluctuate depending on weather and unforeseen circumstances.

Mariners sweep Twins to snap losing streak
June 12, 2025 midnight

Mariners sweep Twins to snap losing streak

After a difficult stretch that saw the Mission Valley Mariners drop five straight games, the squad rebounded in a big way Sunday with a doubleheader sweep over the Glacier Twins, improving their American Legion baseball record to 6-6 on the season.

Hotter-than-normal May spurs rapid snowmelt
June 12, 2025 midnight

Hotter-than-normal May spurs rapid snowmelt

Springtime conditions across Montana felt almost summerlike with warmer than normal May temperatures spurring rapid snowmelt.

June 12, 2025 midnight

Polson players earn all-league baseball honors

A trio of standout Polson Pirates baseball players received postseason recognition this week, earning All-Northern A honors for their performances during the 2025 season. Senior Landon Shoemake and sophomore Cole Wadsworth were both named to the All-State and All-Conference First Team, while junior Cody Haggard was named to the Second Team.

June 12, 2025 midnight

Ronan Seniors: Pinochle on Wednesdays

Pinochle is 1:30-4 p.m. Mondays, and the pool table is available 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Join the fun!

June 12, 2025 midnight

Need some good news?

Need some good news? Here you go: Most people still support: the Constitution, the Statue of Liberty, free speech, the Fourth Estate, separation of church and state, separation of powers, our institutions, due process, the law, the courts, the emoluments clause ...

Virginia Oman, 96
June 12, 2025 midnight

Virginia Oman, 96

Virginia L. Oman of Polson died June 8. She was 96 years old. She is survived by her two daughters.

June 12, 2025 midnight

Polson Seniors: Thanks volunteer drivers

We must thank the volunteer drivers, the “old timers” and the “rookies,” who have stepped up to the plate, so to speak. We have added a fifth route due to the higher volume of meals delivered to the needy. Our recent survey of client satisfaction is being conducted, and we will publish our findings as soon as possible.

June 12, 2025 midnight

Rocky Point residents worry about traffic impacts of new casino

The intersection of Rocky Point Road with Highway 93 north of Polson is always busy, especially during the summer months as lakeshore residents struggle to get on and off the highway. It’s likely to get worse with construction vehicles entering and exiting Hwy. 93 from Irvine Flats Road where building has begun on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ new casino, 400 Horses.

June 12, 2025 midnight

St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo this Saturday

Next Bingo date is June 14 we hope to see you there!

Wednesday, June 11

Trial date set for second suspect in Loder murder
June 11, 2025 midnight

Trial date set for second suspect in Loder murder

Judge Molly Owen set a trial date of Nov. 3 for the second suspect in the murder of Ronan resident Edwin Loder, who was allegedly murdered last August near his home on Timberlane Road.

June 11, 2025 midnight

Legals for June, 11 2025

Thursday, June 5

June 5, 2025 midnight

Polson Seniors: Board of Directors searching for candidates

Our Board of Directors is searching for candidates to serve the membership of Polson Senior Center. We need you. We need your support in a leadership position. Terms begin end of July.

Polson man charged with rape
June 5, 2025 midnight

Polson man charged with rape

A trial was set for a Polson man accused of raping a woman at her place of employment. Barnell Kentrel Gadison, 45, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson May 28 to sexual intercourse without consent.

June 5, 2025 midnight

Lake County softball teams compete at C-Town Showdown

Several Lake County youth softball teams took to the fields over the weekend at the 2025 C-Town Showdown, held May 30 to June 1 at the Columbia Falls High School softball complex.

June 5, 2025 midnight

Legals for June, 5 2025

Polson graduation delivers flair & confetti
June 5, 2025 midnight

Polson graduation delivers flair & confetti

Graduations are typically rather formal proceedings. Polson’s ceremony, held Saturday morning, boasted some real flair from the class of 2025.

June 5, 2025 midnight

Filing deadline June 11 for municipal elections

Several seats remain unclaimed with the filing deadline for municipal elections in Polson, Ronan and St. Ignatius next Wednesday. The general election will be held Nov. 4.

June 5, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley Legion opens season with strong showings

The Mission Valley Mariners kicked off their American Legion baseball season with six games in six days, rebounding from an opening loss to secure four wins and show early promise heading into the summer schedule.

PL 280 saga winds down with three signatures
June 5, 2025 midnight

PL 280 saga winds down with three signatures

Monday marked a quiet end to a long-running saga as the three Lake County commissioners each signed a resolution rescinding three previous attempts to remove the county from the responsibilities enshrined in Public Law 280.

Harlon Leishman does high school in high style
June 5, 2025 midnight

Harlon Leishman does high school in high style

If you haven't heard of Leishman, he’s hard to miss on the track because he’s typically near the front of the pack – which included a sixth place finish at the state track meet this year in the 3200 – and the rather unique style that he has become famous for.

Ronan grads told: "No more time for procrastination"
June 5, 2025 midnight

Ronan grads told: "No more time for procrastination"

The Ronan High School Band played the processional ushering in the Class of 2025 last Friday evening. The stands of Laverne Parrish Memorial Field were filled with parents, grandparents, relatives and friends, many holding flowers, who came to celebrate the 89 graduates of Ronan High School.

June 5, 2025 midnight

Ronan Seniors: Check out our menu

This week's menu includes: enchiladas, Friday, June 6; soup and sandwiches, Monday, June 9; and pork chop casserole, Wednesday, June 11.

Charlo Class of '25: Small but mighty
June 5, 2025 midnight

Charlo Class of '25: Small but mighty

Fourteen seniors collected their diplomas in the Charlo gym Sunday – perhaps the smallest graduating class in Lake County. Small but mighty, according to commencement speaker and social studies teacher Mike Mercer, who described them as “the most fun, interesting, thought-provoking group of young adults I've ever been around.”

Mission Valley Food Fling: Pizza
June 5, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley Food Fling: Pizza

Our first installment features a universal favorite: pizza. The first-ever pizza was made generations before the state of Montana even existed and thousands of miles away in Italy. Nonetheless, Mission Valley is home to a unique group of pizza eateries.

Young Polson resident says ducks deserve a hearing
June 5, 2025 midnight

Young Polson resident says ducks deserve a hearing

Ducks face discrimination in the City of Polson, and Johnny Lapotka aims to change that.

June 5, 2025 midnight

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in the Mission Valley

Excitement abounds at youth football camp
June 5, 2025 midnight

Excitement abounds at youth football camp

Last Tuesday through Thursday, the Pirate football field right next to the high school was jam-packed with boys and girls from kindergarten all the way up to grade seven, excited to take on drills and play games.

Fire season amps up on and off reservation
June 5, 2025 midnight

Fire season amps up on and off reservation

Fire season appears to be amping up earlier than usual in western Montana, with two fire starts last week. Ongoing dry, windy conditions prompted the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire to elevate the danger level from moderate to high on Tuesday.

June 5, 2025 midnight

MDT to revamp Third Ave. intersection in Ronan

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will begin work next week to improve the intersection of U.S. Highway 93 with Third Avenue and Old U.S. 93 in Ronan.

The America I love: Good while it lasted
June 5, 2025 midnight

The America I love: Good while it lasted

The country that I love is behaving like a spoiled child. There is a new way of doing in American government that replaces trust with fear, understanding with punishment, and reason with revenge.

Janet Blackler, 75
June 5, 2025 midnight

Janet Blackler, 75

Janet Gail Blackler (née Sandmeyer), 75, passed away March 17, 2025, in Bigfork. A woman of remarkable strength, independence and humor, Janet lived a life deeply rooted in nature, music and service.

Sentence deferred for sexual abuse
June 5, 2025 midnight

Sentence deferred for sexual abuse

A man from Salem, Ore., who admitted to inappropriate contact with a minor, was sentenced on the related charge of sexual abuse of children in District Court in Polson May 29. The imposition of sentencing for Tyler Davis Booze, 30, was deferred for six years, in accordance with a plea agreement reached March 26.

June 5, 2025 midnight

St. Ignatius Seniors: Elder scam class on Wednesday

The Montana Department of Justice is holding a class on “Elder Scam and Exploitation Self Defense” Wednesday, June 11, from 1:00-2:30 p.m., at the First Christian Church of St Ignatius.

June 5, 2025 midnight

"Big Beautiful Bill" a raw deal for Montanans

Northern Plains Resource Council believes that our country has never seen a bill of this size and severity introduced in the past, and Montanans of all backgrounds will experience deep impacts.

Craig Matelich, 69
June 5, 2025 midnight

Craig Matelich, 69

Dr. Craig C. Matelich, M.D., 69, entered into eternal life on May 10, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., surrounded by his loved ones. The Vigil will be 6-8 p.m. June 12 and the Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. June 13, both at Immaculate Conception Church in Polson. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery.

June 5, 2025 midnight

Softball standouts earn All-State and All-Conference honors

Several Polson and Ronan softball players earned postseason honors following standout performances during the 2025 Montana Class A season.

Wednesday, June 4

Abigail Sorrell moves from the mat to the mortarboard
June 4, 2025 midnight

Abigail Sorrell moves from the mat to the mortarboard

As for her relationship to Polson High School, it’s pretty unique, considering she’s a fifth-generation graduate of the school, a list that includes her grandfather Frank who graduated in 1973.

June 4, 2025 midnight

Legals for June, 4 2025

Monday, June 2

June 2, 2025 midnight

No more parking behind Ronan Liquor Store

Janelle Campbell of the Ronan Liquor Store asked the Ronan City Council to abandon or change the wording of the City of Ronan easement behind the store during its meeting last Wednesday.

Sunday, June 1

Harvey Kenitzer, 80
June 1, 2025 midnight

Harvey Kenitzer, 80

Harvey John Kenitzer, a longtime resident of Polson, passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2025, at the age of 80. A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Thursday, June 5, at 11 a.m.