Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

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

Tom Mitchell, 69

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

Subsidizing healthcare or billionaires

It looks like the only way Congress can pay for tax cuts for billionaires is to cut spending on Medicaid and Medicare. Why? It’s like the bank robber Willie Sutton said when someone asked him why he robbed banks, “That’s where the money is.”

Bipartisanship at its finest

It was 2011. I was travelling on business and I was travelling fast and comfortably in my 1976 Olds 98 with the Olds 455 engine. Coming down from Browning along the Eastern Front on a beautiful late spring afternoon. Zoom!

Dog Tag Buddies brings healing to local veteran

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

Antique Ronan grandstand needs help

Last year’s winds peeled a portion of tin roof from the west covered grandstand at the Lake County Fairgrounds in Ronan. But the damaged roof turned out to not be the only issue with the aging structure.

Legislators hear from constituents at Ronan forum

The six members of Lake County’s legislative delegation heard from constituents last Wednesday during a forum at the Ronan Community Center.

Bud Cheff entertains gathering of Montana History Buffs

Bud Cheff was the guest speaker at the latest meeting of the Montana History Buffs held at the Miracle of America Museum on March 19.

Astin Brown launches into the record books

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

Polson commission revisits resort tax

Susan Nicosia, who retired last June after serving as Columbia Falls city manager for 13 years, told the Polson City Commission Monday that a 3% resort tax has been a boon to her community.

Bigfork man admits to firing assault rifle

A Bigfork man admitted to firing rounds from an assault rifle during a domestic disturbance with his girlfriend.

Donald "Don" Lake, 89

Donald William Lake of Ronan, who was 89, joined Jesus and his beloved wife, Bernadine, on Feb. 13, 2025.

Polson Tennis strives to rebuild with young, eager squad

As the 2025 spring tennis season gets underway, the Polson Pirates and Lady Pirates find themselves in an unfamiliar position – rebuilding. For the first time in 19 years, the program lacks a returning all-conference player, but head coach Bob Hislop remains optimistic about the potential of his young squad.

Vaping makes dangerous inroads with students

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

Community engages with police in public safety meeting

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

Justice for Kaylee Hale delayed due to no-show

John Philip Donaldson, the primary suspect in the death of Kaylee Hale, failed to appear in District Court in Polson March 24 for a trial on domestic abuse charges dating back to Dec. 30, 2023. The Lake County Attorney’s Office issued a warrant for his arrest in the amount of $200,000.

County, City at odds over police chief's book

What’s typically a cordial monthly meeting between city and county government officials collapsed last Tuesday afternoon, March 11, after Lake County Commissioner Gale Decker opened the session – which he introduced as “a hearing” – by lambasting a book recently published by Polson Police Chief George Simpson.

Legals for April, 3 2025

B-I-N-G-O: Polson seniors host weekly game

Bingo is a regular Friday night event at the Polson Senior Citizens Center. About 30 people were seated in the main room of the center recently as Randy Burley called out the letter and number combo, and players quickly scanned the rows on their cards.

Polson Baseball looks to rebound in 2025 season

After a 2024 campaign that ended short at the state tournament, the Polson Pirates baseball team is looking to turn the page and make another run at postseason success in 2025. Head coach Brad Fisher believes the team has the talent to compete but acknowledges there are areas where improvement is needed.