Bill advances to enhance support for school infrastructure

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

Public meeting slated for Post Creek, Ninepipe road projects

The Montana Department of Highways has scheduled a public open house May 1 to provide more information on design and construction plans for U.S. 93 projects for Post Creek and Post Creek Hill and Ninepipe-Eagle Pass Trail areas.

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.

Francis arraigned on murder, attempted murder charges

A California man accused of murder and attempted murder appeared in District Court in Polson for an arraignment hearing on March 6. Cameron Francis, 49, entered a plea of not guilty to deliberate homicide and attempted deliberate homicide.

Legislation would undermine local zoning efforts

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

Chiefs clinch trip to state with third place at divisionals

Ronan had the lead in the first half but blasted the game against Frenchtown right open in the second by scoring 43 points in a 79-58 Western A Divisional Basketball victory on Saturday, March 8, in Whitefish. Added to tournament wins over Columbia Falls and Hamilton, the victory means the Chiefs will be dancing at the state tournament in Billings starting today, when they face Billings Central at noon.

Legislature hits pause on Public Law 280

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

Maddy Illig: A portrait of resilience

What does it mean to be resilient? Maddy Illig knows the answer.

Commission seeks resort designation for Polson

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

Incompetence meets corruption

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

Legals for March, 20 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.”

Fire scorches empty Polson house

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

Ronan Council adopts hazard mitigation plan, final budget

Mark Clary, head of the Lake County Emergency Management Office, asked the Ronan City Council to pass a resolution to adopt the Montana Western Montana Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2024-2029. They passed it unanimously at their March 12 meeting.

Legals for April, 10 2025

Dog Tag Buddies brings healing to local veteran

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

Constitutional Road Show explores democracy's foundation

The Montana Constitution Road Show travelled to Polson last Friday, drawing a full house in the North Lake County Library meeting room.

Community Action Partnership closes Polson office

The Polson office of the Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM) closed its doors Friday, March 14. The office was located in the Salish Building at 110 Main Street and has been in Polson for 35 years.

Ninepipes Museum opens April 3 for season

Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, located south of Ronan on Hwy. 93, reopens to the public April 3, and celebrates the season with a Spring Community Open House, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 5.

Emma L. Roberts, 99

Emma L. (Evans) Roberts of Polson went home to heaven peacefully on March 17, 2025. There will be a visitation on Friday, March 28, from 4-6 p.m. at The Lake Funeral Home in Polson. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 29, at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, followed by burial in the Ronan Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.