James "Jim" Thomas Collins, 82

On the evening of April 25, 2025, James “Jim” Thomas Collins ascended from this earthly realm, carried on the mighty wings of an eagle, departing from Silver Springs Assisted Living Facility in Townsend, Mont. Jim’s final resting place will be the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison, with interment June 6, 2025. A memorial service is planned for June 7, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Townsend, followed by a small reception at the Mint Cafe/Bar.

Legals for May, 22 2025

Letter from yore offers reminder of immigrants' value today

Several decades ago, Mr. Grit Boring, an immigrant to this country, wrote a letter to the editor of the Missoulian with a grateful message to Judge Russell Smith and to the citizens of this country.

Motorcycle fatality reported at Buffalo Bridge

On Wednesday, the Lake County Sheriff released the name of a 41-year-old man who died after an off-road motorcycle crash May 25 near the Flathead River. Jake D. McConnell of Belgrade died at approximately 2:25 p.m. while riding his motorcycle near Buffalo Bridge.

The Big (true) Beautiful (not so much) Bill

After all the concern about runaway government spending and the hand wringing about the budget deficit why on earth would Congress want to pass a tax bill that cuts taxes for the 400-plus American billionaires, pays for it by penalizing sick and lower income people and STILL increases the deficit by $3 trillion?

St. Ignatius Seniors: Balance is important for health and safety

As we age, balance is important for health and safety. Decrease in balance can lead to falls, injuries and reduced independence.

Commissioners hold hearing on proposed construction notice

The Lake County Commissioners are holding a public hearing today on a resolution that would require property owners to file a “notice of new construction” with the planning department. The proposed fee is $5 if filed before the project begins, and goes up to $1,000 if filed after construction begins.

Legals for May, 29 2025

Richard H. 'Rick' Taylor, 78

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beloved Dad and Grandpa, Richard Harvey “Rick” Taylor, on Friday, April 25, 2025, at his home in Polson.

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.

BREAKTHROUGH: Governor signs PL 280 bill

“Well, it’s the end of a long journey,” said Lake County Commissioner Gale Decker about newly minted legislation regarding Public Law 280, a law enforcement agreement between Lake County and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, May 10, 1984

Commissioners backpedal on controversial resolution

Lake County Commission Chair Gale Decker seemed a little wary as he stepped to the microphone for last Thursday’s public hearing. The topic, a resolution to impose a Notice of New Construction for any property improvements in Lake County, had already drawn ample ire on social media, and the commissioners were apt to attract more of the same from the crowd of at least 75 people filling the courthouse conference room, and another 20 or so tuning in via Zoom.

Gloria Edith Lawrenz, 92

Gloria Edith Lawrenz, 92: June 29, 1932 – May 14, 2025.Service: June 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson, on the shores of Flathead Lake.

Kiwanis luncheon honors groups that nurture kids

The mission of Kiwanis is serving children, one child at a time. At last Thursday’s luncheon at KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino, that mission came to fruition as the group dispensed checks to organizations that help children.

Entwistle pleads guilty to Town Pump knife threat

A Ronan man, accused of threatening another person with a knife, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson May 14 to felony assault with a weapon.

Ronan Charter Academy to open this fall

Josh Illig, the new director of the Ronan Charter Academy understands that some learning environments might be challenging for certain students. He believes the new academy, which opens this fall, could “provide a more flexible learning environment to meet the needs of more students.”

Suspect in Christmas Day shooting pleads not guilty

Elijah Cajune, accused of shooting and killing a Polson man early Christmas morning in 2024, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson May 21 to deliberate homicide. Cajune, 18, was afforded the opportunity to have his case transferred to youth court because he was 17 at the time of the alleged murder, but he waived the hearing.

Pablo Skatepark celebrates Grand Opening

The community of Pablo is invited to celebrate the grand opening of the Pablo Skatepark from noon-2:30 p.m. May 24. The event will feature food from Cheers Etcetera, music by DJ Foreshadow and Salish Drum, and skateboarding.

Honoring those who gave their today so we can have tomorrow

Amid the sturdy ponderosa pines, fresh flowers, wreaths and miniature flags punctuated the graves of veterans at Mountain View Cemetery in Ronan Monday. Chaplain and Korean War veteran Richard Tobel quietly invoked President Franklin D. Roosevelt and General George Patton.