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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Koldeway sentenced for felony sexual assault

A Polson man accused of assaulting a minor was sentenced May 21 in District Court in Polson to 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with all but six months jail time suspended.

Jury finds Baszler guilty of weapon assault

After a day-long trial, a Lake County jury found a Polson man guilty of assault with a weapon. Jury selection began Monday, May 19, in District Court in Polson for Eric Walter Baszler, 42. On Tuesday morning, Baszler was found guilty.

Leo Dean Howell, 82

Leo Dean Howell, 82, of Bellows Falls, Vt., passed away May 10, 2025, after a tragic accident at his home.

Cast of 35 performs "Fiddler on the Roof"

The Port Polson Players’ 50th season continues when a cast of 35 takes the stage for “Fiddler on the Roof” June 5-15.

Kalispell woman admits to causing fatal crash on Polson bridge

A Kalispell woman admitted causing a fatal head-on crash on the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge in Polson last May.

Polson Softball takes second at State

The Polson Lady Pirates wrapped up the 2025 campaign with a second-place finish at the State A Softball Tournament in Columbia Falls, battling through a challenging five-game stretch that included a blowout win, a pair of tight victories, and two losses to eventual state champion Frenchtown.

Pablo kids celebrate new skate park

The commotion was thanks to a fresh skate park located on Pablo West Road and tons of tunes blasting out new and old hits. The new park also features two bowls which drew skaters of all ages and skill levels to the event.

Mission man accused of threatening sheriff, courthouse

A St. Ignatius man is accused of making threats to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Courthouse. Joshua Aaron Kenney-Greenwood, 45, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson on May 21 to felony intimidation.

Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation awards 35 scholarships

Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation (PSEF) awarded 35 scholarships totaling $52,000 to Polson High School seniors and former Polson High School graduates who are currently attending an accredited two-year, four-year program, community college, university or vocational school.

Bills offer real relief on residential property taxes

Did you know that California residents now own $9.5 billion of residential property in Montana? They enjoy the ability to vacation here without paying a dime in Montana income tax.