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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Legals for June, 12 2025

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.