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Craig Matelich, 69

Dr. Craig C. Matelich, M.D., 69, entered into eternal life on May 10, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Ariz., surrounded by his loved ones. The Vigil will be 6-8 p.m. June 12 and the Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. June 13, both at Immaculate Conception Church in Polson. Interment will be in Lakeview Cemetery.

Fire season amps up on and off reservation

Fire season appears to be amping up earlier than usual in western Montana, with two fire starts last week. Ongoing dry, windy conditions prompted the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire to elevate the danger level from moderate to high on Tuesday.

Polson players earn all-league baseball honors

A trio of standout Polson Pirates baseball players received postseason recognition this week, earning All-Northern A honors for their performances during the 2025 season. Senior Landon Shoemake and sophomore Cole Wadsworth were both named to the All-State and All-Conference First Team, while junior Cody Haggard was named to the Second Team.

Polson man charged with rape

A trial was set for a Polson man accused of raping a woman at her place of employment. Barnell Kentrel Gadison, 45, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson May 28 to sexual intercourse without consent.

Mission Valley Legion opens season with strong showings

The Mission Valley Mariners kicked off their American Legion baseball season with six games in six days, rebounding from an opening loss to secure four wins and show early promise heading into the summer schedule.

Registration open for Buffalo Run

St. Luke Community Healthcare sponsors the 42nd annual Buffalo Run on Saturday, July 12, as part of the St. Ignatius Good Old Days celebration.

Mission Valley splits weekend series

The Mission Valley Mariners faced a challenging doubleheader in Missoula on Saturday but rebounded with a pair of solid wins on Sunday against Bitterroot to close the weekend at .500 on the season.

Janet Blackler, 75

Janet Gail Blackler (née Sandmeyer), 75, passed away March 17, 2025, in Bigfork. A woman of remarkable strength, independence and humor, Janet lived a life deeply rooted in nature, music and service.

Legals for June, 11 2025

Polson Commission hears from four judicial candidates

The Polson City Commission interviewed four candidates for city judge Monday night and plan to consummate the selection process at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 25.

Ronan grads told: "No more time for procrastination"

The Ronan High School Band played the processional ushering in the Class of 2025 last Friday evening. The stands of Laverne Parrish Memorial Field were filled with parents, grandparents, relatives and friends, many holding flowers, who came to celebrate the 89 graduates of Ronan High School.

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.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

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

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 graduation delivers flair & confetti

Graduations are typically rather formal proceedings. Polson’s ceremony, held Saturday morning, boasted some real flair from the class of 2025.

Legals for June, 18 2025

Mission Valley Events Roundup

Your guide to upcoming events and public meetings in the Mission Valley

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in the Mission Valley

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in the Mission Valley