Legals for July, 2 2025

Legals for July, 3 2025

Ronan council limits number of dispensaries to one

At last week’s Ronan City Council meeting, members agreed that Ronan’s population – estimated at 1,955 – doesn’t warrant the licensing of a second marijuana provider within the city limits.

Bruce Agrella, 83

There will be an informal gathering on Friday, July 11, to remember Bruce Agrella of Polson, who passed away on May 4, 2025.

Layton Smith, 14

Layton, our boy born with the biggest blue eyes and the kindest soul, passed away at age 14 in a boating accident on June 18, 2025, in Harrison, Mont. Born in Laguna Hills, Calif., and raised in Bozeman since 2012, Layton embraced more in his 14 years than most do in a lifetime.

Barbara White, 88

Barbara Jeanette Williamson White, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the age of 88, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. A graveside service will be held Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Polson Cemetery for family and close friends. A celebration of Barbara’s life will follow at 2 p.m. at the Polson Elder Center, 701 1st Street East.

St. Luke garners high ratings in hospital index

St. Luke Community Hospital has earned national recognition for its commitment to delivering high-quality, responsible healthcare in the newly released 2025–26 Lown Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility.

Local riders fare well at Mission Mountain Rodeo

Several Mission Valley cowboys and cowgirls rode to victory (or came close) in last weekend’s Mission Mountain Rodeo, sanctioned by the Northern Rodeo Association and held at the Polson Fairgrounds.

MaryJane (MJ) Taylor, 96

MaryJane Taylor, 96, of Lakeside, passed at home on June 4, 2025. Known to many as MJ she loved spending time with many special friends.

Dennis Schliep, 85

Dennis “Denny” LeRoy Schliep, 85, of St. Ignatius, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Ronan, surrounded by love. A graveside service to honor Denny’s life will be held on Monday, July 7, at 10 a.m., with military honors recognizing his service to the nation at St. Ignatius Pleasant View Cemetery, followed by a gathering at the Longhouse.

Michael Erickson, 54

Michael Dwayne Erickson passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 26, at 2 p.m. at the Valley View Clubhouse.

Phyllis Houle

Phyllis Marie Tougas Houle, age 91, of Polson, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Hospital.

Couple accusing of abusing family member

A Ronan couple is accused of abusing a family member. Eddie Robert Cowen, 41, and Donna Rochelle Vincent Cowen, 65, recently appeared in District Court in Polson separately for arraignment hearings.

Lake County runners shine at Missoula Marathon

Lake County runners delivered standout performances at the 2025 Missoula Marathon and associated races over the weekend, with top finishes from athletes young and old across multiple events.

Mission Valley Events Roundup

Your guide to events and public meetings in Lake County

Readers choose Koda King as Athlete of the Year

Koda King was one of four candidates, selected by athletic directors across Lake County and voted upon by Leader readers, for the Leader's inaugural Athlete of the Year. He won with 246 votes. Nominees also included: Ryan Sharbono, St. Ignatius, with 104 votes; Samantha Rensvold, Polson with 93 votes; and GG Hawk, Charlo, with 87 votes.

Peter Walther, 95

Peter Eugene Walther, died on June 20, 2025, wore many hats during his 95 years. A memorial service and reception will be held at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 130 S. 6th St. E. in Missoula, on July 11 at 10:30 a.m.