Firefighters respond to house fire and bale blaze

Polson Rural Fire District responded to two fires last week. The first, on June 19, was near Buffalo Bridge where firefighters found 110 round bales fully engulfed in flames. The second was Friday when a three-story house on Dogwood Lane north of Polson was reportedly struck by fire.

What’s the point of being a U.S. Senator if you don’t have guts?

More than half a century ago, when I was a young, enlisted man stationed at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C., I contacted former Montana Senator Burton K. Wheeler. I introduced myself and asked him if I could have a visit with him.

Competing dispensaries vie for licenses

Appeals from competing marijuana dispensaries lit up the Ronan City Council meeting on June 11.

St. Ignatius Seniors: Bingo this Saturday

Next Bingo date is June 14 we hope to see you there!

Proposed SNAP cuts could deepen food Insecurity in Montana

The Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) is deeply concerned by the proposed budget reconciliation bill, which would significantly weaken the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – a lifeline for thousands of Montanans and millions of Americans.

Healthcare News

St. Joe receives high marks for sustainability; Logan Health moves rehab clinic.

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.

Jeannine Padilla, 65

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jeannine Marie Padilla of Ronan, as she was welcomed with open arms to the gates of heaven on June 11, 2025.

Fourth festivities flourish from Arlee to Polson

Lake County communities are gearing up for Fourth festivities, which promise parades and fireworks from Arlee to Polson.

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.

Two DOC planning grants land in Lake County

The Montana Department of Commerce recently awarded several Opportunities in Rural Economies planning grants, including two in Lake County.

Fort Connah Rendezvous is a step back in time

A trapper by the name of “Teaspoon” finished first in the annual Trapper’s Run – a contest of grit and physical stamina held during the 24th anniversary of the Fort Connah Rendezvous, June 14-15 at the historic outpost north of St. Ignatius.

Legals for June, 19 2025

Pat Williams: He stood by us and with us

Pat Williams has died. He was Montana’s longest serving Congressman, serving from 1979 to 1997. He had a sense of justice and values which he defended proudly and vigorously, often in the face of strong and outraged opposition. He was my political hero.

Governor visits Rocky Mountain Twist on 56 County Tour

Traveling to Lake County on his fifth annual 56 County Tour, Gov. Greg Gianforte visited Rocky Mountain Twist in Ronan last Wednesday, June 18.

Centennial birthday doesn't slow Shirley McConnell down

Shirley McConnell’s birthday was May 7, and since she was turning 100, her family began “planning a big to-do,” she said.

Big Beautiful Deficit-Raising Bill plunders our natural resources

Senator Harriet Hageman (R-Wyoming) wrote a column last week asking readers to view the controversial bill that includes selling off federal public lands for housing development. I read through the text of this bill, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee legislative text, and it’s even worse than depicted.

Mary Gibbons, 89

Mary Gibbons, age 89, passed away peacefully June 11, 2025, at home in Dayton with her daughter and sister by her side.

John Melvin McClure Jr., 87

John Melvin McClure Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and community member, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 13, 2025. A memorial service is planned at Canvas Church, 255 Summit Ridge Dr., Kalispell on July 11 at 1 p.m.

United We Stand is theme of Charlo parade

The Marine Honor Guard will lead the United We Stand-themed parade through Charlo at noon July 4. Long-time business and community members Sandy and Curt Coulter are the honored grand marshals. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.