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.

Daines to Montanans: Drop dead

By the time you read this, Steve Daines may have already pushed through Congress the big budget bill. It cuts almost a trillion dollars from Medicaid and other health care, including the Affordable Care Act.

Thirteen homes evacuated in Early Dawn fire

Local firefighters were busy again this weekend, containing the Early Dawn Fire near Big Arm. The blaze started last Friday, June 27, and was ignited by fireworks according to Polson Rural fire chief Will Woodger. He said 13 homes were immediately evacuated.

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.

Legals for July, 2 2025

Legals for July, 3 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.

Mariners go 3-3 in busy week

The Mission Valley Mariners battled through a packed week of American Legion baseball, finishing 3-3 over six games from June 24 to June 29. The Polson-based club showed flashes of dominance, particularly on the mound, while also navigating tough losses in low-scoring contests to even their record at 14-14

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.

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.

Mission Valley Events Roundup

Your guide to events and public meetings in Lake County

Polson Commission selects new city judge

The Polson City Commission selected retired law enforcement officer Joe May as incoming city judge during a meeting last Wednesday, June 26. There were four candidates for the job, including incumbent judge Mike Larson, retired Lake County chief juvenile probation officer Barbara Monaco, and head of maintenance for Lake County, Dale Ramesar.

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.

Summer Reading Program promotes learning

Boats are out on the lake, people are walking around, and the traffic is getting a bit denser. These are all the tell-tale signs of summer in the Mission Valley. Another sign of summer can be found away from the heat of July and indoors at libraries, where both Polson and Ronan are running their annual summer reading programs.