Legals for July, 17 2025

Montana Supreme Court case is win for transparency

In a major boost to Montanans’ constitutional right to know, the state Supreme Court recently ruled that citizens who successfully sue for public records are presumptively entitled to recover their attorney’s fees. With this precedent, courthouse doors are more accessible to those who have been wrongfully denied their right to know.

Legals for July, 10 2025

Arlee Schools receive grant for school gardens

The Arlee School District was among 22 Montana projects that recently received community grants from the Montana Farmers Union Foundation. The award of $2,000 will be used to purchase equipment for school gardens.

Scammon admits to stealing church day-care funds

A Dixon woman admitted to embezzling money from a church-run daycare and trying to cover it up. Kelly Lynn Scammon, 51, entered a plea of guilty in District Court in Polson July 2 to felony theft by embezzlement and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Open house slated Aug. 9 for Dave Stipe Annex

The Lake County Commissioners have scheduled an open house Aug. 9 for the newly constructed Dave Stipe Annex.

Mission Valley Events Roundup

Your guide to Mission Valley events

Mission Valley posts five-win week

Mission Valley's Legion baseball club capped a busy week with five wins in seven games, improving their overall record to 19-16. The squad leaned on strong pitching performances and clutch offense to secure victories over Missoula, South Valley, Lethbridge, Kootenai Valley and Bitterroot during a packed holiday week.

"Quiet" Campaign: High-powered fundraising allows St. Joe's to break ground on new clinic

“This is a place of good heart in our language,” said former Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Councilman Steve Lozar of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. There was plenty of “good heart” on display Monday at the groundbreaking of St. Joe’s new clinic.

Dancers, drummers converge for Arlee Celebration

Dancers, drummers, singers and stick game players and their families have enjoyed the Arlee Celebration for 125 years, along with community members and, increasingly, visitors from all over the world. This year’s powwow, held June 30-July 6 at the powwow grounds south of town, was no different.

Mission discus champ aims high for senior year

When Ryan Sharbono stepped into the discus ring at the MHSA Class B/C State Track and Field Championships in Missoula this May, he wasn’t just competing against a field of strong athletes – he was competing against his past self.

Time to find unity and respect while recognizing due process

I write this letter in response to Ross Fitzgerald’s letter to the editor voicing his opinion on the removal of nine GOP state senators at the annual GOP Officers Convention June 28 in Helena.

Lake County athletes shine at state fastpitch tournament

Polson, Mission, and Arlee fastpitch players brought home hardware this past weekend at the 2025 Montana Junior Olympic Fastpitch State Tournament, held July 11–13 at the Bozeman and Belgrade softball complexes.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, July 14, 1988

Having the mercy to do what's right

Although it’s been a while, Montana has a long history of having some great statesmen and women like Mike Mansfield, Jeannette Rankin and Pat Williams – just three of them.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, July 17, 1980

Letter to the 400 richest Americans

I just wanted you all to know that I am one American who is really glad that you got a well-deserved tax break in the One Big Beautiful Bill. I know a lot of people are jealous of you because you are really rich, but that’s no reason for you to have to be punished with high tax rates.