New bakery offers coffee, sourdough bread, and treats

The smells of baking bread and cinnamon mixed with whiffs of good coffee greet customers as they enter Stendal’s Espresso and Bakery on Third Ave. W. in Polson. Then they see crusty big rounds of sourdough bread and a case filled with cookies, scones, cupcakes and enormous cinnamon rolls, just begging to be eaten.

William Owen Lambson

An affinity with water flowed through William Owen Lambson’s life, from his childhood in Lexington, Ky., to his death July 7, 2025, at his home near the edge of Flathead Lake.

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.

Richard Orton, 75

Richard Clarence Orton passed from this life on May 15, with his daughter, Cynthia Dragon Fly, by his side at St Joseph’s Hospital in Polson. There will be a memorial in his honor at 2 p.m. July 26 at Leon Hall (near Post Creek/St Ignatius). He wanted this to be a time of music, food, laughter and sharing.

Art4Polson initiative inspires "pride of place"

Art murals keep cropping up around Polson, thanks to the efforts of Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gifts and a host of volunteers and donors.

Allen Roger Sloan, 78

Allen Roger Sloan, 78, of Ronan, passed away surrounded by his family on July 10, 2025, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. July 25 at the Ronan Cemetery. Light refreshments will follow at the North Crow Clubhouse.

Polson Seniors: Safe driving course on July 29

AARP Safe Driving Course is July 29, 9:30-1:30. Early sign-up requested. We have about a dozen more openings: no testing, video-assisted, informal discussions and take-home study guide. Cost is $25 and $20 For AARP members. You can get a substantial discount from your insurance company for completing this course. Limited enrollment.

Here’s to all the not-so ordinary people

I have known Polson all my life, the curves of the road that lead to old friends' houses, the smell of the lake as you drive down 93, and the sounds erupting from the football stadium on a Friday night under the lights. These sensations have painted my experience here, and it’s hard not to get sucked into the natural beauty of a small community like the ones scattered across the Mission Valley.

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.

Stephen Miller and crew must have ICE in their veins

Most immigrants make our diverse country stronger, wiser and more loving.

Man missing after boat capsizes

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Tuesday afternoon that a man was missing after a boat capsized on Flathead Lake.

"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.

Good Old Days dubbed "one of best ever"

Good Old Days, the annual community celebration in St. Ignatius, drew locals and visitors alike last weekend. “I would say this was one of the best Good Old Days to date,” said Darren Orr, one of the event organizers.

Big Splash: Paddle Palooza brings 180 paddlers to Polson

Kimokeo Kapahulehua, called “Uncle” as a term of respect for the Hawaiian elder, gave a blessing last Friday, the opening night of the sixth annual Paddle Palooza held at the Polson Fairgrounds.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Flathead Courier, July 17, 1980

Legals for July, 17 2025