State titles, personal bests at Class A Track Championships

Between two state titles, podium finishes, and personal records, competitors from Lake County schools made their mark among Montana’s best.

Commissioners backpedal on controversial resolution

Lake County Commission Chair Gale Decker seemed a little wary as he stepped to the microphone for last Thursday’s public hearing. The topic, a resolution to impose a Notice of New Construction for any property improvements in Lake County, had already drawn ample ire on social media, and the commissioners were apt to attract more of the same from the crowd of at least 75 people filling the courthouse conference room, and another 20 or so tuning in via Zoom.

Jury finds Baszler guilty of weapon assault

After a day-long trial, a Lake County jury found a Polson man guilty of assault with a weapon. Jury selection began Monday, May 19, in District Court in Polson for Eric Walter Baszler, 42. On Tuesday morning, Baszler was found guilty.

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in the Mission Valley

Legals for May, 22 2025

Ronan and Polson athletes qualify for State

Ronan and Polson athletes turned in a string of top-six finishes and personal bests at the Western A Divisional Track and Field Championships, held May 16–17 at the Polson Athletic Complex. Facing fierce competition from powerhouse programs like Columbia Falls, Corvallis, and Whitefish, local athletes earned their way onto the podium and into state contention.

St-Char-Ro: A blooming success at 50

Main Street in Ronan was closed to traffic Saturday as St-Char-Ro celebrated its 50th anniversary with a street fair, inflatable bounce houses, classic cars and even a miniature race track.

Athletes excel at Western B/C Divisional Track Championships

Athletes from Mission, Arlee, Charlo and Two Eagle River delivered strong performances at the Western B/C Divisional Track and Field Championships held May 16-17 at MCPS Stadium in Missoula, collecting top-six finishes across a wide range of events and earning qualifications to the upcoming state meet.

Eureka offense overpowers Ronan

The Eureka Lions used a fast start and a pair of big innings to hand the Ronan Chiefs a 14-4 loss in their final game of the season Tuesday evening.

Volunteer firefighters gather for spring training

Around 100 volunteer firefighters convened at the CSKT Division of Fire headquarters last Friday and Saturday for the Lake County Fire Association Spring Training.

Fur Harvesters hold spring rendezvous in Ronan

Mountain men dressed in furs, buckskins and capotes made from Hudson Bay blankets mingled with their modern-day counterparts, attired in fleeces and jeans, at the Fur Harvesters Spring Rendezvous, May 16-17 in Ronan.

Sandpiper Gallery awards four art scholarships

Sandpiper Art Gallery & Gifts recently awarded scholarships ranging from $500 to $3,000 to four Salish Kootenai College students.

Jury finds Ailport guilty of attempted homicide, arson

Paul Ailport, accused of setting his truck on fire and intentionally driving into his neighbor’s home, was convicted by a Lake County jury on felony charges of attempted deliberate homicide with use of weapon, criminal mischief and arson.

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

Stories harvested from the Lake County Leader, May 17, 2001

St. Ignatius Seniors: Nice weather but stay safe

With the nice weather and yard work that needs to be done, safety is a top priority.

Polson Seniors: Birthday dinner next Friday

Birthday Dinner on May 23 brings the good stuff: roast beef and cake!

View from the Library: A summer preview

Where does the time go? It’s hard to believe we’re already gearing up for another Summer Reading Program here at the library. The “Color Our World” program runs from June 9 through Aug. 7 and we’re bringing back the beloved Bug Race.

Births at the Nesting Place

The following babies were recently welcomed at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson:

Marriages & Divorces

The following marriages and divorces were recorded recently at the Lake County Courthouse in Polson:

How can you not be romantic about softball?

Jesse Nesper, the head coach of the Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball team, turned the phrase just slightly as he watched his team practice from the dugout. “How can you not be romantic about softball?”