UM announces spring graduates

University of Montana local graduates announced

Wilson triplets: best friends, top students and state champs

Saturday, the three very accomplished and distinct personalities that comprise the Wilson triplets graduated from Polson High School. Jarrett leaves school as one of eight valedictorians; Trent graduated with summa cum laude distinction (3.95-4.0 grade point average) and Colter, with magna cum laude (3.7-3.94).

Herbert Sorensen, 91

Generations of kids called Herb “Uncle” or “Grandpa,” regardless of whether they were actually related.

Stay Tuned, Store Food, and Get Close to God

James Pettit, Ronan

Ronan tennis begins

STEVENSVILLE - Ronan’s swatters hit the court for the first time this past weekend.

Herbert L. Bick

Herbert L. Bick passed away on May 25 at Kalispell Regional Hospital surrounded by loved ones. Herb was born July 23, 1933 in Creston, Montana. He spent four years in the Army. He then returned home to the ranch and went to work for Plum Creek Lumber Company for 30 years. In 1997 he met Wilma J. Gainan in Nirada, Montana. They were married on August 28, 1997 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. They were happily married for 18 years. Herb was a wonderful Grandpa to Wilma’s 12 grandchildren. When the 15 great-grandchildren came along, Herb took them fishing, to auctions, and swimming. He helped them build a unicycle, lemonade stands, fishing pole holders and many other things. He was a kind, generous person. He has a sister, Clara Miller, in Round Butte, Montana; a brother, Bill (Joanie) Bick in St. Ignatius, and a brother Roy Bick in Ely, Nevada. Herb is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Evelyn Bick, brothers Ralph, Charles, Art, and Robert Bick. A remembrance was held for Herb at the cemetery in Ronan on June 6.

Keith Eugene McClain, 86

Keith Eugene McClain, loving and caring husband, father and grandpa, passed away in Ronan at age 86.

Two charged for thefts; one faces drug possession

Felony charges have been filed against two former employees of the Carquest Auto Parts store in Ronan in connection with alleged thefts from the business.

Will was right

Among Other Things

We’ve run this column before – in 2005 as I recall. But Will Rogers’ comments on national and international affairs made decades ago are so timely today that it seems to be a reasonable way to wind up this sometimes chaotic, confusing and choleric year of 2009 and hopefully create a more reasonable 2010. Admittedly, prospects are challenging as 2010 is an election year!

James Cleveland McElderry

ST. IGNATIUS — James Cleveland McElderry, 79, broke his earthy bonds on Independence Day at home July 4, 2006, surrounded by his loving family. Born Jan. 15, 1927 in St. Ignatius Mt. He grew up in Pine Creek, Idaho. He met and married Betty Jean Marisch on Oct. 2, 1945, in Spokane. They lived in Pine Creek and moved to St. Ignatius in 1953, where he built their home and raised nine children.

BATTLE IN THE VALLEY

RONAN — Ronan and Mission tennis teams battled each other on the court on Thursday, April 19, with each school winning once while the teams enjoyed success in other matches.

University of Montana announces fall graduates

The University of Montana announces fall graduates.

Jay Preston

Jay William Preston, 91, who with his wife Beth, built a successful telephone company in Ronan and devoted over five decades to the Mission Valley through numerous civic and charitable activities, passed away of natural causes on June 3, 2019, at St. Luke Hospital with his family at his side. During a long, full life, he served his country, his community and his family with integrity and an unquenchable faith that life is good. His boundless energy — a marvel to all who knew him — was epitomized by the simple but powerful words: “Show up!”

Thomas John 'T.J.' Anderson, Jr.

RONAN — Thomas John "T. J." Anderson, Jr., 13, who was born Jan. 21, 1992, was carried in the arms of Jesus to Heaven on Friday, March 4, 2005, from St. luke Community Hospital from natural causes, an extremely enlarged heart.

Rogers wisdom

Among Other Things

What this country needs is a Will Rogers, whose comments, wit and wisdom help keep the chaotic events of today’s complex world a little more in perspective and to dispel some of the rancor and anger we’re bombarded with every day. While the noted cowboy humorist died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935, perhaps a bit of his legacy can be applied to life and politics today. Some of his comments have a timeless element to them. Here are a few, complete with deliberate misspellings and grammatical flaws:

Shirley Cummings

Shirley Mae Cummings, 88, of Ronan, passed away on Friday, July 20, 2018, at St. Luke’s Community Hospital in Ronan.

Carol King Cummings

Carol King Cummings, 73, formerly of Polson, passed away on Jan. 21. A memorial service will be held at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home in Alexandria, Virginia at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Daisy Belle Songer Richards

PABLO - Daisy Belle Songer Richards, 91, of Pablo died at her home Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004.

Jean Mackie Cumming

Jean Mackie Cumming, 90, passed away at her home on Saturday, Dec. 28.

Kirby Ray Hoffer

On Oct. 20, near Helena, God called Kirby Ray Hoffer home to heaven. Kirby Ray Hoffer was born in Glendive, Mont., on Dec. 15, 1980, to parents Gary and Robin Hoffer.  He graduated from Ronan High School.  He attended Montana State University in Bozeman until he decided his true passion was woodworking. Kirby resided outside of Helena and was self-employed as a carpenter in Townsend.   He served in the military and was called to duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  He was honorably discharged.  Kirby loved outdoor life including camping, fishing, and hunting. His most treasured role was being a dad.  God blessed him with the gift of three children: Kieona Jaylene, Zaiden Isaias, and Quora Brea. He is survived by two grandmas, Elnora Hoffer and Marge Davey; his parents, Gary and Robin; sister, Angie (Newton); brother, Shiloh; daughters, Kieona and Quora; son, Zaiden; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is preceded in death by two grandpas, Hershel Davey and Erwin Hoffer, uncles, Scott Davey, Pat Flaherty, Gordon Hoffer, and Kris Davey. Funeral services will be on Thursday, Oct. 25, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ronan. A graveside service with military honors will follow the funeral.  Following the graveside service, a meal will be served at the church.   In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts be given to a college fund at Valley Bank for his children.