St. Luke welcomes first baby of 2025

St. Luke Community Healthcare welcomed the first baby of the New Year, born at 4:10 p.m. Jan. 1 at the New Beginnings Birth Center in Ronan.

William "Bill" Conrad Winders, 69

William Conrad Winders, informally known as “Topper,” passed away at the age of 69 in Kalispell on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at Logan Healthcare.

Polson Schools seek input on grade realignment

The Polson School District is hosting a public meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 to discuss possible grade realignment, beginning in the 2025-26 school year.

Ronan goes green for annual parade

The people of Lake County didn’t seem to notice the blustery weather as they lined Main Street in Ronan Monday, decked head to toe in green for the 36th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

FLIC unveils new slate of "hidden movie gems"

The 13th annual Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) brings a wide array of cinematic adventures to Polson’s Showboat Stadium 6 Feb. 14-16.

Tentative trial date set for three cases

Judge John Mercer set a tentative trial date of July 7 for three separate matters last Thursday.

Tom Mitchell, 69

Thomas Edward Mitchell, known to family and friends as Tom, passed away Feb. 16 at his Kalispell home after a courageous seven‐month battle with cancer. A celebration of his remarkable life will be held in Indiana on June 7, 2025.

Comments sought on non-member hunting regs

The Flathead Indian Reservation Advisory Board is seeking comments on the draft 2024-2025 Hunting Seasons, Shooting Hours and Limits for Migratory Waterfowl, Pheasants and Gray Partridge for non-member hunters.

Comments sought for non-member hunting regs

The Flathead Indian Reservation Advisory Board is seeking comments on the draft 2025-2026 hunting seasons, shooting hours and limits for migratory waterfowl, pheasants and gray partridge for hunters who are not members of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Sheryl Ann (Knudsen) Kain

Sheryl Ann Kain passed away early Sunday, March 16, 2025. True to her nature, she gave her battle with cancer everything she had, facing it with the same strength, resilience and determination that defined her life. The family is planning a Celebration of Life on July 19 at 2 p.m. at Leon Hall in Charlo.

Senator recounts trip to China

Retired University of Montana Professor Harry Fritz and I recently returned after delivering a series of lectures on the U.S. political system at Nankai University in Tianjin, a city of 12 million people near the Chinese capitol of Beijing. This was my fourth trip to China.

Legals for December, 26 2024

MAC softball dominates Deer Lodge in shutout win

Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball continued its dominant start to the 2025 season with a 15-0 shutout victory over Deer Lodge on Tuesday, March 25, at home.

Local ranchers feted at annual ag banquet

St. Ignatius farmers Dennis and Melvina Krantz were honored for their contributions to agriculture in the Mission Valley at the 45th annual Ag Appreciation Banquet, held March 28 at the community center in Ronan.

Project 2025 maps authoritarian takeover

Paper maps are passe. Or are they? The Heritage Foundation, under head Kevin Roberts, produced a 920-page road map outlining a radical agenda for Christian nationalism.

Pinewood Derby mixes fun and sportsmanship

It’s late Sunday afternoon and the basement of the First Lutheran Church in Ronan is packed and buzzing with anticipation. With chairs pointed toward the track, it’s clear what the excitement is all about: it’s time for the Pinewood Derby.

“Among the best”: Ronan Chiefs claim fourth at State

The Ronan Chiefs capped off a trophy year at the 2025 State A Boys Basketball Tournament with a fourth-place finish, battling through the grueling three-day event at MetraPark’s First Interstate Arena and Lockwood High School Gym from March 13-15.

Poker Paddle benefits lake education

Playing the hand they were dealt, more than 80 adventurous canoeists, kayakers, stand-up paddleboarders and swimmers endured light winds and choppy waves to try their luck at a hand of poker and raise money for a good cause Saturday morning.

Rinke wins rifle raffle

RONAN — Some guys have all the luck.

handMADE Montana strengthens arts ecosystem

As 2025 approaches, the Polson-based HandMADE Montana celebrated a banner year of supporting local and regional artists, fostering community engagement, and making a meaningful impact through its events, retail store, and online platform.