Ronan Charter Academy to open this fall

Josh Illig, the new director of the Ronan Charter Academy understands that some learning environments might be challenging for certain students. He believes the new academy, which opens this fall, could “provide a more flexible learning environment to meet the needs of more students.”

Legals for May, 29 2025

James "Jim" Thomas Collins, 82

On the evening of April 25, 2025, James “Jim” Thomas Collins ascended from this earthly realm, carried on the mighty wings of an eagle, departing from Silver Springs Assisted Living Facility in Townsend, Mont. Jim’s final resting place will be the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison, with interment June 6, 2025. A memorial service is planned for June 7, at 1 p.m. at Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home in Townsend, followed by a small reception at the Mint Cafe/Bar.

Suspect in Christmas Day shooting pleads not guilty

Elijah Cajune, accused of shooting and killing a Polson man early Christmas morning in 2024, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson May 21 to deliberate homicide. Cajune, 18, was afforded the opportunity to have his case transferred to youth court because he was 17 at the time of the alleged murder, but he waived the hearing.

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.

Leo Dean Howell, 82

Leo Dean Howell, 82, of Bellows Falls, Vt., passed away May 10, 2025, after a tragic accident at his home.

Gloria Edith Lawrenz, 92

Gloria Edith Lawrenz, 92: June 29, 1932 – May 14, 2025.Service: June 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson, on the shores of Flathead Lake.

Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation awards 35 scholarships

Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation (PSEF) awarded 35 scholarships totaling $52,000 to Polson High School seniors and former Polson High School graduates who are currently attending an accredited two-year, four-year program, community college, university or vocational school.

Polson Softball takes second at State

The Polson Lady Pirates wrapped up the 2025 campaign with a second-place finish at the State A Softball Tournament in Columbia Falls, battling through a challenging five-game stretch that included a blowout win, a pair of tight victories, and two losses to eventual state champion Frenchtown.

Sharbono tops in Class B discus

At the 2025 MHSA Class B/C State Track and Field Championships, held May 22–24 at Missoula County Public Schools Stadium, Lake County had one state champion and several placers.

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.

Harvey Kenitzer, 80

Harvey John Kenitzer, a longtime resident of Polson, passed away peacefully at home on May 21, 2025, at the age of 80. A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Thursday, June 5, at 11 a.m.

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.

Ronan softball season ends with shutout loss

The Ronan Maidens’ softball season came to a close Saturday afternoon with a 7-0 loss to Stevensville in a Class A state tournament play-in game.

Will you show some humanity and look out for Montanans?

Let’s talk about how Republicans in Congress want to throw millions of Americans off their health insurance so the ultra-wealthy and corporations can get tax breaks. If this statement sounds hyperbolic, I hate to break it to you: it’s the cold, hard truth.

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.

Kiwanis luncheon honors groups that nurture kids

The mission of Kiwanis is serving children, one child at a time. At last Thursday’s luncheon at KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino, that mission came to fruition as the group dispensed checks to organizations that help children.

Polson Tennis qualifies several for State

Polson High School tennis athletes turned in a gritty, resilient performance at the Western A Divisional Tournament last week, qualifying several competitors for the state tournament and finishing second overall in the girls team standings behind Whitefish.

Commissioners hold hearing on proposed construction notice

The Lake County Commissioners are holding a public hearing today on a resolution that would require property owners to file a “notice of new construction” with the planning department. The proposed fee is $5 if filed before the project begins, and goes up to $1,000 if filed after construction begins.

MAC Softball punches ticket to State

The Mission-Arlee-Charlo softball team secured its spot at the Class B state tournament with two strong wins and one tough loss at the Western B/C Divisional tournament in Florence, improving its season record to 19-6.