The America I love: Good while it lasted

The country that I love is behaving like a spoiled child. There is a new way of doing in American government that replaces trust with fear, understanding with punishment, and reason with revenge.

Janet Blackler, 75

Janet Gail Blackler (née Sandmeyer), 75, passed away March 17, 2025, in Bigfork. A woman of remarkable strength, independence and humor, Janet lived a life deeply rooted in nature, music and service.

Polson man charged with rape

A trial was set for a Polson man accused of raping a woman at her place of employment. Barnell Kentrel Gadison, 45, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson May 28 to sexual intercourse without consent.

Sentence deferred for sexual abuse

A man from Salem, Ore., who admitted to inappropriate contact with a minor, was sentenced on the related charge of sexual abuse of children in District Court in Polson May 29. The imposition of sentencing for Tyler Davis Booze, 30, was deferred for six years, in accordance with a plea agreement reached March 26.

PL 280 saga winds down with three signatures

Monday marked a quiet end to a long-running saga as the three Lake County commissioners each signed a resolution rescinding three previous attempts to remove the county from the responsibilities enshrined in Public Law 280.

Softball standouts earn All-State and All-Conference honors

Several Polson and Ronan softball players earned postseason honors following standout performances during the 2025 Montana Class A season.

Harlon Leishman does high school in high style

If you haven't heard of Leishman, he’s hard to miss on the track because he’s typically near the front of the pack – which included a sixth place finish at the state track meet this year in the 3200 – and the rather unique style that he has become famous for.

MDT to revamp Third Ave. intersection in Ronan

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will begin work next week to improve the intersection of U.S. Highway 93 with Third Avenue and Old U.S. 93 in Ronan.

Fire season amps up on and off reservation

Fire season appears to be amping up earlier than usual in western Montana, with two fire starts last week. Ongoing dry, windy conditions prompted the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire to elevate the danger level from moderate to high on Tuesday.

Legals for June, 5 2025

Mission Valley Food Fling: Pizza

Our first installment features a universal favorite: pizza. The first-ever pizza was made generations before the state of Montana even existed and thousands of miles away in Italy. Nonetheless, Mission Valley is home to a unique group of pizza eateries.

Mission Valley Calendar

Upcoming events and meetings in the Mission Valley

Legals for June, 4 2025

Abigail Sorrell moves from the mat to the mortarboard

As for her relationship to Polson High School, it’s pretty unique, considering she’s a fifth-generation graduate of the school, a list that includes her grandfather Frank who graduated in 1973.

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.

Koldeway sentenced for felony sexual assault

A Polson man accused of assaulting a minor was sentenced May 21 in District Court in Polson to 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with all but six months jail time suspended.

PEO awards two memorial scholarships

PEO marguerite daisies were in full bloom as they were presented to Polson High School seniors Olivia Jore and Alyssa Orien along with $1,000 Chapter AI Memorial Scholarships on Senior Signing Day.

Mission man accused of threatening sheriff, courthouse

A St. Ignatius man is accused of making threats to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Lake County Courthouse. Joshua Aaron Kenney-Greenwood, 45, entered a plea of not guilty in District Court in Polson on May 21 to felony intimidation.

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.

Tax credits help U.S. keep clean-tech edge

Many countries are investing in clean-tech products like solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs). The U.S. has long been a tech leader.