Charlo Class of '25: Small but mighty
Fourteen seniors collected their diplomas in the Charlo gym Sunday – perhaps the smallest graduating class in Lake County. Small but mighty, according to commencement speaker and social studies teacher Mike Mercer, who described them as “the most fun, interesting, thought-provoking group of young adults I've ever been around.”
Young Polson resident says ducks deserve a hearing
Ducks face discrimination in the City of Polson, and Johnny Lapotka aims to change that.
Filing deadline June 11 for municipal elections
Several seats remain unclaimed with the filing deadline for municipal elections in Polson, Ronan and St. Ignatius next Wednesday. The general election will be held Nov. 4.
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.
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.
Honoring those who gave their today so we can have tomorrow
Amid the sturdy ponderosa pines, fresh flowers, wreaths and miniature flags punctuated the graves of veterans at Mountain View Cemetery in Ronan Monday. Chaplain and Korean War veteran Richard Tobel quietly invoked President Franklin D. Roosevelt and General George Patton.
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.
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.
BREAKTHROUGH: Governor signs PL 280 bill
“Well, it’s the end of a long journey,” said Lake County Commissioner Gale Decker about newly minted legislation regarding Public Law 280, a law enforcement agreement between Lake County and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.
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.
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.
Election results posted for schools, library and fire districts
Across Lake County last week, a smattering of mail ballots – 3,665 in all – were cast for school board, library and fire district trustees, as well as in three school levies.
Repertory Dance Theatre delivers world-class dance to Mission Valley
Mission Valley Live wraps up its performing arts season with a splash, courtesy of Repertory Dance Theatre of Utah. Members of the nation’s oldest and most successful repertory dance company will bring a dozen programs to area schools and other Mission Valley venues, before taking the stage at the Ronan Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. next Friday, May 16.
The family brand: Tradition lives on at Charlo ranch
From eight months to 80-plus years, the crowd gathered at the Weible Ranch south of Charlo for Saturday's branding represented generations of family and friends.
Incumbent and former parole officer file for Polson judge seat
The Polson City Commission met Monday night with attorney Jordan Crosby, who was hired during the previous meeting to help guide the process of appointing a city judge.
Measles Q&A: Vaccine most effective way to prevent infection
In light of a recent measles outbreak in Gallatin County, we asked Lake County Public Health Services Director Emily Colomeda for suggestions on how to protect vulnerable kids and adults.
Ballots mailed Friday for school and special district elections
Ballots will be mailed tomorrow, April 18, for school board and special purpose districts, and must be returned via mail or in person to the Lake County Election Administrator by Tuesday, May 6.
Tribes break ground on new 400 Horses Casino
Last Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the new 400 Horses Casino on the outskirts of Polson opened to the steady pulse of two drums, Yamncut and Chief Cliff, as Gene Sorrell – attired in an eagle-feather headdress – blessed the drummers and the celebration.
Commission seeks resort designation for Polson
The City Commission inched toward putting a resort tax referendum before voters Monday night by seeking Department of Commerce designation for Polson as a resort community.
Seventeen retailers cited for underage alcohol sales
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reported that 17 citations were issued to local alcohol retailers during the weekend of March 21-22 for selling alcohol to underage people.
Legislature hits pause on Public Law 280
The future of Public Law 280, the law enforcement agreement between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and state and county governments, seems to be on pause – at least at the legislative level.
County, City at odds over police chief's book
What’s typically a cordial monthly meeting between city and county government officials collapsed last Tuesday afternoon, March 11, after Lake County Commissioner Gale Decker opened the session – which he introduced as “a hearing” – by lambasting a book recently published by Polson Police Chief George Simpson.
Legislators hear from constituents at Ronan forum
The six members of Lake County’s legislative delegation heard from constituents last Wednesday during a forum at the Ronan Community Center.
County launches three road reconstruction projects
Three Lake County roads will be rebuilt this summer, with funding awarded in 2022 from the American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program.
Polson commission revisits resort tax
Susan Nicosia, who retired last June after serving as Columbia Falls city manager for 13 years, told the Polson City Commission Monday that a 3% resort tax has been a boon to her community.
Water Warrior: Constanza von der Pahlen honored for stewardship
You could call Constanza von der Pahlen a water warrior for her tireless efforts to improve and conserve western Montana’s priceless waterways. But the Watershed and Wetland Stewardship Award she’ll receive Thursday also makes the point.
Coup stick presented to Polson Police chief
The Polson City Commission meeting on March 3 started a little differently than usual as Ken Camel stepped to the lectern. Camel came bearing the gift of a coup stick – also known as a greeting stick – for Polson Police Chief George Simpson.
Polson Chamber honors community champions
Women wore flamboyant hats and frisky dresses, while men took their best stab at Kentucky Derby apparel in the Polson Chamber of Commerce’s annual community banquet, held Feb. 21 at KwaTaqNuk Resort. The chamber celebrated the outstanding contributions of local businesses, volunteers and leaders while embracing a Kentucky Derby theme to recognize those “who go the extra mile for Polson.”
Polson commission rejects use of eminent domain in property dispute
A developer’s efforts to bring city sewer and water to his property along the Flathead River were stymied by the Polson City Commission during last Wednesday’s meeting.
Judge Mercer returns to the bench
Governor Greg Gianforte announced Tuesday that he was reappointing prominent Polson attorney John Mercer to serve on the 20th Judicial District Court, which includes Lake and Sanders Counties.
California man charged with murdering girlfriend, attempting to kill officer
The California man who allegedly fired approximately 27 armor-piercing rounds from a high-capacity weapon at a Polson Police officer’s vehicle Feb. 14 is also accusing of killing Polson resident Kimberly Goodson, 48, also on Valentine’s Day.
CSKT receives Tribal Business Development Grant
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes will receive a Tribal Business Development Grant for $150,600 from the Montana Department of Commerce. The funds help finance an office and small retail space at the Tribes’ new meat-processing plant in Ronan.
Governor appoints local judicial advisory council
Gov. Greg Gianforte has appointed a 10-member advisory council to assist in reviewing candidates to fill the vacancy in Department 2 of the 20th Judicial District, which serves Lake and Sanders Counties.
Editor takes purposeful polar plunge
I intentionally fell in Flathead Lake Saturday. Fortunately, I was in good company: four men, attired like me in bright yellow waterproof suits, were all trained to rescue.
Remains of missing Ronan woman identified
Remains of Danette Tenas identified; suspicious death reported in Polson
A-N-O-M-A-L-Y: Winners flummoxed by spelling bee outcome
The lone participant in last Thursday’s Lake County Spelling Bee who was not eligible for the state contest was also the only speller with a perfect record: Heidi Huber of Bigfork.
Mika Matters: Hearing paints vivid portrait of Mika Westwolf
Pain, sorrow, fury, love and, in some cases, forgiveness, coursed through the courtroom at the Lake County Courthouse during last Friday’s sentencing hearing for Sunny White. As did a recurring plea for justice – not only for Mika Westwolf, but for other Native people who have been treated unfairly by the justice system.
Polson City Commission debates annexation proposal
A disagreement about state law regarding annexation temporarily stalled an effort by Kaylee Purcell of Mission Ridge LLC to annex her acreage east of Polson during Monday’s city commission meeting.
Wrangler ponders the Fork in the Road
My son (let’s call him Wrangler to keep him safe from the Not-Really-a-Department of Government Efficiency) works for the federal government and was one of an estimated two million employees who recently received President Trump’s generous early retirement offer.
Polson explores options for second fire station
The Polson City Commission authorized city staff to explore a potential land transfer or purchase with Cougar Ridge Development that could provide property to build a second fire station.d
Meeting seeks input on county-wide housing shortage
With the median home price in Lake County perched at $530,000 in December (rocket.com), Abby Moore, a member of the Lake County Planning Department, doesn’t expect to purchase a house anytime soon – even though she would much rather be building equity for her family than paying rent.
Five vie for seat on 20th Judicial District bench
Five candidates are seeking a two-year appointment as judge in Department 2 of the 20th Judicial District, which serves Lake and Sanders counties.
Missing Middle: County looks for solutions to housing shortage
The “missing middle” is how housing advocates sometimes describe the lack of affordable housing for middle income residents of Lake County, or almost anywhere in Montana.
Nearly 30 runners compete in Sorry ’Bout That
Josh Krantz took top honors in Polson Running’s Sorry ’Bout That Half Marathon, held Saturday in Polson, clocking a time of 1:37:34, followed by Tristen Flagen with 1:45:36.
Polson biochemist earns Green Chemistry Award
Polson biochemist Ed Gannon nudges a nondescript gray chunk of rock, and then shakes a pile of round pellets into his hand. Both contain phosphate – a nutrient formed millions of years ago that’s described as the backbone of DNA, and is vital for plant growth, photosynthesis and all life on earth.
Arlee woman crowned Mrs. Grand International 2024
Estella Fullerton of Arlee was recently crowned Mrs. Grand International 2024 during a competition held Nov. 23-28 in Myanmar.
Mercer to apply for appointment to District Court bench
The abrupt resignation of judge-elect Britt Cotter last week reopened a seat in the 20th District Court that had already been plagued with turmoil.
Helping hungry kids, one backpack meal at a time
Polson Loaves and Fish Food Pantry recently received $12,000 from the Town Pump Charitable Foundation to fund its “Meals for Backpacks” program, while the Ronan Bread Basket received $10,000.
A Leon Hall Christmas
When I stretch my brain back to Christmases of yore, I inevitably arrive at the one pictured above, and all the others we once celebrated at Leon Hall.
Reopening Lake House could help county with mental health crisis
The Lake House, located just south of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, opened in 2015 and closed in 2023. While the facility went away, the need did not, as a number of people attested at last Thursday’s meeting at the Lake County Courthouse.