General Election shuffle continues down ballot
This weekend’s major reshuffle at the top of the presidential ticket isn’t the only impending change-up on the General Election ballot.
Good Old Days beats the heat
For more than 40 years, Good Old Days has delivered a rousing community celebration to St. Ignatius on the third weekend in July. This year’s extravaganza was no exception.
Poker Paddle attracts young and young at heart
“Wave your arms if you need help,” Kelly Thompson of Lake County Search & Rescue instructed a small boy on a neon-green kayak. That was just one of the safety tips she offered before nudging him away from shore at Boettcher Park to join the rest of his family in the Flathead Lakers Poker Paddle.
Festival of Art draws nearly 50 vendors
Kirstin Baker of Dragonfly Pottery in Belgrade brought her own fan to the Flathead Lake Festival of Art, where temperatures were in the low 90s Saturday afternoon.
Extension crew revs up for Lake County Fair
The Lake County Extension office in Ronan is humming this time of year, as Agents Taylor Mullen and Claudia Andrade gear up for the Lake County Fair.
Community efforts help shape “the cutest fairgrounds around”
Facilities and fair manager Sjaan Vincent was helping a crew of young workers build and paint a fence recently in preparation for the upcoming Lake County Fair. They carefully measured and placed rails, then added a coat of brown paint – with Vincent lending a hand and supervising the endeavor.
Flathead Monster comes ashore in Polson
A sinuous creature now swims in Sacajawea Park, thanks in large part to the vision of Pat Binger, the artistry of sculptor John Leon, and the hard work of Polson City Parks and Recreation staff.
Commission says yes to storage units, negotiating manager contract
The Polson City Commission considered two developments and decided whether to pursue an employment contract with the city manager at Monday's meeting.
Paddle Palooza: Cancer survivors paddle for health and healing
When Nan Condit first began paddling dragon boats and a solo outrigger canoe as part of her path to breast cancer recovery, she had no idea her passion would eventually morph into last weekend’s Paddle Palooza.
Polson parade boasts nearly 50 entries
There were 47 entries in Polson’s Fourth of July parade – just shy of last year’s 52 entrants.
Tribal Complex named in honor of Vern Clairmont
Vern Clairmont, who died a year ago on July 11, was honored last Friday at the Tribal Complex, which has been renamed in his honor.
The British came to Polson, but didn't stay long
For the third year in a row, Polson parade-watchers were treated to a reenactment of the battles of Lexington and Concord, beginning when Paul Revere galloped down Main Street, shouting “The British are coming!”
County commissioners plan to impose levy for jail expansion
At a meeting Monday morning, the Lake County Commissioners unanimously approved two resolutions aimed at financing the new courthouse annex and paying for an expansion of the jail.
Outgoing finance director helped reshape budget process
Kim Sassaman, the City of Polson’s recently retired finance director, headed for her new home in Florida in late June with her second “clean audit” report behind her, and a more relaxing future ahead.
Polson commission authorizes PILT agreement with S&K Gaming
The Polson City Commission unanimously approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) agreement with S&K Gaming during its regular meeting Monday.
Hospital shift: St. Joseph COO moves to St. Luke
Devin Huntley, chief operating officer at St. Joseph Medical Center, steps into the same role 14 miles south on July 15.
Fourth festivities stretch from Arlee to Polson
Parades begin at noon in Arlee, Charlo and Polson, and the 124th annual Arlee Celebration fills the Powwow Grounds with traditional dancing, drumming and vendors July 1-7.
Leader stacks up 19 statewide newspaper awards
The Lake County Leader raked in 19 awards at the Montana Newspaper Association’s 139th annual convention and awards banquet, held Saturday in Kalispell – including 10 first place awards in Division I for writing, layout and photography.
Library hosts boat-building extravaganza
Young boat builders assembled at Sacajawea Park in Polson last Thursday for the North Lake County Library’s annual boat-building challenge.
Can commissioners choose cooperation over conflict?
The Lake County Commissioners appear bent on reopening old controversies and unsettling settled law, judging by recent missives they’ve sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (March 1) and President Joe Biden (June 6).
Chowing down at the Flossie Challenge
Sam Dempsey ate his fill, and then some, last Friday at Big Arm Resort and Casino.
Tribes receive $7.7 million from USDA for meat-processing plant
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are among eight tribal nations that recently received an Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Commissioners reach out to Biden to remedy "treaty depredation"
The Lake County Commissioners sent a letter to President Joe Biden June 6, asking him to intercede “on behalf of two counties and affected U.S. citizens visiting this area” and to make compensation for “depredations” by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, mostly pertaining to the low water level in Flathead Lake last summer.
Ronan intersection evokes public outcry
School buses are big and require ample space to execute a turn, especially when there’s a vehicle in the lane where the bus is turning. That observation was made abundantly clear to this reporter when she took a ride last Friday with Matt Gaut, director of transportation for the Ronan School District.
Chainsaw Virtuosos: A dozen carvers help raise funds for youth groups
A chorus of chainsaws rose from the fairgrounds in Ronan last weekend as a dozen carvers transformed logs into a veritable zoo of feathered and furred friends.
Primary Results: Gale Decker prevails in commission race
According to unofficial results released Wednesday morning by the Lake County Election Office, 8,968 ballots were cast in Tuesday’s primary election.County Commissioner Gale Decker handily won the Republican primary with 44.75% of the vote.
Rock-Skipping Championship settled by throw-off
George Murphy held onto his crown in the males, 14 and over division, at the Ken Avison Memorial Flathead Lake Rock-Skipping Championship, held Sunday in Polson. But his win came only after without surviving a tense throw-off against Lex Avison and Polson Mayor Eric Huffine, after all three tallied 14 in the preliminary round.
Speakers remind Polson grads "time is precious"
From the opening notes of Pomp and Circumstance to the confetti-filled flinging of mortarboards, Polson’s graduation ceremony Saturday was a blend of humor and poignancy, pride and playfulness.
Mission's Class of 2024: "You are capable of greatness"
As St. Ignatius High School Principal Shawn Hendrickson bid farewell to 32 graduates Saturday afternoon, he told the audience that this year’s crop had reeled in $1,147,000 in scholarships. “Valley-wide, statewide, nationwide – those are astounding numbers,” he said.
Residents encouraged to weigh in at public hearing
Lake County residents and organizations have a unique opportunity to weigh in on local priorities during a public hearing next Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m. in the County Commissioners Chambers at the Lake County Courthouse in Polson.
Women 4 Wellness gives back to the community
A team of “fierce women” spends months piecing together Women 4 Wellness, the giant healthcare fair held annually at Salish Kootenai College. According to Kellie Hudson, director of the Center for Prevention and Wellness at SKC, the event has served more than 15,000 women during its first 12 years (two years were lost due to COVID).
Memorial Day: “Hard to put into words”
Kids, dressed in red, white and blue, carried plastic bags in hopes candy would be tossed during the Memorial Day parade in Polson. A smattering of adults lined Main Street too. No one seemed sure what to expect.
New sculpture unveiled on Main Street
With a storm blowing in from the north, Cameron Decker unveiled “Still Life,” an outdoor sculpture that graces the southeast corner of Third Ave. and Main Street in Polson.
Charlo graduates 17: "We turned out pretty okay”
Charlo High graduated 17 seniors Sunday from what Hayden Smith described as “the most unforgettable chapter of our lives.”
Commissioners and governor meet to discuss PL 280
It’s safe to say the future of Public Law 280 – the 60-year-old law enforcement agreement that’s given Lake County jurisdiction over most felonies committed by members of federally recognized tribes within its boundaries – is up in the air. However, Lake County Commissioners Gale Decker and Bill Barron and County Attorney James Lapotka met with Gov. Greg Gianforte Tuesday afternoon for to discuss the future of the agreement.
Bad roads jar Hillside Estates approval
Should a developer be asked to improve substandard city streets leading to a new subdivision? That’s the question the Polson City Commission wrestled with at Monday’s public hearing and meeting regarding approval of the preliminary plat for a proposed new subdivision, Hillside Estates.
Pump & Roll: Firefighters rendezvous for spring training
Around 75 volunteer firefighters from across Lake County gathered at the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire last Friday and Saturday near Pablo to learn new skills and refresh old ones.
Primary Profiles: Four Republicans seek county commission seat
Three Republicans, Wes Baertsch, Max Krantz and Josh Senecal, are vying for the Lake County Commissioner seat currently held by Gale Decker, who is also running for reelection. The winner of this race will face Independent Kelly P. McDonald in the general election in November.
Pharmacy in the Family: Ernie Ratzburg inspires great niece
Newly minted pharmacist Madeline Hellinger recently worked side by side with her great uncle, Ernie Ratzburg – the longest-working pharmacist in Montana with 60 years beneath his crisp white jacket.
Mercer appointed to 20th Judicial District Court
Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath was at the Lake County Courthouse Monday to administer the oath of office to Polson attorney John Mercer as he donned a black robe and the responsibilities of a District Court judge.
Two special district races end in tie votes
According to unofficial results, last Tuesday’s election for special districts and school board trustees yielded two ties. Patrick Lennon and Rhonda Walter each collected 106 votes for the one seat available on the Chief Cliff Fire District board. At the other end of Lake County, James “Tyke” Allaire and Anthony Hoyt each received 38 votes in their quest to serve as a director on the Arlee Water and Sewer Board.
Woman arrested after fatal head-on crash
A fiery head-on crash at the north end of the Armed Forces Bridge in Polson Sunday killed one motorist and injured another.
County breaks ground on new Dave Stipe Annex
Family members of former Lake County Commissioner Dave Stipe helped break ground last Tuesday on the new 15,000-square-foot Dave Stipe Annex. Swank Enterprises is general contractor on the structure, which is going up on the corner of Fifth Ave. E. and First St. W., southwest of the existing courthouse.
Candidate Profiles: Senate District 46
Lake County voters face only two contests at the local level in June’s primary. On the Democratic side of the ballot, voters from Ronan south will choose between Jacinda Morigeau and C.B. Pearson, who are each vying to represent Senate District 46. The winner will face Republican candidate Charles Headley in the general election.
Olive Branch: AG says state will consider funding for PL 280
Whether fueled by election-year largesse or Lake County’s impending withdrawal from Public Law 280, Attorney General Austin Knudsen delivered some long-awaited good news Monday. The office of Gov. Greg Gianforte, he said, “has authorized me to convey to you folks they would sign a bill through the Legislature that provided some law enforcement funding for Lake County.”
Olive Branch: AG says state will consider funding for PL 280
Whether fueled by election-year largesse or Lake County’s impending withdrawal from Public Law 280, Attorney General Austin Knudsen delivered some long-awaited good news Monday. The office of Gov. Greg Gianforte, he said, “has authorized me to convey to you folks they would sign a bill through the Legislature that provided some law enforcement funding for Lake County.”
Students plant cherry trees in honor of Arbor Day
A dozen kids in Nicole Camel’s eighth-grade WEB class gathered at Boettcher Park Friday to plant a trio of flowering cherry trees. The Polson Middle School students are continuing a pre-pandemic tradition of planting trees in city parks on Arbor Day.
Lake County Almanac John Grant leaves a legacy defined by birds, land and water
At Leon Hall, just south of Ninepipe, friends, neighbors and colleagues gathered Saturday to celebrate the legacy of retired wildlife-area manager John Grant and his 33-year effort to tend and protect a vast swath of critical wildlife habitat.
Earth Day: Tribes host daylong celebration
The Earth Day Celebration, held last Friday at Salish Kootenai College, brought together scientists, activists and tribal officials to celebrate accomplishments and explore the challenges that lie ahead in addressing climate change.
Defrocking Miss Daisy: Sheep shearer and spinners share wool basics
Daisy announced her presence at the Boys and Girls Club in Polson last week by leaving a fragrant deposit on the floor of the entryway, which in turn caused a boy to squeeze his nose closed and scurry past.