Ronan parade, holiday drawings attract crowd
KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 8 months AGO
Kristi Niemeyer learned her newspaper licks at weekly newspapers, beginning at the Mission Valley News in 1981, then at the helm of the Ronan Pioneer and, eventually, as co-editor of the Lake County Leader until 1993. She launched and co-published Lively Times, a statewide arts and entertainment monthly, before returning to the Leader in 2022, and serving as its editor until July 2026. Reach her at [email protected] | December 13, 2023 11:00 PM
Main Street Ronan was crowded with parade watchers Friday as the annual Parade of Lights made its way through town. Festivities wrapped up at the Visitors’ Center with a giant bonfire, hot cocoa, and drawings for 15 themed gift packages, sponsored by the Ronan Chamber of Commerce.
Winners included: Backyard BBQ ($875), Victoria Whit; Lights, Camera, Action ($925), Faith and Sam Trotter; Hot Wheels ($1,070), Jared Hendrix; Home Improvement ($842), Charlie and Jane Hoffman; Chillin’ Out ($834), Nancy Vaughan; I Can See Clearly Now ($895), Willie and Lorraine Bourdon; Business Booster Bundle ($1,010), Grant Family; To Your Health Men's Package ($1,116), Brandon Drake; To Your Health Women's Package ($1,394), Millie Woodcock; Let's Go Cruisin' ($1,210), Brit Nordberg; Backyard Oasis ($817), Lindsey Sinclair; Game Night ($1,148), Dave Kudlock; Makin’ Waves ($830), Beth Rathbun; Grill Master ($1,075), Tricia Anderson; and Christmas Magic ($1,425), Brady and Jess Snyder.
Organizers say the Tool Time package, valued at $810, went to a good home too (they just forgot to write down the name).
ARTICLES BY KRISTI NIEMEYER
Much Ado About Shakespeare: Traveling troupe performs in Polson, Charlo
As the sun began its westward slant, a crowd of about 400 people gathered on the hillside above the Flathead River, facing the new stage at the Polson Fairgrounds amphitheater – all eager for an annual dose of The Bard, courtesy of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
Former Ronan mayor appointed county commissioner
Former Ronan Mayor Chris Adler has had his eye on serving as county commissioner for the past few years. On Monday, that goal took a sizable step toward reality when commissioners Bill Barron and Gail Decker appointed Adler to fill the remaining two years left in Steve Stanley’s term after the commissioner steps down Oct. 2.
New Ronan superintendent: 'Our best days are still ahead'
Ronan’s new superintendent, Sandra Beal, bounds to her office door like an athlete – or an Alaska fisherman. She’s been both, and brings that same seemingly boundless energy to her new job of helming School District 30.



