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Time Capsule: From the weekly archives

BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 9 months AGO
by BERL TISKUS
Reporter Berl Tiskus joined the Lake County Leader team in early March 2023, and covers Ronan City Council, schools, ag and business. Berl grew up on a ranch in Wyoming and earned a degree in English education from MSU-Billings and a degree in elementary education from the University of Montana. Since moving to Polson three decades ago, she’s worked as a substitute teacher, a reporter for the Valley Journal and a secretary for Lake County Extension. | December 20, 2023 11:00 PM

Mission Valley News, Dec. 21, 1983

Briefly . . .

The Grinch may not have stolen Christmas, but some other thieves seem to be nibbling away at it. 

In a couple of incidents gleaned from the Sheriff’s Log we have: (a) Someone got into the Charlo Cafe on Sunday and stole the receipts, $100, from the Charlo Lions club annual Christmas tree sale.

And (b), on Saturday night someone entered the high school lobby during the evening’s basketball  game and stole the cash box containing ticket money from the match. There was an arrest on that one, and most of the money was recovered. At least the Bulldogs won the game.

Letter to Santa 

Dear Santa,

I am very good. Are you very good? 

I want a train track. What do you want dear Santa?

Love, Duane

Camel is still champ after Nova Scotia

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Ronan’s Marvin Camel, 31, retained his International Boxing Federation world cruiserweight title here last week with a fifth round punch which felled challenger Roddy MacDonald. 

Confusion reigned in the ring, though, when referee Bobby Beaton first signaled that the blow was low, bringing an angry Canadian crowd to its feet and prompting MacDonald’s father and trainer to attempt to engage Camel in a fight. The fight was stopped and Camel was sent to his corner.

But the call was overruled by Alvin Goodman of Miami, Fla., director of the International Boxing Federation, who declared Camel a winner by technical knockout.

It had been a lively battle all the way. Camel used his height and reach advantage to punish MacDonald with rights throughout the match. MacDonald went down in the second round, and Camel himself was sent to the canvas 47 seconds before the final punch in the fifth.

Chilly Gathering

For its pre-drawing on Main Street Thursday evening, the Ronan Chamber of Commerce plans to give away hot dogs, hot chocolate and hot coffee. Thanks to the weather, all may be needed.

When planned for 6 p.m. on the evening of the last drawing, no one expected one of December’s lengthiest cold waves to be in progress. But the Chamber is forging ahead and plans to have the goods going an hour before the 7 p.m. drawing. 

Organizer Al Skogen said there will be musical entertainment, if the weather obliges. That means when someone’s lips freeze to his horn, the band goes home. 






ARTICLES BY BERL TISKUS

October 1, 2026 midnight

Ronan City Council accepts conditional loans and grants for $9.7 million wastewater project

The agenda of the Sept. 21 Ronan City Council meeting presented on completing the steps for the Rural Development grants and loans for the Ronan Wastewater Treatment Facility improvements. Council members met online with Steve Troendle, USDA Montana State Community Facilitator of Water & Environmental. Other personnel from the state office were also in attendance and Ronan city attorney Clif Hayden.

A course, a certificate, a career path: SKC has something for every student
September 24, 2026 midnight

A course, a certificate, a career path: SKC has something for every student

Salish Kootenai College began its fall quarter on Sept. 15, although some students are still completing registration. The school usually has between 650 and 700 students.

Mission Mountain Pedal to Plate cyclists pedaled Charlo, St. Ignatius this year
September 24, 2026 midnight

Mission Mountain Pedal to Plate cyclists pedaled Charlo, St. Ignatius this year

The sky dawned grey with slightly cloudy conditions on Saturday, Sept. 19, but turned into a crisp, sunny fall day. That was just what the 175 Mission Mountain Area Pedal to Plate cyclists were looking for — a stunning day to enjoy cycling on backroads near St. Ignatius and Charlo, with the Mission Mountains to the east.