Early September jury trial likely for Nash case
BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 1 month AGO
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. | June 15, 2023 12:00 AM
Attorney Josh Morigeau appeared in Justice Court before Judge Virgil Hayden Monday, representing his client, former Polson Police Chief Wade Nash.
Charges were filed in Justice Court after a Montana Highway Patrol trooper arrested Nash after he hit a parked vehicle in the 700 block of 12th Street E. in Polson at 4:08 a.m. on April 8. The complaint shows Nash was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and refused a blood alcohol test.
Nash pleaded not guilty to a DUI charge on April 26.
Morigeau notified the court he would be filing motions on a plea offer from the state. When questioned by Hayden, Morigeau said he had two motions to exclude evidence and a motion to dismiss the case. Hayden said motions should be filed by July 12 with two weeks for a response by the state. Morigeau reserved the right to reply to the state’s response by July 31.
A jury trial may be set for the first full week in September, schedules taken into account.
The state was represented by Matt Jennings, Chief Criminal Deputy County Attorney in Missoula, who has been appointed as special prosecutor for the case.
ARTICLES BY BERL TISKUS
Ronan City Council moves forward on police business, extends preliminary approval for subdivision
Ronan’s City Council dealt with lots of civic business at the July 22 meeting.
Tribal detectives and Polson police give overview of drug use in Lake County
Polson Police Chief George Simpson and Tribal Police Chief Couture partnered with two Tribal Police Drug Investigators, Will Mesteth and Vern Fisher, to provide an overview of drug trends in the community.
Standing Arrow Celebration brings dancers, drummers and visitors to Skookum Lane
The first grand entry of the 46th annual Standing Arrow Celebration was at 7 p.m. on July 18. The weather was sweltering, especially for dancers in full regalia. The powwow grounds had a new large tent for dancers to stand in as they waited to enter the dance arbor. Tarps attached to the arbor walls on the west side shielded spectators from the setting sun.