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Time Capsule: From the weekly archives

BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 11 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. | October 26, 2023 12:00 AM

St. Ignatius Post, Oct. 19, 1961

Local museum gets saddle from Pony Express

The Mission Valley Heritage Association met Monday at Big Medicine in Ronan. The members reviewed artifacts given to the museum since their last meeting.

Ab Lott willed a pony express saddle and Indian beadwork. Helen Symington gave needlework, a silver spoon, and miniature rugs once used to advertise Union Leader tobacco.

Hank Ewslazk gave a deed made out to John Kelly from the United States of America for Lot 4, block 9 consisting of 7,000 sq. ft., signed by William H. Taft and dated June 16, 1910, “Independence of the United States one hundred and thirty-four years.”

Mission Valley News, Oct. 26, 1983

Don’t look now, but where’s the fire truck?

Flathead County law enforcement officers in Kalispell called their Lake County counterparts in some confusion Sunday night.

“Could anyone explain why the Rollins fire truck was wandering around Kalispell in the middle of the night?” the Lake County Sheriff’s Department was asked.

No.

So the fire truck was pulled over in Kalispell while Lake County officers rushed to Rollins to see if the community still had a fire truck. It did not.

Sheriff Glenn Frame said the driver was arrested in Kalispell on charges of driving under the influence and theft. The truck was subsequently returned to Rollins without incident. There had been no fires during its absence.

Taken into custody in Flathead County Jail was Dewey Vincent Skjold, age and address not available. He will be returned to Lake County this week.

Flathead Courier, Oct. 18, 1923

May start brick plant in Polson

Dan McKay, the veteran county splitter, who has been in Polson for the past week, is investigating the possibilities of establishing a brick manufacturing enterprise here.

Mr. McKay has been engaged in the brick business, along with his other activities for some time, and believes that the industry would prove profitable here in view of the probable development in the next few years.

Indian population in U.S. growing

The Indian population of the United States has increased from 343,159 in 1922 to 344,303 in 1923, a gain of 1,114, according to the Bureau of Indian affairs.

Montana is credited with an increase of 160, from 12,648 to 12,808. The figures are based on reports from field agents and reservation supervisors.

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.