Sunday, October 04, 2026
69.0°F

Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 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 18, 2024 11:00 PM

Flathead Courier, Dec. 26, 1974

Initial meeting planned for Sons of Norway Lodge

Polson’s recently organized Sons of Norway Lodge will launch meetings with a social session, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 28, at 7 p.m. in the Elks Hall.

Following business, a “Happy Hour” is scheduled which will feature Scandinavian cookies and coffee and other holiday traditional goodies. An entertaining program is planned.

A name for the new lodge will be selected at this initial meeting.

Suggestions made to date include Sol Bakken (Sunny Slope), Nordmann’s Vis ( Northman’s Wish), Klar Evann (Clean Water), and Sjell Haven (Mountain Garden).

A suggestion box will be at the door on Saturday night for any other names members wish to be considered, or they may give them to one of the officers.

Break-ins in county

Two Ronan businesses and one St. Ignatius residence were the target of burglars last Thursday night.

Investigated by Lake County officers, burglaries were discovered in both the Husky Service Station and the John Deere Davis Farmer’s Supply Company in Ronan. A small amount of money was taken in both places.

Darlene LaChance and two juveniles were arrested by tribal police following the Thursday night burglary of household goods at the Lloyd Hilton residence in St. Ignatius.

The juveniles were turned over to juvenile court, and the other suspect was arraigned Friday in Justice Court.

Twenty-Five Years Ago

• A deluge of mail hit the Polson post office with 500 sacks of mail filling the building at one period. Handling the huge volume were Postmaster Roy Cramer, Chet Elkins, Chris Brown, Howard Jones, Del Horner, Howard Jones, B. Putnam, Marguerite Sand, and Florence Robinson.

• A buffalo was shipped to Los Angeles to be auctioned with the proceeds to be returned to the Lake County March of Dimes.

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.