Bad roads contribute to double fatality
KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 6 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] | February 15, 2024 11:00 PM
Snow and icy roads contributed to a fatal collision on Highway 93 Thursday evening that killed 80-year-old Ila Griffin, and her passenger, 7-year-old Kathryn Griffin, of Ronan.
Lake County Dispatch received the report at 5:48 p.m. Feb. 15 of a head-on collision involving a passenger vehicle and a semi-truck at the intersection of Hwy. 93 and Eagle Pass Trail. The wreck caused traffic delays and road closures in the area.
The two victims were headed southbound in a Lincoln MKC when the driver lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a northbound Peterbilt/Western truck pulling a Big Tex trailer. The truck, driven by a 56-year-old man from St. Maries, Idaho, came to rest blocking the southbound lane.
Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and the truck driver sustained injuries. Everyone involved in the accident was wearing a seatbelt, according to the Highway Patrol accident report.
In its press release, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office "extended condolences to the Griffin family in the loss of their loved ones."
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.