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Ronan City Council honors Calvin Hardy

BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 2 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. Contact her at [email protected] or 406-883-4343. | January 3, 2024 11:00 PM

After 20 years as a Ronan City Council member, Calvin Hardy ended his tenure at last Wednesday’s meeting.

Mayor Chris Adler presented Hardy with a plaque for his service, and council members chimed in on the pleasure of serving with him, his willingness to help, and his astuteness at correcting errors or asking questions.

Hardy said he wanted people to understand what the council was trying to do, and that it’s not about knee-jerk reactions. 

“We beat it up some,” he said. “On votes, we all go with our gut, weigh the pros and cons, compromise a little.” 

“That can-do attitude goes a long way,” he added. “We sat here and said, ‘Let’s make this work.’” 

Incumbents Ellen Kaphammer, Ward 1, and Julie Moore, Ward 3, and new council member Larry Hall were sworn in at the Dec. 27 meeting. Hall is taking Hardy’s seat and will represent Ward 2 alongside Marlene Melton.

Members elected Ellen Kaphammer as council president.

In other business, the council accepted Bob McCrea’s letter of resignation from the Ronan Airport Board, which he’s served on for 43 years.

A request that a soda machine be placed on the sidewalk outside the 325 Bar & Grill did not pass for lack of a second on the motion.  

An agenda item regarding a septic system for three hangars at the Ronan Airport was approved. The Ronan Airport Board will next present the matter to Lake County, which will regulate the project. 

The next council meeting is 6 p.m. Jan. 9, 2024.


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