Sunday, October 04, 2026
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Time Capsule: From the archives of local weeklies

BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years 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. | September 5, 2024 12:00 AM

The Flathead Courier, Sept. 4, 1924

Million dollar crop from one farm

A million dollar wheat crop is being harvested, threshed, and shipped from a single farm in Montana. 

Not since Adam was driven out of the Garden of Eden to earn his food by the sweat of his brow – not even since Cyrus McCormick invented the mower which made reaping a labor of some ease compared with the old sickle and cradle – has that been done. It is, therefore, a world record in grain growing and harvesting that is being set on the Thomas D. Campbell farm on the Crow Indian Reservation near Hardin.

Three fifths of the tremendous crop has been harvested so far, that is 15,000 of 25,000 acres in No. 1 dark hard have been cut and the greater part threshed.

So far 27 cars of wheat have been shipped, and it is planned to send a train of 52 cars, solid, of grain. The crop is being sold in Minneapolis, the nearest market capable of handling such a vast output immediately as it is harvested. It is of such fine quality that it commands a premium.

As far as the operations have proceeded, the grain is averaging 30 bushels to the acre. At that average, the 25,000 acres will produce at least 750,000 bushels.

News from Big Arm

Thirty-three votes were cast in this precinct at the primary election Tuesday. Oscar Johnson, the candidate for county commissioner, received 100 percent of the vote.

R.H. Copeland came up from Dixon on Wednesday and went on to Elmo Thursday. He has discontinued the publication of The Dixonian at Dixon.

More automobiles in state than in 1923

With the issuance to date of 66,650 license plates for passenger cars and 8,880 for trucks, the 1923 registration has already been passed, it has been announced by Secretary of State Charles T. Stewart. The 1923 registration was 65,449 passenger cars and 8,380 trucks.

Garage employees enjoy picnic at Skidoo Bay

All employees and their families from Silver’s Garage in Polson and the Ronan Garage in Ronan, were entertained by Z.B. Silver at a hot chicken dinner and picnic last Sunday at the J.H. Hanson summer home at Skidoo Bay. 

There were 38 in attendance and a wonderful time was enjoyed. Forty pounds of fried chicken were consumed by the crowd, with all the good things that go with a chicken dinner, including lots of ice cream.

The guests were seated at tables prettily decorated with gladiolas.

Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Jones of Ronan occupied honor seats at the head table. 

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.