Time Capsule: County and Tribes propose new Arlee sewer district

The Mission Valley Press, January 8, 1986

Polson, Ronan study contract police plan 

Proposals for providing police protection by contract with the Sheriff’s Department were made to the councils in two of the county’s three incorporated cities Monday evening. 

Speaking to a packed house in Polson, Sheriff Joe Geldrich outlined the county contracts being used in two similar sized cities, Libby and Wolf Point. In both, the sheriff's office provides deputies assigned exclusively to city coverage. The cities pay for the deputies' salaries, cars, uniform allowances and other expenses. 

“The sheriffs (in Libby and Wolf Point) say it’s working well there,” Geldrich told the MVN before the Polson City Council meeting. “I think it would provide better law enforcement and continuity for people in Polson,” he added. 

Geldruch said he was asked to look into such an arrangement by Polson’s new mayor, Patricia DeVries … 

County and Tribes propose new Alree sewer district 

ARLEE – The Lake County Land Services Department, in cooperation with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Housing Authority, has compiled information regarding the formation of a sewer district here, including a proposed service area, preliminary collection layout, and a cost analysis. Sufficient information had been compiled to conduct an informational meeting to determine if there is public support and a willingness on the part of the citizens continue work on the project. 

All persons interested in the project are encouraged to attend the informational meeting on Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. in the lunch room of the Arlee Elementary School. 

Several years ago, the people of Arlee were asked to vote on the formation of a water and sewer district. At that time, the proposal was narrowly defeated, and since then, little interest had been expressed in the project. In recent months, however, there have been instances of contaminated wells, and the question of a community sewage collection and treatment system has been raised … 

Hayrides provide New Year’s fun for Arlee 

ARLEE – We all face the problem of how best to spend New Year’s Eve and have as much fun as possible. Jay Summer and Beryl Strain of the Jocko Valley, south of Arlee, came up with an idea which the whole family could enjoy. They organized a hay ride. 

Merrill Bradshaw drove the pair of sorrel Belgians on the one to two-hour-long rides through the snowy country-side. The two horses, “Rusty” and “Dusty,” belonging to George Sullivan, are used to such work. Weighing in at 1700 pounds apiece, they have been used extensively in farm work and logging operations as well as hayrides. 

Jay and Beryl had their first hayride party last New Year’s Eve. They wanted to organize a family event where children would be included. It was such a success that they repeated it. One hayride wasn’t enough, though. This year, there were two. 

Bundled up in warm clothing and fortified with thermoses of mulled wine, hot chocolate and other heat-producing beverages to ward off the elements, the guests piled onto the flathead trailer, children dangling their feet off the end. Everyone attempted to sing songs …