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BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year, 4 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 29, 2025 11:00 PM

Buffalo Gals Market opens in Ronan

A dozen local women share their wares at the new Buffalo Gals Market, located at 63869 Hwy. 93 in Ronan.

“We have something for everybody,” Frances Stokes said.

They specialize in vintage wares, repurposed pieces, furniture, home decor, jewelry and gifts, according to the business’s Facebook page. The Buffalo Gals recently added baby/children’s items, and usually offer a few serious antiques, too.

The 12 “Buffalo gals” all pay for space to display their wares, and they each take turns working a day in the shop, even though “every single one of us works,” Stokes said.

Their winter hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

They plan to add Tuesday to the mix this summer.

Martial arts gym celebrates first anniversary 

SBG Polson, located at 1104 4th Ave. E. in the old Masonic Lodge, offers a variety of fitness pursuits, including a boxing, mixed martial arts, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for ages 4 and up.

SBG is an acronym for Straight Blast Gym, a name inspired by an old Bruce Lee martial arts move, according to coach Tristan Ashby.

Ashby grew up in Polson and boxed at the VFW boxing gym when he was a kid. He lived in Missoula and worked at SBG Missoula before coming back to start a Polson branch, “because there is nothing like SBG in the community.”

Ashby offers a robust kids’ program and lots of adult classes.

According the Facebook page, “We look to create a safe and friendly training environment for everyone involved.”

The business will celebrate its first anniversary on Feb. 2 with an open mat. For more information, go to sbgpolson.com




ARTICLES BY BERL TISKUS

June 18, 2026 midnight

Ronan Council hears police funding request, renews lease

At their meeting last Wednesday night, the Ronan City Council discussed a proposal from Ronan Police Chief Rob Jacobson to add two more full-time police officers to achieve 24-7 patrol coverage for Ronan, thereby minimizing the city’s reliance on county officers.

Chainsaw virtuosos return to Ronan for annual Rendezvous
June 18, 2026 midnight

Chainsaw virtuosos return to Ronan for annual Rendezvous

Big pickups dragging trailers pulled into the parking lot of the Ronan fairgrounds and started unloading people, kids, and then toolboxes, an array of chainsaws, pop-up canopies, and a cooler or two. The chainsaw carvers were back in Ronan last week.

Polson High grads advised to "brave the waves"
June 11, 2026 midnight

Polson High grads advised to "brave the waves"

Polson seniors marched in from all corners of Linderman Gym Saturday and took their seats. The “National Anthem” and an honor song by the Badger Tail Drum set the tone for commencement.