Saturday, May 09, 2026
45.0°F

Ronan Chiefs and Maidens celebrate homecoming

BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 7 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. | October 9, 2025 12:00 AM

Ronan High School celebrated homecoming week Sept. 29 through Oct. 4. The school was awash with orange and black and school spirit.  

To pump up all the students, each day had a different theme. Monday was sour skittles day, when classes wore as much of their color as possible. Frosh wore pink, sophomores red, juniors green, and seniors blue. Tuesday was wear an orange shirt to educate the public about the generational trauma of residential schools and honor indigenous people. Wednesday was a glam time for freshmen and sophomores who wore their fancy best; juniors and seniors sported beach wear. Thursday was dress as your best casual Adam Sandler. Friday was show your Ronan pride day. 

The homecoming parade rolled through downtown Ronan at 4:30 p.m. with through a shower of candy, class floats, the Ronan High School Band float, middle schoolers marching to show off their school spirit, royalty enjoying cruising on convertibles and one lucky couple on a classic ’57 Chevy, and fire trucks loaded with football players, cheerleaders, volley ball players , golfers, and cross country kids. 

Homecoming king and queen candidates were Brody and Bailee Woll, Trance Matt and Olivia Jore, Sarah Templer and Drew Holmlund, Mattie Illig and Jhett McDonald. Queen Sarah Templer and king Drew Holmlund were crowned at half time of the homecoming football game pitting the Ronan Chiefs against the Columbia Falls Wildcats.    The Ronan Chiefs football team rides on top of a firetruck during the homecoming parade on Oct. 3. (Christa Umphrey Photo) 

    Ronan Chiefs quarterback Aaron Luke,2, and wide receiver Levi Reed, 75, get ready to run a play against the Columbia Falls Wildcats during Friday night's football game. (Courtesy photo Susan Lake)
 
 
    Ronan High School seniors were on fire on their float in the homecoming parade. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
 
 
    Kids hold a ribbon as they return from the Ronan High School Homecoming Parade. The whole community celebrates high school homecoming in Ronan. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
 
 


ARTICLES BY BERL TISKUS

“Aggg-ricu-lll-ture": Fourth graders learn where food comes from
May 7, 2026 midnight

“Aggg-ricu-lll-ture": Fourth graders learn where food comes from

Fourth graders from around the Mission Valley field tripped to Buddy and Bridgett Cheff’s place south of Ronan last Wednesday and Thursday to see agriculture in action and to learn more about where their food comes from.

Design is everything in cardboard boat race
April 23, 2026 midnight

Design is everything in cardboard boat race

The challenge — construct a boat and oars for two people made from Duct Tape and cardboard – then keep the craft afloat while paddling the length of the swimming pool at Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness in Polson.

Polson Fairgrounds supporters kick up heels at Cowboy Ball
April 30, 2026 midnight

Polson Fairgrounds supporters kick up heels at Cowboy Ball

The wind let up and the sun came out just as guests at the 34th annual Cowboy Ball began arriving at 5:30 p.m. April 17.