Polson, Ronan attend Class A state speech and debate in Corvallis
BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 6 months AGO
Polson High Speech Team members who attended last week's state meet in Corvallis are: front row, Griffey Whisman and Lecass Camel; and back row, Jacey Alexander-Wilson, Alexa Kinaman and Anya Rosenbrock. (Courtesy photo)
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. | February 4, 2026 11:00 PM
High school speech and debate competitors from around Montana, including Ronan and Polson, converged on Corvallis High School Jan. 30-31 for the Montana Class A Speech and Debate State Competition.
The top 12 speakers from each event in Eastern Montana and from Western Montana divisional competitions continued on to the state meet. Students arrived dressed to the nines carrying briefcases, portfolios, blankets, bags and coolers.
Speaking events are original oratory, extemporaneous speaking, impromptu, memorized public address, informative, and interpretation (humorous, dramatic, and duo). Debate events are Lincoln Douglas, policy and public forum.
Lauren Feese, head speech coach in Ronan, said her school is in a rebuilding year since all their seniors graduated last year. “All of the speech coaches just want each kid to do well,” she added.
Polson’s new head speech coach, McKennah Andrews, said her program is also in rebuilding mode, with five students who qualified for the state tournament.
“Going to state was a good experience,” she said, adding that the competition from the eastern side of the state was tough, but PHS speakers had some great rounds.
With quality upperclassmen returning as well as a group of outstanding freshman, she’s “expecting good things for next year.”
Feese said she’s seen growth on her team and is also looking forward to the 2026-27 season.
ARTICLES BY BERL TISKUS
Ronan City Council moves forward on police business, extends preliminary approval for subdivision
Ronan’s City Council dealt with lots of civic business at the July 22 meeting.
Tribal detectives and Polson police give overview of drug use in Lake County
Polson Police Chief George Simpson and Tribal Police Chief Couture partnered with two Tribal Police Drug Investigators, Will Mesteth and Vern Fisher, to provide an overview of drug trends in the community.
Standing Arrow Celebration brings dancers, drummers and visitors to Skookum Lane
The first grand entry of the 46th annual Standing Arrow Celebration was at 7 p.m. on July 18. The weather was sweltering, especially for dancers in full regalia. The powwow grounds had a new large tent for dancers to stand in as they waited to enter the dance arbor. Tarps attached to the arbor walls on the west side shielded spectators from the setting sun.