Saturday, March 28, 2026
46.0°F

Polson protesters object to ICE tactics, Minneapolis death

BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months, 1 week 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 14, 2026 11:00 PM

An estimated 100 protesters gathered in Polson to honor Renee Nicole Good, a woman killed Jan. 7 when an ICE agent fired directly into her car in Minneapolis, and to protest the actions that led to her death.

The crowd stood on both sides of U.S. Hwy. 93 at its intersection with Hwy. 35 on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 3 to 5 p.m. A good headcount was impossible because attendees ebbed and flowed during the two-hour vigil/rally.

Lynn Kelly, clad in warm clothes and a trapper hat and armed with a megaphone, led the crowd in chanting Good’s name, asking for non-redacted files on pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, and criticizing President Trump for various policies.

Passers-by waved or gave a thumb-down, whatever their preference.

Rallies and vigils were also held in Missoula, where news reports say around 600 people showed up on Beartracks Bridge, as well as in Kalispell, Helena, Bozeman, Butte and Red Lodge. Nationwide, more than 1,000 events took place over the weekend.

    A rally sign which Montanans understand, since ticks are a problem in the spring and summer. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
 
 
    A attendee at the vigil/rally for Renee Good, the 37-year-old woman killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on Jan. 7, holds a protest sign. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
 
 


ARTICLES BY BERL TISKUS

Car Class: Ronan students gain automotive know-how
March 26, 2026 midnight

Car Class: Ronan students gain automotive know-how

The automotive shop at the Boys and Girls Club in Ronan looks like the real deal. The three-bay shop boasts a lift in one bay, compliments of Don Aadsen Ford, and is equipped with automotive supplies and tools, vehicles and parts. The young mechanics working there are Ronan Charter Academy students, who attend either a morning or an afternoon session three days a week.

Rain fails to quench St. Paddy’s Day parade or spirits
March 26, 2026 midnight

Rain fails to quench St. Paddy’s Day parade or spirits

It’s always a guessing game on St Patrick’s Day - will it be stormy or sunny (or both)? As someone whose birthday is on March 17, I can tell you the scales tip heavily towards stormy and last Tuesday was no exception.

Ronan City Council OKs pawn shop, adds Melton to police board
March 19, 2026 midnight

Ronan City Council OKs pawn shop, adds Melton to police board

Ronan’s City Council meeting on March 11 saw the council selecting former council member Marlene Melton to serve on Ronan’s Police Board. In other business, council members discussed the Ronan Board of Adjustment’s suggestion to add “pawn shop” to the uses for the parcel of land located at 35958 Round Butte Road, but not the entire subdivision.