Hagadone News Network

Black-powder enthusiasts gather for Fort Connah Turkey Shoot

“Fire in the hole,” someone yelled as the ear-piercing crack of a black-powder rifle split the silence last Saturday at Fort Connah, north of St. Ignatius.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 HOUR, 59 MINUTES AGO

Drug Court: Breaking the cycle of addiction

“This is one of my proudest moments,” said Susan Pierre, standing before a crowded courtroom on the third floor of the Lake County Courthouse. “I have my son, my daughter, my niece all graduating from Drug Court.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 DAY, 1 HOUR AGO

Black-powder enthusiasts gather for Fort Connah Turkey Shoot

“Fire in the hole,” someone yelled as the ear-piercing crack of a black-powder rifle split the silence last Saturday at Fort Connah, north of St. Ignatius.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 DAY, 1 HOUR AGO

Three Native women offset Lake County's red rout

Lake County sends four new legislators to Helena in January, and due, in part, to statewide redistricting, three are Democrats: Shelly Fyant and Jacinda Morigeau, both of Arlee, and Thedis Crowe of Heart Butte. Also new to the delegation is Tracy Sharp of Polson.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 DAY, 1 HOUR AGO

Arlee basketball coach killed in head-on collision

The community of Arlee is grieving the loss of 29-year-old Anthony J. "Nugget" Whiteman Runs Him, who died after colliding with a large truck in Ravalli last Thursday, Oct. 31.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 1 DAY AGO

Arlee basketball coach killed in head-on collision

The community of Arlee is grieving the loss of 29-year-old Anthony J. "Nugget" Whiteman Runs Him, who died after colliding with a large truck in Ravalli last Thursday, Oct. 31.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 1 DAY AGO

Polson officer receives Lifesaving Award

Police Chief George Simpson presented officer Marcus Lindquist with a Lifesaving Award during Monday night’s meeting of the Polson City Commission.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 1 DAY AGO

Charlo saves money and kilowatts with HVAC upgrade

Charlo School District board member Daniel Cahoon remembers the good old days, when he used to descend “into the dungeon” below the high school to help janitor Pat Marmon keep the school’s ancient heating system alive.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 WEEK, 1 DAY AGO

Election Time: Polls open Tuesday across Lake County

As of Monday, Lake County Election Administrator Toni Kramer reported that more than 60% of the absentee and early voting ballots had been returned, well in advance of Tuesday's Election Day deadline.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 1 DAY AGO

Let's be neighbors first

Finally, the election is upon us, and I’m pretty sure we’ll all breathe a sigh of relief when it’s over.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 WEEKS, 1 DAY AGO

Polson city manager offers Civics 101 class

Polson City Manager Ed Meece is a self-described “government geek.” His enthusiasm for the inner workings of city government and his hope that citizens will catch the bug too is behind “Civics 101: Polson,” a class he’s teaching from 5:30-7 p.m. Oct. 29 at Polson City Hall.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 WEEKS, 1 DAY AGO

Lewings stage "Meagher of the Sword" before Australian debut

The Port Polson Players are gearing up for their 50th season of presenting live community theatre to Mission Valley audiences with a two-person production of “Meagher of the Sword.” The duo stages the show Oct. 25-27 at the John Dowdall Theatre on the Lake in Polson, before taking it to …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 WEEKS, 1 DAY AGO

Former treasurer coaches new candidate for office

An old hand is temporarily at the helm of the Lake County Treasurer’s Office. But emergency acting treasurer Robin Vert-Rubel says she’ll happily relinquish the reins at the end of the year, when candidate Rebecca Maso takes the oath of office.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 WEEKS, 1 DAY AGO

City urged to tackle noxious weeds

Chuck Jarecki, a retired rancher and former member of the Lake County Weed Board, scolded the City of Polson for letting weeds proliferate on city rights-of-way during the Polson City Commission meeting on Monday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO

Sen. Tester delivers pep talk in Polson

U.S. Senator Jon Tester, the lone Democrat representing Montana at the national level, dropped by campaign headquarters in Polson Sunday to pose for pictures and chat with supporters and volunteers who were heading out to knock doors on his behalf.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO

Legislative Forum Part II: Candidates on abortion rights, housing & education

Many of Lake County's legislative candidates gathered Sept. 26 at the Montecahto Club near Finley Point for a forum moderated by Thomas Spencer, who teaches government classes at Polson High. The Leader focused on their responses to questions about Medicaid expansion and property taxes in last week's issue, and covers …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 MONTH AGO

Ronan community mourns victim of alleged murder

The community of Ronan is reeling from the loss of Ed Loder, 67, who was allegedly murdered Saturday, Aug. 31, as he walked along the bike trail near his home and shop on Timberlane Road, southeast of Ronan.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 MONTHS AGO

Dragon Boats Return: Paddlers ply Flathead River

Women in pink, or wearing glitter from head to toe, lined up to slide into their seats in the 40-foot-long dragon boats.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 MONTHS AGO

Community mourns death of Ed Loder

The community of Ronan is reeling from the loss of Ed Loder, 67, who was allegedly murdered Saturday, Aug. 31, as he walked along the bike trail near his home and shop on Timberlane Road, southeast of Ronan. The family has planned his memorial service for 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 MONTHS AGO

Lake County struggles with wage increases for county workers

Lake County employees won’t see much of a pay increase in the coming year if commissioners stick with a plan passed by the Board of Compensation on Tuesday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

County budget crunch apt to impact employee paychecks

Lake County employees won’t see much of a pay increase in the coming year if the county commissioners stick with a plan passed by the Board of Compensation Tuesday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

EPA grant funds program to monitor pesticides in water

Currently, “We have almost no data of what's in our water” in terms of pesticide residue, says Malison.

BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

EPA grant funds program to monitor pesticides in water

Pesticides and herbicides are readily available and widely used by everyone from homeowners to the ag industry to municipalities. They keep golf courses green and help knock back invasions of knapweed – Montana’s “other” state flower.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

EPA grant funds program to monitor pesticides in water

Pesticides and herbicides are readily available and widely used by everyone from homeowners to the ag industry to municipalities. But what’s the impact of these chemicals on our water?

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

The Big Blow: Friday's storm downed trees, knocked out power

A wind speed of 58 mph was clocked Friday evening in Ronan as a storm swept through Lake County. Speeds of 47 mph riled Flathead Lake at Big Arm, while a speed of 50.8 mph was recorded at a weather station east of St. Ignatius. In Ronan, four houses were …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Five file to serve on Polson Government Study Commission

Five local residents have filed for Polson’s Local Government Review Commission, and one has filed for St. Ignatius. Ronan has no candidates, unless someone files as a write-in by Sept. 3.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

The P-Town Classic: 'It's all about Polson'

The inaugural P-Town Classic, an alumni and faculty golf scramble held last Saturday, drew 81 golfers to Polson Bay Golf Course and raised $1,500 for the Polson Booster Club.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS AGO

Passion for the natural world takes Ronan grad to Costa Rica

Mollie Sydnor, a 2023 graduate of Ronan High School, likes turtles, water and the natural world. Those interests converged during a recent internship at the Pacuare Nature Reserve in Costa Rica, where she spent a several months monitoring nesting leatherback sea turtles.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners approve levy to pay for Lake County Jail expansion

Property taxes will go up across Lake County in November due to a $3.8 million judgement levy passed last week by the county commissioners to help cover the costs of expanding and remodeling the jail.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners approve levy to pay for jail expansion

Property taxes will go up across Lake County in November due to a $3.8 million judgement levy passed last week by the county commissioners to help cover the costs of expanding and remodeling the jail.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Sentinel of the Lake: Bio Station celebrates 125 years

The place known as the Sentinel of Flathead Lake has guarded the lake’s pristine water quality since 1899 and Jim Elser, director of the Flathead Lake Biological Station, hopes it will still be doing that job 125 years from now.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Sentinel of the Lake: Bio Station celebrates 125 years

The place known as the Sentinel of Flathead Lake has guarded the lake’s pristine water quality since 1899 and Jim Elser, director of the Flathead Lake Biological Station, hopes it will still be doing that job 125 years from now.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Lake County bills state for Public Law 280 expenses

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen was sent a bill Monday for $151,038 – the cost Lake County says was spent to detain, transport and prosecute tribal members accused of committing felonies in Lake County during the month of June.

BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Ronan receives $1.25M to revitalize downtown

Four decades ago, Ronan’s Main Street was a bustling place, with grocery, clothing, furniture, hardware and drug stores, cafes and even a jewelry shop. But as small towns everywhere declined and box stores flourished, those Main Street businesses moved to the highway corridor or closed completely.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Lake County bills state for Public Law 280 expenses

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen was sent a bill Monday for $151,038 – the cost Lake County says was spent to detain, transport and prosecute tribal members accused of committing felonies in Lake County during the month of June.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Chock-full of Cherries: Polson festival draws vendors, visitors

Downtown Polson was bursting with ripe cherries and flooded with festival-goers during this year’s Flathead Cherry Festival, held last Saturday and Sunday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Passion for the natural world lands Ronan grad in Costa Rica

Mollie Sydnor, who graduated from Ronan High School in 2023, likes turtles, water and the natural world. Those interests converged during a recent internship at the Pacuare Nature Reserve in Costa Rica, where she spent a few months monitoring nesting leatherback sea turtles.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

The Last Slice: Hospice nurse shares memoir

Longtime Hospice nurse RuthiE Neilan, who grew up in Ronan, shares her memoir, “A sweet Taste of the Last Slice,” during a reading and reception at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, at the North Lake County Library in Polson. She’ll also participate in the First Saturday event, 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Lake County bills state for Public Law 280 expenses

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen was sent a bill Monday for $151,038 – the cost Lake County says was spent to detain, transport and prosecute tribal members accused of committing felonies in Lake County during the month of June.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Lake County bills DOJ for Public Law 280 expenses

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen was sent a bill Monday for $151,038 – the cost Lake County says was spent to detain, transport and prosecute tribal members accused of committing felonies in Lake County during the month of June.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Revitalizing Ronan: $1.25 million grant gives community a big boost

Four decades ago, Ronan’s Main Street was a bustling place, with grocery, clothing, furniture, hardware and drug stores, cafes and even a jewelry shop. But as small towns everywhere declined and box stores flourished, those Main Street businesses moved to the highway corridor or closed completely.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Poker Paddle attracts young and young at heart

“Wave your arms if you need help,” Kelly Thompson of Lake County Search & Rescue instructed a small boy on a neon-green kayak. That was just one of the safety tips she offered before nudging him away from shore at Boettcher Park to join the rest of his family in …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

General Election shuffle continues down ballot

This weekend’s major reshuffle at the top of the presidential ticket isn’t the only impending change-up on the General Election ballot.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Good Old Days beats the heat

For more than 40 years, Good Old Days has delivered a rousing community celebration to St. Ignatius on the third weekend in July. This year’s extravaganza was no exception.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Festival of Art draws nearly 50 vendors

Kirstin Baker of Dragonfly Pottery in Belgrade brought her own fan to the Flathead Lake Festival of Art, where temperatures were in the low 90s Saturday afternoon.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Flathead Monster comes ashore in Polson

A sinuous creature now swims in Sacajawea Park, thanks in large part to the vision of Pat Binger, the artistry of sculptor John Leon, and the hard work of Polson City Parks and Recreation staff.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

CSKT Tribal Complex named in honor of Vern Clairmont

Vern Clairmont, who died a year ago on July 11, was honored earlier this month at the Tribal Complex, which has been renamed in his honor.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 3 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Community efforts help shape “the cutest fairgrounds around”

Facilities and fair manager Sjaan Vincent was helping a crew of young workers build and paint a fence recently in preparation for the upcoming Lake County Fair. They carefully measured and placed rails, then added a coat of brown paint – with Vincent lending a hand and supervising the endeavor.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS AGO

Extension crew revs up for Lake County Fair

The Lake County Extension office in Ronan is humming this time of year, as Agents Taylor Mullen and Claudia Andrade gear up for the Lake County Fair.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS AGO

Commission says yes to storage units, negotiating manager contract

The Polson City Commission considered two developments and decided whether to pursue an employment contract with the city manager at Monday's meeting.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS AGO

Flathead Monster comes ashore in Polson

A sinuous creature now swims in Sacajawea Park, thanks in large part to the vision of Pat Binger, the artistry of sculptor John Leon, and the hard work of Polson City Parks and Recreation staff.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS AGO

Paddle Palooza: Cancer survivors paddle for health and healing

When Nan Condit first began paddling dragon boats and a solo outrigger canoe as part of her path to breast cancer recovery, she had no idea her passion would eventually morph into last weekend’s Paddle Palooza.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS AGO

Lake County commissioners plan to impose levy for jail expansion

Lake County commissioners unanimously approved earlier this month two resolutions aimed at financing the new courthouse annex and paying for an expansion of the jail.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 MONTHS AGO

The British came to Polson, but didn't stay long

For the third year in a row, Polson parade-watchers were treated to a reenactment of the battles of Lexington and Concord, beginning when Paul Revere galloped down Main Street, shouting “The British are coming!”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Tribal Complex named in honor of Vern Clairmont

Vern Clairmont, who died a year ago on July 11, was honored last Friday at the Tribal Complex, which has been renamed in his honor.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Polson parade boasts nearly 50 entries

There were 47 entries in Polson’s Fourth of July parade – just shy of last year’s 52 entrants.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Polson commission authorizes PILT agreement with S&K Gaming

The Polson City Commission unanimously approved a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) agreement with S&K Gaming during its regular meeting Monday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

County commissioners plan to impose levy for jail expansion

At a meeting Monday morning, the Lake County Commissioners unanimously approved two resolutions aimed at financing the new courthouse annex and paying for an expansion of the jail.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Outgoing finance director helped reshape budget process

Kim Sassaman, the City of Polson’s recently retired finance director, headed for her new home in Florida in late June with her second “clean audit” report behind her, and a more relaxing future ahead.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Fourth festivities stretch from Arlee to Polson

Parades begin at noon in Arlee, Charlo and Polson, and the 124th annual Arlee Celebration fills the Powwow Grounds with traditional dancing, drumming and vendors July 1-7.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Hospital shift: St. Joseph COO moves to St. Luke

Devin Huntley, chief operating officer at St. Joseph Medical Center, steps into the same role 14 miles south on July 15.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Leader stacks up 19 statewide newspaper awards

The Lake County Leader raked in 19 awards at the Montana Newspaper Association’s 139th annual convention and awards banquet, held Saturday in Kalispell – including 10 first place awards in Division I for writing, layout and photography.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Lake County petitions White House to remedy Flathead Lake’s water woes

Lake County commissioners sent a letter to President Joe Biden June 6, asking him to intercede “on behalf of two counties and affected U.S. citizens visiting this area” and to make compensation for “depredations” by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, mostly pertaining to the low water level in Flathead …

BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Library hosts boat-building extravaganza

Young boat builders assembled at Sacajawea Park in Polson last Thursday for the North Lake County Library’s annual boat-building challenge.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Lake County petitions White House to remedy Flathead Lake's water woes

Lake County commissioners sent a letter to President Joe Biden June 6, asking him to intercede “on behalf of two counties and affected U.S. citizens visiting this area” and to make compensation for “depredations” by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, mostly pertaining to the low water level in Flathead …

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Lake County petitions White House to remedy Flathead Lake's water woes

Lake County commissioners sent a letter to President Joe Biden June 6, asking him to intercede “on behalf of two counties and affected U.S. citizens visiting this area” and to make compensation for “depredations” by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, mostly pertaining to the low water level in Flathead …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Tribes receive $7.7 million from USDA for meat-processing plant

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are among eight tribal nations that recently received an Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Tribes receive $7.7 million from USDA for meat-processing plant

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are among eight tribal nations that recently received an Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Tribes receive $7.7 million from USDA for meat-processing plant

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are among eight tribal nations that recently received an Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Commissioners reach out to Biden to remedy "treaty depredation"

The Lake County Commissioners sent a letter to President Joe Biden June 6, asking him to intercede “on behalf of two counties and affected U.S. citizens visiting this area” and to make compensation for “depredations” by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, mostly pertaining to the low water level in …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Can commissioners choose cooperation over conflict?

The Lake County Commissioners appear bent on reopening old controversies and unsettling settled law, judging by recent missives they’ve sent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (March 1) and President Joe Biden (June 6).

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Chowing down at the Flossie Challenge

Sam Dempsey ate his fill, and then some, last Friday at Big Arm Resort and Casino.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 4 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Ronan intersection evokes public outcry

School buses are big and require ample space to execute a turn, especially when there’s a vehicle in the lane where the bus is turning. That observation was made abundantly clear to this reporter when she took a ride last Friday with Matt Gaut, director of transportation for the Ronan …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS AGO

Chainsaw Virtuosos: A dozen carvers help raise funds for youth groups

A chorus of chainsaws rose from the fairgrounds in Ronan last weekend as a dozen carvers transformed logs into a veritable zoo of feathered and furred friends.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS AGO

Primary Results: Gale Decker prevails in commission race

According to unofficial results released Wednesday morning by the Lake County Election Office, 8,968 ballots were cast in Tuesday’s primary election.County Commissioner Gale Decker handily won the Republican primary with 44.75% of the vote.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS AGO

Rock-Skipping Championship settled by throw-off

George Murphy held onto his crown in the males, 14 and over division, at the Ken Avison Memorial Flathead Lake Rock-Skipping Championship, held Sunday in Polson. But his win came only after without surviving a tense throw-off against Lex Avison and Polson Mayor Eric Huffine, after all three tallied 14 …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Speakers remind Polson grads "time is precious"

From the opening notes of Pomp and Circumstance to the confetti-filled flinging of mortarboards, Polson’s graduation ceremony Saturday was a blend of humor and poignancy, pride and playfulness.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

New sculpture graces busy Polson street corner

With a storm blowing in from the north May 23, Cameron Decker unveiled “Still Life,” an outdoor sculpture that graces the southeast corner of Third Avenue and Main Street in Polson.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Lake County's John Grant leaves a legacy defined by birds, land and water

At Leon Hall, just south of Ninepipe, friends, neighbors and colleagues gathered Saturday to celebrate the legacy of retired wildlife-area manager John Grant and his 33-year effort to tend and protect a vast swath of critical wildlife habitat.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Mission's Class of 2024: "You are capable of greatness"

As St. Ignatius High School Principal Shawn Hendrickson bid farewell to 32 graduates Saturday afternoon, he told the audience that this year’s crop had reeled in $1,147,000 in scholarships. “Valley-wide, statewide, nationwide – those are astounding numbers,” he said.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Residents encouraged to weigh in at public hearing

Lake County residents and organizations have a unique opportunity to weigh in on local priorities during a public hearing next Thursday, June 6, at 10 a.m. in the County Commissioners Chambers at the Lake County Courthouse in Polson.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Memorial Day: “Hard to put into words”

Kids, dressed in red, white and blue, carried plastic bags in hopes candy would be tossed during the Memorial Day parade in Polson. A smattering of adults lined Main Street too. No one seemed sure what to expect.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Women 4 Wellness gives back to the community

A team of “fierce women” spends months piecing together Women 4 Wellness, the giant healthcare fair held annually at Salish Kootenai College. According to Kellie Hudson, director of the Center for Prevention and Wellness at SKC, the event has served more than 15,000 women during its first 12 years (two …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Charlo graduates 17: "We turned out pretty okay”

Charlo High graduated 17 seniors Sunday from what Hayden Smith described as “the most unforgettable chapter of our lives.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

New sculpture unveiled on Main Street

With a storm blowing in from the north, Cameron Decker unveiled “Still Life,” an outdoor sculpture that graces the southeast corner of Third Ave. and Main Street in Polson.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Commissioners and governor meet to discuss PL 280

It’s safe to say the future of Public Law 280 – the 60-year-old law enforcement agreement that’s given Lake County jurisdiction over most felonies committed by members of federally recognized tribes within its boundaries – is up in the air. However, Lake County Commissioners Gale Decker and Bill Barron and …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Bad roads jar Hillside Estates approval

Should a developer be asked to improve substandard city streets leading to a new subdivision? That’s the question the Polson City Commission wrestled with at Monday’s public hearing and meeting regarding approval of the preliminary plat for a proposed new subdivision, Hillside Estates.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Pump & Roll: Firefighters rendezvous for spring training

Around 75 volunteer firefighters from across Lake County gathered at the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire last Friday and Saturday near Pablo to learn new skills and refresh old ones.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 5 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Primary Profiles: Four Republicans seek county commission seat

Three Republicans, Wes Baertsch, Max Krantz and Josh Senecal, are vying for the Lake County Commissioner seat currently held by Gale Decker, who is also running for reelection. The winner of this race will face Independent Kelly P. McDonald in the general election in November.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS AGO

Pharmacy in the Family: Ernie Ratzburg inspires great niece

Newly minted pharmacist Madeline Hellinger recently worked side by side with her great uncle, Ernie Ratzburg – the longest-working pharmacist in Montana with 60 years beneath his crisp white jacket.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS AGO

Two special district races end in tie votes

According to unofficial results, last Tuesday’s election for special districts and school board trustees yielded two ties. Patrick Lennon and Rhonda Walter each collected 106 votes for the one seat available on the Chief Cliff Fire District board. At the other end of Lake County, James “Tyke” Allaire and Anthony …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS AGO

Mercer appointed to 20th Judicial District Court

Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath was at the Lake County Courthouse Monday to administer the oath of office to Polson attorney John Mercer as he donned a black robe and the responsibilities of a District Court judge.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS AGO

Woman arrested after fatal head-on crash

A fiery head-on crash at the north end of the Armed Forces Bridge in Polson Sunday killed one motorist and injured another.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS AGO

County breaks ground on new Dave Stipe Annex

Family members of former Lake County Commissioner Dave Stipe helped break ground last Tuesday on the new 15,000-square-foot Dave Stipe Annex. Swank Enterprises is general contractor on the structure, which is going up on the corner of Fifth Ave. E. and First St. W., southwest of the existing courthouse.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Candidate Profiles: Senate District 46

Lake County voters face only two contests at the local level in June’s primary. On the Democratic side of the ballot, voters from Ronan south will choose between Jacinda Morigeau and C.B. Pearson, who are each vying to represent Senate District 46. The winner will face Republican candidate Charles Headley …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

AG says state will consider funding for PL 280

Whether fueled by election-year largesse or Lake County’s impending withdrawal from Public Law 280, Attorney General Austin Knudsen delivered some long-awaited good news Monday. The office of Gov. Greg Gianforte, he said, “has authorized me to convey to you folks they would sign a bill through the Legislature that provided …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Olive Branch: AG says state will consider funding for PL 280

Whether fueled by election-year largesse or Lake County’s impending withdrawal from Public Law 280, Attorney General Austin Knudsen delivered some long-awaited good news Monday. The office of Gov. Greg Gianforte, he said, “has authorized me to convey to you folks they would sign a bill through the Legislature that provided …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Olive Branch: AG says state will consider funding for PL 280

Whether fueled by election-year largesse or Lake County’s impending withdrawal from Public Law 280, Attorney General Austin Knudsen delivered some long-awaited good news Monday. The office of Gov. Greg Gianforte, he said, “has authorized me to convey to you folks they would sign a bill through the Legislature that provided …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Lake County Almanac John Grant leaves a legacy defined by birds, land and water

At Leon Hall, just south of Ninepipe, friends, neighbors and colleagues gathered Saturday to celebrate the legacy of retired wildlife-area manager John Grant and his 33-year effort to tend and protect a vast swath of critical wildlife habitat.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Students plant cherry trees in honor of Arbor Day

A dozen kids in Nicole Camel’s eighth-grade WEB class gathered at Boettcher Park Friday to plant a trio of flowering cherry trees. The Polson Middle School students are continuing a pre-pandemic tradition of planting trees in city parks on Arbor Day.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Defrocking Miss Daisy: Sheep shearer and spinners share wool basics

Daisy announced her presence at the Boys and Girls Club in Polson last week by leaving a fragrant deposit on the floor of the entryway, which in turn caused a boy to squeeze his nose closed and scurry past.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Earth Day: Tribes host daylong celebration

The Earth Day Celebration, held last Friday at Salish Kootenai College, brought together scientists, activists and tribal officials to celebrate accomplishments and explore the challenges that lie ahead in addressing climate change.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 6 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Band Tin Finley brings strong melodies to Polson theater performance

For Polson native Kati O’Toole, the concert April 20 at the Theatre on the Lake in Polson marks a musical homecoming. The Polson High School grad joins another alum, bassist Eric Hogenson, and friends and bandmates Annette Strean and Kirk Cornelius in Tin Finley – a band named after Nashville’s …

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 MONTHS AGO

Sandpiper launches Art4Polson initiative

The community of Polson is about to become several shades more vibrant, thanks the Art4Polson public art initiative recently launched by Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gifts.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 7 MONTHS AGO

Fentanyl: Changing the landscape

Fentanyl, the synthetic opioid flooding the illicit drug market in the U.S., is 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. For children, it’s even more lethal.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 7 MONTHS AGO

Mercer applies to fill judicial vacancy for Lake and Sanders counties

Longtime Polson attorney and former state legislator and Speaker of the House John Mercer has applied to fill the remaining office term of former District Court Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher, who resigned from the bench effective April 5.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 7 MONTHS AGO

John Mercer applies to fill judicial vacancy

Longtime Polson attorney and former state legislator and Speaker of the House John Mercer has applied to fill the remaining office term of former District Court Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher, who resigned from the bench effective April 5.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 MONTHS AGO

Tin Finley: Polson show marks homecoming for Montana-based band

For Polson native Kati O’Toole, the concert April 20 at the Theatre on the Lake in Polson marks a musical homecoming. The Polson High School grad joins another alum, bassist Eric Hogenson, and friends and bandmates Annette Strean and Kirk Cornelius in Tin Finley – a band named after Nashville’s …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

John Mercer applies to fill judicial vacancy

Longtime Polson attorney and former state legislator and Speaker of the House John Mercer has applied to fill the remaining office term of former District Court Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher, who resigned from the bench effective April 5.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Civic Duty: Election judges play essential role

Election judge Paula Craft calls herself “an ambassador for elections and election integrity.” She’s worked for the Lake County Election Office since 2016 in the third-floor conference room that’s transformed into a place called Central Count.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Partial solar eclipse hits Mission Valley April 8

Granted, Montana is not among the 15 states that will spend a moment in total darkness as the rare full solar eclipse passes overhead April 8. Still, the Mission Valley will be treated to a partial eclipse at around 12:40 p.m. as the Moon’s shadow glides across the Earth.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Uncharted territory: U.S. Attorney paints bleak picture of 280 withdrawal

During a meeting that lasted more than an hour, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich and U.S. Assistant Attorney Ryan Weldon sought to map the law-enforcement landscape in Lake County after the county officially withdraws from Public Law 280 on May 20. They painted a rather bleak and muddled picture.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Landowners object to FWS efforts to use conservation lands for new headquarters

Dean Vaughan, a biologist who has worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for more than 30 years, was finishing a conference call in his home office south of Charlo last October when he noticed something unusual happening at the property across the road.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Judge Christopher announces resignation, effective April 5

In a letter dated March 15, District Court Judge Kim Christopher informed Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath that she is officially stepping down from her duties April 5. She calls the decision to resign “especially bittersweet,” given her family’s long history in Lake and Sanders counties.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Judge Christopher announces resignation, effective April 5

In a letter dated March 15, District Court Judge Kim Christopher informed Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath that she is officially stepping down from her duties April 5. She calls the decision to resign “especially bittersweet,” given her family’s long history in Lake and Sanders counties.

BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Ronan dressed up in green for St. Patrick's Day

A profusion of green sprouted along Main Street in Ronan Saturday afternoon as spectators and parade participants alike paid homage to St. Patrick – the patron saint of Ireland.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Judge Christopher announces resignation

In a letter dated March 15, District Court Judge Kim Christopher informed Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike McGrath that she is officially stepping down from her duties April 5. She calls the decision to resign “especially bittersweet,” given her family’s long history in Lake and Sanders counties.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 7 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

More candidates enlist before Monday deadline

Monday’s deadline evoked a last-minute flurry of candidate filings at the local election office and with the Secretary of State.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS AGO

Lake County officials look for answers on Public Law 28 withdrawal from U.S. Attorney

Frustration seemed to be the tenor this week at the Lake County Courthouse as public officials contemplate their withdrawal from Public Law 280, which has given the county felony jurisdiction over tribal members on the Flathead Reservation for nearly 60 years.

BIGFORK EAGLE | UPDATED 8 MONTHS AGO

Officials look for answers from U.S. Attorney on Public Law 280

Frustration seemed to be the tenor this week at the Lake County Courthouse as public officials contemplate their withdrawal from Public Law 280, which has given the county felony jurisdiction over tribal members on the Flathead Reservation for nearly 60 years.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 8 MONTHS AGO

Water managers host meeting on water supply outlook

With the official first day of spring less than a week away, farmers, ranchers and recreationists are paying close attention to weather forecasts and snowpack measurements – as are the region’s water managers.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS AGO

County officials look for answers from U.S. Attorney

Frustration seemed to be the tenor this week at the Lake County Courthouse as public officials contemplate their withdrawal from Public Law 280, which has given the county felony jurisdiction over tribal members on the Flathead Reservation for nearly 60 years.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS AGO

Lake County officials look for answers on Public Law 28 withdrawal from U.S. Attorney

Frustration seemed to be the tenor this week at the Lake County Courthouse as public officials contemplate their withdrawal from Public Law 280, which has given the county felony jurisdiction over tribal members on the Flathead Reservation for nearly 60 years.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 MONTHS AGO

Commission candidate alleges Decker doesn’t reside in Ronan district

Josh Senecal, a candidate for Commission District 3, filed a complaint with the Commissioner of Political Practices Feb. 29, alleging that incumbent Lake County Commissioner Gale Decker, who has filed for reelection, does not reside in the district he serves.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS AGO

Filing deadline is Monday for federal, state, county elections

The filing deadline is March 11 – less than a week away – for candidates seeking federal, state or county offices. According to a press release from the Secretary of State’s office, 32 candidate filings were processed last week. As of March 1, a total of 328 candidate filings had …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Gianforte addresses Lake County's withdrawal from Public Law 280

In a long-awaited letter, Gov. Greg Gianforte informed the Lake County Commissioners March 1 that his administration had no intention of allocating “current resources to assist with law enforcement in Lake County” after May 20, when the county officially pulls out of Public Law 280.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Not my problem

Governor Greg Gianforte finally responded to Lake County’s formal decision to pull out of Public Law 280 with a letter that could be paraphrased as “Not my problem.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Governor responds to PL-280 withdrawal

In a long-awaited letter, Gov. Greg Gianforte informed the Lake County Commissioners March 1 that his administration had no intention of allocating “current resources to assist with law enforcement in Lake County” after May 20, when the county officially pulls out of Public Law 280.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Polson Commission approves summer watering restrictions

At its regular meeting Monday night, the Polson City Commission approved a new ordinance aimed at conserving municipal water during the summer months by limiting outdoor watering from June 10-Sept. 30.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Wildire “the new norm” says county mitigation specialist

Carey Cooley, Rollins fire chief and Lake County’s fire mitigation coordinator, is passionate about fire – or more specifically, preventing it. She’s spent the last 18 months bringing together a range of stakeholders to update the county’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan. And now, it’s ready for public input before the …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Federal agency says Energy Keepers managed lake level appropriately

Flathead Lake was 2,884.66 feet above sea level Feb. 28, 2023, and sat at 2886.12 feet Tuesday. But neither elevation predicts the summer ahead, or whether a lowered lake level will continue to frustrate boaters and businesses.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Voice of Democracy: Polson senior pens winning state essay, heads to D.C.

In an essay that captured first place in the statewide Voice of Democracy contest, Polson High senior Isabel Seeley explores the nation’s foundation, concluding that willingness to participate in our democracy is essential to our future.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Shiver in the River lands in a pool

Thirty-five intrepid souls leaped off the dock at Riverside Park in Polson Saturday during Shiver in the River, the annual fundraiser for Special Olympics Montana. But this year, instead of plunging into the frigid Flathead River, they landed in an ice-infused swimming pool.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Ryan Busse introduces running mate at SKC

Salish Kootenai College was the first stop in gubernatorial candidate Ryan Busse’s swing through Montana this week to introduce his running mate, Helena attorney Raph Graybill.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Former firefighter guilty of setting two wildland blazes

McClure was guilty of starting the approximately 18-acre Finley fire on Evaro Hill and the devastating Boulder 2700 fire, July 31, 2021, on the east shore of Flathead Lake. The latter blaze burned 2,589 acres, consumed 14 homes and 17 other structures, and forced the evacuation of Finley Point.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 8 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Attorney files for embattled judge's seat in 20th Judicial District

Local attorney Britt Cotter filed last week for the Lake and Sanders counties District Court seat held by embattled Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Bad roads contribute to double fatality

Snow and icy roads contributed to a fatal collision on Highway 93 Thursday evening that killed 80-year-old Ila Griffin, and her passenger, 7-year-old Kathryn Griffin, of Ronan.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Jury finds Craig McCrea guilty of two counts of felony arson

Former firefighter Craig McCrea was found guilty Feb. 8 on two of four counts of arson after a dramatic four-day trial at the Lake County Courthouse.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

"Aghast" foils Spelling Bee contestant

St. Ignatius fourth grader Kysen Incashola almost won the Lake County Spelling Bee until he fumbled “aghast,” after precisely spelling “milligram.” The faux pas landed him back in the competition, which was ultimately won by Charlo fifth grader Apollonia Hall, who correctly spelled “cupidity” and “methane.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Attorney files for embattled judge's seat

Local attorney Britt Cotter filed last week for the District Court seat currently held by embattled Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Jury finds Craig McCrea guilty of igniting Boulder 2700 fire

Former firefighter Craig McCrea was found guilty last Thursday on two of four counts of arson after a dramatic four-day trial at the Lake County Courthouse.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS AGO

Lake County jury deliberates on complex arson case

“In Montana, smoke on the air means a lot of different things to a lot of different people,” Assistant Attorney General Thorin Geist told jurors Monday morning at the Lake County Courthouse. “But in the summer of 2021, that smell meant one thing to the defendant, Craig McCrea. The evidence …

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Jury finds Craig McCrea guilty of two counts of felony arson

During opening statements in the trial against accused arsonist Craig McCrea, Assistant Attorney General Thorin Geist told jurors what to expect from the prosecution as the trial unfolded this week at the Lake County Courthouse. After three days of testimony, they began deliberations around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, and emerged five …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Jury finds Craig McCrea guilty of two counts of felony arson

During opening statements in the trial against accused arsonist Craig McCrea, Assistant Attorney General Thorin Geist told jurors what to expect from the prosecution as the trial unfolded this week at the Lake County Courthouse. After three days of testimony, they began deliberations around 11:30 a.m. Thursday, and emerged five …

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Hospital directors say Medicaid expansion crucial to Lake County

Two hospital administrators and the former head of the state Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) sat in on a Democratic Party-sponsored listening tour Jan. 25 at the senior center in Ronan. At the top of their list of concerns was whether the 2025 Legislature was likely to …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Lively Library: The North Lake County Library prepares to reopen

It’s been years in the planning and a year in the building, but Polson’s North Lake County Library is about to open its doors to an eager community.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Trial begins Friday for accused arsonist Craig McCrea

A jury trial for accused arsonist Craig Allen McCrea begins Friday with jury selection at the Ronan Community Center. The trial begins Monday at the Lake County Courthouse with opening statements. McCrea is accused of intentionally igniting the devastating Boulder 2700 fire in August 2021, and two smaller fires the …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Duck Boat Dynasty: Middle schoolers build inventive cardboard crafts

A flotilla of cardboard boats, held together with duct tape and ingenuity, churned across the Mission Valley Aquatic Center pool last Wednesday and Thursday, each with its own Polson Middle School rowing crew.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

School bomb threats had "low credibility"

A grim email message arrived in the in-boxes of more than 200 Montana schools last week. Employees of the Ronan School District, including Pablo Elementary principal Ryan Fisher and the Ronan business clerk, received three threats late Jan. 16 that threatened retaliation "for America's great injustice against our nation."

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Snow, freezing rain cause crashes, slide-ins

As welcome as snow is – especially for skiers and irrigators – it’s arrival has created havoc for drivers and local law enforcement.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Odd Hours. No Pay. Cool Hat.: Film celebrates volunteer firefighters

In the trailer to the film “Odd Hours. Cool Hat. No Pay,” a woman says, “They handed me a piece of paper and said, ‘fill this out. We have a meeting Wednesday night.’ My husband said, ‘where have you been?’ I said, ‘I think I joined the fire department.’” That’s …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 9 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

State Supreme Court dumps Judge Christopher from child custody case

In the High Court ruling, justices write that Christopher “erred as a matter of law” and caused a “gross injustice” by abruptly removing the child from his mother’s custody, giving full custody to the father for the next five years and barring the mother from all contact with her son.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 10 MONTHS AGO

Sometimes we all need a hand

Last Thursday, I walked to work in a snowstorm. I walked home in a blizzard.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 10 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners vote to streamline lakeshore protection regs

After multiple community meetings and three public hearings, the Lake County Commissioners voted last Thursday to significantly update the Lakeshore Protection Regulations.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 10 MONTHS AGO

The Last Harvest: Fleming brothers retire from growing seed potatoes

The Fleming brothers, Pat and Neal, stand in front of their final crop of seed potatoes, heaped into a knobby mountain at one of their cellars near Pablo. It's the end of an era.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 MONTHS AGO

Montana Supreme Court removes Lake County judge from child-custody case

In a 5-0 opinion, the Montana Supreme Court took what justices describe as “an extraordinary remedy” of asserting “supervisory control” over a Lake County child-custody case.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

First "Polson Treasure" award goes to Lee Manicke

Lee Manicke shows up at almost every Polson City Commission meeting, and often attempts to educate the city manager, staff or commissioners on the intricacies of the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district or history of city ordinances. City officials sometimes welcome and sometimes bristle at his input. But at last …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Supreme Court removes Judge Christopher from child-custody case

In a 5-0 opinion, the Montana Supreme Court took what justices describe as “an extraordinary remedy” of asserting “supervisory control” over a Lake County child-custody case. The decision, issued Jan. 2, returned a 5-year-old child to the custody of his mother, Shanna Spring ManyWounds of Elmo, and reassigned the case …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Search continues for missing Missoula woman

Friends, family and law enforcement continue searching for 43-year-old Eva Masin Prather, who disappeared from her home in Missoula Dec. 30. According to friends and family, she was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of her disappearance and left without personal items or identification.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Redistricting reshapes local House and Senate races

Thinking of running for elected office? Filing opens Jan. 11 for a slew of county and state positions.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Redistricting reshapes local House and Senate races

Thinking of running for elected office? Filing opens Jan. 11 for a slew of county and state positions.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Polson Commission wraps 2023 with full agenda

The Polson City Commission dashed through a blizzard of agenda items during the first hour of its final meeting of 2023, earning the following praise from City Manager Ed Meece: “Fourteen items in one hour is probably a record.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

CSKT members elect new Tribal Council

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes members chose incumbent James “Bing” Matt as an at-large representative on the Tribal Council.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Resurrection: Three Chiefs Cultural Center returns to Pablo

For Marie Torosian, director of Three Chiefs Cultural Center in Pablo, hope rises from ashes. It lives in every moccasin, headdress, beaded bag or vest that survived the arson-caused fire that demolished the People’s Center Sept. 6, 2020.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Founder of Salish Kootenai College remembered for contributions to community

Many flags across the Flathead Reservation are flying at half-mast this week in honor of Dr. Joe McDonald, a visionary educator and tribal leader who died last Thursday, Dec. 14. The founder of Salish Kootenai College was 92.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Founder of Salish Kootenai College remembered for contributions to community

Many flags across the Flathead Reservation are flying at half-mast this week in honor of Dr. Joe McDonald, a visionary educator and tribal leader who died last Thursday, Dec. 14. The founder of Salish Kootenai College was 92.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 10 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

"Icon of the Tribes": Visionary educator Joe McDonald dies at 92

Many flags across the Flathead Reservation are flying at half-mast this week in honor of Dr. Joe McDonald, a visionary educator and tribal leader who died last Thursday, Dec. 14. The founder of Salish Kootenai College was 92.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS AGO

The Santa Drive: Helping the community one bag at a time

Instead of sleigh bells jingling, sirens blared across Polson last Wednesday night as firetrucks led the 12th annual food and coat drive through town.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS AGO

Public Law 280: The path forward

“You have my commitment that – no matter what happens going forward – if you call 911, we're coming,” Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said during a crowded meeting at the Lake County Courthouse last Thursday.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS AGO

Resurrection: Three Chiefs Cultural Center returns to Pablo

For Marie Torosian, director of Three Chiefs Cultural Center in Pablo, hope rises from ashes. It lives in every moccasin, headdress, beaded bag or vest that survived the arson-caused fire that demolished the People’s Center Sept. 6, 2020.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Two men charged with killing and trafficking eagles

According to an indictment filed Dec. 7 in U.S. District Court in Missoula, two men are charged with unlawful trafficking of bald and golden eagles, hunted and killed on the Flathead Reservation and elsewhere.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Ronan parade, holiday drawings attract crowd

Main Street Ronan was crowded with parade watchers Friday as the annual Parade of Lights made its way through town. Festivities wrapped up at the Visitors’ Center with a giant bonfire, hot cocoa, and drawings for 15 themed gift packages, sponsored by the Ronan Chamber of Commerce.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Tribal, Lake County officials plan for life after Public Law 280

“You have my commitment that – no matter what happens going forward – if you call 911, we're coming,” Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said during a crowded recent meeting at the Lake County Courthouse.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 1 WEEK AGO

Wasps culprits in Pablo well contamination

Thirsty wasps, discovered in the electrical boxes of two wells in Pablo, are blamed for an e. coli contamination that forced residents and businesses to boil water and consume bottled water for two weeks.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Wasps culprits in Pablo well contamination

Thirsty wasps, discovered in the electrical boxes of two wells in Pablo, are blamed for an e. coli contamination that forced residents and businesses to boil water and consume bottled water for two weeks.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Carnival, light parade a success

According to Darren Orr – a veritable Father Christmas in St. Ignatius – this year’s Christmas Carnival and Parade of Lights were a huge success.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Public Law 280: The path forward

“You have my commitment that – no matter what happens going forward – if you call 911, we're coming,” Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said during a crowded meeting at the Lake County Courthouse last Thursday. “We don't care, frankly, who the bad guy is until we know everybody's safe,” …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 2 WEEKS AGO

Supreme Court rules counties must levy 95 mills

A rebellion waged by counties against the Department of Revenue’s assessment of 95 mills for school funding was curtailed last week when the Montana Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the State.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Pablo residents advised to boil water after E. coli detected

After E. coli bacteria was discovered in the water supply in mid-November, nearly 600 Pablo residences and businesses have been advised to boil water at least one minute before drinking it or using water to brush teeth, wash dishes, make ice or prepare food.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Lake County reaches settlement in jail lawsuit

The federal court in Missoula gave final approval Nov. 21 to a settlement between the inmates of Lake County Jail and jail administrators.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Commission gives go-ahead to Immanuel Lutheran subdivision

The Polson City Commission gave a green light to a preliminary plat for a 19-acre subdivision by Immanuel Living at Mission Bay during its meeting Nov. 20.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Lake County initiates withdrawal from law enforcement agreement

The Lake County Board of Commissioners sent a certified letter to Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday, formally announcing their intention to withdraw from Public Law 280, the nearly 60-year-old agreement that gives the state jurisdiction over felonies committed by tribal members on the reservation.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

Lake County initiates withdrawal from law enforcement agreement

The Lake County Board of Commissioners sent a certified letter to Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday, formally announcing their intention to withdraw from Public Law 280, the nearly 60-year-old agreement that gives the state jurisdiction over felonies committed by tribal members on the reservation.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AGO

County initiates withdrawal from law enforcement agreement

The Lake County Commissioners sent a certified letter to Gov. Greg Gianforte Monday, formally announcing their intention to withdraw from Public Law 280, the nearly 60-year-old agreement that gives the state jurisdiction over felonies committed by tribal members on the reservation.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 11 MONTHS, 4 WEEKS AGO

Charlo replaces water-damaged gym floor

The floor in Charlo School’s old gym, damaged after a pipe burst beneath it last month, will be replaced according to Superintendent Steve Love.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

First generation college students set example for the next generation

Last Wednesday, students and faculty gathered at the Robert Depoe Building on the campus of Salish Kootenai College in Pablo to savor pie and a sense of accomplishment.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Barbara Monaco: A lifetime of helping kids

Barbara Monaco retired Oct. 6 after nearly 38 years as a juvenile probation officer for Lake and Sanders counties, most of those at the department’s helm. Just three days earlier, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Montana Board of Crime Control, which characterized her as someone who “puts …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Judge’s ruling favors state in Public Law 280 dispute

Flathead County District Court Judge Amy Eddy ruled against Lake County on Nov. 9 in an ongoing legal battle with the state of Montana over who should fund Public Law 280.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Polson, St. Ignatius elect new council members

Despite some confusion over the write-in election for Polson’s Ward 2 in last Tuesday’s election, Lisa Rehard received 230 votes to David Coffman’s 121. Since neither name actually appeared on the ballot, voters had to write in their preferred candidates.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Grant helps Polson officers, dispatchers deal with stress, trauma

While most adults may experience one traumatic incident in their lifetime, for police officers that number climbs to nearly 200 over the course of a career.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

City slates community meeting to consider 93 bypass

When it comes to managing traffic congestion in Polson, City Manager Ed Meece has a plan – but it’s a plan with lots of moving pieces.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Events honor area veterans

Veterans across Lake County will be honored Friday and Saturday with events in Ronan and Polson.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Public input sought for Community Wildfire Protection Plan

Lake County is in the process of updating its Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) – a document that helps identify and address the local threats of wildfire. One critical step is community involvement. To that end Lake County will host a meeting and open house, 6-8 p.m. Nov. 8 at …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Miss Minnie, Zip, and the long way home

Miss Minnie, in her younger years, was an indefatigable ball-fetcher, a lake swimmer and sleek runner. She looked like a 1940s movie star, with gold eyes, one ear tossed casually back, a silver fur coat.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Volunteer muscle builds new Charlo weight room

Thanks to a crew of volunteers, Charlo athletes now have a new weight room, located behind the stage in the high school gym.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Polson High School student sets sights on Carnegie Hall

Polson High School junior Bethany Butler has wanted to sing in Carnegie Hall since she was 6 years old. “I love Carnegie Hall not only because everybody, like anybody who wants to sing, wants to sing at Carnegie Hall,” she says.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Five felony charges filed in death of Mika Westwolf

Nearly seven months after Mika Westwolf was struck by a vehicle and killed north of Arlee, charges were filed Oct. 20 in the 20th District Court in Polson, and suspect Sunny Katherine White was arrested Saturday, Oct. 21, in Kalispell. Judge Molly Owen continued Wednesday's arraignment hearing for White to …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

PHS student sets sights on Carnegie Hall

Polson High School junior Bethany Butler has wanted to sing in Carnegie Hall since she was 6 years old. “I love Carnegie Hall not only because everybody, like anybody who wants to sing, wants to sing at Carnegie Hall,” she says.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Incumbents lead in Tribal Council primary

Preliminary primary CSKT tribal members voted Oct. 14 for primary candidates for an at-large seat and four district seats on the Tribal Council. The top two vote-getters for each district and the at-large seat will run against each other in the general election Dec. 16.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Mission Valley Power schedules rate hearing

Mission Valley Power, the nonprofit utility managed by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is hosting a public meeting on a proposed rate increase from 6-7:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Mission Valley Power conference room in Pablo.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

The Last Harvest: Fleming brothers retire from growing seed potatoes

The Fleming brothers, Pat and Neal, stand in front of their final crop of seed potatoes, heaped into a knobby mountain at one of their cellars near Pablo. It's the end of an era.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Broken pipe damages Charlo gym floor

The Charlo gym was out of commission for about two weeks after a water pipe burst along the juncture between the old and new construction.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

The Last Harvest: Fleming brothers retire from growing seed potatoes

The Fleming brothers, Pat and Neal, stand in front of their final crop of seed potatoes, heaped into a knobby mountain at one of their cellars near Pablo. It's the end of an era.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR AGO

Eighteen candidates on ballot for Tribal Council primary

CSKT tribal members will vote Oct. 14 for primary candidates for an at-large seat and four district seats on the Tribal Council.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Pumpkins Plummet: Event raises money for fireworks and Brett Thoft Memorial Foundation

Out of the dense blue sky, a small plane appeared, aiming for a chalked grid on the runway of the St. Ignatius Airport. As it approached, a pumpkin fell, smashing somewhere on the grid (or occasionally, beyond), earning cheers from onlookers and, for at least one of them, $250 per …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Mill levy dispute: “Bring it on”

Last Wednesday, Lake County Commissioners joined a growing revolt among county officials across Montana by voting to decrease the number of mills allocated to school funding from 95 to 77.9.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Biologists on lookout for avian influenza

“I hear this is the weather you really want for duck hunting,” Kari Kingery said, as rain dripped from the hood of her parka Saturday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

County wades into battle over 95-mill levy

There’s a battle brewing between state and county governments regarding the 95-mill levy, which helps balance school funding levels between richer and poorer counties across Montana.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Apples aplenty at CSKT Fall Wildlife Festival

Despite the downpour, the mood was festive Saturday at the third Fall Wildlife Festival, hosted by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Polson sees uptick in road-repair revenues

Better roads appear to be coming down the pike for Polson, based on some budget amendments approved by the Polson City Commission at its regular meeting last Monday, Sept. 18.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Gala to raise funds to build local recovery center

The Hope for the Mission Valley Gala, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Ronan Community Center, aims to raise funds to open a Hope Center Ministries recovery center for women in Ronan.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Tax rebate deadline extended to Oct. 2

The Department of Revenue is giving taxpayers an additional day to file for property-tax rebates. They now have until midnight Monday, Oct. 2, to file online or by mail.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Skateboard Crusader: Free boards anyone?

The sound of wheels rolling, smacking and grinding on concrete, applause and shouts of “way to go” accompanied the annual Skate Jam, held Saturday at the Polson Skate Park.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Misfit Minister: New Methodist pastor presides over two local churches

The Rev. Jon Umbdenstock is not your mom’s Methodist minister. Clad in a colorful, embroidered western shirt, bolo tie and blue jeans, he looks more like a guitar-slinging mountain-biking, snowboarding millennial (which he is), than a pastor of two churches. In fact, he calls himself the Misfit Minister.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Write-in candidates file for Ward 2 vacancy

Voters in Polson’s Ward 2 will face a choice between two write-in candidates in the Nov. 7 election.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Polson Police officer arrested for sexual abuse of children

Polson Police Officer Matthew Timm, 41, was arrested late last Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 13, by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department on a charge of sexual abuse of children.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

New tipping fee causes garbage rift

A brouhaha between Lake County and Republic Services over a fee hike spilled over into the commission chambers and Leader editorial pages recently, with the disposal service accusing the county of “double dipping” by invoicing them for what’s known in the industry as a “tipping fee.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 1 MONTH AGO

Polson Commission adopts mill levy, approves TIF grants

District Court Judge Kim Christopher made a trip to Polson City Hall last Wednesday to swear in the city’s new police chief, George Simpson.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Good Samaritans aid accident victims

St. Ignatius Chief of Police Jason Acheson credits two Good Samaritans with helping accident victims after a Saturday collision on Hwy. 93 in front of Allard’s Stage Stop.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Polson firefighters remember 9/11

On Monday, the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, Polson firefighters, police officers and first responders took turns from dawn until dusk, standing vigil for those firefighters and first responders whose lives were lost trying to rescue others.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Ronan schools respond to shooting threat

A Ronan High School student who allegedly threatened to “shoot up” the high school last Wednesday has been identified and banned from school property, pending the outcome of a threat assessment.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Taurie Matt joins Leader sales team

Taurie Matt, who began working fulltime at the Lake County Leader Sept. 6 as a sales representative, says she’s looking forward to connecting with Mission Valley businesspeople.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Nate Lundeen: School Resource Officer of the Year

Soft-spoken Lake County deputy Nate Lundeen, who was recently named School Resource Officer of the Year, clearly feels both a sense of responsibility and affection for the kids he interacts with daily at Polson schools.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Lake County deputy named School Resource Officer of the Year

Soft-spoken Lake County deputy Nate Lundeen, who was recently named School Resource Officer of the Year, clearly feels both a sense of responsibility and affection for the kids he interacts with daily at Polson schools.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Climate Warrior: Taleah Hernandez seeks a better future

Taleah Hernandez is optimistic that Montana will live up to its constitutional promise of a “clean and healthful environment” for its citizens – especially in the wake of last month’s Held v. Montana ruling.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

NAG’s Last Hurrah: Arts group plans to fold after Shakespeare performances

As evening settles around Good Old Days Park in St. Ignatius this weekend, the few remaining members of Ninepipe Arts Group (fondly known as NAG) will settle in too, ready to savor Montana Shakespeare in the Parks’ performances of “The Three Musketeers” on Saturday and “Measure for Measure” on Sunday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Polson hires interim chief to helm department

“This is a great department. We have great people that work here,” said Polson Police Chief George Simpson. “We've done lots of great things over the years and we have lots of great things to come in the future.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

NAG’s Last Hurrah: Arts group plans to fold after Shakespeare performances

As evening settles around Good Old Days Park in St. Ignatius this weekend, the few remaining members of Ninepipe Arts Group (fondly known as NAG) will settle in too, ready to savor Montana Shakespeare in the Parks’ performances of “The Three Musketeers” on Saturday and “Measure for Measure” on Sunday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Fire engulfs Polson residence

Polson City Fire responded to a house fire on the 700 block of 10th Ave. E. at around 5:40 a.m. last Thursday. Aid engines from Polson Rural Fire were also dispatched.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Lake County: A century old and looking to the next 100 years

Retired District Court Judge Jim Manley reminded an audience of several hundred Saturday that the 1923 election that created Lake County was probably “the first time most women here ever got to vote,” thanks to the 19th Amendment, passed in 1920.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

A Pilgrim’s Journey: Community says goodbye to beloved Polson pastor John Payne

A chorus of well-wishers gathered in a grassy courtyard at St. Joseph Medical Center recently to say so-long to hospital chaplain and local pastor John Payne, who has since moved to Whidbey Island, near Seattle.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Street projects should be done before school starts

At their regular meeting Monday, Polson city commissioners were assured that road construction on 17 Ave. from 1st St. E. to 2nd St. W. and on 4th Ave. E., in front of Linderman School, would be finished in time for the first day of school next week. Both are major …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Miss Montana lifts spirits and raises funds for local library

“If this airplane could talk the stories she could tell …” As families climbed aboard the shiny silver bird, sat in its cockpit and admired its red-tipped propellers and frisky Miss Montana logo, author and pilot Bryan Douglass recounted the DC-3’s resurrection to a rapt audience seated in a hangar …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Lake County: A century old and looking to the next 100 years

Retired District Court Judge Jim Manley reminded an audience of several hundred Saturday that the 1923 election that created Lake County was probably “the first time most women here ever got to vote,” thanks to the 19th Amendment, passed in 1920.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

A Pilgrim’s Journey: Community says goodbye to beloved Polson pastor John Payne

A chorus of well-wishers gathered in a grassy courtyard at St. Joseph Medical Center recently to say so-long to hospital chaplain and local pastor John Payne, who has since moved to Whidbey Island, near Seattle.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 2 MONTHS AGO

Hot temperatures bump fire danger to high

With three fires still burning on the Flathead Reservation, albeit with less ferocity, fire managers warn the public to take extra precautions this week, when temperatures are predicted to soar into the triple digits in the Mission Valley.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Miss Montana aims for Polson Saturday

Airplane and World War II history buffs, as well as supporters of the North Lake County Library, are in for a treat Saturday when Miss Montana, a restored Douglas C-47 lands at the Polson Airport around 2:30 p.m.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Art festival fills courthouse lawn

A few blocks away, at the Sandpiper Gallery’s 52nd annual Courthouse Art Festival, vendors sold an array of creations, including jewelry, paintings, ceramics and photography.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Rotary BrewFest draws crowd

Main Street wasn’t just occupied by cool cars Saturday. The block in front of the Elks was home to folks chilling out at the second annual Rotary BrewFest.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Fairgrounds offers sanctuary to fire evacuees

When mandatory evacuations for Walking Horse Lane and Early Dawn Road and adjacent areas near Big Arm were announced last Thursday afternoon by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Vicki Holmberg, Polson Fairgrounds caretaker, was immediately on the phone with people seeking shelter for their animals and places to park their …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Fairgrounds offers sanctuary to fire evacuees

When mandatory evacuations for Walking Horse Lane and Early Dawn Road and adjacent areas near Big Arm were announced last Thursday afternoon by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Vicki Holmberg, Polson Fairgrounds caretaker, was immediately on the phone with people seeking shelter for their animals and places to park their …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Fairgrounds offers sanctuary to fire evacuees

When mandatory evacuations for Walking Horse Lane and Early Dawn Road and adjacent areas near Big Arm were announced last Thursday afternoon by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, Vicki Holmberg, Polson Fairgrounds caretaker, was immediately on the phone with people seeking shelter for their animals and places to park their …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Polson to revisit annexation proposal spurred by casino project

The Polson City Commission on Monday will revisit a proposal for the municipality to annex nearly 80 acres of land belonging to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and located west of the Polson bridge.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Circle of fire: Four blazes fanned by high winds

The dry lightning that strode across western Montana Saturday night was bad enough, starting a line of fires from north of Dixon to Niarada. But when winds, reportedly gusting up to 40 mph, kicked up Sunday afternoon, fires that seemed manageable suddenly weren’t.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Cherries and cheer permeate festival

Cherries weren’t the only delicacy on the menu at last weekend’s Flathead Cherry Festival in Polson, but they sure occupied center stage.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Polson commission to revisit casino annexation

At its regular meeting Aug. 7, the Polson City Commission will revisit a proposal for the city to annex nearly 80 acres of land belonging to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and located west of the Polson bridge.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Kindness. Pass it on

The Mission Valley was circled by smoke Sunday, and I spent the afternoon following fires from Round Butte to Moiese and back to Ronan.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

No Cavity Club pairs dental health with movie magic

More and more kids are showing up at Showboat Cinemas in Polson with cavity-free teeth and free tickets to a movie. The youngsters are members of Tribal Health’s No Cavity Club – an incentive program that rewards good dental hygiene and cavity-free checkups with movie tickets.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Polson Commission denies Immanuel Living subdivision plat

Residents from Mission Bay showed up in force at last Monday’s Polson City Commission meeting to ask commissioners to put the brakes on a proposed 19-acre subdivision.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Poker Paddlers pick up cards, support clean water

More than 90 participants launched kayaks and stand-up paddleboards or just swam around Polson Bay during the Flathead Lakers’ seventh annual Poker Paddle.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Country Store board opts not to buy Legion building

The board of the Country Store, located on Main Street in Polson and operated by 10 area churches, has opted not to purchase the building the store occupies.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Leader intern passionate about writing and sports

Max Dupras, the Leader’s intern reporter, is passionate about at least two things: writing and sports. He’s honing his skills at both this summer, as well as taking photographs and covering local news and events.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Tribal community mourns loss of "pillar"

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes lost “a pillar” earlier this month, when Vern Clairmont died July 11 of pancreatic cancer. He was 69.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Tribal community mourns loss of "pillar"

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes lost “a pillar” last week, when Vern Clairmont died July 11 of pancreatic cancer. He was 69.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Good Old Days goes for 40

Good Old Days celebrated 40 years last weekend with a flurry of family activities in St. Ignatius.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Veteran choir director takes Choral Society baton

“One of the joys of my life is directing choir,” says Cathy Gillhouse, the new director of the Mission Valley Choral Society. “I love it.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 3 MONTHS AGO

Lake level could hit lowest level by Saturday

In the past weeks, the water level of Flathead Lake has dropped 1.75 feet below full pool of 2,893 feet, and is expected to be a full two feet below by this Saturday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lake level points to another inconvenient truth

“Uncharted territory.” “The new norm.” Those were the headlines as the Earth experienced its hottest week ever recorded, in the wake of the warmest June on record. Those headlines could also apply to Flathead Lake.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lake level could hit lowest level by Saturday

In the past weeks, the water level of Flathead Lake has dropped 1.75 feet below full pool of 2,893 feet, and is expected to be a full two feet below by this Saturday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Annexations on the agenda

Both Ronan and Polson commissions fielded – or will field – annexation proposals from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

New appraisal notices sting taxpayers

“People are up in arms” about the appraisal notices that recently arrived from the Department of Revenue, says Lake County Treasurer Erika Jennison.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Dick Erb: “Brilliant, humble and inclusive”

Moiese Valley rancher Dick Erb brought a wise and generous spirit to life’s challenges – whether it was fine-tuning the sprinklers in his hay fields, helping stabilize the economies of nations facing debt crisis or focusing his insights and global experience on complex local issues.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Flathead Lake level drops prematurely

If people have noticed that the level of Flathead Lake appears to be dropping much sooner than normal, it’s not a figment of their imaginations. Instead, says Brian Lipscomb, CEO of Energy Keepers which operates the SKQ Dam, it’s a tangible result of a warming climate.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Dick Erb: “Brilliant, humble and inclusive”

Moiese Valley rancher Dick Erb brought a wise and generous spirit to life’s challenges – whether it was fine-tuning the sprinklers in his hay fields, helping stabilize the economies of nations facing debt crisis or focusing his insights and global experience on complex local issues.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Inaugural brew fest a hit with beer and music lovers

Ronan’s inaugural Summer Solstice Festival and Brewfest attracted a fun-loving crowd to the Lake County Fairgrounds Saturday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Lake level drops prematurely

If people have noticed that the level of Flathead Lake appears to be dropping much sooner than normal, it’s not a figment of their imaginations. Instead, says Brian Lipscomb, CEO of Energy Keepers which operates the SKQ Dam, it’s a tangible result of a warming climate.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

New treasurer, clerk & recorder take office

In the past few weeks, oaths of office were administered to a new clerk and recorder and a new treasurer/assessor, who are each replacing elected Lake County officials who stepped down recently.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Country Store faces decision about its future

The Country Store, a fixture in Polson for more than 50 years, is wrestling with a major decision about its future this week.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Feds award CSKT $30 million for Post Creek project

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes recently received a hefty grant from the Federal Highway Administration to rebuild the section of Highway 93 from Dublin Gulch Road to Gunlock Road at the top of Post Creek Hill.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Voters deny Dayton levy by seven votes

Dayton School trustees voted to hold steady Monday night, even after voters in the Upper West Shore School District rejected by seven votes a mill levy that would have raised $61,125 to cover a budget shortfall.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 4 MONTHS AGO

Mission Valley Aquatics turns 10

As runners headed for the hills in the Fish Out of Water Fun Run, coordinator Tana Seeley prepared to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness in Polson.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Governor touts education legislation during Polson stop

Governor Greg Gianforte was in Polson last Friday, notching the sixth stop in his tour of Montana’s 56 counties.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Ken Burns turns lens towards “The American Buffalo”

Famed filmmaker Ken Burns, his crew and several members of the press were advised to “be mindful of rattlesnakes” as they walked to a bench near the Bison Range Visitors Center last Thursday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Wilson triplets: best friends, top students and state champs

Saturday, the three very accomplished and distinct personalities that comprise the Wilson triplets graduated from Polson High School. Jarrett leaves school as one of eight valedictorians; Trent graduated with summa cum laude distinction (3.95-4.0 grade point average) and Colter, with magna cum laude (3.7-3.94).

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Rock skippers vie for crown

A small but mighty crew of rock skippers appeared at Riverside Recreation in Polson Saturday morning, eager to claim the title in the Ken Avison World Rock-Skipping Championship.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Dayton School asks voters to approve levy

Ballots are due by 8 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, from Dayton-area voters, regarding a one-year mill levy to support the Dayton School.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Ronan superintendent earns regional recognition

“If you surround yourself with the right people, good things happen,” says Ronan Superintendent Mark Johnston. “You can’t do it by yourself.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

City wrestles with budget imbalance

During a budget hearing May 15, Polson City Commissioners learned that the city is facing a “structural imbalance in the general fund,” meaning that revenues aren’t keeping pace with expenditures.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Charlo grad's lessons go beyond the classroom

From Montana, to Alaska to Texas, Charlo graduate Gus Shrider has traveled a long way – and surmounted challenges beyond those offered in the classroom or on the football field or track.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners wait for court to decide fate of Public Law 280

Public comments ranged from frustration with Gov. Greg Gianforte to a few mentions of vigilante justice during a crowded public meeting last Thursday, as Lake County Commissioners considered their next move in the ongoing saga of Public Law 280.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Gianforte vetoes bill to fund law enforcement on Flathead Reservation

Gov. Greg Gianforte last week vetoed House Bill 479 – the only bill regarding Public Law 280 to make it through the 2023 Legislature.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Spirit squad: 3 Polson grads make UM cheerleading team

“I’m in a little bit of a pickle,” admits Polson High senior Lucy Violett, who recently won a spot on the UM Griz Cheer Squad.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Governor vetoes Public Law 280 legislation

Last Wednesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed House Bill 479 – the only bill regarding Public Law 280 to make it through the 2023 Legislature. And this Thursday, the Lake County Commissioners vote on whether to withdraw from the law enforcement agreement that’s given the county felony criminal jurisdiction over tribal …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Memorial Day parades on tap

The Mission Valley Honor Guard will lead Memorial Day processions in Ronan and Polson on Monday, with each parade ending at community cemeteries for recitation of the names of fallen soldiers.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Three Polson grads make the UM cheerleading team

“I’m in a little bit of a pickle,” admits Polson High senior Lucy Violett, who recently won a spot on the UM Griz Cheer Squad.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Lake County poised to withdraw from PL 280 after governor's veto

Gov. Greg Gianforte last week vetoed House Bill 479 – the only bill regarding Public Law 280 to make it through the 2023 Legislature. And this Thursday, the Lake County commissioners will vote on whether to withdraw from the law enforcement agreement that’s given the county felony criminal jurisdiction over …

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 5 MONTHS AGO

Governor vetoes Hertz’s lakeshore bill

Last Thursday, Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed Senate Bill 301, sponsored by Polson Sen. Greg Hertz regarding structures built in the Lakeshore Protection Zone.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners move ahead on annex, road projects

The Lake County Commissioners moved forward on two major projects Monday morning by hiring a design and build team for the new courthouse annex and awarding an engineering contract for a $13-million road improvement project.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Judge rules Public Law 280 suit can go forward

The fate of Public Law 280 – the law enforcement agreement between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Lake County and the State of Montana that gives the county jurisdiction over felonies committed on the Flathead Reservation – remains in limbo.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Third time’s a charm: Polson voters approve two bond issues

Polson’s two bond issues passed by comfortable margins during last Tuesday’s election.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Ravalli AIS check station open 24/7

As the tourism season amps up, the Aquatic Invasive Species inspection station in Ravalli is gearing up too, and will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week beginning May 13.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Mussel Walk: Students learn to defend Flathead from AIS

Students from St. Ignatius High and Two Eagle River School in Pablo learned about the scourge of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) during a recent Mussel Walk – one of three scheduled this spring along the shores of Flathead Lake.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Students plant trio of trees for Arbor Day

On a sunny Arbor Day, 20 Polson Middle School students traipsed to O’Malley Park to plant a trio of purple robe locust trees, under the supervision of Polson Parks and Recreation employees.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Judge rules Public Law 280 suit can move forward

The fate of Public Law 280 – the agreement between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Lake County and the state of Montana that gives the county jurisdiction over felonies committed on the Flathead Reservation – remains in limbo.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Mission student's ledger art selected to hang in Congress

Cedar Hunt's recent painting, “Girl on Horse,” won the Congressional Art Competition for Montana’s First Congressional District, represented by U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke, and will hang in the halls of Congress for the coming year.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Mission student's ledger art selected to hang in Congress

Cedar Hunt's recent painting, “Girl on Horse,” won the Congressional Art Competition for Montana’s First Congressional District, represented by U.S. Congressman Ryan Zinke, and will hang in the halls of Congress for the coming year.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

County posts job listing for Clerk & Recorder

Looking for a complicated job? The Lake County Commissioners are currently advertising for a Clerk and Recorder, Surveyor, Auditor and Public Administrator – the job title of elected official Katie Harding, who announced in early April that she’s leaving her post May 12 to pursue a different career opportunity.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

St. Luke at 70: Looking back

When St. Luke Hospital finally opened in 1953, after five years of community labor and donations, an editorial in the weekly Ronan Pioneer proclaimed it “a dream come true.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

St. Luke at 70: Looking forward

At the ripe old age of 70, St. Luke Community Healthcare Network has weathered winds of change that have sunk rural hospitals across the state and nation.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Lake County awaits final decision on funding PL 280

House Bill 479, a bill originally introduced by Ronan Rep. Joe Read and Bigfork Rep. Bob Keenan, has passed the House and advanced out of the Senate Finance and Claims Committee by executive action, 19-0, Monday.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Last bill standing: County awaits final decision on funding PL 280

House Bill 479, a bill originally introduced by Ronan Rep. Joe Read and Bigfork Rep. Bob Keenan, has passed the House and advanced out of the Senate Finance and Claims Committee by executive action, 19-0, Monday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Polson School Bonds: I vote yes …

On page 5, readers will hopefully notice and be inspired by the assembly of Polsonites who are voting for the Polson School District’s two bond issues.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

State and Tribes consider tax agreement for sharing marijuana revenue

Several state representatives, including Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras, were in Polson last Wednesday for a public hearing on a proposed agreement between the Tribes and State of Montana regarding marijuana taxation.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Cooperative solution lifts closure of Mollman Pass Tr. Road

The temporary closure of Mollman Pass Trail Road, south of Ronan, was lifted last Thursday thanks to an agreement between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Lake County and the Montana Department of Transportation.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 6 MONTHS AGO

Bond issues on the ballot in Polson

Last Tuesday night, about 35 volunteers took to the streets of Polson, before flooding the community with around 3,000 brochures that explain the two bond issues voters face in the current election.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Strong wind fuels fires in Mission Valley

The wind that walloped the Mission Valley Sunday evening kept firefighters busy responding to a house fire in Polson and several runaway grass fires.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Natalie Helser: An exuberant learner

Natalie Helser settles herself on the seat of a horse-drawn plow and clicks her tongue. Arnica and Lucy, two big, broad-shouldered Belgians, step slowly, calmly ahead, churning dirt as they go.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Polson Police Chief arrested for DUI; announces resignation

According to the citation, Nash hit a parked vehicle in the 700 block of 12th St. E. in Polson. He was arrested on the scene, and refused a blood alcohol test.

THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Two Lake County elected officials and CFO announce departures

Two Lake County elected officials and the chief financial officer announced last week that they are leaving their posts in the courthouse in the near future.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Courthouse turbulence: Two elected officials and CFO announce departures

Two Lake County elected officials and the chief financial officer announced last week that they are leaving the courthouse in the near future.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Ballots go out Friday, must be returned by May 2

Ballots go out Friday, April 14, for school board elections around Lake County, as well as the Polson School District’s two bond issues (one for the elementary and one for the high school).

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Hertz: Not playing fair in the sandbox

More alarming is Polson Senator Greg Hertz’s bill, passed last week by the Senate, that would require the two candidates who receive the most votes in primary elections for U.S. Senate to advance to the general election, irrespective of party affiliation.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Polson Police Chief steps down after DUI arrest

Polson Police Chief Wade Nash has stepped down from his role, effective Tuesday, and has announced that he will officially retire from the force May 2.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Polson police chief resigns after DUI charge

Polson Police Chief Wade Nash stepped down from his role Tuesday and has announced that he will officially retire from the force May 2. The announcement came Tuesday morning, and followed the chief’s DUI arrest early Saturday morning.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Swan Song: Beloved Mission Valley choral director takes final bow

Christian Bumgarner stepped in front of the Mission Valley Choral Society on April 1 for the final concert he would lead under the arched ceiling and luminous paintings of the historic Mission in St. Ignatius.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

State issues permit for controversial Arlee gravel pit

The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has issued an opencut mining permit for a controversial gravel pit northeast of Arlee, just off of White Coyote Road.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

DEQ issues permit for controversial Arlee gravel pit

According to a press release, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued an opencut mining permit for a controversial gravel pit northeast of Arlee, just off of White Coyote Road.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Swan Song: Beloved choral director takes final bow

Last Saturday, Christian Bumgarner stepped in front of the Mission Valley Choral Society for the final concert he’ll lead under the arched ceiling and luminous paintings of the historic Mission in St. Ignatius.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

A legacy of pickles, pies and pluck

The last time I saw Aunt Thelma, on the day before she died, she was sitting in her hospital bed at St. Joe’s, balancing her checkbook. A grandson was dispatched to track down a red pen because a blue one wouldn’t do.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Community turns out for annual Ag Appreciation Banquet

Nearly 200 farmers and ranchers gathered at the Ronan Community Center last Friday for the 43rd annual Ag Appreciation Banquet, sponsored by the Ronan Chamber.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Commissioners vote to continue collecting irrigation fees

The Lake County Commissioners voted 2 to 1 Monday to rescind a resolution to quit collecting fees on behalf of the county’s three irrigation districts. If it hadn’t been voted down, the resolution would have taken effect in July of this year.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Polson student D.C. bound after winning state poetry reading contest

As Wica-ta-wi Hoksina Brown inhabits the poem that won him the state Poetry Out Loud championship, he does so carefully, his voice almost conversational at first, then growing in strength and passion.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Cancer claims life of former commissioner Dave Stipe

Former Lake County Commissioner Dave Stipe died Saturday, March 18, after a long struggle with a rare and incurable form of skin cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Reciting Poetry Out Loud: Polson student wins state contest and trip to D.C.

As Wica-ta-wi Hoksina Brown inhabits the poem that won him the state Poetry Out Loud championship, he does so carefully, his voice almost conversational at first, then growing in strength and passion.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

New boat ramp could ease summer congestion

After two very congested summers at Riverside Park and Salish Point, Bill Barron says county commissioners “got pressure like you can’t believe” to build a new boat ramp across the river on the chunk of land leased by Polson Fairgrounds Inc. (PFI) and owned by Lake County.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 7 MONTHS AGO

Polson Commission considers zoning amendment, sewer ordinance

Polson City Commission held back-to-back meetings last Monday, March 6. The first, described as a workshop, gave city staff the green light to move forward with the process of amending the Polson Development Code to allow two-family dwellings in low density residential areas. During the regular commission meeting that followed, …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Ice arena fundraiser declared a "barn burner"

Last Friday’s fundraiser for the Mission Valley Ice Arena at Glacier Brewing was a huge success by almost any measure.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Small but Mighty: Polson sends student to National Speech and Debate Finals

Polson Speech and Debate coach Melesa Butler was in the tabulation room at Sentinel High in Missoula when she heard the news. “I just broke down crying,” she said. The tears weren’t precipitated by sorrow. Instead, they were the happy kind, flowing because Kai McDonald had just claimed first place …

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Polson Scholarship & Education Foundation: Giving Polson grads a boost since 2022

More than two decades ago, a group of four community members gathered with a common mission: to create a scholarship fund for Polson grads.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Legislators meet with constituents at halfway point

With 1,414 bills introduced in the 2023 session, three Lake County legislators took time out from a hectic process to visit with constituents Monday night at the Ronan Community Center.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

In transition: Library relocates during renovation

The North Lake County Public Library closed its doors last Thursday, and reopened them Monday at a new temporary location in the United Methodist Church at 301 16th Ave. E.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Local fire crews douse structure fire

A structure fire at the former Jolly Pack Rat, south of Polson on Hwy. 93, last Friday was contained by fire crews from Ronan, Polson and the Polson Rural Fire District.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Crisis stabilization facility in Polson closes

Western Montana Mental Health Center has announced the closure of Lake House, a facility in Polson that provides stabilization for patients undergoing mental health crises.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Leina Ulutoa “exemplifies the best of the best”

“I just want to be a good support where I need to be and a good leader where I need to be,” says Leina Ulutoa of her approach to life and leadership.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Western Montana Mental Health closes Lake House

Western Montana Mental Health Center announced recently that it was closing Lake House, a facility in Polson that provides stabilization for patients undergoing mental health crises.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Retiring Extension agent reflects on three decades in agriculture

Jack Stivers retired Feb. 15 as Lake County-MSU Agriculture Extension Agent – a post he’s held for more than 32 years.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Legislation to fund Public Law 280 advances in Senate

After a hearing that included testimony from several local officials, legislation that could help Lake County fund law enforcement under Public Law 280 is advancing in the Senate.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Bill to fund Public Law 280 advances in Senate

After a hearing that included testimony from several local officials, legislation that could help Lake County fund law enforcement under Public Law 280 is advancing in the Senate.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Lou's Bench commemorates mayor and his love of Main Street

City workers drilled bolts into concrete last Tuesday, as they prepared to place a sturdy metal bench along Main Street, in front of the former Crow’s Nest Gallery. The black bench bears a plaque commemorating Lou Marchello: “Come rain or shine, I will be right here sitting with you.”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Bill to fund Public Law 280 passes first legislative hurdle

After a hearing that included testimony from several local officials, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced legislation last week that could help Lake County fund law enforcement under Public Law 280.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 8 MONTHS AGO

Polson Commission reconsiders zoning change

Housing topped the Polson City Commission agenda again last week, with commissioners unanimously approving draft language that would allow two-family dwellings in low-density residential districts.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Western Montana Musicians’ Co-op gets JAMBAR boost

“My jaw literally dropped,” says Doug Ruhman, cofounder of the Western Montana Musicians’ Cooperative in Ronan, of his future-son-in-law’s surprise “gift rap” and extra-large Christmas present.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Compact settlement delivers $157 million to CSKT

In a press release last week the Department of the Interior announced the release of nearly $580 million to continue fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Compact settlement delivers $157m to CSKT

In a press release last week the Department of the Interior announced the release of nearly $580 million to continue fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims. The largest portion – over 25% – was awarded to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Compact settlement delivers $157 million to CSKT

The Department of the Interior last week released nearly $580 million to continue fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

School superintendents say open enrollment bill could up taxes

Mission Valley school superintendents are concerned about the local impacts of HB 203, a bill that was passed unanimously by the House Education Committee and has since passed the House on a second reading, 99-1.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Round Three: Polson to pursue building bonds

Voters in Polson will see a bond issue on their ballots again this spring, as the high school and elementary districts take a third run at improving four aging buildings.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Healing Hedgehogs: Charlo woman’s cute creations cheer pediatric patients

Marie Bauer calls her handknit hedgehog Spike, and says his favorite food is potatoes. “And he loves dancing,” adds the 4-year-old. “Spikey loves everything!”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Oh deer: Tribes begin trapping Polson's deer population

On Sunday, a buck and doe casually made their way across Highway 93 by the stoplight at First Interstate Bank in Polson as motorists slowed down to let the two jaywalkers pass.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Polson Commission discusses legislative strategies

The Polson City Commission girded for the legislative session last week by supporting several resolutions outlining the priorities of the Montana League of Cities and Towns.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Charlo students back in school after waterline break

Students at Charlo Schools briefly returned to online learning last Tuesday and Wednesday after a broken water main shut down the high school and middle schools’ water supply.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 9 MONTHS AGO

Community organizations help heat Ronan library

Last Thursday was exceptionally lucrative for the Ronan City Library, which received $15,500 – the price-tag for installing a new heating system – in just a few hours.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

New Ninepipe corridor plan significantly cuts costs

Representatives from the Montana Department of Highways and Robert Peccia & Associates consulting firm were on hand last Wednesday to discuss a new feasibility study for the 4.5-mile stretch of Highway 93 between Gunlock Rd. and Brooke Lane.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Bison Range ups entrance fees; says roaming bison aren’t theirs

The CSKT Bison Range was in the local news last week when people spotted three bison roaming near Hwy. 93 on Ravalli Hill and were concerned that the animals were escapees from the tribally-owned refuge.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Foundation says so-long to long-serving secretary

Carlene Bockman retired again last Thursday. The executive secretary of the Lower Flathead Valley Community Foundation stepped down after serving the organization for 17 years.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Trout Creek's Sen. Brown introduces bill asking Congress to fund law enforcement on reservations

Senate Joint Resolution 5, which had its first hearing Tuesday in the Senate Judiciary Committee, calls for Congress to fully fund the public safety and law enforcement needs of Montana’s tribal nations and reservations.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Resolution asks Congress to fund law enforcement on reservations

Senate Joint Resolution 5, which had its first hearing Tuesday in the Senate Judiciary Committee, calls for Congress to fully fund the public safety and law enforcement needs of Montana’s tribal nations and reservations.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Mission woman found guilty of elder exploitation

ShayLynn Reid, a St. Ignatius woman who is already serving time for bail jumping, forgery and theft of identity, was found guilty in District Court Tuesday morning of criminal exploitation of an older or incapacitated person.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Growth dominates Polson Commission discussion

To grow or not to grow: that was the larger question on the table at the Polson City Commission’s first meeting of the New Year, held last Wednesday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Legislative Outlook: Rep. Reksten focuses on education, local government

Rep. Linda Reksten of Polson headed to Helena this week with a long list of aspirations – especially concerning education and local government, two of the three committees she serves on during this session of the Legislature.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

The Wrap: Stories we’ll continue to cover in the New Year

Lake County was bursting with news in 2022, from the establishment of a new Water Management Board last January, to a move by Lake County in December to remove itself from Public Law 280. Here are the stories we’ll continue to track in the New Year.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

The Last Best Polar Plunge: Organizer plans to retire after 25 years

Dave Bull, Polson dentist and gregarious impresario of the Polar Plunge at Riverside Park, began Sunday’s countdown: “Six minutes people!”

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Hip-hop artist Shadow Devereaux receives national music award

Shadow Devereaux, a Salish and Blackfeet singer/songwriter and hip-hop artist who grew up on the Flathead Reservation, won a Native American Music Award for Best Narrative Video.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Lake County Dispatch Center receives upgrades

“These people are the true first responders,” says Lake County Emergency Management coordinator Mark Clary of the staff at the Dispatch Center, tucked away on the second floor of the courthouse.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Lake County Dispatch Center receives much needed makeover

“These people are the true first responders,” says Lake County Emergency Management coordinator Mark Clary of the staff at the Dispatch Center, tucked away on the second floor of the courthouse.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Legislative Outlook: Senators weigh in

Senators Greg Hertz of Polson and Dan Salomon of Ronan return to Helena next Monday when the 68th session of the Montana Legislature convenes.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Leon Hall: Still thriving in its second century

On the second Wednesday of each month, the lights are on at Leon Hall as members of the Leon Club gather for a happy half hour and potluck dinner at one of the Mission Valley’s first schoolhouses, built in 1914.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Boys & Girls Club opens new building in Mission

A flock of St. Ignatius Elementary students were among the first visitors at the community’s new Boys &d Girls Club, located in the former Mission Lumber building on Blaine St., just a block from the school.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

When Old Man Winter gets cranky

Mission Valley residents took an early polar plunge this week as an Arctic weather system barreled south, delivering what threatened to be historically cold temperatures across Montana.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Carver shapes pair of snow bears

“Montana’s first polar bears” says sculptor Will Richards of the two snow carvings on the corner of his brother Larry’s place on Fulkerson Lane, east of Polson.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 10 MONTHS AGO

Lake Co. seeks to end law enforcement agreement on Flathead Reservation

Public Law 280, a unique agreement that has shaped law enforcement in Lake County and on the Flathead Reservation for nearly 60 years, has reached “a breaking point,” according to county officials.

VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Mission Valley Choral Society tunes up for weekend concerts

This year’s “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” concerts begin at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the St. Ignatius Mission and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, at the Ronan Performing Arts Center.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Polson High senior receives Winslow Nichols Leadership Award

“It’s been my goal to be valedictorian since forever – pretty much at least since I knew what the word meant,” says Polson High senior Aspen McKee.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Public Law 280: Timeline

Public Law 280, the law that allowed the State of Montana to assume criminal jurisdiction over tribal members on the Flathead Reservation, dates back to 1953 when it was passed by Congress, and 1963, when the state assumed that jurisdiction.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

State seeks to dismiss Lake County’s lawsuit

The State of Montana, represented by Crowley Fleck PLLP, responded Dec. 12 to Lake County’s lawsuit seeking reimbursement for costs incurred from Public Law 280 by seeking dismissal of the complaint.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Lake County expresses intent to withdraw from Public Law 280

Public Law 280, a unique agreement that has shaped law enforcement in Lake County and on the Flathead Reservation for nearly 60 years, has reached “a breaking point,” according to county officials.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

First of his kind: Ethan Mace heads Office of the Engineer

Ethan Mace, the new water engineer for the Flathead Reservation Water Management Board, is settling into his new digs at the former Masonic Lodge in Ronan.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Lights Under the Big Sky offers flurry of fun

The elves began assembling in September to string lights for Ronan’s epic Lights Under the Big Sky, an event that draws hundreds of visitors from the Mission Valley and beyond to the fairgrounds.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Polson library renovation gets green light

The North Lake County Library will start the New Year moving forward with a major renovation project.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Local history: Old friends share recent books

Last Saturday’s book chat at Ninepipes Museum felt like a rendezvous of old friends, as authors and historians Bob Bigart and Joe McDonald joined Carolyn Corey and Steve Lozar to discuss and sign recent books.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Humming a more generous tune

“Thanksgiving is the only holiday we have left in this county that’s only about giving thanks for the things you have."

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Former Gov. Racicot: “We’ve got to fix this”

Backed by a wall plastered with Democratic banners from five counties, former Republican Gov. Marc Racicot offered a lesson in civics and civility recently at the Sanders County Fairgrounds 4-H Pavilion in Plains.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Turkey Trot revs appetite and gives back

On a brisk, sunny Thanksgiving morning, around 100 people gathered near the intersection of Hwy. 93 and 35 for the annual 5K Turkey Trot.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Polson City Commission considers lakeshore regs

The question of how best to update Polson’s antiquated Lakeshore Protection Regulations was posed to the city commission at Monday’s meeting.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Wake-up shake up: Small earthquake rattles valley

“It rattled the whole house,” reported Charlo resident Martha Hyvonen of the 3.7 magnitude temblor that shook many Mission Valley residents awake last Wednesday.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Native American Heritage Day: Polson students study heritage and traditions

Students at Polson Middle School set aside their regular studies Tuesday to learn about the cultural and artistic traditions of Salish and Kootenai people during the seventh annual Native American Heritage Day.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 11 MONTHS AGO

Arlee voters approve bonds for building project

Arlee School District voters approved two bond issues in last Tuesday’s election, clearing the way for the district to build a new 20,000-square foot structure to house grades 3-6.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 12 MONTHS AGO

Republicans best Dems again in Lake County

Results from last Tuesday’s election in Lake County show another Democratic rout in the few contested races.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 12 MONTHS AGO

Both sides comment on lopsided election

Predictably, representatives for local Republicans and Democrats voiced very different views of the outcomes from last Tuesday’s general election.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 12 MONTHS AGO

Free turkey feasts on tap

Organizers in Polson and Ronan are gearing up to host free Thanksgiving feeds.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 12 MONTHS AGO

Hearing on lakeshore regulations draws crowd

A surprisingly crowded council chamber awaited Lake County Commissioners last Thursday for a hearing on a resolution to amend the Lakeshore Protection Regulations.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 1 YEAR, 12 MONTHS AGO

Telling our community’s stories

Full circle: that’s how it feels to be sitting at the editor’s desk of the Lake County Leader again.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

City Commission approves partnership with land trust

After a lengthy discussion Monday night, the Polson City Commission voted 4 to 2 to authorize City Manager Ed Meece to develop an affordable housing project in concert with the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Two Scouts awarded Eagle medals

John David of Polson and Nick Snyder of Ronan claimed their Eagle Scout medals during an Eagle Scout Court of Honor held Nov. 5 at the Boys and Girls Club in Ronan.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Winter’s sudden arrival brings power outages

“Winter hit all of a sudden when fall wasn’t quite done,” says Jean Matt, general manager of Mission Valley Power, of the storm that left a portion of Polson without power for three hours last Wednesday morning.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Ronan Middle School spends week learning about the perils of addiction

Around 500 students and teachers, grades 5-8, circled the track at Ronan High last Friday in the final flourish of Red Ribbon Week.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Work begins on U.S. 93, Ronan-North project

Expect traffic delays as work begins this week on a section of Highway 93 from Lake’s Corner south to Round Butte Road in Ronan.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

City Hall caught in signage brouhaha

Polson city manager Ed Meece found himself in an unanticipated hot seat last week, after both Republicans and Democrats accused the city and each other of confiscating their respective campaign signs.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

“Game changer”: Polson commission approves grant for Main St. renovation

The Polson City Commission held a special meeting last Tuesday to consider two applications for Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district grants, including a major renovation of the old Gambles building on Main Street.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Administrator gives election tips

Election Day is next Tuesday, Nov. 8, and as of this Monday, 45% of around 14,000 absentee ballots have been returned to the election office in Polson.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Rancher running write-in campaign for county commission

Although his name won’t appear on the November ballot, Paul Guenzler, a Ronan-area cattle rancher and chairman of the Flathead Irrigation District, is a write-in candidate for District 2 county commissioner,

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Big Medicine to return to the land he once roamed

Big Medicine, an exceedingly rare white bison born in 1933 on what was then the National Bison Range, will be returned to his home in the next few years.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Justice of the Peace candidates spar, and agree

Two well-qualified Justice of the Peace candidates – one a sitting city judge and the other a former law enforcement officer – fielded questions during a recent forum at the Polson Country Club.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Animal shelter puts the muzzle on taking in stray dogs

Stray dogs and cats are overrunning Mission Valley Animal Shelter (MVAS), and the nonprofit, no-kill shelter located south of Polson is fed up.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS AGO

Polson musician Benny Weag debuts on The Voice

As people trickle into The Shoe in Polson Saturday night, Benny Weag and David Caselli open their set with a smooth rendition of “Come Together” by The Beatles.

DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Commissioners hear wildlife complaints and change direction on gas-tax revenues

Wildlife figuratively roamed through the Polson City Commission chambers Oct. 3, with commissioner Carolyn Pardini noting that her beehive had been pillaged by a bruin and Polson resident Murat Kalinyaprak objecting to marauding deer.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Absentee ballots go out Friday

The Lake County Election Office was a hive of activity last Friday as four workers and election administrator Toni Kramer prepped just under 14,000 absentee ballots that will be mailed to voters Oct. 14.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Polson musician Benny Weag debuts on NBC’s long-running hit reality show

As people trickle into The Shoe in Polson Saturday night, Benny Weag and David Caselli open their set with a smooth rendition of “Come Together” by The Beatles.

LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 2 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO

Prev Next