Stand for peace
POLSON — No matter what type of weather is thrown their way, they are out there. Snow, sleet, rain, negative or 100-degree temperatures — this group is there.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Moise range withdraws funding appeal
A federal appeals court allowed the U.S. Justice Department last Wednesday to withdraw its appeal of a September decision that rescinded an Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) between the federal government and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, an integral piece of the oversight puzzle for the National Bison Range in …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Different dances demonstrate diversity
PABLO — The tropical paradise of the Pacific Island region seemed a long way from Northwestern Montana last Wednesday, but musical group Tribal Waves brought sounds, not sunshine, from the area during Salish Kootenai College’s annual Diversity Fair.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
RCC appoints new councilmember
RONAN — The city council chose a new councilmember out of three candidates during Monday night’s regularly scheduled meeting.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
School Resource Officers tackle drugs in school
LAKE COUNTY — Drug citations on campus are up in schools countywide during the current school year, prompting some concern from administrators and teachers.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
SAFE Harbor creates haven
LAKE COUNTY — There may not be a homeless housing shelter outside of Kalispell or Missoula, but employees at SAFE Harbor in Ronan are making sure those in need will have a roof over their heads, regardless of their financial situation.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Ronan celebrates with holiday events and parade of lights
RONAN – A full slate of events last Saturday prepared Ronan residents for the Christmas holidays. Beginning with the final Chamber Christmas drawings, including the drawing for the 1967 Ford Mustang, and continuing with the Parade of Lights, an auction, a pancake dinner and boys and girls basketball games, locals …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Attorney for Oldhorn files motion to dismiss
One of four men accused of taking part in a 2005 homicide had bail set at $500,000 last Wednesday as all four cases continue to take shape.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Spang pleads not guilty
POLSON — A teen accused of murder had his bail set at $1 million last Wednesday after almost three weeks in jail without a given bond.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Share the Spirit: Community members band together to give back
POLSON — A nondescript warehouse on Kerr Dam Road has been transformed into Santa’s workshop as local “elves” volunteer their time to spread holiday cheer for those in need countywide. Share the Spirit is in its 12th year locally, organizing gift buying and presents for area youth who may have …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Polson Rural Fire board considers fee for wreck-response
POLSON — Polson Rural Fire Chief John Fairchild is hoping a new charge for fire response to car wrecks requiring clean up and/or vehicle extraction could generate revenue for the department’s dwindling budget.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Tony Porrazzo
Summer, or even spring, isn’t here yet but Tony Porrazzo is ready to ride. The Polson resident hasn’t been on a motorcycle since May 22, 2010 when he was injured in a wreck on Montana Highway 35, but he’s itching to get back on his iron horse.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Mission Mountain Movies: The Town
Ben Affleck, our favorite Boston-product actor (or is it second favorite? Matt Damon anyone?) has moved on to acting AND directing, this time churning out his second Boston-based movie “The Town.” His first, “Gone Baby Gone,” in which his younger brother Casey starred, was based on the novel of the …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
2010 Gun Contest Winner: Trevar McAllister
RONAN — Trevar McAllister’s only just finished his second year hunting, but he’s got a new rifle to use for the next several seasons.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Group works to keep open fabled museum
The 160-year old violin played at Saturday’s open house at the Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana certainly wasn’t the oldest artifact at the 13-year old house of history but it surely made the prettiest sound when played.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Joye Albert
Polson resident Joye Ann Albert has transformed a vivid memory from more than 50 years ago into a children’s book.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Raising funds for public television
PABLO — Hard economic times have people considering what bills are expendable and what are needed. Usually the first to go is cable, meaning more and more people depend on “bunny ears” to get over-the-air television signals, a move that makes free, public television even more of a premium. Locally, …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mission Mountain Movies: Get Him to the Greek
I waited quite a while to see “Get Him to the Greek” and finally watched it this past week, more than two months after its release on DVD. Frankly, I don’t know what I was waiting for.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Afghanistan blast injures Marine
RONAN — A Ronan Marine is at an East Coast military hospital after being severely injured in Afghanistan.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Open Senate seat draws local interest
POLSON — Ten years after first realizing his political aspirations, former state Sen. John Brueggeman (R), of Polson, left his Senate District 6 seat, effective Nov. 29.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mission Mountain Movies: Unthinkable
Since the attacks of Sept. 11 almost 10 years ago, many movies have been made about other terrorist attacks being carried out on American soil. While these types of movies were also made prior to the attacks, the intensity, and realism, has certainly picked up in the more recent entries …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
It's showtime!
ST. IGNATIUS — Students of all ages and grade levels, 50 in all, took to the brand-new stage in Mission’s spiffy multi-purpose room last Friday to give teachers, students and community members a special presentation of “The Princess and the Pea.”
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Depredation hunts on for rez
FLATHEAD RESERVATION — Deer numbers are high locally, despite low statewide hunting numbers, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are asking for local hunters help to lower those numbers.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Polson cops seek grant
POLSON — The Polson Police Department already knows they’re pretty strapped, even with 12 full time police officers. Civilian Police Assistant Brian Kunz, a separate full-time employee that deals more with investigative work, has the data to back it up, and he’s hoping the research he’s done will help him …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Residents speak out against cell tower
POLSON — A structure built on private property, outside of zoning limits, has probably never received so much attention, but the prospect of a cell phone tower being erected on Haack Road has area residents teaming up to try and stop it.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Local cafe promotes art, kids' programs
POLSON — For Julie Berry, director of Coalition for Kids, the opening of the Big Sky Bistro and Art Bar is a dream come true. If it does well, and early indications are it could, her highest hopes will be fulfilled.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Polson Thanksgiving brings cheer
POLSON — Homes around the county hosted Thanksgiving festivities but few probably boasted the numbers that the Polson Senior Center saw come through the doors during its four-hour dinner — and that’s not even including the meals delivered to area residents.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Details scarce in murder investigation
POLSON — A teen suspected of killing his mother’s boyfriend on the morning of Nov. 27 remains in custody at the Lake County Jail.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
9-inch butcher knife used in alleged weekend slaying
POLSON — A Polson murder suspect is being held without bond for the Saturday stabbing death of his mother’s boyfriend.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Election complaints remain unresolved
LAKE COUNTY — The Nov. 2 election has come and passed, but two complaints filed in relation to the sheriff’s race have yet to be resolved and may not be for quite some time, Commissioner of Political Practices Dennis Unsworth said last week.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
First snow wreaks havoc on local road conditions
LAKE COUNTY — The flashing lights and blaring sirens of law enforcement and ambulances alike are almost as synonymous with the first snow of winter as the white stuff coming out of the sky.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Seniors celebrate early
ST. IGNATIUS — While today is the official “turkey day,” area seniors enjoyed Thanksgiving a little early this year, having a dinner with all the trimmings at various senior citizen centers around the county last week.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
A hard days work at the resort
The air was bitingly cold, with wind chills certainly in the negatives. Snow and wind battered my exposed face, leaving my nostrils dripping with snot as I fought to combat frostbite.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sands found guilty
MISSOULA — A Mission man accused of soliciting sex from a minor was convicted by a jury in federal court of attempted coercion and enticement last Tuesday.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Doyle prepares to lead sheriff's office
POLSON — There’s a new sheriff in town — well, officially on Jan. 1 — and he’s ready to get in the saddle and lead the department he’s worked for for 13 years.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mission Mountain Movies: The Hunted
The big movie news of late was the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I” last week. Boy, did that sucker make a lot of money: $330 million worldwide in its opening weekend.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Mission Mountain movies: Due Date
Ahh, winter. A time of snow, cold, early darkness and the holidays. But more inside time also means more movie time, to cuddle up and watch your favorite flick, or visit your local theater, the Showboat in Polson or Entertainer in Ronan, to see some of the hottest new films …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Salomon heads for Helena
PABLO — Election day was just like any other day for Dan Salomon.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Proposed cell tower rattles residents
POLSON — Jim and Janie Blodgett don’t use Verizon as their cell phone service providers and they don’t want “America’s most reliable wireless provider” building a cell tower just feet from their housing development.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sargeant steals the show at PCC meeting
POLSON — Parks department director Karen Sargeant was the star of Monday night’s city council meeting, earning various recognitions and giving a positive report on the city’s budding recycling plan.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Helen Smith
RONAN — Military veterans dot the Mission Valley, and all were celebrated during last Thursday’s Veterans Day. The celebration got off to an early start Wednesday afternoon when Chuck Lewis and Homer Courville presented Helen Smith, 88, with a beaded poppy for her service time and lifetime membership in the …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Spay/neuter clinic: cutting for a cause
RONAN — Hundreds of household pets and their owners streamed into the Glacier View Christian School’s gymnasium for a simple surgery that will have profound effects in local towns.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Local meeting spotlights wolves
RONAN — Stockgrowers, hunters, meat processors and taxidermists came out in droves Monday evening for a meeting on recently re-listed gray wolves.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Couple celebrates 68th anniversary
POLSON — Many things have changed in the last 68 years, but for Robert and Dorothy Kelly, one thing has remained constant: each other.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 12 MONTHS AGO
Doctor presents on "aid in dying"
Death is often something people avoid speaking about at all costs. But for others, it is a stark reality, something that is coming sooner rather than later. For the latter, deemed terminally ill, a choice in how to spend their last days is of utmost importance, said Dr. Thomas Preston, …
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Main Street makeover
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Ronan moves to Class B
RONAN - After weeks of discussion and feedback from alumni, students, parents, board trustees, coaches and community members, the Ronan School Board voted to compete in Class B for the next two years during Monday's monthly meeting.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
How does your garden grow?
As snow begins to descend on the Mission Mountains and the air grows chill, those who love plants are saying good-bye ‘till next year or getting ready to keep them alive through the cold months. It doesn’t take a huge business operation to keep plants and vegetables alive all winter. …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Home of: Ron Hanson
RONAN — In business, a savvy entrepreneur knows that a little capital can go a long way. Ronan High School business and technology teacher Ron Hanson knows that firsthand after writing for and receiving a $6,000 grant to buy equipment and software to give his students new opportunities in web …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Polson man seeks truth
POLSON — Despite what some media outlets have reported, William John Matt is not a convicted killer. He has been convicted of accountability for robbery, a felony, and he has served prison time. But he hasn’t killed anyone.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Lake County House District No. 11, 12 and sheriff candidates: In their own words
With the election this Tuesday, Nov. 2, time is fast approaching to make your decisions and vote for the candidate you believe will do the best job for you, their constituents. Forums have been held, signs have been hung and articles, TV appearances and radio ads have been run.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Ronan discusses class B
RONAN - Monday's community forum discussing Ronan's potential reclassification to B brought questions, comments, ideas but no real consensus on the best course of action for the small Class A school district.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Tester talks tribal roads
POLSON — Tribal leaders, spokespeople and concerned members from tribes around the country converged on the KwaTaqNuk last Friday to hear testimony at a Senate Indian Affairs Committee oversight field hearing.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Home of: Phillip Crenshaw
When you spend 22 years in the military and have four immediate family members still actively serving, you come to appreciate home that much more. For Phillip Crenshaw, who has called Ronan home since 1993, that is certainly the case: a place you can come back to no matter where …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Concerns remain at Polson Board of Ed
POLSON — A specially held school board meeting last Thursday sought to clarify issues that have come about after a particularly heated expulsion hearing for a middle-school student.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Fisher back in custody
OLSON — Two days after being set free in a trial that lacked the state’s key witness, Nathan Fisher allegedly committed one of the same crimes of which he’d just been exonerated.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Doctor presents on aid in dying
POLSON — Death is often something people avoid speaking about at all costs. But for others, it is a stark reality, something that is coming sooner rather than later. For the latter, deemed terminally ill, a choice in how to spend their last days is of utmost importance, said Dr. …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
A trip to the pumpkin patch
Bowling with pumpkins has never been so much fun. Four-year-old Keyen Nash, 3-year-old Hanna Lytton and 4-year-olds Max Violett and Brody Sturm, all students at the On Our Way Montessori preschool in Polson, give the unique game a chance last Thursday at the Pumpkin Patch in Ronan. Run by Francis …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Grow house zoning
LAKE COUNTY — Dennis Lewis wants to be very clear: he’s not necessarily against legalizing medicinal marijuana. What he is against is the growing, cultivation and sale of the drug in his neighborhood, where he is the president of the homeowners association for the 32 families.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
An alternative way
RONAN — Close to 300 kids, parents and people on their way to work participated in Ronan’s slice of International Walk to School Day last Wednesday, city parks director Jennifer Rolfsness said.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Lil' Pirates rah-rah-rah
POLSON — The girls had the moves, cheers, chants and pom-poms down pat. They even ran out on the field during halftime of the Polson Pirates football game last Friday night and performed their little hearts out. But it wasn’t the normal Lady Pirate Cheer Squad out there, doing their …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS AGO
Ronan discusses move to B classification
RONAN - Several years of seesaw rates of enrollment has the Ronan Board of Education once again considering its classification and districting.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Mild fire season
LAKE COUNTY — Despite warmer temperatures in the post-summer weeks, the beginning of fall Sept. 23 and generally wetter than normal summer weather has fire officials on the brink of declaring the 2010 fire season a done deal. But “don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” several local fire officials …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Death penalty system discussed
PABLO — Carolyn Madplume knows a thing or two about death. Her 20-year-old daughter, Catherine, was killed in Feb. 2005 when three men robbed and killed her boyfriend, an act of violence south of Ronan that shocked the community.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Roundup goes on as planned
MOIESE — Last week’s decision to nullify the Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service had the potential to put this week’s annual roundup at the National Bison Range in jeopardy. But a relatively quick response and determination meant the …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Open burning means fire-season is over
Despite warmer temperatures this past week, the beginning of fall and generally wetter than normal summer weather has fire officials on the brink of declaring the 2010 fire season a done deal. But “don’t count your chickens before they hatch,” several local fire officials warned.
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Financial planner set for RCC
RONAN — The city council voted to advertise for a “financial officer” during Monday’s meeting, a decision that may face serious scrutiny as Ronan grapples with setting its fiscal year 2010-2011 budget.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Man claiming corruption in LCSO has home searched
Outspoken Lake County Sheriff's Office critic Terry Leonard was served a search warrant Thursday afternoon by the very department he has claimed is corrupt.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Still going strong
POLSON - Thirty-five years after starting the Port Polson Players, Karen and Neal Lewing still are in the business for the same reason they began so many years ago: the kids.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Website investigation starts
LAKE COUNTY — A complaint has been filed and “questions are being asked” of a group allegedly acting as an illegal Political Action Committee (PAC), Commission of Political Practices commissioner Dennis Unsworth said.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Grand opening
Even though the concrete has been tested already, Skate Ignatius
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Judge rules against CSKT
WASHINGTON, D.C. - United States District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly ordered an Annual Funding Agreement (AFA) between the federal government and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes be rescinded on Tuesday, a decision that will alter the way the National Bison Range in Moiese is overseen and managed.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Commissioners approve pay raise
POLSON - A continuation of a meeting on elected county officials compensation last Wednesday brought a recommendation from the county compensation board to increase longevity pay for elected officials to two percent, retroactive to 2005, and give a base wage raise of .50-cents per hour. Two commissioners of three need …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
RTC receives grant
RONAN - A local company recently received a big chunk of change to revolutionize the way Northwest Montana receives, uses and pays for high-speed Internet connections.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Single vehicle accident kills one
DAYTON — A Dayton man died Thursday morning in a single-vehicle accident on U.S. Highway 93.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Driver pleads not guilty in fatal crash
POLSON - A man accused of driving his car off a cliff into the Flathead River and killing his two passengers in April appeared in District Court last Thursday to respond to two counts of negligent homicide.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Ernst enters not guilty plea in murder case
POLSON — A man facing a felony charge in connection with the 2005 murder of Harold Mitchell appeared in Lake County District Court last Wednesday.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Home of: Denver Holt
CHARLO - He might be well known locally for his annual "Hat Party" fundraiser, but Denver Holt's Owl Research Institute in Charlo has garnered him and his colleagues international acclaim as leaders in researching the bird.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
SKC welcomes new leader
PABLO - Amid applause, standing ovations, speeches and smiles, Dr. Luana Ross became the third president in Salish Kootenai College's 32-year history.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Last festival of the summer: Dayton Daze
DAYTON — One of summer's final celebrations occurred last Saturday as hundreds came out to enjoy the 19th annual Dayton Daze.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Ronan city council increases water rates
RONAN — Citizens voiced heated opinions at a well-attended public hearing on increased water rates that preceded the regularly scheduled city council meeting Monday night.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fireboard sees six new apps
POLSON — Six new applicants hoping to become volunteer firefighters was some good news Chief John Fairchild had for the Polson Rural Fire Board during its monthly meeting last Wednesday evening.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Outside painting
POLSON - Painters from Brazil to India - as well as 16 from Polson - participated in the 8th Annual World Wide Paint Out Saturday, according to organizer John Davis.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
SRT suspended
LAKE COUNTY - The Mission Valley Special Response Team has been suspended indefinitely effective last Wednesday, Lake County Undersheriff Jay Doyle said.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Tribal Health celebrates with open house
POLSON - A few months after opening for service, the brand new Tribal Health Building held an open house last Wednesday for all to explore the interior of the three-story structure on the corner of 1st St. West and Third Ave in Polson.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
New gallery in Elmo open
ELMO - The talent has begun to come out of the woodwork in Elmo and artists are showing off their creations at a new gallery in town.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Winning never tasted so good
DAYTON - The Sonoma Valley would be hard pressed to beat the views and atmosphere of the Mission Mountain Winery. And that's not even talking about the vino itself.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Suspect in custody
POLSON - A Kalispell man is in custody as a suspect in two thefts at the Polson Wal-Mart. Timothy Polly, 38, was arrested for theft after witnesses gave a description and license plate number of a vehicle fleeing the scene after the latest incident on Aug. 31. The vehicle allegedly …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Trail of the 'Big Burn'
Standing at the mouth of a dense forest, Placer Creek rambling by on a cloudless day, it's hard to imagine the scene 100 years prior here in Wallace, Idaho.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Combing the county
LAKE COUNTY - It's Friday afternoon, around 5 p.m. An 18-year-old, we'll call him "Bob," walks into a bar, orders a beer and sits down. Not knowing the kid, the bartender asks for his identification. The high school senior reaches into his pocket and pulls out his real ID. After …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Lake County helps paint the state
LAKE COUNTY - An Aug. 20 ceremony in Helena celebrated the winner's of the "Paint the State" contest, including the top three entries from Lake County.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Top (chili) chef
POLSON - A cool, overcast Saturday proved perfect for enjoying plenty of chili during the Rotary Club's Festival for Youth at Riverside Park.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
A different type of pet
POLSON - Alligators, eagles and hawks. Oh my.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Changes in store for Mission schools
New superintendent hits the ground running as school addition is built
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Final suspect caught
POLSON - Tuesday evening brought to a conclusion a measured process of rounding up four suspected murderers, all of whom were serving prison time on separate charges.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fisher back in custody
POLSON - Nathan Fisher is back in Lack County Detention after a dramatic capture at a residence just blocks from the courthouse.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fire burns 42 acres newar Buffalo Bridge
VALLEY VIEW — Crews from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Polson and Ronan worked quickly last Thursday evening to contain a 42-acre wildland fire burning near Buffalo Bridge.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Commissioners table pay raise
POLSON - Concerns were voiced from frustrated citizens and county employees when the Lake County Compensation Board met last Wednesday morning. The board is composed of all three county commissioners, three elected county officials and two citizens and is an advisory board to the County Commissioners.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Busy weekend for police
POLSON — A well-orchestrated heist of Wal-Mart resulted in more than $3,000 of merchandise stolen from the retailer during another busy summer weekend, Polson Police Chief Doug Chase said.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Highway dedicated to Hoyt
PABLO — A year after his sudden death, family, friends and colleagues gathered on Monday to dedicate a section of U.S. Highway 93 to Trooper Chris Hoyt.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Famous house opens for tour
POLSON - A special open house last Wednesday had more than 200 curious attendees visit a home featured in a 1955 film.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Fire near Buffalo Bridge
Crews from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Polson and Ronan worked quickly Thursday evening to contain a 42-acre wildland fire burning near Buffalo Bridge.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Runaways found safe
ST. IGNATIUS — Four teens missing since July from the Pinehaven Christian Children’s Ranch in St. Ignatius have been confirmed found and safe, according to Lake County Sheriff’s Office Det. Mike Gehl.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Rolling old school
It started out as an adventure to Glacier National Park in a 25-year old Volkswagen Westfalia. It ended with federal agents on both sides of the U.S. — Canada border descending on the East Glacier area, surrounding my sister and parent’s campsite, guns drawn, hoping to catch a fugitive couple.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Senator stops by Pablo
PABLO - Back in Montana during the Senate's summer recess, Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., made a pit stop in Pablo last Thursday for a listening session with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council and members of the public.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Lovie Bailey
RONAN — For Lovie Bailey, sometimes the best way to keep track of time is by the quilts she’s given as gifts.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Ronan BOE ends issue
RONAN - After questions of incompatible office were raised during June's Ronan School District No. 30's Board of Trustees meeting, an apparent resolution during Monday's meeting led to the hiring of Gale Decker as high school assistant boys basketball coach.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Suspect still loose after Wednesday night stabbing
An altercation outside of the Pablo Bar near project 30 Wednesday night resulted in a stabbing that left one wounded and the suspect at large.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Man severs electrical line in Pablo
PABLO —A severed electrical line sent one man to the hospital and left much of Pablo without power during a Thursday morning construction accident.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Just call it Storm County
Heavy rain and hail complemented a brilliant lighting display as part of a major storm system Saturday night. This map illustrates the 1,262 lighting strikes that hit within Lake County. Of that number, 32 were “positive” strikes, meaning the likelihood of a fire starting is greater. As of press time, …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Mixed reactions for new library district
POLSON — Patrons streamed in and out of the Polson Library last Wednesday afternoon, just like any other day. Inside, visitors, young and old checked out books, sat and read the newspaper and surfed the Internet. What appeared to be just any other day wasn’t. Instead, each patron that opened …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Obstacles in future for FIIP
ST. IGNATIUS — A presentation Monday night at the St. Ignatius Community Center illustrated the tough challenges ahead for the entity now managing the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Finley takes plea deal
POLSON — A Ronan man came to a plea deal with state prosecutors last Wednesday, resolving two different criminal cases with two felony convictions.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Harrison gets five years
POLSON — A Ronan man, guilty of committing a string of burglaries last summer, received five years in prison after two felony and four misdemeanor convictions.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Mostly quiet for police
POLSON — A man allegedly brandishing a handgun at a local bar Saturday night proved the most serious incident during what Polson Police Chief Doug Chase said is one of the busiest weekends of the year for his department.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Emory Willson
RONAN — When it comes down to it, agriculture is agriculture. That’s the way Emory Willson, Ronan High School’s new vocational agriculture teacher, looks at it anyway.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Lakers thank Govenor
YELLOW BAY - Over thousands of years, Flathead Lake has been one of the cleanest, if not the cleanest, lakes in the world. For more than 50 years, the Flathead Lakers have been making sure that stays true, despite a major population base surrounding the largest freshwater lake west of …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Colors show at paint-out
POLSON — Artists from around the valley descended on the Sandpiper Gallery Friday evening to celebrate the cooperatives closing of the first ever “Plein Aire Paint-Out” exhibition.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Ronan bans pot in public
RONAN — The city council approved an amendment to a recently passed medical marijuana ordinance Monday night, banning the drug’s consumption in public places.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Rehberg visits Lake County
POLSON - Montana Republican Denny Rehberg, running for his sixth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, visited Polson last Wednesday as part of "America Speaking Out" town hall forums.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
VIDEO: Wilson is guilty
POLSON - A jury of Lake County residents found defendant Brent Arthur Wilson guilty on four charges Tuesday morning after a trial that lasted just a day and a half.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
New Boys & Girls Club opens
POLSON - When an organization lists its alumni as former President Bill Clinton, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Michael Jordan, they must be doing something right. After all, these people have proven quite successful at their respective endeavors.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
FBI now involved in case
POLSON - The investigation surrounding a Charlo woman accused of embezzling more than half a million dollars from a Polson credit union has apparently moved on to the federal level.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Court enters not guilty plea for Brent Arthur Wilson
POLSON - Brent Arthur Wilson was arraigned on amended charges in the State of Montana vs. Brent Arthur Wilson today at the Lake County Courthouse in Polson. In the arraignment, the court entered a plea of not guilty and Wilson's trial has been set for 9 a.m. on Monday, July …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Rainfall won't reduce fires
LAKE COUNTY - Record-setting rainfall in June has grass and brush around the area looking green into July.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Fireworks start fire
ELMO - A quick response by two north county fire departments helped quell what could have been a major fire Saturday evening.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Firemen's picnic a slam dunk
ST. IGNATIUS - Hundreds turned out to the Old Town Field last Saturday for the 16th Annual St. Ignatius Volunteer Fire Department Firemen's Picnic.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Leslie Tower
Tom and Bonnie Eddy are relatively new full-time residents to Polson, but their familial connections to the area go much deeper than that.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Local woman accused of embezzlement
POLSON - Law enforcement officials are seeking a 52-year-old Charlo woman who allegedly embezzled more than $600,000 from Whitefish Credit Union.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Polson airport gets visit from the past
POLSON - Visitors from around the valley converged on the Polson Airport to take a look at unique, antique airplanes visiting town Saturday morning.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
New space for Loaves and Fishes
POLSON — The new 3,840 square foot Loaves and Fishes food pantry doesn’t look like it’s predecessor.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Seely enters guilty plea
POLSON — A Hot Springs man filed a guilty plea last Thursday in District Court to charges stemming from a standoff with law enforcement one month ago.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Fresh produce on the door step
LAKE COUNTY - Like all good farmers, Julie Pavlock wants her produce to arrive fresh and seasonally to her consumers. Not only does the food taste better that way, but also the costs to both the consumer and the environment are significantly lower. Locally grown, organic food may cost more …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Rotary donates to city parks
POLSON - A $15,000 donation from the Polson Rotary Club has city parks director Karen Sargeant ready to get to work.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
The clutch is all here
Release of 20 yearling swans bolsters return of species in Mission Valley
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Ronan burglar changes plea
POLSON — A Ronan man accused of committing a string of burglaries last summer came to a plea agreement with county prosecutors that will reduce the 18 charges originally filed against him.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
More changes for fire board
POLSON — A veteran rural fire board trustee resigned at last Wednesday night’s monthly meeting as changes continue to ripple through the board after the results of the May 4 election saw two incumbents deposed.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Strain shows at Ronan BOE
RONAN - Tensions rose at Monday's Ronan school board meeting as trustees approved sending a letter to the Lake County Attorney's Office concerning Gale Decker's positions on the county and school level.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Cherry season blossoms
YELLOW BAY - Early spring means Flathead cherries, that delicious fruit so beloved in northwestern Montana, are still a ways off. But warm weather and sunshine means cherry blossoms are out in full around the lake, a reason to celebrate the coming season by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Yellow …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Erika Nunlist
Erika Nunlist is one of many area graduates who has walked the stage, received a diploma and tossed their mortarboard hats in the air during the recent weeks. She is one of a very few in Lake County, though, who graduated in just three years, rather than the traditional four.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
One year later: The Ronan track
RONAN - Nearly a year after construction began on a new football and track and field facility at Ronan High School, questions still remain about its completion and future use.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Spring sports siblings
It's a family affair when it comes to area athletes on the tennis court
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Unofficial Lake County election results
Lake County, MT Primary Election Final Unofficial Results
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff and county commissioner candidate surveys
LAKE COUNTY — On Tuesday, June 8, many candidates are up for election during the primary election. Those positions up for vote include sheriff, county commissioner, U.S. House District 1, State Senate District 8, State House Districts 11, 12 and 15, and various county-wide positions.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Polson girls' tennis takes second
BILLINGS - A strong showing at the state championship tournament last weekend netted the Lady Pirates a second place trophy in Class A, the best finish in school history for the tennis program.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Ronan city council discusses library budget
RONAN - The city library sent representatives to the city council meeting Monday night to discuss various issues, including a budget amendment.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Biologists warn of hidden pests
POLSON - As summer fast approaches, people around the area will begin to take to the water. Boating, fishing, jet skiing and rafting are some of the favorites to partake in the Lake County area. Yet, water-goers are warned to "inspect, clean and dry" themselves and their equipment to help …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Ahlborn is state champ
MISSOULA - As dreary weather and so-so play began the tennis season, Mission junior Spencer Ahlborn wasn't sure how it would all turn out.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Spring Mack Days breaks records
BLUE BAY - Hundreds of anglers and their families came out to Blue Bay last Sunday for a fish fry to celebrate the completion of the new, extended spring Mack Days tournament.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Polson tennis heads to state
KALISPELL - Polson took home its fourth straight girls' tennis divisional title Saturday, wrapping up a dominant regular season. The best part, head coach Bob Hislop said, may be how dominant the team has become in the last few years, despite having some of the newest players in Northwestern Class …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Ronan holds marijuana meeting
RONAN - A short, specially-called Ronan city council meeting last Wednesday saw attending council members unanimously pass an emergency moratorium on medicinal marijuana in the city limits.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Erich Trickel
RONAN - For someone who has lived in Lake County his whole life, Erich Trickel sure knows of a lot of places around the world.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Artists starve for Ronan library
RONAN - Hundreds turned out to Willard's bar throughout the day Saturday to check out the Second Annual Starving Artist exhibit.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Employee of the decade honored
RONAN - Singing, smiles and hugs were a big part of Sunday's celebration for Sandra Mary Brickzin, employee of the decade at Ronan Pizza Café.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Ronan BOE straightens things out
RONAN - Two days after having its meeting cut short by claims of illegality, the Ronan board of education completed their scheduled monthly meeting last Wednesday.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Wheeler sentenced to prison
POLSON - Convicted burglar Cote Wheeler was sentenced to prison on four different charges last Wednesday, more than a year after he committed a crime spree throughout three different counties.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Ronan takes three losses
RONAN - The Ronan tennis team had a rough go of it the past week, winning only two matches in three dual match ups with Class A competition.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Polson tennis finishes strong
LIBBY - The Polson girls' tennis team kept up solid play and showed it is the team to beat in Class A as they earned three team wins and only lost one match on the week.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Mission tennis gains momentum
BIGFORK - The St. Ignatius girls' tennis team faced some stiff competition during the divisional tournament last Friday and Saturday in Bigfork.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Hot Springs man arrested after three-hour standoff with police
HOT SPRINGS-- Local law enforcement responding to reports of
VALLEY PRESS-MINERAL INDEPENDENT | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Ordeal in Hot Springs ends peacefully
HOT SPRINGS -- Local law enforcement responding to reports of shots fired and a possible hostage situation ended peacefully after a man was apprehended Thursday evening.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Metzger avoids jail
POLSON - Nine months after fatally stabbing James Finch in a Ronan bar, Allen Metzger learned he will not spend any time in prison.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Teachers reverse roles and learn
NATIONAL BISON RANGE - The students took notes, colored pictures and listened intently as their instructor detailed the activities for the day. After a brief outside activity, the students returned to their chairs and watched a video as they ate lunch. The day is just like any other day of …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Blumberg honored, Hope card unveiled
PABLO - Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock honored local domestic violence victims advocate Jenifer Blumberg for her work last Wednesday in a special ceremony at the Tribal Complex. Bullock also helped announce the arrival of the Hope card, a new tool for those possessing a permanent order of protection against …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Farmers start market season
POLSON - The oldest farmers' market in the state of Montana opened the 2010 season in its new location on a beautiful spring morning, a welcome reprieve from recent rainy weather.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Ronan BOE actions considered illgal
RONAN - Those gathered in the high school library Monday night expected to see new school board trustees sworn in and a meeting to take place.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Mission tennis eyes end-of-season run
MISSOULA - Two dual matches and a tournament in a three-day stretch has hopefully gotten the Mission tennis team ready for end of the season competition, head coach Kimimi Ashley said.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Pirate netters stay hot
POLSON - At this point in the season, there seems to be little that can stop the Polson tennis team. With divisional and state play on the horizon, that is most certainly a good thing.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Farmer's market opens in Polson
POLSON - The oldest farmers' market in the state of Montana opened the 2010 season on a beautiful spring morning, a welcome reprieve from recent rainy weather.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Another arrest made in Mitchell murder
POLSON - A man is in custody at The Lake County Detention Facility in connection with the 2005 murder of Harold Mitchell in St. Ignatius.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Ronan tennis mixes it up
RONAN - Coming off its first win of the season, the Ronan Maidens tennis team made a few changes.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Pirate netters convincing in wins
POLSON - The Polson girls' tennis team continued to rack up the wins as the team took two of three matches last Friday and Saturday.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Mission beats rain, Loyola
ST. IGNATIUS - The Mission tennis team earned its second victory in as many weeks, taking down Loyola last Tuesday in a rain-shortened 3-2 team win.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Ronan creates solicitor license
RONAN - The City Council moved to amend the first reading of the new solicitor's license ordinance during Monday's meeting.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Mother Nature has fun on Earth Day
PABLO - A strong coordinated effort by several local groups allowed the Second Annual Community Earth Day Event to go off without a hitch last Saturday, despite varied and weird weather conditions throughout the day.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Becca Bontadelli
POLSON - Becca Bontadelli and her husband Tony know a thing or two about miles. They've traveled plenty of them, her in her passion and hobby, he in his job as an airline pilot, commuting and traveling throughout the United States and beyond. Becca is a marathon runner, having just …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Fire board surveys
LAKE COUNTY - Four candidates are battling for two positions on the Polson Rural Fire Board as the election draws near on May 4. Beth Hoel and incumbent Alison Meslin are competing for a three-year term on the board while incumbent Paul Laisy will run against Stephen Stanley for a …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Ronan tennis gains win, confidence
RONAN - The Ronan Maidens tennis team broke through for a victory Saturday as part of five matches in a five-day stretch, with only Sunday off.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Bulldog netters earn first win
ST. IGNATIUS - The Mission boys' tennis team earned its first victory of the season Friday, taking down Cut Bank in a home match as part of a busy week of singles and doubles matches.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Museum celebrates birthdays
POLSON - With 100-year anniversaries fast approaching for both Polson and Glacier National Park, a community institution is getting in on the act.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Ronan H.S. has new vice principal
RONAN - Ronan School District No. 30 Superintendent Andy Holmlund announced Friday that Ryan Fisher is his recommendation to be the new high school vice principal beginning next school year. A special school board meeting was planned Wednesday morning to approve his hiring, but it occurred after press time.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Fire Board gets grant
POLSON - Last week was a busy one for the Polson Rural Fire Board, as it received a grant and held its monthly meeting. In addition, a candidates' forum put on by Polson firefighters for those running for the rural fire board in the May 4 election was held last …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Fatal accident kills one in Polson
POLSON - One man was killed Wednesday afternoon in a freak accident at the intersection of Montana Highway 35 and U.S. Highway 93 in Polson.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Cheifs, Maidens fall twice on road
The Maidens lost to Corvallis 2-5 and 0-7 to Hamilton on
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Mission netters earn tie
ST. IGNATIUS - A gorgeous sunshiny spring day set the stage for ties for the boys' and girls' St. Ignatius tennis teams on Monday. The warm April day may have almost been too much for the players, as they reminisced on it snowing during their matches only two weeks ago.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Pirate tennis takes five each
CUT BANK - Dominant performances from both the boys' and girls' teams led the Polson tennis team to five big wins each in three days of tennis this past weekend.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Domestic violence training for officers
POLSON - A two-day visit from international domestic violence trainer and speaker Lt. Mark Wynn was capped off last Wednesday afternoon with a Q-and-A session with community members at the KwaTaqNuk in Polson.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Control signed over to CSKT and JBC
FLATHEAD RESERVATION - Today marks nearly a week since control of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP) was turned over to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) and the Flathead Joint Board of Control (JBC) in a historic signing agreement.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Haiti benefit dinner
Held at the Ronan Community Center and sponsored by the Mission Valley Mennonite Youth, the dinner drew approximately 230 people and raised $2,600, according to Travis Jordan. All donated proceeds will go to Christian Disaster Relief, a group that is building and erecting tents in Haiti. All materials for the …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Ronan tennis finally hits the courts
STEVENSVILLE - A beautiful day in Stevensville saw both Ronan girls' and boys' tennis teams lose season opening matches 3-4 and 2-5, respectively.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Two ties for Mission boys
BIGFORK - The St. Ignatius boys' tennis team got off to a good start last week, posting 3-3 ties with opponents Bigfork and Troy in the opening matches of its season.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Polson tennis shakes rust, looks strong
POLSON - Polson girls' tennis got off to a good start on a frigid spring weekend as the Lady Pirates took three of four matches last weekend against top-notch competition from around the area.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
One man survives drop into river
POLSON — Two Missoula men were killed and a third man injured when their vehicle drove over a cliff into the Flathead River early Saturday.
DAILY INTER-LAKE | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Two dead in crash
LAKE COUNTY - A beautiful stretch of the Flathead River near Polson turned into a tragic scene Saturday when two Missoula men were killed in a single car wreck. The lone survivor, the reported driver of the yellow, 2002 Ford Escape sport utility vehicle, is recovering from his injuries at …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Details emerge after Ross' arrest
LAKE COUNTY - More than a week after the arrest of Nathan Aaron Ross on felony charges of deliberate homicide and tampering with physical evidence, both the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the Lake County Attorney's Office are mum on the details. But the criminal affidavit filed by the attorney's …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Metzger pleads guilty
POLSON - The day his jury trial on a charge of deliberate homicide was set to begin, defendant Allen Metzger came to the Lake County District Courtroom not to defend himself, but rather to change his plea to a lesser charge.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Michelle Fenger
RONAN - Surrounded by millions of words and pages, streams of children and elderly patrons, and those with questions or comments, Michelle Fenger is certainly in her element. She knew as a young girl she wanted to be a teacher. Paired with her love of reading and children, Fenger has …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Mission ladies start swinging
EUREKA - A fresh set of St. Ignatius girls' tennis players tasted some in-game action for the first time this season, heading to Eureka for a Class 7B match up.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Ronan begins storm water management plans
RONAN - A public hearing on storm water management last Wednesday drew approximately 20 city council members, city employees and community members to the Ronan City Hall to hash out preliminary plans for the city's infrastructure.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Man held again after alleged assault
POLSON - A Ronan man is facing a slew of felony charges and is back in jail after allegedly committing new offenses and violating the terms of his release on bond in regards to a different, ongoing criminal assault cases.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Charges filed in 2005 fire, murder
21-year-old man arrested after five-year investigation
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Former mill men saddle up
RONAN - School's in session in Ronan, but it's not any public school for children. This school is found on Main Street, in the back workshop of Muley Bluz, a store with "cowboy toys" that specializes in saddle making and boot and shoe repair. Owner Steve Crumm is there every …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Domestic violence in spotlight
LAKE COUNTY - Today marks the beginning of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a national effort to promote sexual assault awareness and prevention of domestic violence. Locally, DOVES (Domestic Violence Education & Services) has taken the reins to lead an effort to prevent and provide healing for victims of such crimes. …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Lone county taxi a friend to many
LAKE COUNTY - It's half past 7 on a recent Friday night and already the calls are coming in. "South Lake Taxi," Dennis Orr says into his cell phone and dispatch center on this and every other night.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Mission man sentenced for selling explosives
MISSOULA - A St. Ignatius man received more than three years in prison after pleading guilty to one federal count of distributing explosive materials without a license.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Dalai Lama plans Arlee visit
ARLEE - Lake County will receive a first time visitor to Montana late next year, someone who is also a very special spiritual and religious adviser.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Vern Reum
Vern Reum was willing to give anything a chance. His wife Roxanne had battled cancer for years, the pain progressively getting worse and worse. She'd always wanted to live by the water, and her doctor recommended living in a tropical area. Vern bought a house in La Paz, Mexico, traveling …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Word wizards gather for bee
RONAN - "Monotonous. M-O-N-O-T-O-N-O-U-S. Monotonous." The three judges smiled and picked up the green "Correct" sign. And with that, Polson 8th grader Cody Baer nabbed first place at the 2010 Lake County Spelling Bee, the winner out of 50 kids from around the valley during the March 11 event at …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Census gig a great way to earn cash
Notes from the Newsroom
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Missing ammo claims spur inquest
POLSON — The Lake County Sheriff’s Office has called in a state investigator to look in to claims that ammunition is missing from its facility, Det. Mike Sargeant said earlier this week.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff's office investigating stolen ammo claim
POLSON - The Lake County Sheriff's Office is investigating claims that ammunition is missing from its facility, Det. Mike Sargeant said last week.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Sheriff's office investigating missing ammo claim
POLSON - The Lake County Sheriff's Office is investigating claims that ammunition is missing from its facility, Det. Mike Sargeant said last week.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Man arraigned in Post Creek fatal
POLSON - A Clinton man pleaded not guilty in district court last Thursday to a felony charge stemming from a fatal highway accident more than a year ago.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Shooting incidents lead to several area arrests
LAKE COUNTY - Two separate shooting incidents in Polson and Pablo resulted in the arrests of two area men.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Back Road construction set to finish this year
LAKE COUNTY - After years of anticipation, 2010 is shaping up to be the year the Back Road project is completed.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Ronan council passes marijuana ordinance
RONAN - The city of Ronan passed a temporary zoning ordinance on businesses selling medical marijuana on Monday night.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Arlee amps up trail talks
ARLEE - An enthusiastic group of more than 50 people showed up to the Arlee High School cafeteria last Wednesday to learn more about efforts to implement a comprehensive trail system in the Jocko Valley area.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Law enforcement and court records (March 4)
Lake County District Court, Judge McNeil presiding
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Bighorn sheep helicoptered from Wild Horse
BIG ARM — For a second it was surreal, like a scene out of “Jurassic Park”: A group of bighorn sheep dangling from the bottom of a helicopter, like a delicious treat for a hungry Tyrannosaurus Rex.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Hartsoe gets 20 for felony assault
POLSON — A St. Ignatius man will spend the next 20 years in the Montana State Prison after being sentenced in District Court last Thursday following a long, complicated case that spanned close to two years.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Snowed-in skiers OK
ST. IGNATIUS — Reports of stranded backcountry skiers high in the Mission Mountains last Thursday morning prompted a massive response by local law enforcement and search and rescue teams. In the end, it was all for naught as the first rescue group contacting the supposedly trapped three males, a Life …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Bighorn sheep find new home near falls
For a second it was surreal, like a scene out of “Jurassic Park” … a group of bighorn sheep dangling from the bottom of a helicopter, like a delicious treat for a hungry Tyrannosaurus Rex.
THE WESTERN NEWS | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Stranded skiers OK after rescue at Mt. Saint Mary's in the Mission
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Polson to take over restaurant
POLSON — The city of Polson moved to take control of the restaurant at the golf course during Wednesday’s city council meeting. The commissioners voted 5-0 to make the commitment, after months of discussion. Commissioner Ron Boyce abstained after citing conflict of interest and commissioner John Campbell was absent.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Work continues on Ronan lift station
RONAN — The Ronan City Council received an update on the Spring Creek Lift Station project during Monday’s meeting.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Thousands donated for Rev. Payne
Members of The Shamrockers perform at the Elks Club in Polson on Saturday night during a benefit for Rev. John Payne. Payne was diagnosed with prostate cancer and is undergoing expensive treatment in Seattle. The event featured a gourmet spaghetti dinner, live music and a live and silent auction. All …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Home of: Ann Zabel
When you are five years old, a common response to “what do you want to do when you grow up?” would include actress, astronaut or football star.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Light to aid fire station on Hwy 35
FINLEY POINT — As scrutiny concerning the safety of Montana Highway 35 continues, the Finley Point Fire Station is taking proactive steps to improve the situation.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Defending self, drifter causes stir
Man allegedly tried to claim some area-foreclosed homes as his own using these documents.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Area outdoor group applauds mining ban
POLSON — Dr. Ric Hauer, limnology professor at the University of Montana’s Flathead Lake Biological Station, had some good news when he came to Polson last Tuesday.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Charges filed in bizarre fraud case
POLSON — With the economy and housing market down, foreclosed homes have become a common sight around the country.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Man held on child abuse charges
POLSON — A Polson man is being held at the Lake County Detention Center on $100,000 bond after allegations of child abuse.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Molding true trackers
“I forced myself not to focus on just the immediate surface of the snow, but to look across at every opening; up at every stage of the canopy; to scan three hundred and sixty degrees around me; to look for anything that did not blend well, and everything that blended …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
RHS robotics team excels
RONAN — Expectations were running high for the Ronan High School club team going into last Friday’s FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics Competition in Bozeman. Performing several last-minute preparations on the machine last Wednesday, junior team member Troy McMillan made sure to emphasize the team’s …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Drum group headed to Olympics
ELMO — A local drum and singing group will have a chance to represent their culture, heritage and hometowns on one of the world’s biggest stages next week at the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver, British Columbia.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Ronan library gets large donation
RONAN — The Ronan City Library announced it has received big donation at Monday’s city council meeting.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Grant helps CSKT Natural Resources clean asbestos
POLSON — If you’ve been down Main Street Polson recently, you may have noticed the Tribal Natural Resources Department building is undergoing some big changes. Those changes are a good start in getting rid of some unhealthy aspects of the old building.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Knife fight brings felony charges
POLSON — A Pablo man is being held at the Lake County Detention Center on three felony charges after an altercation with a knife last Thursday night left both the victim and alleged assailant in the hospital.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Ronan fills two vacant council positions
RONAN — Councilmembers reviewed candidates and voted Tuesday night to fill two open council seats, two weeks after the positions were initially vacated.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Bridge jump thwarted
POLSON — A woman threatening to jump off the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge in Polson last Tuesday afternoon brought the busy juncture to a standstill as Polson police tried to coax her down.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
UPDATED Idaho men held after chase
CHARLO — A high-speed chase last Wednesday through the southern part of the Flathead Reservation resulted in the arrest of two Idaho men accused of dealing methamphetamine in the area.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
WEB EXTRA Jobs offered for census work
LAKE COUNTY — I haven't taken a real test of any kind in almost a year, the last time being during my senior year of college.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Arlee Firehouse ready for business
Arlee volunteer fire department chief Ken Light, chairman of the board of directors Susie Black and Arlee Tribal Council representatives James Steele Jr. and Jim Malatare celebrate the opening of the new Arlee firehouse last Saturday. The department held an open house for the community after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Light …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
MIDWEEK UPDATE Police stop bridge jumper
POLSON — Police thwarted a 25-year old woman’s attempt to jump off the Armed Forces Memorial Bridge in Polson on Tuesday afternoon.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
BREAKING NEWS 120 MPH chase yields drug arrests
CHARLO — A high-speed chase on Wednesday through the southern part of the Flathead Reservation resulted in the arrest of two Idaho men accused of dealing methamphetamine in the area.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Concern unites group
RONAN — Are you unhappy with the direction of our country?
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Diversity defined
PABLO — A diversity fair and a presentation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Social Service Award highlighted Salish Kootenai College’s week-long celebration of Dr. King’s life. Coinciding with his birthday last Friday and the holiday on Monday, the free festivities focused on King’s vision and accomplishments with different events …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
County election filings begin
LAKE COUNTY — Last Thursday, Jan. 14, was the first day candidates for November’s elections could officially file for candidacy. Filing is open until 5 p.m. on March 15, according to Lake County election administrator Kathie Newgard.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Alternative skiing methods
One of the best, and my favorite, ways of navigating Montana’s winter wonderland is Nordic skiing, or as it is more commonly known, cross-country skiing.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Commission considering sale of Ronan Community Center
POLSON — A public meeting discussing whether to sell the Ronan Community Center at the Lake County Courthouse last Tuesday drew almost 50 attendees hoping to voice their opinions on the matter. Citizens from throughout the valley, ranging from Ronan City Council members and members of the school board of …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Ronan council missing two
RONAN — At the first Ronan City Council meeting of the new year on Monday, two incumbent council members were not in attendance to be sworn into their positions. Richard “Dick” Jungers, a longtime Ronan resident and city council member since 2005, passed away on Jan. 3 after battling lung …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Home of: the Jore Four
Teenage years can be hard enough for parents with just one teenage child. Imagine having four teenaged children—all the same age. That’s the case for Polson parents Kristi and Jim Jore, who have 14-year-old quadruplets and a 2-year-old daughter. Brian, Alisha, Elizabeth and Melina, in that order, were born via …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Tribes to take comment on trout netting plan
FLATHEAD LAKE — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have released an outline of a pilot project aimed at reducing the high numbers of lake trout in Flathead Lake, a move made in anticipation of a public meeting planned for sometime this month.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Always a Chill
Kayla and Ron Couture emerge from icy Flathead Lake all smiles after taking the annual Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day. Though the event had no official sponsor, about 20 plungers showed up at 1 p.m. to partake in the frigid traditional start to the year. Kayla claimed this was …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Facility opens doors for local chefs
RONAN — The next time you need a commercial kitchen, be it for a family reunion or to start your own brand of barbecue sauce, a local, publicly funded facility has all the supplies and technical expertise you need to get started.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Incumbents sweep Tribal Council election
Final tabulations in last Saturdays’ Confederated and Salish Kootenai Tribes Tribal Council election were announced on Wednesday.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Polson woman big winner in Mustang raffle
RONAN — Mandy Smith left for a four-day vacation to Las Vegas with dreams of winning big. She had no idea she wouldn’t even need to leave Lake County to hit the biggest payday of them all: a 1967 Ford Mustang Coupe.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Expo highlights reservation business to-dos
PABLO — When Margo Gray-Proctor visited Pablo Dec. 2, she had a pretty simple message: shaping the Flathead Reservation economically all starts with the people living here.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Area animal crossing featured in documentary
PABLO — There have always been jokes about why an animal, usually a chicken, crossed the road.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Ronan parks get boost
RONAN — Receiving a $1,250 check is just another major piece of the puzzle for Jennifer Rolfsness. The director of the city of Ronan Parks and Recreation Department, Rolfsness accepted the money on behalf of the department at last Thursday’s Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce meeting.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Tribal Council vote Saturday
FLATHEAD RESERVATION — Voters around the reservation will have a chance to cast their votes for several Tribal Council seats during the general election this Saturday, Dec. 12. Polls will stay open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Plates overflow in Ronan
RONAN — More than 100 volunteers put the “giving” back in Thanksgiving during last Thursday’s Ronan Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Community Center.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Sewer rates raised in Ronan
RONAN — The City Council approved a resolution on Monday evening to increase the sewer water rates in Ronan to help partially fund the Spring Creek Lift Station. The increase will total $4.05 per month for each 3/4 inch hookup in a household.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Snacks get a healthy makeover
RONAN— “An apple a day keeps the doctor away” has taken on a whole new meaning at a couple of local elementary schools. K. William Harvey in Ronan and Pablo Elementary are both in the first year of a new snack program, courtesy of a $40,000 grant from the United …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 14 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Deep military ties bind Mission family
ST. IGNATIUS — Decades and decades of military service by his family makes Veteran’s Day an important time of remembrance for Mission resident J.C. Courville.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Barta, Hanson named to all-state soccer team
POLSON— More than a month after its season ended in heartbreaking fashion without a playoff berth, the Polson boys soccer team got some good news: seniors Peter Hanson and Jonah Barta made the all-state and all-conference team, while juniors Sean Hart and Trevor Moll made the all-conference Team.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Bartels to take over as Ronan judge
RONAN — Justin Bartels beat out Thomas Paro and Lauri Johns for the hotly contested vacant judge position in the city of Ronan. Bartels beat out second place finisher Paro by more than 100 votes.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Chiefs end season in Dillon
DILLON — When your offense revolves around a running game that never really gets going, losing is a grim reality.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Agencies, students team up to discourage drug use
LAKE COUNTY— Up and down the county, local schools used a week in the second half of October to promote a drug-free lifestyle. Arlee, Charlo, Ronan, Pablo, Polson and St. Ignatius schools all took time to celebrate Red Ribbon Week with events, speakers and lessons with a “just say no …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Rivals face-off in Polson
POLSON — It seems that even cold, wet weather and a bitter rivalry can’t derail the red-hot Polson football team.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Arlee lawyer puts in for Supreme Court
ARLEE — A local face could wind up serving on the state’s highest court.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Morigeau runs wild in Ronan's win
RONAN — It’s a good time for the Ronan football team to start clicking with one game to go before the post season.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Flu fight brings kids into focus
ST. IGNATIUS — It takes a village to raise a child — and a community to keep them healthy. That’s the point Margene Asay, the coordinator at the Tribal Health Center in St. Ignatius, was hoping to get across as part of a two day “Just Do It for Our …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS AGO
Pirates stick to plan
COLUMBIA FALLS — The Polson football team has a game plan and they stick to it: Run the ball like crazy and play swarming, shut-down defense.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Ronan wins scrimmage-like game
RONAN — Ronan football head coach Jim Benn could have let his team have a night off; he could have let them stay warm inside instead of playing football in frigid temperatures on Saturday night.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Mission man charged with producing counterfeit bills, explosives
A 37-year old St. Ignatius man appeared in federal court last week on multiple charges of distribution of explosive materials, manufacturing counterfeit currency and possession of counterfeit currency.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Polson's soccer season ends in Bigfork
BIGFORK — The season ended for the Polson girls soccer team Saturday afternoon in Bigfork without fireworks or a grand celebration. Senior day had come and gone, as had their lone win of the season, a 6-1 victory over Stevensville in the beginning of September. Yet the Lady Pirates showed …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Polson boys fall short
LIBBY — In the end, it just wasn’t quite enough.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Ronan spoils Whitefish's homecoming
WHITEFISH — A week after having their own homecoming game spoiled by the visitors, the Ronan football team returned the favor, defeating Whitefish 34-32 in the Bulldogs homecoming game on Friday night. The visiting Chiefs overcame five fumbles to hold on, stuffing the Bulldogs two-point conversion attempt in the final …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
MVA revived by loan
POLSON — Put all those rumors to rest, people: Mission Valley Auto isn’t going anywhere.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Smokers take it outside
LAKE COUNTY — Take a deep breath Montana; that’s the smell of smoke free state businesses. Today is the first day all enclosed public places and workplaces in Montana must be completely smoke free.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Hewston's goals not enough for Pirates
POLSON — A two-goal weekend by sophomore winger Madeline Hewston wasn’t enough for the Polson soccer team, losing 4-1 to Bigfork last Thursday and falling 3-1 to Columbia Falls last Saturday.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Pirates win twice
POLSON — The Polson boys soccer team knows that every game counts, especially when its conference only takes two teams to state.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Home of: Doug Allard
ST. IGNATIUS — The name of the legendary “Colonel” Doug Allard is still seen all over St. Ignatius, despite his passing on Sept. 16. Allard’s General Store, Allard’s Fruit Stand, Doug Allard Flathead Indian Museum & Trading Post and other signs line U.S. Highway 93 in the Mission Valley, a …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Vikings awaiting new buildings
CHARLO — School superintendent Paul Jenkins has only been part of the Charlo district since July 1, but a nice gift awaited his arrival: A new multipurpose room set to be completed in January or February.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Chiefs drop one to Cats
RONAN — In Ronan football team’s second appearance on their new turf, the Chiefs couldn’t muster a win.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Pirates chop Loggers
POLSON — Relying on a triple-headed running attack, the Pirates scored 35 first-half points in a 48-27 homecoming romp over Libby.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Pirates dominate Anaconda
POLSON — In Friday night’s game, Polson set the tone.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
State, tribe pair to honor Flathead
BLUE BAY — Looking out over Flathead Lake on a gorgeous mid-September day, it’s interesting to imagine for the younger generation what it was like 30 years ago, both around the water and 200 feet deep below the surface.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Refuge revitalization
CHARLO — Public review for the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wetland habitat restoration plan of an area near Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge came to a close last Wednesday with positive feedback.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Refuge revitalization
CHARLO — Public review for the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wetland habitat restoration plan of an area near Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge came to a close last Wednesday with positive feedback.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Pirates fall to Broncs
POLSON — The Polson Pirates football team could not withstand a blistering Frenchtown attack, losing to the Broncs 42-0 last Friday night in a nonconference game.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Clunker deal boosts area sales
LAKE COUNTY -— After the Cash for Clunkers program run by the federal government came to a close on Monday, local car dealerships have claimed the initiative a success.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Arlee roads still messy
ARLEE — The town of Arlee looks deserted, except for the men and women in bright yellow vests and multicolored hard hats. The sidewalks and streets wait patiently to be paved, as anxious faces hang in the windows of local businesses, wondering when a customer will walk through the door.
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Wild Horse Island: History and Lore
The first great thing about a trip to Wild Horse Island State Park is that you can’t get there simply by driving your car, like most other state, or even national, parks. Rather, you need to swim, take a boat, Jetski, canoe, kayak or use another water going device to …
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Quite an A-Fair
Ronan still buzzing after Pioneer Days, fair festivities
LAKE COUNTY LEADER | UPDATED 15 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
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