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Lake County Leader
Permit needed for spring debris burning
Spring burning requires permits beginning Wednesday, May 1, on the Flathead Reservation and continues through June 30. Landowners may apply for permits at the Division of Fire website, csktfire.org.While burning can help clear dead vegetation and clean up overgrown grass and debris, Division of Fire spokesman C.T. Camel, urges caution. “Careless debris burning is one of the main causes of wildfire on the Flathead Indian Reservation.”He suggested taking the following precautions to make sure a burn does not become the next wildfire. If you intend to burn, have in place:• A current weather forecast for the local area• Water source...
Begay gets sentence deferred for meth possession
The imposition of sentencing was deferred for three years for a Pablo man accused of possessing methamphetamine. Adrian Aaron Begay, 37, entered into a plea agreement April 25 and was given the deferred sentence in Polson District Court the same day by Flathead County Judge Amy Eddy.According to charging documents, on Jan. 25, 2023, Polson Police responded to a report of a man throwing rocks at passing vehicles. At the scene, a man matching the description of the alleged rock thrower was located and identified as Begay.He was already wanted on an outstanding warrant for failing to appear on a previous drug possession charge. When he was brought to jail, he was allegedly in possession of more methamphetamine.Judge Eddy gave Begay credit for having already served 66 days in jail.
Dolores Barba
Dolores "Dee" Ilene Barba, 93, of Florence, passed away Tuesday, April 24, 2024, at her residence under the care of hospice. Per her wishes cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held in the late spring of 2024.Arrangements are under the direction of Garden City Funeral Home, Missoula.
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 some law enforcement funding for Lake County.”The announcement comes just three weeks before Lake County is slated to withdraw from the 60-year-old agreement that gives the county the authority to arrest and hold suspects and investigate and prosecute felonies involving members of federally-recognized tribes.After years of trying to wrangle money...
St. Luke receives national recognition
St. Luke Community Healthcare was recently named a 2024 Top Hospital for Fair Share Spending by the Lown Institute. It’s an honor shared with only the top 20% of hospitals nationwide who meet or exceed their obligations for community investment.“This award demonstrates St. Luke’s continued commitment to investing in our community and improving the health and well-being of our patients,” says CEO Steve Todd.Alongside this honor, St. Luke was also recognized as a leading hospital in Montana for Health Equity, Community Benefit and Patient Satisfaction. These accolades showcase the healthcare institution’s ongoing efforts to provide fair and equitable services while ensuring patients feel valued and cared for.The recognition “speaks volumes about the dedication and passion our staff devote to their community daily,” said Todd.For more than 70 years, Ronan’s community-owned and operated hospital has served as a vital hub for health and wellness in the Mission Valley. In addition, St. Luke has a network of community clinics in Polson, Ronan and St. Ignatius, and employs more than 400 professionals who offer a wide range of primary care and specialty services.
Time Capsule: Headlines from the weekly archives
Flathead Beacon, April 23, 1960MSU sports writer spins yarn on man-horse raceBy Bob Gilluly, MSU Sports News EditorWho’s the better runner over a 72-mile distance – a man or a horse?That’s the question that will be answered June 16 when a Montana University track star, Bill Anderson of Polson, engages in a man-versus beast-race from Missoula to Polson.The feature race, scheduled as an event in the Flathead reservation’s Golden Jubilee observance, will pit Anderson against a prime equine in the fertile Flathead Valley.Bill, who holds the MSU track record for the 880-yard run, figures he has a fighting chance of...
Local softball teams compete at Bette Paskey Tourney
Ronan sweeps BrowningA double-header produced 38 runs for Ronan as they defeated Browning 17-0 and 21-2 in Northwestern A Conference action last Thursday, April 25.In the first game, Nikki Kendal pitched a three-inning no-hitter while striking out six and also notching two hits and two RBI. Kailyn Marengo also had two hits and two RBI while Adrienne Crockett had three hits, a double and drove in four runs. Mira Corum also drove in two runs, and Neveah Perez also brought home a run.Ronan finished with 11 hits in the game and scored 10 runs in the first inning.In the nightcap,...
Ronan Council delves into MREC property again
In the ongoing effort to decide the future of the Mission Recreation Event Center (MREC) property in Ronan, the Ronan City Council discussed a recent proposal from the Lake County Commissioners during their regular meeting last Wednesday. The commissioners sent a letter to the council dated April 18, regarding the sale or trade of the city’s portion of the MREC property to Lake County, with a 10-year lease of 10 acres to Pioneer Days. Mayor Chris Adler asked Pioneer Days representatives Mike Bartel and Kim Aipperspach to recap the meeting with the commissioners, held April 15.Bartel told the council that Commissioners...
Spring Sports Calendar
THURSDAY, MAY 2- Ronan at Polson Softball, 7 p.m.- Polson, Ronan, Charlo, Mission, Arlee Track at Lake County Meet in Ronan, 4 p.m.- Ronan Baseball at Browning, 6 p.m.- Stevensville, Bigfork at Ronan Tennis, 1 p.m.- Mission-Arlee Baseball at T-Falls/Noxon- MAC Softball at EurekaFRIDAY, MAY 3- Polson Baseball at Frenchtown, 7 p.m.- Polson Tennis at Corvallis/Hamilton, 11 a.m.SATURDAY, MAY 4- Polson Softball at Libby 5 p.m.- Bigfork/Corvallis at Polson Tennis, 9 a.m.- Ronan Baseball at Bigfork, 1 p.m.- Ronan Track at Archie Row in Kalispell, 10 a.m.- Charlo, Arlee Track at KLH at Missoula- Frenchtown at Mission-Arlee Baseball- Mission Track...
Mission Valley Calendar
Fraud Prevention: Protecting Yourself from Scams, Phishing and Social Engineering – 1-3 p.m. Saturday, May 4, in the Polson Library Community Room; Polson Police Chief George Simpson, Polson’s IT Director Adam Reed join the library’s digital services clerk, Brycen, in a free class designed to help participants understand what types of electronic threats are out there and detail common techniques used by scammers.MMIP Walk/Run – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 4 as SKC Silver Fox Golf Course and the Joe McDonald Health and Fitness Center in Pablo; register from 9-10 a.m. on the day of the event. While there is no...
That ain't what the Bible says
Lonnie Haack’s recent letters (Feb. 22 and April 11, Leader) contain opinion and conclusions that are questionable. What is the difference between facts and opinions?“Opinion (and I quote from a Webster’s Dictionary) is belief not based on absolute certainty” vs. “fact: a thing that has actually happened or that is really true.” And what about science? It is “systemized knowledge derived from observation, study and experimentation.”Being a person of faith myself, I understand and can agree with some of Lonnie’s opinions. However, I think that current Christian pro-life opinions are misguided. Pro-life should go beyond arguments about human reproduction, fetal...
Lake County gears up for primary election
The Lake County Election Office is gearing up for the primary election June 4. Election administrator Toni Kramer reports that 124 election judges completed training last week and were officially appointed by Lake County Commissioners Monday.Commissioners also designated polling places for the 2024-2026 election cycle, with a few minor changes. Pablo's two precincts, PAB 01 and PAB 02, will be voting at the Mission Valley Power Conference Room instead of Pablo Christian Church, which is in the midst of a remodeling project. Polson precinct POL 01 will be voting at the Elmo Health and Wellness Center instead of Linderman Gym due...
Polson Seniors: Vaccinations available Monday
COVID-19 booster and/or RSV vaccinations are available from 10 a.m.-noon May 6 (Monday) at the Senior Center with on-site Safeway Pharmacy staff. Call or come in before Monday to sign up. Bring Medicare card and Safeway vaccine card. No charge for most.Western Pleasure Tours, centered in Kalispell, will present a video about budget-minded modern bus tours to various travel destinations in the West at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, following the meatloaf lunch.We provide ride services for elderly and disabled persons in the Polson area for a $5 charge ($1 for additional stops). Call in the day before or earlier...
Young protestors are on the right side
A recent letter cited Israel’s founding in 1948 and the 1973 Yom Kippur War as justification for the current campaign of genocide against Palestinians. Those defending Israel’s recent actions conveniently ignore the historical plight of Palestinians prior to Oct. 7 and the excessive carnage caused by the Israeli Defense Forces.When Yitzak Rabin was assassinated in 1995 by a right-wing fanatic, it ended conversation about a two-state solution. It also accelerated Israel’s expansion of settlements into occupied territories.Progressive voices call for divesting from Israel, much like Martin Luther King leading boycotts of segregationist companies. As Israel’s Zionist policies become more extreme,...
Volunteers sought for trail maintenance on Wild Horse
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking volunteers for a trail maintenance project on Wild Horse Island in May.FWP is planning to spend a half-day on the island completing general maintenance of the state park's trail system on Saturday, May 11. Boats will launch from the Big Arm Unit of Flathead Lake State Park at 10 a.m. and return around 3 p.m.To sign up for this trail project, call 406-837-3041. Space is limited. FWP will provide transportation to the island, tools, extra water and snacks.The island has limited amenities, including one vault latrine toilet where the work will start. Cell service will be limited as well, but organizers will have emergency response devices on hand.Volunteers will need sturdy closed-toed shoes, long pants, weather-appropriate clothing, plenty of water, snacks or a pack lunch, and should be prepared to hike 2-3 miles.For additional information, call 406-837-3041 or email FWP Land Improvement Specialist Kalle Fox at kalle.fox@mt.gov.
Mack Days: Just two weeks left
Anglers fishing the 2024 Spring Mack Days Fishing Event have increased the total number of lake trout entries to 29,228, slightly more than the 2023 total of 28,176 at the end of week seven, and less than the 2019 record breaker, which was 31,163 at week seven and 40,362 overall.Friday’s total was 1,405, Saturday’s was 1,227, and Sunday’s catch was 687. The Monday-to-Thursday total was 3,334.One hundred seventy-two anglers have turned in one or more lake trout entries so far. Every lake trout entry counts in this conservation effort to reduce non-native lake trout in Flathead Lake, sponsored by the...
James "Lloyd" Jackson
James Lloyd Jackson Sr., 88, of Pablo, passed away peacefully at his home on April 5, 2024. A member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, he worked as CSKT Chief of Police, served as administrator for Shoreline Protection and was also the coordinator of the Tribal Emergency Response Management Team. He retired in 2002. He then became the Veteran’s Representative for the tribes for many years. Lloyd will be deeply missed and never forgotten.Please join us for a memorial service honoring Lloyd's life at the Community Center in Ronan on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:30 a.m.
Margaret Welty, 87
Margaret Laverne Dowty Welty, age 87, passed away peacefully April 26, 2024, in Polson. Born in Great Falls, Margaret was a cherished mother, grandmother, and a friend celebrated for her grace and compassion.Margaret is lovingly remembered by her children, Daniel, Donald and Amy Welty, and her sister, Patty, and was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Howard Harold Welty, and her parents, Robert and Loretta Dowty. Her legacy continues through her nine grandchildren, who were the light of her life.As a child, Margaret moved with her family to Everett, Wash., and graduated from Everett High School in 1954. She...
Lois McAllister, 76
Lois McAllister, 76, died at her home in Ronan on April 21. She was born in Muleshoe, Texas, on Aug. 6, 1947, the second child of Jack and Dealia Peel.She attended school in Muleshoe until the family moved to the Mission Valley in 1964 and graduated from Ronan High School the following year. Lois married Vic McAllister in Pablo on July 15, 1966. They were married 48-and-one-half years until Vic’s passing in 2015. She worked for the Ronan-Pablo school district for 30 years, the last 24 of which were as secretary at K. William Harvey Elementary in Ronan. During this time, she...
Polson Seniors: Celebrating volunteers this week
This is National Volunteer Month. The center will celebrate its volunteers during lunch this week.Western Pleasure Tours, centered in Kalispell, will present a video about budget-minded modern bus tours to various travel destinations in the West at 12:15 p.m. Friday, April 26, at the center. Call 208-283-9776 for info.Two positions are available with the Nutrition Program, either full or part time: nutrition director with food service skills and/or another full-time head cook.Wednesday is game day. Some game boards are available or bring your own board game and a friend. Fun starts at 12:30 p.m.Activities at the Polson center, open to...
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The Lake County Leader has been in publication since 1910. It covers the Mission Valley and the Flathead Indian Reservation. The office is in Polson, MT which sits on the foot of the Flathead Lake.
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