Columbus
Lake County Leader
Locals shine at Lake County track meet
In a meet featuring Lake County athletes only, schools small and large posted top performances in Ronan on Thursday, May 2.BOYSIn the 100-meter run, Polson’s Tommy Williams won the event with a time of 11.89 while Ronan’s Connor Durglo wasn’t too far behind in the second (11.98) and Mission’s Isaac Umphrey was third (12.00).Williams also won the 200-meter run (24.07) while Two Eagle’s Jabez Madplume was second (24.36). Madplume triumphed in the 400-meter run (55.02) while Umphrey was second in the event (55.05) and Charlo’s Tayre Brown was third (55.82).Ronan’s Tayen Edmo won the 800-meter run (2:00.96) while Polson’s David...
Rodney K. Johnson, 69
Rodney K. Johnson, a lifelong Polson resident, left his earthly boundaries on April 10, 2024, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Wash., surrounded by family after complications of rheumatoid arthritis and a stroke.Rod was born in Polson on Jan. 20, 1955, to Blanche and Keith Johnson; his family included brothers Paul and Kevin and sister Lauren.Rod felt very blessed to grow up in Polson and Lake County, fishing on Flathead Lake, hunting at the Thompson River family cabin, and later joining the George and Fern Moore family to learn the packing and outfitting business in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. He...
Buttigieg highlights Hwy. 93 funding during reservation visit
The Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Law and its connection to safety for people and wildlife was on Pete Buttigieg’s mind during his recent visit to the Flathead Reservation. Buttigieg, the U.S. Transportation Secretary, was in Western Montana Monday and Tuesday to celebrate funding from the Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Act, passed by Congress and signed by President Biden in 2021.Buttigieg met last Tuesday morning with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council in Pablo and took a look at the wildlife overpass and adjacent fencing near Gray Wolf Peak Casino in Evaro, before holding a press conference. He noted the white crosses on each...
Polson Seniors: Season of no left turns begins
Welcome to the “No left turn without a light or a four-way stop” traffic season. If you drive around Polson you will know. Highway construction season has begun if you hadn’t noticed, but the streets don’t have a season.Mother’s Day is the May 12 – the busiest for the pizza parlors.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 for a ride to groceries, bank, doctor, haircut, doctor etc. Time slots from 8-10 a.m. or 12:30-3 p.m. Early reservations are highly...
Candidate Profiles: Senate District 46
Lake County voters face only two contests at the local level in June’s primary. On the Democratic side of the ballot, voters from Ronan south will choose between Jacinda Morigeau and C.B. Pearson, who are each vying to represent Senate District 46. The winner will face Republican candidate Charles Headley in the general election.On the Republican side of the ballot, challengers Wes Baertsch, Josh Senecal and Max Krantz are seeking to unseat incumbent Lake County Commissioner Gale Decker, who is running for reelection in Commission District 3. There are no Democrats in that contest.The Leader is profiling the two legislative...
Mission Valley Calendar
Business 2 Business Conference – 9 a.m.-noon May 11 at 46873 U.S. 93 N. in Polson; local business leaders share insights, while the local businesses showcase goods and services. Register at B2Bpolson.com.“Little Women” – 7 p.m. May 10 and 2 p.m. May 12 at the Polson High School Theatre; high school students stage Louisa May Alcott’s classic. Tickets are available at the door and refreshments will be on sale during intermission. All funds will go to the Polson High School Theatre Program.Endangered Species Day – 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 16 at Mission Mountain View Point on Hwy. 93, south of...
Head Start Powwow honors Jeanne Christopher
Children who attend Head Start in the 10 classrooms around Lake County waited as patiently as they could for the Head Start Powwow to begin at the Ronan Event Center gym last Friday night. The children, their teachers, parents, grandparents and other family members followed the Mission Valley Honor Guard, tribal elders and Eagle Staff Carrier Allen Pierre and Head Woman Mary Jane Charlo. Chief Cliff drummed everyone into the gym. The annual gathering is a much-anticipated and much-loved event for children and their families. This year the powwow honored a much-loved person, retiring Head Start director Jeanne Christopher. She’s been with...
Polson survives Ronan’s offensive onslaught
Nevaeh Perez hit two home runs and Kailyn Marengo also hit a round-tripper, but despite their push, Ronan fell to Polson 10-6 in Northwest A Conference action on Thursday, May 2. It was Senior Night for the Lady Pirates.The game was a battle, with Ronan holding a 4-1 lead after two and a half innings. The Lady Pirates rallied for four runs in the bottom of the third and then two more in the fourth for the 7-4 lead. Ronan cut that lead to 7-6 with two runs in the fifth.The Pirates’ three-run sixth inning gave them a commanding lead....
Sunny White attorney petitions for venue change
The public defender representing a Butte woman, accused of running over and killing Arlee resident Mika Westwolf, filed a motion for a change of venue. Meghan Benson of the Missoula Public Defender’s office is representing Sunny Katherinne White, 29.White is charged with accidents involving another person or deceased person and two counts of criminal child endangerment and criminal possession of dangerous drugs, all felonies. The charges stem from the hit-and-run death of 22-year-old Westwolf. The charges carry a combined maximum of 65 years in prison.In the change of venue motion, Benson argues White would not get fair trial or an...
Spring Varsity Sports Calendar
Thursday, May 9- Polson, Ronan Baseball at Sapa-Johnsrud at Columbia FallsFriday, May 10- Polson, Ronan Baseball at Sapa-Johnsrud at Columbia Falls- Polson, Ronan Softball at Laverne Combo in Butte- Charlo, Arlee Track at Districts, Missoula- Mission Tennis at Best of the West Tournament in Missoula- MAC Softball at Cut Bank TournamentSaturday, May 11- Polson Baseball at Sapa-Johnsrud at Columbia Falls- Polson Baseball at Play-In Game- Polson, Ronan Softball at Laverne Combo in Butte- Polson, Ronan Tennis at Libby, 10 a.m.- Ronan at ABC Track Invite in Polson, 9:30 a.m.- Charlo, Arlee Track at Districts, Missoula- MAC Softball at Cut Bank Tournament- Mission Track at Districts in LibbyMonday, May 13- Polson, Mission Ronan Baseball at Play-In Game- Polson, Ronan Tennis at Western A Divisionals in KalispellThursday, May 16- Polson, Mission, Ronan Baseball at State Tournament- MAC Softball at Western B-C DivisionalFriday, May 17- Polson, Ronan Softball at Divisional Tournament in Polson- Polson, Ronan Track at Western A Divisional in Whitefish- Polson, Ronan Baseball at State Tournament- Charlo, Arlee Track at Western B/C Divisional in Missoula
Elks disperse funds to volunteer fire departments
Gail Nelson, Exalted Ruler of Mission Valley Elks Lodge 1695, was on the road this spring, dispersing checks to four rural fire departments to help them purchase critical equipment.The effort is part of the Montana State Elks Association’s State Major Project, which invites rural volunteer fire departments to submit grant applications annually by Dec. 31.According to information on the Elks website, 8,000 volunteer firefighters serve in Montana’s 380-plus rural fire departments, which respond to emergencies in small towns across the state. An estimated 72% of these incidents involve providing emergency medical services and responding to fires, weather events, explosions and...
Immigrant says picture reflects sense of belonging
I recently had the pleasure of seeing the coverage of our volunteer firefighting crew in the local newspaper, particularly the photo featuring me in my fireman suit. I wanted to extend my heartfelt thanks for highlighting our efforts in serving the community.Seeing our efforts recognized in the newspaper is incredibly motivating and reminds us of the significance of our role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our fellow community members. On a personal note: I am an immigrant to this country, and for me, seeing my efforts recognized by the newspaper holds profound significance. It's not just about a photo or an article; it's about the recognition of the journey, the challenges overcome, and the sense of belonging that comes with contributing to the community that has welcomed me with open arms. Knowing that my parents, who instilled in me the values of hard work and service, could see their son's efforts honored in this way fills me with immense pride and gratitude.Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your dedication to capture and share the stories of our community members. Your support means a great deal to us.– Ismet GokcePolson Volunteer Firefighter
Marriages & Divorces
MARRIAGES: Richard Virga and Courtney Harper, March 31; Amos Clemmons and Donna Noller, April 6; Julius Miller and Dana Michel, Declaration of Marriage, April 8; James Burckhard and Melca Gellor, April 16; and Dalton Rienstra and Richard Natina, April 20DIVORCES: Jacob Sever of Butte and Mikka Sever of Caldwell, Idaho, April 17; John Dvorak of Ronan and Nicole Dvorak (Tancik restored) of St. Ignatius, April 25.
Cattle ranchers invited to Round Butte listening session
The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is hosting a listening session at 6 p.m. Monday, May 13, at the Round Butte Women’s Club, west of Ronan. Food and drinks will be provided and MSGA will host a drawing for a vaccine cooler.The listening sessions are part of the organization’s Producer Profitability Initiative, a grassroots movement started and led by cattle ranchers who have a vision to create a sustainable future for the American livestock industry. All livestock producers are invited to attend.“The livestock industry has an opportunity to come together with one another like never before. There are many issues that...
Cheerful Heart helps cancer patients
Cancer patients in Lake County are eligible for free non-medical services provided by Cheerful Heart. The non-profit organization offers gas cards, meal preparation, transportation to treatment or medical appointments locally or in Missoula and Kalispell, massage, hair and skin care.Volunteers serve soup on Tuesdays during the Oncology Clinic at St. Joseph Medical Center. St. Luke in Ronan schedules appointments at their infusion center throughout the week. Both clinics carry inventories of head coverings, including wigs, hats and scarves, Knitted Knockers (breast prosthesis) and ComfyChemo shirts available for no charge to patients.Cheerful Touch is a personal care program offered by Cheerful Heart to cancer patients currently in treatment. Through the program, local cosmetologists and massage therapists offer massages and skin, nail and hair care (patients should consult with their doctors before using these services). Call Cheerful Heart with questions or to schedule an appointment at 406-883-3070.A cancer support group meets from noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the chapel at St. Joseph Medical Center and is led by Matthew Connally of the Ronan/Polson Nazarene Church.For more information, visit www.cheerfulheart.org, email cheartinc@gmail.com or call 406-883-3070.
CASA offers supervised visits through Youth Connections
The deaths in April of two Kansas women during a custody exchange have underscored the need for enhanced safety measures when children spend time between separated parents whose emotions are running high.Local CASA director Ann Marie McNeel notes that the local Court Appointed Special Advocate program in Lake and Sanders Counties has expanded its services to include supervised visits in a secure facility through its Youth Connection program. She explains that public spaces typically lack the specialized security measures necessary to minimize the risks inherent in high-conflict custody situations.Youth Connection has a facility in Polson and is currently opening another...
St. Ignatius Seniors: Eat more, hear less
Did you know that hearing becomes less sharp after overeating?Thanks to all who came and played Bingo last Saturday. One lucky winner took home $100.AARP’s Safe Driving Course will be offered at the St. Ignatius Senior Center from 1-5 p.m. May 21. Call 406-745-4462 to be registered for the course, which costs $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.Women 4 Wellness event is May 23 at SKC in the Joe McDonald Gym. Registration is open at w4w.skc.edu. The event offers all kinds of health screening and information. All are welcome.If you would like a take-out meal, please call 406-745-4462...
Two men plead guilty to burglarizing Arlee Schools
A pair of Arlee men have admitted to breaking into the Arlee Elementary School and stealing items. Donovan Chase McDonald, 28 entered a plea of guilty to burglary and criminal mischief Polson District Court May 1. Michael Junior Garza, 42, pleaded guilty to burglary during his arraignment hearing May 2.McDonald was initially charged with an additional count of theft. A plea agreement calls for the theft charge to be dismissed and for the defendant to pay restitution of $10,000. A suspended commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections is also a possibility, according to Lake County Attorney James Lapotka.Garza’s plea...
Polson boys defeat Ronan, girls tie in tennis
The Polson boys were led by Lachlan Sloan in defeating Ronan 4-1, while the Polson and Ronan girls tied 3-3 in Northwest A Conference play on Thursday, May 2.In boys’ action, Lachlan Sloan won his No. 1 singles matchup against Ronan’s Rowan Parks 6-2, 6-4. Gordon Stewart of Ronan won the Chief’s lone matchup of the day, defeating No. 2 Polson single Durai Mahkuk 6-3, 6-0. Marcus Lucas won his No. 3 matchup, and the doubles team of Truman Sawyer and Noah Flaten won their matchup as well for Polson.The Polson and Ronan girls battled closely and ended in a...
Nathan Kirk Galbreath, 48
Nathan Kirk Galbreath was born in 1975 in Great Falls to Bruce and Kathy Galbreath and passed away in Whitehall on April 23, 2024.Nathan was a graduate of Three Forks High School and held a welding degree from the University of Montana. Nathan was currently employed with Riverside Construction as a heavy equipment operator.A loving person who always put others' needs above his own, Nathan recently suffered from a deep depression, and pleas to the medical community repeatedly went unheard. He took his own life to end his pain and suffering.Memorial donations may be made to suicide prevention organizations deemed effective.Roman's 8:37-39 / John 3:16
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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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