Ponzi schemes up this year

I just read an interesting AP article detailing the almost-quadruple increase in the number of Ponzi schemes being investigated in the U.S. this year.
We've seen in Lake County how an alleged Ponzi scheme can hurt investors. Here, investors translated into our friends and fellow valley residents who lost thousands. The Cornerstone Financail investigation by the state alleges more than 100 investors lost upwards of $14 million.
The article highlights the Madoff case, which alleges BILLIONS lost. It says "tens of thousands of investors" lost more than $16.5 billion this year.
It's sad and scary news. Experts quoted in the article say the recession scared investors, and dried up new investors, so the schemes collapsed.
The Montana Auditor's officials who are investigating Cornerstone told me their case load has increased five times this year.
Bob Congond and Keith Kovick, Cornerstone owners, are named in the MT state action, which also points out it could be the largest Ponzi scheme in state history. A hearing is set for April (but already delayed twice).
Congdon maintains his innocence.

Here's a link to the entire article PONZI SCHEME

A1 preview, final 2009 issue

FINAL 2009 issue preview

A quick look at what we've got for the final 2009 edition: I compiled a Year in Review, grabbing some of the news from each edition this year. We've got some great photos to go along with the recap. It's always fun to look back, and we've had some interesting news come out of our valley this year.
Aimee has the latest on the Metzger trial - the judge did not rule on the final dismissal motion. We've got the full story on A1.
Sasha gives us a look at the thriving S&K businesses run in Pablo and St. Ignatius (owned by CSKT tribal members). It's nice to see the local businesses flourishing.
Heidi, as always, has great updates of all the Mission Valley wrestling and basketball teams, along with a very interesting story on a "hunters Facebook" started by several local boys.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Dec. 24 A1 Preview

I'm off to Missoula for the rest of the week, so Happy Holidays to everyone. See you next week.

Christmas Eve edition - a preview

It's the edition before Christmas and it's no surprise, but we've got some awesome stories of giving to share. Students from school's all around chipped in time and money to help bring the holidays to the less fortunate. Aimee and I both have stories there.
As I blogged about earlier, the adult parole office was considering a move to behind Cherry Valley Elementary school. I talked to the DOC regional manager today, and he said they are no longer considering that move. I'll have that full story.
Sasha wasn't left out of the holiday spirit, he found a little bar in Ronan that has raised thousands of dollars for Toys for Tots. You're going to want to read his "Linderman Village" story too, it's great.
We have (again!) a ton of holiday photos. Oh, and Aimee wil have some photos for the new rural fire station to be opening soon north of Polson.
Heidi's got a handle and rundowns on the blossoming winter sports action.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Parole office proposes disturbing move?

We received an e-mail from the Polson School District yesterday explaining that the Adult Parole Office in POlson may be moving next the Cherry Valley. I called Superintendent Whitesell and he said he and other staff are working to protest the move.
“We have contacted people associated with the school, whether it be staff or parents. We ent out 1971 phone calls last night. We are asking that if the community has concern, to contact either the governor’s office or dept of corrections to voice their opinion,” Whitsell said this morning.
We'll have the full story soon with reaction from the DOC. Below is the full press release from the Polson district and contact information for the MDOC:
Adult Parole Office may move next to Cherry Valley Elementary School
Polson School District’s administrators, teachers, parents and trustees have learned of plans to move the State Adult Probation and Parole Office to within a few yards of Cherry Valley Elementary School. Cherry Valley is an early childhood school for preschool through first grade; children ages 3 to 6. Locating the Adult Parole and Probation office just a few steps away from an elementary school is extremely disturbing, especially when there are many other locations in Polson that would be more suitable.
Often people who commit crimes lack impulse control; this includes both violent and sex crimes. It is inadvisable to move an adult parole and probation office so that it shares a street with an early-elementary playground, and in an area where young children walk to and from school.
The Polson School District considers the safety of our students to be a top priority. Anything that puts the safety of our children at risk is unacceptable.
The School District is encouraging anyone who shares their concern to write to:
Mike Ferriter,
Director of the Department of Corrections
P.O. Box 201301
Helena, MT 59602-1301
406-444-4913
mferriter@mt.gov
www.cor.mt.gov

Gingerbread winners

The Lake County Leader's First Annual Gingerbread House contest has seven wonderful entries. Thanks to Kyle Slinger, Amy Smith and the Salad and Sippy Cup crew (for two entres), Trevor Schultz, Sam Schultz, Tiffany Thomas and Erin Jager for your entries. They brightened our office and tempted all of us while they were here.
Slinger won the adult category. The Sippy Cup crew came in with first and second in the second category and Tiffany Thomas won the kids category. Congratulations!

Tribal elections final

All the council incumbents held their spots after the general election. View the updated story at www.leaderadvertiser.com

Dec. 17 A1 preview

Dec. 17 issue preview

With only three 2009 issue left, we've got another packed paper for everyone this week.
As far as we can tell, even with the snow it was a fairly quiet weekend for the most of the authorities. We did get news this weekend that a man who was found guilty of murdering his mother in 2006 hanged himself at the prison in Deer Lodge on Saturday night. Aimee Niles will have the full details.
I've put together a story on how the property tax reappraisal process is setting Lake County budgets up to be thousands of dollars behind because of readjustments being granted on protested bills.
On a lighter note, we've again got dozens of great holiday photos from across the valley: Sasha was at the Arlee Parade of Lights and the North Crow Creek Christmas play. I hit up the homeschool Christmas concert. Aimee got in on the fun at Polson's Living Windows.
We've got this and more.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Don't forget to vote Saturday

Polls open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. -
Polling sites for non-candidate districts include the Tribal Complex in Pablo, the Hot Springs Indian Senior Citizen Center in Hot Springs and the Dixon Senior Citizen Center in Dixon.

Here's Sasha's story as run in the Dec. 17 issue

CSKT vote on 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.

No registration is required, but a press release from the Election Board of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes said all tribal members “over the age of 18 years shall have the right to vote in all Tribal Elections provided they have physically resided for at least one year on the Flathead Reservation next preceding the General Election.”

A planned Tribal Council Candidate forum for last Friday, Dec. 4 was canceled after several deaths in the community.

Non-candidate districts include Dixon, Hot Springs and Pablo. Tribal members in these areas may still vote; their polling sites are listed below. The following is a listing of the candidates in each district.

In St. Ignatius, incumbent Joe Durglo faces off against Patty Stevens. Durglo received 536 votes during the primary, while Stevens trailed with 452. Polling site is the St. Ignatius Indian Senior Citizen Center.

In Ronan, incumbent Carole Depoe Lankford and Gene Sorrell are the final two candidates. Lankford led the Ronan primary with 758 total votes, while Sorrell received 435. Polling site is the Ronan Indian Senior Citizen Center.

Polson sees incumbent Steve Lozar square off against Naida R. Lefthand. Lozar garnered 969 votes during the primary, while Lefthand had 331. Polling site is the Polson Indian Senior Citizen Center.

In Elmo, incumbent Reuben Mathias defends his seat against William “Willie” Burke. Mathias had 622 primary votes, while Burke had 365. Polling will be at the Elmo Community Center.

Arlee’s seat comes down to incumbent Jim Malatare against James “Bing” Matt. Malatare received 501 primary votes while Matt had 273. Polling will be held at the Arlee Indian Senior Citizen Center.


Eligible voters that will not be able to vote at their polling center on election day may send in a written request for an absentee ballot or visit the Office of the Tribal Election Board prior to election day.

Lake County real estate sales breakdown

Here are some interesting numbers about sale in Lake County. It's easy to see why things are harder this year - all around. Land is selling at a much lower art, that menas real estate agents are slow, the construction companies too. The city building department is feeling it too.

Lake County Total Residential Sales
Jan - Nov '08: 157
Jan - Nov '09: 129

Lake County Total Land Sales
Jan - Nov '08: 72
Jan - Nov '09: 43

COLD Dec. 10 preview

We have been absolutely crazy busy this week - we had three holiday parades, lots of news to report and the beginning of winter sports packed into one week.
Of course, that means we have dozens of photos and solid news stories to share for the Dec. 10 issue.
Aimee will have a rundown of a Condon group's proposal to secede from Missoula County and move to Lake County.
I will have the second installment of my Cornerstone series. I had a great conversation with the securities office deputy and a state lawyer. Also, they are getting close to setting a hearing date for the administrative case against the men.
Heidi will have the area wrestling results, along with a few features to round out the Sports section.
Also look for a special Home of on Polson Police Chief Doug Chase.
Like I said earlier, we've got a ton of great holiday photos - so look carefully you might just be in one.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Condon looks to move to Lake County

A group of residents from a small town of Condon began a campaign to secede from MIssoula County and move into Lake County. Among their complaints was the concern Missoula County didn't provide needed services (like surveying) in a timely manner and that permits cost much more.
After meetings with both counties commissioners, the group has scheduled a meeting at 7 p.m. tonight at the Seeley-Swan gym where all sides will discuss the matter.
Condon are 80 miles away from Missoula and most county services, but almost, if not further, away from Lake County seat, Polson.
From what I've heard, the "affected" residents will have to sign a petition and both counties would then have to approve a ballot measure to seal the move.
Reporter Aimee Niles will be there to see how the meeting turns out, and have reactions from both sets of commissioners.
I'm looking forward to see what she brings back.

Prerelease center search renewed, Polson not top option

We ran a story back in early summer that Polson was talked about as an option for a new prerelease center.
As Ty Hampton reported:
The primary aim of prerelease centers is to help offenders as they transition from prison back into the community. There are currently four prerelease centers in Montana, located in Missoula, Helena, Great Falls and Butte.
Because the Montana Legislature authorized adding a prerelease center in northwestern Montana during the 2007 session, the Montana Department of Corrections has been seeking a site for a proposed center for the south side of Kalispell. The idea was met with some opposition though last month, as nearly three-quarters of the nearby property owners objected to the site’s location in a survey.
Although department officials say they are committed to developing a center in Kalispell, the state is prohibited from proceeding with the process if the opposition stays a majority. After the survey was taken, Lake County Commissioner Bill Barron was contacted by the MDOC about the possibility of bringing a prerelease center to the Polson area.
“It’s all very preliminary right now,” Barron said. “The state still wants to put one in Kalispell, but if they can’t get it passed they asked us if we would be interested in a center in Polson.”
The commissioner and former Lake County Sheriff explained the center would provide jobs and a boost to the local economy, while making it easier for area families to visit their loved ones in the facility.

The DOC board considering other options met this week in Kalispell to consider several other options.
Here's the Daily Interlake's story explaining the latest:
Panel renews search for pre-release center site
By NICHOLAS LEDDENThe Daily Inter Lake

The local working committee tasked with finding a site for a Kalispell-area prerelease center met Thursday morning to begin the process of picking a new location for the proposed 40-bed facility.
Residents in May rejected the previously proposed site in the old Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services building at 2282 U.S. 93 South.
The working committee, which convened Thursday following a revision of state rules governing the siting process, began considering general geographic areas suitable for the proposed facility.
Possible locations include areas along U.S. 93 South in the Four Corners area, commercial and industrial areas in the Kalispell city center, and along U.S. 2 in Evergreen.
The state requires pre-release centers to be within a 15-minute response time from
law enforcement and have access to 24-hour fire and medical services.
In addition, the working committee implemented further restrictions barring the pre-release center from residentially zoned areas and from areas within 1,500 feet of a school.
Public meetings and a survey of surrounding residents must be conducted when a new site is chosen.
“I think we need to go back and pick a geographic area, then survey the area, then let [Community, Counseling and Correctional Services] go find what they can in that area, and go from there,” said Kelly Speer, chief of the Montana Department of Corrections’ Facilities Program Bureau.
A survey of residents within a half mile of the previously proposed site on U.S. 93 South found that 74 percent of property owners opposed the location, sinking the project in its final stage.
Community, Counseling and Correctional Services — a Butte-based nonprofit that operates 12 detention or treatment facilities in three states — won the contract to operate the Kalispell pre-release center last December.
Should the nonprofit be unable to buy or build a facility within a reasonable range of its original proposal, which was site-specific, the project could be reopened to bidding.
“As soon as the site has been selected we’ll do our due diligence... We’ll have to crunch the numbers and make sure it’s feasible for us,” said Steve McArthur, Community, Counseling and Correctional Services’ director of community correctional programs.
The working committee, appointed jointly by the city and county in January 2008, strongly supports a Kalispell pre-release center. Officials have been clear the debate is now more about siting the facility than whether a pre-release center should be built.
A survey, conducted in mid-2008 by MSU-Billings, polled residents both inside Kalispell and within a 10-mile radius of the Kalispell city limits and found support to bring a pre-release center to the area.
“We know we have people here who have committed crime, however they come,” said working committee chairwoman Bonnie Olson.
Pre-release centers hold inmates nearing the end of their prison sentences and help them readjust gradually into society. Residents, whose average stay is six months, receive treatment, counseling, job training and placement services.
Flathead County has more than 1,300 people in the state corrections system and is the only large county in Montana without a pre-release center. Lake and Lincoln counties have contributed about another 650 offenders.

Reporter Nicholas Ledden can be reached at 758-4441 or by e-mail at nledden@dailyinterlake.com

A1 Dec. 3 preview

Preview for the Dec. 3 issue

To begin the final month of 2009 we've got a wrap-up and some photos from the community dinners held around town on Thanksgiving. I went to the free dinner in Polson and it was great. Everyone was busy, smiling and full by the time they got done. It's always an awesome thing to see the community come together like that.
Sasha got the same vibe from the fabulous dinner in Ronan. He'll have the photos an story for that.
I'm also kicking off a series on the Cornerstone Financial Ponzi scheme investigation. I sat down with Bob Congdon, who is one of the men accused by the state of having committed fraud. It's a tough situation for a lot of people around Polson and our area. We do believe in telling both sides when possible.
The interview went well and I've got a lot of informaiton to pass along. Following this first installment will be more from state officials and the receiver, who is working to organize and liquidate assets of the accused to help pay back some investors who lost money in the alleged schemes.
We'll also have the most recent news from the courts, although it was a slow week with the holiday.
Heidi has the winter sports surveys for basketball and wrestling. Already that time - by next week we'll have coverage of the winter sports.
Can't wait for you to read it.

A1 preview for Nov. 26

Glance at the final November edition

What we've got this week: lots of news from "cops and courts" as we call it.
Aimee has an update on the human remains found near Big Arm earlier this fall. They've been ID'd. You can read the breaking news story at www.leaderadvertiser.com. She's also got the court updates and the full story on a ACLU case being brought against the sheriff and several other Lake County employees.
Aimee was a champion this weekend and competed in her first cyclocross race. She's has the rundown of the event. Heidi will complement the cyclocross coverage with a wrap up of some great Fall Sports features, as well as some SKC women's basketball coverage in the Sports section.
I will update everyone on the status of H1N1 vacciness in the county. Our supply is holding steady and free clinics will continue to take place throughout the valley as the flu season progresses.
There's a lot more too, as always.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Only one flu clinic next week - open for broader groups

H1N1 Information for the week of November 23rd

In previous weeks, vaccine has been offered to specific subset target groups recommended by ACIP/CDC. We now have been allocated enough vaccine to expand the target group to a broader population. The priority groups now include:
• Pregnant women
• Persons who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months of age (including parents, siblings and daycare providers)
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• Persons aged 6 months – 24 years
AND
• Persons aged 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications
These medical conditions include:
• Asthma
• Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury.
• Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
• Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
• Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
• Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes)
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Metabolic disorders
• Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)

*If you do not fall into one of the above populations, we ask that you be patient as we presently only have a limited supply of vaccine. Once the county and tribe have adequate amount of vaccine, availability will open up to the healthy adult and elderly populations.

FREE H1N1 walk-in clinics will be held from 1-4 PM every Tuesday at:
• Lake County Public Health in Polson
and
• Tribal Health in Arlee, Elmo, Ronan, and St. Ignatius.

Please note that all Lake County/Flathead Indian Reservation residents, both Tribal and non-Tribal, are eligible to receive H1N1 vaccine at any one of the walk-in clinics.


For more information please call the Influenza Information Line at (406) 883-7292.

Looks like the students at Mission schools stood divided today, before the Brawl of the Wild brings the Griz and Cats up against each other on the gridiron tomorrow.
From the picture, you can tell the Griz fans outnumbered the blue and gold, but you can't tell the heart.
Several schools throughout the valley chose sides.
I'm heading to Bozeman tomorrow, but I can't say I'm going to remain neutral. . . My free room and board depend on it.
The game will be broadcast on KPAX (channel 8) beginning just before noon tomorrow.

A1 Nov. 19 preview

Nov. 19 preview

This week we've got coverage of the local Veterans Day memorials held in several spots throughout the county, including a big event in Ronan.
We'll have an update on the Metzger Murder. Allen Metzger was seen in court on Friday hoping to get bail set for himself. Aimee will have that update along with pictures from the Veteran's Powwow held in Pablo.
Our Outdoors feature will have Sasha give us a look at a new company based out of Polson that makes survival kit "pods." From what I've seen, they're pretty cool and very handy for outdoorsy excursions.
I'll have some cute pictures from the Cub Scout chariot races held this weekend in Polson.
Heidi will have extensive coverage from her trip to Bozeman to watch the Polson volleyball team earn fourth place at the state tourney. Lots photos and player reactions.
Much, much more for you on Thursday.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Hwy 35 meeting notes

I was talking with Bigfork Eagle editor Jasmine Linabary last night. She attended the MDT meeting to discuss the state of MT Hwy 35 with director Jim Lynch. (She will have the full story for us on T hursday).
She said the questions of restricting semis from using the road is out. It's not possible, Lynch said. But she mentioned that MDT has done some good reasearch with the semi trucks companies and its a problem all involved want to solve.
I drive the road myself yesterday, to meet Jasmine for dinner, and shook my head at the tight corners with virtually no shoulders. The drivers ahead and behind me all went around 50 MPH the entire drive. That's the posted speed limit for the majority.
I asked Jasmine if the director had said anything about lowering the speed limit: She said the research presented at the meeting showed drivers will drive at a speed comfortable to them - it's a behavioral thing. So, reducing it might slow the most law abiding of us all, but the majority would continue along at higher rates of speed.
She also showed me a map that marks semi and car accidents along both highways running north/south of Flathead. The car accidents along 93 were numerous. More than on 35. Semis wrecks looked to be worse on 93 as well.
It is a more traveled road.
As I mentioned, Jasmine will have the full rundown of the meeting, along with resident reactions there.
Until then - drive safe.

H1N1 Friday update

H1N1 Information for the week of Nov. 16

The Lake County Public Health and CSKT Tribal Health Departments continue to receive H1N1 vaccine on a weekly basis. Enough vaccine was shipped to hold two community clinics this week. The Health Departments will continue weekly clinics throughout the valley as vaccine availability allows.

• The following listed populations are eligible for this week’s clinics:
o Pregnant women
o Children 6 months – 18 years of age
o Caregivers to children under 6 months of age (i.e., parents, siblings, and daycare providers)
o Adults currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation, or are HIV+

*If you do not fall into one of the above populations, you will be turned away at this time. We ask that you be patient as we presently only have a limited supply. Once the county and tribe have adequate amount of vaccine, availability will open up to a broader population.

• This week’s clinics are located at:
o Polson High School Gym
• Wednesday, November 18th
• 4-7 PM

o Elmo Pink Hall
• Thursday, November 19th
• 3-6 PM

• The H1N1 vaccine is free of charge county wide.
• You MUST be a Lake County/Flathead Indian Reservation resident to attend.
• There will no community clinics the week of Thanksgiving; November 23rd-27th.

For more information please call the Influenza Information Line at (406) 883-7292.

Tribal gray wolf plan completed

The Tribal Wildlife Management Program announced recently that the management plan for gray wolves on the Flathead Indian Reservation has been completed and went into effect on Nov. 1.
The Tribal Council approved the final draft of the plan in late June, and the environmental assessment process under the National Environmental Policy Act has been underway since. That process ended with the signing of a Finding of No Significant Impact by the Superintendent of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Julian Courville.
The planning effort attempted to consider all viewpoints in the development of alternative management scenarios for inclusion in the Gray Wolf Management Plan. Input from tribal elders and culture committees, hunters, stockgrowers and others were all considered in developing four management alternatives. The alternative most favored was the Wildlife Management Alternative, which includes a goal of providing for the long-term presence of wolves on the Reservation while simultaneously working to minimize conflicts between wolves and humans.
The Tribal Council approved a policy supporting treatment of gray wolves as a native wildlife species which requires active management. In doing so, the council realized the cultural and ecological significance of wolves to many of its constituents and acknowledged the potential for conflicts between wolves and local populations of big game and other wildlife, as well as the potential for conflicts between wolves and domestic livestock. The council decision favored a balanced approach to wolf management that attempts to take all of these factors in to account.
The plan does not attempt to manage toward a maximum or a minimum number of wolves on the Flathead Indian Reservation. Wolf population management will depend heavily upon wolf behavior and amount of conflict with other wildlife, livestock and people. For example, if there are few or no conflicts with a higher population of wolves on the Reservation, no excessive effort to reduce the wolf population will occur. However, if limited numbers of wolves occur on the Reservation and if those wolves repeatedly kill livestock, or if excessive numbers of big game or other wildlife species are documented as killed by wolves, lethal control may be implemented.
The plan relies upon close cooperation between Tribal Wildlife Management Program staff and wildlife managers of other state and federal agencies that also manage wolves to monitor populations of wolves and big game and livestock conflicts.
The Gray Wolf Management Plan for the Flathead Indian Reservation is posted on the tribal website. To receive a copy of the Wolf Management Plan, please contact Germaine White at germainew@cskt.org or 883-2888, ext. 7299.-Courtesy of Germaine White

Pirate spikers lose first game

Our valley's only remaining sports team in the hunt for a state title fell during its first game at state. The Polson Pirates lost 3-0 to the Anaconda Copperheads in Bozeman.
Sports editor Heidi Hanse is there, and is working on a day-one recap, but the internet in the gym is down because of snow. Seems about right for mid-November in Montana.
The Pirates now play at 10 a.m. on Friday against Hardin, which lost to Custer County.
Look for some pictures and more updates at www.leaderadvertiser.com

A1 Nov. 10 preview

Nov. 12 preview - here's to our veterans

We've got coverage on the final football games played by Lake County teams this season. Both Charlo and Polson wrapped up stellar seasons with quarterfinal losses.
In honor of our veteran's we have a host of coverage: Sasha sat down with a local Vietnam veteran whose son is now serving in the War on Terror. Retired Col. Bill Ingram, of Polson, has written for us an account of just one of his battles during WWII. We'll also have news of several area heros who have recently graduated from basics in several of armed services branches.
I will have the complete story on the property tax situation I blogged about last week. Lake County is the middle of things this year, with a record number of information reviews and tax relief eligible residentes being identified here this year.
Aimee will have a very interesting story on the hardships of small towns to keep police force recruits.
We'll also have the most up-to-date news from several town councils and board of education meetings.
Community Calendar is huge again this week - it's the holiday season and Lake County is hopping.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Latest health dept. H1N1 vaccine news

H1N1 Information for the week of Nov. 9

The Lake County Public Health and CSKT Tribal Health Departments continue to receive H1N1 vaccine on a weekly basis. Enough vaccine was shipped to hold two community clinics this week. The Health Departments will continue weekly clinics throughout the valley as vaccine availability allows.

• The following listed populations are eligible for this week’s clinics:
o Pregnant women
o Children 6 months – 18 years of age
o Caregivers to children under 6 months of age (i.e., parents, siblings, and daycare providers)
o Adults currently receiving chemotherapy, radiation, or are HIV+

*If you do not fall into one of the above populations, you will be turned away!

• This week’s clinics are located at:
o Charlo School
• Tuesday, November 10th
• 4-7 PM

o Ronan Event Center
• Saturday, November 14th
• 10 AM – 2 PM

MUST BE A LAKE COUNTY/FLATHEAD INDIAN RESERVATION RESIDENT TO ATTEND

For more information and weekly clinic dates and locations, please call the Influenza Information Line at (406) 883-7292

Property tax assistance forms mailed to Lake County

Taxes have been in the headlines a lot this year. For Polson, we had the resort tax and now landowners across the state are dealing with a property tax resdistribution that could cause some skyrocketing payments.
The lakeshore, or "recreational property" has retained and in some cases gained its value. That has alarmed some property owners because of the reformatted system.
The state Department of Revenue received 2,350 informal requests for review of property taxes. This is a jump from previous years, Scott Williams, regional manager for the Department of Revenue, said.
While some people on the lake will see jumps, it's not likely homes within the median range will see much increase, in most cases, Williams said, they could see a lower tax.
And last week, the state mailed out extended property tax assistance forms to help those that make less than $75,000 a years, but have seen their property value increase.
The most staggering stat is that of the 37,000 forms mailed statewide, Williams estimated 50 percent in Flathead/Lake County.
This form could help qualifying tax payers significantly.
But, Williams stressed, there is no concrete answers yet on exact numbers for most tax payments, what relief assistance can bring, and how much an informal review could bring those numbers down.
You can play with the DR tax calculator at: http://mt.gov/revenue/
There is more information on other tax relief programs there as well.

A1 Nov. 3 preview

Resort tax NO votes take it

Several landslides here: with the resort tax being taken down by a heavy, heavy margin and incumbent Lou Marchello losing almost 3-1 to Pat DeVries.
Jules Clavadetscher of ward 2 was also upset, but by a very slim 226-193 vote

POLSON
Mayor: Pat DeVries 812, Lou Marchello 312
Proposed resort tax: defeated, 951-186
Ward One: Ronald Boyce 187, write in 15
Ward Two, two year: Judy Preston 226, Jules Clavadetscher 193
Ward Two, four year: Mike Lies 290, Murat Kalinyaprak 107
Ward Three: Fred Funke 259, Ken Siler 194

Ronan and St. Ignatious municipal results

We've got the results for the mail-in ballot races:
RONAN
Judge: Justin Bartels 174, Thomas Paro 71, Laura Johns 51
Mayor: Kim Aipperspach 258
Ward One: Penelope Ann Ross 66, Ellen Kaphammer 51
Ward One, Two year: Keoki Lopezdevictoria 90, write in 2
Ward Two: Marcia Lynn Ganieany 72, write in 5
Ward Three: Richard Jungers 63, Paul Soukup 30, write in 1
ST. IGNATIUS
Mayor: Charles Gariepy 123, John Mitchell 71, Joseph Mitchell 29, write in 2
Judge: Sharon Richardson
Councilmen: Rod Arlint 117, Mack McConnell 122, Darin Incashola 107, Roger Lemon 48, write in 8

We're waiting for the final tallies on the Polson races and the resort tax vote. Polls closed at 8 p.m., so look for them soon.
Of course all the results will be in the Leader on Thursday.

What's up for the first November issue

On deck this week - we've got a ton of cute kids, who were out in force this Halloween. We had a passel come into the office on Friday and get some treats. Each one was adorable, of course.
Sasha was in Ronan at their Harvest Fest and we caught even more cut kids on camera down there.
Aimee joined the fun with some shots of the Monster Mash run on Saturday in Polson.
Aimee will also have an update on the human remains found in Big Arm last week. All of us reporters are teaming up to cover the municipal elections being held tomorrow. We'll have the results and feedback from candidates for Thursday. You can also look for results on this blog and online at www.leaderadvertiser.com, as soon as we get them.
The mail in portions (St. Ignatius and Ronan) should be in to us by 8 p.m. The Polson polls close at 8 p.m., and we should have results of the resort town tax and city council seats several hours after that.
Election nights are always fun in the newsroom. - late nights with lots of work to do. We almost always have good stories to tell after the polls close.
On the sports side - we'll have a great feature on the PHS o-line, as Sasha calls them, along with a mini scouting report for the quarterfinals game between Polson and Belgrade on Saturday.
Heidi will have a roundup of the volleyball action - who's moving on and who's done for the season.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Leader online - better and better

The Leader website is a crucial spot for our content. We love the way we can use it to complement the rest of the print product. If you're reading these blogs, you know that we're online all day, every day.
Today, because of the ever-growing presence of the Internet in daily life, we have to be cognizant of things like "print" product and "online" assets, or components such as articles, photos or PDF documents we can use to get information out on the web.
The reporters and I spent the afternoon getting trained on a new "content management" system called Blox that will allow us to continue to grow our online product. It's a system that will inable us to not only provide the content that you see in the print edition each, week, but things like photo galleries.
It will even, if all goes right, host our blogs on the front page so you can get updates, movie reviews and a taste of the past from the reporters throughout the week.
There isn't a set date that our new site will be launched. We're crossing our fingers that it's sooner rather than later.
Like I've said before, I find the Internet so exciting because it can only enhance the print edition, which in the end, I believe, remains the most crucial part of what a journalist does because it's the piece that will go down in history. A

A1 Oct. 29 preview

FINAL Oct. issue preview

I just finished editing the candidate surveys for the election coverage that will make up a bulk of the content in the final issue of October.
Polson, St. Ignatius and Ronan all have municipal elections on Nov. 3.
However, for the Polson residents, the big ticket item will be the resort tax yea or nay vote they'll get to cast on Tuesday.
We had a fairly high rate of return on the surveys (each candidate was asked the same questions and given the same deadline).
If you're unsure of who to vote for, there will be a great source of information straight from the candidates pens.
I can't wait for readers to dig into the Myths and Legends tab we put together. If you believe in ghosts, it's a good one. Spooked myself putting it together.
Aimee's got an update on the Metzger murder case. Allen Metzger's attorney has filed motion of dismissal because he says the scene was cleaned up before authorities had the proper time to investigate.
Metzger is accused of fatally stabbing James Finch in the Valley Club in August.
Aimee's also got a recycling story from St. Ignatius. Several classes have teamed up with an organization to help recycle throughout the valley.
Sasha's got a recap of the Polson vs. Ronan battle from last Friday, along with a great feature on the Ronan team that' has been so successful this year.
Heidi will have the rest of the coverage for our valley teams.
Take a look. It'll be there for you on Thursday.

Pirate impressive on volleyball court

I had the pleasure of watching the Polson volleyball team down the Libby Loggers 3-1 last night.
The first set was no contest. The full returning squad of Polson easily took care of
Libby, with senior power player Jackie Mee, who often got the best of Polson last year.
The Pirates bring with them this year a quick, offense-based attack that relies on some great serving (especially by junior Breanne Kelley's jump serving).
They effectively shut down the Logger offense.
Most impressive, and another huge improvement from last year, was the team's come-from-behind fourth set win. Digging in from a 8-14 deficit, the Pirates won 27-25 to seal the win. They are really fun to watch. This momentum should give them a great momentum boost going into the upcoming playoffs.
Heidi will have the full story in the Sports section next week.

Polson chamber survey results

The Polson Chamber of Commerce just sent the results of a survey asking residents several questions about the proposed resort tax. Just over 66 people (I got the impression it was mainly business owners and chamber members) responded. It's interesting to note how many believe some kind of revenue is needed to help improve the city. Yet, more said no to voting for the tax than yes. This debate over the "local option sales tax" will, if nothing else, continue to bring about discussion on how to best make Polson its best.
It's all about the money. Imagine that.

A1 Oct. 22 preview

What's coming up for Oct. 22

Already Monday again. We just had our budget meeting to disucss what we have in store for Thursday: Looks like it was a busy weekend for law enforcement officials. A rash of street sign thefts keep the sheriff's department busy and a attempted break in at Polson liquor stores is being investigated by Polson city police. Aimee said a break in at a St. Ignatius bar is also under investigation. We'll have the details.
Sasha has a flu update: how it's affected our schools and how to keep kids healthy. Look for that as lead on A1. He's also got Ronan news from the city council and an update on the proposed Highway 93 construction through the town.
I just finished writing the "tax talks" story, which recaps the information given and citizen reaction to the proposed resort town tax meeting held last Wednesday. The latest too on the postponed bridge resurfacing. Looks like the guys were back to work today. Let's hope the weather holds for them.
*We will have candidate surveys for the muncipal elections filling the Oct. 29 issue.

OK, this is hilarious

Reporter Aimee Niles found some reaally awesome old timey photos of cats dancing.

Really funny.

Bad bridge news

Just received an e-mail from Polson bridge project manager Nate McKinley who said, because of the cold weather, the projected end date for the project has been pushed back to Nov. 3 (originally it was slated to end on Oct. 22).
I think the snow is pretty much gone now, and Nate predicted crews would be back to work on Monday.
Read my full update here.

Resort tax info. meeting TONIGHT

Polson City Manager Todd Crossett will lead a presentation and question session beginning at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the Polson High School auditorium. The presentation will include the ins and outs of the proposed resort town tax headed for the Nov. 3 ballott.

Crossett has said at council meetings that he hopes it will help inform Polson residents before the vote.

The proposed tax aims to add tax relief and bring revenue to a town by placing a local option sales tax on certain “resort luxury” items. Towns must have a population of 5,500 or less, must meet several other state-outlined resort community ramifications and the tax must be approved by voters after initial council approval.

The Polson plan would include a 3 percent tax on the designated items. Polson’s version would apply to everyone, except those who are federally exempt, such as tribal members. It would be in effect year-round, with 20 percent going to property tax relief and 5 percent going to administrative fees. The remaining revenue would be spent largely on infrastructure improvements.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have yet to OK the tax.

A1 Oct. 15 preview

What to look for on Oct. 15

Well, it's a late preview, as swine flu has hit the Leader - I was knocked out with it this weekend. I did stay home until my fever was gone for 24 hours and don't think I got it as bad as some, but we're bracing for it to get the rest of us here.
We'll have a small update on how the schools around the area are fairing as the flu hits kids. Polson has had an upped number of illnesses, but it is not all H1N1.
We've heard Ronan Middle School is getting hit hard, but not closures and not plans to close schools as of now.
We're also wrapping up Homecoming coverage. Look for Arlee white and red to adorn A1. Sasha went down last week to note the festivities and talk to students and staff about how the four-day school week is working out. Seems to be a overwhelmingly positive response so far.
Sasha has also put together a story on the CSKT election primaries and what to look for there.
Aimee has a story on the dispute over whether the St. Ignatius acting chief of police is valid and what city officials are going to do about the dispute.
I got a chance to talk with state Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Ann Whiting Sorrell, who lives in Ronan during the weekends.
She was in town on Friday to promote Healthy Kids Montana, which is aiming to get all the uninsured children in the state covered.
She's a busy and very interesing lady - look for more about her shawls making and Sunday dinners in Home Of.
Thanks for reading - and stay healthy.

My thermometer

I know when it's time to turn up the heat when Gus gets under the Spongebob blanket. He signaled the coming of the frigid air last night when he spent about 2 hours under the fleece throw.
Polson got about 2 inches of snow on Thursday night, and it was a touchy drive to work for a lot of people. Rocky Point was very icy, the one lane of the bridge was pretty touchy as well.
At 10:20 this morning, it was 25 degrees, feels like 11.
Tomorrow it's supposed to get up to a high of around 36 degrees, with a brisk wind.

Calling all ghosts hunters

We're trying to put together a fun section for this year's Haloween edition and we want the stories of residents to fill it. Every once in awhile we hear stories about haunted houses and old buildings. There seems to be quite a few ghosts who walk the highways too, from what we've heard.
Now I don't believe so much in this kind of thing and am looking for someone to convince of the beings from the afterlife really "haunting' our county and reservation.
Every once in awhile things happen that make you wonder, but come on, it's a stretch isn't it?
Do you have any stories? Tell me why I'm wrong.
Cops and courts reporter Aimee Niles is looking into the existence of crop circles. Ever seen one of those? Apparently there have been sightings up near Whitefish.
People have also said the Salish Building on Main Street is haunted. Myth? Truth? I'm excited to find out.
Any myths, legends, sightings or stories you have, we want.
E-mail (editor@leaderadvertiser.com) or calling (883-4343) works. Seriously, let us know.

Winter in October

Included in the five-day forecast for Polson is a HIGH of 37 degrees on Friday, with morning snow showers and a low of 17 degrees.
Ouch.

A1 Oct. 8 preview

Oct. 8 edition preview

This week we had a tragedy in Pablo, when a young woman was killed in a trailer fire. We'll have the latest on that. The reason for the fire is still under investigation.
Also, I have an update on the Supercenter that may be coming to Polson, and another update on the Cornerstone investigation. The preliminary injunction against Kovick and Congdon was extended so their assets can continue to be inventoried. It's a huge job, but things are moving along so victims of the alleged fraud may be able to file claims to recover funds. Still, it seems like a long road ahead.
We've got some good stuff from Aimee: She had Home Of this week. It's an interesting story on a local women who competes in body sculpting competitions.
(If you have any ideas on who would be good to feature here, let us know - editor@leadadvertiser.com).
Of course, we've got results and photos galore for this last week in Mission Valley Sports. Polson volleyball got a great win over Libby last week, and the boys soccer team got a historic win over whitefish.
Ronan football continued its impressive drive through the season as well.
Now it's time to start putting the paper together- look for a preview of A1 tomorrow morning.

Polson city manger to talk resort taxes

As promised, Polson City Manager Todd Crossett is holding a public formum wiht question and answer time to get people aquainted with the details about the propsed resort tax going on the November ballot.
City of Polson proposed Resort Tax Informational Presentation by City Manager Todd Crossett
will be held form 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at the PHS gym.

Supercenter coming to Polson

We did some quick rearrangin of the front page on tuesday night to accomdate this news:

The Wal-Mart Super Center project planned for Polson since before 2005 was cleared on Tuesday by the Montana Supreme Court.
The clerk's office notified Polson City Attorney Jame Rayomd of the decision on Tuesday afternoon. The unanmous decision upholds the district court ruling that the project did not violated the Polson Growth Policy and other zoning and development code regulations.
"I can't describe how it feels right, it's that good," store manager Dave Tolley said on Tuesday evening.
The new center will bring numerous jobs and draw people to the area, he said.
Plans to begin construction haven't been finalized, but it will sit above the existing Wal-Mart near Clearview Drive.
The group Lake County First, consisting of around 100 plaintiffs, filed the suit to stop the center around 2005. The case has worked its way through the judicial system since.
The Polson City Council and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. are listed as defendants.
Sandy and Jim Hinshaw live on Clearview Drive near the new site.
"We really weren't for it or against it, I just don't think that you can stop it. And when it happens, go with the flow," Sandy said of the news.
Several plaintiffs were contacted for reactions, but were not reached before press time. I have calls into several plaintiffs and will get thieir reaction as soon as they caget back to me.

A1 Oct. 1 preview

First Oct. issue preview

We've got homecoming season in full swing for the first October 2009 issue of the Leader. Both Ronan and Polson celebrated all week last week, so look for some photo spreads on the festivities in the sports section this week. Along with, of course, coverage of all the sporting events.
For news, we'll continue to keep you updated on the Saddle Mountain fire. CSKT officials told Aimee this morning that things are mopping up well, although the investigation into the cause (which is suspected arson) is ongoing. No structures have been threatened so far.
Sasha will have a interesting look at the Clean Air Act, which goes into effect on Thursday. Starting then no smoking wil be allowed in bars. It's a point of contention for a lot of smokers around our area. It really will be a big change for some establishments.
I've got some great news from SKC: enrolled has shot up this year. With the addition of several programs and degree tracts, it's going to be an exciting year.
We've got some updates on several area projects, including a new walking/biking trail in Big Arm, along with a super-sized home of in honor of Doug Allard.

Weekend fire update

Seemed to be a pretty slow weekend - no huge fire worries at least. The wind worry on Saturday didn't result in any huge blowups of the Saddle Mountain fire west of Arlee. As of Sunday, it hadn't grown more than about 7 acres from Friday afternoon. The smoke kept down throughout the weekend as well. Several crews, two helicopters and a tanker were worhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifking to contain hot spots.
About two miiles up Saddle MOountain Road on Friday was blocked off and closed due to fire danger. A few wisps of smoke could be seen coming from the west side of the ridge.e

The Baldy Fire near Lakeside seems to be a lot more worrisome. More than 100 residents were on watch for equacuation. You can read more here.

Don't forget - this is a great cause

The SAFE Harbor auction is this weekend. It seems that we hear countless partner family member assualt calls each day over the scanner. One a year is one too many, and Safe Harbo works to give solace and assistance to victims. All too often, too, we see repeat offenders let off because of jail overcrowding, etc. It's a terrible thing and here's a chance to help out.
This is Lake County’s only shelter for victims of Domestic Violence., but DOVES through the tribe is another excellent resource.


SAFE Harbor
Fifth Annual Auction
Satuday, Sept. 26
6-9 p.m.
Ronan Community Center

Live and Silent Auction:
Wine, food, raffle prizes, and items from local artists and local businesses
If you would like additional informaton,
please feel free to phone SAFE Harbor at 676-0800.

Saddle Creek Fire growing

The fire west of Arlee grew 165 acres during the night, and its now estimated at 465 total.
The fire’s origin is suspected arson and is currently under investigation.
The fire is now partially lined and a large burnout operation was conducted overnight. Containment is estimated at 20 percent, a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes press release said.

The fire has now reached heavy thick timber consisting of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and western larch in moderate to steep terrain with numerous rock outcrops and cliffy areas. Firefighter safety is the number one priority, a CSKT press release said.

Currently, nine 20-person crews, two helicopters, two single engine air tankers, two bull-dozers, two-skid genes, two water tenders, and numerous fire engines from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and local volunteer fire departments are dispatched to Saddle Mountain.


A “red flag warning” has been issued for Saturday, translating to low relative humidity and extreme fire behavior and moderate winds approximately 4-8 mph. Weather for Sunday suggests lower temperatures.

.US. Highway 93 thru Arlee should see an increase in fire traffic. The public is advised to use caution while traveling as smoke from the fire may impede driving conditions. The use of headlights is encouraged.

Saddle Creek Fire update

After reporting on A1 of the Leader the "tame" fire season, Lake County saw its first "significant" fire start on Wednesday.

The Saddle Mountain Fire located three miles west of Arlee is now estimated at 300 acres. The fire’s origin is suspected arson and is currently under investigation.
The fire started near some slash piles in low elevation and has now reached heavy thick timber consisting of ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and western larch, a Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes press release said.
Currently, three 20-person crews, two helicopters, two single engine air tankers, two bull-dozers, two-skid genes, and numerous fire engines from the CSKT and local volunteer fire departments are dispatched to Saddle Mountain.

The minimal smoke could be seen from Polson, but was skirted the valley around the Mission Mountains. It seems like smoke from the Kootenai Creek fire west of Stevensville might also be mingling with it.

It's very nerve wracking to have such an early deadline. All of the Leader pages have to be uploaded to a outside server by midnight on Tuesdays, but our paper doesn't hit the stands until Wednesday mornings. Most mail subscribers don't get it until the afternoon.
So, of course, when fires start on Wednesday, the news enters what we call the black hole of early deadline.
Because the press Kalispell prints several weeklies and a daily, we can't move our deadline ahead. It does take time to transport the papers from up north. But when information moves as fast as it does today, it's hard line to walk.
The internet does give us a good outlet now to be able to bring updated information from fires, etc. to the readers.
We'll keep you updated on the Saddle Creek fire as information becomes available.

A1 Sept. 24 preview

Leader blogs, rah rah rah

I was just reviewing some of the posts from the other reporters. Shameless plug or not, I have to say, what we're blogging about is
fun stuff to read, and a great addition to what we can offer to our readers, although it will never make it to the print edition. It's another reason I love the internet medium.

Sasha's got some good movie insight on his Mission Mountain Movie Blog. I'm actually waiting for the review of the "Inglorious Basterds," he promised to tell me if it was too gruesome for my gentle eyes. The Wolverine review is up now, and I think he's convinced me to see it, but I'm glad I didn't go to the theatre.

If you're looking for a quick way to find the schedule of the Mission Mountain teams - all of them - Heidi tweets everyday about what's going on each day with On the Bleachers (Tonight is full of volleyball, including Ronan/Polson rivalry game in Ronan at 7 p.m.). She's also got some funny stories about the life of a sports reporter who is on the road a lot.

Aimee keeps finding really neat, historical stories and great present day parallels in LC Yesterday. The poster she found and is posted with her latest story is something I wish I had framed in my apartment. It really is fun to go through those old papers, and she's got a compact look for you there

Rez site seeing visitors

It looks like the Rez We Live On site, unveiled last week by CSKT as a mythbusting source about the Flathead Reservation, is seeing some traffic already.
While a majority of the hits are from Montana, people from across the country have been hitting it up. Rob McDonald, communication director for CSKT, sent a breakdown of the hits on Tuesday.
Around 1200 hits are from MT, but Washington, Arizona, and California have been tuning in as wel. Every people from D.C. and NY have checked it out.
You can learn more abou the site from the "Rez' site offers answers" story from the Leader.

LCl Sept. 17 A1 preview

LCL Sept. 17 preview

Lake County had another weekend packed with events - the fly-in, Dayton Daze, the Valley View Reunion - Aimee Niles has a report for each of them .
I spent several hours on Friday night with members of the USS Detroit crew, in town this past weekend to celebrate their 30th reunion. It is truly amazing what this ship saw during WWII, and the men who crewed her were absolutely enthralling to listen to.
The Detroit was docked at Pearl Harbor, and escpaed with nothing be a bullet hole, throughout the war they were everywhere, ending at Tokyo Harbor to witness the signing of the Pacific Front peace treaty . They had so much fun together laughing about the mishaps and the adventure. As 87-year-old Art Herriford told me, "I wouldn't want to do it again, but we can find things to laugh about now.'
You can only imagine the stories these servicemen have to tell.
It was an honor for them to sit and tell me their story. I won't be able to tell half the stories they told me in the story. But I hope I can do their tales a little justice. I snapped a few photos too, which may end up leading A1
On the news side, we've got an update in the Metzger trial and city council updates from Ronan, St. Ignatius and Polson.
The best news for last: Ty's got a Police Blotter lined up and ready to go. Don't miss it.

"Afternoon Visitor"

This photo, taken by Tracy Schall at the S and K Technologies building in St. Ignatius, had the entire Leader staff in hysterics this morning. I don't think many of us can say we've seen a vistor like this at our door.
The photo was submitted by Charles Blood Jr., who assured us that the bear was turned away because he forgot his access card key.
On a serious note, it brings up somes pretty bleak reminders we've had in the area news about what bears and people mixing can mean. At least three bears have been euthanized this summer because of the danger they present when descenstized to human interaction. Let's hope this guy steers clear of us from here on out.
Thanks again to Charles for sending the photo to us.

CSKT launches new myth dispelling site

The Rez We Live On launched this week is worth browsing.
Put together by CSKT it's an informational site that aims to dispel around 10 misconceptions about life on the reservation, and about tribal members.
Questions asked by "characters" on the site cover topics from Tribal justice to how members pay for college and who is employed by CSKT on the Flathead Reservation.
CSKT Rob McDonald told me yesterday that the site is going to help stop misinformation from continuing to spread. He said some of the inspiration for the site came from a young, lifelong Polson resident who had never learned specifics about the reservation growing up.
I learned a lot from just 10 minutes clicking around the site. It's entertaining, with characters from every walk of life answer the questions. And 'movie" help fill in the gaps.
Look for more in the Sept. 17 issue of the Leader.

Resort tax notes/update

A quick note from last night's Polson City Council meeting: City manger Todd Crossett said he got a good impression and felt the a meeting with tribal representatives was positive. The notion to put the 3 percent resort tax on certain luxury items in Polson was well received, he said, but now the proposal has to go through the tribal procedures and be presented to CSKT Tribal Council. http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Also, he noted that the previously discussed automatic federal exemption for members might not be as cut and dry as assumed, but didn't offer specifics on what that might mean.
Tribally-owned resort KwaTakNuq could be a big source of revenue for the tax, but the tribe has to agree to administer it first.
Also, Paul Fugleberg (who disagreed with our editorial for the tax in the Sept. 3 issue) mentioned to me he hadn't seen a full list of exemptions and taxed items.
The list given out at meetings is based almost ver batem from the city of Whitefish's list.
Click here for a list, which is posted on the city of Polson's web site. (Which is a great source for meeting material and meeting item updates, if you haven't checked it out already.)

A1 Sept. 10 preview

Labor Day Preview

The streets of Polson are quiet, and the parking spots are close today, with most businesses closed for Labor Day.
For us reporters, that means no Monday night meetings. Most, like the Polson City Council regularly scheduled for tonight have been moved to Wednesday.
We'll have the updates from the school boards and councils in the Sept. 10 issue.
Here's what we're working on for the Sept. 10 issue:
They've had some more burglaries in Ronan, a rash last week. They do have suspect in custody. Aimee will have the latest there.
We'll have a great Outdoors page on planned improvements coming to the Ninepipes area by Sasha, who is also working on some Sept. 11 commemorative pieces, which will be a nice addition for the eight anniversary of the attacks.
We'll have a fun piece on BINGO from Aimee as well.
Probably most exciting it sports - our Fall Preview hits the stands on Sept. 10, and it something Heidi has been working really hard on. We've pulled out all the stops on the design and have a bunch of good stuff from across the valley. Look for starting on B3.
Look for the lead on A1 to be Charlo football's 94 point scoring fest. Heidi got a beauty of a shot on that game too.
That's lots more too. So stay tuned.

Patrols upped this weekend

If the construction isn't enough to slow you down - keep in mind that the CSKT patrols willl be increased this weekend for the Labor Day holiday.

We received this press release from the CSKT police :

Tribal law enforcement steps up patrols
during drunk driving crackdown

Confederated Salish & Kootenai tribal police officers will be out in full force during the Labor Day holiday period, beginning August 21. They will join thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies throughout the nation as they take part in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest crackdown on impaired driving. The enforcement blitz will last through the holiday weekend.

Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. Since 2003, 34 people have died on the Flathead Reservation due to alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. Over 80 percent of the fatalities on the roadway involved alcohol. Police officers will step up patrols through the Labor Day holiday in the effort to keep drunk drivers off the roads.

“The tragedy is that impaired drivers hurt and kill innocent people. Our goal is to travel safe for everyone,” said Tribal Police Chief Craige Couture. “You can help by making sure your friends and family members don’t get behind the wheel if they have been drinking. If you plan to drink, make sure you’ve got someone else to be the sober driver.”

Ronan city police and the Montana Highway Patrol will also be participating in the crackdown. Overtime and additional patrols are supported by the Montana Department of Transportation State Highway Traffic Safety Bureau with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information about the Labor Day law enforcement crackdown, visit www.Stopimpaireddriving.org.

Wildfires

It's been a fire and smoke free season so far. We've had no substatianl reports of wildfires in Lake County in 2009.
Yesterday and today, we have been hearing a little action through scanner traffic so far. It sounds like CSKT Division of Fire are responding to a few small spots. No official word or details yet, but look for more information soon. Hopefully, the trend will remain and we won't have anything to report.

CSKT entrepreniual workshop postponed

The Confederated Salish and Kooteani Tribes kicked off a series gatherings in August desinged to hear residents ideas, desires and wishes on the best way to guide the area’s small business sector. Thursday’s planned business outreach and roundtable discussion scheduled for Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Arlee Tribal Community Center, the third in the series, will be cancelled and rescheduled due to a death in the community. The meeting has been rescheduled for Sept. 10, again at 6:30 p.m. at the Arlee Tribal Community Center.


Here's a Aug. 27 story we ran about the
This initiative recognizes that small business is important. This is an outreach effort designed to work with existing and potential tribal entrepreneurs, a CSKT press release said.
The CSKT Economic Development Office and the Salish Kootenai Holding Company will co-host the seminars to facilitate interaction with the membership and gauge entrepreneurial interests.The first gathering took place in Elmoo.
CKST’s Jerry Lamb helped plan the sessions, below he answers several question about the gatherings.
How did the idea for these seminars come about? Have you seen an increased need from tribal entrepreneurs to discuss this topic lately?
Theidea for the dialogue (this is intended to be a dialogue, not really "seminars" or a classroom type of setting) came about from discussions that Velda Shelby, a CSKT tribal member and a successful business woman, and I had. We then pulled in Steve Clairmont of S and K Holding since they have provided some of these services in the past. We approached CSKT Tribal Council, and they are very supportive of this effort which we all intend to be able to assist CSKT members who may need some help in becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Can you explain what each seminar will involve?
Again, seminar is not really an accurate description. Each session will include an introduction from myself, explaining how the process to-date has evolved - namely that CSKT Tribal Council, myself, Velda, and Steve all recognize that a healthy and vibrant economy needs to have a strong small business sector. There are many challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur, such as access to capital, putting together strong business plan: How do I market my product or service? How do I structure my business legally/formally? What about taxes? How do I put together a strong loan application, etc, etc. We have ideas to share, BUT we want to hear specifically ideas from people on how we can all work together. Hence, a dialogue session as opposed to a seminar. We are stressing that this needs to be a positive two-way dialogue in order for things to be successful. We are not out to preach or tell anyone what is good for them, we want a positive two-way dialogue.
What are you specifically hoping to gain from the seminars?
We want a positive dialogue, one where we can come up with solutions and help, together. We want to assist the entrepreneur or prospective entrepreneur, we want to discuss ways in which we can do that together. If this is a positive experience then we are hopeful that good things can come from it, if it is not, then it will be a missed opportunity.
What will be 'done' with the information gathered?
After the three dialogue sessions, we want to culminate this effort in a one day summit, where we hope to bring together resources so that entrepreneurs and budding entrepreneurs will be able to see what help might be available, and also be able to apply with the appropriate people right there on the spot. So, in effect, a summit which describes what is available, how do I go about the process, and let's get started right now. In addition, we envision a guide book which will contain pertinent information on business start-up, resources available, pertinent rules and regulations, etc. We also want to provide a web presence with similar information.
Closing
Again, this whole effort aims to recognize the fact that a small business sector is vital, we recognize that it is not easy, and how can we all work together to realize common hopes, dreams, and goals. Native Americans have a long history of entrepreneurship, well before the days of Columbus. In fact , President Thomas Jefferson, in his orders to Lewis and Clark, had them report on the economies of the tribes that the expedition encountered, because he (Jefferson) was well aware of the vibrant economies and entrepreneurial spirit of the tribes. This effort hopes to stress the importance of Indian entrepreneurship. CSKT Tribal Council has been very supportive and helpful of this effort.

Sneak peek of LCL A1 for Sept. 3

Looks like it was a good summer for cabbage

Thanks to a school program/challenge that carried over this summer, I've gott several impressive photos of Lake County kids who've grown HUGE cabbages. The y will now enter them in ta contest to win a prize for the best cabbage in the state.

This photo is of Tucker Carvey - a Linderman student

Tucker is very proud of his cabbage and would like everyone to know that he did NOT use a single drop of fertilizer, his mom wrote in an e-mail. Tucker's cabbage has been quite the conversation piece and many people have dropped by to check it out. Tucker said, "I had fun watching it grow and showing it off to people."

LCL Sept. 3 preview

Here's what we're frantically working on this week for the Leader:
FALL SPORTS!! are starting throughout the valley. Sports guru Heidi and her pal Sasha were standing on sidelines all weekend getting the first glimpses of this year's teams. (I was in charge of sports at this time last year, and have to say am missing it right about now.)
We had some good football this week, and the volleyball teams are starting to have home games next week.
We'll have a lot of 'Rehberg' in this week's paper - the Congressman was in Polson on Thursday, discussing health care reform at St. Joe's and tribal health issues with tribal respresentatives.
As we all know, later Thursday night the congressman and two of his staffers (who were with him here all day) were hurt in a boating accident. We'll have the latest on that as well as the health care reform story.
Aimee's got some good news for South Creek Bridge area residents. And the results of the rotary chili cook off.
Sasha has a photo story of some Ronan firs-graders first day at school.
And much more. Should be a good one to kick off September.

School begins across valley

It is a beautiful day for the beginning of the new school year - and after Ronan and Charlo started the grind last Thursday, the remaining school opened today.
Polson begins the year with a new superintendent, as well as a 'new' principal and vice principal.
Bill Appleton is taking over as interim principal, coming from the administration building where he was the curriculum director.
Sounds like he's taking a unique approach for the first day of school. Humorous speaker Craig Zablocki has been brought in to speak to the entire school and get things started.
Also, superintendent David Whitesell has named High School Social Studies teacher Pat Danley as teach of the year.

It was fun talking in the newsroom about our first days of school. I think the one I remember the most is going into first grade. I managed not to cry as my dad waved goodbye, but I wanted to.
My big brother was just up the hall in third grade, he was at least one guy I knew at recess. Funny to think that I couldn't even read back then.
I guess this means too, it's almost September, then that means it's almost fall.
I'm rooting for a warm fall.

Rehberg boating accident

Alex Strickland, the editor of the Bigofork Eagle, was one of the first to get photos of Rehberg's accident.
He said the park was absolutely closed , with FWP deputies outside the gates preventing anyone from entering.

Rehberg injured on Flathead

It sounds like the Congressman is fine,but more than a little shaken up -

"Last night Congressman Rehberg and two members of his staff were passengers in a boat that was involved in an accident on Flathead Lake near Bigfork. Denny is in stable condition and is doing well. His thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved. We will continue to provide information as it becomes available."
-Courtesy of Jed Link

South Creek bridge to stay open

Here's a great piece of 'breaking news' from reporter Aimee Niles:

(This bridge was scheduled to close on Aug. 30 - but the residents d who use the bridge protested and the closure has been reversed )

The South Creek Valley Bridge will remain open past the scheduled Aug. 30 closure date, Paddy Trusler, chairman of the Lake County Commissioners said.

This morning, county commissioners received a letter from the Montana Department of Transportation advising repair to the bridge.

“The DOT advised that it would be cost effective to repair the bridge and attain the longevity of the bridge while we determine how we’re going to pay for a new bridge,” Trusler said.

Repairs on the bridge should occur in the next 30 days.

“We’re going to squeeze the bridge repair in between two larger projects,” Trusler said.

The repairs will definitely happen before the middle of October, Commissioner Bill Barron said.

Trusler said estimates for the repairs to the bridge are about $20,000. Estimates for a new bridge range from $500,000 to $1.2 million.

The commissioners will be seeking state grants to fund repairs on the bridge.

Rehberg at the tribal health facility

Rehberg first crammed into the existing health building, getting a tour and interrupting some lunches, as director Kevin Howlett walked him through why the new facility is so necessary.
On the political/policy side, the two parties discussed the Indian Health Care Improvement Act in Congress now.
Howlett said it was necessary for Rehberg to begin supporting the bill.
Rehberg acknowledged the merit of portions of the bill, but said he couldn't support other parts.
Politics from the other side, play a large part in some contention with the bill, he said.
It was interesting hearing Howlett's statistics on the number of Indians who use the facility. Nearly 300 prescriptions are filled at the tiny clinic each day.
They need the room, too, to get more done, he said.
Outside, Rehberg stood under the new health building, set to open sometime in March 2010, as Howlett explained the layout.
The funeral procession for MHP Trooper Chris Hoyt made it's way from Linderman toward the cemetery. I hope he rests in peace. We all have been thinking about his family a lot this past week.
Thanks for your service, Trooper Hoyt.

Rehberg in Polson

Montana's lone congressman, Dennis Rehberg, stopped by for a tour and roundtable sessions at St. Joe's hospital this morning.
After a brief tour, he sat down with aroudn nine healthcare professionals and borard members.
He first expressed his displeasure and anxiety about the bills and proposals bcoming through Congress now.
The majority of the healthcare professionals told him they see flaws in the paln., too.
It's scary, they said, to think about the amount of paperwork Medicare creates. already, Dr. Kelly Bagnell said.
That was just one concern raised at the quick meetiing.
Rehberg is also meeting with CSK Tribal Helalth officials. I'm heading to the site of the new tribal health building now to see what comes of that meeting.

Blog launching . . . again

As you've seen in the print edition, we've roped in aaan entire new staaaff, minus me.
As I marke my one-year anniversary at the Leader, I thought it was necessary anto start this blog up again. I am making a committment to use it to bring more news tips and story lines to the readers on a daily basis.
At www.leaderadvertiser.com/blogs, you'll also notice Aimee, Sasha and Heidi all have blogs as well. It's not the traditional, printed word, but there'll be some good stuff tat each site.
As we work all week to bring you the Leader, we have some fun and always have more stories to tell than we can print. I hope you enjoy the noise.

HEADS UP: watch you speed this weekend

Extra patrols during Kyi-Yo pow wow weekend

Pablo – The corridor of US-93 through parts of Lake County and from Arlee to Missoula has one of the highest records of crashes among roads in Montana. Law enforcement will be on the alert to keep motorists safe during travel to and from Missoula for the 41st annual Kyi-Yo Celebration April 17th and 18th. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Police will add extra patrols on US-93 for the weekend.

The Kyi-Yo at the Adams Center on the University of Montana campus is one of the oldest and largest student-sponsored pow wows in the nation.

Overtime and additional law enforcement patrols are part of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) funded by the Montana Department of Transportation. STEP is designed to give law enforcement additional resources to focus on traffic safety, especially deterring impaired drivers and encouraging the use of seat belts.

Each participating STEP agency determines the high risk times and locations when they will place additional patrols. Almost 60 different law enforcement agencies across the state are taking part in the added enforcement program.

Two tea parties

The Riverside Park in Polson will be "hosting" two tea parties. The first will be heleld at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, for all those "working stiffs" who wont't be able to g get away for the event planned for tax day. This party will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15.
Nationally, the trend seems to be to have the teas party on April 15

Both announcements invite anyone frustrated with the "recklaess" spending of taxpayers money to bring a tea bag, appropriate sign and chair and show the representatives "we are teaaxed enough already."

A quick search of "national tea party" brings up this site, and the headline : "On April 15, be part of the Taxed Enough Already (TEA) party rally in your communityy" It says 1,902 cities across the country have scheduled tea parties.

This is a nonpartisan event, the site says.
The weather forecast for Saturday says it's going to be overcast and mdmid-50s. .