LCL DAILY NOISE

A1 final March issue preview

2010-03-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

A1 March 18 preview

2010-03-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

March 18 content preview

2010-03-15T11:40:00.000-07:00

This week David will have the most updated news on the quarry mining new Chief Cliff and one group's fight to stop it. He's heading up there this afternoon to get some shots of the cliff and see what else he can find. We're hearing the state Department of Environmental Quality might step in.
David also has a great story on the ongoing fight to save the Salish language.
Sasha, along with his usual roundup of cops and courts incidents, will have the winners of the Lake County Spelling Bee and a feature on the word showdown. He's also got the latest from the Rural Fire Board.
I'm going to be busy tonight, as the Polson City Commission is holding a hearing on medical marijuana and possible zoning codes to regulate the caregiver stores selling it. I'll have a feature on one caregiver here in the Mission Valley and all the news from the meeting.
We'll also have a list of the final filings for the Lake County elections coming up this year.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Medical marijuana moratorium meeting coming Monday

2010-03-11T10:10:00.001-08:00

Monday night could get interesting at Polson City Hall as the commissioners sit down for a medical marijuana storefront moratorium. The hearing will be at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 15, in the city hall meeting chambers.
Medical marijuana is not addressed in Polson's city code. During the last meeting, city planning office director Joyce Weaver recommended the city pass a "Urgent/Emergency Moratorium Ordinance" (modeled after a plan passed in Whitefish) until a more formal ordinance was discussed and passed, or the code is rewritten.
I've heard that numerous caregivers, who offer marijuana to registered patients in Lake County, will be attending.
Like I mentioned in the March 4 story, it seemed like discussions weren't leaning toward a ban, but more toward regulations and probably a registration fee for storefronts, etc.
We will keep you updated.
If you'd like to know more about Montana's medical marijuana laws, check out this DPHHS site.

A1 March 11 preview

2010-03-10T15:49:00.001-08:00

Content preview March 11

2010-03-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

Our boys did us proud this week - Arlee boys' basketball took fourth at state and the Polson Pirate boys took second. Heidi's got all the coverage.
If you can't wait, there's some great photos and the stories at On The Bleachers.
On the news side, we'll have the latest from the Ronan City Council and the board of education. Sasha has an update on the Back Road construction and the latest cops and courts news. Unfortunately, we had a fatal accident north of Arlee on Sunday afternoon.
David will get you updated on the Ninepipes Museum and has a feature on the Health Choices Day Polson Middle School hosted last week.
I've got the latest on the Cornerstone case - a hearing date was set in the state's administrative case. Also, the Polson BOE highlights and a for some holiday cheer a St. Paddy's Day themed Home of.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Pirate, Warrior boys advancing in state

2010-03-05T15:08:00.000-08:00

The Pirates took down Billings Central yesterday in an upset and are gearing up for their second game tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Butte.
We've dispatched Heidi to the Mining City, so we will keep you updated as we know.
Also, the Arlee boys are making their way through the winners side of the bracket in Billings. They have had such a great regular season — we're wishing them the best of luck tonight and tomorrow.
The details are up on Leaderadvertiser.com now.

Cornerstone hearing date set

2010-03-04T12:35:00.001-08:00

An April 26 hearing date has been set in the administrative case against former Polson businessmen Keith Kovick and Robert Congdon.
The state has investigated the men since the fall of 2008 for their alleged involvement in a securities fraud scheme and violating several portions of the Montana Securities Act. Among the allegations is that the pair conducted a Ponzi scheme, which involved more than 100 investors and up to $14.3 million.
The men ran Cornerstone Financial Corp. and K and B Investments out of Polson.
The hearing will run through April 30 at the Missoula County Courthouse. A prehearing telephone conference has been set for April 22.
Originally scheduled for Jan. 25-29, the hearing has been moved several times.
The hearing is open to the public and will allow all parties to examine evidence, witnesses and to present evidence.

A1 preview - March 4 issue

2010-03-03T09:02:00.000-08:00

Content preview - sunny March 4 issue

2010-03-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

First things first: Have you checked out our new Web site? It's complete with breaking news of a mountain search and rescue event that took place last Thursday.
Sasha will have the full story and photos of the search and rescue (everyone is safe). Sasha has also got the Leader's coverage of the Wild Horse Island bighorn sheep transport story, as well as all the news from the cops and courts beat.
As I noted below, Barry Webb passed away last Tuesday. I will have the stories we've been sent from readers, along with the latest memorial news.
As those north county readers most likely have noticed, water main construction on Main Street in Polson has begun. I will have a story on what business owners are doing to combat the street closures. I've also got the latest from the Polson City Commission.
David has the Outdoors page - a story about lake hockey at Lake Mary Ronan. He's also got a story about the new workroom that recently opened at the Sandpiper Gallery.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Polson icon passes away

2010-02-25T16:25:00.000-08:00

We got news yesterday that beloved Barry Webb passed away on Tuesday night. He was at his home with family. He had lymphoma.
We've had several people ask when a memorial will be. I spoke with his sister, Charlotte, this morning, she told me a memorial around March 15 its planned.
While she's already had a great outpouring of memories and prayers, Charlotte said she would love any stories to add to Barry's obituary. You can call her at 883-4854.
Meanwhile, we keep Barry and his family in our thoughts. For me, just remembering Barry's smile brings a smile to my face.

New Leader Web site coming

2010-02-24T16:39:00.000-08:00

If you've tried to access the Leader Web site today, you'll notice it's somewhat of a mess. Because today, we are beginning the transition and launching our newly designed and comprehensive Web site.

All of us are so excited for the new avenues it will give us to reach you as readers. Not only will it be a more readable and eye-catching template, the new site will allow us to do some much more with photos and other multimedia.

Also, it should be easier for us to get the updates and breaking news in spots you can see the minute you pull up leaderadvertiser.com

Our tech gurus are telling me the new site should be up by Friday - but there are always glitches. That's what we will be working on all day Thursday.

Let us know what you think.

Here's the notice I posted at leaderadvertiser.com:
At 10 a.m. today, Thursday, Feb. 25, the Leader will begin the switch to its brand new Web site. We ask that you please excuse our mess until the transition is complete.

With the new site will come the same thorough, one-of-a-kind coverage of the Mission Valley, only enhanced with new multimedia and reporting features. It's an exciting step we've been waiting for.

Thanks for checking in with us today, look back again soon. We can't wait for you to see it.

A1 preview for Feb. 25

2010-02-24T15:22:00.001-08:00

A1 Feb. 18 preview

2010-02-16T17:23:00.000-08:00

A VERY early preview this week - I'm getting it posted before I take off for a few days of vacation. Heading to NYC for the first time.
See you next week.
Jenna

Feb. 18 content preview

2010-02-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

The help for Haiti continued in Polson this week, as a local family with two boys from Haiti hosted a crepe breakfast fundraiser. David will have photos and the story. David's also got photos and a story from Arlee's annual chocolate festival. Pretty nice assignment, covering a chocolate fest.
We'll have a story from Sasha about a foreclosure scam that landed a man in jail. He'll also have all the latest cops/courts news and a story on the state of the lake.
Heidi has all the results from the state wrestling tournament and reaction from the winners.
For Outdoors this week: Learn how to tell which animals left all those paw prints in the snow.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Barry update

2010-02-12T16:34:00.000-08:00

I got an update on Barry Webb today: He was at Cherry Valley being presented with Valentine's from several classes there. He's a a wheelchair pretty much all the time now, but he's in good spirits (who would have guessed any different?).
He's made it to church the last several weeks as well, as he battles the symptoms of lymphoma.
Along with the cards, Barry was presented an honorary diploma, which he is displaying in the picture, from PHS principal Bill Appleton.
Barry's sister Charlotte told me people from all over had responded to the various stories written about him. A man down in California who works in a studio near the Wheel of Fortune office heard of Barry's love for the game show and had a package sent with all kinds of goodies. Even a signed picture of Vanna White.
What a great gift.

A1 ad

2010-02-11T13:31:00.000-08:00

The open space at the bottom of the A1 you see below isn't a mistake. We didn't leave anything out, but a new 'feature' was added to the frontpage this week: An advertisement. (I upload PDFs from the pages I design to this blog, ads are added in afterward at the press, leaving the blank space on this week's PDF)
It will be replacing the teaser bar we've had there for more than a year. This is a step the helps the bottom line for revenue.
From my standpoint, it's a tough pill to swallow. I understand the "bottom line" and that A1 ads have become an industry trend (I guess you could say standard now), but it stings.
I feel that space belongs to the readers, and not the highest bidder. I guess it's a fact of life: the revenue bottom line will almost always beat out the sentimental bottom line.
The most important thing for readers to know is that this new ad will not change the way we cover the news.

A1 Feb. 11 preview

2010-02-10T11:59:00.001-08:00

Content preview Feb. 11

2010-02-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

We've to an update on the man who was rescued by law enforcement after jumping from the Polson bridge last Wednesday. We were first and only news team on the scene, so hopefully we'll have room to get some of the rescue photos in this week's paper. If not, they will be up in the Feb. 11 photo album on Wednesday.
Sasha will have the story on the local CSKT drum group going to perform at the Olympic opening ceremony festivities beginning on Friday. He's also got the latest on the cops and courts beat. On a lighter side, he'll get you updated on the Ronan robotics team, which competed in Bozeman last weekend.
David is charging onto the scene with a story about a math research project slated to begin in Charlo this spring. He's also got a feature on the Livestock and Expo show in Ronan and his first Home of.
Heidi will let you know about the dozens of area wrestlers headed for state next weekend in Billings. Once again, the Mission Valley will be strongly represented.
Look for that and MORE of course.
Can't wait for you to read it.

New Tribal language Web site

2010-02-04T11:27:00.000-08:00

This new Tribal language Web site is a pretty cool state page designed to encourage educators to learn and use the names of Tribal Nations in Montana, as used in the Tribes’ own languages.
It came about under House Joint Resolution 27. The site gives written examples and has audio recordings of Tribal Nations’ names.

Let's more fully fund our drug task forces

2010-02-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

Here's the latest Notes from the Newsroom
You can read Sasha's full story about the drug bust/chase here.

A disturbing trend was highlighted in last week’s high speed car chase that ended in a drug bust and arrest of two out-of-state men near Charlo. Both were apprehended after the chase and charged with criminal endangerment, possession with intent to sell, tampering with evidence and numerous traffic offenses.
Stephen Dale Leischner, 23, of American Falls, Idaho, and driver Dustin Jade Morgan, 23, of Idaho, were allegedly in town to distribute meth they’d brought.
It seems that more and more these days, drugs are being shuttled into our area.
Brian Fyant, a Northwest Drug Task Force member and narcotics investigator for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, told report Sasha Goldstein that rather than cooking, producing and selling methamphetamine on the reservation, drug dealers are bringing meth to the reservation from other parts of the country or leaving the area to procure the drug and bringing it back.
Drugs of any kind, no matter how they’re made, sold and used, have no place here. That’s obvious. What is particularly disturbing in this case is the added violation of safety and well-being of residents by the men. The chase reached upwards of 120 MPH, ending in no injuries, but chases like that put everyone on the road in danger.
What this says to us is that more funding needs to go to groups like the NW Drug Task Force.
The Northwest Drug Task Force covers a five county area that encompasses most of Western Montana. The force on the Flathead Reservation is staffed solely by tribal police. The work between counties is key, but so is a well-funded, wider-reaching network that will allow communication that can provide crucial background that will keep officials ahead of criminals.
Cutting the snake off at its head is the best way to combat drug problems. Our area law enforcement officials do a stellar job of combatting drug activies around our area. Think of what they could do if more funds, data and communication to stop out-of-town drug operations from infiltrating our area.
Drug trafficking problems are intricate and far-reaching webs. That’s evident by the fact that people bring mere ounces of substances like meth hundreds of miles.
It was top-notch work by the plainclothes Task Force members to secure an informant, recognize and stop the two Idaho men. That’s two more drug dealers off the street.
Think of what a fully funded force ten times that big could do to keep drugs off out streets.

A1 Feb. 4 preview

2010-02-03T12:43:00.001-08:00

Content preview first February issue

2010-02-01T11:51:00.000-08:00

Both the Polson and Ronan drama teams took home trophies at last weekend's state speech, debate and drama competition. I will have the full story and some photos.
Sasha had the latest on a stabbing incident that resulted in felony charges for a Pablo man. We'll have a first-hand account from the victim. Sasha will also fill you in on how to get signed up to work for the census this year. It does involve a test, but Sasha passed it, and so can you.
We'll have meeting rundowns from Polson City Council and the rural fire board advisory committee, which held it's first meeting last Wednesday.
Heidi will have the results of the Polson/Ronan wrestling meet and all the sports from last week.
We also welcomed new reporter David Flores today. David came up from Texas las week to join our staff. He's still getting settled in, but you'll see his byline next week.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Your Barry Webb stories

2010-01-29T11:15:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share the submissions from readers I've received so far responding to the feature on Polson's most well known resident, Barry Webb.

It was such a privilege to write the story, I'm glad it brought of good memories for others:

Peggy Aerni-Pick, now of Billings, wrote:
Barry was in grade school with me. I recently sent him a picture of the six grade basketball team with him as ball boy. He has a phenomenal gift for remembering people and names. When I returned to Polson after years in Denver, I met Barry on the street and he said Oh Peg. Our class celebrated our 50th anniversary this last summer and classmate Ken brought Barry to our picnic and it was just as nothing had changed in 50 years. Barry knew everyone. What happiness he has bought to the home town just by knowing him!

Tyson Gustad, now of California, wrote:
hello my name is tyson gaustad and my grandmother lived right next door to barry in polson when i was a kid and i spent alot of time over at her house. any how i know barry very well. he was just the best person in town. i now livw in california and havent been home in ten or so years so when i clicked on the paper this morning and seen his face i was so happy that he is being reconized. he is an iconic figure in polson at least in my mind. when i was a kid i did alot of fishing and hanging out with barry in polson i guess i was about ten at the time but i allways new that he was there when i would come over for a visit and greatly appreciated all the time i was able to spend with barry and i still talk about him to people here in california that have never even met barry and they all say we need more people like him with his compassion for life. i love you barry keep it up

Richard Twilde, now of Missoula, stopped by and told me this Barry story:
Dick knew Barry through family connections, as they both lived on the East Shore. During the annual Harvest Fest at the Montecahto Club, Corrine Webb would sing for the crowd. Barry, in his distinct way, would always come up with a way to cheer his mom on. "Hot dog!" he would yell. No matter what, Barry had something to say during those Harvest Days. Even one year when Corrine couldn't sing, Barry made sure his voice was heard - "Hot Dog!"

County election politic-ing

2010-01-28T14:41:00.000-08:00

Just a follow-up note on the county election story we ran in the Jan. 21 issue.
All the Lake County the county offices are partisan. Justice of the Peace and District Court Judges are the only non-partisan offices.
We didn't include the party affiliations in our story. So far, all sheriff's candidates have filed as republicans.

Police Blotter

2010-01-27T16:28:00.000-08:00

We didn't get quite as much of Ty's Blotter into the Jan. 28 issue as I wanted to. We has a lot of other news to squeeze in.
But it's all up on Ty's Blotter Blog. You can see check it out anytime - the latest shenanigans along with all the archives.
It never fails to bring on a chuckle.

A1 Jan. 28 preview

2010-01-27T08:42:00.000-08:00

Jan. 28 content preview

2010-01-26T08:08:00.001-08:00

Heidi and I are just settling in to begin designing the final Jan. 2010 issue (I know, I'm late in getting this content preview up).
This week Sasha, who has officially taken over as the cops and courts reporter as Aimee headed back home for grad school, has two updates on stories we posted as breaking news this week.
First, he has the story of the Polson police officers who stopped an attempted suicide by a woman threatening to jump off of Polson bridge.
Also, he's got the latest on a high speed chase that ended in the arrest of two Idaho men allegedly trying to sell meth in the area.
I've got the rundown of the tax meeting that took place last Tuesday and a recap of the Polson City Council meeting.
Also, some very cute photos of a goodbye party for Linderman principal Steve York.
I think most will be very excited to know Ty is back in the paper with a Blotter. He's working hard in Billings and can't always get them done, but he's back to his old trick s for this week at least.
Heidi's got sports of course - lots of recaps as the teams look forward to post season competition.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Civility code passed by Polson council

2010-01-22T09:18:00.000-08:00

This is the full text of new resolution passed by the Polson City Commission on Wednesday. The first section's language was set at a leadership retreat the commissioners and city manager had last week.
City manager Todd Crossett said the language of the resolution are an intent - one that wil help keep everyone on issue and away from personal attacks is what the resolution is aimed at helping.
It will be printed on every agenda.
It seems like it was written and passed with good intention. Whether or not it will help keep the meeting flowing and allow for "diverse" opinions is a little bit of a gray area.
It wasn't defined at the meeting whether the 2-3 minute public comment on agenda items would stand. Also, several residents wondered if this resolution would hinder Roger's Rules of order. Several commissioners admitted to not fully knowing the Roger procedures.
There is often robust public comment at the meetings. Sometimes though, as it was pointed out at the meeting, the comments are off topic and tip toward personal attacks. This frustrates a lot of people, keeping them away from meetings.
As the council keeps this new resolution in mind, its also going to have to dictate its interpretation of "abusive" or "off topic" language. If the noise is cut out, maybe more people will be willing to speak up about issue.
Mayor Pat DeVries said she would do her best to regulate the comments in a way that invites "diverse" points of view, but also stays on topic.

Commemoration Web site is UP

2010-01-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Check this new Web site out - 2010 Commemorative Year

It will get you all the information about the upcoming events to mark the centennial of the reservation and how the homesteaders played a role in shaping what we know as the Mission Valley today.
There is a very impressive lineup of calendar events spanning throughout the summer.
Keep an eye out for more and more news about the celebration - a lot of people are working really hard to get this event together and make sure all aspects and EVERYONE is included.

Property tax woes continue

2010-01-21T08:10:00.002-08:00

Here is a rough draft of the story from the tax meeting on Tuesday night: There were many more concepts discussed and comments made. Look for the full version next Thursday - Jenna

Residents want relief now
POLSON — The Lake County Courthouse was full of frustration on Tuesday night, as residents and representatives alike spoke about flaws and problems they feel were brought on by the 2008 property tax reappraisal.
More than 120 people on Tuesday crowded into the courthouse room for a town hall meeting. Many residents came to seek answers on what could be done now to help bring relief from high property tax bills they’ve received.
Recreational and lake front land has held its value better than most land, skyrocketing tax bills for many around Flathead Lake. There has been much discussion on the avenue the Montana Department of Revenue used to set these numbers.
A record 2,350 Lake County residents to filed informal requests for review (AB26 protest forms) through the DOR this fall.
Several resident spoke on Tuesday about how the high taxes could force them out of their longtime homes.
“This is the first time I’ve felt like someone has slapped me in the face bad,” Dayton land owner Kim Sheesley said. “How many people want to just live? Just live on their property?”
The panel at the front included area representatives John Fleming (D-HD 12) and Janna Taylor (R-HD 11), who moderated the meeting. Rep. Scott Reichner (HD9-R) was also present. Lake County Commissioner Chairman Paddy Trusler attended as well.
Most agreed the system was flawed and needed to be fixed. The biggest weapon the legislators seemed to think they have to form solutions lies in bringing bills with changes to 2011 Legislative session.
Answers to what be could done immediately were less defined. Residents were urged to file AB26 protest forms when the chance comes around again in June. Those who have filled out protest forms need to be armed with information and be ready to negotiate with DOR appraisers.
Commissioner Trusler assured the crowd that adjustments - sometimes reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars - had been granted already.
There will be a revenue shortfall from the readjustments, Trusler said. Twenty percent of taxes goes to providing services in the county.
“I think everybody has to be really carefully about what they wish for,” Trusler said. “Ninety percent of people in Lake County are happy with the reappraisal.”
Sen. Jackson also handed out a chart showing a typical house inside Lake County could very easily see a drop in taxes because of the mitigation’s redistribution.
Rep. Taylor began the meeting with a brief overview of the state’s Constitutional requirement that once every six years the DOR must conduct a reappraisal of properties. The philosophy is set up to follow state guidelines to ensure property is appraised in a fair and equitable manner.
The 2009 legislature passed House Bill 658 to mitigate the reappraisal done by DOR, but Taylor said, the information used to pass this bill was incomplete.
“They scrambled and never got good data,” Taylor said.
Sen. Verdell Jackson (SD5-R) sited several other major flaws in last year’s reappraisal that has cause problems. The DOR did not send appraisers to asses land - “I think they went to an airplane map and looked at your property from 2,000 feet and set your value,” he said.
He also said the 2003 appraisal data had been wipe from DOR computers.
Included in Taylor’s set of solutions is Constitutional amendment that would remove the “equalize the valuation” and “equal valuation” language from the current article.
A list of lawsuits being brought against the state were also presented. Taylor said residents should join those as well.
Frustrated landowner Tom Costanza was shaking his head all the way out the door on Tuesday night.
“The state legislator needs to grow and brain and pass legislation to fix this,” he said at the meeting. “I believe that if we don’t do something concrete to help these people, you’re going to have a bigger mess on your hands.”

A1 preview, Jan. 21

2010-01-20T09:40:00.001-08:00

Leader preview Jan. 21

2010-01-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

The Outdoors page is back this week. Sasha has the cross country ski scoop. He'll also have a roundup of Martin Luther King Jr. festivities at SKC and the names of people who filed for re-election. There are quite a few races to keep tabs on this year.
He also attended the ribbon cutting for the new Arlee firehall.
I've been talking to people all week about one very special Polson resident - Barry Webb. As I've found, there aren't many people in the area who don't have a story about Barry. His smile and attitude are infectious. It's going to be a challenge to try to capture just how much he means to the Polson community.
I've also got an update on the H1N1 vaccines.
Heidi has all the sports. Wrestling and basketball are in full swing. If we can't squeeze it all in the newspaper, it will be online.
Can't wait for you to read it.

What's best for the kids?

2010-01-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

You will rarely see a board of education meeting as packed as the most recent Polson meeting last Monday.
Usually, the people in the crowd include a few educators, anyone there to make a presentation, myself and VJ reporter, Berl.
On Monday, the room was PACKED, for an item not even on the agenda.
After Linderman principal Steve York announce he was leaving for another job, someone had to be moved there. Superintendent David Whitesell had a plan that included moving seasoned administrator Tom DiGiallonardo to Linderman.
No one else seemed to be happy with this. It was brought up during a special meeting two weeks ago. Many rumors ensued. Whitesell could have made the move with no board approval. But from the comments at Monday's meeting, most didn't want DiGiallonardo and PMS principal Brian Adams split up.
What came of the meeting was actually no change - but sometimes that's a good enough reason for discussion because many good points arose at the meeting about how to do what's best for the Polson kids.
Let's start off by saying kudos to the parents who stood up, during the proper forum, and told the superintendent and trustees what they thought. Even more impressive was the score of teachers (they live with the decisions made at the meetings) who made their voices heard. ( I didn't include many of these testimonials in the article because of space, which is always an issue).
Many of the trustees said the change may have been the best move. Why not pull from the pool of experience leaders already established with the district (as Whitesell himself said) and accept a change? Would this not benefit the whole more than just PMS?
Superintendent David Whitesell heard all these comments and more I'm sure. In the end, he made his decision - which he announced at the beginning of the meeting - to not move administrators after discussion with the administrators themselves. He also said he was keeping his word to one administrator, after he told them he would not move them against their will. Good for him for making good on his word.
The outcry/uproar, as I called it in my story, stemmed mostly from the responses made by some people outside the meeting. Sometimes early Saturday morning signs reading, "Go home," and "Go back" were posted on Whitesell's yard. Come on - what kind of reaction is this? I'd call it childish, but I know most educators would tell you the kids they teach wouldn't think of reacting this way.
I also received an e-mail from a "concernedparents@hotmail" account, that asked why the new superintendent thought he could move or let quality administrators leave. I never got confirmation that the signee had sent the letter, so we didn't run it.

The main objective is to do what's best for the kids, people on "both sides" of the administrator move uproar kept saying this. The thing is, no one agreed on Monday night what that exactly was. No one ever will.
But it was good conversation. Good that Whitesell would keep his word, good that parents are passionate enough about how who leads the individual schools to speak up.
Communicating is the only way to get new and innovative ideas on how to do better.

A1 Jan. 14 preview

2010-01-13T11:34:00.001-08:00

Jan. 14 content preview

2010-01-11T11:02:00.001-08:00

You may have noticed the Ninepipes Museum closure article Aimee had up for us at leadeadvertiser.com last week. It's said news, and we'll have the full, updated article on A1 this week.
There were several incidents in Charlo over the weekend, including an assault that badly injured a man. Aimee will have those full reports.
Sasha will get everyone updated on the possible sale of the Ronan Community Center, which the County Commissioners took public comment on last Tuesday. He's also got Outdoors - tips on cross country skiing.
I got a chance to talk with new CSKT chairman Bud Moran last Thursday and will have a story on some issues he sees as top priorities in the coming year.
Heidi was out all weekend tracking down and photographing the sports events. She will have it all for you beginning on B1.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Polson native to head Warm Springs

2010-01-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Just received a press release from DPHHS (headed itself by Ronan native Anna Whiting-Sorrell) the former St. Joe's head John Glueckert has been hired as the Montana State Hospital administrator in Warm Springs.
Glueckert resigned as CEO from St. Joe's early in 2009 - since the hospital has gone through two replacements.
As the administrator for the Montana State Hospital, Glueckert will be responsible for providing leadership and direction in all Montana State Hospital services, developing and implementing the Long Range Building Plan, developing policies, procedures and standards in agreement with all state and federal requirements, among other duties.
The DPHHS press release says his wife, is still employed at KPAX-TV in Missoula as an advertising sales representative.
He will be based in Warm Springs

New (female) faces take over in Polson

2010-01-07T14:33:00.000-08:00

The Polson City Commission got a few new faces during the regular meeting on Monday night (well, new at least, for the term, as several have been on the commission before).
From me seat in the back row, it was a very noticeable change. The ratio of men to women went way down. Lone female commissioner Elsa Duford was joined by two more women - Judy Preston and mayor Pat DeVries.
Four men and three women now sit on the commission.
This is just an observation - with any new members, the dynamics will change. Time wil tell how each personality on the Polson council will make it different, better, worse, etc. The voters ultimately decide which tag to give each commissioner.
Still, more often than not during a week in reporting, I quote men and use them as sources. It's heavily lopsided especially when it comes to reporting on government/municipal related stories.
It's interesting to look at the recent H1N1 virus that made headline after headline this year from this perspective. I bet the number of female source quoted, per newspaper or broadcast, spiked noticeably. Because women more traditionally hold public health, nursing and caregiver jobs.
This may seem very "feministy" to many. I will absolutely agree that the person who should take the seat should be the one best qualified. I'm not here to make judgements on who that is in Polson.
What I will, is that it's refreshing to see. As a professional woman, I say, recognizing girl power is not a bad thing.

A1 Jan. 1 preview

2010-01-06T09:43:00.001-08:00

Hello 2010 - first issue preview

2010-01-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

For our first 2010 issue, we'll have a fun story on the LAST baby born in Lake County in 2009. Sasha visited with the newborn and mom. He'll also report on what it means tax wise for the family no plus one.
Sasha will also have the latest news on the CSKT and state FWP plan to help get lake trout out of Flathead.
Aimee will have a recap of the weekend's events on from the law enforcement side. Sounds like it was a pretty quiet weekend. She'll also see how the DUI task force came out this New Year's Eve.
I will have a recap of the Polson City Commissioner's decision on where a new sewer treatment plant will go, and some photos of the new members being sworn in.
Can't wait for you to read it.

Ponzi schemes up this year

2009-12-30T18:48:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

FINAL 2009 issue preview

2009-12-29T16:20:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-23T10:53:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-12-18T08:38:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-17T12:37:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-17T09:32:00.000-08:00

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

Dec. 17 A1 preview

2009-12-16T09:09:00.001-08:00

Dec. 17 issue preview

2009-12-14T12:07:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-11T10:09:00.001-08:00

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

2009-12-10T14:14:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

COLD Dec. 10 preview

2009-12-07T17:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-03T13:59:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-02T16:06:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-02T09:03:00.001-08:00

Preview for the Dec. 3 issue

2009-11-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-25T11:10:00.000-08:00

Glance at the final November edition

2009-11-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-20T12:48:00.000-08:00

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.

2009-11-20T12:43:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-18T08:54:00.001-08:00

Nov. 19 preview

2009-11-16T12:47:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-14T13:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-13T14:42:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-13T10:22:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-12T16:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

Nov. 12 preview - here's to our veterans

2009-11-09T12:45:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-06T15:14:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-05T14:14:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-04T10:01:00.001-08:00

Resort tax NO votes take it

2009-11-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-03T20:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T16:19:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-29T17:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

FINAL Oct. issue preview

2009-10-26T14:44:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-23T09:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-22T11:56:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

What's coming up for Oct. 22

2009-10-19T12:20:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-16T09:38:00.000-07:00

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

Really funny.

Bad bridge news

2009-10-16T09:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T12:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-14T12:13:00.001-07:00

What to look for on Oct. 15

2009-10-13T13:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-07T16:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-07T08:45:00.000-07:00

Oct. 8 edition preview

2009-10-06T07:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T15:47:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

First Oct. issue preview

2009-09-28T11:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-25T11:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

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.