Noxon
Noxon, MT · Education
The Western News
Libby to interview three for vacant elementary principal job
Libby Public School officials are holding interviews this week for its vacant elementary school principal position. The school began its search for a new principal after the abrupt resignation last month of Jeanine Kidwell at the end of the 2025-26 school year. Three candidates will be interviewed during a special board meeting at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the K.W. Maki Theatre on 724 Louisiana Ave. Timberly Kelly will be interviewed first, followed by Nathan Williams at about 4:30 p.m. Jon Hewitt will be interviewed at approximately 5:30 p.m. via Google Meet. The interviews are open to the public. Following them, public comment will be accepted and the board will deliberate. It is possible that a new principal will be selected. Prior to the interviews, Kelly and Williams will meet separately with Superintendent Ron Goodman, then have individual tours of the school and meet with school staff members. All three candidates have prior experience as administrators. Nathan Williams is a retired principal from Bonners Ferry, Idaho. He’s had a storied history in scholastic and college basketball. According to a March 10, 2024, story in the Coeur d’Alene Press, Williams starred at Franklin High in Portland, graduating in 1993. He ended up
The Western News
Cockerham, Andersen recipients of LHS Trust scholarships
The Libby High School Educational Trust has awarded two $1,500 scholarships to 2026 Libby High School graduates. Tristan Andersen, son of Cory and Jennifer Andersen, will be attending Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. His goal is to be admitted into medical school after four years at Whitworth and graduate from medical school. Ashley Cockerham, daughter of Kathryn Cockerham, plans to attend Flathead Community College to receive an Associates Degree and then on go to a university majoring in Business Management followed by law school. The Libby High School Educational Trust was established in 1988 to provide scholarships for worthy students that are graduates of Libby High School and who may be in need of financial assistance to obtain additional education. Applications are available at Libby High School. Donations to the Trust are always welcomed and encouraged. The LHS Trust has awarded more than $70,000 in scholarships. Only the interest earned is used to provide scholarships so the Trust will continue to benefit future Libby High School students. Trustees of the Fund are Nancy Chalgren, Jim Sullivan, Linda Buti and Juli Cooper. Anyone wanting more information or wishing to donate to the Trust may contact any of the Trustees. Libby High
Whitefish Pilot
Whitefish school board approves new hiring policy
Accountability, professional development for coaches and respect for administrative expertise were discussed last week as the Whitefish School Board approved a new hiring policy. The work session was in response to backlash after the board rejected a candidate recommended for hire by administration for an assistant track and field coach position earlier this spring. The board’s solution was to establish a clearer policy on the matter. The new internal hiring procedure excludes candidates from applying to new or additional extracurricular positions if the applicant has received a letter of reprimand in the last 18 months. The board debated a length of time from one to three years and compromised for 18 months. Trustee Quincy Bennetts vouched for two years and said the board must hold a high standard. “Because that’s what we do,” she said. “And ultimately if I have to hold accountability for something terrible happening while I’m sitting here, I’d rather say I tried.” Trustee Jerrie Boksich said she wants to see internal training. “If they can get that training within a year, I’m personally satisfied with a year,” she said. “But I want to be assured that they have the training and understand what the problem was
Whitefish Pilot
Longtime elementary school music teacher retires after 33 years at Muldown
Dawn Hashley retires this year after 33 years of instilling a passion for the arts in elementary aged students. She says that her time at Muldown Elementary School “[Has] been a really satisfying career.” Hashley grew up with parents who shared her similar passion for the arts, and her father taught drama and speech. She started playing the piano in Kindergarten and it has remained her primary instrument to this day. She originally attended Rocky Mountain College, pursuing both musical and athletic passions but decided that, due to an overwhelmingly busy schedule, she would move to Eastern Montana College, renamed as Montana State University Billings, and focus solely on music. Hashley taught fifth grade for one year in Opheim, Montana, before she was offered the opportunity to teach in Whitefish and return home to the Flathead Valley. She always knew that she wanted to work with elementary aged students. She appreciates that kids this age are “easily inspired,” she said, and that she could catch them at an age that would get them excited about music and about the arts. She particularly enjoyed teaching children with disabilities. She said that she particularly enjoyed witnessing the gift that these children were
Bigfork Eagle
Bigfork girl sets sights on achieving Eagle Scout rank
Madelaine Thorsen was among the first girls to join Scouting America — formerly known as Boy Scouts of America — in 2019 when the organization first allowed girls to join its Cub Scouts program. Now a sophomore at Bigfork High School, Thorsen is nearing completion of her Eagle Scout project, the final step in achieving the highest and most prestigious scouting rank attained by just 4% of scouts. Thorsen began her scouting career with the Girl Scouts, but when she was 8, the Boy Scouts announced their intentions to open the pathway for girls to join the organization, which was completed with the renaming of the organization to Scouting America in 2021 and the inclusion of girls in its flagship Scouts BSA program, which includes the pathway to the rank of Eagle Scout. “I’ve loved connecting with the outdoors and all the experiences and opportunities it allows me to have,” Thorsen said. “I originally was in Girl Scouts, but I decided to join Boy Scouts because it was more focused on the outdoors rather than inside activities.” To reach the highest rank in scouting, Thorsen had to earn 13 required merit badges for skills like first-aid, cooking and citizenship, along
Yahoo!
Teacher raises concerns about staffing, online games at junior high
Chris Peterson, Hungry Horse News, Columbia Falls, Mont. School District 6 in Columbia Falls, Montana, is not cutting staff but rather not filling positions left vacant by retiring or departing teachers, aiming to right-size staffing to meet student needs. Jun. 24—Last month a junior high teacher and his wife raised...
Whitefish Pilot
Whitefish school administrator Lori Martin fortunate for 35-year career
After 35 years at Whitefish High School, Lori Martin reflects on the blessing that her job has been. When asked what she most looked forward to about going into work each day, she answered with a smile on her face. “Besides Jenny [St. Onge, coworker], the personal relationships that I got to build with each individual student and staff member,” Martin said. “This is my social outlet.” Martin started at Whitefish High School in 1985 and taught math and physics for 26 years. She took a short break and returned to work in the front office for the past nine years. Born and raised in Columbia Falls, Martin earned her teaching degree from Montana State University. While getting her pre-requisites for optometry, she picked up a teaching job and immediately fell in love with the classroom. “Teaching was the perfect fit for my personality, and so to do that for 29 years, was a blessing,” she said. After teaching, she worked in an optometry office in Whitefish for a few years. While she enjoyed the job, she said that it confirmed for her that she had made the right choice in choosing to pursue teaching and sought to get back
Flathead Beacon
As Trego Elementary School Takes Steps Toward Methamphetamine Remediation, Questions Remain
At Trego Elementary School’s June 10 board meeting, the board attempted to press on with business as usual amid continuing fallout over revelations the school library and a school-owned property commonly known as the “teacherage” tested at elevated levels of methamphetamine residue. At the meeting, the board...
Lake County Leader
Polson School District aims to complete construction by this fall
The Polson School District has been working on numerous remodels and additions throughout the district, and work will continue through this summer. Now that the elementary schools are complete, aside from an additional auxiliary gym space to at Cherry Valley Elementary School, the remaining work at the middle school and high school projects is scheduled for completion by the end of August or the start of September. This second phase of construction at the middle school remodels the district’s commercial kitchen and front-office space, creates a more secure front entrance, and establishes a common space for middle schoolers. Superintendent Andy Fors noted that the school’s main office houses the school nurse, counselors and principal. He also expressed his excitement about the common space, as it takes a narrow hallway and gives the students a better place to hang out other than the cafeteria. At the high school, crews will continue to work on the remodel and the second-story addition, which includes 14 new spaces such as science labs, math classrooms and an art classroom. Fors said the auxiliary gym space is needed at Cherry Valley due to the added pressure from last year's grade realignment. This shift changed the middle
KPAX
Flathead Raft Company sends local high school graduates down the river for free
Whitefish Pilot
Whitefish School District Superintendent retires
Community members at a school board meeting last week thanked Dave Means for his service as he is retiring as superintendent at the end of the month. When Means stepped into the role of superintendent in March 2020, it was as an interim – at the beginning of the Covid pandemic. “What followed was six years of steady, committed leadership of Whitefish schools,” said Board Chair Elizabeth Pitman. “His roots in this district run deep.” Means served 16 years as director of education services prior. His first opportunity working with students was driving school buses while attending the University of Montana. His career in education then branched to Bozeman and Alaska, before he came to Whitefish, where his children attended school. “He has spent his life in service to students and schools,” Pitman said. “Under his guidance, we passed the Whitefish High School expansion bonds. Academic offerings grew and outcomes improved across every grade level. He helped build a professional culture through curricular review cycles and creating professional learning opportunities that will outlast any one leader.” Means said, “I never went into this position – or any other position in this district – ever thinking I was anything different than
Bigfork Eagle
PHOTOS: Bigfork 8th grade graduation ceremony
Bigfork 2026 8th grade graduation had a happy crowd. Steve Mitchell Bigfork 2026 8th grade students procession at the graduation ceremony. Steve Mitchell Diplomas are handed out by Principal Appleby at Bigfork's 2026 8th grade graduation. Steve Mitchell Bigfork 2026 8th grade graduation speaker Jackson Hallock celebrates a job well done. Steve Mitchell 54081 Photo's op's galore at Bigfork's 2026 8th grade graduation. Steve Mitchell 540818540818 Bigfork 2026 8th grade graduation Steve Mitchell Happy times togetrher after the Bigfork 2026 8th grade graduation ceremonies. Steve Mitchell
Hungry Horse News
Smith named Most Outstanding 8th Grader
The Columbia Falls Junior High issued its eighth grade awards during an assembly last week as school came to a close. Calder Smith was named the Most Outstanding Eighth Grader for 2026. The following students were recognized: Most Improved A student who has improved since the 7th grade or since the beginning of 8th grade. This might be in academics, behavior, or both. Brooklyn Peterson Caiden Porter Preston Klunder Abby Hamblin Blake Littlefield Audrey VanOstrand Hudson Patton Hurley Banning Deegan Cavanaugh Tayviaun Robinson Scholastic A student who shows consistent and high academic achievement. Addison Holloway Sidney Grangroth Addison Williams Levi Ypma Heather Bartel Quin Brickert Brooke Thompson Calder Smith Josephine Hackethorn Fiona Lee Lucas Nieves Citizenship An ethical student that you would like to have living next door to you. Someone who shows those characteristics that make them a valued member of our world. Bailey Johnson Clyde Ainsworth Hudson Houser Gracie Batt Jazzy Appelt Eoghan Kelley Colt Casazza Marlee Rice Calder Smith Josephine Hackethorn Quin Brickert Work Effort A student who shows strong desire to learn and who consistently puts forth more effort than is requested. Brielle Bates Carlamarie Seal Jake Coburn Trevyn Jackson Lucas Nieves Marlee Rice Sidney Grangroth
Whitefish Pilot
Finalists selected for Whitefish Middle School principal
Whitefish Middle School Assistant Principal Tyler Jones and Columbia Falls Junior High Principal Ted Miller have been selected as finalists for the Whitefish Middle School principal position. Current middle school principal Josh Branstetter was hired as Whitefish School District’s assistant superintendent, Lisa Bloom’s previous role. Bloom will serve as interim superintendent after Dave Means retires at the end of the month. Feedback from a meet and greet planned for June 16 was expected to inform deliberations at a school board meeting on Wednesday, June 17. The school board last week welcomed new Trustees Karin Hilding and Gloria Nelson, and welcomed Jerrie Boksich back for another term. The board approved the 2025-27 school district emergency operations plan. Whitefish is a leader in this area, as some school districts don’t have plans at all, noted Branstetter. “This is a great example of how we utilize our strategic plan for safe, welcoming schools,” Trustee Quincy Bennetts said. “Then we back it up with the budget, and we’re getting feedback and constantly reviewing. This plan is a good representation of how our system should work at its best. And as a parent it’s wonderful to see.” The board approved 35 new out of district
Montana Sports
Kalispell Glacier state champs Will Astle, Asher Knopik ready to lead West in Shrine Game
Some of the state’s best seniors from the 2025 high school football season will be suiting up for the Montana East-West Shrine Game. Two of the players will be from last season’s Class AA state champ.
NBCMontana
FVCC hosts culinary workshop for teachers across Montana
KALISPELL, Mont. — Teachers from across Montana are sharpening their culinary skills this week at Flathead Valley Community College. The college hosted its ‘Recipe for Success’ workshop, bringing high school family and consumer sciences and culinary teachers together for professional development with industry chefs. Organizers say the...
montananewsroom.com
Kalispell Educator Named Montana History Teacher of the Year
KALISPELL, Mont. — Kristopher Schreiner, an 18-year veteran of Kalispell Middle School’s history department, was named the 2026 Centennial Bell Montana History Teacher of the Year, recognized for an immersive approach to Montana history that has students mining for gold, tanning hides, and constructing log cabins alongside traditional classroom instruction.
NBCMontana
Montana's top high school rodeo athletes compete for state titles in Kalispell
KALISPELL, Mont. — The state's top young rodeo athletes gathered in Kalispell this week for the Montana High School Rodeo Association Finals. "There's kids from all over the state coming and competing together and it's just so fun to have such great competition, such a great organization, and to be able to run like this is super fun," said rider Mackenzie Martell from Three Forks.
Char-Koosta News
"Control the mindset; control the outcome": Polson Class of 2026 Graduates
POLSON — Surrounded by family, friends and a sense of accomplishment, the Polson High School Class of 2026 celebrated its graduation with music, speeches and traditions honoring the achievements of its 103 graduates. The ceremony opened with a performance of “Pomp and Circumstance” by the Polson High School bands as seniors made their way into the venue.