Pablo, MT Events and More

Tribal Council Honors Retiring Interior Senior Attorney

PABLO —The Tribal Council of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) honored Duane Mecham, who is retiring as a senior attorney with the U.S. Department of the Interior, Regional Solicitor's Office in Portland, Oregon. Duane was involved in negotiating our Water Rights settlement from the very beginning. He...

Char-Koosta News

CSKT Tribal Council Appoints New Pablo Representative

PABLO — On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Levi Hewankorn was sworn into the Pablo representative seat on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council that had recently been vacant. Tribal Chief Judge Brad Pluff was there to witness and sign the documents. After being sworn in, Hewankorn gave a...

Char-Koosta News

Salish Kootenai College Announces Historic Name Change to Honor All Three CSKT Tribes

PABLO — Salish Kootenai College will change its name to Séliš Ksanka Qĺispé University (Salish Kootenai Kalispel/Pend d’Oreille) starting in 2027, marking a historic transition for the institution. This change not only reflects the school’s broadened academic scope, featuring a robust selection of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, but also honors the cultural heritage and sovereignty of the three Tribes of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT).

Lake County Leader

406 Rifle Company joins Ronan earlier this fall

A new family-owned business, 406 Rifle Company, joined Ronan’s continuing development earlier this fall at the former Red Poppy location. Owner Andy Luedtke became interested in the business because he wanted to build short-barreled suppressed rifles for hunting. Andy said the business goal is to create a one-stop shop for firearms where they can build stocks and put together guns. They're already on their way, with Kelly Clairmont building custom wood stocks and Jeremiah Kelly designing aluminum chassis. Rooted in a lifelong love of hunting, fishing and the outdoors, the company specializes in integrally suppressed barrels, firearms, ammunition and outdoor apparel. Gun counter clerk Ben Hopper explained that an integrally suppressed barrel has the suppressor built into the barrel. He said these barrels don’t sacrifice what you normally would with a threaded suppressor, which alters the barrel's harmonics and performance. Hopper said integrally suppressed barrels are 20-40% quieter than a traditional suppressor, reduce recoil by 40% and make “phenomenal guns.” He added that they are great because you can teach someone how to shoot a firearm without them developing any bad habits from recoil. Andy added that these barrels are more lightweight, and he believes they are the future of

Ronan, MT · 1d

Lake County Leader

Although Forstag wins House seat, Lake County voters largely buck blue wave

The so-called “blue tsunami” that swept the nation on Election Day when voters overwhelmingly elected Democrats, even in Republican strongholds like Texas, South Carolina and Kansas, was more of a ripple in Montana. Western District voters sent Sam Forstag to Congress – he’s the first Democrat to hold that seat since Pat Williams retired from office in 1997. Forstag lost to Republican Aaron Flint in Lake County, 6,141 to 7,471, but picked up the votes he needed elsewhere to win 50%-47% (135,096 to 124,747). He replaces Republican Ryan Zinke, who announced last spring he would not seek reelection. The four-way race to replace outgoing U.S. Senator Steve Daines was secured by former U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme – the only Republican to file when Daines abruptly announced his retirement on the eve of the filing deadline last March. Alme claimed 48% or 235,549 votes in the statewide contest (50% in Lake County, with 7,110). Independent Seth Bodnar received 38% or 184,551 votes (34% in Lake County, with 4,820); Democrat Alani Bankhead claimed 12% with 59,950 (13% or 1,905 in Lake County); and Libertarian Kyle Austin walked away with just 2%. County sends both parties to Statehouse Lake County remains a lively

Lake County, MT · 1d

Char-Koosta News

Local Artists Spend Fall on the CSKT Bison Range Through Open Air Residency

PABLO — Two local artists are spending the fall at the CSKT Bison Range as the first participants in a new artist residency hosted by Open Air, a Montana nonprofit known for place-based arts programs. Lydia McKinney and Mars Sandoval are in residence through November 21. The residency began...

Lake County Leader

Legals for November, 12 2026

2026 Mobile Home Taxes Due The second half of 2026 Mobile Home Taxes are due on or before 5:00 p.m. MST on November 30, 2026. Tax payments made through the mail will be considered current if postmarked on or before 5:00 pm MST November 30, 2026. Payments postmarked after this date will be assessed penalty, interest and returned. Payments may be mailed to: LAKE COUNTY TREASURER, TAX DEPT. 106 4TH AVE EAST, POLSON MT 59860 **Please include Tax ID or payment stub with your check.** Currently due mobile home taxes may be paid online at: WWW.LAKEMT.GOV There is a 3% convenience fee to pay by credit card. Payments made online must be received by 5:00 pm MST of the due date. All past due taxes must be paid by utilizing our office by calling 406-883-7224 or 406-883-7225. This notice is published in accordance with MCA 15-24-202. PUBLISHED IN THE LAKE COUNTY LEADER ON NOVEMBER 12TH, 19TH AND 26TH 2026 MNAXLP __________________________ 2026 Property Taxes Due The first half of 2026 Real Estate Property Taxes are due on or before 5:00 p.m. MST on November 30, 2026. Tax payments made through the mail will be considered current if postmarked on or

Lake County, MT · 1d

Lake County Leader

Polson alum takes on UM Western Bulldogs varsity, continues giving back to community

Mila Hawk, a Polson graduate, is kicking off another basketball season with the University of Montana Western, and this time she’s part of the starting lineup. Hawk is a red-shirt junior at UM Western and explained that from the moment she started playing college basketball, she’s been aiming to join a varsity program. Now, as a point guard, she’s earning valuable minutes on the court as her team opens the season with a 3–2 record. “It’s really fun and really cool to see all the work I put in pay off,” Hawk said. “I’m still battling to keep it; the job's not over, but it’s nice to be given an opportunity to play every game.” She began her college career at Carroll College on the junior varsity squad before former UM Western Coach Britt Cooper recruited her. After sitting out the following year due to transfer rules, Hawk started her sophomore year under new Head Coach Ryan Sullivan. Hawk explained that she was a backup point guard that year and got some good minutes. But that didn’t stop her from battling in every practice to prove she deserved her spot on the court. “I just kept working with my coach

Lake County Leader

Polson wins Western A Volleyball Championship

Three tournaments, three championships, and now the Polson Lady Pirates have their sights set on an even bigger prize. Polson capped an impressive run through the Western A Divisional Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, Nov. 7, defeating Northwest A rival Bigfork 3-1 to claim the divisional championship at Hamilton High School. The Lady Pirates finished the tournament unbeaten, improving to 17-1 overall while collecting their third tournament championship of the season, following victories at the season-opening Tip-Off Tournament and midseason Blocktober Tournament. The championship also sends Polson into the Class A State Volleyball Tournament as the Western Division's top seed, giving the Lady Pirates an opportunity to build on last year's fourth-place state finish. The Lady Pirates had to work for their championship victory against Bigfork, which entered the tournament as the Northwest A Conference's top seed. After dropping the opening set 25-19, Polson regrouped and won three consecutive sets, 25-21, 25-21 and 25-23, to secure the title. McKenna Corley powered Polson's offensive attack with 17 kills while also recording seven solo blocks and one block assist. Embree Bird added nine kills, while Eliza Todd and Logan McCrea contributed seven apiece. Rylee Taylor-Jefferson directed the offense with 27 assists, while Kendyl

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Bigfork Eagle

Bigfork secures No. 2 seed at state volleyball tournament

The Valkyries may have been the Northwest's No. 1 seed, but Polson came out on top at the Western A volleyball divisional at Hamilton High School Saturday. The Pirates took their second victory over Bigfork in as many days with a four-set win in the championship match. McKenna Corley led the Pirates with 17 kills in the victory; she finished the tournament with 67 and hit .311 over the four games. Aleysia Black had five of Polson's 10 aces in the match. Raegan Waller tallied 17 kills for the Valkyries. Both teams claimed spots in the State A tournament in Bozeman starting Thursday. No. 2 seed Bigfork opens the state tourney against No. 3 Havre at 2 p.m. With a win, the Valkyries will face either No. 4 Columbia Falls or No. 1 Billings Central. As the top seed from the west, Polson gets Custer County in the opening round. Columbia Falls and Frenchtown also secured spots in the State tournament. At the Western A, Columbia Falls knocked out Whitefish in three sets, while Frenchtown bested Southwest No. 1 seed Dillon in four. Frenchtown downed Columbia Falls in five sets late Friday evening to lock the Wildkats into the West's

Bigfork, MT · 2d

Lake County Leader

This week 60 years ago: City Council plans annexation, Rollins postmaster retires, Republican score in county election

The Flathead Courier, November 10, 1966 City Council plans new eastward annexation move Polson's City Council dealt with a variety of subjects at its first November meeting Monday night. The council ordered City Attorney Cal Christian to prepare a new resolution of intent to annex the area east of the village to Burgerville along the south side of the highway. Creation of a special improvement district for sewer construction in the newly annexed area east of the city was discussed with a Morrison and Meierle, consultant. The council was advised that the preliminary plan would cost about $1,000. It was reported that federal funds for planning are not readily available at this time without a long waiting period. Construction grants are available, however, through the OEO. Lakeshore homes would receive about one-third of their federal funds from funds providing for water pollution control and the balance from OEO funds. No definite action was taken on contracting for planning, Monday. The city accepted a donation of three 25-ft. lots from the A. M. Snyder estate for us as a baseball park. The lots are on Fourth Street East near the existing diamonds. The $16 property tax will be paid by the

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Bigfork Eagle

Echo Lake resident sues county over kayak tour decision

A property owner along Echo Lake is suing the Flathead County Board of Adjustment over its decision to approve a conditional use permit for a business that offers kayak tours from a private residence on Peterson Lake. Rowland and Jaimie Day, who own property along Echo Bay Trail, allege in the lawsuit that the permit approval will lead to more traffic on the narrow private road, increased vehicle conflicts, trespassing, noise and "interference with the use and enjoyment of their property." The lawsuit argues that the board's approval of the permit is illegal because the application failed to address concerns brought forth by other agencies and the public. Rocky Mountain Glass Kayaks offers guided sunset tours in LED-illuminated kayaks and operates tours throughout the Flathead Valley, including on Whitefish River and in Somers Bay. The company has guided kayakers through the string of lakes that includes Echo Lake, Peterson Lake and Abbott Lake since 2025, although it only applied for a conditional use permit this year. Property owner Maray Brinhurst previously told the county that the tour company received no complaints until the county sent letters to the adjoining property owners. In August, the Board of Adjustment voted unanimously to

Flathead County, MT · 2d

NBCMontana

After 84 years, Montana WWII soldier Ingwell Bartleson finally comes home

KALISPELL, Mont. — After more than eight decades away, a Montana soldier who survived the Bataan Death March and died as a Japanese prisoner of war during World War II has finally returned home. On Veterans Day, family members, veterans, and community members gathered in Kalispell to honor U.S....

Kalispell, MT · 1d

Lake County Leader

Polson Seniors: Birthday dinner to feature turkey

Our transportation department offers round-trip rides for $8 to places within a five-mile radius of the Polson Senior Center on weekdays only; make reservations on the day before (or earlier). A ride to and/or from the Senior Center is available at a discounted rate. Our Birthday Dinner for Lunch will be served Friday, Nov. 20, and includes a traditional roast turkey feast starting at noon. We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, as well. Lunch is served from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday ($5 donation; $10 without a completed MASTS form). Milk is available with all meals. Delivered meals are only available to those who qualify according to our guidelines and recipients must pre-register 24 hours in advance for delivery. The menu (subject to substitutions) includes chicken enchiladas, Nov. 12; oven omelets with sausage links, Nov. 13; vegetable soup, Nov. 16; pork loin with scalloped potatoes, Nov. 17; tacos and Frito salad, Nov. 18; Carolina hot dogs and tots, Nov. 19; and turkey with all the trimmings, Nov. 20. Activities at the center are growing in participants with this late fall and winter weather. There are plenty of opportunities to join in and socialize and

NBCMontana

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Logan Health, Billings Clinic renamed One Sky Health

KALISPELL, Mont. — Three years after Logan Health and Billings Clinic announced plans to join forces, the combined health system now has a new name, One Sky Health. This will bring more than 25 hospitals and clinics together under one name. The two organizations first announced plans to explore...

Kalispell, MT · 2d

Bigfork Eagle

Longtime Lakeside QRU volunteer retires after 45 years

In January of 1981, Mary Granger was among 15 Lakeside community members gathered at the schoolhouse to take part in an American Red Cross Advanced First Aid course. Granger was 31 and an elementary school teacher with no medical background, but she was eager to help her neighbors in need. This was the beginning of the Lakeside Quick Response Unit, an organization formed by a group of Lakeside locals who realized there was an unmet need in their community. Granger, buoyed by the excitement the group carried, joined on something of a lark. She had no idea that the organization would come to define the next four decades of her life, or the impact she would have on emergency medical services in the Flathead Valley. Now, after a 45-year career as a volunteer, witnessing every major milestone of the organization, Granger is retiring from the Lakeside Quick Response Unit. The group is holding a retirement party this weekend to honor the contributions Granger has made to the community. It will take place on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Lakeside QRU building located at 201 Bills Road. "It was a very scary thing," Granger said of

Lakeside, MT · 2d

Whitefish Pilot

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Local pet care company expands across Montana

Happy Tails 406, a locally owned pet-care company, has seen exponential growth since Veronica Clarno started it five years ago. Clarno started Happy Tails 406 in hopes of offering a personal and trustworthy approach to pet care in the valley. “I just wanted to do something big for my community and I saw the lack of pet services,” Clarno said. Her main goal in starting the business was to be able to provide trustworthy, reliable services to the community, she said. Clarno admits the early days of the business were tough. She spent a lot of time finding a way to market that worked specifically for her and the company. She has since hired five additional staff members to help provide pet care services throughout the Flathead Valley. Happy Tails 406 offers a variety of at-home services for dogs and cats such as check-ins, administration of medication, walking and feeding. They also offer pet taxis to transport animals, as well as overnight care. Even though the Happy Tails 406 team has grown, Clarno is proud to continue working daily with the animals. Clients use a pet portal to easily schedule services and check in on their animals. “The ability for

Montana · 2d

Lake County Leader

City Commission establishes fee waiver for seasonal nonprofits' water and sewer minimum charges

The Polson City Commission approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing a fee waiver for seasonal nonprofits’ water and sewer minimum monthly charges during off-season disconnect. According to the agenda item summary, local nonprofits with seasonal operations have asked to establish this waiver. These nonprofits close during the off-season and operate with limited financial resources. City Attorney Dave Michie, who presented the ordinance to the commission, said that seasonal nonprofits struggle during the winter months. Currently, a base rate or a monthly minimum fee accrues after owners shut off their municipal water and sewer utilities. This ordinance would remove that base rate during the off-season for nonprofits that do not shut off utilities for more than five months. Michie said that the city wants to look out for everyone and recognizes that nonprofits exist in the community. Claire Swenson, president of the Polson Flathead Lake Museum, spoke during public comment and said her museum has seen a decline in visitors since COVID-19, meaning it is also seeing a decline in donations. She added that they don’t have much excess money, so this ordinance removing that fee would be “wonderful” for them. The second reading of this ordinance will be

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Montana Sports

Montana volleyball adds 5, including Frenchtown's Rachel Walls

The Montana volleyball program has announced five new players joining the program for the 2027 season. The Griz are bringing in two players from Colorado, twins from Oregon, and one from Frenchtown.

Frenchtown, MT · 1d

NBCMontana