Polebridge
Polebridge, MT · Health
Lake County Leader
Dedicated Doc: Dr. Ed Vizcarra leaves legacy of patient-centered care
When beloved family physician Ed Vizcarra retired from St. Luke Community Healthcare Network at the end of October, generations of patients and hospital staff flocked to his retirement party to express their gratitude. “He has always led from the standpoint of what is best for the patient,” said CEO Steve Todd. Others praised his willingness to listen, lifelong curiosity and calm leadership – all skills that served him well, both as a doctor and hospital chief of staff. During his 34 years at St. Luke’s, he’s been an integral part of a community-owned healthcare institution and medical practice that have been transformed by time and technology. As a leader and mentor, his philosophy has been to cultivate a culture of collaboration. “What can I do to help my teammate be successful? There's where you really make a difference.” And in an era where small independent hospitals are increasingly rare, he relished the challenge of helping St. Luke not only stay alive but thrive. “I kind of like the underdog thing – the David against Goliath thing,” he says. Vizcarra joined a handful of family practitioners at St. Luke Hospital in 1991, lured by the area’s impressive mountains, outdoor recreation opportunities
NBCMontana
Logan Health providers seek unionization amid staffing concerns
KALISPELL, Mont. — Nearly 60 primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants at Logan Health clinics in Northwestern Montana have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists. In response, Logan Health announced plans to hire 10...
The Western News
Libby native joins Logan Health
The first thing Dr. Anna Knisely brought to her new office at Logan Health was a frame containing a heart-shaped piece of paper lightly colored pink with a highlighter. “Thank you for being my surgeon, Dr. Knisely,” reads the paper given by Madison, a young girl in Seattle who had her tonsils and adenoids removed. That’s one of the best parts about being an otolaryngologist, or an ear, nose and throat doctor, Knisely said, whether through a simple or complex procedure, she can improve her patient’s quality of life. Born and raised in Libby, Knisely moved back to Northwest Montana this month to help start Logan Health’s first ear, nose, throat and lung clinic. She is the hospital’s first otolaryngologist. Growing up, Knisely wanted to be a marine biologist. Health care was not on her radar, but while earning her undergraduate degree in fisheries, she watched a video in class showing someone hearing for the first time after receiving a cochlear implant. “It was one of those heart tugging moments where you’re like, oh my gosh, what a gift to give the ability to hear to a patient... I want to do that,” she said. She changed courses. After finishing
Char-Koosta News
Dr. Darby Lefler Returns to Tribal Health to Expand Pediatric Dental Care
POLSON — Dr. Darby Lefler of Arlee has taken a path back to the Flathead Reservation. Before becoming a dentist, he worked in construction, the trucking and logistics industry, coached wrestling, and worked on cell towers. “I feel useful when I’m doing something useful,” he said. “If I am...
Flathead Beacon
Since 1989, Town Pump Petroleum Seep a Perpetual Problem on Whitefish River
The mountain-framed gateway to downtown Whitefish is a fitting showcase for the resort town’s natural treasures, which function as its economic and its ecological heartbeat. But even if the views rising above the city center’s low-slung skyline command visitors’ immediate attention, the town’s true lifeblood runs beneath it.
NBCMontana
Logan Health opens new Ear, Nose, Throat, and Lung clinic
KALISPELL, Mont. — Logan Health launched a new clinic in the Flathead Valley, expanding ear, nose, throat, and lung care. Logan Health's first otolaryngology surgeon, Dr. Anna Knisely, will lead the new specialty service, treating a wide range of conditions. The clinic is part of a multi-specialty center that...
Flathead Beacon
Logan Health Opens Ear, Nose, Throat and Lung Clinic
Logan Health is opening a new ear, nose, throat and lung clinic with the introduction of the hospital’s first otolaryngology surgeon, Dr. Anna Knisely. The multidisciplinary clinic also hosts pulmonary and sleep medicine services, an effort to centralize specialties that often directly impact or relate to one another. Knisely will see both adults and children at the clinic.
Montana Updates
Bigfork Residents Invited to Elysian Institute Grand Opening at Montana Athletic Club on November 20
The Elysian Institute will open on November 20, 2025, from 4 to 7 PM at the Montana Athletic Club in Bigfork, Montana. Visitors can see the facility and learn about services such as cryotherapy, infrared saunas, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and IV treatments.
Lake County Leader
Healthcare journey was "a privilege, honor and joy"
To the communities of the Mission Valley and beyond, I wish to express my gratitude for embracing our family for the past 34-and-a-half years and allowing us to call this beautiful place home. To those who attended the retirement open house, offered kind words, cards and tokens of appreciation – Overwhelming. Thank you. I understand the angst some of you may feel at the thought of establishing with a new medical provider. Rest assured the family practice/primary care physicians, their nurse practitioner and physician assistant adjuncts, our specialist colleagues and the ancillary staff of St. Luke Community Healthcare Network are qualified and capable of providing the competent and compassionate health care you so richly deserve. HIt was my privilege, honor and joy to partner with you in your healthcare journey. My greatest reward is the trust we shared. Again, thank you. – Ed Vizcarra, MD, Ronan
The Western News
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center welcomes new rehab manager
Cabinet Peaks Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of Neil Verberne, PT, DPT, as the new Rehabilitative Services Manager. With more than 10 years of experience as a physical therapist and eight years in management, Verberne brings strong leadership and a passion for advancing rehabilitation care in rural communities. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Eastern Washington University and his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound. He is currently completing his Master of Business Administration to further strengthen his leadership in healthcare administration. Before joining CPMC, Verberne served as the Rehabilitation Manager for Public Hospital District #2 in Ritzville, Washington, where he oversaw physical, occupational, and speech therapy services across inpatient, outpatient, and school-based settings. He was instrumental in developing their swing bed program and leading professional development initiatives for medical and rehabilitation staff. At CPMC, Neil plans to build on the department’s strong foundation by focusing on improving access, reducing barriers, and enhancing the patient experience. “My goal is to strengthen the connection between patients and our therapy team,” said Verberne. “That means improving referral response times, matching patients with therapists who best fit their needs, and ensuring appointment
Bigfork Eagle
Greater Valley Health Center opens new centralized clinic
A years-long endeavor by Greater Valley Health Center has finally come to fruition with the opening of its new clinic in south Kalispell. The center’s services had been spread out among three buildings — the clinic in one, behavioral health in one and billing in another — but are now in one shared space. “Our first priority was to get everybody under the same roof. Then we wanted to allow for an opportunity for some future growth, which is really what we set up here,” said Mary Sterhan, Greater Valley's outgoing chief executive officer. She’s retiring at the end of the year. Sitting in her new office that overlooks the renovated reception area, Sterhan had one word to describe the move and the Greater Valley team: proud. What began as the Flathead Community Health Center in 2007 has provided family health care, including medical, dental and behavioral health services. The mission is simple, Sterhan said, to provide exceptional patient-centered care regardless of the ability to pay. The health center operated under the umbrella of the Flathead City-County Health Department until 2021, when the center became an independent nonprofit, eventually rebranding as Greater Valley Health Center. From that point on, a
Flathead Beacon
The Hospital on the Corner
Paige Leigh Nadeau, daughter of Christina and Lance Nadeau of Bigfork, was the first baby born at Whitefish’s “new” North Valley Hospital on March 23, 2007, about 24 hours after the hospital opened. The birth garnered more than just an announcement in the newspaper; instead, it commanded a whole story under the headline, “First baby at new hospital,” and a photo of the new family.
Flathead Beacon
Greater Valley Health Center Opens the Doors on a New Building
Mary Sterhan, Greater Valley Health Center’s CEO since 2019, held up a microphone while standing in front of the new facility for a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday afternoon. She started to tear up, collecting herself before speaking. “My job, if I choose to accept it, is not to...
Flathead Beacon
Amid Ongoing Litigation, Lakeside Sewer District Plugs Away at Expansion Project
Just off the intersection of U.S. Highway 93 and Somers Stage Road, sits a gray concrete building, tall like an old chapel, with wooden scaffolding beginning to show signs of a roof. Posters with the quote, “Integrity: doing the right thing, when nobody is looking,” hang from a shipping container and general contracting firm Swank Enterprise’s job site office. The building is the bones of what is slated to become a new septage receiving facility for the Lakeside Water and Sewer District (LCWSD) and Flathead County.
KPAX
Greater Valley Health Center opens new facility in Kalispell
Fairfield Sun Times
University of Montana receives $1.2M grant for mental health program
MISSOULA, Mont. – The University of Montana has been awarded a significant $1.2 million federal grant to enhance mental health care in rural areas of the state. This grant will fund a new career pathway program targeting high school and college-aged students.
The Western News
UM's State of Mind mental health project visiting Libby
After statewide acclaim, the University of Montana’s State of Mind project will be visiting Libby Tuesday, Oct. 28. Created and hosted by UM’s Co-Lab for Civic Imagination in partnership with Montana Repertory Theater, the interactive theater and public dialogue event is part of a statewide effort to advance community listening, tackle stigmas around mental and behavioral health and share community resources for advancing care. The Libby performance will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, at Libby High School. The residency closes out with a community coffee meeting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the LOR Foundation. This will be an opportunity for people to reflect on the workshops and performances, and to discuss potential action and engagement around mental health in Libby. “What makes this effort successful is that the content of the project has been created through collaboration with community members with lived experiences, local experts and area knowledge,” said Michael Rohd, the director of UM’s Co-Lab for Civic Imagination. “After a successful launch in 2024, we are thrilled to again hit the road for a second year to help ensure every corner of Montana has access to this critical project.” The free community performance has
Flathead Beacon
Forest Service Approves Cabinet Mountains Mine Exploration
The U.S. Forest Service this week gave the final green light to Hecla Mining Company for the Libby Exploration Project. This enables Hecla to begin surveying the silver and copper ore in an old mine shaft 20 miles south of Libby. Hecla’s Director of Government Affairs, Mike Satre, says that’s...