Swan Lake, 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...

Pablo, MT · 16h

Lake County Leader

publisher · 120.3K followers

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

BroBible

Montana High School Football Teams Must Drive 1,000+ Miles In 18 Hours For Second-Round Playoff Game

The high school football playoffs are underway in the state of Montana. A second-round matchup between Sidney and Columbia Falls will require the visitors to travel more than 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours. It is not even the longest drive of the 2026 postseason! Because Montana is such a big state with such […] The post Montana High School Football Teams Must Drive 1,000+ Miles In 18 Hours For Second-Round Playoff Game appeared first on BroBible.

Montana · 23h

Bigfork Eagle

publisher · 565 followers

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

Bigfork Eagle

publisher · 565 followers

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

Whitefish Pilot

publisher · 1.1K followers

Whitefish Skijoring moves to county fairgrounds

Whitefish Skijoring is gearing up for its 20th anniversary celebration, take two, scheduled for Jan. 30–31, 2027 at its new home at the Flathead County Fairgrounds in Kalispell. The popular winter event brings together horses, riders, and skiers for two days of fast-paced competition. Teams race through a snow-covered course, navigating jumps and obstacles in a unique combination of horsemanship and ski racing. The move to the Flathead County Fairgrounds offers a new setting for the event, with covered grandstand seating overlooking the course, additional parking, food trucks, and a bar conveniently located near the spectator area. Whitefish Skijoring is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization that relies on the generosity and dedication of local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, competitors, and supporters to bring this unique winter event to the Flathead Valley each year. The event's roots go back to the first renditions of the Whitefish Winter Carnival, when skijoring took place on Central Avenue in downtown Whitefish. The event later moved to the Mountain Trails Saddle Club on Wisconsin Avenue, where Stumptown Ice Den now stands, until it was discontinued in the 1970s. In 2003, skijoring returned. The original 20th anniversary of the event, per its 2003 revival, was planned for Feb.

Whitefish, MT · 2d

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

publisher · 1.1K followers

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

Whitefish Pilot

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

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

NBCMontana

Forest Service seeks public input on Skillet Fire salvage project near Olney

KALISPELL — The U.S. Forest Service is seeking public input on a proposed salvage project in the Skillet Fire area near Olney. The proposal would harvest dead and dying trees on up to 1,550 acres within the fire footprint. The Forest Service says the project could help reestablish forested...

Olney, 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

Flathead Beacon

Billings Clinic–Logan Health Looks to the Sky for a New Name

Billings Clinic–Logan Health, the state’s largest hospital organization, is rebranding under a simpler name: One Sky Health. While the name nods to Montana’s moniker as Big Sky Country, it is designed to represent the unification of the two health care systems and the states they cover. The...

Kalispell, MT · 2d

NBCMontana

publisher · 1.1K followers

Local veteran finds community after military service

SOMERS, Mont. — For many veterans, the challenges don’t end when they return stateside. An Army veteran in Somers shared his experience coming home and the importance of finding a supportive community. Gordon Sharbono served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970, spending his time stationed...

Somers, MT · 1d

Whitefish Pilot

Stella Hobbs has dream race to end cycling series season

Local cyclist Stella Hobbs crushed the Elite Women's Big Sugar Gravel race in Arkansas on Oct. 17, riding alone in the lead for the last 15 miles and finishing almost 2 minutes ahead of her nearest competitor. It was the kind of race many athletes dream of. The Life Time Grand Prix is a multi-discipline race series that attracts riders from around the world. It comprises six races, each with different terrain, equipment and distances. The shortest race is about 40 miles and the longest is around 200. Races are completed with either gravel bikes or mountain bikes. "The multi-disciplinary series is just such a cool way to diversify the training and diversify the racing," she said. "It puts all the athletes in this kind of really cool humble place of always having to rise to the occasion and it being different most of the time." Big Sugar is a gravel race of about 101 miles with 6,400 feet of elevation gain. Not only did Hobbs win the race, she did it in a dominating fashion, pulling away from the field with 15 miles to ride. No one reeled her in. No one came close as she crossed the finish

Whitefish, MT · 2d

Lake County Leader

More than a ride: Horse assisted therapy helps patients

Off Baypoint Road in Polson stands a large horse farm, with equines greeting every car that drives down the gravel entrance road. Inside the barn sit saddles and helmets that are accompanied by toy bowling pins, Velcro balls and miniature bean bags. Here, horses Koda and Trixie anxiously await their patients for the day. Hobby Horse Place is a therapy center utilizing horses for horse-assisted therapy. Offering physical and occupational treatment, staff incorporate the horse's movement with the patient to help with therapy goals such as regulation, core strengthening, body awareness, balance and improved gross motor function. Debbie McGuinness, a registered physical therapist, opened Hobby Horse Place two years ago with the help of Wendy King, a certified occupational therapist assistant. Joining them is Shannon Harris, a master of occupational therapy, who has a background in working with horses and a therapy career with kids. “We both are therapists, we both work with horses, and we knew the benefits that this could offer for kids,” McGuiness said. Three years ago, the American Hippotherapy Association came to Montana and got it in writing for Medicaid, that gave me the green light.” Hippotherapy is a term for equine movement being included in

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

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

Flathead Beacon