Valley Journal
Valley Journal

Articles Written By: Mary Auld

Moss Ranch fire continues to burn near Ronan Moss Ranch fire continues to burn near Ronan

RONAN–Lightning sparked a fire on July 23 that is burning grass and timber 14 miles southwest of Ronan, just west of the Flathead River. A local type three incident management team is managing the blaze with 170 personnel assigned to the fire.  By July 26, the fire had grown to 450 acres and wa...

Commission hears court update

POLSON – Polson city judge Dennis DeVries and assistant city attorney Josh Morigeau presented information on the state of the city’s court system at the regular commission meeting. Interim city manager Wade Nash invited the justice system professionals to present at the meeting. He said the co...

Flathead Festival of Art brings fine art to Polson Flathead Festival of Art  brings fine art to Polson

POLSON – The shore of the lake will showcase beauty and talent at the Flathead Festival of Art.  This year will be the fifth annual festival. The event, which is open to the public, will be held July 27 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and July 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sacajawea Park. The Sandpip...

Camps provide kid-friendly fun

LAKE COUNTY – School is out and summer camp season is in. Camps throughout the Mission Valley give local children opportunities to explore new topics and engage with their peers. The Flathead Reservation and Lake County Boys and Girls Club in Ronan will hold a summer program from Monday-Friday from ...

Wastewater treatment plant months behind schedule

POLSON – At last week’s city commission meeting Kevin Johnson of DOWL engineering reported that the wastewater treatment plant would not be completed for “at least two more months.” The project was initially scheduled to be finished in December of 2019. The wastewater treatment equ...

St. Ignatius man questions Governor on climate change

Avery Old Coyote delivered a hard-hitting question during a live Facebook town hall that Governor Steve Bullock held concerning the state of Montana’s approach to climate change. During the meeting, Bullock also announced the creation of an executive order focused on climate change.   “My...

Hangin’ Art Gallery in Arlee to close Hangin’ Art Gallery in Arlee to close

ARLEE – After serving as an Arlee community hub for art, music and food for 16 years, the Hangin’ Art Gallery will close late this August. Owner Donna Mollica plans to retire to pursue personal endeavors. Mollica said she wanted to announce the closing early to give others in the community the...

Charlo track replacement project postponed to 2020 Charlo track replacement project postponed to 2020

CHARLO – The Charlo community will have to wait a year longer than anticipated to recreate on an updated running track. At a June 26 special school board meeting, trustees voted unanimously to aim to start construction on June 1, 2020, intending to have the project completed before the 2020 school year...

Interim city manager receives pay raise

POLSON – Interim city manager Wade Nash’s pay has been increased, and the city isn’t any closer to filling the position permanently.  All members of the commission who attended the meeting voted in favor of awarding Nash the pay increase he requested. His new salary will be $3,000 p...

Revitalizing tradition: annual Salish culture camp sees high turnout Revitalizing tradition: annual Salish culture camp sees high turnout

ST. IGNATIUS – “That’s the biggest family picture,” an onlooker said as the attendees at the 2019 Salish Language and Culture Camp gathered for a group photo.  The last day of the weeklong day camp had the feeling of a family reunion. People of all ages gathered in small group...


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