Valley Journal
Valley Journal

Articles Written By: Mary Auld

Coupons, SNAP benefits increase access to farmers market foods Coupons, SNAP benefits increase access to farmers market foods

LAKE COUNTY– Food from the farmers market is fresh and supports local producers, but it can be expensive. Local organizations are taking measures to help residents indulge in fresh, local food regardless of financial constraints.  “Farmers are really into getting fresh food that they just...

Wildfire outlook: low snowpack, higher temperatures predicted Wildfire outlook: low snowpack, higher temperatures predicted

LAKE COUNTY — It’s starting to feel like summer in Montana – the weather is warm and skies have been smoky.  This spring, some early season smoke in the area came from local prescribed burns intended to reduce flammable materials in forests. Fire Prevention Specialist C.T. Camel sai...

CSKT files right-of-way lawsuit against county, property owner CSKT files right-of-way lawsuit against county, property owner

BIG ARM — A federal court will determine whether the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes or Lake County have authority over an undeveloped road in Big Arm. “This is a disagreement we’re trying to settle over ownership of the underlying land in question and ultimately, who has regulat...

Ronan releases 2018 water report

RONAN – The annual water report revealed that Ronan’s water meets state and federal standards for water quality. The report calls the document a “snapshot” of the water quality for the year. Water from both of the city’s wells was tested at Montana Environmental Laboratory in...

Commission supports downtown projects

POLSON – The Polson City Commission approved a number of measures intended to revitalize Polson’s downtown. At its June 3 meeting, commissioners approved applications for funding from the Polson Redevelopment Agency from the Cove Deli and Betty’s Diner. The commission also approved a zoning...

Community wide outbreak of Pertussis emerges Community wide outbreak of Pertussis emerges

LAKE COUNTY – While a vaccination usually prevents whooping cough, there have been 19 confirmed cases of the respiratory illness in recent weeks. School children at St. Ignatius High School, St. Ignatius Elementary School, St. Ignatius Head Start, and Arlee Elementary School have contracted the illness...

New St. Ignatius shop offers candy, gifts New St. Ignatius shop offers candy, gifts

ST. IGNATIUS – Stuart Morton dreamed of bringing life back to the set of storefronts that line U.S. Highway 93 near the entrance of town.   “I wanted to make it something as big as when Doug Allard owned it,” Morton said. And he is keeping the Allard name on the business. Allard&rsq...

Red Nose Day fundraiser supports local children Red Nose Day fundraiser supports local children

POLSON – Locals can show support for children’s programs by donating money and wearing a bright red nose on their face.  This is the fifth year that the Polson Walgreens has raised money to support underprivileged children through the national Red Nose Day fundraiser. This year, the fundr...

Friends raise ‘dough’ for baker fighting cancer Friends raise ‘dough’ for baker fighting cancer

RAVALLI – Every summer the Windmill Village Bakery provides the community with irresistible treats, but this year the community is supporting the baker.  According to a GoFundMe page, owner and baker Nancy Martin was diagnosed with cancer in November 2018. The shop closed early for the 2018 sea...

Wastewater treatment plant begins operating

POLSON – Two years after plans were finalized, Polson’s wastewater is being cleaned with a new system. The new facility started operating on April 24. As of that day, sewage is not being directed to the old system.  Water and Sewer Superintendent Ashley Walker announced the news to the ci...


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