Berl Tiskus/Valley Journal

A strong shower of water removes excess mud from seed potatoes.

By Berl Tiskus
Valley Journal
Seed potatoes are one of the main crops around Ronan. In the summertime, wheel lines spray arcs of water over the dark green plants. Fall brings potato digging weather and the rumble of trucks moving the tubers to their winter home in cellars.
But an early visit by old man winter can throw off the whole process, as was the case in early October this year.
There are approximately 10,000 acres of seed potatoes planted in Montana, most of which are sold to growers in Washington state who raise the potatoes to maturity for consumption. The most popular variety is the Russet Burbank, which accounts for.......
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Girl injured in hit-and-run near Turtle Lake

By Berl Tiskus
Valley Journal
POLSON — A 27-year-old Polson man was arrested after a 16-year-old girl was struck by a pickup east of Polson last week. The girl was riding her bicycle on Turtle Lake Road when she was allegedly struck by the man’s truck, who then continued on to his home, according to the Montana Highway Patrol investigation.
The alleged hit-and-run happened at about 8:52 p.m. on Nov. 25. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Shad Andersen and Lake County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the accident.
The girl was transported to the hospital by ambulance with lacerations to her lower leg, according to the Montana Highway Patrol. She was later transferred ..... 

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Polson Rural Fire board to meet at new fire station

Fall open burning ended Nov. 30

By Jim Bow
Valley Journal
The last official day of the fall 2009 open burning season was Monday, Nov. 30, but the air quality was bad enough in the valley that no burning was permitted.
The open burning season runs from Oct. 1 through Nov. 30 of each year. Individuals in Montana and those who specifically live on the Flathead Reservation could conduct debris burn activities through Nov. 30 without a permit, as long as local restrictions did not apply.
Debris burning will not be allowed during the upcoming winter months of December, January and February. The spring open burn season will start on ...........
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H1N1 immunization walk-in clinics offered

Shoppers flock to Wal-Mart on Black Friday

Berl Tiskus/Valley Journal

Carts of bargains were wheeled out of WalMart in Polson on Black Friday.

By Berl Tiskus
Valley Journal
POLSON — It was dark and cold at 4:45 a.m. on Black Friday, Nov. 27, too early to even buy a cup of coffee. However, the parking lot at the Polson Wal-Mart was about half full, and the store was a brightly lit beacon enticing shoppers in to shop.
Shoppers had arrived early to get in line for bargains, but many were picking up other items as well and chatting with neighbors and friends.
Although the items could not be purchased until 5 a.m., people could get a number at 4 a.m. and get in line. Maps and numbered tickets were handed out, and giant yellow balloons all over the store marked the spots where lines for hot-selling items, such as laptop computers, TV’S, trampolines and toys, would start.
One lady, determined to purchase one of the laptop computers, came at midnight armed with a collapsible chair. She set up her chair in the pharmacy near the laptops, picked up her number at 4 a.m. and was first in line to purchase a laptop. Another man came at .......
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Wildlife is waiting at the National Bison Range

Valley Journal
MOIESE — With the weather change from the heat of summer to the crisp cold of winter, wildlife behavior also changes. One no longer needs to be up at the crack of dawn to catch sight of deer or elk. Except during storms, animals will be up and about at any time throughout the short winter days. So it is a great time to visit your favorite National Wildlife Refuge, such as the National Bison Range in Moiese.
The refuge is open daily, from 7 a.m. to dark, which can come as early at 5 p.m. during the middle of winter. The Winter Drive provides a 10-mile round trip along a gravel road and it is open daily, weather and road conditions permitting, of course.
This route offers wildlife viewing opportunities for.......
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Tribal council election: Arlee candidates profiled

Valley Journal
Malatare, Matt run for Arlee seat......
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Tribal council election: Elmo candidates profiled

Valley Journal
Burke, Mathias campaign for Tribal Council......
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Tribal council election: Polson candidates profiled

Valley Journal
Lefthand, Lozar vie for Polson seat......
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Tribal council election: Ronan candidates profiled

Valley Journal
Sorrell, Lankford vie for Ronan seat on Tribal Council......
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Tribal council election: St. Ignatius candidates profiled

Valley Journal
Durglo, Stevens hope to fill St. Ignatius seat......
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Tribal council election: polling sites listed

Valley Journal
The general election for CSKT tribal council seats will be held ......
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