Government
POLSON — Two candidates are seeking to replace Ward 1 commissioner Lou Marchello, who is stepping down after a long tenure in public service, including stints as mayor and now commissioner. The district extends across the river to Rocky Point Rd., east to Fifth Street E., and north to 11th Avenue. Jake Holley Background: Grew up in Sparks, Nevada, and moved to Washington state with his family when he was 14; earned a degree in English with emphasis on creative writing from Western Washington University; moved to Polson in 2016 Work and Community Service: Employed as a documentation specialist and technical writer at Black Mountain Software since 2016; worked his way thr...
In St. Ignatius, Mayor Steve McCollum faces a challenge from councilman Daren Incashola. Both men bring a wealth of experience to the job, and each is deeply vested in the town where they were born and raised. Incumbent Mayor Steve McCollum Background: Born, raised and educated i...
Longtime Ronan Mayor Kim Aipperspach has two contenders for his job: councilman Chris Adler and Robert Sager (who the Journal didn’t hear back from by deadline). Incumbent Kim Aipperspach Background: Moved to Ronan from eastern Montana in eighth grade and has lived here...
Two newcomers to the political arena are vying to serve as mayor of Polson, a post currently held by Paul Briney, who opted not to run for a second term. Eric Huffine Background: Born, raised and educated in Polson; has three children in middle school and high school Work & Volunteer Exp...
LAKE COUNTY — Ballots for upcoming municipal elections in St. Ignatius, Ronan and Polson were mailed last Friday. Those who wish to register may download a voter registration form online at app.mt.gov/voterinfo/, or request a form by mail or in-person from the Lake County Election Office, 106 ...
October is here, leaves are falling, and perhaps Montanans should not be surprised that the Montana Democrats on the Districting and Apportionment Commission are carving up our state like a pumpkin. While they claim they want to create a “competitive” district, their maps go far beyond that. So f...
Democrats, led by President Biden, Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders and Nancy Pelosi, are rushing a reckless $3.5 trillion tax and spending spree bill through Congress that would reshape the very foundation of America and push the U.S. down the path of socialism. The Democrats’ massive bill is the larg...
News from the USDA BOZEMAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture is committed to partnering with agriculture, forestry and rural communities to develop climate solutions that strengthen rural America. The Department has outlined and requested public comments on a new climate partnership initi...
News from the office of Senator Tester U.S. Senate — $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding is headed to Montana to help protect patients and health care workers from COVID-19. The funding—administered by the Center for Disease Control—will help strengthen and equip state an...
RONAN — Representatives from local, county and tribal government met last week to discuss strategies for regulating recreational marijuana sales which are set to begin Jan. 1, 2022. Montana voters approved the sale of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older during the 2020 election. HB 701, pass...
