2011 Summer Guide

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2011Mission Valley Map

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2011 Montana Summerwww.valleyjournal.net22

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332011 Montana Summer

www.valleyjournal.net

ontana is a beautiful state and theFlathead Indian Reservation andLake County is a prime example

of the best the state has to offer, all inone valley.

There are few places in the world thatmatch the grandeur of the craggy toppedMission Mountains that jut from the valley floor with eye-catching beauty. The view coming over the crest of RavalliHill is breathtaking, no matter how manytimes a person has seen it.

Clear mountain streams fed by wintersnowpack cut paths from the mountainsand meander through the valley floors enroute to Flathead Lake or Flathead River.

The area’s post card beauty is a recre-

ational Nirvana. There are numerousways to sate anyone’s outdoor recreational cravings. The area is full of choices. There is hiking, fishing, birdhunting, bird watching, boating, waterskiing, camping, sightseeing, golfing andso much more.

The National Bison Range and theNinepipe Wildlife Refuge are home toabundant wildlife including deer, elk,antelope, birds and bison, among otherspecies.

The historic Catholic Mission Church inSt. Ignatius also juts from the valley floorand has its own special grandeur in itsarchitecture, history and religious murals.

The area's museums offer locals and

visitors a taste of what it was like in daysgone by.

Numerous town celebrations, powwows, rodeos, stockcar racing, basketball tournaments, fishing derbiesand fairs throughout the summer offertourists and local residents plenty to doeach and every weekend.

The cherry on top of the experiences,especially for the tourists and other visitors, is the laid back lifestyle of thefriendly — and lucky — folks who call theFlathead Indian Reservation and LakeCounty home.

If a person can’t find something funand exhilarating to do it’s because theyaren’t looking!


Bear Safety 6

Glacial Lake Missoula 8

State Parks 10

Boating Safety 12

Back Roads 14

Geocaching 17

Flathead River Corridor 21

Hot Springs 23

Local Parks 26

Library Programs 28

Glacier National Park 30

Aquatic Invasive Species 35

Museums 37

Theatre 39

Water Daze 40

Powwows 41

Water Safety 42

Creepy Crawlies 43

Summer Calendar 48

Treaty of Hellgate 63

Mission Church 64

Contents

Valley Journal/Montana Summer staff

SSuummmmeerrGGooddddaarrdd

Editor,Owner

(406) [email protected]

BBeerrll TTiisskkuussNorth County

reporter(406) 270-8078

[email protected]

MMeelleeaa BBuurrkkeeSouth County

reporter,Assistant Editor(903) 235-6301

[email protected]

BBoooonnee GGooddddaarrddAdvertisingManager,

Owner(406) 249-1728

[email protected]

KKjjeerrssttii DDaayyAdvertising

Sales(406) 253-4441

[email protected]

RRaaeellyynnnneePPeetteerrssoonn

Office Manager


JJeerreemmyy WWeebbeerrSports Editor,

Webmaster(903) 434-9795

[email protected]

MMiikkee MMoooorreeMid Countyreporter


FFeell iicciiaa MMaappeessAdvertising

Sales(406) 890-3312

[email protected]

Montana Summer 2011

Montana Summer/Winter is a twice-yearlypublication of the Valley Journal, a weekly news-paper published each Wednesday in LakeCounty, Montana, for readers in the Mission,Jocko and lower Flathead Valleys.

Our main office is located in Ronan at 331Main Street S.W. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 5p.m., Monday through Friday. Business phone -(406) 676-8989. Fax - (406) 676-8990.

Our mailing address is: Valley Journal, PO Box 326, Ronan, MT 59864.

Our Web address is www.valleyjournal.netNews and calendar submissions may be sent

by email to [email protected] 2011, the Valley Journal. All rights

reserved. Reproduction, reuse or transmittal inany form or by any means is prohibited withoutwritten permission of the Valley Journal.

Managing Editor/Owner ......Summer Goddard

Asst. Editor ..................................Melea Burke

Reporter ........................................Berl Tiskus

Reporter ........................................Mike Moore

Sports Editor/Webmaster ......Jeremy Weber

Advertising manager/Owner ....Boone Goddard

Advertising sales........................Kjersti Day

Advertising sales........................Felicia Mapes

Production manager......................Mickele Schultz

Graphic artist ..............................Linda Sappington

Office manager ..........................Raelynne Peterson

Staff



FlatheadLake Facts

Trevor Motichka, FSS

316 Main Street

Polson, MT

(406) 883-2828

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Data derived from the

University of Montana’s

Flathead Lake Biological Station,

located near Yellow Bay on the east

shore of the lake.

• Flathead Lake is one of the 300

largest natural lakes in the world and

is the largest natural freshwater lake

in the western United States. Of

those large lakes, Flathead is one of

the cleanest. Studies at the Flathead

Lake Biological Station show that

water quality in Flathead Lake is

among the best in the world.

• The Lake’s major tributaries are

the Flathead and Swan Rivers.

Numerous small streams flow

directly into the Lake at its shoreline,

particularly on the wetter East Shore.

• Kerr Dam is located at the outlet

of Flathead Lake in Polson, at the

southern end. Regulation of outflow

by the dam maintains the Lake’s

level between 2,883 and 2,893 feet

above sea level. If runoff conditions

in the mountains don’t warrant flood

threats, the Lake level is brought to

2,890 feet by the end of May and to

full pool by mid June.

• Maximum flow in the Flathead

River generally occurs during spring

freshet between May 15 and June 10,

creating a plume of sediment that

covers the Lake surface.

• Due to its massive volume and

normally active winds over the sur-

face, Flathead Lake does not freeze

over most winters, although the bays

often have winter ice cover. The

Lake did freeze over in the winters

of 1978-79 (all winter), 1987-88 (all

winter), 1988-89 (March only) and

1989-90 (January only).

• Open space on the shoreline

includes the National Wildlife

Refuge on the North Shore and State

land managed by the Flathead Lake

Biological Station as a refuge on the

South Shore (Polson Bay).

• Wildhorse Island, near Big Arm

Bay, is the largest island in the lake,

at 2,163 acres. It is managed by the

Montana Department of Fish,

Wildlife and Parks as a wildlife

refuge and State Park. It is noted for

its herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn

sheep and several wild horses.

Native grasses and flowers are abun-

dant.

• Bird Island near The Narrows is

State owned and managed jointly by

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

and the Flathead Lake Biological

Station as a bird refuge. Geese,

osprey, herons and eagles frequent

the Bird Islands.

• The name Yellow Bay was

derived from the yellow rock out-

crop on the point which is

Precambrian without fossils. The

outcrop belongs to the Algonkian

substrata, which also outcrops

Glacier Park.

see page 6

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Summer Goddard/Valley Journal

Aerial photo of Finley Point, Flathead Lake


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• Flathead Lake Biological Station

was established in Bigfork in 1899

by Dr. Morton J. Elrod. The

Flathead Lake Biological Station was

moved to its present location in 1908

and is currently operated as a year-

round academic and research facility

mainly dealing with aquatic studies.

• The first wagon trail (1880’s)

from Polson to the north end of the

Lake followed the west side of the

lake and was steep and hazardous. At

some places, wagons had to be low-

ered by ropes.

• In 1911, work started from the

south end of the Lake to build an

east shore road with the work prima-

rily done by convict labor. It was

completed in September of 1946.

• Flathead Lake is currently

described as oligomesotrophic (olig-

otrophic means being deficient in

plant nutrients while mesotrophic

means having a moderate amount of

dissolved nutrients).

• In spite of its renowned purity,

studies at the Bio Station show the

water quality of Flathead Lake has

declined over the last decade due to

the combined effects of increased

pollution from human sources, ero-

sion of the shoreline caused by dam

operations and introduction of non-

native biota (flora and fauna).

• Average surface temperatures of

the lake range from 2.3° C (36°F) in

mid-January, to 13.5°C (56°F) in

mid-June, to 20.3°C (68°F) in mid-

August.

• Of the 25 fish species most com-

monly found in the Flathead River-

Lake ecosystem, 10 species are

native and 15 have been introduced.

The native species include redside

shiner, peamouth minnow, squawfish

minnow, largescale sucker, longnose

sucker, sculpin, bull trout, cutthroat

trout, pygmy whitefish and mountain

whitefish. Lake trout, lake whitefish

and yellow perch are the most com-

mon non-natives and have increased

in abundance since 1970, whereas

native species have declined.

Lake Facts

Warm weather beckons

more than just human visi-

tors to the valley — sightings of

bears rise with the temperature.

Dale Becker, CSKT Wildlife

Program Manager, reminds the

public that spring and summer on

the Flathead Reservation, with its

warmer temperatures and new veg-

etation, is accompanied by an

increase in bear activity. Soon after

bears emerge from their winter

dens they search for winter-killed

wildlife and vegetation, the pri-

mary sources of much-needed food

during spring months for bears.

Both black and grizzly bears

emerge from their den sites after

spending four to six months hiber-

nating. Females with cubs are par-

ticularly dangerous when they ven-

ture from their dens with new-

borns. Once bears become active

in the spring, they will begin their

search for food. Bears aggressively

protect food sources.

Be alert for signs of bear activi-

ty such as evidence of feeding on a

carcass, tracks, trampled vegeta-

tion, or scat. Do not approach

bears under any circumstances, and

make your presence know.

Becker reminds recreationists

that bears generally travel through

heavy tree and brush cover along

stream and wetland habitats, but

may also be found in open fields

and shrub thickets. The public

should be cautious when entering

dense cover that limits visibility to

avoid surprising a bear.

Bears are readily drawn by scent

of food items, garbage, pet foods,

gardens, fruit trees, birdseed and

hummingbird feeders, often result-

ing in bear and human conflicts.

To receive information on elimi-

nating bear attractants and con-

frontations, call the Tribal Wildlife

Management Program at (406)

883-2888. If a grizzly bear is

observed, please report it to the

Tribal Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Office at (406) 883-

2888 or to Tribal Law & Order

Dispatch at (406) 675-4700. Also

report black bear conflicts or prob-

lems to a Conservation Officer or

Tribal Dispatch. When calling

regarding a bear, always tell Tribal

Dispatch you are calling about a

bear problem or conflict.

BearSafety

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(continued from page 5)



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Climb the highest

point you can

find on the Mission

Valley floor, and you’d

still be under nearly a half-mile of

water in the days of Glacial Lake

Missoula, the largest known proglacial

(ice-dammed) lake in history.

From about 18,000 to 12,000 years

ago, a lake big enough to cause a

Noah’s Ark-scale flood covered much

of Northwestern Montana. The lake

formed as an arm of the Cordilleran

ice sheet reached into the Idaho

Panhandle and present-day Lake Pend

Oreille, damming the Clark Fork

River drainage. At its fullest, Glacial

Lake Missoula held more than 500

cubic miles of water — today’s Lake

Erie and Lake Ontario combined —

and reached 4,250 feet above sea

level. Geologists believe Lake

Missoula drained with catastrophic

flooding, but how many times severe

flooding occurred is up for debate. As

evidenced by sediment layers and old

lakeshore lines visible on surrounding

hills, the lake filled and drained at

least 50 times and possi-

bly more than 100, said

Dr. Gordon Warrington,

a member of the Glacial

Lake Missoula chapter of the Ice Age

Floods Institute. According to the

Institute, Glacial Lake Missoula

drained about every 40 to 140 years as

its waters pushed through the 2,000-

foot-thick Clark Fork ice dam.

If you’ve seen the popular chil-

dren’s movie “Ice Age 2: The

Meltdown,” you have some idea of

what the dam bursting would have

looked like, Warrington said. While

it’s unlikely that a squirrel pulling an

acorn out of the ice could cause the

dam to fail, as purported in the movie,

the dam probably burst in a matter of

an hour or two, and the ensuing tor-

rents of glacial floodwaters would

have been an incredible sight.

Whether anyone was there to see it is

another story, but some sacred tales of

the Kootenai Tribes imply that their

ancestors may have witnessed some

of the flooding, Warrington said, and

“there could have been a mammoth

around.”

Without eyewitnesses, it’s hard to

say what the lake itself would’ve

looked like, but it was most likely not

the vibrant bluish-green color depict-

ed in artists’ renderings, geologist

Norm Smyers said. As glaciers

migrated, the ice ground rocks into a

fine white powder known as glacial

flour, which would have given the

lake a milky appearance, perhaps with

browner areas where streams and

groundwater entered the lake.

“It was very likely a milky white,”

Smyers said. “It wasn’t clear … I’m

not saying there weren’t periods when

it looked (blue-green), but I doubt it.”

In modern-day glacial lakes, glacial

flour often turns the water turquoise,

in part due to the refraction of sun-

light. But Glacial Lake Missoula

would have had so much rock flour

suspended in its waters that light

couldn’t penetrate, Smyers explained.

Tom Foster graphic

Glacial Lake Missoula

by Melea Burke

Valley Journal

Melea Burke/Valley Journal

Strandlines from Glacial Lake Missoula on a Mission Valley hillside

500 cubic miles of water. An ice dam 2,000 feet thick.The world's largest known proglacial lake.

A lack of sunlight, along with glacial temperatures,

made the lake unfriendly to life, and no evidence has been

found to suggest that anything lived in Glacial Lake

Missoula, Smyers added. But the lake forever left its mark

on the region, carving out gullies, transporting giant rocks

encased in ice to new locations — even forming giant rip-

ples of earth along the lake bottom.

“What happened in a giant lake like this isn’t what hap-

pens in a static lake like Flathead (Lake),” Warrington said.

The first geologist to note curious features in the

Flathead Lake region was T.C. Chamberlin, head of the

glacial division of the U.S. Geological Survey. In a report

from 1885, he described “a series of parallel watermarks of

the nature of exceptionally slight terraces sweeping around

the sides of the valley and encircling the isolated hills with-

in it, like giant musical staves.”

“(Chamberlin) didn’t know what he was looking at at

that time,” Warrington said.

A quarter of a century later, J.T. Pardee argued in a

paper titled “The Glacial Lake Missoula” that a huge ice-

dammed lake had once covered much of Northwestern

Montana, but he offered no explanation as to where all the

water had gone. J Harlen Bretz took up that charge in the

1920s as he studied the channeled scablands of Eastern

Washington. He determined that a catastrophic flood must

have formed the scablands: “The only genetic interpreta-

tion yet proposed which is inherently harmonious and

which fits all known facts is that of a great flood of water

abruptly issuing from the Spokane icesheet,” Bretz told

colleagues at a meeting sponsored by the Geological

Society of Washington D.C., in 1927. But his idea was

rejected, partly because he didn’t know where the flood

could have originated.

In 1942, Pardee proposed that cataclysmic flooding had

formed features such as giant ripple marks in Camas

Prairie — these ripples had to have been caused by

“unusually large and rapid currents,” he wrote. This evi-

dence provided Bretz with a source for his giant flood, but

it would be decades later before a Glacial Lake Missoula

flood (or floods) was considered a sound explanation for

the giant ripples in Montana and the channeled scablands

in Washington.

Up until the 1960s, the idea of epic flooding in the

Western United States wasn’t widely accepted; most scien-

tists still bought into a theory that landscapes were formed

gradually, Warrington explained. With a relatively short

history of studying Glacial Lake Missoula, scientists still

have a lot to learn about this fantastic tale of one of the

world’s largest known floods.

For more information on the Ice Age Floods and the

Glacial Lake Missoula chapter of IAFI, visit www.iafi.org




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• Layered sediments –Spring Creek – U.S.Highway 93 between Arleeand Ravalli.

• Strandlines (wave cutshore lines) – NationalBison Range – north side.

• Giant ripple marks –Camas Prairie – pull offalong Highway 382 justsouth of Markle Pass.

• Erratics (rocks movedby glacial ice and deposit-ed) – National Bison Range– drive the loop in summer.

• Kolk (pit formed by anunderwater whirlpool) –Markle Pass – east side ofHighway 382.

• Gulch fill (rocks piledat the ends of gulches byfloodwaters) – many val-leys on the north side ofHighway 200 west ofRavalli.

• Polson Moraine (hillformed by glacial debrisand moving ice) – PolsonHill – south end ofFlathead Lake.

• Elmo Moraine – westof Elmo on Highway 28.

• Alpine Moraine – val-leys east of U.S. Highway93 – “U” shape extendingup the Mission Range.

• Erratics – sometimesburied – rock piles alongfarm fences.

• Lake bottom – valleysediments are 200 feet ormore deep – see down-stream from Polson Bridgeon the Flathead River.

Where to see Glacial Lake Missoula

features


Northwestern Montana is known

for it’s scenic beauty and

wealth of outdoor activities for both

tourists and those who call this area

home.

There are six state parks in Lake

County, offering multiple locations to

fish, hike, camp, and swim. Five of the

six are located on Flathead Lake: Wild

Horse Island State Park, Big Arm,

Yellow Bay, Finley Point, and West

Shore. The sixth park is at Lake Mary

Ronan, a smaller lake located north-

west of Dayton, Mont.

Flathead Lake, the largest natural

freshwater lake west of the Mississippi

River, offers world-renowned fishing

opportunities. Anglers who are not

members of the Confederated Salish

and Kootenai Tribes will need a

Flathead Reservation Use Permit/State

Conservation License with joint fishing

stamp attached when fishing on the

Flathead Indian Reservation. The

Flathead Reservation includes the

southern half of Flathead Lake. (See

related sidebar for fishing/conservation

license purchase locations.)

A new campsite reservation system

is now available for most state parks

during the peak season of May 27-

Sept 5 by calling 855-922-6768 toll

free between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. week-

days and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends; or

go to campmt.com.

Wild Horse Island State Park

Wild Horse is Flathead Lake’s

largest island and offers a remote get-

away for adventure-seekers. The

2,163-acre island was once used by

Salish and Kootenai Indians as pasture-

land for their horses. The island was

also used as way to protect the herd

from being stolen by neighboring

tribes.

According to Dave Landstrom of

Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, the

island is now home to six wild horses,

as one mare gave birth this spring.

Landstrom urges visitors to Wild

Horse Island not to approach or feed

any wildlife, including the horses.

“It has recently become a problem

when one visitor brought a bag of

apples,” Landstrom said. “Now the

horses are approaching visitors and that

is not a good thing.”

The park is open all year. Visitors

can beach their boats at one of the six

public landing sites, as there are no

public docks on the island. According

to Montana FWP, visitors need to be

cautious of wind, as it can come up

without warning. All boats must be tied

to live trees to prevent from blowing

away.

There are a number of hiking trails

throughout the island, with many

opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Some of the animals visitors may see

include: big horn sheep, mule deer,

songbirds, and bald eagles to name a

few.

“The island is by far the best place

to view wildlife out of any state park in

Lake County,” Landstrom said.

Access to the island is by boat only,

with Big Arm State Park being the

nearest public boat launch.

Big Arm

Located on Hwy 93, Big Arm State

Park is 13 miles north of Polson.

Visitors can enjoy the long pebble

beach for swimming and sunbathing,

go fishing for lake trout, board sailing,

boating, picnicking, bicycling, hiking

on the two and a half mile trail,

wildlife viewing, scuba diving and

water skiing.

The park is open year-round and is

has tent and RV sites for campers

along with bear resistant storage lock-

ers. Each campsite is equipped with

sheltered picnic tables and fire rings.

Yellow Bay

Located in the heart of Montana’s

sweet cherry orchards, Yellow Bay

State Park is surrounded by fields of

white cherry blossoms in spring. Open

year-round, Yellow Bay has a sandy

beach for swimming and sun bathing

or can serve as a fishing access site in

the winter. Visitors can enjoy scuba

diving, bird watching, boating and

fishing at the park. Yellow Bay is

located 15 miles north of Polson on

Montana Highway 35.

Finley Point

Located in a quiet pine forest on the

south end of Flathead Lake, Finley

Point State Park offers fishing access, a

boat launch, and camping.

Open May 1 – Sept 30, the park has

State Parks

Mike Moore/Valley Journal

Big Arm State Park

by Mike Moore

Valley Journal



(406) 883-4233 (406) 261-4461

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electrical hookups, picnic tables and fire rings.

Campfire wood is also available on site along with boat

slips and mooring lines.

For those planning a day trip, Finley Point visitors

can take a short hike around the 28 acre park, jump in

the lake to cool down or fish from land.

West Shore

Located in a mature forest overlooking Flathead

Lake, West Shore State Park is another location to

explore and enjoy a scenic area of the lake. The park

has glacially-carved rock outcrops, which give visitors

views of Flathead Lake, as well as the Swan and

Mission Mountains. The rocky shoreline provides

anglers with exceptional fishing, as many fish seek

refuge in the rocks.

At 129 acres, the park has a wealth of outdoor activi-

ties for visitors. Activities include picnicking, swim-

ming, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, photography,

wildlife viewing, ice fishing, and bird watching.

The park offers fire rings, firewood, picnic tables,

trashcans, drinking water and 26 camping sites.

The park is located six miles south of Kalispell on

Hwy. 93.

Lake Mary Ronan

The only park not located on tribal land is Lake

Mary Ronan. Located approximately eight miles north-

west of Dayton off Lake Mary Ronan Highway, the

secluded park surrounds the lake. Shaded by Douglas

fir and Western Larch, the area offers scenic views

throughout the park.

Fishing for Kokanee salmon, Cutthroat and Rainbow

trout, and Largemouth bass is good year round at Lake

Mary Ronan.

The park offers numerous trails into the surrounding

areas abundant in wildflowers and wildlife. Also while

hiking, visitors have the opportunity to hunt wild mush-

rooms, pick huckleberries, and spot birds along trails.

According to FWP, the park has been recently reno-

vated, and should be open by Memorial Day weekend.

New additions include pavement, electricity at individ-

ual campsites, a group campground area and additional

boat trailer parking.


Flathead Lake near Big Arm

vj


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Phone: (406) 676-5507

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Early detection and treatment of oral health problems can ensure a lifetime of good general health.

20 Dayton St. S.W. • Ronan

www.ronandental.com

Stephen Culp D.D.S.

Nintendo • Sony • MicrosoftPolsons Own “The Pit” Gaming Lounge

•• VViiddeeoo GGaammeess

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316 B Main Street, Polson • 883-8606 • polsongaminggarage.com

™

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Maintain Your Game!

Even when one’s

alone on the

water, it’s important to

remember that the per-

son operating a boat is responsible

for any damage done by the wake of

the boat.

When being passed by another

boat, slow the speed of your vessel

to allow a safe passing.

Always enter an anchorage or

mooring area at a slow speed, so that

others in the area aren’t disrupted by

an uncomfortable wake.

Never pull a boat too close to an

anchored boat, as anchor lines can

become tangled, and wind can bang

boats against each other.

Before anchoring, evaluate the

intended behavior on your boat. The

more commotion through music,

pets, and people on board, the fur-

ther away your boat should be

docked from others.

Before approaching a boat ramp

begin your pre-launch preparations

in the parking lot, such as removing

tie-downs, to avoid creating a long

line of angry boaters waiting to

launch.

When loading a boat, never leave

the boat parked at the ramp while

retrieving one’s vehicle; instead,

beach boats off the ramp to keep the

area clear for others.

While on the water, if your boat is

in motion, always keep an eye out

for swimmers and others sharing the

water.

According to the MT FWP web-

site, people need to be careful not to

spread aquatic invasive species.

To prevent this spread, remove all

mud and aquatic plants from your

vehicle, boat, anchor, trailer and

axles, waders, boots,

and fishing gear before

departing a fishing

access site or boat

dock. (See related story on page 35.)

Also, drain all water from your

boat and equipment, including cool-

ers, buckets, and live wells before

departing an access site.

According to the FWP, do not

load a boat with passengers or cargo

beyond its safe carrying capacity,

taking into consideration weather

and operating conditions.

Always distribute weight of pas-

sengers and gear evenly.

One’s boat should always have

emergency gear, such as a throw

rope, signaling mirror, rescue blan-

ket, and matches in a waterproof

container.

According to FWP employee

Mike Gurnett in a press release, if

operating or riding a jet ski, or being

towed behind a boat, the law

requires that person to wear a Coast

Guard Approved Life Jacket.

Children under 12 must wear a

life jacket on boats less than 26 feet

long anytime the boat is in motion.

Though it doesn’t have to be worn

at all times, the law requires an

approved life jacket for every person

on the boat.

Other items required by Montana

or Federal Law:

• A PFD (personal flotation

device) that can be thrown

• A working fire extinguisher

should be on all motor boats

• Whistle or horn

• Navigational lights

• Registration documents, boat

number, permanent decal and valida-

tion decals

Boating safety

file photo

Boating on Flathead Lake

by Mike Moore

Valley Journal



“”

VACATIONS • FAMILY REUNIONS • WEDDINGS

Our family reunion here could not have been better. The location and

facilities were better than hoped for. Photos and words are not enough to describe the beautyand peacefulness of this place. Our family of 17 had ample room and were all

extremely comfortable. We loved the well-stocked kitchen and dining area.

The children practically lived by, on, or in the water the entire time. ‘Positive’ is not a strong

enough word to rate this vacation home. It was truly fantastic in every way!

Carol R. Libby, Montana

6,200 SQ. FT. • 7 BEDROOMS • 3.5 BATHROOMS • GAME ROOM • LARGE DECK • PRIVATE D0CK

Available all year ‘round. Reserve now.

www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p205260 • (805) 659-0740 • [email protected]

Home also available to buy. Please contact David McCarthy for more information.

Amazinglakefront

rental


June 14-17 for kids ages 8-14 will be held at thePolson Fairgrounds.

Rodeo Bible Camp

Cost is $150 per camper. Register by calling Holly Porter at 207-4102, Jill Hoyt, at 644-2713 or e-mail [email protected]

Event run by Riders for the Son, a chapter of FCC

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTDays we will be open are Monday through Thursday,

7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is our intention to operate on

this schedule through October 15, 2011 (excluding holidays).

36079 Pablo West Rd. ~ Pablo, MT 59855883-7900 or 675-7900

After an afternoon of dodging pot-holes the size of small cars, bounc-ing over bumps that leave my kid-neys aching and crossing roads thatbarely qualify as cow paths, I amfinally getting the chance to look atwhat I went through all of this to see:a baby bald eagle.With the sun setting at my back andthe spotting scope resting on thehood of my jeep, I cross one morething off the list of things I have beenwanting to see on the backroads ofMontana.Since moving to Montana from Texasin September, I have found thatexploring the backroads and seldomused car paths around the MissionValley can be one of the most enjoy-able ways to pass time. With myfour-wheel drive Jeep Liberty, anextra can of gas and a few bottles ofwater, an afternoon can quickly go

from the prospect of a boring timesitting around the house to a adven-ture with endless possibilities.For those willing to take the timesearch for them, the rural countryroads around the Mission Valley offeran endless variety of amazing sights.Since moving to the area eightmonths ago, I have seen amazingwaterfalls, countless birds of prey,unbelievable views of the MissionMountains, mounds and mounds offresh snow and even a meteor show-er. That doesn’t mean that exploring thebackroads does not have its draw-backs. Just recently, I wound upstuck in the field in the middle of thenight with no way out after taking atrail up a steep hill that I could notgo back down. Stories like that arethe exceptions to the rule, though.There are a few things to considerbefore heading out into the middle ofnowhere.It’s always a good plan to let some-one know where you are going andwhen you plan to be back.

Back roads

Exploring the backroads of Montana

Jeremy Weber/Valley Journal

Wolf hiding in the woods


by Jeremy Weber

lost and loving it



Woods Bay – 14692 Sylvan DrProctor – 45642 Lake Mary Ronan Rd Ferndale – 13003 Hwy 83Elmo – 49529 Hwy 28

Swan – 25781 Hwy 83Charlo – 55633 Herak RdRavalli – 66972 N Valley Creek Rd

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AAcccceeppttaabbllee WWaasstteess::Household Waste • Garbage • Dead Animals

Used Refrigerators and FreezersBrush • Tree Trimmings • Stumps

Untreated, unglued, unpainted wood wasteConcrete (without exposed rebar)

RReeccyyccllaabblleess::(Must Be Clean and Separated)

Cardboard • Newspaper • Office Paper • Magazines Aluminum and Steel Cans • Rigid Plastic (#1 - #7) Sorted

Ferrous & Nonferrous MetalsUsed Motor Oil • Antifreeze • Lead Batteries.

CCOONNSSTTRRUUCCTTIIOONN && DDEEMMOOLLIITTIIOONN DDEEBBRRIISS LLAANNDDFFIILLLL3399227766 KKeerrrr DDaamm RRdd,, PPoollssoonn,, MMTT 5599886600

883-5412Open 8am to 5pm, Tuesday - Saturday

Except For Legal Holidays.

AAcccceeppttaabbllee WWaasstteess::Construction & Demolition Debris • Large Bulky Items Scrap Metal

• Compostable Yard Waste

SSEEVVEENN RRUURRAALL CCOONNTTAAIINNEERR SSIITTEESS:: Open 7am to 7pm, Seven Days A Week

Except For Legal Holidays.

AAcccceeppttaabbllee WWaasstteess::ONLY Residential / Household Wastes and Quantities

Lake County Waste Disposal and Recyling Information

Lake County Waste Disposal and Recyling Information

CCOONNTTRROOLL ((CCOOVVEERR)) AALLLL LLOOAADDSS PPLLEEAASSEE CCOONNTTAACCTT OOFFFFIICCEE FFOORR PPRROOPPEERR WWAASSTTEE DDIISSPPOOSSAALL

888833--77332233

CCOONNTTRROOLL ((CCOOVVEERR)) AALLLL LLOOAADDSS PPLLEEAASSEE CCOONNTTAACCTT OOFFFFIICCEE FFOORR PPRROOPPEERR WWAASSTTEE DDIISSPPOOSSAALL

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Unexpected things can happen and itis never fun to be stranded in themiddle of nowhere with no prospectof help.It is always helpful to have a reliablecell phone with you, preferably onethat is fully charged and holds acharge well. There may not always becell phone coverage on the back-roads, but if there is an emergencythere is always the chance that youwill have a usable signal (that is ifyour friends answer their phones: youknow who you are).I usually also make sure to have afew bottles of water and some foodalong for my trips to nowhere as wellas a blanket, a flashlight and somematches.

It is also good to have an idea ofwhere you are headed and where theroads lead. Even if you do have adecent idea of where you are head-ed, I have learned that a good GPSunit is worth its weight in gold in thebackcountry. More than once I havefound myself on a road where Ithought I knew where I was only tofind myself completely lost. Therewere many times that I might nothave ever found my way back to civi-lization without my GPS unit.Then there are the things you mightwant with you that are not quite soobvious.I have learned that it can be veryuseful to have a chainsaw in your


Bald Eaglet

see page 16


WWee’’vvee ggoott wwhhaatt yyoouu nneeeedd ffoorr tthhee ssttyyllee yyoouu wwaanntt!!

Hair• Men, Women & Kids’ Hair Shaping • Partial & Full Highlights • Color Correction• Root Retouch• All Over Color• Color Gloss

• Hair Tinsel• Texturing Service• Permanent Wave• Partial Permanent Wave• Color Gloss • Deep Conditioning

• Eyelash Extensions• Extension Services• Extension Removal • Facial Waxing• Makeup Application• Set and Style• Special Occasion

Upstyle• Bridal Upstyle

Extras

8 4th Avenue East • Polson888833--55666666

• Manicure• Children's

Mini-Mani• MAN-Icure

(men's manicure)• Pedicure

• Children's Mini-Pedi • Acrylic Full Set

• Acrylic Fill

Nails

Anchored to our community ...

working toward your future.

EAGLE BANKOf the land, lake and people.

S&K BANCORP

www.eaglebankmt.com

A tribally owned bank for the whole

community.

80 Heritage Lane • Polson • 883-2940Located next to WalMart on Heritage Lane.

vehicle. Several times I have followeda road miles and miles into the middleof nowhere, only to have to turnaround when a fallen tree blocks thepath of the road. I am not only talkingabout the small roads either. Earlierthis winter I traveled throughYellowstone National Park all the wayto the outskirts of Cooke City only tohave to turn around on a frozen, snowcovered road five miles from townbecause a large fir had fallen in thenight to block the road.A strong rope or a chain can alsocome in handy, especially on muddypaths where it is easy to get stuck.Likewise, a pair of sturdy woodenplanks and a shovel can be helpful forgetting out of a muddy spot.Depending on where you go, a freshcan of bear spray can literally be alifesaver.A sharp knife is a good thing to havealong, too. You might not ever thinkabout having a knife with you until youfind yourself needing one. A pair or two of extra socks can comein handy on muddy trails where youmight end up stepping though a fewpuddles. Insect repellant is a must forthe hotter months, plus a good hatcan help prevent painful sunburns.So, where are the good places to go,you may be asking. The answer is justabout anywhere. You never knowwhat might be waiting around thatnext bend in the road or over the nexthill. The only way to find out is bygoing there.As for me, some of my favorite placesI have discovered so far have beenalong the Flathead River near Dixonand Moiese and the small roadsbetween St. Ignatius and Seeley Lake.If you really want to get off the beatenpath, I suggest some of the beautifulviews that can be found with the useof a tribal conservation permit. Thispermit allows access to the area landowned by the Salish and Kootenaitribes, much of which offers spectacu-lar views that could not be seen else-where. These permits are available at localsporting goods stores and the PolsonWalmart.No matter where you decide to go,make sure to plan ahead and to enjoythe journey.

Back roads


Waterfall east of St. Ignatiusvj


You may have heard of it, but to most peo-

ple, the term is still foreign. Since its cre-

ation in 2000 by a computer consultant

in Portland, Ore., geocaching

has grown to involve more

than 5 million partici-

pants worldwide. So

what’s all the fuss

about?

According to geocaching.com, all

you need to get started in the high-

tech treasure-hunting game — or

sport, for you serious geo-

cachers — is a GPS device and a sense

of adventure. Using the website geo-

caching.com, you can find caches hid-

den near you, program the coordi-

nates into your GPS, and then the

hunt begins. Caches can range

from a tiny cylinder containing

only a log book for geo-

cachers to sign as proof that

they found it, to large ammuni-

tion boxes filled with trinkets

and small prizes, known as

“SWAG” (stuff we all get).

Geocachers measure their

successes in “finds,” counting

how many caches they’ve

located, but for most, the real

thrill is the hunt. You never

know where the search will

take you, and it’s often to a

scenic or interesting out-of-the-

way place.

“(Geocaching) gets you out-

doors; you find places that you

never knew were there,” Polson geo-

cacher Kaley Radermacher

explained.

Radermacher, who moved to

Polson from Minnesota nearly two

years ago, first learned about geocaching from a

friend’s uncle who explained that he used his

handheld GPS to find caches hidden by other

people. The game sounded too specialized and

elite to involve ordinary Minnesotans,

Radermacher thought, but she soon learned how

wrong she was — more than 300 geocaches were

listed in her college town alone.

“In all honesty I was shocked; at first I could-

n’t believe that there would be geocaches in

Mankato, Minnesota,” she said.

Radermacher was hooked; soon she bought her

own GPS and geocached during her move to

Polson. Two years later, she’s logged more than

300 finds and “owns” around 10 caches herself,

meaning she hid and maintains the caches. She’s

found Polson to be a great geocaching town, with

a dedicated group of enthusiasts who’ve placed

around 50 caches in the Polson area.

Montana seems to be the perfect geocaching

state, with endless beautiful scenery and hidden

gems to discover while searching for caches, a

fact the Polson Geocachers group use to their

advantage.



Geocaching

by Melea Burke

Valley Journal


Geocaching around Flathead Lake

see page 18

high-techadventure

Local caches range from simple stops on pullouts

along U.S. Highway 93 to more strenuous mountain

hikes and even spelunking. For those with access to

a boat, several caches on Wild Horse Island and

other smaller Flathead Lake islands offer adventur-

ous summer day trips. Each state park around

Flathead Lake boasts at least one geocache — if

you’re interested in hiding a cache, check out

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ geocaching page

at www.fwp.mt.gov/parks/permits/geocaching.html.

Geocaching enhances any vacation, Polson geo-

caching guru Doug Crosby noted. Since getting into

the sport about two years ago, he’s hidden more

than two dozen creative caches in the Polson area

and logged more than 280 finds from Montana to

New Zealand.

“Pretty much everywhere I travel now, I try to do

some (geocaching),” he said.

During road trips, hunting a cache is the perfect

excuse to stop and stretch your legs, and it keeps

you excited about driving as you get closer to the

next cache, Kaupa explained.

“It relieves the stress of the road and brings you

to new places off the highway that you would never

discover without geocaching,” she said.

From “park-and-grab” caches conveniently locat-

ed at rest stops, highway pullouts and scenic points

to extreme adventure caches requiring overnight

hikes, geocaching has something to offer for every

age and ability. Each cache is rated between one

and five stars on terrain (how strenuous accessing

the cache location is) and difficulty (how tricky it is

to find once you reach “ground zero”).


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Underground geocaching

Geocaching

see page 19




Find something new and vintage you can’t live without at the Vintage Rose.

• antique furniture

• locally made unique furniture

• handmade & vintage jewelry

• vintage glassware, china & serving pieces

More than 100 dealers &

consignees

Coffee ShopOpen 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Located inside Vintage Rose

Open Mon. - Sat. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.• Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

676-767362599 Hwy. 93 Ronan

(406) 676-055862599 Hwy. 93 Ronan

[email protected]

• Fresh pastries

• Daily lunch specials

• Locally roasted coffee

VViinnttaaggee RRoossee,, LLLLCCVViinnttaaggee RRoossee,, LLLLCC

“special something” Looking for that

“special something” to add to your collection?

Stop by and exploreour campus this

summer!

SSaalliisshh KKooootteennaaii CCoolllleeggee

Education

Leadership

Wisdom

www.skc.edu(406) 275-4800 • Hwy 93, Pablo

Food & BeverageConcessions Available

for more information - www.polsonfairgroundsinc.com

Rodeo 8 p.m. both nights!

Polson Fairgrounds Arena883-1100

Mission Mountain

RodeoFriday & Saturday, June 24 & 25

Youth events begin at 7 p.m.

In addition to the traditional cache

that’s just a container of any size hid-

den in one spot, there are a variety of

other cache types. Multi-caches bring

geocachers to an initial location where

they must follow hints to reach suc-

cessive locations and finally, the phys-

ical cache itself. Mystery or puzzle

caches require the geocacher to solve

a puzzle or riddle, sometimes very

complex, to get the coordinates for the

cache. And the newest form of geo-

caching brings together several

caching elements and puts the geo-

cacher in the dark with night caches.

For these caches, you’ll need a head-

lamp or flashlight along with a GPS.

The coordinates given take the geo-

cacher to the first of a series of small

reflective tacks placed on trees, posts,

rocks, signs or anywhere else they

won’t be easily noticed in the day-

light. Once you’ve found the first

tack, you’ll use a light to try and spot

the next reflective marker, and so on

until you reach the final marker, usu-

ally signified by a three tacks in a

stoplight or triangle formation. Then

the hunt for the actual cache begins,

made even trickier under cover of

darkness.

“It’s definitely more adventurous,”

Radermacher said of night-caching.

For a listing of caches near you and

to learn more about getting involved

with this ever-evolving activity, visit

www.geocaching.com. And if you’re

in the Polson area, look up Polson

Geocachers on Facebook or contact

Crosby for pointers.

“I’m more than happy to take peo-

ple out (geocaching) and show them

around,” Crosby said.

Geocaching

vj

Boys and Girls Club

Summer is just around the bend

and the Boys and Girls Clubs of

the Flathead Reservation and Lake

County are gearing up. The clubs will

be closed June 6-10 for summer clean-

ing and will reopen June 13 for their

summer programs.

Located in Ronan at 63055 Hwy. 93

and in Polson at 110 Sixth Ave. E. (two

blocks south of the courthouse in the

basement of St. Andrew’s Episcopal

Church), the Boys and Girls Clubs cur-

rently offer after school programming

from 3 to 7 p.m. Early out days, and no

school days (including summer hours)

are Monday – Friday from 12 to 6 p.m.

A Friday night teen program for the

summer may be available with enough

interest.

A complete schedule of summer

activities, which run June 13-Aug. 19,

will be posted the club’s website:

www.bgclynx.org by June 1.

Here is a sneak peak at what club

members from 6-18 years of age will

be able to participate in: twice a week

field trips to different businesses and

scenic sights, gardening club, chicken

raising club, swimming, swimming les-

sons, arts and crafts, outdoor activities,

horse riding clinics and much more.

Any child between the ages of 6 and

18 is welcome to join. For more infor-

mation about membership in either

Ronan or Polson please visit the web-

site or stop by or call either the Ronan

Club at 676-5437 or the Polson Club at

883-0521. The Boys and Girls Club of

the Flathead Reservation and Lake

County is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organi-

zation chartered by the Boys and Girls

Clubs of America.


LocallyOwned

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The Mission Valley has a lot of

natural beauty to offer visitors

— swimming, fishing and boating in

Flathead Lake and area rivers, hiking,

walking trails connecting Polson and

Ronan, forests, sweet cherry and apple

orchards, mountain lakes. Another

recreation area is the Flathead River

corridor, 72.1 miles of the Flathead

River from Kerr Dam to its confluence

with the Clark Fork River. Of those

miles, 68 miles are within the Flathead

Reservation, and fishermen, floaters,

birdwatchers, wildlife fans, campers,

hikers and people who just want to get

away for a few days all enjoy the area.

Most people forget that tribal land is

private land. However, the tribe gra-

ciously allows recreation on the

Flathead River. All non-tribal mem-

bers 12 years and older must have a

valid Flathead Reservation Use Permit

and the appropriate activity stamp —

fishing, bird hunting or camping — in

their possession whenever they’re

recreating on the Flathead

Reservation.

Permits are $12 for non-tribal

Flathead Reservation residents and

$15 for non-tribal Montana and out-

of-state residents. The fees fund con-

servation and education programs,

search and rescue and law enforce-

ment.

“The river is a remarkable

resource, incredibly important to the

tribe,” Germaine White, information

officer for the CSKT Natural

Resources Department.

The CSKT tribes celebrate the river

every year at the River Honoring held

in May at the traditional spot near

Moiese.

Division Manager for Tribal Fish,

Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation

Tom McDonald agreed.

“The river is the highway; it has

been for thousands of years,” he said.

In times past, the river transported

people, hunting and war parties,

moved furs to trading posts and goods

back to villages and provided water.

The river also was a source of fish,

such as bull trout, westslope cutthroat,

longnose sucker, large-scale sucker,

northern pikeminnow and mountain

whitefish.

McDonald said by plan and by

CSKT Tribal Council directive, devel-

opment has been kept at bay for half a

mile on each side of the river. A quar-

ter mile on

each side of

the lower

Flathead

River is the

core area, and

a half-mile is

the corridor

area.

“Basically

the lower

Flathead

River is

unique,”

McDonald

explained,

“more and more as time goes by.”

Even the Smith River, another

famous Montana river, has

“McMansions,” as does the Clark

Fork.

But sometimes there are problems

with recreation activities on the lower

Flathead River.

“It’s a delicate ecosystem, fairly dry

… there’s not much rain, plants are

easily uprooted. Damage and distur-

bance have long-lasting effects,”

CSKT Wildland Recreation Program

Manager Lester Bigcrane said.

One of the biggest offenses is off-

road traffic, all terrain vehicles, four

wheelers, dirt bikes or even pickups.

These vehicles all have deep tire

treads that dig into the ground to get

traction.

“First time, they make a track.

Second time

it’s a road,”

White said.

“One pass,

going fast,”

Bigcrane

explained,

”and the grass

and vegeta-

tion is down

to bare soil.”

Just taking

a pickup off-

road and driv-

ing up and

down hills

removes vegetation and compacts the

soil, making it more difficult for the

vegetation to re-establish itself.

The whole issue of off-road traffic

is a major concern of the Salish and

Kootenai elders. Bigcrane said the eld-

ers have environmental concerns

reservation-wide. With the price of

off-road vehicles coming down and

more people with disposable income,

there has been an explosion of ATV

and four-wheeler use along the river.

The Elders stated the damage to the

vegetation as well as culturally sensi-

tive plants and traditional roots, such

as the bitterroot, are of concern to

them. If things don’t improve, recre-

ational areas most impacted, especially

those along the river, could be closed.

Restoration would consist of

decompacting the soil and reseeding

native vegetation. There have been no

closures yet, there will be more moni-

toring this summer. Other issues of

concern for the lower Flathead River

are vandalism, noxious weeds and

excessive livestock grazing.

To keep the river corridor open to

the public, follow these regulations

when camping, fishing, hiking or

recreating on the lower Flathead and

request the complete rules with a use

permit:

• Use established camping sites

with a fire ring.

• Keep a clean camp, pack it in and

pack it out.

• New food storage rules include no

food on tables overnight, keep food

inside enclosed vehicles, hanging from

a tree or in a bear proof container.

• No camping on the islands,

because of wildlife concerns and water

level might fluctuate.

• Catch and release trout when fish-

ing.

• Camp fires should be attended.

• Life jackets are required.

Bigcrane complimented many

campers and recreators for doing more

than their share and hauling out other

people’s garbage as well as their own.

And remember Bigcrane’s wisdom:

“keep it as light on the land as possi-

ble.”




Lower Flathead River near Buffalo Bridge

LowerFlatheadRiver

by Berl Tiskus

Valley Journal

““

Basically, theLower Flathead

River is uniquemore and more

as time goes by.



UPWARD BOUND & GEAR UP

Upward Bound provides 80 low-income, potentially first-generation college

students with the motivation and academic skills necessary for success in

high school and post-secondary education.

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate

Programs. Salish Kootenai College GEAR UP serves 250 Ronan and Two Eagle

River School students. The cohort is comprised of future 2011-2012 graduates.

We are currently accepting

applications for the summer

component. For more

information call Heather at

Salish Kootenai College: 275-4988.

• Academic tutoring & advising

• Cultural enrichment

• College and career planning

• ACT preparation

• Educational and college visitations

• Financial aid & scholarship assistance

• Stipends (Upward Bound)

• Six-week summer camp at SKC

Program Services

What is Upward Bound?

What is GEAR UP?

Can you dig it?

Federally-Funded College-Preparatory Programs

Salish Kootenai College

Thermal hot springs can provide a relaxing

soak, or a full day of fun for the family and

are a unique way to enjoy one of Montana’s natu-

ral wonders. Hot springs are formed many differ-

ent ways, creating vastly different springs. The

nearby town of Hot Springs offers multiple soak-

ing spots and is one of the most researched and

unique thermal areas in Montana.

According to Senior Research Hydrogeologist

at Montana Tech, Ginette Abdo, the geothermal

area around Hot Springs in one of the most fasci-

nating in the state because springs come from

artesian flowing wells. These wells were created

by drilling into an aquifer where the pressure

inside the aquifer forces groundwater to rise

above land naturally without a pump.

Artesian flowing wells are common throughout

the Rocky Mountain Region, yet, what makes Hot

Springs so special is that the water is heated

through geothermal features.

According to Abdo, the water comes from a

natural underground aquifer, which is heated by

area faults in the earth’s crust. The water perme-

ates through a layer of thick clay, which was left

from Glacial Lake Missoula during the last major

glaciation.

According to Professional Scientist at Montana

Tech, Garrett Smith, the clay is estimated to be

12-15,000 years old.

“The clay is a fine grain that accumulated over

time,” Garrett said.

“It’s a geologic phenomenon,” Symes Hot

Springs owner Leslee Smith said, “The water

comes up through the rocks under its own pres-

sure.”

According to Leslee, the water is pumped up

through pipes in four locations in Hot Springs,

and one outside town:

by Mike Moore

Valley Journal

file photo

Jerry Johnson hot springs in Idaho

see page 24

Montanahot springs

Symes Hot Springs

Located in Hot Springs, the Symes

Hot Springs resort takes visitors back

to the 1940’s with the flamingo-pink,

mission style hotel. The year round

resort has individual claw-foot tubs

that can have the temperature adjust-

ed. There are also outdoor pools,

where the artesian well water free

flows from the

upper pool to a lower larger pool.

Smith says the high mineral water

is good for the body, but not for any

jewelry one may be wearing.

“The sulfur can tarnish the silver,”

Leslee said, “but, sulfur is a good

antibiotic, and also has good health

effects.”

The resort is located on Wall

Street, in the northwest part of town.

Camas Hot Springs

On the edge of town, tribally

owned Camas Hot Springs is a free

location to enjoy a soak. Though the

site receives little upkeep, the two hot

water plunges are still visited by

many year round.

The larger pool, a 10 by 15 foot

concrete pool approximately four feet

deep attracts many bathers. The water

in both pools is approximately 104

degrees at all times.

The area is equipped with a public

restroom and water hoses to wash off.

All vehicles must be out of the

parking lot by 10 p.m., however,

bathers are allowed to soak until mid-

night.

Camas Hot Springs is located on

the northern side of town, on Spring

Street.

Wild Horse Hot Springs

Visitors who want a private hot

springs experience can visit Wild

Horse Hot Springs, which offers an

isolated bathhouse, along with private

soaking rooms. The year round resort

is privately owned, with an admission

fee charged to use to private pools.

The hot pools in each room are

three feet deep, and seven by eight

feet.

Rooms are equipped with a sauna,

sink, toilet, and shower, along with

complete privacy.

The water is adjusted to 104

degrees in every room, yet individu-

als can increase or decrease the tem-

perature at their own desire.

According to Garrett, the source

that Wild Horse draws its water from

has limited connection to the source

found in the town of Hot Springs.

Wild Horse Hot Springs is located

north of the town of Hot Springs off

of MT (Montana Highway) 28 on

Camp Aqua Road.

Alameda’s Hot Springs Resort

Also located in the town of Hot

Springs is cozy and quaint Alameda’s

Hot Springs Resort. Visitors can

enjoy relaxing soaks in private tubs,

or visit take a walk around the spa-

cious garden. The hotel itself some-

thing to see, as it has a vintage 30s

feel.

The resort plans on building a large

soaking pool in the future, so private

soaks are only available.

The business is located on Spring

Street in Hot Springs.

Rose’s Plunge and Recreation

Center

Attached to the side of the recre-

ation center, Rose’s is a local soaking

spot for the town of Hot Springs. The

pool is drained every day and refilled

each morning.

Safety tips

• Thermal hot springs can fluctuate

in temperature, so it is important to

test the water temperature before

plunging in.

• Most mineral pools are not chlo-

rinated so it’s important to always

keep one’s head above the water, as

amoebae and bacteria can be in the

water.

• It’s important to keep hydrated

with nonalcoholic fluids during a

long soak, as one’s body temperature

will increase.


for more infomation call 883-1042

www.polsonchamber.com

Join us for the

August 5 & 6 -2011 Downtown PolsonFriday - Poker Run,

evening car cruise,

picnic in the park

Saturday - Car show,

poker walk,

$50/$50 & awards

The best nostalgia show ever!

a little “Me” time

• Swedish

• Hot Stone

• Deep Tissue

Melt your stress away, call Brianna for your appointment today!

Lymphatic Drainage • Doula Services • Raindrop Therapy

• Prenatal

• Ear

Candling

(406) 253-4968#6 Third Ave. W., Polson www.satorimassage.net

MontanaHot Springs

vj

(continued from page 23)“It’s a geologic phenomenon.The watercomes up through the rocks under its

own pressure.”


Selection & Style

Largest selection of qualitymen’s & women’s clothing in

the Mission Valley!

7 days a week inDowntown

Polson

www.firstresortclothing.com219 Main, Polson • 883-2129

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A Quality Mens & Womens Clothing Storeopen 7 days

a week

Have a picnic lunch or maybe

you want to take your children

swimming? Below is a list of parks in

Polson, Ronan, Charlo and St.

Ignatius as well as the amenities in

each park.

Polson• Boettcher Park is located on

Flathead Lake next to Polson Bay

Golf Club. It boasts picnic tables and

shelters, a swimming area and dock, a

playground, restrooms, a shower,

concessions stand, a volleyball court

and horseshoe pits. Reservations may

be made for either one of three cov-

ered group shelter by contacting

Polson City Hall at 883-8203. A

small fee is charged.

• Ducharme Park is on US Hwy. 93

with an outstanding view of Flathead

Lake. The park is shady and includes

benches and a grassy area.

• Sacajawea Park can be found

north of the Armed Forces Memorial

Bridge on the shore of Flathead Lake.

Take a break for lunch at the picnic

tables or benches. Restrooms are

located on the north end of the park.

• On the south side of the Armed

Forces Memorial Bridge is Riverside

Park. Located on the Flathead River,

the park has a swimming area, a boat

launch ramp, a children’s playground,

picnic tables, one shelter, benches, a

volleyball court and restrooms as well

as grassy areas and trees.

• Polson’s newest park is the

Salish Point Park on Flathead Lake

behind the KwaTaqNuk Resort.

Along with a swim area and swim-

ming platforms, Salish Point features

a fishing dock, a boat launch, slips

for boats to pull into, a grassy area

for picnicking and vault toilets.

Parks in theMission Valley


Skate Ignatius



• O'Maley Park hosts American

Legion baseball games and is locat-

ed at the intersection of 11th Avenue

East and Second Street East. The

park consists of an a baseball field, a

Little League baseball field, a con-

cession stand (during games), rest-

rooms, two basketball courts and

picnic tables.

• Pomajevich Park, at the intersec-

tion of 12th Avenue East and Second

Street East,is primarily a baseball

field but also includes a children's

playground and restrooms.

• Seventh Avenue Skate

Park/Sports Complex can be found

at 603 Seventh Avenue West.

Besides the skate park, there are

informal soccer fields, two ball

fields, a basketball court, a play-

ground for small children, a shelter

with a picnic table and restrooms

near the ball fields.

• And don’t forget the dogs. Travis

Dolphin Memorial Dog Park, at the

end of Seventh Avenue, borders the

Flathead River. Visitors can walk

their dogs and enjoy great views of

the river and lake. The grounds

include a dock, two trails, doggie

bags for picking up, a kiosk with

information for adopting animals

and one bench.

Ronan• Ronan City Park is located along

First Avenue SW in Ronan, and

offers a bike path/walkway, which

follows crystal clear Spring Creek.

The park also has grills and picnic

tables, along with bench seating and

pavilion. The park is open dawn to

dusk.

St. Ignatius• Taelman Park, located at

Mission Drive and Taelman Road

adjacent to the St. Ignatius Mission

Church, offers scenic views of the

Mission Mountains, picnic tables

and one of the highest-rated new

skateparks in the Northwest. The

Skate Ignatius Skatepark features

include a clover bowl, a “jersey bar-

rier corner boomerang thing,” jersey

barrier on top of bank, mini double

set, hubba, and quarter pipe, accord-

ing to skatemontana.com. Another

7,000 square feet was completed last

summer and features street and

bowl-skating elements designed to

allow beginners and more experi-

enced skaters to enjoy the park.

The Skate Ignatius cloverleaf

bowl has two shallow bowls for

learners and a deep bowl for the

more advanced skaters. There’s also

a ramp for easy access on the shal-

low end.

Park hours are dawn to dusk, and

BMX bicycles are allowed. Alcohol

or tobacco products are not permit-

ted in the park. Skaters are encour-

aged to wear helmets and safety gear

and bring a picnic; just remember to

clean up your trash and help keep

the park enjoyable for everyone.

Charlo• Charlo Community Park, located

on Main Street in Charlo, offers

grills, picnic tables, a white picket

fence, and stunning views of the

Mission Mountain Range. The park

also has water faucets and public

restrooms.

for a smoothie!

• Specialty wraps• Noodle or rice bowls

• Fresh salads• Breakfast

• Blended coffee drinksor yummy desserts

• Soft-serve ice cream• Brownie fudge sundae• Banana split

Stop in

Hours: Open Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.#3 3rd Avenue West Downtown Polson, Montana (406) 883-2484

vj

Berl Tiskus/Valley Journal

Painting at Riverside Park in Polson

• Ronan City Library and the

D’Arcy McNickle Library

Summer Reading Program begins

June 13. This year’s national theme

is “One World, Many Stories.”

Participants may start registering at

the D’Arcy McNickle Library on

June 13 and at the Ronan City

Library on June 14. Anyone of any

age may participate in the program.

Participants are given a reading log

and will get incentive prizes for

time spent reading and tickets to

enter for the grand prize drawings.

Story times and craft activities

that coincide with the One World,

Many Stories theme will be offered

at both libraries. D’Arcy McNickle

will host story times every

Wednesday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

beginning June 16 and ending

August 4. Ronan City Library will

host story times every Thursday,

10:30-11:30 a.m. beginning June

16 and ending Aug. 11. August 11

will be the last day to turn in tick-

ets for the grand prize drawings,

which will be held at the pavilion

in Bockman Park in Ronan on

Saturday, Aug. 13 at 3 p.m.

Montana author visits at the

Ronan City Library this summer:

May 19 7-9 p.m. Bill Rossiter

will be giving a presentation from

his book “Home, Home on the

Ranch”

June 16 – 7-9 p.m. Craig

Lancaster will be reading from his

book “The Summer Son”

July 21 – 7-9 p.m. Carol

Buchanan will be here to read from

her book “Gold Under Ice”

Aug. 18 – 7-9 p.m. Donna Love

will be reading from her book “The

Glaciers are Melting”

Sept. 15 – 7-9 p.m. Ellen

Baumler will be reading from their

book “Girl from the Gulches: The

Story of Mary Ronan”

• The Jocko Valley Library’s

Summer Reading Program kicks

off June 6 and runs through Aug.

27. June 13 is the cutoff date for

signing up, so don’t delay - sign up

at the library.

Readers of all ages are welcome

to participate. Participants will

receive a reading log, bag of good-

ies and other information about the

program. Various weekly events

following the national One World,

Many Stories theme will be held at

the library on Thursdays from 11

a.m. to noon. There will be one or

two weeks during the summer that

no event will be held, due to other

local events such as Arlee

Powwow. Each student will receive

a calendar of the summer events

either upon sign up or via mail

depending on availability. All par-

ticipants are encouraged to come to

the Jocko Valley Library to check

out books, read and just hang out,

but they do not need to check out

library books to participate.

Participants may also use books

they have at home or from friends,

or other libraries s long as they

read, read, read.


Local libraries offersummer reading programs

Friday7:30 p.m. Bulls & Broncs Rodeo9:30 p.m. Street Dance outside

Pheasant and Second Chance, featuring Mark Dubouise(country band)

Saturday7 a.m. VFW Pancake Breakfast8 a.m. 3 on 3 Basketball8 a.m. Mission Mtn Classic Run9 a.m. Experimental Aircraft

Associations Open House at the Ronan Airport. Breakfast and free ridesfor kids 8 – 17 yrs old.

10 a.m. Car show10 a.m. Kids Parade12 p.m. Kiddie Rodeo

No one will be allowed in thearena without a waiver stamp.

Kids Sheep Riding: Fee $1 perchild, sign-ups start at 11a.m. on theday of event, child must be present,no age limit, must be under 60 lbs.to ride, first 60 to sign up and passthe weight check. No pre-registra-tions.

Stickhorse Race: No fee and nosignup. For all children ages 1 – 6.Careful, some of these horses canreally buck!

Kids Sheep Dressing:3 member team, 2 sets, ages 8 – 11and 12 - 14, $10 fee per team. Prizemoney split from entry fees; 1st =60% and 2nd = 40%.

Calf Cash Race: No entry fee, (2sets), Ages 8-11, 12-14, and 15 – 18.

Chicken Scramble: 2 heats; Ages0 – 5 and 6 - 9 You catch’m – you take’m home!

Pig Scramble: Fee of $1 per kid,will be collected in the arena justprior to the event. Ages 10 – 14. Pig will be auctioned off. Cash potgoes to the winner.

7:30 p.m. Rodeo and Wild Cow Race

9:30 p.m. Street Dance outsidePheasant and Second Chance, featuring Mark Dubouise (country band)

Sunday

12:30 p.m. Big Parade3 p.m. Rodeo and Wild Buffalo

Ride7 p.m. Family Karaoke night at

the Pheasant (all ages)

Kick’n ItKick’n It

Schedule of EventsAugust 5, 6 & 7 - 2011

Ronan

YY’’aallll ccoommee bbaacckk nneexxtt yyeeaarr!!!!FFoorr mmoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn ccaallll tthhee VViissiittoorrss CCeenntteerr:: 667766--88330000..


reading time at Ronan City Library



SportspageBowl & Lounge

101 Heritage Lane, Polson

883-4010 or 883-4030

Family FunALL

Summer long!• 8 bowling lanes• Kids game area• Full service restaurant with daily lunch

specials, Friday night dinner specials -including prime rib and seafood, breakfastserved weekends from 8 a.m. - noon

• Daily happy hour from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.• Entire facility is air conditioned and smoke free.

Try to eat just onepiece.

Try to eat just onepiece.Genuine Native American Buffalo Jerky

(406) 381-1498www.indianbuffalojerky.com

Made the Traditional WayUSDA ApprovedNo Preservatives AddedMade from All Natural Buffalo Meat

Polson Cherry FestivalArlee Pow-wowRonan Harvest FoodsDoug Allard’s Trading PostGlacier ParkAll across Montana and beyond ...

Available at:

Story time for younger readers will

be held on Thursdays prior to the

event for that day. Parents, grand-

parents, aunties and uncles and sib-

lings are encouraged to join in these

activities. Depending on the weath-

er, a few outdoor events will also be

held. Snacks provided by local busi-

ness will be offered at events.

Participant categories include:

preschool, elementary school age,

teens and families. Prizes will be

awarded in all 4 categories, with the

first three places winning prizes.

The grand prize last year for three

categories was a pass to Splash

Montana in Missoula. Prizes are

also awarded for families who sign

up.

The Summer Reading Program at

Jocko Valley Library is fun for all

involved. Arlee readers are encour-

aged to take advantage of this free,

fun, fabulous summer program at

their local library. For more infor-

mation, call 726-3572.

• The St. Ignatius

School/Community Library begins

summer hours on June 8 and will be

open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and

Thursdays thereafter from 3 to 7

p.m. until school begins. The library

will also deliver books to youth and

adults of St. Ignatius this summer

with its Book Van Program. The van

will run every other week on

Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning

at 10 a.m. Call 745-3811 ext. 222 to

sign up for the program, or pick up

a registration form at the library.

The Book Van will deliver books

right to your door. Call the library

for more information.

• North Lake County Public

Library’s (formerly the Polson

Library) annual Family Summer

Reading Program begins June 13 at

10 a.m. Participants of all ages are

invited to stop in and sign up for

this popular summer-long event.

One World, Many Stories theme-

related prizes and reading incentives

will be offered.

Anyone who reads, or is read to,

is eligible to participate. Readers

can register at North Lake County

Public Library during regular hours

any time from June 13-July 30.

Thursday morning programs will

also be presented for school-aged

children beginning June 16. All

Thursday programs will be at 10

a.m. at the library or an announced

location and run through Thursday,

Aug. 11, the day of our fun-filled

annual Bug Race.

A schedule is available at the cir-

culation desk. The drawing for

prizes will be Thursday, Aug. 18, in

the library meeting room.

If you do not have a library card,

you may register for one at the cir-

culation desk. Library cards are free

and are available to anyone ages

five years and older. Anyone under

the age of 18 needs a parent or

guardian to sign for a new card.

For more information about the

Family Summer Reading Program,

please call North Lake County

Public Library at 883-8225 or stop

by our location at 2 First Avenue

East, Polson.

courtesy photo

Summer reading

vj


Visitors to the Mission Valley may want to follow

the road a bit further north during the summer

months if they want to experience one of the most

beautiful areas Montana has to offer, Glacier National Park.

story and photos by

Jeremy Weber

Valley Journal

see page 31



(406) 261-6272I'm with you all the way.

www.flatheadlakebuilder.com

Established as a National Park on

May 11, 1910, Glacier National Park

averages nearly 2 million visitors

annually.

Located on the border of Montana

and the Canadian provinces of

Alberta and British Columbia,

Glacier National Park actually con-

nects with Canada’s Waterton Lakes

National Park to form the Waterton-

Glacier International Peace Park.

There are two ways to reach the

western entrance of the park from

the Mission Valley. For those want-

ing to see the western shore of

Flathead Lake along the way, US

Highway 93 travels north to

Kalispell. Once in Kalispell, high-

way 93 intersects with US Highway

2, which travels to West Glacier and

the park’s western entrance.

Alternatively, Montana 35 travels

north from Polson along Flathead

Lake’s eastern shore. Travelers can

enjoy fantastic views of the lake as

the road makes its way to Bigfork.

Once past Bigfork, travel 11.4 miles

and turn right on Montana 206,

which travels to Columbia Falls. The

road ends at US Highway 2, where a

right turn will lead you to West

Glacier.

Glacier National Park covers a

vast area of land – more than one

million acres – that includes a vari-

ety of climates and ecosystems rang-

ing from grass-covered prairie land

to frozen tundra in the park’s higher

elevations.

Visitors to the park can also

expect to see a wide variety of

wildlife, ranging from bears (both

black and grizzly) to song birds. The

park is home to many species of ani-

mals, including mountain goats, big

horn sheep, mountain lions, moose,

mule deer, white-tailed deer, coy-

otes, elk, wolves, badgers, porcupine

and even the rarely seen wolverine

and Canadian lynx.

If birds are your thing, Glacier

National Park boasts numerous types

of flyers, more than 260 different

species in all. Visitors may get the

chance to glimpse such amazing

birds as golden eagles, peregrine fal-

cons, ospreys, Canada geese, great

horned owls, harlequin ducks, blue

herons and bald eagles, just to name

Glacier


Waterfall on the west side of Glacier National Park near Avalanche Creeksee page 32



a few.

Fishermen will be glad to hear

that Glacier is home to 23 species of

fish, including cutthroat trout, moun-

tain whitefish and kokanee salmon.

The best way to see all of

Glacier’s many animals is to take a

walk along one of the park’s 700

miles of trails.

There are numerous day hiking

trails throughout the park that are

easily accessible as well as many

back-country trails for the more sea-

soned hiker.

A permit is required for back-

country camping. Hikers are asked

to make arrangements at one of the

park’s visitor centers before ventur-

ing into the backcountry. Much of

the park’s backcountry is closed

until early June due to high snow

levels and several of the trails in the

park’s higher regions do not open to

hikers until the snow melts in July.

The park also has numerous

camping sites for those wishing to

enjoy a night’s stay under the stars.

Summer tourists should keep in

mind that the majority of the park’s

visitors come between the months of

June and September, making finding

camping spots difficult at times.

“We get pretty busy about the last

two weeks of July and the first two

weeks of August. Usually when the

higher elevation trails finally open,”

Glacier National Park Public Affairs

Officer Ellen Blickhan said.

“We have two campgrounds that

take reservations: Fish Creek on the

west side and St. Mary on the East

side. The 11 other auto campgrounds

are first-come, first-serve.”

“Our campgrounds were very

busy in 2010. If that trend continues,

I would recommend getting here

earlier in the day or that visitors

make reservations ahead of time,”

she added.

For those who prefer to stay off

their feet, Glacier National Park

offers several ways to get a good

view of the area without leaving the

comfort of a vehicle.

The famous Going to the Sun


Stream on the east side of Glacier National Park near St. Mary

Glacier


Bald Eagle see page 33




Road bisects the park and is the only

route for vehicles traveling com-

pletely through the park’s interior.

The road crosses the continental

divide at Logan Pass and travels to

St. Mary on the east side of the park

and West Glacier on the western side

of the park.

Going to the Sun Road is not open

year round though, as snow keeps

the passage closed until mid-June.

Motorists should also be aware of

the current project to rehabilitate the

road and should be prepared to face

construction crews and delays along

the road at any given time.

“The earliest that Going to the

Sun Road could open this season is

June 17. This is due to our rehabili-

tation project that we have going on

right now,” Blickhan said. “We have

construction occurring on the road

throughout the season and will for

several more years. By keeping the

road closed early in the season, we

can give the workers a few weeks to

get work done without being both-

ered by traffic.”

While construction is one reason

for keeping the road closed, weather

also plays large factor in when the

road opens.

“We also have to give the plowing

crews time to clear the snow off the

roads. With all of the snow we have

had this winter, and are continuing

to get, that can be a daunting task,”

Blickhan said. “We had a projected

opening date for the road of June 18

last year and we were not able to

open it until June 24. We want to

have the road passable by June 17

this season, but that just may not be

possible.”

Although the main road through

the park may not be open during

most of June, the park is still worth

visiting.

“Some of the advantages of com-

ing in early June, before the road

opens, are that snow is melting and

the water is flowing well,” Blickhan

said. “The waterfalls are big. The

flowers are at their best. Trails are

starting to be clear of snow and the

animals are at their most active.”

For those who would rather let

someone else do the driving, the

park features a fleet of White Motor

Company coaches, called Red

Jammers, that ferry tourists through-

out Glacier. Visitors can just sit

back, enjoy the ride and let their

guide show them the wonders of the

park.

Tour boats also operate on several

of the park’s larger lakes, including

Glacier

see page 34


Heaven Peak from Avalanche Creek Campground


Glacier National Park concessions

The 2011 operating dates forpark concessioners are as follows.These concessioners, who workunder contract within GlacierNational Park, provide visitor serv-ices including lodging, food serv-ice, retail shops, tours, transporta-tion, horseback riding, guided dayhikes and backpacking trips, boattours and small boat rentals.Services are listed in alphabeticalorder.

• Belton Chalets, Inc.(1-888-345-2649 or www.sper-

rychalet.com or www.gran-iteparkchalet.com)

Backcountry Chalets:Granite Park Chalet* - opens

June 28 - closes Sept. 10 (afterbreakfast)

Sperry Chalet** - opens July 8 –Sept. 11 (after breakfast)

*The historic Granite Park Chalet

is available for overnight use as arustic hiker shelter.

**Services at the historic SperryChalet include traditional overnightaccommodations and food servicefor overnight guests and day hikerswith meal reservations.

• Glacier Park Boat Company(406-257-2426 or www.glacier-parkboats.com) Boat tours andrentals:

Apgar (rentals only) - opensJune 4 - closes Sept. 5

Lake McDonald – opens May 21– closes Sept. 24

Many Glacier - opens June 17 –closes Sept. 12

Rising Sun - opens June 19 –closes Sept. 5

Two Medicine - opens June 10 -closes Sept. 12

• Glacier Park, Inc. (Centralreservations: 406-892-2525 or

www.glacierparkinc.com) Frontcountry lodging, food and bever-age services, retail, tour and trans-portation services:

*Glacier Park Lodge and the

Prince of Wales Hotel are locatedoutside the park, but managed byGPI.

**Hiker Shuttle provides con-necting service from the ManyGlacier area to the National ParkService Going-to-the-Sun Roadtransit system which operates July1 - Sept. 2, 2011.

***East side shuttle service totrailheads and hotels between EastGlacier and Waterton, Alberta, CA.Shuttle service to Waterton will endafter Sept. 19.

• Glacier Guides, Inc. (1-800-521-RAFT or 406-387-5555 or

www.glacierguides.com) Dayhikes and backpacking:

Various locations - opens May -closes October

• Sun Tours (1-800-786-9220 or406-226-9220 or www.glaciersun-tours.com) Road-based tours froma Blackfeet perspective:

Various Locations - opens May15 - closes Oct. 15

• Swan Mountain Outfitters (1-877-888-5557 or

www.swanmountainoutfitters.com/glacier) Horseback rides:

Apgar – opens May 21 - closesSept. 5

Lake McDonald – opens May 21- closes Sept. 19

Many Glacier – opens June 17 –closes Sept. 12

• Waterton Inter-NationShoreline Cruises, LTD (403-859-2362 or

www.watertoncruise.com)Waterton Lake boat tours:

Goat Haunt Landing – opensJune 4 – closes Sept. 25

• Privately-owned facilities inApgar Village: offering lodging, din-ing, camping supplies, groceries,and gifts from May through muchof September.

For reservations and details,please call respective concessionphone numbers listed. For generalpark information, visit the park’swebsite at:http://www.nps.gov/glac/ or callpark headquarters at 406-888-7800.

Lake McDonald and St. Mary Lake.

While Going to the Sun Road is a

great way to see most of the park,

there are a few other areas accessible

by car that are more than worth the

drive.

The Two Medicine area in the

southeast section of the park can be

reached by vehicle by leaving the

east entrance of the park in St. Mary

and driving south along US Highway

89.

Once the main entrance to the

park, Two Medicine was the area

that most visitors to the park saw

until Going to the Sun Road was

completed in 1932.

Another must-visit area off the

main road in the park is the Many

Glacier area. The Many Glacier area

is located in the northeastern part of

the park and can be reached by exit-

ing the eastern entrance at St. Mary

and driving north along US Highway

89.

Many Glacier boasts the park’s

largest hotel, the aptly named Many

Glacier Hotel, which is located on

the shores of Swiftcurrent Lake. The

area is a hiker’s paradise with access

to several major hiking trails to some

of the park’s most stunning scenery.

It is a common misconception that

the park is named Glacier because of

the several glaciers it contains. The

park is called Glacier National Park

because it was the action of glaciers

during the ice age that cut the many

mountains, lakes and other forma-

tions that can be seen throughout the

region.

That does not mean the park is

without glaciers. Glacier National

Park is currently home to 37 separate

glaciers, though only 25 of these are

large enough to be considered

“active glaciers” by contemporary

geologists.

It is a well-documented fact that

glaciers are quickly disappearing

from Glacier National Park. A chang-

ing climate and rising temperatures

during the past one hundred years

have helped reduce the number of

glaciers in the park from 150 to the

37 seen today. Scientists speculate

that the park may lose all of its gla-

ciers sometime between 2020 and

2030.

For now, though, the park still

offers many spectacular glacier

views, especially for those who are

willing to make the hikes necessary

to see them.

Whether you come for the fishing,

the hiking, the camping or just to see

the sights, be sure to visit Glacier

National Park this summer.


Friday, July 15

at 5:30 p.m.

for the

Texaco Country

Showdownright before

Tim Ryan's Writers Night

and concert at the

Mission Mountain

Country Club.

Join us ...

Friday, Saturday and Sunday

July 22-24

for the 18th annual

FlatheadLake

3-on-3

and

basketball tournament

in Polson. Register at

www.flatheadlake3on3.com

Presented by Anderson

Broadcasting.

Glacier


Early-morning fog at Lake McDonald

vj





Finley Point State Park boat launch

Each summer, Montana’s pristine waters

attract visitors from throughout the United

States. But some of those visitors may not be the

kind officials are hoping for.

What people may not realize is that a fierce bat-

tle is raging to keep harmful exotic species out of

the Treasure State’s rivers and lakes, and the pub-

lic is the first line of defense against the invaders.

Montana is one of the few places still free of

zebra and quagga mussels, two of the most feared

aquatic invasive species present in the United

States. The mussels clog filters and water intake

pipes and pumps, coat boat propellers and steal

nutrients from native invertebrates, fish and

wildlife. Both types of mussels reproduce rapidly

and can wreak havoc on the ecosystem of infested

waters.

According to the United States Geological

Survey, zebra and quagga mussels were intro-

duced to the United States in the late 1980s when

one commercial cargo ship traveling from the

Black Sea (the native home of both mussel

species) to the Great Lakes released larval zebra

mussels during a ballast exchange. The tenacious

creatures then quickly spread through connecting

waterways via boat hulls and drifting while in the

larval stage. In the Great Lakes Basin alone, the

two types of non-native mussels have caused

more than $5 billion in damage, the USGS esti-

mates.

In January, DNA tests on what Montana Fish,

Wildlife and Parks termed “suspicious samples”

of larvae from Flathead Lake were inconclusive

for exotic mussels, and a team of United States

Geological Survey divers found no mussels in a

two-day search of the lake’s northern end. But two

months later, local FWP workers found them-

selves on the front lines of the battle to keep mus-

sels out of Montana’s lakes and rivers.

On March 5, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator

John Wachsmuth and volunteer Erik Hanson, a

certified mussel inspector, found a quarter-inch-

long adult mussel on a sailboat hull at Dayton

Yacht Harbor on Flathead Lake’s west shore. The

mussel appeared intact and alive after traveling

more than 1,000 miles, through four states and

two boat inspections en route from Lake Mead in

Arizona and Nevada. After decontamination, the

sailboat was put into dry dock for two months.

March’s close call with the quagga mussel illus-

trates how easily an invasive species could be

introduced into Flathead Lake, and area agencies

are working feverishly to prevent similar inci-

dents. The Montana Department of Agriculture

will man mandatory boat inspection stations,

mostly on state borders; FWP plans to have a

mandatory inspection site on U.S. Highway 93 in

the Evaro area; and FWP will also have several

roving checkpoints around Flathead Lake. It’s ille-

gal to transport any invasive species into

Montana, and boat owners are responsible for

whatever hidden threats may stow away in their

boats.

“Upon entering the state, folks need to make

sure their boats are fully cleaned, drained and

dried,” Flathead Basin Commission Executive

Director Caryn Miske said.

Boats should be carefully inspected, pressure

washed and cleaned with a bleach solution or left

in the sun for several days to make sure no

attached mussel larvae can survive, Miske noted.

Invasive species prevention

by Melea Burke

Valley Journal

One of the biggest threats to Montana's

lakes and rivers is smaller than a fingernail.

see page 36

It’s critical that all water reservoirs

in the boat be drained and dried com-

pletely, as mussels can survive in live

wells for weeks and out of water for

five to seven days, she emphasized.

Fishing equipment like waders and

nets should also either be disinfected or

left in full sun for a few days.

“Where (the cleaning, draining and

drying process) becomes absolutely

critical is if you’re switching around to

different water bodies,” Miske added.

A list of inspected car washes that

FWP has determined free of contami-

nation from invasive species will be

available at the offices of the

Confederated Salish and Kootenai

Tribes, Montana Fish, Wildlife and

Parks and the Flathead Basin

Commission, as well as at area mari-

nas, CSKT wetlands conservation

coordinator Clint Folden said. Car

washes with closed septic systems are

best so that contaminated water doesn’t

flow into other water sources, he

explained.

“We’re accepting isolated car wash-

es,” he said.

Even if you don’t plan on fishing or

boating, you can help stop the aquatic

invaders by keeping your eyes open.

“Folks on the ground can also help

with early detection,” Miske said.

Just taking a look at dock pilings

while launching a boat or picking up

rocks on the beach during a walk could

be key to stopping the spread of inva-

sive mussels, she explained. Native

mussels don’t attach to things, so “if

there’s something attached to a rock,

there’s a problem,” Miske said.

While zebra mussel larvae are too

small to see with the naked eye, they

feel like sandpaper on smooth surfaces,

so running a hand over a boat hull or

smooth rock can reveal hidden threats.

Juveniles are the size of peppercorns,

and the brown or black-striped adults

are typically 3/4 of an inch long,

although they can grow up to 2 inches

long. Quaggas are slightly larger with a

more rounded shell than zebra mussels,

and while still striped, tend to be

lighter in color than zebras.

Miske emphasized that any possible

finds of invasive mussels should be

reported to the state aquatic nuisance

species coordinator Eileen Ryce imme-

diately at 444-2448.


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Adult quagga mussel found in Dayton




883-3113Corner of Main & Hwy 93Polson

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Arlee

• The Arlee Jocko Valley Museum is located two

blocks east of Highway 93 on the corner of Bouch

and Fyant, south of the Arlee Grade School.

Old athletic trophies from Arlee High School and

Arlee Grade School, displays of vintage Arlee athletic

uniforms, and pictures and stories about the trophies

and the athletes will be the featured display this sum-

mer. The trophies go back to 1949, but the Arlee

Historical Society has photos from even earlier.

The museum also features a military display, with

stories and photos of Jocko Valley residents who lost

their lives in service to their country.

Operated by the Arlee Historical Society, the

museum will open July 4 and will remain open

Saturdays for the rest of the summer, or by appoint-

ment. No admission fee is charged, but donations are

welcome. Call Alvaretta Morin at 726-3167 for an

update on hours.

Charlo

• Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana, located at

69316 Highway 93, about two miles south of the

Charlo turnoff, features a Paxson exhibit, a Fort

Connah exhibit, including mounted animals, artifacts,

guns, and bow and arrow displays, an Indian camp

complete with a creek, and nature trails, approximate-

ly one-eighth mile long. The museum was built in

1997 to house

the collections

that it contains

for public

viewing.

During the

month of May

the museum

will be open

from 11 a.m. to

4 p.m.

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Starting Memorial

Day, the museum will be open six days a week for

the summer season.

Museum admission is $5 for adults, $4.50 for sen-

ior citizens, $4 for students, $2.50 for children ages

six to 12 and no cost for children under six when

accompanied by an adult. Group rates are also avail-

able. Please allow at least an hour or maybe a whole

afternoon for this museum. The museum’s phone

number is (406) 644-3435.

For up to date hours of operation and information

about the museum please visit www.ninepipesmuse-

um.org

Ronan

• At 400 Round Butte Road, the Garden of the

Rockies Museum opens May 30, Memorial Day. The

museum features area buildings moved to the muse-

um grounds, such as Sloan’s Flat Stage Stop, which

is an old log

home with

dovetailed con-

struction, the

outhouse from

the Ronan air-

port, the Lion’s

Club skating

and shoe

changing build-

ing, now a little

red schoolhouse, a chicken coop, and the Round

Butte Gym. Centered around the its first building, the

Parish Hall, which was Ronan’s first church, with its

unique embossed tin ceiling and walls, the museum

features mementos of Ronan’s pioneer past, such as

household items, farming implements and tools and

vintage school memorabilia.

Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday

through Friday and weekends by appointment. The

museum is a non-profit organization operated by vol-

unteers from the Mission Valley Heritage

Association. No admission is charged, but donations

are appreciated. The museum’s phone number is

(406) 676-5210.

Pablo

• The People’s Center, located at 53253 Highway

93, about one mile north of Salish and Kootenai

College and about seven miles south of Polson, hous-

es artifacts,

photographs,

beaded bags,

stone tools and

dance regalia

items which

relate mostly

to the Salish,

Kootenai and

Pend d’Oreille

On the museum trail

Jocko Valley Museum, Arlee

Ninepipes Museum, Charlo

Garden of the Rockies Museum, Ronan

Hoop Dance at People’s Center, Pablosee page 38


people on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The

People’s Center exists to provide public education

on aspects of their traditional lifestyles as sanc-

tioned by tribal elders and the culture committees.

The main exhibit room, titled “The First Sun The

Beginning” uses an audiocassette or a guided tour to

help visitors realize what the reservation was like

before European emigration.

This year, the People’s Center celebrates its 20th

anniversary. Museum admission prices are $5 for an

adult, $3 for senior citizens or students, and $10 for

a family. For groups of 10 or more, admission is $3

per person.

Gift shop hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

through Saturday.

The museum’s phone number is (406) 883-5344.

Polson

• The Miracle of America Museum, 36094

Memory Lane, three-quarters of a mile south of the

junction between Highway 93 and Montana

Highway 35, contains 115,000 artifacts. This 30

building museum features lots of antique cars, farm

equipment, motorcycles, sleds and sleighs, steam

engines, boats, and even two airplanes. Exhibits

include homestead era buildings and accoutrements,

militaria from all U.S. wars, a drug store soda foun-

tain, Native American items, antique toys and dolls,

a windmill, vintage clothing and a realistic black-

smith shop, to name just a few.

Not to be missed are the annual Live History

Days, a special event held on the museum grounds

July 16 and 17.

Exhibits may include duck decoy carving, spin-

ners, weavers of both wool and wheat straw, lace

makers, embroidery and leather workers, quilters,

Native American bead work, basket and soap mak-

ing, a buck-skinner with a black powder gun, axe

throwers, a fly tier, blacksmiths and operators of

engines, antique vehicles and tractors. There will be

three trains, a tank, army rigs and other vehicle

rides, even a pump railroad velocipede, an operating

sawmill, and schoolhouse activities.

The event is held rain or shine, and the main

building is air-conditioned. Admission is $5 for all

over 3 years of age, and all rides are included as

often as desired. Food is available to purchase.

The Miracle of America Museum summer hours

are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Admission is free

for children under three, $2 for children three to 12

years old, and $5 for an adult over 12 years.

Visit www.miracleofamericamuseum.org or e-

mail [email protected] for more

information. The museum’s phone number is (406)

883-6804.

• Polson Flathead Historical Museum, 708 Main

Street, owned by the Polson community and run by

volunteers, was started about 30 years ago to house

the original Allard stagecoach. It also proudly dis-

plays a saddle owned by Calamity Jane, a linotype

from the Flathead Courier, a 1930s kitchen, an orig-

inal trading post from Polson that dates to before

1900, numerous old carriages, wagons, and farm

machinery, a

1910 kitchen,

a large stuffed

fish caught in

Flathead Lake

in the 1950s

and much

more Polson

memorabilia.

Museum

hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through

Saturday and 12 to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

Opening Memorial Day weekend, the Polson

Flathead Historical Museum will remain in opera-

tion until the week after Labor Day. Admission is $3

per adult and $2.50 for seniors. Children younger

than 12 years old are admitted free. Donations are

accepted. Annual memberships are also available.

The museum’s phone number is (406) 883-3049.

Miracle of America Museum, Polson

Museums

Polson Flathead Historical Museum


vj



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9 a.m. - 6 p.m.833-6162 • 33953 Fox Rd., Polson

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.883-6160 • 305 Main St., Polson

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• Unique Gifts • Landscape Art• Switch Flops

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The Port Polson Players will present the grand-daddy

of all musicals, “Oklahoma,”on May 20 to 22 and 27

to 29 at the beautiful John Dowdall Theatre on Flathead

Lake.

Then the Players swing into their 36th summer season

with three hilarious comedies also at the John Dowdall

Theatre.

First up is Clark and Bobrick’s masterful “Wally’s Café.”

Set in a hamburger-shaped diner in the Nevada desert, a

middle-aged couple spends thirty years waiting for opportu-

nity. What they find is enough laughs for a lifetime. “The

best comic explosion you’ll see this season!” says the New

York Daily News.

“Bullshot Crummond,” written by Ron House, Diz

White, Alan Shearman, John Neville-Andrews and Derek

Cunningham, is a cartoon sendup of 1930s British spy

movies. When the insidious Otto and Lenya Von Bruno kid-

nap Professor Fenton to steal his synthetic diamond formula,

it’s heroic Hugh Crummond to the rescue. The music under-

score amplifies the excitement. The Herald Tribune calls it

“Uproarious!”

Finally, it’s Ivan Menchell’s “The Cemetery Club.” Three

Jewish wiows meet once a month for tea before going to

visit their husbands’ graves. When Sam the butcher enters

the scene, the hint of a budding romance may jeopardize all

their relationships. Good thing there are plenty of laughs to

go around. “Funny, sweet tempered, moving,” says the

Boston Globe.

“Wally’s Café” plays June 30 until July 17. “Bullshot

Crummond” plays July 22 to Aug. 7 and “The Cemetery

Club” plays Aug. 11 to 28.

All shows are performed at the John Dowdall Theatre on

the Polson golf course.

Curtain times are 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday,

with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Reservations are advised by calling 883-9212 or email-

ing: [email protected]

courtesy photo

Actors in “Bullshot Crummond”

Port PolsonPlayers

courtesy photo

Port Polson Players youth camp


Unique Gifts & CardsHandmade JewelryCollector Stamps and CoinsBuying Gold & Silver Coins and Bullion

#10, 7th Avenue East Polson, MT 59860

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Montana West GalleryFine Art & Custom Framing

Swimmers can pool their efforts Saturday,

Aug. 6 to help raise money to build the

indoor aquatics center in Polson during the 9th

annual Polson Bay Water Daze Swim Race.

The one-mile swim begins at 1 p.m. at Salish

Point dock and ends at Boettcher Park.

Swimmers should meet at Boettcher Park and

will be provided transportation from the park to

Salish Point for the beginning of the race.

The event includes a 25-yard and 100-yard

fun swim for kids at Boettcher Park after the

adult swim. All ages may participate in the swim

and barbecue in the park.

With the course well marked with buoys and

supported by emergency personnel and kayak-

ers, experienced athletes and novice swimmers

alike can challenge the pristine waters of

Flathead Lake.

“There is a lot of support on the course,”

organizer Tana Seeley said. “Kayakers paddle

right next to swimmers, and if there are con-

cerns or issues, the kayakers will come straight

to them, and the swimmer can be pulled from

the race by a boater and not go the whole way.

Or, they can choose to stay and rest, and then

continue on.”

Proceeds will go toward a proposed indoor

pool slated to be built on donated land in

Polson. The approximately aquatics complex

will include an eight-lane, 25-yard lap pool large

enough to host state high school swim meets, as

well as water aerobics, pool therapy, and water

safety.

“We have the lake, canals, and rivers, and we

need to have a safe community. We need to

teach water safety and swimming lessons,” she

said. “It’s a life skill we all should know.”

Both Tana Seeley and her husband, Matt, are

competitive swimmers. Matt Seeley is also a

triathlon athlete.

For more information, visit www.mvaquat-

ics.org or email [email protected] or call

883-4567.


Water Daze

Water Daze

4411

Also available all day, every day ...

50417 Hwy 93, Polson(406) 883-6277

Open Sun-Thu 11 am - 10 pm • Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm

Colorful regalia, sure-footed

dancing and motivating drum-

beats are the heartbeat of Native

American powwow celebrations. The

public is welcome to attend local

events throughout the valley during

the spring and summer months.

The 113th Arlee 4th Celebration

will begin on Thursday, June 30 and

continues through July 4. Native

American dancing, singing and

drumming will continue through the

entire week of traditional celebra-

tion.

All are welcome to attend this cul-

tural celebration, hosted by the

Flathead Nation and attended by

Native Americans from throughout

the U.S. and Canada. Events include

traditional drumming and singing,

competition dancing, parade, arts

and crafts, and food vendors.

Participants may camp on-site in

teepees, tents, campers and RV’s.

Most facilities are handicapped

accessible. Free admission. Drugs

and alcohol are strictly prohibited

(vehicles and persons subject to

search).

The annual Ksanka Standing

Arrow Powwow at the Elmo

Powwow Grounds will be held July

15-17. It is an Indian social gather-

ing featuring drumming, dancing and

traditional dress and food.

Visitors are welcome and asked to

respect the dance area, which is

sacred. There will be dance contests

with numerous categories, a drum

contest and traditional games. The

grand entries will be at 7 p.m.

Friday; at 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday; and

at 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday.

Learn the hows and whys of pow-

wow dancing. Know the difference

between a grass dancer and a jungle

dress dancer. Watch the veteran’s

honoring ceremony, tiny tots danc-

ing, and enjoy some Indian humor.

Meander through vendors’ wares

from the heart of Indian country.

Come celebrate life.

This is the Kootenai Tribe’s cele-

bration hosted by the Flathead

Reservation, on the west shore of

Flathead Lake.


Tribal elder Francis Stanger

Powwows


Summertime in the Mission Valley means fun

in, on and near the water. Whether it is

swimming in Flathead Lake, floating down the

Flathead River or swimming in the backyard pool,

water always seems to play a large part in summer

fun for this area of Montana.

While water can make for a fun day, activities

involving swimming and water sports also bring

along many dangers that people should be aware

of.

According to area swimming instructor Eileen

McMillan, drowning is the No. 2 cause of death

for people in America between the ages of four

and 44 (behind only motor-vehicle accidents).

More than 7,000 people drown in the United States

every year with more than 4,700 of those occur-

ring when people did not even intend to get into

the water.

While these statistics should be kept in mind by

those looking to swim, McMillan says the best

way to avoid drowning is by taking the most obvi-

ous of precautions: learn how to swim.

"One of the most important things you can do to

stay safe near the water is to learn how to swim,"

she said. "Learning to swim is very important. I

know it sounds like a common sense issue, but it is

always surprising to see how many people drown

each year because they didn't know how to swim."

According to McMillan, nearly two-thirds of all

drowning victims did not know how to swim.

Even if you do know how to swim, McMillan

says it is very important not to go swimming

alone.

"Nearly half of the people who drown every

year were swimming alone," she said. "It is always

important to have someone with you if you are

going to swim. If you are swimming alone and get

into trouble, then there is nobody there to help

you."

Supervision is also an important part of water

safety, according to McMillan.

"Supervision is a big deal," she said. "Even in

public pools. It is not unusual for kids to be swim-

ming while the parents are poolside talking to each

other and not paying attention. That only leads to

trouble."

Even with supervision, McMillan says it is not

always obvious when someone is struggling in the

water.

"A major problem is that it can be very hard to

see that a swimmer is in trouble," she said.

"Television and the movies portray drowning with

someone waving their arms and screaming for

help, but drowning is usually a silent event. A

swimmer gets water in their lungs and starts to go

under and you never hear a thing."

If you do see someone having trouble in the

water, it is very important to know what to do.

Unfortunately, the most obvious thing to do is

truly the last thing you should do.

"If you see someone struggling, one thing you

should never do is swim out to them," McMillan

said. "Don't ever let them grab onto you. Always

put something between you and them. If a drown-

ing person is able to grab onto you, more likely

than not, they will just take you under with them."

McMillan says the first thing you should do if

you see someone in trouble is to try to reach for

them with something they can grab onto. The sec-

ond option is to throw out some sort of flotation

device. If that is not possible, then try to get to

them by boat. If all else fails, then you should

swim out to them, but that should be a last resort.

"It doesn't matter who they are and how they are

related to you, they will pull you under with them

if they are in a panic," McMillan said.

If someone is far out in the water and is having

trouble, the situation changes drastically.

"Someone having issues far from shore is a real-

ly tough situation," McMillan said. "If someone is

having trouble far from shore and you do not feel

comfortable trying to help them, then you should

go back and get help. It may be tough to leave that

person out there, but it may be the best chance to

save them. Too many people have jumped into the

water trying to save someone only to end up

drowning too."

Another way to stay safe on the water this sum-

mer is by making sure to wear a lifejacket.

"I just seems like so many people go out on

boats without wearing a lifejacket," McMillan

said. "It always seems senseless when someone

drowns when they are not wearing a lifejacket."

Lakes and rivers present their own dangers to

swimmers as conditions are always changing.

"Lakes and rivers can be very dangerous places

for swimmers," McMillan said. "Even if you know

the area well, the water conditions are constantly

changing. You never know what is going on just

below the surface. The surface of the water can be

calm while currents that can pull you under are

lurking where you can't see them.”

McMillan says that it is also very important to

know the weather conditions when swimming,

Water safety

by Jeremy Weber

Valley Journal

Linda Sappington/Valley Journal

Swimmers on Flathead Lake

“One thing you should never do is swim out tothem. If a drowning person is able to grab

onto you, more likely than not, they will just takeyou under with them. “



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Be aware of summer pests

especially when swimming in alake, as storms can form andmove quickly. She says that ifyou spot dark clouds whileswimming, you should immedi-ately head for shore.

It is also important to be safewhen diving into water this sum-mer.

"When it comes to diving, it isvery important to know thedepth of the water before youdive in," McMillan said. "Youneed to know how much wateryou have beneath you. Youshould have eight feet of waterto do a standard front dive."

Finally, and perhaps most

importantly, McMillan said thatit is very important to be carefularound water when drinking.

"Another big factor in drown-ing is alcohol consumption,"she said. "Drinking and waterjust do not mix very well. Whathappens is that someone whohas been drinking gets into thewater and gets into trouble,then the other people that havebeen drinking have no chanceto save them. If someone whohas been drinking does try tohelp, then they are at a high riskof also drowning."

No matter where you goswimming this summer, it isimportant to keep safety inmind.

Water safety

vj

The Mission Valley is home to all sorts of wildlife, such

as deer, elk, bear, coyotes, eagles, mountain lions,

hawks, Trumpeter Swans. Visitors can camp, hike, fish, bike,

swim in Flathead Lake and area creeks or simply enjoy the

scenery.

But there are a few creatures to be aware of while recreat-

ing.

Swimmer’s Itch

The kids are splashing in the pristine water of Flathead

Lake on a hot summer day. It’s a perfect vacation day in

Montana, and the cool blue lake makes a refreshing break

from the heat, the dust and the long car trip.

But, the next day, the kids wake up covered with itchy red

bumps. Thinking the children will be permanently disfigured

or have scofymopulis, parents make a frantic call to a friend

or to the front desk of their hotel to ask what in the world in

wrong with the "young ‘uns".

“Swimmer’s itch,” comes the calm reply. “Get some

Aveeno colloidal oatmeal or baking soda in the bathtub, and

rub ‘em down with calamine lotion, tea tree oil or some cor-

tisone cream. It’ll go away in about a week.”

Swimmer’s itch is, unfortunately, a fact of life in western

Montana’s lakes and rivers.

Swimmer’s itch is caused by a parasitic flatworm,

Trichobilharzia ocellata, that moves through merganser ducks

into the dime-sized body of a snail, where it reproduces asex-

ually. After six or seven weeks, the parasite becomes a cer-

caria. A cercaria is a long, tube-shaped creature with a forked

tail that’s so tiny humans can hardly see them.

see page 44

by Berl Tiskus

Valley Journal

(cont.)


Polson Main Street

2Festival

11Over 125 vendors • Flathead cherries

Homemade cherry pies • Unique arts & craftsEntertainment • Sidewalk sales and specials

Fun for the whole familySaturday, July 16

th

10 a.m. Free arts and crafts for kids in front of Jackie M’s Footwear

1 p.m. Bagpipers strolling Main Street

2 p.m. Children’s Cherry Pit Spitting Contest in front of The Cove Deli and Pizza

3 p.m. Adult Cherry Pit Spitting Contest in front of The Cove Deli and Pizza

4 p.m. Cherry stem-tying contest

6-10 p.m. Street dance with Southern Comfort Band in front of The Cove Deli and Pizza

9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Win more than $1,000 in gift certificates from downtown merchants!

Flathead Cherry

Sunday, July 17th

1 p.m. Winners of the Cherry Quilt contest and Pillow Case contest announced in front of Jackie M’s Footwear

1 p.m. Judging of most unique food made with cherries contest in front of Jackie M’s Footwear - please bring your recipe and 4 samples for judges to taste

2 p.m. Magic Show in front of The Cove Deli and Pizza

3 p.m. Children’s Pie Eating Contest in front of Jackie M’s Footwear

3:30 p.m. Adult Pie Eating Contest in front of Jackie M’s Footwear

10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Proudly sponsored by the Polson Business Community and the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers

More cherry products than ever before!For Vendor Space call Jackie: 883-5800

After the cercaria exits the snail, it

looks around for a merganser to

live in and repeat the cycle. The

problem begins if a cercaria finds

a person instead of a duck.

The cercaria dies in a human,

releasing enzymes and wastes that

cause inflammation and intense

itching in about 12 hours. Each

cercaria leaves one red bump.

While there is no cure for swim-

mer’s itch, locals say the following

will help avoid swimmer’s itch:

• Avoid areas of warm, still

water with lots of plants since

that’s where snails like to live.

Colder, deep water that is moving

is better. Dive off the end of the

dock or into the lake from a boat.

• Before swimming, coat the

swimmer with a thick layer of sun-

screen or baby oil. This will help

keep the cercaria from burrowing

into the skin.

• Towel off briskly when fin-

ished swimming.

• Shower as quickly as possible

after exiting the lake or river.

Swimming areas with outdoor

showers are great.

• Swimming areas with pebble

bottoms are better than muddy

areas.

Wood ticks

Ticks live in brush, fields and

wooded areas, but they feed on the

blood of animals and humans.

They can even cause Rocky

Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado

Tick Fever, Tularemia, commonly

known as rabbit fever, and Lyme

Disease.

But mostly ticks are not harm-

ful, particularly if they can be

removed before they bite. When

hiking in the woods or brushy

country, try not to rub against the

foliage because the ticks are just

waiting to jump on hikers and ani-

mals passing by.

Local outdoor enthusiasts rec-

ommend wearing light colored

clothing with tight collars and

cuffs. The light color will make

ticks easier to see and remove, and

the collars and cuffs will provide a

barrier to keep ticks from getting

under clothing.

Insect repellants containing 100

percent DEET are most effective

against ticks but may not be safe

for children.

Check yourself and children for

ticks after you’ve been outside

since ticks can be spotted and got-

ten rid of before they bite. Ticks

head for warm areas on a person’s

body, such as the scalp, behind

ears, skin folds and armpits.

Pets who spend lots of time out-

doors should also be checked for

ticks. Flea and tick collars can help

with prevention. Remember that

ticks will crawl onto a person from

an animal.

If you do find a tick, don’t

believe the old wives tale about

putting a lighted match on the

tick’s backside to remove it. A bet-

ter approach is to use clean hands

and sterilized tweezers and pull the

tick backwards. If it’s an awkward

angle, get a friend to help.

If the tick resists, apply some

petroleum jelly, baby oil or even

water to the tick and wait a few

moments. The liquid will begin to

drown the tick, and it will start

backing out. Grab the tick with the

tweezers and gently pull straight

back. Make sure you remove the

entire tick. Then put it on a rock or

in an ashtray, and burn it with a

match.

Washing the area of the bite, and

applying an antiseptic cream is a

good idea.

Rattlesnakes

Prairie rattlesnakes are found in

the Mission Valley, but they prefer

“open, arid country,” according to

the Montana Fish Wildlife and

Parks website.

They get their name from the

Pests

The best thing to do is avoid a

rattlesnakeif you see one.

(cont.)

distinctive rattling sound they make.

Rattlesnakes are usually shy and avoid peo-

ple. They’ll bite if they think they will be

stepped on or attacked. The best thing to do is

avoid a rattlesnake if you see one.

Rattlesnakes are reptiles, so they’re cold-

blooded and can’t regulate their body heat. In

the morning, they may sun themselves, but

during hot summer afternoons they seek the

shade in brush, under rocks, near water and in

caves.

Temperatures near the ground are higher so

rattlesnakes may be seen earlier in the spring

and later in the fall even though it may seem

too early or too late for snakes.

Hikers and campers can avoid rattlesnakes

by watching where they step. When stopping

for a break, they should look carefully before

sitting on a rock and not stick their hands

under rocks, into caves and brush and other

“snakey places.”

After shading up for most of the day, rat-

tlesnakes become more active at night and

return to their shady place near dawn. Hikers

and campers need to watch where they are

stepping at night.

Since most rattlesnake bites in Montana

occur on the ankles, calves and lower legs or

hand, Fish, Wildlife and Parks suggests wear-

ing heavy-duty leather hiking boots that cover

at least a hiker’s ankles.

The FWP also advises keeping a clean camp

and checking the woodpile carefully before

picking up firewood since a rattlesnake might

decide to move into the pile.

Seek immediate medical attention if bitten.



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Towel briskly after swimming to avoid swimmer's itch

vj

Gatherings and celebrations

with singing, dancing, social-

izing, education, craft work and

feasting have been an important part

of the Salish and Pend d’Orielle

Tribes’ — and other Indian tribes’ —

life for centuries.

Celebratory gatherings, such as

the Arlee celebration coincided with

the traditional mid-summer break in

the hunting and gathering cycle of

the Salish and Pend d’Orielle Tribes,

but the road to maintaining the cele-

bratory tradition was fraught with

obstacles set up by the federal gov-

ernment. The government policy of

assimilation put such traditions on

the fast track to elimination.

However, through often-clandestine

tenacity, that did not happen. Indian

people continued to practice tradi-

tions despite federal policies aimed

at eliminating them.

The Arlee Fourth of July

Celebration is an example of sur-

vival by dovetailing age-old Indian

traditions with the relatively new

American tradition of celebrating the

Declaration of Independence. That

made it harder for Indian agents to

quash it because of that “patriotic”

link.

The earliest contemporary record

of the Arlee Fourth of July

Celebration was in 1900. The earli-

est attempt to hold the Arlee Fourth

of July Celebration was in 1891.

However, during that time period

traditional Indian dances were ille-

gal, according to Bureau of Indian

Affairs regulations.


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According to the late Blind Mose

Chouteh, a Salish elder, the first

“official” Arlee Celebration was in

1898. Blind Mose’s account was

corroborated in a sermon given later

that year by Jesuit Father George de

la Motte, who preached against the

“revelry” that took place near Arlee

on July 4 of that year. In 1998, the

Salish Tribe commemorated the

100th anniversary of the Arlee

Fourth of July Celebration.

The Arlee Celebration includes

various styles of Indian dancing and

each has numerous songs to match

the styles.

A day prior to the official open-

ing of the celebration is celebrated

with a memorial dance in honor of

all who have passed away in the

year since the last celebration. After

memories are shared and tears shed

by those gathered, the announce-

ment is made to: “Leave your sor-

rows, it is now time to celebrate for

happiness.”

The opening of the celebration

begins with a Snake Dance. The

War Dance Chief usually leads the

dance. It is a single file dance that

begins outside the pavilion and

winds serpentinely into it. The

drummers and singers follow the

group singing the Snake Dance

song.

After the Snake Dance, each ses-

sion begins with a grand entry that

includes an honor guard bearing the

flags of the Salish Nation and

America. Following the honor

guard is the procession of dancers

grouped in categories. A Flag Song

is sung in honor of the flags, then a

prayer is said to complete the open-

ing ceremonies. Then there is a vet-

erans’ honoring ceremony and then

the dancing begins in earnest.

Throughout the celebration vari-

ous other dance styles are per-

formed, including: Intertribal dance,

where everyone is welcome regard-

less of dress; War Dance, where

each warrior dances their own style

to a wide range of songs with fast

and slow tempos; Women’s

Traditional Dance consists of

women remaining stationary with a

slight up and down movement;

Men’s Traditional Dance in which

the dancers tell stories in dance

about their stories of battles or

hunting. The outfits remain tradi-

tional and subdued, often decorated

with bead and quill work and eagle

feather bustles; Round Dance is a

happy social dance that is meant to

have everyone participate in; Scalp

Dance is done by women dressed in

men’s clothing; Prairie Chicken

Dance resembles the movements

prairie chickens use for mating or

fighting purposes; Home Sweet

Home is the farewell song sung at

the end of each day of the celebra-

tion. It is also the closing song of

the celebration.

Some “newer” dances at the

Arlee Celebration include: Fancy

Dance, where dancers are dressed in

colorful regalia and dance in less

restricted styles with fancy move-

ments; Jingle Dance, where women

dance in jingle dresses festooned

with 365 metal cones or jingles;

Grass Dance, a plains Indian dance

where dancers move in swaying

motions that move the fringes on

the grass dance outfits; and the Owl

Dance, which is a social dance

where couples dance together in a

circular motion with men on the

outside circle and women in the

inside circle.

For more information on Salish

and Pend d’Orielle cultural activi-

ties, contact the Salish and Pend

d’Orielle Culture Committee at

406-745-4572.

The 2011 Arlee Celebration will

be held June 30-July 4:

• Thursday, June 30: Camper’s

Day; Memorial at 7 p.m.; and a

Material stick game will open the

stick games.

• Friday, July 1: Old Style Day

with Scalp Dance, War Dance, Gift

Dance, Canvas Dance.

• Saturday, July 2: Grand Entry at

1 and 7 p.m. with Competition

Dancing.

• Sunday, July 3: Grand Entry at

2 and 7:30 p.m. with Competition

Dancing.

• Monday, July 4: Parade at the

Powwow Grounds at 11 a.m.; 2

p.m. Snake Dance and Competition

Dancing.


Arlee Celebration

vj

May

Friday, May 6• The Polson Farmer’s Market opensFriday, May 6 and will continuethroughout the summer season everyFriday at Third Avenue West betweenMain Street and First Street West from9 a.m. to 1 p.m.• The 36th annual Head Start Powwowwill be held Friday, May 6, at theRonan Event Center. Welcome andGrand Entry will be held at 5 p.m. Abuffalo roast dinner with potatoes andfrybread, salad ad dessert will beserved throughout evening. Please call676-4509 for more information.• The Historic Hudson Bay TradingPost Fort Connah open house ren-dezvous will be held Friday-Sunday,May 6-8 at milepost 39, Highway 93,north of St. Ignatius. Camping opensFriday at noon and goes through 3p.m. Sunday. Time era demonstrations,kids crafts and activities are plannedfor Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Admission is $1 for visitors, 5 yearsand older only please. Vendors andtraders are welcome. Time era dress,mid 1800s, is encouraged. For moreinformation call Donna Peck at 644-2877.• Doggy Mountain Men, featuringbluegrass, folk music, will play at theSymes Hotel in Hot Springs from 8 to10 p.m.• The Polson Bay Farmer’s Marketopens for the season at the MasonicLodge, west of Super One Foods inPolson. A farmer’s market will be heldthroughout the summer at this locationfrom 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays until theend of September. For more informa-tion contact Francis or Norman atMcGeaughay Old Time Farms – 676-3630.

Saturday, May 7• The community is invited to attendIdaho’s Forgotten War Documentaryand Panel Discussion Saturday, May 7at 3 p.m. in the Arlee/Charlo Theatreat Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.In 1975, Chairwoman Amy Tricedeclared war on the United States andwon back a small parcel of her home-lands in Idaho. A panel discussion willfollow viewing of the documentarywith the principal activists who willshare their hopes for future genera-tions. Featured speaker is RussellMeans. Everyone is welcome. Theevent is free to SKC students and eld-ers. Admission for all others is $4donation for adults or $10 donationfor families with children. Donationsare greatly appreciated and benefit theSKC Adeline Mathias EndowmentProject. For more information callVelda at (4060 675-3577 or Rosalindaat (406) 275-4800. • The Mission Mountain Winery willhost their annual Red Wine andChocolate event Saturday, May 7 from

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is a chance forvisitors to learn about the food andwine pairings of various chocolatedelights and their corresponding redwines. This free event is a part of thewinery’s continuing program to edu-cate the community about the pleasur-able synergies created by the pairingof food and wine. Come try out thechocolate fountain and the numerouschocolate treats with our most recentinternational gold medal winning redwines, 2007 Merlot Reserve, 2005Malbec and 2007 Monster Red. Ouramazing 2005 Cabernet Sauvignonand 2003 Pinot Noir will be served aswell. A splendid time is guaranteed forall.• Mission Valley Communities areplanning the third annual Bike PathAppreciation Day in conjunction withEarth Day and Mother’s Day onSaturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. The event will be located alongthe U.S. Highway 93Bicycle/Pedestrian Path. There will becheckpoints along the way for walk-ers, bikers, rollers and runners to getpassport books and get them stamped.Three checkpoint stamps will enableyou to enjoy a free “Made inMontana” lunch at the Joe McDonaldActivity Center in Pablo. The check-point stations will provide informationand a variety of promotional give-aways. For more information on thisHealthy Earth/Healthy Me Event,please call Jennifer at 676-0211,Margene at 745-3525 or Janet at 644-2488.• On Saturday, May 7, The LakeCounty Council on Aging will hosttheir annual Mother-DaughterLuncheon from noon to 2 p.m. at theMission Valley Senior Center inRonan. Bring your mother, yourgrandmother, your daughter, sister,your aunt and your friend and enjoyan afternoon with the ladies. Cost is

$7.50 a person. For reservations andinformation, call 676-2367. Ronan centennial to be commemorat-ed with planting of 100 trees• Ronan Tree City Board is declaringMay 7th Arbor Day for 2011. RonanTree City USA and the Ronan ParksBoard are collaborating on purchasingand planting 100 trees for the upcom-ing Ronan centennial. If you wouldlike to purchase a tree to be planted ordonate money to have a tree planted,please call 676-TREE, Ky at 253-8611or Monte at 212-4590. The trees willbe planted on Saturday, May 7 in con-junction with a free tree plantingworkshop hosted by certified arboristRick Jennison. The workshop starts at10 a.m. Saturday, May 7. Meet at theRonan City Park (across from the fire-hall). What a beautiful memorial for aloved one or gift for mom forMother’s Day.• Sockeye Sawtooth featuring ATLcountry, Americana, will play at theSymes Hotel in Hot Springs from 8 to10 p.m.

Sunday, May 8

Mother’s Day• Arlee High School presents “RobinHood,” written by Tim Kelly, onSunday, May 8, at 2 p.m. and Monday,May 9, at 7 p.m. in the old highschool gym. Cost is $3; children 5 and under arefree. FCCLA will be selling refresh-ments. Come travel back in time toSherwood Forest.For more information, contact BonnieBarger at 726-3969.Pop-up art on display• Polson’s first “Pop-Up” Art Show ison display at Page by Page Books at220 Main St. in Polson for a limitedtime only. The art show will benefitGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchYouth Group’s trip to the Holy Land.

Stop in to preview this exceptionalselection of art work by area artists tobe auctioned at the May 8 Crab Feedheld at Glacier Brewing Co. Ticketsavailable at Good Shepherd LutheranChurch or Page by Page Books. Call883-1857 or 883-5864 for more infor-mation.• Good Shepherd’s youth group fami-lies will be serving up an all-you-can-eat Crab Feed and Silent Auction atGlacier Brewing Company onMother’s Day, Sunday, May 8.The event will be held from 2-6 p.m.Tickets are $25 for adults, and $15 forchildren younger than 12.Several local artists have donatedpieces to the silent auction, which willbe held during the feed. Tickets areavailable from the following youthgroup families: Brett and PamMcCrumb, Colleen Jacobson, Kyleeand MaKenzie Wegner, AngieKnutson, Jaime Young, Dale, Kim,Tyler and Kaitlyn Sassaman; Sharidanand Lori Russell; and also at thechurch office, 409 Fourth Ave. E.Office hours are Tuesday throughFriday, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3 p.m.Proceeds from the dinner and auctionwill support the youth group’s missiontrip to Egypt and the Holy Land inJune. Call 883-5864 for details.• The Charlo Jr. Stockgrower’s 4HClub is hosting a Mother’s DayBrunch from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at theCharlo/Moiese Senior Center inCharlo on Sunday, May 8. Cost is $5per person or $20 for families. Relayfor Life luminary bags will be on handfor decorating and purchase.• Live music and brunch will be heldat the Symes Hotel in Hot Springs.• The Mission Valley Elks Club willhost a Mother’s Day breakfast. Doorsopen at 8 a.m. For more informationcall the Mission Valley Elks Club at883-1695.


calendar


Sunrise on Flathead Lake



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Thursday, May 12• Cheri’s Kitchen and Catering willhost the monthly Ronan Roundupfrom 5-7 p.m. at the MissionMountain Golf Course. For moreinformation, call Ronan Chamber ofCommerce at 676-8300.• The third annual Women 4 WellnessHealth Fair is planned for Thursday,May 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. atSalish Kootenai College’s JoeMcDonald Health and Fitness Centerin Pablo.There will be more than 100 vendorsand a variety of free screenings avail-able. The featured guest speaker isJill Valley at 1:15 p.m.There will also be a two milerun/walk with a limited number offree T-shirts for those who completethe 2 miles. No times will be collect-ed. • Arlee Elementary School PTO willhost a walk-a-thon at the high schooltrack and surrounding grounds from 6to 9 p.m. to raise money for play-ground improvements and continuedsupport of the Arlee EducationalCommunity. In addition to the walk-a-thon, there will be a chili feed,bake sale and door prizes. For moreinformation or to donate, please con-tact Dori Knoll at 726-3216 ext. 2221or email [email protected].• The Ronan High School ShowChoir presents Cabaret on May 12,13 and 14 at the Ronan High SchoolPerforming Arts Center at 7:30 p.m.General admission is $10; studentsare $5. Performances have been soldout early, so we encourage you to

order early to reserve seats sales,May 2-May 13 in the Ronan MiddleSchool office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.For more information, call 676-3390ext. 3400.

Friday, May 13• Brother Music, revival of the one-man band blues, will play at theSymes Hotel in Hot Springs from 8to 10 p.m. The third annual juried artshow with treats, punch and wine willbe held beforehand from 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, May 14 • The Mission Valley Cruisers willhost a garage/bake sale May 14between Stageline Pizza and Rent toOwn in Ronan to benefit the club’sannual car show in August. For moreinformation call Tony Peterson at883-0519.• The annual Yellow Bay CherryBlossom Festival will be heldSaturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. at the Yellow Bay Clubhouse onHwy. 35, mile marker 18. The festi-val celebrates the Flathead cherryblossoms that traditionally bloom in

May. Crafters and artisans will offer avariety of wares for purchase. Theevent includes door prizes, raffledrawings, lunch, a bake sale andmusical entertainment and supportsthe Yellow Bay Club’s charitableactivities and clubhouse maintenanceprojects. For more information, callBarbara at 982-3064 or email [email protected].• A watercolor workshop with JoanSimpson featuring batik on rice paperwill be held at the Symes Hotel inHot Springs. Kathy Colton and theReluctants — folk, blues, originalswill play from 8 to 10 p.m.

Monday, May 16• Summer youth programs are offeredat The Summit Medical FitnessCenter in Kalispell. Children ages 6to 12 will have the opportunity tolearn sports skills, play games, playtennis, swim, rock climb and muchmore. Children will also go on fieldtrips as part of the camp program.Our trained S.P.A.R.K. staff will pro-vide the perfect mix of fun, gamesand health and fitness education foryour child.Summer camp registration began formembers Monday, May 2, and beginsfor non-members, Monday, May 16.Camps will be held Monday throughFriday with a full day option (7:30a.m. to 5:30 p.m.) or half day (7:30a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 p.m. to5:30 p.m.) Prices vary according tomembership and camp length. Formore information, call 751-4136 or751-4137.


Lake County Fair


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Wednesday, May 18• Community Bank’s Montana GoldAdvocate Program will be sponsoringan evening trip to the farewell produc-tion of “Riverdance” on Wednesday,May 18. The performance is a celebra-tion of Irish music, song and dance thathas tapped its way onto the world stagethrilling millions of people around theglobe. Please contact Community Bank andask for Nellie 883-0600 or Anne 676-4600 to make reservations. The pack-age pricing includes bus fare, perform-ance and dinner. Bus departure toMissoula from Community Bank inPolson will be at 4:30 p.m. and fromRonan at 5 p.m.

Thursday, May 19• Friends of Ronan City Library willhost Montana author Bill Rossiter from7-9 p.m. at the Ronan City Library.Rossiter will give a “Home, Home onthe Ranch” presentation and will beavailable to visit and answer questions.For more information please call theRonan City Library at 676-3682.• The Polson Chamber of Commerceinvites you to SPLASH (SupportPolson Late Afternoon Social Hour)from 5 to 7 p.m. hosted by the Miracleof America Museum at 36094 MemoryLane. The public is invited to comeenjoy the history of Polson while net-working with local businesses. Formore information, call the PolsonChamber at 883-5969.

Friday, May 20• Port Polson Players will present thegranddaddy of all musicals,“Oklahoma,” May 20-22 and 27-29 atthe beautiful John Dowdall Theatre onthe lake. Call 883-9212 or go to [email protected] for moreinformation or reservations.• Blue Smoke, bluegrass and more, willplay at the Symes Hotel in Hot Springsfrom 8 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 21• The 25th Evaro Mountain Challengefeatures 5K, 10K, runs and walks with

age divisions. The 10K walk starts at9:30 a.m. and all other races are at 10a.m. T-shirts, prizes and food will beavailable. The 10K run is a challengingtrail course for those who want to runor run and walk. The 5K run is on agravel road through the scenic valley,run or run and walk. The 5K Funwalkis a noncompetitive walk, run or strollwith fun awards to top finishers. Thechallenge is sponsored by EvaroCommunity Center. Evaro is northwestof Missoula, milepost 7 on Highway 93N. Call Bob at 726-3695 for moreinformation.•The Nkwusm Salish Language Schoolwill host a powwow 1-7 p.m. Saturday,May 21 at the Arlee CommunityCenter. There will be no contests, but plenty ofdancing, concessions, a sllent auction,cake walk and 50/50 drawing.

• Shenanigans, featuring folk, blue-grass, gospel and Celtic music, willplay at the Symes Hotel in Hot Springsfrom 8 to 10 p.m.• The Second Annual FarmersInsurance Senior Open will be held atthe Polson Bay Golf Course Saturdayand Sunday May 21-22. It will be opento all seniors age 50 and older.Proceeds to benefit The March ofDimes. For more information, callTracy Dooley at 883-0900.

Friday, May 27• Prisoners of Time will play classicrock at the Symes Hotel in Hot Springsfrom 8 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 28• Miracle of America Museum is host-ing a free “Remember Your Veterans

Day” with military vehicle rides. Themuseum is located just south of Polsonon Memory Lane. For more informa-tion, call Miracle of America Museumat (406) 883-6804 or (406) 883-6264.• Polson Flathead Historical Museumopens for the season. Located at 708Main St. in Polson, the museum’shours are Monday-Saturday from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 3p.m. It features a hands-on Kids’Korner, Native American collection,Homesteaders’ kitchen, schoolroomexhibits, an 1885 trading post, Polsonmemorabilia and much more. Call 883-2680 for more information or visitwww.polsonflatheadmuseum.org.• A painting workshop with Julia Wulfwill be held at the Symes Hotel in HotSprings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Prisoners of Time will play classic rock8 to 10 p.m.

calendar


Kiddie Rodeo



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• The Ronan Farmer’s Market opens forthe season at the Visitor’s Center inRonan. A farmer’s market will be heldthroughout the summer at this locationfrom 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays untilthe end of September. For more infor-mation contact Francis or Norman atMcGeaughay Old Time Farms – 676-3630.

Sunday, May 29• Cowboy balladeer Gary Redman willsing at the Symes Hotel in Hot Springsfrom 8 to 10 p.m.

Monday, May 30

Memorial Day• Memorial Day Parades, organized bythe Polson and Ronan VFW posts, willbe held in Polson at 10 a.m. and Ronanat 12 p.m. Memorial services at boththe Polson and Ronan Cemeteries willbe held immediately after the parades. • Garden of the Rockies Museum,located at 400 Round Butte Road inRonan, opens Monday, May 30. Themuseum will be open thereafter for thesummer season Monday through Fridayfrom 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekendsby appointment. The museum featuresSloan’s Flat Stage Stop, a one-roomschoolhouse, an old log home withdovetailed construction, and a tool shedand farm machinery building. Call 676-5210 for more information.

June

Wednesday, June 1• Jocko Valley Farmer’s Market inArlee runs through Oct. 5 onWednesday evenings, 4-7 p.m. Formore information, contact Kelley at theArlee CDC office – 726-5550.• The Ronan/Pablo Schools will beoffering a variety of summer day campsprimarily in June. Students in nextyear’s grades 6-9 can join in a fun-filled technology camp. A roboticscamp will be offered for next year’sgrades 7-12. Art camps will be offeredfor next year’s grades 1-5, and nextyear’s grades 6-12. Also available areLeadership Camp for next year’s grades

5-6, and Culture Camp for next year’sgrades 6-9.Each individual week-long camp willbe held Monday through Friday, threeto three and half hours each day. Toregister and for more information, callNick Bejarano at 676-3390, ext. 3374or Crystal Meyer at 676-3390, ext.3700.• Polson summer camp registrationstarts. The camp, which has beenoffered since 2002, focuses on skillbuilding, laughter, friendship and beingoutside. This year a variety of week-long day camps will be offered for ele-mentary and middle school students.Camps run from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.with an optional pick up at 1 p.m. ifyour child will not be attending theBoys and Girls Club and include fullbreakfast and a full lunch. This year’ssummer camps include geo-caching,flag football, horseback riding, arts andcrafts, swimming, hiking, storytelling,field trips, cooking, art, gardening,watershed wonders, Junior Naturalisttraining, tech for teens and much more.Each day includes structured campactivity time, unstructured free time aswell as quiet reading time. Camps willmeet at Cherry Valley and Lindermanschools in Polson. Registration beginsMay 15. Brochures are available at anyof the Polson Schools offices. Be sureto register early as these camps fill fast.Fees are on a sliding scale based onincome, ranging from $65-$85 a weekper student with five scholarships avail-able. Horseback riding camp will havean additional fee of $60 per student.Early bird sign ups, prior to May 20,will receive $10 off per student. Formore information please call ChrisAyers at (406) 249-2572, or email [email protected]• The Sandpiper Gallery in Polson isinviting artists to paint the fabulous fea-tures of the Flathead Reservation and todisplay their works in the correspon-ding exhibition. Designed as a non-juried opportunity that provides partici-pating artists with a “plein air paint-out” experience, this annual event islimited to 50 pre-registered artists. Registration deadline is June 1. Moreinformation and application forms are


Polson Farmer’s Market

available online at www.sandpiperart-galery.com or by contacting event coor-dinators Kelly Apgar [email protected] or MaryKelley at [email protected].

Thursday, June 2• A co-ed softball tournament, to raisemoney for the Charlo fireworks displayis tentatively planned for June 2-5.These dates may vary depending on thenumber of teams who register. Playersmust be 18 years or older. Teams of 10players, preferably 5 men and 5women, must be registered and paid byMay 31. The fee is $150 per team withall entry fees going to the fireworksfund. Call Tracy Olsen at (406) 396-3168 to sign up for the fun/familyfriendly tournament.

Friday, June 3• The public is invited to attend theAdeline Mathias Building Dedicationand Reception at Salish KootenaiCollege. At 3 p.m. a native plantingblessing will be held in the SKCAdeline Mathias IT Building. A video-biography and reception will follow at5 p.m. in the SKC Arlee/CharloTheater. Open stickgames at the SKCGym (Joe McDonald Health Center)round out the evening at 7 p.m. Formore information call Velda at (406)675-3577 or Rosalinda at (406) 275-4800.

Saturday, June 4• The Adeline Mathias StickgameTourney will be held at 1 p.m. at theJoe McDonald Health Center at SalishKootenai College. For more informa-tion call Velda at (406) 675-3577 orRosalinda at (406) 275-4800.• Torch Scholarship Run is a half-marathon and 5K in Polson. The half-marathon will begin at 8 a.m. and the5K at 9 a.m. at the Polson softballfields on Main and Ninth Ave. W. Costis $15 for the 5K and $40 for the half-marathon. Proceeds from this race willgo toward a two-year scholarship for agraduating Polson High School senior.Pre-registration ends May 23. For moreinformation, contact registration coor-dinator Abbi Dooley at 883-3956 oremail [email protected]

Monday, June 6• The Jocko Valley Library’s SummerReading Program kicks off June 6 andruns through Aug. 27. June 13 is thecutoff date for signing up, so don’tdelay - sign up at the library. Readers of all ages are welcome to par-ticipate. Participants will receive areading log, bag of goodies and otherinformation about the program. Variousweekly events following the nationalOne World, Many Stories theme willbe held at the library on Thursdaysfrom 11 a.m. to noon.Arlee readers are encouraged to takeadvantage of this free, fun, fabuloussummer program at their local library.For more information, call 726-3572.

• Vacation bible school, open to allschool-age children, will be held atFirst Christian Church in St. IgnatiusJune 6-10 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Children are asked to bring their ownsack lunch. This year’s theme is“Fishers of Men.” For more informa-tion call Audrey Larsson 745-4667.• Summer piano lessons beginning tointermediate level instructions for allages are offered by Karen RandlesStudio in Ronan. Programs are avail-able for children as young as 5 years,and have been very successful withteaching the student to play and readmusic. Adult programs are best taughtin a group – so bring your friends orfamily. Have fun learning to play yourfavorite songs while lowering yourstress levels. It is not too late to registernow and join my students as they pre-pare for the Spring Performance inJune at the Red Poppy. Call (406) 239-2838 to register.

Wednesday, June 8• The St. Ignatius School/CommunityLibrary is open for the summerTuesday, Wednesday and Thursdayfrom 3 to 7 p.m. The library will alsodeliver books to youth and adults of St.Ignatius this summer with its Book VanProgram. The van will run every otherweek on Tuesdays and Thursdaysbeginning at 10 a.m. Call 745-3811 ext.222 to sign up for the program, or pickup a registration form at the library.The Book Van will deliver books rightto your door. Call the library for moreinformation.

Thursday, June 9• The Visitor’s Center, next toCommunity Bank, will host the month-ly Ronan Roundup from 5-7 p.m. Formore information, call Ronan Chamberof Commerce at 676-8300.

Friday, June 10• The Miracle of America Museum inPolson will host a free blacksmithingexhibition June 10-12. The museum islocated just south of Polson onMemory Lane. For more information,call Miracle of America Museum at883-6804 or 883-6264.• The “Go out for Scouts” event will beheld at the Linderman field on the lastday of school, Friday, June 10. Boyscan learn all about scouting and havefun with go-carts, kites, crafts, spacederby rocket races cooking in an out-door oven, and ice cream. Be apart ofone of the best organizations for boys.There are several fun things plannedfor this summer for your boys grades1-5. For more information call ChristiBuffington at 214-6371.• An Art Awareness workshop for chil-dren ages 9 and older will be offeredthrough Mission Valley Dance Friday,June 10 and Saturday, June 11 from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Dive into paint, dance,music, a little learning, and a lot of funthrough hands on experience. For moreinformation and enrollment details con-tact Julia Roberts at (406) 249-0457.• Ronan’s biannual crabfest will beheld in Bockman Park at 5 p.m. Bringyour own beverage, crab crackers and

chair. Tickets are available at RonanCity Hall or from Ronan Chamber ofCommerce members. For more infor-mation call Jennifer Rolfsness at 676-0211.

Saturday, June 11• An open house at the Polson Airportincluding Young Eagles flights will beheld Saturday, June 11. Young Eaglesflights are free flights from local pilotsfor children between the ages of 8-17to familiarize them with general avia-tion. The event includes breakfast andbegins at 8 a.m. For more informationcontact Mauri Morin at (406) 675-8488.

Monday, June 13• North Lake County Public Library’sannual Family Summer ReadingProgram begins Monday, June 13 at 10a.m. Participants of all ages are invitedto stop in and sign up for this popularsummer-long event. This year’s themeis “One World, Many Stories” andtheme-related prizes and reading incen-tives will be offered. Anyone who reads, or is read to, is eli-gible to participate. Readers can regis-ter at North Lake County PublicLibrary during regular hours any timefrom June 13-July 30. Thursday morn-ing programs will also be presented forschool-aged children beginning June16. All Thursday programs will be at10 a.m. at the library or an announcedlocation and run through Thursday,Aug. 11, the day of our fun-filled annu-al Bug Race.


calendar


Good Old Days

A schedule is available at the circula-tion desk. The drawing for prizes willbe Thursday, Aug. 18, in the librarymeeting room.If you do not have a library card, youmay register for one at the circulationdesk. Library cards are free and areavailable to anyone ages five years andolder. Anyone under the age of 18needs a parent or guardian to sign for anew card. For more information about the FamilySummer Reading Program, please callNorth Lake County Public Library at883-8225 or stop by our location at 2First Avenue East, Polson.• The Boys and Girls Clubs of theFlathead Reservation and Lake Countybegin their summer program June 13.Summer hours run from 12-6 p.m.Monday through Friday. Twice weeklyfield trips to different businesses andscenic sights, gardening club, chickenraising club, swimming, swimming les-sons, arts and crafts, outdoor activities,horse riding clinics and much more areavailable throughout the summer toclub members. For more informationcall either the Polson or Ronan clubs at883-0521 or 676-5437.• Rodeo Bible Camp will be held June13-16 at the Polson Fairgrounds. Formore information contact Brian Jonesat 261-8731.• Ronan City Library and the D’ArcyMcNickle Library Summer ReadingProgram begins. This year’s theme is“One World, Many Stories.”Participants may start registering at theD’Arcy McNickle Library on June 13and at the Ronan City Library on June14. Anyone of any age may participatein the program. Participants are given areading log and will get incentiveprizes for time spent reading and tick-ets to enter for the grand prize draw-ings.Story times and craft activities thatcoincide with the One World, ManyStories program will be offered at bothlibraries. D’Arcy McNickle will hoststory times every Tuesday, 10:30-11:30a.m. beginning June 16 and endingAugust 4. Ronan City Library will hoststory times every Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m. beginning June 16 and end-ing Aug. 11. August 11 will be the lastday to turn in tickets for the grand prizedrawings, which will be held at thePavillion in Bockman Park in Ronanon Saturday, Aug. 13 at 3 p.m.• Soar into Science summer camp forgrades second and third graders. Thiscamp is packed with hands on scienceexperiments and scientific inquiry anddiscovery. The camp will be held atLinderman School, running June 13-17and again June 20-24. The cost is $75per child and hours of the camp arefrom 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more infor-mation contact Darcie Laud at 887-2326 or 406-750-2996.•The Arlee Elementary SummerLiteracy Program begins Monday, June13. The program is for students enter-ing grades 1-6 and will run 8 a.m. tonoon Monday-Thursday, June 13-July21 in the elementary building. During this camp students will receiveindividual or small group lessons inreading, writing assistance in the com-puter lab, and math help is also avail-able. Students referred by teachers are givenpreference for assigned 90-minute time

slots, but other students are welcome todrop in for an hour to write in the laband receive a reading lesson if aninstructor is available. For more infor-mation call 726-3216 ext. 2203.• A college prep class for students in10-12th grades is planned for Monday-Thursday, June 13-23 from 9 a.m. tonoon at the Arlee School. Topics willinclude financial planning for college,writing admission and scholarshipessays, building resumes and selectinga college. For more information contactAnna Baldwin at the Arlee School,(406) 726-3216.• The Port Polson Players annual Kids’Summer Camp, “Truth is Marching On,culminates in an evening of song andstories. The camp runs Monday, June13 through Saturday, June 18. Theweek-long camp goes from 9 a.m. to 3p.m. daily and is for kids grades K-8.The kids will perform two shows onSaturday, June 18. To reserve a spacein this popular annual theatre camp,visit www.portpolsonplayers.com todownload a registration form or call883-9212.• Making Fitness Fun, a free programfor children age 6 and older, will beoffered this summer through SalishKootenai College. Activities runMonday-Thursday, June 13-Aug. 25from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the JoeMcDonald Fitness Center on SKC

campus. Sign ups began May 1 and canbe done at any time throughout thesummer at the gym.Organizers plan to provide free super-vision to children while they participatein organized activities like swimming,hiking trips, kickball, football, baseball,basketball, dodge ball, Native games,volleyball, soccer, shinny, bike riding,nutritional education and more.Free transportation to Ronan andPolson Boys and Girls Clubs will beoffered at noon. Free nutritional break-fast and lunch is also provided.Making Fitness Fun is designed to keepkids active during the summer byinvolving them in summer activitiesthat are fun but used to improve theirfitness levels.To sign-up or for more informationcontact Mike Tryon or Paul Phillips atSalish Kootenai College Fitness Centerfor more information (406) 275-4981.

Tuesday, June 14• Rodeo Bible Camp for kids ages 8-14will be held at the Polson FairgroundsJune 14-17. This is an overnight campand offers barrel racing, pole bending,team roping, break away roping, goattying and bull riding. Final rodeo willbe on Friday and is open to familymembers and ends with a potluck andawards ceremony giving variousawards and six buckles for perform-

ance and best character. Chapel isevery morning and evening and aMissoula Awana Youth Director headsup the fun activities. Cost is $150 percamper. Register by calling HollyPorter at 207-4102, Jill Hoyt, at 644-2713 or [email protected] or pick up aform on our group’s facebook site. Justlook up Rodeo Bible Camp.

Thursday, June 16• Friends of Ronan City Library willhost Montana author Craig Lancasterfrom 7-9 p.m. at the Ronan CityLibrary. Lancaster will read a portionof his book, “The Summer Son,” andwill be available to visit and answerquestions. For more information callthe Ronan City Library at 676-3682.• The Polson Chamber of Commerceinvites you the (SPLASH) SupportPolson Late Afternoon Social Hourfrom 5-7 p.m. The June SPLASH willbe hosted by First Interstate Bank andCenturyLink at the First InterstateBank location at 49573 Hwy. 93,Polson. For more information, call 883-5969.

Saturday, June 18• The 16th annual Lake County Relayfor Life will be held Saturday, June 18at the Ronan Sports Complex. Relayfor Life is a community event to raisemoney for the American CancerSociety. Teams of 10-15 people taketurns–walk, run, skip or hop aroundRonan High School track. Please helpraise money and awareness for a dis-ease that affects us all. The relay beginswith a survivor’s reception at 4:30 p.m.Opening ceremonies follow at 6 p.m.The event ends with an awards ceremo-ny Saturday, June 19 at 7 a.m. Formore information on volunteering orstarting a team, please contact HeidiTrytten at (406) 261-2879 or JoyceKackmann at (406) 249-7867.

Sunday June 19

Father’s Day

Monday, June 20• Soar into Science summer camp forgrades second and third graders. Thiscamp is packed with hands on scienceexperiments and scientific inquiry anddiscovery. The camp will be held atLinderman School June 20-24. Thecost is $75 per child and hours of thecamp are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Formore information contact Darcie Laudat 887-2326 or 406-750-2996.• Local students can enjoy the 11thAnnual Charlo/Dixon Fine Arts CampMonday – Thursday, June 20-23 from 9a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Charlo Schools.The camp is open to children enteringfirst through 12th grades. Campers willspend four days working on projectssuch as kaleidoscopes, art figures anddrawings. Space is limited, so pick up aregistration form at either the Charlo orDixon school or the Red Poppy. Formswill be available starting in late May. For more information, contact CarolineMyhre at 644-2311 or Judy Shafter at644-5545.• Polson Summer Tennis camps forarea youth begin June 20.The six-day camp begins June 20 andcontinues on June 23, June 27, July 11,July 18 and July 25. Cost is $50 for all



Jim Blow photo

Rodeo


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Pioneer Days

six days or $10 per day. A T-shirt isincluded. Registration will be held thefirst morning camp starts. Camp timesbegin at 9 a.m. for grades entering 4-6and 10 a.m. for grades entering 7-8. Formore information, call Bob Hislop at 249-7229.

Tuesday, June 21

First day of summer

Friday, June 24• Polson’s Mission Mountain Rodeo willbe held at the Polson Fairgrounds at 8p.m. Friday, June 24 and Saturday, June25. Youth events include MuttonBustin/Miniature Bull Riding and beginat 7 p.m. This event is a two-night action-packed rodeo in a beautiful setting at thePolson Fairgrounds arena. TheFairgrounds are located across the bridgeon Highway 93 N. and bordered by theFlathead River with spectacular views ofthe Mission Mountains and FlatheadLake. Contact Una Rose Graham at (406)883-1100 or visit www.polsonfair-groundsinc.com for more information.

Saturday, June 25• The 17th annual St. Ignatius VolunteerFireman’s Picnic and Auction will be heldat the Old Town Field, across fromCenex. There will be a barbecue feast,auction, raffle drawings, door prizes, chil-dren’s games and plenty of other funactivities. Celebrities will includeUniversity of Montana cheerleaders, foot-ball players, volleyball, girls’ basketballplayers and mascot, Monte. Dinner willbe from 2 to 4 p.m., followed by the auc-tion and raffle drawings. Dinner tickets

are $5 per person or $20 per family. Formore information or to donate auctionitems, call (406) 745-4190 or (406) 745-4266.

Sunday, June 26• A benefit golf scramble for Big BrothersBig Sisters will be held Sunday, June 26at the Mission Mountain Golf Course inRonan. The scramble is an 18-hole coursebeginning at 9 a.m. Team registration willbe held at 8 a.m. The $300 team entry feeincludes green fees, continental breakfastand barbecue lunch. Hole and team prizesawarded. Call 883-2150 or email [email protected] for more information.

Monday, June 27• A variety of camps and summer pro-gramming for youth begin at CampBighorn, a non-denominational Christianadventure camp. Camp Bighorn is next tothe beautiful Clark Fork River nearPlains. A schedule of camps is available atwww.campbighorn.org. For more infor-mation, contact administration directorJeremy Freeman at [email protected].

Thursday, June 30• The 113th annual Arlee 4th of JulyCelebration will be held June 30-July 4 atthe 4th of July Celebration grounds inArlee.Admission is free and open to the public.The event begins June 30 with Camper’sDay as many participants will beginerecting encampments for the comingweekend. The evening is set aside forMemorial Ceremonies, which acknowl-edge the tribal members who passedaway during the last year. Memorial cere-monies begin at 7 p.m. Friday, July 1 isOld Style Day with Scalp Dance, WarDance, Gift Dance and Canvas Dance.Grand entry will be held Saturday, July 2at 1 and 7 p.m. with CompetitionDancing and again Sunday, July 3 at 2and 7:30 p.m. The 4th of July parade

calendar



begins Monday, July 4 at the powwowgrounds at 11 a.m. Snake Dance andCompetition Dancing follows later in theday at 2 p.m. The Arlee powwowgrounds are located east of Highway 93at the south end of Arlee on Pow WowRoad. Please check the website for theevents scheduled at www.arleepow-wow.com.• Port Polson Players present Clark andBobrick’s masterful “Wally’s Café,”June 30-July 17. Curtain times are 8 p.m.Wednesday through Saturday, withSunday matinees at 2 p.m. Reservationsare advised by calling the theatre boxoffice at 883-9212 or by e-mail at [email protected].

July

Friday, July 1• All school ages are invited to partici-pate in an “Expression of Independence”workshop Friday, July 1 from 1-4 p.m.and Saturday, July 2 from 11 a.m. to 2p.m. at Mission Valley Dance. Help yourchild learn the joy along with the respon-sibility of free movement, free thought,and free expression by enrolling him orher in a 2-day workshop of art, art litera-ture, dance, music, and public speaking.Following the 2-day workshop will be anopportunity for your child to be in the4th of July parade expressing his or herindependence through dance, music, andart. For more information contact JuliaRoberts at (406) 249-0457

Saturday, July 2• There will be a 3-on-3 BasketballTournament in Arlee for boys, girls, andco-ed teams from third grade and up. Toregister a team or for more information,call 261-1521 or 240-3888 or go to mis-sionvalley3on3.com.• The Fourth Annual Archery Fair and 3-D Shoot, sponsored by the MissionValley Archers will be held at Big SkySporting Clays in Polson. Registrationwill be held from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.There will two different courses of 20targets, 40 targets total, set over some ofthe most interesting and varied terrainever used for archery competition. The3-D targets are made out of foam andrange from near life-size elk to jack-alopes to African safari animals. In addi-tion to the tournament, there will be anarchery-game area similar to main streetat the county fair – the more you playthe more chances you have to win someremarkable prizes. The popular slingshot range will also be available for all toenjoy. Bring your family, enjoy FlatheadLake, and help raise money for a veryworthy fundraiser for local youth. Theevent will take place at Big Sky SportingClays/Van Voast’s farm located one milenorth from Polson, Highway 93 to IrvineFlats Road, then go approximately sixmiles. To register or for more informa-tion, visit missionvaleyarchers.com orcall Dave Ottun at 314-0015 or DanToelke at 253-4949.

Sunday, July 3• The Charlo Fourth of July Celebrationincludes a parade at 2 p.m. and fireworksat the baseball fields east of the railroadtracks at dusk. Pre-register for the paradeby calling Angie Mock at (406) 644-0102 or register the day of the event. For

additional details, or to make a donationtoward the fireworks fund, call TracyOlsen at (406) 396-3168.

Monday, July 4

• Independence Day• Show some patriotism and communityspirit by entering the Polson Fourth ofJuly parade. The parade starts at noon,any entry allowed. For up to date infor-mation check the Polson Chamber ofCommerce website at: www.polson-chamber.com. A fireworks display, spon-sored by the Polson Chamber ofCommerce and the Marine CorpsLeague will be held in the evening atPolson fairgrounds and is planned forapproximately 10:45 p.m. (dusk). • Following the Polson parade will be anIce Cream Social, with even more choic-es of goodies than last year, at theFlathead Historical Museum located at708 Main Street, Polson. This is in cele-bration of the grand opening of thePolson Fire Station. No admission fee.For more information, call 883-3049.• The Arlee Volunteer Fire Departmentwill host its annual pancake breakfast

from 7 to 11 a.m. at the old Arlee FireHall. Cost is $5 for adults and $4 forchildren. For more information callHeidi at (406) 210-4144.• The Arlee Jocko Valley Museum, runby the Arlee Historical Society, opens forthe summer and will remain openSaturdays throughout the summer from2-4 p.m. or by appointment. For moreinformation and to arrange a viewingappointment, call Alvaretta Morin at726-3167.• Arlee Open Rodeo will be held at 2p.m. at the Arlee rodeo grounds. Thispopular rodeo features a mix of local andregional cowboys and cowgirls compet-ing in traditional rodeo events. Call 726-3762 for more information.

Thursday, July 7• The Montana Jr. Grange Camp is July7 thru July 10 at Echo Camp in Avon,Mont. Arrival at 4 p.m. is followed by apotluck supper. We have fun and games and have vari-ous crafts until Sunday at noon. We alsohave a prize for whoever brings the mostnew Jr. Grangers to camp. All campersget T-shirts; the fee is $30 per person and

donations are welcome. For more information, please call theMontana State Junior Director at 406-883-1130.

Saturday, July 9• There will be a 3-on-3 BasketballTournament in Bigfork for boys, girls,and co-ed teams from third grade and up.To register a team or for more informa-tion, call 261-1521 or 240-3888 or go tomissionvalley3on3.com.

Sunday, July 10• Kootenai Christian Senior Camp forstudents entering grades 10-12 will beheld July 10-15. The camp offers swim-ming, boating, fishing, sports, plus Biblestudy, daily devotions and group worshiptimes. The camp is held at Lake MaryRonan and cost is $75. Registrationforms and camp brochures can be pickedup at First Christian Church in St.Ignatius, or call Marilyn at 745-4545.

Monday, July 11• An acrylic painting on paper and clayart class for children 10 years and older,offered through the Sandpiper ArtGallery, will be held July 11-14 from 10– 11:30 a.m. John Davis and MargeryHendricks will teach the class. Cost is$25 with materials supplied. For moreinformation [email protected].

Friday, July 15• The 24th Annual Mission ValleyScholarship Tim Ryan’s GolfTournament and Writers Night will beFriday, July 15 at Mission MountainGolf Course in Ronan. The Mission Valley Scholarship is theoldest and largest charity golf tourna-ment in the state of Montana. The MVSTourney is unique, as the event hasalways been a reunion of family andfriends capped off with dinner and thestar-studded Writers Night. This year’sspecial guest is the Mission MountainWood Band.Call the golf shop at 676-4653 for moreinformation or to reserve your team now.• The Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwowwill be held at the Elmo PowwowGrounds Friday, Saturday and SundayJuly 15-17. (Thursday is campers day.)The Standing Arrow Powwow is anIndian social gathering featuring drum-ming, dancing, and traditional dress andfood. Admission is free and open to thepublic. Grand Entry is at 1 p.m. and 7p.m. Call 849-5541 for more informa-tion.

Saturday, July 16• Miracle of America Museum will hosttheir annual Live History Days celebra-tion July 16 and 17. You can watch andoften try your hand at numerous crafts.Exhibits may include duck decoy carv-ing, spinners, weavers of both wool andwheat straw, lace makers, embroideryand leather workers, quilters, NativeAmerican bead work, basket and soapmaking, a buck-skinner with a blackpowder gun, axe throwers, a fly tier,blacksmiths and operators of engines,antique vehicles and tractors. There willbe three trains, a tank, army rigs andother vehicle rides, even a pump railroadvelocipede, an operating sawmill, andschoolhouse activities. Munch a lunch inthe afternoon while you relax and enjoy


Polson fireworks display

Montana old time fiddlers, accordionists,banjo pickers and more. Additionalartists and craftspeople are welcome tojoin in for any of the two-day event. Thisis held rain or shine and the main build-ing is air-conditioned. Admission is $5for all 3 years of age and older, andincludes admission on all rides as oftenas desired. Food is charged for. Themuseum is located just south of Polsonon Memory Lane. For more information,call Miracle of America Museum at 883-6804 or 883-6264.• The 12th annual Polson Main StreetCherry Festival is a family event held onthe main streets of Polson with morethan 125 vendors Saturday-Sunday July16-17. Exhibits include everything fromarts and crafts, food, live entertainment,children’s activities, cherry spitting con-test at 2 p.m., homemade cherry pies,jewelry, woodworking to log furnitureand more. Bagpipers will be performingSaturday at 1 p.m. A street dance withlive music from the Southern ComfortBand will be held from 6-10 p.m.Saturday evening in front of the CoveDeli and Pizza. Local businesses willhave many specials featured in theirstores. Vendor registration deadline isJune 15. For more information callJackie at 883-5800.• There will be a 3-on-3 BasketballTournament in Mission for boys, girls,

and co-ed teams from third grade and up.To register a team or for more informa-tion, call 261-1521 or 240-3888 or go tomissionvalley3on3.com.

Sunday, July 17• Polson Fairgrounds Inc. hosts theMontana 4x4 Association’s Annual Rallybeginning July 17. The event will culmi-nate with a concert by Johnny Cashcover band “Cold Hard Cash” theevening of Friday, July 22. The commu-nity is invited to attend. Contact UnaRose Graham at (406) 883-1100 or visitwww.polsonfairgroundsinc.com for moreinformation.• Kootenai Christian Intermediate Camp

for students entering grades 7-9 will beheld July 17-22. The camp offers swim-ming, boating, fishing, sports, plus Biblestudy, daily devotions and group worshiptimes and will be held at Lake MaryRonan. Cost is $75. Registration formsand camp brochures can be picked up atFirst Christian Church in St. Ignatius, orcall Marilyn at 745-4545.

Wednesday, July 20• A program titled “How Did WomenSurvive as Homesteaders? The Role theExtension Bureau Played Over theYears,” will be presented by Nori Pearce,Montana State University Family andConsumer Agent for Lake County.

Pearce will share stories while demon-strating some of the equipment used. Theprogram will be held at 7 p.m. at thePolson Flathead Historical Museum, 708Main St., Polson, 883-3049.• Cancer Family Network of Montana(CFN) invites those battling cancer toleave the burdens of cancer behind andenroll in a fun-filled family summercamp get-away July 20-24, based on thescenic Boulder River south of BigTimber, Montana. Camps are free forMontana families in the midst of a can-cer diagnosis and individuals of any agewithin the direct family can attend.This year the five-day residential sum-mer camp includes fun activities, fieldtrips, river time, nature explorations,lodging, healthy homemade meals andentertainment. Camp also offers professionally facilitat-ed support seminars and educational pro-gramming for the diagnosed, caregiverand family members of all ages. Alicensed healthcare provider and trainedvolunteers are on campus at all times.Registration is a first come, first servedbasis and spots fill quickly. Please regis-ter by early June. Contact CFN at 587-8080 for additionalinformation, to register and/or if you areinterested in volunteering. You may alsoe-mail [email protected] or visit www.cancerfamilynet-work.org online.

Thursday, July 21• Friends of Ronan City Library will hostMontana author Carol Buchanan from 7-9 p.m. at the Ronan City Library.Buchanan will read a portion of herbook, “Gold Under Ice,” and will be


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available to visit and answer questions.For more information call the RonanCity Library at 676-3682.• The Polson Chamber of Commerceinvites you the (SPLASH) SupportPolson Late Afternoon Social Hour from5-7 p.m. The July SPLASH will be host-ed by Century21 Big Sky Real Estatelocated at 119 Anchor Way, Polson. Formore information, call 883-5969.

Friday, July 22• Flathead Lake 3-on-3 Hoopfest will beheld on the streets of downtown PolsonJuly 22-24. This annual tournamentbrings hundreds of teams to the streets ofPolson. Financial support, providedmainly through team fees and corporatesponsors, has enabled the Hoopfest todonate its net proceeds to local charities.Play hard, laugh a lot and lend a hand tothis charitable event. Contact AndersonBroadcasting at 883-5255 or 1-800-750-KERR for more information or visitwww.flatheadlake3on3.com to register.• Good Old Days in St. Ignatius is threedays of family oriented fun in the GoodOld Days Park. This year’s event will beheld July 22-24. Friday family night willstart with a barbecue dinner, followed byentertainment and fireworks. Saturdaywill be the Buffalo Run, pancake break-fast, parade, fun and games in the park,lots of special events and food. Kids fish-ing pond is back! Sunday will be gospelsinging all day, and Fly-In at the airport.Free airplane rides for children ages 8-17will be offered at the Fly-In from 8 to 11a.m. Helicopter rides over the MissionMountains, for which there is a charge,will also be offered. For more informa-tion call Stuart at 745-2190.• Port Polson Players present “BullshotCrummond,” a cartoon sendup of 1930sBritish spy movies, July 22-Aug. 7.Curtain times are 8 p.m. Wednesdaythrough Saturday, with Sunday matineesat 2 p.m. Reservations are advised bycalling the theatre box office at 883-9212or by e-mail at [email protected].

Sunday, July 24• An open house at the St. IgnatiusAirport including Young Eagles flightswill be held Sunday, July 24 in conjunc-tion with Mission’s Good Old Daysevent. Young Eagles flights are freeflights from local pilots for children

between the ages of 8-17 to familiarizethem with general aviation. The eventincludes breakfast and begins at 8 a.m.For more information contact MauriMorin at (406) 675-8488.

Saturday, July 23• There will be a 3-on-3 BasketballTournament in Polson for boys, girls, andco-ed teams from third grade and up. Toregister a team or for more information,call 261-1521 or 240-3888 or go to mis-sionvalley3on3.com.

Monday, July 25• Kootenai Christian Junior Camp forstudents entering grades 4-6 will be heldJuly 25-29. The camp offers swimming,boating, fishing, sports, plus Bible study,daily devotions and group worship times.The camp is held at Lake Mary Ronanand cost is $70. Registration forms andcamp brochures can be picked up at FirstChristian Church in St. Ignatius, or callMarilyn at 745-4545.• The Lake County Fair gets underway atthe Ronan Fairgrounds Monday, July 25with events running through Sunday,July 31. Check in, interview judging andthe horse show will be Monday, July 25.On Saturday, July 30, Party Train will beperforming in the arena.Originally started in 1938, this ruralcountry fair is recognized as one ofMontana’s finest and frequently has asmany as 350 individual exhibitors eachwith several entries. The Lake CountyFair is a big event in the lives of many ofour boys and girls and adults. Youthfrom all over the county exhibit livestockand projects with a 4-H emphasis. Openclass entries of all kinds are encouragedfrom Lake County residents, youth andadults. Each day of the fair offers specta-tor interaction with livestock shows,entertainment, project judging and youthactivities. For complete information referto the Lake County Fair Premium Bookavailable in June at the Lake CountyExtension Office or from local business-es. Call the extension office at 676-4271,the Lake County Fair office at 676-8660,or Sjaan Vincent at 644-2863 for moreinformation. The Ronan Fairgrounds arelocated west of Highway 93 and adjacentto the Ronan High School.

Friday, July 29• The Polson High School Class of 1971will have their 40th class reunion July


boating on Flathead Lake

29-30 in Polson. The class is extendingan invitation to all graduating class-mates, classmates in general, and allclassmates who attended school with usbut moved on before graduation. All fac-ulty who where associated with our classare also invited. For more informationand updates contact Rob Myers at (406)676-8169 or email:[email protected]

Saturday, July 30• The Polson Skate Jam will be held atnoon at the Seventh Avenue Skate Parkin Polson. Prizes will be awarded fortrick and bowl skating contests forskaters of all ability levels, and a producttoss with an assortment of skate mer-chandise will complete the Skate Jam.For more information, contact DeverGraham at 253-8319.

Sunday, July 31• Kootenai Christian First Chance Campfor students entering grades 1-3 will beheld July 31-Aug. 2. The camp offersswimming, boating, fishing, sports, plusBible study, daily devotions and groupworship times. The camp is held at LakeMary Ronan and cost is $45.Registration forms and camp brochurescan be picked up at First ChristianChurch in St. Ignatius, or call Marilyn at745-4545.

August

Monday, Aug. 1• The Lake Swim program under theauspices of the Carl A. Ross MemorialFoundation and the American Red Crosswill be held at Boettcher Park in PolsonMonday, Aug. 1 through Friday, Aug. 5.The one-hour classes, held from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m., are for children ages 4-10. Thecost is $15 per child with the balance ofthe cost picked up by the Carl A. RossMemorial Foundation. Please call

Theresa Taylor at 261-5873 to scheduleyour child.

Friday, Aug. 5• The 11th annual Cruisin’ by the BayCar Show will be held on Main Street inPolson Friday and Saturday, Aug. 5-6. Apoker run, evening car cruise and picnicin the park is planned for Friday. The carshow, poker walk, 50/50 drawing andawards will be held Saturday.For more information, contact JackieBrown at 883-1042 or visit missionvall-eycruisers.com• Ronan Pioneer Days will be heldFriday, Saturday and Sunday Aug. 5-7.The theme for this year’s celebration is“Kick’n It.” Events get underway Friday,Aug. 5 at 7:30 p.m. with a Bulls andBroncs Rodeo. A street dance will fol-low at 9:30 p.m. outside the Pheasantand Second Chance on Main Street, fea-turing the country music of MarkDubouise. A pancake breakfast at theRonan VFW kicks things off Saturday at7 a.m. A 3-on-3 basketball tournamentand the Mission Mountain Classic runbegin at 8 a.m., followed by theExperimental Aircraft Association’s openhouse at the Ronan Airport with freerides for kids 7-18 years old at 9 a.m. Acar show and kid’s parade will be held at10 a.m. with the kiddie rodeo starting atnoon. Kiddie rodeo events include sheepriding, stickhorse race, sheep dressing,calf cash race, chicken and pig scram-bles. An evening rodeo and wild cowrace begins at 7:30 p.m. followed byanother street dance outside the Pheasantand Second Chance on Main Street at9:30 p.m. The big Pioneer Days paradebegins at 12:30 p.m. Sunday followedby the rodeo and wild buffalo ride at 3p.m. Family karaoke night for all ages isscheduled for 7 p.m. at the Pheasant.Stop by the Ronan Visitor center to pickup a complete schedule of events or call676-8300 for more information.

Saturday, Aug. 6• Polson Bay’s Water Daze, presented byMission Valley Aquatics, is a one-mileswim across Polson Bay from SalishPoint, through pristine waters ofFlathead Lake, to Boettcher Park, withthe backdrop of the Mission Mountains.Swimmers will be provided transporta-tion to KwaTaqNuk from Boettcher for


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start of race at 1 p.m. LocalKayakers and emergency personnelwill be on-hand along the racecourse. A water festival at BoettcherPark begins at 1 p.m. and includesfree children’s swims of 25 yardsand 100 yards, a large water slideand a post-race barbecue for partici-pants and spectators. Water Dazehas fun, water-related activities forthe whole family. Pre-registrationfor the one-mile swim is $20.Registration the day of the event is$25 and will be held from 10 a.m. to12:30 p.m. for adults and 1 p.m. forchildren. To print out a registrationform, view race results and for moreinformation, go to mvaquatics.org orcall Tana Seeley at 883-4567.• There will be a 3-on-3 BasketballTournament in Ronan for boys,girls, and co-ed teams from thirdgrade and up. To register a team orfor more information, call 261-1521or 240-3888 or go to missionval-ley3on3.com.• The 40th Annual Sandpiper’sOutdoor Art Festival will be on theCourthouse Lawn in Polson from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. The show featuresoriginal arts and crafts — up to 100booths. Fine art originals in allmedia, jewelry, handmade furniture,birdhouses, hand-sewn items,stained glass, rose mailing, pottery,candles and sculpture and manyother interesting and unique items.Enjoy food, music and other enter-tainment. The art festival is themain fundraising event for theSandpiper Fine Arts Non-profitCorporation, for scholarships fordeserving Lake County Studentspursuing formal art studies. Formore information, call MargeryHendricks at 471-5243 or theSandpiper Gallery at 883-5956.• An open house at the RonanAirport including Young Eaglesflights will be held Saturday, Aug. 6in conjunction with Ronan’s PioneerDays event. Young Eagles flightsare free flights from local pilots forchildren between the ages of 8-17 tofamiliarize them with general avia-tion. The event includes breakfastand begins at 8 a.m. For more infor-mation contact Mauri Morin at(406) 675-8488.

Thursday, Aug. 11• Port Polson Players present “TheCemetery Club,” Aug. 11-28. Three

Jewish widows meet once a monthfor tea before going to visit theirhusbands’ graves. “Funny, sweettempered, moving,” says the BostonGlobe. Curtain times are 8 p.m.Wednesday through Saturday, withSunday matinees at 2 p.m.Reservations are advised by callingthe theatre box office at 883-9212 orby e-mail [email protected].

Saturday, Aug. 13• The 27th annual SoroptimistCharity Wine and Beer Festival isplanned for Saturday, Aug. 13 from7-10 p.m. Location is TBA. Finewines from around the world, aswell as microbrews will be served,along with assorted hors d’oeuvres.Tickets are available at TerraceFlowers or the Crow’s Nest Gallery.Ticket price is $40 per person.There will be a live and silent auc-tion. Soroptimist International is awomen’s volunteer service organiza-tion that works to improve the livesof women, youth and children in

local communities and throughoutthe world. Proceeds from this festi-val will go toward local scholar-ships and charities. For more infor-mation call Gerry Browning at 883-2668.

Thursday, Aug. 18• A walking tour of early businessesand special exhibits researched andled by Sharon Fulton and TexBrown will be held Thursday, Aug.18 from 1 to 4 p.m. Those interestedin taking the tour should meet at thePolson Flathead Historical Museum708 Main St. Polson, by 1 p.m. Formore information call 883-3049.• Friends of Ronan City Library willhost Montana author Donna Lovefrom 7-9 p.m. at the Ronan CityLibrary. Love will read a portion ofhis book, “The Glaciers areMelting,” and will be available tovisit and answer questions. Formore information call the RonanCity Library at 676-3682.• The Polson Chamber of Commerceinvites you the (SPLASH) Support

Polson Late Afternoon Social Hourfrom 5-7 p.m. The August SPLASHevent will be hosted by WesternStates Insurance and SignPro/D&DCustoms and Coatings at the D&DCustoms location at 32240 CuttingHorse Lane at the top of SunnySlope Hill. For more information,call 883-5969.

Saturday, Aug. 20• The Third Annual Smokin’ on theWater barbecue cook off will beheld all day at the KwaTaqNukResort in Polson. This event issponsored by the Polson Chamber ofCommerce Ambassadors and tro-phies will be awarded in all cate-gories. This barbecue cook offincludes beef, chicken, pork andamazing sauces. New this year is anopen category, “Chef’s Choice”which is anything you desire that isedible. If you think you have thebest-smoked brisket or maybe killerribs or chicken, call to reserve yourspot. Registration fee is $125 or avendor booth is $45. Call Sherrie


Cruisen by the Bay car show


WWhheenn VViissiittiinngg tthhee LLoowweerr FFllaatthheeaadd RRiivveerr......

RReemmeemmbbeerr ttoo DDoo YYoouurr PPaarrtt!!

Appropriate use of this precious resource will allow for continued public access in the future.For more information please contact the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Department at 883-2888.

Over 50 miles of the Lower Flathead River remain undeveloped, with no homes along the shoreline, few roads with little traffic, and mile upon mile of scenic free-flowing River. Visitors will not see “NO TRESPASSING” signs. The landowners - the

Confederated Salish and Kotenai Tribes - allow access not only to Tribal members, but also to non-members who purchase avalid Tribal recreation use permit. Continued public access to the river depends upon visitors treating this fragile landscape withrespect. Only in this way can we maintain and improve the health of the land and the purity of the waters. Unfortunately, in recentyears, we have seen a dramatic increase in vandalism, noxious weeds, illegal off-road vehicle use, and excessive ivestock grazing. Theseabuses often result in scars upon the land that can last for generations. We ask visitors to respect this special place, and to report toTribal authorities anyone violating the regulations that are in place to protect the resource for all visitors. If everyone does their part,we can ensure continued open access for all.”

Lester Bigcrane, Manager, Wildland Recreation Program

“

• Never leave a campfire unattended.• Keep it clean - if you pack it in, pack it out.• Be sure to keep track of fishing hooks,lures, baits and line - loose line can injure and kill animals.

• Treat wildlife with respect by observingwithout disturbing plants and animals.• Use the river shoreline rather than astream-bed as a pathway in order to protect fragile stream-bottom habitats.

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McFarland at 249-6689 or La NitaFitzpatrick at 253-3130 for applica-tion forms or more information.• Brewfest at the KwaTugNuk Resortstarts at noon and will run in con-junction with the Smokin’ on theWater barbecue cook-off. Come sam-ple local brews from Lake County,Lakeside and Missoula and stay forthe food and entertainment.Admission is free. For more informa-tion call 883-3636.• The Miracle of America Museum inPolson will host free Thomas theTrain rides. The museum is locatedjust south of Polson on MemoryLane. For more information, callMiracle of America Museum at 883-6804 or 883-6264.

Saturday, Aug. 27• Dixon Melon Days is full offriends, food and fun. Typically heldthe last weekend in August, the littleburg of Dixon bursts at the seamswith folks purchasing delicious local-ly grown sweet melons. Saturday willstart with breakfast at 7 a.m., fol-lowed by a run/walk, parade, silentauction, raffle, 3-on-3 basketballtournament, noon dinner, children’sgames, horseshoe tournament, music,melon eating contest, Farmer’sOlympics, music, vendors and more.Call Connie Boyd at (406) 529-8609for more information.

Saturday, Aug. 20• Annual People’s Center Celebrationand Powwow will be held in Pablo atthe center grounds. There will be tra-ditional Native American dancing,drumming and singing from 4 p.m. todark. And arts and crafts market willbe held earlier the same day from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors of beadwork,local art, kids games and food will beon hand. Everyone is welcome. Noadmission is charged for the event.For more information call 675-0160.

Monday, Aug. 22• “Dance at a Glance,” offered byMission Valley Dance in Polson, isopen to all people high school agedand older. It’s never too late to learnsomething new. Whether you’reentering high school or have a grand-child entering high school, sign upfor this week of 2-hour dance classes.Each night will be a new dance and anew opportunity to deepen your rela-tionships with your family and com-munity. We look forward to seeingyou from 6-8 p.m. Aug. 22- 26th. Fordetails call Julia Roberts at (406)249-0457.

Saturday, Aug. 27• The annual Rotary Chili Cook Offwill be held at Riverside Park from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be chil-dren’s games and activities, a raffleand more. The proceeds will beawarded to a specific youth project inthe local community. Call Jeremy

Morgret at 883-8807 for more infor-mation.• Missoula Children’s Theatre, anaward-winning children’s communitytheater, returns to Charlo with anoriginal adaptation of the classicstory, “The Merchant of Venice.”MCT’s “Shakespeare in the Park”summer programs provides a week-long residency “starring” local stu-dents in a full-scale musical, provid-ing children who might otherwisenever be exposed to performing arts,an opportunity to observe, learn andparticipate in a full-scale stage pro-duction. The arts teach discipline,improve self-esteem, and inspire cre-ativity.MCT’s mission is the development oflife skills in children through partici-pation in the performing arts.Creativity, social skills, goal achieve-ment, communication skills and self-esteem are all characteristics attainedthrough participation in this uniqueand educational project. The Merchant of Venice will be per-formed Saturday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. inPalmer Park. The Ninepipe ArtsGroup will have a chicken dinner forsale before the show; come early toeat. For more information about audi-tions please contact Caroline Myhreat 644-2311.

September

Monday, Sept. 5

Labor Day

Thursday, Sept. 8• The Valley Journal, YourHomegrown Newspaper, will host themonthly Ronan Roundup from 5-7p.m. For more information, callRonan Chamber of Commerce at676-8300.

Saturday, Sept. 10• Montana March of Dimes firstMarch for Babies walk at RiversidePark, Polson. This event replaces theprevious “Jail and Bail” event thepast several years. This is a wonder-ful family event: a short walk (2-3miles), barbecue, cotton candy, facepainting, music and awards for topwalkers and teams. This will be aSaturday morning event with registra-tion at 9 a.m., walk at 10 a.m., barbe-cue and awards at 11:15 a.m.Sign uponline at: www.marchforbabies.org orcall (406) 252-7480 for more infor-mation.• The 20th Annual Dayton Daze willbe held all day starting at 10 a.m.There will be sailboat rides at theDayton Yacht Club; lunch served atthe Dayton Church from 11 a.m. to 2p.m.; parade line-up at 2 p.m.; paradewith cash prizes at 3 p.m.; wine tast-ing at Mission Mountain Winery from10 a.m.-5 p.m.; pig roast at the IdleSpur at 4:30 p.m. and live musicfrom the afternoon to midnight. Formore information, call Zoe Lilja at849-5917 or Dennis Dooley at 849-5599.• The annual Fly-In will be held atthe Polson Airport. The public isinvited to join pilots for an excitingday of aviation activities. Watch asvisiting aircraft arrive and land. Viewsome fantastic aircraft, from home-built, vintage, Warbirds, floatplanes,to general aviation aircraft. View stat-ic demonstration aircraft of Lifeflightand watch things fly from Model RCaircraft to skydivers. Concessionswill be available. For more informa-tion contact Mauri Morin at (406)675-8488.

Thursday, Sept. 15• Friends of Ronan City Library willhost Montana author Ellen Baumlerfrom 7-9 p.m. at the Ronan City

Library. Baumler will read portionsfrom her books, “Montana Chillers”and “Girl from the Gulches: TheStory of Mary Ronan,” and will beavailable to visit and answer ques-tions. For more information call theRonan City Library at 676-3682.• The Polson Chamber of Commerceinvites you the (SPLASH) SupportPolson Late Afternoon Social Hourfrom 5-7 p.m. The SeptemberSPLASH event will be hosted by theMontecahto Club and will be held atthe clubhouse at 35423 Hwy. 35,Polson. For more information, call883-5969.

Saturday, Sept. 17• Lake County High School Rodeowill be held at Polson FairgroundsSept. 17-18. For more information,contact Rocky Knight at 644-2874 or676-7600.

Tuesday, Sept. 20• Native American Awareness Days atthe People’s Center in Pablo will beheld Sept. 20-23. Open to the public,the purpose of the event is to educatethe community on lifestyles, historyof the Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille people. A few of the activitiestaking place include: Native arts,crafts, dancing and cooking demon-strations with frybread and dry meatsavailable to eat. Call Marie at (406)675-0160 for more information.

Saturday, Sept. 24• The third annual Harvest Fest willbe held Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. at the RonanCommunity Fairgrounds. This family-fun event includes food competitions,kids activities, fresh produce andfood and craft vendors. For moreinformation about the event or any ofthe competitions please call KyBartels at 253-8611.

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Montana night sky

Regularly scheduled

events, activities

• Friday activities offered regularlythroughout the summer at North LakeCounty Public Library. Come down, getcool, and have fun at the North LakeCounty Public Library this summer.The library will be an exciting place onFriday afternoons. “Friday Flicks” and

Friday “Game Days” will be held from2 to 4 p. m. in the library meeting room.Anyone is welcome.During Friday Flicks, kids will be ableto relax with popular movies, refreshingblasts of air conditioning, and snacks.On alternating weeks, Game Days willallow kids to have fun playing Wii,board games, and more. For more information, please call thelibrary at 883-8225.• The popular Pickin’ in the Park groupcontinues to play Saturday afternoonsfrom 1 to 4 p.m. at the Miracle ofAmerica Museum until mid June. Then,when the evenings begin to warm upagain, the group will return to playingFriday evenings at Boettcher Park.Everyone is welcome to come and play,sing, dance or just listen. Musicians of

all levels play together for fun andlaughs. Music is classic country, bigband and 40s and 50s type rock. If youhave a guitar, mandolin, violin, banjo,bass, autoharp, accordion, or just wantto sing, come and join in. There is noadmission fee. For more information,call the museum at 883-6804.• Rhythm Camps with Drum Brothersand friends will be offered this comingJune and August near Big Timber andKalispell. The Boulder River RhythmCamp will be held June 22 – 26 atCamp Mimanagish south of BigTimber, Montana, and the MontanaOutdoor Rhythm Camp will be heldAug. 17 – 19, at the MontanaguaSanctuary near Kila. Both of theseevents are open to all ages and no expe-rience is necessary. Discounts are avail-

able for families and children. Comejoin the Drum Brothers for the opportu-nity to study West African drummingand dance, build a drum, and enjoy thepristine beauty of Montana forest lands.For more information and to register,visit www.drumbrothers.com,www.facebook.com/drum.brothers, orcall Drum Brothers at (406) 726-4445.• Enjoy a Flathead Lake cruise aboardthe KwaTaqNuk Resort’s “Shadow.”Cruises range in price and distance. Call883-3636 for more information.• A variety of camps for Cub Scouts andBoy Scouts are available throughout thesummer. For more information visitMontana council BSA at www.montan-absa.org

calendar

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The treaty of Hell Gate has

ensured survival of the

Confederated Salish,

Pend d’Oreille and

Kootenai Tribes.

In July 1855 members of

Salish, Pend d’Oreille and

Kootenai Indian tribal nations gath-

ered on the grassy clearing among

the cottonwoods and ponderosa

pines on the sandy banks of the

Clark Fork River just west of pres-

ent day Missoula. The purpose was

to hold a treaty council with repre-

sentatives of the United States gov-

ernment.

The Salish called the place

Sncvlme or “Where limbs are cut

from trees.” The Kootenai called

the area Mukwugk or “Where there

are a lot of white berries.” The

treaty site became known as

Council Groves.

In 1855 the United States and its

representative Washington Territory

Governor Isaac Stevens were on a

treaty-making swing through the

Northwest. The Washington

Territory was comprised of the

present day states of Washington,

Oregon, Idaho and Western

Montana.

The three tribal nations’ 20-mil-

lion acre aboriginal territory was

vast and stretched from central

Montana to eastern Washington and

north into southern Canada.

According to tribal tradition and

archeological finds in the area, the

Salish-speaking people have been

living on the shores of Flathead

Lake for at least 5,000 years. The

Kootenai have inhabited the area

for approximately 14,000 years.

The three tribes were not at war

with the U.S. but were feeling the

pressure of non-Indian expansion

into their homelands and the writ-

ing was on the wall: salvage and

save what they could of their home-

lands and ways of life by coming to

treaty terms with the U.S.

On July 16, 1855 tribal leaders

culminated days of negotiation by

putting ink to the 1855 Treaty of

Hell Gate. Chief Alexander signed

for the Pend d’Oreille, Chief

Michel signed for the Kootenai and

Chief Victor signed for the Salish.

Gov. Isaac Stevens signed for the

United States.

The U.S. Congress ratified the

treaty March 8, 1859. The treaty

between the United States and the

three tribal nations established the

Flathead Nation as a federally rec-

ognized sovereign government. Its

legal authority rests with the U.S.

Constitution’s provision on treaties

which are the supreme laws of the

United States.

Under the terms of the Treaty of

Hell Gate, the Tribes ceded the vast

majority of their aboriginal home-

land to the United States govern-

ment. The Tribes reserved portions

of their aboriginal lands including

the present 1.3 million acre

Flathead Indian Reservation “for

the exclusive use and benefit of

said confederated tribes as an

Indian reservation.” Furthermore

the tribes reserved their rights to

hunt, fish and gather foods “at all

usual and accustomed places,” and

to graze their livestock on “open

and unclaimed land.”

There was also a provision in the

Treaty to survey the Bitterroot

Valley area — home of the

Bitterroot Salish — for an Indian

reservation. The area was the main

homeland for Salish and it was in

that area where Lewis and Clark

first encountered the Salish people

in 1805.

The Bitterroot Valley was to

remain a Salish reservation until it

was surveyed and then the

President of the United States

would decide which area — the

Bitterroot or the Jocko — was bet-

ter suited to the needs of the Tribes.

However, non-Indians were mov-

ing into the valley to take advan-

tage of its potential value for agri-

culture. They began to pressure

Congress to remove the Bitterroot

Salish who had not already moved

north to the present day Flathead

Indian Reservation.

After Chief Victor’s death in

1870, settlers and officials believed

they could force the Salish out of

the Bitterroot Valley. In 1871 set-

tlers successfully lobbied President

Ulysses S. Grant to declare that the

survey required by the Treaty had

been conducted and that the survey

had found that the Jocko or

Flathead Indian Reservation was

better suited to the needs of the

Salish.

In 1872, on the basis of Grant’s

executive order, the U.S. Congress

sent a delegation led by future

President James Garfield to make

arrangements with the remaining

Bitterroot Salish for their removal.

Chief Charlo — Victor’s son and

successor — ignored removal

demands and threats of bloodshed

and refused to sign any agreement

to leave the Bitterroot homelands.

However, U.S. officials forged

Chief Charlo’s “X” mark onto offi-

cial copy of the agreement that was

sent to the U.S. Senate for ratifica-

tion. Even after that the remaining

Salish still refused to move and

most remained in the Bitterroot

with Chief Charlo.

But increasing non-Indian settle-

ment in the valley after completion

of railway lines in the area forced

many of the remaining Bitterroot

Treaty ofHell Gate

courtesy photo

Flathead Indian Reservation family (circa 1908)

see page 66


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The Catholic Church’s

influence on the Salish way

of life continues

The oil and water mix of state

and church coagulated well

in Indian Country. Following the

Civil War the federal government

and various religious denomina-

tions pursuant to the Peace Policy

of President Ulysses S. Grant

walked hand-in-hand into Indian

Country with the shared idea of

saving the Indian by destroying

their culture, spirituality and lan-

guage.

Various religious denominations

were assigned territories to minister

in. The area that eventually became

Montana was assigned to the

Catholic Church. It didn’t work as

envisioned, but it did have huge

consequences on the Indian way of

life.

However before the Peace

Policy, the Bitterroot Salish sent

emissaries to the east, to St. Louis

in search of the Black Robes. They

had heard about the power, the

medicine of the Black Robes from

Iroquois Indians who had converted

to Christianity.

The Iroquois had migrated to

Salish country in the early 1800s

and told them about the powers of

Christians. The Black Robes even-

tually came to Salish country, the

Bitterroot Valley, in September

1841.

In 1854 the Jesuits established

Jim Blow photo

Angel statue inside Mission Church

MissionChurch



the St. Ignatius Mission complex at

its present location.

The Catholic religion soonbe-

came a major part of the Salish and

Pend d’Oreille tribes’ way of life

and its influences continue to this

day.

“My grandparents went to church

Sunday morning and the sweat

lodge Sunday afternoon,” said Tony

Incashola, director of the Salish,

Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee.

It soon became apparent to

Incashola — as it had to his Salish

ancestors — that the Catholic

Church and Salish spiritual ways

were entwined and complimentary

of the other.

“When I first started to come to

the church I knew it was a place of

sacredness. We went in with

respect. I got that feeling of sacred-

ness as soon as I went through the

door and kept that feeling when I

came out,”

Incashola said. “It was the same

feelings of sacredness and respect

that I felt when I entered the sweat

lodge. There are a lot of similarities

between the church and sweat

lodge.”

“At first I thought there were dif-

ferences. Maybe it was the lan-

guage that made it seem different.

We spoke Salish in the sweat lodge

and Latin in the church,” Incashola

said. “In a sense it was different but

at the same time I knew they were

the same. We were really talking

about the same thing, doing the

same thing, talking about the same

person: the Creator and God. We

just went to them in a different way.

Years later the road merged and

they went hand in hand.”

What also went into the hands of

the Salish and Pend d’Oreille were

the bricks, mortar and timber to

build the historic Mission Catholic

Church. In 1901 Jesuit Brother

Joseph Carignano began a 14-

month process of painting the reli-

gious frescos on the walls and ceil-

ing of the church.

The beautifully adorned interior

remains to this day and looks as

fresh as new. In early 1983 vandal-

ism caused extensive damage to

some of the murals, the altar and

statues. Later that year artist Boyd

Jensen began the restoration process

that was completed in 1992.

Approximately 20,000 people

visit the church that is on the

National Registry of Historic

Buildings.

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“When I first started to come to the church I knew it was a place of sacredness. We went in

with respect... It was the same feeling of sacredness and respect that I felt

when I entered the sweat lodge... We were really talking about the same person:

the Creator and God. We just went to them in a different way.

Years later the road merged and they went hand in hand.”

Tony Incashola, director, Salish, Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee

vj


Salish to leave their homes and relo-

cate to the Flathead Indian

Reservation.

The remaining Salish were forced

to move north in October 1891 by sol-

diers stationed at Fort Missoula. It

was perhaps the saddest chapter in the

history of the Bitterroot Salish.

Another sad chapter soon followed

with the allotment of the land to indi-

vidual Indians and the opening of the

Flathead Indian Reservation to non-

Indian homesteading.

In 1887, the U.S. Congress passed

the Dawes Act or the Allotment Act

that would, among other things, be a

tool of assimilation. The Act surveyed

Indian reservation land holdings and

allotted tribal lands to individual

Indians. It was envisioned by some

that the Indian people would the

agrarian lifestyle and live off the

bounty of the land. The remaining

lands on Indian reservations would be

parceled out to non-Indian homestead-

ers.

But the Allotment Act was the bane

to the Indian people as individuals

and as a tribal group as the land

passed from their control to non-

Indian control. Shady economic deals

with individual Indian allotted

landowners soon resulted in the loss

of those allotments to non-Indians.

In 1904 Congress passed the

Flathead Allotment Act and lands

were allotted to individual Indians. In

1910 the reservation was opened to

non-Indians for homesteading. During

this time construction of the Flathead

Indian Irrigation Project began and it

too aided in the passing of land from

tribal owners to non-Indians.

In 1908 the National Bison Range

was established and resulted in more

tribally owned land passing from its

aboriginal owners. Two years ago the

Tribes were finally allowed some

involvement within the NBR when

they compacted management of cer-

tain functions under the auspices of

the Indian Self-Determination Act.

However, that relationship is now in

limbo after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service’s Denver Region cancelled

negotiations with the Confederated

Salish and Kootenai Tribes over a

new annual funding agreement. The

Department of Interior intervened

shortly after and the Tribes and the

DOI are in the process of working out

a new AFA but the process is slow

and nothing has come of it at this

time.

Before his death in 1910, Chief

Charlo and other tribal leaders fought

hard against the opening of the

Flathead Indian Reservation to allot-

ment and to homesteading. They

thought it would spell the end for the

Tribes and their way of life that they

lived for millennia. And it did.

The U.S. Court of Claims would

later agree that allotment was a blatant

abrogation of the 1855 Treaty of Hell

Gate. In the early 1970s the federal

government compensated the Tribes

and tribal members.

In 1935, the Confederated Salish

and Kootenai Tribes adopted their

Constitution under the auspices of the

Wheeler-Howard Act, also known as

the Indian Reorganization Act. In the

early 1930s Senator Burton K.

Wheeler (D-Mont.) visited the

Flathead Reservation on a fact-finding

trip and noticed that it wasn’t the trib-

al people that were benefiting from

their remaining land holdings and

resources. It was the non-Indian. It

spurred him to author and push the

IRA.

The CSKT soon adopted an IRA

Constitution and that along with the

Treaty of Hell Gate provide them with

the bedrock of sovereignty that has

been their salvation. But initially it

seemed that the bedrock was made of

sand as efforts continued to dispossess

the Tribes of their resources. There

were also efforts to terminate the

reservation in the 1950s.

It wasn’t until the late-1960s that

the Tribes were able to put a halt to

further encroachments on their

resources and way of life.

Language translation problems

plagued the original treaty negotia-

tions. Father Adrian Hoecken, SJ, an

observer, said that the translations

were so poor that “not a tenth of what

was said was understood by either

side.”

But in subsequent years, the Tribes

particularly its leaders and elders real-

ized the importance of the document

to the Tribes continued survival as a

people and tribal nation. And numer-

ous court cases were won by the

Tribes because of the language of the

Treaty of Hell Gate.

The last 30 years have a time of

increased pride in the Indian heritage.

The interest in traditional crafts has

expanded; the traditional religious

communities have found new support

and strength; and the Tribes are no

longer quietly allowing their resources

and rights to be eroded.

The Council Grove site is a state

park maintained by the Montana

Department of Fish, Wildlife and

Parks. In 2005 on the 150th anniver-

sary of the signing of the Treaty of

Hell Gate tribal, state and federal offi-

cials gathered at the site to commem-

orate the Treaty to dedicate the build-

ing of the historical signage at the site.

courtesy photo

Flathead Indian Reservation (circa 1919)

Treaty

vj

(cont.)

35103 MT Hwy 35Just North of Finley Point Rd.

887-2096

Open Daily

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Lunch 11:30 a.m.Dinner 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Fri. & Sat. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

2011 Summer Guide

Documents

Transcript of 2011 Summer Guide